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?

Clarified Relationship

Clarified Relationship

1 John 3: ¹⁹ This, then, is how we will know that we belong to the truth; this is how we will be confident in God's presence. ²⁰ If our conscience condemns us, we know that God is greater than our conscience and that he knows everything. ²¹ And so, my dear friends, if our conscience does not condemn us, we have courage in God's presence. ²² We receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. ²³ What he commands is that we believe in his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as Christ commanded us. ²⁴ Those who obey God's commands live in union with God and God lives in union with them. And because of the Spirit that God has given us we know that God lives in union with us.

 

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“What do YOU want from me?! I cried out as things seemed to be falling apart. Just beginning my career and just returning to the LORD, I expected smooth sailing for the rest of my life. But when trouble hit, I questioned my relationship with GOD and wondered if this was the right choice.

 

• I expected GOD to serve me.
• I wanted a problem free life and expected GOD to deliver it.
• At the first sign of trouble, I was ready to “leave” GOD or throw a tantrum.

 

John attempted to address insecurity regarding believers relationship with GOD. There was a lot of confusion because the church leaders of the day had freshly murdered the Messiah. John may have attempted to address how people were feeling towards GOD and wanted them to have a solid relationship with HIM.

 

My Observations:

• GOD has a simple desire, that all humans be saved.
• GOD wants us to have heaven on earth, so HE commands that we love one another.
• GOD knew I could not keep the Law given to Moses, so HE provided the easiest most rewarding way to have a relationship with HIM.

 

GOD clearly answered the question, “What do YOU want from me?” I mean, HE has a creation with free will to choose HIM or not. HE would prefer all of us to choose HIM and HIS loving ways. Unfortunately, the world has a lot to offer that counters our belief in HIM. Lust for money, fame and various physical pleasures make GOD seem weak and forgetful. BUT GOD says different.

 

JESUS volunteered HIS very life so you and I could live eternally. HE didn’t stop there. HE knew we have to live in a world that opposes HIS love, so HE commanded that we love one another, simply to receive a slice of heaven on earth. I am glad that by believing in JESUS and loving others, I can have confidence in my relationship with GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer mentions “GOD is greater than our conscience?”
• Have you ever felt that GOD has left you or that it is not worth following GOD or even believing in JESUS?
• Will you align to GOD’s desires by believing in JESUS and loving others so you can be in union with GOD and have courage to ask for whatever you need today?

Full of Courage

Full of Courage

1 John 2: ²⁸ Yes, my children, remain in union with him, so that when he appears we may be full of courage and need not hide in shame from him on the Day he comes. ²⁹ You know that Christ is righteous; you should know, then, that everyone who does what is right is God's child.

 

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Having told the lie, I did not feel confident in answering any questions. I could be tripped up easily because I made up a convenient story that was not consistent with what I was doing at the time.

 

• My mind raced as I tried to think of other lies to support the current lie.
• Blame entered my mind as a possible way out of “my” current lie.
• After a while, I gave up and said “lying is just too hard too hard to keep up.”

 

John wraps up his discussion about remaining in union with CHRIST. He implies that if we remain in union with JESUS, then when HE returns, we will not be ashamed, but full of courage.

 

My Observations:

• Confidence comes from staying with GOD, even when things look terrible.
• Assurance comes from following GOD instead of trying to create my own security blanket.
• Courage comes from doing “what is right” as GOD has defined it, not humans.

 

Sin makes me question GOD’s love for me. I mean, when I sin and something goes terribly wrong, I wonder if it was the sin that caused the pain. Even though I know I am forgiven, I still feel unstable in my relationship with GOD when blatant sin is in the picture. GOD has another way.

 

HE is not placing extreme pressure on us to be perfect. In fact, HE knew we would not follow HIM, yet JESUS died for humanity anyway. But there are times when GOD sees when you and I do “what is right” and gets excited. I am glad GOD can use sinful people to do HIS marvelous works of love.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer try to make the message precious to everyone?
• Have you ever questioned GOD’s love for you?
• Wil you have courage in your relationship with GOD by doing “what is right” so HE can call you HIS child today?

