Future Foretold

Future Foretold

Genesis 15: ⁷ Then He said to him, “I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to inherit it.”

 

⁸ And he said, “Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit it?”

 

⁹ So He said to him, “Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” ¹⁰ Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, down the middle, and placed each piece opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. ¹¹ And when the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.

 

¹² Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him. ¹³ Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. ¹⁴ And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. ¹⁵ Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age. ¹⁶ But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”

 

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GOD reiterate HIS promise to Abram, telling him that HE was going to give his ancestors the land. Abram asked a wise question ““Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit it?”

 

My Observations

• GOD told Abram to bring HIM animals that were considered mature.
• GOD told Abram to bring different species of animals, which means they were symbols rather than food or clothing.
• GOD told Abram about the future of his descendants and his future.

 

This was the first time GOD mentioned sacrificing animals. Abram did not question the strange request, rather obeyed immediately, killed the animals, and waited. GOD carefully chose these animals, possibly to show the laws that would follow during the freeing of the people who would become captives. GOD being three in one, may also have meaning here.

 

Cows would eventually be sacrificed for purity. A scapegoat would be released into the wilderness, representing the release of sins. The dove and pigeons would become sacrifices for the poor. All of these sacrifices would point to the ultimate sacrifice, namely JESUS.

 

When nighttime hit, Abram fell into a deep sleep, possibly a supernatural sleep. He saw disturbing images that needed explanation. GOD explained Abram’s descendant’s future. Noah’s curse on Canaan led Canaan to rebel and create a movement against GOD. Egypt would enslave GOD’s people. GOD would release them and require sacrifices for sin. Abram’s future seemed bleak, BUT GOD gave him assurance.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD went into elaborate detail concerning Abram’s future to Moses?
• If you knew about your present situation, years ago, would you praise GOD or be more faithful?
• Can you remain faithful in the present, knowing GOD has a plan to prosper you?

Only What’s Revealed

 

Only What’s Revealed

Revelation 10: Then I saw another mighty angel coming down out of heaven. He was wrapped in a cloud and had a rainbow around his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like columns of fire. ² He had a small scroll open in his hand. He put his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, ³ and called out in a loud voice that sounded like the roar of lions. After he had called out, the seven thunders answered with a roar. ⁴ As soon as they spoke, I was about to write. But I heard a voice speak from heaven, “Keep secret what the seven thunders have said; do not write it down!”

 

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Sitting in the room of executives, I heard some things that were being planned, but not ready for customers to hear. After saying what was planned, I was sworn to secrecy

 

• I was trusted with strategic information.
• I heard information that would affect a lot of people.
• I was able to say only what I could reveal to the public.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard a supernatural conversation that he was about to write down. It was between a powerful angel and seven thunders. John was about to write down the reply of the seven thunders when a voice, perhaps JESUS emphatically said “Keep secret what the seven thunders have said; do not write it down!”

 

My Observations

• GOD has revealed what HE wants mankind to understand about HIM.
• GOD has not revealed everything HE is going to do.
• GOD is sovereign, meaning HE has the right to conceal or reveal what HE wants to.

 

Protecting humans is GOD’s forte. I mean, when I try to think like GOD or question HIS actions, I find myself in trouble. I cannot figure out “why” or ”what” HE is doing. HE knows I cannot handle the future, nor can I repair the past, BUT HE can.

 

GOD’s thoughts and ways are far about any thought you and I can come up with. HE protects us from knowledge that would be harmful to us, but necessary to complete HIS plan. Knowing there is more to GOD than what is revealed helps me let go of trying to get my way.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer put emphasis on being told not to write down what was said?
• Have you ever been told a secret that would affect other people?
• Will you seek to understand GOD in the way HE revealed HIMSELF in the Bible, and have faith that HE has given enough information to help you in any situation you may face?

Instructions Not for Everyone

 

Instructions Not for Everyone

Revelation 1: This book is the record of the events that Jesus Christ revealed. God gave him this revelation in order to show to his servants what must happen very soon. Christ made these things known to his servant John by sending his angel to him, ² and John has told all that he has seen. This is his report concerning the message from God and the truth revealed by Jesus Christ. ³ Happy is the one who reads this book, and happy are those who listen to the words of this prophetic message and obey what is written in this book! For the time is near when all these things will happen.

