Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus)

“Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.

“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. –Jesus, Matthew 24:4-14

The war between God who is good and Satan the fallen angel who is evil still rages on.  Who do we choose daily and stand beside when pressed for an answer?  Our decision is a matter of life or death.  Our behaviors will reflect our belief and commitment to our decision in every day life.  Our decision affects others who are confused and looking for answers for life, too. Who do we obviously worship?  Who is paramount in all we think, say, and do—even if our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, aunts and uncles, husbands or wives, mothers and fathers do not agree?  Do we worship the beast of gossip, assumptions and preconceived judgements?  Are we fooled into living a life that craves the applause of others so much that we will say and do nothing to get it?  Will we allow the beast of self-worship fill us with arrogance, envy, pride, and jealousy for what others have while believing the lies told to us?  Will we be led by the beast who is the author of hate and confusion who teaches us to spew false teachings about God that destroy relationships with our loved ones?  It can and will happen if we do not stand firm in complete devotion and worship of Jesus Christ, our Savior AND our Lord.

Jesus knows what we are going through now and what we will face later and He promises to be with us “unto the end of the age.”  Do we really believe Him—or not?  Our faith is tested in trials each day to make us strong, says James.  James and the other disciples went through trials that seem unthinkable to us today as most of us hide out in the “comfort zones” of our homes, churches, and community.  In the days now and in the days to come we must take an honest, sincere stand for who we really believe because our behaviors are already being critically judged by our loved ones, friends, and our enemies.  (Nation against nation, brother against brother, etc.)

Who will that be? What will we say?  How will our lives be lived?

Revelation 13, The Message

The Beast from the Sea

13 ^1-2 And the Dragon stood on the shore of the sea. I saw a Beast rising from the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads—on each horn a crown, and each head inscribed with a blasphemous name. The Beast I saw looked like a leopard with bear paws and a lion’s mouth. The Dragon turned over its power to it, its throne and great authority.

^3-4 One of the Beast’s heads looked as if it had been struck a deathblow, and then healed. The whole earth was agog, gaping at the Beast. They worshiped the Dragon who gave the Beast authority, and they worshiped the Beast, exclaiming, “There’s never been anything like the Beast! No one would dare go to war with the Beast!”

^5-8 The Beast had a loud mouth, boastful and blasphemous. It could do anything it wanted for forty-two months. It yelled blasphemies against God, blasphemed his Name, blasphemed his Church, especially those already dwelling with God in Heaven. It was permitted to make war on God’s holy people and conquer them. It held absolute sway over all tribes and peoples, tongues and races. Everyone on earth whose name was not written from the world’s foundation in the slaughtered Lamb’s Book of Life will worship the Beast.

^9-10 Are you listening to this? They’ve made their bed; now they must lie in it. Anyone marked for prison goes straight to prison; anyone pulling a sword goes down by the sword. Meanwhile, God’s holy people passionately and faithfully stand their ground.

The Beast from Under the Ground

^11-12 I saw another Beast rising out of the ground. It had two horns like a lamb but sounded like a dragon when it spoke. It was a puppet of the first Beast, made earth and everyone in it worship the first Beast, which had been healed of its deathblow.

^13-17 This second Beast worked magical signs, dazzling people by making fire come down from Heaven. It used the magic it got from the Beast to dupe earth dwellers, getting them to make an image of the Beast that received the deathblow and lived. It was able to animate the image of the Beast so that it talked, and then arrange that anyone not worshiping the Beast would be killed. It forced all people, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to have a mark on the right hand or forehead. Without the mark of the name of the Beast or the number of its name, it was impossible to buy or sell anything.

Solve a riddle: Put your heads together and figure out the meaning of the number of the Beast. It’s a human number: 666.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Jesus warned his disciples who left everything behind to follow Him, “Beware of false teachers.”  Before the final battle, Believers of Jesus will be challenged. God promised, though, that no spiritual harm will come to believers, although they might have to endure persecution and pain.  We must discern false prophets who claim to perform miracles and exercise authority from God.  God’s Holy Spirit was sent to help us by leading us to all Truth.  Listen to Him!

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” John 16:13

If we are amazed, distracted, and influenced by the “beast;” signs of beastly behaviors will begin to appear in our lives such as slander, gossip, envy, pride, arrogance, sarcasm, self-edification, and pride while comparing ourselves to each other—all traits of the beast who worships the Dragon, namely Satan, the fallen angel.  In the end, it won’t go well for us.  We must evaluate and ask ourselves; Is it really going well for us now to carry these traits?

These questions of resolve must be asked daily;

Have I been claimed and tattooed by the beast as being on his team OR have I offered by whole “created in God’s image” being back to God as an offering of holy worship to Him? 

Is my name written in the palm of God’s hand as His child?  Is Jesus my Savior and Lord—or not? 

Without looking inside my heart, will others know to Whom I belong?

Lord,

Thank you for revealing the “end of the age” to John so that we may evaluate our lives lived for you now in preparation to see you face to face. We are not perfect but we are, without a doubt, perfectly forgiven when we repent of all our sins to you.  Thank you for teaching us your ways. Thank you for helping us know you more each day as the Holy Spirit reveals Truth to us.  Thank you for clearly showing us the traits to acquire and those to avoid. Help us to accept your discipline as a Loving Father to a precious child would be—all for our good and Your glory.

In Jesus Name, Amen

We imagine heaven to be the place of peace and tranquility, beauty and perfection.  It is now, but there was a time of rebellion that rose up, led by an arrogant, powerfully pride filled angel who wanted to be God.  He wanted to be in charge.  He wanted all that God had created to be his own so he could control all.  He wanted all of God’s heavenly realm so badly that he decided to gather other angels, deceive them into thinking they needed to overcome God with him so they could share in the bounty!  He wanted the worship meant for God to be given to him.  He still wants that. 

Imagine forming an army in heaven to rise up and go to war against God!  It seems ludicrous to us, right?  Would we be a part of that?  Would we join the rebellion and fight with the Destroyer?  Or would we remain firmly planted in our faith in God who ultimately wins over evil?  Do we stand firm, in awe of God, with assurance of deliverance, knowing we have protection from God as we call on His Name? Will we choose unending, relentless love or the hate and anger of evil? Mindblowning.

No, we cannot imagine falling for the hate filled deceit that spews from this angel who was so full of himself that he thought he could replace God—but sometimes we do.  We all fall for him when we take our eyes off Jesus and rely only on self and “follow our hearts” which is yet another lie of Satan.

John’s vision reveals the whole story of the “Fallen Angel” who went to war against God and the Son of God, Jesus—and was thrown out of the Kingdom and banished to earth.    

Revelation 12, The Message

The Woman, Her Son, and the Dragon

^1-2 A great Sign appeared in Heaven: a Woman dressed all in sunlight, standing on the moon, and crowned with Twelve Stars. She was giving birth to a Child and cried out in the pain of childbirth.

^3-4 And then another Sign alongside the first: a huge and fiery Dragon! It had seven heads and ten horns, a crown on each of the seven heads. With one flick of its tail it knocked a third of the Stars from the sky and dumped them on earth. The Dragon crouched before the Woman in childbirth, poised to eat up the Child when it came.

