Destiny Fulfilled

Destiny Fulfilled

Revelation 13: ⁹ “Listen, then, if you have ears! ¹⁰ Whoever is meant to be captured will surely be captured; whoever is meant to be killed by the sword will surely be killed by the sword. This calls for endurance and faith on the part of God's people.”

 

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Working the cushy job was nice, but not enough after a while. There was a problem with the imbalanced population at the officer level that was noticeable. “Someone should speak up!” people whispered, but were afraid of losing their cushy jobs. I got with another person and we met with the higher ups, appealing the benefits of “balance.”  After a while, I was let go.

 

• I was willing to peacefully fight for a cause.
• I wanted what was right and was willing to give up the mundane for something better.
• Demise was no longer feared because the cause was more important.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, hears a pep talk for those remaining during the tribulation. Satan was loose and this meant difficult times for believers in JESUS. Instead of bowing down to Satan, people may gain the courage to continue in their open belief in JESUS, even unto demise.

 

My Observations:

• Human causes may make me fight someone, BUT GOD’s cause is one that brings eternal life.
• Believing in JESUS sounds easy, but it will make the world angry because it sometimes means surrendering pleasure for pain.
• Endurance and faith are needed because the world will brag about fame, power and wealth, meanwhile despising those who are willing to give it all up to live for CHRIST.

 

Destiny for the believer may require endurance and faith. I mean, in the days of relative truth, manipulation and word twisting, it is difficult to present GOD’s love which is JESUS. The HOLY SPIRIT guides believers away from the sin we desire over GOD. Who would want that? GOD does.

 

HE knows sin causes us to be blind, even to the point where we can no longer see or “hear” GOD. That’s why HE says “Listen, then, if you have ears!” GOD always, always has a better plan that plays out in this life and the next. Endurance and faith are needed!

 

Challenge

• Is the message from the writer harsh?
• Have you ever found yourself in a situation where the original benefit was no longer good enough?
• Will you turn from human causes to understand GOD’s main cause, which is to save all humans by belief in JESUS today?

Greater Than

Greater Than

Revelation 13: ⁵ The beast was allowed to make proud claims which were insulting to God, and it was permitted to have authority for forty-two months. ⁶ It began to curse God, his name, the place where he lives, and all those who live in heaven. ⁷ It was allowed to fight against God's people and to defeat them, and it was given authority over every tribe, nation, language, and race. ⁸ All people living on earth will worship it, except those whose names were written before the creation of the world in the book of the living which belongs to the Lamb that was killed.

 

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“You are staying after school” were the words I thought I would never hear. I was minding my own business and was picked on by someone. Not knowing how to fight, I used my words to counter the attack. We got into a back and fort conversation that was escalating to a fight. The teacher intervened and I figured I was in the clear. “Both of you stay after school” she said. Then she pulled me to the side and said “You are bigger than this.”

 

• I did not know what she meant about being bigger when she allowed me to be punished.
• I thought innocence should be met with no problems.
• I was not prepared for an adversary who wanted me to fail.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, wrote some uncomfortable things that will take place regarding believers in JESUS. He wrote about the beast who was given authority to insult and curse GOD. All the people would fall to worship the beast who would openly curse GOD and anyone associated with HIM. But not everyone will bow to the beast.

 

My Observations:

• GOD allowed HIMSELF to be insulted.
• GOD allowed HIMSELF to be cursed and for the beast to harm people.
• GOD is greater than any insult, curse or fatal wound, because HE holds life, especially eternal life.

 

Life with purpose has to be looked at differently. I mean, when GOD is the purpose, insults, and injury take second place to HIS promises. HE knows there will be battles that are spiritual in nature. Innocent people will be blamed for declaring their belief in JESUS. BUT GOD sees.

 

JESUS dies because of HIS innocence. HE was blamed, insulted and killed. This spirit of hatred towards GOD still lives today. Politicians try to steal GOD for votes. Races try to make GOD into their image. BUT GOD knows who HE is and who truly believes in HIM. HE cannot fall to the level of the insulter because HE is greater than that!

