Revelation 11

Revelation 11

Revelation 11:1-2

Interlude between 6th and the 7th Trumpet

• John is now given the responsibility to measure the temple with instructions to not measure the court of the Gentiles
• “Not the Temple Mount is NOT the Dome of the Rock”
• Jerusalem still down

Measure the Temple and Altar

• When see this in scripture it indicates the LORD is dealing with the Nation of Israel
• God is seeking our a BRIDE for His Son
• (Like Eleazar for Abraham and Issac (Holy Spirit/ God/ Jesus Christ)

What is measured is the Holy Place, the Most Holy Place, and The Holy of Holies

• Again, the Temple has nothing to do with the Church
• The Church is the Temple of the Holy Spirit

I Corinthians 6:19

The Altar

• Referring to the Golden Altar of incense
• 3 1/2 years is last half of the Tribulation Period
• Last half of reign of Anti-Christ
• (At which point the Anti Christ will enter the Holy of Holies and desecrate it and receive worship unto himself)
• Too late for many who will take the mark of the beast
• (A permanent divorce from God)

Daniel 9:27

Revelation 11:3

The Two Witnesses

• Not real clear in scripture as to who the two will actually be although some have ideas of who they are
• Many speculate on who they are but we are not told 
• Do you remember the people of Mars Hill? They were willing to speculate and “discuss” new spiritual concepts, but did not recognize the “real” Jesus. 
• Sound familiar today?

Act 17:22  Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive (discern) that in all things ye are too superstitious (more “religious” than others)

Some say ...

• Enoch and a Gentile
• Enoch and Elijah 
• Moses and Elijah
• 2 unknown witnesses
• someone we have never heard of
• John the Baptist and Elijah
• All interesting "speculations" but not a Bible study

What we do know, according to scripture…

• They are men
• There are two of them
• They will be clothed in sackcloth speaking of law not grace
• (The Church is already gone, meaning the Age of grace has ended!)
• They prophesy for 120 days (Three and half years)
• Looks to be the first half of the Tribulation Period

Revelation 11:4-5

Light in the Darkness

• Two Olive Trees empowered by the Holy Spirit
• Zechariah 4:4
• To stand against insurmountable odds
• These two have miraculous power from above

And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. Revelation 11:5  

• Immortal and immune to every attack until mission is accomplished
• Fire comes from then and destroys their enemies
• (We may say I’ve been shot at and lied to...when will I--I be loved? :)
• For now endure for the end is not until God says it is the end!

Revelation 11:6

No Rain

• The two witnesses seem to have 
• Unlimited authority over elements
• Nor rainfall on Earth and water turns to blood
• To smite the Earth with Plagues at will
• As often as they want to 
• God has real confidence in these two witnesses.
• He gives them free reign
• (A lot of power for just two men)

“We are writing the pages of our testimony every day of our lives”

Revelation 11:7-8

• When the two are finished
• When finished with their assignment and their testimony
• Anti Christ himself will overcome (for awhile) and destroy them
• I Thessalonians 2:2
• The Witnesses die but their bodies are not buried but rather left in the streets of Jerusalem (Spiritually called Sodom and Egypt)

Revelation 11:9-12

• People will Celebrate
• Everyone will see their dead bodies
  (Not to long ago this would have been unimaginable but thanks to technology it may be seen around the whole world every 30 minutes)
• The whole world will see their dead bodies and be celebrating
• Giving each other gifts in celebration of the death of God’s witnesses that tormented them
• After 3 1/2 days the two witnesses will rise from dead!!! 
• Talk about fear and dread in those watching around the whole world!

Stick close to Jesus now while there is still time!  John 3:16

Revelation 11 13:14

Huge Earthquake

• 7000 people killed by an Earthquake In Jerusalem
• "Remnant" recognizes God is in control
• Second Woe is past
• 1 more Woe to go
• 7th Trumpet yet to sound
• Clue to not being post tribulation Rapture

7th Trumpet sounded

• (taken to the end of the tribulation period…an overview)
• Voices heard in heaven
• Synopsis of our Lord’s return
• All creation sees God’s revealed plan
• Kingdom of the World is Kingdom of God

Kingdom of our Lord

• Kingdom of His Messiah
• Jesus Christ
• 24 Elders fall down and worship
• Nations angry and don’t want God’s rule
• Many are stubborn hard hearted till the very end

Revelation 11:15:18

 

Why Nations are Angry

• God’s Wrath has come
• We hear it all the time…if God is love why does He let bad things happen?
• Begin to recognize His mercy ......now.
• Why does He allow Tsunami’s or earthquakes or catastrophes to happen?
• He is not God in a box. He does not carry out our every wish as we try to wind him up and stuff him back in a box when we are done with him.
• It’s not a “religion” or spiritual discussion, it is a relationship!
• Do you know Jesus and does He know you?
• Time of dead to be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment (flash forward to Chapter 20)
• Old Testament and Tribulation Saints receive rewards
• We, the Church,  has already gotten ours….Jesus is our portion!!!

Satan and Wicked man

• Those that destroy the Earth includes Satan and his fallen angels
• Wicked mankind destroys
• We see culmination of all the wrath of God
• We see the program of the end to come all laid out

Revelation 11:19

Temple of God

• 7^th Trumpet now blown
•  “was opened” signifies access to God
• (at present…do we take this for granted?)
• John saw the ark of the covenant there in Heaven
• Temple sanctuary in heaven not on Earth
• Lightning’s, voices and thunderings, Earthquake…all speak of judgment to come

 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16  

Let us go boldly to the throne of God while we still can!
Bow your knee to Jesus now and avoid the rush...The Church is waiting for the last sinner to come to Jesus and then we will all go home! Is it you that is holding us up?

