Planned From the Beginning

 

Planned From the Beginning

Revelation 9: ¹³ Then the sixth angel blew his trumpet. I heard a voice coming from the four corners of the gold altar standing before God. ¹⁴ The voice said to the sixth angel, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great Euphrates River!” ¹⁵ The four angels were released; for this very hour of this very day of this very month and year they had been kept ready to kill a third of all the human race. ¹⁶ I was told the number of the mounted troops: it was two hundred million. ¹⁷ And in my vision I saw the horses and their riders: they had breastplates red as fire, blue as sapphire, and yellow as sulfur. The horses' heads were like lions' heads, and from their mouths came out fire, smoke, and sulfur. ¹⁸ A third of the human race was killed by those three plagues: the fire, the smoke, and the sulfur coming out of the horses' mouths. ¹⁹ For the power of the horses is in their mouths and also in their tails. Their tails are like snakes with heads, and they use them to hurt people.

 

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Planning an event, I got engrossed in the details. Someone asked me “Do you have anyone scheduled to set up and tear down?” I had thought about setting everything up, but it did not dawn on me to think about tearing down the event.

 

• I had to plan tear down before the event started.
• I had to know the hour, day month and year I was going to tear down the event.
• I had to assign specific resources to tear down the event.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard the sixth angel blow his trumpet. A voice, perhaps JESUS, told the sixth angel to release four angels that were ready to tear down Satan’s kingdom at a very specified hour, day, month and year. The four angels were released from where it all started, near the Garden of Eden’s river Euphrates.

 

My Observations:

• GOD cursed humanity and the earth when Adam and Eve sinned.
• JESUS volunteered to take on the death sentence that was meant for all of humanity.
• JESUS lived a sinless life and is now the judge over Satan and has provided a revelation of what HE plans to do.

 

The end was planned from the beginning. I mean, GOD is not reacting to anything that is going on today. HE is not surprised to see the moral decay and emerging hatred. HE knew from the beginning how many people would choose HIM as their Savior.

 

Unfortunately there will be some who will reject the love of CHRIST no matter how much love is shown to him or her. JESUS showed immense love and the FATHER immense constraint. HE provides ample time for us to accept JESUS as the Savior. I hope for more to come to know HIM in a saving way.

 

Challenge

• What exciting thing did the writer share?
• What surprises do you see in this passage?
• Do you see that GOD is very methodical and has a plan that cannot be stopped for you and me today?

Light Ownership

 

Light Ownership

Revelation 8: ¹² Then the fourth angel blew his trumpet. A third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that their light lost a third of its brightness; there was no light during a third of the day and a third of the night also.

 

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My favorite time of year is summer and my favorite time of summer is the beginning of the season because the amount of daylight is at its maximum. I remember once, getting up early and staying outside until the sun finally set. It was warm and people seemed to be ready to enjoy outdoor activities.

 

• I enjoyed summer picnics.
• I enjoyed outdoor activities.
• I enjoyed the abundance of food that seemed to be everywhere in the summer.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard the fourth trumpet blown by the fourth angel. Natural light was affected, probably causing the earth to become dark and cold. Vegetation would struggle to grow and the Satan’s kingdom would become an uncomfortable place.

 

My Observations:

• GOD spoke light into existence.
• GOD owns light and life.
• GOD has a plan to remove the things HE created, like light, and provide a better place.

 

Light is necessary for life. I mean, without light, nothing can grow. GOD is not in the business of punishment, BUT HE will focus HIS judgment onto Satan, a created being who chose to challenge GOD by trying to become HIM and by trying to steal all humans.

 

Every problem that you and I faced has come from Satan’s prideful decision to challenge GOD. Something had to be done. JESUS chose to die for the sins of mankind, knowing some people would still not choose HIM. HE will become all the light we will ever need!

 

Challenge

• What “third” of things does the writer mention?
• Have you noticed that when the first four angels blew their trumpet, a third of things were destroyed?
• Will you focus your life on a third of the Holy Trinity, namely JESUS, who gave HIS life for you and wants you to not only believe for salvation, but wants you to surrender your life to HIM today?

Arouse Pure Thoughts

Arouse Pure Thoughts

2 Peter 3: My dear friends, this is now the second letter I have written you. In both letters I have tried to arouse pure thoughts in your minds by reminding you of these things. ² I want you to remember the words that were spoken long ago by the holy prophets, and the command from the Lord and Savior which was given you by your apostles. ³ First of all, you must understand that in the last days some people will appear whose lives are controlled by their own lusts. They will make fun of you ⁴ and will ask, “He promised to come, didn't he? Where is he? Our ancestors have already died, but everything is still the same as it was since the creation of the world!” 

