Category: Good Life Journal

Journal Ps 139-140 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!  How vast is the sum of them!  If I would count them, they are more than the sand.

 

Search me, O God, and know my heart!  Try me and know my thoughts and see if there be any grievous way in me…” excerpts from Ps 139:17-41

 

Observation:  This cry from the Psalmist is not without purpose.  “Reveal to me 2 things, O God: 1) Your thoughts, and; 2) how your thoughts are aligned in me.”

 

Analysis: Most times when cries go out like this all that is wanted is information.

 

“Your thoughts are precious, O God.”  “Your thoughts are without number; there are a ton of them, more than I can count.”

 

It is the second cry that causes a hiccup in the road: “Search me, O God.  Know my heart.  Try me (evaluate me, put me under a microscope, set me before a jury of my peers) and see  (determine, define, conclude, establish, clarify, reveal) if there be any grievous way (something that causes grief or heartache) in me.”

 

It is the cry of a person saying, “I want YOUR ways to be MY ways; I want YOUR thoughts to be MY thoughts; I want to be transformed!!”

 

To be aligned in the Holy Spirit is to remember this part of the Gospel: Through the atonement, I have been born again; All things are new, therefore I am new as well.  I have written before that the modern-day analogy is that the hard drive of my heart has been reformatted.

 

It is the truth!  It is why my life can be laid down at the cross DAILY; it is why I can TRUST that God will provide all the things I need; It is why I DO NOT need to assert my rights, wants, or desires, because HE goes before me and is my rear guard; and HE cares for me more than I could ever care for myself AND will do it more thoroughly, efficiently, and in completeness.

 

This is the day after Christmas 2020.  To say my holidays were problematic would be an understatement and nowhere near describing the depths.  Did I fail to practice what I preach?  Oh, yeah, failed momentously.  I was the poster boy of failure in godliness.  Did I fail to guide others around me?  Oh, yeah, I sure did.

 

I realize (again, you stupid boy) that I don’t get to coast in godliness—gain a momentum and see how far I can go before I coast to a halt.  That works but only coasting until you get to the edge of a cliff and fall straight off—I must prepare for war every day (whole armor of God thing—see Eph 6).

 

This set of verses in Ps 139 is not only the cry of someone in dire straits, but the conscientious (careful, dutiful), DAILY cry of a disciple.

 

Prayer:  Father, yesterday was bad.  All the actions and thoughts were around anything and everything but You.  You were in our mouth, but not our hearts.  Personal pain triumphed over our hearing of Your Voice.

I failed you yesterday, Father.  All the stuff you have given and supernaturally provided went down the drain and through the garbage dispenser.

I thank you for your love and mercy shown to me on the Cross.  I want to walk worthy of the calling O God.  Reveal your ways to me and make me aligned to them without fear or remorse.

Cause revival.

Amen.

Scripture: Psa 136

Observation:
..for his steadfast love endures forever.

The psalmist records plenty of reasons how we can know God’s love is steadfast and endures forever.

Application:

Even in our deepest darkest hours, we can hold on to this truth. God is faithful and his love for us is unchanging. He loves us as much today, and when we are going through our trials, as he did when he sent his only son to die to wipe away our sins. Love cannot be stronger than that and yet, he loves us like that always – even when we mess up.

Prayer:

Lord thank yo for loving me. I pray you help me hold the truth of your love even in my darkest times. In Jesus holy name I pray, amen.

Journal Rev 22 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life—bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb—through the middle of the street of the City.

 

Also, on either side of the river, the Tree of Life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month.  The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

 

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.  They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.

 

And night will be no more.  They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” Rev 22:1-5

 

Observation: The last chapter of Revelation should be comforting.  But comforting in what sense?  This comes to mind:

 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Cor 5:17

 

Analysis: The description of the finish line, is that what Chapter 22 is?  Yep, partially, or fully, that is exactly what it is.

 

However, is this picture of Heaven the vision that consumes me?  Is it what I think about, pray about, long for?  No, it is not—not even as old as I am, it is not.  Why is that?