^5-6 The Woman gave birth to a Son who will shepherd all nations with an iron rod. Her Son was seized and placed safely before God on his Throne. The Woman herself escaped to the desert to a place of safety prepared by God, all comforts provided her for 1,260 days.

^7-12 War broke out in Heaven. Michael and his Angels fought the Dragon. The Dragon and his Angels fought back, but were no match for Michael. They were cleared out of Heaven, not a sign of them left. The great Dragon—ancient Serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, the one who led the whole earth astray—thrown out, and all his Angels thrown out with him, thrown down to earth. Then I heard a strong voice out of Heaven saying,

Salvation and power are established!
    Kingdom of our God, authority of his Messiah!
The Accuser of our brothers and sisters thrown out,
    who accused them day and night before God.
They defeated him through the blood of the Lamb
    and the bold word of their witness.
They weren’t in love with themselves;
    they were willing to die for Christ.
So rejoice, O Heavens, and all who live there,
    but doom to earth and sea,
For the Devil’s come down on you with both feet;
    he’s had a great fall;
He’s wild and raging with anger;
    he hasn’t much time and he knows it.

^13-17 When the Dragon saw he’d been thrown to earth, he went after the Woman who had given birth to the Man-Child. The Woman was given wings of a great eagle to fly to a place in the desert to be kept in safety and comfort for a time and times and half a time, safe and sound from the Serpent. The Serpent vomited a river of water to swamp and drown her, but earth came to her help, swallowing the water the Dragon spewed from its mouth. Helpless with rage, the Dragon raged at the Woman, then went off to make war with the rest of her children, the children who keep God’s commands and hold firm to the witness of Jesus.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

We are given real, specific reasons why Satan hates believers of God and His Son, Jesus.  Satan hates God so much he will do anything and everything to distract people from God.  He will deceive us with lies that tell us we “deserve” more than God.  He does all things opposite of God’s character. 

Satan and his demons hover over our beings with temptations as consistent as those incessant commercials that interrupt our programming or browsing!  We are programed to worship our Creator God—and only God.  Worship of anyone or anything else is giving in to the Destroyer who wants to end our relationship with God and with His people.  Take note:  Our real enemy is not each other, it is this fallen angel who is furious with God.

In this revelation of Truth, we begin to understand why Satan becomes so enraged when believers call on the Name of Jesus because they know Jesus hears and will answer.  His fury all began with Jesus.  Satan hates Jesus who he could not tempt to follow him on earth—the place where he was exiled. 

Satan had a plan for Jesus that failed miserably.  Satan thought he had gotten rid of God’s Son, who pleased His Father, God.  He stirred the minds of those who were full of pride like himself which led to having Jesus killed on a cross.  How Satan and his demons must have reveled when their rival was brought low, mocked, tortured, and then crucified to die forever.  But Jesus didn’t stay dead.

Was Satan so full of pride that he forgot his power is limited?  Did he really think his power could match the power of God who can raise His Son from death to life in victory forever?  If Satan didn’t realize it then, he knows it now and is determined to bring us down with daily attacks on all believers—especially those firmly committed to Jesus who trust and obey the will of God with resolute hearts for God. 

“Helpless with rage, the Dragon raged at the Woman, then went off to make war with the rest of her children, the children who keep God’s commands and hold firm to the witness of Jesus.” 

Does this not send chills down our spines?

God’s Word, coupled with His Holy Spirit who lives in us to lead us to Truth, gives us all we need to combat the real enemy of our hearts, minds, and souls with confidence and assurance.  Here are a few:

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:1-4 Satan power is limited.

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” –Jesus, Matthew 28:20 As we join God in His salvation work, telling others about Jesus, God/Jesus/Holy Spirit is with us.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.  Ephesians 6:10-18

Satan knows he doesn’t have much time left. 

Believers in Jesus know we have forever! 

Who do you choose?

 Lord,

Thank you for a daily cleansing of our hearts, a renewing of our minds that transform our behaviors, a refreshing of our souls with your tender mercies, and a continual restoration of the joy of your salvation at work within us as we battle your enemy and ours.  Thank you for snatching us out of the fire when we are tempted and deceived by him. Thank you for Your Word that clarifies the difference between you and all that is not you.  We need you every hour and every hour you deliver truth. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

In Jesus Name, Amen

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, holy, holy is He

Sing a new song to Him who sits on heaven’s mercy seat

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, holy, holy is He

Sing a new song to Him who sits on heaven’s mercy seat

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord, God Almighty

Who was and is and is to come

With all creation I sing praise to the King of Kings

You are my everything and I will adore You, I will adore You

Clothed in rainbows of living color

Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder

Blessing and honor, strength and glory

And power be to You the only wise King,

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord, God Almighty

Who was and is and is to come,

With all creation I sing praise to the King of Kings

You are my everything and I will adore You

Holy, holy, You are holy

Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder

At the mention of Your name

Jesus, Your name is power, breath and living water

Such a marvelous mystery…

(Revelation Song, Written by: Jennie Lee Riddle, Lyrics © Integrity Music)

Revelation 11, The Message

The Two Witnesses

^1-2 I was given a stick for a measuring rod and told, “Get up and measure God’s Temple and Altar and everyone worshiping in it. Exclude the outside court; don’t measure it. It’s been handed over to non-Jewish outsiders. They’ll desecrate the Holy City for forty-two months.

^3-6 “Meanwhile, I’ll provide my two Witnesses. Dressed in sackcloth, they’ll prophesy for 1,260 days. These are the two Olive Trees, the two Lampstands, standing at attention before God on earth. If anyone tries to hurt them, a blast of fire from their mouths will incinerate them—burn them to a crisp just like that. They’ll have power to seal the sky so that it doesn’t rain for the time of their prophesying, power to turn rivers and springs to blood, power to hit earth with any and every disaster as often as they want.

^7-10 “When they’ve completed their witness, the Beast from the Abyss will emerge and fight them, conquer and kill them, leaving their corpses exposed on the street of the Great City spiritually called Sodom and Egypt, the same City where their Master was crucified. For three and a half days they’ll be there—exposed, prevented from getting a decent burial, stared at by the curious from all over the world. Those people will cheer at the spectacle, shouting ‘Good riddance!’ and calling for a celebration, for these two prophets pricked the conscience of all the people on earth, made it impossible for them to enjoy their sins.

¹¹ “Then, after three and a half days, the Living Spirit of God will enter them—they’re on their feet!—and all those gloating spectators will be scared to death.”

^12-13 I heard a strong voice out of Heaven calling, “Come up here!” and up they went to Heaven, wrapped in a cloud, their enemies watching it all. At that moment there was a gigantic earthquake—a tenth of the city fell to ruin, seven thousand perished in the earthquake, the rest frightened to the core of their being, frightened into giving honor to the God-of-Heaven.

¹⁴ The second doom is past, the third doom coming right on its heels.

The Last Trumpet Sounds

^15-18 The seventh Angel trumpeted. A crescendo of voices in Heaven sang out,

The kingdom of the world is now
    the Kingdom of our God and his Messiah!
He will rule forever and ever!

