Chapter 12 -- The Book of Revelation

Please read Revelation 12!

The Woman and the Dragon

Verses 1-2: Great Significance... What makes this event so significant?  When I see this phrase, I feel like I'm supposed to pay extra special attention!

Verses 3-4: Here's the Significant Event again!  The creatures in the end times prophecies are hard for me to picture/imagine... (maybe I don't really want to picture some of the things mentioned) Seven heads and ten horns... Does that mean it has seven necks too?  Are the heads all attached to each other? Are the "horns" on it's heads or on its back or what?  Ten is not symmetrical to the seven heads, so how would that work?  Would they all look the same or all be different?

Verses 5-6: Who is this child?  It would seem that he has not been born yet... But it is impossible to say really... It could have been Jesus...? Here again is listed the 1,260 days...

Verses 7-9:  In Job we are shown that Satan has been able to "present himself before the Lord." (Job 1:6) This is now permanently put to an end!

Verses 10-12: The end is near!!  Verse 12 points out what I think every time I read verse 9... The devil wasn't using full force on us when he could be elsewhere, but now he'll have nowhere to go except earth...  Could be very bad for some people.

Verses 13-17:  So we know that the dragon is Satan, but who is the woman?  Many times (Especially in Proverbs) Wisdom is referred to as a woman.  Maybe this woman is Wisdom??? Verse 14 once again mentions the times, times, and half a time... Are we Wisdom's children??? (Proverbs 8:32)

So what did we learn from this chapter?  Maybe that wisdom gave birth to Jesus, and now Satan has been thrown down to earth with no possibility to get back into Heaven.  So now he is creating as much destruction and chaos as he can while he still can... But if this theory is correct... What about the 1,260 days that are mentioned a couple times in this chapter?  Is it the amount of time Jesus was ministering on earth before he ascended into Heaven?  What do you think!?!

Blessings!

~ S* 

Chapter 11 -- The Book of Revelation

Please read Revelation Chapter 11

The Two Witnesses (Verses 1-14)

Verses 1-3: Many times throughout the Bible, different people are instructed to measure the temple.  One thousand two hundred and sixty days or forty-two months is a long time.  Elsewhere this amount of time is listed as "times times and half a time".

Verses 4-6: When you read verse six, who from the old testament does this remind you of?  For me it seems to be describing Moses and Elijah.  Many have speculated; however, that it's going to be Enoch and Elijah... This is because they never died; in Hebrews 9:27 it says, "...each person is destined to die once..."

Verses 7-14: I wonder if people celebrated the death of Hitler in the way described here.  I can't imagine celebrating the death of someone in this way.  Verses 11-12 sound similar to what happened with Jesus.  The earthquake is also like the day Jesus rose from the dead... Interesting...

That was a long teror (Remember, it started in 9:13).


7th Trumpet Brings Third Terror (Verses 15-19)

Verses 15-19:  Here, it talks about more Awesome worship in heaven by the 24 elders.  Verse 19 talks about the temple of God, and I find it interesting that the Ark is also mentioned here.  I'd have thought that we wouldn't need the temple at this point.  Another earthquake and hailstorm... To me this shows God's Awesome power.  He is in charge of everything that happens.


What did you learn from this chapter?  Who do you think the two witnesses are?  Will the witnesses be easy to recognize, will we know when they show up?  Will it seem like just a freakish thing?  Or will the government and media try to hide/cover it up?  That could be very interesting!

Blessings!

~ S*

Chapter 10 -- The Book of Revelation

Please read Revelation chapter 10.

The Angel and the Small Scroll

Verses 1-3: One foot on land and one on the sea... Why is that significant?  Maybe this is showing that the authority he has is over everything in both land and sea?

Verse 4:  "Keep secret what the seven thunders said, and do not write it down."  Here is another example of the number seven being used...  Also, why did he have to keep it a secret?  Would this information give away too much information?  Would this information have been too much for us to take?  It could have been horrifying, or it could have been the most amazing thing ever!

Verses 5-7: That was a huge oath.  How much stuff did the prophets foretell that we just don't know as "end times" prophesy? And even if we do know about all the scriptures referring to the end times... That's a lot of scripture!

Verses 8-11:  This is not the only place in the Bible someone is told to eat a scroll... In Ezekiel chapter 3, Ezekiel is told to eat a scroll as well.  In both instances the scroll was sweet as honey in their mouth.  I believe this signifies the words going deep into ones being.  In Peter's case the words weren't the most pleasant things to prophesy about (maybe that's why his stomach was turned sour after eating it.) In Ezekiel's case, it was during his call to commission.  I think it was signifying God putting His word's inside Ezekiel to begin his life as a prophet.


This chapter is pretty short... Not as much activity going on as in a few chapters leading up to it.  Remember, the seventh trumpet (the third woe/terror), has not sounded yet.

Blessings!

~ S*

Chapter 9 -- The Book of Revelation

Please read Revelation Chapter 9.

The Fifth Trumpet Bring the First Terror

Verses 1-2 "A star that had fallen from the sky..."  (see Chapter 8:10-11) Could this be talking about that same star?

