We are Sure

We are Sure

1 John 4: ¹³ We are sure that we live in union with God and that he lives in union with us, because he has given us his Spirit. ¹⁴ And we have seen and tell others that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. ¹⁵ If we declare that Jesus is the Son of God, we live in union with God and God lives in union with us. ¹⁶ And we ourselves know and believe the love which God has for us.

 

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“Are you sure?” was the seemingly undermining question that knocked me down. I had a theory that something could work, but no experience. The question easily exposed my inexperience and my theory was brushed off by others.

 

• I was not sure that my theory would work.
• I was not convincing to anyone because I was unsure.
• I had no evidence that my theory would work.

 

John seems like he was addressing insecurity. He may have seen believers who showed faith, only to be met with trouble and difficulties. Some people may have felt discouraged. John provided  a way to have assurance regarding a relationship with GOD. “Declare that JESUS is the SON of GOD.”

 

My Observations:

• Difficult times blind me to the truth that GOD loves me dearly.
• GOD provided the remedy to all my troubles, namely believe in JESUS with all my heart.
• Saying the words “JESUS is the SON of GOD” to someone solidifies my relationship with GOD so I can have assurance.

 

“There is power in the name of JESUS” was what some folks used to say and sing. I can see that. Just saying HIS name is powerful. But believing in my heart and turning my life over to HIM is very different.

 

Usually when I feel unsure about my relationship with GOD is when things are going wrong or I have blatantly sinned and it can no longer be hidden. I start thinking GOD thinks less of me. I could not be further from the truth. I am glad GOD loves me in spite of my sins so I am ready to declare JESUS is the SON of GOD!

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer emphasize “telling” people that “JESUS is the SON of GOD?”
• When you are sure about something small like directions, are you afraid to tell strangers or are you confident?
• Will you increase your confidence in your relationship with GOD by declaring that JESUS is the SON of GOD to someone today?

Let It Out

Let It Out

Colossians 4: ¹⁵ Give our best wishes to the believers in Laodicea and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house. ¹⁶ After you read this letter, make sure that it is read also in the church at Laodicea. At the same time, you are to read the letter that the believers in Laodicea will send you. ¹⁷ And tell Archippus, “Be sure to finish the task you were given in the Lord's service.”
 
May God's grace be with you.

¹⁸ With my own hand I write this: Greetings from Paul Do not forget my chains!

 
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Stepping around the party, I was having “fun.” I shouted at the top of my lungs boastful chants along with the members of the group I joined. I proudly wore my group affiliation letters on my chest and mentioned the group when I could. One day, someone asked me to go to church. I did not want people to know I followed JESUS, because I was having too much “fun.”

 

• I wanted to do what I wanted to do and rely on JESUS for whatever HE was supposed to do.
• I was embarrassed about the things I said and did, so I chose to not mention JESUS.
• It was easy to shout what other people expected versus what people needed to hear.

 

In chains and physically wounded, Paul pens this letter. He was not ashamed of his affiliation with JESUS. In fact, he was imprisoned because of his beliefs. Only the king was supposed to be spoken about in the manner Paul spoke of the “King of kings.” He wanted everyone to know exactly what was on his mind so he wrote his message down.

 

My Observations

• GOD’s message should be mentioned as often as possible from me.
• I should not be ashamed of mentioning JESUS in any circle of people.
• GOD wants to be the priority in my life.

 

JESUS gave it all to me. I mean HE took embarrassing insults, temptation and beatings for me. HE then decided to be murdered for me so I could live. HE was raised from the dead with all power. This is great news! Unfortunately there are times when I do not want to mention HIM.

 

Either groups I join or jobs I work at, deter me from wanting to speak about JESUS. Don’t get me wrong, groups and jobs are not the problem, rather my choice to not mention JESUS is the root of the issue. GOD wants me and everyone who believes in JESUS to mention HIM often and remember HIM daily. I gladly say JESUS is LORD!

