Three O’s

Three O’s

Revelation 4: Surrounding the throne on each of its sides, were four living creatures covered with eyes in front and behind. ⁷ The first one looked like a lion; the second looked like a bull; the third had a face like a human face; and the fourth looked like an eagle in flight. ⁸ Each one of the four living creatures had six wings, and they were covered with eyes, inside and out. Day and night they never stop singing:

 

“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,
    who was, who is, and who is to come.”

 

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Hearing the ice cream truck raised my desire for the delicious cool treat. But I had a problem. I had no money!. I went into my parents room, opened up their makeshift coin bank and grabbed enough to purchase my treat. “Where did you get the money for the treat?” my parents asked. “I don’t know” was my go to lie. “How did they know I was lying?” I asked myself.

 

• My parents were not all seeing, but they could deduce when I was lying.
• My parents were not all knowing, but they knew enough to try to keep me on the right path.
• My parents were not everywhere, but they seemed to be at the right place at the right time to keep me out of trouble.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was shown four beings that he could barely describe. His gruesome description was probably beautiful in person. These beings sang a song “day and night” about GOD’s holiness. They may represent GOD’s omniscience, omnipotence and omnipresence.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is all powerful and can handle any opposition I can face.
• GOD is all seeing, so HE knows when I am sincerely serving HIM.
• GOD is everywhere, so I do not have to fear when HE sends me someplace to represent HIM.

 

Omniscience, omnipotence and omnipresence are human words we give to GOD because we cannot quite explain HIM. I mean, HE always was, HE is and will always be. Our minds cannot understand this being. And what we do not understand we sometimes blow off or mislabel it.

 

GOD knows my every thought, action and desire. HE knows the bad things and erases them with HIS grace and knows the good things and rewards me generously for them. Night will go away, but until it does, the four creatures will remind us of GOD’s power.

 

Challenge

• Were you creeped out by the description the writer gives of the four creatures?
• What is your view of GOD?
• Will you remove any limits you have of GOD and place your hope in HIM to experience HIS love today?

The Center

The Center

Revelation 4: At this point I had another vision and saw an open door in heaven.

 

And the voice that sounded like a trumpet, which I had heard speaking to me before, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” ² At once the Spirit took control of me. There in heaven was a throne with someone sitting on it. ³ His face gleamed like such precious stones as jasper and carnelian, and all around the throne there was a rainbow the color of an emerald. ⁴ In a circle around the throne were twenty-four other thrones, on which were seated twenty-four elders dressed in white and wearing crowns of gold. ⁵ From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. In front of the throne seven lighted torches were burning, which are the seven spirits of God. ⁶ Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.

 

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Science fiction became a favorite genre of mine early on. From cartoons about space travel to the movies about galaxies far away, I enjoyed the creativity. During science class, some were trying to make sense out of what was being observed. I enjoyed hearing theories of human existence. One theory was the entire universe revolved around earth.

 

• I struggled with theories that could not be truly measured.
• Theories that I learned had merit to human accomplishments, but they fell short because they left GOD out of the equation.
• Asking “What is the true center of existence?” is still being questioned by philosophers, religious leaders and scientists.

 

John, the disciple that JESUS loved, was guided by the SPIRIT into the throne room of JESUS. He could barely describe what he saw. JESUS appeared extremely different than any human depiction and everything emanated from HIS throne.

 

My Observations:

• I believe everything originates from JESUS.
• I believe GOD cares about the heavens and the earth and even the hairs on my head.
• I believe everything revolves around JESUS.

 

Seeing life from the true origin makes a huge difference. I mean, when I believe that GOD spoke everything into existence, life makes sense to me. Even the fact that everything revolving around and belonging to JESUS, helps me think of things slightly different.

 

HE is on the only throne that matters. HE is not worried and is in thorough control of everything I could imagine. HIS power is unending  and HIS glory is the highest. I cannot wait to see the true center.

 

Challenge

• Who helped the writer describe everything seen?
• Have you ever question the center of life?
• Will you consider seeing life revolving around JESUS to understand “what must happen after this” so you can be prepared?

