Hey Girls!
So we have had a lot of conversations over the past day about GOLD in our house. My son's school did a Cowboy Breakfast (weeks ago) and one of the the games they played was a Gold Rush. The teachers had painted rocks to look like gold and then hid them so the kids could hunt and discover them. He loved this event. Yesterday I picked him up from school a little early (because Mogey and Grandpa were headed into town) and he was beaming! His teacher commented that he had had a BIG day! My sweet little boy... what now? He FOUND GOLD ON THE PLAYGROUND! WOW! He talked about it the whole way home. It was snuggly kept in his jeans pocket. He would only let you look at it for a minute before he tucked it back away. Then it was the first thing he showed and talked about with Mogey and Grandpa, the first thing he showed Dad. But somehow, over the next few hours this GOLD was made to have special powers - it made him run super FAST, it made him invincable, it made him a true Cowboy! We chased him in the backyard - trying to steal his precious Gold and super power - only to fail because it was his! I just love his sweet and pure imagination!
I tell you that story because as I read and reflected on my devotional this morning -I wondered if GOD was your GOLD? Do you hold on tight to it? Do you feel like with GOD you have super powers? Do you want to share it with others, but protect it from harm?
"He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will emerge as pure GOLD."
Job 23:10
Daily PrayerLord - today we come to you with awe! We study your word this week and are in amazement of your love for us. We are looking through hard times to come and we know everything you have to speak to us is your truth. We ask that you reveal yourself to us in a new and rfresh way today! We love you! AMEN
Question 2
Something of great significance happens at the end of Revelation 10:4. Numerous scholars believe the "voice from heaven" in this chapter is God's own voice. What was John told to do?
Revelation 10:4
4 And when the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven say, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down.”
This one small detail speaks volumes to anyone willing to listen. God reserves the right not to tell every single detail He has planned. He made John privy to information he did not get to transmit to us. The one seemingly insignificant moment gives us puase and forbids us the luxury of definitive interpretations and expectations regarding end time events. Did the seven thunders speak hope and restoration or wrath and judgment? We won't know until the end, in withholding this one piece of the puzzle, God wisely remived all human propensity to dot every "i" and cross every "t". He forbids us omniscience.
My thoughts
In this verse John is told to seal up what the seven thunders have said and he was given specific instructions not to write down what was said! Ugh - I mean come one.... just a little sneak peak at what the said? I am not at all surprised, I mean the end times are one of the LORD's greatest mysteries. I do wonder what they said, but getting fixated on it won't help, only God knows. If I get there before this all happens, I'll keep in on the short list of questions to ask him!
Love to all!
We are meeting back at Wendy's this week!
See you all Wednesday!
Enjoy the weekend! My in-laws are here so we are really enjoying this weekend!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Revelation Study - Daily Prayer and Session 7, Question 1
Good Afternoon Girls!
Ok, this turned out to be a wonderfully beautiful day! We were at the zoo this morning - and we experianced the zoo in pouring rain accompanied by the lovely smell of animals when wet. Just spent some time outside doing yardwork and realized how HOT and PRETTY it is out there now!
We missed a lot of you last night - please watch the Digital DVD online(Session 7)to stay up to date on what we are learning. You can watch it online for $5 - it was a lot of information but I found it captivating!
http://www.lproof.org/Store/collection.asp?collectionID=20&offset=20
Daily Prayer -
Lord - I thank you for your word. Lord I pray that you protect our minds as we continue to study through Revelation. I pray we have time to dedicate to you and your word. I pray that we can be in your word daily and if not once a day then more. I pray you continue to reveal yourself to us through your word. We come before you ready to listen and learn what you want to teach us. Thank you for loving us. AMEN
Ok - Its time... we all agreed last night that this study is getting intense. Its time to put on our thinking caps and study. Remember the blessing to be bestowed (Rev 1) to those who read and study Revelation. You can do this!
Please read this for background:
Revelation 11
The Two Witnesses
1 I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers. 2 But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months. 3 And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 They are “the two olive trees” and the two lampstands, and “they stand before the Lord of the earth.”[a] 5 If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. 6 They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want.
7 Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. 8 Their bodies will lie in the public square of the great city—which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where also their Lord was crucified. 9 For three and a half days some from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial. 10 The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth.
11 But after the three and a half days the breath[b] of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. 12 Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on.
13 At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
14 The second woe has passed; the third woe is coming soon.
The Seventh Trumpet
15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said:
“The kingdom of the world has become
the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah,
and he will reign for ever and ever.”
16 And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying:
“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,
the One who is and who was,
because you have taken your great power
and have begun to reign.
18 The nations were angry,
and your wrath has come.
The time has come for judging the dead,
and for rewarding your servants the prophets
and your people who revere your name,
both great and small—
and for destroying those who destroy the earth.”
19 Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm.
Question 1
In Session 7, we forcused our attention on Revelation 11. Please review the chapter so that you can recapture the context. After the quick perusal, go back with me now and pick up the chapter preceding it. Please read Revelation 10:1-4. Describe the mightly angel.
Revelation 10:1-4
The Angel and the Little Scroll
1 Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars. 2 He was holding a little scroll, which lay open in his hand. He planted his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, 3 and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion. When he shouted, the voices of the seven thunders spoke. 4 And when the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven say, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down.”
My thoughts - The angel came down from Heaven, robed in a cloud with a rainbow (sign of God's hope, love and covenant) above his head. His face was like the sun, his legs like fiery pillars. He was holding a scroll in his hand, his right foot was planted on the sea and his left on the land. He gave a loud shout like a lion.
In Verse 3, what happened when the mighty angel roared?
Revelation 10:3
3 and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion. When he shouted, the voices of the seven thunders spoke
My thoughts - When he roared he sounded like a ion and he voices of the seven thunders spoke. When Jack was 2.5yrs old, my parents took him to the zoo when I was having Kate. While they were there admiring the beauty of the Lion, Jack was standing in the window awestruck. All of the sudden the Lion roared and in the words of my Dad, "Jack totally lost it, he was scared out of his mind!" To this day, he still remembers that and will not go into the window for fear that it will happen again. So to imagine an angel with this voice and command is awesome to be.
Please email me any prayer requests you may have - I will email those out tonight after bedtime and much needed run.
Love to all!
M
Ok, this turned out to be a wonderfully beautiful day! We were at the zoo this morning - and we experianced the zoo in pouring rain accompanied by the lovely smell of animals when wet. Just spent some time outside doing yardwork and realized how HOT and PRETTY it is out there now!
We missed a lot of you last night - please watch the Digital DVD online(Session 7)to stay up to date on what we are learning. You can watch it online for $5 - it was a lot of information but I found it captivating!
http://www.lproof.org/Store/collection.asp?collectionID=20&offset=20
Daily Prayer -
Lord - I thank you for your word. Lord I pray that you protect our minds as we continue to study through Revelation. I pray we have time to dedicate to you and your word. I pray that we can be in your word daily and if not once a day then more. I pray you continue to reveal yourself to us through your word. We come before you ready to listen and learn what you want to teach us. Thank you for loving us. AMEN
Ok - Its time... we all agreed last night that this study is getting intense. Its time to put on our thinking caps and study. Remember the blessing to be bestowed (Rev 1) to those who read and study Revelation. You can do this!
Please read this for background:
Revelation 11
The Two Witnesses
1 I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers. 2 But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months. 3 And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 They are “the two olive trees” and the two lampstands, and “they stand before the Lord of the earth.”[a] 5 If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. 6 They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want.
7 Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. 8 Their bodies will lie in the public square of the great city—which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where also their Lord was crucified. 9 For three and a half days some from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial. 10 The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth.
11 But after the three and a half days the breath[b] of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. 12 Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on.
13 At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
14 The second woe has passed; the third woe is coming soon.
The Seventh Trumpet
15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said:
“The kingdom of the world has become
the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah,
and he will reign for ever and ever.”
16 And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying:
“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,
the One who is and who was,
because you have taken your great power
and have begun to reign.
18 The nations were angry,
and your wrath has come.
The time has come for judging the dead,
and for rewarding your servants the prophets
and your people who revere your name,
both great and small—
and for destroying those who destroy the earth.”
19 Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm.
Question 1
In Session 7, we forcused our attention on Revelation 11. Please review the chapter so that you can recapture the context. After the quick perusal, go back with me now and pick up the chapter preceding it. Please read Revelation 10:1-4. Describe the mightly angel.
Revelation 10:1-4
The Angel and the Little Scroll
1 Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars. 2 He was holding a little scroll, which lay open in his hand. He planted his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, 3 and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion. When he shouted, the voices of the seven thunders spoke. 4 And when the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven say, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down.”
My thoughts - The angel came down from Heaven, robed in a cloud with a rainbow (sign of God's hope, love and covenant) above his head. His face was like the sun, his legs like fiery pillars. He was holding a scroll in his hand, his right foot was planted on the sea and his left on the land. He gave a loud shout like a lion.
In Verse 3, what happened when the mighty angel roared?
Revelation 10:3
3 and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion. When he shouted, the voices of the seven thunders spoke
My thoughts - When he roared he sounded like a ion and he voices of the seven thunders spoke. When Jack was 2.5yrs old, my parents took him to the zoo when I was having Kate. While they were there admiring the beauty of the Lion, Jack was standing in the window awestruck. All of the sudden the Lion roared and in the words of my Dad, "Jack totally lost it, he was scared out of his mind!" To this day, he still remembers that and will not go into the window for fear that it will happen again. So to imagine an angel with this voice and command is awesome to be.
Please email me any prayer requests you may have - I will email those out tonight after bedtime and much needed run.
Love to all!
M
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Revelation Study - Daily Prayer and Session Six, Final Question
Good Afternoon Girls!
Wow - what an ugly day outside! I would love to see the sun peak out sometime today - you all know how much I need and love my Vitamin D! I am so excited to see all of you tonight AT Sharon's and to watch the next DVD! This is such an awesome bible study!
Daily Prayer:
Lord - Thank you so much to today! I praise you for time to sit here quietly and study your Word. I love that I am able to open it freely and to let it fill me up! I come to you today and ask you to fill my cup up today with YOU! I want to know more of you and I want to see more of you! I see you outside in nature, I see you in husband, I see you in my wonderful children, I see you all around and now I want to feel your arms around me! I love you and pray for a fresh revelation of you today. In your awesome name I pray - AMEN!
Question 6
Read Revelation 7:17 very carefully and contrast it to Psalm 23:1-2. To what kind of water does the Shepard lead them in Psalm 23:2? To what exact kind of water does the Shepard lead them in Revelation 7:17.
Revelation 7:17
17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne
will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’[a]
‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’[b]”
Psalm 23:1-2 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
My Thoughts - In Revelation 7:17 he leads them to springs of living water - showing that Christ in our life line and how we stop being spiritually thirsty. In Psalm 23:2 He lead me beside quiet waters - In my mind this the Lord teaching us to sit and listen to him, to be silent and wait for him. It is I believe a comparison between life on Earth and life with Him. The quiet waters being what it is like here on Earth - hard to hear him over the other NOISE around. The springs of water being Heaven - where the water is also rejoicing and ready to praise him too. I cannot even begin to imagine what it will be like....
