No Additives Needed

No Additives Needed

2 John 1: ⁹ Anyone who does not stay with the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God. Whoever does stay with the teaching has both the Father and the Son. ¹⁰ So then, if some come to you who do not bring this teaching, do not welcome them in your homes; do not even say, “Peace be with you.” ¹¹ For anyone who wishes them peace becomes their partner in the evil things they do.

 

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Seeing the ink stain on the shirt I asked what I should do. “Soak it in soapy water” was the suggestion. I followed the instructions and noticed the ink was dissipating, but not fast enough. I added some bleach to the mixture to speed things up. The shirt was ruined.

 

• I thought that by adding something, it would work better.
• I added something to what was already working.
• My impatience made me not be able to wait for the solution to work.

 

John gives a stern warning about people who add more to the teaching of CHRIST. He may have heard about people who wanted to sound special, but were making things up about GOD in order to make themselves look “deep.” He makes it plain that the teaching of CHRIST should stand alone without embellishments.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s Word is simple, but humans want to make it complicated.
• JESUS became a human to die for the sins of all humans and was raised from the dead and HE does not need us to embellish on these actions.
• GOD made me special, so I do not have to twist HIS words to be seen as special.

 

Trying to make the Bible say something that makes “me” special or to manipulate people to get “my” way is dangerous. I mean, when the Bible clearly says one thing, but I add something I am thinking of so people will notice “me” more, I am the one who will be in trouble. BUT GOD has a solution.

 

HE gives me ways to check if what I am saying about HIM is true. HE provided many writers to reveal HIS SON and the great thing HE did for you and me. If my words point more toward “my” actions versus HIS, then they are leaning towards being false. JESUS paid it all. All to HIM I owe. Sin has left a crimson stain. HE washed it white as snow. I am glad JESUS is the Way, the Truth and the Life!

 

Challenge:

• Why does the writer give this warning?
• Have you ever thought GOD’s message needed “your” help?
• Will you accept HIS simple message of “believing in JESUS as your Savior” and “loving one another” today?

 

Agreement

Agreement

1 Timothy 5: You must teach and preach these things. ³ Whoever teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the true words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching of our religion ⁴ is swollen with pride and knows nothing. He has an unhealthy desire to argue and quarrel about words, and this brings on jealousy, disputes, insults, evil suspicions, ⁵ and constant arguments from people whose minds do not function and who no longer have the truth. 

 

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Hearing what the other department was saying, I immediately came up with my rebuttal. After my argument was presented to management, the other department leader came back with a counter argument. This went on for a while. Finally, management told us to get ourselves together because we were getting nowhere!

 

• I was ready to argue.
• I was ready to fight.
• I got myself prepared with one side of the argument.

 

Paul warns Timothy to stick to the doctrine of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. He also warns that there will be those who believe in and teach a different philosophy to address life’s problems.

 

My Observations

• Instead of arguing, GOD wants me to simply believe in JESUS.
• Instead of getting tripped up by life’s issues, GOD wants me to focus on JESUS as the answer.
• Instead of wondering if a human philosophy is working or correct, GOD wants me to teach about JESUS.

 

JESUS is the way the truth and the life. HE says this. This means to me, that I need HIM to have a relationship with GOD the FATHER. The things I learn must align to this belief, otherwise I could be tempted to follow something that seems right, but may be tearing me away from GOD.

 

I may even gather more facts that back up my stance, but if these facts leave GOD out of the equation, they are not facts at all. I gladly give up on things that do not agree with the fact that JESUS loved me enough to die for me and is now alive provide me with eternal life.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about those who do not believe in the doctrine of JESUS?
• Do you feel you need to argue and fight over something?
• Will you soften your heart and allow GOD to come into your life so HE will teach you the truth and help you teach others about the love of JESUS today?

Share With Your Teacher

Share With Your Teacher

Galatians 6: ⁶ If you are being taught the Christian message, you should share all the good things you have with your teacher.

 

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“Thank you for telling me!” was the response I was not anticipating. I simply said “I understand this lesson and gave an example in my own words.” That day, it seemed like the teacher taught with a little more passion.

