Fresh Start Daily

Our topic today in Sunday school is “Pass It On”. We talked about the stories from Matthew 28:16-20 and Acts 1:6-11. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb of Jesus and the angel spoke to them and told them that Jesus had risen. The angel instructed the women to tell the disciples that Jesus rose from the dead and will meet them in Galilee.

When the disciples went to the mountain Jesus told them to go, Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus commanded His disciples to:

• go and make disciples of all nations
• baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
• share God’s Word to others and teach them to obey God’s command

Many people question the authority of those who teach the Word of God in our time today. Unbelievers think that the command was given only to the Jesus’ disciples in the Old Testament. However, everyone who believes in God are commanded to do the same today. We are Christ’s present-day disciples.

“So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.’” Acts 6:2-4

“So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:7

“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.’” Luke 10:1-3

We are all sinners (Romans 3:23), but when we receive Jesus and believe in His name, our sins will be forgiven and we will become children of God.

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God–children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:12-13

“For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14

When we sincerely repent from our sins and accept Jesus in our heart, we will be made new. It says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18

When God cleanses us from our sins, He gives us a new heart, He makes brand new, and He welcomes us into His family. As children of God in heaven, we are to obey His Word. The great commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is His command to all His children.

How are we now going to do all these things God commanded us to do? We are merely humans with limited abilities. Jesus told His disciples before He ascended to heaven, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

When Jesus ascended to heaven, He left His disciples with the Holy Spirit.

“On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 1:4-5

We will receive the Holy Spirit when we repent from our sins and call on the name of Jesus. The Holy Spirit in us will enable us to do what God commands us to do. The Holy Spirit will guide and help us fulfill our mission.

“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:38

Jesus gives us power when we call on His name. Jesus’ name is powerful.

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10

“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.” John 14:13

“You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:14

“In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” John 16:23-24

Jesus gives us the authority to preach His Word. We are His vessels on earth.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God for He called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which HE HAS CALLED YOU, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and HIS INCOMPARABLY GREAT POWER FOR US WHO BELIEVE. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, are above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” Ephesians 1:17-21

“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” Mark 16:17-18

“As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” Matthew 10:7-8

“And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.” Matthew 10:1

“When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” Luke 9:1-2

“So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.” Luke 9:6

“Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.” Acts 3:1-8

“The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’ He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.’” Luke 10:17-19

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19

“Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.” James 5:17-18

I learned that we should preach with the anointing of the Holy Spirit. We should cover everything in prayer.

“But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” 1 Corinthians 4:19-20

We will witness God’s miracles when we believe. Our lack of faith hinders us from experiencing the power of God.

“And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.” Matthew 13:58

“‘Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.’” Mark 11:23-24

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

It is not about us but about God and what He can do in and through us. The power comes from Him, not ourselves. We cannot rely on our own strength and knowledge. Our confidence should come from God and not ourselves. We are nothing apart from Him.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

It is about God’s power through us, His disciples. Our authority comes from our submission to God’s authority. If Jesus is in us, we can do great things. The one who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4). All glory is HIS!

“Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” Psalm 115:1

“However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20

Day 1

Day 2

God calls according to His standard, not the standard of the world. God doesn’t always call the smartest, richest/poorest, or kindest. Usually, He calls from the pit. He calls the sinner, the weak, the unintelligent, the broken… He calls those that the world doesn’t see fit to be used by God.

God’s ways are different. God doesn’t think the way people do. If our finite minds will try to understand God’s infinite mind, we will go crazy. He is God and He can do anything! He is great and powerful and mighty.

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:

‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.’

Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.

Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’” 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

The saints referred to by God are not those ordained in this world by the religious leaders. Instead, they are those who simply believe in God and follow Him. The highest and only ordination God honors is HIS ordination. God knows the true saints. God chooses, not men (who were only created by Him, in the first place).

“To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours.” 1 Corinthians 1:2

“May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.” Colossians 1:11-13

“For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” Ephesians 2:18-20

In the world, saints are worshipped. But it says in the Bible that only God should be worshipped. Saints are the people who are set apart for HIS glory, living their God-given purpose. In the world, a person has to be dead to be ordained as a saint. However, in the Bible, saints are alive. They are actively fulfilling the mission God planted in their hearts.

God doesn’t call those that people expect. God instructed Samuel to go to Bethlehem to anoint the one HE chose to replace Saul. When Samuel arrived in Bethlehem, he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. When Samuel saw Eliab, he immediately assumed that he is the chosen one of God. However, the Lord said, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).”

Jesse showed his seven children to Samuel but God told Samuel that He did not choose them. When Jesse called for David, his youngest son, and Samuel saw him, Samuel declared that he is the one. David was young when he was called. He was tending the sheep when God picked him (1 Samuel 16). God does not look at a person’s age to serve Him.