 

Challenge

• What instructions does the writer give and why?
• Have you ever had some good news or bad news and told many people about it?
• Have you ever been embarrassed to mention JESUS or that you follow HIM?
• Will you mention JESUS out loud or written to someone today?

Wake Up

Wake Up

Romans 13: ¹¹ You must do this, because you know that the time has come for you to wake up from your sleep. For the moment when we will be saved is closer now than it was when we first believed. ¹² The night is nearly over, day is almost here. Let us stop doing the things that belong to the dark, and let us take up weapons for fighting in the light. ¹³ Let us conduct ourselves properly, as people who live in the light of day—no orgies or drunkenness, no immorality or indecency, no fighting or jealousy. ¹⁴ But take up the weapons of the Lord Jesus Christ, and stop paying attention to your sinful nature and satisfying its desires.

 

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Seeing the huge stack of paper, my work was cut out for me. I was supposed to look at surveys and input customer responses. I started out with high energy, but as the day went on I started getting tired so I took a “quick” nap during lunch.  I woke up well after I was supposed to and now I was behind in my work.

 

• There have been many times when I started out strong, but soon became tired.
• There have been many times when I fell asleep on something I was supposed to be doing.
• There have been many times when I woke up and still had the responsibilities, but only a shorter time to do what I should have been doing all along.

 

“Wake up from your sleep” Paul says. The sleep he is referring to is a lulled sense of security from doing hidden things. He mentions two serious topics, “dark’ and “light.” The day is almost here and the night is almost over. But what am I getting prepared for? What must I do?

 

• GOD wants me to know JESUS is going to return.
• GOD wants me to prepare the world for HIS return.
• GOD wants me to take up HIS “weapons’ starting with the most powerful one called love.

 

Blindness has made me fall asleep. I mean, when I get lost in the concerns of the world, I get worried, doubt GOD and slip into sin for comfort which steals my joy and feeds mu sin nature. Afterwards, I feel hurt, lost and wandering.  My fighting increases and I grab the world’s weapons.

 

Human weapons hurt, kill and destroy, just as Satan wants us to do. BUT GOD has more powerful weapons, one being love. Love heals, protects, grows and raises people up. It was love that raised JESUS from the dead. GOD said “You must do this” and I accept HIS statement.

 

• Do you have a sense of urgency regarding the return of CHRIST?
• Are you so focused on you own sins that CHRIST is not your focus?
• Will you wake up and take up the weapon of love JESUS so generously poured out on you so you can stop paying attention to your sinful desires today?

So Much to Say

So Much to Say

Acts 20: ⁷ On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. ⁸ There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. ⁹ Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. ¹⁰ Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!” ¹¹ Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. ¹² The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.

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After returning from the day at the amusement park, I was elated. This was my first time visiting the wonderful, fun-filled location. The next day I went over a friend’s house. I had so much to say. Somehow I spoke on the subject for hours because we shared our varied experiences.

• There have been times when I was so excited about something, that I could speak for hours.
• There have been times when I sat with a group of people who were just as excited about the thing I was excited about.
• There have been times when I talked for hours on a subject simply because I was amazed.

Paul was about to leave so a group of people ate with him while he spoke. By now, Paul had been rescued by GOD on many occasions, so he had a lot to say. Eutychus, may have been excited, but was extremely tired.

While tragedy happened when he fell out the window and died, Paul proved the power of GOD by raising him from the dead. The humorous part of the story is Paul now had even more to say.

• GOD wants me to have an abundant life.
• GOD wants me to speak about past experiences I’ve had with HIM.
• GOD wants me to seek new experiences with HIM, telling people about JESUS along the way.

Believing in JESUS is a wonderful start to an abundant life. I mean, it is the belief that changed my life into a person who seeks GOD daily. The rotten situations that I go through turn into testimonies of GOD’s power. I have nothing to brag about, only praise for JESUS who gave me purpose.

