New Mindset Towards Insults

New Mindset Towards Insults

1 Peter 4: ¹² My dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful test you are suffering, as though something unusual were happening to you. ¹³ Rather be glad that you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may be full of joy when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴ Happy are you if you are insulted because you are Christ's followers; this means that the glorious Spirit, the Spirit of God, is resting on you. ¹⁵ If you suffer, it must not be because you are a murderer or a thief or a criminal or a meddler in other people's affairs. ¹⁶ However, if you suffer because you are a Christian, don't be ashamed of it, but thank God that you bear Christ's name.

 

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“Four eyes!” was the insult hurled at me that sent me crying. I could no longer play with my blocks. This insult was about my new glasses. I was the only one in my classroom with glasses. The teacher pulled me to the side and taught me this saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me.” I tried it and it worked! That is until I became an adult.

 

• I was taught at a young age to ignore insults.
• A new mindset towards insults was given to me so I could handle when people tried to be mean.
• Realizing that insults are meant to hurt people reminds me to stay away from using them, even passively.

 

Peter provides a perspective on suffering. He went through fear, doubt and denial of JESUS. When JESUS restored HIM as a true follower, Peter preached with passion. He knew that church leaders would be jealous and would persecute him and anyone who believed in JESUS. Peter gave them a new mindset towards insults.

 

My Observations:

• Resilience starts with me knowing I can be slandered and insulted, simply because I believe in JESUS as my Savior.
• Resilience requires that I have a new mindset towards insults where I should expect them.
• Resilience makes me stronger because I know I am on the right track when I am insulted, slandered and debased for my relationship with CHRIST.

 

Insults sting for a moment. I mean, when someone passionately calls me a name, even though it may be false, I sometimes can feel the sharpness of the word. But it is not the insult that is the problem, it is how I respond.

 

GOD expects me to “Love one another” even when insulted by him or her. HE loves when I am thankful with a clear conscience. HE sees those who use insults, passive or aggressive, and owns vengeance. HE simply wants me to live above insults and walk in JESUS’ footsteps. I am glad GOD gives me a path that helps me not internalize insults.

 

Challenge

• What mindset is the writer presenting?
• Have you ever be insulted and knew the insult was false, but it hurt anyway?
• Will you adopt a new mindset, knowing you will be insulted because of your relationship with JESUS?

Steps to Growth

Steps to Growth

1 Peter 2:  Rid yourselves, then, of all evil; no more lying or hypocrisy or jealousy or insulting language. ² Be like newborn babies, always thirsty for the pure spiritual milk, so that by drinking it you may grow up and be saved. ³ As the scripture says, “You have found out for yourselves how kind the Lord is.”

 

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Tired of my scrawny stature, I joined a gym. I didn’t know how to lift weights, but it couldn’t be that hard, right? I watched the brawny people pick up heavy objects and put them back down. I tried it myself and couldn’t. Some people approached me and showed me what I was doing wrong. They had me start over using the correct form and lighter weights.

 

• I was too embarrassed to ask for help, so I watched and tried to do things on my own.
• I knew I needed to do something different, but I did not know what to change.
• I needed to start off with what I could handle, then progress to something heavier.

 

Pater identified steps to spiritual growth. First he gave a list of symptoms that would keep a person from growing spiritually. He listed a small list of blockers that included, lying, hypocrisy, jealousy and insulting language. These were probably problems with those who wore masks and pretended to be holy. He then gave the true remedy, namely becoming thirsty for spiritual milk.

 

My Observations:

• Embarrassment leads me to seek the wisdom of the world, BUT GOD wants me to seek HIS wisdom as the beginning of knowledge.
• Insecurity leads me to want to cover up my flaws, BUT GOD wants me to be secure in my faith with HIM so I can address issues versus covering them up.
• Starting over makes me think I will never arrive, BUT GOD wants me to tear down patterns of thinking that may have existed for decades.

 

Seeking GOD as a little baby means I can’t think about what I ingest, I should just eat it up. Unfortunately, there have been those who have presented the Gospel in a manipulative way, causing me to have pause. BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

HE wants me to listen to other people and read the Bible for myself. HE wants me to understand the scriptures for myself and continue to seek HIS face with an insatiable thirst. Life can bring hard lessons. That is why GOD wants me to know HE is there with me at all times. I am grateful GOD has given the scriptures for all to be comforted.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer start the list with what to get rid of?
• Have you ever tried to hide your flaws behind a goody, goody mask?
• Will you start over with a better foundation and seek GOD as a little child versus seeing HIM through the world’s hurts today?

