A Tale of Two Women

A Tale of Two Women

Revelation 14: ⁸ A second angel followed the first one, saying, “She has fallen! Great Babylon has fallen! She made all peoples drink her wine—the strong wine of her immoral lust!”

 

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Being sheltered from sex made me want it more! Me and my friends talked about it, but soon the urge to actually do it bubbled over. Purity was thrown out the window as I joined in with “everyone else.”

 

• Purity was considered an old concept by most people.
• After having sex, I wanted more and more of it.
• After a while, the line of morality moved further and further away and soon I did not question if something were “right” or “wrong.”

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw a second angel who had a message that GOD made immorality fall. This announcement was the second important thing to GOD that HE did not want people to overlook.

 

My Observations:

• GOD made humans sexual beings.
• GOD defined what holy sex looked like.
• Humans redefined what sex should be and fell as if drunk.

 

Marital sex between a man and a woman seems like a taboo subject. I mean, it caused divisions, arguments and rage to those who want to do what they want to do. BUT GOD has provided a definition that seems harsh, but is not.

 

HE speaks from a protective perspective and always has our best interest in mind. When HE declares something as the right way, I should heed it. I am glad HE cares for us all to guide us through HIS standards.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer emphasize and how large was the problem?
• Does it sound out of date to define sex “morally?”
• Will you consider GOD as a solution versus HIM being a problem today?

Comforted and Established

Comforted and Established

2 Thessalonians 1: ¹⁶ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, ¹⁷ comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

 

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Directionless, penniless and hopeless was where I had gotten. Bills kept coming and creditors kept calling, yet I had no way to give them any money and I had no job. Parties seemed to be more of a nuisance than consolation, but that’s all I knew at the time.

 

• I wanted some relief.
• I wanted to not have any worries, but had plenty.
• I wanted to be out of the trial, but had no way out, or so I thought.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy gave a small prayer to those who believe in JESUS as the Savior. They explained that JESUS and GOD the FATHER have shown mankind a great amount of love, consolation and hope. Now they ask for “comfort” and to “establish you in every good word and work.”

 

My Observations

• GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT agreed on what it would take to love me and console me and to give me hope.
• Even when I experience trouble, the HOLY SPIRIT provides me with comfort.
• GOD establishes me in HIS plan to provide a good word and a good work.

 

All good things come from GOD. I mean, love, everlasting consolation, hope and grace seem to be wonderful things to accept as a gift from a loving GOD. Unfortunately, my worries or desires get in the way. I blame GOD, doubt GOD or walk away from GOD when things are not going as I wanted them to. BUT GOD is merciful.

 

HE sees me with HIM in eternity because I believe I need a Savior, which is JESUS CHRIST. HE consoles my every regret. HE comforts my heart and give me a word to give to others. HE then gives me purpose which is my work. I am grateful for GOD doing everything to keep me with HIM.

 

Challenge

• Can you feel the love GOD is trying to give you through the writers?
• Have you ever had a time when you doubted GOD, got mad at HIM or threatened to leave HIM?
• Will you accept HIS wonderful gift of love, everlasting consolation, good hope, grace, comfort, good word and good work today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD please bless this reader with YOUR comfort today. Address all worries he or she may have. Provide the comfort that only comes from YOU. Open our eyes to your plan so we may do the work YOU desire. amen

You ARE Special

You ARE Special

2 Thessalonians 1: ¹³ But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, ¹⁴ to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁵ Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

 

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Feeling lonely, I sought out people who would be “friendly.” When I found a group, I was always welcome, but something was missing. Each group seemed similar, promoting “unity” and “service” But was there more.

 

• I felt there had to be more than being in a group.
• In some groups, I felt lonelier because something was missing.
• I noticed some people made the “group” their purpose in life, but there had to be more.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy express their gratitude for those who believe in JESUS as the Savior. They explain how GOD has called people for a purpose and set them apart for HIS own. They also urge the people to stay special by learning about JESUS.

 

My Observations

• Thankfulness for others stretches beyond any group I can get into.
• GOD chose me for salvation and set me apart by the SPIRIT and belief in the truth.
• Glory of our LORD JESUS CHRIST is given to me because GOD chose me.