Verses 3-6:  It is very specific here about who would be tortured.  Like the Israelite in the time of Moses, the people who had the seal of God were protected. (Exodus 8:22-23; 9:4-6, 26; 10:23, 11:4-7)

Verses 7-12:  What do you think these "locusts" are?  In Bible times Peter had never heard of a helicopter or drone... Do you think this is what he's describing?

The 6th Trumpet Brings the Second Terror

Verses 13-16:  I find it interesting that there are specifically four angels prepared for this specific time, but there army is "200 million troops"! And who are these troops?  Angels? It does not specify!?!

Verses 17-19:  The colors of the armor are the primary colors... Sulfur smells horrible.  I can begin to imagine how terrible these plagues must be.

Verse 20:  I wonder if the people with the seal of God, as mentioned in verse four, will be protected from this terror as well?  The people who didn't die that are mentioned in verse 20 are not including the people with the seal of God, right? A little confusing there for me.

Verse 20-21: Idol worship is mentioned here.  The first and greatest commandment... "Love the Lord your God with all your heart soul mind and strength! (click here to see an earlier post on present day idolatry)  Notice the other specific sins mentioned here: murder, witchcraft, sexual immorality and theft...  How do you think America (or even the world) is ranking in that list of sinful activity today?  Sounds awfully familiar doesn't it?

Every day it becomes more and more evident that the end times are near. In the Gospels it mentions "as in the days of Noah... so it will be when the Son of Man comes..." (Matthew 24:37-39, Luke 17:26-27).  Does it seem like we're living in the days of Noah to you?

What insights have you gained while reading this chapter?

Blessings!

~ S*

Chapter 8 -- The Book of Revelation

Please Read Revelation Chapter 8!

The Lamb Breaks the Seventh Seal

Verses 1-2: What was the silence for?  Does that mean everyone stopped worshiping God and crying "Holy, Holy, Holy" for that 30 minutes?  Was it just an earthly instant?  Typically time as we see it and Heaven do not going hand in hand...

Verses 3-5:  The Old Testament is filled with instructions about sacrifices.   There is even a special incense that they were only allowed to use at the tabernacle/temple for certain sacrifices. (Exodus 30:35)  These verses show that similar things are done in the heavenly realm!  This instance shows our prayers are a part of the atonement process now that we've been redeemed from the curse of the law!

Verses 6-12:  What do you think is the significance of "a third"?  Do you think these woes/terrors will be on one particular area/continent of the earth?  Or will the events be divided among different areas?

Verse 13: "Terror, terror, terror to all who belong to this world because of what will happen when the last three angels blow their trumpets."  Do you think "all who belong to this world." means those who are not saved?  Or is it referring to everyone who is still alive on earth at the time of the woes?

What has God been showing you through this book?  Do you think some of these prophecies are coming true right now?  If so which ones?

Hope you're having a great week!

Blessings!

~ S*

Chapter 7 -- The Book of Revelation

Please read Revelation chapter 7.

God's People Will Be Preserved (Verses 1-8)

Verses 1-3:  Do you believe this "seal of God" is something we can see in our earthly/natural realm?  Or is this visible in the spirit realm only?

Verse 3:  "on the foreheads of His servants."

Verse 4:  This verse only mentions how many were sealed from the tribes of Israel.  It does not mention anyone else.  Do you think only Israelites are sealed?  Or are the other tribes not mentioned because there are too many of them(see verse three quoted above)?  Or is Israel mentioned to show how special they are/to set them apart?  Or possibly to show how few of them will be marked/protected?

Verses 5-8: Notice in these verses that the tribes of Dan and Ephraim are not included... Joseph and Manasseh make it the complete twelve.  After researching Dan and Ephraim, it appears no one (including myself) really knows why these tribes were excluded.  I will list a few verses, which might shed a little light on the subject.  But I want you to ask God, and let Him reveal the truth to you.  

Dan:  Genesis 49:16-17 Dan's "blessing" from Jacob before he died, Judges 18 talks about Dan's idolatry, Amos 8:14 "the god of Dan", 1 Kings 12:29-30 and 2 Kings 10:29 talk about sin in Dan.  Also, in 1 Chronicles chapters 2-12 Dan is omitted completely.

Ephraim: Hosea 4:17 and 9:11 some translations read, "Leave Israel alone, because she is married to idolatry." But in Hebrew it says Ephraim instead of Israel meaning the northern kingdom of Israel.

Dan and Ephraim: Jeremiah 4:15 Mentions Israel's destruction from Dan to the hill country of Ephraim.


Praise from the Great Crowd (Verses 9-17)

Verses 9-10: That means everyone!  Not just the Israelites!

Verses 11-12:  The angels and elders praised God by saying "so be it!" Notice also, that wisdom is included in this blessing.

Verses 13-14:  Who are these people clothed in white?  Well, if you look back at 6:11 (6:9-11 the fifth seal) that is where the white robes are handed out!  These verses explain who these people are: "These are the ones who died in the great tribulation."  These verses in conjunction with 6:10-11 and 9:4 lead me to believe that at this point the martyrdom may be complete.  Anyone left on earth whose name is written in the "Lamb's Book of Life" will live through the rest of the end times or live until the rapture.

