...about your favorite book in the Bible.... why? It may change and it may be hard to pick one but what was your first thought?
My favorite book in the bible is Luke, which is why we named our son Luke. I love the way it is written and I love the lessons we learn. It is where we read from on Christmas Eve and it is where we read from on Easter Sunday. Its a very important part of family tradition in our life. I also love Proverbs - especially as a wife and a mother. There is no better place to find wisdom from the Lord!
Tell me what book speaks to you and why!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Session Nine, Question 1
To watch Session Nine please click here
http://www.lproof.org/Store/collection.asp?collectionID=20&offset=20
Question 1
Remember there is a blessing attached to the reading of Revelation and we don't want to miss it! Ask God right now to give you added focus and to captivate your attentions and even your emotions with each chapter. In fact, why don't we glance at Luke 24:45 and ask Christ to do for you this week what He did for His desciples that week? Write your petition here.
Luke 24:45 (New International Version, ©2011)
45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
Lord - We come to you today and ask that you open our minds and our hearts to your Word. This is a gift we openly recieve from you and directions on how to live a life for you! We love you and pray that we can give YOU the time YOU deserve this week in study! We want to study your Word and we want to strive to understand YOUR message to us. Thank you for dying on the cross for our sins and for your unconditional love, mercy and grace! IN YOUR NAME - AMEN
Now glance back over Revelation 13 and perhaps even our ninth session so you can recapture your context as we get started. Then, read Revelation 14:1-5. List descriptions of this group of 144,000 in the space below:
Revelation 14
The Lamb and the 144,000
1 Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. 3 And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. 4 These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they remained virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. 5 No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.
My thoughts:
They have his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads (The Seal we are all marked with as Christians). They sang a song that only they could know, since they had been redeemed from Earth. They remained virgins and did not defile themselves. They follow Jesus anywhere he goes. They were offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. They are blameless.
Some notes from my Study Bible:
(1) 144,000 were God's righteous remnant
(2) The brand on their foreheads is the name of both the Lamb and his Father - reflecting the union of Jesus and the Father (John 5:20-23, 14:5-10, 17:22)
(3) This great choir sang a...new song that only those who had been redeemed from the earth could learn. thses people had died and were already with the Lord, which might explain why John did not include the content of their refrain for readers still in the battle of life (2 Cor 12:4).
(4) These warriors were ritually pure (unpolluted) and morally without blame. They are virgins who have not defiled themselves with women. Referring to men as virgins is a metaphor for the faithfulness of God's people. The image might refer to the church as the virgin bride of Christ (2 Cor 11:2, Eph 5:25-27); it also suggests that the church constitutes soldiers in a holy war that are required to keep themselves chaste ( Deut 23:9-10, 1 Sam 21:5).
(5) These faithful people are a special offering (Exo 13:14-16, 23:19, Lev 23:9-14, Num 3:40-51, 18:15-20, Luke 2:22-24) who have been purchased for God. They have told no lies: John teaches that liars will never enter heaven (John 8:44, Rev 21:8,27 and Rev 22:15. The followers of Jesus speak and live the trut (john 8:32, 14:6)
Note any distinguishing characteristics in Revelation 14:3 of the song they sang. List them here:
Revelation 14:3
3 And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.
My thoughts:
Awesomely - no one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been purchased for God! What a great gift - I bet they made a joyful noise of worship! What an amazing thought and picture!
http://www.lproof.org/Store/collection.asp?collectionID=20&offset=20
Question 1
Remember there is a blessing attached to the reading of Revelation and we don't want to miss it! Ask God right now to give you added focus and to captivate your attentions and even your emotions with each chapter. In fact, why don't we glance at Luke 24:45 and ask Christ to do for you this week what He did for His desciples that week? Write your petition here.
Luke 24:45 (New International Version, ©2011)
45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
Lord - We come to you today and ask that you open our minds and our hearts to your Word. This is a gift we openly recieve from you and directions on how to live a life for you! We love you and pray that we can give YOU the time YOU deserve this week in study! We want to study your Word and we want to strive to understand YOUR message to us. Thank you for dying on the cross for our sins and for your unconditional love, mercy and grace! IN YOUR NAME - AMEN
Now glance back over Revelation 13 and perhaps even our ninth session so you can recapture your context as we get started. Then, read Revelation 14:1-5. List descriptions of this group of 144,000 in the space below:
Revelation 14
The Lamb and the 144,000
1 Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. 3 And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. 4 These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they remained virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. 5 No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.
