Friday Focus #43

Take Ownership

Psalm 7:3-5. I have not fully read through the Book of Psalm yet, but this chapter jumped out to me in my head. I read the chapter until I came across something that would be interesting to write about. While reading, a few verses jumped out to me. I had to get some background on them so that I didn't misunderstand what was being said. Here, David is speaking to God. He says, "O Lord my God, if I have done this, if there is wrong in my hands, if I have repaid my friend with evil, or plundered my enemy without cause, let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it, and let him trample my life to the ground and lay my glory in the dust." David lets God know "if" I have done something wrong to his friend or done wrong to an enemy for no good reason, then he says let them overtake me and trample my life to the ground. I like that David even looks at himself saying "if I" where many of us would not. There is no "if I have done wrong" in many arguments, disagreements, and issues in our lives. It usually is finger pointing. When, not if, but when you go to God for your troubles, open up and give Him the chance to show you if you have done others wrong. Maybe the trouble that you are experiencing is due to something you have done, not everything everyone else has done. Be honest with yourself and allow yourself to take ownership for your own problems.

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1 John 5: Continuity of Sin

Continuity of Sin

What have you allowed in your life? What exists in your life that is okay based on what culture thinks? Is it okay with God? Is it God honoring? Look we all mess up and fall short and fail and sin. It's what happens because we are fallible and we are human. In 1 John 5:18 we have to understand (just like in previous books and verses) that once you are born of God (born again, seeking His will consistently) then that sin life that was apart of you can be no more. Let God in to that part of you that you are not willing to give up yet. When you have something big coming up, do you work and get anxious and doubt yourself? That is not of God and that is how Satan uses you and your circumstances to pull you away from God. Seek God's will in your life. Consult the Scriptures and let the Holy Spirit guide you.

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1 John 2: Loving the World

Loving the World

When you see scripture telling us to not "love the world" I hope people don't take it out of context. This is not anti green peace or go ahead and litter because what does it matter. This is the "world" in terms following what seems right to people that is actually not in line with God's will. The world can mean culture as it changes depending on the decade, century, era or millennium. Not loving the world is the best way to say "keep God at the center of your life." In 1 John 2:15 we are told " Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." That means if you have put culture over that which is of God in accordance with His will, then God is not in you directing your path because He would not lead you astray.

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Wednesday Wake Up #40

Just Ask God

Just ask God for what you need and what you want in life. There is nothing wrong with asking God. The worst He will answer is no. He may say yes...or he may say wait. Either way, you can ask God for your needs and wants. God wants to hear from you. Just like a parent that says call all the time to their children it is a way to stay connected. It is also a way to prioritize what you want to ask God, not that He can't take all of your requests on (God is all powerful), but when you are requesting something from God it may spark some "would God want me to have this" thinking. Sometimes we want things just because we want them. Like "God please get me approved for this loan so I can get this sports car cuz I look so cool in it and I know that will attract women." Or "God please help me get this job so I can get discounts on their clothes." Whatever you take to God, needs or wants, asking Him will allow you to double check your intentions before you ask. This is what we learn in 1 John 5:14. The name of Jesus is strong as Jesus is the son of God, so whether we ask Jesus or the Holy Spirit or God himself for what it is we want or need, let it be in God's will. Check yourself. You may see that your intentions are not God honoring and it may allow you to reset your aims.

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Hebrews 10: Encouragement Toward Love and Good

Encouragement Toward Love and Good

The writer is pointing out in Hebrews 10:24-25 what some/many are not doing. They are not meeting together and loving one another and encouraging one another to be loving in the Lord. When that is lacking from our lives, discouragement from the enemy sneaks in and pulls us away from God when we should be trying to draw near to God.

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Hebrews 4: Near to the Throne

Near to the Throne

Hebrews 4:16 can be broken down in several ways. First, we can have confidence when we draw near to the thrown of Grace. We have been tempted as Jesus was tempted, so since he has experienced the same as we have, his grace and mercy does not expire. He has empathy and understanding for us as our experiences have been his also. Second, when you draw near to the throne that is how you can receive mercy. You do not have to drag those sins with you throughout life. God's mercy and grace through Jesus has relived us of that if we desire to believe that and follow Jesus. Not only do we need grace in various times but we can also give grace when needed to others. I need it. You need it. They need it. We need it. God gives it.

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Friday Focus #34

Stop Making Excuses

I have heard people say that when they are done living whatever lifestyle they are living or when life calms down then they will go to church, get right with God, read the Bible, etc. I think to myself, why wait? If you really want to do something you will make time for it regardless of what else is going on. People who love to work out will work out. People who love to plant and garden will plant flowers and tend to their garden. If you like working on cars, then you will make time for that. But as for God, many will say it just isn't the right time. There is no good reason as to why you need to wait to reconnect with God. Stop making excuses.