 

GOD chose you and that is what makes you special. I mean, groups can make me feel special for a moment, but something will always be missing, namely GOD. I know I have to remain on this earth and live in the world, so GOD doesn’t mind me socializing. But that is not my purpose.

 

From the time I was born until the time JESUS returns, GOD gives me purpose. HE will examine every word and deed to see if HE is involved. All the things I thought were “special” may not be to HIM. HE will reward me for the things I truly did in HIS name. I am grateful GOD holds onto me even when I let go of HIM.

 

Challenge

• What is the calling the writers are speaking about?
• Have you ever been part of a group yet felt a higher calling?
• Will you fulfill your purpose by letting go of the world’s solutions and focus on what GOD has called you to do today?

Belonging

Belonging

1 Thessalonians 1:¹ From Paul, Silas, and Timothy—

To the people of the church in Thessalonica, who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

 

May grace and peace be yours.

 

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Many schools, churches and other organizations have given me a tee shirt to proudly wear. Each shirt would have the name of the organization and sometimes its colors. People have walked up to me and asked me questions about the shirt I was wearing at the time.

 

• I felt obligated to represent the organization well.
• I felt I was part of something bigger.
• I felt a sense of belonging to a group.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy sent their greetings to everyone who “belongs” to GOD the FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. They had no shirt to pass out so they gave a wonderful gift, grace and peace.

 

My Observations

• When calamity hits, GOD steps in and says to me “You belong to ME.”
• When wonderful things happen, GOD says to me “Because I love you.”
• When I need direction or feel lost, GOD says to me “Do not worry or doubt because you are MINE.”

 

Belonging to GOD is amazing! I mean, HE has all the power, knows everything and is everywhere. No person or power or situation can stop GOD’s love for me.

 

Though I may take my eyes off of GOD, HE holds me tight. In fact, HE has written my name in HIS hand and no one can snatch me out. I belong to GOD. I gratefully give my life to HIM and try to act like I belong to HIM by telling people of the grace of JESUS.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer added the word “belong?”
• Have you ever been part of an organization and wanted other people to know about it or even join?
• Do you belong to JESUS?
• Will you praise GOD for the grace and peace HE provides because you belong to HIM?

Committed

Committed

Galatians 4: ⁸ In the past you did not know God, and so you were slaves of beings who are not gods. ⁹ But now that you know God—or, I should say, now that God knows you—how is it that you want to turn back to those weak and pitiful ruling spirits? Why do you want to become their slaves all over again? ¹⁰ You pay special attention to certain days, months, seasons, and years. ¹¹ I am worried about you! Can it be that all my work for you has been for nothing?

 

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Walking into the tryouts we listened to the orientation. We had run track in high school so we figured that we would try the college level. “You must get up for the 5 AM run, eat breakfast with the team, go to all classes and meet back here for practice followed by study each day.” We looked at each other, laughed and walked away.

 

• I was not committed to that much work.
• I wanted to try a little bit of everything that was supposed to be “good” for me without committing.
• I complained about anything early because I wanted to party late at night.

 

Paul expresses concerns over those who have turned back to the ways they had given up. Some people may have tried to follow JESUS for a little while, but saw the “ruling spirits” controlled comfort and false security, so they dropped JESUS and sought the weak and pitiful.

 

My Observations

• JESUS says to me “Once I will set you free, you are free indeed.”
• JESUS says to me “Remain in ME and I will remain in you.”
• JESUS says to me “I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.”

 

It is so easy to leave JESUS. I mean, the structure of the world pulls us away from thinking of HIM. Whether it is being over-scheduled or ailments or addictions or insecurities that cause us to desire to fit in, we easily trade in what is eternal for something temporary. BUT GOD knows this too.

 

HE knows my weak moments and forgives me anyway. HE sees through plots of the enemy that will distract me away from HIM and provides me with comfort and joy. I am glad GOD cares enough to seek me and know me.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer saying with the words “or, I should say, now that GOD knows you?”
• What do you think was going on with the people who wanted to turn back to something easier?
• Will you commit your life to JESUS little by little so you can grow strong enough to not turn away from HIM so you can bear fruit that will last eternally?

