The Snare

I Tim. 6:6-8

Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

 

 

Paul explains that riches are in reality a great snare producing senseless and harmful desires that result in ruin and destruction. In fact, riches become a craving, perhaps even an addiction. The more that people have, the more they want! What a vicious cycle! But instead  Paul urged them to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love , steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith! This pursuit and fight should be all-consuming in the life of a believer leaving no time for the pursuit of riches. Godliness and contentment go hand in hand. Having the basic essentials like food and clothing should suffice. Sounds simple, but actually it's pretty hard! Since we live in this world, our eyes and senses are constantly barraged with possessions and pleasures. We want to buy into all that is offered; yet not losing out on possessing godliness. Is that even possible? Is our pursuit and fight something that could be two sided? Paul answered these questions when he said, Keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of the Lord. And on the off chance that someone is rich, do good, be rich in good works and ready to share. It is only then that they are storing up treasure for the future. Paul ended his words to Timothy by saying, Guard the deposit entrusted to you. I notice that believers are pursuing, fighting, doing, sharing, and guarding instead of passively waiting for this transformation and contentment. The believer's life is filled with the actions necessary to grow godliness and contentment. This great gain is not possessed by fence riding, laziness, or coveting what the world has. Sadly, it is not just the rich that are exposed to this snare. Many times those people who have nothing constantly want more too. Instead of window-shopping at the world's mall, I need to be fighting, pursuing, doing, sharing, and guarding. My desires need to be His as well as my actions.

 

Father,

I know all this in my head, but help me make it a reality in my life. Lead me down the road that ends in great godliness.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Two Evils

Jer. 2:12-33

Be appalled, O heavens, at this: be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the Lord, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.

 

Israel has changed their glory, their powerful God and all His blessings,  for something that did not profit. They had forsaken God, a God who had chosen them to be His possession, His people, and instead had chosen their own self-will. Sadly, man often chooses his own way regardless if it is profitable or not! Such a choice as this is shocking to heaven! It reeks of desolation! Why would Israel forsake the fountain of living water, a fountain that would never run dry and that would give them life in abundance? Why would they choose to make cisterns that could hold no water? It's hard to understand, but the sad truth is that many times, I make just such foolish decisions. The flesh cries out for control claiming it knows best. It tempts with pleasures and power that are really empty and devoid of meaning. The common thought is who knows better how to run my life than me! But  the better statement is who knows better how to run my life better than the Creator of my life!  Sadly, man doesn't stop to think! Instead of remembering what is true about God, he reacts completely in the flesh. How foolish when I have the Spirit of God living within me wanting to guide and lead me! Do I want heaven to be shocked and desolate? Do I want to choose a life of emptiness instead of a life of satisfaction? I would have to say a resounding NO! I want to be a child of God who is in touch with Him, who is listening and obeying, and who is drinking constantly from the Living water.

 

Father,

Open my eyes to every speck of my self-sufficiency and self-will. Give me wisdom to think before I act. Keep me in touch with You at all times.

In Jesus name,

Amen



Warnings

I Tim. 4:7-8

...Rather train yourself for godliness, for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

 

The Negative

Paul warned Timothy about silly, irreverent myths, deceitful spirits, teachings of demons that forbid marriage and abstinence from certain foods. Since God created marriage and foods to be received with thanksgiving, the lesson is: everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. Paul wanted Timothy to teach these things to the brethren so that no one would depart from the faith. Avoid, be careful, and don't have anything to do with these teachings.

 

 

The Positive

Rather train yourself for godliness, for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

 

Instead, train yourself in godliness as it holds value in this life and for eternity. Even though physical exercise is good having value in this life, use it as a means to understand committment and dedication. Like one trains for a race, train for godliness. Make a concerted, regular effort. Choose what is eternal and invest your time in it. For to this end, believers should toil and strive. This should be the lifestyle of a believer, toiling and striving for godliness. Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Strain for godliness!

 

The Problem

Some might have considered Timothy's age a deterrent to effectiveness. I mean, what could a young man possibly know about life? But Paul encouraged Timothy saying, Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers and example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Because of Timothy's youth, he was to set the example of godliness by what he said and what he did, by his love, faith, and purity. Quite a challenge for a young man! But perhaps Paul knew that his youth and inexperience was really a protection for him. Perhaps he had not yet sown his wild oats and would have less of a struggle conquering foolish choices and sin patterns. Regardless, his life was to be an example of godliness.

 

The Solution

What would allow Timothy to be this example of godliness? What would allow him to be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity? Paul said, First, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. This was not to be an occasional activity, but a constant commitment. He was to be devoted to this ministry of exhorting and teaching the Word. Secondly, he was not to neglect his gift given to him when the elders laid their hands on him. His gift was for a purpose, for the edifying and growth of the body and for their protection against false teaching. Thirdly, he was to immerse himself in these things so that all may see his progress. His complete devotion and constant dedication were to be visible for all to see his life. It would be as if his lifestyle was transparent. Finally, he was to watch himself and his teaching, guarding against anything false slipping in and polluting the word of God. Be sober-minded, be watchful, your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Paul's final word was Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. In essence, Paul was giving Timothy the path to godliness.

 

As I look at my life, I must ask myself some questions. Am it devoted to the Word, reading, teaching and exhorting? Am I neglecting the gift given me by the Spirit? Am I using it to build up the body? Am I immersed, thoroughly covered, in all these things? Am I persisting, staying the course and not giving up? Am I so committed to godliness that everything I say, do, or think demonstrates that goal as well?

 

Father,

I confess that I am not as immersed in Your word and Your ministry as I should be. Teach me how to grow in godliness. Open my eyes to the wrong things in my life and then give me Your strength to confess and repent of those things.

In Jesus name,

Amen

A Woman's Role

I Tim. 2: 11

Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness.

 

 

In chap. 2 Paul gave instructions to women about their appearance and their behavior. However, he began this teaching with a statement about men: I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also the women....Prayer and unity are of ultra importance to men as well as to women. As men and women lift holy hands in prayer, their spirits are seeking God and their hearts are free of sin. No doubt Paul wanted women to receive this teaching  in an attitude of prayer and unity, and he wanted men to be godly in their authority over women. So much of what a married woman thinks and does is related to how she is valued and treated by her husband.

 

As far as dress, women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair, gold, pearls, or costly attire but with what is proper for women who profess godliness--with good works. Is Paul speaking about excesses of dress, style, or appearance? I think that the principle he is teaching is one of modesty and self-control. If I am modest in appearance, I will be respectable, free from outlandish and provocative styles. My dress and appearance should reflect Jesus Christ since my body is His temple. As a godly woman, I should be known much more by my good works than the excesses of my physical appearance. Spending time doing good works would definitely limit the time spent on appearance. So the aim of a godly woman is godliness, good works, modesty, and self-control. Her money and resources are not spent on costly attire but on the things that will count for eternity, her growth in the Lord, and on her personal character.

