Thanks for the Appointment

Thanks for the Appointment

1 Timothy 1: ¹² I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength for my work. I thank him for considering me worthy and appointing me to serve him, ¹³ even though in the past I spoke evil of him and persecuted and insulted him. But God was merciful to me because I did not yet have faith and so did not know what I was doing. 

 

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Standing by the fence, I waited to be left out of the recess activity. One of the team captain’s chose me early, to my surprise. “Why me?” I thought to myself. I had no athletic ability. When it was my turn, the ball was rolled and I kicked it over the pitcher’s head! I made it on base and my team cheered! I didn’t know I had it in me.

 

• I doubted “my” ability.
• I would not have chosen me, so I would not expect anyone else to.
• I had nothing to offer, or so I thought.

 

Paul starts praising GOD in the middle of his letter to Timothy. He confessed that he persecuted the church and insulted JESUS by doing so. Yet JESUS, appointed Paul to serve HIM. Paul did not know he had it in him.

 

My Observations

• My doubts about myself do not change GOD’s mind about HIS appointment for me.
• GOD sees me different than I see myself.
• GOD has a special plan and an appointment made just for me.

 

“Who me?” Yes you! But what about “this sin” or “that sin?” you mas ask. GOD saw your sin and mine and still appoints us to HIS calling. HE is the one who provides strength to do HIS work through you and me. HE sees flaws and uses each one to grow a strong kingdom.

 

But there is one thing I must do first, namely confess. I am not worthy of serving the LORD and I have messed up over and over again. But that was before GOD gave me faith that HE has it under control I am HIS and HE is my GOD. I gladly accept HIS appointment for me with full gratitude!.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer thanking GOD for?
• Have you ever doubted your abilities, yet GOD chose you to do something anyway?
• Will you praise GOD for HIS appointment HE has for you to do a marvelous work in you and through you today?

 

Praise

Dear LORD, thank YOU for the appointment YOU have on my life and this reader’s life. Thank YOU for YOUR strength, not ours. Thank YOU for considering us worthy for such an important appointment LORD. We honor YOU, in JESUS name . amen

Decisions, Decisions

 Decisions, Decisions

1 Corinthians 7: ³⁶ In the case of an engaged couple who have decided not to marry: if the man feels that he is not acting properly toward the young woman and if his passions are too strong and he feels that they ought to marry, then they should get married, as he wants to There is no sin in this. ³⁷ But if a man, without being forced to do so, has firmly made up his mind not to marry, and if he has his will under complete control and has already decided in his own mind what to do—then he does well not to marry the young woman. ³⁸ So the man who marries does well, but the one who doesn't marry does even better.

 

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As I sat and pondered my decision making, I noticed a trend. When I used my own greed, lusts and fears to make a decision, the results were catastrophic. But when I followed GOD’s leading and used faith, love and HIS purpose, I was always successful.

 

• There have been times when I made poor decisions based on arguments.
• There have been times when I made poor decisions based on faulty facts.
• There have been times when I made poor decisions based on trying to get what “I” wanted.

 

Paul discusses a difficult topic that was asked to him. “Should an engaged couple break up?” Paul addressed this by speaking of the root of decision making. GOD has to be in the middle of all decision making.

 

• GOD wants me to ask HIS opinion first before doing anything large or small.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS opinion first before making a decision.
• GOD wants me to align my decision making with HIS so I can have no regrets.

 

Having regrets means deep down inside, I made a decision that did not align with GOD. I mean, I can try to justify my sinful decision, BUT GOD lives inside me and knows the most hidden decision. HE searches every crack and crevasse of my heart and exposes what is inside.

 

When I use the fruit of the Spirit to the best of my ability, I have no regrets for any of decision I make. It means I am fully aligned with the will of GOD and my decisions are pleasing to HIM.

 

• What decisions are you trying to make?
• Do you have a decision to make that needs to go before GOD?
• Will you seek GOD’s advice before you make any more of your decisions today?

All About Service

All About Service

1 Corinthians 7: ⁸ Now, to the unmarried and to the widows I say that it would be better for you to continue to live alone as I do. ⁹ But if you cannot restrain your desires, go ahead and marry—it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

 

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“Let’s tryout for track” my friend said. My high school track career was not illustrious, but I went to the meeting anyway. “We will meet to run at 5:30 AM and then we practice in the evening” were the words of dedication I could not follow. I did not join the team and I felt pretty good that I didn’t./

 

• There have been times when I knew I did not have the dedication to do something.
• There have been times when I did not have the desire to be what a certain group wanted me to be.
• There have been times when I chose to place my passions elsewhere.

