First of Many

First of Many

Revelation 14: Then I looked, and there was the Lamb standing on Mount Zion; with him were 144,000 people who have his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. ² And I heard a voice from heaven that sounded like a roaring waterfall, like a loud peal of thunder. It sounded like the music made by musicians playing their harps. ³ The 144,000 people stood before the throne, the four living creatures, and the elders; they were singing a new song, which only they could learn. Of the whole human race they are the only ones who have been redeemed. ⁴ They are the men who have kept themselves pure by not having sexual relations with women; they are virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been redeemed from the rest of the human race and are the first ones to be offered to God and to the Lamb. ⁵ They have never been known to tell lies; they are faultless.

 

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Standing on the playground, I waited to be picked. I expected to be picked last because the jocks would win and I was not very coordinated. To my surprise, I was picked early. I had the best game of my kickball career! I not only kicked the ball and got on base, but I caught one during the game!

 

• I was one of the first chosen.
• There was nothing special about me, but I was chosen.
• Out of the whole playground, I was chosen early, but many followed.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw JESUS somewhere else, standing on Mount Zion. He also saw those who had received a special seal when the sixth seal was opened. They were not the only ones saved, rather the first in a point in time, who kept themselves pure and followed CHRIST without following the world.

 

My Observations:

• The special woman gave birth to a special child through a chosen people.
• The chosen people are called the bride of JESUS.
• Being the first of many required 12,000 from each tribe, chosen by GOD.

 

Numbers and gender can trip people up after reading this passage. I mean, only 144,000 men being redeemed, can seem like everyone else in the world is useless. BUT GOD is revealing something different.

 

HE is the one who gave the words to a writer “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Our cursed mind and eyes can question GOD’s sequence of events, missing out on the purity and not lying. I am glad JESUS redeemed all who believe in HIM.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer try to show how the group was “with” JESUS?
• Does any part of this passage trip you up?
• Will you look at GOD’s salvation of all humans differently and seek a great relationship with HIM today by believing in JESUS as the Savior?

Inward Truth

Inward Truth

1 John 1: ⁸ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

 

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On the way to the picnic, a motorcycle tried to pass me on the shoulder while I was making a sudden right turn. I was an inexperienced driver and I has begged for the car. “What will I tell my parents?” was the worry I felt all day. Arriving home, I found some spray paint that could possibly cover the dented area. Maybe they won’t notice.

 

• I was not at fault, yet I was nervous and I tried to protect myself.
• I tried to cover up the problem that was obvious and made the situation worse by using the wrong color.
• I took a deep breath, told the truth and was surprised that my worst fears were not met.

 

John seemed to be addressing insecure hidden sin. This sticky sin can be hidden from people well, especially if practiced over time. He even addressed the sin that allows us to fool ourselves into believing that we are justified in what we are doing.

 

My Observations:

• Sin has a power over me when I hide it or cover it up.
• When I confess my sin, it not only loses its power, but the desire diminishes.
• GOD is the only one who is faithful in the situation where I need my sins forgiven and cleansed.

 

Not seeing there is a problem is the problem. I mean, when I think I do not have a sin problem, I cannot confess that I have a problem and therefore will not make a change that could address the problem. Fooling myself into thinking I am “right” is a huge problem that GOD is willing to fix.

 

HE wants me to humbly come to HIM with the awareness of myself, so I can confess things in my life that need correcting. HE is faithful and just to correct me, heal me and clean me in HIS way and HIS time. I gladly confess my sins to GOD to diminish the power it has over me.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use the words “If we say” twice?
• Have you ever fooled yourself by comparing yourself to someone who is doing “worse” than you?
• Will you take an inward inventory and confess your sins to GOD so HE will cleanse you of all unrighteousness today?

Seeking Good Times

 

Seeking Good Times

1 Peter 3: ⁸ To conclude: you must all have the same attitude and the same feelings; love one another, and be kind and humble with one another. ⁹ Do not pay back evil with evil or cursing with cursing; instead, pay back with a blessing, because a blessing is what God promised to give you when he called you. ¹⁰ As the scripture says,

“If you want to enjoy life
    and wish to see good times,
    you must keep from speaking evil
    and stop telling lies.
¹¹ You must turn away from evil and do good;
    you must strive for peace with all your heart.
¹² For the Lord watches over the righteous
    and listens to their prayers;
    but he opposes those who do evil.”