Heart Store

Heart Store
Revelation 3: ¹⁴ “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
 
“This is the message from the Amen, the faithful and true witness, who is the origin of all that God has created. ¹⁵ I know what you have done; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were either one or the other! ¹⁶ But because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am going to spit you out of my mouth! ¹⁷ You say, ‘I am rich and well off; I have all I need.’ But you do not know how miserable and pitiful you are! You are poor, naked, and blind. ¹⁸ I advise you, then, to buy gold from me, pure gold, in order to be rich. Buy also white clothing to dress yourself and cover up your shameful nakedness. Buy also some ointment to put on your eyes, so that you may see. ¹⁹ I rebuke and punish all whom I love. Be in earnest, then, and turn from your sins. ²⁰ Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if any hear my voice and open the door, I will come into their house and eat with them, and they will eat with me. ²¹ To those who win the victory I will give the right to sit beside me on my throne, just as I have been victorious and now sit by my Father on his throne.
 
²² “If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!”

 

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Looking at the weather, I decided to miss going to the group. It was raining that day. The next time to meet it was too nice to be sitting around with a group so I missed it to continue to enjoy the nice weather. “Do you want to come over and watch the game?” was the statement that easily took me away from going to the group the next time.

 

• I was not vested in the group.
• I was not for the group or against the group.
• I figured the group would be alright because there were a lot of people, so they would not miss me.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, quoted JESUS when writing about Laodicea. This stern warning was about lukewarmness. At one point Laodicea was on fire. But along the way, they became proud of their size, programs and human success. JESUS rebuked their human wealth and told them to exchange it for HIS wealth.

 

My Observations:

• GOD sees my heart and wants it to be rich with HIS love.
• GOD wants to come into my heart so I cannot have it filled with the lust of the world.
• What is valuable to GOD should be valuable to me.

 

I may get what I want but not want what I get. I mean, GOD seems gracious enough to me to allow me to get things I want that are not good for me. This strange love can be costly to me. If I choose to brag and boast about what “I” have accomplished and label it as GOD, HE could be upset at what seems to be “success.”

 

GOD wants me to check to see if I have fallen each day. HE corrects me when I stay and humbles me when I boast. GOD is willing to heal me when I ask HIM into my heart.

 

Challenge

• Why does JESUS seem to focus on money?
• Have you tried to measure GOD’s success by human wealth standards?
• Will you allow GOD into your heart so HE can correct any wrong and guide you to win the victory?

Endurance Paid Off

 

Endurance Paid Off

Revelation 3: ⁷ “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
 
“This is the message from the one who is holy and true. He has the key that belonged to David, and when he opens a door, no one can close it, and when he closes it, no one can open it. 8 I know what you do; I know that you have a little power; you have followed my teaching and have been faithful to me. I have opened a door in front of you, which no one can close. 9 Listen! As for that group that belongs to Satan, those liars who claim that they are Jews but are not, I will make them come and bow down at your feet. They will all know that I love you. 10 Because you have kept my command to endure, I will also keep you safe from the time of trouble which is coming upon the world to test all the people on earth. 11 I am coming soon. Keep safe what you have, so that no one will rob you of your victory prize. 12 I will make those who are victorious pillars in the temple of my God, and they will never 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 will come down out of heaven from my God. I will also write on them my new name.

13 “If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!

 

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Several thoughts ran through my mind as I was formulating my complaints. Instead of blurting out frustrations, I thought it would be wise to put my thought together. Before I could present the complaints, I was met with a greeting of thanks followed by “I know things have been chaotic around here, but because you stayed and did not complain, I am going to put you in charge.”

 

• I was ready to give up, but when I heard this, I could endure a little more.
• I knew I was in a difficult situation, but I could endure more, because it was recognized.
• I thought the bad situation was going to get worse, but endurance paid off.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, gave a message of endurance from JESUS to the church of Philadelphia. JESUS sends HIS love to those who have endured hardship, persecution, lies and slander. HE encouraged them by saying HE is the one who opens doors no one can close, so endure.

 

My Observations:

• GOD goes with me through difficult situations, not around them.
• Turning my complaints into praise helps me endure situations.
• Understanding that there is something better on the other side of endurance helps me to keep going!

 

Enduring trouble may seem worthless, but it’s not. I mean, when problem after problem, after problem happen, it seems like there is no alternative, but to give up. BUT GOD says “endure.” Why? Because HE sees you after HE delivered you from trouble.

