Then the Scene Changed

Scripture: Then the scene changed, and I saw a white cloud and someone sitting on it who looked like Jesus, who was called “The Son of Man,” with a crown of solid gold upon his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. Revelation 14:14

Observation: As everything is going on, suddenly the "scene changed" and John sees Jesus arriving on the scene. This is the final harvest. Jesus will harvest the believers from the earth, and another angel will harvest those to be pressed in God's wrath.

Application: I imagine watching all this unfold like a movie, and there are cut scenes. We cut to the earth to see chaos, evil, and mighty beasts rampaging and blaspheming all about. Then 'cut scene' and here is Jesus, dressed in white, riding on a cloud, with gold accessories, in peace and harmony. The conflict is set ... a wild collection of beasts, all with great might, multiple heads, gnashing teeth, tremendous roars filled with wrath and hate and threats ... versus one serene man, in fine cloths, calmly sitting amidst a soft backdrop.

I know who wins this fight!!!

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the certainty of life. It may seem like every day is uncertain, and that every new announcement on the news presents further chaos and an unpredictable future. Nothing could be further from the truth. The outcome, the results, the destiny, the future, are all certain, and they are all good, for they are all in your hands and in your control. Even as plagues are poured out on the world, be they the last seven, or just some that seem bad now, I know my life and my future lies with Jesus. Amen.

Yet Here I Go

Scripture: When I heard this, I tore my clothing and pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down utterly baffled. Ezra 9:3

Observation: As soon as the exiles return to Jerusalem, Ezra learns they have already re-engaged in the sin of intermarrying non-Jews. This is one of the acts for which the Lord held them accountable 70 years prior, especially because it leads to adopting the faith and practices of the pagan religions of the other people, which is the heart of the sins of Israel and Judah.

Upon hearing of this, Ezra is "baffled". The people know the punishment of failing to obey God. They just ended 70 years of forced exile. It is only just now that God himself has intervened and allowed this remnant of Jews to return to the land. If any people have motivation to seek obedience, it is these people who have even shown enough faith to return, and who have recognized the punishment they have been living under their entire lives. Yet here they go, immediately sinning again, just like the generations before them.

Application: My sins - my thoughts and actions that I absolutely know are opposed to God's ways - are made so much worse because ... I know they are wrong, I know the pain that comes when one is far from God, and I know there is active spiritual activity in this time of history. This is a time when obedience is critical, and I am the kind of person who absolutely knows it. Yet here I go, sinning every day.

In this today, I see how weak I am. I declare my strength, but that declaration must always and only be in the context of how strong God is, and the fact he is with me. If I rely on his strength, I will be strong. If I rely on my strength, my willpower, my intelligence, my logic ... I will absolutely fail.

Ezra was baffled by the Jews' actions. I am baffled by my actions. Actually, I am baffled by my thoughts, which fail to follow the mind and will of God. This is because my spirit pulls away from the Lord. I need so desperately to improve in this area, as my failures are painful to me, and will be all the more painful as the day of the Lord approaches.

Prayer: Lord, I ask you this day to forgive me for my sins. They run deep. I do desire the joy that comes with drawing near to you. May I keep that in my heard, and love you and only you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Please allow your Holy Spirit to be in me and near me this day and every day, providing me with your strength, for I am weak and lowly, wholly reliant on you. Amen.

Usurping God's Names

Scripture: And now, in my vision, I saw a strange Creature rising up out of the sea. It had seven heads and ten horns, and ten crowns upon its horns. And written on each head were blasphemous names, each one defying and insulting God. Revelation 13:1

Observation: In one of the most metaphorical sections of the entire bible, a creature appears. The "creature" receives authority from the "dragon". Another "animal" also enters the picture. The animal orders that people worship statues of the creature, and by doing so the people in turn worship the dragon. Throughout this time - 42 months - people receive 'the mark', and those who fear the Lord instead are persecuted, imprisoned, and killed. We generally recognize that the dragon is satan, the creature is the antichrist, and the animal is the false prophet.

In all this, it is the creature that carries blasphemies, which defy and insult God. He has seven heads, and thus seven such blasphemous names. These are certainly titles - personas given to the antichrist - and are blasphemous because ... each and every one of them is actually a true characteristic of the Lord. These would therefore be both practical titles of the world, such as "king above all kings", and heavenly titles associated with spiritual truth, like "savior of the world".

Application: I spend a lot of thought on my sin, which I strive to overcome. However, I know the Lord's forgiveness can overcome my sin. What the Lord truly detests is blasphemy ... ascribing to someone or something else and worship, love, and honor reserved exclusively for the creator of heaven and earth.