 

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Wanting a better assignment, I lied about my age. I said I was two years older than I was so that maybe my years of experience would seem like more than they were. I was still considered a rookie and I wanted to shake that perception.

 

• I lied to get ahead.
• I didn’t consider my lie as harmful.
• I showed my immaturity when I argued, fussed and fought instead of being above negative conversations.

 

Peter continues to provide some difficult lessons. He knew there would be some who would do evil to those who did good. His advice was to be above evil by paying back with good. He also used a Psalm from David to change the mindset. “Keep from speaking evil.”

 

My Observations

• Striving for “good times” must include me telling the truth.
• For me to “enjoy life” I must be able to rest, which means telling the truth.
• Doing “good” and striving for “peace” gives me the makings for a life filled with good times.

 

Evil, brings on more evil. I mean, when someone does or says something bad to me or about me, I want to retaliate. I get my argument ready and maybe even think of ways to tear “that” person down. BUT GOD wants me to act different.

 

HE wants me above petty arguments to focus on HIM. HE wants “good” and “peace” to flow from me. This means I have to make a decision. I have to slow down, step away from the evil and speak the truth in live when the time is right. I am glad GOD gives me courage to speak truth.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention “pay back?”
• Have you ever been provoked by an evil attack and wanted to retaliate?
• Will you take the high road next time and seek “good times” by doing good in GOD’s sight today?

Anytime, Anywhere

Anytime, Anywhere

2 Timothy 4: In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and because he is coming to rule as King, I solemnly urge you ² to preach the message, to insist upon proclaiming it (whether the time is right or not), to convince, reproach, and encourage, as you teach with all patience. 

 

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After hearing the message “Preach the Gospel of JESUS” I was excited as I sat in church. But the next day, it became difficult. I was at work so I talked about work stuff all day. Then when I left I went to the gym and we talked about body parts and ogled at the opposite sex. Soon it was the weekend and I had to have a minute to myself right? I went out with friends to bars.

 

• I did not see a time when it was right to speak about JESUS.
• I could not see a place where it was right to speak about JESUS.
• I felt awkward speaking about JESUS so I kept the message to myself.

 

Paul urges Timothy to “preach the message” and to “insist” that the message be preached by everyone. He then gave the value of preaching the Gospel. It can be used to convince, reproach and encourage. In other words, it is appropriate for all situations.

 

My Observations

• How I live my life will determine how much I speak about JESUS.
• GOD wants me ready to speak about JESUS, anytime, anywhere.
• The HOLY SPIRIT should determine whether it is appropriate to speak about JESUS.

 

Fear, shame and doubt cause me to shut my mouth when it comes to JESUS. I mean, when I am in the middle of sin, I feel I can’t speak about JESUS, so I wait. When I am scared and facing difficult times, I feel I can’t speak about JESUS, so I wait. When I face new people or I am at work or I am doing a business deal I fear messing up and I feel I can’t speak about JESUS, so I wait.

 

I then find myself never, ever speaking about JESUS. I then hope someone else will do it or maybe I can be “good” enough that my example will show JESUS without ever needing to say a word. But this is counter to this command “preach the message and insist upon proclaiming it. Satan wants me fearing, shamed and doubting so I will not speak about JESUS because he knows it is powerful. I gladly put aside my fear, shame and doubt to speak about JESUS, especially when I feel it is not the right time.

 

Challenge

• Do you feel the sense of urgency from the writer?
• Have you ever felt ill-equipped, shamed or inappropriate to speak about JESUS?
• When will you use actual words to “proclaim” HIS worthiness?
• Will you let GOD help you with your fear, shame and doubt so you can be used by HIM to preach the message of JESUS to many today?

Putting Spin On It

 

Putting Spin On It

Romans 1: ¹⁸ God's anger is revealed from heaven against all the sin and evil of the people whose evil ways prevent the truth from being known.

 

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Knowing the system had problems, we sat in a room trying to think of ways to convince every owner operator spend lots of money on something that would not fix the problem. I was up for a promotion so I worked on the benefits of the system. I presented the benefits all around the nation. I got promoted.