What are your thoughts?
See you at Sharon's tonight at 7:30pm
Love to all -
M
Wow - what an ugly day outside! I would love to see the sun peak out sometime today - you all know how much I need and love my Vitamin D! I am so excited to see all of you tonight AT Sharon's and to watch the next DVD! This is such an awesome bible study!
Daily Prayer:
Lord - Thank you so much to today! I praise you for time to sit here quietly and study your Word. I love that I am able to open it freely and to let it fill me up! I come to you today and ask you to fill my cup up today with YOU! I want to know more of you and I want to see more of you! I see you outside in nature, I see you in husband, I see you in my wonderful children, I see you all around and now I want to feel your arms around me! I love you and pray for a fresh revelation of you today. In your awesome name I pray - AMEN!
Question 6
Read Revelation 7:17 very carefully and contrast it to Psalm 23:1-2. To what kind of water does the Shepard lead them in Psalm 23:2? To what exact kind of water does the Shepard lead them in Revelation 7:17.
Revelation 7:17
17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne
will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’[a]
‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’[b]”
Psalm 23:1-2 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
My Thoughts - In Revelation 7:17 he leads them to springs of living water - showing that Christ in our life line and how we stop being spiritually thirsty. In Psalm 23:2 He lead me beside quiet waters - In my mind this the Lord teaching us to sit and listen to him, to be silent and wait for him. It is I believe a comparison between life on Earth and life with Him. The quiet waters being what it is like here on Earth - hard to hear him over the other NOISE around. The springs of water being Heaven - where the water is also rejoicing and ready to praise him too. I cannot even begin to imagine what it will be like....
What are your thoughts?
See you at Sharon's tonight at 7:30pm
Love to all -
M
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Revelation Study - Daily Prayer, Session Six-Question 5, Study at Sharon's house tomorrow
Bible study tomorrow night will be at Sharon's house. She lives in Stone Oak, close to Ashley's neighborhood. We will start at 7:30 and here is her information:
Sharon Magill
25233 Battle Lake
San Antonio, Texas
The Waters of Canyon Springs
Gate Code #1804
The great part is that Sharon will get to show off all her hard work at her house! Its amazing and more amazing to know she did it all herself....literally! Please email me back so I know you got this email! I have snack for tomorrow.
Daily Prayer:
Lord, thank you so much for this day! WE come to you yearning to know more of you, and today we look to your word to know more! We pray for understanding and revelation as we read and reflect on the message set before us. We pray that you show us a new part of you today! We love you and praise you! AMEN
Love this verse:
"Look, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me." Isaiah 49:16
My devotional says - All our lives God retains the strong feelings toward us that infants evoke in their parents, because He never had to let us go! He's not rearing us to leave home, but to come home! AMEN!
Question 5
Please don't miss the beauty of the angels in verse 11 listening to the multitudeof the redeemed in verse 10 crying out their praises to God and waving palm branches. Angels have given unceasing and lofty praises to God throughout all of time since their creation. Imagine what is must be like for them to listen to us. Note the specific cry of the redeemed in Revelation 7:10. What did they proclaim as belonging to God and to the Lamb?
Revelation 7:10-12
10 And they cried out in a loud voice:
“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”
11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying:
“Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!”
My Thoughts: They were proclaiming, "Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!" They were honoring God and becoming prepared for his reign. What an awesome sound and vision!
In light of the word you just recorded, read 1 Peter 1:10-12. What concepts are conveyed in this segment:
1 Peter 1:10-12
10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
My thoughts: All of the work of the prophets and God's followers (his Disciples, workers, Christians, etc) are to do; this work of leading people to Christ is for Him not for US! We do his work to fulfill our purpose in Christ of being his workers to further his kingdom here on Earth in preparation for the new kingdom.
In particular what does it say about angels at the end of 1 Peter 1:12?
1 Peter 1:12
12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
My thoughts: It is all so wonderful that even the angels are awestruck with Him! What an amazing sight!
I am so excited to see all of you tomorrow! Please come, even if you have not kept up with the homework. You can look at the Blog for a summary of the homework and can watch last week's (session 6) DVD at the website below:
http://www.lproof.org/Store/collection.asp?collectionID=20&offset=10
Love to all!
M
Sharon Magill
25233 Battle Lake
San Antonio, Texas
The Waters of Canyon Springs
Gate Code #1804
The great part is that Sharon will get to show off all her hard work at her house! Its amazing and more amazing to know she did it all herself....literally! Please email me back so I know you got this email! I have snack for tomorrow.
Daily Prayer:
Lord, thank you so much for this day! WE come to you yearning to know more of you, and today we look to your word to know more! We pray for understanding and revelation as we read and reflect on the message set before us. We pray that you show us a new part of you today! We love you and praise you! AMEN
Love this verse:
"Look, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me." Isaiah 49:16
My devotional says - All our lives God retains the strong feelings toward us that infants evoke in their parents, because He never had to let us go! He's not rearing us to leave home, but to come home! AMEN!
Question 5
Please don't miss the beauty of the angels in verse 11 listening to the multitudeof the redeemed in verse 10 crying out their praises to God and waving palm branches. Angels have given unceasing and lofty praises to God throughout all of time since their creation. Imagine what is must be like for them to listen to us. Note the specific cry of the redeemed in Revelation 7:10. What did they proclaim as belonging to God and to the Lamb?
Revelation 7:10-12
10 And they cried out in a loud voice:
“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”
11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying:
“Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!”
My Thoughts: They were proclaiming, "Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!" They were honoring God and becoming prepared for his reign. What an awesome sound and vision!
In light of the word you just recorded, read 1 Peter 1:10-12. What concepts are conveyed in this segment:
1 Peter 1:10-12
10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
My thoughts: All of the work of the prophets and God's followers (his Disciples, workers, Christians, etc) are to do; this work of leading people to Christ is for Him not for US! We do his work to fulfill our purpose in Christ of being his workers to further his kingdom here on Earth in preparation for the new kingdom.
In particular what does it say about angels at the end of 1 Peter 1:12?
1 Peter 1:12
12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
My thoughts: It is all so wonderful that even the angels are awestruck with Him! What an amazing sight!
I am so excited to see all of you tomorrow! Please come, even if you have not kept up with the homework. You can look at the Blog for a summary of the homework and can watch last week's (session 6) DVD at the website below:
http://www.lproof.org/Store/collection.asp?collectionID=20&offset=10
Love to all!
M
Monday, February 21, 2011
Revelation Study - Daily Prayer and Session 6, Question 4
Good Afternoon Girls!
Wow, what a great day this is turning out to be! I love that the sun has decided to peak out and glow over earth today! It was kinda yucky this morning, feeling the anxiety of being in the house all day was overwhelming! Not anymore, we'll be heading out after naps!
Daily Prayer:
Lord, today as I reflect on my devotional I am reminded of your grace and forgiveness for our pasts and for our sins. We are not perfect and its only through you we are forgiven and changed. In Philippians 3:13 we are reminded "One thing you do: forgetting what is behind and reachign forward to what is ahead..." We come to you today and lay down those burdens from our past and walk ahead! We are no longer plagued by them and brought down by them! We lay them before you! Praise you for being a merciful Lord, we love you. Today as we reflect on your word, we also ask that you reveal yourself to us in a new and original way. God, we love you and praise you! AMEN
Ok, let's get into the Word, this is going to be great!
Question 4
Let's turn our attention to the latter half of Revelation 7. Read and celebrate verse 9. Record exactly who will comprise the "great multitude" envisioned in the verse.
Revelation 7:9
9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.
My thoughts: Its is US! No more suffering, we will be with the Lord and all will be Great! Remember that when HE created earth he said "and it was good" (Genesis 1). I truely believe Heaven's Throne will be awesomely great!
What people or nation do you particularly love to anticipate as participants in this great multitude? Explain.
My thoughts - I am so anxious to celebrate with those who have had to hid or disguise their faith due to persecusion. Those in China, the Middle East, etc. Those who cannot openly read their Bibles in public and those who cannot pray before eating out.... I mean wow! I bet their jaws will be on the floor in awe of his greatness! What a wonderful day it will be!
Wow, what a great day this is turning out to be! I love that the sun has decided to peak out and glow over earth today! It was kinda yucky this morning, feeling the anxiety of being in the house all day was overwhelming! Not anymore, we'll be heading out after naps!
Daily Prayer:
Lord, today as I reflect on my devotional I am reminded of your grace and forgiveness for our pasts and for our sins. We are not perfect and its only through you we are forgiven and changed. In Philippians 3:13 we are reminded "One thing you do: forgetting what is behind and reachign forward to what is ahead..." We come to you today and lay down those burdens from our past and walk ahead! We are no longer plagued by them and brought down by them! We lay them before you! Praise you for being a merciful Lord, we love you. Today as we reflect on your word, we also ask that you reveal yourself to us in a new and original way. God, we love you and praise you! AMEN
Ok, let's get into the Word, this is going to be great!
Question 4
Let's turn our attention to the latter half of Revelation 7. Read and celebrate verse 9. Record exactly who will comprise the "great multitude" envisioned in the verse.
Revelation 7:9
9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.
My thoughts: Its is US! No more suffering, we will be with the Lord and all will be Great! Remember that when HE created earth he said "and it was good" (Genesis 1). I truely believe Heaven's Throne will be awesomely great!
What people or nation do you particularly love to anticipate as participants in this great multitude? Explain.
My thoughts - I am so anxious to celebrate with those who have had to hid or disguise their faith due to persecusion. Those in China, the Middle East, etc. Those who cannot openly read their Bibles in public and those who cannot pray before eating out.... I mean wow! I bet their jaws will be on the floor in awe of his greatness! What a wonderful day it will be!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Revelation Study - Daily Prayer and Session Six Questions 2 and 3
Daily Prayer
Lord - Thank you for today! Thank you for placing each and every one of us here in this place to honor you! We are beyond grateful for you and praise you for the blessings you have bestowed to us! We look to YOU and your Word for a fresh revelation of you! Please revel yourself to us....we yearn to hear you! Praise you Lord! AMEN
Let's put pause on the world right now and get into God's Word!
Question 2
Glance back at the listening guide where we talked about the explanation of the seals. Beth brought several Scriptures up to demonstrate how New Testament believers are also sealed. Let's look at the scriptures below and study their meaning.
Ephesians 1:13-14
13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
My Study Bible Notes - Just as a seal signifies authentic ownership, the Holy Spirit in believer's life signifies God's ownership (2Cor 1:22)
Ephesians 4:30
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
My Study Bible Notes - Believers must not alienate God's Holy Spirit, who identifies the as belonging to God. The presence of the Spirit (the seal of Christ) both confirms and guarentees the future redemption of believers (Rom 8:16-17, 2Cor1:22, 1John 4:19)
2 Corinthians 1:22
22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
My Study Bible Notes - All believers are identified as his own, literally sealed, by the Holy Spirit, who is God's gift to his people. (Rom 8:1-27, Gal 3:2-7, 5:5-6, 16-26, Eph 1:13-14)
Question 3
Reflecting on the Scriptures we recorded in Question 2, read 2Timothy 2:19 and record specific facts it adds to the mix in our discussion of seals.
