Complete Joy

Complete Joy

1 John 1: We write to you about the Word of life, which has existed from the very beginning. We have heard it, and we have seen it with our eyes; yes, we have seen it, and our hands have touched it. ² When this life became visible, we saw it; so we speak of it and tell you about the eternal life which was with the Father and was made known to us. ³ What we have seen and heard we announce to you also, so that you will join with us in the fellowship that we have with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. ⁴ We write this in order that our joy may be complete.

 

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When the new amusement park opened, everyone asked the same question, “Have you been there yet?” When the family got tickets, I was elated! We went and the experience was amazing! When I got home, I couldn’t wait to tell everyone how great the experience was!

 

• I was excited, so I wanted to tell everyone.
• I was amazed, so I described my experience in great detail.
• I was enamored, so I recommended that if you had not tried it, you should consider it.

 

John, the disciple whom JESUS loved, starts off his letter with amazement! He goes into detail about something that everyone had been waiting on for centuries, namely the arrival of the Messiah. This cure for misery, problems and troubles had been manifested as a human known as JESUS. He then said that sharing this Good News would make his joy complete.

 

My Observations:

• Good News is not Good News unless it is shared with other people.
• GOD did something truly amazing by becoming a human, allowing HIMSELF to be murdered by HIS own creation and being raised from the dead to conquer all sins.
• JESUS is the Word of Life whom I can place my full trust in.

 

Everyone wants to spread some good news, but unfortunately there is a lot of bad news. I mean, when life hits, it seems like there is nothing good to say. BUT GOD loves when I open my mouth to tell others how exciting it is to be saved by the MOST HIGH!

 

GOD wants everyone to be saved and has given you and me the task of spreading the Good News. In spite of trouble, fear and doubt, GOD’s wonderful message of love can ring from my lips. I gladly tell everyone about GOD’s love for me, which is CHRIST JESUS our LORD.

 

Challenge

• How excited is the writer?
• Have you ever received some good news and could not wait to tell people about it?
• How do you feel when you have a lot of bad news?
• Will you consider how amazing GOD’s love is for you, enough to tell people about it, to encourage someone today?

Momentum

Momentum

2 Thessalonians 3: Finally, our friends, pray for us that the Lord's message may continue to spread rapidly and be received with honor, just as it was among you. ² Pray also that God will rescue us from wicked and evil people; for not everyone believes the message.

 

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After church, we were headed somewhere to eat. Distracted by the destination, I overlooked the fact that the car was running out of gas. I glanced at the gas gauge and it was below empty. I quickly got off at the next exit and headed to the closest gas station. The car shut off just as we approached the station, but the momentum carried us a few feet from of the pump.

 

• I am glad the car was already in motion.
• I am also glad my family was not stuck on the side of the road.
• I thank GOD the car had enough momentum to get us to the detoured destination.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy asked for prayer. They knew the Gospel was spreading rapidly and wanted this momentum to continue. They also asked that the barriers of evil people, who try to slow down or stop the momentum, be removed.

 

My Observations

• Tiredness and weariness can set in when I try to spread the Gospel of JESUS.
• Prayer is always welcome, asking GOD to provide resources to spread HIS wonderful message.
• Removal of evil people who make barriers to receiving HIS message of love, is also needed.

 

Spreading the Gospel is a noble and necessary thing to do, but it comes with challenges. I mean, I may work too hard under my own power or face opposition from those who never believed in JESUS in the first place. Both are barriers to spreading GOD’s message.

 

HE wants me to ask for prayer so “we” can have momentum, not just me. When we get excited enough to spread HIS message of love together, HE will provide the increase. HE will also “rescue us from wicked evil people” who oppose HIM at every turn. I gladly accept your prayers to keep the momentum going!

 

Challenge

• What is the prayer request from the writers?
• Have you lost your momentum in service to the LORD?
• Will you pray for “us” so “we” will not lose momentum, rather gain it so “we” can endure those who make barriers to spreading GOD’s message of love today?

Important Task

Important Task

Colossians 1: ²⁵ And I have been made a servant of the church by God, who gave me this task to perform for your good. It is the task of fully proclaiming his message, ²⁶ which is the secret he hid through all past ages from all human beings but has now revealed to his people.

