144,000 - Rev. 14:3, 4

"...And no one could learn this song except those 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. For they are spiritually undefiled, pure as virgins, following the Lamb wherever he goes." Rev. 14:3, 4

This is a different 144,000 from ch. 7. These are Christians, not Jews, but definitely some kind of super-Christian. They were redeemed from the earth, so they could have lived anytime during the church-age; they are SPIRITUALLY undefiled, pure AS virgins, but NOT necessarily virgins as sex within marriage does not defile; and it seems that they are preselected for this purpose because it says they are a "special offering" or "first fruits." That "no falsehood can be charged against them" doesn't make them perfect, only remarkably "set apart" for this very special purpose of God's.

Jesus, thank you for inspiring me to stretch to be set apart for you.

Today's reading: Rev. 10-14

The Mark - Rev. 9:4

"They were told not to hurt the grass or plants or trees but to attack all the people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads." Rev. 9:4

Prior to today, I always assumed that those with the mark were those who accept Christ during the Tribulation period. I now notice that it does not say that. It says that those marked with the seal of God on their foreheads were only the 144,000. However, we may have to make an assumption here (I hate doing that!) based on Rev. 9:4 & 20. The only people protected from attack are those with the mark, and after these attacks and plagues, "the people who did not die still refused to turn from their evil deeds." Either new converts have the mark and are protected, God is attacking his own people, or there are no new converts (other than the 144,000) as of this point in time. Because of verse 7 we know that ultimately there will be great multitudes that are saved during the Tribulation; whether or not they have a mark, the Bible is somewhat vague.

God, thank you keeping me from the time of wrath.

Today's reading: Rev. 5-9

The King - Jn. 19:8, 15

"When Pilate heard this, he was more frightened than ever." Jn. 19:8

"We have no king but Caesar." Jn. 19:15

The whole scene in ch. 19 is almost surreal to me. Here are the Jews, God's chosen people, shouting that they have no king but Caesar, plotting to have an innocent man killed (who just happens to be the very Messiah they have been waiting for). We have Pilate, literally able to wield the power and law of Rome in the region, who is frightened--and I don't believe his fear was entirely of the crowd. I believe that something in his spirit was telling him that something very big was going on here that he just did not understand--something MUCH BIGGER than him. Later on, he refuses to change what he wrote on the sign above Jesus that said, "The King of the Jews." Interesting, was something revealed to him without him knowing? On top of all this, you have everything in the chapter being the fulfillment of prophecy, with the most learned Jews unable to recognize it! As the Roman officer in Matthew recognized, "Truly, this was the Son of God."

Jesus, I pray that you always keep my eyes open to what you are doing, please bless me with discernment.

Today's reading: Jn. 19-21

Hear and Believe - Jn. 15:22

"They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now they have no excuse for their sin." Jn. 15:22

I have always struggled with this verse. It seems to say that one would have to have heard the truth to be able to reject it. So what about those who have never heard? From a human perspective, it does seem to make salvation conditional on the ability of man to get the word out. Here's where I am now: Something as precious as salvation could never be left entirely up to man's effort. I know my God is loving and just, and I also know that he has known EVERYONE who he calls his child from before they were born. In 17:6, Jesus says to the Father, "...Actually they were always yours, and you gave them to me." NO child of God is at risk--he knew us and chose us before time began. This also dips into the "predestination" issue, but that is for another day!

God, thank you for choosing me!

Today's reading: Jn. 15-18

Don't Confuse Me With Facts - Jn. 10:37

"Don't believe me unless I carry out my Father's work. But if I do his work, believe in what I have done, even if you don't believe in me." Jn. 10:37

The more I read the Bible, the more I realize what God's purpose for life on this earth is--to point to the fact that there IS a God, that Jesus IS God and our ONLY ROUTE to salvation is through him. Whether it be the Law of the old covenant, miracles performed or evidence of the Holy Spirit, ALL of it was to point to the need for a Savior, that Savior being Jesus. If we were to really grasp the purpose for OUR existence, we would understand that it is to simply reflect Jesus in all we do so more could be saved--end of story. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. The fallen world we live in constantly messes with our priorities, and we actually come to believe that our purpose on earth has something to do with us. As this belief takes root, our desires overtake God's, and eventually we forget what our original purpose even was; hence, the popularity of a book like, "A Purpose Driven Life." In Jn. 10, Jesus can, of course, confidently state that everything he does reflects his Father, therefore we should believe in him--our goal should be the same.

God, let my will be yours, not mine.