Verses 15-17:  The blessing/reward for those who die in the tribulation!  Awesome!

Now, I am not claiming to have any or all of the answers here... But this is how I've been inspired to  interpret these scriptures.  I pray for wisdom when writing my blog, and I believe I will be blessed for taking the time to study His Word. (Even when I don't understand everything).

Thanks for reading, and I encourage you to study too!  Look at a particular passage of scripture that God has brought to your attention, and dig deeper into what God is teaching you through it!

Blessings!

~ S*

Chapter 6 -- The Book of Revelation

Please read Revelation chapter 6!

The Lamb Breaks the First Six Seals

First Seal (Verses 1-2): White horse, rider had a bow, and a crown was placed on his head. He was to gain victory!

Second Seal (Verses 3-4): Red horse, rider given a mighty sword and authority to take peace from the earth.

Third Seal (Verses 5-6): Black horse, rider held scales to ration food.

Fourth Seal (Verses 7-8): Pale "green" horse (some translations just say pale, while others say ashen)... rider's name Death with a companion named the Grave.  Authority was given to him to kill one fourth of the population of the earth through various plagues...

Fifth Seal (Verses 9-11): White robes were given to the souls under the alter, and they were told to rest a little longer until the full number of souls had joined them.

Sixth Seal (Verses 12-14): Earthquake, dark sun, red moon, stars fall, sky rolls back like a scroll, mountains and islands are moved from their places...

Verses 15-17: Every single person on earth, important or not, hid and wanted to die. But there is no sign of repentance.

I believe it is important for us to know about these predicted events.  We need to be prepared in season and out. (2 Timothy 4:2)

Have you ever wondered why there are four horses and riders?  To me, they all seem to accomplish the same thing... Do the red and white riders only affect one fourth of the earth?  Or are their jobs implemented on everyone?

Do you believe any of these things have happened?  Do you think we are on the verge of any of them?  It seems to me that peace has been taken from the earth... Disease, famine and the threat of war seem to be constantly in the news.  We did have what they call a "blood moon" not too long ago... Do you think that applies?

I believe, after prayer, much thought, reading, and re-reading, that the book of Revelation is in chronological order.  I have asked God about it, and upon further study, I've realized that God is a God of order not disorder.  I don't believe He wants us to be confused or thrown off by what the Bible says.  He is compassionate and desires that we be "wise virgins"(Matthew 25:1-13). What do you think?

What are your thoughts on this chapter?  Did anything stand out to you?

Hope you're having a great month!

~ S*

Chapter 5 -- The Book of Revelation

Sorry this is a day late!

Please read Revelation Chapter 5!

The Lamb Opens the Scroll

Verse 1: Seven seals: the Lord's number.  Seven shows up in many places throughout the Bible. Examples: Joshua 6:4, Genesis 2:2, Revelation 1:4, Daniel 9:24, Matthew 18:22, Hebrews 4:4, and Revelation 4:5 

Verses 2-5: I have never understood verses two through four, because in verse five, "the Lion of the tribe of Judah... is worthy to open the scroll..."  What do you think about these verses?

Verse 6: Describes the Lamb... Here is another representation of the number seven!

Verses 7-14: These verses explain the worship given to the Lamb.  Someday we will have the opportunity to worship God like this!  What an honor!


This looks like a short one this month.  Verse three shows us that absolutely no human being  has done what was necessary to redeem us.  We are imperfect beings, and would never measure up to the standard of the law.  In the worship of the four living beings, elders and angels, it is reiterated that salvation can only come from Jesus (the only perfect One).

I don't know about you, but salvation is something I cannot fathom.  I know the stories that the Bible tells us, but until we are all celebrating in heaven, I don't think I will be slightly close to grasping how wide, high, long and deep God's love for me is.

Hope you all are having a great month!!

~ S*

Chapter 4 -- The Book of Revelation

Please read Revelation chapter four!

Worship in Heaven

Verse 1: "Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast..." Referring to the voice he heard in 1:11.

Verse 2: "instantly I was in the Spirit"  What does this mean to you?  Would you consider it an out of body experience?  

Verse 4: Who do you believe the 24 elders are?  Do you think they are angels, disciples, apostles, the original sons of Israel, prophets, or maybe a hand-selected special few?

Verses 7-8a: What is the significance of the four living beings?  Do they represent something/someone?  Are they real or was it just a vision?  Why are they covered in eyes? 

• The ox in particular stands out to me, because I wouldn't normally think of an ox as a very important animal... A lion or an eagle, yes, but an ox?

• This being could show us that even the people/things we label as insignificant are very important.  Or maybe these beings could be relevant to show importance to people of different beliefs and backgrounds?  For Americans eagles are very significant/important; they represent freedom.  In the Asian community cows (ox?) are sacred animals.  And to many people the lion represents the king of beasts... 

• How do you interpret the living beings?

Verse 8b-11:  "Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come...'”  

