God's Judgements

A Calling for Revival– Zephaniah 1-3

10:30 PM


As we begin reading the book of Zephaniah we find that his ministry took place in the days of Josiah’s reign and before his reforms (2 Chronicles 34:1-13). 
“The word of the LORD which came to Zephaniah the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah:” (Zep. 1:1) 
Zephaniah prophesies about a coming day of judgment: a devastating Day of the Lord! (Zep. 1:2-3, 14-18)
-Judgment for the idolatry that was taking place among His people –those who had turned from following the Lord-. (1:4-6)
-Judgment against the leaders and princes. (1:7-9)
-Judgment against the merchant people. Those that trusted in their riches –idolatry- (1:10-11)
-Judgment against the complacent -the stagnant in spirit-(1:12-13)
Then in chapter 2 we find God calling His people to repentance: 

“Gather yourselves together [in repentance], yes, gather [in submission],

O nation without shame,” (2:1)
“Seek the Lord [search diligently for Him and regard Him as the foremost necessity of your life], All you humble of the land who have practiced His ordinances and have kept His commandments; Seek righteousness, seek humility [regard them as vital].
Perhaps you will be hidden [and pardoned and rescued]
In the day of the Lord’s anger.” (2:3 AMP)


When I take a close look around me, I sadly can find this same issue taking place in people’s hearts!! Our God is also calling US to repentance. We must humbly look into our hearts and ask His Holy Spirit to show us our faults!  May we continually let Him purify our hearts (1Pe. 5:6); then we will be ready to boldly spread the Word just as Zephaniah did: 
“Repent; humble yourselves and seek the Lord!!”
“So get rid of all uncleanness and [a]all that remains of wickedness, and with a humble spirit receive the word [of God] which is implanted [actually rooted in your heart], which is able to save your souls. 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth]. (James 1:21-22 AMP) (1Pe. 4:17)
 “But He gives us more and more grace [through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation]. Therefore, it says, “God is opposed to the proud and haughty, but [continually] gives [the gift of] grace to the humble [who turn away from self-righteousness].” 7 So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people]. 9 Be miserable and grieve and weep [over your sin]. Let your [foolish] laughter be turned to mourning and your [reckless] joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose].” (James 4:6-10)



O what wonderful promises we find in His Word! He loves us so that as a loving Father He is willing to forgive us, and take us back into His loving arms! He yearns for us and He wants us close to His heart!! 
“For the Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song.” (Zep.3:17)
"Faulty as the church is, the Lord rejoices in her. While we mourn, as well we may, yet we do not sorrow as those that are without hope; for God does not sorrow, his heart is glad, and he is said to rejoice with joy - a highly emphatic expression." (Spurgeon)
Rejoice in His love my sisters!!

Mari

Angie Benjamin

When Pride takes Over {Obadiah 1:1-21}

12:57 AM



The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you had done, it will be done to you; your evil deeds will return upon your head" {vs.15}

The struggle that began in the womb between twin brothers Esau and Jacob, continued to be a struggle between their respective descendants. The Edomites and the Israelites.

The Edomites were stubborn to the point they refused to assist Israel, first during the time of wilderness wandering (Numbers 20:14-21) and later during a time of invasion. Both events are totally condemned by Obadiah. A little- known prophet whose name means "Worshipper or Servant of Yahweh".

Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament that contents a dramatic example of God's response to anyone who would harm his children.

Obadiah gave God's message to the Edomites. Because of their indifference to and defiance of God, their cowardice and pride, their treachery toward their relatives in Judah, they stood condemned and would be destroyed.

The book begins with the announcement that destruction was coming to Edom (vs.1-9). Despite their majestic cliffs and mountains, they were not able to escape from God's judgement.

Then in verses 10-14 Obadiah explains the reasons for this judgement and destruction: Their arrogance towards God and persecuting God's children.

The prophesy ends with a concise description of the "day of the Lord" when judgement will fall on all who have harmed God's people (verses 15-21).



I believe the key verse to the Edomites (and to us) is vs.2,3

"Behold, I will make you small among the nations [Edom]; you shall be despised exceedingly. The pride of your heart deceived you"

Obadiah's message reminds us that pride is deadly. The pride in our hearts can deceive us. Pride will cause us to mistreat other people and judgment comes as a consequence of it.

