Learn and Be Encouraged

 

Learn and Be Encouraged

1 Corinthians 14: ²⁹ Two or three who are given God's message should speak, while the others are to judge what they say. ³⁰ But if someone sitting in the meeting receives a message from God, the one who is speaking should stop. ³¹ All of you may proclaim God's message, one by one, so that everyone will learn and be encouraged. ³² The gift of proclaiming God's message should be under the speaker's control, ³³ because God does not want us to be in disorder but in harmony and peace.

 

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My learning style requires a hands on approach. I have to do the thing I am learning, then the explanations make sense. I can watch someone, but there is nothing better than doing it. Sometimes I get nervous when I have to do something hard or unfamiliar. But wonderful people help stretch me into doing more.

 

• Speaking about the love of GOD is for everyone.
• Encouraging people helps me learn about GOD.
• Proclaiming GOD’s message is not a solo activity.

 

Paul expresses the need for order in gatherings. He urges speakers to tell the truth, otherwise the group will judge what is said. But then he says something I am not familiar with. He suggests that “everyone” proclaim GOD’s message to personally learn and be encouraged.

 

My Observation

• GOD wants me to practice proclaiming HIS message.
• GOD wants me to learn about HIM by experiencing explaining HIS love.
• GOD wants me to be encouraged so HE allows me to speak about JESUS even though I am a sinner.

 

Explaining how JESUS loves me in spite of my sins encourages me and the person or people I am speaking to. I bet I could chart when I was discouraged and I would see that I was not speaking about JESUS’ love during those times.

 

Proclaiming GOD’s message is not only about HIM. HE is so full of love that all who speak about HIM or receive HIS Word, will be encouraged and grow in love. I am glad that I am adopted into the family and now I can learn and be encouraged about the love of JESUS.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about the statement “all of you may proclaim GOD’s message?”
• Do you feel it is someone else’s job to proclaim the message of GOD?
• If you are nervous about speaking about JESUS, can you start small and speak to one person?
• Will you accept the challenge of learning about JESUS and proclaiming HIS love as a way to become encouraged the rest of your life?

Know the Audience

 

Know the Audience

Acts 23: ⁶ Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” ⁷ When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. ⁸ (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.)

 

⁹ There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. “We find nothing wrong with this man,” they said. “What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” ¹⁰ The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.

 

¹¹ The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

 

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When I saw the agenda, I prepared for only 15 minutes of material. My portion was supposed to only be ten minutes with five minutes of question and answers. I shook off the nervousness as I spoke to the large crowd about some, not so good, news. The question and answer period turned into a rage filled rant session at what I presented. I got off the stage two and a half hours later.

 

• There were times when I should have studied who I was going to present to.
• There were times when I should have prepared myself for the audience I was talking to.
• There were times when I should have been ready for any audience.

 

Paul recognized who he was speaking to. He saw Sadducees and Pharisees. One group believed in the resurrection, angels and demonic spirits. The other believed in morality through the law without resurrection. Paul spoke to the core of where the two groups disputed. This caused an uproar. Later, the LORD encouraged Paul that he would be safe.

 

• GOD wants me to learn about HIM.
• GOD wants me to seek people to tell about HIS amazing love.
• GOD wants me to be ready to speak about JESUS in different ways because each person is special to HIM.

 

Talking “at” people about JESUS is a turn-off. I mean, the way I approach people needs to be tailored to the individual. The HOLY SPIRIT is gentle and guides me with gentle words. HE takes my harsh, direct words and softens them to those who need kindness.

 

HE toughens my soft words and enables me to deliver a stronger message to those who may have caused someone harm. JESUS is my guide and the HOLY SPIRIT is my lead.

 

• Who has GOD put on your mind?
• What words is HE giving you to tell that person about JESUS?
• Will you take a moment to learn about the person so the HOLY SPIRIT can deliver the right words at the right time through you today?

Then I Remembered

Then I Remembered

Acts 11: ¹³ And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, ¹⁴ who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’ ¹⁵ And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. ¹⁶ Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ ¹⁷ If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”

¹⁸ When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”

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Trying to cross the pool seemed like a daunting task but it was required for the grade. As I jumped in, things seemed to be okay, but halfway through, I started losing momentum. Then I remembered what the instructor said about relaxing, turning my head face upwards and breathing through my mouth each stroke. I made it to the other side.

