Mapped Out

Mapped Out

Genesis 2: ¹⁰ Now a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it parted and became four riverheads. ¹¹ The name of the first is Pishon; it is the one which skirts the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. ¹² And the gold of that land is good. Bdellium and the onyx stone are there. ¹³ The name of the second river is Gihon; it is the one which goes around the whole land of Cush. ¹⁴ The name of the third river is Hiddekel it is the one which goes toward the east of Assyria. The fourth river is the Euphrates.

 

============

 

Names of areas and rivers is the first thing I noticed. The great river that supplied four other rivers, had a purpose of watering the garden “in” Eden. GOD showed Moses the four rivers and told him the names. HE also showed him gold and precious stones.

 

My Observations:

• GOD made the rivers gentle enough to water the garden without destroying it.
• GOD made the rivers shallow enough for humans to walk in them without pain or fear of drowning.
• GOD made the great river flow from the area called Eden which provided life to the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

 

Every area was made as a gift for humans. Gentle rivers, beautiful trees, different landscapes, all provided a variety of experiences for humans. GOD was pleased to provide variety and shared precious stones with humans. The area was now complete. It was ready for humans to enjoy!

 

Challenge

• Why do you think it was important for GOD to show Moses the lay of the land?
• Have you ever traveled to other areas and seen different landscapes, trees, lakes and rivers?
• Do you look forward to GOD providing you with peace and tranquility someday?

A Special Place

A Special Place

Genesis 2: ⁸ The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. ⁹ And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

 

============

 

GOD continues giving Moses a recap of creation. HE explained that after HE created the container that would hold the universe, stars, sun, moon, sky, water and earth. HE created birds, fish, animals, insects and good bacteria. HE then created man and breathed a special breath in HIM which gave him a soul. Everything was very good! BUT GOD did something special. HE planted a garden that was more beautiful that other places.

 

My Observations:

• GOD made a special place even more special.
• GOD planted two extremely special trees, one giving life and one providing the knowledge of good and evil.
• GOD seemed excited about “being” with HIS creation, so HE made things that would be “pleasant.”

 

It seemed like GOD wanted a special relationship with humans. HE made so much for us and was very pleased with HIS creation. When HE placed the trees in the garden, it seemed like it was HIS way of showing the HE would be there with us. I can see the extreme lengths GOD went through to have harmony with us.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD made a special garden for humans?
• Have you ever wondered if you were special to GOD?
• Can you start with a thought that you are special to GOD so you can see more in yourself and others today?

Breath of Life

Breath of Life

Genesis 2: ⁷ And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

 

============

 

GOD, in HIS recap of the beginning of humanity, describes how he made the first man to Moses. GOD took the complex minerals and formed the first human. It was lifeless until HE breathed into the sculpture.

 

My Observations:

• GOD made humans special.
• GOD took time to fashion the first human.
• GOD spoke other things into existence, but humans received HIS breath of life.

 

No other creature received the breath of life. GOD wanted humans to be a special creation and gave a soul to us. All the autonomous systems inside humans were functioning. The brain was able to produce and receive thoughts.

 

When GOD breathed the breath of life into man, he made him pure. There was no sin in the breath.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD gave Moses this recap of what HE made the first man out of?
• Why do you think GOD did not breathe into any other living thing?
• Have you considered that GOD created you special to HIM and wants the best for you?

Tame Planet

Tame Planet

Genesis 2: ⁴ This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, ⁵ before any plant of the field was in the earth and before any herb of the field had grown. For the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the earth, and there was no man to till the ground; ⁶ but a mist went up from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground.

 

============

 

This seems to be the beginning of the explanation of what happened during the creation. Volumes of books can be written on “why” something was made the way it was made. BUT GOD reveals only what is necessary. I noticed HE explains rain was made, but was not necessary because a mist would water all vegetation.

 

My Observations:

GOD made a place for humans to live that could take care of itself.

GOD made it easy for anything to grow that a human would ever want.

GOD made the earth available for humans to participate in creating by providing the materials of life.

 

What stuck out to me was “”For the LORD GOD had not caused it to rain on the earth.” GOD took time to create rain, but it was not necessary, yet. Before any vegetation was available, GOD made water available so it could flourish in abundance with no effort. Humans had it made.

 

Challenge

Why do you think GOD told Moses about rain if it was not necessary?

Have you ever watched vegetation grow in fascination?

How is GOD setting you up for success?

Humans Day 7

Humans Day 7

Genesis 2: Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. ² And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. ³ Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

 

============

 

GOD had created water, light, day, night, outer space, stars, sky, air, vegetation, dry land, minerals, birds, fish, animals, insects, good bacteria and humans. HE said it was “very good.” HE then did something strange. HE took time to purposefully rest. HE set this day apart as special by blessing the day.

 

My Observations:

• GOD, with HIS infinite power, took time to rest.
• GOD deliberately ended HIS work of creation for humans after the sixth rotation of the earth.
• GOD demonstrated to humans that rest is important.

