So Much to Say

So Much to Say

Acts 20: ⁷ On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. ⁸ There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. ⁹ Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. ¹⁰ Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!” ¹¹ Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. ¹² The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.

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After returning from the day at the amusement park, I was elated. This was my first time visiting the wonderful, fun-filled location. The next day I went over a friend’s house. I had so much to say. Somehow I spoke on the subject for hours because we shared our varied experiences.

• There have been times when I was so excited about something, that I could speak for hours.
• There have been times when I sat with a group of people who were just as excited about the thing I was excited about.
• There have been times when I talked for hours on a subject simply because I was amazed.

Paul was about to leave so a group of people ate with him while he spoke. By now, Paul had been rescued by GOD on many occasions, so he had a lot to say. Eutychus, may have been excited, but was extremely tired.

While tragedy happened when he fell out the window and died, Paul proved the power of GOD by raising him from the dead. The humorous part of the story is Paul now had even more to say.

• GOD wants me to have an abundant life.
• GOD wants me to speak about past experiences I’ve had with HIM.
• GOD wants me to seek new experiences with HIM, telling people about JESUS along the way.

Believing in JESUS is a wonderful start to an abundant life. I mean, it is the belief that changed my life into a person who seeks GOD daily. The rotten situations that I go through turn into testimonies of GOD’s power. I have nothing to brag about, only praise for JESUS who gave me purpose.

• Do you have an abundant life with GOD?
• What experiences have you had that people need to hear about?
• Will you tell people about the situations GOD has brought you through so they can do the same with others?

Boldness

Boldness

Acts 4: ²⁷ “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together ²⁸ to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. ²⁹ Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, ³⁰ by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”

³¹ And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

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Tired of being bullied, we decided to walk out. Thugs had robbed us long enough and threatened our safety once too often. One acquaintance got a little too excited when all of the students got outside. He jumped on a car and began bouncing on the hood. The police grabbed him. I and others went to the station to explain what happened.

• When I feel empowered I act bold.
• When I feel protected I act bold.
• When I feel I have nothing to lose I act bold.

Peter, John and those who repented, for believing JESUS should have been executed, were now praising GOD and praying to HIM earnestly. They had been threatened once too often and had to do something about it. They asked GOD for boldness to speak up about JESUS even though the government and church leaders would persecute them.

• GOD wants me to be bold about HIM.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for boldness.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for healing, knowing it only comes from HIM.

Boldness means speaking up even when the situation may have negative consequences. Boldness for CHRIST means living for HIM even when others try their best to prove away HIS daily power by labeling it as something else.

One can speak only what is in one’s heart. If GOD is not there, then of course HIS name will never be mentioned. BUT GOD wants my heart to be “Filled with the HOLY SPIRIT” so I can speak boldly about JESUS, the CHRIST who saves all who believe. I am grateful for JESUS.

• How often do you argue against speaking about JESUS?
• Do you feel HIS name should never be mentioned?
• Do you think your conversations, thoughts and actions are pleasing to GOD?
• Will you stop being a tool against GOD and speak up for HIM today by mentioning JESUS’ name with boldness?

Ooo I’m Telling!

Matthew 18: ¹⁵ “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. ¹⁶ But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ ¹⁷ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

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“This guy has to go” I thought to myself. In the meeting I allowed him to make mistakes on his facts. I knew he would snoop around my desk, so I laid a trap with false information. It took time to develop the fake report but it was worth it!

• I have been a coward when it came to confrontation.
• I have been selfish when it came to dealing with someone I did not like.
• I have been foolish when it came to helping instead of hurting.

Telling my peers how wrong this guy was became a pastime. I wonder how many hours I spent trying to get rid of this person or wasting my breath talking about him. Not once did I approach him.

• GOD wants me to be brave enough to confront “that” person in love.
• GOD wants me to bring witnesses; otherwise my wicked heart may bring up slander.
• GOD wants me to seek restoration versus demise and destruction.

I do not have to be a pushover if someone has wronged me. I should confront them, seeking restoration. If they refuse to listen then I should escalate the issue to those who also seek restoration.

Seeking demise and destruction hurts “that” person, myself and more. Nothing good comes from slander. GOD wants me to seek restoration so HIS work can be done.

• Are you speaking negatively about someone behind their back?
• Are you waiting for their next mistake so you can talk bad about them?
• Will you stop desiring their demise before GOD brings that same demise on you?
• Will you have the faith that GOD will deal with that person in HIS way and HIS time?

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?

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?

Speak Up!

Proverbs 31: ⁸ Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
    for the rights of all who are destitute.
⁹ Speak up and judge fairly;
    defend the rights of the poor and needy.

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Nervous was only the beginning of what I felt when the company announced they would be making some cuts. I received a phone call from a friend stating “You’d better start calling people because the cuts are going to be deep.” I did not know that many people since I spent all of my days working. “What should I do” I thought to myself.

• There were times where I wanted someone to watch over me.
• There were times where I needed someone to intervene.
• There were times where I desired to speak up for myself but could not.

I made one phone call and someone did speak on my behalf. This rising star spoke up for me and I am deeply indebted to him. It taught me a lesson.

• GOD wants me to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
• GOD wants me to see dishonor and “speak up for the rights of those who are destitute.”
• GOD wants me to “speak up and judge fairly; defending the rights of the poor and needy.”

It does not feel good to be in need. I actually did not know what questions to ask or what to say to pull myself up. I was lost and I could not speak for myself. BUT GOD placed the right people in my life to protect me during times of trouble. HE saw fit to provide many servants who would watch over me.

• Are you speaking up for people?
• Are you being a blessing or a curse to people?
• Do you think GOD enjoys your actions towards people?
• Will you seek out a person to speak up for today?

Heart Words are Louder

Proverbs 27: ¹⁹ As water reflects the face,
    so one’s life reflects the heart.

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Tired of being looked over, I decided to do something about it. I had spent the past four years with no one noticing me but this time it would be different. Loaded with a foul mouth and quick quips, I unleashed a new person in college. With razor like precision, I could cut a person up in a moment. I had laughter, but still lacked the group of “friends” I desired. What was the problem?

• My actions have told many stories.
• My daily words speak from a deeper source.
• My status in life reflects something my choices.

Being on the wrong path was actually fatal to my desire. I mean being labeled as the class clown did not generate the results I wanted. Friendship was my quest and I had to mature enough to “act friendly” to others before I could win their trust. I had to learn to replace my poison with honey and change my purpose from being “me” centered.

• GOD wants me to focus my life towards sincerely bringing people to HIM.
• GOD wants me to not be the center of attention rather focus people towards HIM.
• GOD wants me to have HIS heart so others would be drawn to HIM rather than being drawn to the world in me.

I have heard many people say they wish to have a “legacy” and that is not a bad desire. I used to want my legacy to be one of fame and fortune, BUT GOD found me and my heart is different. I want to point as many people to HIM as possible. I now desire to leave a wake of GOD’s kingdom instead of being known. Fame is fleeting, BUT GOD remains forever.

• What will people say about you at your funeral?
• Have you touched lives or been selfish?
• Will you examine your heart and begin focusing on what GOD will have you do?
• Will you ask GOD to put you on HIS path?