1 day sabbatical

J/k I did read this morning and started to write up a post but its mucho late. I had to go to LA to get a big car to move tomorrow. Didn't expect it to take quite all day but it did. Anyways, the message of the three angels to be posted tomorrow. I hope. good night world

THE MEGA POST! that no one will read.....

I'm back! Well I didn't really go away, just busy movin. Which I must say, it is way nice to be back, to have a clean apartment, to not have three desks in the living room (I'm trying to get rid of mine). Also I'm in the thick of VBS planning. Honestly the Berean kids are great joy but also one of my biggest burdens. I'm a bit relieved to not have to give any more lessons until October, but I am leading praise for the rest of Sept after retreat. Goodness. I am super excited about retreat! I'm super excited about collegians coming back! I'm super excited to hang out with my (ex)small group!

I've been trying to organize my life so that I can be efficient with my time and money (since those are the two things adults seem to handle the most). I've been trying to make my time with people and by myself intentional and profitable. I think thats a reason why I'm glad to be back at rancho. I didn't feel at home at turtle rock because I knew I wasn't going to stay long. But now I feel like I have more stability and consistency in my life, which I hope lends itself to a more stable and consistent(ly growing) relationship with God.

Anyway, thats my quick update since I haven't been posting since posting (or not) my Rev study. But ya, back to that, I have a lot to cover.

Rev14:6 - 16:21

Okay first Rev 14:6-13

This is a really cool section of Revelation because this is the build up to the end. Its really cool too because it illustrates how awesome God is. When I walk into a room there is no song, or marked followers, angels announcing anything, or really anything to precede the awesomeness of my entrance. Ya.... I'm not awesome haha.

There are three angels with three messages to give before God busts onto the scene. The first proclaims an "eternal gospel" demanding the nations to fear, give glory, and worship God. The second angel announces that Babylon is fallen, a major enemy to Israel. The last angel announces that all who worship the beast will suffer eternal torment. Last the passage ends with an exhortation for the saints to persevere.

Short analysis and reflection (because I'm doing like 4 passages...). The first angel is explaining the person of God that the world had rejected. I suppose, if you do not have a relationship with God like a Christian does, then you can not know who he is or how to respond to Him. So here it is; fear Him, give Him glory, and worship Him! The second angel lets us know that enemies to Israel are enemies to God, even if He used them in His sovereign plan. There will be justice and God will be righteous. Those who don't accept the grace bought with Christs blood will be held accountable for all their evil. Also noteworthy is that Babylon was not a power at the time this book was written (actually the Roman Empire was in power) which could mean all enemies of Israel or of God, or perhaps Babylon or a form of it will rise to power again, perhaps under the rule of the beast. I guess considering the third message, Babylon might likely be a particular nation because the third message includes all who follow the beast, THAT would be all the enemies of God. And here, the angel reitterates that their punishment for their sins and rebellion will be eternal. Verse 11, "And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night...." But there is a concession that following God requires endurance (especially in the midst of persecution). Yet that endurace is rewarded with rest! Cool huh!

mmkay next... aish....

Rev 14:14-20 The Harvest of the Earth

So one like the son of man appeared on a cloud with a sickle to which an angel affirmed that the earth was ripe! So He reaped the earth. That would be Christians. The word for ripe here actually reffers to grain, which is different from the ripeness of a grape. This son of man is very obviously Christ, who first came to sow, and will return again to reap. But there is a second reaper. This reaper is identified as an angel, having power over fire. This angel will reap the ripe grapes (again different from the ripe grain) and put them in the winepress where they will be crushed. Now it doesn't take much imagination to see that Christians are the grain and non-christians are the grapes, and in being either, I'd rather not be crushed. The grapes will be crushed in the winepress until blood runs from it as high as a horses bridle.

Quick reflection. Christ will come, be assured of it, and he will gather to himself those that belong to Him. To be honest, being reaped does not sound like fun, but being with Christ? Now thats worth getting sickled. At least I'm not being crushed after being reaped. And honestly, not like it matters, but they don't even get reaped by Christ, but by an angel. Simply being the grain is awesome, being grapes sucks. Grapes get crushed till blood flows as high as a horses bridle. I don't think many people know this, but I used to have a horse (name wimpy, she had one eye). Anyway, if you've ever ridden a horse you realise that the bridle is pretty stinkin high, like 5ft high or more.

Rev 15 The Seven Angels with Seven Plagues

Looking down on earth, as if on a ceiling of glass, are those in heaven who had conquered the beast. And they sang and played harps, singing the song of Moses. vs 3-4

"Great and amazing are your deeds,

O Lord God the Almight!

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."