When my eldest nephew, Matty, was staying with us one weekend, I heard him say “Oh my God” a number of times. I told him that God is holy and His name should not be used haphazardly. He did not respond nor did he show any sign that he was listening and he kept playing silently.

That same weekend, my mother’s friend who was traveling abroad stayed with us overnight. Matty played with her and he heard her say “Oh my God”. Matty looked at me then he turned to mama’s friend and said, “Don’t say ‘Oh my God’. Just say, ‘Oh my’ because Jesus will get mad.” I was shocked! He told her what I told him verbatimly! And I thought he was not listening! Then mama’s friend said, “Tama. Oo nga naman. Dapat talaga hindi ‘Oh my God’”.

God does not look at one’s age or social status. God can even use an animal to speak to us. In Numbers 22:28, the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey and the donkey spoke with a man’s voice (2 Peter 2:16).

God doesn’t use those who are able but those who are available, those whose hearts are willing to be used by Him. You may be strong, smart, beautiful, rich, famous… But if you don’t have time for God and His mission, you are only giving glory to yourself and not to God who is the source of all. God can use a person without formal education. We don’t have to be a priest or a pastor to preach. If we accept Christ, He will give us the Holy Spirit who will teach us all things.

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26

“But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.” 1 John 2:27

If we seek God with all our heart, He will reveal Himself to us and impart great things to us. He will give us wisdom and guide us.

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Jeremiah 33:3

We do not teach our own words. We teach the WORD OF GOD. GOD SPEAKS THROUGH US. We are only His mouthpiece. We are only His vessel. He gives the message. We are the messengers. If we preach that which is not from the Lord, we will be accursed. We preach only that which is from the Lord. We preach what is revealed to us by God.

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!” Galatians 1:8

“I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:11-12

“For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:21

“Why me, Lord?” “What authority do I have?” “Who am I that you want me to do these things?” Sometimes I ask these questions because really, WHO AM I? I am but a speck of dust in this vast universe. I’m not good enough. I’m not perfect. However, I learned that it’s not about how good I am but about how good God is. It’s not about what I can do but what God can do in my life. It’s not about my abilities but His power to use me. It’s not about me. IT’S ALL ABOUT GOD.

Without God’s love, I am nothing. Without God’s grace, I am nothing. Without God’s salvation, I am nothing. It is God, and it is only God, who turns nothing into something–who turns a nobody into a somebody. It’s all for His glory–not mine, not ours. If there is any courage in me, it’s all because of Him. He gives me courage. He gives me strength. He gives me the boldness to speak His Word to others. If God is with us, He can speak through us. If God is in us, He will work in us and through us.

“God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.” I don’t know the author of this statement but it is true. He fills the fool with His wisdom, He fills the weak with strength, He fills the timid with courage and boldness to show others HE IS POWERFUL and MIGHTY.

“Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” 2 Corinthians 3:5

“Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began…” 2 Timothy 1:9

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

It is God who chooses. Even if the whole world cast their votes, the final say is the Lord’s.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” John 15:16

“‘You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.’” Isaiah 43:10

“Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’” Jeremiah 1:4-5

“But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone…” Galatians 1:15-16

When God calls, He means NOW, not later–not when we’re old, not when we’re able. Moses told God that he was not eloquent when God called Him. He even asked God to send someone else instead of him because he was slow of speech and tongue. The Lord got mad and told him to take Aaron (Moses’ brother) with him because Aaron could speak well. We cannot contend with the Lord.

“Moses said to the Lord, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.’

The Lord said to him, ‘Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.’

But Moses said, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.’

Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, ‘What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him. But take this staff in your hand so you can perform the signs with it.’” Exodus 4:10-17

God cares more about the heart of the person than his/her abilities. What God wants is an OBEDIENT HEART. God is after our OBEDIENCE, not our SACRIFICES. Even if we give our all, if we do not obey HIM and HIS WORD, God will not be pleased.

“But Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’” 1 Samuel 15:22

When we obey, He will equip us. The Lord will polish us along the way. When God saves us, He cleans us as well. He purifies us, sanctifies us, then makes us HIS AMBASSADORS.

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined HE also CALLED, and those whom HE CALLED he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” Romans 8:28-30

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12

Even if others don’t see me as fit to share the WORD OF GOD, it’s okay. What’s important is they get to hear HIS MESSAGE and know HIS CHARACTER. I introduce not myself but the One who enables and sustains me. My prayer is for others to see God in me, for God to be exalted in my life. God is the only one who deserves all the glory and honor and praise. Our task as ambassadors is to point people to JESUS and not to ourselves. All glory is HIS and it will always be HIS. If there is anything I boast in, it’s in my weaknesses. It’s in MY GOD.

“As the Scriptures say, ‘If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.’” 2 Corinthians 10:17

“As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.” Galatians 6:14

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9