Verse 23 - Then Joshua said, "You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the Lord."
Witnesses against ourselves when we chose God. How can men of flesh understand this or its consequences. I'm not sure that man can fully understand but we can certainly accept this charge on full faith with God beside us in everything we do. Some may see this verse as a sentence, like being restricted or thrown into jail. But I see it as freedom in our faith. A freedom and faith that only God can provide when we truly believe. It means that you know something even when we you don't know it. Witnesses against ourselves - powerful and convicting to men of Christian faith.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Joshua 23
"Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left.
If you violate the covenant of the Lord your God, which he commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them, the Lord's anger will burn against you, and you will quickly perish from the good land he has given you." (Joshua 23:6, 16 NIV)
I like these two verses from chapter 23 because they are good lessons and applicable for today.
If you violate the covenant of the Lord your God, which he commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them, the Lord's anger will burn against you, and you will quickly perish from the good land he has given you." (Joshua 23:6, 16 NIV)
I like these two verses from chapter 23 because they are good lessons and applicable for today.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Joshua 19
More territories being shared and divided but at the end it says the lands are now divided according to God's plan.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Joshua 18
Joshua 18:20b - to the end of the Chapter --- These were the boundaries that marked out the inheritance of the clans of Benjamin on all sides....
When you look through all of the lands that the tribe of Benjamin received one must note that one town/village is missing...Alachua, FL. Sorry, the division of the remaining lands...I could not resist...and I'm asking for forgiveness, too.
When you look through all of the lands that the tribe of Benjamin received one must note that one town/village is missing...Alachua, FL. Sorry, the division of the remaining lands...I could not resist...and I'm asking for forgiveness, too.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Joshua 17
JOSHUA 17:14-17
14 The people of Joseph said to Joshua, “Why have you given us only one allotment and one portion for an inheritance? We are a numerous people, and the Lord has blessed us abundantly.”
15 “If you are so numerous,” Joshua answered, “and if the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go up into the forest and clear land for yourselves there in the land of the Perizzites and Rephaites. ”
16 The people of Joseph replied, “The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the plain have chariots fitted with iron, both those in Beth Shan and its settlements and those in the Valley of Jezreel.”
17 But Joshua said to the tribes of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment 18 but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out.”
Last night at FG we were studying in John where Jesus had risen and come back to live among the disciples for a short period....casting the net to the right side of the boat and they caught 153 fish, etc. We were all struck by the fact that even at this point in the text of Jesus he was still, the teacher, the mentor, kind, loving and preparing the disciples for their future, even foreshadowing how the disciples might die. In some ways, Joshua has now taken on a similar role with similar character and behavioral qualities when dealing with the Israelites and the divisions of lands. In verses, 14-17, we can see where there is complaining, unhappiness, whining with his decision by his people but we can also see that Joshua has matured in his faith and trust in God (from earlier chapters) by the way he responds in verse 18. He reminds the people of Joseph that if they keep their faith in God, they to, will prevail in their conquest and drive the Canaanites out of those lands.
How often must we practice or fail to practice our own faith in Christ when dealing with issues we encounter during our day? Are we truly placing all in God's hands or are we trying to be BIG MEN and handle it? BIG MEN fall hard, Men of Faith may fall, too, but Jesus is always with us and God's Grace is forever surrounding us. Why do we forget this...?
14 The people of Joseph said to Joshua, “Why have you given us only one allotment and one portion for an inheritance? We are a numerous people, and the Lord has blessed us abundantly.”
15 “If you are so numerous,” Joshua answered, “and if the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go up into the forest and clear land for yourselves there in the land of the Perizzites and Rephaites. ”
16 The people of Joseph replied, “The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the plain have chariots fitted with iron, both those in Beth Shan and its settlements and those in the Valley of Jezreel.”
17 But Joshua said to the tribes of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment 18 but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out.”
Last night at FG we were studying in John where Jesus had risen and come back to live among the disciples for a short period....casting the net to the right side of the boat and they caught 153 fish, etc. We were all struck by the fact that even at this point in the text of Jesus he was still, the teacher, the mentor, kind, loving and preparing the disciples for their future, even foreshadowing how the disciples might die. In some ways, Joshua has now taken on a similar role with similar character and behavioral qualities when dealing with the Israelites and the divisions of lands. In verses, 14-17, we can see where there is complaining, unhappiness, whining with his decision by his people but we can also see that Joshua has matured in his faith and trust in God (from earlier chapters) by the way he responds in verse 18. He reminds the people of Joseph that if they keep their faith in God, they to, will prevail in their conquest and drive the Canaanites out of those lands.
How often must we practice or fail to practice our own faith in Christ when dealing with issues we encounter during our day? Are we truly placing all in God's hands or are we trying to be BIG MEN and handle it? BIG MEN fall hard, Men of Faith may fall, too, but Jesus is always with us and God's Grace is forever surrounding us. Why do we forget this...?
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Joshua 16
Same type of Chapter as last night - divisions of lands BUT we still need to find out why the last verse in each of the chapters leaves a peoples unconquered??? Is there an importance or not???
Chapter 15 verse 63 Judah could not dislodge the Jebusites, who were living in Jerusalem; to this day the Jebusites live there with the people of Judah.
Chapter 16, verse 10 They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Gezer; to this day the Canaanites live among the people of Ephraim but are required to do forced labor.
Chapter 15 verse 63 Judah could not dislodge the Jebusites, who were living in Jerusalem; to this day the Jebusites live there with the people of Judah.
Chapter 16, verse 10 They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Gezer; to this day the Canaanites live among the people of Ephraim but are required to do forced labor.
Joshua 15
Ben posted last night via text (and I have to agree): All I got out of 15 were a bunch of places. lol. It's the division of Judah by it's clans. The land that is...
One point of interest to me that is curious but I did nor research this morning is at the end of the Chapter in verse 63, "Judah could not dislodge the Jebusites, who were living in Jerusalem; to this day the Jebusites live there with the people of Judah." I wonder why God left this tribe in Jerusalem, did the people of Israel disobey again, did Joshua disobey or what is the lesson that is being taught?
...perhaps later today I will try to research an explanation.
One point of interest to me that is curious but I did nor research this morning is at the end of the Chapter in verse 63, "Judah could not dislodge the Jebusites, who were living in Jerusalem; to this day the Jebusites live there with the people of Judah." I wonder why God left this tribe in Jerusalem, did the people of Israel disobey again, did Joshua disobey or what is the lesson that is being taught?
...perhaps later today I will try to research an explanation.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Joshua 14
I found the below written by Matthew Henry. I liked the relational story that is shared between men and between men and their Holy Father. I like the trust that men of God share between one another when they know God has provided, will provide and is fully in control. I like the history that is shared, too.
As I reflect on the things that I like about the commentary below. I wonder and pray that the Christian men of today's time will have a similar trust, relationships and faith amongst men, friends, mentors and with our Holy Father.
Joshua grants his petition (v. 13): Joshua blessed him, commended his bravery, applauded his request, and gave him what he asked. He also prayed for him, and for his good success in his intended undertaking against the sons of Anak. Joshua was both a prince and a prophet, and upon both accounts it was proper for him to give Caleb his blessing, for the less is blessed of the better. Hebron was settled on Caleb and his heirs (v. 14), because he wholly followed the Lord God of Israel. And happy are we if we follow him. Note, Singular piety shall be crowned with singular favours. Now, 1. We are here told what Hebron had been, the city of Arba, a great man among the Anakim (v. 15); we find it called Kirjath-arba (Gen. 23:2), as the place where Sarah died. Hereabouts Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived most of their time in Canaan, and near to it was the cave of Machpelah, where they were buried, which perhaps had led Caleb hither when he went to spy out the land, and had made him covet this rather than any other part for his inheritance. 2. We are afterwards told what Hebron was. (1.) It was one of the cities belonging to priests (Jos. 21:13), and a city of refuge, Jos. 20:7. When Caleb had it, he contented himself with the country about it, and cheerfully gave the city to the priests, the Lord’s ministers, thinking it could not be better bestowed, no, not upon his own children, nor that it was the less his own for being thus devoted to God. (2.) It was a royal city, and, in the beginning of David’s reign, the metropolis of the kingdom of Judah; thither the people resorted to him, and there he reigned seven years. Thus highly was Caleb’s city honoured; it is a pity there should have been such a blemish upon his family long after as Nabal was, who was of the house of Caleb, 1 Sa. 25:3. But the best men cannot entail their virtues.
As I reflect on the things that I like about the commentary below. I wonder and pray that the Christian men of today's time will have a similar trust, relationships and faith amongst men, friends, mentors and with our Holy Father.