My thoughts:
They have his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads (The Seal we are all marked with as Christians). They sang a song that only they could know, since they had been redeemed from Earth. They remained virgins and did not defile themselves. They follow Jesus anywhere he goes. They were offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. They are blameless.
Some notes from my Study Bible:
(1) 144,000 were God's righteous remnant
(2) The brand on their foreheads is the name of both the Lamb and his Father - reflecting the union of Jesus and the Father (John 5:20-23, 14:5-10, 17:22)
(3) This great choir sang a...new song that only those who had been redeemed from the earth could learn. thses people had died and were already with the Lord, which might explain why John did not include the content of their refrain for readers still in the battle of life (2 Cor 12:4).
(4) These warriors were ritually pure (unpolluted) and morally without blame. They are virgins who have not defiled themselves with women. Referring to men as virgins is a metaphor for the faithfulness of God's people. The image might refer to the church as the virgin bride of Christ (2 Cor 11:2, Eph 5:25-27); it also suggests that the church constitutes soldiers in a holy war that are required to keep themselves chaste ( Deut 23:9-10, 1 Sam 21:5).
(5) These faithful people are a special offering (Exo 13:14-16, 23:19, Lev 23:9-14, Num 3:40-51, 18:15-20, Luke 2:22-24) who have been purchased for God. They have told no lies: John teaches that liars will never enter heaven (John 8:44, Rev 21:8,27 and Rev 22:15. The followers of Jesus speak and live the trut (john 8:32, 14:6)
Note any distinguishing characteristics in Revelation 14:3 of the song they sang. List them here:
Revelation 14:3
3 And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.
My thoughts:
Awesomely - no one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been purchased for God! What a great gift - I bet they made a joyful noise of worship! What an amazing thought and picture!
Ephesians 1:15-20
Today I want to pray that each of you experiance God's incomparable great power. So I ask you to pray through this Scripture a few times today - stop for a minute and just say it out loud, pray it quietly in your heart, write it out, whatever speaks to you. This is my prayer for you:
Ephesians 1:15-20
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
In your name we pray - AMEN
Ephesians 1:15-20
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
In your name we pray - AMEN
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
AND THE NEXT STUDY IS....
Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed: A Study of David
This study features teachings by Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, and Kay Arthur. These three women explored their lives and the life of David in this six-session Bible study. The messages presented by these beloved authors are divided into three segments, two lessons from each author. Each segment focuses on the life of David at a different stage of his life:
(1) As a young man (sessions one and two by Priscilla Shirer)
(2) As a middle-aged man (sessions three and four by Beth Moore)
(3) As a man facing the final third of his life (sessions five and six by Kay Arthur)
You’ll laugh with them, cry with them, and learn to love God with them.
Tell me what you think.....Leave a comment!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
DO ME A FAVOR...
Leave a comment if you visit the blog - I'm just trying to make sure its working and I am curious who is visiting?
The first ten to leave comments get a PRIZE!
Will it be you?
Love to all!
M
The first ten to leave comments get a PRIZE!
Will it be you?
Love to all!
M
Revelation Study - Session Eight, Question 5
In Session Eight, we discussed with lightning speed a number of threats to the nation of Israel and, therefore, the Messiah, recorded in Scripture and in inter-testament history (Antioch us Epiphanies), Reread Revelation 12:13 and write the verse here:
Revelation 12:13 (New International Version, ©2011)
13 When the dragon saw that he had been hurled to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child.
Think back on recorded history even within the last century. Name at least one way the dragon has continued to pursue the woman (the nation of Israel) even after the birth of Child?
My thoughts: I don't strong sense of history here so I am little embarrassed of this fact! I look to the news today and see the devil at work all over the nation of Israel. I would love to know what you think - please leave a comment and let me know!