 

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Reading the note left on the desk, I was confused. It had instructions that did not make sense to me. When I asked about the note, the response was “Oh, that note was not for you.”

 

• The note had instructions that were meant for a specific person.
• I was not the person who the note was written for.
• The instructions on the note probably made sense to the intended recipient.

 

John, the disciple who JESUS loved, was given a revelation of things to come by JESUS. HE told John that the origin of the revelation came from GOD and that it is true. This message was intended to “bless” those who believe they need to be saved by JESUS. John knew the message would be difficult so he probable did not want to trouble the reader, rather provide comfort.

 

My Observations:

• GOD revealed what “must happen”, so it is not up to debate or question.
• GOD is preparing HIS followers to get ready for the events HE has already seen.
• GOD wants us to be obedient to HIS revelation by reporting visions of what will take place.

 

The book of Revelation can be scary to those who do not believe in JESUS. I mean, it is filled with judgment and some very harsh times ahead for humanity. Many people will question GOD’s intent, BUT HE revealed that those who read and obey the revelation would be blessed.

 

GOD shows us HIS grace by telling us what will happen. HE did not have to do this. BUT HE wanted believers to be prepared. Knowing the events that “must happen” changes my mindset to be focused on what GOD wants.

 

Challenge

• What level of urgency is the writer expressing?
• Have you ever received a message intended only for you?
• Will you read what GOD has revealed about JESUS and take the prophetic words as a message of love today?

Trying to Understand Life

Trying to Understand Life

2 Peter 1: ¹⁹ So we are even more confident of the message proclaimed by the prophets. You will do well to pay attention to it, because it is like a lamp shining in a dark place until the Day dawns and the light of the morning star shines in your hearts. ²⁰ Above all else, however, remember that none of us can explain by ourselves a prophecy in the Scriptures. ²¹ For no prophetic message ever came just from the human will, but people were under the control of the Holy Spirit as they spoke the message that came from God.

 

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Going through difficult circumstances, I asked GOD “Why?” I did not get an audible answer and wondered if I was being punished or possibly forgotten. But then I read the scriptures and an example in the bible gave me peace that I wasn’t the only one going through difficulty and there is an enemy orchestrating war against believers.

 

• I did not like having to face difficulty again, but I felt inspired by reading the Bible.
• My situation had not changed, but something inside me felt at peace.
• Each word I read changed something inside me.

 

Peter explains that all scripture originated by the HOLY SPIRIT and can only be understood by explanation from the HOLY SPIRIT. He implicitly urged people to believe in CHRIST so they would receive the HOLY SPIRIT who would in turn be a guide to life.

 

My Observations:

• Humans can lie to me to get their own way, BUT GOD gave mankind scripture that revealed HIS love through HIS SON.
• I can believe scripture will guide me in making large and small decisions in life.
• Each example I read in scripture parallels a foundation in scripture.

 

Skeptics would say that scripture was written to enslave people to do work, or that scripture is no longer valid because technology has provided new ways of thinking. BUT GOD is in control and has provided a way to cope with life to this very day.

 

HE spoke to various men and women and had each carefully document their encounter with GOD. As unbelievable as each encounter was, there were several people who were eyewitnesses to the experiences. These experiences still hold true to this very day and can provide me with direction to keep moving forward. I am glad GOD said “I will never leave you nor forsake you, because I can hold onto this truth in the middle of a storm.

 

Challenge

• What gave the writer confidence?
• Have you ever wanted to ask GOD “Why?”
• Will you “lean not unto your own understanding” and allow the HOLY SPIRIT to guide you through the difficult time so you can give GOD the praise HE deserves today?

Business Plans

Business Plans

James 4: ¹³ Now listen to me, you that say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to a certain city, where we will stay a year and go into business and make a lot of money.” ¹⁴ You don't even know what your life tomorrow will be! You are like a puff of smoke, which appears for a moment and then disappears. ¹⁵ What you should say is this: “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” ¹⁶ But now you are proud, and you boast; all such boasting is wrong.

 

¹⁷ So then, if we do not do the good we know we should do, we are guilty of sin.