 

Challenge

• What, from the writer, is scary to you?
• Have you ever been innocent, yet people come after you with twisted words, lies and insults?
• Will you be “greater than” the insults and know JESUS has yours and my name in HIS book of life today?

True Victory

 

True Victory

1 Thessalonians 2: ¹⁷ As for us, friends, when we were separated from you for a little while—not in our thoughts, of course, but only in body—how we missed you and how hard we tried to see you again! ¹⁸ We wanted to return to you. I myself tried to go back more than once, but Satan would not let us. ¹⁹ After all, it is you—you, no less than others!—who are our hope, our joy, and our reason for boasting of our victory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes. ²⁰ Indeed, you are our pride and our joy!

 

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After “winning” the company’s most coveted prize, I felt elated. “I” had worked hard and “I” felt great. Months later, I found out the CEO of the very large company was going to visit. I thought this was my chance to make an impression. “I won the -blank, blank- award”, I blurted. “Good for you” was his snide reply as he walked past, not even asking me my name. “Why did I say that?” I said to myself frustrated!

 

• I thought awards would raise me up.
• I thought achievements would make me stand out.
• I thought accomplishments would take me places that were “higher” than where I was.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy expressed their desire to visit the people of Thessalonica, but were hindered by Satan himself. They tried and tried, but could not physically return, so they sent a letter, letting everyone know how much they cared for the Thessalonians, They also expressed that the true victory is speaking about them before the LORD.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to be willing to go and serve other people.
• Watching other people grow in the LORD should be where I place my hope.
• JESUS will return one day and I will be able to brag about you because you are my pride and joy.

 

“It is you” are words that stick out to me. I mean, humans love “winners” but usually the focus is on themselves. “Look at what ‘I’ did” is the attitude that is innocent, yet when used too much, can lead to a desire to always be in the spotlight.

 

GOD wants me to see other people and to say “Look at what he or she did” versus “Look at what ‘I’ did.” My bragging and boasting should be about those who have placed their trust in the LORD. I am grateful for you and I am glad GOD has given you a special reward.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writers are so fond of the people?
• Who do you brag about outside of yourself?
• Will you get excited when other people place their trust in the LORD and when he or she gains honor before the LORD today?

Consider the Menial

Consider the Menial

Romans 16: ²¹ Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you.

²² I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord.

²³ Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother. ²⁴ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

 

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“You are invited to the meeting” were words that delighted me. I did not know why I was invited because it included high ranking officers in the company. “Maybe they recognize ‘my’ potential” I arrogantly thought to myself.

 

“You are here to take notes.” I was dejected, but did so anyway. After a while, I was known amongst the officers. They promoted me and I did not have to ask for it.

 

• There have been tasks that I felt were beneath me.
• There have been things that needed to be done that I felt someone else should do.
• There have been menial jobs, assignments and projects I have been given that I labeled as low visibility, meanwhile I looked with envy at thing I labeled as “high” visibility, meaning the high people would see it.

 

If I were to ask “Who wrote the letter to the Romans?” everyone would say Paul and they would be partially correct. These are Pauls’ words as given to him by the HOLY SPIRIT, but the real “writer” of the letter is Tertius. He mentions that he “wrote” the letter.

 

• GOD wants me to not think more highly of myself.
• GOD wants me to be faithful with small things so HE can trust me with the large.
• GOD wants me to see every person as “high” and keep away from labeling people with levels.

 

Tertius was obedient to GOD and did not think it to be too low to receive dictation from Paul. He probably felt quite the opposite. I wonder if he felt he had a sense of duty to get this important message out from Paul who was oppressed everywhere he went. This menial  task led to a great letter. I am grateful for all those who are like Tertius, serving the LORD and knowing what they do is important.

 

• Do you feel lower than other people?
• Do you think that what GOD has you doing is menial?
• Will you stop comparing yourself to other people and know that what you are doing for the LORD is considered great to HIM?