Today's reading: Jn. 9-11

Voice Recognition - Jn. 8:30

"Then many who heard him say these things believed in him." Jn. 8:30

Even though the Holy Spirit hadn't been given, it was obviously existent. The ONLY way these people could have come to believe in Jesus was through the direction of the Spirit. This verse says that many believed when they heard him say THESE THINGS. There is no way! When I read chapter eight, I find Jesus' words way more confusing than convincing; without the Holy Spirit, there is NO WAY I would have believed. Later in John, Jesus talks about how sheep recognize the voice of their shepherd. It is not the words he is speaking, they simply recognize his voice and KNOW it is him. This has to apply to this verse. It would not have been Jesus' words that would have convinced me, I would have to have just KNOWN that his words were true through revelation by the Spirit. Funny that I never thought about it this way, but it actually answers a lot of questions for me. I have always questioned why Jesus was not even more clear in how he delivered his message, but I think the point is that it does not really matter -- It is not about the words, it is about the Holy Spirit!

Jesus, thank you for adopting me as your child so I can always hear your voice.

Today's reading: Jn. 7, 8

No Worries - 1Jn. 2:27

"But you have received the Holy Spirit and he lives within you, so you don't need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you all things, and what he teaches is true -- it is not a lie." 1Jn. 2:27

This is a great follow-on to yesterday's verse. God provides all truth to me through the Holy Spirit living in me. I don't need anyone to teach me truth -- God is sufficient! Sounds easy, but this still requires effort on my part. The Holy Spirit is often a "still small voice," and it requires desire and sensitivity to hear it amongst the noise of life. Once I hear this voice, discern it is from God, and understand what he is instructing, I must still be willing to DO what it says. Therein lies the rub -- I still have a choice! God can lead me to the promised land, but he won't force me in.

Jesus, thank you again for your perfect provision; help me to be obedient.

Today's reading: 1Jn. 2-4

Perfect Provision - 2Pet. 1:3

"As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life." 2Pet. 1:3

Bill preached on this verse this morning. One of those I have read many times (even highlighted) but hit me as revelation anew. Usually when I read words like "EVERYTHING" in the bible, it seems to be attributed to something of godlike proportions, or something eternal, like salvation, heaven, etc. But this verse says that Jesus gives me POWER, and EVERYTHING I need to live a godly life--now, today, here on earth! No qualification, education, seminars or books (bar one) needed. When we are saved, we are the complete package--with God's perfect provision. It doesn't mean I won't get better, it just means that at that moment, on that day, in that circumstance, I have all that I need to be godly--WOW!

God, thank you for thinking of everything.

Today's reading: 2Pet. 1-3; 1Jn. 1

Father And Son - James 4:6

From 12/15/2006 reading:

"God sets himself up against the proud, but he shows favor to the humble." James 4:6

I have been given such a clear picture of how God loves me as a child over the last couple of days. My son David can be SUCH a challenge! Suffice to say, we have been having more than our share of issues with him lately. Even though I can be furious with him, and even though his actions in no way have "earned" him any grace, I just can't help it; I just WANT to do good things for him. I love him and I want him to be happy. I will take the time to discipline him, then I will go right back to blessing him -- I now recognize that this is exactly the relationship I have with MY father in heaven. I recognize that I am no better than my son David -- best to be humble.

Jesus, thank you for being a great dad. I pray that I can be as great to MY son.

Today's reading: James 1-5

Discipline - Heb. 12:8

"If God doesn't discipline you as he does all his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all." Heb. 12:8

This verse has always kind of scared me -- I don't feel like I am disciplined a lot. Am I just in denial? Do I just not really understand what the word means? To me it means pain, and there is not a lot of pain in my life. I definitely feel myself being stretched to do his will vs. mine, and the conflict/consequence of being disobedient -- but not pain like Paul felt pain. Don't get me wrong, I thank God that I have been spared that, and I certainly am not asking for anything to change. I just worry sometimes that the hammer is really going to drop on me one day. As a kid, I would always rather be grounded than spanked, I guess that hasn't changed.

God, I KNOW that I am your child, that I am NOT illegitimate; so help me to have a better understanding as to what your definition of discipline is.

Today's reading: Heb. 12,13; Jude

Faith - Heb. 11:19

"Abraham assumed that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back again." Heb. 11:19

If that is the definition of faith I don't have any. This is a fact. I try to put myself in Abraham's place with God telling me to sacrifice any one of my sons -- THERE IS NO WAY! In fact, I don't know any father who could... except my father in heaven, and I guess there in lies the point. God did for me what NO human could or would. I don't get off that easy though; this chapter is about faith, or my lack of. My only consolation is that this specific act is not something that God would ask me to do because it is "beyond what I am able." While I kinda believe that, I kinda think it's a copout as well. Regardless, I just can't let my mind go there as I don't want to give Satan a foothold. I will just focus on the fact that I serve a loving and just God who knows what is best for me -- I will simply face each situation as it comes knowing he will provide what I need. It REALLY is that simple.

