A real “royal” wedding

Revelation 21: ² I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

⁴ ‘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.”

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We saw the royal wedding today. About two billion people saw this spectacular event.  I heard one commentator say that the country really needed this wedding to happen because people would buy memorabilia and give the ailing economy a boost. Thirty nine million was spent on this wedding BUT GOD’s wedding will be so much more than this!

• The temporary economic relief on earth will be followed by more troubles.
• The temporary peace in countries will be followed by mayhem because humans like their way.
• The temporary feeling of security will be followed by trials because humans place their faith in money.

There is only one remedy for peace, security, wealth and love namely GOD. HE is the only one who would marry sinners like you and me. I like the beginning of this chapter where it says “IT IS DONE!” meaning there will come a day when sin will no longer be on my mind.

• GOD is preparing me now for an eternal life with HIM.
• GOD is preparing a place for me to live with HIM forever.
• GOD is preparing eternal excitement and each moment will be better than the last.

I don’t know what type of tears I will have in heaven when I first arrive. Will they be guilty tears because I sinned more than I thought? Will they be shameful tears because my hidden sin will be exposed to everyone? Will they be joyous tears because I no longer have to endure life as we know it on earth?

All I know is GOD will wipe my temporary tears away and I will no longer cry. There will no longer be worry, fear, doubt, mourning, or pain. All temptations will be removed and life with GOD will be great.

• Are you impressed with the royal wedding?
• Do you believe earthly wealth can give you happiness and security?
• Can you look to GOD for your comfort from pain?
• Will you trust HIS plan?

Am I alive or “dead?”

Revelation 20: ¹¹ Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. ¹² And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.

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Summertime was always fun to me. Sunshine, soft breezes, fun and games were the only things on my mind. I played around for hours that day then my mother came home and I hadn’t done a thing on my chore list.

I scrambled around trying to pretend I was working but it was obvious I had done nothing of value to her. You haven’t seen the wrath of a little woman named mom!

• Life is too short to keep on sinning in order to get my way.
• Life is too short to squander it on nothing but my own pleasure.
• Life is too short to only think of myself and blaming the world for my problems.

Death is a debated concept by scientists, various religions and atheists. Is there life after “death?” Well that’s the same question as “is there a GOD who is supreme?” I say with emphasis “YES” and unfortunately the results of those who do not believe will end up in this scene.

• Every lie is recorded in GOD’s book and will be used against those who do not believe.
• Every sinful thought and action is recorded in GOD’s book and will be used against those who do not believe.
• Every opportunity that someone needed help and the time was squandered on “self” is recorded in GOD’s book and will be used against those who do not believe.

I am so grateful that JESUS has made me alive. By believing HE is GOD who was raised from the dead as a sacrifice in my place, I do not have to face this scene. Yes, my sins still have to be accounted for, but my salvation is sealed for eternity.

• Are you sure you have a solid relationship with GOD?
• Do you believe the SON died just for you?
• Are you wasting your time here on earth getting your way?
• When is the last time you served others?

What color are my clothes?

Revelation 19: ⁶ Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:

“Hallelujah!

For our Lord God Almighty reigns.

⁷ Let us rejoice and be glad

and give him glory!

For the wedding of the Lamb has come,

and his bride has made herself ready.

⁸ Fine linen, bright and clean,

was given her to wear.”

(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)

⁹ Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”

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• When I try to do a righteous act with the wrong motive then “my clothes are stained.”
• When I blame someone else for the sin I do then “my clothes are stained.”
• When I continue to blatantly sin and expect GOD to forgive me then “my clothes are stained.”
• When I lie, cheat and steal to get my way then “my clothes are stained.”

GOD made me for HIS purposes. HE knows I will not be perfect so HE made a way for me to “earn” rewards for every righteous deed I do on earth. I guess this is the best loyalty program I can ever be in.

• Every “sincere” righteous act I do pleases GOD tremendously.
• Serving others without expecting something in return is a form of a righteous act.
• Praising GOD in the middle of troubled times is a form of a righteous act.
• Learning more about the FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT is a form of a righteous act.
• Abstaining from judging others but showing them love, mercy and grace is a form of a righteous act.

Salvation is GOD’s realm for HIS SON made a way for me to eternally be saved but my reaction to what GOD has done for me brings on many rewards.