 

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When given a project to do, I accepted it, not knowing others were available. But when I found out there were more glamorous projects that were higher visibility to those in power, I questioned my menial project.

 

• I wanted something “I” could be known for.
• I wanted those in power to desire “my” expertise.
• I wanted to eventually move “up” so I needed to work on important

 

Paul speaks of GOD’s highly important task of spreading the Gospel. This message was hidden for a long time and has been revealed to HIS people. Paul accepted this task to perform.

 

My Observations

• Spreading the Gospel is not glamorous, but is the most important thing I can do for GOD.
• Telling people that our sins have been forgiven by JESUS who loves us, may seem less important, but is the utmost importance to GOD.
• Providing eternal hope to people may seem like a waste of time, But GOD wants every one of HIS creation’s to believe in JESUS as the Savior.

 

Let’s face it, serving GOD is not glamorous. I mean, if it were, then you would have more celebrities doing it. Instead, the world tries to determine what messages are “important.” GOD sees when HIS message has been spread and rewards those who do so.

 

HE and all of heaven cheer when one person gives his or her heart to GOD. Eternity with GOD through the belief in JESUS is the most important message I could ever proclaim. I gladly accept this task.

 

Challenge

• What task is the writer speaking of?
• Have you ever felt your gift or talent was mundane or not so glamorous?
• Will you speak about JESUS and know you are extremely important to GOD today?

Remember the Details

Remember the Details

Acts 21: ¹⁷ When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. ¹⁸ The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. ¹⁹ Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

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After the vacation, I had lots to tell. I described the food, the service and entertainment in picture perfect detail. One description made me remember another fond memory and another. It was a great experience that I gladly shared with anyone who would listen.

There were times when I had plenty to say about something I enjoyed.

There were times when I remembered every detail of the experience.

There were times when I told strangers about the details so they could experience the same.

Paul was now in Jerusalem. After being met by a warm greeting, he told the details of what GOD had done on HIS travels. He must have mentioned the healing of many people and how GOD made a way for him to escape death over and over. He paved a way for other races to hear about JESUS.

GOD wants me to live my life for HIS purpose.

GOD wants me to make memories by serving many people.

GOD wants me to share my memories of how HE has worked in my life.

Sharing details of what GOD has done and is doing is highly important to HIM. I mean, HE wants people to be encouraged that they can get out of their trouble and be rewarded just by giving someone a drink of water in JESUS name. My experiences grow me up and sometimes help others do the same. I am glad the HOLY SPIRIT helps me remember the details.

What has GOD done in your life?

Do you remember an important story you need to share?

Will you write down the details or tell them to someone so they can be encouraged by what GOD is doing in your life today?

Fear of the City

Luke 10: ¹³ “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. ¹⁴ But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. ¹⁵ And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades. ¹⁶ He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.”

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“What should I say?” were the fearful words that ran through my mind. I had never spoken to a large crowd before and this crowd was over a thousand people. When I organized my outline I felt a little better, but not for long. “What if you fail?” and “What if they don’t like what you have to say?” were questions that popped in my head as the time to speak drew closer.

• There were times when I was nervous about “my” message.
• There were times when I feared not being heard when I had to speak.
• There were times when I got nervous about being rejected.

JESUS gives a different take on HIS appointment to those HE was sending out to spread HIS loving message. HE tells HIS messengers, “Do not worry about rejection. If they reject you they reject ME and the one who sent ME.”

• GOD says to me “Go out and boldly spread MY gospel.”
• GOD says to me “Remove your fear of speaking to others about ME.”
• GOD says to me “Human rejection may happen to you , but I will be with you always.”

When GOD sends me out to speak there is no such thing as getting personally rejected. HIS loving message of salvation should be on my lips coupled with the question “Who would reject this?” BUT GOD knows the message will sometimes be rejected.

To those who do reject the loving words GOD has given me, reject HIS very being. HE wants me to be HIS ambassador. I can leave my fear of speaking about HIM at home and boldly go where HE sends me.

