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?

Committed

Committed

1 Peter 4: ¹⁷ The time has come for judgment to begin, and God's own people are the first to be judged. If it starts with us, how will it end with those who do not believe the Good News from God? ¹⁸ As the scripture says,

 

“It is difficult for good people to be saved;
    what, then, will become of godless sinners?”

 

¹⁹ So then, those who suffer because it is God's will for them, should by their good actions trust themselves completely to their Creator, who always keeps his promise.

 

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Noticing that it was brighter than usual at that time of day, I looked outside only to see deep snow. I had to get to school, so I got dressed warm enough to face the cold. I waited on the bus for a while, but noticed it was not anywhere in sight. I walked to the next stop which was one mile away. The next three busses were late and packed. I arrived to school only to find out all schools in the city had been closed.

 

• It was very hard to get to school that day.
• Every part of the trip provided another reason to give up.
• I felt like saying “You got to be kidding me!” but simply turned around and reversed the tumultuous trip.

 

Peter discussed GOD’s judgment as it relates to suffering Christians. He seemed to attempt to provide some straight talk to believers by quoting Solomon saying it is difficult for good people to be saved. He then acknowledges the difficulty and suggests that people who suffer because they follow the will of GOD, should be committed to keep going.

 

My Observations:

• When GOD makes a promise, HE never, ever stops until HE keeps it.
• I can place my total trust in GOD because HE keeps HIS promises.
• My attempts to “do good” should continue, no matter how difficult the trip may be.

 

Belief in CHRIST is easy, but living for CHRIST can be difficult. I mean, the world presents itself in ways that seem okay. It’s okay to lie a little, get drunk a little, lust a little and be selfish a little, as long as it’s done in moderation. BUT GOD’s standard is compromised by this approach.

 

The other extreme is to follow the rules so strictly that fruit is not bared. GOD knows I a a sinner saved by HIS grace. Only through belief in perfection, namely JESUS, can I be saved. By siding with JESUS, I pick a fight with Satan, who in turn, wants me to quit talking about JESUS. I am glad GOD has given me and you purpose, even though it can be difficult at times.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention how difficult being a Christian can be?
• Do you think everything should go your way all the time?
• Do you believe there is an enemy to JESUS who wants to stop you at all costs?
• Will you “trust” yourself to GOD by being committed to doing the good deed HE wants you to do today, no matter what the obstacle looks like?

But You

But You

2 Timothy 4: ³ The time will come when people will not listen to sound doctrine, but will follow their own desires and will collect for themselves more and more teachers who will tell them what they are itching to hear. ⁴ They will turn away from listening to the truth and give their attention to legends. ⁵ But you must keep control of yourself in all circumstances; endure suffering, do the work of a preacher of the Good News, and perform your whole duty as a servant of God.

 

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Waiting a few seconds in silence, one student gave the “all clear” so everyone could get up and do whatever. The teacher had given us a command to remain silent until she returned. That was laughable. I usually did not participate, but I walked around, laughed and played. When she returned, I was still away from my desk. “Stay after class” she said. Nervous at her words, I complied. “I expect this from some of the others, but you… I expect more.”

 

• Her words cut deep.
• I regretted doing like “everyone” else.
• I knew I should have listened to that voice inside that said “Don’t do this.”

 

Paul warns of an impending time that will come when people will just flat out stop listening to GOD’s word. He tells Timothy that human desires will become more prevalent and people will even become teachers, telling others to follow the wide path. “But you”, referring to believers in CHRIST, keep control.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to keep control and endure suffering, even when the crowd has a different way.
• GOD wants me to preach the Good News, even when it is not popular to preach.
• GOD wants me to perform my duty as a servant of HIM, even when it means becoming low instead of being raised up high by the world.

 

Let’s face it, speaking about JESUS is tough. I mean, the world will fall away from listening to this message and it will seem like an overwhelming task to speak about the love of JESUS, expecting results. BUT GOD wants everyone who believes in JESUS to seek and speak.