• When is the last time you served someone without expecting anything in return?
• Can you serve someone just to please GOD?
• Will you serve the difficult person in hopes that they will turn to GOD?
• Can you drop your judgment of them for at least one day?

Time for a new attitude.

Revelation 18: ⁴ Then I heard another voice from heaven say:

   “‘Come out of her, my people,’
   so that you will not share in her sins,
   so that you will not receive any of her plagues;
⁵ for her sins are piled up to heaven,
   and God has remembered her crimes.

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“How big is your house?” one of my neighbors asked. This strange question was followed by my prideful answer. “A decent size” You see we had successfully kept up with the “Jones’s” and my house matched the size of my salary.

According to the “dream” we had made it. Expensive cars, fancy furniture, luxury vacations and clothes to match, people were finally envying me instead of it being the other way around. When someone asked my title, I flashed it around like a badge of honor. “Wow, I’m pretty good at being humble!”

• I easily fell to the attitude of wanting more.
• I easily fell to the attitude of thinking titles give respect.
• I easily fell to the attitude of believing stuff brings on happiness.

“Self” is the new proclaimed god. Pride in self, accomplishments and “levels” of achievement are dominant in society and GOD doesn’t like it. When positions were eliminated and I found myself on the outside, I lost my sense of worth. BUT GOD had a different view.

• GOD wants me “out” of greed and “into” grace.
• GOD wants me “out’ of lust and “into” love.
• GOD wants me “out’ of mayhem and “into” mercy

I can’t help thinking “what will GOD say about my life?” I mean, when it’s all said and done will HE look back and ask me “Why didn’t you cheat more people?” or “why didn’t you stay away from your family making money longer?” I don’t think so.

GOD wants me out of the greedy, lustful, boastful attitude for good, no matter how wealthy I become.

• Are you trying to get more stuff for respect?
• Do you like people envying you?
• Do you envy others?
• Can you change your attitude to share some of your wealth with a person GOD directs you to?

Am I bold enough to call GOD marvelous?

Revelation 15: ³ and sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb:

   “Great and marvelous are your deeds,
   Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
   King of the nations.
⁴ Who will not fear you, Lord,
   and bring glory to your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
   and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

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“What did you get on the test?” one of my classmates asked me.  “I didn’t do so well” I said to him thinking everyone must have failed this test like I did. I mean it was hard and I didn’t understand a single problem. I thought maybe the professor was sadistic or just plain crazy.

I asked my classmate “How did you do?” I guess I wanted company in my misery. He said “I got forty nine out of fifty!” in a happy voice. Maybe this professor wasn’t as sadistic as I thought.

• Sometimes I can’t see GOD as being powerful because I see my flaws.
• Sometimes I can’t see GOD as being marvelous because I think I’m a mess.
• Sometimes I can’t see GOD as being leader of all because I’m trying to control HIM and HE doesn’t allow that.
• Sometimes I can’t see GOD as being holy because my thoughts are sinful.

I put GOD in the same bucket I put others and myself. I can easily see the flaws in others and I can quickly point them out but it’s harder to see the good in them and just appreciate it. No doubt I treat GOD the same way.

• GOD is marvelous in “all” of HIS deeds, large and small.
• GOD is almighty and is handling all of my circumstances.
• GOD is just and true so HIS decisions will always be right and in my best interest.

One of the reasons I doubt GOD is because I view HIM smaller than HE really is. JESUS, the lamb, has performed righteous acts that enable all who believe in HIM to be saved. HE is the glorious and holy GOD!

• Do you really believe that GOD is above everything?
• Are you blaming GOD for your decisions?
• Are you viewing GOD by the way you view humans?
• Is GOD, “GOD” or is HE a convenient concept to be used occasionally?

Fear GOD and give HIM glory!

Revelation 14: ⁶ Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. ⁷ He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

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“Seventeen” was finally here and now I could go to a rated “R” movie. We went to see a “slasher” movie and my young gullible mind was scared half to death! I got home, it was dark and my neighbor jumped out of the bushes with a startling “gotcha!”

I shrieked and ran in circles while the neighbor fell to the ground laughing for they knew I had gone to see this scary movie.

• Fearing GOD doesn’t mean walking around fearing harm from HIM.
• Fearing GOD doesn’t mean despising HIS ways because they are too impossible to follow.
• Fearing GOD doesn’t mean trying to be so perfect that I cannot make a mistake.