John 3:16

Blessings, Lady

Revelation 10

Revelation Chapter 10


Revelation 10:1-4
The Mighty Angel
(Here we come upon a break from the action of meeting characters)
The 6th trumpet has been blown and we are waiting for the 7th

• The Mighty Angel...an Angel or messenger
• Robed in a cloud
• Rainbow above God's head signifying mercy and promise (even in God's wrath there is mecy!)
• In His hands He holds an open book (Not the 7 sealed book, but a little book
• Right foot in the sea, left foot on the land
• His shout...like the roar of a lion
• Thunders answer back...(Do you wonder what they say? I do! hmmm, but it is sealed!)

The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29

Revelation 10:5-7
TIME is no longer!

• John is forbidden to write what the 7 thunders spoke
• Time is no longer! There is no more delay
• Mystery: Not something we must find out or hidden, but a revealed Old Testament prophecy by Old Testament prophets 
• Talking about a glorious return of God's Son the Messiah...Jesus Christ! (many are already fulfilled and many more to come)

Revelation 10:8-11
Eat the Book! The Bible!
Not referring to the scroll, for Jesus is the only one worthy to open the scroll)

• Take and eat the Book (Take the Word of Life, The Bible, so that we may be able to share it with others)

 And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.  Ezekiel 3:3 

So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me. Ezekiel 3:14

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16 

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. Proverbs 16:24

• The Word of God is sweet tot he taste, but at times bitter to deliver. 
• Bitter in the stomach-much wisdom brings much sorrow

For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.
Ecclesiastes 1:18

Go ahead be a misfit for Jesus, for the world will look upon one who lives the Word as misfit.
The world loves it's own, and what God has to share is  difficult to swallow. The message of judgment is hard to believe.
SHUN RELEVANCE

• The Angel says, you are not done John!

• The book symbolizes God's Word.

Balance life with spiritual food from the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, prayer, fellowship with God's family, sharing God's Word with others.


Blessings, Lady

Song of Solomon 1:4

Son 1:4 Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.

Draw me...sow, scatter, prolong, develop, to march to delay...give, stretch out...basically to do whatever it takes to bring us close to Him...then we will run after and follow hard.
When we rush to be close, and are brought into intimate communion with the King of our life, we will be glad..in a sense, spin around with joyful emotion, because of our time in His presence, and will remember His love more than anything the world has to offer. The best the world has to offer is wine, and it is a mocker!

The world offers....false peace, false love, emptiness, even though it looks like it comes in a nice package. When our eyes are drawn off of our Lord and Savior we become discontent with our lives, and turn to other things we think will satisfy us. The neighbors husband, the neighbors car, alcohol, or drugs.

The upright...those that are walking the straight and narrow, they love thee, they love Jesus. They love to be close to Him and in His presence, close to Him in the inner chambers...enter into His presence with thanksgiving! Enter His courts with praise! Find solace in His arms, and rest in Him.
Blessings, Lady

REVELATION 4-5

Revelation Chapter 4
More notes from Revelation class
Verse 1
Meta Tauta= After these things (after this & here after)
What things? After 7 churches in Asia, individuals and Church History

Jesus told John- Write!....
Basically an Outline of Book of Revelation
Chapter 1-Things you have seen Chapter 2-3 Things which are
Chapter 4-5 Church in Heaven
Chapters 6-22 No mention of Church which shall be after
Literally- What you have seen, what is now, and after

A door in Heaven
John heard voices in Chapter 1
Same voice in Chapter 4 …Come up hither
Rapture not second coming Clear reference to the Rapture…


For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.1Thessalonians 4:16-18

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. IICorinthians 5:8

Caught up Harpodzo Violently Siezed
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 1Corinthians 15:51-54

In the Spirit
Verse 2-3
John- spirit immediately in heaven-body on Patmos
Saw Throne and someone sitting on the Throne (the throne of God)
Headquarters of all creation
God completely sovereign and on throne
Beautiful Colors
Jasper and Sardis and Emerald rainbow (Halo)
John did not see God (No man sees God and lives)
Indescribable
(God) Jasper stone Multi colored predominant purple translucent
(Clear like a diamond or prism)
(Jesus) Sardine/Sardis Stone- Look of bright red fresh blood color
(Grace) Emerald Rainbow- symbol of God’s Promise

24 Elders
verse 4
OT Priesthood represented by 24 orders of priests
24 symbolic of these 24 in reignment of white wearing crowns
Receive white reignment by the blood of Jesus Christ
24 Elders...The most likely option is that the elders represent the raptured church which sings songs of redemption (Revelation 5:8-10). They wear the crowns of victory and have gone to the place prepared for them by their Redeemer (John 14:1-4)

some say New Jerusalem will have 12 gates
named after the 12 tribes of Israel; 12 Apostles names on entrances to New Jerusalem
Lightining and Thunder

Verse 4-5
Signs of storm brewing A STORM IN ON IT’S WAY!
Voices-to show intelligence by it all…judgment is coming
7 fold ministry of Holy Spirit
Sea of Glass Before throne like crystal
In stillness reflection of beautiful colors
Sea represents tranquility at the Throne the peace and holiness of God
4 Living beings probably angels (Cherimbims?)
refer to Daniel and Isaiah Ezekiel 10:15-19

And the cherubims were lifted up. This is the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar. And when the cherubims went, the wheels went by them: and when the cherubims lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the same wheels also turned not from beside them.When they stood, these stood; and when they were lifted up, these lifted up themselves also: for the spirit of the living creature was in them. Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims. And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.Ezekial 10:15-19
Verses 6-7
Gospel
4 Beasts
Jesus Portrayed as
Matthew
Lion
Powerful Lion Judge
Mark
Calf
Calf Ox beast of burden/servant
Luke
Face of man
humanity
John
Eagle
Son of God