Great and Glorious Joy

Great and Glorious Joy

1 Peter 1: ⁶ Be glad about this, even though it may now be necessary for you to be sad for a while because of the many kinds of trials you suffer. ⁷ Their purpose is to prove that your faith is genuine. Even gold, which can be destroyed, is tested by fire; and so your faith, which is much more precious than gold, must also be tested, so that it may endure. Then you will receive praise and glory and honor on the Day when Jesus Christ is revealed. ⁸ You love him, although you have not seen him, and you believe in him, although you do not now see him. So you rejoice with a great and glorious joy which words cannot express, ⁹ because you are receiving the salvation of your souls, which is the purpose of your faith in him.

 

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“Why me?” was my cry. It seemed like “everything” was going wrong in my life at the time. I began to explain to GOD what I was doing for HIM as I tried to get my life back on track with HIM. My explanations were met with more pain.

 

• I was tired of facing more problems.
• I was tired of being in pain.
• I was tired of the situation I was in at the time.

 

Peter gave some hard to hear advice. He told those who were chosen by GOD to be glad, even though they were facing some difficult times. He then explained the purpose of the difficulty. Each person’s faith would be tested with the fires of trials to make it genuine.

 

My Observations:

• Life is far more than what I can see when I am in the middle of a trial.
• Looking back on the trials in my life, I understand more than I would, had I not gone through the trial.
• GOD gives me the ability to praise HIM now instead of waiting on the day when JESUS returns.

 

Let’s be honest, trials are not fun. I mean, when I am in a trial, I want it to be over as quickly as possible. BUT GOD allows me to stay in the trial long enough to strengthen my faith in HIM. I cry out early in the trial, but later I see that HE is in the fire with me. HE protects me and guides me.

 

I can rejoice during the trial versus waiting for it to be over. This is a sign of “joy” over “happiness.” I can see GOD at work even though the results have not come to fruition. I praise GOD for what HE has done, is doing and will do!

 

Challenge

• What purpose is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever gone through something difficult and came out stronger?
• Will you praise GOD with “joy”, knowing JESUS has won the victory over all your trials and your salvation is more precious to HIM than you could ever imagine?

Headed to Something New

Headed to Something New

James 1:1  From James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ:

Greetings to all God's people scattered over the whole world.

 

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Being “let go” did not feel good at all. No matter how it was phrased, I could not wrap my mind around “Why did this happen to me?” “The position was eliminated” were the only words of comfort.

 

• I felt lost and directionless.
• I was not prepared to be out in the world.
• I did not know GOD had something much better in store for me.

 

James, human brother of JESUS, writes a letter to “GOD’s people scattered over the world.” The scattering did not come easy. In fact, because of belief in JESUS, many people were persecuted. They had to leave their homes, ill prepared, not knowing the future.

 

My Observations:

• GOD scatters HIS people for HIS purpose.
• Change is usually difficult for me, BUT GOD has a reason for it.
• Humans may not provide the right words to comfort me, BUT THE COMFORTER makes it clear that being scattered is not a bad thing.

 

Sometimes it feels like GOD is just not there. I mean, why in the world would HE push me out into the world with no plan? HE replies, “This is MY plan.” When I see HIS plan unfolding, I usually don’t like it. BUT GOD is doing something amazing that I don’t know.

 

GOD addresses my deepest fears by putting me in situations I need.  Ugh! Another problem? Yes. HE keeps allowing me to be scattered so I can be sent somewhere that I would not have otherwise gone. HE then tells me to stand firm for HIM in other places. I am glad GOD has a great and wonderful plan for me that includes “this” situation.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer write a letter to people scattered all over the world?
• Why do you think James refers to himself as a servant of his brother JESUS?
• Have you ever been in a difficult situation and wondered where is GOD?
• Will you look at your current situation as an area that GOD is trying to address so you can look forward to HIS plan for you today?