 

Finishing the work was important, but resting seemed just as important to GOD. HE does not sleep or slumber. HE never gets tired and never runs out of energy. But we do. HE made humans with limitations. We need to eat and rest to survive. As important as creating the universe was, GOD saw it fitting to turn it off for a day.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD, who does not need sleep, tell Moses HE rested?
• Have you ever thought that you should work seven days a week?
• Will you consider intentionally resting from all work to take time to listen to GOD for a full day?

Humans Day 6

Humans Day 6

Genesis 1: ²⁴ Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”; and it was so. ²⁵ And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

 

²⁶ Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” ²⁷ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. ²⁸ Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

 

²⁹ And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. ³⁰ Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so. ³¹ Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

 

============

 

Five rotations of the earth had now taken place. GOD had created water, light, day, night, outer space, stars, sky, air, vegetation, dry land, minerals, birds and fish. Dry land was now ready for inhabitants. GOD used the earth to create animals, insects and useful bacteria. BUT GOD said something special when it came to humanity. “Let US make man in  OUR image.” HE created male and female.

 

My Observations:

• GOD prepared everything to give it to humans.
• GOD created animals, insects and every creeping thing from the earth.
• GOD created humans, male and female, in HIS likeness and afterwards, looked at “everything” HE made and “indeed it was very good.”

 

Perfect peace had been created. HE created humans with harmony. It was perfect! HE had a relationship with HIS creation and had provided plenty to eat and plenty to do. GOD was excited about HIS creation and gave humans dominion over all HE made in the six days.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses that HE HIS creation was  “very good?”
• Can you hear the excitement GOD had to make HIS creation?
• Have you considered that when you were made, GOD said “very good” about you?

Humans Day 5

Humans Day 5

Genesis 1: ²⁰ Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.” ²¹ So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. ²² And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” ²³ So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

 

============

 

Water, light, day, night, outer space, stars, sky, air, vegetation, dry land, and minerals were all in place and working well. The Earth was rotating properly and had made four revolutions. GOD then spoke fish and birds into existence. HE then provides the very first blessing by saying “Be fruitful and multiply.”  This blessing enabled species of all kinds of birds and fish to fill the waters and the air.

 

My Observations:

• GOD cares about the details of every fish and bird.
• GOD speaks to every living creature.
• GOD is excited about abundance for HIS creation.

 

Abundance sticks out to me when I see GOD creating the birds and fish. Not only did HE create plenty, HE created the ability for each species to have plenty. The math HE gave the birds and fish was multiplication versus addition. HE was very pleased that the birds and fish would be delightful for humans.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the first blessing?
• What is your idea of abundance compared to GOD’s idea of abundance?
• Have you ever noticed that GOD did not create money during this week of creation, rather HE built a space HE knew was fitting for humans?

Humans Day 4

Humans Day 4

Genesis 1: ¹⁴ Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; ¹⁵ and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. ¹⁶ Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. ¹⁷ God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, ¹⁸ and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. ¹⁹ So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

 

============

 

Instead of random events, GOD made everything with a purpose. On the first day, HE made light. Now on the fourth day, HE took a piece of light and made the sun. HE also made its qualities reflective off of the moon. HE took more pieces of light and made stars. Each star was hung in a specific place and could only be seen at certain times of the year.

 

My Observations:

• GOD made years and seasons specifically for humans.
• GOD made light to “rule” over darkness.
• GOD demonstrated the creative process by breaking up light into many purposes.

 

I am quite amazed that every star, every galaxy, every light that can be seen was made specifically to shine on the place GOD made for humans. This is a very loving action from GOD. HE set the stars in the heavens, or outer space, for the enjoyment of humans, yet to be created.

 

I can also see that GOD delights in the creative process. HE took light and made stars, reflection, refraction, color, energy, healing and warmth. HE did this all for you and me.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD gives this level of detail to Moses about light and darkness?
• What areas of your life do you think are hidden?
• Are you willing to surrender hidden things to GOD so HIS light will heal you and shine through you today?

Humans Day 3

Humans Day 3

Genesis 1: ⁹ Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. ¹⁰ And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good.

 

¹¹ Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. ¹² And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. ¹³ So the evening and the morning were the third day.

 

============

 

Day and night were created and a dome called sky was put in place on days one and two. Now GOD creates land and sea, simply by speaking them into existence. HE also created everything that would grow.

 

My Observations:

• GOD made dry land for humans to live on.
• GOD made the seas and springs to water the plants for humans to eat.
• GOD made a variety plants for humans to eat.

 

Provision is what I see when I read this passage of scripture. GOD thought of everything needed to sustain life and created that for you and me. Warm, safe and dry seemed to be the plan for humans to live an enjoyable life. GOD would take care of the plants.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD mention to Moses that HE was pleased, twice in the same day?
• Did you notice GOD created water, dry land and plant life with the idea of sustaining life?
• What areas of your life has GOD provided for, that brought you praise?

