Untamable Unquenchable

Untamable Unquenchable

Genesis 19: ⁴ Now before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both old and young, all the people from every quarter, surrounded the house. ⁵ And they called to Lot and said to him, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may know them carnally.”

⁶ So Lot went out to them through the doorway, shut the door behind him, ⁷ and said, “Please, my brethren, do not do so wickedly! ⁸ See now, I have two daughters who have not known a man; please, let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them as you wish; only do nothing to these men, since this is the reason they have come under the shadow of my roof.”

 

⁹ And they said, “Stand back!” Then they said, “This one came in to stay here, and he keeps acting as a judge; now we will deal worse with you than with them.” So they pressed hard against the man Lot, and came near to break down the door. ¹⁰ But the men reached out their hands and pulled Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. ¹¹ And they struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they became weary trying to find the door.

 

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After GOD visited Abraham and told him he would create a nation, Abraham took Lot to the place where GOD showed him. But eventually this land was too small. This was not the final land. Abraham asked Lot what land he wanted. Lot chose Sodom because they had figured out a human version of the Garden of Eden. Unfortunately, Lot did not know what the people of Sodom were into.

 

My Observations:

• Lot was requested, by the men, to bring the angels out so they could have sex with them.
• Lot, being desperate, offered up his virgin daughters.
• Lot was threatened by the men who quickly reminded him that he was from the outside of the city.

 

From lust to violence, the men raced towards the house to grab Lot and the angels. The men had never touched Lot, especially after being rescued by Abraham. They were probably worried that word would get to Abraham and they would be killed. But they decided to take a chance.

 

Their lusts were “very grave” according to the LORD. Lot probably tried to tame them by telling them what they were doing wrong against GOD. But Lot was not Abraham. He believed in GOD’s ways, but may have also wanted to straddle the fence and use the ways of Sodom when convenient. He easily offered up his daughters to save the angels.

 

This situation was handled by the angels blinding the men. Anyone who tried to approach Lot’s house would be blinded. Even the strongest could not get in. The small were probably sneaky, and tried to get into the house’s weak areas. They became blind too. GOD allowed the angels to begin judgement.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD provided details of the conversation between the men of Sodom and Lot, to Moses?
• Has your ministry at a place come to an end?
• If GOD is moving you out of a place, will you accept change and ask HIM “Where do you want me to go”?

Now What?

Now What?

Revelation 18: After this I saw another angel coming down out of heaven. He had great authority, and his splendor brightened the whole earth. ² He cried out in a loud voice: “She has fallen! Great Babylon has fallen! She is now haunted by demons and unclean spirits; all kinds of filthy and hateful birds live in her. ³ For all the nations have drunk her wine—the strong wine of her immoral lust. The kings of the earth practiced sexual immorality with her, and the merchants of the world grew rich from her unrestrained lust.”

 

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Waiting for my parents to overlook the keys to the car, I slid them out of sight. They were going on vacation and I planned on using the car without permission. They left and the keys were mine! I started the car and as I was driving, noticed the engine was getting hot. I checked the fluid levels and there was no coolant in the car. I spent all my money just trying to get the car to work.

 

• I got what I wanted but did not want what I got.
• I added problems by my sneakiness that I had not accounted for.
• I was in worse shape by doing something I should not have been doing.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard another angel, who had great authority, announce that the great city Babylon has fallen. This was the thing that tempted humans into fulfilling their lusts for sex, power and money. The evil plan to tempt people away from GOD failed and evil was turned against evil.

 

My Observations:

• My evil plans never work, BUT GOD’s loving plans always succeed.
• My plans that use the world’s methods may temporarily succeed, BUT GOD rewards me eternally for following HIS plans.
• It seems like every time I used evil as my plan, it backfired and then I ended up in worse shape.

 

“Now what?” is the question that I have to ask myself when I realize my sin put me in worse shape. I mean, do I keep going down the sinful path or do I stop, turn around and go towards the way that I know is right and would benefit me? Unfortunately, there have been times when I have chosen to be wrong and fall down with my sins. BUT GOD has that in HIS plans.