Then the angels came out of the sanctuary, clothed with golden sashes, and from the four living creatures, they received the bowls of God's wrath. The sanctuary was filled with God's glory and none could enter.

Reflection: Um I don't know what to say about this one. Those who sing the song of Moses are thought to be th 144,000 mentioned earlier. I tend to think that this is actually all those who are redeemed and they will be spared from the wrath of God. I don't think this is in reference to the tribulation because I think these bowls of wrath will be the end of world.

Rev 16 Seven Bowls of God's Wrath (vs 1-16) The Seventh Bowl (vs 17-21)

Goodness this is long and I'm really tired so...... I'm combining all of Chapter 16 which is the unleashing of the 7 bowls of wrath. The first bowl was a plague of sores on those who worshipped the beast. The second bowl turned the sea into blood so that everything died in it. The third bowl turned the springs and rivers into blood. Similar to the second. The fourth bowl was poured on the sun so that it was intensified. The fifth bowl placed the beasts throne into darkness. The sixth bowl dried up the river Euphrates. And the seventh bowl was a great earthquake that basically destroys the earth. Also, hail came down.

Reflection: At the end of the tribulation, during God's partial judgement, only a third was destroyed but these bowls of wrath will be all consuming. Everything that we know here on earth will be destroyed. A special note about the sixth bowl should be made because the river Euphrates was a border for Israel and kept enemies at bay. The drying up of the river would let provoke war and conflict. In such a sense, the river was something of a peace keeper that God will take away at the end of time. The last plague is just the end of it all. I don't tell anyone because I'm way too macho, but I was pretty dang scared during the northridge earthquake in 94. I guess earthquakes don't phase me much anymore but I was freakin scared back then. But this last one will split cities and swallow nations, totally destroying everything. And as if that wasn't enough, hail 100 lbs will fall on the earth.

Sorry that was not blogged well. I have much more to write about but it's past my bedtime and my post would be like 3 times longer if i wrote everything. Oh well, I'll be more consistent.

Tomorrow Rev 17:1 the Great Prostitute and the Beast

Covenanspensationalism Rev 14:1-5

This seems to be a recurring problem but again, I haven't studied enough to difinitively say I think covenant theologists or dispensationalists are absolutely correct. And to be honest I may never fully agree with anyone because ultimately, in prayer, and diligent study, I think the Spirit will work in me and form my convictions.

Anyway, theres nothing I could really do anyway with regard to God's plan for Jewish people because whatever it entails...... despite what people may guess...... wouldn't be suprised...... I'm not Jewish. (BTW guesses of my nationality include: mexican, italian, middle eastern, iranian, phillipino, aztec, white, korean, japanese, chinese, thai, canadian, and....... I think thats its.....)

So I only bring this up because this passage particularly talks about 144,000 who will appear with the lamb and honestly I don't know for sure who they are.

Rev 14:1-5 The Lamb and the 144,000

So the lamb busts onto the (up until now) bleak scene with 144,000 people, marked by God on their foreheads. What marks their foreheads? God's name apparently. Okay I lied a little I guess I kind of know who the 144,000 are. Most likely this is referring back to chapter 7: 5-8 where God promises to protect his people, sealing 12,000 from the tribe of the sons of Israel. But this is a curious thing in itself that I suppose I'll brush over since I started blogging after studying that passage. The tribes listed aren't actually the sons of Jacob. Well mostly they are, but Dan is omitted and in his place is Manasseh. It's also not the tribes that inherited Canaan. Perhaps (and this is a big perhaps) each is symbolic of a group of people? I don't know, however it is pressumed that the designation of 12,000 is symbolic, likely with they use of 12 as representing God's covenant and promise. All that aside, who cares! the lamb is here!

Man I want to hear more about the lamb but..... this is what came with him; "a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps." I think thats a good illustration because I think, apart from singers, we don't generally equate strong thunderous voices with the melody of a harp. Actually I haven't heard much harping so its a bit difficult anyway. But that aside its amazing that Christ's presence will be amazingly powerful yet beautiful. There will never be anything so great and awesome as this moment. This is the greatest thing to ever happen to anyone, anything, ever, anywhere, #1, bankai, nine-tails, gg, epic, beautiful, amazing, loving, finally the best day of my and every other Christians existence. Sorry I got really excited haha.

So then the 144,000 sing a song that only they can learn and the angels can learn and know. Again most beleive that 144,000 is symbolic of all those who are redeemed. I think that would be the case here, as I can't think of a reason why nor find a passage (didn't look very hard) that would exclude saved souls from singing praise to God.