 

It does seem like people only think of self-preservation. Classes and mantras are taught, devoid the love of JESUS. Implied messages do not carry the words “JESUS died for me and was raised from the dead. My belief in HIM gives me eternal life. HE wants your heart, will you accept HIM today?” I will gladly speak on HIS behalf to small crowds if necessary.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer paint an easy picture?
• Do you feel like life should be easy?
• Will you take a deep breath and speak on HIS behalf, even when the world is not listening, because GOD needs you for “that” person today?

Hidden Teaching

Hidden Teaching

1 Timothy 1: ⁸ We know that the Law is good if it is used as it should be used. ⁹ It must be remembered, of course, that laws are made, not for good people, but for lawbreakers and criminals, for the godless and sinful, for those who are not religious or spiritual, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, ¹⁰ for the immoral, for sexual perverts, for kidnappers, for those who lie and give false testimony or who do anything else contrary to sound doctrine. ¹¹ That teaching is found in the gospel that was entrusted to me to announce, the Good News from the glorious and blessed God.

 

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Another wave of trials was hitting. People I knew were getting sick, bills mounted higher and higher and technology was failing. “What is going on!” I said to GOD. I thought maybe I wasn’t  being “good” enough, so I retraced my sinful steps so I could stop doing whatever I was doing.

 

• I thought I could manipulate GOD into giving me what I wanted by following the Law.
• I felt even worse when I could not keep the Law well.
• I wondered if GOD was out to punish me for even the slightest mistake.

 

Paul gives Timothy a warning we can all heed. He tells everyone the difference of the Law versus the Gospel of JESUS. The Law tells us what we did wrong, while the Gospel of JESUS tells us we are forgiven.

 

My Observations

• JESUS saved me from the consequence of sin.
• JESUS saved me from the sins I do not know I commit.
• JESUS saved me from eternal separation from HIS love so I can be with HIM forever.

 

It’s all about JESUS. I mean, when I think I can be “good” enough to change GOD’s mind and have HIM stop the trial, my fake righteousness smells like excrement to HIM. BUT GOD provided me with another way.

 

JESUS is the answer to all my situations. HE took care of all consequence of my sins, past, present and future. HE removed my sins as far as the east is from the west. HE delights in providing grace to me and showers me with peace and hope. I am glad the teaching of the Good News is no longer hidden, rather can be scattered to everyone HE sends me to.

 

Challenge

• What is the purpose of the Law according to the writer?
• Have you ever been in trouble and tried to be good for a short period of time?
• Will you let go of your life and allow the HOLY SPIRIT to guide you so you will stop trying to “feel” forgiven and simply know you ARE forgiven 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?

Welcome News

 Welcome News

1 Thessalonians 3 ⁶ Now Timothy has come back, and he has brought us the welcome news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always think well of us and that you want to see us just as much as we want to see you. 

 

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“I heard you turned into a church guy” a friend said to me in a seemingly insulting way. It did not come as a surprise to me seeing how I was fresh out of a life that I felt was regretful. While convicting, I took this as welcome news because he had heard about my change of heart.

 

• I was known for the parties I threw.
• I decided to live for the LORD, so I stopped doing what I was doing.
• I did not know people were still watching me.

 

Timothy came back with “welcome news” about the faith of the Thessalonians. They had been persecuted, yet they stood firm in their faith. They wanted to see Paul and Silas but could not so they sent their well wishes.

 

My Observations

• Welcome news is a rare thing GOD wants me to spread.
• Encouraging news is something in short supply that GOD gest excited when I give it away.
• Good News is the message of JESUS saving me, and GOD loves when I spread it.

 

“No bad news” is what many people want, but cannot find. I mean, the news is full of devastation, corruption and fear. People can’t get enough of it. Somehow humans are drawn to “train wrecks” or car accidents. I don’t know if it is a feeling of superiority that make humans want to point out that something went wrong over there. BUT GOD wants welcome news.

 

HE wants me to focus on HIS strength, HOS power and HIS deliverance. GOD shows me people who have kept the faith and want me to do the same, even through trials. I am excited that I can bring welcome news about those who have kept the faith, especially you.

 

Challenge:

• What welcome news did Timothy bring?
• How did you feel when someone brought you good news about how someone was doing?
• Will you start bringing “welcome news” so GOD’s Good News can be heard today?