 

HE is the one who closed the door you were not supposed to go through but opened the one HE needs you in. No one can close a door that JESUS has opened for you and me! No one! HE rewards you when you endure.

 

Challenge

• What words of encouragement do you hear the writer record from JESUS?
• Have you gone through difficult situations for a long time?
• Will you endure, because JESUS sees you and knows you and loves you?

Wake Up!

Wake Up!

Revelation 3: “To the angel of the church in Sardis write:

 

“This is the message from the one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know what you are doing; I know that you have the reputation of being alive, even though you are dead! ² So wake up, and strengthen what you still have before it dies completely. For I find that what you have done is not yet perfect in the sight of my God. ³ Remember, then, what you were taught and what you heard; obey it and turn from your sins. If you do not wake up, I will come upon you like a thief, and you will not even know the time when I will come. ⁴ But a few of you there in Sardis have kept your clothes clean. You will walk with me, clothed in white, because you are worthy to do so. ⁵ Those who win the victory will be clothed like this in white, and I will not remove their names from the book of the living. In the presence of my Father and of his angels I will declare openly that they belong to me.

 

⁶ “If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!

 

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After working all day, I went to visit someone. It took a while to get there and I spent most of the evening enjoying the time. It was late when I left and I had more than an hour to drive home. About fifty-five minutes into the trip I woke up driving up an exit ramp that was not mine. I slammed on brakes, rolled the window down and drove home locally.

 

• I thought I was awake, but I was sleep driving.
• I was lulled to sleep by the repetitious mileage.
• After waking up, I had to do something different!

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, quotes JESUS giving a warning to Sardis. This church thought they were alive, when they were really acting dead. They may have fallen into a false sense of security because of their reputation of being on fire, but JESUS saw they were not walking with HIM.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS wants me to remember what I was taught and what I heard about HIM.
• “My” reputation does not matter, rather doing GOD’s good and perfect will does.
• Waling with JESUS is important to HIM so I should choose to do this daily.

 

Thinking I am awake and being awake are two different things. I mean, I can be doing things that seem right, but I may, in fact, be going through the motions without my heart being filled with the presence of GOD. I can go to church, sing songs and give money without believing in the power of JESUS.

 

GOD wants me to “Wake up” to what JESUS has done and is doing in my life every day. HE wants me to turn from my sinful pats on my own back to see that I need help daily. HE wants me to return back to the days when I was on fire for the LORD because I had just accepted HIM as my Savior.

 

Challenge

• What reputation do you think the writer is speaking of?
• Have you ever thought you were doing GOD a favor by doing what feels comfortable to you?
• Will you return to the fire you once had for JESUS so you can make HIM known to many today?

New Identity

New Identity

Revelation 2: ¹² “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:

 

“This is the message from the one who has the sharp two-edged sword. ¹³ I know where you live, there where Satan has his throne. You are true to me, and you did not abandon your faith in me even during the time when Antipas, my faithful witness, was killed there where Satan lives. ¹⁴ But there are a few things I have against you: there are some among you who follow the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak how to lead the people of Israel into sin by persuading them to eat food that had been offered to idols and to practice sexual immorality. ¹⁵ In the same way you have people among you who follow the teaching of the Nicolaitans. ¹⁶ Now turn from your sins! If you don't, I will come to you soon and fight against those people with the sword that comes out of my mouth.

 

¹⁷ “If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!

“To those who win the victory I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give each of them a white stone on which is written a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it.

 

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Wanting to fit in, I decided that humor would be my entrance into the in-crowd. I learned how to insult people to make others laugh. But after a while, I was known as a clown and was not taken seriously when I desired it.

 

• I created an identity that I thought was funny, but had an edge of meanness.
• I thought people would gravitate to the identity I created for myself.
• I did not consider the unintended consequences of my hurtful words.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, wrote to believers in Pergamum that all believers can gain wisdom. The warning from JESUS was about being wishy-washy and allowing any philosophy to be spoken and followed. JESUS then warns to turn away from identifying with those who speak against HIM otherwise HE would speak judgment on them.

 

My Observations:

• At some point I had to realize that I am a creation of GOD and I need HIM for everything.
• My identity should clearly point to GOD.
• JESUS will give me a new identity that only HIM and I know.