• I am on the praise and worship team at my church, and this verse has come to me multiple times while worshiping.  What an honor and privilege to honor the Lord in this way!  When worshiping the Lord and possibly staying on a single song for a long time, we can get tired or bored, but this verse shows that God never gets tired or bored when we worship Him!

• How do you worship the Lord?  What can we do to stay focused on Him constantly?  I would love to hear your thoughts and findings with this chapter!

Have and amazing week!

Blessings!

~ S*

Chapter 3 -- The Book of Revelation

Read Revelation Chapter 3!!

The Message to the Church in Sardis Verses 1-6

1. Verse 1: Explains who the letter is to: the angel/star/messenger of the church in Sardis.

2. Verse 2-3: Criticism/what they are doing wrong, also direction/what they need to do.

3. Verses 4-6: Recognizing that there are some people who have not fallen.

This church reminds us that we can still fall away from God.  We need to be careful not to follow the world's version of acceptable...  We need to constantly remember to go back to the basic truth of salvation.  We don't need to add stipulations or rules, we just need to follow God's Word.


The Message to the Church in Philadelphia Verses 7-13

1. Verse 7: Explains who the letter is to: the angel/star/messenger of the church in Philadelphia.

2. Verses 8-13: Encouragement and reward!  Reward for being obedient/persevering.  Warning to keep up the good work; and what will happen if they do.

I always wanted to be a part of this church, for it says, "I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world."  I don't believe the Church of Philadelphia is referring to Pennsylvania!  However, I do believe we will be rewarded for being obedient just like this church.  This church also shows that perseverance will be very important!  God will open doors for us that no one can close; we just have to keep an eye out for those doors, and walk through them when the time is right.


The Message to the Church in Laodicea Verses 14-22

1. Verse 14: Explains who the letter is to: the angel/star/messenger of the church in Laodicea.

2. Verses 15-22: "I know the things that you do, that you are neither hot nor cold... I will spit you out of my mouth!" "Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends."

Through this church we learn to be all in our all out for Christ.  We don't want to just be drifting along.  There is no compromise when we follow Him; either we follow all of God's Word or none of it.  There is no middle ground here.  When we are all in fro God, and we do our absolute best to follow Him, He will recognize that.  We are still human, we ill still mess up, but "I correct and discipline everyone I love." We need to open the door to our hearts and let him in.  We serve a loving and merciful God.  A few mistakes won't separate you from Him if you truly repent and turn away from it.

All in all these church teach us to be obedient, attentive, and that the end is near.  We need to stay alert and focused on God and His Plan for our lives!  Then we will be prepared when the storms come!

What did you learn from these churches?  I'd love to hear you thoughts below!!

Blessings!

~ S*

Chapter 2 -- The Book of Revelation

Okay, before we get started today, please read Revelation chapter 2!

Revelation Chapter 2 (I'm using the NLT)


The Message to the Church in Ephesus Verses 1-7

1. Verse 1: Explains who the letter is to: the angel/star/messenger of the church in Ephesus.

2. Verses 2-3, and 6: Praise

3. Verses 4-5: Criticism, "I will remove you as one of the seven churches (lamp-stands) if you don't repent."

4. Verse 7: A command with a blessing.

This church reminds us to stay focused and excited in the Lord!   Don't let the original excitement fade away!   Let your boldness/passion for Christ grow stronger with each passing day.


The Message to the Church in Smyrna Verses 8-11

1. Verse 8: Explains who the letter is to: the angel/star/messenger of the church in Smyrna.

2. Verses 9-11: God explains that He sees their suffering, but promises a true reward/blessing in the end.

This church reminds us all to stay faithful to the very end!  We will be blessed because of the persecution we have endured.


The Message to the Church in Pergamum Verses 12-17

1. Verse 12: Explains who the letter is to: the angel/star/messenger of the church in Pergamum.

2.  Verse 13: Praise! And it also shows how difricult it is to stay loyal in "Satan's City".

3. Verses 14-16: Complaint, warning, instruction and consequences.

4. Verse 17: Huge blessing.

This church reminds us that even God's chosen people were led astray.  It shows that even-though we live in a difficult time (or "Satan's City"), we are expected to stay strong in tour faith and not give into temptation. (Ephesians 6:13) The reward for this is pretty Awesome!


The Message to the Church in Thyatira Verses 18-29

1. Verse 18: Explains who the letter is to: the angel/star/messenger of the church in Thyatira.

2. Verse 19: Praise

3. Verses 20-23: Criticism and punishment... Jezebel (2 Kings 9.22; 1 Kings 16:31)

4. Verses 24-29: For those who didn't stray, and their reward because of it.

This church reminds us to watch out for false prophets.  We need to learn to test everything with God's Word.  A true prophet will not have a problem with you if you challenge what he says with God's Word.  If God's Word backs it up, then you will know the prophet is true.


What does this chapter say to you?  How would you interpret these messages to the churches?  I encourage you to write down in your own words a summary of each church, and what it is teaching you!  I would love to hear your thoughts!!

Blessings!