 

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When I accepted CHRIST at a young age, I started learning about promises HE made. It was an exciting time for me. But when life hit me and the world suggested leaving the “GOD” stuff alone and focus on “proven” solutions, I decided to follow the world.

 

• I tried to compartmentalize GOD into something that “I” do on Sundays.
• I tried to use a doubleminded approach to GOD by half serving HIM and half serving the world.
• I realized GOD was not real in my life, rather HE was a concept that was made to serve me and allow me to get “my” way.

 

Peter attempted to address some cloudy thinking believers were having towards GOD. Some people may have ridiculed believers for following GOD versus following the ways of the world. He gave an example of the type of ridicule people would give to undermine the believers faith.

 

My Observations

• Belief in GOD will require withstanding ridicule from those who do not put their trust in HIM.
• GOD promised that HIS SON will return, so I should prepare myself and others for HIS promise.
• GOD always keeps HIS promises, BUT HE does it in HIS time and HIS way.

 

When I was a child I believed and trusted fully. But as an adult, I questioned GOD’s methods and motives. I mean, I expect things to go one way, and when they go differently, I question GOD. “Don’t YOU realize the urgency of BLANK situation?” Insert your current situation where it says BLANK.

 

GOD wants me to grow up to realize I am made for HIM, not HE for me. HE gave me promises like “I have plans to prosper you” and “I will never leave you.” BUT HE also has promises like “If you turn from your wicked ways, I will heal…”  GOD expects me to grow and have faith in HIM that is unshakable. I gladly take some ridicule to side with the MOST HIGH GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer write the letters?
• Have you ever wondered if GOD would keep HIS promises HE has for you?
• Will you place your trust in GOD, knowing HE will keep HIS promises HE made to you today?

Guarding “Ships”

Guarding “Ships”

2 Timothy 3: Remember that there will be difficult times in the last days. ² People will be selfish, greedy, boastful, and conceited; they will be insulting, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and irreligious; ³ they will be unkind, merciless, slanderers, violent, and fierce; they will hate the good; ⁴ they will be treacherous, reckless, and swollen with pride; they will love pleasure rather than God; ⁵ they will hold to the outward form of our religion, but reject its real power. Keep away from such people. 

 

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Feeling lonely, I decided that being involved with any group was better than none. I decided to go out with coworkers. Maybe I can get used to doing some other things. “Let’s go out to the strip club!” was a suggestion “everyone” agreed to. “I guess so” I said reluctantly.

 

• I felt something was wrong with just going with the crowd, but I went.
• I knew I should not do what “everyone” else was doing, but I did.
• I joined in on stuff I later regretted joining in on.

 

Paul warns more than Timothy about the “last days.” He generally provides a stern warning about connecting to people who do not have JESUS in their hearts, but mimic the words. He prepared Timothy to not be naïve rather to know there will be some who will not follow GOD no matter how much he or she pretends.

 

My Observations

• GOD saw my sin and forgave me through my belief in JESUS’ resurrection.
• GOD is the only forgiver of sins.
• GOD wants the heart not the outward pretenses.

 

There are a few ships GOD wants me to guard. Friendships, relationships and partnerships. These are sacred to HIM because they affect how HIS Kingdom grows. GOD knows I cannot avoid the world or live in a bubble. In fact, HE wants me and you to infect the world.

 

BUT GOD also wants me to guard my heart and not allow the world to enter it with things that will take people away from HIS Kingdom. He wants my friendships, relationships and partnerships to be focused on HIS “real power” which is through JESUS. I am glad GOD protects me in this difficult world.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the list of the writer is so extensive?
• Have you ever been tempted to hang out with a crowd you knew was wrong for you, but you did it anyway?
• Will you seek the “real power” of GOD by allowing the HOLY SPIRIT to lead you to infect the world versus connecting with people you know will drag you down by the world today?

Secret Hope

 Secret Hope

1 Corinthians 15: ^51-52 Listen to this secret truth: we shall not all die, but when the last trumpet sounds, we shall all be changed in an instant, as quickly as the blinking of an eye. For when the trumpet sounds, the dead will be raised, never to die again, and we shall all be changed. ⁵³ For what is mortal must be changed into what is immortal; what will die must be changed into what cannot die. ⁵⁴ So when this takes place, and the mortal has been changed into the immortal, then the scripture will come true: “Death is destroyed; victory is complete!”

 

⁵⁵ “Where, Death, is your victory?
Where, Death, is your power to hurt?”