• Do you have an abundant life with GOD?
• What experiences have you had that people need to hear about?
• Will you tell people about the situations GOD has brought you through so they can do the same with others?

Shared Memories

Shared Memories

John 5: ³¹ “If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true. ³² There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true. ³³ You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. ³⁴ Yet I do not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that you may be saved. ³⁵ He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light. ³⁶ But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.

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Hearing the stories of everyone’s adventures made me feel a bit insecure about my meager summer. I mean the most adventurous thing I had done was to ride my bike more than three blocks away from my house. “Maybe I should make something up to tell people” I thought to myself.

• There were times when I wanted to feel special.
• There were times when I wanted to be the center of attention.
• There were times when I was willing to make up stories so I would be seen as special.

JESUS explains the need for a truthful witness to prove whatever is said and done is true. Since humans could understand the testimony of another human, JESUS uses John the Baptist as HIS example of a person who testified that HE was and is the Messiah. BUT JESUS did not need John’s testimony.

• JESUS says to me “I AM the one who saves the world.”
• JESUS tells me “I AM sent by the FATHER who has given ME all authority.”
• JESUS reveals to me by saying “I AM the one who has given you the HOLY SPIRIT who will comfort you, guide you and beg for you when you are sinning.”

Truth comes from witnesses, otherwise a person could make up a story that cannot be substantiated. While JESUS needs no witnesses, HE revealed to the world HIS power in front of thousands of people. HE was sent by the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT agreed in HIS voluntary death sentence. I am grateful the two witnesses agreed on HIS mission to save the me.

• Do you seek attention?
• Do you make up stories in order to make others see you as something special?
• Will you focus your stories on what GOD is doing, in your life and others, so many people will be saved through the words GOD gives you?

Excited Curiosity

John 4: ²⁷ Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”

²⁸ Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, ²⁹ “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” ³⁰ They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

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“Want some concert tickets?” the clerk asked. “Of course!”, I answered. After getting the tickets, I told several people about the music store. I went back more and more. “What else do you have?” I thought to myself.

• Sometimes I am curious about what I can get.
• Sometimes I get excited about something that has been done for me.
• Sometimes I tell other people what I am excited about.

The disciples found JESUS speaking to a woman. “What was she up to?” they thought suspiciously. They also thought, “Are you crazy?”, pointed their thoughts to JESUS. But something amazing happened.

• JESUS wants me to be excited about HIM every day.
• JESUS wants me to tell people about HIM as often as I can.
• JESUS wants me to be bold about HIS goodness to whomever HE sends me.

“Could this be the Messiah?” the woman said to people. She was excited and so should I. When my excitement is met with doubtful questions, I am to remain excited and focus my efforts on HIM. The woman’s excitement and curiosity filled me up. I am glad JESUS went out of HIS way to meet with me the same way HE did for her.

• Are you excited about JESUS?
• Do you feel compelled to tell others about HIM?
• Will you live your life with purpose today and allow GOD to speak through you?

All Taken Care Of

John 1: ¹⁹ Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders^[c] in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. ²⁰ He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, ‘I am not the Messiah.’

²¹ They asked him, ‘Then who are you? Are you Elijah?’

He said, ‘I am not.’

‘Are you the Prophet?’

He answered, ‘No.’

²² Finally they said, ‘Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’

²³ John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, ‘I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Make straight the way for the Lord.”’

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“How much do I have to pay?” was my worrisome question. “Nothing” was the reply. “This trip to the islands is an all expense gift that is given to you and your family.” “You mean I don’t have to do anything?” I asked again.

• There were times when I felt some things were too good to be true.
• There were times when I thought I had to do something even when I didn’t have to.
• There were times when I felt I had to be someone I did not have to be in order to get something special.

John made it clear that he was not the Messiah. He was simply the one who would tell everyone about the great news of JESUS’s arrival. A very simple message was given to people by John that JESUS came to save the world. John didn’t even have to go and get the people. They came to him.