The Twenty-four Elders seated before God on their thrones fell to their knees, worshiped, and sang,

We thank you, O God, Sovereign-Strong,
    Who Is and Who Was.
You took your great power
    and took over—reigned!
The angry nations now
    get a taste of your anger.
The time has come to judge the dead,
    to reward your servants, all prophets and saints,
Reward small and great who fear your Name,
    and destroy the destroyers of earth.

¹⁹ The doors of God’s Temple in Heaven flew open, and the Ark of his Covenant was clearly seen surrounded by flashes of lightning, loud shouts, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a fierce hailstorm.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Life will get worse before it gets better.  The place is Jerusalem, and the time is the first half of the tribulation. Israel is worshiping again at its restored temple, built under the protection of the Antichrist, whose true character has not yet been revealed. John’s measurement of the temple is a symbolic action. To measure something means to claim it for oneself. The Lord was saying through John, “I own this city and this temple, and I claim both for myself.” 

John envisions the battle between God and Evil heating up; but we must remember that this war already has a Victor.  Jesus, is our Victor over death.  John was an eye-witness to Jesus defeating death and rising to life three days later!  John has preached this Good News all his life, forming churches to believe and follow Jesus while waiting for His return.  In this passage we learn of two witnesses assigned by God to stand for God in power from God. These witnesses will demonstrate God’s Presence and Power to the outside world in need of a change of heart.  It’s almost as if they are asking sinners, is evil your final answer?

The beast of evil is released to wreak havoc in the world—with limited, allowed power from God.  We must remember that God is and always will be in control of the situation.  As we read, we must also remember that this war already has a Victor—Jesus Christ who has been named by God as King of kings and Lord of lords—whether we believe in Jesus or not.  “Every knee will bow” …  (Philippians 2)

As I read the revelation, a vision of things to come; it humbles me.  We are currently living in our world with all we need and we still whine and complain that we do not physically have enough. We are easily offended by what is said to us and appalled at what is said on social media against what we believe.  We respond from our hearts (who deceive us) without engaging our minds with the mind of Christ.  We judge the world “as going to hell in a handbasket” (I’m still not completely sure what that means) as our faith falters.  We soon give up on telling humanity the Good News, thinking what’s the use. 

As nominal, compartmentalized believers, we call on God to fix our problems, repair what is broken, and “bless us.” But we leave this form of inner worship of self-pity to complain and blame everyone and everything around the perimeter of our lives for what is going wrong…without looking within. 

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.” 2 Chronicles 16:9 We consistently battle the one who is opposed to God.  “Choose this day whom you will serve,” says Joshua to God’s people! (Joshua 24:14)

We huddle and draw close to those who are like us and believe what we think while staying inside the walls we build for our own protection and wonder why they soon crumble.  We live our lives with much fear and anxiety while sitting and stewing in our circumstances—sometimes created by our own lack of faith, lack of learning, lack of commitment with the lack of discipline to be and do what is right and good in the mind and heart of Jesus—who truly suffered and died on a cross to save us!  Then he rose in resurrected power to give us hope for eternal life.

So, who are we, really?  We lack Jesus if we have not given our hearts, minds, souls and bodies completely to Jesus daily as an “offering to God”!  Jesus is everything we long for and satisfies everything we desire to be whole when we give all to Him.  It is by the power of His Holy Spirit that begins to transform us from the inside out!

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” Romans 12:1-2, MSG

The great announcement is that the kingdom of this world belongs to Jesus Christ. Of course, Christ does not claim His royal rights until He returns, but the victory has already been won. Today, He rules over a spiritual kingdom, but in that future day, He will reign over the nations of the world. 

The focus of attention is on the ark of God’s covenant, the symbol of God’s presence with His people. This vision of the ark would have greatly encouraged God’s suffering people, to whom John sent this book. The ark would have reminded them of His presence and the faithfulness of His promises. The Ark—the seat of mercy. God is merciful to His people. Even in wrath, God remembers His mercy.  God knows what He’s doing—Trust Him.

Let us prayer the prayer of Habakkuk—a prophet of God

“Lord, I have heard of your fame;
    I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord.
Repeat them in our day,
    in our time make them known;
    in wrath remember mercy.”

“Though the fig tree does not bud
    and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
    and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
    and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
    I will be joyful in God my Savior.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
    he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
    he enables me to tread on the heights.” Habakkuk 3 passages

In Jesus Name, For Your Glory, Amen

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” –Jesus, Matthew 28:19-20

The reality of judgment and hell is foreign to our current culture; but it is mentioned often in the Bible as our future realty.  Most humans want to avoid hearing it, it’s too much for our minds to wrap our heads around.  Believers tend to soft pedal the words of impending judgement for our sins, whether obvious or hidden in our hearts, with softer, more accepting words of only God’s love, joy, and peace.  When we think of God, pray in Jesus Name, we want to keep our talk “light,” expecting only the good things of God.  Yes, God embodies all these traits but there’s so much more.  God so loved all people of all the earth that He sent His Son to explain and demonstrate His love in ways that lead to His best for our good and His glory.  Suffering to save us was/is also part of the Plan.

Jesus Christ, God’s Son, was not only given the task to redeem us by suffering torture and then dying on a cross; he also provided hope of eternal life for all who decide to believe Him.  Jesus was also assigned by God to be the final judge for unconfessed, relentless sins of ignoring God, rejecting Jesus, while going our own way, doing our own thing and hurting others around us with no remorse.  Those who live only to satisfy their known needs, while trying to flee from His Presence—which is impossible—will not fair well!   People curse using the word “hell” when our self-made circumstances with consequences get harder and harder to handle, but we don’t realize that hell is a real place.  One thing is for certain; the words that completely summarizes the horror of hell is “God isn’t there.” God cannot occupy the same space as sin. 

Max Lucado helps us think through this dilemma—

“Think for a moment about this question: What if God weren’t here on earth? You think people can be cruel now, imagine us without the presence of God. You think we are brutal to each other now, imagine the world without the Holy Spirit. You think there is loneliness and despair and guilt now, imagine life without the touch of Jesus. No forgiveness. No hope. No acts of kindness. No words of love. No more food given in his name. No more songs sung to his praise. No more deeds done in his honor. If God took away his angels, his grace, his promise of eternity, and his servants, what would the world be like?”

“In a word, hell. No one to comfort you and no music to soothe you. A world where poets don’t write of love and minstrels don’t sing of hope, for love and hope were passengers on the last ship. The final vessel has departed, and the anthem of hell has only two words: if only.

According to Jesus, hell knows only one sound, the “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 22:13). From hell comes a woeful, unending moan as its inhabitants realize the opportunity they have missed. What they would give for one more chance. But that chance is gone (see Hebrews 9:27).

Can you see now why the angels rejoice when one sinner repents? Jesus knows what awaits the saved. He also knows what awaits the condemned. Can you see why we should rejoice as well? How can we? How can our hearts be changed so we rejoice like Jesus rejoices?