 

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After the promotion, my sites were set on the top spot. I could see myself running the entire “world” at this particular company. When the top person got wind of my promotion, I had more of a fight than I planned for. I lost the battle.

 

• I did not get what I planned.
• I did not reach what I thought I should reach.
• I did not know GOD had something better in store for me.

 

James spoke specifically to those who were boasting about their plans. Business people were probably using statements of expansion and greenfield markets. He warned them to use the correct words when making plans.

 

My Observations:

• My plans are weak unless GOD says “Yes.”
• Anything I think I will do has to be blessed by GOD “allowing” it to happen.
• GOD’s plans will always happen so I have to align to HIS will.

 

Making plans for the future is necessary for business people. I mean, fiscal projections and future orders help businesses run smoothly to provide great service. All projections and future plans need to be put under GOD by saying these words “If it is HIS will.”

 

This means I, as a business person, knows that anything can happen and it is GOD who has control. When I add the “anything can happen” factor to my plans, I am more ready for circumstances that may arise. I may even live my life differently, knowing JESUS could return at a moment’s notice. I gladly give my plans to GOD.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer say “Do not make plans” or “make plans, aligning them to GOD’s will?”
• Have you ever made a plan and something totally unexpected happened to cancel those plans?
• Will you align to GOD’s will, knowing plans can change, and praise HIM for every moment HE allows you to do HIS will?

Not Shaken

 

Not Shaken

Hebrews 12: ²⁵ Be careful, then, and do not refuse to hear him who speaks. Those who refused to hear the one who gave the divine message on earth did not escape. How much less shall we escape, then, if we turn away from the one who speaks from heaven! ²⁶ His voice shook the earth at that time, but now he has promised, “I will once more shake not only the earth but heaven as well.” ²⁷ The words “once more” plainly show that the created things will be shaken and removed, so that the things that cannot be shaken will remain.

 

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Over the course of years, I had amassed a a great selection of music. I had “taped” music from the “radio” and other places. It brought me joy to play my music loudly driving down the street. One day I walked out and noticed my window was broken out. All my tapes were stolen!

 

• I felt shaken.
• I felt a tremendous loss because each song was calculated in a specific order.
• I felt my car had lost its value because of a broken window.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, warns people to listen to promises of GOD. He compares the message from heaven as being greater than the message of humans. One promise mentioned is that GOD will shake all of creation and human made things will be removed.

 

My Observations:

• I may lose my stuff, BUT GOD promises to always be with me.
• I may have stuff broken into BUT GOD has a place where no thief can reside.
• I may wear out my clothes own things that rust and live in a place that contracts mold, BUT GOD’s love will always remain in my heart.

 

GOD cannot be stolen. I mean, some people have tried to make GOD in his or her image to get people to bow down to them so they can get more stuff. GOD sees this and tears down every kingdom that is not HIS. HE then fortifies HIS kingdom to protect it from anything that can harm it.

 

His primary message is to love HIS SON JESUS with all our hearts and minds. HE then says love one another. This love cannot be stolen or shaken when tough times arise. I am grateful GOD holds onto me even when I feel like letting go.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer talking about when mentioning “things that cannot be shaken?”
• Have you ever experienced a loss of something material but you came out of it alive?
• Will you focus on growing GOD’s kingdom and listen to HIS words of urgency regarding the return of JESUS?

Seeing Beyond

Seeing Beyond

Hebrews 11: ²³ It was faith that made the parents of Moses hide him for three months after he was born. They saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king's order.

 

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Opening the mailbox, I pulled out a stack of bills. “When will this ever end?” I said with a sigh. I had just enough to pay all of them, but I decided to go in with a few “friends” and throw  a party. After the party was over, everyone left and I still had the bills.

 

• I had a moment of fun but now I was worried.
• I had a time of pleasure but now I had to face my problem.
• I had obligations but could not see beyond a moment of pleasure.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives another example of faith. He mentions the parents of Moses disobeying the king’s order to murder all children under a certain age. They hid Moses instead of following the decree and risked death in doing so. They did not get caught up in the moment.