Just think how the dragon still despises the Jews and still tries to overtake and threaten Israel. Even though Israel as a nation has not yet corporately acclaimed and received Jesus as her Messiah, God still has a sovereign plan in motion. Make no mistake. His eye is upon any nation or people who persecutes or tries to destroy her. The Jews have endured serious repercussions for unbelief but God's covenant with them will also endure. As you begin wrapping up this week's assignments, look once again at Romans 11:25-27. What is the bottom line?
Romans 11:25-27 (New International Version, ©2011)
All Israel Will Be Saved
25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, 26 and in this way[a] all Israel will be saved. As it is written:
“The deliverer will come from Zion;
he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
27 And this is[b] my covenant with them
when I take away their sins.”[c]
My thoughts: In this scripture we learn a lot - but I want to make sure I state the obvious... he starts my saying "Mystery"....so we many never know exactly what he has planned. In my eyes, Israel has experienced a hardening of their hearts and until Christ reveals himself to them they cannot be saved. Once he comes and they experience HIM, he fulfills HIS covenant with Him, then he will take away their sins. What do you think?
Do you find it mind boggling? You're in good company. So did the Apostle Paul. As today's benediction, read his doxology in Romans 11:33-36 ALOUD!
Romans 11:33-36 (New International Version, ©2011)
Doxology
33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and[a] knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”[b]
35 “Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay them?”[c]
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Revelation 12:13 (New International Version, ©2011)
13 When the dragon saw that he had been hurled to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child.
Think back on recorded history even within the last century. Name at least one way the dragon has continued to pursue the woman (the nation of Israel) even after the birth of Child?
My thoughts: I don't strong sense of history here so I am little embarrassed of this fact! I look to the news today and see the devil at work all over the nation of Israel. I would love to know what you think - please leave a comment and let me know!
Just think how the dragon still despises the Jews and still tries to overtake and threaten Israel. Even though Israel as a nation has not yet corporately acclaimed and received Jesus as her Messiah, God still has a sovereign plan in motion. Make no mistake. His eye is upon any nation or people who persecutes or tries to destroy her. The Jews have endured serious repercussions for unbelief but God's covenant with them will also endure. As you begin wrapping up this week's assignments, look once again at Romans 11:25-27. What is the bottom line?
Romans 11:25-27 (New International Version, ©2011)
All Israel Will Be Saved
25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, 26 and in this way[a] all Israel will be saved. As it is written:
“The deliverer will come from Zion;
he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
27 And this is[b] my covenant with them
when I take away their sins.”[c]
My thoughts: In this scripture we learn a lot - but I want to make sure I state the obvious... he starts my saying "Mystery"....so we many never know exactly what he has planned. In my eyes, Israel has experienced a hardening of their hearts and until Christ reveals himself to them they cannot be saved. Once he comes and they experience HIM, he fulfills HIS covenant with Him, then he will take away their sins. What do you think?
Do you find it mind boggling? You're in good company. So did the Apostle Paul. As today's benediction, read his doxology in Romans 11:33-36 ALOUD!
Romans 11:33-36 (New International Version, ©2011)
Doxology
33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and[a] knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”[b]
35 “Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay them?”[c]
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Revelation Study - Session Eight, Question 4
Review Revelation 12:10-12. How much has Satan played the role of accuser in your conscious life?
Revelation 12:10-12 (New International Version, ©2011)
10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have come the salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Messiah.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters,
who accuses them before our God day and night,
has been hurled down.
11 They triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.
12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens
and you who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea,
because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury,
because he knows that his time is short.”
My Thoughts: Ok to be honest I had to read this scripture and question several times. This is when it is not fun to share all your thoughts aloud. My thoughts on how the "accuser", AKA Satan, has played a role in my life is quite eye opening. I mean if I step back I can see him creap into my mind and my life often. The only way that I identify the Devil is active is when my thoughts stray from something that I not Christ-like to something very secular. Since I stay in the word (or at this point, go running to it) - I pray for the devil to leave my mind and life in Jesus' name. I teach my kids the same thing. What about you?
Revelation 12:10-12 (New International Version, ©2011)
10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have come the salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Messiah.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters,
who accuses them before our God day and night,
has been hurled down.
11 They triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.
12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens
and you who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea,
because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury,
because he knows that his time is short.”