Set Free

Set Free

Galatians 1: From Paul, whose call to be an apostle did not come from human beings or by human means, but from Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from death. ² All the believers who are here join me in sending greetings to the churches of Galatia:

 

³ May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

 

⁴ In order to set us free from this present evil age, Christ gave himself for our sins, in obedience to the will of our God and Father. ⁵ To God be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

 

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“Read the Bible” were the words I did not accept or want to hear. I felt I had fallen too far away from GOD and it seemed like there was no path to return. But the pleasure of sin was no longer working. It was a path to a “dead” end.

 

• I was tired of being a goody, goody so I tried sin and it felt good for a while.
• I soon found out that more things went wrong than right when I followed my own thinking.
• I felt even more lost and had no place to turn.

 

Paul writes a letter to the church of Galatia. He opens the letter with greeting of hope. He wants everyone to have “grace” and “peace” that only comes from the HEAVENLY FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. He knew the people were in bondage to sin.

 

My Observations

• Extreme circumstances seems to make two paths for me, one towards GOD and one away from HIM.
• GOD loves when I choose the right path back to HIM.
• Since the evil of this age is so easy to fall into, GOD made a way out that I never would have chosen, namely JESUS, who is my Savior.

 

Thousands of years ago, the times were labeled as “evil.” But what if the times are getting worse? I mean, what if hope in GOD is disappearing and placed on the waning pursuits of humans? It would seem hopeless and I would turn from one sin to the next trying to be “happy.”

 

Then when I looked at a true follower of JESUS, I would see that he or she was not shaken by the evil times. “What made them keep going?” I asked myself. I surrendered my life back to JESUS and little by little I started to see. HE did not take situations away from me, but protected me through them. I was then set free from the sin I easily fell into. I am grateful for being forgiven.

 

Challenge

• What do you get from the writer’s greeting?
• What action do you see that is needed from you in this passage?
• Will you accept the fact that JESUS took care of all problems you will face and you do not have to “try harder” to please HIM, but simply believe HE gave HIMSELF for you?

Decision Making

Decision Making

2 Corinthians 6: ¹⁴ Do not try to work together as equals with unbelievers, for it cannot be done. How can right and wrong be partners? How can light and darkness live together? ¹⁵ How can Christ and the Devil agree? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? ¹⁶ How can God's temple come to terms with pagan idols? For we are the temple of the living God! As God himself has said,

 

“I will make my home with my people
    and live among them;
I will be their God,
    and they shall be my people.”
¹⁷ And so the Lord says,
“You must leave them
    and separate yourselves from them.
Have nothing to do with what is unclean,
    and I will accept you.
¹⁸ I will be your father,
    and you shall be my sons and daughters,
    says the Lord Almighty.”

 

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Seeking advice from my colleagues seemed to be the right thing to do. When I asked them questions about how to live life, they had some great answers, or so I thought. Once, they suggested I sneak away from work to get drunk. Other times they would say, “just lie” or “borrow it from the store.” “Okay” was my reply. But something had to change.

 

• I was headed down a dark path.
• I was tired of trying to follow rules that did not seem to get me “ahead” in life.
• I stepped away from following GOD so I could do what “I” wanted to do.

 

Paul says something quite harsh. He warns the believers of JESUS not to be influenced by those who do not seek HIM as their Savior. He is not saying believers are perfect, rather their decision making goes through a different filter.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to make decisions with the best information I have, namely HIS word.
• GOD wants me to test my decisions by asking believers for prayer, guidance and inspiration.
• GOD wants me to believe in JESUS and live for HIM so I can make decisions based on a life that inspires others to do the same.

 

Political thieves and power hungry people have sought to steal the precious name of JESUS. I mean, there are many complaints of the use of the word “Christian” because it is coupled with intolerance, impatience, ignorance and insulting behavior. Yes, I have done all the above. BUT GOD still wants me to speak on HIS behalf by learning about HIS love and aligning the message to HIM.