Ask God to help you have his eternal view of the world. His view of humanity is starkly simple. From his perspective every person is either:

• entering through the small gate or the wide gate (see Matthew 7:13–14)
• traveling the narrow road or the wide road (see Matthew 7:13–14)
• building on rock or sand (see Matthew 7:24–27)
• wise or foolish (see Matthew 25:2)
• prepared or unprepared (see Matthew 24:45–51)
• fruitful or fruitless (see Matthew 25:14–27)
• heaven-called or hell-bound (see Mark 16:15–16)

Are you prepared to die? If you are not a believer in Jesus Christ, you will be separated from God for all eternity. Don’t allow that to happen. Repent of your sins and turn to Jesus Christ for salvation today. If you are a believer, make yourself available to share the Good News of Jesus.”—Lucado, Encouraging Word Bible

Revelation 10, The Message

^1-4 I saw another powerful Angel coming down out of Heaven wrapped in a cloud. There was a rainbow over his head, his face was sun-radiant, his legs pillars of fire. He had a small book open in his hand. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left foot on land, then called out thunderously, a lion roar. When he called out, the Seven Thunders called back. When the Seven Thunders spoke, I started to write it all down, but a voice out of Heaven stopped me, saying, “Seal with silence the Seven Thunders; don’t write a word.”

^5-7 Then the Angel I saw astride sea and land lifted his right hand to Heaven and swore by the One Living Forever and Ever, who created Heaven and everything in it, earth and everything in it, sea and everything in it, that time was up—that when the seventh Angel blew his trumpet, which he was about to do, the Mystery of God, all the plans he had revealed to his servants, the prophets, would be completed.

^8-11 The voice out of Heaven spoke to me again: “Go, take the book held open in the hand of the Angel astride sea and earth.” I went up to the Angel and said, “Give me the little book.” He said, “Take it, then eat it. It will taste sweet like honey, but turn sour in your stomach.” I took the little book from the Angel’s hand and it was sweet honey in my mouth, but when I swallowed, my stomach curdled. Then I was told, “You must go back and prophesy again over many peoples and nations and languages and kings.”

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Two choices are presented to us daily:    

Heaven or Hell. 

With Jesus and the power of God’s Holy Spirit in us we can grow, move forward, forgiven completely and made new.  Or we follow the Deceiver and be tempted by distractions and lies while consistently tormented by the replays of our past sins and failures. 

Jesus sets us free.  The Deceiver binds in chains of guilt forever.

Eternal life or death forever. 

No more tears or forever wailing and groaning in pain.

Choose wisely.  Our lives, now and later, depend on our decision.

If you choose Jesus— “You must go back and prophesy again over many peoples and nations and languages and kings.”  It is NOT God’s desire that anyone perish in the abyss of hell. 

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

In times like these we need a Savior;
In times like these we need an anchor.
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!

This Rock is Jesus, yes, He’s the One.
This Rock is Jesus, the only One!
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!

Lord,

I believe.  I have decided to follow you.  No turning back.  I choose Life!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

In Jesus Name, For Your Glory, Amen

I have been called to third world countries several times over the years to visit for a week or two to be a helper.  There was a time when we stayed for few months to volunteer teach at a school and help in various ways as God led us.  We observed what most people who lived around us lacked what we in our country sometimes take for granted—food, pure water, and shelter.  Programs that have been developed in these countries, aided by other countries, cannot seem to be sustained for those in need or be of real help because of corrupt governments whose officials steal what is given to the poor and take what is given home for their own families and friends who they want to impress. Many people in the world are disadvantaged without provisions or the means to obtain them for various reasons. 

However, I have also observed and heard the beautiful testimonies of the physically poor who are spiritually rich in Jesus in ways that humbled my whole being.  They lack nothing in Jesus.  It is not only their words and behaviors of helping others; It shows by the smile on their weary worn faces.

Let’s go back on the mountain.  Jesus looked over those gathered and began his famous “Sermon on the Mount” to mixed audience of people who were seeking to know Him, curious about Him, with minds more than ready to judge Him based on the hearsay that surrounded Him.  Jesus begins with:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  (Matthew 5)

Wait, what now?

What did that mean to this crowd?  Some were poor, sick, blind, and crippled.  Some were haughty and proud of their Jewish heritage.  Others just wanted to come and see with other onlookers as they wondered what might happen next.  But all were compelled to see and hear this man who spoke and behaved like no other man in their world. Most accepted the Message even when they didn’t understand all the details. 

However, there were those with a specific motivation to judge critically, looking for ways and means to stop the Message.  And what are the first words they hear from Jesus, who is Truth?  “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  How did they receive these words?  From habit, did they immediately look left and right at the physical poor around them, looking down their noses at them, while judging how much they lacked in their lives?  (Do we do that?)

But the phrase “poor in spirit” speaks to an even deeper reality—beyond physical poverty—but to true spiritual poverty. To be poor in spirit means to daily acknowledge our deepest human need for God with a desire to humbly grow in that longing and dependence on God.  Too much?

Let’s break it down.  The Message of the first Beatitude poor in spirit conveys the unthinkable blessing of salvation with all the riches of its benefits upon the least deserving, namely the poor in spirit. And that is all of us!  “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Paul will passionately write to the churches—to Jews and Gentiles alike! (A Gentile is anyone not a Jew, Romans 3:23) 

Those who are aware that they have nothing to offer God in exchange for his favor are indeed blessed with the greatness of his favor.  (Mic dropped.)  Read that again.

According to the vision given to John, by the LORD; disobedience to God, filled with hate for God and His people, who diligently succumb to evil behaviors that wreak havoc on the lives of others will not only miss out on God’s favor, they will suffer for they lack the seal of God. They lack God.  They lack redemption of unconfessed sins from Jesus.  Jesus, who paid the debt of the sins of the world by suffering through torture, humiliation, and then nailed to a cross for our sins!  Jesus is the One and Only who through His suffering can set us free and seal us from death forever! –God’s Plan.

Revelation 8, The Message

^1-2 The fifth Angel trumpeted. I saw a Star plummet from Heaven to earth. The Star was handed a key to the Well of the Abyss. He unlocked the Well of the Abyss—smoke poured out of the Well, billows and billows of smoke, sun and air in blackout from smoke pouring out of the Well.

^3-6 Then out of the smoke crawled locusts with the venom of scorpions. They were given their orders: “Don’t hurt the grass, don’t hurt anything green, don’t hurt a single tree—only men and women, and then only those who lack the seal of God on their foreheads.” They were ordered to torture but not kill, torture them for five months, the pain like a scorpion sting. When this happens, people are going to prefer death to torture, look for ways to kill themselves. But they won’t find a way—death will have gone into hiding.

^7-11 The locusts looked like horses ready for war. They had gold crowns, human faces, women’s hair, the teeth of lions, and iron breastplates. The sound of their wings was the sound of horse-drawn chariots charging into battle. Their tails were equipped with stings, like scorpion tails. With those tails they were ordered to torture the human race for five months. They had a king over them, the Angel of the Abyss. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, in Greek, Apollyon— “Destroyer.”

¹² The first doom is past. Two dooms yet to come.