My Thoughts: Ok to be honest I had to read this scripture and question several times. This is when it is not fun to share all your thoughts aloud. My thoughts on how the "accuser", AKA Satan, has played a role in my life is quite eye opening. I mean if I step back I can see him creap into my mind and my life often. The only way that I identify the Devil is active is when my thoughts stray from something that I not Christ-like to something very secular. Since I stay in the word (or at this point, go running to it) - I pray for the devil to leave my mind and life in Jesus' name. I teach my kids the same thing. What about you?
Revelation Study - Session Eight, Question 3
Let's return to Revelation 12 again and discuss the dragon. Who is he, according to verse 9? List every description.
Revelation 12
The Woman and the Dragon
1 A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. 2 She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. 3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its heads. 4 Its tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour her child the moment he was born. 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child, who “will rule all the nations with an iron scepter.”[a] And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne. 6 The woman fled into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days.
7 Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have come the salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Messiah.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters,
who accuses them before our God day and night,
has been hurled down.
11 They triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.
12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens
and you who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea,
because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury,
because he knows that his time is short.”
13 When the dragon saw that he had been hurled to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. 14 The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent’s reach. 15 Then from his mouth the serpent spewed water like a river, to overtake the woman and sweep her away with the torrent. 16 But the earth helped the woman by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17 Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.
My thoughts: According to verse 9, the dragon is "the serpent, Satan". He is described as a red dragon, with seven head, ten horns, with seven crowns on its heads. His tail swept 1/3 of the stars out of the sky. He is called an ancient serpent, Satan, the devil.
Now, look back at Revelation 12:4. In your own words and understanding, why was the dragon so intent upon devouring the child?
My thought: We learned that the baby is Jesus Christ in our studying and through watching the DVD last week. Therefore, the "devil" is wanting to devouring Christ and kill him.
The most blatant fulfillment of this reference is found in Matthew 2:13-18. Throughout history, Satan has employed willing humans to do his bidding. How did he try and failu to devour the child in this portion of Matthew's gospel?
Matthew 2:13-18 (New International Version, ©2011)
The Escape to Egypt
13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”[a]
16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. 17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
18 “A voice is heard in Ramah,
weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because they are no more.”[b]
My Thoughts: In this portion of Scripture Herod is looking for this baby (Jesus) and wants to kill him. Joseph gets a visit from an angel who instructs him to leave and to take Mary and the baby to Egypt. Wow - what would you do?
Revelation 12
The Woman and the Dragon
1 A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. 2 She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. 3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its heads. 4 Its tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour her child the moment he was born. 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child, who “will rule all the nations with an iron scepter.”[a] And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne. 6 The woman fled into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days.
7 Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have come the salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Messiah.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters,
who accuses them before our God day and night,
has been hurled down.
11 They triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.
12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens
and you who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea,
because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury,
because he knows that his time is short.”
13 When the dragon saw that he had been hurled to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. 14 The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent’s reach. 15 Then from his mouth the serpent spewed water like a river, to overtake the woman and sweep her away with the torrent. 16 But the earth helped the woman by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17 Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.
My thoughts: According to verse 9, the dragon is "the serpent, Satan". He is described as a red dragon, with seven head, ten horns, with seven crowns on its heads. His tail swept 1/3 of the stars out of the sky. He is called an ancient serpent, Satan, the devil.
Now, look back at Revelation 12:4. In your own words and understanding, why was the dragon so intent upon devouring the child?
My thought: We learned that the baby is Jesus Christ in our studying and through watching the DVD last week. Therefore, the "devil" is wanting to devouring Christ and kill him.
The most blatant fulfillment of this reference is found in Matthew 2:13-18. Throughout history, Satan has employed willing humans to do his bidding. How did he try and failu to devour the child in this portion of Matthew's gospel?
Matthew 2:13-18 (New International Version, ©2011)
The Escape to Egypt
13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”[a]
16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. 17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
18 “A voice is heard in Ramah,
weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because they are no more.”[b]
My Thoughts: In this portion of Scripture Herod is looking for this baby (Jesus) and wants to kill him. Joseph gets a visit from an angel who instructs him to leave and to take Mary and the baby to Egypt. Wow - what would you do?