 

• There were times when I hid the truth.
• There were times when I put “spin” on the problem to make it seem like it was not a problem.
• There were times when I was part of the coverup.

 

Paul explains that GOD is furious at anything that explains away HIS power and love. Any lie or made up story that confuses people about JESUS being GOD, dying for all sins and being raised from the dead; brings on GOD’s anger. The truth needs to be known.

 

• GOD wants me to know the truth, namely JESUS.
• GOD wants me to explain the truth, that JESUS became a human to suffer for my sins.
• GOD wants me to uncover my sins so people can see the power of HIS forgiveness.

 

Covering up the truth is easy to do. Insecurity or desiring power or fulfilling life’s lusts, make me cover up the truth to get my way. BUT GOD wants me to see that path is a dangerous and deadly one.

 

GOD sees my heart and knows every hidden thing in it. HE is available to forgive me of all my sin and clean my heart of all unrighteousness. I am grateful GOD uncovers sin to make the truth of JESUS known to me and countless others.

 

• Are you participating in a coverup that prevents someone from getting to know JESUS?
• Do you believe in an innocent story that points to humans as the answer to problems?
• Will you be bold enough to speak the truth about JESUS today?

Courage for Truth

 

Courage for Truth

Acts 21: ²⁷ When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, ²⁸ shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” ²⁹ (They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.)

 

³⁰ The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. ³¹ While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. ³² He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.

 

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Feeling pressured and not wanting to get in trouble, I thought of a “story” to cover myself. I had broken the bottom window of the door by losing my grip on my bike. Something popped in my head. I could blame the kid from two doors over. I mean, he “could” throw things, right? So what if he was in his wheelchair and wasn’t outside and the bushes would have not made it possible.

 

There were times when I was determined to cover myself.

There were times when I was too scared to even admit wrong to myself.

There were times when I felt it was easier to lie rather than facing the consequences of my actions.

 

Some Jews recognized Paul and immediately thought of lies. They grabbed him and told the crowd that Paul, singlehandedly, told “everyone” “everywhere” to not follow the Jewish law that he upheld. They also supposed he brought a Gentile into a Jewish temple. They stirred the crowd to beat Paul because of their lies.

 

GOD wants me to be courageous enough to tell the truth.

GOD wants me to be in the practice of admitting my sin so when someone confronts me, it won’t sting as much.

GOD wants me to invite people to GOD rather than excluding them to one race.

 

Believing in “a” truth is dangerous. I mean I can convince myself of anything regardless of the overwhelming evidence. GOD has provided overwhelming evidence of HIS love for humanity through HIS SON JESUS. HE chose to die for my sins and for that I am truly grateful!

 

What lies are you telling yourself or others?

When will you grow up to stop lying to show you are superior or “right?”

If you are courageous enough to lie to others and yourself, will you add to your courage by dropping your lies and telling people about “the” truth of JESUS being the only Savior today?

Serve and Protect

Serve and Protect

Acts 20: ²⁵ “Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. ²⁶ Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you. ²⁷ For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. ²⁸ Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. ²⁹ I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. ³⁰ Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. ³¹ So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

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After attending the leadership class, I thought I was ready to lead the department. I mean, I learned skills on how to work with other’s nicely and how to value the opinions of one another.

When the budget meeting came up, the other department leaders acted like voracious wolves, stopping at nothing to get more money and people. “Wait, I thought we were supposed to be nice. Maybe I should be tough like them”

• There were times when I misinterpreted what a leader should be.
• There were times when I thought a leader was supposed to build “a” truth for themselves.
• There were times when I considered lying to others, sabotaging others or protecting “my” ideas so “I” could get credit or noticed.

Paul was making a final plea to the leaders he summoned to meet with. He knew he was called to a place where he might be jailed or killed for speaking about JESUS as LORD and Savior. He gave explicit directions and warnings to the leaders on how to truly lead.

• GOD wants me to serve others by guarding my own heart with HIS word.
• GOD wants me to protect HIS flock by explaining JESUS died for all, and those who believe in the need for salvation will be saved through HIM.
• GOD wants me to watch out for those who will claim to be leaders of the flock, but are really out to protect their status or wallet.