Seeking Reliability

Seeking Reliability

2 Timothy 2: As for you, my son, be strong through the grace that is ours in union with Christ Jesus. ² Take the teachings that you heard me proclaim in the presence of many witnesses, and entrust them to reliable people, who will be able to teach others also.

 

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After partying all night, I went to bed. I woke up hours later in a haste that I had forgotten something. “O no!” I said to myself. I had forgotten to open the dorm office and I was the only one with the key. Many people were waiting on various services. I rushed down and opened the office, but was fired because I had been late before.

 

• I was not reliable.
• I was not dependable.
• I was not trustworthy.

 

Paul appeals to Timothy to seek “reliable” teachers who can be entrusted with spreading the Gospel. This may have been done to prevent someone who would twist the message into profiteering or some other manipulation. The highest importance was to remain strong in the grace of our LORD and Savior, JESUS.

 

My Observations

• Reliability is something GOD wants me to have so I can be entrusted with more precious things.
• Dependability is something GOD wants me to have so HE can send people to me and know I will rely on HIS message versus my hidden agenda.
• Trustworthy is something GOD wants me to be so I can be sent to the right place at the right time or be ready to speak HIS message in HIS way.

 

Faith has multiple components, but one is being dependable. I mean, as a business owner or employee, if I show up randomly, then I become unreliable. Same with GOD’s message. If I am not reliable to speak on HIS behalf, HE will not entrust HIS precious souls to me. In other words, HE will not send people who need to hear about GOD to someone who will not speak on HIS behalf.

 

GOD wants reliability. HE knows that times will get difficult and still wants me to be reliable. Faith is also dependability. GOD is faithful to cleanse me of all unrighteousness when I confess the to HIM. I am glad I can depend on HIM and hope HE can depend on me.

 

Challenge

• What is so important that the writer seeks reliable people to teach?
• Have you ever ran into a situation where you needed a reliable source but could not find it?
• Will you be the reliable source GOD needs so HE can entrust HIS plan and message to you today?

Question Answered

Question Answered

1 Thessalonians 5: ¹⁶ Be joyful always, ¹⁷ pray at all times, ¹⁸ be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.

 

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Walking outside to the parking lot, I noticed my window had been broken out and my cassette tapes had been stolen. Yeah I said tapes. At work, I got news that the project was not going well. I got home and all I had in the fridge was eggs. I boiled them and fell asleep. I woke up to exploded burnt eggs. “What do YOU want from me!” I angrily said to GOD.

 

• I had plenty to complain about.
• I told people about one calamity, then another would hit.
• I questioned why I was going through this by asking “What do YOU want from me?”

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy gave some advice to everyone who asked the question “What does GOD want from me?” Their simple words are not so easy to put into practice, but the perspective can change how circumstances are seen.

 

• GOD wants me to be joyful versus happy because joy cuts through pain.
• GOD wants me to pray at all times, asking HIM how HE wants to handle the bad and good situations.
• GOD wants me to be thankful in all circumstances, seeing HIM work through very difficult situations as well as peaceful ones.

 

Joy, prayer and thankfulness do not seem like powerful weapons, but they are. I mean, when I seek happiness, fulfilled desires and accolades, I run into those who seek the same and would do anything to rob others of theirs. I also rely on my own thoughts and power which makes me run out of fuel and question GOD. BUT HE has another way.

 

GOD wants my life to have light burdens, but understands there is an enemy, Satan, who will stop at nothing to keep me from praising JESUS. GOD gives me joy, prayer and thankfulness to battle worry, hatred, doubt and all ills of life. I am glad GOD wants me to have a relationship with HIS SON and wants simple things from me.