2 Timothy 2:19
19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
My Thoughts - I wonder if we are sealed with the same inscription that God stands on! How awesome! I mean MARK ME! I WANT TO WEAR YOUR SEAL! The Lord knows me because I am HIS, ALL HIS! The least I can do to thank GOD for his son and ultimate sacrifice is turn away from wickedness. I know that I need GOD to do this! I am a sinner and its only through God's grace that I am saved and forgiven!
Now read the next two verses, 2 Timothy 2:20-21 and write the assurance of God in your own words:
2 Timothy 2:20-21
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
My Thoughts - I am cleaned through forgiveness from God. I want to be cleaned so I can used for God's special purposes. I want to be useful to my Father and Master. I want to be prepared to ANY good work. There I wrote it down, now I am accountable! Praise the LORD!
Love to all!
M
Lord - Thank you for today! Thank you for placing each and every one of us here in this place to honor you! We are beyond grateful for you and praise you for the blessings you have bestowed to us! We look to YOU and your Word for a fresh revelation of you! Please revel yourself to us....we yearn to hear you! Praise you Lord! AMEN
Let's put pause on the world right now and get into God's Word!
Question 2
Glance back at the listening guide where we talked about the explanation of the seals. Beth brought several Scriptures up to demonstrate how New Testament believers are also sealed. Let's look at the scriptures below and study their meaning.
Ephesians 1:13-14
13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
My Study Bible Notes - Just as a seal signifies authentic ownership, the Holy Spirit in believer's life signifies God's ownership (2Cor 1:22)
Ephesians 4:30
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
My Study Bible Notes - Believers must not alienate God's Holy Spirit, who identifies the as belonging to God. The presence of the Spirit (the seal of Christ) both confirms and guarentees the future redemption of believers (Rom 8:16-17, 2Cor1:22, 1John 4:19)
2 Corinthians 1:22
22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
My Study Bible Notes - All believers are identified as his own, literally sealed, by the Holy Spirit, who is God's gift to his people. (Rom 8:1-27, Gal 3:2-7, 5:5-6, 16-26, Eph 1:13-14)
Question 3
Reflecting on the Scriptures we recorded in Question 2, read 2Timothy 2:19 and record specific facts it adds to the mix in our discussion of seals.
2 Timothy 2:19
19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
My Thoughts - I wonder if we are sealed with the same inscription that God stands on! How awesome! I mean MARK ME! I WANT TO WEAR YOUR SEAL! The Lord knows me because I am HIS, ALL HIS! The least I can do to thank GOD for his son and ultimate sacrifice is turn away from wickedness. I know that I need GOD to do this! I am a sinner and its only through God's grace that I am saved and forgiven!
Now read the next two verses, 2 Timothy 2:20-21 and write the assurance of God in your own words:
2 Timothy 2:20-21
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
My Thoughts - I am cleaned through forgiveness from God. I want to be cleaned so I can used for God's special purposes. I want to be useful to my Father and Master. I want to be prepared to ANY good work. There I wrote it down, now I am accountable! Praise the LORD!
Love to all!
M
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Revelation Study - Session 6, Question 1
Good Afternoon Girls -
This will be quick, I have been cleaning and sanitizing all day! I feel confident now that my house is clean and hopefully free from germs we are on the upswing. The babies will be up soon from their nap so I wanted to try and get this out before they wake up! So much easier that way....
Daily Prayer:
LORD - Thank you so much for last night! Thank you so much for giving JOHN this amazing book to share with us. We scare easy but are so intrigued with your words. We are having a great time studying and love that we have such an awesome teacher in Beth. We pray that you continue to fulfill her ministry here on earth and use her as a vessal to teach us your word. She has already shared and taught us so much! Lord today as we study we look for a new and fresh revelation of you! Please share your thoughts with us today, we have opened our ears to listen. AMEN
Session Six- Question 1
Our sixth session based on Revelation 7 was a welcome reprieve from the profound seriousness of the seals and trumpets of judgement surrounding it. We will spend our present week's assignments on further exploration of that glorious chapter.
Turn back to Revelation 7 and also have your session 6 listening guide ready to review. In the first portion of session 6, we drew the greatest contrasts so far between interpretations that are literal and those that are symbolic. Those contrasts will heighten even more in Session Seven. This is a great time to ask you how you feel about considering even the possibility that some of these numbers or elements are considered by many God-fearing scholars to most likely be symbolic. Remember, many others believe they are literal so don't lose heart if that's the direction you lean. Our interpretations or opinions don't change the Scriptures or God's intents but they can certainly change us.
Explain your feeling on literal interpretations versus symbolic.
Revelation 7
144,000 Sealed
1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. 2 Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: 3 “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” 4 Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.
5 From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed,
from the tribe of Reuben 12,000,
from the tribe of Gad 12,000,
6 from the tribe of Asher 12,000,
from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000,
from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000,
7 from the tribe of Simeon 12,000,
from the tribe of Levi 12,000,
from the tribe of Issachar 12,000,
8 from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000,
from the tribe of Joseph 12,000,
from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000.
The Great Multitude in White Robes
9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice:
“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”
11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying:
“Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!”
13 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?”
14 I answered, “Sir, you know.”
And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore,
“they are before the throne of God
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne
will shelter them with his presence.
16 ‘Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’[a]
nor any scorching heat.
17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne
will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’[b]
‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’[c]”
What I think:
In my opinion, in studying the book of Revelation I am looking for mostly symbolic interpretations of the word. I believe Beth explained the layout of the message perfectly in Session one. God have Jesus the message. Jesus gave the angel the message. The angel delivered the message to John in a fashion that he could understand (Rev 1). Therefore, I think most of the book in written in symbloic and figurative language. I do think the numbers are very literal, but in a figurative sense...hmmmm.... intersting huh?!? What do you think? Leave a comment....
Remember - This is also a great time to remind you that many of those scholars who lean toward more symbolic interpretations than literal wholeheartedly believe that those symbols represent vivid and stunning realities. They would argue vehemently against the assumption that symbols make their archetype less real.
We missed alot of you last night - please click here to watch DVD via computer if you are interested:
http://www.lproof.org/Store/collection.asp?collectionID=20&offset=10
Can't wait to see you all next week!
Love!
M
This will be quick, I have been cleaning and sanitizing all day! I feel confident now that my house is clean and hopefully free from germs we are on the upswing. The babies will be up soon from their nap so I wanted to try and get this out before they wake up! So much easier that way....
Daily Prayer:
LORD - Thank you so much for last night! Thank you so much for giving JOHN this amazing book to share with us. We scare easy but are so intrigued with your words. We are having a great time studying and love that we have such an awesome teacher in Beth. We pray that you continue to fulfill her ministry here on earth and use her as a vessal to teach us your word. She has already shared and taught us so much! Lord today as we study we look for a new and fresh revelation of you! Please share your thoughts with us today, we have opened our ears to listen. AMEN
Session Six- Question 1
Our sixth session based on Revelation 7 was a welcome reprieve from the profound seriousness of the seals and trumpets of judgement surrounding it. We will spend our present week's assignments on further exploration of that glorious chapter.
Turn back to Revelation 7 and also have your session 6 listening guide ready to review. In the first portion of session 6, we drew the greatest contrasts so far between interpretations that are literal and those that are symbolic. Those contrasts will heighten even more in Session Seven. This is a great time to ask you how you feel about considering even the possibility that some of these numbers or elements are considered by many God-fearing scholars to most likely be symbolic. Remember, many others believe they are literal so don't lose heart if that's the direction you lean. Our interpretations or opinions don't change the Scriptures or God's intents but they can certainly change us.
Explain your feeling on literal interpretations versus symbolic.
Revelation 7
144,000 Sealed
1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. 2 Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: 3 “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” 4 Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.
5 From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed,
from the tribe of Reuben 12,000,
from the tribe of Gad 12,000,
6 from the tribe of Asher 12,000,
from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000,
from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000,
7 from the tribe of Simeon 12,000,
from the tribe of Levi 12,000,
from the tribe of Issachar 12,000,
8 from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000,
from the tribe of Joseph 12,000,
from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000.
The Great Multitude in White Robes
9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice:
“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”
11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying:
“Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!”
13 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?”
14 I answered, “Sir, you know.”
And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore,
“they are before the throne of God
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne
will shelter them with his presence.
16 ‘Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’[a]
nor any scorching heat.
17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne
will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’[b]
‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’[c]”
What I think:
In my opinion, in studying the book of Revelation I am looking for mostly symbolic interpretations of the word. I believe Beth explained the layout of the message perfectly in Session one. God have Jesus the message. Jesus gave the angel the message. The angel delivered the message to John in a fashion that he could understand (Rev 1). Therefore, I think most of the book in written in symbloic and figurative language. I do think the numbers are very literal, but in a figurative sense...hmmmm.... intersting huh?!? What do you think? Leave a comment....
Remember - This is also a great time to remind you that many of those scholars who lean toward more symbolic interpretations than literal wholeheartedly believe that those symbols represent vivid and stunning realities. They would argue vehemently against the assumption that symbols make their archetype less real.
We missed alot of you last night - please click here to watch DVD via computer if you are interested:
http://www.lproof.org/Store/collection.asp?collectionID=20&offset=10
Can't wait to see you all next week!
Love!
M
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Revelation Study - Daily Prayer and Session 5 Final Question
Well Good Afternoon My Sweet Friends!
Thank you so much for keeping my MOM In your prayers. She is recovering well and praise the Lord her heart looks good. We still need to figure our what caused the episode on Monday but its a praise that her heart is not the problem. Continued prayer for her health and spiritual walk are welcomed.
Last night after I found out what had happened to my mom, I was so overcome with your love and support. Thank you all for loving me and my family. Its time like that when you need your sisters in Christ to lift you up. After I put the kids to bed, talked to my man, talked with my Mom (this was the first time since I found out we had spoken), it was 8:30pm. Way later than I had planned but I decided to go for a run to clear my head and pray. So I put on my earbuds and I had just uploaded a new playlist. I got a few miles into my run and realized I had forgotten my light (and I was wearing NO WHITE at all). The street that I was getting ready to run on is normally very dark, with intermitent lights. Just as I turned down that dark street, the song "Jesus paid it all" came on my iPod. I noticed the street was glowing and as I looked up there was a full moon directly over my head. With the street illuminated I felt God tell me it was going to be ok. All of it was going to be ok... especially my Mom. I TOTALLY LOST IT. So for a good visual imagine this.... I am running at 9pm, crying my eyes out with my hands in the air. For all I know I was singing out loud too! But for me, this is my quiet time, my time with the Lord, my time to talk to him (like I talk to you), my time to be STILL IN HIM. Praise the Lord is good.
