And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death....[the beast] was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation[.]...And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands.

Revelation 22

And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death....[the beast] was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation[.]...And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. Revelation 12:11, 13:7, 15:2 

This week marks (meeting Monday nights) the final week of my D-Group's study of Revelation - using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide. For this week's study, we are collapsing the Epilogue (week 11) and the Summary/Conclusion (week 12) into a single week. From the commentary included in the study guide the most convicting message today is that "[Revelation] paints a sober, realistic picture of what life will be like for Christ’s church in this world; there will be enticing temptations and violent persecutions, and the church will often look insignificant and weak.*"  It goes on to say that "it is possible for Christians to live victoriously. It’s just that victory will not always look like victory. Like Christ’s triumph at the cross, it will often be an ironic victory; a victory that looks like defeat."

I am reminded that we should not look to the world for how things ought to be - this is dangerous indeed.  God's ways may be mysterious and we may not understand them, but He is perfect as are His ways.  Our trials and challenges may not seem like God is working in our lives or in the world, but God never stops working for He is in all things.  Our Savior came on a donkey and willingly died on the cross for His children - and this provided all the victory we will ever need!

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God - I often don't understand my circumstances but I KNOW that You are always at work, You love me, that You will never leave or forsake me, that You saved me, and that You are saving a place in Heaven for me - ALL amazing blessings and I KNOW there are more!  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of any of these blessings. 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.

*Witmer, Stephen. Revelation (Knowing the Bible) (p. 73). Crossway. Kindle Edition.

In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.

 2 Corinthians 7

In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy. 2 Corinthians 7:4d

I paused this morning on both of my studies in Isaiah and Revelation to listen to the Solid Joys daily devotional on DesiringGod.com.  Piper reflects on Paul's joy here, and seeks to better understand how "unbelievably durable his joy was when things weren’t going well."  He asks: "[w]here did this come from?"  He then goes on to answer his own question as to the sources of this joy:

1. Teachings of Jesus: Luke 6:22-23
2. From the Holy Spirit: Galatians 5:22, 1 Thessalonians 1:6
   
3. From belonging to the kingdom of God: Romans 14:17
4. Through faith, believing God: Romans 15:13, Philippians 1:25
5. Seeing and knowing Jesus as Lord: Philippians 4:4
6. From fellow believers that help us: 2 Corinthians 1:24
   
7. From the sanctifying effects of tribulations: Romans 5:3-4
   

I love this verse - 2 Corinthians 7:4d - I am going to use when people ask me how I am doing!  I am overflowing with joy!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You give me great joy - regardless of my circumstances - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such joy.  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 are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.

Revelation 22

 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Revelation 22:14

This week marks (meeting Monday nights) the final week of my D-Group's study of Revelation - using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide. For this week's study, we are collapsing the Epilogue (week 11) and the Summary/Conclusion (week 12) into a single week.  Of particular note this morning is how only those who wash their robes are allowed into Heaven.  Of course this refers to the cleansing of sin that only Jesus provides - God alone forgives and cleanses us of our sin.  This is not of our own doing - no works can do this for us. We all sin, and we all need a Savior (lest we suffer eternal torment). For those who have experienced this cleansing, it is an overwhelming experience where a natural response is praise God - what amazing grace!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who saves me and cleanses my sin - thank You Jesus!  Amazing grace indeed!  I am not deserving as 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 is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.

Revelation 22

Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book. Revelation 22:7

This week marks (meeting Monday nights) the final week of my D-Group's study of Revelation for - using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide. For this week's study, we are collapsing the Epilogue (week 11) and the Summary/Conclusion (week 12) into a single week. One of questions this week asks about the divine blessing in Revelation 22:7, and what it means to "keep the words" of this book and why it may be important.  Earlier scriptures indicate that, for believers, our citizenship is in Heaven (see Philippians 3:20-21), so for me, citizens have an obligation to learn about their home.  Keeping these words also implies that I maintain confidence and assurance of what is to come - final victory over sin and death, and a world where there is no mourning, crying or pain.   

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:20-21

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, Your words are true and faithful and You give me great confidence, assurance, and peace - knowing that You are saving me a place in Heaven - in such a glorious place!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a blessing and for my salvation.  My sin is daily and it is great.  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.  

Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.

Isaiah 28-29

Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. Revelation 3:10

I resumed my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, looking at Isaiah 28-29, I move along to the remainder of Lesson 11, Day 3, which looks at primarily how God warns us of destruction due to our inability to listen and heed His Word.  Isaiah first warns of destruction in Isaiah 28:2 as a result of the pride of Ephraim (28:3).  Isaiah then is more explicit in Isaiah 28:22 where he delivers a message from God warning of destruction "against the whole land." We are encouraged to refer to Revelation 3:10, where encourages believers that have "kept [God's] word about patient endurance" - those who have done so are protected "from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world." God delivers the same message from Isaiah that He does in Revelation - LISTEN to me and OBEY my Word!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God indeed and You seal me forever from eternal damnation - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and protection.  My sin is great and it is daily - I know You saved me out of GRACE and not from anything I did.  Thank You Jesus.  I KNOW that I am not deserving.  Please forgive me Jesus for my sin 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 said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.

Revelation 21-22

And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. Revelation 21:6

I wrapped my D-Group's study of Revelation for the week - using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide. This week's study - week 10 - focused on a vision of Heaven, as John's letter of his vision of end times comes to a close at the end of chapter 22. Revelation 21:6, in particular, is an awesome portrait of God's grace and love as He freely gives salvation to those who are desperate, and panting for Him (thirsty). Other key takeaways, including another hint that describes Heaven as better than Eden is how Heaven has two trees of life (vs one) - one on either side of the river of the water of life (Revelation 22:2). 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for freely giving me salvation, and for giving me the confidence and hope to know that my home is truly in Heaven and that You are saving a place for me.  Incredible - thank You Jesus and I know 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.

 

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.