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Job 21-23, Psalm 101, Rev 16

God’s wrath came in seven bowls.  Each of them poured out by an angel.  The plagues that they delivered caused malignant worse, water turned to blood – first the sea, then the rivers and springs – the sun became so hot it scorched people, the light was extinguished plunging the world into darkness, even the Euphrates river dried up.  “But,” we are reminded after each one, “they did not repent of their evil deeds and turn to God.”

I am tempted to believe that we are hopless.  Perhaps there is nothing that can conquer our pride and turn to God.  I would think that, but it’s clearly not true.  Psalm 101 gives us a beautiful picture of David.  This is what repent and turn to God looks like.

Psalms 101 (NLT)

I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.

I will praise you with songs.

I will be careful to live a blameless life—when will you come to help me?

I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.

I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.

I hate all who deal crookedly;

I will have nothing to do with them.

I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil.

I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.

I will not endure conceit and pride.

I will search for faithful people to be my companions.

Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me.

I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence.

My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked and free the city of the Lord from their grip.

Today’s Reading: Job 12-14; Psalms 100; Revelation 13

As I become more mature and received a little bit more wisdom, I take this time of the year to reflect on the past, and to see how I have grow over that year. In reflecting upon the blogs and the stories and the experiences that have been shared here on this platform, I have become a better person.

“Only grant me these two things, God,
    and then I will not hide from you:
²¹ Withdraw your hand far from me,
    and stop frightening me with your terrors.
²² Then summon me and I will answer,
    or let me speak, and you reply to me.
²³ How many wrongs and sins have I committed?
    Show me my offense and my sin.
²⁴ Why do you hide your face
    and consider me your enemy?
²⁵ Will you torment a windblown leaf? –

Job 13:21-25

The dragon^[a] stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. ² The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. ³ One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast. – Revelation 13: 1-3

In today’s reading, there is so much noise and confusion and chaos that upon first glance, you would become disengaged. But when you allow the spirit of God to mentor to you and to open your eyes to the full picture, we can see that in the midst of all of the chaos in our lives, we can still give thanks to God.

In the reading of Job, Job is struggling in a midst of his calamities and his trials. He is praising God with one voice and at the same time he is mad at himself. How many times throughout this past year have we had similar thoughts? How many times this past year have we been in the chaos that we did not understand why we were?

The next  passage is Psalms 100, which is a profound Thanksgiving song. This song gives me such hope. Hope for the past, hope for the  present, hope for the future. It is given thanks to God in all things. This is a testament to David and the spirit of God being with throughout his lifetime . We have the luxury of having spirit of God with us currently, but David had the heart of God. In the midst of all of his trials and heartaches, David still gives everything to God in praise and thanksgiving.

In the final reading, Revelation 13,  we are presented with a couple of unknowns that are told by John. When you read this chapter, you can become distraught and dismayed, but we know the ending of revelations we see that this God has overcome the evil.

So as we wind up the year, let us reflect on how God has already seen the end for us. Allow us to find peace in the knowledge that there will be calamities and trials and strife that we will endure this lifetime, but let’s be assured that we have a hope in Christ who has already completed the battle for us.

Let’s go to this new year with our spirits filled with hope and prosperity, joy and peace.

Be Blessed

Job 8-11, Revelation 12

I am stuck in the middle of Job.  I get the beginning where Job declares his unending devotion to God through worship, no matter the circumstances and I also know how this all ends with God blessing Job again.  Truth is, I just want to hurry up and get there.  The middle chapters are hard to read.  They plod along with the same silly arguments and this kind of battle amongst themselves.  The more I read it, the more confused I get.  My confusion leads to frustration and distress all of it making me question God, his purposes and his ways.

The more I think about it, it’s kind of like life.  Being stuck in the middle might be the hardest part.  The beginning was great.  Jesus made us worthy.  Everyday was a new adventure, something to learn and things to better understand.  We also become keenly aware of the rewards.  Salvation, eternal life, and unending love.  But, that is not where Job is today.  He’s in the middle.  He loves God.  He is devoted to God, but the promise of a future reward isn’t enough to satisfy him, right now.

There is something about these middle chapters.  Job readily acknowledges God’s soverignity.  He knows that God has the supreme power to do anything.  Like me, Job questions God’s motives and gets stuck in the question of, “why.”  Despite all of Job’s deliberation and arguing, God does not provide an anwer to that question.

