Domicile Preparation

Domicile Preparation

Colossians 3: ¹⁶ Christ's message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct one another with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts. ¹⁷ Everything you do or say, then, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks through him to God the Father.

 

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Excited about having my first guest over, I made sure everything was right. I cleaned, washed and got everything ready for my guest. I got rid of that embarrassing smell from rotting veggies left out. I did not have much furniture, but what I had would have to do.

 

• I was excited to open my doors and let someone in.
• I wanted to make sure that any guest who came over felt comfortable.
• I looked for ways to make my guest welcome.

 

After Paul speaks about “CHRIST’s message must live in your hearts” he gives ways to prepare. Teach, sing and give thanks! After doing these things, the heart will be prepared.

 

My Observations

• GOD’s message must live in my heart.
• To prepare my heart for HIS message I can learn about HIM and teach what I’ve learned.
• I can also sing psalms, hymns and sacred songs with thanksgiving so HIS message can live comfortably in my heart.

 

GOD wants to come into my life. HE says “I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” I don’t want HIM coming into my filthy heart, but HE doesn’t mind the garbage.

 

In fact, HE would rather I let HIM clean up the mess. Once there, HE makes room for me to hear HIM and learn of HIM. HE loves when I feed HIM songs that praise HIM and ask HIM for HIS protection. I am thankful HE wants to live in my heart and I gladly give HIS message to anyone HE desires.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer emphasizes CHRIST’s message living in your heart?
• Have you ever been so mad or distracted that you were singing a song and still thinking of the trial?
• Will you allow GOD to live in your heart so HIS message can be top of mind in everything you do today?

Make Up Our Own Minds

Make Up Our Own Minds

Romans 14: ⁵ Some people think that a certain day is more important than other days, while others think that all days are the same. We each should firmly make up our own minds. ⁶ Those who think highly of a certain day do so in honor of the Lord; those who will eat anything do so in honor of the Lord, because they give thanks to God for the food. Those who refuse to eat certain things do so in honor of the Lord, and they give thanks to God. 

 

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“No! It must be this way” one person said to me. Another said “It must be that way”, passionately. I was quite torn over the argument at the time. A group of people had very good arguments for how to dress when attending church.

 

• There were times when I thought “my” way of worshipping GOD was the only way.
• There were times when I thought the music I liked was the only music pleasing to GOD.
• There were times when I thought the decorations, lighting and chairs arranged a certain way were the only way to truly worship GOD.

 

Paul tries to warn people to stay away from petty arguments by dealing with a difficult subject, namely honoring GOD. Some people dedicate a certain day to honor GOD and some think all days should honor GOD. Both are right if they do so to give thanks to the LORD.

 

• GOD wants me to have an individual relationship with HIM.
• GOD wants me to honor HIM by the things I eat and do.
• GOD wants me to give thanks to HIM by believing in JESUS.

 

Honoring GOD is a personal thing. I mean, I like to get up early, pray, exercise, grab a cup of coffee and read. Others like to finish their day singing to the LORD. Any praise that includes thanks for JESUS dying for our sins and being raised from the dead is acceptable to the FATHER. I am glad HE give me a personal relationship with HIM.

 

• Do you think the way your group worships is better than another group?
• Do you judge the way someone sings, dances, or speaks for the LORD?
• Can you learn to appreciate how others are giving thanks to JESUS so you can broaden your community?

Assured Thanks

 

Assured Thanks

Acts 27: ³³ Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. ³⁴ Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” ³⁵ After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. ³⁶ They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. ³⁷ Altogether there were 276 of us on board. ³⁸ When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.

 

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Everyone around me said encouraging words. “You will get the position” they all said. Some of them were people who knew the decision makers. I was excited and full of praise and thanks. But there was one person who said “You may or you may not get the position.” Why did the person say “May not?” Now my praise and thanks turned to a slight bit of doubt.

 

• There were times when I had more doubt than confidence.
• There were times when my prayers were full of fear.
• There were times when I really wanted to believe something that was a promise, but was uncertain.

 

Paul urged the crew to eat. Many had probably given up hope. Paul, knowing what GOD told him, encouraged everyone that they would be safe. He was so sure, he gave thanks to GOD and ate in front of everyone. They joined in because they were encouraged.

 

• GOD wants me to be sure of HIS promises.
• GOD wants me to be thankful for what HE has already done.
• GOD wants me to be encouraged by HIS plan for me.

 

Human’s define success through sinful eyes. I mean, everyone has to be healthy, wealthy and all lusts fulfilled to meet the standards of success set by humans. BUT GOD has a different measure of success. “If you give even a cup of water to MY littles ones, you are MY disciple and will not lose your reward.”

 

Being thankful means I have already received the reward and I am thankful for it. I may not see it yet, but I have faith that GOD will do just as HE says. I can be assured, so I give thanks to GOD.

 

• Do you know GOD’s promises yet you doubt HIS love for you?
• Do you have fear for the upcoming situation?
• Will you give GOD assured thanks, knowing HE has a plan that looks different than you think, but is great for you and those around you today?

A Time of Thanksgiving

Nehemiah 12: ⁴³ And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.

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Things seemed to break daily. Setback after setback, we kept plodding along until one day we were finished. I mean, it was over. No more extremely late nights. No more scratching my head wondering if this thing will ever be finished. All of us went out and celebrated.