If we don't want to go to church, read the Bible, etc then just say that instead of there is no time for it. We all have 24 hours a day and chose to spend it doing what we want and what are also priorities. If you do not add time with God to your schedule then there will be something else that will come into the mix later and keep you from making time. Some people have said that they will wake up earlier or spend part of their lunch hour reading the Bible. Others listen to sermons while driving to and from work. There is always time, but your choice is has been to do something else.

Do you remember when Jesus went to visit Mary and Martha? Read through Luke 10:38-42 and see how Martha was so distracted doing so many things that that when she realized she was not getting help from her sister, she complained to Jesus who told Martha that Mary had chosen to spend time with him rather than run around doing other "stuff" that was not as important. What ever is important to you will show not just by your words, but also by your actions.

 

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Friday Focus #27

Making a Rash Decision

Life is full of frustrations. Sometimes it seems like no matter what you do or where you turn, there is a problem. It could be a money problem or a relational problem or a job issues, but whatever it is, it seems like the issues are never ending. Job issues may lead you to want to quit, but then what? You need money to live and pay bills and eat. You could open up another credit card and pull all of that money out, but how will you pay it off? Could you cut spending rather than increase debt? In relationships, people will rub us the wrong way and we can be tempted to cut ties. But, have you thought about the the possible repercussions? Better yet, did you ask God for direction? 

One thing you can do is go to God humbly and ask Him to show you what you could have done differently. It is hard to be humble when we get upset at people or life. Making more money is great, but if you do not know how to save and budget, then what difference does it make. Finding a new job is great but if every job you have had there are issues you have that irreconcilable with coworkers or upper management, then maybe that needs to be addressed before quitting. Finding a new friend or significant other is fine, but maybe there is a way you talk to people that pushes people away instead of pulling them in. In Job 6:24 we read that Job was asking Eliphaz to show him where he was wrong regarding a rant. But do we do this with ourselves, others and Go?. When there is an issue you can just "fix it" or you can humbly seek to find out what went wrong and where.

Also, just know that God will guide you, but you have to be humble enough to know that God's way is the best way. If you are not reading your Bible and seeking to understand it and see what God's word has for you, it will make life harder. Life can be hard anyway, why make it harder by not checking the manual. You can't fix a car without looking at the intricate parts of the engine, transmission, and the owner's manual. With people, our brain and our heart (emotions) and owner's manual (the Bible) need to be connected in order to help us through life. In Psalm 31:3 we have to see that God is our rock and our fortress and He will lead and guide us. We have to seek Him and His way.

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Wednesday Wake Up #21

If Today Is Your Last Day

The topic of salvation has come up numerous times in the last few weeks with friends and family. I have been asked questions Bible choice (translation) to the second coming and people should be scared. I'm no Biblical scholar, but I am seeking to learn and teach other as I learn. I have directed people who do not read the Bible to start with a simpler book, proverbs, but then I was later corrected and told to introduce people to the Book of John so that they can be introduced to Jesus. That is what I realized what was missing. I talk to numerous people every week and sadly I have not brought up Jesus or their salvation through him. I was doing people a disservice and as best as I can through the Holy Spirit, I want to help guide them toward resources to answer the question, if today was your last day on earth, would you go to Heaven or Hell?

You cannot earn salvation. There are no works to complete in order to get to Heaven. You cannot be baptized by your parents and get into Heaven. You cannot be saved because your family is. Following Christ and accepting him as your Lord and Savior is your choice. Yes!, YOUR choice. If you are on your death bed and accept Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are forgiven and welcomed into the family of believers. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and no once comes to the father except through him. Jesus is not a way, or one way, or anything other than THE WAY (J0hn 14:6).

For those of us who are not on our death beds and can repent for our sins, then do that. Our sin is what draws us away from God. It is our sin that brought Christ to earth to be the last sacrifice for us to be reconciled to God. No more slaughtering of animals, just accepting that Christ's blood paid the price for us. When we repent of our sins that does not mean we all of a sudden stop sinning, but our minds change on the sins that we have committed and sought to justify as just part of being human (Got Questions article on repentance). If you have accepted Christ then the old ways die and you become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

To further understand Jesus, I would also check to see if you know and understand that Jesus is God in the flesh. Do you know that he was resurrected on the 3rd day after his day bringing truth to prophecies that existed before he was ever born? Do you know that he is the only way to God? If you understand these and accept Christ, then welcome to the family of believers. If you think Jesus was just some rebel who was just counter culture, then you need to read more and put down your remote for your TV. If you want to be saved seek to know Christ and accept him as your Lord (of your life) and Savior (from eternal damnation). Our life is not very long and the after life is longer. Where will you spend yours?If you are ready to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you can pray this prayer "Jesus is the Lord of my life. He is my Lord and Savior. I believe in my heart that God raised you from the dead. I believe that you are God in human form. I believe that you are the way the truth and light. I thank you for dying for my sins. Thank you for saving me. Amen."

Please see Francis Chan's 3 min explanation on eternity (click his pic)

Please see Rick Warren's 13 min message on Jesus and Salvation (click his pic)

(Please feel free to leave comments to add to the discussion)
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John 20: The Resurrection

The Resurrection

The Resurrection of Christ (to me) is symbolic of how our former lives were and our current lives are after we accept God's will fully into our lives and submit to His will (James 4:7).

