More Prepared Than You Think

 

More Prepared Than You Think

1 Timothy 4: ¹¹ Give them these instructions and these teachings. ¹² Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for the believers in your speech, your conduct, your love, faith, and purity. ¹³ Until I come, give your time and effort to the public reading of the Scriptures and to preaching and teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the spiritual gift that is in you, which was given to you when the prophets spoke and the elders laid their hands on you. ¹⁵ Practice these things and devote yourself to them, in order that your progress may be seen by all. ¹⁶ Watch yourself and watch your teaching. Keep on doing these things, because if you do, you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

 

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Worried about my young age and lack of experience, I stayed awake at night preparing for the class I had to teach. I was going to be in front of experienced people and I only had training. The person who was training me must have seen the look of dread on my face. “Just be yourself” were the words used to help me calm down.

 

• I was nervous about what I would say.
• I didn’t want to mess up.
• I felt that everyone was “above” me and I was inexperienced.

 

Paul gives Timothy words of encouragement. Timothy may have felt nervous about his age or experience teaching. He was about to teach a very controversial subject and had a right to be nervous. Paul gives him advice to keep him focused on the primary goal, salvation.

 

My Observations

• I may get nervous when GOD calls me to do something new that I do not have experience in.
• I may get tempted to talk myself out of doing what GOD wants me to do even when HE has gifted me in doing so,
• I must stay focused on the ultimate goal, namely salvation because my life and others depend on it.

 

Feeling unprepared and unworthy seem to go with the territory of speaking about JESUS. I mean, if I were to compare myself to experienced people who speak, teach and preach about JESUS, I would shy away from doing so. BUT GOD wants me to reach specific people with my style.

 

Practice makes perfect so I need to get out and “be an example”, sometimes making mistakes. Careful attention needs to be had with GOD’s word so I must watch myself and align my thinking to GOD’s Word. I am glad HE stretches me and overlooks my mistakes as I grow.

 

Challenge

• How do you think Timothy felt?
• Do you think the writer was trying to encourage him to keep going?
• Have you ever felt unprepared or unworthy to speak about JESUS?
• Will you be yourself and use the gifts GOD has given you to express the love of CHRIST today?

Foretold

Foretold

Acts 13: ²⁰ “After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. ²¹ And afterward they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. ²² And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ ²³ From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus— ²⁴ after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. ²⁵ And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.’

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Arriving early, I saw a man sitting in the conference room. He was polite with his greeting to me. Later someone asked me how I did that. “Did what?” I asked. “How did you just walk up to the new CEO and talk to him?” The succession plan had been announced all over the news but I did not recognize him.

• I have met many celebrities.
• I have met many people who took over the lead from their successors.
• I have met many leaders who were next in line to take over.

Paul continues with expressing history, but had a special destination. He told everyone that JESUS’ arrival was foretold by judges and prophets. He then explain that JESUS is the Savior that John spoke of. He referenced John’s humility in even speaking about JESUS saying there is One who comes after him whose sandals he is not worthy to loose.

• GOD wants me to tell people about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to understand the prophecies about JESUS and know all of them have been fulfilled.
• GOD wants me to reverence JESUS as the Savior from the seed of David.

For centuries, JESUS was talked about. When HE arrived, not many understood HIM because they expected someone to be a political leader. JESUS was the leader, but not the way humans expected. HE was and is GOD. HE fulfilled HIS promise to wipe away all my sins. I am excited to tell people HE did this, just for me.

• Are you focused on predicting leaders?
• Do you try to predict leaders based on the past?
• Will you take a moment to pay attention to JESUS, who has been there for you always?

Something to Say

Something to Say

Acts 13: ¹³ Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem. ¹⁴ But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. ¹⁵ And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.”

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“Stop right there” a leader said to me in the middle of my long list of complaints. “If you have a complaint, you must also have three solutions.” All of a sudden, I had nothing to say.

• Sometimes I want to complain.
• Sometimes I want to spout out negative words.
• Sometimes I want to say what’s on my mind and that thing may be bad for others.

Paul has now emerged as the leader of the group. When they arrived in the synagogue on the Sabbath day, the normal order of church service went on. A request came up. “Does anyone have any words of exhortation for the people?” Fortunately, Paul was available.

• GOD wants me to be ready to say something about HIS love.
• GOD wants me to be ready to speak about JESUS at any time.
• GOD wants me to be available to say a word of encouragement to people who need it.

Having something to say is one thing, but being available to say it is another. My heart will speak what is in it. I had to do an experiment. I paid attention to how many negative discussions I started or was part of and then I counted the number of positive conversations I had and the times I mentioned GOD. I found out I spoke negatively most of the time.

GOD wants me to have something to say. I am grateful for HIS love, grace and mercy. HE include me in HIS plans.

• What are you saying?
• Are your words mostly negative or do you have anything positive to say?
• Will you start practicing speaking about JESUS, not just saying ”GOD” to people?