All Grown Up

All Grown Up

Hebrews 11: Others, refusing to accept freedom, died under torture in order to be raised to a better life. ³⁶ Some were mocked and whipped, and others were put in chains and taken off to prison. ³⁷ They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were killed by the sword. They went around clothed in skins of sheep or goats—poor, persecuted, and mistreated. ³⁸ The world was not good enough for them! They wandered like refugees in the deserts and hills, living in caves and holes in the ground.

 

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“Can I go outside?” was my simple question. “No, it’s your bed time” was the answer I did not understand. “I can’t wait to grow up” I said. “Can I go out with my ‘friends’?” was another request years later. Again, “No” was the answer with a good reason. A rare shooting happened.  “Aren’t I grown up enough?” I questioned.

 

• When I “grew up” I realized I was being protected.
• I could not see that I was not quite ready to handle the dangers of life.
• I thought life would be easy “when I grew up” because no one would need to tell me what to do.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, turned to the more difficult side of faith. He wrote about those who died in their belief due to extreme persecution. These men and women lived their lives in boldness for CHRIST, rather than accepting the bondage of the world. They were free and fully grown in the faith.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to have immediate faith in HIM like a child would.
• GOD takes me through trials so I can grow up and understand HIS power in the middle of problems.
• GOD controls life and death more than people give HIM credit for and HE can protect me or take me to a “better life.”

 

Falling to the pressures of this world may make me want things I am not supposed to have. I mean, I may seek pleasure over pain or sweet over sour. When life gives me trials, I may fall apart instead of facing it with hope. BUT GOD gives me strength to face issues.

 

The HOLY SPIRIT opens my eyes to the adversary who will try to stop me from spreading the Gospel of CHRIST. Problem after problem, the enemy is relentless in trying to discourage me. BUT GOD wants me to keep going, especially when life gets tough. HE wants me to have peace in the middle of the storm. This takes some growing up. I am glad GOD cares enough about me to not let me remain a child.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention difficulties people faced?
• Have you ever wanted help, but were not receiving it?
• Have you ever blamed GOD for the trial you are or were in?
• Will you ask GOD to help you grow up enough to be able to handle the tougher parts of life with boldness for HIM, even though there may not be any relief anytime soon?

By Now

 

By Now

Hebrews 5: ¹¹ There is much we have to say about this matter, but it is hard to explain to you, because you are so slow to understand. ¹² There has been enough time for you to be teachers—yet you still need someone to teach you the first lessons of God's message. Instead of eating solid food, you still have to drink milk. ¹³ Anyone who has to drink milk is still a child, without any experience in the matter of right and wrong. ¹⁴ Solid food, on the other hand, is for adults, who through practice are able to distinguish between good and evil.

 

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Sitting back and listening to the leader, I had many suggestions for improvement. One day, someone approached me and said, “When are you going to lead?”” The challenge felt like an insult at first, but eventually I wrapped my head around the concept and became a leader of a small group of people. It was harder than I thought.

 

• I had to learn while I was expected to be the teacher.
• I had to grow in ways I never would have imagined.
• I had to get out of my comfort zone and step into the spotlight, receiving the criticism instead of dishing it out.

 

“When will you grow up?” were the implied words from Paul, the assumed writer. He urged those who have been taught about JESUS to grow in spiritual maturity enough to teach instead of always being taught.

 

My Observations

• Solid food is for adults and GOD wants me to grow to eat it.
• Life is difficult so GOD wants me to be able to face it with HIS ways, which equates to “solid food.”
• Going to church can become a habit, BUT GOD wants me to grow up enough to take on responsibility outside being preached to.

 

“Act your age” is what the old folks used to say, meaning “by now you should be growing away from childish behavior.” It doesn’t feel good to be responsible for something, especially as precious as life after death. BUT GOD has given humans the responsibility to spread the Gospel versus always absorbing it.

 

GOD wants you and me to eventually grow up enough to teach, preach and live the Good news about JESUS. HE wants to give “solid food” to be able to bring people back to HIMSELF. I gladly accept the responsibility HE gives me and pray HE guides me to growth.

 

Challenge

• What are the “first lessons” the writer is speaking about?
• Have you ever imagined yourself in a perpetual kindergarten?
• Do you expect to always learn without ever teaching?
• Will you accept GOD’s growth and begin teaching HIS “solid food” today?