• Are you afraid of being rejected?
• Do you think you have too many problems to be heard?
• Will you stop thinking “you” are being rejected and take GOD’s message of love to as many people as HE sends you to today?

What’s the Good News

Mark 1: ¹⁴ After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ¹⁵ “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

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Waiting and waiting, I looked for a reply. When the phone rang I could sense something great was going to happen. I could hardly keep from hollering, but I was at work. I got the job and I was moving out of the city I wanted to leave!

• Getting “Good News” feels great.
• Getting “Good News” makes me want to shout with joy.
• Getting “Good News” is something I heed when I have heard a string of bad news.

An oppressive leader had just put the one ray of hope into prison and the people knew this usually meant death for the person. John was now in jail and those who were baptized by him were probably very nervous. JESUS came out and said “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

• JESUS wants me to repent of my sins and follow HIM.
• JESUS wants me to recognize the HE IS the Good News.
• JESUS wants me to seek HIM in the middle of all the difficulties of life.

When the oppressor was really putting pressure on people JESUS knew exactly what to say. HE spread a message of true hope and that hope was in HIM. HE wants me to do the same. Many people need hope right now, not just me. HE wants me to give hope to a hopeless world. HE wants me to give the world the Good News of JESUS CHRIST.

• Do you feel down?
• Do you feel low?
• Can you accept the Great News that JESUS cares about you, your current situation and your relationship with HIM?

How to Spread

Mark 1: The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, ² as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

“I will send my messenger ahead of you,
    who will prepare your way”—
³ “a voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
    make straight paths for him.’”

⁴ And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. ⁵ The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. ⁶ John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. ⁷ And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. ⁸ I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

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One of the hardest things for me to do was to talk about JESUS to someone. What if they didn’t want to hear it? What if I am laughed at? What if they reject what I am saying?

• There were times when I did not want to talk about CHRIST.
• There were times when I feared speaking about JESUS.
• There were times when I thought more about my reputation than GOD’s reputation.

John was truly the second greatest human to ever live. He dedicated his entire life to telling people about CHRIST. He had the right attitude and the right message.

• JESUS wants me to understand I have a purpose, namely to speak about HIM.
• JESUS wants me to know I am not the center of attention rather HE is the primary subject.
• JESUS wants me to believe in HIS return so I can point people to HIM rather than fixing their ills.

Preparing the way is still desired by CHRIST, HE wants me to tell people there is still hope in a hopeless world. JESUS is that hope, not mankind. HIS message is simple, just believe.

• Are you trying to get people to pay attention to you?
• Do you want to be the center of attention?
• Will you point people to JESUS today instead of yourself?

Not Rejected

Matthew 10: ¹¹ Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. ¹² As you enter the home, give it your greeting. ¹³ If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. ¹⁴ If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. ¹⁵ Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.

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“Come on, let’s go out and witness to people” were words I did not want to hear. I mean why go out and “force” people to believe what I believe, was my thought. Besides, “who am I that they might listen to me?”

• Sometimes I doubt my calling by GOD.
• Sometimes I hide my gifts and talents amongst the safe church people.
• Sometimes “I” do not want to be rejected so “I” hide the most important message.

Rejection feels awful especially when I have high expectations. When I approach someone with the message of CHRIST, I expect them to drop to their knees in tears screaming “I BELIEVE” instead I have been met with weird looks and was once cursed out. This “Spreading the Gospel” thing is harder than it looks.

• GOD wants me to build a community around those who need me.
• GOD wants me to reach out to my neighbor and seek to give them peace, if not for a moment.
• GOD wants me to give the words of peace as a representative of HIM, not me.

Each and every person placed in front of me is worthy of GOD’s redeeming message. I should not be afraid of giving a person “GOD’s peace” no matter how ornery they may be acting. I have to place it in my mind that if the person rejects the message, they are rejecting GOD, not me.

GOD sends me to many. I have to take the challenge out to the masses with love and peace. It will be up to them to accept or reject GOD.

• Are you trying to reach people?
• Do you feel “you” will be rejected so you do not try?
• Can you stop trying to look good before humans and change your mind and heart towards spreading GOD’s message of redemption?