When I was young I feared everything from bullies, to leaving home, to going to college to that guy in the movie sitting in my back seat. Well, he could have been there, I thought! GOD doesn’t want me to fear human problems nor human power.

• I fear eternal separation from GOD more than I fear someone harming me.
• I fear GOD’s anger when I blatantly sin knowing HE doesn’t want me to.
• I fear not obeying GOD when HE says to treat my neighbors with love and respect more than losing my worldly possessions.

GOD is love and HE also holds judgment for HE alone is holy and is worthy to be praised. HE made everything with love and has no place for sin inside of HIM. HE wanted a relationship with me so HE died for my sins. Now my “fear of GOD” is based on love for HIM because quite honestly I don’t want to disappoint HIM, even though HE can never be disappointed with me!

• What do you fear?
• Are you in dire straits?
• Do you fear losing stuff more than you fear following GOD’s ways?
• Will you make a change in your life today?

How do you plea? Guilty!

Revelation 12:  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.

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Driving school had become a little too familiar to me. My “need for speed” had caught up to me once too often and now I had to face a judge once again. The accusation was clear, I was doing “x” miles an hour in a “fill in the blank” zone. “How do you plea?” they asked. With no lawyer representing me the only thing I could say was “guilty your honor.”

• Every day my sins mount high and Satan accuses me in front of GOD.
• Satan is accusing me because he wants to justify his prideful mistake of trying to take over heaven.
• Satan’s accusations of me are true and I deserve to get the sentence GOD has for him.

Like a pouting child, Satan goes before GOD trying to justify himself. I believe he compares my sin to his and tries desperately to make a case that he should be forgiven. Clearly GOD isn’t listening to his accusations, but why?

• When JESUS died and rose again the guilt of my sins went away.
• When JESUS died and rose again I was given hope.
• When JESUS died and rose again I became part of HIS family simply by believing in HIM.

Almighty, all powerful GOD had enough of Satan’s antics. HE threw Satan out of heaven and is reworking everything that was made. Don’t get me wrong GOD did not make a mistake during creation rather HE allowed free will to take its course.

HE knew the stakes would be high and JESUS volunteered to save any human who would give up their life to follow HIM. My simple, childlike faith in JESUS saves me from eternal separation from GOD.

• Are you guilty of sin?
• Do you accuse others of their habits when your habits are no better?
• Are you trying to justify yourself by accusing others instead of admitting your own sin?

Are you ready for the ceremony?

Revelation 11: ¹⁵ The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said:

   “The kingdom of the world has become
   the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah,
   and he will reign for ever and ever.”

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Billions of people are predicted to watch the ceremony of royalty getting married this weekend. Months and months of planning went into this effort, yet it pales in comparison to the ceremony shown to John in this passage.

The seventh and final angel has blown his trumpet during this grand coronation of our risen LORD and savior JESUS who is the Messiah. This marks the finality of GOD’s judgment on sin and begins a sequence of events that leads to eternal life for some and death for others.

• My sin on this earth has a limited time.
• My sin on this earth can and will be held against me.
• My sin on this earth amounts to nothing but pain and frustration.

JESUS has overcome sin through HIS death and resurrection. The FATHER has placed HIM over all of creation once again. JESUS took on the punishment for my sin but I still have to stand before HIM to give an account of my life.

During this incredibly supreme ceremony JESUS is declared LORD and “HE will reign for ever and ever.”

• Are you so focused on your current situation that you cannot praise GOD for loving you?
• Can you take a moment to praise HIM for all HE has done for you?
• Will you take a moment to tell someone about HIS SON and how HE saved you?

GOD revealed exactly what I needed!

Revelation 10: 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.”

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Physics was one of my favorite subjects. I know what you are thinking…“Nerd!” Yes you are right. This is the study of physical science, in other words “what I can see.” This science answers “what,” sometimes answers “when” and maybe answers “how” but it never answers “why.”

Oh yes, famous theories have developed trying to answer “why” but they could never be proven. This confused me so I began to ask “where does GOD live,” “why do I have to experience pain,” “If HE is GOD then why doesn’t HE just zap me into heaven and get rid of sin and evil?” My scientific minded questions were bathed in unbelief.