Spiritual Exercise

Spiritual Exercise

1 Timothy 4: ⁶ If you give these instructions to the believers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, as you feed yourself spiritually on the words of faith and of the true teaching which you have followed. ⁷ But keep away from those godless legends, which are not worth telling. Keep yourself in training for a godly life. ⁸ Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future. ⁹ This is a true saying, to be completely accepted and believed. ¹⁰ We struggle and work hard, because we have placed our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all and especially of those who believe.

 

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Tired of being a weakling, I joined a gym. I could barely lift any weight, so I stood around until I perceived people were not looking at me. “You need to work out with us” were the words I was surprised and horrified to hear. A group of powerlifters taught me the technique of lifting while introducing me to a regiment.

 

• I was embarrassed, but had to start somewhere.
• I was undisciplined and needed something to make me continue with a regiment.
• I struggled and worked hard and eventually saw some results.

 

Paul gives Timothy a regiment to follow. He likened the regiment to that of physical exercise. He urged Timothy to feed his spirit regularly with faith and true teaching. He gave him a diet to stay away from certain unhealthy spiritual foods like “godless legends.” Then he give him the spiritual exercise routine, namely struggle and work hard.

 

My Observations

• Spiritual exercise takes me through problem after problem after problem, until I can get strong enough to let GOD handle them.
• Admitting I am weak in many areas gives me the prayers I can say to GOD to grow me.
• My hope in GOD is strengthened after each trial is completed.

 

Spiritual workouts are difficult because I am not in control of the trials. BUT GOD has an answer. HE wants me to prepare for trials by feeding myself with HIS words of faith and truth. HE also wants me to focus on the present, knowing only HE can bring me through “this” trial or “that” one.

 

GOD wants me to grow up but this takes a regiment to keep my mind clear from things that would guide me away from HIS hope. HE allows trials to come into my life, not to break me, but to establish muscles of faith, truth and hope. I am glad GOD cares enough to grow me spiritually.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer compares spiritual exercise to physical exercise?
• Have you ever done something that took a regiment of discipline and got some benefit out of it?
• Will you get on a regiment  that will benefit you in this present life and eternally by focusing in on GOD’s word and looking at trials as exercise to help you grow in the LORD today?

Internal Bootcamp

Internal Bootcamp

1 Timothy 3: ⁸ Church helpers must also have a good character and be sincere; they must not drink too much wine or be greedy for money; ⁹ they should hold to the revealed truth of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ They should be tested first, and then, if they pass the test, they are to serve. ¹¹ Their wives (or Women helpers) also must be of good character and must not gossip; they must be sober and honest in everything. ¹² A church helper must have only one wife,(or married once) and be able to manage his children and family well. ¹³ Those helpers who do their work well win for themselves a good standing and are able to speak boldly about their faith in Christ Jesus.

 

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Seeing the issues management faced, I thought of things that could have been done better.  I voiced my suggestions, only to have them be met with “maybe later.” But then I was put into management and as the fires raced at me, someone had a suggestion that had nothing to do with my current blaze. “Maybe later” was my response.

 

• I was not prepared for the problems.
• I was not prepared for the responsibility.
• I was not prepared for the issues that would suddenly arise while maintaining the day to day.

 

Paul gives Timothy a list to help people get prepared versus being judged or graded. Since no one was perfect and many people would fail the list, it was easier to point people towards areas to work on internally. If people were willing to do this, they would “do their work well.”

 

My Observations

• GOD doesn’t need me to be perfect before I give my life to HIM.
• I have to recognize that I am not perfect and I need to prepare for larger responsibilities.
• Being prepared may take sincerity, good character, a sober mind, lack of greed, no gossip, honesty, family management and holding to the revealed truth of JESUS with faith.

 

Is this a long list? Yes! But I believe it is not a list for one to observe and judge a person on the worthiness of servanthood, rather “get ready!” Get ready for the things that the enemy will throw at you when you say “Yes” to GOD’s calling. The Devil will throw temptation after temptation after temptation and will not relent. Test yourselves in areas you can easily fall to be ready. I am glad GOD prepares you and me.

 

Challenge

• Are you prepared for the next level of service?
• Have you faced the same temptations, issues or problems over and over?
• Will you accept GOD’s calling to serve and become prepared so you can help others become prepared today?