 

As far as behavior within the body, women should learn quietly and submissively exercising no authority over a man. What is the reason for this? Eve was deceived by Satan and sinned by her disobedience. Did her actions reveal something crucial about the perceptions and character of women? Apparently so. I think it also reflects the order of authority within the body of Christ; Christ, man, women. Each one in a specific place, not inferior but different in function. For instance and by way of example, Christ was submissive to His father. Even though He was God, He willingly humbled Himself. Just as women are submissive to their husbands so too all members of the body of Christ are submissive to each other and submissive to God. Submission and surrender are of key importance for growth and holiness in the life of a believer.

 

In summary, a woman's appearance must reflect her heart for God, her good works, modesty, and self-control. In addition, her position in the body must be one of submission to her husband and to God.

Submission, good works, modesty and self-control are all identifying marks of a believer and especially of a godly woman.

 

Father,

Grow me into the woman you desire me to be. Teach me more about submission to You and to John.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Singing, Gladness, and Joy

Is. 35:10

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

 

What a glorious time! The eyes of the blind will be opened, the deaf will hear, and the tongue of the mute will sing praises! Water will flow in abundance, no more desert times! In the midst of this place is a highway called the Highway of Holiness. Only those cleansed by the blood of the Lamb will walk on it because they are clothed in His righteousness: saved, justified, sanctified, and glorified. Safety is the watchword! The pilgrims need not fear predatory beasts or enemies of any kind, even the roaring lion who seeks to devour the souls of men. Walking in safety and peace, the redeemed will be rejoicing as they go! As His ransomed ones, they are crowned with everlasting joy! No more sorrow and sighing, no more bad decisions, no more loss of focus, no more temptations from the world, no more death, no more illness, no more financial distress, in fact, in Zion there will only be praise to the Lamb and the Father! Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing! Every creature in heaven and earth will say, To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever! Such worship is glorious! Even so, come Lord Jesus! 

Father,

Prepare me for this walk on the Highway of Holiness, this eternal weight of glory. I long for heaven to be with Jesus singing praises for eternity.

In the name of the Lamb,

Amen

Charge

I Tim. 1:5

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

 

Paul was deeply concerned about false doctrine being believed and even taught within the body. So as a result, he charged Timothy to expose this trend and to be on guard himself. What were these false doctrines? Some had to do with endless genealogies and myths. Instead of promoting stewardship, they were producing speculation. Paul clarified for Timothy what was the true doctrine: love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Swerving from these would only lead to vain discussions. Apparently the people desired to be teachers of the law, but really had no understanding of what they were saying. These people did not understand the basic purpose of the law, that is to point out sin whether it was lawlessness, disobedience, ungodliness, unholiness, profanity, abusing parents, murdering, being sexually immoral or homosexual, enslaving, lying, perjuring, to name a few. It was not for the just, those whose sins had been forgiven and covered in the blood of Christ; and for sure, it did not need to be added to the gospel!

 

Paul knew this personally. He had been a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent when Jesus called him for His service. He received mercy, and as a result, the grace of Jesus overflowed for him with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Beyond any shade of doubt, Jesus did come into the world to save sinners! He fulfilled the law by replacing the sacrifice of the blood of animals with His own blood offered once for all. Paul knew his salvation was an example to others who were to believe in Him. Because of all this, Paul charged Timothy to wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. It would be battle for Timothy to speak out to others and even to guard his own soul. But the essentials, love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith only come from the gospel of Jesus Christ. It has nothing to do with works of the law, but instead believing and accepting Christ as Savior. Salvation is all of grace by faith so that no man can boast! Heb. 10:22-24 echoes these exact same issues. Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works... Certainly, this is a far cry from endless genealogies, myths, and the law. Jesus has provided it all!

 

Father,

Thank You for the great gift of salvation, for radically changing me from the inside out. You gave me a true heart cleansed from my evil conscience. Praises! Teach me how to stir up love and good works in my own life and in others.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Running and Enlarging

Ps. 119:32

I will run in the way of Your commandments when You enlarge my heart.

 

How does this heart enlargement work? What does it look like practically? This strophe (v. 25-32) offers insight into this process. Verse 25 says ...Give me life according to Your Word. To me this speaks of a vital connection, a life-giving connection to the Word of God. It is in His Word, the Logos, that my life is transformed and that my heart is changed in nature from old to new and transformed in quality, from infancy to maturity. It is this growth process that gives an enlarged heart.

 

Verse 26 says ...You answered me, teach me Your ways. To me this speaks of prayer. I petition and He answers and teaches. When I pray, I am expressing my heart's desire, a desire to know His ways that I might have an enlarged heart. All the study in the world comes to nothing if it is done in the flesh, but when the Spirit teaches, guides, enlightens, convicts, etc. a transformed life results.

 

Verse 27 says Make me understand the way of Your precepts, and I will meditate on Your wondrous ways. Here is another request, a prayer for understanding His word so that I might meditate on it. Meditation is mulling over it for long periods of time. It is in my mind all the while as I am living life and doing the necessary tasks of life. Certainly, it is much more than just reading. Reading can happen without understanding and with my mind and heart on auto pilot. But for understanding and meditation I must be fully engaged, committed to having my heart enlarged.

 

Verse 28 says ...Strengthen me according to Your Word. I need His strength to endure until the end. Life comes replete with sorrow, grief, suffering, and of course, good times. For whatever comes my way, I need His strength to be perfected in my weakness! Where do I find this strength? It is freely given in His Word and at the throne of grace.

 

Verse 29 says Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me Your law! How can I grow or mature when I am blind to the false ways that are taking me down a wrong path? I must ask God for discernment, for my spirit to be one with His Spirit so that I may live holy as He is holy. I must live a life that reflects His ways, and nowhere in His ways, are false ways.

 

Verse 30 says I have chosen the ways of faithfulness...My choice is Him, His ways, and His faithfulness. I am throwing over false ways and the world's enticements and choosing Him. If I make this choice, He will give me the grace and strength to live the way of faithfulness, faithful to Him, His ways, and His words!

 

Verse 31 says I cling to Your testimonies, let me not be put to shame. Clinging to the Word must be my modus operandi. I can't function without it. If I try, shame will result. Since my life has been changed by Jesus, I  have  resident within me is the Holy Spirit who is the consumate Teacher. The image that this clinging brings to my mind is desperation. I am so desperate to be rid of the world and my old nature, that I am clinging with everything I have to stay in His word. If I let my grip relax even for a minute, I will fall into sin and worldliness.

