But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life....No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.

Revelation 21-22

But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life....No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. Revelation 21:27, 22:3

I continue my D-Group's study of Revelation - using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide - for week 10, we are looking at Revelation 21-22:5 where we see John's vision of the New Heaven and New Earth. As I continue to progress with week 10, a key takeaway is how we must be clear that Heaven is even BETTER than the Garden of Eden from Genesis.  In the Garden, we did see unclean influences as the serpent was present and of course tempted Adam and Eve into sin.  In Heaven, we will have no such uncleanness or sin. 

Comment and discuss this post. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, Heaven IS better than the garden of Eden and You are saving a place for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and such a blessing.  My sin continues 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.

Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

Revelation 21-22

Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:3-4

I resume my D-Group's study of Revelation - using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide - for week 10, we are looking at Revelation 21-22:5 where we see John's vision of the New Heaven and New Earth. Here, as this vision unfolds, we experience perhaps a spectacular portrait of Heaven as believers long to endure through an earthly life that is full of challenges, hurts, pain, suffering, trials, etc.  God is with us and all of these challenges pass away and we are reunited with God in the new garden of Eden in perfect harmony with Him.  No sin, no death, and subsequently none of the consequences of a fallen world where these things exist.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who is saving a place for me in Heaven where I will see all of my tears wiped away and I will see You face to face - what a glorious moment this will be!  Thank You Jesus for my salvation.  Of course I am undeserving...my sin is great, it continues, 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.

Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: Whoever believes will not be in haste.’

Isaiah 28-29

Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: Whoever believes will not be in haste.’ Isaiah 28:16

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, looking at Isaiah 28-29, I move along to Lesson 11, Day 3, which looks more closely at Isaiah 28:16 and related references in scripture, including:

• Isaiah 8:13-15 > for Jews that did not see Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus became stone of offense, rock of stumbling
  
• Romans 9:33 > NT reference to Isaiah 8:13-15
• Psalm 118:22 >Jesus, the stone the builders rejected became the cornerstone
  
• 1 Peter 2:6-8 >Jesus as cornerstone, whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame
  
• Matthew 21:33-46 > NT reference to Psalm 118:22
  
• Acts 4:8-12 >Jesus as cornerstone, no other name under heaven by which can be saved
  
• Daniel 2:31-45 >kingdoms of this world are all from Christ but will will pass away, God's kingdom will overcome (and destroy earthly kingdoms) all other kingdoms and last forever
  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and whose kingdom will last forever - and You are saving a place for me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such a blessing.  My sin 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.

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Mark 14

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Mark 14:26

This morning, I pause on my studies of Revelation and Isaiah to listen to today's devotion from Solid Joys from DesiringGod.com. This devotion reflects and meditates on song - of course, how God created it, it's purpose, and it imagines God singing.  Piper quotes 1 Chronicles 15:16 where it describes how King David returns the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem and how David instructs the Levites to "play loudly on musical instruments, on harps and lyres and cymbals, to raise sounds of joy."  The ESV Study Bible indicates that "[t]his marks a turning point in the history of Israel’s worship: the Levites are appointed, under David, to a new ministry of music and praise, which will be conducted in the presence of the ark." In the devotion, Piper states that God is infinitely joyful...because God "has rejoiced from eternity in the panorama of his own perfections reflected perfectly in the deity of his Son."  He then states that God "appointed song for us to release our heart’s delight in him." Amen!  Of course, we exist to worship and glorify God, and this is appropriate because our God is great indeed!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You are worthy of my song and worship - I KNOW I exist to glorify You.  You have blessed me beyond description and words - I am overwhelmed by Your blessings.  Thank You Jesus!  But I also know that I am undeserving.  I have sin 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.

This also comes from the Lord of hosts; he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.

Isaiah 28-29

This also comes from the Lord of hosts; he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom. Isaiah 28:29

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, looking at Isaiah 28-29, I move along to Lesson 11, Day 2, which looks more closely at the divisions in Isaiah 28, including: 

• v1-6: Description of a proud and "drunk" Ephraim that failed to heed God's word
• v7-13: God's efforts to speak through the prophets met with mockery by the people, so God warns the people that foreign tongues (Assyrians) will deliver a message and will overrun the people as punishment
• v14-22: God's people turn not to God for protection but to their own efforts and to their neighbor Egypt; instead we are to turn to the Cornerstone of Zion
• v23-29: God tells a parable how He teaches a farmer how to ply his trade and how all science, wisdom and knowledge come from Him so we will be blessed by listening and submitting to Him 
  

My commentary describes several takeaways/applications: 

• Guard against over-indulgence (drunkenness of any kind)
• It is crucial that we hear and obey God's word
• Trust in Him vs ourselves or idols that post as gods in our lives
• See how all knowledge is the hand of God
  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who protects me from the sting of sin and death - thank You Jesus!  You also are the source of all knowledge and the source of how this knowledge blesses me and others - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You do all of this and so much more!  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.