 

Paul implies that single people can dedicate themselves to the LORD easier than married people. Marriage requires an additional person to think about and the ministry is always affected. His instruction is not about staying single versus getting married. He is simply pointing out to chose the level of service based on self-control. If sexual desire will get in the way of true service, it is better to get married.

 

• GOD wants me to be dedicated to HIS service.
• GOD wants me to choose HIS way or no other way.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS Kingdom first, then HE will guide my desires.

 

It is all about GOD. I mean, all my decisions should be based on my ability to honestly serve the LORD. If I will “burn” with desire, it is better to not be in that ministry the way I am approaching it. I can still serve, but I must do it in a way that will not cause me to fall into sin. I am glad GOD accepts my service when I give it to HIM.

 

• Are you trying to serve “your way” and find yourself “burning” to do it another way?
• Do you see your complaints you are placing before the LORD?
• Will you seek to adjust how you serve and allow GOD to accept you based on your real desires versus trying to force your service into some way you think you should be?

Hard Work

Hard Work

Acts 20: ³² “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. ³³ I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. ³⁴ You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. ³⁵ In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

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After staying up all night many nights, I finally finished parts of the project that were difficult to complete. The hard work was done. When the project debuted, it was a huge success. Everyone at the convention came to see the shiny new thing. But when approached to feed the homeless I said, “I’m too busy.”

• There were many times when I was willing to work hard for money.
• There were many times when I was willing to receive accolades for projects to make others rich.
• There were many times when I was willing to exhaust myself over pleasing the very wealthy.

Paul was about to reach the conclusion of his plea to the leaders who came to visit him. He committed them to GOD and then told them about his views on serving and money. He let them know he did not desire their money or clothes rather he wanted to serve the weak by hard work.

• GOD wants me to remember the poor and those who are weak.
• GOD wants me to seek those who have fallen on hard times.
• GOD wants me to work hard so I can give to those who are in need.

Remembering those who are in need takes work. I mean, it is easy to work hard for the rich to become rich. BUT GOD wants me to remember why I work hard. HE wants me to remember those who are in need and will remain in need. HE wants me to see people with compassion versus being a problem. I am grateful GOD chose me to be a laborer for HIM.

• Are you working hard?
• Do you come home exhausted, never once thinking of someone in need?
• Will you reserve a small amount of time to think of at least one person who needs something from you today so GOD can be shown through your actions?

Hesitance

Hesitance

Acts 9: ¹³ Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”

¹⁵ But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children^[c] of Israel. ¹⁶ For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

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“Come serve with me in a country in Africa” was the challenge posed to me. The image that popped in my mind was a starving baby with flies circling, for that was the primary image chosen from the country I lived in.

I hesitated in my response. “Get up and go” was the overwhelming feeling inside me. Family added to the fear with questions about the unknown. When I arrived in the country for the missions trip, it was a booming metropolis with skyscrapers and fast food joints. What was I worried about?

• There were times when the situation made me hesitate on my decision.
• There were times when the unknown made me think twice about doing what I was called to do.
• There were times when the circumstance seemed dismal and made me stop and think “should I do this?”

Ananias seemed hesitant in going to Saul. Whether it was his own safety or the fact that he was serving a known killer, he questioned the calling. BUT GOD confirmed the mission.

• GOD wants me to trust in HIS plan regardless of the circumstance.
• GOD wants me to believe HE has a larger picture than the one I can see.
• GOD wants me to obey HIS calling even though I may have questions.

“Are YOU sure?” is a question that pops in my head sometimes when I hear from GOD. I mean, usually the question comes because I am asked to do something beyond what I thought I should be doing.

GOD’s power is endless and mine is nothing. GOD wants me to believe in HIS power, protection and provision whenever HE calls me to serve HIM. I am grateful HE calls me.

• Are you being called and are hesitant?
• Does the circumstance seem dismal, yet GOD wants you to serve HIM anyway?
• Will you accept HIS calling and obey the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT today?

Heartburn

Luke 24: ²⁸ As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going further. ²⁹ But they urged him strongly, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them.

³⁰ When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. ³¹ Then their eyes were opened and they recognised him, and he disappeared from their sight. ³² They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’

³³ They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together ³⁴ and saying, ‘It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.’ ³⁵ Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognised by them when he broke the bread.