 

Identifying with JESUS may cause the world to fight instead of joining in. I mean, as soon as I say “JESUS is my LORD and Savior”, the enemy wants to fight against me. Pressures to fit into the world that hates JESUS would grow more intense. BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

JESUS wants me to give up my identity so I can say “I belong to HIM.” Instead of making a name for myself, HE wants me to point to HIS name which has all the power. I no longer seek the accolades from the crowd.

 

Challenge

• What following does the writer speak about?
• Have you ever wanted to fit into a group that was possibly against CHRIST?
• Will you seek to identify with CHRIST so HE can use you to being many people back to HIM?

No Seconds

No Seconds

Revelation 2: ⁸ “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:

 

“This is the message from the one who is the first and the last, who died and lived again. ⁹ I know your troubles; I know that you are poor—but really you are rich! I know the evil things said against you by those who claim to be Jews but are not; they are a group that belongs to Satan! ¹⁰ Don't be afraid of anything you are about to suffer. Listen! The Devil will put you to the test by having some of you thrown into prison, and your troubles will last ten days. Be faithful to me, even if it means death, and I will give you life as your prize of victory.

 

¹¹ “If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!

“Those who win the victory will not be hurt by the second death.

 

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After going through the storm of life, I sat in a daze. This particular storm was pretty harsh. Wounded and exhausted I said “Please don’t let another storm happen right now.”

 

• Life had dished out difficult stretch.
• Wave one of problems was enough.
• I don’t know how I could have survived another wave of problems like that.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, wrote his second warning of seven. This time it was to Smyrna. JESUS had no correction for this church. However, HE did say this church would suffer from religious persecution. John gave a perspective of death that is healthy for believers. There will be no “second” death to those who believe.

 

My Observations:

• Fearing death is natural, BUT GOD wants me to desire eternal life with HIM.
• Believers of JESUS will experience everlasting life if they die.
• Those who die without belief in JESUS as the Savior, will experience a second death that is eternal.

 

Eternal death is not only permanent, but never ending. Pain and suffering intensifies from one moment to the next. Meanwhile, those who have eternal life will experience no pain, no suffering and increasing reasons to praise!

 

GOD sees the suffering that you and I have gone through. HE stores up rewards in heaven where they cannot be stolen by the enemy. HE is excited to provide relief from life’s pressures, but HE wants us to remain until we find the last person to accept JESUS as the Savior.

 

Challenge

• What feeling does the writer write about?
• Have you ever felt oppressed or faced suffering for your belief in JESUS?
• Will you continue in your faith, even if persecution increases, knowing that GOD has you and you will not experience a second death, but will reap a wonderful harvest?

 

Get Uncomfortable

 

Get Uncomfortable

Revelation 2: “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:

 

“This is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and who walks among the seven gold lampstands. ² I know what you have done; I know how hard you have worked and how patient you have been. I know that you cannot tolerate evil people and that you have tested those who say they are apostles but are not, and have found out that they are liars. ³ You are patient, you have suffered for my sake, and you have not given up. ⁴ But this is what I have against you: you do not love me now as you did at first. ⁵ Think how far you have fallen! Turn from your sins and do what you did at first. If you don't turn from your sins, I will come to you and take your lampstand from its place. ⁶ But this is what you have in your favor: you hate what the Nicolaitans do, as much as I do.

 

⁷ “If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!

“To those who win the victory I will give the right to eat the fruit of the tree of life that grows in the Garden of God.

 

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Trying out lying on purpose felt strange and scary. My first attempt did not work too well as the recipient could see right through my deceit. I made some adjustments and tried it again. But it still did not work. “You have to believe in what you are telling others” was the advice of a schemer, so I lied to myself. That worked!

 

• I was falling and did not know how fast.
• I did not know I was walking away from GOD by trying to fit into the world.
• I needed someone to tell me to get back on track to a better path.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, wrote to the church of Ephesus first. This is part one of a seven part set of deep warnings all believers need to hear. JESUS said what HE saw in the heart. HE saw people who tried to compartmentalize HIM by doing what is right most of the time, but got comfortable with blatant sin.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS wants me to remember when I first accepted HIM as my Savior.
• JESUS also wants me to remember how easy it was to follow HIS commands.
• JESUS want me to get uncomfortable with any sin that has crept into my life.

