A Glimpse of Heaven (Part 1)

REVELATION 4:1-11

(December 13)

Did you ever get a glimpse of something so magical you couldn't believe you saw it? In my mind, I liken it to gazing across the tree-covered mountains of the Great Smokies, or watching the sun set where the sea meets the sky. I also think of my first glimpse of a new grandbaby, and how magical that moment is. As wonderful as these are in my mind, they are nothing compared to the glimpse of Heaven given to John.

He saw a door standing open in Heaven. Of course, he looked through it. Wouldn't you? That was when he heard the voice of Jesus again, inviting him in, "Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this." In an instant, he was before the throne. There was someone sitting on that throne who was as brilliant as gemstones with the glow of an emerald circling his throne like a rainbow. How magnificent that must have been!

Around him were 24 thrones with 24 elders seated on them. These elders represented the 12 tribes of Israel in the Old Testament and the 12 apostles in the New Testament, symbolizing all those who are now a part of God's family, whether Jew or Gentile. This shows us that ALL of the redeemed are worshiping him, not matter if they were Jew or Gentile.

John also saw flashes of lightning and rumbles of thunder coming from the throne. (I wonder if they were like the ones I have been seeing here in Texas?) This lightning and thunder is a sign of a significant event. There was lightning and thunder at Mount Sinai when God gave the commandments. This imagery of lightning and thunder is often used in the Bible to reflect the power and majesty of God.

As if this wasn't enough for his eyes to take in, John also saw a shiny sea of glass in front of the throne. In the center and around the throne, he saw four living creatures with eyes in the front and eyes in the back. (Reminds me of when my mom used to say she had eyes in the back of her head.) One of these creatures looked like a lion, the next looked like an ox. The third one resembled a human and the last one was like an eagle in flight. They all had six wings which were covered with eyes.

What was the meaning of these four creatures? They weren't real animals. They were to represent the qualities and character of God. The lion represented majesty and power. the ox symbolized faithfulness. The man was the representation of intelligence, and the eagle was a symbol of the sovereignty of God. They guarded the throne of God, lead others in worship and proclaimed God's holiness continually by saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty - the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come." (Verse

John has much more to see, but this is his first glimpse into Heaven, and what a magnificent sight it must have been. We will all, if we are believers, get that same scene before our own eyes someday. How will we feel? Will we be so overwhelmed that we can't speak? Or will we be filled with questions about the wonder and beauty of where we are?

Good questions that will be answered in due time.

The Tale of Two Brothers

One Year Bible: Dec. 13

Obadiah 1:1-21

The Tale of Two Brothers

The book of Genesis tells us the tale of two brothers who were fraternal twins at birth but not in heart!

In fact, these two babies weren’t even born before their struggle began in the womb. Rebekah, their mother, inquired of the Lord about this struggle.

Here is what God said, “Two nations are in your womb, two people shall be separated from your body, one people shall be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” (Genesis 25:23)

After nearly twenty years of marriage, Rebekah miraculously became pregnant by God’s grace with twins. The Complete Jewish Bible translates the struggle in her womb in this way, “The children fought with each other inside her so much that she said, ‘If it’s going to be this way, why go on living?”

To say they had a “Rocky Start” would be an understatement!

The two wrestled in her womb, and as Esau, the firstborn, was entering the world, Jacob “held the foot of Esau,” we are told.

You see, Esau was the firstborn who would have had the Jewish privilege of receiving the birthright given to the firstborn son, but from the start, Jacob was reaching out to gain that privilege. This was the foreshadowing of what was shortly to come…

If you recall the story of Jacob and Esau, you know that Jacob was the one who made “the stew,” and Esau was the one who “STEWED” because he placed more value on satisfying his “HANGRY” than in preserving his blessing.

When our daughter was little, her cousin made a deal with her to trade her “iPod” for a Starbucks drink! So, I “Get” this story, and so does she. I have learned to watch over her when she is thirsty because she would probably trade our car for a drink if you offered to take her through the drive-through…

Esau had problems in “the drive-through” area as well… and those problems changed the destiny of his life and all generations to come!

Jacob tricked his dying father with his mother’s help and got himself “the birthright” while his brother got “a bowl of stew”...

So, why are we talking about this “Tale of Two brothers” as we read the shortest book in the Old Testament, Obadiah?

This book is the story of the outcome of the conflict between Jacob and Esau…

The lineage of Esau is known as the Edomites, and the nation from Judah is known as Judah, God’s chosen “Blessed people.” Yes, they got the “blessing” that Esau threw away.

The short story for this very short book is that the Edomites HATED the nation of Judah. HATED might be a bit of an understatement… But it started with Esau being “HANGRY,” and it grew from there!

You see, Esau certainly believed that he had “a right” to be angry with his brother. It wasn’t fair, and so he believed that he had a reason for bitterness, wrath, jealousy, and every evil that followed in their relationship for decades to come.

There is only one little problem with Esau’s problem… He found himself FIGHTING GOD! Okay, it was actually a HUGE problem, and it not only caused his downfall, but it also caused the downfall and destruction of Edom.

The book of Obadiah teaches us a vital lesson that God’s treatment of Edom is based on how they treated HIS chosen people, Judah.

How do we treat people in God’s kingdom?

Do you feel that you have been wronged, overlooked, and treated unfairly?

Do you ever feel “HANGRY,” like you got a Starbucks and someone else took off with your car in the drive-through?

The Tale of Two Brothers reminds us of the Truth of ONE BODY… God is sovereign. We are not! He can choose to lower whomever He wishes and raise up those that He calls…

These people were “DRUNK” or “Gulped Down” God’s judgment (16-17) because they were filled with bitterness and self-focus.

In this time of upcoming judgment, may we fix our eyes on God and forgive those that we feel have done us wrong. God is the judge. We are not!

Take it from Esau; don’t “STEW” on it…This is the Tale of Two Brothers.

7 Letters (Part 3) … The Great Tribulation

REVELATION 3:7-22

(December 12)

The letters continue with a letter to the angel of the church of Philadelphia. They weren't a strong church, but they were an obedient one. Because of this, Jesus declares that he will force all the false teachers that came against them to bow down before them and acknowledge them as being the ones he loves.

I'd like to think he feels that way about us. Maybe we aren't the strongest all the time, but when we remain faithful, he honors us with his love, and he defeats our enemies.

A great time of testing is coming to these believers, but they will be protected because of their obedience. There will be a time of great tribulation that true believers will be spared from. He encourages them to hold on to their faith and they will become pillars in the Temple of God where they get to stay for all eternity. They will be citizens of the New Jerusalem that will come down to earth after Jesus returns.