Now the passage ends with a declaration of the 144,000's righteousness both in sexual purity on the purity of their speech. Perhaps this is true by worldly standards but I'm thinking that as the word is written by God it is written under his standard of righteousness. So I'm thinking that these people are actually living in Christ or if dead are really in Christ. They have been sanctified and glorified and are at that point righteous under Christ as we are righteous. The difference is that we are still being sanctified and are not yet glorified.

Yes unfortunately, I'll end there because its late and I have to plan a lesson still! well perhaps I'll just outline it for the time being. Anyways, I'll do Rev 14: 6-13 tomorrow

love life ^^

As if one wasn't enough (its not) Rev 13: 11-18

I like to think I'm a kid at heart. After all my favorite movies are kid movies, my favorite foods aren't very "mature", I am easily excited and let down, and I would stop doing just about anything to play with my friends haha. So maybe thats why, at least this morning, I read this passage and totally felt like bagging on satan for being weak sauce. Like, come on, a dragon, two beasts, angels and you still lose to one man. I feel like I would pick on satan if he went to my school. His reign is "allowed" by God and lasts only 7 years. With respect to eternity, he's out like a fatkid in dodgeball. (horrible, James Hong used that the other day and I very guiltily laughed)

Rev 13: 11-18 The second beast

Now the second beast came from the earth and only had two horns. Specifially, its two horns made it look like a lamb. However, it is very obviously not the lamb because it also spoke like a dragon. Now if the beast happens to come in the form of a human then I would suppose speaking like the dragon would be blaspheming against God.

This beast seems to be the backup, as it exercises the same authority as the first and makes the people give the first beast worship. This second beast is "allowed" (by God) to rain fire in front of the people. So being able to do this, many are deceived. Therefore this second beast tells the people to make an image of the first. Seriously, I was a little worried up to this point that I might be deceived but the situation is just like humans. Someone can appear christian but what they do contradicts their title. I know putting on the new, putting on Christ, is not something I can do perfectly, so sometimes my actions are contrary to my identity as a Christian. But I won't fall into this trap by satan. Looking like the lamb won't mean anything if everything the beast does contradicts the character of Christ, showing off by raining down fire, building idols, and blaspheming God.

This second beast was (again) allowed to give breath to the idol so that it could speak and apparently slay those who didn't worship. And even those who did follow the beast would be marked on the hand or forehead in order to buy and sell (essentially survive). Interestingly, in deuteronomy, God had instructed the Israelites to bind the Word to their wrists and foreheads. I think in both cases, the mark identifies ownership, whether a person is God's or satans. Having the Word written on our heart is God's mark of ownership on us. Lastly, the number of the beast is three sixes and wise people are told to calculate it. Now adding up the letter (in hebrew) of either beast or nero ceaser adds up to three sixes but its believed that there will be a greater fulfillment of this number in the future.

Things I realize: I see how people who don't know the Word will be fooled. To be honest, I worry about my parents. I don't know if they can discern the times. They know that Jesus is coming back, and I worry that they may falsely believe that satan is Him because they don't know Him well enough. This is conviction to know Christ, to know God better, so that I know Him when He comes. At the same time I am to study the Word so that I know satan and his beasts will come presenting themselves as the lamb.

So I will continue studying then

Tomorrow Rev 14:1-5 The lamb and the 144,000

Rev 13:1-10 Another day long blog

Yesterday's blog took me just about the whole day because I just didn't have a lot of free time. Perhaps I'll have to start waking up earlier so that I can blog when I read but goodness... isn't 6 early enough already? haha.

But yes my boss is not in meetings and I have a considerable amount of work to do so........... ya.......

Rev 13:1-10 The first beast

So this beast comes out of the water and it resembles the dragon with 10 horns, 10 diadems (again crowns), and 7 heads. Perhaps I should be looking more in depth but I'm very hesitant to assume something that is not clearly there and thereby corrupt God's messege with my foolishness. Not to say John MacArthur is necessarily foolish but the commentaries on these passages are sometimes a bit stretched it seems. I don't know if the heads and horns refer to empires because I'm not even sure what empires will exist during the tribulation. I do think it's safe to conclude that the horns represent power, that his heads probably do refer to influence over something human. And not that I have much ground to argue with J Mac but I would guess that the diadems are more likely representative of empires or nations or leaders than the heads, they are crowns after all. Ultimately this is what we're told, this 7 headed, 10 diadem, 10 horned beast, came from the sea and was like a leopard, with feat like a bear, and mouth like a lion. J Mac equates these animals to nations but I kind of think they are just fierce atributes that WOULD define a beast. (though I am amused how J Mac relates the lion to the nation of babylon just because babylon make me think of lions too, more specifically baby lions, but thats a totally off topic story).