__________________________________________________________________________
Daily Prayer:
LORD - Today I come before you in AWE of YOU! You are everywhere and still I feel that I am only one consuming your ears today! You are our Counselor, Father, Healer, Teacher, our everything. I praise you for holding my Mom in your hand this morning and pray that you speak to her. I pray that you use this time of recovery for her as reflection on what she can change in her life. Lord, you are amazing and wonderful but you are ultimately Loving. I love you so much and praise you for the wonderful women in my life! Thank you for choosing me to be blessed by them - I am truely honored! Please allow each us time alone with you today, so we can focus on you and your fresh revelation for us. In your blessed name we pray - AMEN
_________________________________________________________________________
Question 7
Let your eyes fix on the phrase "they did not stop" in verse 20. Do you ever get the feeling that God is saying "Stop it" to you? I certainly do. Sometimes God goes from whispered warnings deep in our spirits to shouts through crisis and chaos all around us. Keep in mind that God never commands us to stop doing anything that is edifying to us and best for us. Even as believers in Christ with a secure future in Heaven, we can experiance painful chastiments on earth. When God gives us a serious warning and a chance to repent, let it not be said of you and me, "they did not stop". Complete this weeks assignments by reading Hebrews 12:25-28 and writing your response below:
Hebrews 12:25-29 (NLT)
25 Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven! 26 When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.”[a] 27 This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain.
28 Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. 29 For our God is a devouring fire.
My Thoughts:
The title before this passage states "The Final Warning". The verse that I love and that can always be challenging to obey for me is the first scripture, "Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the ONE who is speaking. (Heb 12;15)" How often do I not listen to what God is telling me do, how often I hear Him speak and mumble "Later please, I'm just not ready". The ONE speaking here is God, and how could I ignore or even challenge what he speaks to me from Heaven. Praise him that he continues to warn, but when will enough be enough? Shouldn't I also fear the Lord and seek to obey him in everyway I know. And then Verse 28 states, "Since we are recieving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshipping him with holy fear and awe". Talk about two amazing bookends on this passage! Listen to God, then Thank him with Worship. What are your thoughts?
Thank you so much for keeping my MOM In your prayers. She is recovering well and praise the Lord her heart looks good. We still need to figure our what caused the episode on Monday but its a praise that her heart is not the problem. Continued prayer for her health and spiritual walk are welcomed.
Last night after I found out what had happened to my mom, I was so overcome with your love and support. Thank you all for loving me and my family. Its time like that when you need your sisters in Christ to lift you up. After I put the kids to bed, talked to my man, talked with my Mom (this was the first time since I found out we had spoken), it was 8:30pm. Way later than I had planned but I decided to go for a run to clear my head and pray. So I put on my earbuds and I had just uploaded a new playlist. I got a few miles into my run and realized I had forgotten my light (and I was wearing NO WHITE at all). The street that I was getting ready to run on is normally very dark, with intermitent lights. Just as I turned down that dark street, the song "Jesus paid it all" came on my iPod. I noticed the street was glowing and as I looked up there was a full moon directly over my head. With the street illuminated I felt God tell me it was going to be ok. All of it was going to be ok... especially my Mom. I TOTALLY LOST IT. So for a good visual imagine this.... I am running at 9pm, crying my eyes out with my hands in the air. For all I know I was singing out loud too! But for me, this is my quiet time, my time with the Lord, my time to talk to him (like I talk to you), my time to be STILL IN HIM. Praise the Lord is good.
__________________________________________________________________________
Daily Prayer:
LORD - Today I come before you in AWE of YOU! You are everywhere and still I feel that I am only one consuming your ears today! You are our Counselor, Father, Healer, Teacher, our everything. I praise you for holding my Mom in your hand this morning and pray that you speak to her. I pray that you use this time of recovery for her as reflection on what she can change in her life. Lord, you are amazing and wonderful but you are ultimately Loving. I love you so much and praise you for the wonderful women in my life! Thank you for choosing me to be blessed by them - I am truely honored! Please allow each us time alone with you today, so we can focus on you and your fresh revelation for us. In your blessed name we pray - AMEN
_________________________________________________________________________
Question 7
Let your eyes fix on the phrase "they did not stop" in verse 20. Do you ever get the feeling that God is saying "Stop it" to you? I certainly do. Sometimes God goes from whispered warnings deep in our spirits to shouts through crisis and chaos all around us. Keep in mind that God never commands us to stop doing anything that is edifying to us and best for us. Even as believers in Christ with a secure future in Heaven, we can experiance painful chastiments on earth. When God gives us a serious warning and a chance to repent, let it not be said of you and me, "they did not stop". Complete this weeks assignments by reading Hebrews 12:25-28 and writing your response below:
Hebrews 12:25-29 (NLT)
25 Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven! 26 When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.”[a] 27 This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain.
28 Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. 29 For our God is a devouring fire.
My Thoughts:
The title before this passage states "The Final Warning". The verse that I love and that can always be challenging to obey for me is the first scripture, "Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the ONE who is speaking. (Heb 12;15)" How often do I not listen to what God is telling me do, how often I hear Him speak and mumble "Later please, I'm just not ready". The ONE speaking here is God, and how could I ignore or even challenge what he speaks to me from Heaven. Praise him that he continues to warn, but when will enough be enough? Shouldn't I also fear the Lord and seek to obey him in everyway I know. And then Verse 28 states, "Since we are recieving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshipping him with holy fear and awe". Talk about two amazing bookends on this passage! Listen to God, then Thank him with Worship. What are your thoughts?
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Revelation Study - Daily Prayer and Session 5 Question 6
Good Afternoon Girls!
Yippee I'm getting my quiet time now and have computer access. Unfortunately my man is under the weather so prayers of protection for the rest of us and quick healing for him. Hate to see him feeling bad. On that note - would anyone else like to host Bible Study tomorrow night? I don't mind having it here but thinking if anyone is dying to have it then I would take them up on it.
Well I am overwhelmed with this study - I just love it. I think I am channeling Beth with my excitement. I just can't get enough of it. I am so excited to be studying this with my favorite girls! You rock.
Let's start with a prayer and then get into the Word.
Lord - Thank you so much for dying on the cross for me. Thank you for taking my burdens and lifting them up. Thank you for listening to my petitions and for turning them into praises for you! I truely stand in awe of your glory and feel unworthy of your unconditional love. Lord I pray that you guide my actions and my mind today. I pray that I will listen and be blessed with your fresh revelation of you today! You are are an awesome LORD. AMEN
'Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I can do this?"'
Matthew 9:28
I just love that this verse was placed before me today as I continue to study Revelation, specifically chapter 9. I think it can be hard for us to imagine GOD as anything other than loving. We are told to fear him as well. I find this very comforting to know as I read and study this Scripture.
Question 6
As you can see, Revelation 9 describes drastic and sudden decreases in the world's population in the last days. Most of us would imagine such devastation and fear of death causing a contagion of revival but what do verses 20 and 21 convey?
Revelation 9:20-21
20 The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. 21 Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.
My thoughts: I cannot believe after everything that has happened these people are not running to GOD. For me it is unimaginable after these plagues they continued to worship their idols and demons. I also find it hard to believe that they would not repent of their sins. WOW - I mean talk about hard headed. That may sound harsh but I am having a tough time digesting this - how could you not reach out to God here?
What my Study Bible says: Even when humans are faced with plagues and death, repentance is not automatic. People tend to continue to worship in their evil deeds and to worship demons and idols- things that belong to the created order- rather than worshipping the Creator. (Study Rev 13:4, 14:9-10, Rom 1:25, 1 Cor 8:4, 10:19-22)
Revelation portrays the extent to which depravity controls unbelievers. It is not logical to worship powers and beings that torture and kill oneself and one's friends; the powers of sin and rebellion against God are deceptively captivating.
Remember if you missed last week (Session 5) here is the link to watch online:
http://www.lproof.org/Store/collection.asp?collectionID=20&offset=10
Love you girls and I cannot wait to see you tomorrow!
Yippee I'm getting my quiet time now and have computer access. Unfortunately my man is under the weather so prayers of protection for the rest of us and quick healing for him. Hate to see him feeling bad. On that note - would anyone else like to host Bible Study tomorrow night? I don't mind having it here but thinking if anyone is dying to have it then I would take them up on it.
Well I am overwhelmed with this study - I just love it. I think I am channeling Beth with my excitement. I just can't get enough of it. I am so excited to be studying this with my favorite girls! You rock.
Let's start with a prayer and then get into the Word.
Lord - Thank you so much for dying on the cross for me. Thank you for taking my burdens and lifting them up. Thank you for listening to my petitions and for turning them into praises for you! I truely stand in awe of your glory and feel unworthy of your unconditional love. Lord I pray that you guide my actions and my mind today. I pray that I will listen and be blessed with your fresh revelation of you today! You are are an awesome LORD. AMEN
'Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I can do this?"'
Matthew 9:28
I just love that this verse was placed before me today as I continue to study Revelation, specifically chapter 9. I think it can be hard for us to imagine GOD as anything other than loving. We are told to fear him as well. I find this very comforting to know as I read and study this Scripture.
Question 6
As you can see, Revelation 9 describes drastic and sudden decreases in the world's population in the last days. Most of us would imagine such devastation and fear of death causing a contagion of revival but what do verses 20 and 21 convey?
Revelation 9:20-21
20 The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. 21 Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.
My thoughts: I cannot believe after everything that has happened these people are not running to GOD. For me it is unimaginable after these plagues they continued to worship their idols and demons. I also find it hard to believe that they would not repent of their sins. WOW - I mean talk about hard headed. That may sound harsh but I am having a tough time digesting this - how could you not reach out to God here?
What my Study Bible says: Even when humans are faced with plagues and death, repentance is not automatic. People tend to continue to worship in their evil deeds and to worship demons and idols- things that belong to the created order- rather than worshipping the Creator. (Study Rev 13:4, 14:9-10, Rom 1:25, 1 Cor 8:4, 10:19-22)
Revelation portrays the extent to which depravity controls unbelievers. It is not logical to worship powers and beings that torture and kill oneself and one's friends; the powers of sin and rebellion against God are deceptively captivating.
Remember if you missed last week (Session 5) here is the link to watch online:
http://www.lproof.org/Store/collection.asp?collectionID=20&offset=10
Love you girls and I cannot wait to see you tomorrow!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Revelation Study - Daily Prayer and Session 5 Question 4&5
Good Evening Girls -
Sorry this is also late but my wonderful husband worked from home today and my quiet time was without computer access. I am really loving this study and enjoying being challenged to look to scripture for answers! Let's pray before we get started!
Lord - Praise you for today! Praise you for this hint of the spring to come and for the wonderful time outdoors today! Praise you for being present in our lives even when we feel not worthy! Praise you for guarding our lips and for using us to do you work here on earth. We look for you everywhere today - not just in the Word and our hearts where you live always but in nature and our children. We just love seeing what you will bring before us. Today we praise you for the wonderful men in our lives who love us - they truely are a gift! We love you and celebrate you today! AMEN
This is the verse from my devotional today - so awesome! Had to share!
"Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,”
says the LORD, who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10
Ok - lets look at some homework. Try to drown the world out and focus on whats before us. We have such little time to study - so put on some praise music and let's study! You can do it!
Question 4
Read Revelation 9:13-21. What were the angels released to do according to verse 15?
Revelation 9:13-21 (New International Version, ©2010)
13 The sixth angel sounded his trumpet, and I heard a voice coming from the four horns of the golden altar that is before God. 14 It said to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 And the four angels who had been kept ready for this very hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 The number of the mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand. I heard their number.
