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*