Search While I Can

Amos 7: ¹¹ “The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign Lord,
    “when I will send a famine through the land—
not a famine of food or a thirst for water,
    but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord.
¹² People will stagger from sea to sea
    and wander from north to east,
searching for the word of the Lord,
    but they will not find it.

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Nervous about “street witnessing” I went out into the neighborhood. “What will I say?”, “Who will listen?” were a couple of questions that came to mind. We came to the door of a man who showed me he was wearing a probation ankle bracelet. He did this in response to my question “Would you like to come to our church?”

Suddenly I was thrust into having to share the message of CHRIST’s salvation to a stranger. We talked for a while and he said “I believe that CHRIST died for my sins. I have a lot of ‘em.” A couple of weeks later I went to check back on him. His neighbors told me he had been shot and killed.

• Sometimes I think I have all the time in the world.
• Sometimes I think I can simply point people to church instead of opening my mouth.
• Sometimes I think GOD is taking HIS time so I do not have to act with a sense of urgency.

When I pass neighbors and strangers on my way to church, I fail to wonder if someone on my route needs to hear a special message about GOD. In fact I have worked in crowded places and talked to hundreds of people in a single day without talking about GOD. What should I be doing?

• GOD wants me to take some time out to speak about HIM.
• GOD wants me to tell people about HIS SON’s voluntary sacrifice that saved me eternally.
• GOD wants me to act with a sense of urgency on a daily basis because I may never see “that” person who I am arguing with again.

There will come a day where the earth will long for the messages of GOD. It is up to me to take the message to those who need to hear it. GOD says to me “The harvest is plenty but the laborers are few.” My mind needs to be focused on GOD as much as possible because the days are short.

• Are you nervous about speaking about GOD?
• Do you find yourself asking GOD for money, yet have not spoken about HIS SON’s gift to you?
• Will you act with a sense of urgency and speak to people about CHRIST 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?

Using the Gift

Isaiah 50: ⁴ The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue,
    to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens me morning by morning,
    wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.

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⁷ Because the Sovereign Lord helps me,
    I will not be disgraced.
Therefore have I set my face like flint,
    and I know I will not be put to shame.

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Led out to the garage, I saw the huge box. It was a wonderful gift that thrilled my heart. I have not had a chance to use it because I have not assembled it. The gift is hidden from the world, for now.

• When a gift is given to me the giver expects me to use it.
• When a gift is given to me the giver expects me to delight in it.
• When a gift is given to me the giver expects me to thank them for it and perhaps share it with others.

Gifts are given to me with excitement that I will grow closer to the giver. GOD has also given me gifts. HE has provided me with talents that HE expects me to use. HE was excited when HE gave me the gift and wants me to open up the package and use the gift.

• GOD has given me a well-instructed tongue to know the word that sustains the weary.
• GOD has given me a home to share with my neighbors who need to hear that word.
• GOD has given me another day to listen to HIM and to use my gifts for HIS glory.

Each gift I use for HIS purpose brings delight to HIS heart. HE helps me and I will not be disgraced. HE tells me to “go” forth and I proceed without shame. GOD gets the glory when I use the gifts HE has given me.

• Are you hiding the gifts GOD has given you?
• Do you have more talents that you do not know about that are hidden because you are not using your current gifts for GOD?
• What are you afraid of?
• Can you go out and use your gifts for GOD today and not worry about shame or disgrace?

Death or Life

Isaiah 38: ⁴ Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: ⁵ “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life. ⁶ And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city.

⁷ “‘This is the Lord’s sign to you that the Lord will do what he has promised: ⁸ I will make the shadow cast by the sun go back the ten steps it has gone down on the stairway of Ahaz.’” So the sunlight went back the ten steps it had gone down.

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“What would you do if you only had two weeks to live?” were the words of the speaker at a conference I attended. Would you have “that” argument? Would you work as hard as you are working? Would you worry about what you are worrying about? All of these poignant questions got to me.

• Sometimes I get caught up in the speed of life.
• Sometimes I think I will live on this earth forever.
• Sometimes I think I have plenty of time so I can do “it” later.