Powerful Words

Powerful Words

John 5:  ⁶ When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”

⁷ The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”

⁸ Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” ⁹ And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.

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When I first learned how to use curse words correctly, it felt liberating. I mean I could now curse someone out and have them fully understand my disdain for the situation while belittling them in the process. It became an art, as a froth of foul language rolled from my tongue.

• Sometimes I want to tell “that” person off.
• Sometimes I want to make sure “that” person is taken down a few notches.
• Sometimes I want to complain about “that” person, slander “that” person and let everyone know “that” person is wrong, wrong, wrong!

“Do you want to be made well?” JESUS asked the man. He did not answer but gave the reason why he was still sick. “No one will help me.” JESUS said “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” HE spoke health into existence.

• JESUS gives me the ability to speak things into existence.
• JESUS gives me the ability to increase HIS kingdom with mere words.
• JESUS gives me the ability to protect, heal and comfort others simply by speaking.

By the measure of faith given to me I can speak things into existence. It takes practice, but it is true. JESUS said “If you have the faith of a mustard seed you can tell the mountain to move and it will.” HE literally means words are extremely powerful, why waste them saying negative things.

GOD enables me to encourage, love, comfort and enjoy HIS creation. If I spend most of my time speaking negative words about what is wrong and who did something bad, I miss out on the power of GOD. Speaking life means I trust GOD to heal and move the mountain for me. I trust GOD to be my source of power.

• What words do you use often?
• Are your words more negative than positive?
• Would GOD be glorified with the words you are using?
• Will you concentrate on speaking what GOD tells you to say to “that” person today?

Your Story

Matthew 11: ⁷ As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? ⁸ If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. ⁹ Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. ¹⁰ This is the one about whom it is written:

“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
    who will prepare your way before you.’

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JESUS spoke about John in a special way because John dedicated his entire life speaking about JESUS. It made me think… I speak so many wasted words are spoken on a daily basis.

I mean, my thoughts are on family health, work, business, bills and sports all of which are not problems but what should my “story” be?

• GOD wants to brag about how I spoke about HIS SON.
• GOD wants to boast about how I stood firm in my beliefs in HIS SON.
• GOD wants to crow about how I took time out of my day and spread HIS good news about HIS SON.

John is not a person to compete against by saying “I’m going to be better than John,” rather he is one to be admired. I admire that fact that he followed his GODLY purpose to the letter each and every day.

Each person can have a wonderful story that JESUS says “See… look at what ‘my messenger’ did.” GOD gives me a chance, each and every day to craft another chapter in HIS wonderful story for me.

• Are you talking about JESUS on a daily basis?
• Do you seek JESUS on a daily basis?
• Can you start talking about JESUS to other people HE sends you today?

Words of Encouragement

Daniel 10: ¹⁸ Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength. ¹⁹ “Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.”

When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.”

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Worried that a patch would fall off I shrunk in embarrassment. Moments later a gentleman from another country approached me. I could not help but think of the shoddy sewing job I had done placing the patches randomly on my garment. “I like your sash, you must be very important!” the man said to me. “Did you hear what he said?” I exclaimed. My countenance changed to bright and cheery and I could no longer see the dangling patches.

• Sometimes I worry about the little things.
• Sometimes I think someone is looking at me the wrong way.
• Sometimes I wondered if yet another person was talking about me.

“Sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me” was a saying someone tried to teach me, but words do hurt if said in a poisonous way. Words can also heal in an amazing way.  Strangers have walked up to me with encouraging words that absolutely made my day turn from grey and gloomy to bright and sunny.

• GOD wants me to encourage people.
• GOD wants me to tell people they “can” do it instead of listing all the reasons they can’t.
• GOD wants me to enable “Peace” and “Strength” with encouraging words.

When the angel spoke to Daniel he only said a few words, but they were words of encouragement. Immediately Daniel received the words and felt at “Peace” while getting “Stronger” and “Stronger” each second. People can zap my energy with their words of worry and doubt while others can fill me up with encouragement to reach new heights.

I choose to encourage people through their most difficult times, knowing that GOD can do anything HE desires. I put my trust in the LORD.

• Are you down?
• Do you feel bad about yourself?
• Can you hear these important words that you are “Wonderfully” made by GOD and no one can do what HE has you doing?
• Will you place your trust in GOD so HE can fulfill HIS mighty purpose through you today?

Prophesy Correctly

Jeremiah 28: ⁶ He said, “Amen! May the Lord do so! May the Lord fulfill the words you have prophesied by bringing the articles of the Lord’s house and all the exiles back to this place from Babylon. ⁷ Nevertheless, listen to what I have to say in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people: ⁸ From early times the prophets who preceded you and me have prophesied war, disaster and plague against many countries and great kingdoms. ⁹ But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the Lord only if his prediction comes true.”

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Fascinated by the thought of CHRIST’s return, I listened intently to the words of the preacher. He taught on the book of Revelation of JESUS CHRIST and I ate up every word. It spoke of a future with no worries, no problems, no fights and most of all no more anger from GOD. It intrigued me. Shortly after the weeks of sermons another “preacher” said the world would end that year. I guess the second was wrong.