Leading GOD’s people can only be done in Spirit and truth. Unfortunately, there will be many who distort the truth for their convenience. BUT GOD has a remedy. HE revealed just enough of HIS Word for anyone who desires to get to know HIM, to follow.

HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to open my heart and the hearts of those who truly want to follow HIM, to follow the examples of JESUS, knowing HE is the only one who gave HIS “hands” and “feet” on the cross. I am grateful JESUS was and is willing to be the leader of my life.

• Are you a leader?
• Do you blame leaders?
• Will you listen to GOD and become a leader who serves others and protects them with HIS word and the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT today?

In the Light

In the Light

Acts 16: ³⁵ When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” ³⁶ The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.”

³⁷ But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.”

³⁸ The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. ³⁹ They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. ⁴⁰ After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.

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“You won’t tell will you?’ I asked remorsefully. I had done something wrong and I did not want anyone to know I had made a mistake. I thought it would be easier to have the mistake hidden rather than facing up to the situation.

• There have been times when I wanted to cover up my mistakes.
• There have been times when I did not want to admit I did something wrong.
• There have been times when I tried to smooth over a situation with the “good” I was doing so the mistake could be overlooked.

The magistrates realized they had made a mistake and sent to have Paul and Silas released. But Paul and Silas saw through their sneaky attempt to conceal their mistake. To make matters worse, they mentioned their citizenship, implying the magistrates had overstepped their authority and could do it again to anyone.

• GOD wants me to act in the light.
• GOD wants me to take the sting out of the mistake by admitting it early.
• GOD wants me to tell people about my mistakes so they will not surface as a much larger problem.

Hidden sin is difficult to carry around. I mean, when I hide sin, then pretending nothing happened becomes more and more difficult. Eventually I look over my shoulder so much that I second guess if GOD loves me or not. BUT GOD wants something different.

GOD wants me to have confidence in my relationship with HIM. HE wants me to openly tell people about my sin so the sin becomes powerless. When someone says to me “You did this” or “You did that” I can say, “Yep, everyone knows I made that mistake.” I am grateful GOD gives me second and third and many other chances because HE gives me grace.

• Have you made a mistake?
• Do you feel like hiding your mistakes?
• Will you ask GOD for the strength to admit your mistakes?

Unfortunate Unity

Unfortunate Unity

Acts 5: ⁵ Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. ⁶ And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.

⁷ Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. ⁸ And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”

She said, “Yes, for so much.”

⁹ Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” ¹⁰ Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. ¹¹ So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

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When pledging to get into an organization, we all agreed to lie and steal on a number of occasions. I mean it was only for a short time. I could do and say what I wanted to as long as I was with the group. I fit in and we made it into the organization. In one meeting, we discovered money was missing. “How could this happen?” we all exclaimed.

• There were times when I showed unity but it was missing something.
• There were times when I showed unity but the actions were not above the level.
• There were times when I showed unity but I did not want to tell everyone why I was unified.

Ananias and Sapphira sold their land like everyone else, but held some money back for themselves and made it look they gave their all. This pledge ended up being a deadly vow they did not have to make. While they showed unity in their marriage, it was missing one key ingredient, namely GOD.

• GOD wants me to have unity in HIS word.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIM first before anything else.
• GOD wants me to make attempts to unify under HIM so all efforts will be blessed.

Unity is extremely important to GOD. When two or more people vow to stand for what GOD stands for, incredible things happen. Unfortunately when people act on their own, avoiding GOD’s unity, their promises are not heard and prayers end up falling by the wayside.

GOD wants belief in HIS SON to be unified by HIS followers. HIS power, HIS name and HIS position as GOD are all to be lifted to the highest reverence. Even if one person does not have as much faith as another, unity kicks in when by accepting the statement “I believe but LORD help the part of me that does not believe.” I am glad unity is possible through CHRIST.

• Are you right in a group but wrong in the eyes of GOD?
• Do you believe your efforts are unifying or divisive?
• Will you look to unify all your efforts under the way GOD says versus your solo actions so true success can blossom today?

Boldness

Boldness

Acts 4: ²⁷ “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together ²⁸ to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. ²⁹ Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, ³⁰ by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”

³¹ And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

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Tired of being bullied, we decided to walk out. Thugs had robbed us long enough and threatened our safety once too often. One acquaintance got a little too excited when all of the students got outside. He jumped on a car and began bouncing on the hood. The police grabbed him. I and others went to the station to explain what happened.