The true downfall of the world comes when so many people will actively choose to worship and honor and obey a being, and that being is not God. They will reject giving their honor to a being of love, hope, respect, and mercy, and instead give it to a creature of fear, dread, and hate. They will marvel at "miracles" performed by living beasts, while rejecting thousands of miracles performed by God. They will celebrate the survival of a wound, while ignoring the resurrected Messiah.

This is how I know the great love of God ... he can forgive any and every kind of misdeed, but will act when the world blatantly rejects his every aspect of love and kindness in favor of a usurping beast.

Prayer: Lord, you, and you alone, are my protector, provider, redeemer, and father. You are the holy one, the strong tower, the cornerstone of life, and the one who sees me. You are the Lord, God almighty, savior. You are I Am, Yahweh, Jehovah. There is none who can every hold any title or position above you, as you are the Lord of lords. I will worship you, and and only you, forever and ever, and may whatever destiny thus awaits me be in your perfect hands. Amen.

Death for the Prideful Beasts

Scripture:

There are three stately monarchs in the earth—no, four:

The lion, king of the animals. He won’t turn aside for anyone.

The peacock.

The male goat.

A king as he leads his army.

Proverbs 30:29-31

Observation: This writer offers four wise animals - ants, badgers, locust, lizards - who are all small and seemingly modest, but he describes their wise qualities. He counters that with these four animals who are "stately monarchs". What we know of them is this.

The male lion does very little, and most are killed young or turned loose to die unless they become leader of their pack. The male peacock is absolutely grand to look at, but is farmed and killed because has little strength and almost no practical value. The male goat is solitary, mean and nearly untamable, and herders butcher most because they only need one or two to maintain their herd. A king looks most like a mighty leader when charging into battle, but is likely about to die in combat.

All four of these stately monarchs - looking proud and great - are actually likely to be of little use and will be killed shortly.

Application: This is the wise lesson of pride. Pride remains a trait a struggle with, and the writer makes it clear how better it is to be small, silent, but wise, than stately and prideful of my identity and position. In such an attitude, one dies, and often without being of any use.

How can I best serve the Lord? Likely by continuing in small roles - even those that may require skill and strength and wisdom, yet are hidden from the view of most. I feel these could be fun roles for me. I do know my work life is SO much better in such a position! I often wish it were not so, but I know the Lord has blessed me with a lesser role that has greater freedom. In the new year, I will seek similar roles again in service to my community.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for sparing my life when I was removed from any 'stately' position. It has been a blessing! I do not want to lead from positions of visibility, and I do not want to continue in any prideful attitude. Help me to find the humble work you need done for your kingdom here on earth. Amen.

Yahweh Sighs

Scripture: When the Lamb had broken the seventh seal, there was silence throughout all heaven for what seemed like half an hour. Revelation 8:1

Observation: The seventh seal is broken, and immediately ... nothing. Heaven goes silent. It has been a place filled with action, commotion, continual praise, shouts of celebration, appeals from martyrs, but now it goes completely silent. What happens next is the seven trumpet blasts. Even before they start, disaster is hurled at the earth from the alter of God, and then each blast brings successive destruction and death. So this silent interlude must be significant.

Application: I wonder ... did God just sigh in exasperation? Was this pause a moment where he finally grew weary of human behavior, and just sighed, shook his head, and decided now was the time for the end?

In verses 3-4, an angel adds incense to the alter that is wafting with the smoke of prayers rising to God. Did the prayers grow so weak, so faint, that incense was needed to keep the aroma appealing and ascending?

This would be consistent. The first six seals are broken, and brought issues and challenges to the world. The world has responded with ... attacks on Christians, open rejection of faith in Jesus, and a resulting diminishing in the amount of prayer to the point that the alter is no longer producing an appealing aroma to the Lord.

Yahweh knows the time has come to move the historical narrative to the next phase, so he closes his eyes and takes one last, big breath. He ponders the aroma of the prayers of the faithful. It is too faint. He slowly exhales, gently shakes his head, and opens his eyes to see ... all of heaven in silent trepidation for what they know is to come next. He gently calls for incense, and for seven trumpets to be given to the seven appointed angels, and all of heaven prepares for that which earth cannot prepare for.