Glory and Honor to God
Verses 8-11

Eyes symbolic of knowledge understanding
Worship never ending
The living beings worship God on His Throne
24 Elders worship God on His Throne
They cast their crowns at His feet
For He has created ALL things
We/”i” was created for HIS PLEASURE

Revelation Chapter 5
Book with 7 Seals
Verse 1
God holding a scroll with 7 seals
Scroll-rolled parchment with individual pages each with 1 seal per page
Seal denotes ownership
And Jeremiah said, The word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Behold, Hanameel the son of Shallum thine uncle shall come unto thee, saying, Buy thee my field that is in Anathoth: for the right of redemption is thine to buy it. So Hanameel mine uncle's son came to me in the court of the prison according to the word of the LORD, and said unto me, Buy my field, I pray thee, that is in Anathoth, which is in the country of Benjamin: for the right of inheritance is thine, and the redemption is thine; buy it for thyself. Then I knew that this was the word of the LORD. And I bought the field of Hanameel my uncle's son, that was in Anathoth, and weighed him the money, even seventeen shekels of silver.
And I subscribed the evidence, and sealed it, and took witnesses, and weighed him the money in the balances. So I took the evidence of the purchase, both that which was sealed according to the law and custom, and that which was open:
And I gave the evidence of the purchase unto Baruch the son of Neriah, the son of Maaseiah, in the sight of Hanameel mine uncle's son, and in the presence of the witnesses that subscribed the book of the purchase, before all the Jews that sat in the court of the prison.
And I charged Baruch before them, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Take these evidences, this evidence of the purchase, both which is sealed, and this evidence which is open; and put them in an earthen vessel, that they may continue many days.
For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land. Jeremiah 32:6-15

God holds the title deed of Creation

Who is worthy to open the scroll?
Verse 2-4
No man is worthy to open the scroll
To open a seal initiates judgment on others (Only Jesus will meet out Justice)
John weeps (no one found worthy)
Will this ugliness ever end?

Enter….Lion of the tirbe of Judah…. tada!

Verse 5
One of elders tells John “weep not”
Lion of the tribe of Judah is here!
Root of David
Jesus is the only one who has right to the title deed of Creation
(He bought it with His blood) Thank you Jesus!!


Lamb
Verse 6-7
John sees a Lamb as it has been slain scars (carrying the ideas of being slain violently)
Seen in the midst/among the elders
With 7 horns denoting power and authority
7 eyes represent complete knowledge
Jesus takes the scroll from the Fathers Hand

All Heaven Worships
Verse 8-10
With Harps (Oh Lord I hope lessons come with it) J
(carry the idea of praise
Vials of Odors-the prayers of the saints –a sweet sacrifice
Listen to the words of the song of Praise…
Rev 5:9-10 Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
The words indicate this can only be the church the Bride singing this song
YOU oh Lord have redeemed us to God by YOUR blood and YOU have made us a kingdom of priests to our GOD. (Literally we will reign over the earth.)

Angels Join in Praise
Verses 11-14
Millions and Millions Praising God
Every Soul and Spirit there are praising God
24 Elders (Church) are praising God..(The Father the Son and the Holy Spirit)
Seals will begin to be opened by the only one worthy…Jesus
Everything is controlled from Heaven.

Blessings, Lady

The Seven Churches of Revelation

The following is a chart of the seven churches of Revelation. Feel free to print it off to take a closer look. I put it in chart form to help me remember the info as well as a quick reference guide.






Blessings, Lady

Revelation 1-3

Revelation Study …
Chapters 1-3
My notes from Revelation Bible College class

Read the Bible yourself to check for accuracy, don't take my word for it.
Study to show yourself approved unto God.
Homework
Things to Come by: L. Dwight Pentecost
Read two chapters per week
Read Daniel

Historical Background….
John the Apostle wrote Revelation
Brother of James, son of Zebedee
Worked on dads boat, mending nets on Sea of Galilee

John the youngest disciple. Jesus called James and John “the Sons of Thunder”
Because they were a bit rowdy (Mark 3:17)

Most Scholars believe Revelation was written around 95-96
Some think earlier. Liberals say John never mentions destruction of Jerusalem. Titus and Roman legions attacked and destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD
Quote from early church Fathers write ”John was banished to island of Patmos and remained there for 14 years
Until his death under Emperor Domelian 96 AD
The Emperor tried to boil John in oil. He was the only disciple not to die a violent death.
John was banished to Patmos because of rumors that he would never die.

In “Things to come” (Apostolic Fathers)…Three Witnesses…

Clement of Alexandria
In his book “Who is the Rich man” said John returned from the Island of Patmos when Emperor Diocletian died.
Eweiebius? “Eccelestical History”
Also stated Hon returned in 96 ad after death of Domentian

Iranaious—In “Against Hereies” Confirms John returns to Ephesus until rign of Trajan the Emporor

John Pastored church in Ephesus before being banished to Patmos and after his message was “Beloved….LOVE ONE ANOTER”

John probably wrote Revelation first, then Gospel of John and 1,2,3 John

TERMINOLOGY…….. from Text Book

*Hermanutics- The study of the princip;es of interpretations
*Literal- Adhering to the facts or to the ordinary construction or primary meaning of a term
We use….LITERAL< seed =" Word">>>my son is dead, now he is alive)
(I once was blind, but now I see)
*Eshcatology-the study of last things or the end times
*Millennium- 1,000 years
*Pre-Millennial-before a millennium
*Post-Millennial-after a millennium
*Tribulation-Distress and suffering
TYPES-
Old Testament Institution, ceremony, event, that has a reality in purpose in OT Biblical History but also by design has something yet to be revealed
Type…Moses Serpent on a pole…real but also was looked to for salvation (from dying by snake bite)
Real… Christ on the cross- (real, people looked to the cross for salvation)