 

I can be distracted easily.  I have nemeses: TV is a big one.  Another is anything that tempts me to disengage from folks.  As a youngster, I was a bookworm.  Older, less so, only because my eye prescription disallows it—but it doesn’t stop me from trying.

 

Ok, what’s the point?  I am committed to keeping my eye, my mind, my thoughts, and reasonings on Jesus alone.  Does that mean that I don’t pay attention to heaven and such?  At times, yes.  I am not equipped to give everything in the Bible equal attention—I must tackle something here, and then something there, so that I can adequately integrate what I learn.

 

There are times that I let my imagination go.  The “river of the water of life.”  What a phrase!!  It continues, “…crystal clear, flowing from the throne of God AND of the Lamb.”  Even as I write this my thoughts soar trying to construct a picture in my mind that would do the words justice.

 

I am inadequate…and I appreciate that John, through the Holy Spirit, succeeded where I would have failed.

Prayer:  Father, these last few days it seems that I am focused on keeping the eyes of my heart stayed on you—that is what I want, that is what I long for.

Help my friend, Oskar, in his troubles to be firm and faithful in you.

Bring revival,

AMEN

Journal Zech 3-4 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “And I said to the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?” Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” I said, “No, my lord.”

Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of “Grace, grace to it!” Zech 4:4-7

Observation: Do I think that the OT coughs up easy answers for every snip of Scripture that comes across my desk—especially in the minor prophets? Oh, no siree, Bob. So what do I see here?

Analysis: What caught my eye was a couple of phrases that I remember singing in songs: “Not by power, nor by might, but by grace you have been saved…”, and, “Grace, grace…”

Plucked out of context? Maybe, but pertinent to remember in doctrine application.

Songs have a powerful influence on my memory. It is easy for me to remember a Beach Boy tune; Elvis, Ray, Aretha. And the Beatles? Forget about it. All to say that music has a way to imprint my memory like nobody’s business.

I reach back in Christian History (something that should be a part of every disciple’s war chest of knowledge—why? Because everyone stands on the shoulders of godly men that have come before) and remember that the Wesley’s (around the Revolutionary War) ministry included writing songs that would emphasize Christian Doctrine and invoke, tickle those memories that would trigger faith.

Charles Wesley (1707-1788), for example, wrote over 6,000 hymns, one of which is “Hark, the herald Angels sing” and “Jesus, Lover of my Soul.”

Isaac Watts (1674-1748) wrote “Joy to the World” (and a bunch more) which was NOT written for Christmas but is a staple now.

There are a ton more of these old dead guys (and gals) that can enrich souls. I recommend “One Year through the Hymns” as a devotional study. There are a few surprises found in this book.

What songs do I remember? Top 40? Latest country? Old rock and roll or Motown? And what pushes thoughts of Jesus out of my heart so much that it is hard, hard, hard to focus?

I know what it does for me. Anybody else to confess?

Prayer: Lord, separating from the world, being “in it” but not “of it” is a difficult row to hoe. The world has such a siren’s call, and nobody likes being on the outside. Yet, that is what you call us to do.
Help me get my head around that continually and assist others to do so as well.
Cause revival and surrender, O God.
AMEN.

Scripture

Revelation 21:6 –8 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.  The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.  But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for the murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

Observation – 

Jesus is speaking to John telling him what is to take place based on where people place their faith and his words are trustworthy and true.  Jesus is the one from whom everything was created and he is on the throne in the new heaven earth.  In the story of the Samarian woman at the well Jesus answers her in John 4:13-14, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.  The water that I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” To the one who remains faithful, we have the right to be children of God.  Those who are without faith, immoral, murderers, liars, idolaters will face a second death in the lake of fire.