All of this was told to them by Jesus, through John. Jesus opens the door to heaven with the key of David, which is his authority to invite believers into the New Jerusalem. Once that door is opened, (salvation), no one can close it. If it is closed (judgement), no one can open it.

Jesus then speaks words to the angel of the church in Laodicea, through John's writing. This is the lukewarm church we hear so much about. They are not hot ... on fire for Christ, nor are they cold ... against him. They simply trod along without much conviction of anything.

Because of this, Jesus warns that he will spit them out. Because they are wealthy, they think they don't need anything else. They don't realize how poor they are in spirit. Only through faith can they achieve true richness ... richness in spirit. When they do this, their eyes will be open to truly see.

Jesus isn't forceful. He doesn't push his way into our lives. He simply says, "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends." (Verse 20) It is ALWAYS our choice to open the door or not. He wants us to come to him in our own free will, choosing him over this world.

That is what he was telling the church of Laodicea. He wanted them to make up their minds one way or the other. You can't straddle both sides of the fence. You are either in the world or in him. Choosing the world brings you to participation in that Great Tribulation. Choosing him brings you victory.

Bubble People

One Year Bible: Dec. 12

Amos 7:1-9:15

Bubble People

Does God ever “Change” his mind? Have you ever contemplated this question?

If He does change his mind, what would prompt him to do such a thing as He is perfect “In all His ways”?

If you think about it, God doesn’t need HINDSIGHT. After all, he has a view of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. God is preeminent, all-knowing, and sovereign over all.

So, why would God “repent” or “relent” of something?

The word “repent” means “a change of direction,” and God tells us directly in today’s passage that He did just that. This is certainly worth taking a closer look at…

Here is what Famous Amos, the prophet, tells us, “In my vision, the locusts ate every green plant in sight. Then I said, ‘O Sovereign LORD, please forgive us or we will not survive, for Israel is so small’.” (7:2)

So the Lord RELENTED from this plan. “I will not do it,” he said. (7:3)

Then Amos saw another vision about God’s people being punished with a great fire. The fire had burned up the depths of the sea and was devouring the entire land. So Amos, who is famous for beseeching God, prayed once again, “O Sovereign Lord, please stop or we will not survive, for Israel is so small.” (7:5)

“So, the Lord RELENTED from this plan, too. ‘I will not do that either,” said the Sovereign Lord.” (7:6)

Twice the Lord extended mercy and postponed judgment to the people of Israel at the request of Amos. He gave them more time to repent, but did they?

Next, the Lord held out a plumb line and measured his people by measuring a wall. Was it aligned correctly?

After this, God showed Amos a basket of ripe fruit. Then the Lord said, “Like this fruit, Israel is ripe for punishment! I will NOT DELAY their punishment again!” (8:2)

So, why did God “RELENT” or postpone judgment just because Amos prayed?

There is an interesting passage in the New Testament that gives us an inside glimpse into the Lord's timing on his promises…

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

Another version says that He is not slow “as some count slowness.”

God is looking for righteousness, and He extends grace to give all time to repent, and yet his timetable is also measured with accomplishing His sovereign purpose and plan for the entire world.

Galatians 4:4-7 gives us insight into God’s perfect timing. It is called “The fullness of time.”

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.”

Do you recall the part about how God held up the PLUMB LINE to measure the wall representing His people?

They didn’t measure up. God gave them prophecies, interventions, miracles, and grace upon grace, but they still sought their own way.

But, in “the fullness of time,” God made a way for his people to “line up” perfectly with His will, not through their own merit but because of the cross.

What does this mean for you and me today?

First, we must realize that even now, God is “RELENTING” in judgment so that more people may come to His gift of grace.

Secondly, He is “RELENTLESS” in love and seeking of his people. In that day, He sent Amos, and today He sends each of us… To pray, to repent, to seek mercy and forgiveness, and to boldly stand until “The fullness of time.”

I used to work with a friend who called me “A Bubble Person.” I really wasn’t too sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing when I first heard it, but then she described it to me…

Have you ever seen a level? If something is anchored and straight, the line matches up perfectly, centered in the middle. It doesn’t move from side to side or waver up and down with emotions and circumstances. It stands firmly lined up with the PLUMB LINE.

God is still looking for people today to aligned with His Word, His Will, and His Ways. We are to pray while there is still time. He is still looking for “Bubble People” like you and me!

7 Letters (Part 2) …Soiled with Evil

REVELATION 2:18 - 3:6

(December 11)

When John transcribes Jesus' words to the angel of the church in Thyatira, he assures them that Jesus sees their love, faith, service and patient endurance. They work hard at it and improve daily.

But there is an issue that he addresses with them. There was a woman in the church "that woman Jezebel" who was teaching that immorality wasn't that big of a deal, even for believers. It is possible that Jezebel wasn't her real name, simply a symbolism of the evil she represented. (If you remember, Jezebel was a pagan queen of Israel and considered to be the evilest woman who ever lived.)

Not only was she being permitted to commit sexual sin and encourage others to do the same, but she was also given the food that had been left over from the offering to the idols. Eating this violated the principle of sensitivity toward other Christians, and showed that she had no concern for others.

He also sends a message to those who have not bought in to her wickedness. Jesus asks them to hold tightly to what they have in their faith until his return. To these he will give authority over the nations, the same authority he received from his Father.

To the angel of the church in Sardis, he urges them to WAKE UP! Their actions are not matching what they say they believe. They have grown weak. He asks them to go back to the way they felt and believed when they first became believers, and to hold tightly to that feeling, or they may not like what happens upon his return.

To the believers who are not sinning, have not "soiled their clothes with evil," they will be worthy to walk with him in his pureness. Everyone who is victorious in their beliefs and actions, standing firm in the faith until his return, will be clothed in white and their names will be forever in the Book of Life.

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Run, Baby, Run!

One Year Bible: Dec. 11

Amos 4:1-6:14

Run, Baby, Run!

“Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live!” (Amos 5:14)

Have you ever “run for your life”?

Many years ago, I was with a group of people who were handing out flyers in a neighborhood for an upcoming church event. A large dog got loose from a house and came running after us!

Perhaps you have heard the saying, “Their bark is worse than their bite.” Well, I really didn’t want to wait around and take that chance!

So, I took off on the run knocking my partner out of the way and jumping over bushes.

When I was just a little girl, I was attacked by a dog that bit my face and nose.

My first memories of life were that moment of being strapped down with needles going in and out by my eye and nose.

And now you know why I am not fond of all things related, “to blood, doctors, hospitals)... You name it! I have the body memory and the mental memory of judgment and pain, and it brought about a physical response from me!