By the way, the prophet in this passage of Jeremiah was a false prophet and was killed.

• GOD does not take HIS word lightly.
• GOD wants those who speak prophesy to speak only words given to them by GOD alone.
• GOD wants prophets who are not scare to speak the truth about HIS SON.

No one knows the day or the hour so any prediction about when GOD is going to end the world as we know it will be false. Some have looked at old calendars and even made movies showing the apocalypse. This is what we can be sure about.

• GOD loved me so much that HE died for me and everyone else who believes they need a savior to do the same for them.
• GOD is building a new place apart from this earth that has not been cursed.
• GOD is returning soon and while we do not know the year, month or day, we need to act in s sense of urgency.

Each day should be lived like HE is going to return that day. As I look up to the sky each night, I wonder “When?” I do not get an answer to that question, but I do hear “Feed MY sheep.” This means serve GOD and do not worry about tomorrow.

• Has someone given you a false prophesy?
• Are you busy listening to words about houses and cars and mates without truly listening to GOD?
• Will you stop trying to hear what satisfies you and seek what GOD is really saying to mankind?

I Just Have to Shout

Jeremiah 20: ⁹ But if I say, “I will not mention his word
    or speak anymore in his name,”
his word is in my heart like a fire,
    a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in;
    indeed, I cannot.

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In a selfish rant I said “I will not serve YOU” and I walked away from the church for years. I mean my life didn’t seem any better than those who were not serving GOD. I figured I could sin as much as I wanted and be better off, but something kept me from going away.

• There were times I wanted to walk away from GOD.
• There were times I wanted to leave GOD and try life “on my own.”
• There were times I wanted to get away from GOD and all of HIS rules and just be as free as I wanted to be.

Freedom came with a price. Something inside of me said this was a terrible mistake and I should reconsider, but my heart was stubborn. I no longer had to be bored at church or listen to music that did not have a rhythmic beat. I could live off of my wits because people had said I was smart. When troubles hit, I stood my ground. Then they kept coming. Wait; is it too late to reconsider GOD?

• GOD is not a concept, HE is GOD.
• GOD’s word is not a set of rules that keep me from “fun” rather they are HIS declarations of what HE already put in motion.
• Serving GOD is quite optional and the more I do it, the more HE blesses me with HIS care and protection.

Many people have tried to leave GOD on their own terms, I know I did. They study ways of healing people and leave out GOD all together. I wanted to try and failed miserably. GOD welcomed me back and put HIS word in me. It lit me on fire and I cannot keep it inside of me. I absolutely have to tell someone about the GREAT NEWS ABOUT JESUS. HIS death took away my sins and HIS resurrection sealed my eternal life. I am so grateful I have to tell everyone!

• Do you hide your relationship with GOD?
• Are you scared to tell others about your belief in JESUS?
• Will you open your mouth and tell people about what GOD has done for you?

Flattering Words

Jeremiah 15: ¹⁹ Therefore this is what the Lord says:

“If you repent, I will restore you
    that you may serve me;
if you utter worthy, not worthless, words,
    you will be my spokesman.
Let this people turn to you,
    but you must not turn to them.
²⁰ I will make you a wall to this people,
    a fortified wall of bronze;
they will fight against you
    but will not overcome you,
for I am with you
    to rescue and save you,”
declares the Lord.
²¹ “I will save you from the hands of the wicked
    and deliver you from the grasp of the cruel.”

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“Suck up” were the words spoken in one of my leadership classes. I was outraged when I heard this and quite insulted that using empty flattery would work. They wanted me to cater to egos larger than the buildings they were in. I tried it and it worked. I was “In the club.”

• There have been times where I have turned to the ways I did not want to turn to.
• There have been situations that I have used a fake smile in order to get ahead.
• There have been people I have catered to in order to gain their approval when I should have taken a firm stance against their ways.

Greedy, lustful, power-hungry egos require feeding and from what I gathered, I did not have to “become” that kind of person, just cater to it. What is the difference!? Each moment I spent with that crowd was a moment I could have spent with GOD.

• GOD wants me to repent so HE can restore men.
• GOD wants me to utter “worthy” words which means I have to talk about HIS wrath as well as HIS love.
• GOD wants me to stand firm on HIS ways even when it means I will not be as successful from a worldly point of view.

I sat in the car longer one day. I absolutely could not “leave myself” in the car and pretend to like, agree or cater to this group any longer. GOD was stirring my heart to listen to HIM more than reading between the lines of those who could care less about HIM. I had to seek GOD instead of seeking a title. HE humbled me and I appreciate HIS ways.

• Are you running after a group who could care less about GOD?
• Do you spend an enormous amount of time doing something that would not please GOD?
• Have you considered asking GOD “What would YOU like me to do” rather than asking HIM for help on what you “want” to do?
• Will you read about HIS ways and place HIS words on your lips?