Give ear, and hear my voice; give attention, and hear my speech.

Isaiah 28-29

Give ear, and hear my voice; give attention, and hear my speech. Isaiah 28:23

I resume my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, on Lesson 11, Day 1, I begin an examination of Isaiah 28-29, first by reviewing chapter 28.  Here, we see a judgement on Ephraim and Jerusalem - as they fail to heed the word of God. God's anger is aroused and destruction of the whole land is looming (Isaiah 28:22).  I am not immune to a failure to listen to God - yet when we do this we fail to recognize who is delivering the message to us. It is the Creator, and the One True God who sustains everything and holds all things together (see Colossians 1:16-17).  Our lives are in the palm of His hands. Recognizing who God is should be a starting point for us to listen to His message and Word for us.    

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and I love You - You bless me daily, You give me life, etc. - far too many blessings to describe in words.  I am overwhelmed.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings and love. I often fail to listen to and act on Your Word.  My sins are great and they are 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.

Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.

Revelation 20

Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. Revelation 20:6

I wrapped my D-Group's study of Revelation - using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide - for week 9, which looks at Revelation 20:1-15. In review of this week, I see several key takeaways:

• I am reminded that while the unsaved earn their fate because of both what they did - their deeds - and because of their failure to submit and accept Jesus and repent, believers, including myself did nothing to earn our salvation. We are included in the book of life only through the grace of God. (Ephesians 2:8)
  
• The connection between the first and last Adam becomes more clear. Sin and death entered the world through the first Adam and it leaves the world through Christ - reversing the curse. (1 Corinthians 15:21-22)
  
• I am also reminded of my role as a priest in God's kingdom. (Revelation 20:6)
• While Satan does have power, God retains an upper hand and we know that God has already defeated sin - only that Satan's influence persists until Jesus returns.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible awesome God who is full of amazing grace - You gave me eternal life and life to the full now here on earth, protecting me from sin and death and blessing me indescribably.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God.  My sin is daily and it continues.  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

I continue my D-Group's study of Revelation using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide - moving along with week 9, and my look at Revelation 20:1-15. The reference to "the dead, great and small" implies a comprehensiveness of humanity across all of redemptive history and how God authored the "book of life" before the foundation of the world - see also Daniel 7:10, Romans 2:6-11, and Revelation 3:5, 13:8, 17:8.  We must all be ready, as we don't the day or the hour of our own death or Christ's return, we will all be judged, and God offers salvation for those who accept Him as their Lord and Savior.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is saving a place in Heaven for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such amazing 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. 

Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.

Revelation 20

Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. Revelation 20:6 

I resumed my D-Group's study of Revelation using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide - starting week 9 - which looks at Revelation 20:1-15. My commentary describes this chapter as "depict[ing] the realities of this present age, followed by a picture of the final judgment of Satan and all his followers." The commentary also briefly describes two of the more prominent viewpoints on end times - Premillennialism and amillennialism (for discussion on the leading different perspectives see video here). As a starting point, while there is much to unpack with regards to the details and how differing perspectives of end times explain these details, we should all agree that God's victory is assured!  Spoiler alert - God always wins!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God and I KNOW victory over sin and death is assured by You, now and forever...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You died on the cross for me so that I could have this victory.  My sin 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.

And in that day a great trumpet will be blown, and those who were lost in the land of Assyria and those who were driven out to the land of Egypt will come and worship the Lord on the holy mountain at Jerusalem.

Isaiah 26-27

And in that day a great trumpet will be blown, and those who were lost in the land of Assyria and those who were driven out to the land of Egypt will come and worship the Lord on the holy mountain at Jerusalem. Isaiah 27:13

I continue with my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, on Lesson 10, Day 5, I wrap the lesson for the week and end with a review of Isaiah 27, where the study looks closely at Leviathan (Satan) as referenced in Isaiah 27:1 and other scriptures, including Job 3:8, Psalm 74 and Psalm 104. The study also contrasts the vineyard portrayed in Isaiah 5 with that described in Isaiah 27. In Isaiah 5, God laments how He tends to a vineyard (His people), yet it produces no fruit. In contrast Isaiah 27 describes a "pleasant vineyard." My post yesterday describes how God's people do suffer, yet are purified (sanctified). Finally, Isaiah describes a gleaning that occurs during end times where only the faithful and righteous are saved and they gather for worship the One True God during end times. My commentary describes the following applications for Isaiah 27:

• "We should seek to bear fruit for the glory of God through abiding in Jesus 
• The fruit of our lives should extend to the ends of the earth, especially in our zealous efforts to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ to unreached people groups. 
• We should also be zealous to crush the idolatry in our lives—worldliness, sexual immorality, greed, etc. 
• Finally, we should be part of God’s clear “trumpet blast” to the nations, calling the elect from every tribe to faith in Christ, for that great day of assembly, for the worship of God and of the Lamb in the new Jerusalem."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who tends to my heart, protects me from harm and never leaves or forsakes me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such loving care.  My sin 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.