• When I feel empowered I act bold.
• When I feel protected I act bold.
• When I feel I have nothing to lose I act bold.

Peter, John and those who repented, for believing JESUS should have been executed, were now praising GOD and praying to HIM earnestly. They had been threatened once too often and had to do something about it. They asked GOD for boldness to speak up about JESUS even though the government and church leaders would persecute them.

• GOD wants me to be bold about HIM.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for boldness.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for healing, knowing it only comes from HIM.

Boldness means speaking up even when the situation may have negative consequences. Boldness for CHRIST means living for HIM even when others try their best to prove away HIS daily power by labeling it as something else.

One can speak only what is in one’s heart. If GOD is not there, then of course HIS name will never be mentioned. BUT GOD wants my heart to be “Filled with the HOLY SPIRIT” so I can speak boldly about JESUS, the CHRIST who saves all who believe. I am grateful for JESUS.

• How often do you argue against speaking about JESUS?
• Do you feel HIS name should never be mentioned?
• Do you think your conversations, thoughts and actions are pleasing to GOD?
• Will you stop being a tool against GOD and speak up for HIM today by mentioning JESUS’ name with boldness?

Making Announcements

Luke 2: ⁸ Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰ Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

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“Ball return on 15” were the words everyone in the place could hear. I finally got my chance to get on the bowling alley’s sound system and tell everyone that a bowling ball was stuck on lane 15 and someone other than me was to go and rectify the situation. I felt cool!

• There were times when I wanted to be heard.
• There were times when I wanted everyone’s attention.
• There were times when I wanted to speak in a forum where everyone could hear me.

The angel appeared for the third time with a wonderful announcement. He went to the working class shepherds who were on duty watching over sheep. There the announcement was made that GOD, born as a child, would be found in a dirty feeding trough.

Though they were terrified, he announced that they should not be afraid, rather proclaim joy because THE SAVIOR had been born.

• GOD says to me “Go and tell everyone about MY SON.”
• GOD says to me “Proclaim the great news that salvation is for all people.”
• GOD says to me “Announce JESUS as the world’s only hope.”

Being heard by people is great when I have something important to say. GOD wants the message to be about HIM rather than pointing out how great “I” think I am. HE doesn’t want me to have a crowd rather HE deserves the crowd and sometimes HE uses words through me to announce HIS greatness.

• Do you wish to be heard?
• Are you upset at something and want to tell everyone about it?
• Can you tell everyone about the Great News about JESUS today?

Obedience Told

Mark 5: ¹¹ Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains. ¹² So all the demons begged Him, saying, “Send us to the swine, that we may enter them.” ¹³ And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea.

¹⁴ So those who fed the swine fled, and they told it in the city and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that had happened. ¹⁵ Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. ¹⁶ And those who saw it told them how it happened to him who had been demon-possessed, and about the swine. ¹⁷ Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region.

¹⁸ And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. ¹⁹ However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” ²⁰ And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.

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“Take this test” were the instructions given to me by a teacher. I obeyed and when I got the results, I actually got into the school I desired. I had no fallback plan had I not passed. I ran to my small circle of friends and family to tell them the great news!

• When I have obeyed in the past, great things have happened.
• When I have trusted in the past, wonderful results were achieved.
• When I have followed something that I did not understand in the past, I was put on a road of amazement.

Obedience to JESUS was clearly told in this passage. The demons begged HIM for permission and HE granted their wish. The herders begged JESUS to leave, so HE did. But the demon possessed man begged JESUS to allow him to come along and JESUS gave him another task. HE says the same to me.

• JESUS says to me “Go home to your friends and tell them about ME.”
• JESUS says to me “Tell people about the great things the LORD has done for you.”
• JESUS says to me “Proclaim the message of compassion to as many as you can tell.”

When the man obeyed CHRIST, he went and told everyone he knew about JESUS. Everyone marveled at the power of GOD. JESUS is quite amazing! HE wants me to tell everyone about HIS amazing compassion.

• Are you telling people about JESUS?
• Will you obey HIS command and tell others about HIS compassion for you and everyone?
• Can you trust and obey JESUS today?

Trapped

Matthew 22: ¹⁵ Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. ¹⁶ They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. ¹⁷ Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?”