Friday, March 4, 2011
Revelation Study - Session Eight, Question 2
Daily Prayer:Lord - Today as we look into your WORD we look for you! We look for your message to us as your faithful followers! We look for you to reveal yourself to us in a new and pure way! We are being faithful in our study but ask that the Holy Spirit continue to nudge us and drive us to study. We love your gift of WORD to us and today we come before you anxious to learn. In your name we pray - AMEN
Question Two:
Please reread Revelation 12:1-9.
Revelation 12:1-9
The Woman and the Dragon
1 A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. 2 She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. 3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its heads. 4 Its tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour her child the moment he was born. 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child, who “will rule all the nations with an iron scepter.”[a] And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne. 6 The woman fled into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days.
7 Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
What did we determine in our session that the 12 stars probably represent?
My thoughts: Tne twelve tribes of Isreal.
Revelation 12:3-4 Refers to another set of stars. What happened to them?
My Thoughts: The dragons tail wiped 1/3 of the stars out of the sky.
While the 12 stars on the woman's crowni n Revelation 12:1 are most likely representative of the 12 tribes of Isreal, "a third of the stars" (the heavens, presumably)referenced in 12:4 could be symbolic of angels and demons. Imentioned JOb 38:7 as a possible link. Read Job 38:4-7 now. According to God's own account to Job, what happened while He laid the cornerstone of earth's creation?
Job 38:4-7 (New International Version, ©2011)
Job 38:4-7
4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.
5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
6 On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone—
7 while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels[a] shouted for joy?
My Thoughts: All the angels shouted for joy. How awesome to envision... I love the thought of the morning star singing together and all the angels shouting for joy!
Let's look at a few more scriptures:
Daniel 12:3
3 Those who are wise[a] will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.
Philippians 2:14-15
14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[a] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky
My thoghts: The Lord wants us to shine like the stars, which are his angels in heaven. Are you a shining star?
Question Two:
Please reread Revelation 12:1-9.
Revelation 12:1-9
The Woman and the Dragon
1 A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. 2 She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. 3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its heads. 4 Its tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour her child the moment he was born. 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child, who “will rule all the nations with an iron scepter.”[a] And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne. 6 The woman fled into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days.
7 Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
What did we determine in our session that the 12 stars probably represent?
My thoughts: Tne twelve tribes of Isreal.
Revelation 12:3-4 Refers to another set of stars. What happened to them?
My Thoughts: The dragons tail wiped 1/3 of the stars out of the sky.
While the 12 stars on the woman's crowni n Revelation 12:1 are most likely representative of the 12 tribes of Isreal, "a third of the stars" (the heavens, presumably)referenced in 12:4 could be symbolic of angels and demons. Imentioned JOb 38:7 as a possible link. Read Job 38:4-7 now. According to God's own account to Job, what happened while He laid the cornerstone of earth's creation?
Job 38:4-7 (New International Version, ©2011)
Job 38:4-7
4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.
5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
6 On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone—
7 while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels[a] shouted for joy?
My Thoughts: All the angels shouted for joy. How awesome to envision... I love the thought of the morning star singing together and all the angels shouting for joy!
Let's look at a few more scriptures:
Daniel 12:3
3 Those who are wise[a] will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.
Philippians 2:14-15
14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[a] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky
My thoghts: The Lord wants us to shine like the stars, which are his angels in heaven. Are you a shining star?
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Revelation Study - Daily Prayer and Session Eight, Question 1
Hey Girls!
So this day has flown by and I am shocked that it is 10om already. I cannot believe this is my first chance to sit down and be still. We started our day bright and early at 5:50am (that's right - before my alarm went off to go for a run) with KATE opening and shutting all the doors upstairs. I mean really, and just to add to mental picture - I have 5 loads of laundry waiting to be folded that I tripped over trying to get her back to bed. It didn't work. The only good thing that came out of being up so early was that we were actually on time for Bible Study this morning. Its been a day filled with anything but normal routine.... so my quiet time was spent doing P90X but as you can guess I was interupted a million times.
Daily prayer:
LORD - I need you tonight, I need you to help my sweet Kate sleep. I need for you to instill a spirit of grace and mercy in me when she gets up abruptly. Lord, most importantly regardless of what happens through day - I pray that I can focus on you. I pray that I can sit still in you and listen. I want to be a loyal servant and see the fresh revelation of you. In your name - AMEN
Session Eight, Question 1
What have you found most mind-boggling so far?