 

HE uses imperfect people to speak about JESUS, who was and is perfection. We cannot separate ourselves out of the world. Huddling around a bunch of people who look and act the same seems dangerous. GOD wants me to be in the world but not influenced by it. HE provides others who seek HIS face to encourage me and guide me. I am glad HE has many who follow HIM in all walks of life.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about the urgency of the writers words?
• What suggestions do you have for someone who is trying to make decisions?
• Will you seek a group of imperfect people who believe in JESUS as their Savior, to help you in your decision making or to help others live for HIM today? 

Chosen by Choice

Chosen by Choice

2 Corinthians 2: ²¹ It is God himself who makes us, together with you, sure of our life in union with Christ; it is God himself who has set us apart, ²² who has placed his mark of ownership upon us, and who has given us the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the guarantee of all that he has in store for us.

 

²³ I call God as my witness—he knows my heart! It was in order to spare you that I decided not to go to Corinth. ²⁴ We are not trying to dictate to you what you must believe; we know that you stand firm in the faith. Instead, we are working with you for your own happiness.

 

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Standing in a line, I awaited being called. I was clumsy and not athletically capable. But somehow I was chosen early. Was this the start of my athletic career? No! But it felt good to be chosen.

 

• I dreaded the thought of not being chosen.
• I did not like being embarrassed.
• I feared not being chosen but I also feared being chosen and not living up to why I was chosen.

 

Paul gives everyone a word of relief. “It is GOD” who did everything to save mankind. He explains that unity, assurance and a guarantee of eternal salvation all come from GOD. We were chosen.by HIS choice.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to accept the gift of unity HE has given me through CHRIST.
• GOD wants me to stand firm in the faith, knowing HE has placed HIS mark of ownership on me.
• GOD wants me to act like I have been set apart by seeking to work for others.

 

Being chosen is more than being saved from eternal pain and misery. I mean, I am chosen for a purpose that is far greater than I could ever dream. GOD uses my sins as examples to others that it is possible for anyone to be saved. It does not matter about the skill or knowledge.

 

GOD saw my entire life, with all my sins and failures, and decided to die for me anyway. This is great news! I am glad HE chose me when I would not choose HIM.

 

Challenge

• Do you notice the love of GOD that the writer is trying to express?
• Why would GOD go through so much trouble if HE wanted you to fail?
• What words of assurance do you see?
• Will you provide these words of assurance to someone today? 

Eager Longing

 

Eager Longing

Romans 8: ¹⁸ I consider that what we suffer at this present time cannot be compared at all with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. ¹⁹ All of creation waits with eager longing for God to reveal his children. ²⁰ For creation was condemned to lose its purpose, not of its own will, but because God willed it to be so. Yet there was the hope ²¹ that creation itself would one day be set free from its slavery to decay and would share the glorious freedom of the children of God.

 

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“Did the mail come?’ I asked. I checked the mailbox but it was empty. I had heard from a friend that he was accepted into the one college I applied to. “Yes, but there was no mail for you” was the disappointing reply. I had to keep waiting and hoping.

 

• Many times I waited on something I really wanted.
• Many times I hoped for the future.
• Many times I eagerly longed for the thing, I thought, would provide me with purpose.

 

Paul explains that glory from GOD is far better than the suffering humans face on earth. He then talks about all of creation waiting for GOD to reveal HIS children. The stars that shine so brightly above, wait on GOD to reveal who really love HIM. Even the planets are tired of decay and long for GOD to set them free. Human creations wait with this same longing.

 

• GOD wants me to understand that HE is worth waiting for.
• GOD wants me to know HE has a purpose for me.
• GOD wants me to believe HE has set me free.

 

“How long?” is the question to GOD. This question is a longing to be with HIM for eternity, yet accepting the current state of suffering through life. I mean, GOD still has a purpose for me even though I wait eagerly on JESUS to return.

 

GOD gave me hope by placing the HOLY SPIRIT inside me and inside those who believe in JESUS as Savior. HE will one day reveal, to all of creation, who chose HIM and HE chose. I eagerly wait and hope for GOD’s deliverance.