• There were some things I had to learn in order to apply it.
• There were some things that were taught to me that did not come in handy until I applied it.
• There were some lessons I discounted until I really needed them.

Peter continued explaining why he was speaking to another race about JESUS. He wrapped up the amazing recount of events with something that happened in common with those who questioned him. He said “Then I remembered the word of the LORD.”

• GOD teaches me so I can have the right words at the right time.
• GOD teaches me so I can have the right behavior at the tight time.
• GOD teaches me so I can believe, apply and teach what HE wants me to teach.

The HOLY SPIRIT brings things to my remembrance. When I read about GOD, the HOLY SPIRIT places the words in my heart. Someone else comes along to water the seed planted in my heart. The seed grows into a tiny bit of faith, or mercy or love, depending on the seed.

Eventually I am faced with a situation where I need to give someone a word of encouragement. Then I remember what GOD has planted in my heart from the lesson HE taught me. I am grateful for the HOLY SPIRIT, who leads and guides me.

• Are you trying to live life without learning who GOD really is?
• Are you busy learning everything else but not spending time learning about the ONE who cares about you?
• Will you take some time to learn about JESUS and what HE has done for you today?

Following the Example

Following the Example

John 8: ²⁸ Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. ²⁹ And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” ³⁰ As He spoke these words, many believed in Him.

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Frustrated, I stopped following the instructions. “What’s wrong?” said the expert. “I cannot understand what you are talking about and you are moving too fast” was my reply. He stopped speaking, came over to me and showed me how. After seeing how it was done, I could easily follow the example.

• It’s easier for me to see how something is done.
• It’s easier for me to see an example so I can mimic the teacher.
• It’s easier for me to see what needs to be done so I can come up with my own ideas and do them.

JESUS tells the church leaders they will kill HIM by crucifixion, then they would truly know HE is GOD. They had no idea HE would be raised from the dead. Many people believed in HIM as HIS words pierced their hearts. Could I do the same?

• JESUS gave me many examples that I can do in my power.
• JESUS showed me how to pray for “us” instead of only praying for “me.”
• JESUS taught me that all humans are worth seeking, even those I can easily hate.

I cannot “Be JESUS” to someone. I mean I cannot die for the sins of all humans, nor can I send the HOLY SPIRIT to comfort the hurt. But I can follow HIS example and care for people. HE showed massive compassion for the hungry, poor and lost. HE cried over those who had nowhere to go.

JESUS has so many examples that I can do right now that I wonder why I ask HIM the question “What do you want me to do?” He would probably say “Pick any example and do it today.” I am grateful HIS expectations of me are easy and HIS burdens are light.

• Who’s example are you following?
• Are you looking to GOD as your answer?
• Will you allow HIM to heal, comfort and grow while you simply serve?

Root of Truth

Root of Truth

John 7: ¹⁴ Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught. ¹⁵ And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?”

¹⁶ Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. ¹⁷ If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. ¹⁸ He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.

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After listening to many stories, I headed towards the door. “Do you know who that was?” someone asked me. “No” I replied. That was the owner and founder of this place. The stories he told now had more meaning as they expressed true experiences.

• I enjoy hearing stories about how someone struggled and then made it.
• I enjoy hearing stories that tell the truth with difficult details.
• I enjoy hearing stories I can use as a roadmap for what I am going through.

JESUS went to the feast anyway, knowing the church leaders were trying to kill HIM. HE taught in riveting detail and they marveled at HIS knowledge. JESUS said some pointed words that said HIS teaching comes from GOD to glorify GOD. Each word JESUS spoke could easily be checked.

• GOD wants me to learn as long as my learning points to HIM.
• GOD wants me to acquire more an more knowledge as long as my knowledge can be used to glorify HIM.
• GOD wants me to check what I say about HIM with the words HE says about HIMSELF.

Self-promotion is something GOD wants humans to avoid. While this practice is highly honored in politics and wealth chasing, GOD sees it as a prideful move away from needing HIM. Each time I speak about GOD, HE wants me to check with HIM first to see if my words will promote HIM alone. I am glad HE revealed the truth through the words of HIS SON.

• Are you seeking to be the center of attention?
• Do you want fame socially, politically or even theologically?
• Will you check your attitude towards GOD by seeking HIS teaching through HIS Word today?

Learning

Learning

John 6: ⁴³ Jesus therefore answered and said to them,  “Do not murmur among yourselves. ⁴⁴ No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. ⁴⁵ It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me. ⁴⁶ Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God; He has seen the Father.