17 The horses and riders I saw in my vision looked like this: Their breastplates were fiery red, dark blue, and yellow as sulfur. The heads of the horses resembled the heads of lions, and out of their mouths came fire, smoke and sulfur. 18 A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur that came out of their mouths. 19 The power of the horses was in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails were like snakes, having heads with which they inflict injury.
20 The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. 21 Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.
My thoughts - The angels were released to kill 1/3 of the people on earth. This confirms that even evil forces must observe God's timing. That is so awesome to me! The Lord reigns over EVERYONE!
Question 5
What event is recorded in the following verse?
"A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur that came out of their mouths." Revelation 9:18
My thoughts - This verse confirms that 1/3 of the earth was killed by the three plagues described previously.
My study bible notes the following on v. 17-19: The riders had armor in colors that matched the plagues of their horses, with RED for FIRE, BLUE for SMOKE, and YELLOW for SULFUR - all of which are signs of judgement in Scripture. Please research the following for references to this: Rev 14:10-11, Rev 19:20, Gen 19:24-28, Ps 11:6, Ezek 38:22, Luke 17:29).
Love you girls and I will see all of you Wednesday AT MY HOUSE NOT WENDY'S!
Sorry this is also late but my wonderful husband worked from home today and my quiet time was without computer access. I am really loving this study and enjoying being challenged to look to scripture for answers! Let's pray before we get started!
Lord - Praise you for today! Praise you for this hint of the spring to come and for the wonderful time outdoors today! Praise you for being present in our lives even when we feel not worthy! Praise you for guarding our lips and for using us to do you work here on earth. We look for you everywhere today - not just in the Word and our hearts where you live always but in nature and our children. We just love seeing what you will bring before us. Today we praise you for the wonderful men in our lives who love us - they truely are a gift! We love you and celebrate you today! AMEN
This is the verse from my devotional today - so awesome! Had to share!
"Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,”
says the LORD, who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10
Ok - lets look at some homework. Try to drown the world out and focus on whats before us. We have such little time to study - so put on some praise music and let's study! You can do it!
Question 4
Read Revelation 9:13-21. What were the angels released to do according to verse 15?
Revelation 9:13-21 (New International Version, ©2010)
13 The sixth angel sounded his trumpet, and I heard a voice coming from the four horns of the golden altar that is before God. 14 It said to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 And the four angels who had been kept ready for this very hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 The number of the mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand. I heard their number.
17 The horses and riders I saw in my vision looked like this: Their breastplates were fiery red, dark blue, and yellow as sulfur. The heads of the horses resembled the heads of lions, and out of their mouths came fire, smoke and sulfur. 18 A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur that came out of their mouths. 19 The power of the horses was in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails were like snakes, having heads with which they inflict injury.
20 The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. 21 Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.
My thoughts - The angels were released to kill 1/3 of the people on earth. This confirms that even evil forces must observe God's timing. That is so awesome to me! The Lord reigns over EVERYONE!
Question 5
What event is recorded in the following verse?
"A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur that came out of their mouths." Revelation 9:18
My thoughts - This verse confirms that 1/3 of the earth was killed by the three plagues described previously.
My study bible notes the following on v. 17-19: The riders had armor in colors that matched the plagues of their horses, with RED for FIRE, BLUE for SMOKE, and YELLOW for SULFUR - all of which are signs of judgement in Scripture. Please research the following for references to this: Rev 14:10-11, Rev 19:20, Gen 19:24-28, Ps 11:6, Ezek 38:22, Luke 17:29).
Love you girls and I will see all of you Wednesday AT MY HOUSE NOT WENDY'S!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Session 5 - Questions 2&3
Hey Girls!
So I feel bad that this has taken so long for me to send out. I am hoping you are enjoying this study. I feel so anxious to get into the Word and study up on this material. She mentioned a few things last study that I wanted to highlight before I get into the homework questions for today -
(1) She felt lead to STUDY and PREACH on REVELATIONS not specifically on END TIME events. I was curious about this since she did not mention the Rapture when we discussed Rev 5.
(2) Beth Moore stated that she believes pre-Tribulation Rapture for Christians. She does feel that we will experiance tribulations prior to us leaving. She does VERY BRIEFLY touch on this in the video - please watch if you missed.
(3) She feels this study should have been longer to cover all the material. Therefore, she knows she is going fast and is very much encouraging us to study.
(4) Remember this verse when you feel challenged and want to stop studying:
Revelation 1:3
"Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."
Now - please drown the world out for a few minutes and grab your Bible - Let's see what we have before us today!
Question #2
The opening of the seventh seal in 8:1 gives way to the sounding of the seven trumpets beginning in 8:6. Please read 8:6-13 and list several of the events recorded with the sounds of the trumpets of the first four angels.
The Trumpets
Revelation 8:6-12
6 Then the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to sound them.
7 The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down on the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.
8 The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, 9 a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.
10 The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water— 11 the name of the star is Wormwood.[a] A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.
12 The fourth angel sounded his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them turned dark. A third of the day was without light, and also a third of the night.
13 As I watched, I heard an eagle that was flying in midair call out in a loud voice: “Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!”
THE FIRST ANGEL- hail and fire mixed with blood were thrown down on earth. 1/3 of the earth was set on fire. 1/3 of the trees were burned, all grass was burned.
1/3 measurement is exact but use to show God's judgement on the earth has began but has not yet reached its height, the first four trumpets send a unified message of judgement on the earth.
THE SECOND ANGEL-great mountain of fire was thrown into the sea. 1/3 of the sea became blood, 1/3 of all things in the sea died, 1/3 of all ships on the sea were destroyed
THE THIRD ANGEL- great star fell from the sky burning like a torch, fell on 1/3 of the rivers and springs of water, name of star was Bitterness, it made 1/3 of the water bitter, many people died from drinking the bitter water
THE FOURTH ANGEL-1/3 of the sun was struck and 1/3 of the moon and 1/3 of the stars became dark, 1/3 of the day and 1/3 of the night were dark
Do some additional research and you will see similiar events in Exodus 9, Exo 7, Genesis 1, Exodus 10.
Question 3
Read Revelation 9:1-12. Briefly describe events accompanying the trumpet blown by the fifth angel.
Revelation 9:1-12
1 The fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. The star was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss. 2 When he opened the Abyss, smoke rose from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss. 3 And out of the smoke locusts came down on the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth. 4 They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 They were not allowed to kill them but only to torture them for five months. And the agony they suffered was like that of the sting of a scorpion when it strikes. 6 During those days people will seek death but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will elude them.
7 The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. On their heads they wore something like crowns of gold, and their faces resembled human faces. 8 Their hair was like women’s hair, and their teeth were like lions’ teeth. 9 They had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the thundering of many horses and chariots rushing into battle. 10 They had tails with stingers, like scorpions, and in their tails they had power to torment people for five months. 11 They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon and in Greek is Apollyon (that is, Destroyer).
12 The first woe is past; two other woes are yet to come.
My Thoughts:
Once fifth trumpet was blown - a star that had fallen to earth from the sky was given a key to the shaft of the bottomless pit. Once opened smoke poured out and the sunlight and air turned dark. The locusts came from the smoke and descended to the earth, they had power to sting like scorpions. They were told not to harm grass, plants or trees but only the people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were told to torture them for 5 months (this time period is symbolically the human hand, 5 fingers - this is also the normal lifespan of a locust). In these days people will want to die but won't be able to. The locusts looked like horses. They had what looked like gold crowns (this symbolizes their torment dominating most of earth) on their heads, their faces looked human. They had hair like women, and teeth like lions. They wore armor made of iron and their wings roared like chariots. They had stinging tails to torment people for 5 months. Their king is the angel from the bottomless pit - The Destroyer.
Revelation 9:12 states "the first terror is PAST, but look, TWO MORE TERRORS ARE COMING".
I hope you have a good visual of what this scripture is sharing. What an amazing mystery we are studying. Please make sure to come this week. There is some good stuff ahead.
STUDY THIS WEEK IS AT MY HOUSE - NOT WENDY'S!
So I feel bad that this has taken so long for me to send out. I am hoping you are enjoying this study. I feel so anxious to get into the Word and study up on this material. She mentioned a few things last study that I wanted to highlight before I get into the homework questions for today -
(1) She felt lead to STUDY and PREACH on REVELATIONS not specifically on END TIME events. I was curious about this since she did not mention the Rapture when we discussed Rev 5.
(2) Beth Moore stated that she believes pre-Tribulation Rapture for Christians. She does feel that we will experiance tribulations prior to us leaving. She does VERY BRIEFLY touch on this in the video - please watch if you missed.
(3) She feels this study should have been longer to cover all the material. Therefore, she knows she is going fast and is very much encouraging us to study.
(4) Remember this verse when you feel challenged and want to stop studying:
Revelation 1:3
"Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."
Now - please drown the world out for a few minutes and grab your Bible - Let's see what we have before us today!
Question #2
The opening of the seventh seal in 8:1 gives way to the sounding of the seven trumpets beginning in 8:6. Please read 8:6-13 and list several of the events recorded with the sounds of the trumpets of the first four angels.
The Trumpets
Revelation 8:6-12
6 Then the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to sound them.
7 The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down on the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.
8 The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, 9 a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.
10 The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water— 11 the name of the star is Wormwood.[a] A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.
12 The fourth angel sounded his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them turned dark. A third of the day was without light, and also a third of the night.
13 As I watched, I heard an eagle that was flying in midair call out in a loud voice: “Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!”
THE FIRST ANGEL- hail and fire mixed with blood were thrown down on earth. 1/3 of the earth was set on fire. 1/3 of the trees were burned, all grass was burned.
1/3 measurement is exact but use to show God's judgement on the earth has began but has not yet reached its height, the first four trumpets send a unified message of judgement on the earth.
THE SECOND ANGEL-great mountain of fire was thrown into the sea. 1/3 of the sea became blood, 1/3 of all things in the sea died, 1/3 of all ships on the sea were destroyed
THE THIRD ANGEL- great star fell from the sky burning like a torch, fell on 1/3 of the rivers and springs of water, name of star was Bitterness, it made 1/3 of the water bitter, many people died from drinking the bitter water
THE FOURTH ANGEL-1/3 of the sun was struck and 1/3 of the moon and 1/3 of the stars became dark, 1/3 of the day and 1/3 of the night were dark
Do some additional research and you will see similiar events in Exodus 9, Exo 7, Genesis 1, Exodus 10.
Question 3
Read Revelation 9:1-12. Briefly describe events accompanying the trumpet blown by the fifth angel.
Revelation 9:1-12
1 The fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. The star was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss. 2 When he opened the Abyss, smoke rose from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss. 3 And out of the smoke locusts came down on the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth. 4 They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 They were not allowed to kill them but only to torture them for five months. And the agony they suffered was like that of the sting of a scorpion when it strikes. 6 During those days people will seek death but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will elude them.
7 The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. On their heads they wore something like crowns of gold, and their faces resembled human faces. 8 Their hair was like women’s hair, and their teeth were like lions’ teeth. 9 They had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the thundering of many horses and chariots rushing into battle. 10 They had tails with stingers, like scorpions, and in their tails they had power to torment people for five months. 11 They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon and in Greek is Apollyon (that is, Destroyer).