¹⁸ But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? ¹⁹ Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, ²⁰ and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”

²¹ “Caesar’s,” they replied.

Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

²² When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

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Hour upon hours I spent collecting my facts. I was finally going to catch this guy in his slippery ways. I was going to lay my trap that he could not get out. When I got in his boss’s office he was there. Their question was about something I was supposed to be doing, but had not time due to my collection of evidence. I was caught in yet another trap!

• When I try to trap people I get caught in the trap.
• When I try to bring someone down I am the one who falls.
• When I try to make someone look bad, I am the one who winds up looking terrible.

Time is precious, yet the Pharisees spent an enormous amount of it scheming against JESUS. I did the same. I should have been working instead of trying to gain vengeance that GOD owns. Laying traps for people is as slimy as the person I am trying to trap. GOD wants something different.

• GOD wants me to be the person of integrity so I don’t have to trap anyone.
• GOD wants me to state the truth without bending it so I will not fall into any trap.
• GOD wants me to stay focused on HIM so human traps will fall off of me.

Snares, traps and deceptions are not the way of the LORD. HE does not want me to play games like that rather HE wants me to be courageous enough to stand for the truth and tell the truth. By following JESUS’s example, I do not need to lay traps for anyone.

• Are you trying to trap someone?
• How much time do you spend brooding over “that” person?
• Can you remove the hatred from your heart by asking GOD to fill it up today?

Speak when spoken to

Amos 3: ⁷ Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing
    without revealing his plan
    to his servants the prophets.

⁸ The lion has roared—
    who will not fear?
The Sovereign Lord has spoken—
    who can but prophesy?

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“What will people think of me?” was my thought as I moved up the ladder. I mean I have to show how accepting I am of various beliefs because “my” department was very diverse in culture. I chose not to speak about GOD or my beliefs in HIS ways. When asked to speak about GOD to the masses, I politely refused.

• There have been times I have hidden my association with GOD.
• There have been times I have remained silent when I was told to speak.
• There have been times I have hidden my values so I could “get ahead.”

My choice was to remain neutral while becoming “tough” enough to carry out the orders of leadership. Soon instead of names, the people were “full time equivalents” on a spreadsheet and could be cut if the numbers were not as they should. BUT GOD wants me to act different.

• GOD wants me to put in a full day’s work as promised to those who hired me.
• GOD wants me to show HIS grace through my hard work because I am working for HIM.
• GOD wants me to speak about HIM at a moment’s notice without being ashamed.

Employers do not hire me to spread GOD’s word, but they also should know I am not ashamed of GOD in any way. I will always work hard and produce the best, but if asked, I will not hide my light from anyone. GOD is my beacon and when the Lion roars I must prophesy.

• Are you hiding your relationship with GOD because of your position?
• Do you feel ashamed of GOD in front of “those” people?
• Can you drop your shame of HIM and listen to what HE wants you to say to “those” people?
• Will you open your mouth when GOD tells you to do so?

Prophesy Correctly

Jeremiah 28: ⁶ He said, “Amen! May the Lord do so! May the Lord fulfill the words you have prophesied by bringing the articles of the Lord’s house and all the exiles back to this place from Babylon. ⁷ Nevertheless, listen to what I have to say in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people: ⁸ From early times the prophets who preceded you and me have prophesied war, disaster and plague against many countries and great kingdoms. ⁹ But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the Lord only if his prediction comes true.”

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Fascinated by the thought of CHRIST’s return, I listened intently to the words of the preacher. He taught on the book of Revelation of JESUS CHRIST and I ate up every word. It spoke of a future with no worries, no problems, no fights and most of all no more anger from GOD. It intrigued me. Shortly after the weeks of sermons another “preacher” said the world would end that year. I guess the second was wrong.

By the way, the prophet in this passage of Jeremiah was a false prophet and was killed.

• GOD does not take HIS word lightly.
• GOD wants those who speak prophesy to speak only words given to them by GOD alone.
• GOD wants prophets who are not scare to speak the truth about HIS SON.

No one knows the day or the hour so any prediction about when GOD is going to end the world as we know it will be false. Some have looked at old calendars and even made movies showing the apocalypse. This is what we can be sure about.