 

• I didn’t know teachers liked to hear when people “got it.”
• I thought it was the teacher’s job to teach me without getting feedback from me.
• I did not think it mattered to the teacher if I understood the message or not.

 

Paul, being a teacher, makes it known that it is alright to share “good things” with the teacher. He had just said “carry your own load” trying to keep people from comparing themselves to others and being destructively prideful. But he gives everyone a way to be excited about their service to the LORD. Tell the teacher.

 

My Observations

• JESUS sent the HOLY SPIRIT to teach me all things.
• I can feed the HOLY SPIRIT by being thankful for the lessons.
• I can also let GOD’s human teachers know when I understood the inspired message HE spoke through him or her.

 

Saying “I got it” helps the teacher. I mean, when I am lost and a teacher guides me to understanding, it helps the teacher to know what was effective. Sometimes the teacher needs to be picked up, especially those who are not fishing for compliments or seeking to be puffed up.

 

GOD called teachers to spread HIS wonderful message. HE holds teachers to a higher standard so they have to be more careful about their words. This can be discouraging, especially when the message is received twisted, confused or flat out rejected. I am grateful for the many teachers who boldly taught me “the Christian message.”

 

Challenge

• What good things can you share with those who are teaching you?
• Do the words imply you should be taught continuously?
• Will you share what GOD is doing in your life so you can uplift a teacher today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please bless the reader with “good things” today. Fill all with YOUR passion. amen

Value Proposition

Value Proposition

1 Corinthians 9: ⁸ I don't have to limit myself to these everyday examples, because the Law says the same thing. ⁹ We read in the Law of Moses, “Do not muzzle an ox when you are using it to thresh grain.” Now, is God concerned about oxen? ¹⁰ Didn't he really mean us when he said that? Of course that was written for us. Anyone who plows and anyone who reaps should do their work in the hope of getting a share of the crop. ¹¹ We have sown spiritual seed among you. Is it too much if we reap material benefits from you? ¹² If others have the right to expect this from you, don't we have an even greater right?

 

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Armed with a set of clubs purchased from Goodwill, I set out to learn how to play golf. Though I dreaded this path, I finally conceded. “You are going to use those?” questioned a colleague. He then urged me to purchase a name brand set of clubs and see his pro for lessons. “This is worth it because I will be playing golf with the higher ups” I said to myself.

 

• Many times I weighed the “value” of doing things.
• Many times I played out the “value” of my time to see if what I was doing was “worth it.”
• Many times I placed “value” on things that would make me more money.

 

Paul mentions something many people do not like to hear. Basically he raises the question, “Should those who preach about the Gospel of JESUS be paid?” He just finished answering some difficult questions about true service to the LORD and is now he is trying to mature everyone on placing value in supporting people who give their lives to GOD.

 

• GOD wants me to place the highest value on HIS word.
• GOD wants me to learn and teach HIS word.
• GOD wants me to value those who learn and teach HIS word.

 

Sharing my “material benefits” with those who preach and teach GOD’s word, needs to be at the forefront of my thinking. I mean, the same value I put into learning an industry that will make me money, needs to be placed on those who give their lives to humbly live for GOD’s service.

 

GOD places value on HIS word being “sown”, why shouldn’t I? The world values GOD less and less. BUT GOD sees when I place value in HIM, HIS SON and the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT. I am grateful GOD values me, so I value HIM and those HE sent.

 

• Where do you place your value?
• How much time do you spend talking about what is valuable to you?
• Will you shift your value to hearing GOD and supporting those who teach and preach HIS word today?

Confidence Builder

Confidence Builder

Acts 5: ²² But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, ²³ saying, “Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” ²⁴ Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be. ²⁵ So one came and told them, saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!”

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“Here is your gold star” the teacher said. “You have reached the next reading level, so you can now go to the highest level” she added. I wasn’t nervous about it at all. Well, not anymore. When I first started the reading program, it seemed like the highest level was a mountain away. But after practicing a lot, it did not seem as hard.

• At one point I did not have confidence in many things.
• At one point I saw obstacles as impossible things to get over.
• At one point I thought it would take forever to get to a higher level.