 

My Observations:

• Worries may cause me to make snap decisions, BUT GOD wants me to calm down to hear HIS voice.
• Problems may cause me to want immediate ways to get relief, BUT GOD desires that I seek HIS solution.
• Human situations may cause me to have pain, BUT GOD wants me to see beyond the pain and to know HE is in control.

 

Seeing beyond the pain is hard. I mean, who wants pain? Noone! But there is an enemy that wants me and you to experience enough pain to question GOD or even turn from HIS solution, namely JESUS as the Savior. Circumstance after circumstance, the devil wages war to make me discouraged. BUT GOD sees his attacks and steps in.

 

GOD whispers “Think beyond this circumstance” by telling me “Keep your eyes on ME.” When I look at GOD and take my eyes off of the circumstance, I can see hope, and love that I could not see when I looked at the problem. HE then resolves problems in HIS way and time. I am glad HE cares deeply for me and you.

 

Challenge

• According to the writer, what act of faith was performed?
• Have you ever had to stand on faith even when, seemingly, everyone around you was going in a different direction?
• Will you ask GOD to fortify your faith in HIM so you can stand firm for HIM today?

Today is Amazing!

 

Today is Amazing!

Hebrews 4: ⁴ For somewhere in the Scriptures this is said about the seventh day: “God rested on the seventh day from all his work.” ⁵ This same matter is spoken of again: “They will never enter that land where I would have given them rest.” ⁶ Those who first heard the Good News did not receive that rest, because they did not believe. There are, then, others who are allowed to receive it. ⁷ This is shown by the fact that God sets another day, which is called “Today.” Many years later he spoke of it through David in the scripture already quoted:

“If you hear God's voice today,
    do not be stubborn.”

 

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Replaying what he or she did to me kept “it” fresh in my mind. After replaying the wrong that was done, I would contemplate some words I would say or maybe some words I would like to hear. I looked back at the past and held on tight. I also looked at the future and it looked bleak unless a radical change happened.

 

I looked at the past a lot and re-wounded myself often.

I did not want to let go of the past, because I thought it guided my future.

I simply wanted things to be in a good spot, but I focused on the bad “a lot.”

 

Paul, the assumed writer, talks about a special day, namely “Today.” He warns everyone to focus on “Today” in obedience to GOD. He spoke about the importance of resting and how GOD promised rest for those who believe. The warning gives immediacy in turning our hearts to GOD “Today.”

 

My Observations:

Listening to GOD is the utmost important thing I must do daily.

Putting into action what HE wants me to do is the act of belief HE wants me to have.

Focusing in on “Today” helps me have a more stable relationship with the LORD.

 

Looking into the future seems like the right thing to do, but I would be wrong every time. I mean, who would have predicted where the world would be “today”, years ago? Only GOD knows the true future. Humans guess and sometimes the predictions come true so their reliance on GOD wanes. BUT GOD wants me to rely on what HE revealed for the future so I can rest.

 

HE also wants me to let go of the past. This is very hard for me, because in some instances, the past continues to become fresh. Another example is piled on top of the many examples I could bring up from “old tapes” I replay in my mind. GOD wants me to choose HIS remedy and seek HIS grace which HE poured out on me generously. I gladly ask GOD for help in letting go of the past and to stop looking into the future so I can focus on the blessings of “today.”

 

Challenge

Do you feel the immediacy of the writer?

Have you ever been stuck in the past or been worried about the future?

Will you get some rest by praising GOD for “Today” and allow HIM to be amazing?

Past is Passed

Past is Passed

Galatians 1: ¹³ You have been told how I used to live when I was devoted to the Jewish religion, how I persecuted without mercy the church of God and did my best to destroy it. ¹⁴ I was ahead of most other Jews of my age in my practice of the Jewish religion, and was much more devoted to the traditions of our ancestors.

¹⁵ But God in his grace chose me even before I was born, and called me to serve him. And when he decided ¹⁶ to reveal his Son to me, so that I might preach the Good News about him to the Gentiles, I did not go to anyone for advice, ¹⁷ nor did I go to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before me. Instead, I went at once to Arabia, and then I returned to Damascus. ¹⁸ It was three years later that I went to Jerusalem to obtain information from Peter, and I stayed with him for two weeks. ¹⁹ I did not see any other apostle except James, the Lord's brother.