 

Verse 32 says I will run in the way of Your commandments when You enlarge my heart. God doesn't need my help in figuring out what to do or how I should serve Him. He doesn't want my sufficiency; instead He wants me to have His sufficiency. When my being and existence are so vitally connected to Him that my desires are His desires, then I can run. Then my heart will be enlarged! But when I am focusing on myself, my heart shrivels and becomes hard resisting His Spirit and the growth that He would bring. I am resisting the very thing that I want most of all!

 

Father,

This is my desire! I do want to run. I do want my heart enlarged to do only and always Your will. Grow my heart and my desires so that I can run faithfully where You would have be go.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Stand Firm

II Thess. 2:13-15a

But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this He called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then stand firm...

 

Apparently the Thessalonian believers were confused in mind and alarmed about the coming of Jesus. Perhaps they wanted it quickly, and because of their urgency they wanted to be sure that they hadn't missed it. So Paul eased their minds and hearts by telling them what must precede His coming. First a rebellion will come followed by the revealing of the man of lawlessness and destruction. He opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship even to the extent that he seats himself in the temple of God proclaiming himself to be God!

 

Even though the mystery of lawlessness was already at work, the Spirit of God was and is still restraining it. But after he is revealed, Jesus will kill him with the breath of His mouth and bring to nothing his appearance and coming. He is a doomed leader! His end has already been decided and determined. How powerful are the words of Jesus!

 

His coming will be through the power of Satan and will be recognized by signs, wonders, power, and wicked deception. Even though there is no truth to anything that he does, people still believe him because God has sent them a strong delusion to enable them to believe a lie in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. Not only is the man of Lawlessness and all he does predetermined, but also the lives of those who will believe his lies.  He and his followers will be in a drama that's final outcome is judgment and destruction. How hopeless!

 

But in light of all this, Paul praises God with thanksgiving for the Thessalonian believers because they have been chosen as firstfruits to saved and sanctified. They have been chosen to believe the Truth (not the lie)and have been called through the gospel so that they can one day possess the glory of God. What a future compared to the lawless one and his followers! So then, Paul charges them with fervency and with his love and support, to stand firm and hold to the traditions that they had been taught by their spoken word or a letter. He charges them to avoid lies and deception, not to allow false teaching to upset their spiritual equilibrium. They are to remember and cherish what they know to be true about God and His plan for their lives. Paul concludes this reminder and charge with a declaration of his prayer support. He asks the Father to comfort their hearts and establish them in good work and in the word.

 

Father,

Keep Your words ever in my mind so that I can spot a lie. Help me stand firm as I wait for Your return. Continue preparing me for that eternal weight of glory.

In Jesus name,

Amen

To This End...

II Thess. 1:11-12

To this end we always pray for you, that our God make you worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Verses 11-12 sum up the reason for the Paul's prayer. To this end... What is the end? Looking back in the chapter, Paul has made some bold statements. First, he states that the faith and love of the Thessalonians was growing and increasing, and secondly, that they also were steadfastly enduring persecutions and afflictions. Both of these facts were evidence of the righteous judgment of God, a judgment when God would justly repay those who had afflicted these believers, those who were walking worthy of the kingdom of God. He would also grant relief when Christ is revealed from heaven in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction away from the Lord and from the glory of His might, when He comes on that day to be glorified in His saints,and to be marveled at among all who have believed.

 

Because the Thessalonians believed and were faithfully walking in the faith, growing and enduring, and because God will judge the persecutors of those who walk worthy of His kingdom, Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy are praying for them that they will be worthy, not that they will make themselves worthy, but that God would make them worthy of His calling and would fulfill in them every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power. It all comes from the top down! I am worthy of the kingdom, not because of my effort or my goodness, but because God makes me worthy of His calling. He drew me to Himself covering my sins with the blood of His Son. He makes me worthy of His calling, and finally He fulfills all my desires and resolves to live for Him. Nothing is accomplished in my own strength so that I boast not in myself but in God, in His surpassing power. All my life is according to the grace of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. What amazing grace is this!

 

To this end, I pray for others and for myself, that we all will be made worthy of His calling and that He will fulfill every work of faith by His power according to His great grace! Not only is this a reality but it is a hope, a hope for the persecuted who endure steadfastly and a hope for the afflicted that God will justly repay. Righteousness and justice will prevail. It is only up to me to endure steadfastly, without wavering but trusting in the promise of God. He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it.

 

Father,

Thank You for being a faithful God who is true to His every word. I ask that You make me worthy of Your calling and that You give me Your grace and strength to endure steadfastly. Grow my faith and my love more every day.

In His name,

Amen

Times and Seasons

I Thess. 5:1-2

Now concerning the times and seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

 

 Certainly much speculation has been written about the end times, but Paul had one important warning for believers: Keep awake and be sober...having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. We are to be prepared for a war, an encounter with the forces of evil, doing battle everyday because the day of the Lord will be like a thief in the night coming when we least expect it. When people say peace and security then sudden destruction will come as labor pains come upon a pregnant women. Believers must be in a state of constant readiness just like a pregnant woman who longs for the birth. Since we are not living in the darkness (as do the forces of evil), we need not be surprised by His return. As children of the light and the day, we can be awake, fully prepared and ready for what is to come. Watch and pray lest you fall into temptation, lest we be lulled into a state of lethargy because of the easy times or the blessings of prosperity. We must actively cling to the promise and the truth that God destined and called us to be with Him, to be saved through the blood of Jesus. So whether we are alive or have already died, we will go with Him. Thankfully, we do not have to be alive at the moment He returns because we are alive in Him. He claims all His own! What an encouragement!

 

But how am I live if I am awake, sober, and clothed in faith and love? What does that look like practically? Paul does answer this question succinctly and to the point.

• Respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you. No doubt it is their insight and admonishment that will keep me ready, that will make me aware when I am drifting off into sleep.
• Be at peace among yourselves. No negative energy drains of discord and inter-body friction; instead we are all united in one common theme, glorifying Him by being satisfied in Him.
• Admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with them all. Love will be the binding force the motivation for our relationships with one another. Because of love, I will encourage, admonish, and help others who are growing sleepy and falling under the sway of the world, but ever so patiently.
• See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. I do not live with the pay back principle. As God was and is good to me, so I will be to others.
• Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, giving thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. My life must be one of thankfulness, rejoicing, and prayer. Ouch! That is hard! How can I rejoice and give thanks in all circumstances? It can only be through the grace of God!
• Do not quench the Spirit. How could I possibly live like this if I quenched the Spirit? Impossible! My relationship with the Spirit and His ministries is of vital importance.
• Do not despise prophecies, but test everything:hold fast what is good. I need to hold everything up to the searchlight of Scripture.
• Abstain from every form of evil. Abstain bring with it negative connotations, but in the Lord, it means a greater goodness. As I abstain from evil, I make room for more and more of the grace and blessings of God. My life will Him becomes richer and sweeter! There will be no void, no emptiness.