RULES FOR TYPES
Rule #1-Use good sense
Rule #2- Base your interpretation on clear analogy
Rule #3-Do not base doctrine on types

INTERPRETATON RULES
Rule #1-Always follow the customary usage of the language (Greek for example)
Zodiates New Testament Word Study AND/OR Strongs Concordance
Rule #2 Thou shalt not commit any historical or cultural mistakes
(determine whether it’s cultural or historical)
*Read Josephus
Edershiem- Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah
Rule #3- Make Jesus Christ central in all your interpretations
Rule #4 context, context, context!
Whos is speaking? Who is speaking to whom? Why are they saying it now?
Rule #5- Interpret by faith in God.

Revelation Chapter One

Revelation of Jesus Christ by John.
(Jesus is the faithful witness)
Jesus is the word. Blessed is the reader and hearer and keeper of these things
Why? Because the time is at hand
Letter to the seven churches of him
Book outline….
Which is…which was…which is to come
Present Past Future

Jesus
-who washed our sins with His own blood
-made us a kingdom of priests
-first begotten of the dead
-faithful witness, trustworthy
-loves us (present tense)
-prince of the kings of the earth
-comes with the clouds
-every eye will see him

John
Companion in tribulation
Our brother
On the isle of Patmos
In the Spirit on the Lords Day Worshipping as usual
Heard a loud sound like a trumpet saying…
-Alpha & Omega
-Beginning and the End
-The Almighty
-First and the Last

“Write these things in a book and send them to the 7 churches in Asia!” (modern Day Turkey)…Greece
1 Ephesus
2 Smyrna
3 Pergamos
4 Thyatira
5 Sardis
6 Philadelphia
7 Laodicea

These represent Churches- Individuals and Church History

The steps of Revelation
God--Jesus Christ--Angel--John—Servants
The Seven stars are the The Seven Angels—
“Aggelos” can be used for People or angels
Mat 11:10 Luke 9:51-52 Luke 7:24

Description
Eyes of fire
Hair as white as wool
Out of His mouth comes forth the word of God
Right hand 7 stars/angels
Left hand Authority (Keys of death and hell)
Golden Girdle
Feet of burning brass
7 spirits (7 fold ministry of the holy spirit, in the midst of the churches)
Candlestick (7 churches)

REVELATION: “Apokalypis” An unveiling, revelation disclosure
The revelation to John

Shortly= “suddenly” (when it begins it will happen quickly)

Given from God to Jesus Christ to Angel to John to Servants

Vs 2 John is faithful in writing down Jesus testimony
1Jo 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

vs 3 Blessed is the reader-hearer-and keeper of this book and its contents
7 “Blessed” in Revelation 7 Beatitudes
7 is the number of completion
8 is the number of new beginnings

Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
Rev 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
Rev 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
Rev 19:9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Rev 22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.


Vs4-5 Trinity
7 Spirits (Sevenfold ministry of the Holy Spirit)
Isaiah 11:2
Spirit of the…
LORD…………………………self exsistent Jehovah
WISDOM……………………wisdom in a good sense, skillful
UNDERSTANDING……perfect knowledge
COUNSEL………………….advice also prudence
MIGHT……………………...force, valor, victory, power, strength
KNOWLEDGE……………cunningly aware
FEAR OF THE LORD….awesome reverence of God

Websters Definition
WISDOM, n. s as z. [G. See Wise.]
1. The right use or exercise of knowledge; the choice of laudable ends, and of the best means to accomplish them. This is wisdom in act, effect, or practice. If wisdom is to be considered as a faculty of the mind, it is the faculty of discerning or judging what is most just, proper and useful, and if it is to be considered as an acquirement, it is the knowledge and use of what is best, most just, most proper, most conducive to prosperity or happiness. Wisdom in the first sense, or practical wisdom, is nearly synonymous with discretion. I differs somewhat from prudence, in this respect; prudence is the exercise of sound judgment in avoiding evils; wisdom is the exercise of sound judgment either in avoiding evils or attempting good. Prudence then is a species, of which wisdom is the genus.
UNDERSTAND'ING, ppr.
Comprehending; apprehending the ideas or sense of another, or of a writing; learning or being informed.
COUNSEL, n. [L., to consult; to ask, to assail.]

Advice; opinion, or instruction, given upon request or otherwise, for directing the judgment or conduct of another; opinion given upon deliberation or consultation.
MIGHT, n.
Strength; force; power; primarily and chiefly, bodily strength or physical power; as, to work or strive with all one's might.
KNOWL'EDGE, n. nol'lej.
A clear and certain perception of that which exists, or of truth and fact; the perception of the connection and agreement, or disagreement and repugnancy of our ideas.
FEAR, n. [See the Verb.]
In scripture, fear is used to express a filial or a slavish passion. In good men, the fear of God is a holy awe or reverence of God and his laws, which springs from a just view and real love of the divine character, leading the subjects of it to hate and shun every thing that can offend such a holy being, and inclining them to aim at perfect obedience. This is filial fear.

Vs 5 Jesus is… “prototokos”= first begotten of the dead, will not die again
Tit 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
Tit 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Rom 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

~He comes with the clouds
~Pesonal physical return of Jesus
~Every eye shall see Him
~Even ones who pierced Him
~All tribes of the earth will wail
Order of end time events..
Rapture…Tribulation…Great Tribulation…Second Coming...Millenium
Alpha and Omega
~Beginning and the end which is, which was, which is to come
~Almighty
~Eternal One
vs 10-11 John Imprisoned
~For the Word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ
~Johns testimony…was a true believer of Jesus Christ
~Lived and preached Gods Word
~Brought persecution upon him
vs 19 WRITE!

