I will bring distress on mankind, so that they shall walk like the blind, because they have sinned against the LORD; their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung.

Zephaniah 1:14-17

I will bring distress on mankind, so that they shall walk like the blind, because they have sinned against the LORD; their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung. Zephaniah 1:17

I continue my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my study focus is an commentary-assisted review of the fifth division per my commentary: vv14-17. Excerpts from the commentary:

• "In a series of declarations that are among the most discouraging and accusatory in all of Scripture, God’s condemnation of His people gets more ominous."
• "God is crushing His people because He desires them to repent and return to Him. He understands that they love other things more than they love Him, so He systematically begins to eliminate the things that they love, and even their own lives, in an attempt to capture their attention and to see their affections pointed in His direction. His wrath, then, is an act of love, intended to accomplish the best for His children."
• The commentary quotes John Piper's book Desiring God: "The wisdom of God has ordained a way for the love of God to deliver us from the wrath of God without compromising the justice of God."
• The commentary then shares three attributes or characteristics of God's justice displayed in the text: (a) imminence: God's words are intended to provoke an immediate response of repentance, (b) intensity: God's coming judgement will be beyond what one can imagine - harsh and terrifying, (c) iniquity: God's judgement is in response to sin.  "While [Judah's] sin has kept them from God and brought them face-to-face with God’s judgment, some, if not all, of this could be averted if they would simply repent and obey." 
  

Earlier in the commentary, a portrait of parenting is used and this is apt - there are times when God needs to immediately get our attention as a means for us to understand who is in charge (He is!) and what He expects - our obedience.  The good news is that God is a loving God and He provides beyond anyone's wild imagination and He saves!  Turn from your sin and believe in Jesus!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus - You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life and the life You provide is to the full now and for eternity in Heaven with You and all the saints - amazing.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The great day of the LORD is near, near and hastening fast; the sound of the day of the LORD is bitter; the mighty man cries aloud there.

Zephaniah 1:14-17

The great day of the LORD is near, near and hastening fast; the sound of the day of the LORD is bitter; the mighty man cries aloud there. Zephaniah 1:14

I continue my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my study focus is an unassisted review of the fifth division per my commentary: vv14-17.  Here Zephaniah, continues to warn all those in Jerusalem, and in particular those in Judah who have pursued foreign gods (vv4-5, 8-9), not inquired of the One True God (v6), and have become complacent or neutral about God (v12).  Zephaniah warns them about God's coming judgement and how this judgement or God's wrath will be soon and it will be terrifying.  This is a terrible thing to happen to anyone - hence Jude writes how believers should have mercy on those who doubt (Jude 1:22) by sharing the gospel with them with the hope that they can repent, believe and be saved.  Matthew 24 provides Jesus' warning about judgement day and exhorts believers to be ready.  We should not procrastinate in our faith.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who is saving a place for me in Heaven and this provides great comfort to me as I know when You return it will be a terrifying day for those who do not believe.  I am not deserving of my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity.

Ecclesiastes 3

For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity. Ecclesiastes 3:19

I continue my study today of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Ecclesiastes 3:18-22, which is the second division of the commentary chapter titled Politics and Justice Are Meaningless without Jesus (covering Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3, and 5:8-9). The commentary describes how Solomon reflects on how we - collectively as humanity - treat one another as beasts:  "[E]ven though we have moral sensibilities, we treat one another like animals. We deal with one another in the most disgusting ways imaginable. From Hitler to Stalin to Polpot and the Khmer Rouge killing fields, we see barbaric acts that humans commit against other humans. My first mission trip was to Cambodia where the Khmer Rouge wiped out so much of the population. As we walked over the killing fields with the missionaries, they showed us trees where babies were bashed to death. The barbarism was sickening. That is Solomon’s point. Wickedness increases, and like the days of the flood where both animals and humans died, judgment is needed!" The commentary then highlights how God created man in Genesis 1 to have dominion over the beasts, yet we became like the beasts in how we treat one another. The commentary goes further sharing how beasts are described throughout scripture, including how "evil nations...attack Israel (see Psalm 80:13, Daniel 7:3)," and how "the antichrist and the false prophet  are called beasts (see also Revelation 13)." As the commentary winds down for this division, it explores vv19-21 more closely by sharing that while we have certainty of our own death, we have less certainty what happens after death: "[s]ince we do not know what happens beyond this life, we have to rely on the eternal God who put eternity in our hearts. We are told to enjoy His gifts while we can. Ecclesiastes 3 ends with another carpe diem passage that tells us to live life to the fullest. Ecclesiastes does not deny the afterlife, but it does commend us to take death seriously. Just as the psalmist tells us to number our days (Psalm 90:10-12), Ecclesiastes says that life is short and we need to make the most of it (Garrett, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, 305)." Making the most of our lives must include loving God and loving others as He intends - the two most important commandments!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion - giving me hope in this life and hope that You are saving me a place in Heaven - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love me, bless me, save me, and seal me so that no one can take from You.  Thank You - but again I am not deserving...not at all.  Please forgive me for my sin that is great and daily.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