 

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“You shouldn’t do that” were the warnings I did not heed. I thought the Bible toting hypocrites were missing out on “life.” They warned me about life’s traps so I had to try them. When I did, I noticed that no lightning came from heaven and I didn’t end up in a burning pot of sulfur. I then tried other things I was warned against. Soon I found myself in trouble with nowhere to turn.

 

• I regretted my decisions to walk away from GOD.
• I felt that HE could not forgive me when I fell.
• I thought that HE only loved those who acted perfect.

 

Being a felon was not easy for Paul. He was a mass murderer, involved with killing followers of JESUS. BUT GOD in HIS grace chose Paul and revealed HIS SON to him. The past did not guide his future.

 

My Observations

• In the middle of my sins, CHRIST died for me.
• JESUS saw I would never be perfect, so HE walked the earth in perfection for me.
• GOD wiped away my past before I was even born.

 

Dwelling on past mistakes is a hole I fall into often. I replay the past over and over, trying to figure out how to avoid the gaff in the future. This causes me to make other wrongful decisions because my basis is the past.

 

GOD saw everything I would do and forgave me anyway. HE knows my past, present and future. HE gives me the opportunity to give HIM the past and my future so I can live in the present with HIM in love. I am glad this moment right here is special to HIM for me and you.

 

Challenge

• Do you sense the regret of the writer?
• How does the writer use admittance?
• Will you let go of any past mistakes by giving them to JESUS who forgave you of all your sins and who has a wonderful plan for your life today?

It will be alright

 

It will be alright

Romans 7: ²¹ So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. ²² For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; ²³ but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. ²⁴ What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? ²⁵ Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

 

So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

 

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“You have no skills” the recruiter said. “What do you mean?” I asked insulted. “Though you rose to a high level at your last company, you only have the skill for that company.” I found myself without a job, not being able to go back to the last one and seemingly, not being able to go to another. I felt despair.

 

• There have been times when there seemed like I had no answers.
• There have been times when the situation seemed difficult, no matter which way I turned.
• There have been times when I wondered if anyone cared.

 

Paul truly expresses the conflict that is inside of humans by getting personal. He cries out, “What a wretched man I am!” Paul, who used to be Saul, went around having people murdered, thinking he was eradicating those who were not “following” GOD. This horrible past would remain with him forever. How to move forward?

 

• GOD delivers me when the situation seems impossible.
• GOD shows me that HE cares for me no matter what my past looks like.
• GOD saved me from my past through JESUS CHRIST our LORD!

 

“Thanks be to GOD!” are words that brought me out of despair. I mean, when I listened to everyone else, things seemed impossible. But when I listened to GOD, all things were possible because I believe in JESUS. HE picked me up when no one else would. HE delivers me out of situations when it seems impossible. JESUS is my deliverer!

 

• Are you in a situation that seems hopeless?
• Do you place all of your trust in jobs or money and you have neither?
• Will you get hope by believing GOD loves you and JESUS will deliver you if you put your trust in HIM today?

Just in Case

Just in Case

Acts 17: ²² Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. ²³ For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.

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Picking up the penny made me excited. I would have “good luck” all day, according to the saying. I searched for more loose change and found more! I was having good luck. I started looking for “lucky” implements like shirts, clovers and team apparel. I even started reading horoscopes, just in case.

• At one point in my life I believed in luck.
• At one point in my life I believed in “the universe.”
• At one point in my life I believed in placing my hope in fortune cookies or winning the lottery.

Paul saw an altar amongst many altars to other gods. This one had an inscription “to an unknown god.” The people built this altar, just in case they missed a god. Paul knew this was his chance to speak about the one and only true GOD.

• GOD wants me to believe HE is completely what I need.
• GOD wants me to know HE does not need additions to HIS power.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE holds the universe in HIS hand and there are no random events.

What seems to be random to me is organized by GOD. HE knows all, sees all and is everywhere. The “bad” things that happen is due to free will, given by GOD. When I choose not to believe in GOD’s SON JESUS, who saved me, bad things happen.