Prayer: Lord, I know mankind exasperates you. We must. You love us all so much, and on our best days we mess up. Your faithful believers disobey your laws, commit sins, and lash out at our own brothers and sisters in pride and jealousy and impatience. Those who don't believe slip further into active rebellion and even hatred of you and your ways and of Jesus. Of course there must come a time when you sigh in pain, frustration, anger. Yet we know that sigh also represents the pain of your broken heart, for you desire all to come to you. I feel you are about to inhale. I am sorry for our failure, but I also thank you for your patience and your love and your blessings, and mostly for your promised salvation. We await Jesus' return. Amen.

First-Hand Experience of Evil Thriving

Scripture: Listen; you have said, "It is foolish to worship God and obey him. What good does it do to obey his laws, and to sorrow and mourn for our sins? From now on, as far as we’re concerned, 'Blessed are the arrogant.' For those who do evil shall prosper, and those who dare God to punish them shall get off scot-free." Malachi 3:14-15

Observation: The Lord is reviewing the ongoing poor behavior of mankind, and making reference to a future Messianic redemption. When the people ask "what did we do wrong?", this is one of the answers ... the people have effectively decided that doing whatever prospers them on earth must be "right" because the outcomes are positive, and God clearly doesn't punish them.

The Lord even knows that, on earth, evil often prospers, and there are those who consciously dare God to punish them and he does not ... on earth, in earthly terms, in their lifetimes. That isn't the final outcome, however.

Application: I see all around me those who not only do what is evil, but even know their actions are contrary to "Christian" rules. They see the positive outcomes, and therefore actively declare that either: a) their actions are truly good and it is Christian ideals that are outdated, wrong, or even evil; and/or b) since there is no punishment from God, God must not exist, or is 'dead', or at best doesn't care.

I don't just see this. I have been told it. And those who don't say it, either think it or have progressed so far in their evil thoughts that they aren't even aware that there might be a God-based conversation to be had about their ideals, behaviors, and thoughts.

When I read about the most evil places and times in the bible, so often the parallels to modern-day Pacific Northwest United States are shocking. May we somehow awaken this region.

Prayer: Lord, as much as I struggle with this mission field, where you have placed my family and my church, I also see how much we are needed here. Please send more helpers. Please give us strength to do your will. Please give us, and especially me and my family, protection in our hearts, minds, souls, and bodies, as we struggle to be different from those around us. Amen.

Ready for the End

Scripture: And when he broke open the fifth seal, I saw an altar, and underneath it all the souls of those who had been martyred for preaching the Word of God and for being faithful in their witnessing. They called loudly to the Lord and said, "O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long will it be before you judge the people of the earth for what they’ve done to us? When will you avenge our blood against those living on the earth?" Revelation 6:9-10

Observation: As the seven seals are opened, the faithful martyrs speak out. They explicitly ask God when he will pass judgment upon the unfaithful of the earth.

For centuries, believers have loved others and worked to deliver the gospel of Jesus, even to the point of being killed, for they knew it was the will of God to reach all and save as many as would believe. Therefore, this very moment represents a major change in the direction of believers. Even the martyrs who have given their lives to reach others, are asking ... isn't it time to stop this and pass judgment? Hasn't this effort run its course, and we can now let these people receive your justice?

Even the most faithful of all are ready for the end, and for the final fulfillment of God's love for humanity. The answer will be 'not yet, but soon', but the reason for delay is ominous ... it is not that there are more souls to be saved, but that there are more martyrs still to die.

Application: I believe the martyrs yet to join the numbers with white robes in heaven are ... the church in the U.S. We know all we need to know about the end times, and the rebellion against God that marks that time in history. And we certainly see exactly how modern times align to those times. So if now - or soon - is the time the martyrs of all time will ask for the end, and God will respond, "when the others have joined you," then the others must in fact occur.

Certainly we know the U.S. church is entering the time of persecution. It has absolutely begun, as both a movement against individuals and now a systemic movement against faith in Jesus Christ. Death for such faith occurs elsewhere in the world, especially in the eastern countries. There is no reason at all to assume we will avoid this in 'the west'.

I am ready for the end. I wish it would come before there is a wave of western martyrs, but I feel that is exactly what this delay is informing us about. And ... I am ready for the persecution, too.

Prayer: Lord, thy will be done. Please forgive me this day for my many sins, and further give me a new heart that repents of all sin and even grows bold in pronouncing my faith and confidence in Jesus more and more and more. I only hope that I may grow in my faith so much that, when the persecution comes, I am persecuted. Amen.