^13-14 The sixth Angel trumpeted. I heard a voice speaking to the sixth Angel from the horns of the Golden Altar before God: “Let the Four Angels loose, the Angels confined at the great River Euphrates.”

^15-19 The Four Angels were untied and let loose, Four Angels all prepared for the exact year, month, day, and even hour when they were to kill a third of the human race. The number of the army of horsemen was twice ten thousand times ten thousand. I heard the count and saw both horses and riders in my vision: fiery breastplates on the riders, lion heads on the horses breathing out fire and smoke and brimstone. With these three weapons—fire and smoke and brimstone—they killed a third of the human race. The horses killed with their mouths and tails; their serpent like tails also had heads that wreaked havoc.

^20-21 The remaining men and women who weren’t killed by these weapons went on their merry way—didn’t change their way of life, didn’t quit worshiping demons, didn’t quit centering their lives around lumps of gold and silver and brass, hunks of stone and wood that couldn’t see or hear or move. There wasn’t a sign of a change of heart. They plunged right on in their murderous, occult, promiscuous, and thieving ways.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Have a change of heart!  It’s all in the last two verses of this passage:

Quit worshiping demons who distract our minds, work on our hearts with deceit, with attempts to destroy our relationship with God who loves, heals, protects, and provides all we need in Him so that we lack nothing!

Quit worshiping our bank accounts with worry over what we lack.

Stay away from those who worship anything or anyone but God.  Worship only God.

Be signed, sealed, and delivered by Jesus to God. Jesus is the One and Only Way to reconcile us to God in relationship with God! 

Repent of sins to Jesus. Accept the immediate help of His Holy Spirit, and enjoy the benefits (favor) of a loving, intimate relationship with God who loves us most! 

Blessed are those who know Who they need most and seek Him first—for they lack nothing.

Lord,

Your truly are the Way to Truth that gives Life eternal.  Hope reigns in my heart today because I know whom I have believed.  You are my everything.  Not that I am perfect but I am perfectly forgiven, approved, and cherished by you.  Thank you, Lord.  You are my Shepherd; I lack nothing.

In Jesus Name, for Your Glory, Amen! Yes, I believe.

Just in case you missed it—Be sealed for life with Jesus!

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23

Come to Jesus!

With high expectation and anticipation for the one about to appear in concert; we with thousands of other people suddenly gasp as we hold our breaths.  It happens as we catch a glimpse of the beginning of the appearance of the one we have been waiting.  Interestingly, a concerted hush of silence falls over the entire arena a nano second before the one appears!  We hear, “Let the concert begin!”  Then cheers and applause erupt in waves over the stadium.

A similar hush fell over heaven when the Lamb of God stepped up to open the seventh seal.  Imagine all of heaven stopping the music of glorious praise for thirty minutes in anticipation for what will happen next…

Revelation 8, The Message

When the Lamb ripped off the seventh seal, Heaven fell quiet—complete silence for about half an hour.

Blowing the Trumpets

^2-4 I saw the Seven Angels who are always in readiness before God handed seven trumpets. Then another Angel, carrying a gold censer, came and stood at the Altar. He was given a great quantity of incense so that he could offer up the prayers of all the holy people of God on the Golden Altar before the Throne. Smoke billowed up from the incense-laced prayers of the holy ones, rose before God from the hand of the Angel.

⁵ Then the Angel filled the censer with fire from the Altar and heaved it to earth. It set off thunders, voices, lightnings, and an earthquake.

^6-7 The Seven Angels with the trumpets got ready to blow them. At the first trumpet blast, hail and fire mixed with blood were dumped on earth. A third of the earth was scorched, a third of the trees, and every blade of green grass—burned to a crisp.

^8-9 The second Angel trumpeted. Something like a huge mountain blazing with fire was flung into the sea. A third of the sea turned to blood, a third of the living sea creatures died, and a third of the ships sank.

^10-11 The third Angel trumpeted. A huge Star, blazing like a torch, fell from Heaven, wiping out a third of the rivers and a third of the springs. The Star’s name was Wormwood. A third of the water turned bitter, and many people died from the poisoned water.

¹² The fourth Angel trumpeted. A third of the sun, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars were hit, blacked out by a third, both day and night in one-third blackout.

¹³ I looked hard; I heard a lone eagle, flying through Middle-Heaven, crying out ominously, “Doom! Doom! Doom to everyone left on earth! There are three more Angels about to blow their trumpets. Doom is on its way!”

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

The sound of a trumpet was used over the ages as a signal call to get ready for battle.  Although God disciplined his own people, they refused to repent.  John’s vision now includes trumpet calls to signal the battle charge for the final war waged between God’s and Satan’s forces.  Doom is coming to those who refused believing in the Son of God, therefore rejecting God, while refusing to accept eternal life.

We recall another moment of silence in heaven as the Jesus, Son of God, looked up once last time then bowed his head in excruciating pain as the Son of Man.  The crown of thorns had resulted in oozing lines blood that poured over his unrecognizable face from the beatings.  Jesus’ last words, “It is finished” prompted the hush of angels.  “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (John 19:30; Luke 23:46) Jesus’ last words caused all of heaven to grow silent at the words of the Savior.

The skies grew dark as the Light of the world went out—but only for a little while.  As Jesus gasped His final breath, the earth suddenly stirred and shook.  Then the earth grew quiet, the mocking stopped for there was no one to mock.  A believer with influence and means was given the body to be placed in a new tomb.  A huge stone was rolled in front to keep Jesus body in and the disciples out because “they might steal the body to prove what Jesus said about rising from the dead.”

Soldiers guarded the tomb until God’s created earth shook once more and rolled the stone away!  God’s messenger descended heaven with the Good News of Hope—Jesus defeated death and in God’s resurrection power, a power beyond all other powers, brough Jesus from death to life—forever defeating the Enemy!  The scars of torture remained but the body of Jesus whole again.

Meanwhile, everyone else went about their normal business in the city of trading, buying and selling, while Jesus’ beloved mourned Him. No, we wouldn’t have written the drama of redemption in this way. But, we weren’t asked to, because the redemption plan can only be brought about by God. The players and props were heaven picked and God ordained. We were not asked to design the hour, the place, or the outcome.  And I’m glad!

But we have been asked to respond to God’s Plan to save us from all our sins!

Have you heard the Good News that Jesus died to save us and set us free from ALL sins—to be removed and remembered no more?  We only need to acknowledge and confess our sins to Him.

With a resolved mind and sincere heart, express your love and ask Jesus;  “Jesus I need you, I’m tired of doing life by myself. Jesus, forgive me.  Cleanse my heart, renew mind, and come into my life to stay.  Transform me with the power of your Holy Spirit to be more like you as I relate to you and to others.”

Give your life to God as an offering of worship to Him.  (Romans 12)

Then go tell someone about Jesus and what He has done for you and in you today because He is for everyone who comes to Him!  “Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” –Jesus, Matthew 28:18-20

Lord,

Thank you for the warnings, revealing the outcomes of rejecting you.  I trust you with my life.  I lean on your understanding and wisdom.  Thank you for saving us and setting us free to live, grow, expand and extend your love to others because of your love living in us.  When I fall for temptation, you quickly come to rescue me and give me the power to resist the attacks of evil.  You lift me up in my thinking.  You teach me your Word that is the stored treasure for my soul.  Thank you for who you are and what you do for us every day.  May we realize the full extent of your love for us and intentionally love others like you love us.