JESUS wants and deserves total belief in HIM. I mean, HE forgives me when I panic and try to do things on my own, but loves when I put my trust in HIM. I am grateful HE has made the unknown, known by giving me the HOLY SPIRIT.

• Where are you placing your hope?
• Do you seek random events or try to play the odds or try to control your life?
• Will you let go of your “just in case” thinking and allow GOD to direct your path through JESUS who saved you?

Seen and Heard

Seen and Heard

Acts 7: ³⁰ “And when forty years had passed, an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire in a bush, in the wilderness of Mount Sinai. ³¹ When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight; and as he drew near to observe, the voice of the Lord came to him, ³² saying, ‘I am the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and dared not look. ³³ ‘Then the Lord said to him, “Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. ³⁴ I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt; I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.” ’

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“Come on!” I shouted in my mind. Another thing was going wrong and it seemed like my newfound prayer life wasn’t working. “What do YOU want from me?” I said out loud to GOD. No answer. I then started questioning HIS validity. “If YOU are GOD, then fix this problem right away” I commanded.

• There have been times when I lost heart.
• There have been times when I wondered if GOD even heard me.
• There have been times when I thought GOD doesn’t see me so I can sin as much as I want because maybe HE doesn’t care.

Stephen continues his discourse about Moses. He explains how GOD spoke to Moses regarding the oppression of HIS people. GOD was ready to reveal HIS plan to Moses.

• GOD says to me “Stand still and see the salvation of the LORD.”
• GOD says to me “I have come to give you abundant life.”
• GOD says to me “You are not alone, I AM here with you.”

With a flaming bush in the desert, Moses was summoned to GOD’s glorious plan. Moses had not prayed for the salvation of the people. He was quite content to live with his family away from the oppression. BUT GOD chose him to be the leader of HIS people.

GOD’s plan cannot be stopped. HE sees and hears all groanings and the oppression people face. HE already has a plan in motion to deliver HIS people. I am grateful GOD sees and hears me.

• Are you losing faith?
• Do you feel worried?
• Will you place in your heart that GOD sees and hears you and will guide and protect you today?

Expect It

Expect It

John 15: ²⁰ Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. ²¹ But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.

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When I ran a large department of the company, I noticed my peers acting different. The people who rose up with me were fighting against me. I asked a mentor what was going on. “Of course they are fighting” they said. “There is only so much budget to hand out and you are going to have to fight for it, so get ready to grow up!”

• Sometimes hearing I have to grow up makes me upset.
• Sometimes hearing I need to take on huge challenges makes me feel unsettled.
• Sometimes hearing I should be strong makes me want to be weak.

JESUS spoke to HIS followers and said the world would persecute them. These words could be unsettling, but they were meant in comfort. How in the world could news about persecution be comforting?

• GOD wants me to be aware that an enemy will try to stop me from spreading the gospel.
• GOD wants me to be prepared so I will not get discouraged when I face issue after issue.
• GOD wants me to be ready to ask HIM for strength rather than relying on my own.

Readiness is what GOD is teaching when HE tells me that life would bring problems. HE wants me to be prepared to face the world so I can ask HIM for protection. Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance produces character; and character produces hope. This is a tough message but necessary. I am glad GOD teaches me what to expect so I can grow.

• Are you going through problems?
• Have you been going through problems for a long time?
• Will you allow GOD to grow you instead of giving up?

Assurance

Assurance

John 13: ²¹ When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” ²² Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke.

²³ Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. ²⁴ Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke.

²⁵ Then, leaning back on Jesus’ breast, he said to Him, “Lord, who is it?”

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While trying to move my bike over the back porch, I lost my balance and broke the bottom window of the door. Immediately I wondered how I would stay out of trouble. Would it be possible to clean up all of the glass without anyone noticing? After carefully cleaning the glass I saw the gaping hole. I had to accept the fact that I was going to get killed.

• There have been times when I have been scared to confess.
• There have been times when I worried about The things I have done.
• There have been times when I spent more time thinking about my guilt than doing other things.

JESUS says something very unnerving to the disciples. “One of you will betray me.” Everyone got worried about this statement. If I were them, I probably would start recounting my recent sins and work my way back to try to account for each one. Peter was bold enough to ask “Who is it?”