Needing God's Word

Scripture: Then I wept with disappointment because no one anywhere was worthy; no one could tell us what it said. Revelation 5:4

Observation: The Lord is holding a scroll with seven seals, yet no one can open it. We know what happens next ... the Lamb of God - Jesus - is deemed to be the only one worthy to open it. He will do so, and this begins the reflection of the end-times upon the earth. Yet in that interim, when it first appears no one can open the scroll, John cries over the mere fact that we may never know what God says in the scroll.

The word of God is this precious, that failing to have access to it is an emotional burden, bringing us to immense sadness and disappointment. Regardless what God has to say, we should need to hear it so badly that it moves us emotionally when we cannot.

Application: I do want God's word so much that I am moved emotionally. This must also apply to needing God's written words in the bible. I can want to "hear from" God all I want. At the same time, I should so want to read the bible and thus take in God's word and instructions that failure to find the time to do so would pain me emotionally.

I need God's word. I know when I have gone a day or two without it, and become depressed, anxious, and quick to anger. May I learn from this so that I actively seek God's word, and proactively find time in the bible daily.

Prayer: Lord, your word is a guiding light in my life, and I do know how I suffer mentally when I have not partaken of your word daily. May I remind myself if this daily, and seek time with you every day. Thank you for your great wisdom and teaching. Amen.

Holy, Holy are You Lord

Time for a Christmas remix.

Blessed with Just Enough

Scripture: O God, I beg two favors from you before I die: First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs! Proverbs 30:7-8

Observation: In this passage, the writer (Agur) asks for two things from the Lord. The first is spiritual repentance from lying, and the second is simply a comfortable life that will also put him in a position to remain faithful to the Lord's laws.

Wisdom is, then, reliance upon the Lord. We rely upon him for both justice and mercy. Since we rely upon justice, a wise person understands the benefits of avoiding sin and desires strength from the Holy Spirit to accomplish this. Since we rely on mercy, a wise person asks only for their basic needs to be fulfilled, so that they never feel proud of their own success, nor envious of others due to wanting more. It is this "just enough" condition that is ideal ... the goldilocks of blessing, if you will, is that we are comfortable but not rich. In this way, we continue to need daily blessing, but also continue to recognize that we receive such blessing, and thus can worship and honor the Lord more and more.

Application: Yesterday, my wife and I looked at a "dream house". It was ... 8 bedrooms, 20,000 square feet, with pools and grottos and fireplaces and ... everything, with even its own 60 acres of vineyard. Of course, it was more than we could ever hope to afford. We just looked at it online, for fun, and both even independently said to God that we knew it wouldn't even be good for us if we could afford such a place (and we absolutely can't).

I live in a great home, in a great location, near great friends, with everything I could ever need on a daily basis. And I know it is all from the Lord. There is no doubt in my mind that I have little to do with my day-to-day success in providing for myself and my family. Yet every day, the Lord provides.

I am comfortable. I have no need to pursue more. I praise God that I do not have less. And following he example of Agur, I can absolutely say that I ask the Lord for just this ... neither poverty nor riches. I have enough, and my needs are met. May I use it all to honor the Lord, and bless others as his will desires.

Prayer: Lord, you have blessed me beyond my hopes and dreams. I hope I in turn am a blessing to others. This day, please provide enough, and only enough. If you give us more, may you also show us where we should send that surplus to. Amen.

Focus on the Mercies, not Woes

Scripture: I have delivered you from death in a waterless pit because of the covenant I made with you, sealed with blood. Come to the place of safety, all you prisoners, for there is yet hope! I promise right now, I will repay you two mercies for each of your woes! Zechariah 9:11-12

Observation: The word of God continues to pronounce the salvation of all people. Though using the restoration of Judah as the context, this is a messianic prophesy that includes all elements of salvation. The Lord pronounces that he will deliver us from death ... he promises to save all people who choose to come to the place of safety and thus seek hope, and this is a promise sealed with blood. This promise is a promise of great mercy and blessing, as all will receive two mercies for each woe.

It is important, though, to recognize this two-for-one promise. Those who are saved are not promised to be spared from woes and hardships. In fact, the existence of such issues is effectively guaranteed. It might even be said that it is by the hardships of life that mercy is measured.

In understanding God's promise of salvation, this math - two mercies per woe - proves out. If our woes are our sins that deserve death, then every time we sin God's mercy is that he both forgives us, and restores us. If our woes are earthly hardships, God's mercy manifests as restoration of better circumstance, and opportunity to grow deeper in faith and service. Under any model, it is true that the Lord gives to us two blessings for every hardship we endure. Yet it remains important to understand that he does not promise to help us avoid all hardship.