Humans Day 2

Humans Day 2

Genesis 1: ⁶ Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” ⁷ Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. ⁸ And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day.

 

============

 

Now that day and night were working, GOD spoke “Sky” or “Heaven” into existence. This container would hold water that would eventually become rain. It would also hold life giving air that would separate the waters that would be on the earth from the water in the sky.

 

My Observations:

• GOD took an entire day to focus on the atmosphere.
• GOD took care in preparing a perfect habitat for HIS creation.
• GOD was very organized in what he made first and second.

 

Not only did GOD tell Moses about HIS power, HE seems to demonstrate HIS organization. HE had a reason for everything and provided a way to sustain life. One set of water would be used for one thing and another set for a different purpose. HE formed droplets that could freeze or boil. Amazing!

 

Challenge

• Why do you thin GOD told the writer about dividing the water?
• Are you amazed that every drop of water and every snowflake is different and useful?
• Can you take a moment to ponder GOD’s methodical behavior in your life today?

No Math Needed

No Math Needed

Revelation 22: 18 I, John, solemnly warn everyone who hears the prophetic words of this book: if any add anything to them, God will add to their punishment the plagues described in this book. 19 And if any take anything away from the prophetic words of this book, God will take away from them their share of the fruit of the tree of life and of the Holy City, which are described in this book.

20 He who gives his testimony to all this says, “Yes indeed! I am coming soon!”

So be it. Come, Lord Jesus!

21 May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with everyone

============

Hearing the story about people enjoying themselves, I wanted to be included. I retold their story, implying that I was included. But when I was asked a question about the event, I could not answer.

• I felt embarrassed that I was not at the event, so I embellished the story.
• I added details to the story that were not true.
• I tried to make the story mine, when it wasn’t.

John, the disciple JESUS loved, concludes the book of amazing prophecies revealed to him by JESUS. He gave a stern warning to not add anything to the book or take anything away. No embellishments! He then gave a testimony of JESUS promising to return. John seemed to show value in this pending action and emphatically agreed.

My Observations:

• GOD had a reason for providing the prophesies and wants them to remain intact.
• JESUS seems to be preparing us for HIS imminent return, so HE gave us everything we need to know.
• I do not have to embellish something that is already amazing, so I place my full belief in what has been revealed.

Live life as if JESUS will return any moment, is what I get from reading this prophetic book. I mean, I still have to work to eat and do day to day things, BUT GOD wants me to be on the lookout for JESUS daily. What does that mean?

To me, it means seeing people HE wants me to serve for the purpose of bringing them back to HIM. HE also wants me to pray for those who seem to be rejecting HIM. GOD seems very serious about bringing the lost back to HIMSELF. I gladly join in on HIS plan.

Challenge

• What warning does the writer give?
• Have you ever embellished a story to make yourself look good or to make someone look bad?
• Will you read the Bible as a collection of books from GOD, written through humans, so HE could guide us to HIS love today?

Humans Day 1

Humans Day 1

Genesis 1: In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

² And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

³ And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

⁴ And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

⁵ And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

 

============

 

When I read this passage, I notice “In the beginning GOD.” “In the beginning of what?” I ask. In the beginning of our relationship with GOD. This eternal being revealed how humanity began to HIS servant Moses, who wrote Genesis.

 

My Observations:

• GOD subtly shows HIS power by simply speaking Light into existence.
• “GOD created” shows HIS complexity and authority.
• GOD thought of outer space, the earth and waters and was very pleased to create light specifically for humans.

 

Excitement is what I read when I see this passage. I see GOD excited for humanity and making special things that would bring life. I see that HE was pleased with HIS creation. I can’t help thinking that GOD is saying to HIMSELF “They are really going to like this!” or “They really will need this!” Either way, I can see a loving, caring GOD who is creative and powerful.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD start HIS dictation to Moses with the creation?
• Can you hear how pleased GOD was to make something for humans that HE did not need for HIMSELF?
• How can you mimic GOD, by using creativity and being pleased with HIS power and HIS provision of light today?

Wash, Eat and Go

 

Wash, Eat and Go

Revelation 22: ¹⁴ Happy are those who wash their robes clean and so have the right to eat the fruit from the tree of life and to go through the gates into the city. ¹⁵ But outside the city are the perverts and those who practice magic, the immoral and the murderers, those who worship idols and those who are liars both in words and deeds.

 

============

 

After flying so many miles, I was invited to become a member of the airline’s lounge club. This was an “exclusive” lounge that had snacks and beverages, serving as an oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle.

 

I felt special.

I thought to myself “This is cool!”

I did not have anything to worry about concerning my flight.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard JESUS speak to him. JESUS explained how blessed the people are who wash their robes clean. This may be a reference to becoming sin-free through the belief in the death, burial and resurrection of JESUS. Because of this belief, followers became family members of the almighty GOD.