Now I think this is interesting. The beast has a mortal wound that has been healed. Supposedly this is because the beast will come claiming to be the lamb. I think this is very possible and exactly what might deceive a lot of Israel since they had been waiting for a strong and mighty saviour (by their worldly standards). They wanted a conquerer and satan is gonna give it to them, though they don't really know what they want. False prophets claim to be Jesus all the time. Unfortunately, the chapter goes on to say that the earth was "marveled" and followed the beast while worshiping the dragon who gave the beast authority. The people proclaim "Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?" By the way, I don't think that I've mentioned that the beast is the antichrist.

As appropriate of the antichrists nature, he will blaspheme against God and wage war against the saints. He will have authority "over every tribe and people and language and nation." And everyone will be deceived and worship the beast EXCEPT Christians. The Word clarifies that only those whose names are NOT written in the book of life will worship the beast.

In verse 9 and 10 we are assured of persecution and called to persevere. I like what the ESV study bible says; "captivity and sword are God's ordained route to victory for his saints, they must practice endurance." Indeed if it happens, then it has been sovereignly planned and ordained. If I'm to die by the sword, then let me die for Christ! I just hope I can say that so confidently when(if) I meet that sword.

Things I realize: Revelelation is scary.... the end..... j/k. Well it is scary because there will be evil but I know that God is never out of control and I can be content with that. Like pastor Aaron said yesterday, I must actively put on the new self, including endurance. I don't like to endure pain (unless it's pulling hairs, not that I like to endure pain but I hate hairs enough to do so haha) but hopefully I will hate sin and evil enough to endure persecution if thats what it takes to glorify God. It is also very practical to know things about the antichrist, like pretending to be the lamb, or that he will be worshipped by so many.

Tomorrow Rev 13: 11-18 The Second Beast

Rev 12:7-17 GG No-Re Uninstall

I used to be a nerd, or am I still? I dunno. But anyways GG No-Re Uninstall (Good Game, No Rematch, Uninstall your game) Thats kind of how I feel having read this passage.

I don't know why I would ever worry or be anxious about satan or what he's doing because God owns like no other. Its like, Michael Phelps may have won 8 medals at the olympics, but seriously, God would have won all 302 gold medals and set 302 records for all eternity. (excuse my illustrations, I study after church on Sundays, which may be a bad idea because of how tired I get but I'll continue anyway) But this passage is about satan rebelling in heaven and failing, then going after Israel and failing. I can't think of anything else satan has ever tried to do other than rebel against God and trip up His followers, but he couldn't even do that. 0 for 2 sucka.

Rev 12:7-17

This passage starts with the heavenly battle between Michael and his angels, and the dragon and his angels. It is thought that this is Michael the archangel referred to in Jude 9 if not the same as the prince referred to several times in Daniel (Dan 10:13, 21; 21:1). Its difficult to say whether this is the original fall of satan or as some believe, the beginning of the tribulation. I am really unsure of when this takes place but perhaps it is an illustration both of what has happened and what will happen. The dragon and his angels are cast from heaven to earth. In the case that this is during the tribulation, this could be cause for increased demonic activity on earth.

Sweet victory. satan is called the accuser, which in a more direct translation would be recognized in a legal context. Basically satan accuses us sinners as guilty, which is true, if we are not found to be in Christ. We too defeat the beast in Christ. It says so in verse 11, "And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death." Specifically this is referring to martyrs but it can refer to us if we so trust in Christ being found innocent by His blood. So satan's got nothing on us, as an accuser, he has nothing.

Now I don't care to know satan like I care to know God. But I really think sin must be irrational (as Piper said at resolved) because satan must know how powerful God is and must be totally irrational to rebel. The Word says "the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!" He knew he was defeated and soon be be totally defeated in a short time. This is probably in reference to the tribulation. Mostly because I fell like, considering Israel's history that a "short time" would be more appropriate for the 7 years of tribulation, than the thousands of years since the fall.

Now since satan is on earth he decides to go after the woman who bore the male child. I personally think that this woman is still representing Israel but the time at which this pursuit against them is occuring could be anytime in history I suppose but (for a time, and times, and half a time which is 3 and a half years) leads one to believe this is specifically during the first part of the tribulation. But God protects them in the wilderness aided by eagle's wings, which seem to be a symbol of protection (as horns are symbols of power). During this pursuit, the serpent will flood water from its mouth, most likely in false teaching and promises to trip up Israel. However, the earth swallows up the water. Frankly, I would need to study these passages more in depth and over a longer period of time to be convicted more definitively of what everything means. As of now I want to know what God says in His word and try to understand it and have it on my heart. So the earth swallowing up the flood? I dunno, divine protection? Only God can do such an incredible thing? Just guesses as the Word doesn't explain to me the meaning.