 

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After stepping off a porch, my foot landed strange and my Achilles tendon hurt. My first thought was “Man! Another trial!” This body has been bruised, sick and hurt many times over the decades. “I don’t have time for this!” I thought to myself.

 

• I really don’t like to be in pain.
• I also do not like being sick.
• I also despise being worried, scared, lonely, sad, or furious.

 

GOD revealed something secret to mankind through many writers, including Paul. This revelation is something the world has been waiting for since the first human was created. The major question is “When will all of this end?” Philosophers debate, but Paul makes it plain in a few words, “We shall all be changed in an instant.” But what does that mean?

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to know that JESUS overcame death by being raised to life first.
• GOD wants me to see that this act of love enables JESUS to judge the world.
• GOD wants me to understand that by believing JESUS has this authority, I can and will be changed into the immortal where death will not be able to hurt me.

 

Is there life after death? “Yes!” is my belief. I also believe that at some point GOD will say, “Enough” and all of life as we know it, will cease. Death will no longer be a worry, nor will trying to “extend” life or its comforts. The trumpet will sound and nothing will be the same.

 

Another writer, John, wrote about the seventh trumpet. This was the last huge announcement of judgement in which seven horrible things were about to happen. I am not sure when this will take place, but I am glad GOD gave me hope that HE is looking out for those HE chose.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever wished that the trials and tribulation would stop?
• Do you find yourself losing hope at times?
• Will you look beyond your current circumstances and know that GOD sees you and loves you and wants to spend eternity with you in a place that has no pain, sickness or worries?

You know where you came from

2 Timothy 3: ¹² In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, ¹³ while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

¹⁴ But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, ¹⁵ and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

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“LORD Why?” were the words I exclaimed many times when something went horribly wrong or when those people weren’t acting right. It seemed like the bad became billionaires and the good groveled. “Maybe I should become like them” I would say to myself.

I mean “if you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em.” Maybe I should learn how to be as sneaky and low down as they are so I don’t have to get persecuted anymore.

• GOD said “There will be terrible times in the last days.”
• GOD said “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, and abusive.”
• GOD said “People will be disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, and without love.”
• GOD said “People will be unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, and not lovers of the good.”
• GOD said “People will be treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”
• GOD said “People will have a form of godliness but denying its power.”

Wow! This is the group that I wanted to join! I wanted to be the persecutor rather than having someone stomp all over me. BUT GOD knows what I’m going through and wants me to focus on something else.

• Yes there will be persecutors, BUT GOD will protect me.
• Yes there will be cheats and thieves; BUT GOD shows me they can steal my stuff but not my relationship with HIM.
• Yes there will be slimy, slanderous slugs who do not spread the truth, BUT GOD wants me to remain in the truth which is HIS SON.

I know where I came from and that is faith in our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS who is the CHRIST. Persecution may come but those who pretend to follow HIM to get their way will have to face HIM. I want to face HIM with HIS love.

• Are you tired of being persecuted?
• Does it seem like bad people keep getting their way?
• Can you focus on what you have learned about GOD and teach about HIS love?
• Won’t you show GOD’s love to someone today even if they are the persecutor?  

Is talking about the “Last Days” crazy?

Acts 2: ¹⁷ “‘In the last days, God says,

   I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy,

   your young men will see visions,

   your old men will dream dreams.

¹⁸ Even on my servants, both men and women,

   I will pour out my Spirit in those days,

   and they will prophesy.

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So many people have predicted the end of the world as we know it.  My skeptical mind shuns their psychic babble as each of their predictions have fallen by the wayside. Will there be an end to life as we know it? The Mayan’s said it is supposed to happen December 21, 2012. I wonder if I should plan a Christmas party next year!

• Sometimes I act like GOD will leave everything as is.
• Sometimes I don’t believe GOD will destroy what HE created.
• Sometimes I think GOD doesn’t really mean what HE says about the “last days.”

Quite honestly I don’t like talking about the “end” of life as we know it.  Just speaking about it places me in a group of “crazy” people who seem to have lost touch with reality. BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD says HE will pour out HIS SPIRIT on people.
• GOD says HE will enable people to talk about how great HIS SON is.
• GOD says HE is the only one who knows the true “end” of the world as we know it.

One of the mistakes made when talking about the end is telling people to do something incredibly different when in fact I believe we should “do” the same things but “act” differently. I mean I should go to work and plan vacations but carry GOD’s great news of forgiveness wherever I go.

My concern should be on the present, knowing GOD will return one day, I will focus on serving in the here and now.

• Do you believe GOD will return one day perhaps in your lifetime?
• Will you live your life in a way that enables others to believe in HIS SON?
• Won’t you stop worrying about the future and be present for those who need you?