Application –

Jesus’s words are trustworthy and true.  It is done!  There are only two types of people in this world.  Those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ to have eternal salvation or those who are lost and will spend eternity in Hell separated from God. We are offered the water of life from Jesus freely.  This is ours when we persevere in faith and conquer the things of the world.  I must remain in the word, in prayer following and serving Jesus to not be misled by the evil one prowling around.  There are people who don’t know Jesus and their souls are at stake.  This creates a sense of urgency for me to share the gospel of the Good News of Jesus with those who face an eternity in Hell.  Two options, free gift of eternal life with the Creator God who came to earth as a sinless human to take our sin and save us or reject God and spend eternity in Hell separated from a God who loves you and wants to have a relationship with you.

 

 

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for the truth in your word.  Thank you for sending Jesus to give us the water of life so we can never thirst again.  Let me be burdened for those who are lost, have the Spirit give me courage, urgency and the right way to share your gospel with those who are lost.

Journal Haggai 1-2 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Ask the priests about the law: If someone carries holy meat in the fold of his garment, and touches with his fold—bread, or stew, or wine, or oil, or any kind of food—does it become holy?

 

The priests answered and said, “No.”

 

Then Haggai said, “If someone how is unclean by contact with a dead body touches any of these, does it become unclean?”

 

The priests answered and said, “It does become unclean.”

 

Then Haggai answered and said, “So it is with this people, and with the nation before me, and so it is with every work of their hands.  And what they offer there is unclean.”  Hag 2:11-14

 

Observation: In the minor prophets God gives us some detail about principles, precepts, and His attitude about things.  Some are plain.  Some takes some thinking.  All takes the Holy Spirit opening understanding.

 

What do I think I see here?

 

Analysis: I have run across an idea that if something considered “holy” (like perhaps me) can influence by my proximity to other things (like my family) into being CONSIDERED holy—my mere presence can make something “holy.”

 

The NT example of this thought is, “For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his (believing) wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her (believing) husband.” (1 Cor 7:14)

 

But the above Haggai reference would insinuate something different; that the proximity to something holy doesn’t make a thing holy.

 

So, what is the point?

 

This is a section where an understanding of Biblical Theology comes into play.  That principle is that the Bible doesn’t contradict itself.  Period.  If I took this to its roots, if the Bible is God’s Word, and God isn’t contradictory to Himself, then it follows that His Word isn’t contradictory.  It is basic mathematics applied to sentence structure.

 

Therefore, does proximity replace ultimate human responsibility?  Answer: No.  Each person must stand before God to answer for his ways. (c. Rev 20:12 “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.”)

 

So, then: What does proximity do, like in the marriage relationship as an example?  Ultimately nothing (Does being near something holy, make what is near, holy? prophesizes Haggai?)  Then what?

 

A believer becomes an instrument of Grace, exhibiting the mercy and grace of his Master, showing the life-changing aspect of the Gospel, that there is forgiveness of sin and that approaching the Throne has been enabled through the Atonement of the Son.  Also, the chains of sin have been removed so that I can pursue a life pleasing to God.

 

I can be an instrument of Grace.  No matter what my circumstances, no matter what God causes my life to encounter, as long as my eyes are fixed upon Him, buttressed by hammering the Word of God and his principles and precepts in my soul, I will be a good and faithful servant, pleasing to the King.

 

Prayer:  Father, I remember the song: “Not by works nor not by might, but by faith I have been saved, and it is a gift of God…”  I always have a reflex that I must caveat any statement of Works with an explanation of Faith.  I wish I could skip that from time to time.

Help me to become an example of being an Instrument of the Most High, accomplishing the purpose of God in my life and I would end my days with that testimony, just like Dave (Acts 13:31)

Cause revival.  AMEN.

Journal Rev 19 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”

 

And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”

 

Then I fell down at his feet to worship hem, but he said to me, “You must not do that!  I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus.  Worship God.”

 

For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”  Rev 19:9-10

 

Observation:  An oft quoted pair of verses.  Why?

 

Analysis:  As I get into the end of Revelation, the picture gets brighter.

 

Good guys vanquish the bad guys, and the bad guys are consigned to hell.  It is where Christians assert, “Jesus wins in the end!”, and Christians take solace in that.  No matter who is in the White House, what political party is in power, Jesus Wins!