~ S* 

Chapter 1 -- The book of Revelation

Wow! It's been a while!  Maybe you're glad, or maybe you missed me! :)  Anyway, I feel like God has led me to start this up again, so my current commitment is going to be a post every 15th of the month!  I'm going to begin going through books of the Bible chapter by chapter.  Starting with Revelation!

Let me start this series by saying I never used to like reading Revelation!  I have read through the Bible many times in my life, and I always dreaded getting to this book.  I usually saved it until the very last one.  Why?  It made me think about the end times!  It made me think about persecution... Am I willing to suffer for Christ?  A lot of bad things happen in this book, and it is all prophecy!  One of the only reasons I used to read this book was because of verse 3...  

Since then, I have developed a new desire to read it... As I said above, it is all prophecy!  Each and every day we are getting closer to the fulfillment of this prophecy.  I don't know about you, but I want to be prepared!  So I have begun to read a chapter a day!  Isaiah 55:11 says, "So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. (NAS)" In other words, no matter what, I'm going to reap benefits for reading and rereading God's Word!  Some days I don't feel like I am getting anything out of what I'm reading, but a few days later I will have a scripture ready at just the perfect moment!  God will reward us for being stewards of His Word!

Revelation Chapter 1 (I'm using the NLT "New Living Translation")

Prologue Verses 1-3

Verses 1-2 tell us where the book came from: Jesus Christ!  Though John wrote the book, it was inspired by God.  I recently heard someone say, "There were 40 writers of the Bible, but only 1 Author!" 

Verse 3: "God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near."  We are blessed when we read, listen to, and obey this prophecy!  Isn't that great!?! 


John's Greetings to the Seven Churches  Verses 4-8

Verse 4: He was told to write this book (verse 11) to the seven churches in the province of Asia.  Back then, this was a Roman province... Now it is western Turkey!

Verses 5-8: John goes into detail about God and how Awesome He is (see also Amos 4:13 and Exodus 3:14)


Vision of the Son of Man Verses 9-20

Verses 9-10: John explains the when, where, what, and who!  When he had the vision, What he was doing, Where he was, and Who was there/gave it to him!

12-16: These verses describe the Son of Man!  Jesus used the phrase "Son of Man" to describe Himself when he was on earth!  A pretty Awesome sight if you ask me!  

17-18: Jesus reiterates what John said about Him at the beginning of the chapter!  It's always cool when God confirms what you say!

19: God tells John to write the book of Revelation!

20: The meaning of the Seven Stars and Seven Gold Lamp stands is given! Stars = Angels/Messengers of the seven churches... Lamp stands = the seven churches!


What are your thoughts on this book of the Bible?  What things has God pointed out to you about his book or chapter?  I'd love to hear them in the comments below!!  

Blessings!

~ S*

I Will See You Again

Isn't is Awesome to know that when we die, or when a loved one who has accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior passes on...  We will see them again!  Heaven is a way better place than here on earth, and I can hardly wait to never feel pain, depression, hurt, anxiety, fear, etc... ever again!

This is what God tells us in His Word:

Luke 24:50-53, "Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God."

Mark 13:26-27, "Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven."

 Acts 1:6-11, "So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, 'Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?'

He replied, 'The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'

After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!'”

And my favorite!

John 14:1-7. "'Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.'

'No, we don’t know, Lord,' Thomas said. 'We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?'

Jesus told him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!'"

Isn't that great!?! God has room for us in heaven!  He has a place just for you and me! The death of a loved one is hard.  We miss them.  We don't want to give them up.  But I am encouraged that I will see them again in eternity!  There's nothing the devil can do about that.  

I will leave you with one more verse:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4, "For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.

A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.

A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up.

A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance."

I will see you again!  It is so Awesome to know that when we die here on earth... "this is not where it ends!" Today's post was inspired by the recent loss of my grandma.  The video below is a tribute song to her. 

Blessings!
~ S*

Today is the Day...

The Lord has made!  I choose to rejoice and be glad in it!

Hello everyone, in "Jesus Calling" this month the theme seems to be trusting God through trials or hard circumstances...

Today's entry said to thank God for my problems...  Whenever I get distracted with something hard, I should bring it to God with thanksgiving... 

I don't know about you, but that is not an easy pill to swallow...  I don't want to thank God for my problems... That just doesn't seem right.  God loves me.  He shouldn't want me to have problems, so why should I thank Him for them?...  I don't truly mean it, if I thank Him for a problem... Cause I'm obviously not happy that I have the problem... Right?!

Well, after a little bit of family discussion, this is my new way of thinking...  I am going to thank God for the opportunity(s) that the problem is bringing into my life.  For instance, someone makes you mad/upset and talks down to you like you don't have feelings...  I can thank God for the new opportunity to walk in love, the opportunity to be humble, and thank Him for being here for me because I cannot handle this on my own.  Problems, trials, etc... they all bring us out of our comfort zone.  Out of our little bubble of "self".  In order to survive we need to trust in God and lean on Him more.  This keeps us grounded.  We need things like this so that we don't become like the men at the Tower of Babel(Genesis 11:1-9).  They felt like they were as great as God because everything was going so well for them, they were united, no one could stop them...  We don't want to be like that... Look where it got them! 

