Written Name

Written Name

Revelation 19: ¹¹ Then I saw heaven open, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True; it is with justice that he judges and fights his battles. ¹² His eyes were like a flame of fire, and he wore many crowns on his head. He had a name written on him, but no one except himself knows what it is. ¹³ The robe he wore was covered with blood. His name is “The Word of God.” ¹⁴ The armies of heaven followed him, riding on white horses and dressed in clean white linen. ¹⁵ Out of his mouth came a sharp sword, with which he will defeat the nations. He will rule over them with a rod of iron, and he will trample out the wine in the wine press of the furious anger of the Almighty God. ¹⁶ On his robe and on his thigh was written the name: “King of kings and Lord of lords.”

 

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When I saw my nameplate on the desk, I said “Wow.” I quickly reflected on where I came from and where I was then. I was now responsible for duties of great importance.

 

• I had become a “name” within a company.
• I had my “name” written on a nameplate.
• I was the “name” who had authority.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the most amazing thing happen! He saw heaven open and there was a white horse with a rider called, or named “Faithful and True.” This rider had a name, or authority, that no one knew but HIMSELF. But to everyone else HE wore a name that could be understood with was “The Word of GOD.” HE then displayed a name “KING of kings and LORD of lords.”

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is the KING of kings and LORD of lords!
• JESUS is the Word of GOD that I can follow!
• JESUS is the only authority who deserves a name!

 

Making a “name” for myself can be problematic. I mean, I may start to believe in “my” abilities and “my” title, thinking “I” have authority. Fame blinds me to GOD’s power and authority. JESUS is the only one who deserves a “name.”

 

HE Is above all and loves when I point people away from me and towards HIM. Every ability I have is because of HIM, so I should use them for HIM. I gladly mention JESUS as the authority of my life!

 

Challenge

• How many names does the writer mention?
• Have you ever tried to make a name for yourself?
• Have you given JESUS the authority HE deserves over your life?

 

Greater Than

Greater Than

Revelation 13: ⁵ The beast was allowed to make proud claims which were insulting to God, and it was permitted to have authority for forty-two months. ⁶ It began to curse God, his name, the place where he lives, and all those who live in heaven. ⁷ It was allowed to fight against God's people and to defeat them, and it was given authority over every tribe, nation, language, and race. ⁸ All people living on earth will worship it, except those whose names were written before the creation of the world in the book of the living which belongs to the Lamb that was killed.

 

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“You are staying after school” were the words I thought I would never hear. I was minding my own business and was picked on by someone. Not knowing how to fight, I used my words to counter the attack. We got into a back and fort conversation that was escalating to a fight. The teacher intervened and I figured I was in the clear. “Both of you stay after school” she said. Then she pulled me to the side and said “You are bigger than this.”

 

• I did not know what she meant about being bigger when she allowed me to be punished.
• I thought innocence should be met with no problems.
• I was not prepared for an adversary who wanted me to fail.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, wrote some uncomfortable things that will take place regarding believers in JESUS. He wrote about the beast who was given authority to insult and curse GOD. All the people would fall to worship the beast who would openly curse GOD and anyone associated with HIM. But not everyone will bow to the beast.

 

My Observations:

• GOD allowed HIMSELF to be insulted.
• GOD allowed HIMSELF to be cursed and for the beast to harm people.
• GOD is greater than any insult, curse or fatal wound, because HE holds life, especially eternal life.

 

Life with purpose has to be looked at differently. I mean, when GOD is the purpose, insults, and injury take second place to HIS promises. HE knows there will be battles that are spiritual in nature. Innocent people will be blamed for declaring their belief in JESUS. BUT GOD sees.

 

JESUS dies because of HIS innocence. HE was blamed, insulted and killed. This spirit of hatred towards GOD still lives today. Politicians try to steal GOD for votes. Races try to make GOD into their image. BUT GOD knows who HE is and who truly believes in HIM. HE cannot fall to the level of the insulter because HE is greater than that!