 

HE saw my sins and made a way for me to return to HIM. By confessing my sins, HE is faithful and just to cleanse me of all unrighteousness. HE restores my soul and leads me on the path of righteousness. I am glad GOD gives me another chance.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer was informed about the angel’s authority?
• Have you ever did something wrong and now you have to live with your mistake?
• Will you tell GOD about your mistake so HE can erase it and restore you and give you a better path to walk today?

Street Justice

Street Justice

Revelation 17: ¹⁵ The angel also said to me, “The waters you saw, on which the prostitute sits, are nations, peoples, races, and languages. ¹⁶ The ten horns you saw and the beast will hate the prostitute; they will take away everything she has and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and destroy her with fire. ¹⁷ For God has placed in their hearts the will to carry out his purpose by acting together and giving to the beast their power to rule until God's words come true.

 

¹⁸ “The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.”

 

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After being robbed, I was shaken. I feared sitting in certain seats on the bus, or even going down certain streets. Someone said to me, “Don’t worry, those people who did you harm will face street justice.” In other words, someone will rob the robber.

 

• I saw “street justice” happen to thugs in my neighborhood.
• I heard about “street justice” happening to gang members.
• I witnessed thugs beating up the thugs who once bullied me.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, got another statement from the angel who took him into the desert. The angel explained that the great city that caused humans to sin, would face “street justice’ from the beast and from those who may be leaders of countries. Their jealousy of the power would cause them to desire to take down part of Satan’s kingdom.

 

My Observations:

• GOD will allow evil people to take down evil people.
• GOD wants my heart to remain focused on HIM and not return evil for evil.
• GOD does not want me to celebrate the demise of anyone, because it could happen to me.

 

“Turnabout is fair play” is a term that means, it is alright to do evil to someone who has done evil to me. But this causes a problem to the believe. I mean, the world may look away at my “street justice” BUT GOD will not look away. All my sins come with consequence. BUT GOD gives me a better way.

 

Instead of committing sin, GOD wants me to give my enemies over to HIM. “Vengeance is mine says the LORD, I will repay.” HE is sovereign and just to carry out what HE said HE would. HE sees the victim and the foe. HE knows who is the oppressor and listens to those who cry out to HIM. I give my enemies to GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does the angel remind the writer that the woman was the great city?
• Have you ever been wronged and wanted to do something wrong to “that” person?
• Will you give “that” person over to GOD so your conscience will be clean today?

Gifts Used to Escape

Gifts Used to Escape

2 Peter 1: ³ God's divine power has given us everything we need to live a truly religious life through our knowledge of the one who called us to share in his own glory and goodness. ⁴ In this way he has given us the very great and precious gifts he promised, so that by means of these gifts you may escape from the destructive lust that is in the world, and may come to share the divine nature. 

 

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Hearing conversations about expensive houses, cars and luxurious vacations, I decided to spend my time and energy acquiring “the dream.” After climbing the ladder, I reached “the top” only to realize I had been trapped in high pressure, broken relationships and impressing pain on others.

 

• I had talents that I was not using to grow GOD’s kingdom, rather I was put in a position to harm it.
• I had gifts that GOD gave me that I was using for someone else’s gain.
• I ignored GOD and put HIM in a box that I would open for an hour or two each Sunday.

 

Peter goes right into deep theology by saying “GOD has given us everything we need.” His statement suggests, that we already have the ability to live for GOD. It also suggests that we have a choice to live for GOD or to live life in pursuit of the world’s “destructive lust.”

 

My Observations:

• The worst kind of lust is the one that everyone says “this is what you are supposed to pursue.”
• Seeing GOD as the enemy to my pleasure can cause me to use my gifts and talents for my own pursuits.
• GOD has given me everything I need to be successful in HIS eyes, I only have to use what HE gave me for HIS purpose.