Paul then ends this packed closing chapter with a beautiful benediction, Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, He will surely do it.What an assurance and blessing! He will do it. He is faithful!

 

Father,

You are the faithful One! Thank you for choosing me to be a child of the light. Keep me awake and growing, ever preparing for Christ's return. Open my ears, eyes, and heart to the promptings of Your Spirit.

In the name of the Coming One,

Amen



Pleasing to God

I Thess. 4:1

Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.

 

How do we walk to please God? Exactly what does that entail? Even though Paul said the Thessalonians had already been taught these important issues, he restated them. Is there ever too much teaching of the same thing? No, sadly, the human heart is very forgetful. Before Paul actually began the teaching, he asks and urges them. It is a double whammy! The importance of this walk cannot be understated, and at the same time, he wanted the Thessalonians to do so more and more. This walk of pleasing God is a matter of growth and constant repetition. As I am constantly reminded by the Spirit and the Word, I am to walk constantly growing!

 

Reminder #1. For this is the will of God, your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles, who do not know God. Believers are to be decidedly different from unbelievers, especially in the area of immorality! Instead of being controlled by fleshly passion, self-control must rule the day. Great! Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, and the Spirit lives within us. There is ready help, but first we must want the Spirit's help. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. The warning is if you fall to any fleshly passion [immorality whether physical, visual, on-line, etc.], you are not disregarding man but God who gives you the Spirit. God has given us the source of help. It is up to us to use it!

 

Reminder #2. Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another...Once again, Paul urged them to do this more and more, to grow in loving others. God teaches his children to love each other by His own living example in loving us while we were still in sin, by sacrificing His own Son for our sin, by sending Jesus to earth, by having Him die and rise again, by choosing us, by sealing us for the day when Jesus comes back, by sanctifying us, and by eventually glorifying us! Wow!

 

Reminder #3 and #4. to live quietly and to mind your own affairs...to work with your hands...Staying in your own business definitely keeps you out of other's business. No idle time for believers!

 

And the purpose of all of these reminders, so that you might walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. Col. 4:5-6 says, Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer ever man. There it is! Walking pleasing to the Lord is walking in the wisdom that only He gives!

 

Father,

Thank You for these reminders. Grow me in my brotherly love. Teach me what loving others really means.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Destined for This

I Thess. 3:3

That no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.

 

Paul wanted to come face to face with the Thessalonians to establish and exhort them in their faith because their afflictions were many. But Paul could not come himself, so he sent Timothy to make sure that the tempter had not tempted them to an easier path. He wanted to remind them that this was, is, and will be their destiny. Believers are to suffer afflictions! In fact, I Peter 2:21says, For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps. Suffering is the believer's destiny, his calling.

 

But how do believer's endure? What gives them the strength? Heb. 10:22-24 says, Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Paul's deep concern and his sending of Timothy was a practical fulfillment of these concepts. He want to encourage the Thessalonians to love and good works even in the midst of deep trial. His desire that they stand fast motivated his actions, concerns, and prayers. And what did Timothy find out? Just exactly what Paul wanted to hear, the good news of their faith and love. They were standing fast! What an example for believers today to encourage one another and to be concerned about the spiritual growth and stamina of others in the body! And what an example for me to stand, to hold fast my confession, and to endure the afflictions knowing that this is my destiny and my calling!

 

Father,

Give me Your strength to endur, to stand, and to remember my destiny and calling! Broaden my concern for others and help me to encourage them. Show me how to stir them up to love and good works.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Sovereign God

Is. 14:24

The Lord of Hosts has sworn. As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand.

 

What a succinct statement of the sovereignty of God! In any situation, whether God is making a nation a possession of the hedgehog, sweeping it with the broom of destruction or having compassion on the house of Jacob. God's will, purpose, and plan cannot be thwarted. For the Lord of hosts has purposed and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?

 

In I Thess. 2, Paul and Timothy recall suffering and being shamefully treated at Philippi. Did this stop their proclamation of the gospel? No, they had boldness in God to declare the gospel to the Thessalonians in the midst of much conflict. For their appeal did not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as they had been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. God's will and purpose was the most important thing. They worked night and day...for you know like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God. God's plan and purpose had to go forward. Human difficulties would not hinder them from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved. They were convinced of the Lord's purpose in their life. Who could annul it? No one! Another example is Rev. 17 where God had put it into their hearts to carry out His purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal  power to the beast until the words of the God are fulfilled. Could there be a situation more dire? But here in the midst of war with the forces of evil, the beast and the prostitute, God's purpose is being accomplished. With God it's a win/win situation. His will is accomplished in any and in all situations. I need not worry about this world, but trust in God for His purposes always come to pass.

 

Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord commanded it. Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that good and bad come?

 

Father,

Build my faith and trust in You. Bring to my mind Your sovereignty in all situations.

In Jesus name,

Amen







Blessed Is the Man Who Fears the Lord!

Ps. 112:1

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments!

 

To fear the Lord, I must be greatly delighting in His word. From this delight comes great blessing. What a great question to ask myself! Am I greatly delighting in His Word today? How would greatly delighting appear? Time, quality, growth, memorization, meditation, study, etc..Certainly all those would give me time in the Word, but how do I grow delight? I think delight comes as my relationship with God deepens and grows. And there is only one way for that to happen and that is to be in the Word. Then how does the Word grow my fear of the Lord? Delighting in His Word would be delighting in Him. His Word is living! From His word I would see what it truly means to fear the Lord, to revere, know, understand, and appreciate Him more.

 

What are the blessing that come from fearing the Lord, from delighting in His Word?

• His offspring will be mighty in the land--my family will see and know what I am about and this will affect their lives as well. This might would be His power, strength, and grace
• Wealth and riches are in his house- Whether this refers to spiritual or physical riches, I am not sure. But I do know that a wealth of riches comes from His immeasurable supply of grace. 
• His righteousness endures forever-That is because I am covered with the righteousness of Jesus, the Lamb, the Son of God who is eternal.
• The righteous will be gracious, merciful, and righteous. Fearing the Lord produces character in my life.
• He deals generously and lends, conducts his affairs with justice-I need to be other-centered and live like all that I do will reflect God. I am His and He should shine forth from me.
• The righteous will not be moved-I am settled, covered and standing on the rock, Jesus Christ.
• He is not afraid of bad news-I know that my entire life is God's plan and reflects His purpose for me. All that He does is for my good, my holiness.
• His heart is firm, trusting in the Lord-It is my trust in Him that keeps my heart firm and undisturbed by any circumstances.
• He has distributed freely, given to the poor-I see a need and then meet it.
• His righteousness endures forever and his horn is exalted in honor-Enduring forever is my future since I have new life in Christ.