 

Challenge

• Why do the writers use “always” and “all times” and “all circumstances?”
• Have you ever felt like not praying or wanting to be angry or wanting to just be alone in your pity?
• Will you take the burden off of yourself and replace it with joy through prayer and thankfulness so GOD can unite you with the power of CHRIST JESUS today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, thank YOU for this reader. Thank YOU for keeping him or her in the palm of YOUR hands. Thank YOU for joy and for opening the door to listen. We praise YOU today. amen

Faithful Friends

Faithful Friends

Colossians 1: From Paul, who by God's will is an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy—

 

² To God's people in Colossae, who are our faithful friends in union with Christ:

May God our Father give you grace and peace.

 

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Living in a new city was exciting in the beginning, but after a while, I wanted to do things with people. The small town I was in had different music, food and activities that I was not familiar with. I met people, but something was off.

 

• I was seeking commonalities from a social perspective.
• I wanted to have the same ”fun” I had when I walked away from GOD.
• I was looking for more of the same thing I was used to when I was in college.

 

Paul classifies the people at Colossae as “faithful friends.” This is a group of people who put their faith in CHRIST into action. The commonality was their union in JESUS.

 

My Observations

• Unity in CHRIST can bring me a wide range of friends.
• GOD’s will brings me together with people who seek HIS kingdom.
• My faith in CHRIST unites me with others who are faithful to HIM.

 

Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. I place my entire hope in CHRIST as I muddle through this thing called life. When I meet others who feel the same way about CHRIST, we bond in a way that is different from the world.

 

We seek GOD’s kingdom together, facing opposition from those in the world who may have succumb to its seductive pleasures. I am glad GOD enables me to enjoy life while srving HIM and guides me away from forgetting I am HIS.

Challenge

• What stands out in the writer’s greeting?
• Have you ever met some “friends” that do not have GOD’s interest in mind?
• Will you add “faith” in CHRIST to your list of qualities when it comes to choosing friends today?

 

Old Friends

Old Friends

Philippians 4: ¹⁰ In my life in union with the Lord it is a great joy to me that after so long a time you once more had the chance of showing that you care for me. I don't mean that you had stopped caring for me—you just had no chance to show it. ¹¹ And I am not saying this because I feel neglected, for I have learned to be satisfied with what I have.

 

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Returning to the country, I was told things had changed in only two years. An evasive attitude of “self” had began to penetrate this once pristine group of people who would give their last when I met them before. But then I ran into a person I met before. He was warm and friendly. We picked up where we left off.

 

• I was thankful to see him.
• I was served by him and I felt welcome.
• I felt cared for, even though I had not been there in two years.

 

Paul expresses his joy over those who served him again after a long period of being apart. He was excited about their reason for serving him, namely their union with the LORD. He was not seeking to be served because he was satisfied with what he had. But it did feel great.

 

My Observations

• Old friends who are united because of CHRIST can pick up where they left off.
• Satisfaction with what I have can enable me to have joy with or without someone serving me.
• GOD wants me to care for those who pop in and out of my life.

 

“Friends of the road” is a term I heard years ago that meant we meet people who are fast friends, but drift apart as life goes on. This does not mean we did not care for one another, rather life’s circumstances may keep us from directly serving one another.

 

Whenever we reunite, GOD wants joy. HE loves when I pick up where we left off and express care for one another rather than disappointment. I am glad GOD gives me a path to be an old friend to those who come and go in and out of my life.

 

Challenge

• Can you hear the thankfulness of the writer?
• Have you ever reunited with someone who you could pick up where you left off?
• Are you satisfied with your life?
• Will you point your satisfaction in life to CHRIST to reduce expectations of others so joy can be the bond of your friendships today?

Finding Peace

Finding Peace

Philippians 4: ⁶ Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. ⁷ And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.

 

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“Can I please have a name brand shoe?” was my request. After years of trying, I realized I was not going to get the fashionable items from my parents. Their hard earned money was used for bills, or at least that’s what they said. When I was old enough I got a job. I bought name brand shoes. “LORD, please don’t have it rain today” was my ask.