I so much of what we have studied is amazing! I find it amazing that Revelation was is written in figurative language so we can understand (and yet we still don't fully comprehend it). I love that many events in Revelation are forshadowed in Old Testament scripture. I love that every Alpha has an Omega. I love the detail of the Throne and I love the vision of Jesus being our intercessor. I love the detail of GOD cancelling our sin and tossing it into the sea of glass.
That's just what comes to mind right now - what do you find amazing?
Love you all! Please send me any additional prayer requests and I will include in my email tomorrow!
So this day has flown by and I am shocked that it is 10om already. I cannot believe this is my first chance to sit down and be still. We started our day bright and early at 5:50am (that's right - before my alarm went off to go for a run) with KATE opening and shutting all the doors upstairs. I mean really, and just to add to mental picture - I have 5 loads of laundry waiting to be folded that I tripped over trying to get her back to bed. It didn't work. The only good thing that came out of being up so early was that we were actually on time for Bible Study this morning. Its been a day filled with anything but normal routine.... so my quiet time was spent doing P90X but as you can guess I was interupted a million times.
Daily prayer:
LORD - I need you tonight, I need you to help my sweet Kate sleep. I need for you to instill a spirit of grace and mercy in me when she gets up abruptly. Lord, most importantly regardless of what happens through day - I pray that I can focus on you. I pray that I can sit still in you and listen. I want to be a loyal servant and see the fresh revelation of you. In your name - AMEN
Session Eight, Question 1
What have you found most mind-boggling so far?
I so much of what we have studied is amazing! I find it amazing that Revelation was is written in figurative language so we can understand (and yet we still don't fully comprehend it). I love that many events in Revelation are forshadowed in Old Testament scripture. I love that every Alpha has an Omega. I love the detail of the Throne and I love the vision of Jesus being our intercessor. I love the detail of GOD cancelling our sin and tossing it into the sea of glass.
That's just what comes to mind right now - what do you find amazing?
Love you all! Please send me any additional prayer requests and I will include in my email tomorrow!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Revelation Study - Session 7, Question 6
Read Ezekiel 2:1-3:15. Record any similarities between the Ezekiel account and the Revelation 10 account.
Ezekiel 2-3:15 (New International Version, ©2011)
Ezekiel 2
Ezekiel’s Call to Be a Prophet
1 He said to me, “Son of man,[a] stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” 2 As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.
3 He said: “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me to this very day. 4 The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says.’ 5 And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious people—they will know that a prophet has been among them. 6 And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people. 7 You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious. 8 But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious people; open your mouth and eat what I give you.”
9 Then I looked, and I saw a hand stretched out to me. In it was a scroll, 10 which he unrolled before me. On both sides of it were written words of lament and mourning and woe.
Ezekiel 3
1 And he said to me, “Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the people of Israel.” 2 So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat.
3 Then he said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.
4 He then said to me: “Son of man, go now to the people of Israel and speak my words to them. 5 You are not being sent to a people of obscure speech and strange language, but to the people of Israel— 6 not to many peoples of obscure speech and strange language, whose words you cannot understand. Surely if I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you. 7 But the people of Israel are not willing to listen to you because they are not willing to listen to me, for all the Israelites are hardened and obstinate. 8 But I will make you as unyielding and hardened as they are. 9 I will make your forehead like the hardest stone, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people.”
10 And he said to me, “Son of man, listen carefully and take to heart all the words I speak to you. 11 Go now to your people in exile and speak to them. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says,’ whether they listen or fail to listen.”
12 Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me a loud rumbling sound as the glory of the LORD rose from the place where it was standing.[b] 13 It was the sound of the wings of the living creatures brushing against each other and the sound of the wheels beside them, a loud rumbling sound. 14 The Spirit then lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD on me. 15 I came to the exiles who lived at Tel Aviv near the Kebar River. And there, where they were living, I sat among them for seven days—deeply distressed.
Now Contrast to Revelation 10:
Revelation 10
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.”
5 Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven. 6 And he swore by him who lives for ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, “There will be no more delay! 7 But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.”
8 Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me once more: “Go, take the scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.”