Directed Desires

Directed Desires

Philippians 1: ⁹ I pray that your love will keep on growing more and more, together with true knowledge and perfect judgment, ¹⁰ so that you will be able to choose what is best. Then you will be free from all impurity and blame on the Day of Christ. ¹¹ Your lives will be filled with the truly good qualities which only Jesus Christ can produce, for the glory and praise of God.

 

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“Become well rounded” was the confusing statement said to me. What does that mean? I pondered. To some it meant reading certain prose, to others it meant traveling to various places and to others it meant interacting with a variety of people. But something was missing from the approaches when I tried them.

 

• I wanted to fit in.
• I wanted to protect myself.
• I wanted to “get ahead” and “be successful.”

 

Paul’s prayer for everyone concludes with a statement on becoming “well rounded” in a very strange way. Love is the foundation coupled with true knowledge, coupled with perfect judgment. Humans can try to claim these important gifts, but they only can come from one place, namely JESUS CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• To keep my hatred at bay, I must grow in the love of JESUS.
• To keep my thoughts aligned, I must learn about my Savior.
• To keep my lustful, sinful decisions to a minimum, I must use the judgment of CHRIST, which is perfect.

 

Following humans seems to lead to a person or group being superior. I mean, many discussions about how someone did something wrong and that other person did something right, makes us try to emulate who we want to follow. BUT GOD wants HIS SON to be the focus of the picture.

 

All of my choices should be run through three filters, love, true knowledge and perfect judgment, none of which I, or any other human contain. Only JESUS has love that is pure and knowledge that is not tainted and judgment that is perfect. HIS example is the model for me to follow. I am glad HE keeps me growing “more and more” each day.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer suggest approaching decisions?
• Have you ever looked back at times you did not use the best judgment?
• Will you keep growing in GOD’s “love” for other people and seek learning about HIM and use HIS judgment which is made perfect through JESUS CHRIST today?

Grown Up

 Grown Up

Romans 12: ¹⁴ Ask God to bless those who persecute you—yes, ask him to bless, not to curse. ¹⁵ Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud, but accept humble duties. Do not think of yourselves as wise.

 

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Being handed an award for outstanding work felt rather insulting when I was notified the position I held was cut. During the downsizing process, insults were hurled at me and laughter ensued as I had to present my final “next year’s plan.” You won’t be around to see it, they giggled. “YOU mean I am supposed to pray for them!?’ I questioned.

 

• There were many times when I wanted to ask GOD to drop boulders on those who hurt me.
• There were many times when I wanted to see those who hurt me to get hurt so they could feel my pain.
• There were many times when I wanted to gloat at the pain of someone who hurt me, thinking I would feel better.

 

Paul writes something extremely strange. HE tells everyone to “Bless those who persecute you.” What!? He then reemphasizes his bold statement to make sure everyone heard what he said. “Yes, ask HIM to bless, not to curse.” Paul had been beaten, stoned, chased, and slandered. GOD showed him another way to handle bitterness and a poisoned heart.

 

• GOD wants me to guard my heart from the poison of hatred.
• GOD wants me to protect my heart from rage and anger.
• GOD wants me to insulate my heart from bitterness and animosity.

 

Hate breeds more hate. I mean, when I see “that” person get what he or she “deserves” it does nothing. I still have the loss and I still need to heal. It hurts even worse when “that” person seems to walk away unscathed. “YOU mean I have been wronged and “that” person seems to be doing well?” Yes, GOD says, because HE knows how to repair my heart.

 

I sighed and prayed for those who persecuted me to do well. It did not work the first time, but over time it did. I was able to release the poison I had in my heart. I even felt better about my relationship with GOD because HE was pleased with me for growing up.

 

• Did someone hurt you?
• Are you still carrying around bitterness for that person after all these years?
• Will you regain the power of GOD in your life by praying for “that” person to be blessed by HIM and let GOD handle him or her the way HE wants to so HE can repair your heart with grace today?

Blessings

 

Blessings

Romans 11: ¹¹ I ask, then: When the Jews stumbled, did they fall to their ruin? By no means! Because they sinned, salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make the Jews jealous of them. ¹² The sin of the Jews brought rich blessings to the world, and their spiritual poverty brought rich blessings to the Gentiles. Then, how much greater the blessings will be when the complete number of Jews is included!