In days to come Jacob shall take root, Israel shall blossom and put forth shoots and fill the whole world with fruit.

Isaiah 26-27

In days to come Jacob shall take root, Israel shall blossom and put forth shoots and fill the whole world with fruit. Isaiah 27:6

I continue with my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, on Lesson 10, Day 4, the focus continues with Isaiah 26-27, moving on to Isaiah 27, where my commentary describes, using v6 or "prefigures" messianic prophecies of preserving a fruitful remnant to "fill the whole world with fruit." Yet we must see how God is emphasizing a remnant as most of Israel remains unfaithful.  My study points to Isaiah 24:6 where God is specific that His judgement of the whole earth will come to pass and only a "few men are left." Isaiah 27 describes how this happens through Israel's exile and desolation where God seeks to purify His people. This purification process is what God ultimately seeks from all believers who trust in Him...that through a closer relationship with Him, we would seek to please, honor and glorify Him for that is why exist - and we come to know this more and more through the sanctification process (see also refiner's fire).

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who sanctifies me - purifying me of sin and making me more like You.  Thank You Jesus for such love, compassion and grace.  I am not deserving.  My sin 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.

For behold, the Lord is coming out from his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, and the earth will disclose the blood shed on it, and will no more cover its slain.

Isaiah 26-27

For behold, the Lord is coming out from his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, and the earth will disclose the blood shed on it, and will no more cover its slain. Isaiah 26:21

I continue with my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, on Lesson 10, Day 3, the focus continues with Isaiah 26-27, primarily on Isaiah 26, where my commentary indicates that while Isaiah 24-25 describe "triumphant prophecies of final victory by the Lord over all tyrants who oppress God’s people in this world[,]" God's people seek encouragement and guidance about how to endure in the present while waiting for God's promised end times judgement of the whole world.  My study urges me to look at various scripture examples of how natural disasters are God's hand - we are referred to the following examples to learn about God and His role and designs for natural disasters:

• Isaiah 26:9 > inhabitants of the world learn righteousness
  
• Isaiah 45:6-7 > that people may know there is none like Him
  
• Amos 3:6 > Lord causes disasters
  
• Jeremiah 14:1,22 > God brings rain
  
• Psalm 148:8 > Fire, hail, snow, mist, and story wind fulfill His word
  

In contrast to a post a couple of days ago, which focused on end times and the creation of the new heaven and new earth where the faithful will live for eternity with God, in Isaiah 26:21, we see a picture of how God punishes the wicked. While we all sin, the difference between our own wickedness and unbelievers is how we placed our faith in Jesus to wipe away our sin. God's justice is perfect. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and who gives me the gift of forgiveness of sin and eternal life - amazing grace indeed!  I am not deserving of such a gift.  My sin continues.  Please forgive me 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 sposues 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.

Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy!

Isaiah 26-27

Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! Isaiah 26:19

I return to my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, on Lesson 10, Day 2, the focus continues with Isaiah 26-27, primarily on Isaiah 26, where my commentary indicates that while Isaiah 24-25 describe "triumphant prophecies of final victory by the Lord over all tyrants who oppress God’s people in this world[,]" God's people seek encouragement and guidance about how to endure in the present while waiting for God's promised end times judgement of the whole world.  In Isaiah 26, today's focus is on a contrast of the two different futures awaiting the dead - those of the faithful, and those who do not see nor acknowledge/accept God. Isaiah 26:14 and 26:19 represent the two different outcomes. They in 26:14 are described is not seeing God in 26:11. Revelation 21:4 portrays a beautiful picture of the New Heaven and Earth and how all tears will be wiped away:

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are worthy indeed of my praise and worship!  You give me - and all faithful - eternity in heaven with You and other believers!  I am not deserving of such a blessing - not by a long shot.  My sin 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.

After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”

Revelation 17-19

After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” Revelation 19:1-2 

I wrapped my D-Group's study for the week of Revelation using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide - reviewing once again the key themes for Revelation 17-19, including my memory verse - v19:1-2. With today being Easter, the memory verse for this week is particularly appropriate because God has defeated sin and death, and He did so in order that those who believe have salvation - the greatest gift of all time.  This is worthy of celebration and the worship we offer is worthy the God who gives it to us out an abundance of grace. In his defeat of sin and death, God demonstrated attributes of love but also perfect justice. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have risen indeed.  You have defeated sin and death and You are worthy of my white-hot worship - for You saved me and give me the same power that rose Your body from the grave.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues.  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.

“Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.

Revelation 17-19

“Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. Revelation 18:4-5 

I continue with my D-Group's study of Revelation using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide - reviewing the commentary for Revelation 17-19. Among the sections most convicting for me in the commentary is the "Whole Bible Connections" section, where it highlights Revelation 18:4-5 and how believers must "come out of her, my people," referring to Babylon and the worldly influence/sin she represents.  The other part of this equation is for believers to be a light...to make it clear to others that Jesus is real - through our lives - and He is the promised Savior and Living Water. We are referred to James 4:4 as just one example of many of a similar warning to that of Revelation 18:4-5.

Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.  James 4:4

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

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My Prayer: Jesus, You are real and You are my personal Lord and Savior - thank You Jesus for my salvation and I am in awe of the price You paid for it.  You were innocent, but willingly laid down Your life for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am of course not deserving - my sin is great and it continues.  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.

They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.

Revelation 17-19

They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful. Revelation 17:14 

I resumed my D-Group's study of Revelation using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide.  For this week, the study looks at Revelation 17-19, which according to the commentary portrays both the destruction of Babylon (Satan, sin, etc.) and Jesus's victory celebration. We are reminded by the commentary that "In the end, God’s enemies always lose". This is certainly an appropriate takeaway on Good Friday - a day that marks Jesus' death on the cross.  We know that on Sunday - on Easter, we mark His resurrection - victory over sin and death!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who defeated sin and death and give me that same power - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time!  My sin is great - and 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.

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock....In the path of your judgments, O Lord, we wait for you; your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul. My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you.

Isaiah 26-27

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock....In the path of your judgments, O Lord, we wait for you; your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul. My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. Isaiah 26:3-4,8-9

I return to my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, on Lesson 10, Day 1, the focus moves to Isaiah 26-27, primarily on Isaiah 26, where my commentary indicates that while Isaiah 24-25 describe "triumphant prophecies of final victory by the Lord over all tyrants who oppress God’s people in this world[,]" God's people seek encouragement and guidance about how to endure in the present while waiting for God's promised end times judgement of the whole world.  The commentary writes that "Isaiah 26 is a song of realistic praise for God’s present protection and future deliverance for his suffering people."  In particular v3-4 and v7-9 offer such encouragement and guidance.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, and who protects and delivers me from the dark forces of this world now and for eternity - 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 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 he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.

Isaiah 24-25

And he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 25:7-8

I return to my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, on Lesson 9, Day 5, the focus continues with Isaiah 25, where we see, primarily - God uncovering the veil that prevents us from experiencing the fullness of God. My commentary indicates that "Isaiah 25:6-9 is one of the clearest predictions in the Old Testament of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." The commentary describes how the "covering" and "veil" is both physical and spiritual death (shame/guilt), and how the resurrection of Christ and Jesus' victory over sin and death allows us to fully experience God by "removing the disgrace of his people from the whole earth." Isaiah 25:6 also describes a lavish feast hosted by God celebrating this victory over sin and death - how appropriate and timely for Easter!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, through You, we have victory over sin and death - thank You Jesus - Hallelujah!  The greatest gift of all time!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me.  Help me turn from and overcome my 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 energy.  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 strong peoples will glorify you; cities of ruthless nations will fear you.

Isaiah 24-25

Therefore strong peoples will glorify you; cities of ruthless nations will fear you. Isaiah 25:3

I return to my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, on Lesson 9, Day 4, the focus continues with Isaiah 25, where we see - following judgement of the whole earth in the preceding chapter - messianic prophecies providing eternal salvation for the faithful. My commentary indicates that as part of God's perfect plan of redemptive history, God converts violent nations in Isaiah 25:2-3, and these verses describe the reverence of God as a response from the subdued violent nations. My commentary includes numerous examples of enemies of God converted by Him, including "Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:34-35), the Roman centurion who crucified Jesus (Mark 15:39); [and] Saul of Tarsus, who began the day breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples and ended the day a Christian (Acts 9:1-8)." In fact, all believers were once enemies of God (Romans 5:10). My commentary continues: "[u]ntil the violent are converted, God must protect his beloved people from the storm of their vicious attacks, so verses 4-5 depict the refuge God is from their onslaught. The delight of his people comes when God at last stills the song of the violent by either converting them or crushing them, as he does at the end of [Isaiah 25]." These early verses in Isaiah represent a great example of how believers gain peace knowing that that the forces of this world (Satan) are no match for the King of Kings!

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My Prayer: You are indeed an awesome God whose plans are perfect and who protects and rescues the faithful from Satan from the dark forces of this world, providing salvation and victory over sin and death - glorious indeed!  I am not deserving of such blessings...my sin - of worldly distractions, etc. - 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. 

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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.