OUTLINE OF BOOK>>>>
Chapter 1……….Things which you have seen
Chapters 2-3……Things which are (right now)
Chapters 4-22…...Things which shall be hereafter

Rev 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the
seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. (Mystery explained)

Seven Churches of Revelation chapters 1-3 ..see chart
Blessings, Lady

Acts Chapter 12

Acts 12

As Herod killed James and learned it pleased men, he proceeded further and captured Peter intent on killing him after Easter. So Peter was kept in prison. Ahh, but this gave Christians time to pray, and pray they did continually! Meanwhile Peter slept in prison, chained between two guards, God went to work.
While Peter slept soundly, (can we sleep soundly during a time like this in our lives?)
God sent an angel to wake Peter and told him to arise and then the chains fell off from his hands. “Quick get dressed and follow me” said the Angel, and while Peter followed the angel Peter couldn’t believe it was all true, it seemed like a vision or dream. When Peter came to himself he realized he was on the outside and free.

So Peter journeyed on to the house of Mary the mother of John and knocked on the door. When the servant girl heard Peter’s voice on the other side of the door she was so excited that she forgot to open the door but ran straight in to the house to tell all inside who were praying that Peter was alive. In the meantime Peter was still knocking, so they all rushed to the door to let him in, they were all astonished so Peter tried to quiet them all to tell his story of deliverance at the hand of the angel. Word was sent out to James and other believers.

Meanwhile back at the jail, the soldiers were up in arms as a prisoner lost on their watch meant death to those responsible. Herod was sorely displeased with the outcome and had the soldiers killed.

On a scheduled day and appointed time, Herod, the orator that he was, sat on his throne and addressed the people in all his finery. The people in turn showered Herod with beautiful flattery as was the custom as they desired peace even if it meant flattery at all costs.
The people shouted unto Herod…”Your voice is as the voice of god, and not of a man”
They were pouring it on pretty thick, and Herod drank it in.

However…

The Bible says that …immediately…the angel of the Lord knocked Herod down.
Why? Because Herod did not give God the glory, but took it for himself!
Not only was Herod knocked down but he died a tortuous death being devoured by worms. Not a pretty picture.
The life of Herod ended, but the word of God which Herod tried to silence, grew and spread and multiplied! The hearts of men were strengthened, the enemies were humbled, and those who opposed and attacked the work of God were filled with fear.

Today in History…
1839 - Scottish clergyman Robert Murray McCheyne wrote in a letter: 'There is nothing like a calm look into the eternal world to teach us the emptiness of human praise.'

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 1:24-25


Blessings, Lady

Happy is he who keeps the law.

Proverbs 29:18... Where there is no vision, the people perish, BUT happy is he who keeps the law.
Yes, we are under grace now. It is by grace that we are saved through faith not by our works lest any man should boast about the things he does, BUT happy is he who keeps the law.

The law is the heart of God, it is what God thinks and how He feels about things.

If we are striving to become more like Jesus, and wanting to please the heart of God, than we should be concerned with God's heart and His feelings on issues in our lives.

Guard your heart with ALL diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:3

Because of sin, God has made a way for us to be with Him even though we have broken His law, and broken His heart and that is through the shed blood of His beloved Son Jesus!


"How bare does a place look without Bibles and ministers! and what an easy prey is it to the enemy of souls! That gospel is an open vision, which holds forth Christ, which humbles the sinner and exalts the Saviour, which promotes holiness in the life and conversation: and these are precious truths to keep the soul alive, and prevent it from perishing."~ Matthew Henry

Happy is he who keeps the law, our Father knows best!

Blessings, Lady

Question to you

What has God revealed to you through His word?

Blessings, Lady

Song of Solomon 1:1-2

The Song of Solomon, 1902

Song of Solomon 1:1-2
The song of songs, which is Solomon's.
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.

Of all the songs that Solomon wrote this is the only one that was put in the Bible. God preserved this portion of the songs that the wisest man ever wrote. It must be pretty important for us to hear if God saved this one for us for so many years.
Revelation speaks of many who have "left their first love" they did not lose it they left it.
If you have left Jesus, "come back" to the best.

The Song begins...
The story of intimate love between our Savior Jesus and our very own hearts.
A kiss, in a physical sense... on the mouth ...is a very intimate thing. Such a wonderful thing is reserved for husband and wife, to be enjoyed within a marriage between a man and a woman.
(Which is important to note since the world tells otherwise these days)


Many turn to wine and alcohol to drown their sorrows and many are encouraged to do so when life gets hard, and is offered as a fix all to problems that cannot be fixed or dealt with.
Our Father in heaven offers something much better, He offers His love.

"Thy love is better than wine"

The kiss of grace on our lives from our Jesus is better than anything this world has to offer.

Taste and see that the Lord...He is good...all the time!

Blessings, Lady

All because of Jesus

The reality of hell could have brought Jesus here

The reality of our pain and suffering could have brought Jesus here.

The reality of sin could have brought Jesus here.
But it was none of these things.

It was LOVE for us that brought Jesus here.

It was His love for you and me that held him on the cross.

One word and Angels would have taken Jesus off the cross gently.

But out of His love for you and me,

Jesus allowed the nails to keep Him on the cross long enough to shed His blood,

to pour Himself out just to wash us clean.

And yet some will choose to step out from under the cleansing flow

of the only thing that can wash away sin, and step into hell willingly.
Stop, drop, and roll into the arms of Jesus right now.

This very moment….

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;

but that the world through him might be saved.