Joshua grants his petition (v. 13): Joshua blessed him, commended his bravery, applauded his request, and gave him what he asked. He also prayed for him, and for his good success in his intended undertaking against the sons of Anak. Joshua was both a prince and a prophet, and upon both accounts it was proper for him to give Caleb his blessing, for the less is blessed of the better. Hebron was settled on Caleb and his heirs (v. 14), because he wholly followed the Lord God of Israel. And happy are we if we follow him. Note, Singular piety shall be crowned with singular favours. Now, 1. We are here told what Hebron had been, the city of Arba, a great man among the Anakim (v. 15); we find it called Kirjath-arba (Gen. 23:2), as the place where Sarah died. Hereabouts Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived most of their time in Canaan, and near to it was the cave of Machpelah, where they were buried, which perhaps had led Caleb hither when he went to spy out the land, and had made him covet this rather than any other part for his inheritance. 2. We are afterwards told what Hebron was. (1.) It was one of the cities belonging to priests (Jos. 21:13), and a city of refuge, Jos. 20:7. When Caleb had it, he contented himself with the country about it, and cheerfully gave the city to the priests, the Lord’s ministers, thinking it could not be better bestowed, no, not upon his own children, nor that it was the less his own for being thus devoted to God. (2.) It was a royal city, and, in the beginning of David’s reign, the metropolis of the kingdom of Judah; thither the people resorted to him, and there he reigned seven years. Thus highly was Caleb’s city honoured; it is a pity there should have been such a blemish upon his family long after as Nabal was, who was of the house of Caleb, 1 Sa. 25:3. But the best men cannot entail their virtues.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Joshua 13
I had to read the Chapter 3-4 times over the course of flying home today from Philadelphia, but as I was swimming tonight the concept of finishing the race came to me.
Joshua 13:1 Now Joshua was old and well advanced in years, and the Lord said to him, you are very old and the are still very large areas of land to be taken over.
(Then the rest of the chapter illustrates this vast land that the Lord still has "reserved" for Israel.)
But let think about the race or better yet finishing the race... Is this not a race that all we really have to do is go and accept Christ. Actually that is the easy part. So many Christians start off with a lot of enthusiasm and power. We make great strides in our walks and then we hit the plateau and our conquest to walk with Christ weakens. We fail to continue to strive for what really awaits us in heaven. We sort of kick back in the spiritual race and try to find a place to rest upon our past successes. We love to remember the Glory days or the good ole days when we were really on fire for Christ. We forget that God wants us to live for today and tomorrow, not the past. God wants us to be current, up-to-the-moment with His Grace and power and love in our lives and thus His victory.
In other words we get complacent, perhaps content. Just like Joshua and the Israelites. They did not press onward for the full victory. Are we? We become satisfied in our spiritual walks and then complacent and then evil has an opportunity. When we become comfortable with our flesh life we are in deep dodo. Our flesh is our constant enemies in our walks. So how important does it become for us to all be searching and moving towards a full possession of what God has promised to us. How important is this? Just as with Joshua...there was much land still to be possessed. How much of a race is still in front of us? Does it fell overwhelming? Yes, if you let the flesh rule and no, if you turn the race over to God and let him lead.
One final thought, I am curious about the tribe of Levi receiving no inheritance...it's mentioned twice in the chapter, verses 14 and 33.
Joshua 13:1 Now Joshua was old and well advanced in years, and the Lord said to him, you are very old and the are still very large areas of land to be taken over.
(Then the rest of the chapter illustrates this vast land that the Lord still has "reserved" for Israel.)
But let think about the race or better yet finishing the race... Is this not a race that all we really have to do is go and accept Christ. Actually that is the easy part. So many Christians start off with a lot of enthusiasm and power. We make great strides in our walks and then we hit the plateau and our conquest to walk with Christ weakens. We fail to continue to strive for what really awaits us in heaven. We sort of kick back in the spiritual race and try to find a place to rest upon our past successes. We love to remember the Glory days or the good ole days when we were really on fire for Christ. We forget that God wants us to live for today and tomorrow, not the past. God wants us to be current, up-to-the-moment with His Grace and power and love in our lives and thus His victory.
In other words we get complacent, perhaps content. Just like Joshua and the Israelites. They did not press onward for the full victory. Are we? We become satisfied in our spiritual walks and then complacent and then evil has an opportunity. When we become comfortable with our flesh life we are in deep dodo. Our flesh is our constant enemies in our walks. So how important does it become for us to all be searching and moving towards a full possession of what God has promised to us. How important is this? Just as with Joshua...there was much land still to be possessed. How much of a race is still in front of us? Does it fell overwhelming? Yes, if you let the flesh rule and no, if you turn the race over to God and let him lead.
One final thought, I am curious about the tribe of Levi receiving no inheritance...it's mentioned twice in the chapter, verses 14 and 33.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Joshua 12
Joshua 12
Take the night off. It's a list of the defeated kings and their deflated lands geographically recalled.
Take the night off. It's a list of the defeated kings and their deflated lands geographically recalled.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Joshua 11
This was actually my first post for Joshua 11...thought it was lost but now obviously found.
Joshua waged war against all these kings for a long time. Except for the Hivites living in Gibeon, not one city made a treaty of peace with the Israelites, who took them all in battle. For it was the Lord himself who hardened their hearts to wage war against Israel, so that he might destroy them totally, exterminating them without mercy, as the Lord had commanded Moses. (Joshua 11:18-20 NIV)
The hardening of hearts by God is curious to me when I first read the verses above. Why would our God do this? But after a bit of time it came to me that this is no different than what we have been studying in Radical. Not directly to untouched or the unspoken to people's of the world but what of those that refuse to listen and accept God, his people and Christ our Lord once they have heard the Word.
Imagine God giving up on you and hardening your heart against Him. He has made the decision that you are cast out of Heaven for you. All of your get out of free jail cards are used and there is no more Grace. Ultimately you have chosen destruction and hell over salvation and heaven.
This is the very answer to why we must stay in a daily prayer practice, walking out our lives Christ-like, and always knowing that as long as we ask Jesus will stand next to us in all we do everyday. There is a hell...don't be the one that God decides to harden your heart thus ultimately placing you there.
Joshua waged war against all these kings for a long time. Except for the Hivites living in Gibeon, not one city made a treaty of peace with the Israelites, who took them all in battle. For it was the Lord himself who hardened their hearts to wage war against Israel, so that he might destroy them totally, exterminating them without mercy, as the Lord had commanded Moses. (Joshua 11:18-20 NIV)
The hardening of hearts by God is curious to me when I first read the verses above. Why would our God do this? But after a bit of time it came to me that this is no different than what we have been studying in Radical. Not directly to untouched or the unspoken to people's of the world but what of those that refuse to listen and accept God, his people and Christ our Lord once they have heard the Word.
Imagine God giving up on you and hardening your heart against Him. He has made the decision that you are cast out of Heaven for you. All of your get out of free jail cards are used and there is no more Grace. Ultimately you have chosen destruction and hell over salvation and heaven.
This is the very answer to why we must stay in a daily prayer practice, walking out our lives Christ-like, and always knowing that as long as we ask Jesus will stand next to us in all we do everyday. There is a hell...don't be the one that God decides to harden your heart thus ultimately placing you there.
Joshua 11
Joshua waged war against all these kings for a long time. Except for the Hivites living in Gibeon, not one city made a treaty of peace with the Israelites, who took them all in battle. For it was the Lord himself who hardened their hearts to wage war against Israel, so that he might destroy them totally, exterminating them without mercy, as the Lord had commanded Moses. (Joshua 11:18-20 NIV)
The hardening of hearts by God is curious to me when I first read the verses above. Why would our God do this? But after a bit of time it came to me that this is no different than what we have been studying in Radical. Not directly to untouched or the unspoken to people's of the world but what of those that refuse to listen and accept God, his people and Christ our Lord once they have heard the Word.
Imagine God giving up on you and hardening your heart against Him. He has made the decision that you are cast out of Heaven for you. All of your get out of free jail cards are used and there is no more Grace. Ultimately you have chosen destruction and hell over salvation and heaven.
This is the very answer to why we must stay in a daily prayer practice, walking out our lives Christ-like, and always knowing that as long as we ask Jesus will stand next to us in all we do everyday. There is a hell...don't be the one that God decides to harden your heart thus ultimately placing you there.
The hardening of hearts by God is curious to me when I first read the verses above. Why would our God do this? But after a bit of time it came to me that this is no different than what we have been studying in Radical. Not directly to untouched or the unspoken to people's of the world but what of those that refuse to listen and accept God, his people and Christ our Lord once they have heard the Word.
Imagine God giving up on you and hardening your heart against Him. He has made the decision that you are cast out of Heaven for you. All of your get out of free jail cards are used and there is no more Grace. Ultimately you have chosen destruction and hell over salvation and heaven.
This is the very answer to why we must stay in a daily prayer practice, walking out our lives Christ-like, and always knowing that as long as we ask Jesus will stand next to us in all we do everyday. There is a hell...don't be the one that God decides to harden your heart thus ultimately placing you there.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Joshua 10
Joshua 10: 12-14
On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel:
“Sun, stand still over Gibeon,
and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.”
So the sun stood still,
and the moon stopped,
till the nation avenged itself on its enemies,
as it is written in the Book of Jashar.
The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a human being. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel!
Wow, I find these verses absolutely amazing. “Sun, stand still over Gibeon; and Moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.” So the sun stood still. I wonder what gave Joshua the boldness to ask God for a “favor?” Was it him seeing God’s hand in action that gave Joshua the boldness to ask for an even greater miracle - to keep the day going, to keep the sun from setting, so that Israel had time to accomplish a complete victory before darkness fell?
Was it truly a battle of light vs. dark? We often talk about it and the Bible of gives us illustrations of the sun and the moon as long standing allies to sin, wickedness, and demonic religion. Why would they (the dark and its sins) allow Joshua to complete this victory over their allies, the Canaanites?