 

Images of the world’s success makes me lust over what it has to offer. I mean, seeing movies where the star steps off of his or her own private jet after drinking the most expensive champagne and arriving in a chauffeur driven car to take him or her to a luxury home, makes me say “why don’t I have that?” BUT GOD wants HIS SON to be known and followed.

 

These two thoughts conflict. I stop following GOD to follow human stories of “success.” I mimic celebrities in hopes of being discovered. BUT GOD takes me off the lustful path and places me on a road that is traveled less. HE shows me how important it is to take the Gospel to the world, in hopes that HIS message will not be rejected. I gladly use my gifts for JESUS, who gave them to me in the first place.

 

Challenge

• What “destructive lust” is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever fallen into the trap of “everyone else is doing it?”
• Will you use your GOD given gifts and talents to grow HIS kingdom, instead of growing your own today?

Heard From Inside

Heard From Inside

1 Peter 2: In the same way you wives must submit yourselves to your husbands, so that if any of them do not believe God's word, your conduct will win them over to believe. It will not be necessary for you to say a word, ² because they will see how pure and reverent your conduct is. ³ You should not use outward aids to make yourselves beautiful, such as the way you fix your hair, or the jewelry you put on, or the dresses you wear. ⁴ Instead, your beauty should consist of your true inner self, the ageless beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of the greatest value in God's sight. ⁵ For the devout women of the past who placed their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful by submitting themselves to their husbands. ⁶ Sarah was like that; she obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are now her daughters if you do good and are not afraid of anything.

 

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Ugh! Another tough message.. Here goes from a male… Ogling at body parts, they guys discussed what they would like to do and who they would like to do it with. I was scared to join in, but wanted to “fit in.” So I did. After a while, I was like the other guys.

 

• I discussed looks before discussing heart.
• I talked about sex before talking about service.
• I made jokes about body and never considered the soul.

 

Peter provides instructions to wives and husbands. He begins with the wife, stating a foundation that would address insecurity, namely inner beauty. He used a term “submit” that is hard to grasp because of its misuse and abuse. But his plea was written to women leaders who are in charge and maintained self-control given by the spirit.

 

My Observations:

• Serving GOD from the heart shows.
• My heart needs to look for the heart that serves GOD.
• I should desire what GOD wants versus fulfilling the lust of the eyes.

 

Communication goes both ways. I mean when a message is sent, the message needs to be received and understood in order to have good communication. GOD’s heart can be heard loudly when that message is sent.

 

HE lives inside us and provides the means for us to deliver unselfish messages that further HIS kingdom that external beauty cannot. I am glad GOD sees the heart first and wants me to do the same.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer make this plea?
• Has the world become more divided in different ways?
• What suggestion do you have for unity?
• Will you seek to love one another by looking at the inside of people as GOD sees him or her today?

Declared Clean

Declared Clean

Ephesians 5: ³ Since you are God's people, it is not right that any matters of sexual immorality or indecency or greed should even be mentioned among you. ⁴ Nor is it fitting for you to use language which is obscene, profane, or vulgar. Rather you should give thanks to God. ⁵ You may be sure that no one who is immoral, indecent, or greedy (for greed is a form of idolatry) will ever receive a share in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.

 

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“How did I get here?” I asked myself. My “friends” were doing things that, at one point, I would have considered low down and underhanded. After a while, I was doing the same stuff or possibly worse. I was in trouble and had no one to help because they were in trouble too.

 

• I was afraid to turn to GOD because my sins were piling up.
• I was nervous of facing the consequences of my decisions.
• I felt unclean, broken and worthless.

 

“Act right!” was seemingly the plea of Paul as he addressed how people were behaving. He saw the people give themselves over to sexual immorality, indecent behavior and obscene, profane and vulgar language. Greed had permeated their every thought. The warning was stern.

 

My Observations

• If I confess my sins GOD is faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and cleanse me of all unrighteousness.
• I need to repent or turn away from my sins to mature in CHRIST.
• Nothing vulgar, obscene or greedy in me will be useful to GOD.

