Scripture Reading: Revelations 13

Satan has been called many things - Liar, Deceiver, Murderer, the Enemy, the Evil One, even the Antichrist. These are just a few of his names, and not one is ever flattering. He was revealed as the dragon in Revelations 12:17, and now here in chapter thirteen we see something more about his character that I want you to always remember.  

Satan is a counterfeit, who never has an original thought.

He has little to no imagination of his own, and often merely copies what God has already done. He demonstrates this here for us when he decides to create an unholy trinity. 

Satan, as the dragon, will set himself up as the anti-god of the “trinity” and then he recruits two helpers to join him in this war against God’s people. Together they will try to imitate God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

The Beast from the sea (Rev 13:1, 4) will resemble Jesus as the anti-christ. This antichrist will be the political “beast” of vs. 1. He will get his power and position from Satan (vs. 2), and will even suffer a fatal wound and come back to life (vs. 3). Although the anti-christ will deceive many into thinking his power comes from God, it will come from Satan (vs. 2).

The Beast from the earth (Rev 13:11-12) also called the False Prophet (Rev. 16:13, 20:10) will resemble the Holy Spirit. This beast will cause all on the earth to worship the anti-christ (vs. 12), and will also have supernatural powers, that will enable him to call fire down from heaven (vs. 13) and preform other miracles (vs. 14). The beast of the earth/false prophet will order men to create an “image to the beast” (vs. 14). His powers will even give the idol life, and the ability to speak (vs. 15). A one-world religious system will be forced into place, and he will have all that do not worship the anti-christ killed (vs. 15)! He will also demand that all must have a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads in order to buy or sell (vs. 16,17). The mark will have something to do with the number 666 (vs. 18).

I know this all sounds frightening, but thankfully this will all take place at the middle point of the seven years of tribulation. God's people will have already been raptured 31/2 years prior. 

What IS frightening is that if Jesus were to come for us today, these events could only be three and a half years away! Have you thought of that before? If Jesus came back for us today, do you personally know others who will be left to face this unholy trinity?  The Deceiver, this fake and fraud, will be able to deceive many and cause many to worship him rather than turn to a holy God. 

As I thought on this, my mind went back to Deuteronomy, chapter 6 and the Shema: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. (Deut. 6:4-8)

The Shema to be the most important part of the prayer service in Judaism, and its twice-daily recitation as a mitzvah (religious commandment). Also, it is traditional for Jews to say the Shema as their last words, and for parents to teach their children to say it before they go to sleep at night. (Wikipedia)

The chapter goes on to warn us and command us over and over again to study, obey and teach His Word to others throughout, "Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name.  Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you;  for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land... Be sure to keep the commands of the Lord your God and the stipulations and decrees he has given you.  Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you..." (Deut 6:13-18)

In light of all we read in Revelations, and knowing that God could see the end just as clearly as He saw the beginning, I now understand God's sense of urgency as He commands us to study, obey and teach others His commands. Can't you?

Blessings,

sue

Revelation 11

In the previous chapters, we’ve seen God’s wrath unleashed upon the earth through a series of seal and trumpet judgements. Now in chapter 11, we once again are reminded of God’s never ending love and grace; even for a stubborn and unrepentant people.

While the world worships at the feet of the Antichrist and continually rejects Him, God still gives people the opportunity to be saved by sending two witnesses to preach the Gospel in the city of Jerusalem. Bible scholars say these two men are either Moses and Elijah, or Enoch and Elijah. Regardless, these two divine evangelists are so powerful they are called the anointed ones who stand in the presence of God. (Zech. 4:14)

For 3 1/2 years, these two witnesses are under the divine protection of the Father. No harm may come to them while they deliver their message. Dressed in sackcloth, these men go through the city, warning all who will listen to repent from their evil ways. They testify about the true Messiah, Jesus Christ, and offer His gift of salvation. They convict the world of their sins, and their worship of the beast. And once their testimony was been deemed complete by God, He allows the “beast that comes up out of the abyss,” (vs. 7) to kill them. How does the world react to the deaths of these two great men of God? They rejoice. 