God wants us to live before Him and before others with a humble and tender heart. Pride on the other hand, whether in a nation or in an individual, will not escape God's judgement, but humility brings His blessing and favor.

For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.  {Matthew 23:12}



As we read Obadiah today, let us be reminded of what it means to be God's child, under his love and protection. Be encouraged to see how God reacts to all who would attack those whom He loves.


Book of Life

The Great White Thone {Revelations 20}

12:00 AM


Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

I’ll go ahead and confess something I’m not very proud of:
Early on in my Christian walk, when someone would cut in front of me driving or jump in front of me in line, I would think to myself, “That’s okay, I’ll let you jump ahead of me on judgement day as well.”(I know... I told you I’m not proud of it, and I was also mistaken!) The truth is, we won’t be judged before the “great white throne”, but someone recently told me we’ll be there to see this scene play out! Imagine with me for a moment…

  • A great white throne emphasises God’s purity, holiness and righteousness in judging and His sovereignty over all the earth.
  • From whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. This scene takes place in the absence of earth and heaven as we know it. There's a great white throne, God in the form of Christ sitting on it, BUT the earth and heaven have disappeared. Perhaps we can call this, “uncreation”. Just as God brought them into existence they’ll cease to exists. Scripture tells us that heaven and earth will pass away, and we see this fulfilled here.
  • And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne. I’d like J. MacArthur to help me explain this scene: “The scene then is really incredible. As the universe dissolves, Hades and the grave dissolves with it. And all the bodies then come out because Hades is emptied of the spirits and the bodies are emptied out of the universe, and actual resurrection bodies are created for the ungodly dead. That's why it's called a resurrection unto damnation, or as Daniel called it, a resurrection unto contempt. It is a resurrection. And the difference between the Hades of suffering now and the eternal hell is that the Hades of suffering now is the suffering of the soul, whereas the suffering of hell will be the suffering of the soul in a resurrected body. They will be body and eternal...soul rather and eternal body fitted for the eternal hell.”
  • The great and the small: John isn’t describing the physical stature of the people, but more their stature in society. There will be the dictators and rulers of the world who had hundreds and thousands of their own people murdered and there’ll be those who rejected Jesus as the Messiah. Those who thought that their works would be good enough to get them into heaven. Those who chose their own way or another way, but somehow failed to accept Jesus’ words when He said, “I am The Way, The Truth and The Life, no man comes to the Father, but through Me!” (John 14:6)
  • And books were opened; God has kept a comprehensive record of every person's life, and each one’s thoughts, actions and motives were written in the books. Our Lord, who is Omniscient and Omnipresent has kept careful notes, and sinners are going to be judged on the basis of their deeds, measured against God's perfect standard. There will be no more justifying or rationalizing sin. Every skeleton in the closet will be exposed.
  • And another book was opened, which is the book of life. God has another book. In that book are the names of His own, the names of those who believed in Him; who chose to follow Him, and were faithful to Him. Jesus once said His disciples in Luke 10:20, "Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." This special book contains all the names of  those who belong to the Lord. And the book was opened with the names of those who will not die the second death, but will live with Him forever.
  • And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is eternal punishment. And everyone who has rejected the grace of God in Jesus (Eph 2:8-9) will face this final, eternal punishment.

There will be some standing there that day, hoping, wondering if their name is found in the Book of Life, but they will be sadly disappointed. They will say to the Lord as Jesus predicted back in Matthew 7:22-23, “‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’  And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’

The truth is God has done everything He could to keep these events from happening, we’ve just celebrated Him coming down to earth to pay our penalty, but this day is coming; with each minute it draws closer, and we need to ask ourselves what have we done about it? Are we certain our names are written in The Book of Life? And are we doing all we can to make sure others are written down as well, especially those we love most!?

Someone told me recently that we shall witness this fateful day. We will witness our loved ones, who rejected Jesus, before the great white throne, which is why he claims the Bible also says, “and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes”. I haven’t had the time to research this to prove if his thoughts are true or false, but what if he’s right?