• GOD says to me “I freely give you the gift of salvation.”
• GOD says to me “I will knock on your heart. If you open the door I will come in and sup with you.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the one who pursues you. Open your heart and I will live with you forever.”

JESUS is the messiah and HE did it all. Sometimes I feel pressure to do more so I can ne “closer” to CHRIST. How much closer can GOD get to me than inside of me? JESUS sent HIS HOLY SPIRIT to dwell in me when I confessed I needed HIM as my savior.

HE gave me an unbelievable gift that seems too good to be true… BUT it is! JESUS wants me to be with HIM and HE took care of everything. All expenses of sin are paid. I can enjoy eternal life because of HIM.

• Do you think you have to do more in order to please GOD?
• Do you feel you are “far” away from GOD because you are not getting your way fast enough?
• Will you allow GOD to work in your life and take care of all your needs today?

Excited Witness

John 1: ⁶ There was a man sent from God whose name was John. ⁷ He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. ⁸ He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

⁹ The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 

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Watching a car speed down an alley, I saw someone throw something out of the window. The car was chased by a police car. “How cool!” I thought to myself as I envisioned being in one of the cop shows I watched regularly on TV. As I continued walking home, a police car pulled along side of me. “Did you see what happened?” they asked. “Yes!” I said excited. I was a witness. I wondered if I would be able to help them crack the case.

• I remember wanting to help solve crime.
• I remember wanting to help figure out problems.
• I remember wanting to be a witness to something big.

John was a “man sent from GOD” as a witness to the LIGHT. John would provide to everyone he encountered, incredible information about the LIGHT that would save the world. He would do this with thorough excitement.

• GOD wants me to be excited about HIM.
• GOD wants me to be a witness to what HE is doing in my life.
• GOD wants me to tell as many people about HIM as possible so HE can bring people back to HIM.

Being sent by GOD gives me a daily purpose. I mean the person who irritates me or is upsetting me may be GOD’s chosen to spread HIS gospel so maybe I should act differently towards “that” person. GOD wants me to tell people of HIS incredible power to heal, protect and save those who believe in the LIGHT. I am grateful for HIM choosing me to spread HIS message of grace.

• Does your life have a purpose outside of school and work?
• Have you gotten caught up in being excited about something other than GOD?
• Will you get excited about GOD enough to tell people about the miracles HE does daily?

Speaking With Purpose

Luke 12: ⁸ “Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. ⁹ But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.

¹⁰ “And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.

¹¹ “Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. ¹² For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

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Feeling lonely, I listened to how others spoke. I wanted to “fit in” so I began to mimic how others spoke to one another, no matter how different the words were from my values. Soon I was in the in-crowd enjoying life to its fullest. My calendar filled up with events. Funny, the in-crowd did not have much time for GOD.

• Life only has so many seconds for me to spend my time.
• Life only has a finite period for me to speak.
• Life only has so many moments for me to choose between what I want or what GOD wants.

JESUS says something truly exciting. “Whoever confesses ME before men, HIM the SON of Man also will confess before the angels of GOD.” I can only imagine the excitement on HIS face when HE says, “That’s one of MINE!”

• GOD wants me to spend some of my time speaking about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to confess to people that JESUS saves me.
• GOD wants me to tell people about HIS SON, in word and in examples.

There is only a short period of time that I have on this earth and it is up to me to decide what to do with it. I can fill up my time with events, politics, hatred or just being foolish BUT GOD wants me to think about how I use my time. HE wants me to take only a short period out of my day to confess that JESUS is the CHRIST who is my savior.

This is not hard, nor does it prevent me from doing other things. HE simply wants me to enjoy my relationship with HIM by sharing it with others. JESUS is my LORD.

• Are you too busy to speak about JESUS?
• How much time do you spend speaking about things that repel people from GOD?
• Can you take only a short period of time this week to speak about GOD’s love? 