 

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“Want these?” was the question as I was handed two newish TV’s and some barely used tools. The office was closing and they had no need for the lobby televisions and the tools used for minor repairs. “Sure” I replied. I couldn’t believe they were going to throw these items away!

 

• Many times I have received valuable things people did not want.
• Many times I have been the benefactor of something valuable by those who did not see the value.
• Many times I have obtained what was unwanted and felt very blessed.

 

Paul explains that the Jews stumbled when they did not believe in JESUS was the Messiah they had been searching for. This sin saved the Gentiles which brought rich blessings on a group that was not looking to be blessed. This rich blessing of salvation is used to make those who overlooked the blessing, jealous. One day, the full count of all believers, Jews and Gentiles, will be counted.

 

• GOD has poured out HIS blessings on me.
• GOD has given me so much, that I cannot thank HIM enough.
• GOD has provided for me to overflowing, spiritually.

 

When is comes to blessings, GOD cannot be beat. HE has so much to give and cannot seem to hold it back. When one group rejects HIS blessings, another benefits. HE looks at me the same way. If I choose to refuse HIS blessings, HE will pour them out on someone else who was not even looking for them.

 

BUT GOD is also gracious. HE knows I may stumble and overlook HIS blessings when I look for the blessings to come in a way I expect. HE does not mind when I come back to HIM and ask “Can I be included in YOUR blessings?” when I have overlooked what I was supposed to thank HIM for in the first place. I am glad GOD’s grace is sufficient.

 

• Are you looking for GOD to bless you and HE already has?
• What rich blessings are you overlooking?
• Will you ask GOD to open your eyes to the extreme blessings HE has provided you so your heart may grow to overflowing today?

Jealousy

Jealousy

John 21: ²⁰ Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” ²¹ Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”

²² Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

²³ Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?”

²⁴ This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.

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Me and another person were top in our business class. We worked hard to study and figure things out. When we got our first business engagement, we poured our hearts into in. I worked tirelessly to prove my worth. One guy, who played golf well and told great jokes, got promoted over us. “What about us?” I inquired, really wanting to know “What about me?”

• There were times when I based my worth on winning over someone else.
• There were times when I looked at relationships as win-lose.
• There were times when I felt I needed recognition rather than correction.

Frustrated after JESUS had just restored him, Peter lashed out and said “What about him?”, as if to say, “Why not scold him for betraying YOU?” JESUS sees Peter’s hurt heart and guides him again by saying “What is that to you? Follow ME.” This sounded harsh, but it grew Peter.

• JESUS wants me to have my relationship with HIM.
• JESUS wants me to look at my sins and confess them to HIM every day.
• JESUS wants me to grow my relationship with HIM by seeking HIM and not pouting at what other people are doing or getting.

Jealousy is a heart rotter. I mean when I look at what other people are getting or doing, I wonder if GOD loves me. I question the love of the One who actually loves me. BUT GOD knows this and comes after me anyway. HE erases my jealousy and still rewards me in spite of me. I thank GOD for forgiving me.

• Do you act jealous?
• Do you downplay other people’s accomplishments, talents or skills because you secretly desire to be where they are?
• Will you stop looking at other people and know GOD made you exactly as you are and loves you at HIS maximum already?

Alone

Alone

John 7: After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him. ² Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles was at hand. ³ His brothers therefore said to Him, “Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. ⁴ For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” ⁵ For even His brothers did not believe in Him.

⁶ Then Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. ⁷ The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil. ⁸ You go up to this feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come.” ⁹ When He had said these things to them, He remained in Galilee.

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Excited about my renewed faith, I went back to my “friends” to tell them about what GOD was teaching me. “This group of people should be excited about my faith in GOD” I thought as I told them about my journey away from the club scene. No one said anything bad to my face but I noticed communication from them to me was slowly dissipating. I felt alone.

• There have been many times when I felt alone because I believed in GOD.
• There have been many times I have felt alone because I wanted a certain group of people to believe in GOD but they would not.
• There have been many times when I could see the struggles people go through and I felt alone because they would not turn to GOD as the answer.