 

• Did GOD promise you something and you are waiting for HIM to deliver it?
• Does it seem like it is taking forever for GOD to fulfill HIS purpose in you?
• Will you gain peace today, knowing GOD loves you and has chosen you to be HIS child and will one day reveal you to all of creation?

Getting Wiser

Getting Wiser

Acts 18: ¹⁸ Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken. ¹⁹ They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. ²⁰ When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. ²¹ But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. ²² When he landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch.

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“How dare they!” I felt with anger. Ready to fight, I went and found people who would back me up. Throwing aside consequence, I wanted to right this wrong and was willing to punch someone in their face. Fortunately, the fight did not break out.

• There was a time when I was quick with anger.
• There was a time when I felt rage when someone said the “wrong” thing the “right” way.
• There was a time when I reacted before I considered if I should even react.

Paul had faced a lot of hardship. From fall of being a Pharisee to rise of being a true follower of JESUS, Paul faced beating and near death spreading the gospel. He wanted to stand out, so he vowed to remain bald. He then did something uncharacteristic by declining a request to stay with a group. “I will come back if it is GOD’s will” he said.

• GOD wants me to mature in my trust in HIM.
• GOD wants me to grow in the examples HE gave through JESUS.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS wisdom and let HIM do the fighting.

After getting beat up enough, I say to myself “There has to be a better way.” GOD knew Paul had to suffer. Paul, at one time, pursued murder in the name of GOD. He was growing with wisdom and sought a better way to convince people and allow GOD to do the fighting. GOD wants me to do the same.

HE wants me to plant the seeds of HIS love and allow HIM to bring someone else to water the seeds and HE grow the seeds. HE also wants me to see how slow HE is to anger and how graceful HE is with me daily. I appreciate HIS patience with me.

• Are you filled with rage?
• Are you quick to anger and react often?
• Will you allow GOD to slow your anger so HE can speak through you today?

Not From Here

Not From Here

John 17: ¹⁴ I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. ¹⁵ I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. ¹⁶ They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. ¹⁷ Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. ¹⁸ As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. ¹⁹ And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

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“How do you get to the highway?” I asked. The local person politely replied with directions. “Is there a place to get a burger around here?” I asked. The person chuckled and said “You aren’t from around here, are you?” They pointed to the only diner in town then said, “We are know for our burgers!” I had never heard of them.

• Sometimes in life, I feel like “I’m not from around here.”
• Sometimes in life, I want directions.
• Sometimes in life, I desire to fit in, but wind up sticking out like a sore thumb.

JESUS continues in HIS prayer for HIS followers. HE asks the FATHER for protection of HIS followers from the evil one. HE states HE is not from this world, nor are HIS followers. HE knows navigating the world’s ways would be difficult.

• JESUS wants me to be set apart from the world, but be in the world to speak HIS truth.
• JESUS wants me to accept being sent into the world to proclaim HIS word.
• JESUS wants me to believe HIS word is from the FATHER, which holds all truth.

People can remember when I was born and they believe that was my inception. BUT GOD says something different. HE created me way before my parents were born. Sounds strange? Yes it does. However, JESUS makes it clear, that this world is not my home.

JESUS wants me to tell people there is another place where sickness, sadness and hatred do not exist. HE shows me that human efforts can only bring temporary pleasure or relief. This world was cursed by GOD when he threw the evil one out of heaven. Now HE sends me to the world to keep HIS created beings from being deceived. I am grateful for HIS protection.

• What are your desires?
• Do you ever want what GOD wants?
• Will you reduce thinking the world has more to offer than GOD by seeking HIS truth today?

Setting Aside Something Special

Ezekiel 48: ⁸ “Bordering the territory of Judah from east to west will be the portion you are to present as a special gift. It will be 25,000 cubits wide, and its length from east to west will equal one of the tribal portions; the sanctuary will be in the center of it.

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³⁵ “The distance all around will be 18,000 cubits.

“And the name of the city from that time on will be:

the Lord is there.”

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When I stopped by my friend’s house late, there was a plate of food wrapped in foil. It had all of my favorites on it. “I wondered when you would come by” said my other mother.

• There have been people who have set aside something special for me.
• There have been people who put some time into me.
• There have been people who watched out for me.