John 3:16-17

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

Blessings, Lady

Don't forget your Armor!

Armor of God
Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

2 Corinthians 10:5

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

A majority of spiritual warfare is fought in the mind. It’s kind of like a fish swimming up stream…As you watch a salmon swim up stream against the current it seems to do so with ease. As the salmon comes to the base of the falls the water neither the rocks, nor the incline stop it from battling forward. I have even heard of salmon jumping out of cannels and into the original area of a stream after man changed the flow of the stream.

If we are walking in the Spirit, we can expect opposition. If it is against God’s word it is opposition. This shows us the responsibility of reading the Bible so we know what it says.

The Holy Spirit and God’s word are what leads and guides a Christian. God shows us our path in His word and even gives us light and lets us know where to step. He gives us armor to use in this battle. Are we using it?

The battle is won or lost in the mind. Put on the whole armor of God! Each piece is important! These are not just verses to memorize to earn points with God or Bible bucks!

Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
(Truth and righteousness protect the very core of you, put it on!)
Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
(as we walk in peace toward others we can share the gospel with them and should be prepared to do just that)

Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
( above all, walk in faith! Wear it like a shield that can be held and moved about you to repel the darts of the enemy..that means this is an active motion, always on guard)

Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
(A helmet protects your head against injury…if you are a child of God, a helmet of salvation reminds you of your salvation and that you can stand in the promises of God. Do you know the abundance of promises that are written in the word to encourage you?…NO? Start digging!)

(The sword of the Spirit is the word of God! It is sharper than a two edged sword and can cut to the core…use it wisely. It is our only offensive weapon)

Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching there unto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
(The prayer of the saints…God bends down low to hear you pray! Is that awesome or what? If God hears us, and we know He does… and we are abiding in Him, then if God be for us than no one can stand against us! KNOW THAT.
TRUST JESUS to battle for you. You can trust Him. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us in prayer even if all we can do is groan out a prayer…He interprets our groanings.
Barnes commented…. “The Spirit greatly aids or supports us in those deep emotions, those intense feelings, those inward sighs which cannot be expressed in language, but which he enables us to bear, and which are understood by Him that searcheth the hearts.”

Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places!
Be Strong and courageous, put on the whole armour, remember who your enemy is.

Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

STAND!

Blessings, Lady

Give me comfort or give me death!

Give me comfort or give me death!

That might well be the battle cry of many in these last days.

• We want peace and comfort.
• We want people to like us, to see things our way.
• We want our needs met.
• We want the American dream, baseball and apple pie.
• We want the world on a silver platter.
• We want what we want when we want it and we want it now!

No one ever claims the promise that we will suffer persecution, that if we live for Jesus that the world will hate us as they hated Him. If we are God’s children we will suffer with Him that we may also be glorified with Him. Those that labor for the Kingdom with their own hands will be reviled and yet we should bless, we will be persecuted and yet we should suffer it. We may be spoken of harshly, and yet we pray for them and forgive them.
As God’s beloved we are regarded as the filth of the world, the off scouring (like the ring around the bathtub) Like Paul I don’t write these things to shame you, but to warn you.
Christian, why do you seek to gratify self?
Why do we seek a church that will meet our needs instead of working together to bring the gospel to a dying world?

• 
  SELF wants a program that will meet MY need.
  SELF wants what is more important for ME and MY family.
  SELF wants comfort.
  SELF wants to feel accepted.
  SELF wants, Servants serve.

I am sooo thankful my Jesus didn’t put His own needs above mine. I am so thankful He chose to die for me. No one made Him die on the cross, He chose it willingly so that I and any other who chooses Him could live with Him forever.
We just need to surrender SELF. We are to be a living sacrifice. Deny SELF, daily, pick up your cross and follow Jesus.
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. Luke 9:23-24

Blessings, Lady

I Corinthians 13

LOVE AND ABSOLUTE TRUTH

I Corinthians 13
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

If you put God’s name in place of the word charity/love, this chapter of God’s word still stands as truth BUT if I read it with my name in place of charity/love, it falls flat…don’t laugh put your own name in their and see what it sounds like.
Attempting to walk in love is impossible without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23 (The fruit of the Spirit is love) Because Jesus died for me because He loves me…
(Which is enough to make heart skip a few beats with love when I think of him)
Then I can love Him in return only because He has given me the capability to love.
We love because He first loved us I John 4:19

It is only by God’s grace that we have an opportunity to receive the free gift of salvation by turning from our own wicked ways an agreeing with God about what sin is. It is the Word of God and His Holy Spirit that reveals these things to us. The word of God is absolute truth. If you do not believe in absolute truth…are you absolutely sure?

Blessings, Lady

Philippians 4:1-3

Philippians 4:1
Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
Therefore, Stand Fast! Hold true to the Word of God.
Who is Paul talking to here? The Philippians but also to Christians, our brethren.
With a heart full of tenderness and compassion
He says, My dearly beloved STAND FAST
We are reminded in I Thessalonians 5:21 to Prove all things, hold fast that which is good.
We are to discern all things in light of the Word of God and sieze hold of that which is good or valuable or virtuous.

Paul is pleading with the people…Don’t follow the enemies of the cross
Just one enemy of the cross, one false prophet, one false teacher can cause much damage in the body of Christ. Paul tells us to Stand Fast! Yes our world may shake, and the enemy may surround, but Stand Fast! Don’t run, don’t hide, for there is nowhere to run where God cannot find you!!!!

Psalm 139:7-10 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

Don’t run, don’t hide, STAND FAST ON THE WORD OF GOD.
Let HIM, lead you , let Him hold you!
Do others see Jesus in us? Are we Christ like examples as we go through our days?
I’m sure we can all admit that there are times when each of is not, when our ungodly character shows through.