So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day. And there has been no day like that, before it or after it. How does the length of a day get extended? It could have been a slowing of the earth’s rotation; it could have been a tilting of the earth’s axis; it could have been a miracle of reflection of light; it could simply be that the presence of God is manifested in light. Whatever it means, the result was clear. The sun seemed to stay still in the sky, and Israel was able to complete the victory.
Till the people had
revenge upon their enemies:
Joshua did not ask God to do the fighting for him, even though God did do some
of that. Joshua simply asked that God would miraculously give him the opportunity to fight for Him. So did
Joshua finally learn his lesson to seek God before taking action? I think so
and hope so…. When we work in partnership with God, then we will see God do
amazing things. And as this scripture says “there has been no day like that.”
Monday, March 26, 2012
Joshua 9
Joshua 9 - The one thing that stuck me immediately was that the Israelites did not pray about the strangers and made peace with them. Joshua had made this mistake in previous chapters. Was defeated at God's hand, and begged and asked for God's mercy to be restored. He is having a hard time learning this lesson of prayer first, action second.
Now the problem with Ai was his failure to pray and seek counsel from God before they deployed the troops to attack the city. The same problem existed here. It was a failure to pray and inquire of God concerning the Gibeonites. They just looked at the outward circumstances. They saw the dry, moldy bread and the ragged clothes, and they just were deceived.
How many times do we found ourselves in ungodly situations because we failed to seek God first. Oh, for sure when we get into these conditions, then we seek God like everything. But if we would only seek God first, we could be spared so many negative experiences in life. So the failure to seek God's guidance led them into this alliance with the Gibeonites.How many bad alliances are we in because we did not seek God's counsel or even another Christian man's counsel.
Lesson: Give God a chance to show us His light, go to God first!
Now the problem with Ai was his failure to pray and seek counsel from God before they deployed the troops to attack the city. The same problem existed here. It was a failure to pray and inquire of God concerning the Gibeonites. They just looked at the outward circumstances. They saw the dry, moldy bread and the ragged clothes, and they just were deceived.
How many times do we found ourselves in ungodly situations because we failed to seek God first. Oh, for sure when we get into these conditions, then we seek God like everything. But if we would only seek God first, we could be spared so many negative experiences in life. So the failure to seek God's guidance led them into this alliance with the Gibeonites.How many bad alliances are we in because we did not seek God's counsel or even another Christian man's counsel.
Lesson: Give God a chance to show us His light, go to God first!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Joshua 8
Joshua 8: 23 - Joshua did not draw back the hand
that held out his javelin until he had destroyed
all who lived in Ai. (The Hebrew term refers to the irrevocable giving
over of things or persons to the LORD, often by totally destroying them.)
The chapter teaches us to follow God and we will
receive His reward. It also once again shows us that not obeying the God will
result in death, total destruction.
In the verse above shows that Joshua had matured in
his relationship in understanding God…I believe this anyway. He knew that what
was asked by God, he need to do exactly what God had asked of him. But what is
most curious to me when I went back and the verses above nowhere in this
version did God ever tell Joshua how long he would need to hold out his javelin.
Yet Joshua knew to hold out his arm with the javelin until the battle was over.
I wonder if he knew to do this to win the battle or if he was doing this to
again show Israel that God’s power is all mighty and if we obey God He will
give Israel great victories. They had failed to follow God’s instructions in
the past and been dealt His wrath. By doing it and trying to do it by their own
ingenuity they failed, by their own abilities. But now directed by God they
experienced the victory.
The lesson for Christian men, carry out God’s tasks
and charges until God allows you to see (or be blessed by God) that this
specific work is completed to God’s standard. We as men must just screw this up
daily. Thank the Lord Jesus and our Heavenly Father for their Grace!
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Joshua 7
Joshua 7
I don't have any one verse that stands out more than the other tonight. But what caught my attention was that God had said that He was going to punish those of Israel who took the devoted things from the previous chapter. But in the end it was Joshua who would lead the people of Israel who had not sinned against God to punish Achor and his family.
Reading back over the text I wonder if when God told Joshua to "stand up" if he was really telling him to "man up" and lead the people of Israel. How many times have I question myself . How many times have I have been told to lead and did not man up or let someone do the task or let the task just past away in my Christian walk as a believer and/or as a mentor?
So the question becomes for practical life application... Are we going to take God's command to "stand up" and deal with the situations at hand. We won't be stoning people but can we even man up to have the correct Christian conversation with those who are falling or with those who need lifting up. Secondly, even though this is an OT story, and we know Jesus received his training via the OT, how many times did Jesus have to (have to, not need to) challenge his disciples...just as we have to be reminded today? Jesus knew this story, but yet his disciples needed reminding or prodding just as Joshua, just as us. So my question remains, as Christian leaders, how do we fail and fall into this same complacent trap throughout our walks of having to be reminded of our purpose to love each other and build disciples?
God wants the victories of our lives to be for him. If we are not giving those victories to God, he will certainly take them away and humble us.
There is much to think about, learn and be challenged from this Chapter.
I don't have any one verse that stands out more than the other tonight. But what caught my attention was that God had said that He was going to punish those of Israel who took the devoted things from the previous chapter. But in the end it was Joshua who would lead the people of Israel who had not sinned against God to punish Achor and his family.
Reading back over the text I wonder if when God told Joshua to "stand up" if he was really telling him to "man up" and lead the people of Israel. How many times have I question myself . How many times have I have been told to lead and did not man up or let someone do the task or let the task just past away in my Christian walk as a believer and/or as a mentor?
So the question becomes for practical life application... Are we going to take God's command to "stand up" and deal with the situations at hand. We won't be stoning people but can we even man up to have the correct Christian conversation with those who are falling or with those who need lifting up. Secondly, even though this is an OT story, and we know Jesus received his training via the OT, how many times did Jesus have to (have to, not need to) challenge his disciples...just as we have to be reminded today? Jesus knew this story, but yet his disciples needed reminding or prodding just as Joshua, just as us. So my question remains, as Christian leaders, how do we fail and fall into this same complacent trap throughout our walks of having to be reminded of our purpose to love each other and build disciples?
God wants the victories of our lives to be for him. If we are not giving those victories to God, he will certainly take them away and humble us.
There is much to think about, learn and be challenged from this Chapter.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Joshua 6
Joshua 6:18
But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it.
Joshua had to command the people of Israel to stay away from the idols and things associated with the demonic and depraved worship of the people of Canaan. The severe judgment that is brought against Jericho and all of Canaan didn’t come because they were in the “way” of God’s people. It came because this was a people who were in total rebellion against God as occult society, as the artifacts recovered from this period demonstrate.
Can we imagine the wrath of God for those, even our acquaintances that are in rebellion against God and Jesus? We have a huge responsibility to step out and share His Word to as many as we can or so many will suffer, in part, due to our failure. I wonder if we get measured, how are we measured when it comes to being a disciple and sharing His Word? Can we ever do enough save God’s people? We know that many will never understand and accept God, just as the warning to Israel declares faith or non-faith.
I read that all the silver and gold, and vessels of bronze and iron, are concsercrated to the Lord: All the valuables belong to God; Jericho is the "first fruits" city of Cannan, and so the valuables are set aside to the treasury of the Lord.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Joshua 5
The act of being circumcised makes most men cringe; it does me, what about you? Then a military man waiting to go to war for his country must really be anxious over this. But as stated in the 2nd paragraph it was the most power act of dying to self and living to God.
Joshua 5: 2-8
At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.” So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth. Now this is why he did so: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of military age—died in the wilderness on the way after leaving Egypt. All the people that came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the wilderness during the journey from Egypt had not. The Israelites had moved about in the wilderness forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the LORD. For the LORD had sworn to them that they would not see the land he had solemnly promised their ancestors to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way. And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed.
Now imagine being told in our society today to go and make flint knives for yourself, and circumcise the sons of Israel again the second time (to the sons, not each man again). Apparently, all during the forty years of waiting in the wilderness, none of the sons born during that time had been circumcised. Now God commanded that this be done. Then Joshua circumcised their sons. Circumcision was always a powerful act of consecration to God. In it, an Israelite said “I’m not like the other nations. I listen to God and do what He says I should do.” It was stepping out in faithful obedience and identifying yourself as one of the LORD’s people. It was renouncing the flesh and the world. It was dying to self and living to God. They stayed in their places in the camp till they were healed: Obviously, this was suicidal from a military standpoint. All the men of fighting age were made completely vulnerable and unable to fight. So, not only did Israel cross over the Jordan at a militarily undesirable place (right in front of Jericho, the strongest military outpost of the Canaanites), they also incapacitated their army for several days. They did this because they trusted God, and His directions, instead of their own wisdom.
I love verses thirteen through fifteen. So can we be a leader like Joshua in our daily walks for the Lord? Lead yet be lead and have a servant’s heart?
Joshua 5; 13-18
Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” The commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.
Here Joshua met Jesus, Jesus the Captain of the Lord's nation army, having submitted to the Father, a man under authority, yet having authority himself. A man who recognized what true authority is. Oh, that we would realize that we don't have any right to rule unless we ourselves are ruled. So Joshua, the leader over the people and yet being led. "What do you want me to do Lord?" The real heart of a servant. So the Lord didn't have much for him to do, "Just take your shoes off. The ground where you're standing is holy." So much as the Lord spoke to Moses out of the burning bush, the command to remove his sandals, so also to Joshua.