After that conference I had to ponder, am I living my life with purpose? I mean work certainly got the bulk of my time. Was I providing poison or fruit to people? Hezekiah was going to die, BUT GOD told him he had fifteen more years to live. What would I do in this situation?

• GOD wants me to live an abundant life.
• GOD wants me to focus on HIM as much as I can during the time I am living.
• GOD wants me to speak of life not death.

Why waste time speaking about negative things? There is only so much time in a given day and I have a choice. I can speak of death or I can speak of life. Death could equal bragging about money and clothes that rot, rust or moths eat. Life equals speaking about how GOD chose me in the middle of my sins, died because of my sins and has forgiven me of all my sins.

I can speak about “that” person in a poisonous way or I can pray they receive life and that GOD forgives me for thinking they need prayer.

• What would you do if you only had two weeks to live?
• Would you have “that” argument?
• Would your words be poison or fruit?
• Why not change your life and live as if you only had two weeks to live?
• Can you speak more about GOD and less about your problems?

Being Part of a Promise

1 Chronicle 27: ²³ David did not take the number of the men twenty years old or less, because the Lord had promised to make Israel as numerous as the stars in the sky.

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Stupidity made me diligent. I have told the story of slipping off from work to make chicken at my apartment which disappointed my supervisor greatly. I think this one act straightened me out because a person who believed in me lost his belief. This diligence spilled into many areas of my life.

One area I am glad diligence was added  was talking to people about GOD. The only story that rings in my mind was the time where a group of us walked around the city streets talking about GOD and HIS blessings. One person, who was under house arrest, stood by his front door and allowed us to speak with him about GOD. He accepted CHRIST and was extremely glad.

Two weeks later he was killed.

• There is nothing more important for me than spreading GOD’s message about HIS kingdom.
• Any worry or doubt I have can be covered by following GOD’s plan of talking about HIS kingdom.
• Spreading GOD’s kingdom enables me to keep the main thing, the main thing.

GOD sees my daily needs and sometimes my needs can get in the way of GOD’s kingdom. I get worried or frustrated or mad or frightened and forget I am made for GOD. HE wants me to have a good life but HE also wants me to focus my life on HIM.

GOD is a jealous GOD, not a needy one. HE wants to be first in my life but doesn’t need my phony attempts to be righteous. GOD said HE will return. HE was raised from the dead and is now building a kingdom for those who believe they need HIM.

I can participate in the promise of HIS return if I choose. I can spend my time worrying and fretting or I can grab hold of trust and get as many people prepared for HIS return as possible.

• Are you part of the problem or the promise?
• Are you so worried about you that you are not bearing fruit?
• Can you stop worrying about you and focus on telling people about GOD’s kingdom?
• Won’t you join GOD in helping HIM make HIS promise come true?

A Life of Impact

2 Kings 20: ⁴ Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him: ⁵ “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the Lord. 

⁶ I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.’”

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“What are you guys going to do today?” one of my fathers asked. My buddy and I said “I don’t know, probably go out and have some fun.” “Is that it?” he questioned. Then he said some “blah, blah” stuff.  Why is he asking me about my future? Doesn’t he know there is a new club that just opened and we wanted to check it out?

• Sometimes I act like I will live forever.
• Sometimes I don’t look into the future.
• Sometimes I waste precious moments doing nothing of value.

I have known people who have faced their mortality and when they recover they live life very differently.  Each day seemed to be a blessing and the worries they used to have seemed to disappear. As I observed these people they did have some common.

• They told me “Care about people.”
• They told me “Trust in the LORD.”
• They told me “Count your blessings.”

Life is too short to be worrying and complaining all the time. Being preoccupied on the trials takes away time I could have spent with GOD, doing what HE wants me to do. Someone else said this to me… “What if you KNEW you were going to die next week, how would you spend your time living your life?” Then live that life now.

This statement reached me. Now I see life as a marvelous adventure GOD has placed in front of me. Every day is a blessing that HE made and the more I realize HE made it, the less I complain or worry.

• Are you complaining about something?
• Are you overcome with worry, fear and doubt?
• What if you knew you were going to die soon, how should you live your life?
• Are you seeking GOD’s kingdom and preparing people for CHRIST’s return?