Jesus, thank you for YOUR faithfulness; thank you that I can trust you completely.

Today's reading: Heb. 9-11

Once Saved Revisited - Heb 6:17, 4, 6

From 12/12/2006 reading:

"God bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind." Heb. 6:17

"For it is impossible to restore to repentance those who were once enlightened -- those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit... and who then turn away from God." Heb. 6:4, 6

OK, I know I am crazy to dive into this topic again, but I just can't help it -- God's word is SO clear! He DID promise eternal security to those who want it; but based on chapter 6, he also gave CHRISTIANS (they have "shared in the Holy Spirit") the choice to deny him and suffer the consequences. As far as the BIBLE is concerned, God never took away our ability to reject him.

God, as you instruct, I will not argue over words. I will simply believe what YOU say.

Today's reading: Heb. 5-8

God's Business Plan - Philem. 1:6

"You are generous because of your faith. And I am praying that you will really put your generosity to work, for in so doing you will come to an understanding of all the good things we can do for Christ." Philem. 1:6

Simple but effective, as good business plans should be. Let me make sure I've got this straight: I am generous because of my faith, my generosity enables things to be done for Christ, like evangelism (in all its forms), evangelism leads to people being saved, and saved people ultimately have faith that turns into generosity... What this boils down to, for Christians, is a business plan with one action step: GENEROSITY. Seems like it should be a snap, but generosity is a very big word for me; some aspects of it easier than others (the whole "Golden Rule" thing). But I'm all for simple plans, and if it is only one step, the only thing getting in my way is ME.

God, increase my ability to be generous.

Today's reading: Philem.; Heb. 1-4

Rules To Live By - 2Tim. 2:16, 17, 22

From 12/10/2006 reading:

"Avoid godless, foolish discussions that lead to more and more godlessness. This kind of talk spreads like cancer... Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust. Follow anything that makes you want to do right. Pursue faith and love and peace, and enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with a pure heart." 2Tim. 2:16, 17, 22

What great rules to live by! The first thing that caught my attention was how often Paul warns against getting involved in foolish arguments. He describes it like a cancer, that spreads and literally kills those it touches. He must have seen human nature at work, just like it is today, with its propensity to gossip and argue with no end in mind. Most importantly, the time we sacrifice to this activity is taken directly from time we could spend doing the profitable things he suggests we "follow" and "pursue."

Holy Spirit, give me direction to cut any "cancer" out of my life, and narrow my focus to the "profitable" things.

Today's reading: 2Tim. 1-4

Witness This - Titus 2:7, 8

Reading from: 12/9/2006

"And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good deeds of every kind... Let your teaching be so correct that it can't be criticized. Then those who want to argue will be ashamed..." Titus 2:7, 8


I keep telling my kids that their motivation to do good CANNOT be the fear of consequences; rather, the desire to accurately reflect Christ--in other words, be conscious of the affect your witness has. I need to do a better job of listening to my own advice! Throughout Timothy and Titus, the focus has been doing good works and the impact of our witness. My struggle is that I still choose myself over others WAY too often--then go into denial and rationalization mode when it comes to my witness. I need to find a way to take EVERY thought and action captive.

God, I pray that you make my motivations pure,

Today's reading: 1Tim. 5, 6; Tit. 1-3

Personal Mandate - 1Tim. 4:13, 16

From 12/8/2006 reading:

"Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them... Stay true to what is right, and God will save you and those who hear you." 1Tim. 4:13, 16

I feel God speaking DIRECTLY to me when I read these verses. I have always felt that this is what the Holy Spirit gave me to do with my life; hence, the small groups and men's bible studies--I have always felt myself to be a teacher and an encourager of others, that is part of my gift and ministry. Regardless of whether I am a leader or not, that one section, "Stay true to what is right..." always weighs heavy on me. What if I slip up? Does the opposite consequence happen?! It just reminds me that I cannot act because of fear of consequences, rather, because I love God and want to reflect ONLY HIM.

Jesus, show me everyday how I look to the rest of the world--don't let me lie to myself.

