Sunday, December 31, 2023

Finishing beyond our comprehension….

 Finishing beyond our comprehension….


These are the last two chapters of the book of Revelations…I started the year in Matthew with the humble and glorious birth of Christ…his lineage, his mother, his earthly father…with many rabbit trails along the way, through the year as God brought about changes of “ our “ plans…lessons given in life, learned ( hopefully)….


Now to finish off the year…in these chapters…it is blessing to read them in their entirety…we’ve gone from a tiny, helpless baby through his ministry as he walked here on earth…through his teachings, his encouragements, he admonishments, ….his betrayal, his judgment, his death and his resurrection….his ascension…


Now a look at the ultimate…the real light at the end…no more tears, pain, death….light without darkness…the place that has been prepared…the forever and forever…


Thank YOU….



 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 

I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” 

Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 

He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. 

Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. 

But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” 

One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 

And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. 

It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west. The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 

The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long. The angel measured the wall using human measurement, and it was 144 cubits thick. 

The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. 

The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. 

The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 

The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. 

The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass. 

I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 

The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 

The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. 

On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. 

The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 

Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Rev.21.1-27


 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. 

On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. 

And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 

No longer will there be any curse. 

The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 

They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. 

They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. 

And they will reign for ever and ever. 

The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.” 

“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.” 

I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. 

But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!” 

Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.” 

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. 

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” 

And let the one who hears say, “Come!” 

Let the one who is thirsty come; 

and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. 

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll. 

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. 

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.

Rev.22.1-21



Climb higher…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UG_w3xo7zuU

Saturday, December 30, 2023

Joy exudes….

  Joy exudes….


Last night I was watching a special I had copied earlier this season, Happy 98 th birthday to Dick Van Dyke.  He has been around a long time, has been in so many shows, movies, specials, and people laugh for all of his clean comedic antics…


The theme that’s ran through was his kindness, care, joy…”Joy exudes from his life”….


He was sitting there watching this special made for him, singing along with the musicians, tapping his fingers, toes with a look of utter joy seeing renditions of songs, dances he had participated in during his life….he was delighted…and delightful to watch…


I couldn’t help but think of God’s delight in us…looking at us as a father delights in his children…seeing joy in us, singing along with our lives when we are walking in his will ….looking with pleasure those high times in our lives, compassionate when trials come…


Thank YOU….


 David said…

I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. Lord, the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep these desires and thoughts in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you.

1Chr.29.17-18


 The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;where morning dawns, where evening fades,you call forth songs of joy.

Ps.65.8


 the Lord delights in those who fear him,who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Ps.147.11


 For the Lord takes delight in his people;he crowns the humble with victory. 

Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor-and sing for joy on their beds.

Ps.149.4-5


Proverbs 8


 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill. He warned them not to tell others about him. 

This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “Here is my servant whom I have chosen,the one I love, in whom I delight;I will put my Spirit on him,and he will proclaim justice to the nations.

Matt.12.15-18


God delights in you…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw2RafIuRdw

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

It is finished…it is done…

 It is finished….it is done….


The task is done…Jesus came to give his life as a ransom for many…showing victory over death…through his resurrection….other things  happens as well…earthquakes, etc…the world changes because of that death and resurrection on the cross…there is hope…


But, in the book of Revelations, there is much more and God says from his throne, “it is done”…and the whole world knows…it is not an obscure event …the world really changes in its final groanings…there is still to come that final  victory …and it will be mighty…there is a finality not experienced before…judgments  being meted out…and the angels shouted out…” After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting:“Hallelujah!Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,

Rev.19.1


I have gone from the birth of Christ at the beginning of this year through his earthly life, his teachings, death and resurrection…through his apostles , their travels , their teachings and writings…now through the final book of the Bible, Jesus’ victory which becomes our victory as well…the exposure of God’s good over evil…the fulfillment of promises of eternal life for those who trust in Him.


There is so much going on that we humans don’t see…but, we rest in the fact that God has it under control…he is never surprised, he works good for those believe in Him…he never leaves us or forsakes us…he loves us with an everlasting love …he disciplines those whom he loves…he desires that none  should perish…he sent Jesus to walk  on earth’s soil and walk among men, to claim  victory over death……


We don’t know the time or date when this is finished, but we know it is sure….