 

My Observations:

Belief in JESUS “washes” my sins clean.

Accepting JESUS as my Savior gives me the privilege of “eating” from the tree of life eternally.

Freedom to “go through the gates” will be my reward because of my belief in JESUS.

 

Being excluded is my choice. I mean, GOD made salvation extremely easy for all humans. JESUS volunteered to become a human, die for your and my sins and was raised from the dead. I did not have to do anything, yet I received a gift of eternal life. Unfortunately, there will be those who reject this gift.

 

All humans sin. There is no one who is righteous. BUT JESUS redeemed those who believe in HIS act of love. Those who reject HIS love remain in their sin. Every sin is remembered and eternally accounted for, to those who reject the LORD. I gladly surrender my life to JESUS, who was, is, and is to come.

 

Challenge:

What rights are told to the writer?

What rights are withheld and who are they withheld from?

Will you surrender your life of fighting JESUS to be placed in HIS loving family today?

Priorities

Priorities

Revelation 22: ¹² “Listen!” says Jesus. “I am coming soon! I will bring my rewards with me, to give to each one according to what he has done. ¹³ I am the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

 

============

 

When the new leader arrived, we were asked “What are the problems you are facing?” We gave a list of thing, large and small. Each of us were assigned to deal with various problems. When the year was up, we were rewarded for our accomplishments.

 

• We had no time for frivolous activities.
• We had to focus on the main problems and develop action plans to address them.
• After we fixed many problems, we received rewards based on what we did.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard HIM reiterate something important. JESUS said again “Listen!” HE then said “I AM coming soon!” John had just finished a conversation with an angel about what he was writing and after the conversation, JESUS emphasizes HIS return.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
• JESUS holds all time in HIS hands, so when HE puts emphasis on coming soon, I should listen.
• JESUS will reward me for the service I do in belief in HIS words.

 

When something is said twice, emphatically, it must be important. Once I was working for a company that provided food for first responders of forest fires. As I was taking the food out, I was warned that fire was not in control. They emphasized the danger and would only allow me to go through because food was needed on the front lines. Same with GOD.

 

JESUS emphasizes the need for us to prioritize our lives for HIM. HE has been risen and provided a prophecy of HIS return. Whatever problem we think is a priority, JESUS says, “Listen, I AM coming soon!” I gladly live my life as if today were my last.

 

Challenge

• Why did JESUS emphasize what HE already said to the writer?
• Have you ever been told to do something and did not prioritize it high enough?
• Have you assessed your priorities and aligned them with CHRIST’s so you can do what HE wants versus trying to get HIM to do what you want today?

Worship Instructions

Worship Instructions

Revelation 22: ⁸ I, John, have heard and seen all these things. And when I finished hearing and seeing them, I fell down at the feet of the angel who had shown me these things, and I was about to worship him. ⁹ But he said to me, “Don't do it! I am a servant together with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all those who obey the words in this book. Worship God!” ¹⁰ And he said to me, “Do not keep the prophetic words of this book a secret, because the time is near when all this will happen. ¹¹ Whoever is evil must go on doing evil, and whoever is filthy must go on being filthy; whoever is good must go on doing good, and whoever is holy must go on being holy.”

 

============

 

“Who fixed this?” was the question posed to me as if I did something great! But, it wasn’t me who had done the deed that would receive accolades. “Don’t look at me” was my reply to direct the investigation somewhere else.

 

• I was kind of jealous that I was not going to receive accolades.
• I wanted to be “recognized” but was not worthy of recognition.
• I sought accolades more intentionally from that day on.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, admits to being overwhelmed by what he saw and heard. He wanted to place this overwhelmed feeling somewhere, so he decided to worship the angel who showed him the marvelous, prophetic things that no one else has ever seen. The angel responded very clearly. “Don’t do it!” and “Worship GOD!” He

 

My Observations:

• Humans want accolades and praise, BUT GOD deserves all of our praise!
• Humans try to make a name for themselves, BUT GOD’s name is the one who should be said daily!
• Humans say other humans names more than they  say JESUS, BUT HE is our Savior who should be mentioned with honor.

 

Getting praise where JESUS need to receive it is dangerous. I mean, we should not have false humility, however, we should recognize when JESUS should get the praise versus a human. There is a difference. I can wash dishes and maybe receive praise for it, BUT JESUS is the one who saves people from eternal separation from HIM.

 

GOD handles hearts, not me. HE fixes situations and provides the right resources at the right time. Even “my” talent should be credited to GOD. I also have to let go of people. “evil must go on doing evil.” I gladly give GOD all the praise and honor!

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer spoke of himself?
• Have you ever wanted to receive accolades and praise?
• What steps will you take to intentionally surrender and follow what GOD wants you to do today?

Ready for Soon

Ready for Soon

Revelation 22: ⁶ Then the angel said to me, “These words are true and can be trusted. And the Lord God, who gives his Spirit to the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must happen very soon.”