Fallen words

1 Samuel 3: ¹⁹ The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground.

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Foul language had never crossed my lips until I decided I wanted to be funny like one of my friend’s. He seemed to get attention and he was quite colorful in his language.  I slipped one in and got some chuckles. Soon my words were as a filthy as a rhino in a swamp.

Hilarious was my label, but when I wanted to be taken seriously, my words fell to the ground unheard.

• When I want attention I may use the wrong words.
• When I want to fit in I may say what the crowd is saying.
• When I want something I shouldn’t have I may say what is necessary for me to get that thing.

I learned terms like “Business is not personal” so my cold words could affect a life without me being worried about it.  I even went so far to pick up phrases that excluded people from being saved like “GOD doesn’t like that person” or “GOD isn’t with that leader.”

• GOD wants my words to be encouraging so I can bring people to HIM.
• GOD wants my words to match my actions so I can bring people to HIM.
• GOD wants my words to come from HIS words so I can bring people to HIM.

I sometimes forget that I was put on this planet with GOD’s purpose rather than mine.  When I speak poorly about a group of people in leadership or in a different neighborhood than me, then my words fall to the ground. GOD wants my words to be elevated off the ground. When I speak of HIS might, then HE can use these words to bring many to HIM.

• Are you wasting your words?
• What are you talking about?
• Can you take a moment and use some words to be more encouraging?
• Won’t you say a praise about GOD today?

Follow the instructions!

Leviticus 8: ³⁴ The Lord commanded what has been done here today. It was done to pay for your sin. ³⁵ Stay at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting for seven days. Stay here day and night. Do what the Lord requires. Then you won’t die. That’s the command the Lord gave me.”

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As I completed assembling the cabinet I noticed a few parts left over. I had failed to read the instructions and had to reassemble the cabinet. GOD wants me to read HIS instructions daily to understand how to cope with life. HE wants me to “do what is commanded” to show gratitude for JESUS taking the punishment for my sins!

Sneaky and apathy don’t mix

Genesis 25: ²⁹ Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. ³⁰ He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.)

³¹ Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.”

³² “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?”

³³ But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.

³⁴ Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left.

So Esau despised his birthright.

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We walked around the store mindlessly browsing and I ran into one of the neighborhood thugs. He was changing clothes in the middle of the store. He looked at me and placed a finger over his lips with a shushing motion. He stuffed his old clothes behind the rack and walked out of the store. I thought to myself, this store deserves to be robbed.  I mean, just last week the manager yelled at us for something we didn’t do.

• When I become apathetic I don’t care about right or wrong.
• When I lose my caring I overlook being involved with people.
• When I overlook people I tend to focus on my problems.

Wait a minute, Esau sold his entire inheritance for a meal from a sneaky brother so what does that have to do with me? Well, instead of helping the guy or talking to him I just let him do what he was going to do.  Also, my apathy towards the store manager was based on not enough information to understand or respect his position. Sometimes just standing there is a problem.

• GOD wants me to treat people with enough respect to try to bring them to CHRIST.
• GOD wants me to understand where people are so I can explain the great gift CHRIST gave me.
• GOD wants me to forget self-preservation for a moment so I can be used as a messenger for HIM.

Whether I’m the sneaky one or the apathetic one or the bystander, I have a role in pointing people to GOD.

• Where are you?
• Are you standing on the sidelines letting things fall apart or are you helping?
• Won’t you allow GOD to speak through you even though it may be uncomfortable?

Watered down messages

Romans 15: ²⁰It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.

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There are some great authors out there who write about their experiences with GOD, some I agree with and some I don’t. I have tried the techniques they prescribe to spread the gospel and failed miserably. What I found is I took their message without full understanding and watered it down.

• When I view someone else as being responsible for spreading the gospel, I don’t prepare.
• When I think someone else is better at spreading the gospel than I am, I don’t seek to spread the gospel.
• When I feel there are some religious practices that I don’t know or understand, I feel inadequate to spread the gospel.

Sometimes I hear preachers tell their congregations, “Just bring people here and I’ll do the rest.” While that takes the ownership from me I think GOD wants something different.