 2 Thessalonians 2

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I continue my pause of my study of 1 Corinthians as I participate in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church - today I start with week 2 which looks at 2 Thessalonians 2 and the memory verse remains Titus 2:11-12. Here, Paul builds on his discussion of the second coming of Christ to describe how Satan plays a role now and during the second coming.  Paul seeks to encourage the Thessalonians by sharing glimpses of end times so that they will know it when it does come and not be frightening - as it will be frightening indeed for those who have spurned Christ.  In vv1-2 Paul warns the church of false teachers who claim that the second coming has already arrived.  Paul then shares in vv3-9 in more details how God is restraining Satan now but during the second coming, Satan will no longer be restrained as Christ prepares for battle when Satan will be destroyed forever. Vv10-12 serves as a strong warning for those who do not repent of their sins and surrender to Christ as their Lord and Savior.  In vv13-16 Paul offers tremendous encouragement to believers to stand firm waiting for the second coming.  Believers take heart and be encouraged!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a good, good God who comforts and encourages me in this life by sharing Your plan for the ultimate defeat of sin-forever.  Thank You for Your Word for giving me confidence about what awaits and for power and protection now to battle against sin.  I am not deserving of such love.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

[Y]our steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring... is evidence of the righteous judgment of God...since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels[.]

2 Thessalonians 1

[Y]our steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring... is evidence of the righteous judgment of God...since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels[.] 2 Thessalonians 1:4b-7

Today I pause on my study of 1 Corinthians as I participate in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  For the next five days my focus is 2 Thessalonians 1 - today I read and did an unassisted (no commentary) study of this text.  Here, Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica, a church that he started (with Silas and Timothy) on his second missionary journey.  He is thankful for this church for their growing faith (v3), and their love for one another (v3) (with the latter being the 2nd greatest commandment - see Matthew 22:34-40).  He offers words of encouragement to the church in Thessalonica to continue to endure persecutions and afflictions (v4), emphasizing how their steadfastness and faith (v4)  in the face of persecutions and afflictions is evidence of God's righteous judgement (v5).  This righteous judgement makes them worthy of the kingdom of God (v5) because the faith and strength to endure this suffering brings glory to God because this suffering is for the sake of the church and the church's mission to serve and bring glory to God.  This is evidence of God's righteous judgment BECAUSE God - when He returns again for Judgement Day (second coming of Christ) -will repay those afflicting and persecuting the church, and will reward believers who suffer due to their faith (vv6-10).  Paul then closes the text in this chapter by offering encouragement via prayers for the Thessalonians (v11-12). 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who is full of grace and compassion for me - thank You Jesus!  Thank You Jesus for revealing Yourself to me in Your Word.  I am not deserving of how You speak to me and for Your grace.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.    

But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.

Isaiah 64-66

But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word. Isaiah 66:2

I resume my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series.  My study of Isaiah moves on to day 1 (of 5) of week 23, which will bring my study of Isaiah to a close as it covers Isaiah 64-66.  Day 1 focuses on initial observations from the entire text.  God's final judgement and end times are core themes for these chapters, so we of course see eternal damnation for the unrepentant - those whom God gave over to their sins.  We also see hope for the remnant - the elect and those whom God chose to not only hear the gospel, but also to receive the gospel and to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  God describes this remnant in Isaiah 65:8-9:

Thus says the Lord: “As the new wine is found in the cluster, and they say, ‘Do not destroy it, for there is a blessing in it,’ so I will do for my servants' sake, and not destroy them all. I will bring forth offspring from Jacob, and from Judah possessors of my mountains; my chosen shall possess it, and my servants shall dwell there. Isaiah 65:8-9

This remnant has hope as described in 65:19

I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in my people; no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping and the cry of distress. Isaiah 65:19

God also describes how we are to respond to His Word - by humbly submitting to Him and living in fear of Him as He reigns and holds our life in His hands. See Isaiah 66:2.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - You saved me.  I am undeserving of my salvation - I know it is only by Your grace that I am saved and that my faith is a gift.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The earth lies defiled under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant.

Isaiah 24-25

The earth lies defiled under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant. Isaiah 24:5

I return to my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, on Lesson 9, Day 3, the focus continues with Isaiah 24, where we see God's judgement on the whole earth. We examine parallels between the flood and subsequent covenant God made with Noah and his descendants in Genesis 7-9.  God once again unleashes His wrath against sinful humanity in Revelation - and here in Isaiah 24 God seeks to warn Israel about its unfaithfulness, and all the nations for its sin. Such warnings of course are not unique to Isaiah, and my study points out prophecies from Zechariah 14 that warns of "The Coming Day of the Lord." As a posted a couple of days ago, believers should be expectant of such a day, prepared, anticipating, and enduring faithfully. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God whose judgement and justice is perfect.  In Your judgement and justice, we see Your holiness, Your grace, and Your love.  Thank You for saving a place in Heaven for me.  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it is daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.

Revelation 20

And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. Revelation 20:12

This morning, until I start a new Bible study, I continue using devotionals from John Piper.  Today, the post focuses on how all believers are to be judged upon Jesus' second coming or on judgement day - either one of us will be face one or the other without fail.  While we see a picture of amazing grace from our Lord Jesus, we should remind ourselves that we are to aspire for treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19) and allow fear of the Lord to serve as a preservative against sin in our lives.  