Thank YOU…that you finish that which you  have started…


 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 

The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. 

The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people. 

When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

Matt.27.50-54


 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

John.19.30


 The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, “It is done!” Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. 

No earthquake like it has ever occurred since mankind has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake. 

The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. 

God remembered Babylon the Great and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of his wrath. 

Every island fled away and the mountains could not be found. From the sky huge hailstones, each weighing about a hundred pounds, fell on people. 

Rev.16.17-20


Joy to the World…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLEfxk4gKz4


Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Wonders never cease….

 The wonder never ceases…


And boom, it is over….the tree stands bare of gifts, the stockings which were hung with care are left empty, wrappings balled up for the trash, dishes to unload from the dishwasher, leftovers fill the refrigerator, toys and gifts strewn around…the company has left…


Mary probably had a sleepless night getting up every 2-3 hours to feed this miracle baby….the angels have made their appearance and left…the shepherds went back to their flock after reporting about town of their discovery and news…maybe a few guests make their way to the stable to see if the shepherds were telling the truth….


Now Joseph and Mary must report for the census…the “real” reason they find themselves in this little town…I wonder if they found a temporary home until going to the city of Jerusalem…or did they stay at the inn’s stable…it doesn’t really say…but, it is about  4 and 1/2  miles… (25 minutes by bus😊 )….


But, about 8 days of silence about this miracle child…I imagine Joseph and Mary cuddled him, counted his toes and fingers, looked into his eyes with wonder…cared for him, sang songs/lullabies….loved him as new parents do…maybe wondered what would come next… what would he be like from here on …this gift to them and to the world…how would he be different from the neighbor’s children…wonders in a tiny baby…


We can read the story now…but for them, they were  part of the story and didn’t  have the hind sight that we do…It was all new…


Thank YOU…


Hebrew lullaby…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35MB9pRLmmY


Jewish songs for babies…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoAXL4VXg78&list=RD0sM9lupwx6Q&index=3



Monday, December 25, 2023

Angels we have heard on high….

   Angels we have heard on high…



Our sky has been pretty clear these last few days, the moon shining brightly…just like I picture the night of Jesus’ birth…looking out at the clear sky, imagine the Angels appearing to the shepherds…raising their praises in the crisp cool air…with the moon and stars as their backdrop for their Wonderous message …


Have been thinking about  angels this last week…the various references to them in the Scriptures…

 We sing and read about them, especially at Christmas…books and books have been written about them…we may have even been in the presence of them…they are warriors, guardians, singers, messengers…and Praise givers, rejoicing…


This is the blessing that Moses the man of God pronounced on the Israelites before his death. He said:“The Lord came from Sinai and dawned over them from Seir;he shone forth from Mount Paran.He came with myriads of holy ones from the south, from his mountain slopes.

Deut.33.1-2


 And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

2Kgs.6.17


 “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man;I will question you,and you shall answer me. “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set,or who laid its cornerstone— while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?

Job.38.2-7. 


 Praise the Lord, you his angels,you mighty ones who do his bidding,who obey his word. Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,you his servants who do his will. 

Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the Lord, my soul.

Ps.103.20-22


 Praise the Lord.Praise the Lord from the heavens;praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels;praise him, all his heavenly hosts.

Ps.148.1-2


 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. 

Matt.16.27


 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?

Matt.26.53


 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven,and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.

Luke.2.13-15


 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Luke.15.10


 For to which of the angels did God ever say,“You are my Son;today I have become your Father”?

Or again,“I will be his Father,and he will be my Son”? 

And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,“Let all God’s angels worship him.”

Heb.1.5-6


 And they sang a new song, saying:“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals,because you were slain,and with your blood you purchased for Good persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,and they will reign on the earth.” 

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. 

They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying:“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strengthand honor and glory and praise!”

Rev.5.9-12


 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

Heb.13.2


Thank YOU….