Staying grounded and understanding that we couldn't do anything without God's help is a very important life lesson.  Pride goes before a fall(Proverbs 16:18)...

So even-though I want to quit, or throw something back in someone's face, I'm not going to.  God told us that the greatest (and really the only commandment) is to LOVE. I'm trying hard to love others, and to treat them the way I want to be treated.  What are you doing?  Are you looking at things from their perspective? Or yours?  Is it all about me, me, me?  Or am I willing to sacrifice my time and energy for someone else?  I'm not just talking to you here, I am talking to myself too.  I have a lot to learn and apply to my life, but I am going to continue to ask God for wisdom on how to grow in His LOVE.  What are you going to do???

Blessings!
~ S*

What Has God Been Teaching You Lately?

I know it has been forever since I have posted, but I was writing a letter to a friend about the blessing God has been in my life... And I thought I would share part of it with you!

My family started this Bible study thing, where we all read a chapter of a book on our own, then watch a pastor talk about it, and then we discuss it with a study guide that is at the end of each chapter.  Last night one of the questions was what do you need to improve on... I said prayer...  I don't feel like I'm good at praying, or that I do it enough.  I have been working on trusting God no matter what, and my biggest thoughts right now are about not forgetting God in my everyday activities.  I want to keep Him as a main focus 24/7... A specific verse stuck out to me the other night when I was reading "Jesus Calling"... I even wrote about it in my letter to my future husband that night...  It was a verse I've heard hundreds of times, and I even know a song that has the verse in it. "There is, therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)  For some reason that just struck a cord with me.  I have never really thought about what that verse meant before.  But this time I interpreted it this way:

God's mercies are new every day.  His grace is sufficient for me.  Even when I mess up He still loves me!  Even if I'm not adequate He still loves me.  No matter what, my name is written in the Lamb's book of Life!  I am "in Christ Jesus".  I am not going to be condemned.  Jesus broke the power of sin and death when He died on the cross(Romans 8:2)!  I don't have to be afraid that He is going to punish me somehow, or that something bad is going to happen because I have been redeemed from the curse of the law. 'Cause Jesus became the curse for us! "Cursed is any man who hangs on a tree." (Galatians 3:13) Jesus did that for me! I don't have to suffer now, no matter how much I deserve to, I DON'T HAVE TO! Isn't that Awesome!?!

Something HUGE is going to happen in my life in the next ten days!  I have been praying about it a ton, and I just want to be ready for it.  I want to be ready the way God wants me to be ready.  I want to be selfless.  That is something I am trying to work on here lately.  Being selfless.  The two greatest commandments in the Bible were the same thing: LOVE.  If you love God, you'll love other people.  If you love people, you will be a selfless person.  It's that simple...but it is also that complicated!  It is so much easier to say that, than it is to do it!  Especially when an extremely rude and grumpy customer yells at you and tells you to "FIX IT" when they don't even know what they are talking about... But I am supposed to love that person anyways!?!  What!?!  If I think about it, that is what God does with me every day! I mess up, I get mad, I want to punch the wall, I don't pray, I get frustrated, and the list goes on and on...  But God Loves me anyway... With no condemnation...  Isn't our God just the most Awesome and romantic person ever?  Why do I need an earthly husband when I have Him?  The truth is... I don't... (Don't get me wrong here, I still really want an earthly husband!)  But that isn't what's most important.  GOD is!

I love what she said in her letter to me, "I'm getting an ever-growing urgency in seeking His plans and claiming His victory-- not just for myself, but for... everyone around me."  I want that urgency too.  Bottom line, I want to do God's will over my own... Even if that means getting out of my comfort zone, which, believe me... I do NOT like to do!  :) God has just been so real/present to me lately.  It has been really cool.  I am the happiest when I am talking about what God is doing in my life; when I am talking about what I am learning from Him.  Like typing this message right now! :)  It just makes me so happy when I can "tell of the works of the Lord!" (Psalm 118:17) A couple weeks ago, at church, we were singing for praise and worship, and at the second song... The anointing just hit me!  I was shaking/trembling all over through out three songs!  When we got home my dad said, "Yeah, I could tell something was going on with you."  And something else you need to understand about this particular Saturday night... We have been out of the sanctuary the last three weeks because of maintenance, and the praise and worship hasn't been an "free and easy" for us (as the worship team).  We have had to do it without a piano(normally the main instrument)! It has been all acoustic guitars, and very interesting.  So the fact that I felt the anointing during a service where that was all going on!!!  Well, that was even more Awesome!



What has God been doing in your life lately?  What has He been teaching you?  I would love to hear about it!  Please leave a comment below sharing the blessings God has bestowed on your life!


Blessings! 
~ S*

Haunted by Fear?

 

Have you ever been to a haunted house, spooky night at a theme park, or a horror film? Why did you go? Do you enjoy being terrorized? Did you get pressured into going because all your friends went? Did you regret it? Or did you stand against the peer pressures and stay home, or go to see "The Wilds" with your little siblings instead?