For 3 1/2 days the world watches the dead bodies of the two witnesses laying in the streets of Jerusalem, while having a great celebration and exchanging gifts. Then suddenly, “the breath of God came into them, and they stood on their feet.” (vs. 11). Frozen with fear the people hear fear a loud voice cry, “Come up here!”, and the witnesses “went up into heaven in the cloud.” (vs. 12)

At the moment the men ascend, a great earthquake occurs, causing great destruction in the city and the deaths of seven thousand people. And in the midst of the desolation and despair, those who remain alive, in their terror, finally give the great God of heaven the glory He deserves.

Jesus, the conquering Lion of Judah, is returning soon. Yet we needn’t fear the great tribulation. For those who receive Christ as their Savior before His coming, He promises to take in the Rapture and spare God’s wrath to come. The choice is yours. Will you be watching the events of the tribulation at the side of Jesus, or will you be experiencing the judgements of God on a devastated earth.

  Revelation 8 

“When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” (Rev 8:1)

Are you curious as to why heaven suddenly goes silent? Me too. Six of the seven seals have just been opened in chapter 6, revealing one incredible judgment after another, but as the final seal is broken, we read there was 'silence in heaven for half an hour'. No one is exactly sure why heaven goes silent at this moment, but there is something else I don't want you to miss out on in this chapter.

Those in heaven have never been completely silent in their continuous worship of God. In fact, scripture tells us that there are four living creatures who never cease, to cry: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is, and is to come” (Rev 4:8) - and yet, as the seventh seal is broken a heavenly hush descended on the assembly, as another mighty angel enters with a golden censer.

Many theologians believe this angel is 'The Angel of the Lord' , or our Lord Jesus, who is God's anointed High Priest of heaven. The Book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus is the One at the right hand of the Father, interceding for all the saints day and night.

He is the Kingly-Priest after the order of Melchizedek, but I also want you to notice here that in this hallowed scene, “He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand.” (Rev 8:3-4) 

Did you know your prayers are being stored? 

Just stop to think for a moment that the angel was holding a golden censer, and was given much incense to burn before the Lord. The smoke of the incense and perfumed fragrance of the spices, which exhale its sweet perfume when burned, was given to him so he might mingle it with the prayers of all the people of God on the golden altar before the throne of the Lord.

From the beginning of time prayers of petition, intercession, thanksgiving and praise have ascended from God's people to His throne of grace. 

• Abraham prayed when he reached the land of Canaan
• Noah prayed when safely delivered from the waters that flooded the earth.
• Daniel faced Jerusalem three times a day as he offered his petitions before the Lord.
• And think how often The Psalms have been turned to for prayers! And,
• Jesus encouraging us to pray, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, as it is in heaven."

_Psalms 116 tells us that God bends down to listen to our prayers

Beloved, our prayers are a sweet-smelling aroma that ascend to our Lord. Even though they may not seem so eloquent, or might not have been answered yet, we can trust that a day is coming when heaven will be silent for half an hour; to usher in a mighty angel with His golden censer. And the smoke of the incense of Christ's High Priestly intercessions will be combined with the our prayers - as the final phase of God's plan of redemption begins.

Just how cool is that?

Blessings, 

sue

Revelation 6

God’s heavenly scroll contains His divine sentence against the world. Held together by seven seals, the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, is the only One holy and worthy to unroll the scroll. And with each seal broken by the Lord, a new judgement is unleashed upon the earth. Chapter six of Revelation brings us to the beginning of God’s wrath poured out upon a wicked and unrepentant world.

The first four seals come in the form of four divine horsemen.

Rider On The White Horse- This rider is no other than the Antichrist. He sets forth to conquer the world, quickly rising to power. Many fall under his spell as he brokers a false peace between Israel and the world, lasting 3 1/2 years. During this time he leads many away from God.

Rider On The Red horse- The moment the abomination of desolation occurs, the red horse and rider are set loose. This rider takes peace from the world causing wars like never before seen. The great sword he is given drips with blood as the people of the earth slaughter each other.

Rider On The Black Horse- Back in ancient times, scales were often used to weigh something precious. As this rider brings with him worldwide economic collapse and famine, the precious thing being weighed is food. Except for the privileged few, food will be both scarce and expensive.

Rider On The Pale Horse- Called death, and bringing hell along with him, the pale horse and rider are responsible for the deaths of 1/4 of the world’s population. No one will be immune to the war, famine, and wild beasts of earth at his disposal as he wipes out the peoples of the earth.

