Revelation 22:20
He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
The end of the year is one of those times when we all tend to look back at what has happened over the past twelve months. With the aid of facebook it seems I've been looking back a lot further than that lately. But what's past is past. Whether fond memory or deep regret, those things can't be undone or relived.
Looking forward at the dawn of a new year is another of those things we do at this time. For me there's anticipation already of spring break or planning a summer vacation. There's nothing wrong with making plans and looking forward to something. But for so much of my life I've hoped Jesus would delay His coming until...
You know, the normal untils. No until I experienced high school. Not until I learned to drive. Not until I lived through college, got married, had kids... I'm sure we all have our own list of untils.
It has only been in these past few months that my attitude and focus have changed in earnest, that I've re-calibrated my way of thinking, renewed my heart and mind in a way that sets my eyes on the eternal in a never before experienced renewal. Though I still look forward to vacations, seeing my kids grow up, or retirement someday, Above any of those I agree with John. Come, Lord Jesus!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Revelation 15-18
OK, maybe my brain just isn't awake enough today. Or maybe I'm just not really prepared to receive what I'm supposed to from today's reading. But I'm not having a very easy time with the book of Revelation. Sure I know what some have speculated as to what it all means. But I'm not quite ready to just accept their views without question.
One thing is clear. God in His perfection is unchanging. It seems we like to paint this nice soft picture of God as a kindly old man who sends us nothing but grassy fields and clear streams. He's treated more like a genie in a bottle pulled out every so often to grant us a wish. Love, peace, love, kindness, that's what He's all about. But He is a jealous, holy, pure God. His ways are just and true, though not always pleasant and agreeable to our "civilized" way of thinking. All these plagues and this wrath of God stuff isn't easily reconciled with the "Sunday school" Jesus we've come to prefer. I need to see the complete picture of God so I can worship Him as He is and for who He is.
Revelation 15:3-4
They held harps given them by God and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb;
"Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are Your ways, King of the ages.
Who will not fear You , O Lord, and bring glory to Your name?
For You alone are holy.
All nations will come before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed."
One thing is clear. God in His perfection is unchanging. It seems we like to paint this nice soft picture of God as a kindly old man who sends us nothing but grassy fields and clear streams. He's treated more like a genie in a bottle pulled out every so often to grant us a wish. Love, peace, love, kindness, that's what He's all about. But He is a jealous, holy, pure God. His ways are just and true, though not always pleasant and agreeable to our "civilized" way of thinking. All these plagues and this wrath of God stuff isn't easily reconciled with the "Sunday school" Jesus we've come to prefer. I need to see the complete picture of God so I can worship Him as He is and for who He is.
Revelation 15:3-4
They held harps given them by God and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb;
"Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are Your ways, King of the ages.
Who will not fear You , O Lord, and bring glory to Your name?
For You alone are holy.
All nations will come before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed."
Monday, December 29, 2008
Revelation 10-14
Revelation 14:7
Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship Him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.
Judgment is usually not something that first conjures up very positive thoughts in my mind. The fear part, that comes easy. It's probably because I know how short I come to meeting God's perfect standard. But in these past three weeks since I've started my online journal, my focus has shifted, and still continues to shift, off of me and towards God.
He is the Creator of the heavens and earth. He deserves both my fear and worship. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. But His perfect love, the love that desires a relationship with us, the love that took form in Jesus life, death and resurection to conquer sin and rescue us from His wrath which I so deserve, this love drives me to my knees to worship Him. But not just for what He did for me. It's also so much about who He is.
I don't really understand much about what I'm reading here in Revelation. What is clear is God has a plan. He has been more than patient with mankind. But His holiness will not be compromised and His justice will be satisfied. The only safety from God's just wrath is by the blood of the Lamb.
Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship Him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.
Judgment is usually not something that first conjures up very positive thoughts in my mind. The fear part, that comes easy. It's probably because I know how short I come to meeting God's perfect standard. But in these past three weeks since I've started my online journal, my focus has shifted, and still continues to shift, off of me and towards God.
He is the Creator of the heavens and earth. He deserves both my fear and worship. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. But His perfect love, the love that desires a relationship with us, the love that took form in Jesus life, death and resurection to conquer sin and rescue us from His wrath which I so deserve, this love drives me to my knees to worship Him. But not just for what He did for me. It's also so much about who He is.
I don't really understand much about what I'm reading here in Revelation. What is clear is God has a plan. He has been more than patient with mankind. But His holiness will not be compromised and His justice will be satisfied. The only safety from God's just wrath is by the blood of the Lamb.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Revelation 5-9
Revelation 5:13-14
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them singing:
To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and paower forever and ever!" The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Every creature, all of creation was made to honor and worship the Creator. But mankind, we were also made for relationship with Him. IS is any wonder the elders fell down and worshiped? Yes, Jesus will redeem the earth and all of creation. But the Lamb was slain for me and you. His blood paid the price.
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them singing:
To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and paower forever and ever!" The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Every creature, all of creation was made to honor and worship the Creator. But mankind, we were also made for relationship with Him. IS is any wonder the elders fell down and worshiped? Yes, Jesus will redeem the earth and all of creation. But the Lamb was slain for me and you. His blood paid the price.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Revelation 1-4
Revelation 1:9
I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
I have very little idea what true suffering is like. Sure I've had a few traumatic events in my life. Isn't that just "life" anyway? But to really suffer has not been one of my experiences, (Not that I'm complaining.), let alone to have to suffer for my faith.
But how does one really suffer for their faith? How do I discern the difference between having to suffer for my faith, for standing for righteousness in how I live or even for speaking the Word of God, and doing something that causes me to suffer because it was just plain stupid or defending a cause rather than Jesus? Is there a difference? I bet if you asked Fred Phelps, he'd say he's suffering for his faith. Or want about something more mainstream like somebody getting arrested in an abortion protest. Here's John on Patmos, suffering because of his testimony.