So many blessings! What a great God I love and serve! What a great salvation!

 

Father,

Teach me more about fearing You each day. Show me how to make my life reflect You more and more.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Finale

Rev. 21:1-3

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.

 

The fatal infection of sin with all of its corruption has been put away. In the new heaven and earth there will be no death, tears, mourning, crying, or pain because the former things have been wiped away. Praise! God will make all things new. To the one who is thirsty is a spring of the water of life and to the conqueror is the heritage of family [He will be their God and they will be His son], but for the cowardly, faithless, detestable, murderers, sexually immoral,  sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars is the lake of fire, which is the second death.

 

The holy city Jerusalem contains the glory of God with a radiance like a rare jewel, like jasper and clear as crystal. Around it is a great high wall with 12 gates on which are inscribed the sons of Israel.  Also, the wall had 12 foundations and on them are inscribed the 12 apostles of the Lamb. The city itself is foursquare, 1200 stadia [1 stadia= 607 ft.] in its length, width, and height with a wall that is 144 cubits high [1 cubit=18 in.]. The wall is made of jasper and clear as glass with the foundations being adorned with every kind of jewel [jasper, sapphire, agate, emerald, onyx, carnelian, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth, amethyst]. The 12 gates are 12 pearls each gate being made of one pearl, and the streets of the city are gold. Wow! What beauty! There is no temple because the temple is the Lord God, the Almighty and the Lamb. In place of the sun and moon is the glory of God for light and the Lamb for the lamp. By this great light, the nations and the kings will walk bringing their glory into it. Since there is no night, nothing will be shut. No uncleanness, nothing detestable or false will ever enter but only those written in the Lamb's book of life. The Romans 7-8 struggle is over. The law of flesh will no longer be at war with the reborn spirit.

 

In the middle of the street and flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb is the river of the water of life and on either side of the river is the tree of life yielding its 12 kinds of fruit. Its leaves are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed because the curse has been removed. All the servants of God will worship God and the Lamb seeing His face and with His name on their foreheads. They will reign forever. How glorious is that!

 

Blessed is the one who keeps all the words of this prophecy who does not add or subtract from the words, adding brings a plague and subtracting takes away a share of the tree of life. These words are to be read not sealed because the end time is near. Life constantly draws to the end with the evildoer doing evil, the filthy still filthy, and the holy still holy. Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Jesus sends this message that is trustworthy and true! The Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let the one who hears say, Come. And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price...Surely I am coming soon.

 

Like John, I must say, Come, Lord Jesus! What an inheritance, imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for me, who by God's power am being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Of this city, I am a citizen, and on earth merely a stranger, an alien, someone passing through. It is all of grace and it is fitting that John ends with , The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all.

 

Father,

What a glorious hope! Keep my eyes and my heart ever focused on this heavenly treasure. My robes are washed clean in the blood of Jesus, but I need so much of grace to live like I should, to share the message of salvation and to be faithful and true.

In Jesus name,

Amen



Final Events

Rev. 20:15

And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

 

 

The next event will be heralded by an angel holding the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. After seizing the dragon, Satan, he will be bound for 1000 years so that he can not deceive the nations any longer, but after that time period, he will be released for a short while.

 

During the 1000 year period, certain souls will rule with Jesus, those who were beheaded for their testimony for Jesus and the Word, and those who refused to worship the beast or take his mark. The rest of the souls of the death will not come to life until the 1000 years is completed. This is the first resurrection where these souls will be priests of God and Christ and will reign with Him.

 

When the 1000 years are ended, Satan will be released to deceive the nations, Gog and Magog, and to gather them for battle. As they march toward the the camp of the saints and the beloved city, they will be consumed by fire from heaven, and the Devil will be thrown into the lake of fire to be reunited with the beast and the false prophet. What a homecoming!!

 

Following this will be the great white throne judgment where the dead will stand before the throne as the books were opened. What was written in the books [including the book of life] will judge the people. Then Death and Hades will be thrown in to the Lake of Fire. Now the homecoming is complete! This is the second death. the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

 

Such an ending to all the struggle, the deception, and the evil! All those who participated in and followed  Satan will now have to follow him to where he is and where he will be for eternity. Their choice for evil will be the determiner of their life for eternity. Sadly, it is not like people say, a party with all their friends. Instead it is a place of torment forever and ever.

 

Father,

Thank You for putting my name in the Lamb's book of life. Thank You for drawing me to You and saving my soul. Help me make right choices for You.

In Jesus name,

Amen 

 

 



The Lamb Has Come

Rev. 19:6

Then I heard what seemed to the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready; it was granted to her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure-- for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

 

 

The Lamb's coming impacts two separate groups of people: the Bride and the forces of evil. The wedding feast of the Lamb begins with Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for His judgments are true and just...Judgments on the prostitute, the beast and all his forces. What victory! The 24 elders and 4 living creatures worship unreservedly saying, Praise our God all you His servants, you who fear Him small and great. What an amazing time of praise and blessing beyond measure!

 

Then the marriage of the Lamb is announced in great glory and pomp. Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. To attend the Bride must be clothed properly with fine linen, bright and pure--linen that is the righteous deeds of the saints. These deeds are always and only the righteous deeds of the Lamb. I am covered in His blood and given His righteousness to be mine. So at the supper, I am covered in the linen of righteousness that He has given me so that I might be presented pure and blameless. All of grace--lest any man should boast! John, the writer of this account, falls down to worship the angel only to be told, Worship God. The angel and John are fellow servants who hold to the testimony of Jesus.

 

On the heels of this great supper, is another supper where an angel calls out to the birds overhead, Come gather for the great supper of God to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.  These birds are the carrion eaters who feast from the great battle, Armageddon where the beast and the kings of the earth gather to make war against Him on the horse and the army.  Who was on the white horse? None other than Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems, and He has a name written that no one knows but Himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which He is called is the Word of God. Out of His mouth comes a sharp sword with which He will strike down the enemy and rule the nations. It is the living fulfillment of Heb. 4:12, For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. This is day of accounting! The beast and the false prophet will be thrown in to the lake of fire while the rest will be slain by the Sword from the mouth of the Word of God. All the birds will be gorged with their flesh! How dramatic and powerful is that!