⁷ “Listen!” says Jesus. “I am coming soon! Happy are those who obey the prophetic words in this book!”

 

============

 

Waiting on the bus in the cold seemed like a bad idea to me. We were on the corner of a fast food restaurant. I heard someone say “The bus is coming soon.” But I figured I would go inside the restaurant to warm up. I got distracted and was not looking as attentively. The bus came and went and I was left waiting.

 

• I did not believe I would miss the bus.
• I figured that I had been miserable long enough, so I took matters in my own hands.
• I made a mistake by looking for temporary comfort when I should have remained ready.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard directly from HIM. “Listen!” JESUS said with urgency. “I AM coming soon! Happy are those who obey the prophetic words in this book!”

 

My Observations:

• JESUS said HE will return soon so I should act like it could be any day now.
• JESUS said to obey the prophecies shown to John which should change my actions.
• JESUS wants me to have a blessing, so HE told all of us what HE is going to do.

 

Hatred makes me not ready. I mean, when I am busy hating other people, I miss the bus of serving GOD’s people with love. I may get distracted by trying to prove his or her wrong, justifying my sinful activity. BUT GOD wants me ready.

 

But what does ready look like? Ready means believing that I need a Savior to confess my sins to. HE will then give me the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me, to guide me to serve those HE is seeking to redeem. I look forward to JESUS return, but until then I will serve those HE sends me to or sends to me.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the angel said “These words are true and can be trusted” to the writer?
• Have you ever missed out on something because you stopped waiting?
• Will you refocus your thinking so you can remain ready for CHRIST by serving those HE is seeking to redeem?

Love Finally Seen

Love Finally Seen

Revelation 22: The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will worship him. ⁴ They will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. ⁵ There shall be no more night, and they will not need lamps or sunlight, because the Lord God will be their light, and they will rule as kings forever and ever.

 

============

 

When I found a leader I liked, I tried to imitate that person. I would speak, walk and use ism’s I heard from the person. I found men and women who had some great styles that I could borrow from. It was flattery to my ears when I would hear “You are acting just like him or her.”

 

• I wanted to imitate great people.
• I wanted to put what I learned from him or her, into action.
• I wanted to “be” just like those successful people.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the throne of GOD and of the LAMB which is JESUS. He also saw everyone who ever served people for JESUS sake. They had JESUS’ name written on their forehead.

 

My Observations:

• I cannot see my forehead when looking at JESUS, BUT JESUS can see HIS love in me when HE looks at me.
• One day I will not need artificial light, or even sunlight because I will be in the presence of JESUS who is the LIGHT.
• Seeing JESUS face means I will be looking at pure love.

 

Human examples of love are desperately flawed. I mean, when one person acts in love another twists it into hate. One person’s protection is another person’s control. Soon, preferences prevail over pure love. BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

JESUS, being GOD, showed pure love by taking on the consequence of sin for you and me. HE became a human out of pure love. HE then allowed HIS own creation to murder HIM while not putting up a fight. HE was raised from the dead and was placed in authority of everything. I look forward to one day seeing HIS face.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer keep mentioning light?
• Have you ever observed abusive, manipulative or coercive behavior labeled as love?
• Have you surrendered your life to CHRIST so you can experience pure love today?

Nothing But Life

Nothing But Life

Revelation 22: The angel also showed me the river of the water of life, sparkling like crystal, and coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb ² and flowing down the middle of the city's street. On each side of the river was the tree of life, which bears fruit twelve times a year, once each month; and its leaves are for the healing of the nations. ³ Nothing that is under God's curse will be found in the city.

 

============

 

Driving down the road, I ran over a skunk carcass. For miles I could smell the horrible powerful stench of the dead animal. I ran through a puddle, yet the smell still lingered.

 

• I wished that I had not experienced the dead skunk.
• I wished I had not run over something that was dead and decaying.
• I would have preferred for all things that were alive to remain alive.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was shown three things that provided life. One river and two trees were described as things that provided life. He also mentioned that the leaves would be used to heal the nations. Any sickness or disease that was under GOD’s curse would be healed by the things that provided life.

 

My Observations:

• GOD made us with life in mind.
• Eternal life will contain no sickness, no disease and no death.
• GOD’s eternal curse will not apply to those who love the LORD.

 

When GOD heals eternally, it will be done for good! I mean, there will be no more crying over a lost loved one, no more pain that keeps people awake and no more disease that causes bodies to malfunction. Why? Because JESUS paid it all.

 

JESUS was took on our curse. CHRIST redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” HE was hung on a cross and gave us eternal life. I am grateful to receive living water that will make me never thirst again.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer mention’s GOD’s curse?
• Have you ever gotten sick or hurt or experienced some sort of pain?
• Will you accept JESUS as your Savior so you can have everlasting life today?