Mary Magdalene, John, Peter and Simon Peter went to the tomb to check on Jesus but he was no longer there (John 20:1-4).

The pieces of clothing that he was buried in were left in the tomb and folded neatly and left behind by Jesus (John 20:6-7).

When we set our hearts and minds and souls on being fully sacrificial to God's will, we too can leave the old ways behind us like Jesus left behind the linen cloths from his burial. Those burial cloths represent what was, not what is. People we knew before full obedience to God come to see us, metaphorically speaking, it seems like we are not there. We are not the same. We are different. Our submission is to God's will, not the way things used to be. They can only see pieces (similar to memories) of what used to be us, just like the burial clothes of Jesus. We are made new through the power of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

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John 6:26- In Need of Jesus

In Need of Jesus

Jesus had fed 5,000. That was a miracle. People saw that happen. People saw that it was Jesus. Jesus walked on water. That too was a miracle and an example of how when we keep our eyes on Jesus, amazing things can happen. But, even after Jesus provided miracles and examples of great faith, people wanted more. They desired more. They desired more of what they wanted than what they needed. They had their fill (verse 12) but still sought Jesus for more of their wants and not their needs.

Jesus traveled from the Sea of Galilee to Capernum by walking on water for a bit and then riding in a boat with the disciples the rest of the way. The crowd that had been on the other side of the sea saw Jesus the next day and wondered how he got from one side to another when they never saw him get on a boat. This is when Jesus calls out their infatuation with his travels. In John 6:26 he says to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves." He knows that they aren't concerned with Jesus in this moment outside of what they want, not anything else.

In verse 27, Jesus really straightens their focus on what is the most important. He tells them to focus on the food that brings eternal life, not the food that perishes. Didn't he say something like that to the Samaritan woman at the well?

In verse 35 Jesus refers to himself as the bread of life. He says that whoever comes to him will not hunger and will not thirst (this unifies what he said to the Samaritan woman and in this chapter). He does not mean physically hunger and thirst, but spiritual hunger and thirst. Jesus wants us to come to him. Not just when we need something. Not just in an emergency, but before that. Jesus is not a genie. To follow him takes effort and a humble spirit (James 4:6) that is ready to leave the old life and begin anew in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

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Mark 13:37- Stay Awake

Stay Awake

In Mark 13:32-37, Jesus is speaking about being ready and "awake" in a spiritual sense. He is talking about his return (after crucifixion and after ascension). Jesus is saying that no one knows, not even the angels and not even he knows when that return will be. Earlier in the chapter in verses 24-27, he speaks on signs that will indicate the time is near or has come. He compares it to knowing summer is near when a fig tree sprouts leaves and branches become tender. He is reminding us that when the moon will not give its light and the stars are falling from heaven, they will see the son of man (Jesus) coming in clouds with great power and glory.

In the last few verses of the chapter Jesus tells us to stay awake and ready. But he uses the word "awake" several times, four times to be exact (other translations use watch). There must be a reasons for that. Have you ever spiritually fallen asleep? You were on fire for God and passionate about serving and learning and in fellowship with believers, but then "life" happens and passion is lost from those parts of life? You spiritually fell asleep. We put off spiritual growth for other priorities. Time to wake up!

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Mark 11:23-24- Faith to Move Mountains

Faith to Move Mountains

Sometimes I don't pray and I just complain. I gripe. I moan. I grumble. I tell friends the issue, but I "forget" to pray. I put forget with quotations because I did not actually forget. I have become accustomed to doing things that way. I try to figure it out. There is nothing wrong with using your God given problem solving ability to figure out some of your issues. But, what about using that ability to speak to God and pray?

In Mark 11:12-14, Jesus curses a fig tree that was no longer producing any fig (fruit). It wasn't doing what it was supposed to do. It wasn't doing it's job. It was useless. Just sitting there looking pretty with leaves. After he cleansed the temple from the "thieves" in verses 15-19, he and the disciples walked by the fig tree that he had cursed and they saw that it had withered to its roots. He uses this moment to teach them to have faith in God. He says that you can tell a mountain to to be thrown into the sea and it will if you do not have a a doubt in your heart. Bam! Right there, he said a "doubt in his heart."

When we pray about our mountains (money, relationship issues, living situations, jobs, health) do we really pray with that kind of faith? Do we have doubts? Then when the prayer is not answered we think God is ignoring us. But, if we read and seek to understand and have faith that God is not only listening but truthful in fulfilling his promises.

He follows up this command by also saying that when we pray we are also to forgive any trespasses (wrong doing) against us by other people. In school, we are not encouraged to get F's, but here Jesus wants us to have F's with Faith and Forgiveness (see what I did there?) How can God here our prayer and come through to move the mountain if we do not believe that He will and when we have bitterness and an unforgiving heart toward others.

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