Thankfully, we know how this book ends, but skipping to the happy ending would miss the most important part. In the coming days, we will Job’s story change.  It happens when Job’s focus changes.  Subtly, but surely, he moves from “why,” to “who.”

Today’s Reading:  Nehemiah 10-13; Revelations 8

Nehemiah 13 provides valuable insights for us today, emphasizing the importance of spiritual vigilance, commitment to God’s standards, and the need for courageous leadership in addressing compromise within the faith community. Despite the Israelites’ earlier covenant renewal, Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem to find spiritual neglect, corruption, and a disregard for God’s commands. This serves as a reminder that spiritual drift can occur subtly and must be actively confronted.

One key lesson is the importance of prioritizing worship and holiness. Nehemiah discovered that temple rooms, meant for offerings and worship supplies, had been repurposed for personal gain. Similarly, Christians today must guard against allowing worldly priorities to displace spiritual devotion. Our lives, like the temple, must remain dedicated spaces for God’s presence and purposes.

The chapter also emphasizes the importance of Sabbath observance, a principle that transcends time. In a culture driven by constant busyness and productivity, Christians are reminded to honor rest and set aside time for worship and renewal. The Sabbath principle underscores trust in God’s provision and a willingness to prioritize spiritual well-being over worldly success.

Additionally, Nehemiah’s boldness in confronting sin and compromise highlights the need for courageous leadership in the church today. Whether addressing moral failures, spiritual complacency, or cultural conformity, Christian leaders and believers must stand firm in upholding God’s standards with love and integrity.

Finally, Nehemiah’s reliance on prayer throughout his reforms reminds us that spiritual transformation begins with dependence on God. We are called to remain prayerful, asking God for wisdom, strength, and perseverance.

In a world where compromise is often celebrated, Nehemiah 13 should challenge us to remain vigilant, prioritize holiness, and courageously address spiritual drift both in their personal lives and within the faith community.

Written with the assistance of ChatGPT

Nehemiah 1-3, Revelation 5

John is in the throne room.  He’s watching God hold out a scroll with seven seals while an angel shouts to everyone “who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” (v2).  When nobody was found, John began to weep.  It’s this reaction that I want to take a closer look at.  Why does he weep?  To understand John’s emotions we need to first understand what is in the scroll, then we need a closer look at John’s heart.

The scroll describes Gods future plans.  Remember that Jesus died and ascended to heaven but he also made another promise; to come again. Luke 21:27 (ESV) And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory  (Mark 13:26-27).   This second coming will be the end to all trials and tribulation.  When it happens, Jesus will send out the angels and gather his elect (Mark 13:27).  This is what John was hoping for.  The scroll would finally reveal it. The full understanding of God and eternal presence with him is finally at hand.  But, there is a problem.  Who will open it?

John probably knew immediately that he, himself was not worthy.  He came to the throne room not with ambition and looking for opportunity, but seeking God, with humility.  Instead, I picture him eagerly searching for a face, for someone to step forward and take the scroll.  But they didn’t show up.  I feel like he matched 5 numbers on a lottery ticket and, waiting anxiously for that sixth number, only to find it doesn’t match.  John had lost.  But this wasn’t about a few dollars, this was everything he hoped for.  He “wept loudly.”

John was distressed until he was reminded to be patient.  There is one worthy, says one of the elders.  It is the “Lion of Judah.”  He has won the victory.  He is worthy to open the scrolls.  With this, John’s hope was restored but not in the way he expected.  He was looking for a lion, bold and strong.  But, what he saw was a lamb, and that Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered (Revelation 5:6).  In that moment, John sees Jesus for who he really is. He understands the price that was paid.  With that, John and the entire room fell down before the lamb and sang a new song (Revelation 5:8).

Todays Readings: Ezra 7-10, Psalm 97, Revelation 4

Psalm 97:9 For you, Lord, are the Most High over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.

During this season, I can reflect on what I am holding up high. Gifts, social events, kids’ activities, my circumstances…?  Then I can read His Words and remember who I should be holding Most High. What should take first in all areas of my life and who should be lifted most high in my obedience, actions, and thoughts. When I think I have control over something I can take a step back and remember without a doubt who is in control of it all.

Lord help me exalt You and only You! Tis the season where many things can pull our focus away from the real reason why we celebrate. Lord help us to lift You up Most High in all ways this season.

 Revelation 4:11 “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.”

Today’s Reading: Esther 7-10; Revelation 3

As we are in the middle of our Advent season, it’s no coincidence that this is one of the most stressful and tiring time of the year. 