9 So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, “Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but ‘in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.’[a]” 10 I took the little scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour. 11 Then I was told, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.”
My Thoughts: For the sake of time I am going to BOLD the similarities that I see....did I miss any?
What did God tell Ezekiel He would do for him in Verse 9?
Ezekiel 3:9 (New International Version, ©2011)
9 I will make your forehead like the hardest stone, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people.”
My Thoughts: God told Ezekiel that he would make his forehead like the hardest stone...
How about that for an example of God making your hardheaded in His behalf instead of being hard-headed in our opposition to Him? This is the kind of hard-headedness that makes a person fearless to do God's will. I want that kind. Don't you? Now, what reference fif God make to people of other languages in Eze 3:5-6?
Ezekiel 3:5-6 (New International Version, ©2011)
5 You are not being sent to a people of obscure speech and strange language, but to the people of Israel— 6 not to many peoples of obscure speech and strange language, whose words you cannot understand. Surely if I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you.
My thoughts: If the Lord sends you a message to communicate then regardless of language barriers you should trust and deliver the message. That's easier said than done, I mean imagine trying to communicate a message to a French woman in English... lots of hand gesturing I assume. Thoughts?
Turn back to Revelation 10:11. What was John told to prophesy again about in this verse?
Revelation 10:11 (New International Version, ©2011)
11 Then I was told, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.”
My Thoughts: He mus prophesy about many peoples, nations, languages and kings. He is told to prophesy the promise and judgement of Christ.
Ezekiel 2-3:15 (New International Version, ©2011)
Ezekiel 2
Ezekiel’s Call to Be a Prophet
1 He said to me, “Son of man,[a] stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” 2 As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.
3 He said: “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me to this very day. 4 The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says.’ 5 And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious people—they will know that a prophet has been among them. 6 And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people. 7 You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious. 8 But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious people; open your mouth and eat what I give you.”
9 Then I looked, and I saw a hand stretched out to me. In it was a scroll, 10 which he unrolled before me. On both sides of it were written words of lament and mourning and woe.
Ezekiel 3
1 And he said to me, “Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the people of Israel.” 2 So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat.
3 Then he said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.
4 He then said to me: “Son of man, go now to the people of Israel and speak my words to them. 5 You are not being sent to a people of obscure speech and strange language, but to the people of Israel— 6 not to many peoples of obscure speech and strange language, whose words you cannot understand. Surely if I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you. 7 But the people of Israel are not willing to listen to you because they are not willing to listen to me, for all the Israelites are hardened and obstinate. 8 But I will make you as unyielding and hardened as they are. 9 I will make your forehead like the hardest stone, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people.”
10 And he said to me, “Son of man, listen carefully and take to heart all the words I speak to you. 11 Go now to your people in exile and speak to them. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says,’ whether they listen or fail to listen.”
12 Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me a loud rumbling sound as the glory of the LORD rose from the place where it was standing.[b] 13 It was the sound of the wings of the living creatures brushing against each other and the sound of the wheels beside them, a loud rumbling sound. 14 The Spirit then lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD on me. 15 I came to the exiles who lived at Tel Aviv near the Kebar River. And there, where they were living, I sat among them for seven days—deeply distressed.
Now Contrast to Revelation 10:
Revelation 10
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.”
5 Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven. 6 And he swore by him who lives for ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, “There will be no more delay! 7 But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.”
8 Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me once more: “Go, take the scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.”
9 So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, “Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but ‘in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.’[a]” 10 I took the little scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour. 11 Then I was told, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.”
My Thoughts: For the sake of time I am going to BOLD the similarities that I see....did I miss any?
What did God tell Ezekiel He would do for him in Verse 9?
Ezekiel 3:9 (New International Version, ©2011)
9 I will make your forehead like the hardest stone, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people.”
My Thoughts: God told Ezekiel that he would make his forehead like the hardest stone...
How about that for an example of God making your hardheaded in His behalf instead of being hard-headed in our opposition to Him? This is the kind of hard-headedness that makes a person fearless to do God's will. I want that kind. Don't you? Now, what reference fif God make to people of other languages in Eze 3:5-6?