Heavenly Hosts…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx2xHa-A0KQ



 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 

And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Col.1.15-20


Sunday, December 24, 2023

  So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Luke.2.16-20




Blessings….

https://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/4576/singing-the-christmas-story

Friday, December 22, 2023

He wasn’t just any baby….

 He wasn’t just any baby…



Verses of the day…

 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

 Luke.2.8-11


 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Isa.7.14


But I was reading these verses in Revelations….

  and sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb:“Great and marvelous are your deeds,Lord God Almighty.

Just and true are your ways,King of the nations. 

Who will not fear you, Lord,and bring glory to your name?

For you alone are holy.

All nations will come and worship before you,for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

Rev.15.3-4


Isaiah, a prophecy to fulfill, Luke - prophecy fulfilled, Revelation- the culmination of all…just gave me chills to see the path of God’s Word…


 Great are the works of the Lord;they are pondered by all who delight in them. 

Glorious and majestic are his deeds,and his righteousness endures forever.

Ps.111.2-3


 He is the Rock, his works are perfect,and all his ways are just.

A faithful God who does no wrong,upright and just is he.

Deut.32.4


 Who should not fear you, King of the nations?

This is your due.

Among all the wise leaders of the nations and in all their kingdoms,there is no one like you.

Jer.10.7


 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord;they will bring glory to your name. 

For you are great and do marvelous deeds;you alone are God.

Ps.86.9-10


 The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.

Ps.98.2


Thank YOU….


What  Child is This?….


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ_o85Byb-g


Lyrics

Lyrics to What Child Is This?


What child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping,
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary!

Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce him through,
The Cross be borne for me, for you;
Hail, hail the Word Made Flesh,
The babe, the son of Mary!

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh;
Come, peasant, king, to own Him!
The King of Kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him!
Raise, raise the song on high!
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy! joy! for Christ is born,
The babe, the son of Mary


https://www.lyricsforchristmas.com/christmas-carols/what-child-is-this/

Thursday, December 21, 2023

They sang a new song…


They sang New song…


I happen to like music…it speaks to my soul…and we can get it in a variety of places…the sound of the ocean coming ashore…the birds on a sunlit morning, choirs praising, soloists sharing, a baby’s cooing or new giggle, a mother  sheep, speaking to her newborn lamb, …etc, etc, etc…songs are all around us…


John spoke sounds he heard in Revelation 14…


 “Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they remained virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.”

Rev.14.1-5


Sounds of the ocean ….


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iLESlcQwpk


Sounds of thunder and rain…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDq6TstdEi8


Sounds of harp music…


 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCvEgqePl84


Put these three together and they may have sounded similar…or not..


 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Eph.5.19-20


 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Col.3.12-17


I know I am not part of the 144,000 as some religions would say…

But, singing to God with gratitude is part of life in my world…


Thank YOU..



 Songs…


Christmas Day…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDZNnjqpAoM


Oh come, oh come Emmanuel…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01BcaggibDw


This is Christmas….


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtM2R67obxk


Phil Wickham Christmas…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtrnuG5wZ-Y&list=PLnH2GFAdA-35z6K3pzC1fmtQklyAOoW7T





Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Waging war…

 Waging battle….


I read once of a scene where Satan challenges God in Creation…

God accepts the challenge…Satan then proceeds the bend down and pick up a hand full of dirt….

“Ah, no”, Said God. “You make your own dirt…”

Revelation 13 repeats the words, “given power” several times…with the beasts…

God is still in control no matter what…


Revelation 13 continues with recounting the battles with the beasts out of the sea and the earth…who are given power, who blasphemes God… proudness, wages war against God’s holy people…performs signs and wonders…


“….This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people. “

This calls for wisdom…..

Rev.13.10b,Rev.13.18a


Reminds me of Job…


 One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them. 

The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?”

Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.” 

Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” 

“Does Job fear God for nothing?” 

Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” 

The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.”

Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

Job.1.6-12


Satan was given only the power that God allowed…and one could say Job also had patient endurance, faithfulness, wisdom as is called for in Revelation for God’s people…when so much bad was happening to him……


Like Job, we don’t know all that the heavenly realm is waging or allowing on our behalf… 


Fo some that I know, this past year has been a trial and a blessing…we have found that through the trials, God has been faithful …we may have wondered “what is happening, why is this happening…” we may never know…but, God has been there all the time…but is has called for “patient endurance, faithfulness, wisdom”…


Thank YOU…


Blessings…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQan9L3yXjc


Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Revelation 12…

 Revelation 12…



I am not one to watch the big “war” movies, animated or real… Iron man, Aquaman, Superman, marvel ones, etc. etc. etc… and there are lots made all the time…some of my family can quote the lines verbatim…and know all of the characters, scenes, storylines…has never been in my genre…


But, reading through the Bible is watching the war between good and evil much of the time… and the book of Revelations is no exception…we know that God prevails and is victorious, but Satan is always battling…in Job, he takes away everything to make Job curse God…in Esther, he tries to destroy the Israelites…at the birth of Jesus, he tries to kill him through Herod’s edict to kill the baby boys…he tries at the crucifixion…but, Jesus is victorious over death, evil, Satan…he is still at work, wooing through false religions, false idols, words…deceptions, lies, accusations, etc….seeking whom he may devour……


 With God we will gain the victory,and he will trample down our enemies.

Ps.108.13


 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. 

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

1Cor.15.57-58.


Thank YOU…


The Battle belongs to the Lord…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir-XbtrgcRk


“A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. 

Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its heads. Its tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour her child the moment he was born. 

She gave birth to a son, a male child, who “will rule all the nations with an iron scepter.” And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne. The woman fled into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days. 

Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. 

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:“Now have come the salvation and the powerand the kingdom of our God,and the authority of his Messiah.For the accuser of our brothers and sisters,who accuses them before our God day and night,has been hurled down. 

They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamband by the word of their testimony;they did not love their lives so muchas to shrink from death. 

Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them!But woe to the earth and the sea,because the devil has gone down to you!He is filled with fury,because he knows that his time is short.” When the dragon saw that he had been hurled to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent’s reach. 

Then from his mouth the serpent spewed water like a river, to overtake the woman and sweep her away with the torrent. But the earth helped the woman by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 

Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.

Rev.12.1-17

Monday, December 18, 2023

Ice, frost…

 Ice…frost…


A friend of mine posted her beautiful ice crystals the other day from her walks…looked like our paper cut snowflakes …


Coming across eastern Oregon, yesterday, we saw hoary frost on everything for miles and miles, not snowflakes shaped, but wind driven spikes of ice…and then falling from the trees when the sun was able to penetrate the fog, like ashes described in Psalms…


 From whose womb comes the ice?Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens….

Job.38.29

 He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes.

Ps.147.16


Thank YOU….


Only You…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=613r7pln8rY






Sunday, December 17, 2023

 


 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? 

My help comes from the Lord,the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; 

indeed, he who watches over Israelwill neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day,nor the moon by night. 

The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and goingboth now and forevermore.

Ps.121.1-8


 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15.13


Psalm 121

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxtMjBsN2FE


Misty morning….Smith Rocks,

















Friday, December 15, 2023

Christmas year around…

 Christmas year around…


A part of my family is celebrating Christmas today…it has become more important to get together, rather than getting together on the “correct “ day…if it happens in the 25th of December, that’s okay, too…


I am thankful the weather has stayed clear of snow this time…the last two times we got together in Portland for Christmas, it was snowy, icy, scary, and fun…but, we also had members we are missing now, as well…


We have a variety of Christmas celebrators…some go all out with oodles and oodles of decorations….some very simple…and in between…some are traditional, some are nativity, some are sugarplum…but, the theme of family is constant…


Reading in Revelations again…Christmas isn’t mentioned…but, we couldn’t have it without Christmas, the celebration of the Birth of Christ, God coming to earth to fulfill his promise of redemption….we need Christmas..we need baby Jesus, we need His redemption…we need his fulfillment of prophecies…we need all that is written…from the beginning  through eternity…we need Him every hour, every year…He is our breath maker…He is the Alpha and Omega…


So we celebrate his birth once a year, but we really celebrate Him year around…


Thank YOU…


Sometimes every Christmas…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOfWEWjJZ10


These looked fun….


https://www.countryliving.com/life/travel/g2829/best-christmas-towns-in-usa/


https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas


https://odditiesandcuriositiestravel.com/year-round-christmas-towns/

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Hope…

 



Hope…


One place to visit in the Portland, Oregon area at Christmas time is the Grotto off of Sandy Boulevard…a walk though the lights, the hot chocolate, the choirs in the chapel, the theme of the True Christmas….