 

Challenge

• What, from the writer, is scary to you?
• Have you ever been innocent, yet people come after you with twisted words, lies and insults?
• Will you be “greater than” the insults and know JESUS has yours and my name in HIS book of life 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?

True Greatness

True Greatness

John 8: ⁵² Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’ ⁵³ Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?”

⁵⁴ Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. ⁵⁵ Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word.⁵⁶ Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.”

⁵⁷ Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?”

⁵⁸ Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

⁵⁹ Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

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JESUS declares that HE was the one who gave Moses the laws and the ten commandments by saying “Before Abraham was, I AM.” This infuriated the church leaders because they refused to bow down to HIM as their king. JESUS was saying HE has the power over death which was given to HIM by the FATHER.

• GOD wants me to give HIM more credit than I normally do.
• GOD wants me to see that HE is involved in every facet of my life.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE controls everything and has thrown Satan to earth.

Underestimating who JESUS is, was the church leader’s big mistake. I make this mistake often with people. I mean when I mistreat someone or overlook the throw away people, I am underestimating those GOD wants me to serve. This is just like the Pharisees.

• JESUS wants me to see HIS greatness so I can tell others about HIM.
• JESUS wants me to recognize HIS power to save me and those who also believe in HIM.
• JESUS wants me to accept that HE is the GREAT I AM.

JESUS was and is forever. HE was and is all powerful. HE was and is all seeing, all knowing and is everywhere. I serve the Living GOD.

• Who is JESUS to you?
• Do you think HE has forgotten you?
• Will you allow the Great I AM to take you to places you never dreamed of?

In Charge

In Charge

John 5: ¹⁹ Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. ²⁰ For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. ²¹ For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. ²² For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, ²³ that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

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Desiring to be heard, I scheduled a meeting with my bosses boss. In the meeting I expressed my idea and my concerns. Listening intently, the person took in all of my words. They replied, “Did you talk to your boss about this?” I did not know how to reply. I mean I did not believe in my boss enough to convey the message correctly, and besides why couldn’t I come to the head of the department directly?

• There were times when I was immature with my approach.
• There were times when I thought “my” way needed to be heard.
• There were times when I felt I should be able to go right to the top with my ideas, thoughts and complaints.

JESUS makes HIS position very clear to the church leaders. HE pretty much says “I AM GOD” as HE explains how much the FATHER loves HIM and shows HIM all things. HE also makes it very clear that judgment is all HIS. Anyone who speaks about “GOD” must speak about the SON who is GOD.

• JESUS wants me to recognize that HE is GOD.
• JESUS wants me to recognize that the FATHER has given HIM all power.
• JESUS wants me to recognize that the HOLY SPIRIT has been sent by HIM and I should pay attention to HIS voice as well.

FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT are GOD all in one. There is no separation that I can understand. Three unique beings work together in one as one. But somehow one volunteered to die for me.

It must have hurt to say “Okay, if YOU want to save all of the humans, YOU must become one, be blameless and accept all of their blame.” JESUS said “Yes, I will accept the blame for all their sin.” HE got that kind of grace from HIS FATHER. I only hope I can get a little grace from the both of them.

• Do you think there are many paths to GOD?
• Are you trying to ignore JESUS?
• Will you allow JESUS to be in charge of your soul and accept HIS wonderful gift of eternal salvation today?

Too Powerful

Luke 9: ⁷ Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Him; and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, ⁸ and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again. ⁹ Herod said, “John I have beheaded, but who is this of whom I hear such things?” So he sought to see Him.

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Watch the water rise was all I could do. It had rained seemingly nonstop for days and now the area was flooded. Stopping by the edge of the river I noticed the current picking up heavy branches. Nothing could stop the water.

• I have seen rivers flood entire towns.
• I have seen rivers wipe away heavy buildings.
• I have seen rivers push their mighty force on anything in their path.

Herod thought he could have a peaceful rulership by getting rid of those who spoke of someone who could be more powerful than him. His envious, suspicious, devious nature got the best of him so he had John the Baptist murdered. BUT GOD was still there.

• GOD shows me HIS power cannot be stopped.
• GOD shows me HIS word is permanent and cannot be prevented from spreading.
• GOD shows me HIS will is impenetrable, irreversible and impeccable.