In Jesus Name, Amen

Listen for the trumpet of Jesus…

Wait, who is a servant of God?  Is it a pastor of a church who is sold out to Jesus?  Is it the one who plays an instrument?  Is the sincere one who leads in worship to God each week?  Is it the leader of a small group or the ones who teach and nurture kids?  Are these the ones whose hearts are given completely and resolutely to Jesus with a even greater desire to learn from Him with others?  YES! YES! YES!

But there’s so much more than who we see upfront.  Servants of God are also people who quietly take a meal, provide clothes, and give encouragement to someone in need.  Servants willingly stop their lives to listen, without judgment, to a hurting soul who has lost their way, felt betrayed, or broken by others.  A servant of God offers a kind word when least expected in a tenuous situation.  A servant of God seeks wisdom and discernment from God.  A servant loves God and seeks Him first before beginning each new day.  Servants pause to give thanks to God then listen closely for what He wants them to be and do next.  Servants desire God will as they seek His purpose for their lives.

Servants stand in loving awe, watching for the nod of the King of kings and Lord of lords ready to jump at the invitation by God to serve Him.  They know that serving is helping others know Him, too.  Servants leap at the opportunity to go in Jesus Name, led by the Holy Spirit who lives within them, to do whatever God says to do. 

Servants know to be still in God Presence, letting go of all that might hinder them in their relationship with God, before doing anything of significance for God.  Servants of God don’t “age out” or retire out of service.  As long as they live, servants of God carry on in whatever capacity He calls them to be and do in Jesus Name.  Servants know they are loved greatly and faithfully. In fact, the more servants realize the depth and breadth of God’s love; the more these servants love and serve others.  Their desire to serve grows exponentially and becomes their way of life! They believe without a doubt that when they serve someone else, they are serving Jesus who is our perfect example of serving.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”—Jesus, Mark 10:45

“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”       –Jesus, showing His love, bent down to wash the feet of His disciples—even Judas who He knew was going to betray Him!  See John 13:1-17.

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” –Jesus, Matthew 25:40

Servants of God also bear the brunt of the attacks of the Enemy of God—just like Jesus did! This enemy is sly and cunning in his attacks with attempts to distract us from God, deceive us with lies about God, with the sole intent to destroy our relationship with God.  Those who say no to evil and remain faithful to Jesus know what the enemy hates—servants who worship of Jesus while falling to their knees, crying out in the Name of Jesus.  Jesus hears and is ready to help and to shepherd us through it, while reminding us that His power is always greater than the enemy:

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” –Jesus, John 15:4

Be sure to read to the end—This revelation passage reflects the love of God with a promise to His servants:

“The One on the Throne will pitch his tent there for them: no more hunger, no more thirst, no more scorching heat. The Lamb on the Throne will shepherd them, will lead them to spring waters of Life. And God will wipe every last tear from their eyes.”

(I’m not crying, you’re crying—okay, we’re both crying—tears of joy!)

Servants!  Read and rejoice!

Revelation 7, The Message

The Servants of God

Immediately I saw Four Angels standing at the four corners of earth, standing steady with a firm grip on the four winds so no wind would blow on earth or sea, not even rustle a tree.

^2-3 Then I saw another Angel rising from where the sun rose, carrying the seal of the Living God. He thundered to the Four Angels assigned the task of hurting earth and sea, “Don’t hurt the earth! Don’t hurt the sea! Don’t so much as hurt a tree until I’ve sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads!”

^4-8 I heard the count of those who were sealed: 144,000! They were sealed out of every Tribe of Israel: 12,000 sealed from Judah, 12,000 from Reuben, 12,000 from Gad, 12,000 from Asher, 12,000 from Naphtali, 12,000 from Manasseh, 12,000 from Simeon, 12,000 from Levi, 12,000 from Issachar, 12,000 from Zebulun, 12,000 from Joseph, 12,000 sealed from Benjamin.

* * *

^9-12 I looked again. I saw a huge crowd, too huge to count. Everyone was there—all nations and tribes, all races and languages. And they were standing, dressed in white robes and waving palm branches, standing before the Throne and the Lamb and heartily singing:

Salvation to our God on his Throne!
Salvation to the Lamb!

All who were standing around the Throne—Angels, Elders, Animals—fell on their faces before the Throne and worshiped God, singing:

Oh, Yes!
The blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving,
The honor and power and strength,
To our God forever and ever and ever!
Oh, Yes!

^13-14 Just then one of the Elders addressed me: “Who are these dressed in white robes, and where did they come from?” Taken aback, I said, “O Sir, I have no idea—but you must know.”

^14-17 Then he told me, “These are those who come from the great tribulation, and they’ve washed their robes, scrubbed them clean in the blood of the Lamb. That’s why they’re standing before God’s Throne. They serve him day and night in his Temple. The One on the Throne will pitch his tent there for them: no more hunger, no more thirst, no more scorching heat. The Lamb on the Throne will shepherd them, will lead them to spring waters of Life. And God will wipe every last tear from their eyes.”

Lord,

Thank you for your encouraging words of love, mercy, and grace. Thank you for reminding us that you win in the end with power beyond our enemy, beyond our circumstances when we call on Your Name. Thank you for trials that show your power and glory at work.  Thank you for peace that comes in the middle of pain and suffering. Thank you for helping us walk through the fires. Most of all thank you for daily cleansing our hearts as we seek you first each morning. Thank you for forgiving us as we forgive others. Thank you for shepherding us to places and people who need to know you more. Thank you for inviting us to your work. Thank you for renewing our minds by your Word. Thank you for refreshing our souls! Thank you for restoring the joy of your salvation at work within us with the promise of “no more tears” of hurt and despair.  Thank you for paying the debt of all sin and redeeming us forever.

In Jesus Name, Amen

… These are the days of Elijah
Declaring the word of the Lord
And these are the days of Your servant Moses
Righteousness being restored

… And though these days of great trials
Of famine and darkness and sword
Still we are the voice in the desert crying
Prepare ye the way of the Lord!

… Behold He comes, riding on the clouds
Shining like the sun at the trumpet’s call
Lift your voice, it’s the year of Jubilee                                                                             Out of Zion’s hill, salvation comes…

(Days of Elijah, Songwriter: Francis Robert Mark)

Ahh, these days!  We sigh deeply when we hear and observe, (mostly from a distance) of wars, rumors of wars, political scheming with slander to win more power for all the wrong reasons, love used and abused as a desire to control another, relationships tenuous at best because of seeking self-satisfaction, being easily offended, assuming the worst in each other.  But are these days as bad as the days of Noah—where only a few people believed God and did what He said? Sometimes we wonder and make judgments based on comparisons—a human thing we do often.  Sometimes pray out loud, “How long, O Lord, will you put up with this—and us?” 