What’s Not Seen

What’s Not Seen

Revelation 21: ²² I did not see a temple in the city, because its temple is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb. ²³ The city has no need of the sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God shines on it, and the Lamb is its lamp. ²⁴ The peoples of the world will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their wealth into it. ²⁵ The gates of the city will stand open all day; they will never be closed, because there will be no night there. ²⁶ The greatness and the wealth of the nations will be brought into the city. ²⁷ But nothing that is impure will enter the city, nor anyone who does shameful things or tells lies. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of the living will enter the city.

 

============

 

When I got to the new office, I asked where the printer was. “We only have a couple of printers” was the reply. I questioned “why?” The reply was, “Because we don’t use paper very much anymore.”

 

• There was no more use for a printer.
• Things were different, so the printer was no longer needed.
• There was another way in place that freed everyone up.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, noticed a few things missing from the new city. He noticed there was no temple, sun or moon. He then was given an explanation of why these things were missing.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s glory is bright enough to shine pure light.
• There will one day be no need for artificial light because JESUS will be our true light.
• No impurities that you and I have will be able to enter the city so GOD will change us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness so we can live with HIM eternally.

 

Wealth will be different. I mean, the current structure of money will not be needed in heaven. So what will wealth look like? I believe GOD will help you and me use our special gifts in ways we cannot imagine. Whatever our gifts produce, we will bring it into the city.

 

We will no longer have to worry about darkness, extension cords or batteries. There will be no more misinterpretation of what GOD is saying to us, because HE will be present to provide us with HIS light. I am glad religions, temples and lights will be done away with so we can simply be with GOD.

 

Challenge

• What observations did the writer present?
• Have you ever wondered if the tension over religion will ever stop?
• Have you pondered about GOD’s glorious light and wondered about HIS eternal love for you?

Building Materials

 Building Materials

Revelation 21: ¹⁸ The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself was made of pure gold, as clear as glass. ¹⁹ The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with all kinds of precious stones. The first foundation stone was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, ²⁰ the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh yellow quartz, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chalcedony, the eleventh turquoise, the twelfth amethyst. ²¹ The twelve gates were twelve pearls; each gate was made from a single pearl. The street of the city was of pure gold, transparent as glass.

============

After following the instructions, I finally finished putting together the furniture. I had to force the shelves to align, but finally got everything to fit. I accidentally spilled some water on an exposed end and the wood began to swell in one spot.

• The furniture was made of particle board which could not withstand water.
• The machining of the furniture was not done well, so I had to force things together.
• The furniture was flimsy and broke easily when it was moved.

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was given the list of materials the city’s foundation was made of. Each foundation stone was a “precious” stone that was probably rarely seen, even in the new earth. The city and streets were made of pure gold as clear as glass. The wall was another precious stone and the gates were made from a single pearl.

My Observations:

• GOD wants us to have something special.
• GOD can create rare things that are precious.
• GOD made you and me and there is no one like us.

Precious things cannot be found everywhere. I mean, when something is rare, it is not only hard to find, it is impossible to replicate. GOD used precious stones for the city that HE made for HIS precious people.

No one is exactly alike. GOD spent time thinking about the building materials of your entire existence. Nothing was a mistake. HE made you and me and was delighted. Your very existence pleases GOD immensely! I am glad GOD thinks of you and me in a precious way!

Challenge

• Why does the writer give this detail?
• Have you ever seen precious stones or something valuable?
• Can you believe that GOD values you as precious to HIM and was excited when HE made you?

Precision

Precision

Revelation 21: ¹⁵ The angel who spoke to me had a gold measuring stick to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. ¹⁶ The city was perfectly square, as wide as it was long. The angel measured the city with his measuring stick: it was fifteen hundred miles long and was as wide and as high as it was long. ¹⁷ The angel also measured the wall, and it was 216 feet high, according to the standard unit of measure which he was using.

 

============

 

Building a clubhouse, we scavenged scrap nails and wood for the project. We grabbed hammers and handsaws from the garage, and began building our tower. With no measurements, we created a two story clubhouse that was about five feet tall!

 

• Our monstrosity had a window and a door.
• Only two people could fit inside at a time.
• Nails protruded out so we were easily wounded or our clothes were torn.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the angel who measured the great city. The angel had a measuring stick forged with gold to probable keep its precision. The city was nothing like any human could ever conceive. It was long and wide and tall. The precision of the immense city was impeccable.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is very precise.
• GOD is not as random as we want HIM to be.
• GOD has our lives planned out to the second and knows every hair on our head.

 

We see random events, GOD sees a component to HIS plan. I mean, we may see a hole in a bag of coins. BUT GOD saw a story that a coin would fall in the water, be eaten by a fish and would be used by JESUS to tell a follower to catch a fish and get the coin out to illustrate HIS teaching.

 

GOD is not random. HE is very precise. HE knows the day and the hour of CHRIST’s return. HE numbers hairs, meaning HE cares about the tiniest detail. When HE provides a measurement, it is to demonstrate HIS power. I am glad GOD is precise!