• GOD created everything for HIMSELF.
• There are many things GOD created that humans may never see.
• GOD revealed just enough for me to survive on this temporary planet because HE doesn’t want me to set up permanent residence.
• There are words and plans GOD has for the future that HE has not revealed to me.

I am made for GOD not the other way around. HE is the one who has all the plans and I am the one who needs to yield my will and follow them. HIS limitless power and authority are unmatched, yet HE reduced himself to my level to save me.

When I get frustrated and ask “why”, the only place I can get answers is from GOD and now I understand that HE has the authority to say “because I want ‘it’ that way.” Yielding my will takes faith. The more I do it the more I’m blessed. GOD has revealed HIS love for me and that’s all I need.

• Are you asking GOD “why” right now?
• Has HE answered you?
• Have you asked “why” do YOU love me so much?
• Will you study to see what you are being “saved” from?

How should I spend my time praying?

Revelation 8:  ³ Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. ⁴ The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand.

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“Red” I thought to myself. This would be the color of my Corvette. The preacher had just said pray and it will be given to you and I wanted a 1968 vintage automobile. A couple of years later I went on a mission’s trip and saw people who lived in houses no bigger than my cubicle at work.

We stopped in an area known as the “high density” area meaning there was a LOT of people. As I looked at their somber faces I could see hope was needed but not imparted to this group of people. My prayer quickly changed from wanting that thing to wanting peace and salvation to anyone I spoke to. My prayers were answered.

• Sometimes I have wasted my worship asking GOD for something I didn’t need.
• Sometimes I have wasted my worship asking GOD for something HE doesn’t want me to have.
• Sometimes I have wasted my worship asking GOD for something that would make me comfortable instead of something that would make me grow.

Prayer is a form of worshipping GOD. HE truly enjoys when I acknowledge HIS position as “GOD” and not my buddy. Yes he did call me a friend and HE pulled me into HIS family, but I still have to recognize HIS position, especially when I pout over not getting my way.

• Everything was created by GOD who always existed.
• Everything was created for HIS purpose and pleasure.
• Many things GOD created may never be seen by humans.

Some of my prayers need to recognize that GOD is almighty, all knowing, everywhere and is all loving. Yes I recognize there will be many conversations between me and GOD that are focused on my situation, but the more I can truly worship GOD the more excited HE gets. GOD is worthy of honorable worship!

• Do you truly worship GOD?
• What about GOD do you admire?
• Can you recognize HIS position as GOD while keeping HIM your friend today?

Nobody’s perfect!

Revelation 5: ¹ Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. ² And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” ³ But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it.

⁴ I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. ⁵ Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

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Isn’t it amazing how problems got started? I mean it all began with a being seeing something that I don’t quite understand. Satan must have seen something about GOD that he thought was weakness. In fact I think Satan mistook GOD’s kindness for weakness.

Here is how I believe things went down:

• GOD made humans out of pure love.
• GOD gave every living thing choice to choose sin and die eternally or choose HIM.
• GOD gave HIS word that if anything goes wrong with “free will” then a perfect human would resolve everything.
• GOD sealed this decree up on a scroll.

I bet Satan thought that if he could ruin humanity then no one would be worthy to open the scroll. He could easily ruin the humans with a little sin and that only left the angels and GOD. The angels have choice, but weren’t the same as humans so they could not redeem them.

So that left GOD to do the redemption. He probably thought “who in their right mind would give up being GOD to become a human.” So he put his devious plan into action. I actually am guessing at this but here is how I think things went down.

• Satan thought he could ruin all humans by starting with the first, namely Adam.
• Satan thought GOD would bow down to him if no one was able to open the judgment scrolls.
• Satan thought he could coerce GOD into giving up HIS position by holding humans hostage.

Pride was Satan’s downfall. He questioned “Why does GOD have to do it ‘that’ way?” He thought “GOD’s plan isn’t working so I better do things myself.” He surmised “I deserve better treatment from GOD because HE made ‘me’ beautiful and special.”

Satan’s problem was he thought GOD could be lower than him and he couldn’t fathom that GOD is “all powerful”, ”all knowing” and is “everywhere”. GOD did become a human, live a perfect life without sin, died and rose to be placed as head of all creation once again. The scrolls can therefore be opened and JESUS is the only one who can do it.

