What have you done for ME lately?

Revelation 3: ² Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. ³ Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief.

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Remember when we used to lift some heavy weights we asked each other.  One friend responded “Yeah, I used to be a monster.”  I responded, “Yeah, but do you have any rehab exercises now, my shoulder hurts!” It seemed like our glory days are way in the past. I wonder if I feel like my best “service to the LORD” days are behind me too.

• Sometimes I look back on the things GOD had me do and I think I’m still doing them.
• Sometimes I try to remember how the SPIRIT moved me instead of letting the SPIRIT move me.
• Sometimes I reminisce on my glory days of serving the LORD and think HE can no longer use me.

“I remember when” are the words that came to mind when it came to looking at my service to the LORD.  I don’t mean “when is the last time I went to church” I mean when is the last time I had fire in me that just jumped out of me? When is the last time I couldn't hold my tongue and I could not help doing something bold for CHRIST?

Sadly my service had boiled down to mere rhetoric. What should I do?

• JESUS says “Wake up!” Stop looking at others and start looking inside.
• JESUS says “Strengthen what little remains” by loving others and serving boldly without feeling defeated!
• JESUS says “Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly” revisiting when I first began my walk with HIM and stop doubting HIS love!
• JESUS says “Repent and turn to ME again” and stop looking at the news and current circumstances and watch MY power!

In my mind I had become a superhero because of the things I had done in the past. This gave me license to judge others, BUT GOD asks me a difficult question; “Do you still love ME?” “Yes” I said sheepishly. “Then feed my lambs” HE says to me calmly wanting me to focus on HIM and not anything else.

• Are you feeling like you are barely holding on to the LORD?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Are you living your life contrary to how GOD wants you to live?
• Can you turn to HIM today and recognize HE will always love you even until the end of this age?

I want a new name

Revelation 2: ¹⁷ Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.

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Hey “goggles” someone called me.  Hi “professor” others quipped. I’ve also been called some named that I won’t repeat but I know this was their attempt to label me with a derogatory name. Soon I found myself giving people nicknames.  I wonder if they were positive.

• GOD has a new name for me that is special.
• GOD has a new name for me that is only between me and HIM.
• GOD has a new name for me that defines my new purpose and being.

My parents chose a name that was pleasing to them. I like it but my name doesn’t define my life’s purpose of serving others. My name doesn’t describe how I’m supposed to relate to others or what relationship with GOD I’m supposed to hold.

GOD will put my new name in white stone to make it crystal clear to everyone who sees it. Only HIM and I will understand it’s true meaning because it’s a special gift to me. No one will be envious of my name because they will have their own name on their own stone.

• What is your name?
• Is your name negative right now?
• Can you make a new name for yourself by following GOD?
• Won’t you change your name today by modifying your actions, thoughts and worship? 

I know how you feel

Revelation 2: ⁹ I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

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My parents had given me five dollars to go to the amusement park. Somewhere between here and there I lost my money. I cried and cried because my possibilities of having a fun day turned out to be disastrous.

Now as I look back on this incident I find it humorous. I mean I have traveled to other countries and have seen people who wonder where their next meal is going to come from. How in the world can the poor be rich?

• When I think I am poor I am usually blinded by my ambitions rather than GOD’s blessings.
• When I think I am afflicted I am focused on the ailment or the wound rather than GOD’s sovereignty.
• When I think I am finished I have given up too quickly because my faith in GOD has waned.

There are some situations that are more difficult than others but each time I look back on them I realize GOD was there watching over me. I can’t lie and say I felt this way during the trial, but after I have gone through it I felt stronger.

• GOD says “I know your afflictions” so HE knows when my body is sick or hurt.
• GOD says “I know your poverty” so HE knows when I worry about finances.
• GOD says “Yet you are rich!” so HIS view of being rich is thoroughly different than mine.

Being “rich” is having a large “bank account” of people. The more people I help, the larger my account grows. My account grows even larger when I can help others praise GOD even when I am going through a very tumultuous time. GOD says “I know” which means HE has understands the trial is difficult but HE has it in control and will not let it destroy my soul.

GOD’s plan is sovereign and full of love. Though trials appear my faith in GOD grows.

• Are you facing a trial?
• Are you feeling nervous about your finances?
• Do you believe GOD knows what you are going through?
• Can you stop listening to what “they” are saying about you and focus on how GOD made you perfect for HIS purpose?

Persevere – Keep Going – Don’t Stop!

Revelation 2: ² I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. ³ You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

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Challenges seemed to be easy for me years ago.  I once stayed at work for 36 hours straight to meet a deadline. Now it seems like challenges want to get the best of me.  I entered a marathon and it seemed like every practice run, no matter how short, was a chance to give up.