Application: The blessings of my life can only exist in the context of a bleaker alternative. In many cases, I have lived through those alternatives, and I therefore know the love and blessings that have been given me by God.

This has been a year of hardships, and yet I know throughout I have been blessed to a ridiculous degree. In fact, most of my "hardships" are barely issues in truth ... they are more aptly described as personal inconveniences, and many have produced even better outcomes. The true 'woes' - like the death of my dad - have been simply the normal aspects of life, and themselves even cause to celebrate the glory of God.

I should truly be more focused on the Lord's great blessings, than on the anger stirred up in me by poor public policies and depressing news. These are generated from a source of evil, and thus should not be forefront in my mind. Instead, I embrace the Lord's promise ... and I will celebrate the two mercies I receive for each woe, rather than lament about the woe.

Prayer: Lord, your promises are great, and your love is profound. Yes, I know there are hardships, but your blessings that flow in response to those challenges are amazing. Thank you for your love and mercy. May I forever and ever celebrate and worship you. Amen.

A Very Simple Model

Scripture: Try to help those who argue against you. Be merciful to those who doubt. Save some by snatching them as from the very flames of hell itself. And as for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them, but be careful that you yourselves aren’t pulled along into their sins. Hate every trace of their sin while being merciful to them as sinners. Jude 1:22-23

Observation: Jude summarizes his instruction on interacting with non-believers in two verses. He structures this lesson in this manner:

- Intro ... Simply "help" those who argue against Christianity

--- Summary ... Show mercy to doubters

----- Method 1 ... In a few cases, fight against hell itself for their redemption

----- Method 2 ... In most cases, let them discover God's love by your kindness

--- Caution ... In engaging with non-believers, don't fall into the ways of the world

- Conclusion ... Hate sin, but love sinners

Application: I wish this could be summarized in every modern church, for it is so clear, so accurate, so simple ... and so not what most Christians try to do. Instead, we fight the world, denounce worldly actions that oppose Christ's teaching, publicly argue about sinful trends, and pronounce among ourselves the future curse upon the world. We do this while lamenting the world and longing for - and often actively pursuing - worldly possessions and comforts.

Jude made this simple. How am I doing at this simple model? I feel I have grown in this over the past few years. I feel I tend to respond with mercy toward doubters and those who actively argue against Christianity, I try to show them kindness, and have learned to separate the idea of sinful behavior from the person whom God loves despite their sin. However, I do love elements of the world, and I often return to my private home with anger and despair for our world that itself translates to anger toward certain individuals and groups.

I must continue to show - and truly feel - help, mercy, and kindness toward those who doubt Jesus. I must fight find the Lord's wisdom to fight against sin, but never fight against people, for I myself am a sinner (and far worse than many who don't believe). I should continue to improve in following Jude's very simple model.

Prayer: Lord, you ask so little of us as your people. You ask me to simply be kind to others, and in so doing to tell them of Jesus. You ask me not to sin, to show a certain hate toward sin, but to never direct that hate at a person. You ask me to just love. Please help me to do just that one thing better, for I know your will and your kingdom follows from just that attitude of love. Amen.

Promise Not of Might nor Power

Scripture: Then he said, "This is God’s message to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty—you will succeed because of my Spirit, though you are few and weak.'" Zechariah 4:6

Observation: As Zechariah is revealed information about how Jerusalem will be rebuilt, he hears this promise given to Zerubbabel, one of the men who will lead the reconstruction ... that the Lord will help he in this work, not by might, but simply by his spirit. The people themselves are weak, yet God will NOT give them strength. Instead, he will give them ... himself, the Lord's spirit, and this itself will produce success.

Application: How often have I asked the Lord for ... strength, power, authority, or might, in order to overcome a hardship or issue? While God could provide these things, there is something better, which is his own spirit. Compared to the Lord's spirit, might is weak. With his spirit, weakness is mighty.

The reconstruction of Jerusalem and the temple would be massively hard work, involving the movement of huge stones. Strength seems like an obvious need for success. God instead provided his spirit alone, and it prevailed. I should see these as a reminder of my struggles in life. I may desire some explicit assistance that seems relevant to the issue at hand, but the truth is that God's spirit is all I need. With his spirit, I can be successful in any endeavor that is of his will ... and I can therefore avoid even trying to accomplish anything that is not of his will.

Prayer: Lord, this day and every day, may I have your spirit to prevail in my life. May the Holy Spirit guide me, teach me, instruct me, and aid me. In this manner, should I please know what I am to do, and then have your own ability to do it. For I am weak and incapable, but you are great and all powerful. Amen.