 

• I wanted people to see my new shoes.
• I did not want “my” shoes to get dirty from rain or dirty places.
• I was proud that I was finally able to buy shoes without the oppression of a budget.

 

Paul provides some quick, yet sage advice to contentment. He knew that living in this world would bring on temptations to have nice things. He also knew people would become discontent by not having these things. He suggested a much better way of thinking about things, namely “be thankful.”

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to be thankful for JESUS saving me.
• GOD wants me to be thankful for all that HE has brought me through.
• GOD wants me to be thankful for the people, places and things in my life so I can see that I am abundantly blessed.

 

Being thankful for people reduces rage over something he or she did. Also, being thankful for the places GOD has me in, opens my eyes to the ministry HE has given me to reap abundant rewards. When I am thankful for the old worn out thing, I reduce my being discontent.

 

GOD sees thankfulness as a sacred place. Kinda like an elevator reaching a floor. Once I reach the level of thankfulness, GOD says “Here, have peace.” HE then opens my mind and my heart to HIS safety that does not make sense to those who seek other people, places and things for their peace. I am grateful GOD reminds me that peace can be found by thankfulness of HIM.

 

Challenge

• What things does the writer suggest you pray for?
• Have you ever been discontent with the things you have?
• Have you ever received something and wanted something else that is similar, later?
• Will you be thankful for who you are, what you have, the people in your life, the things you have and where GOD has you , so you can reach HIS peace HE wants you to have today?

Celebration

 

Celebration

Philippians 3:  In conclusion, my friends, be joyful in your union with the Lord. I don't mind repeating what I have written before, and you will be safer if I do so. ² Watch out for those who do evil things, those dogs, those who insist on cutting the body. ³ It is we, not they, who have received the true circumcision, for we worship God by means of his Spirit and rejoice in our life in union with Christ Jesus. We do not put any trust in external ceremonies. 

 

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Preparing for the celebration was hard work. Lists were made, lots of things were prioritized and budgets were blown. Large groups of people were involved in this frenzied experience. Lost sleep, meetings and stress ensued. “It’s tradition” someone said, trying to make sense out of the madness.

 

• We had placed high value on ceremonies.
• We placed a lot of trust in the tradition.
• We made sure the photo opportunities looked like everyone was enjoying themselves.

 

Paul repeats himself by saying “Be joyful in your union with the LORD.” He then warns everyone about trusting in “external ceremonies” versus simply trusting in the union with CHRIST JESUS. He knew that looking holy did not make a person holy.

 

My Observations

• My external actions may look good to people, BUT GOD rates my righteousness as filthy.
• GOD saw my sinful actions and saved me anyway.
• Only my union with CHRIST JESUS can save me.

 

Celebrating special days or people may have its value, but can sometimes be prioritized over the One who deserves celebration, namely JESUS. I mean, it is alright to recognize leaders or to be circumcised or to celebrate accomplishments, but placing trust in these ceremonies could make us think that we holier than we are.

 

Being “joyful” in union with the LORD can happen every day. No special day or moment is needed. GOD made it possible for me to celebrate the LORD each and every day. Traditions are nice, but I am glad I can recognize CHRIST without the need for anyone to see it.

 

Challenge

• Who is the writer warning everyone about?
• What is the “true circumcision?”
• Will you celebrate your relationship with CHRIST as often as you can without the need for a special day or person triggering an event?

Being Built Together

Being Built Together

Ephesians 2: ¹⁹ So then, you Gentiles are not foreigners or strangers any longer; you are now citizens together with God's people and members of the family of God. ²⁰ You, too, are built upon the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets, the cornerstone being Christ Jesus himself. ²¹ He is the one who holds the whole building together and makes it grow into a sacred temple dedicated to the Lord. ²² In union with him you too are being built together with all the others into a place where God lives through his Spirit.