Joshua 5: 2-8
At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.” So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth. Now this is why he did so: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of military age—died in the wilderness on the way after leaving Egypt. All the people that came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the wilderness during the journey from Egypt had not. The Israelites had moved about in the wilderness forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the LORD. For the LORD had sworn to them that they would not see the land he had solemnly promised their ancestors to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way. And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed.
Now imagine being told in our society today to go and make flint knives for yourself, and circumcise the sons of Israel again the second time (to the sons, not each man again). Apparently, all during the forty years of waiting in the wilderness, none of the sons born during that time had been circumcised. Now God commanded that this be done. Then Joshua circumcised their sons. Circumcision was always a powerful act of consecration to God. In it, an Israelite said “I’m not like the other nations. I listen to God and do what He says I should do.” It was stepping out in faithful obedience and identifying yourself as one of the LORD’s people. It was renouncing the flesh and the world. It was dying to self and living to God. They stayed in their places in the camp till they were healed: Obviously, this was suicidal from a military standpoint. All the men of fighting age were made completely vulnerable and unable to fight. So, not only did Israel cross over the Jordan at a militarily undesirable place (right in front of Jericho, the strongest military outpost of the Canaanites), they also incapacitated their army for several days. They did this because they trusted God, and His directions, instead of their own wisdom.
I love verses thirteen through fifteen. So can we be a leader like Joshua in our daily walks for the Lord? Lead yet be lead and have a servant’s heart?
Joshua 5; 13-18
Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” The commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.
Here Joshua met Jesus, Jesus the Captain of the Lord's nation army, having submitted to the Father, a man under authority, yet having authority himself. A man who recognized what true authority is. Oh, that we would realize that we don't have any right to rule unless we ourselves are ruled. So Joshua, the leader over the people and yet being led. "What do you want me to do Lord?" The real heart of a servant. So the Lord didn't have much for him to do, "Just take your shoes off. The ground where you're standing is holy." So much as the Lord spoke to Moses out of the burning bush, the command to remove his sandals, so also to Joshua.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Joshua 4
Joshua 4:4-8
4 So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, 5 and said to them, “Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, 6 to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 7 tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” 8 So the Israelites did as Joshua commanded them. They took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, as the LORD had told Joshua; and they carried them over with them to their camp, where they put them down. 9 Joshua set up the twelve stones that had been[a] in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had stood. And they are there to this day.
Now the interesting thing to me about this is when they came to the Red Sea, Moses stretched forth his rod and the Red Sea was parted. They went through on dry land, but with the Jordan the Lord is now testing their faith and developing their faith. He let the priests get their feet wet. Walking right into the edge of the river, getting their feet in the water, stepping out now really in faith.
So this is very important for every one of us to really develop in that full relationship with God, it has to be that relationship of faith…FULL FAITH. God is bringing them/us into a new relationship of faith. Before they sought, before they stepped in, they saw the sea parted, but now God is letting them take one step further and saying, "Go ahead and step out in faith. Get your feet wet."
I really like the verses thru the Chapter about the stones. They were commanded to take these stones out of the bottom of the Jordan River, where the priests were standing holding the Ark of the Covenant. When they came up on the other side, they were to put these stones in a heap. And As God and Joshua had commanded. That this may be a sign among you that when your children (or the disciples we are to be growing as Christian men) ask their fathers (or friends) What’s the importance of these stones? You can tell them, that the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord and these stones shall be a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever. And so the children of Israel did as Joshua commanded.
It is interesting to me that God desires that His power and His truth be carried to future generations via a pile of rocks. That we never forget what God has done for us. Again, this is our charge as Christian men to spread God’s word. I also thin about how many times rocks, stones, foundation or cornerstone terminology is used in the Bible to illustrate an event, a teaching, etc.?
4 So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, 5 and said to them, “Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, 6 to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 7 tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” 8 So the Israelites did as Joshua commanded them. They took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, as the LORD had told Joshua; and they carried them over with them to their camp, where they put them down. 9 Joshua set up the twelve stones that had been[a] in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had stood. And they are there to this day.
Now the interesting thing to me about this is when they came to the Red Sea, Moses stretched forth his rod and the Red Sea was parted. They went through on dry land, but with the Jordan the Lord is now testing their faith and developing their faith. He let the priests get their feet wet. Walking right into the edge of the river, getting their feet in the water, stepping out now really in faith.
So this is very important for every one of us to really develop in that full relationship with God, it has to be that relationship of faith…FULL FAITH. God is bringing them/us into a new relationship of faith. Before they sought, before they stepped in, they saw the sea parted, but now God is letting them take one step further and saying, "Go ahead and step out in faith. Get your feet wet."
I really like the verses thru the Chapter about the stones. They were commanded to take these stones out of the bottom of the Jordan River, where the priests were standing holding the Ark of the Covenant. When they came up on the other side, they were to put these stones in a heap. And As God and Joshua had commanded. That this may be a sign among you that when your children (or the disciples we are to be growing as Christian men) ask their fathers (or friends) What’s the importance of these stones? You can tell them, that the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord and these stones shall be a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever. And so the children of Israel did as Joshua commanded.
It is interesting to me that God desires that His power and His truth be carried to future generations via a pile of rocks. That we never forget what God has done for us. Again, this is our charge as Christian men to spread God’s word. I also thin about how many times rocks, stones, foundation or cornerstone terminology is used in the Bible to illustrate an event, a teaching, etc.?
Friday, March 9, 2012
Joshua 3
Joshua 3:15-17
15 Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, 16 the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. 17 The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.
The verses above and some of the prior verses in Chapter 3 are showing us a teaching. A teaching from God about faith and trust. He was showing the people for a second time how powerful his promise and protection is. The first time was at the Red Sea with Moses. Now with Joshua and the 12 from the tribes of Isreal carrying the ark. God is showing that he will deliver on his promises if His people will just believe in Him. The 12 priest carrying the ark must step in the Jordon by their faith first, then God will part the waters. Thus the lesson: your faith in God will receive His promise. And trust by Isreal in God is developing. Is it 100% yet? Im not sure. But s/ we not trust God regardless of our hardship. It is a "full faith in scenario" or not? Why isn't it that simple?"
15 Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, 16 the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. 17 The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.
The verses above and some of the prior verses in Chapter 3 are showing us a teaching. A teaching from God about faith and trust. He was showing the people for a second time how powerful his promise and protection is. The first time was at the Red Sea with Moses. Now with Joshua and the 12 from the tribes of Isreal carrying the ark. God is showing that he will deliver on his promises if His people will just believe in Him. The 12 priest carrying the ark must step in the Jordon by their faith first, then God will part the waters. Thus the lesson: your faith in God will receive His promise. And trust by Isreal in God is developing. Is it 100% yet? Im not sure. But s/ we not trust God regardless of our hardship. It is a "full faith in scenario" or not? Why isn't it that simple?"
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Joshua 2
1.Joshua 2:9 - and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you.
Joshua 2:11 - When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.
2.Joshua 2:24 - They said to Joshua, “The LORD has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.”
I picked up on the melting in fear and hearts melting. What a story of God's wrath for those that don't believe vs. those that do, meaning His people. But think of what these phrases, this type of information must had meant to the spies for the eventual battle - it must have been like getting vital information, military secrets. And other parts of the scripture, the bond that was made between strangers - the spies and Rahab. What does that tell us about being in community and fellowship with Christ?!!! Yes, there were "terms of engagement" for the pact but that in itself is an amazing story of how God will work in our lives daily. He can work in our lives immediately, on the spot.
Joshua 2:11 - When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.
2.Joshua 2:24 - They said to Joshua, “The LORD has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.”
I picked up on the melting in fear and hearts melting. What a story of God's wrath for those that don't believe vs. those that do, meaning His people. But think of what these phrases, this type of information must had meant to the spies for the eventual battle - it must have been like getting vital information, military secrets. And other parts of the scripture, the bond that was made between strangers - the spies and Rahab. What does that tell us about being in community and fellowship with Christ?!!! Yes, there were "terms of engagement" for the pact but that in itself is an amazing story of how God will work in our lives daily. He can work in our lives immediately, on the spot.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Wednesday - Joshua 1
Joshua 1:6-9
Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Three times Joshua is reminded to be strong and courageous. And in verse 9 God emphatically makes the point. He is lifting Joshua up to be the leader of God's people. The leader that must follow after Mose's death. Joshua must lead God's people back towards the promise land yet keep them on task as instructed that they can only go so far on this journey home. God is very clear in his instructions to Joshua (just as Jesus was clear in His instructions to the disciples and ultimately even to us...): be strong and courageous, be careful to obey the law of Moses. Stay in the middle of the road, do not fall in the left ditch or the right ditch. Always have the Law ready and pray on it daily, follow it strictly, do not be afraid or discouraged because God is with you wherever you go.
Sounds like a text conversation we just had a couple of days ago about living in confidence with Jesus. But more importantly, the Gospel gives us this same message from Jesus...be strong, courageous in your faith, steadfast in your practice.
Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Three times Joshua is reminded to be strong and courageous. And in verse 9 God emphatically makes the point. He is lifting Joshua up to be the leader of God's people. The leader that must follow after Mose's death. Joshua must lead God's people back towards the promise land yet keep them on task as instructed that they can only go so far on this journey home. God is very clear in his instructions to Joshua (just as Jesus was clear in His instructions to the disciples and ultimately even to us...): be strong and courageous, be careful to obey the law of Moses. Stay in the middle of the road, do not fall in the left ditch or the right ditch. Always have the Law ready and pray on it daily, follow it strictly, do not be afraid or discouraged because God is with you wherever you go.