The fifth seal releases the cries of the tribulation saints. Even facing certain persecution and death, many will receive Jesus as their Savior and be saved during the seven year tribulation. These martyred believers, clothed in white, plead for God to avenge their spilled blood. And in yet another example of the love and grace of God, He tells them they must wait and rest a bit longer until all of His children have had the opportunity to be saved.

The Final seal of the chapter wields forth nuclear war and devastating cosmic occurrences. Fired nuclear weapons decimate the lands. Asteroids, and meteorites rain down from the sky, and a shaking of the earth so great occurs, it causes all peoples to hide themselves, “in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; and they said to the mountains and to the rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of the their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?’(vs 16-17)

On that great day, no one will be able to hide from God. But in His goodness and love, God gives each of us the opportunity to escape His wrath to come. When we receive His free gift of pardon through the blood of Jesus Christ, before the tribulation occurs, the Lord will call us to meet Him in the sky in the Rapture, sparing us the judgement to come. The Bible tells us that those who go through the tribulation know the judgements they incur come from the most high God, yet their hardened hearts still reject Him and His Son. 

The days are growing short my friends. I truly believe we are living in the season of the Lord’s return. Won’t you save yourself from the wrath to come, and receive God’s gift of eternal life filled with love, joy, and fellowship with the Lord forever?

 Today's Scripture Passage: Revelations 3

“I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead.  Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. 

I'd be lying if I said that He hadn't gotten my undivided attention at that moment.  

Can you relate? Has there been a time in your life when you were kept so busy in ministering to others that it was adversely impacting your relationship with Him?

• Your study time was to benefit others through your teaching.
• Your prayer time had become mechanical. Running down a list of requests for others or your own personal needs you could foresee coming ahead for that day or week. 
• Your date book was full with notations of phone calls to make and so forth, and when your phone did ring you feared you'd forgotten someone or something.
• You fell into bed at night and were out as soon as your head hit the pillow. 
• There was never anytime to sit silently before the Lord and listen even for five minutes. 

 Did you know that the way the Lord presents Himself to each of the churches is a clue as to what the underlining problem is within each of them? Here He calls Himself, "him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars." These symbols were identified for us in the first chapter of Revelation. The "seven spirits" are a symbol of the Holy Spirit in His fullness. 

Therefore, what the church at Sardis and I desperately needed was God's Spirit operating and back in charge.  

We need to be walking in the Spirit, and to remember that Jesus is Lord of His church. It is never left up to us to run the church, and minister in our own strength.

Somehow both the church at Sardis and I had forgotten that along the way. Which should lead us to wonder, what do we do when that happens? He tells us in the very next verses,

  Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief.

4 “Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.

Simple as that! Turn around and go back to The Lord, surrender once more and allow Him to take over.  Don't you just love how simple The Lord makes things?  Everything changes in one act of obedience. We can set it all back into His hands and find rest, refreshment and the renewal our soul had been longing for. 

One more thing I must tell you before I close, for this speaks volumes of our Lord's heart I believe. It's found in Revelation 3:5, 

Did you know that white garments are always a symbol of redemption in the Scriptures? In the seventh chapter of this book we'll read of a great multitude of people who will come out of the great tribulation and who have "washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb," (Revelation 7:14).

White garments are a sign of being redeemed, being saved by the grace of God. Our Lord is so very rich in mercy and lovingkindness, beloved.  He promises us once more all will be forgiven and forgotten. When we fall short, whether by accident or on purpose we only need to turn (repent) to right our relationship with Him once more. 

Know wonder He is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.(Is 9:6)

Blessings, 

sue

Scripture Reading : Revelation 5

• This Song of the Lamb is a song that proclaims the power of God, not through violence, but through His overwhelming, sacrificial love. 
• It’s a song that displays God’s gift through the outpouring of Christ’s blood. 
• It’s a song that displays the wisdom of God that is often perceived as foolishness by His enemies. 
• It’s a song that speaks of the strength of God made perfect through our weakness. 
• The Song of the Lamb is a hymn that gives honor, glory and praise to our amazing Savior who, “being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death- even death on a cross!  Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:6-11).

Sunday, December 23, 2018