Could it be we cry out when our faith begins to waver and wonder if God knows what is going on?  Maybe it’s not what is going on around us but in us.

Revelation 6, The Message

Unsealing the Scroll

^1-2 I watched while the Lamb ripped off the first of the seven seals. I heard one of the Animals roar, “Come out!” I looked—I saw a white horse. Its rider carried a bow and was given a victory garland. He rode off victorious, conquering right and left.

^3-4 When the Lamb ripped off the second seal, I heard the second Animal cry, “Come out!” Another horse appeared, this one red. Its rider was off to take peace from the earth, setting people at each other’s throats, killing one another. He was given a huge sword.

^5-6 When he ripped off the third seal, I heard the third Animal cry, “Come out!” I looked. A black horse this time. Its rider carried a set of scales in his hand. I heard a message (it seemed to issue from the Four Animals): “A quart of wheat for a day’s wages, or three quarts of barley, but don’t lay even a finger on the oil and wine.”

^7-8 When he ripped off the fourth seal, I heard the fourth Animal cry, “Come out!” I looked. A colorless horse, sickly pale. Its rider was Death, and Hell was close on its heels. They were given power to destroy a fourth of the earth by war, famine, disease, and wild beasts.

^9-11 When he ripped off the fifth seal, I saw the souls of those killed because they had held firm in their witness to the Word of God. They were gathered under the Altar, and cried out in loud prayers, “How long, Strong God, Holy and True? How long before you step in and avenge our murders?” Then each martyr was given a white robe and told to sit back and wait until the full number of martyrs was filled from among their servant companions and friends in the faith.

^12-17 I watched while he ripped off the sixth seal: a bone-jarring earthquake, sun turned black as ink, moon all bloody, stars falling out of the sky like figs shaken from a tree in a high wind, sky snapped shut like a book, islands and mountains sliding this way and that. And then pandemonium, everyone and his dog running for cover—kings, princes, generals, rich and strong, along with every commoner, slave or free. They hid in mountain caves and rocky dens, calling out to mountains and rocks, “Refuge! Hide us from the One Seated on the Throne and the wrath of the Lamb! The great Day of their wrath has come—who can stand it?”

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Will it get worse before it’s gets better? 

As Jesus opens the seals, we imagine it will based on John’s vision of things to come when Jesus comes.  But if we hold on and never let go of who God is and what He promised we will be safe.  If we who have decided to believe in Jesus, His Son and follow what He taught; we will not perish.  Jesus warned his disciples and us—

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. ^‘Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.’”—Jesus, Matthew 24:6-1

HOLD ON to these words of Jesus as we continue…

Our times—

Where we live, work, and raise our families, people are harassing and slandering each other and sometimes killing each other to impress their peers so they can fit in and belong. What people really seek is acceptance of anyone who will notice them—but at a very high cost—they must take a life to have life in the group.  Groups like these are formed in the darkness by humans who have not seen, heard, or experienced the Light of Day.  Some have heard, but have rejected the Message. 

But we must realize we all fall for dark deeds of self-fulfillment easily.  It is our “fallen nature” to constantly seek to fill that emptiness in our souls first with all that is not God.  Since the fall of Adam and Eve, when the sin of self was introduced by the Tempter, we fall.  The Tempter, then and now, seeks to distract us from God, deceive us with lies about God with the ultimate goal to destroy our relationships with God.  (Genesis 3)

Oh how God loved to walk with His “created in His image” humans in the garden, but when they were enticed to “be God” (like the fallen angel did), the relationship was severed; but His love for them was not.  God had a Plan to restore this broken relationship. God knew. God loved. How great is our God?

The real Enemy of God (and we who believe God) is still at work to empty our souls of God.  Jesus came to earth to fulfil the Plan of God to reconcile us to God, redeem us from all sin, and give us a new beginning with God.  Jesus came to fill the empty place within us with all that is God.  How merciful is our God?

When we say Yes to Jesus, God’s Holy Spirt comes to live in all who believe with constant attention and holy transformation to our thinking that prompts our behaviors!  God’s Holy Spirit fills us to overflowing proportions of what was once empty inside us.  God meets and surpasses all our needs for love, acceptance, belonging, joy, and peace with the promise of life forever with Him—all because Jesus gave His life for ours.  Oh what a Savior, isn’t He wonderful!

God loves and accepts us the way we are as we come to Him; but God also loves us enough to grow us to be more like Him since we were “made in His image.”  His Holy Spirit works daily to comfort, convict, correct, and compel us to be more like Him in every way while loving us unconditionally with every step along the way.  His love never ends, never gives up on us, and never changes.  His love is deeper, wider, broader, and forever true.  God is relentlessly faithful to us—even when our faith fails for a time.  How awesome is God? 

So, maybe we have been asking the wrong questions as we judge our times.  Maybe better questions are;

Who do I know that needs love and acceptance from me as a believer in Jesus?

Do I look at others the way Jesus looks at me?

Do I love or do I judge? 

Do I help or hinder God’s plan and desire that no one perish but believe and have life forever?

Lord,

I’m praying the prayer of Paul who sat in a prison cell asking others to pray with him—

…that You may open a door for Your message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, no matter the circumstances of our own lives. I ask that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. I pray to be wise in the way I act toward outsiders; making the most of every opportunity. I pray that our conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that we may know how to answer everyone.  (See Colossians 4:2-6) 

In Jesus Name, Amen

And these are the days of the harvest, yes Lord
The fields are as white in Your world
And we are the laborers in Your vineyard
Declaring the Word of the Lord

… Behold He comes, riding on the clouds
Shining like the sun at the trumpet’s call
So, lift your voice, it’s the year of Jubilee
And out of Zion’s hill, salvation comes…

As we continue our walk into heaven’s majesty and beauty through the vision John saw and experienced; we are beginning to learn true worship from God’s perspective of His Son.  Jesus, given to God’s created so that we who believe could walk into boldly and courageously into heaven with humble, grateful hearts of praise to Him who sits on the throne!  I am reminded of the honor God gave to Jesus, His Son because of His willing obedience to death on the cross for our sins.  Paul writes;

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.” –Philippians 2:9-11

Notice ALL will bow before Jesus, the Lamb of God.  EVERY person will humbly fall to their knees as they bow before Him who died and rose again defeating death forever!  EVERY tongue will praise and acknowledge that Jesus is indeed King of kings and LORD of lords!  Jesus is at the center of worship, honor, and praise!  It’s not about us, but all about Jesus!

Well I know my Redeemer lives
I know my redeemer lives
All of creation testifies
This life within me cries
I know my redeemer lives…

(My Redeemer Lives, by Nicole Mullen)

This song of praise plays in the background of my mind this morning as we read and imagine what heaven will be like for us.

Revelation 5, The Message

The Lion Is a Lamb

5 ^1-2 I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One Seated on the Throne. It was written on both sides, fastened with seven seals. I also saw a powerful Angel, calling out in a voice like thunder, “Is there anyone who can open the scroll, who can break its seals?”

³ There was no one—no one in Heaven, no one on earth, no one from the underworld—able to break open the scroll and read it.