Becoming frustrated with his pursuit of "the woman," the serpent pursues "her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus." I think that would include us gentiles right? After all, we are enemies of satan as much as Israel.

What I realize: Well first, satan sucks. He has only been defeated over and over and as the accuser he has nothing on us. Thats like kobe without the existence of basketball, lenses without the existence of cameras, intercoolers without the existence of turbos (haha that one's for me), totally useless. Thats what satan is. Apart from that, I realize that he is coming in wrath and it won't be easy when the tribulation comes. But I have Christ. And in Him, I know I can get through it, dead or alive, I can trust. (illustrations from teaching kids) its like eating vegetables as a kid. They sure don't taste good and the good of enduring that is not very evident. But you trust that your parents love you and if you're a good kid, you won't forsake them because of such a hardship.

Tomorrow, the serpent starts to use the beasts. Rev 13:1-10 The First Beast

Note: so I meant to post this earlier, like after church. But I don't have a desk anymore, so my computer is in my bed and I was super tired. So I started to just lay down, hand above my head at my keyboard and I was just typing without looking. I wake up an hour or so later (more in my bed like a normal person) and look at my screen to see

Rev 12:7-17

jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj

awesome

Rev 12:1-6

Honestly I am freaking macho, aint no burgler, killer, gangsta, whatevs got nothing on me. ^^ Scary movies are whatevs. Sometimes they're even funny cause the stuff that happens is just silly. Seriously, how does one guy kill like 20 people and all the cops suck at defending anyone?

Anyway, my point is, few things disturb me. But one thing that does disturb me is satan. I like to read about what movies are coming up and the interesting stories that people come up with, though i don't watch a whole bunch of movies : T (too much time and money). But I will not and could not ever watch a movie thats coming out called "antichrist". One critic describes the movie as twisted, depraved, and troubling. Thats just about how I feel about satan.

satan has power enough to really torment people if God allows it (and when He allows it, it works to His glory, such as when satan used Judas and the Sanhedrin and everyone involved in Christ's crucifiction. Those were horrible sins that facilitated the greatest sacrifice and glorious act of love ever.)

Afraid?

No.

I know God is sovereign.

Troubled, bothered, anxious?

Ya. a bit.

That all being said, this passage is about satan trying kill Jesus.....

Rev 12:1-6 The Woman and the dragon

A "sign" appeared in heaven, looking like a woman wearing the sun and standing on the moon, with 12 stars crowning her head. She is pregnant and giving birth. There are four woman representation in Revelation, each symbolizing something different. (2:20, 17:3-6, 19:7). But this woman is clearly representing Israel. The 12 stars are the giveaway. Those would be the tribes of Israel. The sun and the moon are a bit tricky and I'm not sure exactly what they mean but J. Mac says that the sun symbolizes the exalted status of Israel while the moon symbolizes God's covenant relationship with them (as new moons were associated with worship). I think the total encompassment of the then understood heavenly realm (sun moon and stars) may also point to the ordained and holy nature of the event of Christ's birth. This was no ordinary child, no ordinary birth. The mention of birth pains and the woman crying out is likely synonymous with Israel's cry for a saviour and king.

In verse three a great red dragon appears that is satan. In verse 9 of this chapter it says "And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and satan...." The dragon is described as having seven heads with seven diadems and ten horns. The seven heads and diadems (which are crowns) probably refers to satan's rule over nations during the tribulation and the 10 horns (as learned at bcc) represent power. The dragons tail then sweeps a third of the stars and causes them to fall to earth. Since this happens at the same time as the dragon's fall, these stars are probably other fallen angels.

The dragon seeks to devour the child, who is mentioned to be male, which further identifies the child as Christ. Also the "child was caught up to God and His throne." So I'm very sure this is Christ. He will rule all the nations with an iron rod. This may be a reference to Christ's power to crush rebelious nations (as in Psalm 2:8-9) or His royal rule. Either way satan fails and Christ prevails.

The woman is protected by God in the wilderness for 3 and a half years. Theres two takes on this. First, some believe that this is the present protection from the beast until he is released during the tribulation. Though I am more inclined to believe, because of other scripture, that this is the last half of the tribulation where God's followers are being persecuted and must flee to the wilderness. God does not forsake his people.

Things I realize: The one thing that really stands out to me is the imagery of a "great red dragon" failing to devour a pregnant woman and her infant child. Honestly, if God can protect such helplessness, then how secure I am! To be loved by God is such comfort and peace and contentment. Yes bad things may happen and persecution may take place but God is sovereign over that. So what makes me feel secure is that, though I may experience some horrible things, under God's protection. I can't really explain how my heart feels but its something like.... I am protected from utter destruction, even in persecution I am protected by knowing I am saved, I am protected knowing God is sovereign. I suppose, as anxious as I said I am concerning satan, I'm confident of God's love for me, that He won't abandon me as I am in Christ.