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is full of grace for me.  I know that You also saved a place for me in Heaven - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God or such blessings.  I worry and I have other sins.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.”

Revelation 14-19:5

 “Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.” Revelation 16:15

Day 364 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with Revelation as I reach the final days of my chronological study of the Bible. This morning's reading focuses primarily on God's wrath of those who refused to repent of their sins to follow Him.  These people allowed themselves to be carried away by their temptations, desires and their sins with no regard to the everlasting consequences, which John now describes in detail as God's wrath is poured out.

This morning's reading includes a description of Satan as a thief who pounces on those who are not prepared or ready.  We must all be ready and submit to God.

See also John 10:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, and 2 Peter 3:10.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has sealed me for eternity and saved a place for me in Heaven.  I am not deserving of such a gift.  I worry, and I have other sins.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1-3

Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:17-18

Day 356 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this morning I read 2 Peter. 

My commentary* notes: "[o]ne of the interesting aspects of Peter’s second letter is the prediction of his own imminent death. This seems to indicate that the letter is written very near the end of Peter’s life, perhaps after the death of Paul and possibly about A.D. 64. The letter is similar in content both to Jude’s letter, which warned against false teachers, and to Paul’s discussion of the second coming in his two letters to the Thessalonians. The error being taught by these false teachers presumably is in regard to the second coming. Evidently their teaching concerning the actual time of the Lord’s reappearance is leading some not only to a life of idleness (against which Paul had warned) but also to worldliness and immorality. It is exactly the same problem which the prophet Malachi addressed. When the promised Messiah did not appear soon after his coming was foretold, many Jews became cynical and turned away from God altogether. Here now, some five centuries later, some Christians who have not been blessed with an immediate second coming of the Messiah are also giving up and living lives un-befitting Christians.

"It is to this situation that Peter now addresses his own warnings. Peter begins his letter by stressing the importance of true spiritual knowledge. He warns his readers to beware of those who might pervert the gospel of Christ by teaching a counterfeit doctrine. Like Malachi, Peter concludes by clarifying once again that, although Christ has not reappeared as quickly as some have expected, both his coming and the judgment of man are as certain as God’s Word itself. The strong implication is that some of his readers ought to be thankful that the Lord has not yet come again, because if he had, they would not have been ready!"

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Peter's words are both a warning and an encouragement as yes the Second Coming will arrive and it will be devastating for those who are not ready and have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord Savior.  But for those who are ready, Heaven awaits.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. 2 Peter 3:10

But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:13

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has given me hope and security beyond this world - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You seal me and preserve me.  My sin continues...including inaction in the areas where You want me to grow, worry, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.”

Revelation 8-11

“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15

Session #6 of  David Platt - Revelation: The Hope of Glory (requires login which I have though my church) focuses on Revelation 8-11. 

Key Reminder: The purpose of this book, is not to promote speculation about the future; we must be compelled to act in the present. 

Chapters 8-11, use trumpet blasts to warn of coming judgement and to signal salvation/victory. These trumpets use imagery use similar imagery from the Egyptian plagues (Exodus 7-13) and Joshua's victory at Jericho.  These trumpets represent:

• 1-4: systematic physical judgements across creation; do not put your ultimate hope in created things
• 5-6: terrifying personal judgments for idolatry and immorality (8:13); woe spoken to unbelievers throughout Revelation; demonic forces unleashed under the authority of God; third of mankind wiped out (9:15); despite harmful effects of idolatry and immorality rebellion continues (9:20-21) - this is a scene today!
• God is giving the world warning!  Turn from sin!
• God is calling the church to war; we are not at peace time with the spiritual forces of evil.

Revelation written to compel us to act in two ways:  

• Fervently pray for God's kingdom to come
• Fearlessly proclaim God's gospel to all

Our battle is fierce and the spiritual demons want to destroy us.  However, our prayers are effective (8:2) - return of Jesus and judgement is result of our prayers!  Our cries go up and His kingdom comes down!

Our God is faithful - responds to our prayers.  He will demonstrate His power over the gods of this world. He will vindicate His people amid opposition in this world.  He will extend His mercy to sinners around the world.  He will uphold his justice amid sin in this world.

We must fearlessly proclaim God's gospel to all.  In chapters 8-11, words prophet and prophecized repeatedly used representing how God's people proclaim God's word and truth in the midst of judgement.  Although our suffering is expected, our lives are secure (11:18)!  Out task is prophetic!  Don't stay silent!  Our message is clear!  Our light is unquenchable and our souls are touchable (11:5-6).  Our power is invincible and our death during the end times will be temporary (11:11-12).  Our resurrection will be sure! V15 represents how our mission will be complete and our God will be glorified! We will behold His majesty! His judgement will be final and His servants will be rewarded and His enemies destroyed.  We will be welcomed by His mercy.

My Prayer: Jesus - You are indeed a great God and Your will reign forever and ever and I am grateful that You have adopted me into Your family!  I am not deserving of salvation as I still sin!  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.