O Father, please cause us to not only be thankful we have been given the assurance that we will not appear before the great white throne, but let us also be zealous to share the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ with all we know and love! Father, we know You to be a loving God who calls and knocks and keeps knocking to everyone! You have given us the ministry of reconciliation, may we number our days and gain a sense of urgency to be busy in all You have called us to!
Father, We are so thankful that we have found favor in Your sight, and know the truth and all that is to come! We are so thankful that You have made it possible for all sinner who will admit their guilt and ask to be forgiven will receive the gift of eternal like. Please help us share this truth with others before it’s too late. Amen

Becky Austin

Bowls of Wrath {Revelation 16}

3:24 AM


“Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.””(v1)
As I read this chapter I thought about the iconic and devastating natural disasters I have seen in my lifetime or read about in history. These events have been shocking and had far reaching effects.  For example, there is still a shortage in America of certain medications because of the impact of the hurricane that struck Puerto Rico. In addition, many families are still displaced and enduring economic loss. The plagues and devastation that occur from the bowls described in this chapter will have even more far reaching and catastrophic impact.  It will be unlike anything known before.

As the 7 bowls are dispensed, terrible events occur and the targeted recipients are those who have embraced the Antichrist. This is God's great stored up wrath unleashed in full force against evil. 
1: Harmful and painful sores
2: The sea is contaminated resulting in massive death of sea creatures
3: Fresh waters are also contaminated on a large scale
4: Scorching by the sun
5: The kingdom of the beast plunged into darkness
6: Drying up of the Euphrates river- armies are able to assemble at Armageddon
7: Grand scale earthquake and massive hail

  Why, you may ask would God utilize such harsh and extreme measures? 2 reasons revealed are 1) to bring repentance for those who heed such a " wake up" call and 2) to dispense judgement on those who choose to let their hearts stay hardened. These judgements become a true litmus test of the human heart. Though harsh, the judgements against evil are fair and just. ....“For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!””(v6)
The truly evil nature of their hearts is revealed ...“and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory.”(v9). God knows the deepest nature of the human heart. He is looking for a sincerely repentant heart. 

Spurgeon contrasts true repentance and repentance that is merely circumstantial.
 "Judgment may produce a carnal repentance - a repentance that is of the flesh, and after the manner of the sinful nature of men. In this repentance the depravity of the heart remains the same in essence, though it takes another form of showing itself. Though the man changes, he is not savingly changed: he becomes another man, but not a new man. The same sin rules in him, but it is called by another name, and wears another dress. The stone is carved into a more sightly shape, but it is not turned into flesh. The iron is cast into another image, but it is not transformed into gold. This carnal repentance is caused by fear. Does not every thief repent of robbery when he is convicted and sent to jail? Does not every murderer repent of his crime when he stands under the fatal tree?" (Spurgeon)

"This is real penitence, when the man gives glory to the justice of God, even though it condemns him. O my hearer, do you thus repent? Is sin really sinful to you? Do you see its desert of hell? If not, your repentance needs to be repented of." (Spurgeon)

What will God find when he examines your heart?  God wants us to be always prepared, clothed in the righteousness of Christ.  
“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”)”(v15)

God's Judgements

The Seventh Seal-the Trumpets {Revelation 8}

12:00 AM


Monday Dec. 11 

The Seventh Seal-the Trumpets {Revelation 8}


Here in Revelation 8 we learn of the seventh seal of judgement. Seven angels who stand before God are given seven trumpets. Trumpets that unleash fury upon the earth with every blare. But before Christ breaks the final seal and the devastation begins, a hush falls throughout heaven.

“When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was silence for about a half an hour.” (v. 1) Imagine every creature in heaven watching God’s plan unfold. They are in such awe about what is happening, there is complete silence. No one speaks. No song is sung. And this silence is not only in honor of God, but also for the prayers of Christians who continually cry out to God for justice. In verses 3-5, we’re told an angel with a golden censer, (a vessel in which incense was carried), makes a “brew”of sorts. He takes the censer, adds to it incense and the prayers of the saints; resulting in a smoke that becomes a fragrance pleasing to God. He then  takes the censer, fills it with fire from the golden alter, and hurls it to the earth resulting in thunder, lightening, and a earthquake. This signals the seven angels to prepare to sound their trumpets and usher in the judgements of God. 

“The first sounded and there came hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth; and a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.” (v. 7)  Really think about that for a minute. Imagine the devastation to the ecology of the planet. A huge reduction of grass for wildlife to graze on, of fertile soil to grow crops, and not to mention a major reduction of oxygen being produced from trees. And that’s just the beginning!