 

Of course, that was asserted from Genesis, and didn’t need Revelation for that particular fact.  But God gave Revelation just the same and encouraged reading it for edification and encouragement—and I imagine, to break it down so that God’s purposes are further revealed.

 

Both Paul and Peter recognized that God’s purpose was to create for Himself a people for his own possession:

 

“…who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession…” Titus 2:14

 

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession…” 1 Pet 2:9

 

This is his purpose and for a reason: 1) a people zealous for good works (Titus 2:14b), and; 2) that they may proclaim the excellencies of Him (1 Pet 2:9b)

 

Therefore, I can feel good about being “invited” to dinner with Jesus.  Not only invited but chosen to be there (see previous chapter Rev 13:8).  Can I have confidence in that?  The angel says these are the true words of God.

 

What about the testimony of Jesus being the spirit of prophecy?  For those prophetically inclined, think about it: the gift of prophecy (1 Cor 12-14; also c. Acts 9, 11, 21 and a guy named Agabus) is given because of the Church and the Gospel as part of the toolbox called the gifts of the Spirit.

 

I just finished a Sunday session with my wife beginning a study of “Bible Doctrine” by Wayne Grudem.  We are on Chapter 1 “Why study Systematic Theology?”  As I have gone through this year and are now in Revelation, I see better how the whole Bible is woven together, not haphazardly but systematically.  There is rhyme and reason found.

 

Today’s post seems a stretch of context even to me, but somehow it works.

 

Prayer: Father, thank you for “juicing” me this morning.  I am excited about your Word.

Keep it bubbling inside of me, O God.

Bring revival, AMEN.

12/20/20 Sunday

Journal Zeph 2-3 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: #1 “This is the exultant city that lived securely, that said in her heart, “I am, and there is no one else.”  Zeph 2:15

 

#2: “Woe to her who is rebellious and defiled, the oppressing city!  She listens to no voice; she accepts no correction.  She does not trust in the Lord; she does not draw near to her God.”  Zeph 3:3

 

#3: I said, “Surely you will fear me; you will accept correction.  Then your dwelling would not be cut off according to all that I have appointed against you.”  But…all the more they were eager to make all their deeds corrupt.”  Zeph 3:7

 

#4: “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” Zeph 3:17

 

Observation:  4 references.  3 references expose the heart of unredeemed Man.  The 4^th is the attitude of our Lord, the God of all.

 

Analysis: These are places where the Gospel is made clear; especially the why I need the Gospel.

 

#1 shows the attitude of independence from God.  Those folks are identifying as God saying, “I am…” just like God said to Moses.  “There is no one else BESIDES ME…” says the fool.

 

#2 and #3 goes on to describe a heart that is refusing to hear His ways; describing rebellion, deaf, dumb, self-absorbed…what I see all around.

 

Then there is #4: He is all around me (in my midst); a mighty savior.  He is rejoicing, dancing, singing with gladness and joy.  Loud singing, exuberant dancing over the one who was lost and now found.

 

The three references of Man’s predisposition are always there to be battled against.  I can feel them when a racy commercial is aired on TV; sense them when the corruption is presented, and I go “what is the point of following God?”  I can be consumed by my own sense of what is “my truth” and not what is the objective Word of God nor can I accept correction to that end.  Rebellion and self-absorption—essentially being independent from God (just like Adam) is no stranger to any heart—even of the Redeemed.

 

Paul wrote: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now (not only in my presence but much more in my absence), work out your salvation in fear and trembling—for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Phil 2:12-13

Redemption as a broad subject is in two parts: God’s Sovereign choice, selection, election on one side, and, Human responsibility to pursue sanctification on the other.

 

When I fight the “good fight of faith’ it is not the battle from without, but the battle within.

 

Prayer:  Lord God, I sense the enemy within, wanting to draw my eyes and my effort away from You, from seeking You, and to fill those moments with either despair or busyness.

I am suspicious of the word “balance”, but if I am to have balance let the scales of my heart tilt firmly in Your direction, O Holy Spirit.

