Looking for Amazement

 

Looking for Amazement

Revelation 13: Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads; on each of its horns there was a crown, and on each of its heads there was a name that was insulting to God. ² The beast looked like a leopard, with feet like a bear's feet and a mouth like a lion's mouth. The dragon gave the beast his own power, his throne, and his vast authority. ³ One of the heads of the beast seemed to have been fatally wounded, but the wound had healed. The whole earth was amazed and followed the beast. ⁴ Everyone worshiped the dragon because he had given his authority to the beast. They worshiped the beast also, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who can fight against it?”

 

============

 

Hearing the smooth talker, I was amazed at what he said. I observed his style and noticed he said what people wanted to hear, no matter if it were true or not. “That’s it!” I thought to myself. Maybe I can “win” people over by saying whatever it took, even if were a lie, to get what “I” wanted.

 

• I was willing to walk away from the truth to manufacture a lie.
• I was willing to side up with people who seemed to be “winning” but were losing due to their harmful methods.
• I wanted to get “my” way so badly, that I was willing to do some things that I shouldn’t have been doing.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved saw the dragon, Satan, give his power to the beast. At this time, “everyone” worshiped the dragon, because of the ability to make the beast powerful, as if to say, Make me powerful too.” The whole earth was amazed and willing to follow Satan.

 

My Observations:

• People who belong to JESUS will never bow down to Satan.
• GOD’s people, who remained faithful, following HIS commands and pacing his or her trust in JESUS as the Savior, will never bow to Satan.
• Only those who remain in their unbelief can be deceived to follow Satan and worship him.

 

Why in the world did GOD give the most important message that could send people to heaven or hell, to unreliable humans? I mean, humans are inconsistent, hypocritical and selfish, all of us! GOD even said “No one is righteous.” BUT HE made a way that HE would not wipe out HIS creation. JESUS.

 

Believing in JESUS cleanses me of all unrighteousness. HE sends the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me to guide me in the way GOD wants me to live. HE gives me purpose to make HIM special, not myself. I am amazed at the grace of JESUS. HE is my hope.

 

Challenge

• Do you think the writer had a hard time describing what HE saw?
• Have you ever wanted to be in power so badly that you were willing to leave GOD to follow human “success?”
• Will you be amazed at GOD’s grace for you and HIS power and authority today?

Unstuck on Titles

Unstuck on Titles

3 John 1: ⁹ I wrote a short letter to the church; but Diotrephes, who likes to be their leader, will not pay any attention to what I say. ¹⁰ When I come, then, I will bring up everything he has done: the terrible things he says about us and the lies he tells! But that is not enough for him; he will not receive the Christians when they come, and even stops those who want to receive them and tries to drive them out of the church!

 

¹¹ My dear friend, do not imitate what is bad, but imitate what is good. Whoever does good belongs to God; whoever does what is bad has not seen God.

 

¹² Everyone speaks well of Demetrius; truth itself speaks well of him. And we add our testimony, and you know that what we say is true.

 

============

 

“Do you believe in JESUS?” someone laughingly asked me. “I am the head of the deacons and the chairman of the Trustees” I replied. “Yes, but do you believe in JESUS?” was the follow up question that I could have simply said “Yes” to.

 

• I was seeking a title in church without knowing it.
• I wanted to be known for “my” accomplishments.
• I wanted a resume versus GOD’s kingdom to grow.

 

John addressed church pride. He provided two opposing examples, namely Diotrephes and Demetrius. The first was the example of arrogance while the latter was the example of truth. One liked church titles, power and to be “heard” while the other built a reputation of serving people with the truth.

 

My Observations:

• Having  a title in church is okay as long as I use the title to help organize who does what.
• Recognizing JESUS as the only one who is the head of the church, makes me less prone to desire what should be HIS.
• My motive for serving in church should be based on the truth that JESUS rose from the dead and wants everyone to believe in HIS saving power.

 

Sometimes titles can trip me up. I mean, whether it is corporate or public or church, titles can make me think I am more special than others. If the title gets to my head, then my actions and words begin to leave GOD out and the focus becomes more on “my” title or the brand of the church. BUT GOD wants to be known.

 

HE wants my words to point to HIM constantly. The whole purpose of gathering together in the first place is to recognize JESUS as the Savior while addressing barriers to this belief. We sing, pray and acknowledge JESUS while not turning into the world. I gladly give up titles to be known for speaking GOD’s truth.

 

Challenge

• Who does the writer warn not to imitate?
• Have you ever wanted a title or wanted to be recognized as a public figure?
• Will you point your life to CHRIST whether you have a title or not so HE can draw many people to HIMSELF through you today?