“The second angel sounded, and something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood, and a third of the creatures which were in the sea and had life, died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.” (vs. 8-9) In this judgement, the seas of the world become poisonous. This poisoned water kills sea life, which in turn kills the fishing trade. There goes yet another crucial source of food for humans and other animals alike.  And when this burning mountain lands, it also destroys a third of all ships. So much for transportation across the oceans not only for people, but for life sustaining food, water, building materials, oil, and medical supplies. And the hits keep on coming.

“The third angel sounded, and a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water.” (v. 10) When this star called “Wormwood” hits the earth, it affects the drinking water of the world. Wormwood means bitter, and a third of all fresh water in rivers, lakes, and springs is impacted. First the salt water is poisoned, and now the freshwater is poisoned as well. Already there are countries in which people die due to the lack of access to clean water, and verse 11 us that probably out of desperation due to extreme thirst, many more will perish from drinking this bitter water. 

“The fourth angel sounded, and a third of the sun and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars were struck, so  that a third of them would be darkened and the day would not shine for a third of it, and the night in the same way.” (v. 12) This does not describe a one-third lessening of light like when storm clouds overtake the sky, but one-third of the day and night are plunged into absolute darkness. As Jesus said, “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light.” (Matt. 24:29) Not only will there not be enough natural sunlight for the growing of crops and natural vegetation, the seas and their tides which are regulated by the moon will be thrown out of whack. 


Chapter 8 ends with John saying, “Then I looked, and I heard an eagle flying in midheaven, saying with a loud voice, ‘Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the three remaining blasts of the three angels who are about to sound!” (v. 13) The cries of the eagle are well founded, for one third of the earth’s population will die with the sound of the next three judgements. But even though these first trumpets deliver God’s judgements in devastating ways, they also reveal God’s never ending mercy. His judgements are only partial, striking one third of the earth. Even in His anger against the wicked, He spares more than He smites. By eliminating everything that people depend on, He does so in the hope that they will repent, declare Christ as their Savior, and  receive His gift of eternal life. For as we are reminded in 2 Peter 3:9, we serve a God who, “..is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” And I find great hope in a loving Creator who is not willing to give up on a single person...not even one.

Becky Austin

The Judgements of Christ {Revelation 6}

12:59 AM



This is a fallen world that is marred by evil and defiled by the destruction and corruption of sin and selfish ambition. God has allowed this evil to continue for thousands of years and he has given mankind ample opportunity to accept the saving blood shed by Jesus and to choose righteousness.  Sadly, many choose to continue in the pursuits of sin and corruption.  But, God has promised that the time will come when his wrath against the forces of evil will be held back no more.  As Jesus opens the seals, we are given a glimpse into future events known as the judgements. 

The 4 Horsemen:
Seal 1: “And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.” (v2)

Many commentaries believe that the rider on the white horse represents the antichrist. The bow represents rapid and far reaching conquests. White symbolizes righteousness and this rider on a white horse will come in the false guise of promising peace and righteous deeds. Many will be deceived by this imposter as he claims a powerful position of leadership. 

Seal 2: “And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.” (v4)


Red represents blood and in this case depicts the blood of war.  History has shown us through WW1 and WW2 that war can take place on a huge scale as nations compete for dominance and world power. 

Seal 3: “When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!"' (v5-6)

Black represents oppression and mourning.  The byproducts of war will cause major financial and economic changes.  The example of buying the wheat and barley equated in Bible times to paying a days' wages or about 16 times the usual amount for commonly needed supplies. 

Seal 4: “And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.” (v8)
The pale horse represents death, sickness, devastation.  Think of 1/4 of the Earth being destroyed by varying epidemic tragedies and catastrophic circumstances.


Seal 5: “When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne.” ( V9)


We now have a different focus - a time of persecution for those who profess Christ. Those special martyrs who were killed because of their testified allegiance to Christ are crying out for vengeance but have to wait because even more martyrs will be killed before the final victory scene.

Seal 6: “When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.” (v 12-14). 



These final events will affect society on a grand scale and will be so extreme that even those who have held positions of power and prosperity will realize that God is ultimately in power and they will fear having to face the fury of his righteous judgement. They will be "‭calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb,”
‭‭
These judgements seem terrible and perhaps fear provoking.  Remember that God is ultimately in control and his wrath is against evil.  These events will be a necessary purging and conquest over evil so that we can know the full joy and peace of God's reign and all that He has promised to those who love him and put their trust in Him. 
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Rev 21:4