Entrusted

Entrusted

1 Thessalonians 2: ³ Our appeal to you is not based on error or impure motives, nor do we try to trick anyone. ⁴ Instead, we always speak as God wants us to, because he has judged us worthy to be entrusted with the Good News. We do not try to please people, but to please God, who tests our motives.

 

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When the phone rang, I answered and held a great conversation with my grandmother. “Tell your parents I called and to call me back” were the words given to me. As the day went on, I went outside to play, then eat, then go to bed. I never told anyone about the call.

 

• I had forgotten to pass on the message.
• I was not prepared to remember something important.
• I did not withhold information maliciously, I simply forgot.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy start out by saying their motives were pure when it came to the message of GOD. Other speakers may have tried to lead the people astray, but Paul, Silas and Timothy held themselves to a higher standard. They knew they would be judged by GOD for misrepresentation but even more, they were excited about being “entrusted” with HIS message.

 

My Observations

• JESUS forgave me of all my sins for HIS because HE loves me and has a purpose for my life.
• GOD wiped away all my sins so I could speak on HIS behalf, even though HE does not need me to do so.
• GOD entrusted me with HIS valuable Good News and wants me to keep it pure, even if people are not pleased with the fact that HE will also judge everyone.

 

Pleasing people can get me in trouble. I mean, when My motives are to gain more power or to manipulate people to get my way, I may try to please him or her temporarily until I get what “I” want. BUT GOD sees through my motives and wants me to act differently.

 

Instead HE approaches my life in an unusual way. HE knows I am a sinner yet HE gives me the most important message that all humans need to hear, believe in and shout namely, JESUS is LORD!. I am glad GOD sees my motives and entrusts me anyway.

 

Challenge

• Why did the writers make an appeal?
• What does it mean to be judged worthy by GOD?
• Will you accept JESUS as your Savior so HE can cleanse you of all unrighteousness and entrust you with HIS Good News today?

All the News

All the News

Colossians 4: ⁷ Our dear friend Tychicus, who is a faithful worker and fellow servant in the Lord's work, will give you all the news about me. ⁸ That is why I am sending him to you, in order to cheer you up by telling you how all of us are getting along. ⁹ With him goes Onesimus, that dear and faithful friend, who belongs to your group. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

 

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Blurting out “Didn’t we have a great time at the club last night?” seemed inappropriate in church, but that’s what the guy asked me. I was trying to live a double or triple life. One segment I appeared to be one way another segment I appeared a different way.

 

• I tried living a segmented life.
• I wanted to “have pleasure” and “have CHRIST” and “have money” even though sometimes they conflict with one another.
• I was embarrassed that one segment of my life was exposed to another.

 

Tychicus and Onesimus were dear friends of Paul. He mentions both in other letters in the highest regard. They observed his life and were witnesses to his actions in CHRIST. Paul had given up his life to follow CHRIST fully. To him, it was more profitable to follow the LORD.

 

My Observations

• My life was given to me by the LORD for HIS purpose.
• Any part of my life that I may be ashamed of will be exposed painfully or easily.
• GOD uses my life to be an example one way or another.

 

“All the news” is scary to me. I mean, it seems like a huge amount of pressure to be “good” when I am not. Only GOD is good and I could never live up to any expectation that others may place on me by following HIM. Fortunately GOD does not require “good” people to mention HIM.

 

GOD uses sinners like me to say “I am forgiven by JESUS for all my sins, past, present and future!” By believing in JESUS, I have hope. I can now bring hope to the hopeless. No matter how much I have messed up, GOD is there. I am glad “All the news” includes JESUS forgiving me.

 

Challenge

• What news do you think the writer is speaking about?
• Do you feel you do not measure up to other people or are not meeting the expectations of those who have given their life to the LORD?
• Will you let go of your life and place the burden of perfection on the only one who is, namely JESUS 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?