 

Challenge

• Can you fathom the measurements presented by the writer?
• Have you ever seen a large city?
• Can you take a moment to ponder the great new city GOD will provide for those who believe in JESUS today?

Protected All Along

Protected All Along

Revelation 21: ¹² It had a great, high wall with twelve gates and with twelve angels in charge of the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of the people of Israel. ¹³ There were three gates on each side: three on the east, three on the south, three on the north, and three on the west. 

 

============

 

When the tornado sirens went off, I was still outside trying to finish a home improvement project. I had worked all week on this project, and I was at the last part when the darkness came rolling in. This memorable sight of the dark olive green clouds was followed by strong wind sounds, like a fast train passing by.

 

• A tornado touched down two blocks from our house.
• I was no match for the storm, nor was the house.
• Our house was not touched by the devastating winds.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, continued describing what he was shown from a high mountain. He saw a wall around a marvelous, new, clean city. The wall had, what was probably, monumental gates on all sides. Imperfect human names were written on the gates.

 

My Observations:

• GOD may have put the gates on the new city to show how HE was protecting us in this life.
• GOD is very methodical in providing you and me with assurance.
• One angel chained up Satan and GOD put twelve in charge of gates to protect you and me.

 

GOD’s protection is there when we cannot see it. I mean, HE protects us from dangers we cannot see each and every day! We take life for granted and pout when we are not getting our way. BUT GOD is fighting battles we are not aware of.

 

HE sees what we are going through and wants to not only provide, but protect. HIS wall of protection is impenetrable. The gates only let in those who belong and keeps out any harm. I am glad GOD protects you and me, even from ourselves!

 

Challenge

• Why is the writer so descriptive of the gates and their placement directions?
• Have you ever thought about how many times GOD has brought you through trials of life?
• Will you take a moment to remember the difficult times GOD has brought you through instead of looking at your current circumstance today?

Clean City

Clean City

Revelation 21: ⁹ One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came to me and said, “Come, and I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” ¹⁰ The Spirit took control of me, and the angel carried me to the top of a very high mountain. He showed me Jerusalem, the Holy City, coming down out of heaven from God ¹¹ and shining with the glory of God. The city shone like a precious stone, like a jasper, clear as crystal.

 

============

 

Asleep in the back seat, I woke up because I could tell we were getting close to home. The stench of the landfill was the first indicator that we were getting close. I anticipated the swampy smell of the shipping dock followed by the final chemical smell of the paint factory. I saw garbage on the sides of the road. Yep, I was almost home!

 

• Many cities I have been in were dirty.
• Many cities I visited had graffiti and grunge.
• Many cities I lived in had industrial stuff that belched carcinogens in the air.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, had the SPIRIT take control of him and was carried to a very high mountain. The Holy City was coming down out of heaven from GOD. It was shining with the glory of GOD.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s glory was so bright, that humans could not look at it.
• The new Holy City will be so clean that no disease can live inside it.
• Brightness will shine from the Holy City like nothing seen before.

 

No more smells. No more rot. No more feeble attempts by humans to create something temporary that misuses GOD’s creation, causing people to be harmed. The plagues were over and a new city was presented. What happened to GOD’s people? You and I become recipients of a brand new city.

 

Remember that new car smell? Or that new house smell? Or new shoe smell? Think of a new city that shines with GOD’s glory. HE cannot wait to provide this gift to those who go through the grunge of life’s difficulties. When life is dirty, I am glad I can focus on a future that is bright and new!

 

Challenge

• Why was the writer taken to a mountain to see the city?
• Have you ever been deeply worried or saddened by circumstances or regretful because of sin?
• Can you imagine a place where you are free to love GOD and HE is right there, wiping away your tears?

Thirsty

Thirsty

Revelation 21: ⁵ Then the one who sits on the throne said, “And now I make all things new!” He also said to me, “Write this, because these words are true and can be trusted.” ⁶ And he said, “It is done! I am the first and the last, the beginning and the end. To anyone who is thirsty I will give the right to drink from the spring of the water of life without paying for it. ⁷ Those who win the victory will receive this from me: I will be their God, and they will be my children. ⁸ But cowards, traitors, perverts, murderers, the immoral, those who practice magic, those who worship idols, and all liars—the place for them is the lake burning with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

 

============

 

Becoming part of a group was new to me. I was handed a book that showed skills to learn. But then I was told that that I could earn merit badges if I could prove that I learned the skill! I tried it and earned my first merit badge.

 

• I got so excited that I read more of the book.
• I planned out what my next badge would be.
• I spent time learning more and more and then became good at what I learned.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard JESUS speak a declaration that could be trusted and was going to happen. JESUS spoke about two kinds of people. One was “thirsty” and the other was not.