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Bored to tears, I studied the lesson given in history class. The only way I could get through it was to memorize the dates, names and places I thought were going to be on the test. But in my computer class it was different. I was fascinated with technology and asked more and more questions.

• When I was interested I seemed to learn more.
• When I was excited I seemed to be able to pay attention more.
• When I was fascinated I seemed to be willing to understand the information no matter how complex it was.

JESUS confronts the Jews who questioned HIS origin. Though HE fed thousands, they could not understand why HE claimed to be GOD by saying “I AM the bread of life.” JESUS explains something important. “No one can come ME unless the FATHER draws that person.”

• GOD says to me “I will give people the urge to follow JESUS.”
• GOD says to me “I will put your name in the Lambs Book of Life.”
• GOD says to me “I chose you before I made the foundations of the world.”

This complicated relationship with JESUS is easy for those who believe in HIM. The FATHER cleared the path for anyone to learn about HIS SON so they could believe. Those who listen to HIS lessons of love will be drawn to learn more and more.

GOD never forces the lessons, but knows who will reject HIS love. HE teaches lessons every day. All I have to do is open my eyes and learn of HIM because HE is meek and lowly at heart. I shall find rest, for HIS burdens are light.

• What lessons are you learning?
• What are you spending your time studying?
• Will you take some time out of your busy life to study who GOD really is so HE can give your life a great purpose?

Set Up for Success

Luke 5: So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, ² and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. ³ Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.

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Struggling to keep up, I decided to study at home. Who knew that after college I would be studying more than while in college. After a while I caught up and was doing well. My boss came over to me and said “I’m sending you to class.” I was elated.

• I really enjoyed when someone took interest in me.
• I was excited when someone saw enough potential in me even when I struggled.
• I really felt wanted when someone saw something missing in me and decided to help instead of criticizing.

JESUS met the needs of the crowd which caused more people to show up. After a while HE could barely move so HE got into Simon’s (Peter’s) boat. Instead of giving away cars or money or healing everyone from a distance, JESUS taught them in a quiet manner by sitting down.

• GOD thinks enough of me to teach me.
• GOD thinks enough of me to want me to grow.
• GOD thinks enough of me to place HIS HOLY SPIRIT inside of me when I give my life to the SON.

Sometimes I think GOD is the great punisher, who is after me to beat me up over every sin I commit. BUT GOD is quite different. HE wants me to succeed and chases me every day. HE gives me lessons to see HIM at work. HE calms me down and raises me up. HE wants me to take HIS easy yoke and learn from HIM.

• Are you feeling down?
• Do you think GOD has forgotten you?
• Can you allow GOD to fill you up with HIS wonderful teaching today by seeking HIS SON?

Hard Concept

Mark 12: ³⁵ Then Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, “How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David? ³⁶ For David himself said by the Holy Spirit:

‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”’

³⁷ Therefore David himself calls Him ‘Lord’; how is He then his Son?”

And the common people heard Him gladly.

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“How was GOD always there?” is one of the many questions I thought about as I pondered HIS existence. “Don’t ask those kinds of questions” were the directions of those who were trying to keep me from asking my brazen words. But I wanted to know.

• There have been times when I wrestled with the concepts that were taught to me.
• There have been times when I wanted to find the truth instead of being led by blind guides.
• There have been times when I wanted to understand GOD but was met with superficial answers.

JESUS throws out a concept that the church leaders had not taught. “How is the messiah a decedent of David when David calls the messiah LORD?” Once again JESUS was speaking about HIMSELF and knew they were blind. HE does not want me to be blind.

• JESUS says to me “Come unto ME all ye that labor and I will give you rest.”
• JESUS says to me “Take MY yoke upon you and learn of ME for I AM meek and lowly at heart.”
• JESUS says to me “And you shall find rest unto your soul for MY yoke is easy and MY burden is light.”

Learn of ME is what JESUS wants me to do. HE doesn’t want me to sit back and let a blind person guide me to dark places. GOD wants to show me so much more, but when I do not seek HIM I cannot find HIS grace and peace.

JESUS talks about the battle being HIS in the example HE gave. The HOLY SPIRIT guided David to victory as David sat and watched. HE will do the same for me.

• Are you wrestling with hard concepts of GOD in order to know HIM or to push HIM out of your life?
• Do you want to truly know the power of the living GOD?
• Will you earnestly seek HIS direction for your life without piling on your constraints of HIM today?