Looks Different

Looks Different

Acts 7: ⁹ “And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him ¹⁰ and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. ¹¹ Now a famine and great trouble came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers found no sustenance. ¹² But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. ¹³ And the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to the Pharaoh. ¹⁴ Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob and all his relatives to him, seventy-five people. ¹⁵ So Jacob went down to Egypt; and he died, he and our fathers. ¹⁶ And they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.

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Headed to a party, I got excited over the music playing in the car. I sat in the back seat, dancing a little, looking forward to the festivities to come. A friend, who was driving, said “Something looks different.” We drove and drove. Soon my anticipation dance turned into boredom. We were lost, so we headed back.

• There have been times when I did not get a chance to do some things I probably should not have done in the first place.
• There have been times when I tried to go places I should not have been and things looked different.
• There have been times when I got lost because something was different than the path in my head.

Stephen continues with his discourse. He talked about Joseph’s history of being sold into slavery and delivered from many catastrophes by GOD. Stephen used this example for a purpose, to show how greatness looked different.

• GOD has a plan for me that looks different than the one I would choose.
• GOD has a plan for me that sometimes seems difficult but includes HIS great reward.
• GOD has a plan for me that seems like a field of obstacles, but HE is with me.

Greatness looks different to GOD. I mean when the obstacles are too big for me to remove and GOD removes them, I have to rejoice and tell people about HIM. Then, after a while, I realize HE removes the small obstacles I thought I was handling.

GOD’s power looks different than I could ever imaging. Each trouble I get into, I can see HIM there, suffering with me. The ONE who has infinite power, infinite wisdom and is everywhere, stops, sits and cries with me. HE then does something unexpected. HE raises me up at HIS time. I am grateful GOD’s greatness looks different than what I expect.

• Are you desiring something and everything seems to be going wrong?
• Do you think the situation has gotten the best of you and you have nothing left?
• Will you accept the fact that GOD loves you dearly and is with you, even through the difficult times, so HE can make you great in HIS way?

True Greatness

True Greatness

John 8: ⁵² Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’ ⁵³ Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?”

⁵⁴ Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. ⁵⁵ Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word.⁵⁶ Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.”

⁵⁷ Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?”

⁵⁸ Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

⁵⁹ Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

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JESUS declares that HE was the one who gave Moses the laws and the ten commandments by saying “Before Abraham was, I AM.” This infuriated the church leaders because they refused to bow down to HIM as their king. JESUS was saying HE has the power over death which was given to HIM by the FATHER.

• GOD wants me to give HIM more credit than I normally do.
• GOD wants me to see that HE is involved in every facet of my life.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE controls everything and has thrown Satan to earth.

Underestimating who JESUS is, was the church leader’s big mistake. I make this mistake often with people. I mean when I mistreat someone or overlook the throw away people, I am underestimating those GOD wants me to serve. This is just like the Pharisees.

• JESUS wants me to see HIS greatness so I can tell others about HIM.
• JESUS wants me to recognize HIS power to save me and those who also believe in HIM.
• JESUS wants me to accept that HE is the GREAT I AM.

JESUS was and is forever. HE was and is all powerful. HE was and is all seeing, all knowing and is everywhere. I serve the Living GOD.

• Who is JESUS to you?
• Do you think HE has forgotten you?
• Will you allow the Great I AM to take you to places you never dreamed of?

Great Desires

Mark 10: ⁴¹ And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. ⁴² But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. ⁴³ Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. ⁴⁴ And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. ⁴⁵ For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

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This time I had a plan. I would arrive a little early so I could position myself near the door. When the gym teacher would say “Go” I would burst out of the door and run to the fence. The first one to the fence would be the captain of the team and I wanted to be captain for a change. As I raced out the door the faster kids beat me profusely!

• There were times when I wanted to be on top.
• There were times when I wanted to be the one in charge.
• There were times when I wanted to be the person in the spotlight.