Assigning Fragrance

Assigning Fragrance

2 Corinthians 2: ¹⁴ But thanks be to God! For in union with Christ we are always led by God as prisoners in Christ's victory procession. God uses us to make the knowledge about Christ spread everywhere like a sweet fragrance. ¹⁵ For we are like a sweet-smelling incense offered by Christ to God, which spreads among those who are being saved and those who are being lost. ¹⁶ For those who are being lost, it is a deadly stench that kills; but for those who are being saved, it is a fragrance that brings life. Who, then, is capable for such a task? ¹⁷ We are not like so many others, who handle God's message as if it were cheap merchandise; but because God has sent us, we speak with sincerity in his presence, as servants of Christ.

 

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“This stinks!” was my exclamation as I took out the garbage as a teen. On my trek to the garbage cans, the heavy bag broke, leaving a wake of rotting eggshells, festering meat and putrid vegetables. My exclamation was not a description, rather it was a cry of frustration. It was freezing cold, dark and I wanted to be in bed. Instead, now I had to shovel up filth on a task I didn’t want to do in the first place!

 

• I have said “This stinks” when I felt something was not fair.
• I have said “This stinks” when I did not like what was going on around me.
• I have said “This stinks” when I thought someone was trying to dupe me or make me do something they should be doing!

 

Paul exclaims “Thanks be to GOD!” as he describes his “prisoner” relationship with JESUS. He knew the world would not choose a lifestyle that would follow JESUS, rather it seeks to indulge in its pleasures as a prize. He gives two fragrances; one that is sweet smelling and one that stinks. Both smells are assigned to what JESUS did.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to view what HE did for me as a gift to be thankful for.
• GOD wants me to see opportunity in being in union with JESUS.
• GOD wants me to treat HIS message as precious versus a set of rules that seem to be a barrier to my “fun.”

 

Assigning a fragrance to JESUS is done daily. I mean, when I choose to blatantly sin, I am saying “YOUR rule stinks” to GOD. Fortunately, GOD overlooks my sins when I recognize I need JESUS in my life to forgive me of all my sins. What JESUS did for me is amazing!

 

This is a “sweet-smelling incense” to me because I am truly forgiven. I place my life as a “prisoner” to JESUS, looking away from a life of indulgence to that of handling GOD’s message as precious. I am grateful it is not “my” message that saves people, rather the message of JESUS being raised from the dead that should be a sweet-smell to people.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever assigned a smell to a task or action of a person?
• What smell did the writer assign to JESUS?
• Do you find yourself in a battle to “live for CHRIST?”
• Will you become a sweet-smelling fragrance to GOD by spreading the life-bringing message of JESUS to anyone who will hear you today?

Find You Own Place

 

Find You Own Place

Romans 15: ¹⁸ I will be bold and speak only about what Christ has done through me to lead the Gentiles to obey God. He has done this by means of words and deeds, ¹⁹ by the power of miracles and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. And so, in traveling all the way from Jerusalem to Illyricum, I have proclaimed fully the Good News about Christ. ²⁰ My ambition has always been to proclaim the Good News in places where Christ has not been heard of, so as not to build on a foundation laid by someone else. ²¹ As the scripture says,

“Those who were not told about him will see,
    and those who have not heard will understand.”

 

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We sublet my roommates portion of the rent to someone we were familiar with. He, in turn invited a guy to live on the couch, rent free. After a week, He was eating food and placing demands. I did not appreciate this. “He has to find his own place” I discussed.

 

Later in life, I was invited into a social group. I had a business and wanted everyone in the group to “buy my stuff.” I started making demands on the group. Someone came to me and asked politely “Why don’t you start your own group?”

 

• There have been times when I was annoyed at someone who took over “my” place.
• There have been times when I was bothered when someone hijacked “my” foundation.
• There have been times when I was the culprit, attempting to hijack someone else’s group.

 

Paul stated that he would use only his own examples to speak to the Gentiles. He had enough examples as GOD did many miracles through him. Paul proclaimed the Good News wherever he went. He stated that his ambition was to go to places where the Good News was not being preached so he would not mess up someone else’s foundation.

 

• GOD wants me to be bold about what HE has done in my life.
• GOD wants me to speak about the many great things HE has done in my life.
• GOD wants me to have “my own place” to speak about JESUS.