I run from large dogs, and I still, to this day, hide my head under a blanket when blood scenes or needles come on in a movie or TV show. (Just ask my daughter. She will warn me, “Hide your eyes cute-cute!” (That’s what she calls me! God bless her!)

You see, I know the pain that wrong actions can bring. When I was little, I pet this dog while it was trying to eat. Big mistake! Huge mistake!

These people being judged in this story had cozied up with an animal who had great vengeance for God, and in cozying up to God’s enemy, they got bit… profoundly!

Even after God rescued them from death, they forgot their rescue and went back time after time to “pet sin.” They didn’t hide their eyes from evil or RUN!!

Can you imagine me going back to put another strange dog? Yet, we get bit by sin, rescued by God, and instead of being thankful and heeding the warning, we walk close to evil again and again.

Listen again to Amos’ words, “Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live!” (5:14)

Have you noticed the evil surrounding us today? More than ever before, we are surrounded by visual images contrary to the will of God.



There is an old story illustration that I have heard my father use in sermons about a white dog and a black dog that were always at war with each other. They were always at war!

The story ends with the question asked, "Which dog wins?"

To which the reply comes, "Whichever dog you feed the most!"

Like me, as a little child, we walk too close to "the feasting on evil," and we get bit.

Amos' message to the people and to us to choose very carefully where we walk and how close we choose to "cozy up" with evil.

Run, Baby, Run!

7 Letters (Part 1)

REVELATION 2:1-17

(December 10)

I spent quite a few years working for a doctor. Part of my job was to transcribe his dictation for the patients' records. I would put in my headphones and listen to what he had records, then put those words down as the factual history of the patient. That record was to be permanent and absolute.

I see John as the “transcriber” of Jesus’ dictation as he writes these letters to the seven churches. Jesus is dictating. John is transposing those words into letters that will be delivered to each of these churches.

Letter #1

The first letter is written to the angel of the church of Ephesus. Jesus wants them to know that their hard work and patient endurance have not gone unnoticed. They have been very careful and diligent about weeding out the false teachers and not buying into their lies.

Despite this praise, Jesus has an issue with the fact that they are not expressing as much love to him or each other as they previously did. He wants them to return their hearts to the time when they did the greatest works for him fueled by love.

He offers this consequence if they don't heed his warning… “If you don't repent, I will remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.”

He mentions that they hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans. These were believers who compromised their faith in order to participate in some of the society's sins. Christ has a strong word for those who seek to purposely sin.

Letter #2

The angel of the church in Smyrna is the recipient of the second letter. Jesus wants to assure them that despite the poverty they have faced, they are rich. They have faced a lot of blasphemy from the unbelievers,who claim to be Jewsbut seem to serve Satan.

He warns them that suffering is coming against them, but to not be afraid. If they can remain faithful through the ten days of suffering, they will receive the crown of life.

Jesus advises that they must listen to the Spirit and understand what is being said to them. This will bring them victory, and they will not be harmed.

Letter #3

This letter was transcribed for the angel of the church in Pergamum, where Satan ruled, yet believers managed to stay faithful to Christ refusing to deny him despite any circumstance.

Despite this, Jesus mentions an issue genus displeased with. They have been tolerating some of the false teachers, and some even followed them. He commands that they turn away from this. All who do will receive the “hidden mama”, the spiritual nourishment they need. Just like God provides it for t hee physical nourishment of the Israelites as they traveled to the Promised Land, Jesus supplies it for the spiritual nourishment of those who believe. This spiritual manna satisfies our deepest hunger.

John is a busy guy… transcribing for Jesus all that he wanted the churches to know.

Famous Amos

One Year Bible: Dec. 10

Amos 1:1-3:15

Famous Amos

Famous Amos tells us how the “cookie is about to crumble!”

The message of this book is all about Judgment, which is not a popular topic in our world today. It was not popular in his time either…

Sharing a message of gloom and doom is not popular in a time of plenty which is when Amos lived. He was an Old Testament prophet from around 787 BC. Israel had been at its height of fame and glory with the rule of Solomon and his expanding glory and opulence. He was wealthy and wise!

About 200 years later, this same wealthy, celebrating kingdom was in serious decline.

Into this very setting, God sent Amos, the shepherd.

Isn’t it interesting how God often sends the lowly and humble to deliver his most important messages?

The imagery associated with a shepherd should not be lost on us either. God sent David as a lowly shepherd to deliver his people from Goliath, and it also pictures Jesus as a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to go and look for the one lost sheep.

Once again, God needs someone with the heart of a shepherd because these people are seriously “lost in the woods.”

Amos' message was to remind Israel of the great privilege it had in being brought out of slavery in Egypt. However, the Israelites had forgotten about God’s salvation for them and ceased to praise or honor God. Instead, they gave honor where honor was not due.

God warns them, “I will punish you for all your iniquities.” (Amos 3:1-2)

When God is not honored or followed, unity goes “out the window.” A people not united in mind and purpose will not walk together in love and peace.

Amos 3:3 asks this question, “Can two walk together except they be agreed?”

Amos’ warnings go from nation to nation, and they all have the same warning, “The people have sinned again and again, and I will not let them go unpunished! They have rejected the instruction of the Lord, refusing to obey his decrees.”

Same song. Different verse. Sing it again. It only gets worse!

Do we see the progression here?

They were out of a RIGHT RELATIONSHIP with God, and then they were out of a RIGHT RELATIONSHIP with each other.

“Can two walk together except they be agreed?”

When they took their eyes off of the GLORY of GOD, the GLORY of God left them!

Judgment follows a people who turn on God. Shortly after that, they turn on each other. God’s presence and power are no longer upon them to protect them!

My father was “a shepherd” in a church for all of his life, and he has shared some pretty interesting stories with us about his years in the ministry…

One of the more memorable stories he shared was of one of his very first pastorates. He was in a small church as their new pastor and was sitting in one of their “BORED Meetings” (Truth intended!)

They were trying to make some “big decisions” about the carpet or the coat racks (where they hung their winter coats), and they all got into an argument. It got quite loud, and then they picked up the church hymnals. Perhaps you are wondering what hymn they sang at such a time of disunity…

Well, they didn’t sing at all. One of the elders threw the hymnal at another, and then others picked up hymnals and threw them!

Hard to fathom. Right?

I have always thought of my dad as a modern superhero. So, I asked him what he did “to save the day.” He said, “Well, I crawled under the table until they quit throwing them!”

Wise man! Then, he decided to go on the road as a traveling evangelist and get out of that little church!

Friends, when judgment comes, we, too, had better get out of the way. That is God’s job to judge and our job to share the warning as a shepherd who cares for the sheep. We are to love, pray, share, and sometimes get out of the way!

