ATTENTION EARTH! (REVELATION 8-9)
We’ve all had that moment in our lives when we try to get the attention of someone, but nothing works apart from being up front in the face or giving them a shake and saying: “Hey you!” Revelation 8-9 are a “Hey You!” to the earth. Yet as God brings his judgement we find the sad description of the people of the day at the end of ch. 9. Take a moment to read these chapters & watch. Revelation 8-9…
THREE QUESTIONS ANSWERED (REVELATOIN 5-7)
There is much that can be explored in the book of Revelation, particularly the chapters covered today. Doing a quick overview though, the chapters really answer three questions: 1) Who is worthy? 2) Will God judge evil? & 3) Who can stand? Let’s explore these together today. Take a time as well to check all the cross references to the text. Much can be learned about the content of the book from other books that speak on end time events…
YOU ARE WORTHY (REVELATION 4)
Revelation 4 is a spectacular scene of worship. And this chapter sets the stage for the rest of the book explaining that the following is God’s sovereign plan. In spite of what we might think as we behold them, these things will bring greater glory to his name, and he is worthy of our praise. Take a moment to read this fantastic worship scene though and watch. Revelation 4 NET
GENUINE COMMITMENT (REVELATION 3)
Genuine. Commitment. Two words that we often look for in the relationships that we establish with people in our community, as we see a spouse, as we make friends. We look for people who are genuine and who are committed. Those same two words could be a banner for Revelation 3 as God calls us to a genuinely committed relationship with himself each and everyday expressed through simple obedience. Take a moment to read the chapter and watch. Revelation 3…
ABOUT MORE THAN PROPHECY (REVELATION 2)
When people think of the book of Revelation, they often think of end times events and prophecy. Yet the book starts with letters to various churches, words from Jesus himself. And the content of these is much on practical Christian living & church body life. Revelation 2 NET
WHATS IS GOD’S WILL – PART 2 (#ASKPD)
Last week we talked about the will of God, a subject that many wonder about and a question that many ask. I ran across a video at adds some helpful tidbits to this discussion that may aid you personally or help as you minister to others.
NOT LIKE OTHER ANCIENT BOOKS (2 PETER 1)
From a theological standpoint, 2 Peter 1 is very important as it reveals to use the nature of the Scriptures, their origin, how they came to be. That theological tidbit though has greater practical implications for us as it points to the truthfulness of the Word of God and it’s beneficial application to and for our lives. 2 Peter 1 NET
FLOURISHING FAITH (2 THESSALONIANS 1)
Flourish. It is a word that we often associate with the greenness of a valley or trees budding in the spring or flowers in their full bloom. It conjures to our minds thoughts of life and growth. Paul describes the Thessalonian’s faith as flourishing. How? Why? And how can that too describe us? Take a moment to read the chapter & watch. 2 Thessalonians 1 NET
WHAT IS GOD’S WILL? (#ASKPD)
What is God’s will for me in….? I can’t tell you how many times I have asked that question personally or have heard others ask it. We are often looking in it for the audible voice from God to give us specific direction. I appreciate an avenue of looking at God’s will that I saw several years ago that I think helps to give all of us a better perspective on this often asked question.
A HEART TO MODEL (1 THESSALONIANS 2)
Reading 1 Thessalonians 2, we see the heart of the Apostle Paul unfold before us. We see his steadfastness, purity, and affection among other admirable traits. His model becomes something for us to imitate as well as we see and think of those around us. Take some time to read 1 Thessalonians 2, watch the video, and then reflect on this text to see how you too can more model the heart of this apostle. 1 Thessalonians 2 NET
KNOWN THROUGHOUT THE LAND (1 THESSALONIANS 1)
I love this book of 1 Thessalonians. I find myself saying that often about various portions of the Bible, but it’s about our Creator & Savior so why not love it! Here we see though the heart of Paul unfold for these believers, and how the gospel has changed their lives to the glory of God. Let’s read through this first chapter together.
WHAT MAKES HELL HELL? (#ASKPD)
Over the years, I have heard various people makes jokes about hell often laughing it off as some party place they wish to go to. Or it has been used as adjective or adverb in the form of a question or of exclamatory surprise. As much as it may be used as a curse or joked about, it is the scariest of existences for those who refuse to trust in Jesus as their Savior. Why? Take a moment to read…
LIFE (JOHN 20)
I just love the gospel of John which is so simple to understand yet as deep as the ocean in its theology. John 20 reveals to us John’s purpose in composing this book–that people would read it and choose to believe in Jesus as their Savior. The last part of v. 31 stood out to me – “have life in his name”. It it true that belief in Jesus brings eternal life for anyone making that step of faith. The…
CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD (JOHN 17)
As we read John 17, we see Jesus’ priestly prayer as he intercedes on behalf of his disciples and all believers yet to come. When I read this passage, I see the intimacy of the relationship between the Son and the Father. And it moves me. Here is a conversations between the persons of the God head. It challenges me to think of prayer beyond a set time or circumstance to continual conversations with my Abba Father throughout the day.…
WHAT IS HISTORIC? (#ASKPD)
Any election can be a very important time in the history of a local community or the large scope of a nation. I’ve heard this election described numerous times as “historic.” It may certainly have some significant ramifications on Christian liberties & godly commands and principles. But in the overall course of history, how long will it be remembered? 20 years? Even significant parts of history are no longer remembered by the masses any longer. What is truly historic?
DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED (JOHN 14)
There is much that can distress our hearts and minds today. Just think through the social and political turmoil over the last year. Then we add to that the daily events in our lives that tug at our hearts and minds to worry and be anxious. Jesus calls us to a different path – “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” He calls us to rest in him and trust in him. It’s not always easy, but it gives a…
YOUR WILL BE DONE (JOHN 12)
Your will be done. Can we honestly say that? Is that our prayer and mindset everyday? That not matter what comes our way that we willingly surrender our own will, our own plans, to the will of the Father? In 1 John 2:6, John calls us to walk as Jesus walked. As we read from John 12 today, we get a glimpse of what that looks like. Jesus lived in complete surrender to the will of the Father, to the…
RESPONDING TO BAD LEADERS & LAWS (#ASKPD)
Sunday we covered the subject of civil disobedience (for that message, please see the link below). Let’s continue that subject a bit asking: “How do we respond to bad leaders & bad laws?” What part can we play in our society as citizens? And what should be our ultimate concern? This is a huge topic that even these few moments here won’t exhaust. Yet, we’ll give a few answers to these questions. “To Obey or Not Obey? That’s the Dilemma.”…
AMAZED AT GOD
As I think on God and read various passages of Scripture, I am continually amazed by our God, particularly his response toward us. In these days of chaos, I am reminded of the sovereignty of God. I wonder what the disciples thought at Jesus was on trial and headed to the cross. All their plans for him, all their plans had gone up in smoke so to speak. God of course had a bigger plan. I so appreciate the grace…
LESSONS FROM OUR KIDS
I often joke that I am going to write a book someday about all the lessons my kids teach me about my relationship with God and how we as adults often react to him. Perhaps I will, but I came across such an excerpt on Facebook today that I’d like to share with you about our relationship with God.