 

 

Having a church on every corner was not the intent from Paul’s writing, or so I believe. I mean, GOD’s message is so much bigger than a stationary building. HE wants everyone to hear about HIS SON and there are plenty of people who still need to do so.

 

How do I know? GOD is waiting “until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.”  In other words, there are still people who need to accept CHRIST before GOD does HIS next huge thing. I gladly go out and seek those HE sends me to so they may believe in JESUS as the Savior.

 

• Do you have a message GOD wants you to tell?
• Are you waiting on your church to tell the message?
• Will you be sent and go find the people GOD wants you to find that only you can reach and use your own examples today?

Bring Good News

 

Bring Good News

Romans 10: ¹⁴ But how can they call to him for help if they have not believed? And how can they believe if they have not heard the message? And how can they hear if the message is not proclaimed? ¹⁵ And how can the message be proclaimed if the messengers are not sent out? As the scripture says, “How wonderful is the coming of messengers who bring good news!” ¹⁶ But not all have accepted the Good News. Isaiah himself said, “Lord, who believed our message?” ¹⁷ So then, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message comes through preaching Christ.

 

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“What a rotten day” I said to myself. I was feeling low and down out about the dead end job which made me notice the gloomy weather, which emphasized my broken umbrella and to top it off… I was broke. My future looked grim as the dean told me the bad news of my failure in school. Can it get any worse?

 

• I have had many bad days.
• I have had many trying days where there was no good news to be found.
• I have had many rough days that seemed even rougher when I heard more bad news.

 

Paul spoke about the Great News which is CHRIST. But now he speaks of a dilemma. How can people believe in CHRIST if there are no messengers sent to proclaim HIM? Paul was trying to convince all who would hear to be the messenger.

 

• GOD wants me to bring Good News to everyone who will hear about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to proclaim HIS SON is the only way to peace.
• GOD wants me to be sent so I can tell people Good News.

 

Good news is in short supply these days. The media’s news seems to show what is wrong with the world every second. When difficult situations arise, it is hard for me to find solace anywhere. BUT GOD has a remedy. HE gave me the “Good News” which is JESUS. HE not only died for me, HE was raised from the dead with all power and authority.

 

There was mor Good News. JESUS sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me to comfort me and give me hope in hopeless situations. To top it off, JESUS went away to build a place for me. HIS imminent return unknown, however, HE brings great rewards to those HE finds following HIM with faith. I am glad JESUS is my Good News!

 

• Are you speaking life or death?
• Do your words pick people up or put people down?
• Will you seek GOD and ask HIM to wipe away your gloom so you can be used as HIS messenger to bring the Good News about JESUS to people HE sends you to today?

Spreading Good News

Spreading Good News

John 10: ⁴⁰ And He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was baptizing at first, and there He stayed. ⁴¹ Then many came to Him and said, “John performed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about this Man were true.” ⁴² And many believed in Him there.

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“Tell your department that they have an extra bonus this year” were the words I was glad to pass on. In fact I was so excited that I dreamed of unique ways to deliver the message. After the spree of wild ideas passed, I settled on a simple lunch celebration. Everyone was excited and they went home and told others.

• When I have good news I get excited.
• When I have good news I cannot wait to tell many people.
• When I have good news I think of who I can share it with and I tell them, hoping they will tell other people.

JESUS went to where John was baptizing. John’s message was unique and full of GOD, unlike the church leaders who were trying to kill JESUS. John dedicated his life to tell people they can have hope. He told many about JESUS before HE arrived. The crowd believed.

• JESUS wants me to tell people a simple message.
• JESUS wants me to let people know they can place all their hope in HIM.
• JESUS wants me to be excited about telling people that HE has forgiven me for all my sins and HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to comfort me when I have doubts, fears and worries.

What great news! I mean JESUS saw through every sin that I ever did and chose me anyway. HE told me HE loves me, when humans cannot muster up those words. HE knows my faults and doesn’t constantly blame me with bitter retorts. HE then says to me “I forgave you, now go, do the same so others will come to ME.” I am excited to spread the Good News of hope in JESUS!

• Are you excited about JESUS?
• Do you remember when you accepted HIM as your Savior?
• Will you recall the excitement about GOD so you can tell people to place their hope in JESUS today?