I'll have to ponder this a bit. Yes, I need to live out my faith and try to ignore the consequences doing that might cause me in this world. But Christianity isn't just a passive, defensive faith. I need to also be able to hear God's voice when He's putting me in on the offense to make forays into enemy territory. But the key is in making sure He is the one putting me in and calling the play.
I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
I have very little idea what true suffering is like. Sure I've had a few traumatic events in my life. Isn't that just "life" anyway? But to really suffer has not been one of my experiences, (Not that I'm complaining.), let alone to have to suffer for my faith.
But how does one really suffer for their faith? How do I discern the difference between having to suffer for my faith, for standing for righteousness in how I live or even for speaking the Word of God, and doing something that causes me to suffer because it was just plain stupid or defending a cause rather than Jesus? Is there a difference? I bet if you asked Fred Phelps, he'd say he's suffering for his faith. Or want about something more mainstream like somebody getting arrested in an abortion protest. Here's John on Patmos, suffering because of his testimony.
I'll have to ponder this a bit. Yes, I need to live out my faith and try to ignore the consequences doing that might cause me in this world. But Christianity isn't just a passive, defensive faith. I need to also be able to hear God's voice when He's putting me in on the offense to make forays into enemy territory. But the key is in making sure He is the one putting me in and calling the play.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Psalm 117; Psalm 119:81-176; 2 John 1; 3 John 1
Psalm 119:131-136
I open my mouth and pant,
longing for Your commands.
Turn to me and have mercy on me,
as You always do to those who love Your name.
Direct my footsteps according to Your word;
let no sin rule over me.
Redeem me from the oppression of men,
that I may obey Your precepts.
Make Your face shine upon Your servant
and teach me Your decrees.
Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
for Your law is not obeyed.
This is where I want to be, at a place where I pant and long for God's commands, where God's law is such a part of me that it hurts me to the point of crying when it is broken.
Verse 127 says "I love Your commandments more than pure gold." Sure I find it easy to love God's word at church. But what about at work? Do I value it enough to not compromise even if it means less "gold" in my paycheck? In our wealthy nation it's easy to get wrapped up in valuing stuff and our comfort over following truth.
And verse 112 says "My heart is set on keeping Your decrees to the very end." This morning I almost rolled right over and went back to sleep. But a little voice inside asked me if I can't even make myself get out of bed early to read my Bible, what makes me think I'd really stick to my faith if I were persecuted for it. This daily reading and focus on God's word is really helping to guide my footsteps and breaking the ability of sin to rule over me.
I open my mouth and pant,
longing for Your commands.
Turn to me and have mercy on me,
as You always do to those who love Your name.
Direct my footsteps according to Your word;
let no sin rule over me.
Redeem me from the oppression of men,
that I may obey Your precepts.
Make Your face shine upon Your servant
and teach me Your decrees.
Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
for Your law is not obeyed.
This is where I want to be, at a place where I pant and long for God's commands, where God's law is such a part of me that it hurts me to the point of crying when it is broken.
Verse 127 says "I love Your commandments more than pure gold." Sure I find it easy to love God's word at church. But what about at work? Do I value it enough to not compromise even if it means less "gold" in my paycheck? In our wealthy nation it's easy to get wrapped up in valuing stuff and our comfort over following truth.
And verse 112 says "My heart is set on keeping Your decrees to the very end." This morning I almost rolled right over and went back to sleep. But a little voice inside asked me if I can't even make myself get out of bed early to read my Bible, what makes me think I'd really stick to my faith if I were persecuted for it. This daily reading and focus on God's word is really helping to guide my footsteps and breaking the ability of sin to rule over me.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
1 John 1-5
1 John 5:18
We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.
There are a lot of verses in today's passage that could read as though somebody has to be completely perfect and live sinlessly to be considered a part of God's family. If I were guessing, I would say that in the original language this really doesn't mean if I commit any sin that must mean I'm not born again. Rather I think this is probably speaking more of continuing in one's old ways, continuing to commit the same habbitual sins over and over again with not effort or progress towards conforming more and more to the image and example of Christ.
Satan wants nothing more that to drag me backwards and cause me to feel defeated. One tool in his chest is to use my sins and mistakes against me. If I let my focus be me and how I've failed rather than looking to the work Jesus did and continues to do in my life, the evil one wins. I need to remind myself that Jesus does keep me safe. His righteousness is what the Father sees when He looks at me. Through Jesus' love, and nothing of my own doing, I am perfected and can stand without fear of punishment before Holy God. And since God doesn't condemn me, the accuations of the evil one have no validity. He has no claim on me. Merry Christmas. Thank you for coming, Jesus.
We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.
There are a lot of verses in today's passage that could read as though somebody has to be completely perfect and live sinlessly to be considered a part of God's family. If I were guessing, I would say that in the original language this really doesn't mean if I commit any sin that must mean I'm not born again. Rather I think this is probably speaking more of continuing in one's old ways, continuing to commit the same habbitual sins over and over again with not effort or progress towards conforming more and more to the image and example of Christ.
Satan wants nothing more that to drag me backwards and cause me to feel defeated. One tool in his chest is to use my sins and mistakes against me. If I let my focus be me and how I've failed rather than looking to the work Jesus did and continues to do in my life, the evil one wins. I need to remind myself that Jesus does keep me safe. His righteousness is what the Father sees when He looks at me. Through Jesus' love, and nothing of my own doing, I am perfected and can stand without fear of punishment before Holy God. And since God doesn't condemn me, the accuations of the evil one have no validity. He has no claim on me. Merry Christmas. Thank you for coming, Jesus.
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