When we are not in a right relationship with God, we will also be out of sync with our brothers and sister. “Can two walk together except they be agreed?”

Famous Amos reminds us that “the cookies are going to crumble” when our eyes are not firmly placed on God!

Faithful Reporter

Revelation 1: 1-20

(December 9)

Do you remember “back in the good ole’ days” when reporters were focused and purposeful in reporting the news to us? As a child, I would sit with my dad and listen to the news. We got a lot more FACTS back then and a lot less BULL.

These days, most reporters are looking for the drama in the situation that will increase their ratings. Or they are focused on being far left or far right on a matter, and giving us only that opinion, instead of just presenting the facts. Their faithfulness to their craft has been hindered by social and political pressure.

John was what I would call a “faithful reporter.” He gave the facts … in other words … the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

John, being one of Jesus’ original twelve disciples, knew Jesus very well. He was the only one who wasn’t executed for his faith. When he wrote Revelation, he was exiled on the island of Patmos because of his belief in Christ.

In Revelation, John is writing to the believers to offer them guidance and more knowledge about Jesus and how their lives should be lived to represent him in the present. He is also addressing the future and the hope all believers have, especially those who have been persecuted. This hope is the proclamation that Christ gets the win in the end over the enemy, and we can be certain of our eternal life with him.

John refers to seeing Jesus coming with the clouds of heaven. How can he be sure it was Jesus that he saw? Not only did John spend three years with Jesus as his disciple, preaching and teaching with him, but he was also present at the Transfiguration, where he saw a glorified Jesus rise to the heavens. So, you could say that he knows Jesus pretty well.

When Jesus appears in the clouds, his hair is white (wisdom), his eyes blaze with fire (judgement for the evil), and he is wearing a golden sash around his chest (highest of high priests). He has seven stars in his right hand and seven gold lampstands surrounded him. John knows him instantly, even with these changes he doesn’t completely understand.

John fell at his feet upon seeing him. But Jesus, always the friend to John, put his hand on him, saying, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look – I am alive forever and ever? And I hold the keys of death and the grave.” (verse17-18)

After explaining the seven golden stars (representing the angels of the seven churches) and the seven gold lampstands (representing the seven churches, Jesus then commanded John to write down all that he saw, now and in the future. This would be Revelation, the account of what is to come. John’s obedience to Jesus gave us instruction and information about the return of Jesus, and what that means to each of us.

John gave us the facts … just as were told to him and saw by him. He didn’t concern himself with popular opinion or the pressures of the world. John was, indeed, a faithful reporter.

Sound the Trumpet

One Year Bible: Dec. 9

Joel 1:1-3:21

“Sound the Trumpet”

If you blink, you will miss the message of the book of Joel because it is only three chapters long and will be covered in one day. Joel is one of the “Minor Prophets,” which means the prophecy is shorter than a major prophecy but certainly not less important.

In fact, to miss the book of Joel would be a big loss because it is filled with important revelations about “The Day of the Lord.”

Joel preaches to the people of Judah because Jerusalem plays an important role in the end-time prophecies. He begins his short book with these words, “In all your history, has anything like this happened before?”

What are the people to tell their children?

We like to call things “Acts of Nature,” but we used to call them “Acts of God.”

Joel lets the people know that God himself leads the army of destruction to bring the nations to their knees.

The locusts have destroyed the vineyards. There is no more wine for the drunkards. The locusts have destroyed grapevines, fig-trees, crops, grain, fields, and olive oil.

There are no offerings to be offered in the Temple by the priests either.

The food has disappeared along with all joyful celebrations. There are fires burning, and the wild animals cry out…

He proclaims, “The Day of the Lord is near, the day when destruction comes from the ALMIGHTY: How terrible that day will be.” (1:15)

He calls the people to “sound the trumpet!”

That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now while there is time.” (2:12)

In the midst of the “Day of the Lord,” God will pour out his spirit of conviction.

Perhaps you recognize this famous passage found in Joel 2: 28-32, “Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days, I will pour out my Spirit even on servants-- men and women alike. And I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth--blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn red before that great and terrible day of the Lord arrives. But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

When will this happen?

“I will gather the armies of the world into the ‘Valley of Jehosophat’. (Joel 3:2, 12)

Where is that located, we may wonder?

In verse 14, it is called ‘The Valley of Decision,” which refers to God’s decision to punish the nations for their repeated disobedience and breaking of the covenant.

The name “Jehoshaphat” means “The Lord Judges.”

I have listened to many teachings of prophecy where people just want to know the actual place, date, and time.

Is this so that they can get it booked on their calendar?

Perhaps, we, like the O.T. hearers of this prophecy, have somehow missed the point…

We see natural disasters on the rise, much like the contractions that lead to childbirth, but we miss the meaning behind all of this.

“The Lord Judges”!

He won’t tarry forever. Now is the day to look, listen, and see as God’s promise of the Holy Spirit is being poured out upon us.

Did we catch what he proclaimed in Joel 2: 28-32?

Sons and daughters will prophesy. While Christians are arguing amongst themselves about the role of women in the church, God is going to pour out his spirit, and “men and women alike” are going to be proclaiming his visions (Vs. 29) Old men will dream dreams, and young men will see visions.

These revelations will NOT be contrary to God’s Word. They will remind us of HIS Truth and call us to repentance.

Do you see nature’s calamities on the rise as the nations deny God?

It is time to “Sound the Trumpet”!

Warning!

JUDE 1: 1-25

(December 8th)

There are times when we can "turn on a dime." We have thought or felt a certain way about something for a long time, then in just a moment, our minds and feelings are changed. Perhaps it is politics, or maybe you change your opinion about someone. Maybe you have always that higher education is important, until the moment you decide it isn't. It could be that you never thought you would adopt another person's child until the moment the opportunity was placed before you. There are so many things that we can change our minds about.

Jude focused on one such change of mind, and heart. His letter concentrated on those who had turned away from the truth of the gospel and bought into the false teachings. The term for this undoing is apostasy.

Jude was James's brother and the half-brother of Jesus. How cool is that?? He wrote to remind these people that God would put harsh judgment on those who walked away from their faith. He warned against these Gnostic teachers. Gnostics opposed two of the basic components of Christianity ... the incarnation of Jesus and the call to Christian ethics. Jude wanted to oppose those false teachings and encourage the truth, in belief and in behavior. He reminded them of what happened to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, which were filled with immoral behavior and sexual perversion.

These false believers lived such lives of immorality. They defied all authority and scoffed at anything supernatural. They claimed they could control their dreams. (Wish I could)

Jude mentions Michael in verse 9, "But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, "The Lord rebuke you!'" (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses' body.)