It truly is a great feeling to have someone do something special for me. I mean the thought and the effort behind the act is what makes me feel special, I wonder if GOD feels the same way? HE does.

• GOD wants me to set aside a special gift for HIM.
• GOD wants me to set aside a special place for HIM.
• GOD wants me to set aside a special time for HIM.

Just like I love feeling special, GOD wants and deserves the same, actually better. HE wants some time spent with just HIM and I where we can discuss the day and move on with HIS plan. When I do set aside a special thing, time and place GOD names it “THE LORD IS THERE.”

• Are you setting aside something special for GOD besides money?
• Have you set aside any time with HIM lately?
• Will you set aside a part of your living space to GOD where only you and HE can go?

Are you chosen?

Numbers 3: ¹¹ The Lord also said to Moses, ¹² “I have taken the Levites from among the people of Israel. I have taken them in place of the oldest son who is born to each woman in Israel. The Levites belong to me. 

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Several times I have ignored any questions regarding “going” someplace to serve or “doing” something to help others.  It had gotten to the point where I didn’t want to attend church regularly because they seemed to always be asking for something.

• There were moments where I avoided people who are in need.
• There were moments where I didn’t want to hear any requests.
• There were moments where I literally crossed the street to avoid getting begged.

I actually don’t understand when people say they don’t hear GOD.  I actually hear HIM all the time.  HE usually speaks to me during inconvenient times, like when I don’t have much money and someone in need pops up; or when there is a request to serve and I have “my” project I have to complete.

• GOD asks me to serve someone each day it’s up to me to listen.
• GOD asks me to pray to HIM each day it’s up to me to desire to talk to HIM.
• GOD asks me to share HIS SON to many each day it’s up to me to seek those who will listen.

Just as GOD called the Levites HE has called me.  I don’t have to become a preacher or a title in the church to accept HIS calling.  HE provides all I need and will formulate the right words at the right time for the right person. GOD says I am chosen.

• Are you ignoring GOD’s call on you?
• Do you feel HE wants you to do something?
• Won’t you make yourself available to serve HIM in a deeper way?

“I make you holy”

Leviticus 20: ⁷ “‘Set yourselves apart for me. Be holy, because I am the Lord your God. ⁸ Obey my rules. Follow them. I am the Lord. I make you holy.

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Careful is a place I had fallen into.  I was careful not to do anything wrong, say anything wrong or be in any wrong place in expectations that GOD would grant me my wishes.  I was being a goody two shoes, following every rule as written. Sounds great doesn’t it? The problem was my motive.

• I sometimes act good to manipulate GOD into getting my way.
• I sometimes do good things out of habit instead of doing them when it’s tough.
• I sometimes forget about GOD when I accomplish great things.

GOD doesn’t want my phony worship nor does HE want me to totally give up on HIS ways. HE wants me to love HIM enough to want to be with HIM, HIS way.

• GOD wants me to “set myself apart” so others can see HIM instead of me.
• GOD wants me to “obey HIS rules” as a way of protection instead of it being punishment.
• GOD wants me to know “HE makes me holy” not any of my actions.

GOD said my righteousness is like, excuse my graphic language, a dirty tampon or used toilet paper. It’s filled with sinful motive, lack of grace and perpetual sinfulness. BUT GOD forgave me and catches glimpses of me loving HIM back here and there. My actions don’t make me holy, belief in HIS SON’s death and resurrection make me holy!

• Can you set yourself apart?
• Will you stop trying to steer GOD and let HIM work out HIS great plan for you?
• Won’t you allow HIM to make you into the person HE wants you to be?

At least make an effort

Leviticus 10: ⁴⁴ “‘I am the Lord your God. Set yourselves apart. Be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves “unclean” by eating any creatures that move around on the ground. ⁴⁵ I am the Lord. I brought you up out of Egypt to be your God. So be holy, because I am holy.

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There is absolutely no way for me to make myself holy! My very birth was sinful so every action I have, will have a sinful motive. CHRIST took my eternal punishment away and I believe this fact. I break HIS rules daily but I am Holy because HE is Holy!