^4-5 I wept and wept and wept that no one was found able to open the scroll, able to read it. One of the Elders said, “Don’t weep. Look—the Lion from Tribe Judah, the Root of David’s Tree, has conquered. He can open the scroll, can rip through the seven seals.”

^6-10 So I looked, and there, surrounded by Throne, Animals, and Elders, was a Lamb, slaughtered but standing tall. Seven horns he had, and seven eyes, the Seven Spirits of God sent into all the earth. He came to the One Seated on the Throne and took the scroll from his right hand. The moment he took the scroll, the Four Animals and Twenty-four Elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb. Each had a harp and each had a bowl, a gold bowl filled with incense, the prayers of God’s holy people. And they sang a new song:

Worthy! Take the scroll, open its seals.
Slain! Paying in blood, you bought men and women,
Bought them back from all over the earth,
Bought them back for God.
Then you made them a Kingdom, Priests for our God,
Priest-kings to rule over the earth.

^11-14 I looked again. I heard a company of Angels around the Throne, the Animals, and the Elders—ten thousand times ten thousand their number, thousand after thousand after thousand in full song:

The slain Lamb is worthy!
Take the power, the wealth, the wisdom, the strength!
Take the honor, the glory, the blessing!

Then I heard every creature in Heaven and earth, in underworld and sea, join in, all voices in all places, singing:

To the One on the Throne! To the Lamb!
The blessing, the honor, the glory, the strength,
For age after age after age.

The Four Animals called out, “Oh, Yes!” The Elders fell to their knees and worshiped.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

We immediately respond in grateful praise with all of heaven’s inhabitants! 

ALL glory to God!  ALL praise to Jesus Christ!

And we sing…

To him who sits on the throne and unto the Lamb
To him who sits on the throne and unto the Lamb
Be blessing and glory and honor and power forever
Be blessing and glory and honor and power forever

To him who sits on the throne and unto the Lamb
To him who sits on the throne and unto the Lamb
Be blessing and glory and honor and power forever
Be blessing and glory and honor and power forever
Be blessing and glory and honor and power forever
Be blessing and glory and honor and power forever

To him who sits on the throne and unto the Lamb
To him who sits on the throne and unto the Lamb
Be blessing and glory and honor and power forever
Be blessing and glory and honor and power forever (blessing)
Be blessing and glory and honor and power forever
Be blessing and glory and honor and power forever (we praise You, oh, Lord)
Be blessing and glory and honor and power forever (forevermore, You’re worthy)
Be blessing and glory and honor and power forever

We give You blessing
Oh, we bless Your name, Lord
We bless You, Lord
We magnify Your holy name
Thanks God
Thank You, Lord God
We love You, God
Thank You, Lord

In Jesus Name, For Your Glory and Honor, Amen

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk by Your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes would see
When Your face is before me
I can only imagine…

(I Can Only Imagine, by Bart Millard, Mercy Me)

While at worship, John is given tremendously more than human imagining for a privileged look past the confines of earth as he peered through the doors of Heaven.  Through the Doors, John is awed first by worship in heave!  Yes, there are blended colors and hues never before seen displayed in precious stones and powerful creatures protecting the throne; but he is “caught up at once in deep worship”. Hold that thought as we read on…

Revelation 4, The Message

A Door into Heaven

4 Then I looked, and, oh!—a door open into Heaven. The trumpet-voice, the first voice in my vision, called out, “Ascend and enter. I’ll show you what happens next.”

^2-6 I was caught up at once in deep worship and, oh!—a Throne set in Heaven with One Seated on the Throne, suffused in gem hues of amber and flame with a nimbus of emerald. Twenty-four thrones circled the Throne, with Twenty-four Elders seated, white-robed, gold-crowned. Lightning flash and thunder crash pulsed from the Throne. Seven fire-blazing torches fronted the Throne (these are the Sevenfold Spirit of God). Before the Throne it was like a clear crystal sea.

^6-8 Prowling around the Throne were Four Animals, all eyes. Eyes to look ahead, eyes to look behind. The first Animal like a lion, the second like an ox, the third with a human face, the fourth like an eagle in flight. The Four Animals were winged, each with six wings. They were all eyes, seeing around and within. And they chanted night and day, never taking a break:

Holy, holy, holy
Is God our Master, Sovereign-Strong,
The Was, The Is, The Coming.

^9-11 Every time the Animals gave glory and honor and thanks to the One Seated on the Throne—the age-after-age Living One—the Twenty-four Elders would fall prostrate before the One Seated on the Throne. They worshiped the age-after-age Living One. They threw their crowns at the foot of the Throne, chanting,

Worthy, O Master! Yes, our God!
Take the glory! the honor! the power!
You created it all;
It was created because you wanted it.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

If worship is our lifestyle here on earth to the King of kings and Lord of lords, it won’t be too hard to imagine worshiping Him forever in His Presence as we gather around the Throne of God!  In true worship of Jesus, nothing but Jesus matters.  Our stuff we have accumulated, the ending balance at the bank, our positions or rank on earth, our fears and anxieties over losses on earth—just will not matter—so why does it matter now? 

We fall down, we lay our crowns
At the feet of Jesus
The greatness of mercy and love
At the feet of Jesus

And we cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
Is the Lamb…

(We Fall Down by Kyle David Matthews)

CONSIDER THIS…

“Is it difficult to imagine Jesus as an active being before his birth on earth? If so, let me challenge you to widen your imagination. Remember, ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever’ (Hebrews 13:8). ‘He was chosen before the creation of the world’ (1Peter 1:20). The normal restrictions of time and place do not apply to him. We would be wrong to limit his corporal ministry to 33 years in Palestine. Long before Jesus ate with Zacchaeus in Jericho, he shared a moment with Joshua near Jericho.

And what a moment it was. ‘As commander of the army of the LORD I have now come,’ Jesus declared (see Joshua 5:14). The human eye saw two armies: the Canaanites and the Israelites. Actually, there was a third. The Lord’s army, God’s angels. This is the heavenly host referred to in Psalm 103:20–21: ‘Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.’”—Max Lucado, Encouraging Word Bible

“Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” –Jesus, Matthew 26:53  We must remember Jesus, while on the cross, could have called legions (thousands upon thousands) of these angels to rescue him from His mission to save us—but he did not.  I’m humble by the thought, aren’t you?

John, the beloved disciple, a witness to Jesus’ excruciating pain, who vowed to take care of Mary as his own mother, years later, on the island of Patmos now joins the worship in heaven with all creatures surrounding  the throne of God with Jesus sitting as His right—just as He said. 

Lord,

Thank you for reminding us once again who you are and what you did to save us. Thank you for the power of you living in us that prompts our praise of You, The One and Only who saves, heals, protects, provides, comforts, convicts, corrects, and compels us to love like you love us as worship to you! Cleanse our hearts, renew our minds, transform our behaviors by Your power, refresh our souls with your mercy and grace, and continually restore the joy of you in us and us in you—this is worship.  I offer myself to you.

In Jesus Name, Amen

Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine…

All this and more!  It’s not about us—it’s about Jesus!