 

“Impossible” was my first reaction to this list. I mean I had pretty much committed the whole list and felt I had no place in GOD’s kingdom. Then I reread the first part of the passage. “Since you ARE GOD’s people.” GOD is the one who declared me righteous, not because of me or any action I did, rather it was because of JESUS and HIS action for me.

 

When JESUS died for me and was raised from the dead, I was now able to be cleansed of all my sins, past present and future. I was declared clean. But those who refuse the wonderful gift GOD has to offer will remain declared unclean. Salvation gives me freedom to choose GOD’s way. I am grateful HE guides me to sometimes choose HIM.

 

Challenge

• What “share” is the writer speaking of?
• Whether you agree or disagree with the list, what does improving your own life look like?
• Have you ever had a complaint about your bank account being low or for not having enough?
• Will you give thanks to GOD for what you have and where HE has you so you can grow in the way HE wants you to grow today?

 

Bad Fruit

Bad Fruit

Galatians 5: ¹⁹ What human nature does is quite plain. It shows itself in immoral, filthy, and indecent actions; ²⁰ in worship of idols and witchcraft. People become enemies and they fight; they become jealous, angry, and ambitious. They separate into parties and groups; ²¹ they are envious, get drunk, have orgies, and do other things like these. I warn you now as I have before: those who do these things will not possess the Kingdom of God.

 

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Continuing on yesterday’s thought, I remember being excited about going to college where I found “freedom” to do what “everybody” else was doing. When I joined in with the group I liked, I was able to get drunk, have as much sex as I wanted and join in on a few battles with malicious words. I found myself not attending classes, then I was kicked out. The “fun” group was not there to help.

 

• I was on a path to destroying myself and others.
• I cared so much about experiencing pleasure that I was blind to my own actions.
• I wanted to fit in with a group that was trying to use “fun” as a medication to life’s difficulties.

 

Paul provides a list that could be confusing. He lists actions that some would ask “what’s wrong with that?” He is warning people about their “purpose” in life. The list is not about a specific sin, it is about life’s pursuits. His warning is, if people pursue yielding to human nature too long, eventually he or she will not be able to hear GOD.

 

My Observations

• Recognizing that I am blinded by my own desires helps me see GOD.
• Asking GOD to give me strength to ignore the things that are barriers to hearing HIM puts me back on HIS path.
• Knowing that JESUS died for all my sins helps me when I fall.

 

Believing in JESUS enables me to possess the Kingdom of GOD. But what happens if I sin? If I confess my sins HE is faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and cleanse me of all unrighteousness. Getting back to the passage, it is about life’s pursuits that GOD is looking at.

 

HE knows when I am pursuing “my” own kingdom versus HIS. HE let’s be bear bad fruit, thinking my crowd can “support” me through life’s difficulties. HE allows my bad fruit to grow into horrible situations that may have affected many. Fortunately, HE always makes a way back to HIM. I am grateful I can run back to GOD and HE welcomes me with open forgiving arms.

 

Challenge

• Is there any part of the list the writer brings that would concern you?
• Do you find yourself justifying your own actions with a group?
• Will you stop listening to your human nature and confess to GOD that your life may be on a dangerous path and you need HIS help to guide you back to HIM today?

Dual Life

1 Corinthians 10: ¹⁸ Consider the people of Israel; those who eat what is offered in sacrifice share in the altar's service to God. ¹⁹ Do I imply, then, that an idol or the food offered to it really amounts to anything? ²⁰ No! What I am saying is that what is sacrificed on pagan altars is offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be partners with demons. ²¹ You cannot drink from the Lord's cup and also from the cup of demons; you cannot eat at the Lord's table and also at the table of demons. ²² Or do we want to make the Lord jealous? Do we think that we are stronger than he?

 

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Seeing the rated “R” movie put me on a path to wanting to see a rated “X” movie which put me on the path to wanting to try the real thing. I was “good” by comparison. But something inside me along the way said “This is wrong.” The further I went each step along the way, there was something saying “Stop.”