 

“GOD won’t mind” is a lie I have told myself over the years. I mean, HE is supposed to forgive believers right? Meh. JESUS HIMSELF gives us a warning about becoming too comfortable with sin, even though HE is the one who will forgive us of all sin.

 

HE knows the power sin can have in our lives and the devastation it can cause. Something that may seem like an innocent sin may be bigger that I think. I believe JESUS wants me to take HIS death and resurrection seriously.

 

Challenge

• Is there any part of this warning from the writer that can be unsettling?
• Have you examined your life and compared it to when you were on fire?
• Will you win the victory so JESUS will give you the right to eat the fruit of the tree of life that grows in the Garden of GOD someday?

I Got This

I Got This

Revelation 1: ¹⁶ He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came out of his mouth. His face was as bright as the midday sun. ¹⁷ When I saw him, I fell down at his feet like a dead man. He placed his right hand on me and said, “Don't be afraid! I am the first and the last. ¹⁸ I am the living one! I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever. I have authority over death and the world of the dead. ¹⁹ Write, then, the things you see, both the things that are now and the things that will happen afterward. ²⁰ Here is the secret meaning of the seven stars that you see in my right hand, and of the seven gold lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

 

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Nervous to say anything, I approached a teacher about a bully. She said, “Don’t worry I will take care of it.”  To my discomfort, she brought the bully in and talked with both of us. His bullying did stop for a while.

 

• I thought she was going to turn my problem into a larger problem.
• I thought she did not understand the urgency of the situation.
• I thought she had the authority, but was using it wrong and was supposed to punish bullies.

 

John, the disciple who JESUS loved, saw HIM in HIS glorious state. No picture or painting could depict what John saw. John fainted at the sight of JESUS because it was overwhelming. JESUS comforted John by explaining that HE has overcome death and holds the world in HIS hand.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is not worried about the sinful attacks on you and me because HE has overcome sin.
• The world may come up with a hypothesis, BUT GOD has the world under HIS control.
• No word, no situation or circumstance is unseen by JESUS, so I can place my trust in HIS solution.

 

“I got this” is a term used by someone in authority. JESUS said “Do not be afraid” because HE is the first and the last. HE explained HIS credentials by saying “I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever.” HE then said “I have authority over death and the world.”  In other words, “I got this!”

 

When I turn my eyes to situations where humans feel they are in control, all I need to do is step back and give them over to GOD. JESUS, who is the Word, has a two edged sword that comes out of HIS mouth that will judge the inhabitants of the seven continents. HE has angels over your situation and mine so do not be afraid.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer fainted?
• Have you ever been overwhelmed, thinking about how messed up the world is today?
• Will you place your trust in JESUS, who has all authority and sees those who attempt to get their way, without placing HIM in their hearts, so HE can protect you from their evil plans, forever?

Cannot Be Contained

Cannot Be Contained

Revelation 1: ⁹ I am John, your brother, and as a follower of Jesus I am your partner in patiently enduring the suffering that comes to those who belong to his Kingdom. I was put on the island of Patmos because I had proclaimed God's word and the truth that Jesus revealed. ¹⁰ On the Lord's day the Spirit took control of me, and I heard a loud voice, that sounded like a trumpet, speaking behind me. ¹¹ It said, “Write down what you see, and send the book to the churches in these seven cities: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

 

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After putting on a refrigerator water filter, I went to work. When I returned home ten hours later, I heard a splash sound in a place that should not have that noise. I went into the basement and there was water everywhere!  The filter connection was faulty and sometime during the day, sprung a leak.

 

• I thought I had contained the water.
• When the water found a way out, it went into every opening it could find.
• There was so much water that no container I had would hold it.

 

John, the disciple who JESUS loved, was exiled to the island o Patmos for preaching about JESUS. This would be the equivalent to going to prison in today’s terms. The HOLY SPIRIT spoke loudly to get John’s attention. HE had John write down a vital revelation of JESUS that would be addressed to seven churches. Even in exile, John was still being used by GOD.