 

Father,

Prepare me for the marriage feast of the Lamb. Make me heart and my life pleasing to You. Make my heart repentant to whatever Your Living Word reveals and teaches me. Thank You for covering me in the blood of the Lamb and giving me His righteousness.

In the name of the Word of God,

Amen



The Mourning

Rev. 18:24

And in her was found the blood of the prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on earth.

 

Another angel will come down from heaven and with great authority will call out:

• Fallen is Babylon the Great! Dwelling place of demons, a haunt for unclean spirits, for unclean birds, for every unclean and detestable beast.
• The nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her immorality while the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living. [wealth, prosperity, possessions, immorality, willfulness shall rule the day]

Another voice from heaven speaks:

• Come out of her, my people lest you take part in her sins and share in her plagues.
• Her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God remembers them and will pay her back as she has paid others back.

Because of her words and her actions, her plagues will come in a single day, death, mourning, and famine. She will be burned up with fire for mighty is the Lord who judged her.

 

What is the response of those who hear these proclamations? Surely, they will mourn their sins, but no.

• The kings of the earth will weep and wail over her standing afar off and saying, Alas, You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.
• The merchants of the earth [on land and on sea]will weep and wail since no one buys their cargo whether jewels, spices, wood, metals, grains, animals or slaves, even human souls.
• They will throw dust on their heads mourning her death and their loss.They will speak to the heavens saying, Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!

Then a mighty angels will take a great millstone and throw it into the sea to show how Babylon will no longer be, and she was no more! With her destruction, her followers will possess no more music, craftsmen, mills, light, and marriage for they all were deceived by her sorcery and in her was found the blood of the prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on earth.

 

The nations, kings, and merchants bought into this horrible world view; indeed worshiping the creature and his comforts more than the Creator. They lived like they actually ruled the universe and the lives of others totally ignoring the Creator. As if because they said He did not exist that He did not. What they say may be believed by others like themselves, but God will judge in His time, swiftly and completely.

 

Father,

As I look within my heart, do I see any roots of Babylon there? Am I loving her comforts, her possessions, or her world view? Convict me and show me how to value only You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Babylon, Mother of Prostitutes and Abominations

Rev. 17:14

They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for He is the Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with Him are called chosen and faithful.

 

 

Chapter 17 deals with the judgment of the great prostitute [the lust of godless societies for pleasure and the rejection of restraint] who is and was drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. She has been the partner to the many kings of the earth, who have rejected and hated God. Incensed with her wine of immorality, they have all pursued wealth, pleasure, and political and coercive power. She is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth.

 

She is described as sitting on a scarlet beast full of blasphemous names with 7 heads and 10 horns. Wearing purpose and scarlet, she is adorned with gold, jewels, and pearls. In her hand, she holds a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. On her head is written a name of mystery--Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth's abominations. As she sits there, she is drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. How repellent! What a grisly picture!

 

Explaining her mystery, the angel speaks. The beast was and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. Much to their demise, the earth dwellers whose names are not in the Book of Life marvel at this beast because of his timelessness. The 7 heads are 7 mountains upon which the woman is seated and 7 kings of which 5 have already fallen, one is, and one is yet to come for a little while.  The 10 horns are 10 kings who have not yet received power, but will receive it for 1 hour together with the beast. They are of one mind and give power to the beast. They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for He is the Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with Him are called chosen and faithful. The outcome is settled! Victory is secure for the Lamb! Do they know they are fighting a losing battle, or are they so self-deceived that their course is set?

 

Again the angel explains. The waters are people, multitudes, nations and languages. The 10 horns and the beast will hate the prostitute. Making her desolate and naked, they devour her flesh and burn her. For God has put it into their hearts to carry out His purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. Absolutely nothing happens without God's express plan and purpose being worked out. Much of this I do not understand, but I have peace in the outcome and in the power of God, the sovereign One whose every word will be fulfilled.

 

Father,

I must leave these final times with you, but thank You for stating once again that all things carry out Your purposes so that all Your words will come to pass. Lord, I want this true in my life as well. Help me to be sensitive to Your leading in all areas of my life.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

 



The Plagues

Rev. 16:5-6

And I heard the angel in charge of the waters say, Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for You brought these judgments. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve! And I heard the altar saying, Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are Your judgments!

 

 A loud voice echoes from the temple telling the 7 angels to pour out the 7 bowls of the wrath of God upon the earth.

• The first bowl brings harmful and painful sores upon those people who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.
• The second bowl turns the sea to blood killing every living thing in it.
• The third bowl turns the rivers and springs into blood. [So fitting since mankind took the lives of the saints and prophets, spilling innocent blood.]

The angel in charge of the waters declares the plagues were just because of the shed blood of the saints and prophets. All of the judgments of the Lord God are true and just.

• The fourth bowl affects the sun allowing it to scorch people with fire. But even as they will be scorched the people will not repent and give God glory. So sad!
• The fifth bowl plunges the throne of the beast and his kingdom into darkness. People will gnaw their tongues and curse God with unrepentant hearts.
• The sixth bowl dries up the Euphrates River to prepare the way for the kings of the East. Out of the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet will come three unclean spirits like frogs, who were demonic spirits performing signs and gathering the kings of the world for the final battle on the Great Day of God at Armageddon.
• The seventh bowl affects the air filling it with lightning, rumblings, thunder, and a great earthquake that splits the great city into three parts and disintegrates all the cities of the nations. God will make Babylon the Great drain the cup of the wine of the fury of His wrath down to the bitter dregs! Islands and mountains will be gone. One hundred pound hailstones will fall from heaven on the remaining people. But still they will curse God. Still they will not repent. 

The heart of man is so perverse, seeking only its own satisfaction, and stubbornly persisting in its sinful way until the final end. Apparently, not even noticing, that they have no hope to win this battle with supplies and armies are severely depleted! Their deception will be so strong, that they believe a lie and reject the great truth of God.  It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God. Vengeance is Mine, says the Lord, I will repay.

 

Father,

How hard and willful is the heart of man! Keep my heart tender, receptive, and repentant to Your Holy Spirit.

In the name of the Lamb,

Amen

 

Seven Angels with Seven Plagues

Rev. 15:4

Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? All nations will come and worship You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.

 

The story of the end times continues as the heaven are filled with 7 angels carrying 7 plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished. The sea of glass appears to be mingled with fire, and beside this sea are those who had conquered the beast, its image, and the number of its name. In their hands are harps of God playing as they sing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb, Great and amazing are Your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations!  Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? All nations will come and worship You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.

 

Then the sanctuary of the tent of witness is opened, and out of it comes the 7 angels, clothed in pure, bright linen with golden sashes around their chests, and with them are the 7 plagues. One of the 4 living creatures gives the angels the 7 bowls of the wrath of God, and as he does that, the sanctuary fills with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, so much so, that no one could enter the sanctuary until the plagues were finished.