 

• There have been many times when I wanted to do whatever I wanted to do.
• There have been many times when I wanted to live any way I wanted to live.
• There have been many times when I wanted to justify my sinful choices before GOD.

 

Paul explains that, while an idol has no power, an altar offered to demons is taking things one step further. He warns everyone not to partner with demons because there is no way to expect to be with GOD when partnered with demons.

 

• GOD wants me to let go of my path and follow HIS.
• GOD wants me to check if I am serving HIM or my own selfish desires.
• GOD wants me to drink from the LORD’s cup and eat at HIS table only.

 

Follow GOD or follow self, that is the choice. I mean, HE does give extreme freedom to do what I want to do and justify my actions. BUT HE sees the heart. HE is the one who knows my future and HE is the only one who can forgive. HE wants me to turn from “my” ways and turn to HIS way. I gladly let go of my way.

 

• Are you trying to serve two masters?
• Do you realize you cannot serve the world and serve GOD?
• Will you let go of anything you may have inadvertently partnered with that is not of GOD and follow HIS way so HE can guide you to HIS abundant life today?

Body Parts

Body Parts

1 Corinthians 6: ¹⁵ You know that your bodies are parts of the body of Christ. Shall I take a part of Christ's body and make it part of the body of a prostitute? Impossible! ¹⁶ Or perhaps you don't know that the man who joins his body to a prostitute becomes physically one with her? The scripture says quite plainly, “The two will become one body.” ¹⁷ But he who joins himself to the Lord becomes spiritually one with him.

 

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“Look at that ‘insert body part’ on her” we said in an ogling fashion. Our focus was on the physical appearance. This lit the fire inside me to stop searching for GOD inside each person and settle for fulfilling my lusts.

 

• There have been times when I settled for looking at body parts.
• There have been times when I treated GOD’s children as common “things” to be used by me.
• There have been times when I wanted to misuse a part of CHRIST’s body for “my” own purposes.

 

Paul explains that my body is part of CHRIST’s body. In other words, the total number of people who believe in JESUS make up a single “body” under CHRIST. We are “spiritually one” with HIM. Paul also appeals to everyone to rethink how our physical bodies are to be used as a sacrifice to serve JESUS.

 

• GOD wants me to search for HIS SPIRIT in each person.
• GOD wants me to see beyond the physical and remain spiritually connected to HIM.
• GOD wants me to treat HIS body as holy.

 

Downplaying how GOD sees sex does not make my sentence any lighter. Sin is still sin. If I think in a way that is not repentant, then maybe I need to rethink my relationship with JESUS. Am I just mouthing the words or living them?

 

GOD is very serious about bringing all people back to HIM so they can be saved. When I ogle over one, I may be part of the problem and cause others to fall away from HIM. The hidden or overt lust will be seen by onlookers. I am grateful GOD does provide grace and opens my eyes to HIS children.

 

• Are you ogling over someone’s body parts?
• Do you mistreat the body of CHRIST and think there will be no repercussion?
• Will you seek GOD’s kingdom first and look for the need for salvation in “that” person instead of fulfilling your lusts today?

Mine

 

Mine

Romans 11: ³³ How great are God's riches! How deep are his wisdom and knowledge! Who can explain his decisions? Who can understand his ways? ³⁴ As the scripture says,

 

“Who knows the mind of the Lord?
    Who is able to give him advice?
³⁵ Who has ever given him anything,
    so that he had to pay it back?”

 

³⁶ For all things were created by him, and all things exist through him and for him. To God be the glory forever! Amen.

 

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Driving my old car, anyone and everyone was allowed in. The seats were full of junk I tossed in the back, so I would ask the unexpected passenger to move the stuff out the way. But then I bought my first “new” car. I had a car note that was exactly the same amount as my rent. I washed it weekly and vowed to keep it clean. I restricted who would ride in “my” car.

 

• There have been many things I have had that I claimed to be “mine.”
• There have been many possessions I have had that I worried about protecting.
• There have been many items that I had that I thought were “mine.”