Tomorrow Rev 12: 7-17 satan Thrown Down to Earth

Rev 11:15-19 Bbbbrrrrrrrr

I guess bbbbrrrrr is what a trumpet sounds like to me?

This was a short passage with few notes. You know how there's those ummm subchapters in most bibles, they usually cover one event, sermon, or idea. Ya, so i usually study one of these, thats why today is only 5 verses. Yes so straight to it.

Rev 11:15-19 The Seventh Trumpet

When the seventh angel blows its trumpet God's kingdom will reign over everyone.

Side Note:

To be honest, with respect to pre-mil/a-mil/post-mil and pre-trib/post-trib, I haven't studied enough to believe one way or another. I know the pastors at Berean say its important to take a stance one way or another, probably so that we can be ready to defend and share the truth the Spirit has led us to. Granted, with study I will probably be convicted one way or another but as of now I don't know what will happen but I can trust that it will be good.

Back to the passage, depending on your view of escatology, God's kingdom may be brought to earth at this point and the millenium may begin. Or perhaps we will leave this earth to enter a new Jerusalem or new earth or heaven to be in God's presence. However it specifically works out, it is what we've been waiting for! "Your kingdom come, Your will be done." Here it is! Not long before this the saints were crying out in ch 6:10, "They cried out with a loud voice, 'O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?'"

The 24 elders will then fall on their faces and worship God. They thank God for who He is and was, that he now reigns, that His wrath has come on the nations, the dead will be judged, the servants, prophets, and saints are rewarded, and the destroyers of the earth destroyed. Thats a lot to be thankful for. Not to get political but people put so much hope in people like president Obama to "fix" the nation. How silly. God is going to take EVERYTHING, from the most wretched nation to the dead grass and make His kingdom glorious in these final days.

The last verse talks about God's throne opening up and the ark of His covenant is seen in His temple. I think this is really important to the nature of heaven. Only the high priest was able to enter the holy of holies, where the ark of the covenant was. But here, the temple is opened up and the ark is visible. That means those in heaven are in the holy of holies, the actual presence of God. Then the chapter ends with the presence of lighting, rumbling, thunder, earthquake, and heavy hail. I think this may be the third woe associated with the last trumpet as this could surely destroy all rebellion against God. I'll be more sure tomorrow.

Things I realize: Studying Revelation grows my excitement for God's coming kingdom. This passage reminded me of that ch6:10 verse about the saints crying out. If I'm honest sometimes I don't know how God answers prayers and I usually dismiss it with a lack of understanding or wisdom on my part. But His answer is so apparent and powerful when His final judgement comes. They were crying for God to reign and like no other thing ever it just happens. Theres no town hall meeting, congress, house, vote, higher taxes, no requirements to fill other than God's will. Another thing that I'm reminded of is, James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." There's mention of the elders and how they bow down to God. In ch4:10 the elders cast their crowns. With application to where I'm at today, I will work hard to attain that crown of life and those heavenly treasures promised. But I realize that even in heaven, I'm not building them up for myself, my crown and treasures (if any) will be cast to God. And I'm glad for it! The more I have to bring Him, the better.

Tomorrow Rev 12:1-6 The Woman and the Dragon

There are no pictures here! Rev 11:1-14

Scattered post today for sure. I've been wanting to post about this weekend, one post about my family, and another on sunday school, but my pictures are on my laptop and unfortunately I write a lot of blogs at work! haha. (I know I could upload the pics at home and then write at work but..... it's hard to sit down and do it some weeks)

Anyway I was reading a blog that posted scripture every morning and thought hmmm what a good idea to post what I read and learn in the morning. I'm not sure that anyone cares much about what I learn or even what I'm reading so I'm kinda gonna do it for myself. I don't even really know who reads my blog (except sharon) but if I'm going to post on what I've studied everyday, it will work as a bit of accountability. I don't expect anyone to call me out on missing posts (though I wouldn't mind at all, actually it'd be appreciated) but for the sake of encouragement (or to prevent discouragement) posting what i read and learn serves as extra (not primary) reason to be disciplined in my study.

So imma get to it. I started a new reading plan recently and its um.... not too structured. Especially as I'm about to use "when I have time." So having failed at YOTB (year of the bible), I read on that schedule when I have time, making it 2YOTB. And since YOTB covers so much per day I couldn't study it all so I started at the back of the bible. I'm on Revelations and when I finish I will move to Jude. See? YOTB goes forward, study going backward, two pronged attack!!!!

......