No Hidden Agenda

No Hidden Agenda

Titus 1: ⁷ For since a church leader is in charge of God's work, he should be without fault. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered, or a drunkard or violent or greedy for money. ⁸ He must be hospitable and love what is good. He must be self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. ⁹ He must hold firmly to the message which can be trusted and which agrees with the doctrine. In this way he will be able to encourage others with the true teaching and also to show the error of those who are opposed to it.

 

============

 

Wanting to be in power, I complained about the current leadership. I spoke about how badly things were being run with another person. Soon the grousing turned into a few people. I would then slip in a few of “my” solutions to show how things would be better if “I” were in charge.

 

• I wanted power.
• I did not think slander was a problem as long as I was doing it.
• I complained, thinking I knew better.

 

Let me say that many men have misused the bible to hold down women. This passage had cultural influences of males being the primary spokespeople in a church structure. Gender bias was not Paul’s battle so he went with the structure of that day. The suggestions he gives to Titus cross genders and apply to all. “Be” genuine when it comes to speaking about JESUS.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to “be hospitable.”
• GOD wants me to “be self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.”
• GOD wants me to “be trusted and agree with the doctrine” so I can encourage others and correct few.

 

When I have a hidden agenda of being in power, I act differently. I mean I complain about him or her versus praising GOD for what HE Is doing. To “be” in charge of anything, GOD wants to know I can “be” trusted with HIS love for others. This will show in how I treat people.

 

HE wants men and women who are willing to “be” aware of themselves and have the discipline to leave selfishness behind to serve others. I am glad GOD accepts me and you in spite of our sinful nature.

 

Challenge

• What characteristics from the writer sticks out to you?
• Are there some areas in your life that you need GOD to grow you?
• Will you seek growth by GOD by asking for help in areas HE needs to grow you so you can serve HIS Kingdom today?

Desire Backfire

Desire Backfire

Acts 14: ¹¹ When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” ¹² Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. ¹³ The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.

¹⁴ But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: ¹⁵ “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. 

============

Twelve forty five AM, I wanted to get a nap, so I went out to empty ash trays and pick up empty drink glasses left by the midnight bowling league. My coworker went missing and I did not want to be disturbed so I did his side.

With child labor laws being overlooked, the cashier allowed me to sleep for 15 minutes when there was a chance. When the boss came by, he saw that I could handle everything by myself. He fired the other guy. Now I had more work. I could not even finish my homework.

• Sometimes my desire drives my effort.
• Sometimes my effort does not match the result.
• Sometimes the result causes a different desire.

Paul, seeing the lame man, told him to walk and he did. This amazed everyone so much, that they called Paul and Barnabas gods. They bowed to them and offered sacrifices to them. When Barnabas and Paul heard of this they felt horrible. This was not the desired outcome.

• GOD wants me to point my life to HIM.
• GOD wants me to give HIM credit for everything that is done.
• GOD wants me to teach others to focus on HIM and not me.

Teaching someone about GOD is the best thing to do. But what happens when the person cannot stop looking at the teacher? GOD wants me to never desire a crowd following only me. HE wants me to show that they can go directly to the source if they believe in JESUS. I pray that many turn from me and follow JESUS who is the Savior.

• Do you desire followers?
• Are you trying to get attention?
• Will you stop trying to get the spotlight and allow GOD to be seen through your life so HE can get the glory today?

I’ll Just Buy It

I’ll Just Buy It

Acts 8: ¹⁸ And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, ¹⁹ saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

²⁰ But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! ²¹ You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. ²² Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. ²³ For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”

²⁴ Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.”

²⁵ So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

============

Hearing the preacher preach about giving, I felt led to fill up the offering plate. I mean if everyone in the small gathering knew what I did the night before, I would be embarrassed. “Maybe if I give money to a church, then my sinfulness will go away” I thought.

• There were times when I gave out of guilt.
• There were times when I thought I could give to a church so I could be forgiven.
• There were times when I tried to buy GOD’s favor because the preaching made me think that’s what HE wanted.

Simon saw GOD’s power being used through the apostles. He wanted to know how they had this special power and was willing to pay for it. Peter condemned Simon’s request because it was rooted from an evil desire to “buy power.”

• GOD wants me to ask HIM for forgiveness of my sins.
• GOD wants me to have a relationship with HIM that is not based on money.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS power but only to point people to HIM.

Wanting a person healed is a great desire. But when I want others to notice it was “my” prayer that healed the person then I start following Satan’s prideful path. GOD wants to be recognized for everything. HE wants me to guide people back to HIM and know HE accepts me just as I am.

I do not have to buy HIS favor for HE has already done enough for me. I cannot pay enough for what JESUS did for me. GOD wants my heart and my possessions. HE leads me to give directly to those in need but wants me to spread the great news about JESUS more than focus on giving money. I cannot buy GOD’s favor, but I can be thankful that HIS grace is sufficient.