• When I finish a large project I celebrate.
• When I get through a huge trial I celebrate.
• When I move past a large obstacle I celebrate.

Celebration is only natural when I get over the hump, but can be quite difficult if I haven’t quite made it there. If I am still in the trial and everyone else is celebrating, I can feel a little down. BUT GOD wants me to see what HE is doing.

• GOD wants me to celebrate HIS daily victories rather than waiting on a big ending.
• GOD wants me to celebrate HIS moment by moment victories rather than waiting on seeing things as I expected.
• GOD wants me to celebrate HIS tiny victories rather than waiting on the huge battle scene at the end of the movie.

Seeing GOD on a daily basis is what HE wants from me. HE wants me to celebrate HIM with praise for the mundane just as much as getting through a large trial. In fact, the more I praise HIM the easier it is to get through the trial.

• Do you feel like pouting right now?
• Do you think celebration is not for you right now?
• Can you stop looking at your situation for a moment and celebrate GOD?
• Will you slow down enough to see what GOD is doing around you and appreciate where HE has you right now?

A growth prayer

Colossians 1: ⁹ For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you.

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,¹⁰ so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, ¹¹ being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,

¹² and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

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GOD will provide knowledge of HIS will through the HOLY SPIRIT HE placed inside me.

GOD will give me understanding so I can live a life worthy of the LORD, pleasing HIM daily.

GOD will guide me to bear fruit when I do good works for HIM.

GOD will place situations in front of me that stretch me to grow.

GOD will exercise my emotions strengthening my faith while understanding my fears, doubts and worries.

GOD will use HIS might to enable me to patiently endure the hardships of life.

GOD will accept my joyful thanks because HE took me into HIS family forever.

amen

Be thankful for one another.

1 Thessalonians 1:  ² We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. ³ We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

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By six thirty A.M. my voicemail already had messages. After clearing them and walking around to greet my staff meetings began and lasted until early evening. With voicemail and e-mail full, I sat at my desk clearing away the work only to prepare for dinner, but not with my family.

Meanwhile at home, meals were being prepared, clothes cleaned and kids were going to school. Exhausted from work, I would sit around on weekends in the “presence” of my family only to be thinking about “that” meeting or presentation. All of my conversations were about work, never once asking “specific” questions about others lives or struggles. My first words outside of work were “why isn’t this place clean?”

• When I am focused on “me” I am less thankful about others.
• When my world is the center of attention then I forget what blessings GOD has given me.
• When I look for something to always be wrong with people then I can’t see what’s right with them.

Thanksgiving is here and for many the holiday can be exciting, but for some it brings out some deep feelings of a painful year and unmet expectations. Depression sets in because the thought of unrealized dreams cloaks the seasons’ meaning. BUT GOD wants us to think differently.

• Being thankful of GOD means I recognize HE “is” doing great things.
• Being thankful of others means I recognize what “is” not what “isn’t.”
• Being thankful of myself means I know my soul “is” in GOD’s hand and no one can pluck it out.

Paul, who also authored of this letter, wrote “it is great to be content in every situation.” He understood “things” come and go, but GOD’s love remains through thick and thin. My contentment needs to be based on what GOD “is” doing not on the false expectations I place on HIM or others.

It’s not always easy to be thankful of others because my judgment may be clouded, BUT GOD wants me to be thankful of HIM and others so I will take steps to get there.

• Are you thankful of GOD and do you know HE “is” blessing you?
• Are you truly thankful of your family or are you trying to get your way?
• Can you stop worrying long enough to add GOD’s thankfulness to your day?
• Can you drop your selfishness for one day and recognize the people and things you have to be thankful about?

Have you ever just felt like praising HIM?

Luke 1:46And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. 50His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
53He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
54He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."

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GOD is truly amazing! I love saying that because it means I can actually see what HE is doing in my life. There are times when I walk around blind to HIS great power.

I get so wrapped up in me that I can't see GOD or HIS mighty blessings. BUT GOD shows me HE is in control. Mary was a teenage bride to be. Jewish custom stated that a couple was practically married when they were engaged. In fact, the only way to break off the engagement was through divorce.

Mary was told by GOD she was going to have a baby who was going to be the CHOSEN ONE. This scared the teen half to death, yet she accepted the path GOD had her on.

She praised GOD because she could not find anything special about herself to be chosen by HIM. She wasn't rich. She didn't own land. She wasn't a queen. Yet Mary was chosen for a very special task, to birth the REDEEMER.

She praised GOD recognizing HIM for who HE is.

• GOD is the MIGHTY ONE - Nothing can fight against HIM.
• GOD is MERCIFUL - HE knows our sins and does not punish us.
• GOD brings down the proud - HE ignores humans who think they are "something."
• GOD lifts the humble - HE never leaves people who point their lives to HIM.
• GOD fills the hungry - HE provides physical and spiritual food for HIS people.
• GOD sends the rich away empty - Those who depend on money will never be content.
• GOD loves the Jews - Always remember they are HIS chosen people and HE keeps HIS promises to them.
  
  

I have to praise GOD! HE has been so good to me that I can't contain myself. HIS sustaining power is unmatched. HE turns pain into joy and fear into confidence. GOD redeemed me and HE has never forgotten me. I am so amazed at HIS great power.

• Are you amazed at GOD's power?
• Have you pondered all of the promises HE has kept?
• Do you realize that when HE says HE will do something, there is nothing that can stop HIM?
• What praise do you have for HIM today?