 

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As I read the instructions, I noticed I was missing some crucial parts. I was putting together some furniture and did not check to see if all the parts were there. I assumed they would send everything. I had to stop working, go to the store and get a bag of crucial parts that would be used to hold everything together.

 

• I could not finish building without these parts.
• The parts I was missing were easily overlooked.
• The parts, by themselves, seemed unimportant but were truly necessary.

 

“You are members of GOD’s family” is what Paul tries to implore on everyone he is writing to. He gives an analogy of something important for life, namely shelter. The stronger the building, the more desirable the shelter became. People marvel over tall buildings so Paul also explains that JESUS is the most important part of the strong foundation.

 

My Observations

• GOD seems me as important, even though I, alone, do not feel I am very much.
• GOD sees the big picture of which I have a small, yet important role.
• GOD wants me and others to be in union with JESUS so HE can build HIS kingdom and dwell with all of HIS children.

 

Somehow GOD wants to reclaim all HIS lost children to build a supernatural place where HE will live. A building humans built cannot contain HIM, so HE needs the hearts of those who believe to be emptied out so HE can fit inside. HE chose one group of people to spread the message of HIS SON, but unfortunately, they turned against HIM and murdered JESUS, thinking they were doing the right thing.

 

BUT GOD had this in HIS plan and JESUS was raised from the dead. HE now holds the building together and needs each person to believe so HE can put him or her in a special place HE needs. I am glad I am in the family and will do my part to hold it together.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer uses an analogy of a building?
• Do you ever feel insignificant or overwhelmed, thinking you have to do GOD’s job but are failing?
• Can you accept that you are being built to do something special?
• Will you know you are important to GOD and are needed to do only your part so HE can hold the “whole building together” with your help today?

Proximity

Proximity

Ephesians 2: ¹¹ You Gentiles by birth—called “the uncircumcised” by the Jews, who call themselves the circumcised (which refers to what men do to their bodies)—remember what you were in the past. ¹² At that time you were apart from Christ. You were foreigners and did not belong to God's chosen people. You had no part in the covenants, which were based on God's promises to his people, and you lived in this world without hope and without God. ¹³ But now, in union with Christ Jesus you, who used to be far away, have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

 

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Feeling “far away” made me not try in many instances. I remember being excited about being in a contest, but when I saw the winner, I gave up. “I will never be able to measure up to that” I said to myself.

 

• I felt so far away from perfection.
• I felt so far away from reaching any expectation people had of me.
• I felt so far away from where “successful” people were.

 

Classism and racism were prevalent amongst the church leaders. Paul explains that the church leaders placed labels on the Gentiles, flaunting their superiority of being “chosen.” They made a point to show just how far away the Gentiles were from GOD. BUT GOD took care of that.

 

My Observations

• GOD wanted to be close to me so HE allowed JESUS to die for me.
• JESUS was raised from the dead and sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me.
• The HOLY SPIRIT pleads on my behalf, guides me to comfort and brings me hope in hopeless situations.

 

JESUS brought me close to HIM by uniting with me and I with HIM. HE took away my sins so there would be no barrier between us. HE declared me clean and to keep me clean, placed HIS SPIRIT inside me. Whenever I sin, HE looks at my heart and sees the HOLY SPIRIT who has already asked for forgiveness for me.

 

The FATHER removes my sins as far as the east is from the west. HE does the same for those who believe in HIS SON. HE cannot get any closer than living inside me, so HE is never far away. HE promised to never leave me nor forsake me. I am glad HE chose to be close to me.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer imply about racism or classism?
• Have you ever been labeled so you can be excluded from a group?
• Have you ever felt far away from GOD?
• Will you listen to the truth that GOD loves you so much that HE is willing to live inside you and never leave you and is going through what you are going through with you today?

Confident About You

Confident About You

Galatians 5: ⁷ You were doing so well! Who made you stop obeying the truth? How did he persuade you? ⁸ It was not done by God, who calls you. ⁹ “It takes only a little yeast to make the whole batch of dough rise,” as they say. ¹⁰ But I still feel confident about you. Our life in union with the Lord makes me confident that you will not take a different view and that whoever is upsetting you will be punished by God.