Yes anyway Revelation 11:1-14 The Two Witnesses

(I am not good at expositing or anything, I'm just trying to understand what is written and allow the spirit to work in my heart)

So in this passage, God gives John a measuring rod with which to measure the temple and those who worship there, but not the court outside the temple because it is given over to the nations. What John is measuring is God's possession. We are His. He does not take those for Himself who are outside the temple, not worshipping Him. The people outside the temple will "trample the holy city for forty-two months." Then two messengers will come and prophesy for 1260 days (which is the same as forty-two months if you consider a month to be 30 days, and forty-two months is 3 and a half years which is half of a sabbatical year (7 years)). I'm not clear on when these messengers arrive, but, if they start their ministry after the 42 months of trampling the city, then when they finish the 42 months and 1260 days will add up to 7 years, a sabbatical time period.

Now a quick note about the holy city, this is disputed as being an actual or symbolic city. With regard to a lot of references to beleivers in Revelations, many will argue that this is Jerusalem and the people there are descendents of Israel while others claim that it is the universal church. Personally, I believe and know that God blesses all nations and will save more than just Israel, so I am generally inclined to believe that Revelation, more often than not, is referring to the universal church.

The majority of this passage actually deals with these two messengers who are referred to as the two olive trees and two lampstands, which, if you're a Berean, you may remember these are two images from our Zechariah study not too long ago. We studied that there would be a king or leader to rebuild God's temple, and a high priest to lead worship. While Christ is both king and priest, I'm not sure that this would be referring to His return as these two witnesses die after "they have finished their testimony." However, before they die they are pretty powerful as anyone who would harm them would be consumed with fire from their mouths. They can "shut the sky" and turn water to blood.

But then the witnesses finish their ministry and the beast rises from the bottomless pit to conquer and kill these witnesses. And people rejoice over their death! They don't allow them to be buried becauese of the celebration of their defeat. God only allows this to last for 3 and half days though. A very short time before God vindicates His saints. They are raised from the dead and God calls them up to heaven.

After the witnesses are gathered to heaven (which is a debate regarding a specific resurrection of these two or perhaps the rapture of all God's people.) A great earthquake comes and kills a tenth of the city, specifically, 7 thousand. This scares the people and they give glory to God. Whether they turn to God or not? Well, this is probably the tribulation, so.... no. If thats the case then God's work on earth will be so amazing and frightening that people will not be able to help but give Him glory and acknowledge Him, but they will still rely on their righteousness and reject Christ, perhaps beyond all reason and understanding. Unfortunately for them, the seventh trumpet will blow next, and the third woe is coming.

Things I realize: Well, I'm not sure, I am scared and excited for the end times because, while this stuff is scary, it's judgement on the wicked and vindication for the saints! I think it's important to know what things may look like when this time comes, because it is apparent that so many people will be deceived. When God measures me, I want to be of some worth to Him, not a useless dull tool, but a sharp tool that has been sharpened (sanctified) throughout my life, usefull for building His kingdom. Not so much to build up heavenly treasures as promised, but if I could hear "well done my good and faithful servant" that would be treasure enough.

I'll continue to think about this passage throughout the day. Tomorrow Rev 11:15-19 The Seventh Trumpet

I've got the joy well with my soul

So I was introduced to this song by PAGE CXVI called "Joy"

I don't know where else to listen to it other than their myspace page http://www.myspace.com/pagecxvi

Few songs give me chills like this one does. To be honest, the first time I listened, I almost didn't finish the song. It's just so depressing. To sing about joy when you're so obviously not joyful.

The second fruit of the spirit is joy. I haven't studied so deeply to know whether the order of the fruits of the spirit is particularly significant, but considering how love is the first, I thought perhaps I should at least make this note.

I know I very often talk about not being defeated but I think I utterly fail to convey what I mean. Therefore, let me tell you the story of Mr. Horatio G. Spafford.

Horatio G. Spafford was a successful Chicago lawyer in the 1860's. He had a wife, four daughters, and a little boy. He owned a significant amount of real estate next to lake Michigan. And he supported his church and was good friends with his preacher D.L. Moody.

Unfortunately, in 1870, his only son caught scarlet fever and died at the age of four. A year later, in 1871, the great Chicago fire consumed all of his lake Michigan property. 2 years after that, Mr. Spafford decided his family needed a vacation. In addition, D.L. Moody was in need of assistance during his evangelistic work in Britain.

Just when as the family was about to leave from New York, Mr. Spafford was needed in Chicago for business. So as to not ruin the vacation, he insisted that his wife and four daughters continue on without him. On November 2nd 1873, Mr. Spafford's wife and children were in a horrible accident. Their ship, the Ville de Havre, collided with the Lochearm. Their ship sank in 12 minutes and 226 people were killed.