 

Unbelievably amazing is the detail of each event. It really reflects the sovereign Creator God, who  crafted the beginning of life with  intricate and complex detail and now crafts the end in a similar manner. What power, majesty, and glory! How could man ever think he could take that glory from God and exalt himself and the creation above the Creator! How foolish!

 

Father,

Teach me to live in Your glory and power. Show me when I try and usurp Your control in my life.

In the name of the Lamb,

Amen

The Judgment of God

Rev. 14:12

Here is the call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

 

On Mount Zion stood the Lamb with the 144,000 who had the name of the Lamb and the Father on their foreheads. What a contrast to 666! A voice from heaven thundered and made music creating a new song that was heard before the throne, the living creatures, and the elders. No one could learn the song except for the 144,000 who were virgins, redeemed as first fruits, and were free of lies, for they were blameless. [These were the Jewish people who endured throughout the Great Tribulation.]

 

Following this, three angels made proclamations. The first angel proclaimed the eternal gospel to the earthdwellers saying, fear God and give Him glory because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship Him who made heaven and earth... Another angel followed saying, Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality. A third angel followed saying, If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of His anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name. How sad is this! The message was given. The choice made, and the judgment followed. There will be no camouflage, no saying I had this mark but didn't mean it. Truth will be obvious!

 

But what about the saints? Here is the call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. A voice from heaven said, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Blessed indeed that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them! The severity of the day is reiterated by blessing the dead! In contrast to the death of the unsaved, this death brings peace and rest. This death is a welcoming rest!

 

Then seated on a white cloud, the Son of man with a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand began to reap. The hour had come, the harvest of the earth was fully ripe. No more mercy! No more grace! Along with the Son, came two angels with sharp sickles to gather the grape harvest from the earth and throw the clusters in the the great winepress of the wrath of God. As the winepress was trodden, the blood flowed as high as a horse's bridle for 1600 stadia (184 miles). What a grisly and graphic picture! After reading this chapter, I totally realize anew the words of God where He says, Vengeance is mine, I will repay. God's timing is perfect! When His plan is completed, then His judgment will follow! It is amazing that these 144,000 saints had to endure til death! There was no other way. Endurance and suffering is following in the footsteps of Jesus. As He endured, suffered, and died, so will we all!

 

Father,

Make my faith strong in my time. Give me Your grace to energize my endurance so that I might withstand temptations and trials, so that my faith might prove strong, and so that I might bring glory to Your name.

In the name of the Lamb,

Amen

 

 

 

 



The Beast

Rev. 13:10

...Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.

 

As I read this chapter, I can only imagine what kind of endurance it must take to survive...A beast rose from the sea who had 10 horns adorned with 10 diadems and 7 heads with blasphemous heads on them. Its appearance was like a leopard, with feet like a bear and a mouth like a lion. [ a composite representing all the kingdoms and governments of the world] And to the beast the dragon gave his power, his throne, and his authority. One of its heads had a mortal wound that was healed [imitation of the Lamb's mortal wound and resurrection]. Because of this miraculous healing, all the earth marveled and followed the beast worshipping both the beast and the dragon. The people wondered who would be able to fight against this duo?

 

The beast had a mouth that uttered haughty and blasphemous words, and it was given authority for 42 months [parallels Daniel's prophecy]. But even the beast cannot go beyond what God has allowed him to do.  His blasphemous words blasphemed God, His name, His dwelling [heaven]. As if this were not bad enough, He was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. He was given authority over all peoples regardless of location, nation, or language to make them worship him except for those whose names had been written in the Lamb's Book of Life from before the foundation of the world. What a scary time!  Definitely, here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.

 

Then another beast rose out of the earth having 2 horns like a lamb [looks like a lamb but is really a dragon-lying and deception], but it spoke like a dragon. It exercised the authority of the first beast and made the people worship the first beast. This beast performs great signs and uses them to deceive the people. After telling the people to make an image of the beast, he would give it breath to speak so that those who refused to worship might be slain. It also commanded all to receive the mark of the beast, the number of man on their forehead, 666. No hiding now!

 

What a scary time! Evil is so powerful that the endurance of the saints can only end in martyrdom. Interesting to note that Satan mimics what God had already done in order to deceive the people. He really has no original plan. But sadly, I wonder how many people who claim to be saints can withstand such a time? Paul's words would take on an entirely new meaning, But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him... The loss of all things, especially life!

 

Father,

Even as I read this, I wonder how much can I endure. Will I stand faithfully at the cost of my life? I ask You to keep me in Your hand, covered in Your shelter. Give me Your grace to endure.

In the name of the Lamb,

Amen

 



The Great Red Dragon

Rev. 12:10-11

And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

 

In this chapter, there were two signs. The first, a pregnant woman in the agony of giving birth. The second sign was a great red dragon with 7 heads and 10 horns and on his head 7 diadems. His tail swept down 1/3 of the stars of heaven casting them down to earth. The dragon waited by the woman that he might devour her newborn child, but the child was caught up to God and His throne while the woman fled into the wilderness, to a place prepared by God where she would be nourished for 1260 days. The child is the one who will rule all nations with a rod of iron. Who is the women? Who is the dragon, and who is the child?

 

The chapter records a war between the dragon and Michael. In this war the dragon and his angels were cast down from heaven to the earth defeated. This dragon was clearly identified as the ancient serpent, the devil, Satan, and the accuser of our brothers. Even though this sounds very similar to the original account of Satan's prideful demise in the Old Testament, it could also be an event signaling the beginning of the great tribulation.

 

The child is Christ, the Lamb. In heaven, a loud voice declared that the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Therefore, the heavens rejoice, but the earth and sea mourn for Satan comes in his wrath because he knows his time is short. This could refer to Satan's defeat when Christ died on the cross, or an actual battle that takes place at a later time in the last days. During these days of great tribulation, the saints will conquer by His blood and their blood. Down through history, saints have been martyred, and it will happen again in the last days. They love Christ more than their own lives.

 

The woman was pursued by the dragon but she was given eagle's wings [God's provision] to fly away from him. In response, the dragon pours out water to flood her out, but the earth prevented this by swallowing the water. Furiously, the frustrated dragon makes war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. What a time! The defeated dragon fights a battle that he will never win. The closer to the end, the harder he fights, but Christ has conquered him. The blood of the Lamb powerfully defeats this great enemy of the brethren.

 

Father,

As I read this passage, I wonder if I am strong enough to endure, to give my life as Jesus gave His life for me. Intellectually, I understand, but physically I ask for Your grace even now to prepare me for what is to come. Make me strong in You and in love with Jesus.