“Why don’t YOU show YOURSELF to the world if YOU are so great?” JESUS’s brothers implied in their disbelief of HIM being GOD. Even family did not believe in HIM. Was Mary, HIS mother, lying when she told everyone about the virgin birth? No! But they still could not understand just how powerful GOD is.

• GOD wants me to understand that I am not alone.
• GOD wants me to know that HE is with me always.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIS power even though many around me will believe in humans over GOD.

Belief in GOD can only be measured by GOD. No human can look at me or someone else and tell how much faith in GOD a person has. BUT GOD knows. HE gives me a measure of faith to believe that HE can and will do anything. HE heals, protects, guides and grows me. HE answers prayers to those who seek HIS face.

Wisdom will be confounded to those who do not believe in HIS power. GOD desires that I place all my faith in HIS teachings and know the battle I face is spiritual. I place my faith in GOD.

• Are you alone in your belief in JESUS?
• Have those around you given up on you because you believe strongly in JESUS?
• Will you keep your faith and pray for everyone GOD sends to you or who HE sends you to?

Set Up For Success

Set Up For Success

John 6: ⁴ Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. ⁵ Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” ⁶ But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.

⁷ Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.”

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Sitting in a high powered meeting, I felt prepared for a change. I had all of my facts and figures memorized and no question could get past me. One of the top executives spoke on my behalf. “We plan to do something different” were the words that shook me. I was not prepared for the change. All I could do was nod my head. To my surprise, it all worked out.

• There have been times when I was set up for success by someone in charge.
• There have been times when I was given credit for someone else’s idea.
• There have been times when I was put into a situation that I was not in control of and it worked out just fine.

JESUS saw thousands of hungry people coming towards HIM and HIS disciples. HE asked Phillip “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” knowing HE was about to perform a miracle. Philip replied “The money we have would only buy crumbs for everyone.” Philip did not know what GOD was going to do.

• GOD shows me big situations so I can see HIM clear them up.
• GOD opens my eyes to some difficult problems so I can see that only HE can fix them.
• GOD allows me to see very large and trying circumstances so I can place my trust in HIM.

From large to small JESUS can handle it all. There is no situation that is too large or too small for GOD. HE is concerned about all of my thoughts and is not bothered when I ask HIM for anything. HE wants me to trust HIM more and more each day. I trust GOD to handle everything.

• What are you going through?
• Do you think you have enough resources to solve all of your problems?
• Will you stop relying on what you can see and allow GOD to open your spiritual eyes to see HIS power today?

Earthly and Heavenly Lessons

John 3: ⁹ ‘How can this be?’ Nicodemus asked.

¹⁰ ‘You are Israel’s teacher,’ said Jesus, ‘and do you not understand these things? ¹¹ Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony.¹² I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? ¹³ No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven – the Son of Man. ¹⁴ Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, ¹⁵ that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.’

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“This doesn’t make sense” I reasoned. As I read the bible verses I wondered really how some of it happened. I mean I haven’t seen any oceans parting lately.

• There were times when I was skeptical of parts of the Bible.
• There were times when I rationalized GOD into a small myth.
• There were times when I thought the Bible was a grouping of old tales and belief should come from what could be seen.

JESUS says to Nicodemus “You are supposed to be a scholar and you don’t understand simple things.” Nicodemus questioned being “born again” and JESUS pointed out that this was a “heavenly” lesson.

• GOD wants me to believe what is not seen.
• GOD wants me to have faith in HIS mighty power.
• GOD wants me to receive HIS goodness on a daily basis even when it doesn’t “look” the way I think is should.

Earthly lessons are derived from the five senses of humans and proven by observation which are centered humans being the top of everything. BUT GOD says something different. HE says “I AM” giving no other explanation to who HE is. HIS infinite power cannot be proven, nor HIS infinite knowledge nor HIS infinite presence.

GOD is and that is my proof. HE chased me down and opened my eyes to spiritual matters that require belief and that is it. I made a choice to believe in JESUS and I am grateful HE chose me before I ever knew HIM. HIS heavenly lesson is wonderful.

• What parts of the Bible have you thrown away with skepticism?
• Do you know so much that GOD can no longer perform HIS mighty miracles?
• Will you stop looking at life through unfaithful earthly eyes and allow GOD to show you just how powerful HE is today?

Wilderness Training

Luke 3: Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, ² being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry.