Help those who are tilting toward despondency and despair reach out to a willing hand of a Believer in this time of the calendar.

Bring revival.  AMEN

Journal Rev 20 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “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.”  Rev 20:12

 

Observation:  This is the Gospel as well as anything else.  The End of all Things is no longer “at hand”, it is here in this section of Scripture.

 

Analysis: Actually, the End of All Things is a bunch of stuff: a little bit of war; a little bit of creation being shaken out; a bit of the serpent and his followers getting their just due; and, etc.  Then—the Judgment of Man by God.

 

One of God’s attributes is his Justice—He is Just.  He is Just in all his ways and his works.  His Justice is objective, the measuring bar used is Himself and His Holiness.  Therefore, I can determine that He does NOT have a sliding scale of Justice.  Even in His Mercy, His Justice stays intact and Eternal.

 

Scripture indicates books are brought out for each individual, and in particular the Book of Life.

 

Where am I in this section of Scripture?  By faith in the redeeming blood spilled on the Cross of Jesus, I am experiencing salvation.  My particular conviction is that I experience salvation by faith on a daily basis, and I don’t subscribe to the “once saved, always saved” doctrine (or “once saved, I checked off that box, I don’t have to think about that anymore.”).  A big influence for my position is Lam 3:21-23: “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”  I think that is why Paul often refers to the “hope of my salvation” and not the “fact of my salvation.”

 

So why all of this?  Preaching the Gospel to myself every day is a SERIOUS reminder (not just a phrase that sounds catchy).  My heart needs to hear the Gospel story so that my pursuit of God stays a serious pursuit.

 

Prayer: Lord God, my lord.  My hope is in you alone.  I forget easily.  I am distracted easily.  And if I am, so are others.

Keep my eye single upon you, O Lord.  I hope in your salvation.

Bring revival, AMEN.

Journal Rev 18 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “…for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.  Pay her back as she herself has paid back others and repay her double for her deeds; mix a double portion for her in the cup she mixed.

 

As she glorified herself and lived in luxury, so give her alike measure of torment and mourning, since in her heart she says, “I sit as a queen, I am no widow, and mourning (grief, sorrow) I shall never see…”  Rev 18:5-7

 

Observation:  What shall I take from this?  A minefield…

 

Analysis: While this is projection unto the Queen of Babylon, it is also representative of the attitude of humans.

 

Soberly consider…

 

Prayer: Father.  I see pride; pride of life; pride of independence and indulgence.  I am not a puritan (in the negative, common sense of the word), and I like my stuff.  But I do not want to be what I read above.

Sharpen me and keep me sharp.  I want to remember and fully, publicly acknowledge that what gifts I have are only by Your hand and Your Goodness alone.

Revival, O Lord, cause revival.  AMEN

Journal Zeph 1 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “…and I will punish the men who are complacent, those who say in their hearts,

“The Lord will not do good, nor will he do ill…” Zeph 1:12

Observation: Sometimes you find a jewel, like something hidden in a bushel basket. Here is a description of Man’s attitude…

Analysis: Apathetic. Indifferent. Uninterested.

The prophet is saying that this is what a certain group of men think about God—God is not interested in what I do… He doesn’t care and is indifferent. He is a disengaged God, looking from afar, a minimal touch in people’s lives.

All of creation is in autopilot—and I have all the autonomy I want. God will not interfere.

Yes, there is a little stretch here and there, but the attitude I think is clear: “God doesn’t care.”

And if God doesn’t care, why should I? So, I am complacent. Complacent towards life complacent toward others, complacent towards morals, complacent toward parents, etc.: “Eat, drink, be merry, for tomorrow I die.” — the anthem of a complacent soul.

Being complacent means? Well for one thing, lack of purpose. But the scripture isn’t about what I am or am not, it is about what I think about the Most High God.

Ignorance or even claiming innocence will not be an excuse. Paul wrote:

“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been CLEARLY perceived, ever since the creation of the world in the things that have been made. So—they are without excuse.

For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools….” Ro 1:19-22a

What is insidious is that I can drift into this same apathetic attitude. How? By not paying daily attention.