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment/discernment that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ

• Sincere: means without wax. Unscrupulous potters would use wax to hide the defects in their goods. It looked good on outside until the heat was turned up, and the cracks would show as the was melted.
• Sincere: means Real. My sister in law in Georgia would say, there ain’t no Southern Bells here Honey! ‘Cause when they gets wet in this heat and humidity, all the sugar and honey on the outside melts and …The Wicked Witch of the West pops out.

We’re not gonna tame our tongue it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:8
But that doesn’t mean we can’t control the tongue? We will never truly subdue it in this lifetime but we can control it with the help of the Holy Spirit.

It’s been said that the number one reason ministries squabble, even split over is the Women’s ministry. This was exactly, one of the things Paul had to write about to the Phillippians.
Ladies, Ladies, I tenderly beg you to settle your differences due to your standing in the Lord . Be of one mind in Jesus.

Read 4:verses 2-3

I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

With tenderness and compassion Paul is begging these women to settle their differences, to be like minded in the Lord. Paul asks the body to "help" them, not to take sides, and make matters worse. There is some speculation among scholars as to why these two were at odds. How many times do we let petty differences come between us ? Do we realize the strife that is created in the body? We are not all hands, or feet or mouths. We must learn to work together under the headship of Christ in submission to Jesus. We are all instruments of God, not one better than another.


One commentator suggested that…” it could not have been a personal matter or Paul would not have addressed it in such a public way, but that it was more possibly a matter in regards to the church, where one may have been drawn away by false teachers and the simplicity of the gospel.”
In any case we can stand fast on the Word of God already revealed to us…That we might love and serve Him with our whole heart.

Let’s Flip back

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels/ tenderness & mercies/ compassion, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be LIKEMINDED, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2
Paul asks the body to help these ladies who along with Clement were his co-laborers, to settle their differences.
Was is a church matter? Possibly, but Paul was still correct in encouraging, exhorting to keep Jesus as the focus and the object of their affection, that we may all serve shoulder to shoulder being likeminded, having the same LOVE, and being of one accord.
Some are weak, some are strong but in Christ we stand as one!
Paul believed these women to be truly saved. He mentions their names being written in the Book of Life.

Imagine the damage done in the body, when grudges are kept and wounds are nursed to protect self, when forgiveness and mercy is not extended as God has extended it to whosoeverwill! Unfortunately this is not confined to the first century Church. Our job is to Stand Fast on the Word of God!

Remember what you have been taught and have your actions match your endless words.

Philippians is usually referred to as the Epistle of Joy, but don’t forget, there are other themes in this book such as…Humility-Self Denial-Unity in Christ-and Christian like conduct.

Jesus made himself of no reputation, that is the best example of humility we have been given.
He humbled himself, became obedient unto death …on the cross. We have not suffered unto blood. We try to wriggle out of suffering any chance we get.

• HELP!
• Woe is me!
• Oh poor pitiful me!

For God to make a change in our heart in our character we must stand fast under the suffering He allows in life. Yes, Life is hard, but God is good, all the time! Don’t be moved… Don’t be so faint hearted that we may know Him and the power of his resurrection, and fellowship in His sufferings. A life of FAITH in Christ will brings trials. In the midst of those trials choose to die to self.

Only after the Crucifixion was Jesus Resurrected!
Die to self to see the POWER of GOD in a Resurrected life!
A Seed in ground must die before it becomes new life.

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. Philippians 3:10

STAND FAST on the Word


To be continued….

originally posted by Hizladybug Aug. 2005

Blessings, Lady

Stand Fast!

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.... Stand Ephesians 6:13

A soldier does not go into battle without his uniform. He checks to make sure everything is in place, and in excellent condition. He takes much time to prepare before he goes into the heat of the battle.
I found comfort in the words my brother, who walking into several war situations with the US Army told me, "Not to worry for I am well trained, those who are ill prepared will not be sent out, and remember, we belong to Jesus so we will see each other again, no matter what, God controls the storms!"
As Christians we enter into spiritual warfare everyday of our lives. There is a great battle going on for our own souls as well as the souls around us. This fight is invisible, but real none the less, it is not against flesh and blood, but against powers and principalites unseen, against wickedness!
Don't forget your armor this morning for the enemy is lurking about as a lion ready to devor anyone he can. When we are young, we learn to sit at the feet of Jesus, when we are older we learn to walk with Him in the armor. When we are older still, we learn to stand in that armor, and stand against evil. Are you taking a stand against evil in your life?
I remember a quote...All it takes is good people to do nothing for evil to win.
Get in the fight, and stand up for what is right and good, and pure, and when you have done all to stand...then STAND some more! Overcome evil with good, and one day we will STAND in heaven where every foe will be vanquished!
Warning....
Wield that sword carefully...for it is a sharp two edged blade that can injure if not used properly.




Blessings, Lady

What sort of fish are you?

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. II Timothy 3:5

In these last days we are spending on Earth, the lines of gray are growing thinner. Black and white are becoming more apparent. No longer will there be a choice to remain on the wall, or silent, we must choose sides. Woe to the one who calls evil good, and good evil. But with a statment like that one may soon have enemies, and then what will we do? Professing a religion is not the same thing as being a believer in Jesus. Encouraging the choice of Pro-life, is not the same as standing against abortion because it is a sin in the eyes of God. "Tolerating" the choices of others, if they go against the word of God, is not wisdom. Truth is truth. Your fist, once it invades my face has crossed from your truth to my truth and if they do not match one of us is going to end up in jail, IF the Supreme Court Justices that will be appointed by our new President still believe in absolute truth. IF NOT, anything goes, and the lusts of the flesh, or the Pshycopathic "what's best for me" attitude will prevail.