• Do you feel guilty so you give to a group who are called a church?
• Can you recognize that the church of JESUS is made up of those who believe in HIM and HIS salvation cannot be purchased?
• Will you stop trying to buy forgiveness and praise GOD for salvation by telling people about HIS SON versus trying to get people to come to “your” gathering?

Wanting

Wanting

John 20: ¹¹ But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. ¹² And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. ¹³ Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”

She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”

============

Turning over in the warm bed, I woke up with a strange thought. “Why am I so rested?” I glanced at the clock and realized I had overslept. “ now had ten minutes to get dressed and run to the bus. I grabbed my stuff and ran, hoping along the way. With only a few houses to pass, I could see the bus pull off. I would be late. It was raining.

• Sometimes I really want something.
• Sometimes I really desire to get what I want.
• Sometimes I really get upset when I do not get what I want, especially if it is not something “bad” for me.

Mary stood at the tomb weeping. She came to the tomb wanting to see a dead body. Maybe if she saw the dead body enough, she could let go. But there was a problem. JESUS was gone. Two angels asked Mary “Why are you weeping?” as if to say “What do you want?” Mary wanted a dead body.

• GOD wants me to want HIM.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIS mighty power.
• GOD wants me to place “my” wants in HIS hands so I can remain calm and get excited over HIS timing and the way HE does things.

Not knowing the big picture, sometimes “my wants” may be misguided. Let’s get back to the bus story. I decided to walk to catch my next connection, one mile away. When I arrived, someone who was driving to the school recognized me and gave me a ride. I arrived early.

Not every problem is a problem. Yes I do not like going through problems, but I have come to understand that something good comes on the other side. Mary would soon find out that she should not want a dead body, rather a risen Savior. I do not know what today brings but I want what GOD wants.

• What do you want?
• Do you desire for everything in your life to be smooth and without problems?
• Will you give your “wants” over to GOD and allow HIM to show you HIS plan HE has for you today?

Measured Competitiveness

Measured Competitiveness

John 12: ⁹ Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. ¹⁰ But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, ¹¹ because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.

============

After working hard on “my” project, I wanted to see “us” win the team award. I did my own social poll to see where we stood. I heard another project was being considered along with ours. I hoped their project will fail. I mean it was a stupid concept anyway.

• There were times when I was highly competitive.
• There were times when I desired to see someone else lose so I could win.
• There were times when I viewed life as a competition.

Seeing Lazarus alive made the church leaders furious. I mean they wanted the spotlight and were losing it quickly. How could they follow the act of someone who raised a person from the dead? They couldn’t, so they came up with a plan to kill the evidence.

• JESUS wants me to drop my competitiveness so others can be drawn to HIM.
• JESUS wants me to see HIM as the owner of the flock.
• JESUS wants me to value those who are lagging behind so I can be part of the plan to raise people up, instead of putting them down.

Healthy competition promotes the best in me and those around me. But when I desire to see someone’s demise, I am headed into a world of hatred. GOD wants me to drop words like “those people” and add words like “forgive us.” I am grateful HE brought me into HIS family. With GOD, there is no competition. No one can match HIS power.

• Are you competing with people?
• Do you feel someone must lose in order for you to “win?”
• Will you reassess your competitive desire to be the center of attention and allow GOD to gently guide you to bring others to HIM?

Control

Luke 9: ⁴⁹ Now John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.”

⁵⁰ But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side.”

============

Having numerous things to do, I felt a bit stressed. Expecting perfection, I went over to a person who was doing me a “favor” and asked them to stop. I didn’t want to tell them they were doing it all wrong so I politely suggested they do something else. “I wonder if they are going to do that wrong too” I thought to myself.

• There have been times when I wanted control over people.
• There have been times when I desired others to follow “my” way.
• There have been times when I was proud of the way things turned out for “me” so I wanted others to do it “my” way.

John, brother of James, came to JESUS with some incredible news. “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in YOUR name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.” He was one of the disciples who fought over who was the “greatest” disciple. Though miracles were happening, he had a complaint.

• GOD says to me “I made many people for MY purpose.”
• GOD says to me “I have given each person who belongs to ME a special talent.”
• GOD says to me “I will bless those who serve in MY SON’s name.”

My perfection had extended into being a church critic. “They are doing it all wrong” or “Look at those ignorant people” were my misguided thoughts as I left one church after another. Instead of recognizing the beauty that they were following GOD, I saw flaws in their “performance.”

GOD wants me to applaud when people mention HIS name and let HIM decide whether they are sincere or not. I cannot judge the way someone worships GOD, but I can serve HIM the way HE made me. HE wants me to drop the critique and embrace as many as I can so HE will be praised by the multitudes.

• Are you criticizing people about how they serve GOD?
• Do you think people are insincere in their methods?
• Can you stop looking at other people and praise GOD for HIS amazing diverse creation?