Prayer: Father, help me to pursue you. Daily. Moment by moment. To seize those moments in my day where I stoke the embers of my heart for You into a flaming pyre of surrender at the foot of the Cross.
Cause revival.
AMEN.

Rev 16

Scripture

 

[4] The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. [5] And I heard the angel in charge of the waters say, “Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments.

[6] For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink.

It is what they deserve!”

 

Observation

 

Some people when they read the bible shy away from the judgement of God in the old testament but the God of the old testament is the same God of the new testament.  God gave everyone mercy and grace and chance after chance to repent  and open their hearts to Him.

 

That some people will know of God, and will have experienced God’s judgement, will not change their sinful condition  or open their hardened heart. They will still not repent. They will have had a choice to drink the Living Water but now there is no other choice than to drink blood.

 

With men already having been given a chance to repent, now it is judgement time. God’s judgement is just and righteous.

 

Application

 

It’s a sad part of the story if you linger on it. As much as God wants everyone to be saved, it just isn’t gonna happen. He tells us that.

 

That we know there will be those who will never repent, doesn’t necessarily mean we know those who will never repent.

 

Our mission should be clear – glorify Him in all we do and help others to see the Lord in his glory by spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

I think it’s important we don’t only surround ourselves with other Christians where it is comfortable. Be ready to speak the Word and share the Gospel. The Holy Spirit will direct you and give you words if you only open up to that and listen. And, pray for those you know with hardened hearts

 

Prayer

 

Lord I love you and pray I glorify you in all I do. Guide me with Your Spirit to share the Gospel with the lost. Use use me to be light in the darkness for some that don’t yet know You and don’t understand the consequence of their actions on judgement day. In Jesus Mighty name I pray, amen.

Journal Rev 15 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God (who lives for ever and ever).  And the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and his power…” (Rev 15:7-8a)

 

“…and they sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,

 

Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty!

Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations!

Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name?

For you alone are Holy, all nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”  (Rev 15:3-4)

 

Observation: Worship God.  Fear God.  Be amazed at his Goodness.  Be amazed at his Wrath.  Just and True are ALL his ways.

 

Aren’t these difficult to wrap minds around when the passages seem to not have immediate application?  But, I realize, that if I don’t determine to think hard about them, my understanding of the Gospel may get stunted—you know, “All scripture is profitable for instruction unto godliness.” (1 Tim

 

Analysis: What are the 4 living creatures?  I am not sure, but they are powerful and resilient enough to handle open containers of God’s Wrath.

 

They are also talented enough to join the Heaven Choir and sing the song of Moses and the Lamb before the Throne.

 

I guess this looks like I am making fun of the Scriptures, and the answer would be “sort of.”  Not making “fun” as in ridicule but attempting to bring joyful life to how I read and communicate.  I tend to make my voice serious about the very serious Bible and I don’t want to until necessary.

 

How do I integrate that all of God’s characteristics are equal?  John is describing the Fullness of God in Revelation: that He is fully Love, Grace, and Mercy, and fully Holy, Just, and Wrath—and all of these at the same time.  Because I am a limited creature, the difficulty of comprehension lies with me, but because I cannot comprehend it doesn’t make it untrue.

 

They sing: “Great and amazing are your deeds, O God Almighty.  You are Just and True.  You alone are holy, and your righteousness shown in your acts are revealed, therefore all nations will come to you and worship you.”

 

And what is described next?  Seven bowls full of the Wrath of God, prepared to be poured out on the world.

 

I candidly confess that this morning I don’t know what to do with this chapter of the scriptures.  I can pull out what I comprehend, guess at what I can guess, apply what I can sift out of this stream of Living Water, and meditate on what is left.

 

That doesn’t mean that journaling this chapter isn’t valuable.  I am going to look back on this at some time in the future and perhaps have more insight given by the Holy Spirit that wasn’t available today.

 

What can I do?  Why not meditate on the Attributes of God to start and see where that goes…

 

Prayer:  Lord God, Holy are you.  Full of Grace and Mercy are your ways.