My uncle is laying his crown at GOD's feet - In loving memory of Uncle LC

Revelation 4:⁹ Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, ¹⁰ the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:  ¹¹ “You are worthy, our Lord and God,
   to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
   and by your will they were created
   and have their being.”

Do I need discipline?

Revelation 3:  ¹⁹ Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. ²⁰ Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

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Oh no… not the “D” word! When I think of discipline, I think of a horrible time or a time that I couldn’t have “my way.” I mean, I want to be as wild and free as I can, yet when discipline comes then I have to slow down, sit and not get my way.

• My thoughts and ways would all be sinful if it weren’t for GOD’s discipline.
• My actions would all be focused on me if it weren’t for GOD’s discipline.
• My selfish nature would rule my life if it weren’t for GOD’s discipline.

JESUS speaks commandingly because HE lived on Earth and did not sin, not once! HE was tempted in every way I am tempted yet HE overcame the world and now has the right to be the most high. Now HE expects me to follow in HIS way the best I can, but sometimes I’m selfish.

• GOD’s discipline isn’t used for evil rather HE is just simply guiding me back to the path.
• GOD’s discipline isn’t meant to harm me rather it is used to correct my misguided thoughts.
• GOD’s discipline isn’t bad for HE uses “all” situations for good because I love HIM.

There are some things I cannot see in my life, BUT GOD can see everything in my entire life.  HE knows when and where I will sin and HE gently corrects me because HE loves me.  I have to tell you, I don’t like HIS correction, but I would rather be corrected by HIM than to be eternally punished by HIM.

JESUS says “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” The door to my heart has a lock named sin and when I confess to GOD the lock is opened and I let HIM in. I am excited about my meal with HIM!

• Are you living a wild life?
• Do you want everything your way?
• Are you fulfilling your lusts, yet still feel empty?
• Can you open your heart and let JESUS in?

My Uncle has a new name - In Loving memory of Uncle Jerry

Revelation 3:⁸ I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. ⁹ I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. ¹⁰ Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.
   
¹¹ I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. ¹² The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.

What more can I do?

Revelation 2: ¹⁹ I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.

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“Please, oh please give me the promotion” was my prayer. I had worked hard that year, sometimes not seeing my family for weeks at a time. The announcements came out early and I wasn’t on the list. “Why” I exclaimed with bitterness. I mean I went to church, paid tithes, didn’t smoke, drink or do drugs. “I worked hard so why not give me what I want… what more do YOU want from me?"

• When I do deeds to manipulate GOD into giving me what I want then I “never” move HIM.
• When I think of the sins I’m “not” doing I quickly forget about the sins I “am” committing.
• When I think I’ve reached the pinnacle of my relationship with GOD, HE says you can “always” do more.

GOD isn’t looking for me to burn myself out rather HE sees that I have more capacity to act like HIM on a daily basis. HE knows little by little I can drop my selfish ways and begin to serve HIS people the way HE wants me to serve them.

• Deeds performed out of a love for GOD yield a quality relationship with HIM.
• Love towards GOD’s people isn’t easy but is expected of me.
• Faith in GOD’s plan helps me reduce my worry of the future.
• Serving GOD’s people keeps me busy and I don’t have time to doubt GOD.
• Persevering “through” troubles helps me see GOD at work and in many instances seeing miracles.

When I was a child, I thought as a child and acted like a child but now that GOD has grown me up, I want to do more for HIM because HE did so much for me.  If GOD doesn’t do another thing for me here on Earth, HE has already done more than I could ever ask. I do “more” and “more” specifically to praise HIM.

• Are you trying to manipulate GOD into getting your way?
• Do you think you have “arrived” and you deserve better treatment from GOD?
• Are you willing to do a little more for HIM each day or are you giving up?
• Do you think your body, mind and soul is “yours” or GOD’s?

GOD knows what I’m going through.

Revelations 2: ² I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. ³ You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

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Finally I was out of my parents’ house and on my own. Even though I had been sort of on my own for a while, I now had “my” place. I even decided to live a better life so I started going to church, reading the Bible and praying. I figured that if I were good then only good things would happen to me.

My car broke down in the middle of nowhere so I had to get a new one, months later I had chest pains so severe I couldn’t breathe, my pay check had an issue, and to top it off someone broke in my new car and stole my music collection that took years to acquire! “Wait a minute LORD! I’m trying to live for YOU! Why are things going wrong in my life?”