 

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After running over some glass, my car developed a slow leak in one of the tires. I could still drive as I pleased, but I was not confident I could go on a trip that was too far from a place to refill the tire. This little pinhole changed my trips for a while until I saved up to get it fixed.

 

• Something tiny changed my thinking.
• One little thing made a big difference in my life.
• A tiny problem added to my sorrow.

 

Paul questions everyone about how easily they could be persuaded to stop believing in JESUS as the truth. One person may have preached a message that countered the truth about JESUS being the one and only Savior. He may have even gone so far as to raise questions about the need to be saved. But Paul remained confident for a reason.

 

My Observations

• Little sins can cause me to feel unconfident in GOD’s power for me.
• My sins cannot stop GOD’s love for me.
• My confidence comes from being in union with CHRIST.

 

“But I still feel confident about you” are true words of surrender to GOD’s power. I mean, when I see someone struggling in life due to a lack of a relationship with JESUS, I want to jump in and convince him or her to choose HIS power. It does not always work that way, so I feel helpless.

 

GOD wants me to be confident in HIM that HE will draw everyone who belongs to JESUS back to HIM because of their belief. HE chose us before the foundations of the world and is in complete control. I am glad I can let go of situations and remain confident in the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT in my life and many others.

 

Challenge

• What is the concern being raised from the writer?
• Has there ever been a time when you received conflicting information regarding salvation?
• Will you remain confident that JESUS saved you for all eternity and is not mad at you rather is quite pleased with you today?

What Matters

What Matters

Galatians 5: ² Listen! I, Paul, tell you that if you allow yourselves to be circumcised, it means that Christ is of no use to you at all. ³ Once more I warn any man who allows himself to be circumcised that he is obliged to obey the whole Law. ⁴ Those of you who try to be put right with God by obeying the Law have cut yourselves off from Christ. You are outside God's grace. ⁵ As for us, our hope is that God will put us right with him; and this is what we wait for by the power of God's Spirit working through our faith. ⁶ For when we are in union with Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor the lack of it makes any difference at all; what matters is faith that works through love.

 

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One more thing went wrong that day. “LORD, what!?” was my frustrated cry. “Aren’t I doing enough? I’m trying to live right and it seems like those who easily do wrong are getting ahead in life!”  When I calmed down, the situation remained the same but I could quiet down to listen to GOD.

 

• I thought I could live right to make everything go “”my” way.
• I was doing “good” for me versus serving GOD.
• I wanted something from the “deal” with GOD instead of simply living as HE wants.

 

Paul urges the Gentiles not to half-follow the Law by picking and choosing certain parts in efforts to feel closer to GOD. He warns everyone that by trying to depend on the Law to measure how “good” one can be brings judgment of the whole Law rather than freedom.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to see that HIS grace is what saved me.
• GOD wants me to recognize that there is nothing in me that is worthy of HIS grace.
• GOD wants me to accept HIS wonderful gift, which is HIS only SON.

 

When things go wrong, the HOLY SPIRIT is there to pick me up. I mean, because I believe that JESUS died to save me eternally, HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me and anyone else who believes. Comfort, guidance, discernment and peace is what is given to all who believe.

 

Unfortunately there is a war inside me that tries to take over the situation, causing me to doubt GOD’s true love. I think “I” have to do something rather than simply having faith in HIS ways. I am glad JESUS forgives me for those weak moments and restores my faith in HIM.

 

Challenge

• What do you think was going on with this group of people?
• What does it mean to be “put right” with GOD?
• Will you seek unity with CHRIST through faith versus trying to be “good” enough to please GOD who is already pleased with you?