Open my eyes that I might see you more fully in my daily life.

Bring revival. AMEN.

Scripture

Revelation 14:7 – And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

Observation –  

John is describing what an angel with an eternal gospel was proclaiming in strong warning.  The time is here where Jesus will judge everyone on earth.  The creator of heaven, earth, sea, springs of water and all creatures in it is to be worshipped.  The redeemed are to fear God and glorify him.

Application –

At our present time we are experiencing massive cultural shifts, immorality, taking of innocent unborn life under the guise of choice.  There is fear of the virus and fear of violence from social unrest and uncertainty of government.  The gospel is, was and will be the only truth to believe in that has eternal consequences.  The warning from the angel needs to be heeded as to we are to fear God not man or anything of man’s construct. I must remain focused that God holds our soul and eternity in his hand.  I need to be humbly submitted before our creator God giving him the glory that he deserves through worship, prayer and outreach.

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for creating me in your image and sending Jesus so I can believe in him to know you and make you known.  Let the Holy Spirit guide me to fear you not man and glorify you.

Journal Micah 6-7 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “With what shall I come before the Lord and bow myself before God on high?

 

Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?  Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil?  Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?  (Pause reflectively)

 

He has told you O Man what is good; and what does the Lord require of you—but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”  Micah 6:6-8

 

“Who is a God like you; pardoning iniquity and passing over transgressions for the remnant of his inheritance.  He does not retain is anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love.

 

He will again have compassion on us.  He will tread our iniquities underfoot.

 

You (O Lord) will cast all our sins into the depth of the sea!”  Micah 7:18-19

 

Observation:  There is a conviction in the words of the prophet Micah that is sorely missing in my heart AND mouth on a consistent basis.  I know why, though.  It is because I forget the Gospel.

 

Analysis: I don’t really forget the Gospel.  What I do is forget to consider the full impact of the Gospel in every part of every day of my life.

 

I have heard that Spurgeon was asked why he hammered (my word) on the Gospel every time he preached?  His answer was, “Because we daily forget” or something like that.  And this from a guy who probably preached 10 times per week to a packed house for years.

 

I first read the term, “Preach the Gospel to yourself daily”, from “Discipline of Grace” by Jerry Bridges.  When I initially came across that term it didn’t mean much to me—I read right over it maybe thinking “That’s catchy, I ought to use that…”

 

It wasn’t until years later that I started to understand the depths of actually DOING that statement and I didn’t come to that understanding unilaterally, it had to be preached and explained what that meant (again and again).

 

Micah is explaining a significant part of the Gospel in these two passages.  In the first one, he is asking (sort of rhetorically, sort of not) what payment, what sacrifice, is necessary to bring me into good graces with God?  I notice that all the offerings are EXTERNAL VALUE—nothing is being offered of himself, except temporary losses of property, bank accounts, and family.

 

Micah does indicate what is acceptable (should he care to do it): Change of the inward part of a man, change of character, change from pride to humility.

 

In the second passage, Micah defines (in part) the Sovereignty of God concerning the Gospel: God will do this, God will do that, God will pardon iniquity and will set aside his anger toward sin to delight in steadfast love.

 

That implies I am in the middle of responsibility of decision: Shall I try to give my way into His good graces (which is not possible)?  Or shall I capitulate (surrender, relent, cede, submit, yield) to what He says and accept that He made the atonement for my sin?

 

While this is pretty good for someone who doesn’t know Christ, the emphasis is not for that guy.  It is for the guy who remembers all of this in the morning and forgets it all by lunch time.

 

Like me.

 

Prayer: Father, you are not impressed by gobs of materials or wealth.  You are impressed by a humble heart bowed before you constantly as I go along my daily work, relationships, commerce, recreation, and all that.

I want to learn to pray unceasingly—always keeping a running dialog (not monologue) going with you, Holy Spirit.  I want to hear your voice and see your hand in everything I do and particularly have a heart of flesh, not of stone.

Bring revival.  AMEN