 

Paul and the other prophets ask great questions about GOD to show how powerful and incredible HE is. HIS riches, wisdom and knowledge is unsurpassed. HIS decisions and ways cannot be explained or understood. No one has given HIM anything especially money or advice.

 

• GOD wants me to know that all things were created by HIM.
• GOD wants me to know that all things exist through HIM.
• GOD wants me to know that all things exist for HIM.

 

Knowing all things were made by HIM and exist through HIM and for HIM is scary. I mean, even though humans make things, they still exist because of GOD. When I use the things humans make I should be using it “for” GOD. While it sounds extreme, it seems true.

 

GOD wants me to use “my” computer to spread HIS word versus searching for porn or ways to become GOD and be in control. HE wants me to use “my” phone to spread the gospel versus sending text messages complaining about “that” person.

 

HE wants me to use “my” food to feed those who are hungry. Many ways I have neglected GOD by thinking I own anything. I am grateful GOD forgives me and accepts any portion of what I acknowledge as HIS.

 

• What are you trying to protect?
• Do you think you “own” anything?
• Will you release your hold on “your” stuff and allow GOD to guide you to HIS peace today?

Daydreaming

 

Daydreaming

Romans 8: ⁵ Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. ⁶ The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. ⁷ The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. ⁸ Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

 

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Hearing the conversation about cars made me know I was in the wrong league. One guy had just bought a car worth more than my house. After the conversation I was content to drive away in my rusty car. But later, I sat at my desk wondering how I could make more money. Maybe I should day trade or invest. I started dreaming of wealth more and more.

 

• Many times I put my mind on what I desired.
• Many times I sat with my mind fixed on what was in my heart.
• Many times I pondered how “good” life would be if I would just have…

 

Paul explains an enemy that is not the devil rather the mind. Though Satan caused humanity to ultimately fall and desire sin, humans still have a choice. Paul explains that choice. Those who live with their minds fixed on any lust cannot have their minds on things that please GOD.

 

• GOD wants me to seek HIS ways daily.
• GOD wants me to know my weaknesses and give them to HIM.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM to guide my thoughts, for only HE knows my heart.

 

Without GOD, all dreams are worthless. I mean, any dream I have should include what GOD wants, otherwise I will find myself in a losing fight against GOD. If I really want that material thing and do not get it, I pout at GOD and question HIS existence.

 

GOD hates when I back HIM in a corner and question HIS love that HE so generously gave to me. BUT HE is patient enough to guide me back to HIM and to allow me to pray for daily forgiveness. HE sets my mind on HIS people who need HIS SON for HIS salvation. I am grateful GOD intervenes in my mind.

 

• What are you worried about?
• What do you dream about most of the day?
• Will you ask GOD to set your mind on what HE wants rather than trying to get your desires fulfilled today?

Inheritance

Inheritance

John 19: ²³ Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. ²⁴ They said therefore among themselves, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says:

“They divided My garments among them,
And for My clothing they cast lots.”

Therefore the soldiers did these things.

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After the mass layoffs, I went to a coworker for advice. “How long should I wait to ask for that desk?” was my question. By my calculation, I was next in line to get a cubicle that faced a window. “What do you think, a week or two?”

• There were times when I couldn’t wait to see people go.
• There were times when I could not wait to get their stuff.
• There were times when I felt that people were “in the way” of “my” success.

The soldiers could not wait to get JESUS’s stuff. Pilate must have loved theater because he dressed JESUS in the finest clothes. The soldiers wanted the clothes so they divided them into four parts. But the tunic was special. No seam, woven in one piece. They cast lots, similar to throwing dice, for HIS garments. They were on the evil side of the plan.

• GOD wants me to inherit HIS great rewards.
• GOD wants me to be part of HIS family.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS wealth by bringing HIS lost people back to HIM.