The Good News about CHRIST is too powerful to stop. Like a rushing river, it wipes out those who try to stand is HIS way. HIS protection of me is the same. Those who try to harm me befall a terrible outcome as GOD steps in with HIS might. JESUS is too powerful to stop. I am grateful for HIS rescue.

• Is your life about you or JESUS?
• Do you think blessings are held back from you?
• Will you stop thinking GOD is powerless and watch HIS mighty river pour down on the enemy who is no match for HIS torrent?

Nobody Greater

Luke 7: ²⁴ When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? ²⁵ But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. ²⁶ But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.²⁷ This is he of whom it is written:

‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.’

²⁸ For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

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“Wow” is all I could say as I walked into the executive wing. I saw a meeting with the top executive in the company making plans and doing whatever they did. “I want to be great like them” I said to myself.

• I used to have a different definition of greatness.
• I used to think greatness meant wealth and power.
• I used to see greatness as being a corporate executive whit a huge internal following.

JESUS spoke specifically about the greatness of John. He wasn’t dressed fancy or live in a fancy house. In fact, John was homeless and wore animal skins. JESUS says John was great because he put all of his time into spreading the great news about JESUS.

• GOD wants me to see HIM as my measure of greatness.
• GOD wants me to know that humans have no power over HIM.
• GOD wants me to know that Spiritual HIS kingdom is greater than any human.

Fancy cars, houses and tailored clothes does not make one great according to the LORD. GOD wants me to focus on bringing people to HIS kingdom. The least in HIS kingdom is greater than any rich or powerful human. GOD’s definition of great is what I seek.

• Are you seeking greatness?
• Do you want to be seen by humans as being great?
• Can you change your definition of greatness and focus on GOD’s greatness today?

Becoming Somebody

Mark 10: ¹³ Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. ¹⁴ But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. ¹⁵ Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” ¹⁶ And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

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“One day you could be a programmer” a teacher told me. I had no idea what she was referring to. “Would you like to take my class?” she said. I took the class and a whole world opened up to me.

• There have been people who have given me wisdom.
• There have been people who have provided me with a direction.
• There have been people who have touched my mind and motivated me.

What intrigued me about this passage were the children. I mean, why were they there? What were they going to get? Were they sick? It does not say why they were there. I can only speculate that JESUS was blessing them to become something great.

• JESUS says to me “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall have peace.”
• JESUS says to me “Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.”
• JESUS says to me “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.”

Being blessed by JESUS means being blessed enough to follow HIM no matter the circumstance. HE has the power to lay hands on me and clear my paths to do HIS will. Only HE can touch my soul.

• Do you need help?
• Are you feeling low?
• Can you give JESUS a chance instead of trying to do everything under your own power?

Look at Them

Matthew 12: At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. ² When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.”

³ He answered, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? ⁴ He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. ⁵ Or haven’t you read in the Law that the priests on Sabbath duty in the temple desecrate the Sabbath and yet are innocent? ⁶ I tell you that something greater than the temple is here. ⁷ If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. ⁸ For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

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“Look at those people sinning” I sneered. I was talking about “that” church with all of “those” people. “They aren’t following the Bible” I quipped.

• I have been judgmental.
• I have been condemning.
• I have been a stickler for the law and not for grace.

After stopping a few sins, I felt I ‘earned” the right to point out someone else’s flaws. I mean I was near perfection right? Dreadfully wrong!

• GOD wanted me to know “All have sinned and fall short of HIS glory” and I am included in the “all.”
• GOD wanted me to know HE desires mercy not sacrifice.
• GOD wanted me to know the law is fulfilled through JESUS, not through my actions.

I follow GOD’s laws because of JESUS, not the other way around. I cannot get more righteous by following a few rules and breaking others. GOD wants me to seek HIS mercy for me and those around me.

• Are you commenting on “those” people?
• Are you pointing fingers at someone else?
• Can you stop condemning others before GOD condemns you?
• Will you seek GOD’s mercy today for you and those around you who you are accusing?