In His name,

Amen

 



Actions

Ps. 105: 1-5

Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wondrous works! Glory in His holy name, let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and His strength continually! Remember the wondrous works that He has done...

 

 

What great words which should characterize my life!

 

Give thanks...And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. [Col. 3:17] This must be a constant regardless of the circumstances. If I really believe that everything He does is for my good, and I do, then I must be thankful.

 

Call upon His name...Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. [Col. 4:1] Call in any and every situation. Sadly, sometimes I neglect to do that and just plow ahead in my own strength and wisdom. Then when all goes belly-up, I call on His name. Oh, to call on Him immediately, to have it be my automatic response.

 

 Make known His deeds...Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. [Col. 4:5-6]  Sharing Jesus is the best use of my time! But how?? Always in grace, by grace, and through grace, my speech must be gracious and with salt, the preservative and the healer. If the salt has lost is flavor, it is good for nothing.

 

Sing praise...Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. [Col. 3:16] Praise and song are a direct result of being in the word, letting it fill, transform, and constrain me. As a natural outflow of the indwelling Spirit, I will be singing praises to Him.

 

Tell His works...He has delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.[Col. 1:13] His first and preeminent work in my life was my salvation, His delivering me from darkness and making me part of His kingdom, redeeming me at the cost of the life of Jesus, and forgiving my sins and covering me in the righteousness of Christ.

 

Glory in His name...He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones of dominions or ruler or authorities--all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the had of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent. For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross. [Col. 1:15-20] Is there anyone or anything that would be a better choice? No, He is the preeminent one! The one to receive all glory.

 

Rejoice in seeking...Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh, I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of His body,t hat is, the church, of which I became a minister...to make the word of God fully known. Rejoicing in the good times is natural, but rejoicing in suffering only comes through seeking Him, making Him the priority of my life, and allowing His grace and strength to control all that I do.

 

Seek Him and His strength  continually...If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. [Col. 3:1-3] May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy...[Col. 1:11] Since I have been raised with Christ, I must seek Him continually. This is the life of the new nature. Seeking and setting require my focus and my priorities. A life like this is not one of passivity but one of purpose.

 

Remember His works...Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. [Col. 2:6] I need to remember, to recall what I have been taught, what is true about God, and what He has done in my life. If I do this, it will keep my focus on Him not on the things of this world especially when tough times abound or the world is pulling hard to move my allegiance.

 

What great words that fit perfectly with what I am studying in Colossians! As I go through each day, I want my life to be characterized by these actions.

 

Father,

Fill me with the actions and attitudes that brings glory to Your name, that grow me in You, and that allow me to share You and the gospel with others.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Forever Praise

Ps. 104:33-34

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to Him for I rejoice in the Lord.

 

Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great! For clothes, God covers Himself with splendor, majesty, and light stretching over the heavens like a tent. All of creation from the largest element to the very smallest element, He has personally crafted and put in place. Nature, [the winds, the thunder, the lightning, the water, the sun, the moon], is at His disposal to use as His messengers, His servants. He also crafted nature to supply the needs of man from the water and springs to the crops in the fields, from the grass for livestock to the plants for man to cultivate, from the grapes on the vine to the wine that gladdens the heart, from the oil to make man's face shine to the bread that  strengthens his heart. What a God is this! How foolish is man that he persists in thinking that he has determined the course of his life and provided all that he needs. God put in place the seasons, the cycle of the sun and moon, and darkness and light making some creatures nocturnal and some  functioning in the day including man and his cycle of work. It was with His infinite wisdom that God has established all this. All life looks to Him for food in due season. When He opens His hand, mankind is filled with good. When He turns His face away, man is dismayed, and when He takes breath away, man returns to the dust. Nothing functions or operates apart from God's express will and purpose.

 

What should be man's response to this great God? Praise Him now and forever, but sadly, that is not often the case. However, the psalmist does have a heart of praise. I see how good it is to rehearse all that God has done, to bring it to the forefront of my thinking so that it never becomes something to be taken for granted or ignored. Like the psalmist, I want my song to be His song as long as I live. My being, my purpose, and my focus must be on praising Him until He takes me home. It is my prayer that my meditation will be pleasing to Him. What would make it pleasing? Perhaps it is just praising and rejoicing in the Lord, thanking Him for all that He has done, and remembering His greatness. I know that my heart is often forgetful and preoccupied with other things. I know He is saying to me to remember and be thankful with whatever He has given me, the pain, the suffering, the trials, and the good times. They are all from His loving hand and His loving will that He promises will be for my good.

 

Father.

Teach me to keep my eyes focused on You so that my praise will be ever flooding forth from my lips and my heart. Convict me and strengthen me when I begin to deviate. Help me be pleasing to You.

In Jesus name,

Amen



Woe, Woe, Woe

Rev. 9:26-27

Then the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshipping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.

 

Rev. 8:13

Then I looked, and I heard an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow.

 

The First Woe

Judgment comes swiftly but to no avail. The fifth angel will blow the trumpet causing a star to fall from heaven (Satan, the Destroyer) with the key to the bottomless pit. Interesting to note that Satan can only function with God's express permission. With the key the shaft of the pit  will be opened allowing smoke to ascend darkening the air and the sun. In the smoke will be locusts with the power of scorpions. They will be told to torment for 5 months the people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads without killing them. The torment will be so severe that people will long for death, but death will not come. These locusts are not your average locusts but ones prepared for battle with crowns of gold, human faces, women's hair, lion's teeth, breastplates of iron, and a noise from their wings that will be deafening. Their king is the angel of the pit, Abaddon or Apollyon, Satan. The hordes of hell will wage war against humanity, but even in all this, there is no repentance.

 

The Second Woe

The sixth angel will blow his trumpet to release the 4 angels bound at the Euphrates River, angels who are prepared for this very day and hour to kill 1/3 of mankind (more of the hordes of Satan). The number of mounted troops will be twice ten thousand times ten thousand (200 million). However, these are not ordinary troops, but specialized troops with breastplates the color of fire, sapphire, and sulfur, and with horses whose heads were lion's heads having fire, smoke and sulphur coming out of their mouths and tails like the heads of serpents. Their power to kill and destroy is in their mouths and their tails. But still after witnessing these catastrophic events, their hearts are hard. They repent of nothing! Their lives were bent on evil and they will either live or die in this evil state. How scary is this! It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a living God for He says, Vengeance is mine. I will repay.

 

Father,

As I read these passages, my heart is heavy and fearful for those that I know and love who do not know You. Soften their hearts so that they might have a repentance that leads to salvation before it is too late.

In Jesus name,

Amen