Sounds like a text conversation we just had a couple of days ago about living in confidence with Jesus. But more importantly, the Gospel gives us this same message from Jesus...be strong, courageous in your faith, steadfast in your practice.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Revelation 22
Rev 22:11 - Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy."
Jesus is coming very soon and there is no more time for people to change and repent, the time is now or never. What if someone has read all of Revelations like we have and stilL is not ready to accept Christ, there is no hope for them now...
Rev 22:18-21 - I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll. He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.
Another warning from God and Christ but this time it is to anyone who may try to tamper or twist the scripture in Revelations. They will be cursed with the plagues and removed from the tree of life and not allowed to enter the Holy City. I assume that means they will be damned to the lake of fire for eternity. Think of all the warnings in Revelation, yet there will be some that never accept Christ. I pray for them all.
Jesus is coming very soon and there is no more time for people to change and repent, the time is now or never. What if someone has read all of Revelations like we have and stilL is not ready to accept Christ, there is no hope for them now...
Rev 22:18-21 - I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll. He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.
Another warning from God and Christ but this time it is to anyone who may try to tamper or twist the scripture in Revelations. They will be cursed with the plagues and removed from the tree of life and not allowed to enter the Holy City. I assume that means they will be damned to the lake of fire for eternity. Think of all the warnings in Revelation, yet there will be some that never accept Christ. I pray for them all.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Revelation 21
Revelation 21: 6-8, 26
Verses 6-8 - He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
Verse 26 - The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
(David Gurzik authored and I really liked his commentary and explanations). The invitation and a warning of verse 6-8, 26 (bottom):
“a. It is done! God’s eternal purpose in Jesus is now accomplished. Ephesians 1:10 has been fulfilled: that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth; in Him. At this point, all things have been resolved or “summed up” in Jesus - it is done!
b. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts: Drinking and thirst are common pictures of God’s supply and man’s spiritual need. Drinking is an action, but an action of receiving - like faith, it is doing something, but it is not a merit-earning work in itself.
i. “What does a thirsty man do to get rid of his thirst? He drinks. Perhaps there is no better representation of faith in all the Word of God than that. To drink is to receive-to take in the refreshing draught-and that is all. A man’s face may be unwashed, but yet he can drink; he may be a very unworthy character, but yet a draught of water will remove his thirst. Drinking is such a remarkably easy thing; it is even more simple than eating.” (Spurgeon)
c. He who overcomes shall inherit all things: Those who overcome (by faith in Jesus, as in 1 John 5:5) enjoy a special relationship with God (I will be his God and he shall be My son).
d. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable . . . have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: But the Jesus-rejecting and apostate are specifically prohibited from entering the New Jerusalem.
i. Cowardly: Is cowardice enough to send a person to hell? “John is not speaking of natural timidity, but of that cowardice which in the last resort chooses self and safety before Christ.” (Morris) John Trapp spoke of these “Cowardly recreants, white-livered milk-sops that pull in their horns for every pile of grass that touched them that are afraid of every new step.”
Verse 26: There shall by no means enter it anything that defiles: Does this mean that such people will threaten the city? It isn’t necessary to say that this is the idea, because all sinners and death have been cast into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:11-15). Instead, “the exhortation warns present readers that the only way to participate in the future city is to turn one’s loyalties to the Lamb now.” (Johnson)”
(…and the bolded statement above is exactly what we were discussing last night...)
Verses 6-8 - He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
Verse 26 - The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
(David Gurzik authored and I really liked his commentary and explanations). The invitation and a warning of verse 6-8, 26 (bottom):
“a. It is done! God’s eternal purpose in Jesus is now accomplished. Ephesians 1:10 has been fulfilled: that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth; in Him. At this point, all things have been resolved or “summed up” in Jesus - it is done!
b. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts: Drinking and thirst are common pictures of God’s supply and man’s spiritual need. Drinking is an action, but an action of receiving - like faith, it is doing something, but it is not a merit-earning work in itself.
i. “What does a thirsty man do to get rid of his thirst? He drinks. Perhaps there is no better representation of faith in all the Word of God than that. To drink is to receive-to take in the refreshing draught-and that is all. A man’s face may be unwashed, but yet he can drink; he may be a very unworthy character, but yet a draught of water will remove his thirst. Drinking is such a remarkably easy thing; it is even more simple than eating.” (Spurgeon)
c. He who overcomes shall inherit all things: Those who overcome (by faith in Jesus, as in 1 John 5:5) enjoy a special relationship with God (I will be his God and he shall be My son).
d. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable . . . have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: But the Jesus-rejecting and apostate are specifically prohibited from entering the New Jerusalem.
i. Cowardly: Is cowardice enough to send a person to hell? “John is not speaking of natural timidity, but of that cowardice which in the last resort chooses self and safety before Christ.” (Morris) John Trapp spoke of these “Cowardly recreants, white-livered milk-sops that pull in their horns for every pile of grass that touched them that are afraid of every new step.”
Verse 26: There shall by no means enter it anything that defiles: Does this mean that such people will threaten the city? It isn’t necessary to say that this is the idea, because all sinners and death have been cast into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:11-15). Instead, “the exhortation warns present readers that the only way to participate in the future city is to turn one’s loyalties to the Lamb now.” (Johnson)”
(…and the bolded statement above is exactly what we were discussing last night...)
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Revelation 20
| Rev 20:15 | If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. |
The verse summarizes good and evil though out time. Full Faith with Christ or not. It's the issue of the trial and judgment; according to fact, and rule of judgment...God's judgement! All those who have made a covenant with death, and an agreement with hell, shall then be condemned, cast into the lake of fire, no eternal life, according to the rules of life laid down in the scripture; but those whose names are written in that book (that is, those that are justified and acquitted by the gospel) shall then be justified and acquitted by the Judge, and shall enter into eternal life, having nothing more to fear from death, or hell, or wicked men; for these are all destroyed together. Let it be concern to see how we stand, whether we are justified or condemn. Christ shall judge the secrets of all men according to the gospel. Happy are those who according to the gospel know beforehand that they shall be justified in the great day of the Lord!
The book of life..., without your name in it, you are damned to suffer and burn for eternity. Walk with Christ today or else. If I fail, my Christ friends please pick me up!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Revelation 19
Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and his army. But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. The rest were killed with the sword coming out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh. (Revelation 19:19-21 NIV)
Wow! Imagine not to have chosen God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit by this time. Seeing and knowing that you have made such a drastic miscalculation by taking Satan's mark and all that is left is Satan's defeat as well as all his "followers" to be defeated and thrown into the lake of fire. But yet the story is foretold to all men by the Scriptures. This is why we must share the Gospel and live as Christ-like as possible daily. Why will some make such a poor choice even after hearing the Good News? Are these the true fools spoken of throughout the Bible? It is actually a very sad outcome - we will have brothers and sisters and friends that chose poorly? Thank you Jesus for our salvation.
Wow! Imagine not to have chosen God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit by this time. Seeing and knowing that you have made such a drastic miscalculation by taking Satan's mark and all that is left is Satan's defeat as well as all his "followers" to be defeated and thrown into the lake of fire. But yet the story is foretold to all men by the Scriptures. This is why we must share the Gospel and live as Christ-like as possible daily. Why will some make such a poor choice even after hearing the Good News? Are these the true fools spoken of throughout the Bible? It is actually a very sad outcome - we will have brothers and sisters and friends that chose poorly? Thank you Jesus for our salvation.
Revelation 18
Revelation 18: 12 -14 - cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet cloth; every sort of citron wood, and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and marble; cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and bodies and souls of men. "They will say, 'The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your riches and splendor have vanished, never to be recovered.'
I pray and hope that many would be able to begin to apply this verse to their walks TODAY. "The fruit you longed for is one from you.” Worldly man is controlled by his appetites for sin but God intended that we be controlled by our minds and hearts. He wants us to think things through. He said, "Come now, let us reason together said the Lord." Paul speaks of presenting your body unto God as a living sacrifice which is your service to the Kingdom. Man is often controlled by his lusts, does not stop to reason things through. Paul tells us that the god of this world (Satan) has blinded the minds of them that believe not.
Go back to verse 12 and consider the things their hearts were lusting after. Gold, silver and precious stones or expensive jewelry. How many people do we know that lust after fancy jewelry, fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet - the fancy colorful clothes? Including fancy and costly furniture, expensive perfumes, gourmet foods, fancy sport cars or horses and chariots, which were the sports cars of that day? Not to mention slaves and the souls of men… a few more lusts.
What will happen to all these material things…how will you lose them? In that last days when the judgments of God come upon the earth and millions of people are starving to death. A starving man can become a beast, history attests to this fact. With the great desolation that will come as the result of the cataclysmic upheavals of nature, your jewelry and fancy clothes and furniture will be of no great comfort to you. It will be like the movie Titanic (or Alive), as the ship was going down, that is the last thing that they were thinking about. The one driving issue was survival.