Wanting better or more stuff is a waste of time without JESUS. I mean, not having GOD in the middle of my wants can lead to feeding my greed. Only GOD can focus my desires in the right way. More and more, GOD enables the desire to explain HIS kingdom to other people so they can believe in JESUS. I accept GOD’s desire over more stuff.

• Are you seeking more stuff?
• Are you waiting for someone to die so you can get their stuff?
• Will you ask GOD to change your heart and fill you with the desire to seek the lost today?

Subject Matter Expert

Subject Matter Expert

John 9: ²⁶ Then they said to him again, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?”

²⁷ He answered them, “I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?”

²⁸ Then they reviled him and said, “You are His disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples. ²⁹ We know that God spoke to Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where He is from.”

³⁰ The man answered and said to them, “Why, this is a marvelous thing, that you do not know where He is from; yet He has opened my eyes! ³¹ Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him. ³² Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. ³³ If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.”

³⁴ They answered and said to him, “You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?” And they cast him out.

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Being deemed the subject matter expert was a hidden honor to me. I mean whenever someone had questions, they would come to me for the answers. I felt needed and wanted. One day, someone came up to me with a question that I could not answer. How dare they! “Why were they trying to trip me up?” I thought.

• There were times when I thought I could “know it all.”
• There were times when I believed I could be the one who had all the answers.
• There were times when I felt so great about being the subject matter expert that I would defend my title.

The church leaders kept interrogating the man healed of his blindness by JESUS. They repeated their questions, not seeking the truth but to see if they could catch the man in a lie. The man had enough and asked them, “How could HE heal me, the way HE healed me, if HE were not from GOD? This question stumped them so they threw him out of the community.

• GOD wants me to know he raises other people for HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to accept that I am not the only one who follows HIM.
• GOD wants me to place HIM as the only one who is superior.

Superiority is a fatal flaw that GOD wants to get rid of. Bragging and boasting about being an “expert” in knowing GOD or HIS word can be a weakness. The Pharisees could not see GOD when HE arrived because of their blindness to their lust for power. They were supposed to be the experts.

JESUS wants me to be able to hear HIM speak even through the youngest child. HIS truth is true from the rich and learned as well as the poor and unlearned. HE can and will use unlikely people to spread HIS word. I am glad HE gives me grace to hear HIM.

• Do you consider yourself a subject matter expert?
• Do you give GOD any credit for what you know?
• Will you allow GOD to open your ears to hear from people who may not be an expert?

Starving

Starving

John 6: 2 The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?”

53 Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.54 Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. 56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me.58 This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.”

59 These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum.

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After the party I announced “the party is at my place!” Everyone had a task to bring booze, music and food. We were going to continue what we started and be as loud as we wanted to be. I mean it was Saturday. I had nothing to do on Sunday.

• There were times when I fed my desires.
• There were times when I fed my lusts.
• There were times when I felt I “deserved” a bit of ”fun”.

JESUS speaks in a manner only GOD could speak. HE talks about eating HIS flesh and drinking HIS blood. “How can this be?” questioned the Jews. JESUS wanted them to feed something else that required a certain food.

• GOD wants me to feed off of JESUS’s examples.
• GOD wants me to feed off of JESUS’s love for those who hated HIM.
• GOD wants me to feed off of JESUS’s faithfulness to continue HIS mission regardless of facing death.

Starving will happen whether it is my lustful desires or the HOLY SPIRIT. One will get fed over the other. GOD wants me to feed my SPIRIT by serving those HE sends to me or who I am sent to. HE feeds me with HIS broken body and cleanses me with HIS blood that dripped from the wounds of HIS murder.

JESUS is definitely food and GOD speaks in foody terms. HE says “Bear fruit” and “Have the fruit of the SPIRIT.” These tasty terms mean serve as many people as possible and listen to GOD so the HOLY SPIRIT inside me will not starve. I desire to feed what GOD has so generously given to me.

• What are you feeding?
• Do you complain, seek pleasure, hate others or feed off of a GOD-less crowd?
• Will you feed the SPIRIT inside you by listening to GOD and serving those HE sends you to today?