 

My Observations:

• When I think I am stuck GOD can use me.
• When I feel helpless and hopeless, GOD is still there.
• When I am tossed into exile by the powers that be, GOD can take my words and spread them everywhere.

 

GOD cannot be contained. I mean, for centuries, the message of GOD’s love has been attempted to be silenced, but it has grown exponentially. The world may speak about believers of JESUS in a negative way, BUT GOD knows HIS servants and gives you and me a purpose.

 

Even when the world tries to steal JESUS by making HIM into their image, GOD sees the theft and spreads HIS true love anyway. GOD is the truth. JESUS is the Way the Truth and the Life. I am glad HIS Word cannot be contained!

 

Challenge

• Who is the writer partnering with?
• Have you ever felt stuck or isolated?
• Will you preach GOD’s message of love about JESUS anyway, knowing GOD’s message cannot be stopped or contained by humans?

Something to Focus On

Something to Focus On

Revelation 1: ⁴ From John to the seven churches in the province of Asia:

Grace and peace be yours from God, who is, who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits in front of his throne, ⁵ and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first to be raised from death and who is also the ruler of the kings of the world.

He loves us, and by his sacrificial death he has freed us from our sins ⁶ and made us a kingdom of priests to serve his God and Father. To Jesus Christ be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen.

⁷ Look, he is coming on the clouds! Everyone will see him, including those who pierced him. All peoples on earth will mourn over him. So shall it be!

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

 

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Worried about life, I felt like giving up. My “try harder” did not seem like it was getting “me” anywhere. As bills grew, so did my complaints. I could not find rest because the people I hung around also had many bills and complaints.

 

• My focus on life had turned into how much money I had or did not have.
• After complaining and worrying enough, I could only see problems.
• Victory was not even in my vocabulary because “I” did not feel victorious.

 

John starts his book by telling the believers that GOD, HIMSELF, sends HIS grace and peace. Not only HIM, but the seven SPIRITS and JESUS also send the message of grace and peace. All had seemed lost and humanity would belong to Satan. BUT JESUS, “the faithful witness” was “the first to be raised from death” and HE “freed us from our sins.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD, who is, who was and who is to come, is not worried about what is going to happen to me because HE has already seen me in a victorious state of being.
• JESUS freed me from death, pain and misery, so whatever I go through now is only temporary.
• GOD said, I AM the first and the last” meaning anything HE says can be counted on.

 

When life brings challenges, there is hope. I mean, human demands for unholy things can make anyone feel like all hope is lost, BUT when GOD tells me “everything turned out fine” I can believe it.

 

My focus needs to shift from the day to day worriers over to eternal victory. GOD may never say  “Did you work harder?” or “Did you get that gym shoe?”, or  “Did you accumulate as many earthly riches as you could?” Instead HE will ask “How many people did you serve the way I intended?” I am willing to change my focus over to the victory that has already happened!

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer sends “grace and peace” from GOD?
• Have you ever worried about something and could only focus on your worries?
• Will you change your focus by believing that JESUS is already victorious over your temporary situations today?

Instructions Not for Everyone

 

Instructions Not for Everyone

Revelation 1: This book is the record of the events that Jesus Christ revealed. God gave him this revelation in order to show to his servants what must happen very soon. Christ made these things known to his servant John by sending his angel to him, ² and John has told all that he has seen. This is his report concerning the message from God and the truth revealed by Jesus Christ. ³ Happy is the one who reads this book, and happy are those who listen to the words of this prophetic message and obey what is written in this book! For the time is near when all these things will happen.

 

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Reading the note left on the desk, I was confused. It had instructions that did not make sense to me. When I asked about the note, the response was “Oh, that note was not for you.”

 

• The note had instructions that were meant for a specific person.
• I was not the person who the note was written for.
• The instructions on the note probably made sense to the intended recipient.

 

John, the disciple who JESUS loved, was given a revelation of things to come by JESUS. HE told John that the origin of the revelation came from GOD and that it is true. This message was intended to “bless” those who believe they need to be saved by JESUS. John knew the message would be difficult so he probable did not want to trouble the reader, rather provide comfort.

 

My Observations:

• GOD revealed what “must happen”, so it is not up to debate or question.
• GOD is preparing HIS followers to get ready for the events HE has already seen.
• GOD wants us to be obedient to HIS revelation by reporting visions of what will take place.