Fear of the City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anointed Announcement

Luke 9: ³⁴ While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. ³⁵ And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” ³⁶ When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.

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“Here are your new leaders” one of the higher ups said. I couldn’t believe it. I was one of the people on the stage they spoke of. With this announcement came a larger responsibility. Was I ready?

• There were times when I was announced.
• There were times when news about me was heralded.
• There were times when people were told to listen to me.

JESUS was announced as the “SON of GOD” to Peter, James and John. This anointed message was said again to a crowd of people when JESUS was baptized. These important words may have been the last anyone has heard from the HEAVENLY FATHER of the triune GOD.

• JESUS is the anointed CHRIST and I need to listen to HIM.
• JESUS is the SON of the Living GOD and I must obey HIS words.
• JESUS is the HOLY ONE who voluntarily gave HIS life for me.

GOD wants all of humanity to know that life is all about JESUS in spite of our selfish thinking. The ONE who created everything is the same who was murdered by HIS creation and was raised from the dead as our Savior. This is the special announcement GOD wants me to tell everyone.

• Are you looking to be in the spotlight?
• Do you want true success?
• Will you take a moment today and tell people about how special GOD is to you?

Reasonable Purpose

Luke 8: ³⁸ Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, ³⁹ “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.

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“Please oh please let me get through this” I cried out to the LORD. It seemed like the storm had been prolonged, and I was very tired. On that same day all of the current situations cleared up. I told no one.

• There have been times when things went right and I did not praise GOD.
• There have been times when I got everything I asked for and told no one about GOD.
• There have been times when all my prayers were answered and I kept my praise to myself.

The man healed from being tormented by demons desired to follow JESUS, BUT GOD had a different plan. JESUS told him to “Return to your own house, and tell what great things GOD has done for you.” The man did so and now his life had purpose.

• When GOD brings me through trials HE wants me to tell everyone about HIS grace.
• When GOD rescues me HE wants me to tell everyone about HIS mercy.
• When GOD delivers me from small to large situations HE wants me to proclaim HIS love to everyone.

GOD wants me to be very vocal about HIS goodness. HE has delivered me time and time again. In fact, HE is busy delivering me through current trials! HE does not want me to grow weary and fills me up with HIS blessings. GOD is my refuge.

• Are you growing tired?
• Are you going through another trial?
• Can you remember the times GOD has delivered you over and over again so your faith can grow and get you through this trial?
• Will you tell people about the goodness of GOD today?

Open Lighting

Luke 8: ¹⁶ “No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light. ¹⁷ For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. ¹⁸ Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.”

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Ashamed of who I was, I hung out with a group of people who could care less about GOD. We would drink and hang out and that was about the extent of the damage. “No harm, no foul” I thought to myself. I mean, who am I to push “my” values on someone?

• There were times when I was ashamed to be called a follower of GOD.
• There were times when I steered away from people with Bibles in their hands.
• There were times when I was scared to admit I believe in the power of JESUS.

JESUS spoke about hidden things using a parable. I believe HE is speaking about more than enlightenment as it pertains to knowledge. The “Light of GOD” heals, protects, grows and provides shelter for wounded hearts.

• GOD wants me to know that any light that is inside of me was placed there by HIM.
• GOD wants me to use the light HE gave me so many can be reached for HIM.
• GOD wants me to be transparent about my sins and GOD’s victories in my life so many would come to HIM.

Light is not “mine” rather it is GOD’s. HE placed light in me to shine before the world. I can snuff out the light by desiring what the world has to offer. When I keep quiet about GOD I allow the light to get dimmer and dimmer. Eventually, no light shines. GOD wants me to have so much more than the world has to offer. HE gave me light and I want to use it.

• Do you want more out of life?
• Is your life ruled by the world’s standards?
• Can you stop hiding your sin, fear and relationship with GOD so others can come to HIM through you?

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?