All your riches and splendor have banished, NEVER to be recovered. If you have put all of your life and investments in material things, what will you have to show the Lord when He comes? NADA! Jesus gave a parable concerning those who have laid up treasures for themselves and are not rich toward God. Imagine all of the labor, effort and striving one have endured or will endure building your fortune. It will all be gone forever in just a moment of time. Think of how many rich people have died of heart attacks from the pressure of amassing their wealth. You spend your whole life amassing a nest egg so that you might retire and enjoy your senior years, and die within the first year of your retirement.
What does our soul desire after today? The basic folly of man is to think that he can satisfy that emptiness in his soul with things. This is what comes under the judgment of God in chapter 18 of the book of Revelation. Jesus said, "A man's life does not consist in the abundance of things he possesses." True riches are not found in material things, but in eternal things. James wrote, James 2:5 – Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?
I would much rather be poor in this world and rich in faith, than rich in this world and poor in faith.
I pray and hope that many would be able to begin to apply this verse to their walks TODAY. "The fruit you longed for is one from you.” Worldly man is controlled by his appetites for sin but God intended that we be controlled by our minds and hearts. He wants us to think things through. He said, "Come now, let us reason together said the Lord." Paul speaks of presenting your body unto God as a living sacrifice which is your service to the Kingdom. Man is often controlled by his lusts, does not stop to reason things through. Paul tells us that the god of this world (Satan) has blinded the minds of them that believe not.
Go back to verse 12 and consider the things their hearts were lusting after. Gold, silver and precious stones or expensive jewelry. How many people do we know that lust after fancy jewelry, fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet - the fancy colorful clothes? Including fancy and costly furniture, expensive perfumes, gourmet foods, fancy sport cars or horses and chariots, which were the sports cars of that day? Not to mention slaves and the souls of men… a few more lusts.
What will happen to all these material things…how will you lose them? In that last days when the judgments of God come upon the earth and millions of people are starving to death. A starving man can become a beast, history attests to this fact. With the great desolation that will come as the result of the cataclysmic upheavals of nature, your jewelry and fancy clothes and furniture will be of no great comfort to you. It will be like the movie Titanic (or Alive), as the ship was going down, that is the last thing that they were thinking about. The one driving issue was survival.
All your riches and splendor have banished, NEVER to be recovered. If you have put all of your life and investments in material things, what will you have to show the Lord when He comes? NADA! Jesus gave a parable concerning those who have laid up treasures for themselves and are not rich toward God. Imagine all of the labor, effort and striving one have endured or will endure building your fortune. It will all be gone forever in just a moment of time. Think of how many rich people have died of heart attacks from the pressure of amassing their wealth. You spend your whole life amassing a nest egg so that you might retire and enjoy your senior years, and die within the first year of your retirement.
What does our soul desire after today? The basic folly of man is to think that he can satisfy that emptiness in his soul with things. This is what comes under the judgment of God in chapter 18 of the book of Revelation. Jesus said, "A man's life does not consist in the abundance of things he possesses." True riches are not found in material things, but in eternal things. James wrote, James 2:5 – Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?
I would much rather be poor in this world and rich in faith, than rich in this world and poor in faith.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Revelation 17
| Revelatin 17:14 - They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings--and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers. |
This chapter contains another representation of those things that had been revealed before concerning the wickedness and ruin of antichrist. This antichrist had been before represented as a beast, and is now described as a great whore. And here, the apostle is invited to see this vile woman. He tells us what an appearance she made. The mystery of it is explained to him. And, IV. Her ruin foretold. Here we have some account of the downfall of Babylon, to be more fully described in the next chapter. ( I read ahead...) Here is a war begun between the beast and his followers, and the Lamb and his followers. The beast and his army, to an eye of sense, appear much stronger than the Lamb and his army: one would think an army with a lamb at the head of them could not stand before the great red dragon. But, here is a victory gained by the Lamb: The Lamb shall overcome. Christ must reign till all enemies be put under his feet; he will be sure to meet with many enemies, and much opposition, but he will also be sure to gain the victory.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Wednesday - Revelation 16
Rev 16:15 "Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed."
Rev 16:16 Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.
Rev 16:17 The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, "It is done!"
The 3 verses above are of interest to me but I will only comment on verse 16:15. First, the Lord announces he will be coming as a thief!Both Paul and Peter tell us that the day of the Lord is coming as a thief in the night. Jesus said that if the good man of the house knew in what hour the thief was coming he would not have allowed his house to be broken into. The analogy of His coming as a thief is for the purpose of causing us to be watchful. For us ever to be watchful...! We cannot ever let our faith fail and not be watchful for our Lord's return, the consequences are just too great. But are we truly able to live Christ-like and by faith alone? the answer is, we must.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Tuesday - Revelation 15
Rev 15:5-8
After this I looked, and I saw in heaven the temple—that is, the tabernacle of the covenant law—and it was opened. Out of the temple came the seven angels with the seven plagues. They were dressed in clean, shining linen and wore golden sashes around their chests. Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God, who lives for ever and ever. And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.
I had to do research to understand "the tabernacle of covenant law" and what it meant to man for the 7 plagues of the 7 angles to be completed.
The following is from Matthew Henry. Observe, I. How these angels appeared—coming out of heaven to execute their commission: The temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened, v. 5. Here is an allusion to the holiest of all the tabernacle and temple, where was the mercy-seat, covering the ark of the testimony, where the high priest made intercession, and God communed with his people, and heard their prayers. Now by this, as it is here mentioned, we may understand, 1. That, in the judgments God was now about to execute upon the antichristian interest, he was fulfilling the prophecies and promises of his word and covenant, which were there always before him, and of which he was ever mindful. 2. That in this work he was answering the prayers of the people, which were offered to him by their great high priest. 3. That he was herein avenging the quarrel of his own Son, and our Saviour Jesus Christ, whose offices and authority had been usurped, his name dishonoured, and the great designs of his death opposed, by antichrist and his adherents. 4. That he was opening a wider door of liberty for his people to worship him in numerous solemn assemblies, without the fear of their enemies.
After this I looked, and I saw in heaven the temple—that is, the tabernacle of the covenant law—and it was opened. Out of the temple came the seven angels with the seven plagues. They were dressed in clean, shining linen and wore golden sashes around their chests. Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God, who lives for ever and ever. And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.
I had to do research to understand "the tabernacle of covenant law" and what it meant to man for the 7 plagues of the 7 angles to be completed.
The following is from Matthew Henry. Observe, I. How these angels appeared—coming out of heaven to execute their commission: The temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened, v. 5. Here is an allusion to the holiest of all the tabernacle and temple, where was the mercy-seat, covering the ark of the testimony, where the high priest made intercession, and God communed with his people, and heard their prayers. Now by this, as it is here mentioned, we may understand, 1. That, in the judgments God was now about to execute upon the antichristian interest, he was fulfilling the prophecies and promises of his word and covenant, which were there always before him, and of which he was ever mindful. 2. That in this work he was answering the prayers of the people, which were offered to him by their great high priest. 3. That he was herein avenging the quarrel of his own Son, and our Saviour Jesus Christ, whose offices and authority had been usurped, his name dishonoured, and the great designs of his death opposed, by antichrist and his adherents. 4. That he was opening a wider door of liberty for his people to worship him in numerous solemn assemblies, without the fear of their enemies.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Monday - Revelation 14
Revelation 14:12 - This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.
My attention always peaks when I read the word endurance in scripture. I remember reading John Piper's book, Stand. The book speaks to the challenge all Christians have to endure and continually build strength to stand strong and faithful in our walks with Christ while finishing strong for God.
One can only imagine what courage, strength, wisdom, peace and comfort this passage will give the embattled, persecuted saints during the Great Tribulation. God obviously wants to encourage His people to stand strong and to be steadfast in times of trial. Focused on what blessings wait for them ahead and reward in eternity.
But what if we ask ourselves - do we have the endurance to finish the race in today society and its struggles? These times are not even cmparable to the struggles of End Times, So many must answer, no. How much greater effort would any American Christian have to put forth to even begin an apprenticeship much less to qualify for a saint of our Holy Father? It is a fantastic dilemma for many....
Friday, February 17, 2012
Friday - Revelation 13
Revelation 13: 9-10
Whoever has ears, let them hear. "If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity they will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword they will be killed.." This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God's people.
I like the patient endurance and faithfulness of God's people. Eventhough the time for Grace is over it is a reaasuraance to the belieivers that those not beleiveing will be put to death but the test of ome's faith is on-going and much endurance will be required.
Whoever has ears, let them hear. "If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity they will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword they will be killed.." This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God's people.
I like the patient endurance and faithfulness of God's people. Eventhough the time for Grace is over it is a reaasuraance to the belieivers that those not beleiveing will be put to death but the test of ome's faith is on-going and much endurance will be required.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Thursday - Revelation 12
Comments from Ben's text:
They triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death. (Revelation 12:11 NIV)
Through Jesus we can triumph over the devil. As long as we do not value our lives or possessions too much. We need to to remember that all good comes from God and when we sacrifice for him we are just letting him use what is rightly his.
They triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death. (Revelation 12:11 NIV)
Through Jesus we can triumph over the devil. As long as we do not value our lives or possessions too much. We need to to remember that all good comes from God and when we sacrifice for him we are just letting him use what is rightly his.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Tuesday - Revelation 11
The nations were angry,
and your wrath has come.