 

The book of Revelation can be scary to those who do not believe in JESUS. I mean, it is filled with judgment and some very harsh times ahead for humanity. Many people will question GOD’s intent, BUT HE revealed that those who read and obey the revelation would be blessed.

 

GOD shows us HIS grace by telling us what will happen. HE did not have to do this. BUT HE wanted believers to be prepared. Knowing the events that “must happen” changes my mindset to be focused on what GOD wants.

 

Challenge

• What level of urgency is the writer expressing?
• Have you ever received a message intended only for you?
• Will you read what GOD has revealed about JESUS and take the prophetic words as a message of love today?

Raise A Praise

Raise A Praise

Jude 1: ²⁴ To him who is able to keep you from falling and to bring you faultless and joyful before his glorious presence— ²⁵ to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, might, and authority, from all ages past, and now, and forever and ever! Amen.

 

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Being asked to be the best man in a wedding was an honor that came with expectations. One of which was to develop a toast to the bride and groom. It was a monumental day, so the toast had to have meaning, but mostly it needed to come from the heart.

 

• I said something about overcoming obstacles in the past.
• I also said something about the work it takes in the present.
• I wished them a wonderful future.

 

Jude finishes his letter upbeat. His note came with a lot of warnings about people who were deceivers pretending to be followers of CHRIST. These heave words may have needed some words of hope. Jude concluded his letter with a praise to GOD.

 

My Observations:

• When things look bleak, raise a praise to GOD.
• When difficulties arise, raise a praise to GOD.
• When you cannot see how this situation or that situation will end on a positive note, raise a praise to GOD.

 

Praising GOD is a weapon versus a feeling. I mean, the Enemy wants to take away my praise to GOD by placing temptation, evil plans against me and pain in my path, so I will close my lips from praising GOD. Little does he know that when I praise GOD in the middle of the storm, HE does remarkable things that causes the Devil to flee.

 

GOD sometimes takes the storm away or provides what I need during the storm so I can survive. HE hear my cry but loves when I sing a praise to HIM even before HE performs HIS miracle. I praise YOU LORD for all you have done, doing and will do in my life!

 

Challenge

• Do you feel the writer is thorough in this praise?
• Are you going through a difficult time?
• Will you use the weapon of praising GOD today without expectations so HIS wonderful plan will be made known to you in HIS time?

Show Mercy

Show Mercy

Jude 1: ²² Show mercy toward those who have doubts; ²³ save others by snatching them out of the fire; and to others show mercy mixed with fear, but hate their very clothes, stained by their sinful lusts.

 

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After passing the car that was going at a high speed, I felt satisfied. I “won” the competition that the other driver never knew he or she was competing. I eased back from my high speed but still went along at a nice clip. Miles later, I saw a car following me. Police lights went flashing behind. “You were speeding and I should write you a ticket” but I am going to let you off this time” were the shocking words of mercy.

 

• I was clearly in the wrong.
• I deserved to get a judgment against me.
• I received mercy because I was told what I did was wrong and I was let go.

 

Jude gives his final instruction to believers. He tells everyone to “Show mercy.” He also knew how difficult this would be. To state the problem and to state the grace that is being shown is hard to do when the situation is highly emotional. Jude mentions the stakes by saying the believer would be “snatching them out of the fire.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD showed mercy to me by letting me know I am a sinner saved y HIS grace.
• GOD could have held everything against me, but instead HE saved me in spite of me.
• GOD does not like the sins I do, so HE looks inside my heart and cleans it with HIS compassion.

 

Showing mercy takes courage. I mean, the first part of mercy is to let him or her know the problem, then the grace. Mercy can be extended without expectation that he or she will accept it or change in front of your eyes. GOD has a plan.

 

HE sees the problem and guides people who need mercy to places that are broken. HE then opens their eyes to the brokenness and helps him or her ask for mercy versus demanding it. Jude’s advice is to be wise and be ready to show mercy when the moment is right. I am glad GOD shows mercy to you and me.

 

Challenge

• Who does the writer recommend to show mercy to?
• Have you ever been the benefactor of mercy?
• Will you ask GOD for the right “graceful” words to carefully explain the problem and to extend mercy for the sake of growing GOD’s kingdom today?