Nine days later, in Chicago, Mr. Spafford received a telegram from his wife that said "saved alone." His wife, Anna, recalled her four daughters clinging to her while on the deck of the sinking ship. Her last memory was of the violent waters taking her youngest from her arms. But by God's grace, some wreckage floated up from beneath her unconsious body and saved her life.

Mr. Spafford took the very next ship out of New York to meet with his wife. Upon passing over where his wife's ship likely sank, he was called to the deck. While floating over the 3 mile deep grave of his daughters, he returned to his cabin to write this

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Having joy doesn't mean you'll necessarily be happy all the time. Even the song that Page 116 transfers from states that the joy is "deep down in my heart." Joy is not just worn on the surface but is founded in the heart so that no matter what tragedy, what trial, what hardship you are never in despair because of the joy in your heart. And what joy there is! to not be held to the debt we would owe because of our sin! to be loved by greatest of beings!

Lately, everything in my life is awesome, but when tested, I want to be so strong. I want to be able to praise the Lord when I've lost everything. Though maybe I never will? Who knows.

I need to be sensitive to those who are having difficult times yet encourage them to have trust in a God who loves them. How difficult, but if I can, I won't let this world suffocate the joy that we ought to be founded on.

Now I'm rambling.... Anyone who reads probably notices that I can't end a blog with a succinct and clear point..... ever...... But thats how the flow of my thoughts go I suppose. Especially when it comes to spiritual things, I can't ever conclude a thought, they are just ever progressing (and hopefully maturing) understanding.

yes......

end....

joy

Sharon Lee, Young Sharon, College Sharon, Sharon Weee, Crazy Sharon, Cheeky Sharon, Ops Crew Sharon, Prayer Team Sharon...........Encouragement Sharon

(Honestly there are way too many pictures I want to use for you Sharon, but to be consistent I tried to find something as epic as Eugene's)

This is Sharon Lee (the young one). She is probably the most encouraging yet challenging sister I know. She is much like Eugene (see previous post) in her disciple. But honestly, there is no one I know who has a heart like hers.

Sharon is the kind of person who consistently wakes up early every morning to read God's word because she understands its importance and intentionally seeks and strives to grow. She is the kind of person who joins OPs crew, helping move equipment regardless of how physically strong she may be. She is the kind of person who would take a leading role in the prayer team ministry. The kind of person who works at a starbucks to serve, God and people. The kind of person who serves at ccm even when she didn't volunteer to be on praise. The kind of person who goes home to genuinely care and be intentional with her sisters. The kind of person who all the while remains diligent and responsible in her studies.

There is sooo much I can talk about regarding Sharon, how I've seen her grow over the last two years, how she's encouraged and challenged me and those around her.

I think what stands out most about Sharon is she has a genuine joy in life. I know Sharon struggles but she won't let many people share her burdens, yet she takes much burden from others, carrying them and serving them. And she doesn't do it grudgingly, but joyfully! And what glory that brings God! I've never seen sharon back down from a service opportunity. Even in her burdens she takes joy in her sanctification! I've never seen Sharon defeated, and while she may or may not have ever felt that way, I think it is apparent that she she knows where her strength comes from.

Actually now that I've written a paragraph, i take back what I said about being able to say so much about Sharon. I feel like I can't say much at all. I don't know what to say because while the things she does are indeed awesome, its the way she does those things, the way she serves, the way she is relational and intentional that makes her beautiful. Yes, I called her beautiful. Because when someone reflects a characteristic of Christ in their life, like joy or service or love, that is certainly the most beautiful thing I know of. I'm very excited to see how God will grow this sister as she remains so faithful to Him.

I do want to say something about actions though. Granted, actions DO NOT define the heart, but often times our actions are a REFLECTION of our hearts. Its not hard to see God's work in Sharon's heart. I think a lot of us are really really good at "being" Christians, we know a bunch of answers and we know what to tell people so that we appear to be growing. But Sharon and Eugene are two that I am glad to have in my life, who really really strive and run hard. They are good at being christian because, maybe more than most, they ARE christian! They are what makes christians Christian! And that is a love for God, His work, and His people.

Indeed Eugene is awesome, and Sharon is awesome, and God is MOST AWESOME. And as His children we are to represent Him and reflect Him! A monumental task that we won't be able to fulfill, yet despite failure, we strive to be obedient, we don't give up, for God's glory.

Sharon's growth is quite contagious by the way she encourages, challenges, and keeps her brothers and sisters accountable. But her joy is also contagious. Let me share a bit with you.

Awesome

I know you're gonna read this, so no false humility. Thank you for being you. But I thank God more. Lets run ^^

btw I'll delete the vid soon ^^