I also run a small business and there are days when the challenges mount and I want to give up. Is there any way to remain fueled?

• When a challenge gets put in front of me then it seems like more challenges pile on.
• When an obstacle gets put in my way it seems like my plans fall apart.
• When a situation occurs it seems like GOD doesn't care and HE is only concerned with the after-life, not “my life.”

GOD knew this life would be challenging for me before HE made the world.  HE knew I would need salvation yet HE created me anyway. Please don’t misunderstand, GOD is pure love and wants the best for me and HE also knows this life is going to be difficult.

• When mankind sinned, GOD cursed the Earth, space and everything I can see or touch.
• When mankind sinned, it broke my relationship with GOD and now I need a savior.
• When mankind sinned, it made life difficult and many times I want to give up.

BUT GOD knows my deeds! GOD knows how difficult this life can be and HE wants me to persevere! HE says keep going, do not quit, do not spot! HE says “I know your deeds” and just knowing that HE knows fills me up. HE expects me to not grow weary because HE is my fuel.

With GOD on my side, how can I fail? HE is the source of strength for anyone who wants to keep going.

• Are you getting tired?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Won’t you stop trying under your own might and ask GOD what HE wants for you?
• Can you pursue your dreams while including GOD?
• Won’t you stop your complaints for a moment to see HIS blessings?

Don’t be afraid!

Revelation 1: ¹⁷ When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. ¹⁸ I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.

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Sometimes I get worried and think “my” situation is “my” situation. I pout and whine and plan and wince and I stay right in the same place, staring at my circumstance. Who can save me?

• GOD said “Don’t be afraid” because there is no circumstance greater than HIS might
• GOD said “I am the living one” which means I can help you right now and tomorrow.
• GOD said “I am alive forever and ever!” so have no fear about what I say today because MY promises can never be broken.

Since JESUS is the FIRST and the LAST, there is no decree or law or situation that can go outside of HIS rule. HE says HE is love and HE means it. My life here on Earth is just as precious as my life after the Earth passes away.

HE speaks to me and says “Do not be afraid.” Even though GOD is almighty and I sin, HE has incredible restraint and somehow translates my broken relationship with HIM into something that is mended and useful.

GOD is the great “I am” so I do not have to be afraid!

• What are you afraid of?
• Can you give your circumstance over to GOD?
• Won’t you surrender your sins to HIM as well?

Who is HE?

Revelation 1: ⁸ “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

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Sometimes I just ponder what and “who” GOD is. I have no story or situation I can relate to HIS being.

The FATHER is GOD

JESUS is GOD

The HOLY SPIRIT is GOD

They never act alone but are in agreement with one another therefore “they” can be referred to as HE and the plural is “GOD”, not “gods” for they are one.

They always exist and have always existed and will always exist.

They are all powerful, all knowing and all seeing.

JESUS speaks to us by saying “I am” for HE is the one who became a human and died for my sins. Every sin I have ever committed is erased. HE was murdered by people who attended church but did not believe “in” the church. Yet HE stands. HE forgives. HE blesses.

GOD has all authority.

GOD has all power.

GOD has all glory.

I think I will place my faith in HIM today. Won’t you?

See, I told you so!

Jude 1: ²² Be merciful to those who doubt

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Sitting in front of the professor I heard the words of doom come from his lips. “Unless you write an excellent final, you will fail this course.” He then followed with these words “Why don’t you consider changing professions.”

That’s all I needed to hear! His words seemed to fuel rage and anger that drove me to outperform many in the industry. What was that professor’s name? Maybe I’ll go back to the university and gloat in his face.

• Just because someone doubts me, doesn't mean their doubt is true.
• Just because someone doubts me, doesn't mean I should treat them differently.
• Just because someone doubts me, doesn't mean my abilities are broken.

There have been many situations in which I have proven people wrong about their doubts in my abilities and skills. I threw the “I told you so” in their face and gloated exponentially. What did it get me? I made an enemy rather than winning over the doubter. I wonder what went wrong.

• GOD wants me to show mercy on people who doubt me and especially who doubt HIM.
• GOD wants me to show grace on people who seem to be going their own way and leaving HIM.
• GOD wants me to show love to people who are difficult to love in hopes that one day they will trade rejection of CHRIST for HIS love.

I have a tendency to distance myself from doubters. I mean they really drag me down. BUT GOD wants me to show mercy so their faith can grow and all eyes will be on HIM.

• Do you have doubters in your life?
• Are you moving away from doubters because you have a hint of doubt?
• Can you show your faith without being judgmental or without gloating?
• Won’t you show mercy to the doubters by helping them grow?