New Clothes

New Clothes

Galatians 3: ²⁶ It is through faith that all of you are God's children in union with Christ Jesus. ²⁷ You were baptized into union with Christ, and now you are clothed, so to speak, with the life of Christ himself. ²⁸ So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free people, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus. ²⁹ If you belong to Christ, then you are the descendants of Abraham and will receive what God has promised.

 

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Tattered clothes made me feel ashamed  to be in public. Ridicule from other children made me self-conscious about my garments and I began to second guess my abilities. “What do I have to offer if I don’t fit in?” I thought from my insecurities.

 

• I was insecure.
• I was self-conscious about my outward appearance.
• I was busy looking on the outside of me and I did not like what I saw.

 

Paul concludes his explanation of the temporary use of “The Law.” He mentions that “It is through faith” that we are GOD’s children. Baptism by the HOLY SPIRIT brought all who believed in JESUS as the Savior, into union with CHRIST. Now the promise of being a descendant of Abraham is available to those who believe.

 

My Observations

• I can be secure in this life when I put my trust in JESUS.
• Sin soiled and tore my godly clothes.
• GOD gave me new clothes that are not made with human hands, rather of the SPIRIT.

 

Being adopted into the family of GOD has its benefits. I mean, now I am in union with CHRIST and I can be confident that the Creator wants me to have everything in HIS kingdom. Unfortunately my insecurities blind me to focus on the world and I overlook GOD’s kingdom.

 

I fall into the trap of trying to wear clothes made from humans and I adorn myself in businesses, jobs, titles, political affiliations, social groups and social pressures. These clothes get old quickly, BUT GOD’s clothes never stain or tear. I gladly wear the life of JESUS as a garment I am not ashamed to wear.

 

Challenge

• What does the passage say about equality?
• How does this passage address insecurity?
• Will you accept the security of GOD for this life and the next by believing in JESUS as your Savior so you can put on HIS new clothes of purpose and freedom today?

It Is Who You Know

It Is Who You Know

1 Corinthians 15: ²⁰ But the truth is that Christ has been raised from death, as the guarantee that those who sleep in death will also be raised. ²¹ For just as death came by means of a man, in the same way the rising from death comes by means of a man. ²² For just as all people die because of their union with Adam, in the same way all will be raised to life because of their union with Christ. 

 

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“Wow, we have box seats at the game!” I said with glee. Our team was being rewarded for some hard work. “Let me explain the rules” said the gift giver’s assistant. A list of do’s and don’t followed because we represented the gift giver’s reputation. We would not have been there if it were not for the gift giver.

 

• I have been places because I knew the right person.
• I have seen things because of my relationship with the right person.
• I have benefited from things because I knew the right person.

 

Paul explains that just being born is just cause for GOD to send a person to an eternal death. One human took all humans down to death. But one sinless human restored the relationship, namely JESUS.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants an everlasting relationship with me so HE volunteered to die for me.
• GOD wants me to be united with HIM so HE provided a way back to HIM.
• GOD wants all to be saved so HE made a way for all who accept JESUS to be raised to life.

 

Being united with CHRIST has to mean something. I mean, JESUS is the most powerful, all knowing all seeing being there is. HE is united to the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT. HIS resurrection gives HIM all authority. Knowing JESUS means a lot.

 

But knowing “of” JESUS is different than knowing JESUS. I can know a celebrity’s name but may not get the benefit that a relationship would bring. Having a relationship with JESUS requires that I admit I need HIM as my Savior and that I surrender my life to HIM. I am grateful HE wants a relationship with me because I would not have chosen HIM.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer use the word “union?”
• Have you ever respected someone so much that you were willing to act a certain way around him or her?
• Will you be united with JESUS and give your life to HIM little by little so HE can use you to reach many to raise them to life?