Influence the Influencer

Luke 1: Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, ² just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, ³ it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, ⁴ that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.

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It was getting late and I was getting nowhere. A thought popped in my head. I ran to a person in the house and said “Will you ask if I can go to the party tonight for me?” This was my last ditch plea.

• Sometimes I want someone to speak on my behalf.
• Sometimes I want someone who has influence to speak for me.
• Sometimes I want someone to touch people I cannot touch.

Luke starts off this tremendous account of JESUS by telling Theophilus that he was a firsthand witness to what JESUS had done. Luke uses “Most excellent” to describe Theophilus recognizing his title in the community. Perhaps this in-depth account of reality would spark Theophilus to tell others in the community.

• GOD wants me to reach those who can reach others.
• GOD wants me to tell others about the great things HE has done in my life.
• GOD wants me to give an account of what HE has done in my life so others will tell their stories.

“Sit down, I have something very important to tell you” is the attitude in which GOD wants me to bring up HIS SON.  HE wants me to be very careful not to point to myself, making me look good in the process. HE wants people to see HIS SON so they can praise HIM and repair their broken relationship with HIM.

GOD wants me to go to those who have influence over many so they can tell others about the Great News of JESUS CHRIST. HE alone will guide me to those who truly believe and steer me away from those who have big crowds but point only to themselves. GOD’s message needs to be pure.

• Do you know someone you can influence to talk about CHRIST?
• Can you tell them to tell others about GOD?
• Will you be open enough to tell people your story so others will renew their relationship with GOD today?

Signs of Passion

Mark 16: ¹⁹ So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. ²⁰ And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.

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“Why am I doing this?” was my question as I continued doing the thankless job. It seemed like no one cared about what I was doing at the time so each time I did what I was doing, it became more of a chore. One day someone said, “I have been watching you for years. What makes you do what you do?” “Wow!” I thought to myself. “What should I say?”

• There were times when I wanted a sign that I was doing the right thing.
• There were times when I wanted to give up because I did not have a sign.
• There were times when I wanted someone to at least thank me for what I was doing.

After seeing JESUS absorbed into heaven and witnessed HIM sitting at the right hand of GOD, the disciples had passion like you would never believe. They went everywhere and told everyone they could meet that JESUS CHRIST is LORD.  JESUS did not just let them go alone. HE went with them confirming everything they said about HIM. HE gave signs so that others may believe.

• JESUS wants me to go out and speak about HIM with passion.
• JESUS wants me to have passion without the need for signs.
• JESUS wants me to be excited about HIM and HE will provide the right words at the right time.

GOD wants passion from me. HE doesn’t require much from me at all, but when I show passion for HIM, HE gives me evidence that HE is working through me by drawing many people to HIM. JESUS rewards my passion for HIM and that is all I need.

• Are you looking for signs?
• Do you feel discouraged because you haven’t seen what you are looking for from HIM?
• Can you renew your passion about JESUS by simply telling people about HIM today?

Pressure to Deny

Mark 14: ⁶⁶ Now as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came. ⁶⁷ And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with Jesus of Nazareth.”

⁶⁸ But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are saying.” And he went out on the porch, and a rooster crowed.

⁶⁹ And the servant girl saw him again, and began to say to those who stood by, “This is one of them.” ⁷⁰ But he denied it again.

And a little later those who stood by said to Peter again, “Surely you are one of them; for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it.”

⁷¹ Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know this Man of whom you speak!”

⁷² A second time the rooster crowed. Then Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And when he thought about it, he wept.

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Crash, bang, slam were the noises the heavy sleds made as they tumbled off the shelves. I wanted to see one of them and all of them tumbled down. “Were you in that section of the store” was the question posed to me. “I don’t know” was the best answer I could give. I mean was I in trouble?

• There were times when I did not want to face consequence.
• There were times when I denied the truth so I could get out of trouble.
• There were times when I did not want to admit I was the cause of the trouble.