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After hearing the speaker, I was moved to go on a missions trip. Everything inside of me said “Go.” I had never felt that way. It was all I could think about. My fear of being in another country reared its ugly head, but somehow it was superseded by a burning desire to spread the Great News of JESUS CHRIST.

• When GOD speaks to me, I can feel it inside.
• When GOD speaks to me, I can only think about HIM.
• When GOD speaks to me, I can see situations more clearly.

JESUS spoke to the two men with authority. Their hears burned from hearing the passionate words directly from CHRIST. HE disappeared when they recognized HIM, BUT HE had already lit an unquenchable fire in their souls. They went to tell the other disciples.

• GOD wants me to have fire for HIM.
• GOD wants me to preach HIS word no matter how difficult the situation may be.
• GOD wants me to not get weary, but to seek HIS kingdom and ask for a tiny bit of HIS grace.

“MY grace is sufficient for you, for MY power is made perfect in weakness” are the words GOD uttered to me this morning. These words burn inside of me as I get removed from using my power to “fix” situations. GOD’s word burns and the flames incinerate any kind of problem I could ever face. I place my total trust in GOD.

• Is GOD burning your heart?
• Do you feel led by GOD and HIS words are all you can think about?
• Will you allow HIS passion to lead you to a place of grace and power today?

Known For

Luke 23: ²⁶ As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.

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Rounding first base I advanced to second base. But on my way I tripped and skinned my knee, tearing a hole in my pants. It was kick-baseball so I made it to the base but the pants exposed a bleeding scraped leg. After gym class it was time for our homeroom to go and take pictures. I was chosen to sit in the front row. My bloody knee was immortalized on film forever.

• There are some things I did not want to be known for.
• There are memories that I did not want to keep remembering.
• There are some moments that I wish I wasn’t labeled with.

Simon from Cyrene happened to be at the wrong place at the right time, or was it wrong? He became famous for helping carry JESUS’s cross. While the guards were trying to bully the people, they did not know this simple act would forever label Simon as a helper of JESUS.

• GOD gives me small things to do so HE can be excited forever.
• GOD enables me to serve so HE will give me rewards in heaven.
• GOD wants my focus on HIM so “my” legacy will point towards HIM.

“What will you be known for?” was a question posed to me. After thinking for a while I could not think of anything I cared about that I wanted people talking about after my death. BUT GOD intervened and said “How about ME?” Then it hit me.

Perhaps if I pointed my life to GOD then people would talk about HIM rather than trying to remember me. Bringing people to truly serve GOD is what I want to be known for so GOD will be excited.

• Are you trying to be known?
• Are you seeking fame?
• Will you point your life to GOD and allow HIM to draw people to HIM through you?

Treasure Map

Luke 12: ²⁹ “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. ³⁰ For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. ³¹ But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

³² “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. ³³ Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. ³⁴ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

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Standing in the outfield I hoped no one would hit a ball to me. Unfortunately they did, over and over. Finally the coach pulled me in and said “Maybe next year.” This was the annual tryouts for the best little league team in the neighborhood and since my friends were doing it, I figured I would too even though I couldn’t hit, catch or run.

• Many times I did things without really wanting to do them.
• Many times I participated, but could not wait for the activity to be over.
• Many times I joined in but really did not enjoy what I was doing.

The FATHER’s heart is expressed by JESUS to the disciples. “HE knows that you need these things” was JESUS’s statement when it came to worrying about what you will eat and drink. JESUS tries to clear up any misconception that I may have regarding the FATHER’s love for me.

• JESUS says to me “The FATHER know your needs.”
• JESUS says to me “Do not fear for it is your FATHER’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
• JESUS says to me “Seek the kingdom of GOD and the FATHER will meet your needs.”

But how can I seek the kingdom? What does that mean? GOD wants me to change the desires of my heart to focus on giving directly to those who are in need. HE wants my heart to be excited about seeing people grow towards HIM and to look for opportunities to serve my neighbors rather than complaining about them.

GOD wants me to have an abundant life and that abundance means people turning their face towards HIM because of the love HE has shown me. HE guides my heart to serve HIM daily.

• What is your heart set on?
• Do you feel sorry for yourself and your situation?
• Can you change your focus from you and add the desire to have people grow in CHRIST on a daily basis?
• Will you give a little of what you have to someone in need today?