Look at the Dust

 

Look at the Dust

1 Corinthians 1: ²⁶ Now remember what you were, my friends, when God called you. From the human point of view few of you were wise or powerful or of high social standing. ²⁷ God purposely chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise, and he chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the powerful. ²⁸ He chose what the world looks down on and despises and thinks is nothing, in order to destroy what the world thinks is important. ²⁹ This means that no one can boast in God's presence. ³⁰ But God has brought you into union with Christ Jesus, and God has made Christ to be our wisdom. By him we are put right with God; we become God's holy people and are set free. ³¹ So then, as the scripture says, “Whoever wants to boast must boast of what the Lord has done.”

 

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Seeing the car this person drove sparked our conversation. It was a very expensive car. I watched his mannerisms on stage and noticed what he did to prepare to get on stage. I took mental notes so I could be just like him when I grew up.

 

• There have been many people I looked at so I could become like them.
• There have been many people I have watched so I could learn how to be “successful.”
• There have been many people I have followed so I could gain their “wisdom.”

 

Paul points out something strange regarding important people. He mentions that the world sees people different than GOD. What the world sees as “important”, GOD will destroy. HE will do this with unconventional methods.

 

• GOD wants me to know I am special to HIM and I am not overlooked.
• GOD wants me to know HE sees people differently than the way the world sees people.
• GOD wants me to know that HE can use people who are overlooked and thrown away.

 

Overlooking people to label others as “important” is a travesty. I mean, GOD may label a person important that the world says is insignificant, then what? That is exactly what happened when JESUS became a human. HE was overlooked as the Messiah and many people did not believe HE was and is GOD.

 

HE then noticed the dusty people and healed them. HE raised up people, who the world would call insignificant, from the dust and placed them over the rich and powerful. I am glad GOD sees me and others different than those who overlook.

 

• Do you feel overlooked?
• Do you think you are insignificant?
• Will you praise GOD for being in the same group as CHRIST, because HE too was overlooked?
• Will you boast about JESUS and what HE did for you today?

Looking for Grace and Peace

 

Looking for Grace and Peace

1 Corinthians 1: From Paul, who was called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Sosthenes—

 

² To the church of God which is in Corinth, to all who are called to be God's holy people, who belong to him in union with Christ Jesus, together with all people everywhere who worship our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:

 

³ May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

 

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Sleep eluded me as I felt the pressures of the pending deadline approaching. Day and night I worked but to no avail. I went to sleep, only to wake up thinking about work. I got up and satisfied the needs of the project. I arrived to work exhausted. I turned in the project, on time. “You misspelled some words” were the only comment.

 

• There have been times when I looked for peace after the turmoil.
• There have been times when I thought I could find peace through accomplishments and money.
• There have been times when I sought grace for mistakes I made.

 

Paul seemed to have a special tie to the people of Corinth. He mentioned Sosthenes, a Jewish leader who suffered a beating because he spoke about JESUS and agreed with Paul. Paul knew that those who were called would be ridiculed and persecuted by those who were supposed to be showing the love of GOD. He gives a solution to prepare those who are called.

 

• GOD wants me to seek grace by admitting I need a Savior.
• GOD wants me to seek peace from HIM alone.
• GOD wants me to confess to the FATHER that JESUS is my Savior so HE can send the HOLY SPIRIT to me, who in turn, brings me grace and peace.

 

Grace and peace will always elude me when I am not seeking it from the true source. Humans think a larger bank account or a certain brand of material things will bring peace. BUT GOD is the only source of grace and peace. HE withholds these precious implements from those who do not seek HIM.

 

GOD does something strange. HE pours out grace and peace to those who are called and who are worshipping our LORD JESUS CHRIST. While the world looks on with judgmental wrong labels, GOD gets excited to those who can mention the name of JESUS as their source of grace and peace. I gladly accept GOD’s grace and peace through JESUS who is my Savior.

 

• What do you think would bring you peace?
• Do you think a larger bank account or a better title or another material trinket will bring you peace?
• Have you taken inventory over your stuff to see if you have received grace and peace yet?
• Will you stop pursuing grace and peace “your” way and allow GOD to pour them out on you in abundance only when you surrender your life to JESUS today?