• GOD wants me to seek people who are open to hear about HIS SON.
• GOD wants me to be ready, willing and able to tell people about JESUS at the drop of a hat.
• GOD wants me to believe it’s my responsibility to tell as many people about JESUS as possible.

Paul was tired of fighting “religion” and simply wanted people to believe in JESUS.  What I mean is he wanted people to believe JESUS is GOD along with the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT. JESUS volunteered to die for every human’s sin and has been raised from the dead. The great news about this act of love is now I can be with HIM forever. My sins are forgiven.

It is my responsibility to fill the world with GOD’s message, not my pastor or radio personality or television personality. GOD has equipped me with just the right words to reach the people HE delivers to me.

• Are you anxious to tell people about CHRIST?
• Do you have ambitions of spreading GOD’s message to those who are lost and confused?
• Won’t you open yourself up to opening your mouth and telling people about HIM today?

Sold out for GOD

Acts 21: ¹⁰ After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. ¹¹ Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’”

 ¹² When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. ¹³ Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” ¹⁴ When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”

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Cartoons depicting an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other are a good example of how I have lived my life in the past. It seems like a temptation would pop up in front of me and I would have a choice.  Go with what seems to be fun or remain pure to GOD which usually seemed boring.

Well after being burned, hurt and left empty GOD’s way seems to be a better way.

• Some of my sins seem so harmless so why should I change?
• Some of my sins are too much of a habit so why should I change?
• Some of my sins are because of someone else or something out of my control so why should I change?

Excuses for me not changing my mind will be taken up with no one else BUT GOD! HE wants me to be sold out for serving HIM and desires me to live a victorious life.  HE does understand my flaws and knows I will fail time after time BUT HE desires that I change my ways little by little until I can do HIS will without fighting HIM to do my will. 

• Being sold out for GOD means nothing is more important than helping someone else understand the freedom HE has given me.
• Being sold out for GOD means nothing is more important than telling others GOD forgave me and HE will forgive you.
• Being sold out for GOD means nothing is more important than believing in HIS SON and following HIS will.

No person, no job, no trinket, no safe feeling, no self-preservation and especially no sin should be placed in front of doing GOD’s will. Now, I have to tell you that all of these items I have just listed are a struggle; BUT GOD has patience with me and helps me get it right. HE loves the way I am “becoming” sold out for HIM!

• Are you completely sold out for God or are you reserving most of you for you?
• What is holding you back from doing more for HIM?
• When will you give up a little of your lifestyle and start living for GOD more?

My fight should not be with GOD!

Luke 19:  ²⁶ “He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away.

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Many times I have prayed for something very specific.  “LORD please let me pass this test” or “LORD please make this cop change his mind about giving me this ticket.” Sometimes these requests were answered with a “yes” and other times “no.”  GOD seemed random and harsh.

I mean I followed a couple of HIS “rules” yesterday, I went to church this month at least once and I tithed in offering this time, yet I’m in this mess. GOD’s way seems too hard, maybe I should find another way.

• When I believed JESUS is GOD who died specifically to save me I joined a group of people who would be persecuted.
• When I believed JESUS is GOD who died specifically to save me I stopped fighting with HIM and began serving HIS humans.
• When I believed JESUS is GOD who died specifically to save me earthly rewards don’t excite me as much rather I seek heavenly rewards.

My plans will not get me very far without GOD and my complaints about HIM are quite arrogant. “Why do YOU do things ‘this’ way or ‘that’ way” are words that should never cross my lips. I need GOD in every plan and in every battle. My fight is not with HIM because HE saved me and wants the best for me.

• GOD wants my faith.
• GOD wants my time.
• GOD wants my service.
• GOD wants my belief.
• GOD wants my love.

HE specifically gave me talents to use for the furthering of HIS kingdom. My fight should be against the things that prevent me from using those talents for HIS purpose. Instead of fighting GOD my battle is with me.

• Has GOD given you talent or gifts or abilities that you are wasting serving yourself?
• Have you asked GOD “what do YOU want me to do?”
• Are you chasing after someone else’s love and not pursuing GOD’s love?
• Yes times are difficult and GOD still wants you to serve, now what?