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...)
Monday, February 27, 2012
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?
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