We see the death of Moses recorded in Deuteronomy 34. Jude was most likely referencing an ancient book called The Assumption of Moses, which stated that Moses was taken immediately into the presence of God when he died. Enoch and Elijah were also taken into God's presence, only before they died. It was Moses and Elijah that appeared with Jesus at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9).

Jude advised them to beware of having these Gnostics eat with them at their fellowship meals commemorating the Lord's love. When the early church celebrated the Lord's Supper, they ate a complete meal before taking Communion. This meal, the "love feast", was designed as a sacred time of fellowship to prepare the heart for Communion. Having the Gnostics join in the love feasts put a stain on what should have been a time of holy celebration.

As Jude states, these false teachers are no surprise. Enoch had prophesied about them long ago. He said they would be grumblers and complainers, selfish in their quest to satisfy their own desires, braggers, and manipulators. The apostles had already foretold that there would be scoffers and people who created division in the last times.

But all was not lost. Jude had faith that the believers could heed this warning and overcome by building up and supporting each other in the faith, by praying in the Holy Spirit, and by waiting on the Lord. They should also show mercy to those who had faith that was wavering, rescuing them from the claws of the false teachers, and doing all of this with great caution.

Jude wrote this letter as a warning to the believers of that day. It is also a warning to us as we walk through our lives in this current culture. Hold fast to others who believe. Pray for each other. Trust in God. And be watchful of those who might be slipping into the evils of the world. Grab them and pull them back into the faith, giving them strength when weakness is consuming them.

May we all heed the warning!

“To Complete”

One Year Bible: Dec. 8

Hosea 10:1-14:9

“To Complete”

The name Gomer is a boy’s name of Hebrew origin. It was the name of the grandson of Noah and the wife of Hosea. The name means “to complete.”

That is an interesting name for a woman who seems to complete nothing.

The name “Gomer” is also an acronym used by medical professionals to refer to the aged and uncared-for who frequently seek emergency medical treatment for minor health complaints.

The acronym “GOMER” stands for “Get Out Of My Emergency Room.”

Sad, isn’t it?

This story found in the book of Hosea is so important because it tells us the story of a Covenant God in a personal way. He took the lowliest of low in Gomer to tell us how He COMPLETES the broken story of love for mankind.

God never says, “Get Out Of My Emergency Room”! And believe me, the church is like a gigantic ER room all the time. People have a way of never coming and then showing up right when all of life goes right down the toilet! They are left shattered, and they enter the doors that they have long avoided. The great news is that God does NOT avoid them. Here is what He says and does for all the “Gomer the Roamers” in life…

“Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go and love your wife again, even though she commits adultery with another lover. This will illustrate that the Lord still loves Israel, even though the people have turned to other gods and love to worship them'.” (3:1)

Are all the people who come to the ER prostitutes? In the spiritual sense, we all are. We have allowed something secondary to fill our hearts and minds beyond the living God. We serve idols.

This is the story of a Covenant God. From the days of Adam until today, we have broken the covenant with a Holy God because we are an Unholy People.

“I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings. But like Adam, you broke my covenant and betrayed my trust.” (6:6-7)

The book of Hosea asks two interesting questions of these people, “What then will you do on festival days? How will you observe the LORD’s festivals?” (9;5)

God’s people were living hypocritical lives at the time of this story. They were coming to the temple to offer sacrifices, but the sacrifices of their hearts were not being given to God but to their idols. They had broken their covenant with a Holy God, and they had no way to repair that relationship.

How does this relate to us right here and now?

It is a season of festivals and celebrations for us as we read this passage.

How many substitutions are there available for us right now to distract us from the real celebration? A lot. Actually.

Trees. Presents. Parties. Giving. Bills. Food. Relationships.

This story in the Old Testament pointed the people to a time when “a prophet’ would come to pay the price for the worst of sinners.

You see, there are no “GOMERS” in God’s ER. Not then and not now.

God never says, “Get Out Of My Emergency Room.”.

Instead, he says, “ I will send a prophet and son to pay for your sin and bring you back home, and I will restore you to be my own.”

Her name was “Gomer the Roamer,” and she is in this story to remind us that, like her name “To Complete,” God has come to Complete us and Rescue us.

Whatever you do in this season of festivals and celebrations, may that be the central theme and thought in your heart and mind.

Merry Christmas, because we stand “Complete.”

We are welcome in God’s ER because of Christ. He left the 99 healthy sheep to find the lost “GOMER”...

Showing Hospitality

3 JOHN 1:1-15

(December 7)

When I moved to my new neighborhood, I had high hopes for how it would be. In my mind's eye, I saw my neighbors stopping by with cookies to welcome me to the neighborhood, evenings in the front yard chatting with them about whatever topic we chose, and fun block gatherings. I even had hopes that there would be a special lady or two that would gather with me for coffee or do a bible study together.

I have been here over a year now, and none of that has come to pass. I do have one neighbor that will chat briefly if I catch her outside. Another neighbor is in my book club, and another attends the local chamber of commerce meetings with me. But honestly, the hospitality hasn't really been flowing in our little corner of the world.

My son's neighborhood got a flyer about a block party to celebrate Christmas. I thought that was really neat. When I mentioned that I wished my neighborhood would do something like that, he just looked at me for a moment and said, "Mom, if you want a block party, why don't you organize one?"

Hmmm... something to think about! Why don't I? Why don't I organize that gathering, or maybe a bible study? What is stopping me? I love having people over. Hospitality is my game! So, I'm not really sure what is stopping me. Maybe that is a goal I can set for the new year.

We were created for connection with others. Hospitality is important in the larger scope of things, and this is what John was trying to convey in his third letter. He addressed this letter to Gaius, who John dearly loved. It could be that John had experienced the hospitality of Gaius in the past as he traveled. Most traveling preachers were dependent upon the hospitality of others as they traveled from place to place.

In this letter, he writes about the need to show hospitality to traveling preachers and other believers. In his prior letter, he had warned them to refuse hospitality to false teachers who would try to deceive them with lies. But now, he is saying that if someone is preaching the truth, or a believer of the truth, show them hospitality and make their lives easier. Show them you support their work and make them comfortable while they do it.

He used Demetrius as an example. We don't know a whole lot about Demetrius. Is he the same Ephesian silversmith mentioned in Acts who opposed Paul? Or is he someone else? Whoever he was, he had a high regard for truth, and was a mighty example of it. It is believed that it was Demetrius that carried this letter from John to Gaius. If so, you can be certain that hospitality was shown to him.