12 The first woe is past; two other woes are yet to come.
My Thoughts:
Once fifth trumpet was blown - a star that had fallen to earth from the sky was given a key to the shaft of the bottomless pit. Once opened smoke poured out and the sunlight and air turned dark. The locusts came from the smoke and descended to the earth, they had power to sting like scorpions. They were told not to harm grass, plants or trees but only the people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were told to torture them for 5 months (this time period is symbolically the human hand, 5 fingers - this is also the normal lifespan of a locust). In these days people will want to die but won't be able to. The locusts looked like horses. They had what looked like gold crowns (this symbolizes their torment dominating most of earth) on their heads, their faces looked human. They had hair like women, and teeth like lions. They wore armor made of iron and their wings roared like chariots. They had stinging tails to torment people for 5 months. Their king is the angel from the bottomless pit - The Destroyer.
Revelation 9:12 states "the first terror is PAST, but look, TWO MORE TERRORS ARE COMING".
I hope you have a good visual of what this scripture is sharing. What an amazing mystery we are studying. Please make sure to come this week. There is some good stuff ahead.
STUDY THIS WEEK IS AT MY HOUSE - NOT WENDY'S!
Jesus Paid It All
Good Sunday Evening Girls!
What an amazing Sunday~ Such beautiful weather and such a blessed time at church this morning. I got to listen to one of my most favorite songs this Sunday morning in worship and was over-taken with AWE during the song. I have been humming it all day (sorry Erin, she listened me all through Sunday School). I wanted to share the lyrics with all of you and ask that you just pray them in gratitude to The Lord!
Just a quick note before we begin - Stephanie Nuckolls is doing her happy dance right now - this is an OLD HYMN! Go Steph - I bet your heart was overcome with JOY like mine!
Jesus Paid It All:
I hear the Savior say,
"Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all."
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
For nothing good have I
Whereby Thy grace to claim,
I'll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv'ry's Lamb.
And now complete in Him
My robe His righteousness,
Close sheltered 'neath His side,
I am divinely blest.
Lord, now indeed I find
Thy power and Thine alone,
Can change the leper's spots
And melt the heart of stone.
When from my dying bed
My ransomed soul shall rise,
"Jesus died my soul to save,"
Shall rend the vaulted skies.
And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete,
I'll lay my trophies down
All down at Jesus' feet.
AMEN!
What an amazing Sunday~ Such beautiful weather and such a blessed time at church this morning. I got to listen to one of my most favorite songs this Sunday morning in worship and was over-taken with AWE during the song. I have been humming it all day (sorry Erin, she listened me all through Sunday School). I wanted to share the lyrics with all of you and ask that you just pray them in gratitude to The Lord!
Just a quick note before we begin - Stephanie Nuckolls is doing her happy dance right now - this is an OLD HYMN! Go Steph - I bet your heart was overcome with JOY like mine!
Jesus Paid It All:
I hear the Savior say,
"Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all."
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
For nothing good have I
Whereby Thy grace to claim,
I'll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv'ry's Lamb.
And now complete in Him
My robe His righteousness,
Close sheltered 'neath His side,
I am divinely blest.
Lord, now indeed I find
Thy power and Thine alone,
Can change the leper's spots
And melt the heart of stone.
When from my dying bed
My ransomed soul shall rise,
"Jesus died my soul to save,"
Shall rend the vaulted skies.
And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete,
I'll lay my trophies down
All down at Jesus' feet.
AMEN!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Session 5 - Question 1 and Daily Prayer
Good evening girls - sorry this is late! I fell asleep at naptime, yikes I'm way behind and needing to run out the door to get to church by 6:30, with a quick stop at Costco.... never enough time!
Here is a verse that I have been praying today -
"Remain in Me, and I in you." John 15:4
I just love that, so simply yet so deep. So awesome to think the Lord of the world is in Me and I am equally in Him. WOW! I just love the Word.
Lord - Today we fall to your feet and beg for you to remain in us. We recognize that we are sinners and that we put earthly 'things' before YOU and today we repent for not making you priorty one. Lord we love you and pray today that you will revel yourself to us. We petition you for this and pray your will to be done! Amen
Session 5 (WOW - if you weren't there, we really missed you BUT the DVD was awesome!)
Question 1
Read Revelation 8:1-5. What intriguing event does Revelation 8:1 record?
The Seventh Seal and the Golden Censer
1 When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.
3 Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.
My thoughts - In 8:1 we see the seventh and FINAL seal opened. What amazes me is that this HUGE event is followed by silence - for thrity minutes! It shows me how much GOD values the quiet and stillness of the world, and mostly US! Now, I feel really bad about having my quiet time while the kids are throwing food at each other at dinner. But, I repent and promise to put the LORD first. I just know this is a conscience effort that I need to make everyday. I get sprinkles of him all day, and to just sit and listen is what I truely need to be the follower, wife and mom that I am supposed to be.
I love you all and hope this finds you having a glorious day!
Much love!
M
Here is a verse that I have been praying today -
"Remain in Me, and I in you." John 15:4
I just love that, so simply yet so deep. So awesome to think the Lord of the world is in Me and I am equally in Him. WOW! I just love the Word.
Lord - Today we fall to your feet and beg for you to remain in us. We recognize that we are sinners and that we put earthly 'things' before YOU and today we repent for not making you priorty one. Lord we love you and pray today that you will revel yourself to us. We petition you for this and pray your will to be done! Amen
Session 5 (WOW - if you weren't there, we really missed you BUT the DVD was awesome!)
Question 1
Read Revelation 8:1-5. What intriguing event does Revelation 8:1 record?
The Seventh Seal and the Golden Censer
1 When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.
3 Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.
My thoughts - In 8:1 we see the seventh and FINAL seal opened. What amazes me is that this HUGE event is followed by silence - for thrity minutes! It shows me how much GOD values the quiet and stillness of the world, and mostly US! Now, I feel really bad about having my quiet time while the kids are throwing food at each other at dinner. But, I repent and promise to put the LORD first. I just know this is a conscience effort that I need to make everyday. I get sprinkles of him all day, and to just sit and listen is what I truely need to be the follower, wife and mom that I am supposed to be.
I love you all and hope this finds you having a glorious day!
Much love!
M
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Session 4- Question 7
Good Afternoon Girls -
I hope you are staying warm this morning. We have been out since 8:30 this morning and let's just say that #2 DOES NOT LIKE THE COLD. It whipped her in the face and she screamed and pointed "NO NO!" She much prefers the indoors on days like this!
Question #7
Read Revelation 5:9-14. List the 7 excellencies Christ is worthy to recieve in verse 12.
Revelation 5:9-14
9 And they sang a new song, saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign[a] on the earth.”
11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!”
13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”
14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped
Here is my list:
(1) Power
(2) Wealth
(3) Wisdom
(4) Strength
(5) Honor
(6) Glory
(7) Praise
What are your thoughts?
Daily Prayer
Lord - today we come to you and lift up our petitions and our praises. We pray for you to answer our prayers in your time and we love you for watching over us. Lord today I read that we should Pray Big! You already know what is in my heart and my mind. So today we lift up the BIG STUFF and release them to you! We pray that you give us a gentle or harsh reminder that we need to be in your Word. We need you today and praise you for always being our loving Father. Amen!
Here is the link for the video for Session 4 again...
http://www.lproof.org/Store/collection.asp?collectionID=20&offset=10
I hope you are staying warm this morning. We have been out since 8:30 this morning and let's just say that #2 DOES NOT LIKE THE COLD. It whipped her in the face and she screamed and pointed "NO NO!" She much prefers the indoors on days like this!
Question #7
Read Revelation 5:9-14. List the 7 excellencies Christ is worthy to recieve in verse 12.
Revelation 5:9-14
9 And they sang a new song, saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign[a] on the earth.”
11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!”
13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”
14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped
Here is my list:
(1) Power
(2) Wealth
(3) Wisdom
(4) Strength
(5) Honor
(6) Glory
(7) Praise
What are your thoughts?
Daily Prayer
Lord - today we come to you and lift up our petitions and our praises. We pray for you to answer our prayers in your time and we love you for watching over us. Lord today I read that we should Pray Big! You already know what is in my heart and my mind. So today we lift up the BIG STUFF and release them to you! We pray that you give us a gentle or harsh reminder that we need to be in your Word. We need you today and praise you for always being our loving Father. Amen!
Here is the link for the video for Session 4 again...
http://www.lproof.org/Store/collection.asp?collectionID=20&offset=10
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The Bulletin Picture - Missed most of you
This was using in the bulletin for two weeks this summer. Love you girls, really hate this picture of me though!
This is an old picture I found from Ashley's Baby Shower - FUN!
Session 4 - Question 6
Good Afternoon to my Favorite Girls!
I love my devotional reading today so I am going to share - are you surprised? I am going to start with the scripture which is so fitting for me (I am a worrier by nature). I am using The Message version because I think it is so beautifully expressed. You can almost hear Jesus speaking....
Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message)
6-7Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
"To experiance the kind of peace that covers all circumstances, the Bible challenges us to develop active, authentic prayer lives. Prayer with real substance to it - original thoughts flowing from a highly individual heart, persoanl and intimate. Often we do everything but pray. We want something more "substancial". Even studying the Bible, going to church, talking to the pastor, or recieving counsel seems more tangible than prayer. But its time to roll away the stone of prayerlessness. Its the most prohibitive obstacle on the road to a believer's victory." - Beth Moore
LORD - Today we place before you our petitions of worry. We pray for you to let our petitions and praises shape our worries into prayers. We know our prayers are sweet incense to you and we lift up these peitions to you. We give them to you whole heartedly. We love you and pray that today you show us a fresh revelation of you. We look to your WORD for guidance and direction. We love you! AMEN
Question 6
Read Revelation 5:8. What kind of impact does it have on you personally that the prayers of the saints are depicted as golden bowls full of incense in the Throne Room of God?
Revelation 5:8
8 And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.
Some quick notes on that verse (notes from my Study Bible-NLT):
fell down before the Lamb: The crucified and risen Christ has divine authority to initiate the events of this age; he is fully worthy of worship.
prayers of God's people: become a significant basis for the judgments and plagues (6:9-11; 8:25)
My thoughts: I love the visual Beth Moore shared in the video about the bowl full of our prayers just waiting for The Lord to answer. I love the thought that our prayers are sweet incense to the LORD. I love that he keeps them close to his Throne so he can answer them in his time. And in a practical sense, I think of our prayers in the Throne Room as the wonderful smelling candle burning in the room to lift every up. He breathes in our petitions and fills his being with US. I LOVE this thought! What do you think?
I am so excited to watch Session 5! I know the weather is looking a little nasty for tomorrow so I'll keep an eye on things and will email if we have to cancel. This will be a last resort.
Also if you forgot to bring your recipe last week please bring this week to share - if you did bring last week bring your extra's to share.
Love to all! Enjoy this beautiful gift of day from the LORD!
I love my devotional reading today so I am going to share - are you surprised? I am going to start with the scripture which is so fitting for me (I am a worrier by nature). I am using The Message version because I think it is so beautifully expressed. You can almost hear Jesus speaking....
Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message)
6-7Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
"To experiance the kind of peace that covers all circumstances, the Bible challenges us to develop active, authentic prayer lives. Prayer with real substance to it - original thoughts flowing from a highly individual heart, persoanl and intimate. Often we do everything but pray. We want something more "substancial". Even studying the Bible, going to church, talking to the pastor, or recieving counsel seems more tangible than prayer. But its time to roll away the stone of prayerlessness. Its the most prohibitive obstacle on the road to a believer's victory." - Beth Moore
LORD - Today we place before you our petitions of worry. We pray for you to let our petitions and praises shape our worries into prayers. We know our prayers are sweet incense to you and we lift up these peitions to you. We give them to you whole heartedly. We love you and pray that today you show us a fresh revelation of you. We look to your WORD for guidance and direction. We love you! AMEN
Question 6
Read Revelation 5:8. What kind of impact does it have on you personally that the prayers of the saints are depicted as golden bowls full of incense in the Throne Room of God?
Revelation 5:8
8 And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.
Some quick notes on that verse (notes from my Study Bible-NLT):
fell down before the Lamb: The crucified and risen Christ has divine authority to initiate the events of this age; he is fully worthy of worship.
prayers of God's people: become a significant basis for the judgments and plagues (6:9-11; 8:25)
My thoughts: I love the visual Beth Moore shared in the video about the bowl full of our prayers just waiting for The Lord to answer. I love the thought that our prayers are sweet incense to the LORD. I love that he keeps them close to his Throne so he can answer them in his time. And in a practical sense, I think of our prayers in the Throne Room as the wonderful smelling candle burning in the room to lift every up. He breathes in our petitions and fills his being with US. I LOVE this thought! What do you think?
I am so excited to watch Session 5! I know the weather is looking a little nasty for tomorrow so I'll keep an eye on things and will email if we have to cancel. This will be a last resort.
Also if you forgot to bring your recipe last week please bring this week to share - if you did bring last week bring your extra's to share.
Love to all! Enjoy this beautiful gift of day from the LORD!
Session 4- Question 5
Good evening/night girls!
Sorry this is getting out so late, we had Pajama Monday and somehow we were too busy to make our way into the office today. I remembered on my run tonight that I forgot to send out our prayer. Oops- I'll be better.
Updates:
(1) If you missed last week (Session 4) you can watch the video here- its amazing and worth the $5 it cost. I have the DVD and can loan it out as well. http://www.lproof.org/store/collection.asp?collectionID=20&offset=10
(2) There is a girls night planned at the coast for Feb 19th-20th. Please email me if you plan to attend. I am a maybe right now since I marked the wrong date. Jeff has a release that day so we'll see.... :-(
(3) Please email me your list if you have not already - I sent the email a few times and if you need me to resend I can. Love yall and I hate to be annoying:-)
Daily Prayer
Lord - Thank you for today. Thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ who exemplifies YOU in everyway. Thank you for your WORD and for your directions for us to follow. Thank you for our blessings, we treasure each gift we have. Thank you for this lifegroup, thank you for surrounding me with Christian friends- they will never know what a true gift they are. Thank you for creating eyes for us to see your Fresh Revelations and ears for us to hear your fresh revelations. We love you and praise you! AMEN
Question 5
Reread Revelation 5:1-7 and glance back at your notes from Session 4. Review what the scroll probably predicts: destiny, what is to take place. Give one reason why it is highly significant that the Lamb appeared "as if it had been slain."
Revelation 5:1-7
The Scroll and the Lamb
1 Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. 4 I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits[a] of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne.
My thoughts- He appeared as slain to signify his death on the cross and then his ressurection into heaven. What do you think?
Love to all!
M
Sorry this is getting out so late, we had Pajama Monday and somehow we were too busy to make our way into the office today. I remembered on my run tonight that I forgot to send out our prayer. Oops- I'll be better.
Updates:
(1) If you missed last week (Session 4) you can watch the video here- its amazing and worth the $5 it cost. I have the DVD and can loan it out as well. http://www.lproof.org/store/collection.asp?collectionID=20&offset=10
(2) There is a girls night planned at the coast for Feb 19th-20th. Please email me if you plan to attend. I am a maybe right now since I marked the wrong date. Jeff has a release that day so we'll see.... :-(
(3) Please email me your list if you have not already - I sent the email a few times and if you need me to resend I can. Love yall and I hate to be annoying:-)
Daily Prayer
Lord - Thank you for today. Thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ who exemplifies YOU in everyway. Thank you for your WORD and for your directions for us to follow. Thank you for our blessings, we treasure each gift we have. Thank you for this lifegroup, thank you for surrounding me with Christian friends- they will never know what a true gift they are. Thank you for creating eyes for us to see your Fresh Revelations and ears for us to hear your fresh revelations. We love you and praise you! AMEN
Question 5
Reread Revelation 5:1-7 and glance back at your notes from Session 4. Review what the scroll probably predicts: destiny, what is to take place. Give one reason why it is highly significant that the Lamb appeared "as if it had been slain."
Revelation 5:1-7
The Scroll and the Lamb
1 Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. 4 I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits[a] of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne.
My thoughts- He appeared as slain to signify his death on the cross and then his ressurection into heaven. What do you think?
Love to all!
M
Session Four - Question 3 and 4
I hope this email finds yall having a great weekend! I am very sorry that I didn't get this out yesterday but it was a crazy busy day that I ended with a long run in the cold (and not dressed appropriately). After I got cleaned up I crawled into bed and fell sound asleep. It was just too cozy to pass up. I am so thankful today was such a beautiful day - we were outside a lot and I stocked up on vitamin D as the weathermen say there is another "Arctic Blast" coming. I think I'm addicted to Erin's "Wassail" as that was my first thought when I heard cold weather on Wednesday. So enough of the small talk lets talk BIBLE!
Today we look at questions 3 and 4. Let's take a look at the scripture.
Question 3
Read Hebrews 4:14-16. List the ways the visions in Eze 1 and Rev 4 might deepen your appreciation of the invitation to approach the Throne of God with confidence.
Hebrews 4:14-16
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,[a] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Some of the vision to me is a little scary - four odd looking creatures, lots of eyes, deafen sounds- but to hear the phrase of scripture Heb 4:16 "Approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may recieve mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." That scripture to me is so reassuring of the LORD's mercy and grace. It truely deepens my desire and overall appreciation of HIS throne and my ability to someday approach it as his child. What do you think?
Question 4
In this season of your life, what is the most prominent petition you either desire to bring or continue to bring to the Throne of God?
Wow - what a great question. I desire to bring before God a child who obeyed her Father and who used her God given talents and gifts to further his kingdom. I will hope to continue to bring a heart of ministry to him, through listening to Him guide my work in the women's ministry field. What about you?
I hope this is helping!
I hope yall had a great day! We enjoyed the wonderful outdoors, ate a yummy dinner, enjoyed special Superbowl "Texas Sheet Cake" and watched an amazing football game. I am a true football fan, I mean I love the game. So even though I wasn't "invested" in either team emotionally I thought it was an awesome game. Gotta love that it came down to the last play! Ooops- sorry I got off track.
Today we look at questions 3 and 4. Let's take a look at the scripture.
Question 3
Read Hebrews 4:14-16. List the ways the visions in Eze 1 and Rev 4 might deepen your appreciation of the invitation to approach the Throne of God with confidence.
Hebrews 4:14-16
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,[a] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Some of the vision to me is a little scary - four odd looking creatures, lots of eyes, deafen sounds- but to hear the phrase of scripture Heb 4:16 "Approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may recieve mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." That scripture to me is so reassuring of the LORD's mercy and grace. It truely deepens my desire and overall appreciation of HIS throne and my ability to someday approach it as his child. What do you think?
Question 4
In this season of your life, what is the most prominent petition you either desire to bring or continue to bring to the Throne of God?
Wow - what a great question. I desire to bring before God a child who obeyed her Father and who used her God given talents and gifts to further his kingdom. I will hope to continue to bring a heart of ministry to him, through listening to Him guide my work in the women's ministry field. What about you?
I hope this is helping!
I hope yall had a great day! We enjoyed the wonderful outdoors, ate a yummy dinner, enjoyed special Superbowl "Texas Sheet Cake" and watched an amazing football game. I am a true football fan, I mean I love the game. So even though I wasn't "invested" in either team emotionally I thought it was an awesome game. Gotta love that it came down to the last play! Ooops- sorry I got off track.
Session 4 - Homework Question 1
Today we look at questions #1 from the homework. We are looking more in depth at Revelation 4 and the Throne room depicted in this chapter. She asks us to draw in our listening guides, using symbols and such, what we read about the Throne.
I look foward to what you will draw - bring it Wednesday to share. I have highlighted in blue some important details.
Revelation 4
The Throne in Heaven
1 After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3 And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. 4 Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits[a] of God. 6 Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.
In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:
“‘Holy, holy, holy
is the Lord God Almighty,’[b]
who was, and is, and is to come.”
9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being.”
I look foward to what you will draw - bring it Wednesday to share. I have highlighted in blue some important details.
Revelation 4
The Throne in Heaven
1 After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3 And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. 4 Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits[a] of God. 6 Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.
In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:
“‘Holy, holy, holy
is the Lord God Almighty,’[b]
who was, and is, and is to come.”
9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being.”
Church in Laodicea (A lukewarm and uncommitted church)
To the Church in Laodicea (A lukewarm and uncommitted church, Town was very self sufficient and they were proud of their accomplishments. They had inconsistent lives that stood for nothing but themselves.)
14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen (promise of truth, an oath ISA 65:16), the faithful and true witness (this description of Christ declares that he knew them as they really were, they were not measuring uo to God's expectations), the ruler (the begininng or the source) of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. (The church;s indecisive nature was revolting to him.) 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. (Jesus is speaking about their miserable and poor spiritual condition) 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold (They needed to acquire the treasures of heaven so they would have spiritual riches through faith in Christ) refined in the fire (spiritual wealth can withstand a fire), so you can become rich; and white (spiritual purity) clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. (Christ will correct and discipline those whom he loves PRO 3:11-12, HEB 12:5-6. Rather than rejecting them His faithfulness extends even to the unfaithful 2TIM 2:13) 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. (A person must hear Jesus knocking and open the door to him, Simply opening the door can renew) If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (A shared meal symbolies acceptance, deep friendship and a convenant relationship REV 19:9, GEN 18:1-5, 16-19, EXO 12:1-31, 18:12, MAT 26:26-30)
21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne ( the reward) , just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. (Christians do not become divine but they share in Christ's victorious reign REV 20:4-6, 22:5, COL 3:1-4, 2 TIM 2:12) 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
You did it - you studied the seven churches letters in Rev 2-3. Great job - see you tonight!