We went last night as did hundreds of others…the music in the chapel resonates all around you because the acoustics are so amazing…the Christmas Story depicted in murals and a manger scene…the star on the rock wall…fountain of living water depicted in lights….


The world’s Hope depicted in lighted and musical forms…for those who are seeking…


I saw it yesterday morning as well, in a tiny seed which grows into a gigantic tree…there is hope, eternity in man’s heart…


Thank YOU…


 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Eccl.3.11


Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,for his compassions never fail. 

They are new every morning;great is your faithfulness. 

I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;therefore I will wait for him.” 

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,to the one who seeks him; 

it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

Lam.3.22-26


 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

Ps.5.3


 We wait in hope for the Lord;he is our help and our shield.

Ps.33.20


 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;do not fret when people succeed in their ways,when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Ps.37.7


 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,and in his word I put my hope.

Ps.130.5


 But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,I wait for God my Savior;my God will hear me.

Mic.7.7


Angels we have heard on high…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wadHo2tNpjo









Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Coming into Portland, Oregon


 

Palms and celebrations…

 Palms and celebrations….


As I was reading in the book Revelation, this caught my attention…


 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. 

They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 

And they cried out in a loud voice:“Salvation belongs to our God,who sits on the throne,and to the Lamb.” 

All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. 

They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying:

“Amen!Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever.Amen!”

Rev.7.9-12


It reminded me of this triumphant entry of Christ’s…


 The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 

They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,“Hosanna!”“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”“Blessed is the king of Israel!” 

Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion;see, your king is coming,seated on a donkey’s colt.”

John.12.12-15


Which took me to palm branches…which led to the Festival of Tabernacles…


 The Lord said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites: ‘On the fifteenth day of the seventh month the Lord’s Festival of Tabernacles begins, and it lasts for seven days. 

On the first day you are to take branches from luxuriant trees—from palms, willows and other leafy trees—and rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days. 

Celebrate this as a festival to the Lord for seven days each year. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come; celebrate it in the seventh month.

Lev.23.33-34,Lev.23.40-41


Which led to this article…the sentence at the end…


“As described in the Book of Leviticus, this holiday is a time for the Jews to rejoice in God’s bounty, whether it’s His salvation in taking them out of bondage in Egypt or providing them with a plentiful harvest (the festival coincides with the end of the harvest season). Ultimately, though, Sukkot celebrates our trust in God and relying completely on our relationship with Him.”

https://www.ifcj.org/learn/jewish-holidays/what-is-the-festival-of-tabernacles-sukkot


Which in turn ended right back at the beginning verses…those in white robes…who are…


 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?” 

I answered, “Sir, you know.”

And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 

Therefore,“they are before the throne of Godand serve him day and night in his temple;and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. ‘Never again will they hunger;never again will they thirst.The sun will not beat down on them,’nor any scorching heat. 

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”

Rev.7.13-17


They relied completely on the Lord even in the great tribulation to come…hummm…


Thank YOU….


Salvation belongs to our God…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3d0MZBWbAp0


Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Irony….rejected…

 Irony….rejected…


I took this picture of an old picture in Baker, Oregon this fall…obviously, the picture taker saw the irony of the horses pulling a trailer of cars…or was one of those who thumbed their nose at the cars, thinking this is just a fad which will go away…


As I read Revelation 4 and 5,  it was with awe, the word descriptions which John wrote about seeing the Lamb and the scroll were hard to fathom on one hand and totally indescribable on the other…


Over the times since the beginning, some have accepted and others rejected God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit….the Triune God who created the universe…some have thumbed their noses at such a tale…while others believed, saw beyond…


We all have to make that decision for ourselves…will we reject or accept the story written on our heart…


Will we find Jesus worthy …


 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

Gal.4.4-5


 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:“

‘Holy, holy, holyis the Lord God Almighty,’who was, and is, and is to come.” 

Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. 

They lay their crowns before the throne and say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God,to receive glory and honor and power,for you created all things,and by your will they were created and have their being.” 


And they sang a new song, saying:“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals,because you were slain,and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,and they will reign on the earth.” 

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 

In a loud voice they were saying:“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strengthand honor and glory and praise!” 

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lambbe praise and honor and glory and power,for ever and ever!” 

The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Rev.4:8-11,Rev.5.9-14


Jesus is not a fad, to be taken lightly…he is the real…the eternal, the Saviour….the Worthy…


When I read these verses, I want to burst into the Hallelujah chorus…to be sung standing in adoration….worship…


Thank YOU….


Hallelujah Chorus…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weFJHtcxJt0



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmFM5qLIEGg


Monday, December 11, 2023

Worrisome…do not worry…

 Worrisome….do not worry…


Verse of the day…do not worry…


 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. 

Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. 

Are you not much more valuable than they? 

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matt.6.25-27, 33-34


Was thinking of these words uttered by Jesus some 30+ years after his birth…how both  Mary and Joseph handled the announcement into their lives of a baby…did worry, even a little bit, enter into their minds…this announcement to both must have made them wonder a bit and even worry or cause anxiousness a bit…but both were comforted by words spoken by angels……God was taking care of their anxious thoughts…

He provided for their care even when traveling from one town to the next, he provided lodging, even in the lowliest of “rooms”….confirmation through the shepherds…later as the wisemen found them, God provided for their flight to Egypt…and beyond these events…


Both Mary and Joseph found their solace in the hand of God’s care…both acquiesced…”I am Lord’s servant “…”he did what the angel of the Lord commanded “….


Am I so quickly to obey and not worry in a change of plans?…

Thank YOU….


 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. 

The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 

You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. 

The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 

For no word from God will ever fail.” 

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Luke.1.26-38


 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 

Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Matt.1.18-25


 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. 

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 

He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. 

She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Luke.2.1-7


I will carry you…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IziBz0d5yOk


Anxious heart…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH6Gk-IjX54


Sunday, December 10, 2023

Color…

 Color….


My father in law was colorblind, so when, in later years, he would make hooked pillows or pictures, my mother in law would lay out the colors of yarn for him…sometimes he didn’t necessarily follow those color schemes and the color combinations weren’t exactly what you expect to be used in certain places… we all cherished his pillows as his labor of love…no mater what the color combinations happened to be…


I love color…even though my favorite colors are subdued…I appreciate the brighter colors…flowers in their array of color, the world around us…painting, sewing, quilting with a myriad of color…

Flower arrangements in a multitude of places including church, jewelry made of a variety of  stones…color…

We send colorful flowers for celebrations or to cheer others…


I have noticed when visiting various places that I have had the privilege to see…various governments tend to delete color, people living in grays, subdued colors rather than the joys of their colorful culture of times past…buildings are drab, even the emotions are drab…happier people have more color…(just my observations…)


God, as the Creator, must enjoy color, he created it…from the beginning of the Word to the end, color is used …from the lush blues and greens of the sky and plant life, the animals in their array of designs and color, the rainbow created as a promise…the variety of skin colors around the world…the minerals, the rocks, used for decorations on the priestly garments, the layers of the tabernacle in the desert…to the  descriptions of heaven when we find as John speaks in  the book of Revelations….


 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”

Gen.9.16


 “Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen—the work of skilled hands. It is to have two shoulder pieces attached to two of its corners, so it can be fastened. Its skillfully woven waistband is to be like it—of one piece with the ephod and made with gold, and with blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and with finely twisted linen. “Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions—the work of skilled hands. Make it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. It is to be square—a span long and a span wide—and folded double. Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. The first row shall be carnelian, chrysolite and beryl; the second row shall be turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald; the third row shall be jacinth, agate and amethyst; the fourth row shall be topaz, onyx and jasper. Mount them in gold filigree settings. There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.