• It is a false expectation to think life will be easy when I serve the LORD.
• It is a false expectation to think life will be easy because all humans including me are sinful.
• It is a false expectation to think life will be easy on Earth when GOD is going to get rid of it and put me in HIS new place HE is creating.

JESUS said life would be difficult to those who believe in HIM and HE wasn’t kidding. I have been ridiculed, questioned and accused because of my beliefs and I live in a land where I can speak freely. There are many people around the world who speak about CHRIST and are imprisoned or killed. GOD knows all about it.

• GOD knows when I make a feeble attempt to serve others and HE is pleased.
• GOD knows when I am going through a difficult period and I choose to remain pure to HIS word.
• GOD knows when I am faced with trouble on all sides yet HE gives me strength to endure.

Perseverance is important to those who follow GOD. HE doesn’t just zap problems away but HE does build up the fire inside me to recognize HIS love for me during difficult times. Now that I have lived for HIM for a number of years, I still have days when it seems like everything just falls apart. Knowing that GOD is pleased with me is sometimes the only thing that holds me together.

• Are you going through difficult times?
• Can you “endure” for GOD?
• Can you “persevere” long enough to see what GOD has in store for you after this trial?
• Will you praise GOD today in spite of your troubles and trials?

Have no fear!

Revelation 1:  ¹⁷ When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. ¹⁸ I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

   ¹⁹ “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.

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Sunshine and laughter outside were the elements that made my punishment too unbearable to take.  I could not go outside to play that day and it seemed like everyone on my block was enjoying the wonderful summer day.  I had to escape so I carefully slipped out the back door and went next door.

After losing track of time, I heard my father call out to me. “Uh Oh! Now I’m really in trouble!” ran through my mind. I slipped back into the house and hid for hours. My parents, the entire block and the police began to search. When they found my hiding place my parents were relieved. “You had us worried sick! Don’t do that again and don’t fear!”

• When I sin I try to run away from GOD.
• When I feel low I think GOD is out to get me.
• When things seem to be going wrong I blame GOD for the situation.

I want my way and I want it when I want it. When I don’t get my way I look at GOD as this ultimate punisher who is out to get me. “Why me” I have cried out with a hint of blame hurled at GOD. BUT GOD handles me differently than I deserve.

• GOD treats me with patience instead of punishment.
• GOD treats me with love instead of lashes.
• GOD treats me with grace instead of guilt.

HE tells me to not be afraid of HIS love. Oh, HE will correct me when I do something wrong, but in HIS correction HE wants me to see HIS everlasting love HE has for me. JESUS is to be worshipped and the FATHER is to be reverenced just the same. HE holds the key to Heaven and Hell and is in control because HE has risen from the dead.

GOD has forgiven me thoroughly and wants me to have a healthy fear of HIS power, yet not be afraid of HIS love for me.

• What are you afraid of?
• Is fear holding you back from the greatness GOD has in store for you?
• Can you stop thinking of GOD from a sinful perspective for just a minute and praise HIS love?

I’m looking forward to the “day” when...

Revelation 1: ⁷ “Look, he is coming with the clouds,”
   and “every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him”;
   and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”
            So shall it be! Amen.

 ⁸ “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

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Have you ever wondered how things will look when JESUS returns? I guess I have pondered this for many years. I look up at the sky each night in anticipation of HIS return, waiting on the sky to tear open and the truth finally being shone.

• JESUS’ return will be a wonderful day for me because I believe in HIS saving power.
• JESUS’ return will be a wonderful day for me because I finally get to see HIM in all of HIS glory.
• JESUS’ return will be a wonderful day for me because I can everlasting peace

Difficult times are definitely here and it’s great to look forward to CHRIST’s return, but HE wants me to focus on loving and serving people. My life should have a healthy yearning for HIS return coupled with a desire to remain as long as HE will have me stay.

• GOD is the beginning and the end.
• GOD is the one who “is”, “was” and “is to come.”
• GOD is the ALMIGHTY.

Every person who ever existed will see CHRIST when HE returns. “Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD.

• Do you believe that JESUS will return or are you skeptical?
• Are you living life as if it is your own?
• If the return of CHRIST is imminent, what would you like to be caught doing?