Demetrius was an excellent role model for truth. Are you? Am I? Would believers of long ago be comfortable to open the doors of their homes to us, based on what they see of us?

Would my neighbors be comfortable to open their doors to me in hospitality for a cup of coffee or a time of study? Who would I be comfortable letting into my own home? Hospitality is necessary. It is good. It is required of all believers. But let us be mindful and watchful of those we show hospitality to, making sure we are not being deceived by someone who can manipulate us into doubting our beliefs or compromising them in some way.

Oh, and if you want a cup of coffee, come on over. I've got a pot ready for you!

Rescue Me

One Year Bible: Dec. 7

Hosea 6:1-9:17

Rescue Me

“You are not hidden. There’s never been a moment you were forgotten. You are not hopeless. Though you have been broken. Your innocence stolen. I hear you whisper underneath your breath. I hear your SOS, your SOS… I will send out an army to find you. In the middle of the darkest night. It’s true; I will rescue you.”

(Rescue, Theme Song for Redeeming Love By Lauren Daigle)

What kind of prostitute was Gomer, and why would she leave her husband and three children to return to her audacious life of prostitution? There are different kinds of prostitutes. So, let’s look at the kind being discussed in the book of Hosea.

“Longing after idols has made them foolish. They have played the prostitute, serving other gods and deserting their God. They offer sacrifices to idols on the mountaintops. They go into the hills to burn incense in the pleasant shade of oaks, poplars, and terebinth trees. That is WHY your daughters turn to prostitution.” (Hosea 4:12-13)

The context here tells us repeatedly the purpose of the prostitutes. Both men and women served at the idol sacrifices to commit sexual orgies with the idol worshippers. Sexual degradation and worship of the Satanic walk hand-in-hand… and now you know “The Pull with Idol Poles.”

From the context given in this book, I highly doubt that Gomer’s adultery and idolatry was a “private affair.”

Most likely, “The Preacher’s Wife” served up adultery and Idolatry publicly at one of the many locations of Idol Worship, and it did not go without notice. It tainted her husband’s work just as the unfaithful people of God had tainted their spiritual husband. That was the point of this spiritual object lesson.

Hosea carried “The Shame,” and the people of God would see for themselves “The Blame.” The priests of God had defied God’s temple, and so God called Hosea to the place of degradation (where idols were worshipped and orgies reigned supreme) to find his wayward wife. She was part of them!

The prophet was to buy back the undeserving who had returned to her sin and bring her home to be sanctified and redeemed, not by her works or righteousness, but because of his decision. He was to “bear her shame” and “redeem her name.”

The setting of this story is so important because Hoea was a priest whose wife betrayed his love to choose idolatry and adultery. She was a living representation of Israel and Judah.

I doubt you would want to buy a movie ticket to watch her public display of disregard for her husband, the temple, or her God. It must have been sickening for her husband to behold and for God to permit.

But He did permit it. Didn’t HE? He allows the wayward to head their own way and their choice to be unfaithful repeatedly.

Hosea is His reminder that He is willing to pay for our sins and bear our shame and take our guilt and punishment upon himself to give us LIFE.

In essence, He came to Rescue Us!

“There is no distance that cannot be covered over and over You’re not defenseless. I’ll be your shelter. I’ll be your armor. I will rescue you.”

(“Rescue” by Lauren Daigle)

Walk in Truth

2 JOHN 1:1-13

(December 6)

John wrote this letter shortly after he wrote the 1st letter to warn about false teachers. It is thought that he wrote this letter from Ephesus. The letter is addressed to "the chosen lady and her children." It is believed that he is referring to a church and its members.

In the intro of the letter, he addresses a main topic ... truth. If we are believers, we walk in the truth of who Christ is. This truth is eternal within all believers. Because of this, we will eternally have grace, peace, and truth within us.

John expresses his happiness at having met some of the believers and seeing for himself that they are walking in the truth. His letter is a reminder about loving one another, which is an age-old commandment and nothing new to their ears.

Why did he feel the need to remind them to love one another? There were many false teachers that claimed Jesus did not come to earth in a real body. These teachers were real deceivers and John wanted all believers to be very careful not to let them twist the truth. If they bought the lies, they would lose their relationship with God.

If believers heard anyone sharing these untruths about Jesus, they were to remove them from their church, not invite them into their home, or encourage them to continue their message in any way. To encourage them would mean they were joining them in the lie.

Many of the false teachers of that day taught that spirit was good, and matter was evil. To them, Jesus could not have been both God and man because God couldn't live in human flesh. John was adamant against this kind of teaching and wanted to make sure that believers did not "drink the Kool-Aid" that was being offered by these antichrists.

He urged them to stand strong in their faith and walk in the truth. Today, right now, in this world, we have false teachers trying to manipulate us into believing their version of religion and their views on Jesus and God. We know the truth. We live in it every day. Our faith is secure in Whose we are.

It's not enough to just KNOW it. We have to SHARE it with others who could easily be manipulated into believing a lie. The way to combat the evil of the enemy is with the goodness of God. When we can share that with others, then they too can walk in the truth of the gospel.

Redeeming Love

One Year Bible: Dec. 6

Hosea 4:1-5:15

Redeeming Love

Today we look at another “Cinematic moment” based on the novel, “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers.

This novel, inspired by the Old Testament story of Hosea and Gomer, went into the movie theatres. America has long romanticized the Old West, which is the setting that Francine Rivers extensively researched and brought to life for the background of this story. She brought the theme of “sex trafficking” to life, set in the time period of the California Gold Rush of 1850.

This realistic fiction novel which came to life on the big screens, was beyond the comfort of many Christians with some of its “steamy sex scenes” and also the violence exhibited to children through “sex trafficking.”

In the realistic fiction movie, “Gomer the Roamer” is rescued by her “knight on a horse” and taken to safety on his ranch to embrace an ordinary life and raise a family. Without explanation, she leaves to head back to her former life without explanation leaving the audience with a question that they can not begin to fathom, “WHY?”.

Did you know that between 15,000 to 50,000 women and children are forced into sexual slavery in the U.S. each year? Sex trafficking is big business and is fueled by a society that embraces ungodliness. God has been left in the rear-view mirror.

The “rear-view-mirror” is the setting of the book of Hosea, and I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I think a movie on the big screen based on the book of Hosea would be FAR, FAR worse than her adapted realistic fiction. I will tell you why…

The book of Hosea provides the “rear-view mirror” very clearly for us. It tells us the “HOW” and the “WHY”...

In the book of Hosea, the real theme does not begin with Gomer. It begins with Hosea, the prophet. He was chosen because he was “a prophet.”