Exod.28.6-8,Exod.28.15-21


Opening up the book of Revelations…


 After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads.

Rev.4.1-4


 The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long. The angel measured the wall using human measurement, and it was 144 cubits thick. The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.

Rev.21.15-21


Thank YOU…..  


Creation song…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdANIknG7cM








Just an interesting article about color…

https://www.colorpsychology.org


Saturday, December 9, 2023

To the church of……I know your deeds….

  To the church of………..I know your deeds….


To me, this portion of scripture found in the book of Revelations is one of the most convicting….it addresses several churches with their good qualities, then addresses the negative…then almost begging them to listen and change for the good…

“ I know your deeds” resounds over and over again…He knows us from the beginning, He knows our hearts, thoughts, words, motives, deeds….there are no surprises…nothing is hidden…


Every time I read this section, I ask, “where am I in this list? What do I need to hear? Are there words that are directed to my heart right now?”

I am blessed by the answers, even when they are hard….there is always room for change and He helps me…


Thank YOU….



“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:

These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 

I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 

Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 

To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. 


“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:

These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. 

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death. 


“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:

These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. 

Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 

Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. 


“To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:

These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. 

Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. 

Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.’ 

To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’—just as I have received authority from my Father. 

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 


“To the angel of the church in Sardis write:

These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. 

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 


“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:

These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 

Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. 

I am coming soon. 

Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. 

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 


“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 

You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 

I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. 

To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Rev.2 and 3 


 Would it turn out well if he examined you?Could you deceive him as you might deceive a mortal?

Job.13.9


 Test me, Lord, and try me,examine my heart and my mind;

Ps.26.2


 For your ways are in full view of the Lord,and he examines all your paths.

Prov.5.21


 Let us examine our ways and test them,and let us return to the Lord.

Lam.3.40


 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. 

Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. 

And the God of love and peace will be with you.

2Cor.13.5,11


Behold I stand at the door, medley….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAcoQeRFMv8

Friday, December 8, 2023

Who is, who was, and who is to come…

 Who is, who was, and who is to come…



The Word says it all….


 John,To the seven churches in the province of Asia:Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.


To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. 


“Look, he is coming with the clouds,”and “every eye will see him,even those who pierced him”;and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”

So shall it be! Amen. “

I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” 

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Rev.1.4-8,Rev.1.17-18


 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. 

He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 

He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. 

His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Dan.7.13-14


 “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.

Zech.12.10


 My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations,” says the Lord Almighty.

Mal.1.11


 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 

“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Acts.1.6-11


 For to us a child is born,to us a son is given,and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.

He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom,establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

Isa.9.6-7


 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 

For my eyes have seen your salvation,     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles,and the glory of your people Israel.”

Luke.2.28-32


Thank YOU….


Come Emmanuel….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-K4Vk48S2s

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Prologue…

 Prologue….


Starting to read Revelations this week…


I couldn’t help but but imagine John receiving these words…


 The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. 

He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. 

John,To the seven churches in the province of Asia:Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. “Look, he is coming with the clouds,”and “every eye will see him,even those who pierced him”;and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”So shall it be! Amen. 

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” 

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. 

Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. 

I am the First and the Last. 

I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! 

And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Rev.1.1-8,Rev.1.17-18


But, as this is the Christmas season and the celebration of Christ’s birth, I was taken back to his earthly beginnings….


 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. 

The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Luke.1.26-33


Here is a young woman visited by an angel with great news …the Son of the Most High, coming to earth… and she is an instrument of that fulfillment…

Where as in Revelations He has come and now wants to tell more of what is to come…John is privileged to write down the words given…

John and Mary both told not to be afraid of their wonderful news…they’re encounters with an angel foretelling….


Mary, going through the months of readying for the birth of Jesus, pondering  in her heart the words spoken to her about the Son to come…John on an island receiving and recording the words given…


Both were gifted with an immense job to carry out…playing their parts in the God’s amazing plan…of which we  are a part of as well…

We are blessed because of Jesus..we are blessed reading the words of Revelations….


 Thank YOU…


Mary, did you know….


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1H1-scfD1s