• GOD loved me so much that HE died for me and everyone else who believes they need a savior to do the same for them.
• GOD is building a new place apart from this earth that has not been cursed.
• GOD is returning soon and while we do not know the year, month or day, we need to act in s sense of urgency.

Each day should be lived like HE is going to return that day. As I look up to the sky each night, I wonder “When?” I do not get an answer to that question, but I do hear “Feed MY sheep.” This means serve GOD and do not worry about tomorrow.

• Has someone given you a false prophesy?
• Are you busy listening to words about houses and cars and mates without truly listening to GOD?
• Will you stop trying to hear what satisfies you and seek what GOD is really saying to mankind?

Right the wrong

2 Samuel 21: During the reign of David, there was a famine for three successive years; so David sought the face of the Lord. The Lord said, “It is on account of Saul and his blood-stained house; it is because he put the Gibeonites to death.”

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³ David asked the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? How shall I make atonement so that you will bless the Lord’s inheritance?”

⁴ The Gibeonites answered him, “We have no right to demand silver or gold from Saul or his family, nor do we have the right to put anyone in Israel to death.”

“What do you want me to do for you?” David asked.

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Headed to a nearby college, a fraternity brother and I worked on our relationship and had a good discussion along the way. I rented a jalopy and didn’t get the insurance to save a few dollars. Engrossed in our conversation and in the middle of nowhere, I hit a car who was in the wrong but we would split the damage.

We got out of our vehicles and had a conversation with the other driver. We discovered he was a high school person who had taken his parents vehicle. We originally got in our cars to seek a phone. My frat brother said, “Let’s get out of here” so I took his advice and sped off to our destination of “fun.” Upon my return, the rental company charged me for the damage and I couldn’t pay tuition.

• There have been people I have wronged in the past.
• There have been incidents where I have not been innocent.
• There have been times in which I caused the problem.

As I became more and more mature, I realized it is better to face difficult situations rather than running away from them.  Yes in many instances someone else has something to do with the wrong, but doing another wrong doesn’t make it right.

• GOD wants me to clear my conscience by facing the wrongs I have done.
• GOD wants me to open the wounds so HE can make them heal.
• GOD wants me to admit I need a savior so HE can cleanse me of all unrighteousness.

During dry seasons in my life, I seek GOD’s face and HE clearly shows me where I can right a wrong, no matter if I did it or if it were someone GOD has given responsibility over. GOD simply wants me to follow HIM, HIS way.

• Are you going through a dry season?
• Do you feel like GOD is punishing you?
• Can you seek GOD and ask HIM if there is something that needs clearing up?
• Will you seek the kingdom instead of fooling yourself?

Following GOD gives me peace

Numbers 25: ¹² “So tell Phinehas I am making my covenant with him. It promises to give him peace. ¹³ He and his sons after him will have a covenant to be priests forever. That is because he was committed to making sure that I, his God, was honored. In that way he paid for the sin of the people of Israel.”

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“Don’t lie this time” was the thought that popped in my head when I finally reached the courage to face my flaws. It was so easy to think of an excuse rather than face the consequence of my action. I actually can’t remember when this thought popped in my head but it has lasted throughout my life.

This meant I couldn’t stretch the truth by saying I got caught in traffic when the road was clear and I was actually late. It meant I couldn’t say my phone was broken that’s why I didn’t call. It meant I couldn’t say everything is fine when I am hurting inside.

• When I follow GOD I must face my own flaws.
• When I follow GOD I must say what HE wants me to say no matter how incriminating it may be.
• When I follow GOD I must reduce so HE can increase.

The spotlight is fun but it requires “reputation management” which causes me to hide my flaws. When I hide my flaws I can’t minister to those who have the same flaws. They will look at my façade thinking they need to be perfect and that is not the case.

• GOD wants me committed to making sure HE is honored.
• GOD wants me to show I am flawed but HE isn’t.
• GOD wants me to tell others I sin daily but I’m forgiven eternally.

When words I write point to me, then I get my reward here on earth. When they point to GOD, we all reap eternal rewards that I can never imagine!

• Are you putting on a façade?
• Are you busy pointing out someone else’s sins and haven’t confessed yours?
• Can you tell someone if you have fear, doubt, lust, pride, anger or something else that keeps you from exciting worship of GOD?