When the officers came to retrieve the disciples from prison, they found a locked cell with guards, but no one inside. The apostles were freed by an angel and were speaking boldly about GOD. More than likely they mentioned the angel freeing them from prison in detail. They had confidence in what they were saying and were at a whole new level.

• GOD wants me to notice HIS power every day.
• GOD wants me to increase my trust in HIM when I see what HE is doing.
• GOD wants me to be confident in HIS promises so my faith will grow into perseverance.

Confidence in GOD builds each time HE delivers me from trials and tribulation. HE is never alarmed by anything I go through and tells me “Do not be afraid”, not as a scold, but in a calming way. HE tells me over and over, “I got this.”

When I release the situation over to HIM and see how HE resolves things, I get more and more confident in HIM. I want to tell everyone about HIS saving grace and incredible power. GOD is amazing and I am excited about what HE has done in my life.

• Are you praying for something and it does not seem like GOD is listening?
• Are you losing your confidence in GOD and are looking for other ways to solve the problem?
• Will you place your trust in GOD by looking back at all the times HE has brought you through situations?

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?

In Control

Luke 3: Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, ² while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. ³ And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, ⁴ as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying:

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.
⁵ Every valley shall be filled
And every mountain and hill brought low;
The crooked places shall be made straight
And the rough ways smooth;
⁶ And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ ”

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A friend of mine became a crossing guard. Ten minutes before the end of day school bell, he would get up and leave class. When I saw him get up, I started getting my stuff together and got up as well.

The teacher asked, “Where are you going?” “To help him” I replied. “Sit down” she replied. When the bell rang I raced to the corner to “help.” I stood there directing students and traffic.

• There were times when I wanted to feel important.
• There were times when I wanted to lead people.
• There were times when I wanted to be in control of something.

John spoke about JESUS in a mighty way. His compelling words resonate today as he spoke of trading in sin for belief in CHRIST. John taught people of the One who would truly be in control.

• JESUS wants me to speak about HIS power over the physical earth.
• JESUS wants me to speak about HIS return will changing the physical properties of the earth as well as the moral attitude of the world.
• JESUS wants me to prepare the way for HIS imminent return.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah” is what people say when people speak about JESUS’ return. They place people in the crazy category who speak of what seems to be a Hollywood tale of a higher being returning. BUT GOD wants me to speak about JESUS anyway, despite the labels.

HE is and will always be in control of the heavens and the earth. HE has the power over life and death and one day will show HIS face to all. I, like John must prepare as many people as GOD allows, to help people praise HIM the way HE should be praised.

• Are you ashamed of your calling?
• Do you fit in and look like everyone around you?
• Is GOD calling you to speak of HIS return, bringing life and peace to those who believe in HIM?  

Ownership

Matthew 13: ⁴⁷ “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. ⁴⁸ When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. ⁴⁹ This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous ⁵⁰ and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

⁵¹ “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.

“Yes,” they replied.

⁵² He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”

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“Step on it” my passenger said to me on a dirty, gravely, tar filled, construction zone road.. I replied, “I don’t want to kick up too many rocks.” I was surprised by the reply. “It’s a rental, who cares what happens to it!” Hmmm, I thought. I spun the tires!

• When it’s not mine, I don’t care what happens to it.
• When it’s not mine, I treat it like it is someone else’s problem.
• When it’s not mine, I could care less about the condition I leave it in after I use it.

From cars to apartments to houses, if I don’t own it, I do not care what happens to it. I may even have a title or a deed, but not “own” the thing in the way I treat it. Same with people, if I do not take responsibility for those around me, then I could care less for what happens to them.

• GOD says to me “Help MY people get into the net.”
• GOD says to me “Help MY people understand MY kingdom.”
• GOD says to me “Help MY confused sheep follow MY voice.”

Ownership in this parable points to the kingdom. The teacher is responsible for speaking about CHRIST as the new covenant, but upholds the laws of the Old Testament. Owning GOD’s word means I see things as “us” versus “them.” “We have sinned” not just me.

GOD wants me to take ownership of HIS people so I can tend to them with care.

• Are you looking at GOD selfishly?
• Do you refuse to pray for “that” person?”
• Can you include more people in your care and provide for them “new treasures” as well as old?