Peter faced a life or death situation. If He told the truth about being with JESUS, he would be captured, tortured and killed. He did what most would do, try to save himself by lying. Unfortunately, I would have done the same.

• JESUS wants me to mature to the point where I will not deny HIM.
• JESUS wants me to grow up so I will not forsake HIS ways.
• JESUS wants me to understand that following HIM means I will be ridiculed by HIS creation.

There are no front page stories about people who dedicate themselves to CHRIST. Even if there is not a word of judgment spoken, people find ways to look at innocent followers of GOD in a bad light.

I get lumped into political “Christians” simply by not doing what others are doing. If I say “I will never drink again”, people look at me as if I had a drinking problem that must have gotten out of control instead of saying “Wow, you are dedicating yourself to GOD.”  JESUS values what I do for HIM and does not want me to be ashamed of HIM so HE will not be ashamed of me.

• Is society pressuring you to hide your relationship with CHRIST?
• Do you feel pressure to act like everyone else so you will fit in?
• Can you stop trying to fit in and listen to GOD who made you for HIS purpose today?

Prove It

Mark 14: ⁶⁰ And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, saying, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” ⁶¹ But He kept silent and answered nothing.

Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”

⁶² Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”

⁶³ Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? ⁶⁴ You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?”

And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death.

⁶⁵ Then some began to spit on Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him, and to say to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers struck Him with the palms of their hands.

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“Please supply your driver’s license, passport, five years of bank statements, seven years of taxes, birth certificate and social security card please” was the overwhelming request made to me as I was going to assume a house note. “Why do you need all of this?” I asked. “To prove who you are” they said.

• There have been times when I had to prove my identity.
• There were times when I had to carry the right paperwork around with me to prove who I was.
• There have been times when I was worried about people believing in my identity.

“Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” was asked by the church leaders in an assumed authoritative way. They questioned JESUS as if to say “Prove it to us and we will let you go.” Their arrogance was noted by JESUS and HE answered “I AM” stating HE is GOD. They were furious!

• JESUS wants me to know HE IS the great I AM.
• JESUS wants me to know HE IS GOD.
• JESUS wants me to know HE IS alive, just as HE said HE would be.

“You will see the SON of MAN sitting at the right hand of the POWER, and coming with the clouds of heaven” were the words that incited pure anger. The church leaders decided to prove their power over JESUS by beating HIM, but they had no power at all. JESUS allowed every blow because HE wanted to forgive me for my sins.

• Do you believe in JESUS?
• Are you busy trying to make HIM prove HIMSELF in your life?
• Can you stop forcing GOD to show you signs and allow HIM to open your eyes in order to do a marvelous work in you?  

Expectations

Mark 11: ¹² Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. ¹³ And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. ¹⁴ In response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.”

And His disciples heard it.

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After the orientation I had to sign a form. Looking back I signed it without reading what was on it. “You must be able to lift stuff and do stuff” is all I remember. Weeks later someone got fired for not performing their duties. There was a meeting before we punched out for the evening restating what we were supposed to be doing.

• Sometimes I am expected to do things.
• Sometimes I am entrusted with things to do.
• Sometimes I am given responsibilities that I need to carry out.

JESUS expected fruit but did not see it. HE cursed the tree and the disciples overheard the conversation between HIM and the tree. JESUS must have had an expectation.

• JESUS expects me to grow at some point.
• JESUS expects me to follow HIM since HE made me for HIS purpose.
• JESUS expects me to not just sit there and draw attention.

This passage is about expectations. Later JESUS will explain what it means, but for now JESUS’s actions were quite shocking. It wasn’t the season for figs so why was there an expectation figs would be there? JESUS could see that the tree from far off with leaves inviting HIM over. I am no botanist but the Maker of the tree expected it to have something and HIS expectations were not met.

• Are you maturing in CHRIST?
• Do you think just attending church is bearing fruit?
• Can you ask GOD to help you bear fruit today?