• JESUS wants me to admit I need HIM.
• JESUS wants me to believe that HE is the only way to salvation.
• JESUS wants me to confess that I am a sinner and the only way to be forgiven is to believe that JESUS died for me and is now alive, placed over everything by the FATHER.

Sin will make me feel like I am not saved. I mean, shouldn’t I stop sinning now that I know that GOD abhors sin? Yes, but this is very difficult. GOD knew it would be difficult and made a way back to HIM that gives me assurance. HE simply says “believe.”

When I believe in JESUS, I do not have to worry if GOD loves me or not. HE does love me, so much so, that HE died for me. Does HE need to do more? No, but HE does anyway. HE guides me daily and protects me. I am grateful for HIS deliverance.

• Are you worried about your relationship with GOD?
• Do you question whether there is a GOD, because you don’t seem to be getting “your way?”
• Will you get total assurance about your future by believing that JESUS is your Savior and HIS plans are great for you?

Worry Actions

Luke 12: ²² Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. ²³ Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.²⁴ Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? ²⁵ And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? ²⁶ If you then are not able to do the least, why ^[d]are you anxious for the rest? ²⁷ Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ²⁸ If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?

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Three o’clock in the morning was not unfamiliar to me. I had woken up many nights facing the pressures of work. Some nights, sleep evaded me altogether. After several years of this, the company decided to get rid of an entire group, including me. No more pressures. Why was I awake in the middle of the night?

• My thoughts can sometimes get the best of me.
• My mind can sometimes overthink situations.
• My security can be shattered when I do not have answers to the questions my mind conjures up.

JESUS tells HIS disciples “Do not worry” as if they had a choice in the matter. But then HE explains “why” they should not worry, which kind of defies logic. HE explains that GOD’s raging river of a plan cannot be stopped. HE says GOD cares about feeding birds, HE can certainly care about feeding humans, who HE created in HIS image.

• GOD cares about my physical attributes.
• GOD cares about my mental wellbeing.
• GOD cares about my comfort, my health, my relationships and my spirit.

GOD does care for me so I must get a grip on the lies my mind can dream up and focus on the truth. HIS plan seems strange, especially when I feel I am in control of my life. HE puts me in situations that actually grow me and HE removes blind spots where fear was leading me.

HIS power is unstoppable and I have to ride HIS raging river to the quiet place HE has for me. I put my trust in GOD. HIS plan is always great for me!

• Are you worried about your future?
• Do you think GOD has forgotten you or is punishing you?
• Will you stop thinking poorly about GOD’s love for you?
• Will you take the opportunity to grow instead of remaining a child and allow GOD’s strength to shine in your life today?

Strategic Conversation

Luke 9: ²⁸ Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray.²⁹ As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. ³⁰ And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, ³¹ who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. ³² But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. ³³ Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.

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Running late I eased into the conference room through a back door. The faces were familiar but not for the meeting I was supposed to attend. “May I help you” said one of the participants as I searched for an open seat. I told them what meeting I was there for and they pointed me down the hall as the heads of the company had confiscated the room I was in. I wonder what they were talking about.

• There were times when I wanted to hear what leaders had to say.
• There were times when I desired to hear how strategy was developed.
• There were times when I was curious about decision making for big corporations.

Moses and Elijah appeared to JESUS with an important conversation about JESUS’ death that HE was going to “accomplish” at Jerusalem. This highly strategic conversation was not confidential, but Peter, James and John could not stay away to hear it. Peter blurted out an offer of hospitality when he woke up, delirious.

• GOD has given me HIS strategic plan by placing HIS HOLY SPIRIT inside of me..
• GOD has gracefully included me in the conversation by allowing HIS SON to die for me.
• GOD has shown me the future through HIS written word.

Powerful people rise and fall, BUT GOD reigns forever. HE prepared JESUS to take on all the blame for every sin committed by every person. JESUS gracefully volunteered HIS life and the FATHER conceded. I am grateful GOD allows me to understand HIS plan for me.

• Are you frustrated with your impending future?
• Do you think GOD does not hear you or care for you?
• Can you stop trying to figure out the future and allow GOD to guide you with HIS HOLY SPIRIT?
• Will you seek GOD through HIS word and accept HIS plan for you today?