We as Christians believe that this is the coming of Christ again into our lives. We have anticipation for that love and joy that he brings. When the original Heralds of Angels proclaimed the good news of Christ coming, they stated “peace beyond to you“. 

This is peace that we cannot understand and peace that we need for our spirits. But the adversary wants to distract us from that peace and that calmness. 

During the month of December, there are so many things to keep you busy. There are so many things to distract you from peace. There are so many things to distract you from calm. 

During December, many people are reliving grief from departed loved ones.

 

During December, so many of us have heartaches of unresolved angst. 

There is so much calamity that peace cannot be seen easily. That is why we have Christ to give us this peace during these tumultuous times.

In our reading in Esther,  there is a time of stress and chaos when Mordecai has been given a death sentence. Not only has he been given a death sentence, but his entire people and his race have been given a death sentence on an appointed day by his enemy. But God allows for his peace to come into this situation.  

“So the king and Haman went to dinner with Queen Esther. At this second dinner, while they were drinking wine the king again asked, “Queen Esther, what would you like? Half of my kingdom! Just ask and it’s yours.” Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor in your eyes, O King, and if it please the king, give me my life, and give my people their lives. “We’ve been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed—sold to be massacred, eliminated. If we had just been sold off into slavery, I wouldn’t even have brought it up; our troubles wouldn’t have been worth bothering the king over.” King Xerxes exploded, “Who? Where is he? This is monstrous!” “An enemy. An adversary. This evil Haman,” said Esther. Haman was terror-stricken before the king and queen.”

‭‭Esther‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭MSG‬‬

“That same day King Xerxes gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman, archenemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king because Esther had explained their relationship. The king took off his signet ring, which he had taken back from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. Esther appointed Mordecai over Haman’s estate.”

‭‭Esther‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭MSG‬‬

This will bring so much calamity and so much strife to the best person. But God had a different plan. He softened the heart of King Xeres to hear Queen Esther‘s request and when the King heard the request he gave it graciously. This request actually saved Mordecai life in the Jewish people‘s lives.  Normally this would create discourse, but Mordecai was patient and allowed God to work through Esther for his own benefit. 

Sometimes we have to be patient and let God work through others for our behalf. We do not have to take the battle for ourselves, we do not have to defend our actions. We do not have to pick up any arms to protect us, if we know that God is for us. 

During this season, we can take solace in Christ, He has come before us and is working on our behalf. We do not have to endure the harshness of Winters alone. We do not have to do anything alone, because Christ is with us throughout everything.

This is the confidence that we have in Christ. This is what Christ sees in us :

““I see what you’ve done. Now see what I’ve done. I’ve opened a door before you that no one can slam shut. You don’t have much strength, I know that; you used what you had to keep my Word. You didn’t deny me when times were rough. “And watch as I take those who call themselves true believers but are nothing of the kind, pretenders whose true membership is in the club of Satan—watch as I strip off their pretensions and they’re forced to acknowledge it’s you that I’ve loved. “Because you kept my Word in passionate patience, I’ll keep you safe in the time of testing that will be here soon, and all over the earth, every man, woman, and child put to the test. “I’m on my way; I’ll be there soon. Keep a tight grip on what you have so no one distracts you and steals your crown.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭11‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Esther 4-6, Revelation 2

Chet is right.  The book of Esther needs to be made a movie.  Esther is clearly the hero, and every good hero has a mentor.  Bruce Wayne, for example, has Alfred and Luke Skywalker has Obi-Wan Kenobi.  Esther, has Mordecai.

Mordecai has superpowers.  The root of them is faith.  For example, he is so certain of God that he refuses to bow to Haman even when everyone else does (Ester 3:2).  Then, facing death, he displays total peace and confidence (Esther 5:9).  Given Mordecai’s faith it’s easy to wonder why he is not the hero. That would be too easy.  God likes to complicate is work with people that are not qualified and are not expected.  That is Esther.  But, she needs help.

Mordecai masterfully encourages her.  His way is not patronizing.  It’s challenging.  Check out their exchange in chapter 4.

Mordecai pleads to Esther, “Go tell the king about Haman’s plot to kill the Jews.”

“I can’t” she replies. “The king will kill me if I enter without an invitation.”

“Do it anyway.” He insists.  “This is why God brought you here in the first place.”

Clearly this story has some cinematic opportunity, but I am thankful that I dont need it.  I hear clearly the call of Mordecai to stand up, stand firm, and believe.  Believe in God that has you here, right now, with all of these challenges so that you too can be something – for Him.