Why do people want to do things or go places that will make them afraid? Fear is not of God. The Bible says, "God hasn't given you a spirit of fear, but a spirit of love, power, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7) Why would you want to expose yourself (or others) to things that will make them afraid?

Fear is not of God, so let's avoid things that will make us afraid...

Please check out these verses on fear:

Psalms 56:11

Psalms 91

Proverbs 3:24

Isaiah 12:2

Philippians 4:4-8

James 4:7

These verses have helped me through a lot when it has come to battling fear.  We do not have to live in fear.  God has sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for us so that we may be His children forever.  Children of God have no need to fear: "What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; He is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies!" (Psalm 118:6-7)

What verses do you use when battling fear?  What other tactics have you come up with to defeat the devil?

I have found that praising God is a great way to get the devil to leave you alone.  Every time you think of that thing that scares you, or every time you think about that sickness or disease in your body, give thanks and praise to God for what He has done for you.  He is our Healer; He hasn't given us a spirit of fear!  We don't have to live with these things, for God has sent the ultimate Redeemer, Jesus Christ!  Let's choose not to live in fear anymore!!

Blessings!

~ S*

Witchcraft

Witchcraft... Some of you may be wondering what is witchcraft? Is there such thing in today's world? What qualifies as witchcraft? What things in this world (toys, movies, books, etc...) depict or encourage witchcraft? Does the Bible really say that witchcraft is bad?

Definitions*:
Witchcraft:1: a : the use of sorcery or magic b : communication with the devil or with a familiar 2: an irresistible influence or fascination

Witch: : one that is credited with usually malignant supernatural powers; especially : a woman practicing usually black witchcraft often with the aid of a devil or familiar : sorceress.

Divination: : the art or practice that seeks to foresee or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge usually by the interpretation of omens or by the aid of supernatural powers.

Sorcery: : the use of power gained from the assistance or control of evil spirits especially for divining

This Week's Scriptures:

Exodus 22:18, "Do not allow a sorceress to live." (NIV)

Pretty obvious...

Leviticus 19:26b, "Do not practice fortune-telling or witchcraft." (NLT)

Can't get much clearer than that...

Leviticus 19:31, "Do not defile yourselves by turning to mediums or to those who consult the spirits of the dead. I am the LORD your God." (NLT)

Consulting mediums or witches can separate you from God; it puts your relationship in jeopardy.

Leviticus 20:6-8, “I will also turn against those who commit spiritual prostitution by putting their trust in mediums or in those who consult the spirits of the dead. I will cut them off from the community. 7So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the Lord your God. 8Keep all my decrees by putting them into practice, for I am the Lord who makes you holy." (NLT)

Do what God says, and He will protect you. Don't jeopardize your relationship with Him for a whimsical fortune telling...

Leviticus 20:27, "'Men and women among you who act as mediums or who consult the spirits of the dead must be put to death by stoning. They are guilty of a capital offense."' (NLT)

If we did this stuff now a days (putting sinners to death for capital offenses the real capital offenses), we wouldn't have near as many problems in this world as we do... You can't go wrong when following God's Word!

Deuteronomy 18:9-14, “'When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, be very careful not to imitate the detestable customs of the nations living there. 10For example, never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering. And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, 11or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. 12Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord. It is because the other nations have done these detestable things that the Lord your God will drive them out ahead of you. 13But you must be blameless before the Lord your God. 14The nations you are about to displace consult sorcerers and fortune-tellers, but the Lord your God forbids you to do such things.'” (NLT)

If we would stop sinning against God, we would be a nation safe and blessed by Him. But instead we follow or engage in the detestable things, and we pay for it. All the things listed in the above scripture are things God hates. Why would you want to do something that dishonors Him; something He forbids?

1 Samuel 15:23, "'Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.'" (NLT)

If you think about it... Witchcraft is rebellion... Along with a lot of other things...

2 Kings 21:6, "He [Manasseh] sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the LORD, provoking him to anger." (NIV) (Repeated in 2 Chronicles 33:6)

It makes God angry when we practice evil things.

Galatians 5:19-21, "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." (NIV) (emphasis added)

I think they are obvious, but a lot of people in this world don't know right from wrong. Look in the Word and learn what God blesses and curses.

Revelation 9:21, "And they did not repent of their murders or their witchcraft or their sexual immorality or their thefts." (NLT)

Guess what's going to happen to them? (read the next scripture)

Revelation 21:8, '"But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars--their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."' (NLT) (emphasis added)

Pretty serious stuff... I don't think we want to be practicing witchcraft. I personally wouldn't get near it with a ten foot pole!

What things are witchcraft that might effect you? Anything with sorcery or revolving around death probably isn't a good idea. Including some of the following: Harry Potter, Twilight, Wizards of Waverly Place, Ouija boards (pronounced weegie board), Tarot cards, Horoscopes, etc... Let's face it... The only one who knows the future is God. We don't need to waste our time trying to figure out what tomorrow will bring, for God knows the plans He has for us (Jeremiah 29:11). I encourage you to put your trust in the Lord, not in a Ouija board. He will bring the best out of you!