Keep On

Keep On

Jude 1: ¹⁷ But remember, my friends, what you were told in the past by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ They said to you, “When the last days come, people will appear who will make fun of you, people who follow their own godless desires.” ¹⁹ These are the people who cause divisions, who are controlled by their natural desires, who do not have the Spirit. ²⁰ But you, my friends, keep on building yourselves up on your most sacred faith. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, ²¹ and keep yourselves in the love of God, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy to give you eternal life.

 

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“What good is it?” was my question. I was running out of gas because it seemed like my efforts were not amounting to anything. In fact, more problems arose than solutions. At every turn, there seemed to be another barrier.

 

• I got tired of hearing the scoffers.
• I got tired of hearing questions that clearly showed a lack of belief.
• I got tired of the problems, barriers and holes I could fall in, but mostly I got tired of those who questioned with their heart “Where is your GOD now?”

 

Jude gives a pep talk after blasting those who infiltrated believers of JESUS. He warns believers that in the last days, people will make fun of those who keep the faith. He mentions their tactics of divisiveness  and their lack of control. He then focuses on what believers should continue doing, namely praying and staying in GOD’s love.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to continue to ask HIM for HIS power to be used in every one of my situations.
• GOD wants me to not get tired of repetition rather to keep on building the way HE told me.
• GOD loves when I use encouragement, prayer and patience as I wait on eternal life through our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

 

Waiting on GOD could make me look like a nut to those who have fallen in love with the world. I mean, where is the political takeover or stacks of cash from heaven or super-human powers, scoffs the unbeliever? BUT GOD has another focus for me.

 

GOD wants me to see HIS gentleness, grace and mercy HE has for me and those who laugh at me praying instead of taking matters in my own hands. HE has all the power and wants me to keep on surrendering my plans in exchange for HIS. I gladly keep on building the way HE guides me.

 

Challenge

• What last days is the writer referring to?
• Have you ever been laughed at or questioned by those who clearly do not believe?
• Will you stay with GOD and continue in the work HE has for you until your eternal life is shown?

Letting Go

Letting Go

Jude 1: ¹⁴ It was Enoch, the seventh direct descendant from Adam, who long ago prophesied this about them: “The Lord will come with many thousands of his holy angels ¹⁵ to bring judgment on all, to condemn them all for the godless deeds they have performed and for all the terrible words that godless sinners have spoken against him!”

 

¹⁶ These people are always grumbling and blaming others; they follow their own evil desires; they brag about themselves and flatter others in order to get their own way.

 

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After the third interview, I wondered if I got the job. My handler said to me “A third round of interviews is strange, but they seem ready to extend an offer.” I got comfortable with those words and stopped interviewing. I was about to be hired for one of the largest companies in the world! About a week later they told me the position was put on hold. A week after that, the company announced they were laying off tens of thousands of people.

 

• I may have gotten my way but would not have wanted what I got.
• My way was going to end in disaster.
• I was mad that it was taking so long to get “my” way but I am glad I didn’t.

 

Jude focused on a prophecy that has not yet come to pass. He warns against grumbling, blaming others, following selfish evil desires, bragging and flattery to get their own way.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s ways are not my ways until I can let go of getting “my” way.
• Trying to get “my” way may blind me to what GOD wants.
• Letting go of “my” way opens me up for GOD to provide “the WAY.”

 

JESUS is “The Way” according to HIM. HE needs no other explanation with HIS statement. All things that are made were made through HIM. GOD revealed HIM as HIS SON for whom HE is well pleased. GOD gives me ample time to brag about JESUS. But unfortunately I don’t use my time wisely.

 

Instead I grumble and complain about what I don’t have versus what I do. I then ask GOD “What’s YOUR problem?” or “Why aren’t you giving me ‘my’ way?” GOD uses HIS patience by not answering because HE is about to do something totally different. I may try to hold on, but I am glad that when I let go, GOD shows me that HE had ‘it’ in the first place.

 

Challenge

• Who is included in the writer’s warning?
• Have you ever gotten mad at GOD or GOD’s people because you were not getting “your” way?
• Will you add “surrender” to your life so you can let go of getting “your” way, replacing it with “The WAY” today?