The days of Noah are present and loom ever so much darker as the clock ticks toward a decision that will be made very shortly. "Spiritual Rhetoric" is not the same as truth, and the only way to not be fooled is to know the truth. Jesus said, I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through me. We most definitely need you Jesus in these last days, and need to know the truth of the love letters that You have left for us. You show us the beginning of time and You show us the end of time, and You even fortell our future in the book we call the Bible. Yet, I wonder, will others choose to read it? Will others choose to follow it? Will others choose to believe in You? Only time will tell, and that is soon coming to an end....Will we swollow the bait hook line and sinker, or will we from such...turn away?
Blessings, Lady

Christian Misconceptions or Truth?

I was recently asked if the following were Christian Misconceptions or Truth. I posted my answers...what would you say?

1 - Once you become a Christian, God will solve all of your problems.
Remember Joseph? He was left for dead by his own brothers, He was falsely accused and put in prison, and yet God was actually preparing him for God's use to help his own family during a famine in the future...it's all in our perspective.

2 - Becoming a Christian means giving up all fun and following a life of rules.
The fun part ... It just depends on what you call fun. I love to spend time with my family, my church family, reading my Bible, spoiling my Granddaughter with lots of love, making a house a home, and sharing Jesus with others, so no I'm not giving up "the fun stuff". The rules....when we become believers we are no longer under the law and do not have rules that tell us taste not, touch not, do not, but instead we love our God and our neighbors with our whole heart because He first loved us...we choose to love Him.

3 - All Christians are loving, perfect people.
Not this one....we are not perfect until we get to heaven. Even a believer still sins and we sill struggle with sin till the day we die. We will struggle with the world the flesh and the enemy until we are out of here! And that will be by death or by RAPTURE. I'm counting on the Rapture anytime soon!

4 - Bad things don't happen to truly godly Christians.
Paul was not a cartoon character, he was a real man that was shipwrecked three times, bitten by snakes, stoned and left or dead and so much more. Think of all the apostles..they were beaten and tortured and boiled in oil and sawn in two, and one died on a cross upside down. Corrie Ten Boom, and just think of all the other modern day believers being persecuted for their faith. Should God tarry much longer, there may be much more of this going on.

5 - Christian ministers and missionaries are more spiritual than other believers.
Ha! They are mere men and women just like everyone else. They are also held to a higher standard, so others may "consider" ministers and missionaries "holier than thou", to defend the sin in their own lives.

6 - Christian churches are always safe places, where you can trust everyone.
For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God!

7 - Christians should never say anything that might offend someone or hurt someone else's feelings.
Woooooie! Someone should have told Jesus that before He spoke to the Pharisees and told them they were white washed tombs, and what about when He cleared out the merchants from the temple?

8 - As a Christian you should not associate with unbelievers.
Jesus ate with sinners....tax collectors, women of ill repute, Judas!
However, His inner circle of followers were the Apostles and within that Peter James and John. He used wisdom and so should we.

9 - Christians should not enjoy any earthly pleasures.
God made us for HIS pleasure, and whatever we do let it glorify God. We are not here for our own dining and listening pleasure as my Pastor reminds us.

10 - Christians always feel close to God.
Oh yeah right! Like Elijah? Who ran and hid from a woman! And pegged the Waaaay Meter!
Lord! There is no one else that serves you like I do, where are You? God still loved him, and even fed him with food that a Raven brought to him. God refreshed him and reassured Him that there are 7,000 others who do not serve Baal. Elijah didn't "feel" close to God and we may not at times, but in those times God may be testing us to see if we will walk by "faith" not by sight.

Leave a comment if you like or copy the questions and answer them on your site and leave me a link, and tag someone else.

Blessings, Lady

Determination!

For I am determined not to know
any thing among you,
save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2

Don’t skip the good stuff….
I would have loved to have watched Paul preach.
He would be the one that looks part Italian
when he talks because I just know his hands
would have been talking in sync
with his thoughts and words.Paul is determined,
and his determination is in Jesus.

I love the run on sentences,
and thought upon thought as he writes and speaks.
So much to say and so little time to say it!
The Bible shows us how excited Paul was
about sharing the good news of Jesus.
When the flood gates of passionate speech
regarding your Savior bursts open,
there will be no stopping you.
If God be with us, then no one can stand against us!

Sometimes we skip over parts of scripture so quickly
and miss so much.

Blessings, Lady

What is Love?

WHAT IS LOVE?
Do we really know what love is in this media driven age?
In today’s media love is portrayed more like a fairly tale of romance or lust.


But the Bible tells us…
…the fruit of the Spirit is love… joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Gal 5:22 -23

We cannot judge the heart of others. We have no way of knowing if the love of God abides in them unless there is fruit that grows in their lives. Our neighboring state of Washington has beautiful apple orchards, and I love to go pick them, but I cannot once remember ever hearing an apple tree ever straining to produce a most beautiful luscious piece of fruit. The tree’s roots grow deep and provide the tree with life giving sap. The tree relies on water, sunshine, nutrients from the soil, is pruned, stands in all kinds of weather, quietly brings forth fruit, just in time for someone else to come along and pluck that beautiful ornament off and enjoy.
The many faceted fruits of love can only be produced by the Holy Spirit alive and active within our own hearts. Pretty fruit hung from a pine tree will look good for awhile, but will eventually rot. We cannot produce beautiful fruit by ourselves. It takes the power of God in our lives. May we abide in Christ and Christ in us that we may be rooted and grounded in love, so that our lives will produce much fruit for the honor and glory of God.

Why love? …because Jesus first loved us.
Because if we don’t…
… if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. Galatians 5:15

Blessings, Lady