Competition and conflict spread through the disciples. Each one wanted to be great amongst men. JESUS saw what was going on so HE called them to teach them an important lesson about true greatness.

• JESUS says to me “If you want to be great you must desire to be a servant.”
• JESUS says to me “I did not come to be served, but to serve” so use this as you example.
• JESUS says to me “I came to ransom MY life for you and for many.”

Desire had to be put in check. JESUS wants me to desire to be great, but do it HIS way. HE came as a servant and wants me to be one too. HE knows the world would laugh at the things HE calls “great” like simply smiling at people or praying for those ahead of me in traffic.

“You call that great?” the world would say. GOD says “If you have served even a cup of water to these little ones you have served ME.” Yes, that is great! Now, back to the playground. I served as a person on the team as best I could and the team captain said, I want you on my team again. “Hmm, maybe there is something to serving after all.” I thought to myself.

• Do you desire to be great?
• Are you busy telling everyone how great you are?
• Can you redefine your definition of greatness as one who serve JESUS by serving others?

Knowing Doing

Matthew 21: 28 “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’

29 “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.

30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.

31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”

“The first,” they answered.

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

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“Tell that person about ME” GOD said to me. “I can’t, they won’t listen to me.” The moment passed. “Tell that person about ME” GOD said to me again. “I can’t, I am at work.” The moment passed. “Tell that person about ME” GOD said on another occasion. I can’t, I’m at a club looking at, well I won’t go into that. The moment passed.

• Many times I know what I should do and not do it.
• Many times I have an excuse for not doing what I am supposed to do.
• Many times I have said “Yes I will do that” but wind up not doing it.

“Stop talking and start doing” is what I heard from someone. It did not have a profound message at the time but I did remember it. After a while I pursued CHRIST, seeking HIS way. I then heard someone say, “If you only had two weeks to live, what would you do differently?” Many answers came out and I thought about “tell people about CHRIST.” The conference leader then said “Then why don’t you do live like that each day?”

• GOD tells me what to do every day; it is up to me to listen.
• GOD gives me direction daily; I get blessed when I follow HIM.
• GOD talks to me on a regular basis, I only have to open my heart in order to hear HIM.

Clouded thoughts, fear, bitterness, lust, greed and other things got in the way as excuses for not serving GOD. BUT GOD was graceful enough to keep asking. HE knew HE could penetrate my stony heart and enable me to follow HIM little by little. GOD calls me to “do” all I have to do is obey.

• Are you ignoring GOD when HE is talking to you?
• Do you have too much going on to hear HIM?
• Can you slow down for a moment and listen to HIM today?

Transformed into Greatness

Matthew 11: ¹¹ Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. ¹² From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. ¹³ For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. ¹⁴ And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. ¹⁵ Whoever has ears, let them hear.

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A box of awards from various companies sits in a box for non to see. Accolades telling me how “great” I was pale into comparison to what I am going to become.

• Humans declare me “great” because of their sinful lenses.
• Humans defined a measure of “greatness” that only the sinful can achieve.
• Humans have missed the mark in terms of what greatness really is.

Human worship still happens in everyday conversations. People are so stuck on the mishaps of those in the news that no conversation about GOD can pierce the noise. GOD wants something different from me.

• GOD wants me to focus on HIS kingdom in the days where it is weird to speak about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to prophecy about HIS SON, meaning telling people of HIS imminent return.
• GOD wants me to stop waiting for something else to happen and start getting HIS kingdom ready.

John the Baptist was the greatest human to live, next to JESUS, yet John would not even be considered “great” in the kingdom of heaven. When GOD transforms my body into a “kingdom” body, I will be “great.” All my earthly deeds will be checked and measured against how I served GOD by serving humans.

Greatness has a different definition to GOD. Pointing my life towards JESUS is the definition of great to HIM.

• Are you ready for greatness?
• Do you seek the accolades of humans or of GOD?
• Can you stop chasing human affirmation and seek GOD’s kingdom that is under fire around you?