The time has come for judging the dead,
and for rewarding your servants the prophets
and your people who revere your name,
both great and small—
and for destroying those who destroy the earth." (Revelation 11:18 NIV)
Once again we pick the same verse. I agree with your comments. It will be a humbling experience to be totally revealed. Many will be rejected. So live today and walk for Christ as if the end is upon us in this present day.
I do believe we will meet our family and friends. You will meet them if we die before His coming, too.
and your wrath has come.
The time has come for judging the dead,
and for rewarding your servants the prophets
and your people who revere your name,
both great and small—
and for destroying those who destroy the earth." (Revelation 11:18 NIV)
Once again we pick the same verse. I agree with your comments. It will be a humbling experience to be totally revealed. Many will be rejected. So live today and walk for Christ as if the end is upon us in this present day.
I do believe we will meet our family and friends. You will meet them if we die before His coming, too.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Monday - Revelation 10
I like 3 verses tonight, 2,3 & 11...
(Revelation 10: 2, 3 NIV) He was holding a little scroll, which lay open in his hand. He planted his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion. When he shouted, the voices of the seven thunders spoke.
After doing a little research Psalm 29: 3-9 gives a good account as to what these verses mean and their significance. One foot in the sea and one foot on land illustrates Christ's sovereign power over all earth. The shout is Christ preparing the flesh/sinner earth for its destruction and His return. the description gives a a bette, more complete r illustration of what is to come...
(Psalm 29:3-9 NIV)
The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon leap like a calf,
Sirion like a young wild ox. The voice of the Lord strikes
with flashes of lightning. The voice of the Lord shakes the desert;
the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord twists the oaks
and strips the forests bare.
And in his temple all cry, "Glory!"
(Revelation 10:11 NIV) Then I was told, "You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings."
Is a command to share God's word to all nations without hesitation. Sharing God's word is forever...even as the second coming is upon the world.
(Revelation 10: 2, 3 NIV) He was holding a little scroll, which lay open in his hand. He planted his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion. When he shouted, the voices of the seven thunders spoke.
After doing a little research Psalm 29: 3-9 gives a good account as to what these verses mean and their significance. One foot in the sea and one foot on land illustrates Christ's sovereign power over all earth. The shout is Christ preparing the flesh/sinner earth for its destruction and His return. the description gives a a bette, more complete r illustration of what is to come...
(Psalm 29:3-9 NIV)
The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon leap like a calf,
Sirion like a young wild ox. The voice of the Lord strikes
with flashes of lightning. The voice of the Lord shakes the desert;
the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord twists the oaks
and strips the forests bare.
And in his temple all cry, "Glory!"
(Revelation 10:11 NIV) Then I was told, "You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings."
Is a command to share God's word to all nations without hesitation. Sharing God's word is forever...even as the second coming is upon the world.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Sunday - Revelation 9
They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were not allowed to kill them but only to torture them for five months. And the agony they suffered was like that of the sting of a scorpion when it strikes. During those days people will seek death but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will elude them. (Revelation 9:4-6 NIV)
I am grateful to our God, Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit. They have shown us the way via the scriptures. They even show us with a warning in Revelation of the wrath to come for non believers or half believers or those that just go to church on Sundays as make believe Christians and never engage. What a non-death above..., but a "death" that one never dies. The punishment for not being "full in" with your faith, for not accepting Christ as Saviour, for not doing what one can and are suppose to do for the Kingdom or simply ignorings God's Grace.
Thank Holy Trinity for Christ as Saviour, the Bible to guide us and warn us and for God's Grace. Amen
I am grateful to our God, Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit. They have shown us the way via the scriptures. They even show us with a warning in Revelation of the wrath to come for non believers or half believers or those that just go to church on Sundays as make believe Christians and never engage. What a non-death above..., but a "death" that one never dies. The punishment for not being "full in" with your faith, for not accepting Christ as Saviour, for not doing what one can and are suppose to do for the Kingdom or simply ignorings God's Grace.
Thank Holy Trinity for Christ as Saviour, the Bible to guide us and warn us and for God's Grace. Amen
Friday, February 10, 2012
Friday morning verse
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3-6 NIV)
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Thursday - Chapter 8
In this chapter the trumpets begin to sound and God's wrath over earth begins. Our Father's power is indescribable. So after reading the chapter there are still 3 angels yet to sound their trumpets. How does one comprehend our God? Faith is the answer and full faith is the best answer.
As I watched, I heard an eagle that was flying in midair call out in a loud voice: "Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!" (Revelation 8:13 NIV)
As I watched, I heard an eagle that was flying in midair call out in a loud voice: "Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!" (Revelation 8:13 NIV)
Thursday morning verse
I like this verse as a fellowship model and Christian community for our group.
2 Thessalonians 1:3
[Thanksgiving and Prayer] We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.
2 Thessalonians 1:3
[Thanksgiving and Prayer] We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Wednesday - Chapter 7
(Revelation 7:14-17 NIV)
I answered, "Sir, you know."
And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore,
"they are before the throne of God
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne
will shelter them with his presence. 'Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,'
nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne
will be their shepherd;
'he will lead them to springs of living water.'
'And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.'"
As I read this while waiting on my flight home it dawned on me that the verses above are truly what salvation looks like, if you will allow the courtesy to paint such a broad picture. Those that have washed & faithfully served, never again to hunger or thirst, protected from the elements, Jesus is forever our Shepard and we have no more tears. However, this "revelation" makes tears comes to my eyes...the power, glory and grace!
I answered, "Sir, you know."
And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore,
"they are before the throne of God
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne
will shelter them with his presence. 'Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,'
nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne
will be their shepherd;
'he will lead them to springs of living water.'
'And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.'"
As I read this while waiting on my flight home it dawned on me that the verses above are truly what salvation looks like, if you will allow the courtesy to paint such a broad picture. Those that have washed & faithfully served, never again to hunger or thirst, protected from the elements, Jesus is forever our Shepard and we have no more tears. However, this "revelation" makes tears comes to my eyes...the power, glory and grace!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Tuesday's verse
Psalm 97:10
Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Monday's verse
Proverbs 21:21
“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.”
“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.”
Sunday - Revelation 6
When one reads this Chapter we better drop to our knees and pray for those who have not found or are seeking Christ for their salvation. It is impossible to comprehend the power and glory of God & our Lord's wrath. It will us make tremble, shutter and cry for those who will not accept Christ.
Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?" (Revelation 6:15-17 NIV)
Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?" (Revelation 6:15-17 NIV)
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Saturday - Revelation 5
Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying:
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!" (Revelation 5:11, 12 NIV)
When I read a chapter like this it's hard to grasp the full picture...the power, the might, the strength, the Glory and praise exhaulted at the throne in Heaven. How are we able to offer ourselves to be disciples to our Lord Jesus and our God and His Kingdom as men on earth? We are so small, so full of sin, so meek and not bold in our faith. How can the reward be so great and yet we forget moment to moment to humble ourselves to the One who knows every hair on our head and to the One who perished on the cross and his blood washed away all sin? Grace is all powerful, too, yet men of the flesh continue to abuse it....
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!" (Revelation 5:11, 12 NIV)
When I read a chapter like this it's hard to grasp the full picture...the power, the might, the strength, the Glory and praise exhaulted at the throne in Heaven. How are we able to offer ourselves to be disciples to our Lord Jesus and our God and His Kingdom as men on earth? We are so small, so full of sin, so meek and not bold in our faith. How can the reward be so great and yet we forget moment to moment to humble ourselves to the One who knows every hair on our head and to the One who perished on the cross and his blood washed away all sin? Grace is all powerful, too, yet men of the flesh continue to abuse it....
Friday, February 3, 2012
Friday - Revelation 4
(Revelation 4:8-11 NIV)
Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,'who was, and is, and is to come." Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things,and by your will they were created and have their being."
I really don't have much to comment onto tonight. It's been a good and rough day. It strikes me that even in heaven the praises for our God and Lord Jeses Christ never cease. We may pray everyday but do lift all up to out Lord and God in our prayers? Does it come down to respect for our Savior how we pray and worship Him? That's all tonight.
Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,'who was, and is, and is to come." Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things,and by your will they were created and have their being."
I really don't have much to comment onto tonight. It's been a good and rough day. It strikes me that even in heaven the praises for our God and Lord Jeses Christ never cease. We may pray everyday but do lift all up to out Lord and God in our prayers? Does it come down to respect for our Savior how we pray and worship Him? That's all tonight.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Thursday - Revelation 3
(Revelation 3:14-18 NIV)
"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
I don't know if anyone will have this same feeling but do verses 14-18 impress you as similar to the message David Platt is telling American Chritians? The complete title of his book is: Radical - Taking Back Your Faith From The American Dream. American Christianity could be described as all of the following: hot, cold, or neither, rich, acquired wealth, not needing anything, not recognizing our sins but He does, what will it take for us to see?
Finally, a practical application of these verses is not for us to become complacent in our walks. We are to challenge ourselves to grow for Him everyday. Don't achieve a certain level of Christian walk & life then stop...keep pressing and pushing yourself to grow, don't become lazy in your walk. Jesus and God knows when we are slackers - wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. Strive to be a disciple that never rest in sharing his Word and building the Kingdom.
"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
I don't know if anyone will have this same feeling but do verses 14-18 impress you as similar to the message David Platt is telling American Chritians? The complete title of his book is: Radical - Taking Back Your Faith From The American Dream. American Christianity could be described as all of the following: hot, cold, or neither, rich, acquired wealth, not needing anything, not recognizing our sins but He does, what will it take for us to see?