Ezekiel 3:5-6 (New International Version, ©2011)
5 You are not being sent to a people of obscure speech and strange language, but to the people of Israel— 6 not to many peoples of obscure speech and strange language, whose words you cannot understand. Surely if I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you.
My thoughts: If the Lord sends you a message to communicate then regardless of language barriers you should trust and deliver the message. That's easier said than done, I mean imagine trying to communicate a message to a French woman in English... lots of hand gesturing I assume. Thoughts?
Turn back to Revelation 10:11. What was John told to prophesy again about in this verse?
Revelation 10:11 (New International Version, ©2011)
11 Then I was told, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.”
My Thoughts: He mus prophesy about many peoples, nations, languages and kings. He is told to prophesy the promise and judgement of Christ.
Revelation Study- Session 7, Question 5
Read Revelation 10:9-11 and record what happened with John in regard to the scroll.
Revelation 10:9-11 (New International Version, ©2011)
9 So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, “Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but ‘in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.’[a]” 10 I took the little scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour. 11 Then I was told, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.”
My Thoughts: He was told to take the scroll and eat it... Hmmm... you can tell he was a faithful follower because he did just as he was commanded... but would you? I think if I was told to eat paper I might pause for a minute, especially if I was warned of the side effects.
NLT Study Bible Notes: As in Ezekiel's experiance, the scroll tasted sweet in the mouth (EZE 3:1-3, Jer 15:16). The experiances yet to come for God's people would be sweet, including the victory of God's plan and the vindication of his people. John's sour stomach resembles the effects of Ezekiel's hard message for Isreal (Eze 3:8-9). The process of bringing God's plan to fruition involves hardship.
Revelation 10:9-11 (New International Version, ©2011)
9 So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, “Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but ‘in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.’[a]” 10 I took the little scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour. 11 Then I was told, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.”
My Thoughts: He was told to take the scroll and eat it... Hmmm... you can tell he was a faithful follower because he did just as he was commanded... but would you? I think if I was told to eat paper I might pause for a minute, especially if I was warned of the side effects.
NLT Study Bible Notes: As in Ezekiel's experiance, the scroll tasted sweet in the mouth (EZE 3:1-3, Jer 15:16). The experiances yet to come for God's people would be sweet, including the victory of God's plan and the vindication of his people. John's sour stomach resembles the effects of Ezekiel's hard message for Isreal (Eze 3:8-9). The process of bringing God's plan to fruition involves hardship.
Revelation Study - Session 7, Question 4
What did the voice from heaven tell John to do in Revelation 10:8?
Revelation 10:8 (New International Version, ©2011)
8 Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me once more: “Go, take the scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.”
My Thoughts:The angel told John to go and take the scroll that lays in the open hand of the angel. Read in Ezekiel 3:1-3 and Jer 15:16 for references. This is signifying the experiances yet to come for God's people, including the victory of God's plan and the vindication of his people. (NLT Study Bible - adapted notes)
Revelation 10:8 (New International Version, ©2011)
8 Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me once more: “Go, take the scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.”
My Thoughts:The angel told John to go and take the scroll that lays in the open hand of the angel. Read in Ezekiel 3:1-3 and Jer 15:16 for references. This is signifying the experiances yet to come for God's people, including the victory of God's plan and the vindication of his people. (NLT Study Bible - adapted notes)
Revelation Study - Session 7, Question 3
Read Revelation 10:5-7 and briefly describe the events recorded.
Revelation 10:5-7 (New International Version, ©2011)
5 Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven. 6 And he swore by him who lives for ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, “There will be no more delay! 7 But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.”
My Thoughts: There is an angel standing on the sea and on the land. With the right hand raised toward Heaven. The angel swore an oath to God - said, "There will be no more delay. When the 7th trumpet sounds God's plan will be fulfilled..." Can you imagine being the angel? What an announcement... I mean you are telling us that this is it!
Revelation 10:5-7 (New International Version, ©2011)
5 Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven. 6 And he swore by him who lives for ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, “There will be no more delay! 7 But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.”
My Thoughts: There is an angel standing on the sea and on the land. With the right hand raised toward Heaven. The angel swore an oath to God - said, "There will be no more delay. When the 7th trumpet sounds God's plan will be fulfilled..." Can you imagine being the angel? What an announcement... I mean you are telling us that this is it!
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