14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen (promise of truth, an oath ISA 65:16), the faithful and true witness (this description of Christ declares that he knew them as they really were, they were not measuring uo to God's expectations), the ruler (the begininng or the source) of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. (The church;s indecisive nature was revolting to him.) 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. (Jesus is speaking about their miserable and poor spiritual condition) 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold (They needed to acquire the treasures of heaven so they would have spiritual riches through faith in Christ) refined in the fire (spiritual wealth can withstand a fire), so you can become rich; and white (spiritual purity) clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. (Christ will correct and discipline those whom he loves PRO 3:11-12, HEB 12:5-6. Rather than rejecting them His faithfulness extends even to the unfaithful 2TIM 2:13) 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. (A person must hear Jesus knocking and open the door to him, Simply opening the door can renew) If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (A shared meal symbolies acceptance, deep friendship and a convenant relationship REV 19:9, GEN 18:1-5, 16-19, EXO 12:1-31, 18:12, MAT 26:26-30)
21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne ( the reward) , just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. (Christians do not become divine but they share in Christ's victorious reign REV 20:4-6, 22:5, COL 3:1-4, 2 TIM 2:12) 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
You did it - you studied the seven churches letters in Rev 2-3. Great job - see you tonight!
Hey Girls!
YIKES ITS COLD OUT THERE! I was preparing for this to hit this afternoon not early this morning. My in-laws in Dallas are iced in and the weather is only supposed to get worse! So in the event things get ugly outside we will decide by 5pm Wednesday about Bible Study. I have every intention of having Bible Study but if the weather is ugly we will follow NEISD and cancel if need be (I really hope not though.)
Just for fun - this week bring your 15 copies of your favorite DINNER RECIPE. This will make for something fun to share!
Also - Please try and come to CBC this Saturday from 9am until 11am to watch "God's View". It is a Christian take on The View and I will be sitting on the panel. Its going to be a lot of fun and I really hope to see all of you there. HEre is the link for more information and to register for FREE childcare -
http://www.communitybible.com/ministries/adult/women/events.php
We have marked on the calendar for Feb 19th a Girls Night at The Coast. More details coming. I messed up and marked my calendar for the following weekend, so Im trying to make arrangements on my end. I think we are tryiong to leave either late Friday or Early Saturday, spend the night(s) at Wendy's family's beachhouse, and be home around noon on Sunday. We will talk about this on Wednesday.
LORD - We are blessed to have recieved your LOve and your mercy. YOu made the ultimate sacrifice for us and we try daily to follow your word. WE know we are sinners and we come to you to be cleaned. YOu are the mightly LORD and we pray that you revel yourself to us today. We love you! AMEN
YIKES ITS COLD OUT THERE! I was preparing for this to hit this afternoon not early this morning. My in-laws in Dallas are iced in and the weather is only supposed to get worse! So in the event things get ugly outside we will decide by 5pm Wednesday about Bible Study. I have every intention of having Bible Study but if the weather is ugly we will follow NEISD and cancel if need be (I really hope not though.)
Just for fun - this week bring your 15 copies of your favorite DINNER RECIPE. This will make for something fun to share!
Also - Please try and come to CBC this Saturday from 9am until 11am to watch "God's View". It is a Christian take on The View and I will be sitting on the panel. Its going to be a lot of fun and I really hope to see all of you there. HEre is the link for more information and to register for FREE childcare -
http://www.communitybible.com/ministries/adult/women/events.php
We have marked on the calendar for Feb 19th a Girls Night at The Coast. More details coming. I messed up and marked my calendar for the following weekend, so Im trying to make arrangements on my end. I think we are tryiong to leave either late Friday or Early Saturday, spend the night(s) at Wendy's family's beachhouse, and be home around noon on Sunday. We will talk about this on Wednesday.
LORD - We are blessed to have recieved your LOve and your mercy. YOu made the ultimate sacrifice for us and we try daily to follow your word. WE know we are sinners and we come to you to be cleaned. YOu are the mightly LORD and we pray that you revel yourself to us today. We love you! AMEN
Church in Philadelphia ( A Weak but Obedient Church)
To the Church in Philadelphia ( A Weak but Obedient Church. Encourages Christians who seem to be weak and poweless to realize that their true strength is in Christ. There are no words of disapproval. The Kingdom of God only depends on God's power and authority.)
7 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. (Isa 22:22 Jesus the Messiah is successor to David's royal line. As gatekeeper of Heaven, Jesus has authority to open and close the way to heaven.) What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. (they did not deny him under pressure) 9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. (The Christians in Philadelphia has suffered maltreatment ny anti-Christian Jews.) 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. (Jesus will protect Christians who perservere through trials ISA 43:2-4, John 10:27-28, Heb 6:18-19. The Great time of testing refers to End Times)
11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. (We must hold on and overcome difficulty so as to not lose our crown - the expected reward) 12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar (us) in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name (sign of God's blessing on us). 13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
7 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. (Isa 22:22 Jesus the Messiah is successor to David's royal line. As gatekeeper of Heaven, Jesus has authority to open and close the way to heaven.) What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. (they did not deny him under pressure) 9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. (The Christians in Philadelphia has suffered maltreatment ny anti-Christian Jews.) 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. (Jesus will protect Christians who perservere through trials ISA 43:2-4, John 10:27-28, Heb 6:18-19. The Great time of testing refers to End Times)
11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. (We must hold on and overcome difficulty so as to not lose our crown - the expected reward) 12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar (us) in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name (sign of God's blessing on us). 13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Church in Sardis ("A Dead Church")
Today we look at the fifth church, Revelation 3:1-6, The Church at Sardis. My notes are below in blue.
To the Church in Sardis ("A Dead Church" ;this letter is to warn Christians who are reputed to be spiritually alive (When actually dead) that without genuine transformation they face God's judgement)
1 “To the angel[c] of the church in Sardis write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[d] (literally the seven spirits) of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. (The church of Sardis needed to wake up or it would suddenly fall. The city of Sardis had fallen when the forces of Cyrus and of Antiochus make unexpected attacks through a secret tunnel and caught the watchmen off guard. The same would be true of the Christians there if they did not meet the requirements of God. REV 20:12, EPH 2:10)
4 Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. (Soiled clothes represent an impure life ZEC 3:4) They will walk (how they live their life Gen 17:1, PS 81:13, 82:5, ROM 8:4, GAL 5:16) with me, dressed in white (Purity REV 6:11. 7:13-14, 22:14), for they are worthy. 5 The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. (Having your name in the Book of Life symbolizes assurance of God's acceptance and eternal life REV 17:8, 20:12, Phil 4:3, Luke 10:20 For God to erase a name implies condemnation and eternal death EXO 32:32-33, Ps 69:28) 6 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Hope this is helping understand John's message from JEsus to US! Information has been adapted from NLT 2nd Edition Study Bible and M.Henry Commentary.
To the Church in Sardis ("A Dead Church" ;this letter is to warn Christians who are reputed to be spiritually alive (When actually dead) that without genuine transformation they face God's judgement)
1 “To the angel[c] of the church in Sardis write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[d] (literally the seven spirits) of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. (The church of Sardis needed to wake up or it would suddenly fall. The city of Sardis had fallen when the forces of Cyrus and of Antiochus make unexpected attacks through a secret tunnel and caught the watchmen off guard. The same would be true of the Christians there if they did not meet the requirements of God. REV 20:12, EPH 2:10)
4 Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. (Soiled clothes represent an impure life ZEC 3:4) They will walk (how they live their life Gen 17:1, PS 81:13, 82:5, ROM 8:4, GAL 5:16) with me, dressed in white (Purity REV 6:11. 7:13-14, 22:14), for they are worthy. 5 The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. (Having your name in the Book of Life symbolizes assurance of God's acceptance and eternal life REV 17:8, 20:12, Phil 4:3, Luke 10:20 For God to erase a name implies condemnation and eternal death EXO 32:32-33, Ps 69:28) 6 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Hope this is helping understand John's message from JEsus to US! Information has been adapted from NLT 2nd Edition Study Bible and M.Henry Commentary.
Church in Thyatira (An overly tolerant Church)
As part of our homework this week we are looking at the seven churches John wrote to in Revelation 2-3. Today we are on the fourth, Church in Thyatira. Please read and study the scripture below. My comments and notes are in Blue. They have been adapted from my Study Bible (NLT, 2nd Edition) and Commentary (Matthew Henry).
Revelation 2:18-29
To the Church in Thyatira (An overly tolerant Church, confronts Christians who mix Christianity with pagan practices and a worldly lifestyle)
18 “To the angel of the church in Thyatira (an outpost cirt known for trade guilds Acts 16:4) write:
These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire (indicate penetrating perception) and whose feet are like burnished bronze (indicating Christ's stability). 19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. (Christ emphasizing knowing and seeing ALL things as he praises this church)
20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel (who led Isreal into pagan idolaty and immorality 1Kings 16:31-33, 21:5-26), who calls herself a prophet. (This is a problem Christ has with this church) By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. 21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. 22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. 23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. (His judgement comes in three stages 1- Jezebal on bed of suffering 2- her followers will greatly suffer 3-her children will die. This judgement echoes the plagues on Egypt that ended with deaths of Egypt's firstborn sons EXO 12:29-30. This should remind us that GOD sees thoughts and intentions and in responses gives whatever punishment/sentence people deserve. JER 17:10, Acts 1:24, Heb 4:12-13, Mat 16:27)
24 Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you, 25 except to hold on to what you have until I come.’
26 To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— 27 that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’[b]—just as I have received authority from my Father. 28 I will also give that one the morning star. (Christ promises that those who are obedient will share authority with him (WOW), as symbolized by the iron scepter that will dash the opposition like clay pots. PS 2:8-9. The morning start signifies the coming of a new day and refers to the promise of resurrection at Christ's return (REV 22:16, 2Pet 1:19)29 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Question to ponder -
Are you convicted by the thought of an "Overly Tolerant Church"?
Revelation 2:18-29
To the Church in Thyatira (An overly tolerant Church, confronts Christians who mix Christianity with pagan practices and a worldly lifestyle)
18 “To the angel of the church in Thyatira (an outpost cirt known for trade guilds Acts 16:4) write:
These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire (indicate penetrating perception) and whose feet are like burnished bronze (indicating Christ's stability). 19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. (Christ emphasizing knowing and seeing ALL things as he praises this church)
20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel (who led Isreal into pagan idolaty and immorality 1Kings 16:31-33, 21:5-26), who calls herself a prophet. (This is a problem Christ has with this church) By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. 21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. 22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. 23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. (His judgement comes in three stages 1- Jezebal on bed of suffering 2- her followers will greatly suffer 3-her children will die. This judgement echoes the plagues on Egypt that ended with deaths of Egypt's firstborn sons EXO 12:29-30. This should remind us that GOD sees thoughts and intentions and in responses gives whatever punishment/sentence people deserve. JER 17:10, Acts 1:24, Heb 4:12-13, Mat 16:27)
24 Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you, 25 except to hold on to what you have until I come.’
26 To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— 27 that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’[b]—just as I have received authority from my Father. 28 I will also give that one the morning star. (Christ promises that those who are obedient will share authority with him (WOW), as symbolized by the iron scepter that will dash the opposition like clay pots. PS 2:8-9. The morning start signifies the coming of a new day and refers to the promise of resurrection at Christ's return (REV 22:16, 2Pet 1:19)29 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Question to ponder -
Are you convicted by the thought of an "Overly Tolerant Church"?
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