Finally, a practical application of these verses is not for us to become complacent in our walks. We are to challenge ourselves to grow for Him everyday. Don't achieve a certain level of Christian walk & life then stop...keep pressing and pushing yourself to grow, don't become lazy in your walk. Jesus and God knows when we are slackers - wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. Strive to be a disciple that never rest in sharing his Word and building the Kingdom.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Wed - Revelations Chapter 2
Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (Revelation 2:29 NIV)
That phrase is repeated 4 different times in the Chapter. Each time it is after a church has been addressed for falling away from it original walk and faith. The warning is given with a plea to listen and to return to the way of Christ and God. How many times as men have we fallen and needed to be reminded? And how many more times will we need to be asked to listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to us?
That phrase is repeated 4 different times in the Chapter. Each time it is after a church has been addressed for falling away from it original walk and faith. The warning is given with a plea to listen and to return to the way of Christ and God. How many times as men have we fallen and needed to be reminded? And how many more times will we need to be asked to listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to us?
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Tuesday - Revelation Chapter 1
(Revelation 1:5-7 NIV) and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. "Look, he is coming with the clouds," and "every eye will see him, even those who pierced him"; and all peoples on earth "will mourn because of him."So shall it be! Amen.
I like the verses because of they way it reminds us of Christ's life and sacrifice. The love, grace, and forgiveness of sins because of his blood on the cross. And then ALL we see him returning, even those who pierced him all will mourn. I try to imagine my reaction if I get to see him and I worry I have failed Him somehow. "So shall it be! Amen," is a statement finality. If you a not a Christ Follower. His glory, that we live in, is all powerful. If one doesn't believe it now. Wait...
I like the verses because of they way it reminds us of Christ's life and sacrifice. The love, grace, and forgiveness of sins because of his blood on the cross. And then ALL we see him returning, even those who pierced him all will mourn. I try to imagine my reaction if I get to see him and I worry I have failed Him somehow. "So shall it be! Amen," is a statement finality. If you a not a Christ Follower. His glory, that we live in, is all powerful. If one doesn't believe it now. Wait...
Monday, January 30, 2012
Monday - Acts 28
Act 28: 3-6 --- Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, "This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live." But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
Ok, I hate snakes. So the fact Paul defeats the snake is one thing. But the fact that this miracle changed people's minds to follow Christ is awesome.
Acts 28: 25-31 --- They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet: "'Go to this people and say,
"You will be ever hearing but never understanding;you will be ever seeing but never perceiving." For this people's heart has become calloused;they hardly hear with their ears,and they have closed their eyes.Otherwise they might see with their eyes,hear with their ears,understand with their heartsand turn, and I would heal them.' "Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!" For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!
The last verses retell us Paul's life in summary. He is always sharing god's word, still giving the warnings to the non believers and continues to go boldly. Amen!
How must we humble ourselves to become a disciple of Paul's character? Can we? It certainly will fulfill our lives to try...
Ok, I hate snakes. So the fact Paul defeats the snake is one thing. But the fact that this miracle changed people's minds to follow Christ is awesome.
Acts 28: 25-31 --- They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet: "'Go to this people and say,
"You will be ever hearing but never understanding;you will be ever seeing but never perceiving." For this people's heart has become calloused;they hardly hear with their ears,and they have closed their eyes.Otherwise they might see with their eyes,hear with their ears,understand with their heartsand turn, and I would heal them.' "Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!" For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!
The last verses retell us Paul's life in summary. He is always sharing god's word, still giving the warnings to the non believers and continues to go boldly. Amen!
How must we humble ourselves to become a disciple of Paul's character? Can we? It certainly will fulfill our lives to try...
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Sunday - Acts 27
Acts 27 - my favorite Chapter in Acts! What e great story for Paul. Still a prisoner but leading all types of men and groups of men his is unyielding faith in Christ. During the storm on many different occasions he leads, gives direction to survive and processes faith in Christ. Paul is living out the charge to be a disciple for Christ. He has given up all, endures for Christ, praises Christ with agape love, and saves lives. What an adventure in this Chapter...
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Sat - Acts 26
(Acts 26:24-31 NIV) At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane." "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do." Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. After they left the room, they began saying to one another, "This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment."
I like Paul! Even when the King asks Paul if Paul thinks that in a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian ... Paul says yes... In a short time or a long time and all those listening. What a disciple for Christ!
I like Paul! Even when the King asks Paul if Paul thinks that in a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian ... Paul says yes... In a short time or a long time and all those listening. What a disciple for Christ!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Friday - Acts 25
(Acts 26:24-31 NIV) At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane." "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do." Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. After they left the room, they began saying to one another, "This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment."
I like Paul! Even when the King asks Paul if Paul thinks that in a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian ... Paul says yes... In a short time or a long time and all those listening. Whatr a disciple for Christ!
I like Paul! Even when the King asks Paul if Paul thinks that in a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian ... Paul says yes... In a short time or a long time and all those listening. Whatr a disciple for Christ!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Thursday - Acts 24
(Acts 24:14-16 NIV) However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
Paul is defending his character or more impotantly, Christ and the scripture, even in the face of continued persecution. If we consider our call as Christ's disciples to GO...are we ready to endure this level of persecution as Paul? Today, we're you persecuted as an American Christan at work or school? How did you deal with it and how did you defend the Word of our Lord? Paul is traveling all over the world and is relentless in building Chist's church.
I also like the below verses as Paul deals with deceit and even trickery...but he never stops "going" while even in prison. He continues to stand with strength for Christ.
(Acts 24:24-27 NIV) Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
Think about how this can be applied to our Bible study Sunday of Chapter 1, RADICAL....
Paul is defending his character or more impotantly, Christ and the scripture, even in the face of continued persecution. If we consider our call as Christ's disciples to GO...are we ready to endure this level of persecution as Paul? Today, we're you persecuted as an American Christan at work or school? How did you deal with it and how did you defend the Word of our Lord? Paul is traveling all over the world and is relentless in building Chist's church.
I also like the below verses as Paul deals with deceit and even trickery...but he never stops "going" while even in prison. He continues to stand with strength for Christ.
(Acts 24:24-27 NIV) Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
Think about how this can be applied to our Bible study Sunday of Chapter 1, RADICAL....
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Acts 22
"Then he said: 'The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.' (Acts 22:14-16 NIV)
These verses sort of gave me a "RADICAL" chuckle... Your receive your reward as chosen, you get a set of instructions, you are a representative of God and Lord as witness/disciple and there is no time to waste! "What are you waiting for? Get up...." in others words - GO NOW & spread the gospel. But this is every Christians call, isn't it?!!! 3 verses, easy lesson.
These verses sort of gave me a "RADICAL" chuckle... Your receive your reward as chosen, you get a set of instructions, you are a representative of God and Lord as witness/disciple and there is no time to waste! "What are you waiting for? Get up...." in others words - GO NOW & spread the gospel. But this is every Christians call, isn't it?!!! 3 verses, easy lesson.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Acts 21
After receiving the commander's permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic: (Acts 21:40 NIV)
...and the better part of the story is in Acts 22 as Paul begins his defense. Good commentary in footnotes about Aramaic/Hebrew languages.
(in other words Acts 21 is filled with historical data and apostles from Paul's current and past travels but I found only Acts 21:24 to be of interest today. The purification rites, living in obedience to the law...more history but the NIV footnote was interesting.)
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Chauncey's verses, Acts 20
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace. (Acts 20:24 NIV)
This is the first of 3 verses in this Chapter that are parallel to our Radical discussion this afternoon at Bible Study. As disciples for Christ our lives are nothing except in service to him. How am I doing with finishing the race? Some days I question if I'm even off the starting line! But I will continue to share and lead wherever possible and wherever the race takes me. God's Grace is too awesome not to share.
Second verse - Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. (Acts 20:28 NIV)
Keep watch, over your flock, be shepherds, THE CROSS, Jesus' blood. A lot of responsibility our Father has placed on us. But we must remember, that God will only charge us with what HE all ready knows we can handle. HE will give us the time to get the things done that HE wants us to accomplish.
Third, In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35 NIV)
No one said it would be easy, in fact, being a disciple requires us to give up a lot, no everything according to the Luke Chapter 14:
This is the first of 3 verses in this Chapter that are parallel to our Radical discussion this afternoon at Bible Study. As disciples for Christ our lives are nothing except in service to him. How am I doing with finishing the race? Some days I question if I'm even off the starting line! But I will continue to share and lead wherever possible and wherever the race takes me. God's Grace is too awesome not to share.
Second verse - Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. (Acts 20:28 NIV)
Keep watch, over your flock, be shepherds, THE CROSS, Jesus' blood. A lot of responsibility our Father has placed on us. But we must remember, that God will only charge us with what HE all ready knows we can handle. HE will give us the time to get the things done that HE wants us to accomplish.
Third, In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35 NIV)
No one said it would be easy, in fact, being a disciple requires us to give up a lot, no everything according to the Luke Chapter 14:
Acts Chapter 20 study is tonight
Join Ben S. and I as we move through the book of Acts. We are on Chapter 20 tonight. Share the scripture that speaks to you and tell us why. God Bless!
PS. I will be back later tonight with my scripture...
PS. I will be back later tonight with my scripture...
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