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“Do you want to hang out with us?” was code for “Let’s go out drinking, dancing and laughing all night.” Yes was my normal answer, but this time a strange word came out of my mouth. “No” I said. One guy would not take “no” for an answer. “There will be lots of honey’s there” he said trying to change my answer. “Hmm, I don’t have anything to do.” I thought to myself.

• There was a time when the purpose of my life was focused on maximizing relaxation.
• There was a time when I pursued as much pleasure as possible.
• There was a time when I spent an enormous amount of time and money on “fun.”

JESUS was led into the wilderness by the HOLY SPIRIT. For forty days HE did not experience pleasure or comfort. HE did not eat so HIS body was weak. At HIS weakest moments the devil tempted HIM, but HE held strong. Each temptation HE denied only made HIM stronger.

• JESUS wants me to bypass temptation little by little in order to get stronger.
• JESUS wants me to purposefully focus on growing in HIM little by little.
• JESUS wants me to follow HIS example knowing I will fail, but try again and again with HIS help.

JESUS had to remain sinless in order to redeem a sinful world. HE does not require me to be sinless, because I cannot redeem mankind. HE does want me to know that the less I sin the more of HIS power can be shown.

HE somehow rewards me when I turn from temptation, but it takes practice in order to do it. HE sees when I fail, but more importantly HE sees when I succeed in passing up the temptation in order to further HIS kingdom. JESUS knows my every weakness and still has total grace for me.

• Do you feel like a failure to GOD?
• Do you feel like you are not being good enough?
• Will you stop trying so hard to be good and allow GOD to transform you little by little at HIS pace to do HIS will?

Graduations

Luke 2: ³⁹ So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. ⁴⁰ And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

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“Can I go see a movie with my friends?” I asked. “Yes” was the answer and I was delighted. We chose a popular disco movie of its time and, while cheesy, I thought was the best movie. I had graduated from elementary school and the world recognized me as being ready!

• When I graduated I felt ready.
• When I graduated I was recognized as being ready.
• When I graduated I felt a sense of relief and anxiety because I was now in the next step.

JESUS grew physically, mentally, emotionally and most important, spiritually. HE became strong in the SPIRIT each day. Though HE was the chosen One, HE was not ready as a child to take on the sins of the world. HE had to face many obstacles in order to truly mature.

• GOD wants me to look at life as continuous growth.
• GOD wants me to seek opportunities to obtain wisdom from HIM.
• GOD wants me to eventually put my relationship with HIM into practice.

Maturity is what GOD wants from me. Sometimes I still hang out with the same childish ways and I am forgiven for them. BUY GOD wants more from me. HE expects me to grow in faith, belief and grace. GOD desires that at some point I will accept HIS mercy and follow HIM implicitly. This takes practice. I am willing to follow HIM more and more each day.

• Are you still waiting for something amazing to happen and not recognizing the amazing things that have already happened to you?
• Are you growing in GOD?
• Will you seek to use the maturity HE has already given you to serve others today?

Expectations

Mark 11: ¹² Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. ¹³ And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. ¹⁴ In response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.”

And His disciples heard it.

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After the orientation I had to sign a form. Looking back I signed it without reading what was on it. “You must be able to lift stuff and do stuff” is all I remember. Weeks later someone got fired for not performing their duties. There was a meeting before we punched out for the evening restating what we were supposed to be doing.

• Sometimes I am expected to do things.
• Sometimes I am entrusted with things to do.
• Sometimes I am given responsibilities that I need to carry out.

JESUS expected fruit but did not see it. HE cursed the tree and the disciples overheard the conversation between HIM and the tree. JESUS must have had an expectation.

• JESUS expects me to grow at some point.
• JESUS expects me to follow HIM since HE made me for HIS purpose.
• JESUS expects me to not just sit there and draw attention.

This passage is about expectations. Later JESUS will explain what it means, but for now JESUS’s actions were quite shocking. It wasn’t the season for figs so why was there an expectation figs would be there? JESUS could see that the tree from far off with leaves inviting HIM over. I am no botanist but the Maker of the tree expected it to have something and HIS expectations were not met.

• Are you maturing in CHRIST?
• Do you think just attending church is bearing fruit?
• Can you ask GOD to help you bear fruit today?