The people have left God far behind and have given thanks for their blessings to idols versus thanking the God who rescued them from Egypt and has provided for them in every situation despite their repeated unfaithfulness. God holds the priests responsible for their growing unfaithfulness, and so God chooses Hosea (who is one of them) to teach them a living object lesson.

“My complaints, you priests, are with you. Since you priests refuse to know me, I refuse to recognize you as my priests. Since you have forgotten the laws of your God, I will forget to bless your children. The more priests there are, the more they sin against me. They have exchanged the glory of God for the shame of idols.” (Hosea 4:4, 7-8)

Yes, Hosea is chosen because of his role of ministering to the priests. You see, Gomer is not the only one “lost in the woods.” The priests, themselves, are just as lost as “The Preacher’s Wife.” They have also desecrated the House of the Lord with abomination, and all of the people are following their “sorry lead” to destruction.

So, God instructs his prophet, Hosea, to “Go and love your wife again, even though she commits adultery with another lover. This will illustrate that the Lord still loves Israel, even though the people have turned to other gods and love to worship them.” (3:1)

There will be another prophet who will go after the lost and pay for them with His own life. It will be the ultimate down payment for sins of all time. This is the wonderful foreshadowing of that long-awaited Messiah.

This, my friends, is why God called a humble prophet named Hosea to go after a wayward wife. This is the foretelling of another prophet who will pay the price for the unfaithfulness of all mankind.

Rescue. Restoration. Reconciliation… That’s Redeeming Love!

“Amazing love! How can it be that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?” (And Can it Be, Traditional Hymn)

Children of God

1 JOHN 5: 1-21

(December 5)

I have mentioned on several occasions that I have adopted children. These children were not born to me but were chosen by my husband and me to be a part of my family. There was a process we had to go through to make it binding. And the love we have for them is equal to the love for our biological children. There is no difference between the two.

We are God's children, adopted into his family through our faith in Christ. There is a process we must go through ... to confess our sins and invite Jesus into our hearts. Through this process of loving Jesus, we become children of God, all equal in his sight with no differences between us.

When we love Jesus, we love God. And because of this love, we want to keep his commandments. This is especially important in the world we live in today.

For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. (Verse 4-5)

It is our faith in who Jesus is that helps us overcome the world. We are victorious because of our belief that Jesus is the Son of God, as he was revealed by his baptism and death on the cross. It was "water and blood" that Jesus has proven to be who God says he is.

During the time this letter was written, there was false teaching going around that said Jesus was "the Christ" only for the time between his baptism and his death. This would mean that the first 33 years of his life, he was only a human, and the ability to be "the Christ" only came to him at his baptism. It then left him at his death. This cannot be true. If he died only as a man, he wouldn't have been able to take our sins upon himself, offering us the opportunity for forgiveness. Without that, there would be no meaning to Christianity.

Because he was ALWAYS Christ, we have the beautiful gift of eternal life through him. And we have him to hear us when we cry out in need, or in thanksgiving. He is our supplier and provider, our comforter, and our source of peace.

We should want to share this with others who are not believers. If we see someone sinning, we should pray for them and tell them about Jesus, offering them the same hope and eternity that we have.

And we should be careful to guard our status as children of God, not letting anything interfere with that fellowship or take his place in our hearts.

The Preacher’s Wife

One Year Bible Dec. 5

Hosea 1:1-3:5

The Preacher’s Wife

I love the 1996 remake movie called “The Preacher’s Wife” with Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston. This is a “feel-good movie” for the Christmas season about a preacher who is down and doubting himself in the ministry. An angel is sent down to help the good reverend get over his mid-life crisis but becomes enamored by his beautiful, amazingly talented wife, played by Whitney Houston (who sings like an angel).

In modern times, we call her “The Pastor’s Wife.” She is the “two-for-one special” who is supposed to wear many hats, serve endlessly without funds, and always make “The Preacher” look good! She is to be his right hand, side eye, and back support, among other things…

This book is about “The Preacher’s wife” only the kicker is that she is nothing at all like I just described in the description above. I don’t think this one could sing, either… Her name, by the way, was “Gomer the Roamer,” and when she heard the part about the “two-for-one special,” she had other things in mind…

Hosea was a prophet (the pastor/proclaimer of their day). So, all eyes were on him and the “glass parsonage.” To make things more complicated, he took a wife, and she was a prostitute. Oh, and there was one more small matter to add to this situation… Ummmmmm, the Lord told him to marry and have children with her!

Please, don’t bite your tongue while swallowing that small, unbelievably congruent fact. Okay?

Everything about this contradicts God’s laws, desires, and will for his people!

Bingo! And that is exactly why God told Hosea to do this beyond-comprehension object lesson right before “Enquiring Eyes.”

If it wasn’t enough that he was to marry this woman who was a prostitute, he was to have children with her, and their names were enough to “sink the ship”!

“When the Lord first began speaking to Israel through Hosea, he said to him, “Go and marry a prostitute,” so that some of her children will be conceived in prostitution. This will illustrate how Israel acted like a prostitute by turning against the Lord and worshiping other gods.” (Hosea 1: 2)

You see, Hosea was no ordinary prophet. God had already sent many of those. In fact, Hosea lived in the time of Isaiah and Micah. God had sent message after message and discipline after discipline to his unfaithful people. Now, he is not sending a prophecy. He is sending them an object lesson right before their very eyes, and it is going to be “something worth talking about.”

Gomer’s three children were given meaningful names selected for them by God himself. Their names are part of the “Object Lesson” for the watching world.

Child one was a boy, and his name was “Jezreel.” His name means “God sows” or “God scatters.” We read about this name in Hosea 1:4-5. This name is associated with the judgment executed on Jehu and the family of Ahab. (2 Kings 9-10). Through this name, God is proclaiming that he will avenge the innocent blood shed by Jehu and put an end to his dynasty.

The second child is a daughter named Lo-ruhamah (1:6-7), which means “unpitied’ or “not loved.” Her name was to show that God would no longer “show them mercy.” God is about to allow the Assyrians to swallow up the northern kingdom as discipline for their actions.

The third child, a son, was named Lo-Ammi (1: 8-9), which means “not my people.” Not only would God withdraw his mercy and protection of his wayward people, but He would also declare a final warning to them.

Three children and a white picket fence to go around the parsonage. Sounds idyllic, but the problem is that Hosea may not even be sure who really is the father of his children as she leaves him again to return to her “secret” or “not-so-secret” life.

I am pretty sure the “Enquiring Minds” are watching this entire theatre production.

Not only is Hosea’s marriage destined for trouble, but this turbulent relationship is on display for the entire Idolatrous nation to behold. That’s the point!