 

My Observations:

• My thirst for JESUS would cause me to want to learn more about HIM.
• My thirst for JESUS would make me want to practice what HE said.
• My thirst for JESUS would open my eyes to what HE wants versus trying to get “my” way.

 

Thirsty means really, really wanting something. I mean, when I want something the world has to offer, I may spend time learning it from reading or watching someone. I then take the initiative to put what I learned into practice. JESUS says HIS “words are true and can be trusted.” In other words, it’s going to happen.

 

If I thirst for JESUS, then my learning will be easy and so will putting what I learned into practice. HIS message of love also came with a price, namely free! If anyone is thirsty for JESUS, HE will give him or her life without paying for it. All my sins have been paid for by JESUS. I am eternally grateful!

 

Challenge

• Why was the writer told to write down what was said?
• Have you ever wanted something so much, that you were willing to learn it and do it?
• When JESUS says “It is done!” does that give you confidence?
• Can you become thirsty to learn about JESUS and put HIS words into practice today?

No More Death, Grief, Crying or Pain

No More Death, Grief, Crying or Pain

Revelation 21: Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth disappeared, and the sea vanished. ² And I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared and ready, like a bride dressed to meet her husband. ³ I heard a loud voice speaking from the throne: “Now God's home is with people! He will live with them, and they shall be his people. God himself will be with them, and he will be their God. ⁴ He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared.”

 

============

 

My shirt was missing, so I cried. This was a shirt that I stuffed with other shirts and I carried it around while sucking my thumb. That was the beginning. Over many years, there were circumstances that really made me cry.

 

• I have felt grief.
• I have cried over situations and with people.
• I have seen death and watched how pain  overtook joy.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw an incredible sight. He saw a new heaven and a new earth. He also saw the first heaven, earth and sea disappear. Just as GOD spoke everything into existence, it was all gone in a moment. He saw the Holy City descend from the new heaven. Then he heard a declaration that would never be broken.

 

My Observations:

• GOD will wipe away my tears.
• GOD will give me life forever.
• GOD will protect me from grief, crying or pain.

 

Imagine a world where there is no more scheming, greed, loss, hurt, malice, lying or disturbing thoughts. I cannot imagine, because that is what is in the world today. Each and every day, more pain is shown on the news and devastation abounds all around us. BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

JESUS rose and ascended to heaven. HE said HE had to go to make a place for all who believe in HIM. This new heaven and new earth contains everything that is needed, so there will be no more disappointment because of lack. GOD will be our GOD and we will be HIS people.

 

Challenge

• What exciting thing does the writer point out?
• Have you ever experienced a death of a loved one or grief or crying or pain?
• Can you set your mind on GOD wiping away all your tears because there will be no more death, grief, crying or pain?

Dead to Alive

Dead to Alive

Revelation 20: ¹¹ Then I saw a great white throne and the one who sits on it. Earth and heaven fled from his presence and were seen no more. ¹² And I saw the dead, great and small alike, standing before the throne. Books were opened, and then another book was opened, the book of the living. The dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. ¹³ Then the sea gave up its dead. Death and the world of the dead also gave up the dead they held. And all were judged according to what they had done. ¹⁴ Then death and the world of the dead were thrown into the lake of fire. (This lake of fire is the second death.) ¹⁵ Those who did not have their name written in the book of the living were thrown into the lake of fire.

 

============

 

Seeing what seemed to be an ocean of people without homes, I decided to go another route. I only had enough in “my” wallet for “my” lunch. After a while, I was good at avoiding poor people. And besides, they were just going to take my money and use it to get drunk or buy drugs, right?

 

• I had figured out ways to not help the poor.
• I had justified why it was important for me to keep “my” money.
• I had labeled people in ways that made “me” feel good for not helping.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the throne of JESUS. The sight was so incredible that Earth and heaven fled from HIS presence. John saw two sets of dead people, but only one set of books. The first set of dead were raised to “life” and the second set were raised to “death.”

 

My Observations:

• By believing in JESUS, all my deeds, will be replayed and I will be judged accordingly.
• For those who do not believe in JESUS as the Savior, even “good deeds” will be erased and counted against him or her.
• JESUS has a book of life that HE keeps and records the deeds we do that are precious to HIM.

 

“When did we feed YOU?” We will ask, JESUS will turn to a page and say “See, right here… When you gave that child a cup of water and some food.” “When did we clothe YOU?” we will ask. HE will flip to another page and say “See, its when you donated clothes.” JESUS cannot wait to show HIS people what they have done. Unfortunately HE also remembers what unbelievers have done.

 

HE will bring up all the deeds of those who manipulate, lie, cheat, harm and kill. These people will be thrown in the lake of fire with Satan, the beast and the false prophet. This “second death” will be an eternal death. I am glad you and me will be raised to an eternal life!

 

Challenge

• What deeds does the writer mention?
• Have you considered doing something good for someone, without desiring something in return?
• Have you given your life to CHRIST so your good deeds can be recorded as endearing to JESUS today?