Extra Scriptures to look up: Isaiah 47:9, Micah 3:7, Micah 5:12-13, Nahum 3:4, Revelation 18:23

Blessings!
~ S*

*definitions came from merriam-webster.com/dictionary/

Halloween To Participate or not to Participate?

A lot of people want to know what the Bible says about Halloween... Should they participate in the dress up day at work?  Should they let their kids go door to door to get candy?  What about those "Halloween Alternative" parties that churches put on to keep kids "safe"?

While I was growing up I wasn't allowed to trick or treat.  I had some Christian friends who did an annual "Halloween Alternative" party at their church, but I wasn't allowed to go to that either...  Is dressing up in costumes bad?  Some of my friends would say, well, we only dress up as Bible characters... As if to justify it...  I didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing, but I never participated in anything on Halloween... So in the end, I guess I didn't really care.

Now that I am older I have adopted my own, personal, point of view on the holiday, based on what I have read and learned from the Bible and other sources.

I personally am against any form of participation in Halloween.  This includes those church alternative parties.  Let me be clear on something... Dressing up in costumes isn't bad... Playing games for candy isn't in itself bad...  Carving a face in a pumpkin isn't bad...  A lot of the activities or things that people do on Halloween or "Beggar's Night" aren't in themselves bad, but what they represent on this night in particular, to me, makes it bad...  "Why does doing it on that night make it any worse than doing it any other time?" you may ask...  

It's what they represent...

After researching the history of Halloween and some of the things that are done on or around this holiday here is what I have come up with:

Bonfires were used to drive Satan away...

Bobbing for apples had to do with superstitions regarding who a girl would marry...

Costumes were originally worn by people to make themselves appear dead so, in turn, evil spirits wouldn't bother them...

Black cats are historically associated with witchcraft and evil; at one point in time, they were considered to be reincarnated witches...

The Jack O' Lantern originated with an old story of Jack tricking the devil into a tree. He traded the devil's freedom for his never going to hell.  So when Jack died he just roamed around the dark places of the earth with a carved turnip lit by an ember from hell.  People used these vegetable lanterns (now usually pumpkins) to ward off evil spirits (especially Jack's)...

Other words and phrases associated with Halloween: voodoo, mischief making, ghoulish visitors, bribe with candy, ghost stories, satanic rituals...

Here are some of the most common costumes that people dress up as this time of year and their meaning*:

Witch: a woman thought to have magic powers (wears back and rides a broomstick); a woman practicing black witchcraft often with the aid of a devil; sorceress

Warlock: a man practicing black arts (male version of a witch)

Ghost: an apparition of a dead person that is believed to appear or become manifest to the living; spirit of a dead person; demon or spirit; a returning haunting memory or image

Devil: the chief evil spirit, Satan; a subordinate evil spirit; a demon; a wicked or malevolent person; an outstanding example, especially of something difficult or bad

Zombie: originally a snake-deity of west Africa or Haiti; a soulless corpse said to be revived by witchcraft; a snake god of voodoo cults; a supernatural power or spell that in voodoo belief can enter into and reanimate a corpse

What the Bible has to say:

1 Thessalonians 5:22, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." (KJV)

Ephesians 5:8-11, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord. 11Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." (NIV)

(For more on Witchcraft please visit my previous entry by clicking here!)

Everything about Halloween is negative to me...  Everything I have listed above has something to do with witchcraft, evil spirits, or the dead.  Why would we want to condone or associate with anything like that? 

And as for those "Halloween Alternative" parties that churches throw...  I think their intentions are good, but to me those parties represent the church accepting the holiday or condoning it.  Just look at some of the things I listed above... Do you want to participate in what all of those Halloween oriented things represent?  I know I don't.

What are some things we can do to be the best example we can be this Halloween season?  If I choose not to wear a costume to work, that may bring a lot of attention to myself...  But what better way to be an example and shine God's light to others!?!   I look forward to hearing from you!

Blessings!

~ S*

*some definitions taken from google.com and thefreedictionary.com

God's Chisel (Part 2)

Scriptures this week:

Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life."

Ephesians 2:10, "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."

Are you willing to let God do whatever it takes to make you into His masterpiece?

What would God chisel out of your life? Lust, pride, anger, laziness, business, idols, etc...

Are you trying to control your life by telling God what you are willing to chisel out? 

What is your insanity?  What do you keep doing over and over again expecting a different result?

Inspirational lines from the clip:
God doesn't make junk...
God is a name above all names.  It is more than a Name and more than a saying.
A father disciplines the ones He loves.
YOU are an original masterpiece.
You'd rather play God in certain areas of your life than for Me to be God over your entire life.
You are either moving toward me or away from me, you never just stay.
It's not a sprint it's a marathon. That's what you keep your eye on: heavenward.
You were never holding Me up.  I hold you up!

Blessings!
~ S*

God's Chisel (Part 1)

Below is the video we will be discussing at the Bible Study this week!  I encourage you to watch it and be encouraged!  Discuss it with your friends!  And don't forget to share below what you have discovered in your walk with God through this video!

God loves you!  He only asks you to give up the sinful things in your life because He loves you and wants you to become more like Him! 

Blessings!
~ S*