Things are about to get even more interesting because the Lord asks Hosea to go and buy back his wayfaring wife. He is to go hunt her down while she is dwelling in all of her sins and buy back the bride that has chosen to turn her back on him.

Where is Jesus in the Old Testament, people often ask? Does this story sound familiar?

Who is this bride that turns her back on her husband to choose sin?

She is “The Preacher’s Wife,” and she represents Israel, Judah, and you and me, for that matter. She turned her back on true love, but true love would not be stopped. It would pay the price.

There is a song from “The Preacher’s Wife” called “I believe in you and me.”

“See, I was lost; now I’m free ‘Cause I believe in you and me.”

I don’t think this Preacher’s wife even knew she was lost, nor did she want to be found.

That is the message that God wanted Hosea to live out for the world to see, and so he wanted Hosea to marry “Gomer The Roamer”... The Preacher’s Wife.

What’s Love Got to Do with It?

1 JOHN 4: 1-21

(December 4)

We've all heard the saying, "What's love got to do with it?" According to 1 John, love has everything to do with it.

Love is more than just a good feeling. It is more than a really, really good feeling. In scriptures we see the proof of the boundless, limitless love of God through the knowledge that he sent Christ to die for us. There is no greater love. And this wasn't done just so we could feel warm and fuzzy inside. It was done to motivate us to respond in the same way to those around us. Sometimes we do this in very practical ways. Other times it is very uncomfortable.

Love is responsive. We are able to love because God has and still does love us. Because of this love we receive from him; we are able to respond lovingly to those around us.

And because we have this love from God, we are to be on guard and not be naive to the false teaching that is around us. John tells us, "Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits." He is saying that we shouldn't believe everything we hear just because someone says it (or because we read it on Facebook). If someone says they are teaching about God, there are many ways to test and see if what they are saying really comes from the word of God.

Do their words match scripture? What is their lifestyle like? How devoted are they to the body of believers? What fruits do you see from their ministry? Of all the tests, the most important one is what they teach about Jesus. Do they teach that he is fully God and fully Man? If not, WALK AWAY!

John goes on to continue his conversation about love and how we should feel compelled to love others because God loves us. And while we have not seen God, we can the expression of him through the love we have for each other.

When we have this love, we have no fear. Perfect love casts out all fear. But it has to be perfect love. You can't say "I love God," and in the next breath say you hate a fellow believer. That is not perfect love. If we can't love those which we can see, how do we expect to love that which is unseen?

So, what's love got to do with it? According to John, and according to scripture, EVERYTHING!

The Counterfeit

One Year Bible: Dec. 4

Daniel 11:36-12:13

The Counterfeit

“The best way to easily identify a counterfeit currency is to have full exposure to the original currency. If you don’t know your true vision, any satanic vision can cross your way, and you might not know it.”--Israelmore Ayivor

Do you know how they check for counterfeit currency? They hold it up to the light!

There is training involved to recognize the counterfeit. When they hold it up to the light, they check for the watermark.

As we take a closer look at the “false-christ” today, we need to make sure and “hold it up to the light” and check the watermark!

The prophecy given in Daniel 11 and 12 is long and complex, with much symbolism that can be interpreted in light of Isaiah and the book of Revelation. When it is held up to the light, it “lines up” perfectly.

Daniel 11:1-35 tells prophecies that are already fulfilled about Persia, Greece, Egypt and Syria, and Antiochus Epiphanes. All of these prophecies have come to pass. So, much so that people doubt because they can’t fathom how a prophet could so specifically detail the events that would come to pass after the time in which it was written. That is the mark of the true prophet!

Daniel was a TRUE prophet whose life was dedicated to seeking “The true light.” He held everything up to the light to inspect it carefully. His life and ministry are summed up in Daniel 1:8, “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself.”

Daniel not only believed that God was SOVEREIGN, but he also disciplined himself to seek God daily by opening his window to “seek the light” on all of his decisions. He prayed at nine o’clock in the morning, noon, and three o’clock in the afternoon (the third, sixth, and ninth hours) even when he was taken captive to Babylon. This habit of prayer and refusing to bow and worship the king is what landed him in the Lion’s Den.

This was Daniel’s training that made him the man that God chose to reveal “secret, hidden things” through visions. He was elevated to a position of receiving an explanation from Gabriel, the arch-angel of God, and to have a heavenly visitation with the “Son of Man.”

Daniel participated in Spiritual Warfare before any man even knew there was such a thing. He prayed with a broken, contrite heart for the protection of God’s chosen people when the news of persecution was revealed to him through the vision. It was revealed to him that his prayers were heard even when the answer was delayed due to Spiritual Warfare in the heavenlies. Daniel was faithful, resolute, and actively involved in the Kingdom of God.

Daniel’s name means “God is my judge,” and he lived up to that name throughout his entire life. As a young man, he was placed in a position of high authority in a pagan kingdom, but he always chose to serve and place God as the King on the throne of his life. He stood up to kings and spoke words that could place him in peril. He knew that no man was worthy of his worship and that it would ultimately be God who would be his judge. He took all things and held them up “to the light” to test their validity.

While the first thirty-five verses in Daniel 11 are now history, Daniel 11:36-12:3 will be the background that will unfold in the “final day of the Lord.” These end-time revelations will bring about the tribulation and the Antichrist.

What will this time look like?

“The king will do as he pleases, exalting himself and claiming to be greater than every god, even blaspheming the God of gods. He will succeed, but only until the time of wrath is completed. For what has been determined will surely take place. He will have no respect for the gods of his ancestors… he will boast that he is greater than any of them.” (11:36 )

Antichrist. Attack. Anguish. Anxiety. These are the words!

How will all of this turnout?

“Then there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time, every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued. Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.” (12;1-3)

“Antichrist.” Against Christ. Anti to all things of Christ.

How long will “his time of terror” last?

“A time, times, and a half a time,” when “the shattering of the holy people has finally come to an end, all these things will have happened.” (12:12:7)

How are we to be prepared for this false Christ who will come to deceive the world, and how will we face a “Shattering of God’s holy people”?

Daniel left us a great example to follow… When the furnace heats up, remember there is a fourth man in the fire. When the lions are swirling around the den, remember who shuts the lion’s mount. When you are asked to bow your knee to evil, open your windows and pray morning, noon, and night! Intercede in the day of evil for the Kingdom of God.

How can you recognize the counterfeit of God?

Study God’s Word daily and listen to His Spirit speaking to your heart. Know the real person… Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten son!! Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

What are we to do during these final days on the Restless Sea?

Take what you see and hold it up to the light and check for the watermark. Identify the “Counterfeit’ by knowing “The Original”.

Alpha. Omega. Beginning. End.