Today's reading: 1Tim. 1-4

Don't Eat, Don't Touch... - Col. 2:20, 21, 23

"So why do you keep following the rules of the world, such as, `Don't handle, don't eat, don't touch...' These rules may seem wise because they seem wise because they require strong devotion, humility, and severe bodily discipline. But they have no effect when it comes to conquering a person's evil thoughts and desires." Col. 2:20, 21, 23

In other words, any fixation on works is futile. The problem is, most of us are not wired to just accept a free gift and not feel like we have to perform; or, feel that the more we "do" for God, the closer we get to him, the more points we score. Christ died so we could have freedom, yet we have become experts at using that freedom to create brand new cages for ourselves! How crafty is the enemy we war against?! I need simplicity to see my way through my walk here on earth, and Christ gave me this as well: LOVE others more than myself, and I fulfill the WHOLE law (Rom. 13:8).

God, keep my focus OUTWARD--on OTHERS. Increase my capacity to love.

Today's reading: Col. 1-4

Sold Out - Phil. 1:13, 14, 18

"For everyone here, including all the soldiers in the palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ."

"...whether or not their motives are pure, the fact remains that the message about Christ is being preached, so I rejoice." Phil. 1:13, 14, 18

The message I get from reading Philippians, is how sold out Paul is for Christ. He has COMPLETELY given himself over to WHATEVER Christ wants him to do. I get the feeling that he no longer has any "personal" desires left--his ONLY goal is that the gospel is preached and the Kingdom advanced. Regardless of whether he is alive or dead--whichever condition that was better for meeting this goal, he was OK with!! I am a spiritual wimp. Paul's example simply highlights how NOT sold out I am! But I will keep straining forward, "working toward the day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be."

I want to pray that God crushes my selfish desires; that he wipes out my worldly ambitions so that I can be as sold out as Paul. But at the same time I don't want to! This is how conflicted I am! I enjoy the things of this world, I want my cake and eat it too! I know I am serving two masters, God please help me in my weakness.

Today's reading: Phil. 1-4

Words Of Encouragement - Ps. 119: 1-80

Psalms are words of wisdom and words of encouragement. Highlights from Ps. 119: 1-80

v. 5 "Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principles!"

v. 11 "I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

v. 19 "I am but a foreigner here on earth; I need the guidance of your commands."

v. 24 "Your decrees please me; they give me wise advice."

v. 29 "Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your law."

v. 37 "Turn my eyes from worthless things."

v. 45 "I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments."

God, thank you for your wisdom, direction and insight.


Today's reading: Eph. 5, 6; Ps. 119: 1-80

The Grand Plan - Eph. 1:4

"Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes." Eph. 1:4

What an enormous statement this is! Before the world was made, God loved me, chose me and saw me as faultless because of Christ?! This statement alone shows how incomprehensible God is. How does man get his head around this? Add to it predestination, God's sovereignty and man's choice and you either have science fiction or God's majesty -- I choose the latter. He goes on to say that this plan gave him pleasure... "pleasure," even knowing what he was going to suffer. All one can do (since we cannot comprehend) is fall face down and praise him. What an awesome God we serve!

Lord, I worship you as the God of the universe, Creator of all things -- my Savior.

Today's reading: Eph. 1-4

Who Are You?! - Rom. 14:1, 4

From 12/3/06 reading:

"Accept Christians who are weak in the faith, and don't argue with them about what they think is right or wrong... Who are you to condemn God's servants?" Rom. 14:1, 4

We don't like to admit it, but we do this all the time don't we? I know I do. That I have attained some level of spiritual maturity and look down at other Christians who "aren't there yet." Worse yet, I pass judgment on their spirituality or commitment to Christ. Like I really know ANYTHING!! That very same person, who Christ died for as well, might be light years ahead of me in some other are that I struggle in! The point is, ALL of us suck, and Christ is the ONLY thing any of us have going for us. So the next time I'm judgmental or impatient, I just need to remember the limitless amount of patience God shows me everyday.

Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice, so God sees you rather than me.

12/3/06 reading: Rom. 13-16

All Israel? - Rom. 11:25, 26

From 12/2/2006 reading:

"Some of the Jews have hard hearts, but this will last only until the complete number of Gentiles comes to Christ. And so all Israel will be saved." Rom. 11:25, 26

Am I the only one who has a hard time with these verses? Alice says it makes complete sense to her (?). It CANNOT be that literally ALL Jews are saved. Paul even said earlier that his heart "is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief" for the Jews. But if the only Jews that are going to be saved are the ones who accept Jesus, then they are in exactly the same position as the Gentiles; if this is the case, what is the point of the verse above? How are the Jews different? Paul seems to indicate that because they are God's chosen people, they have some special advantage over the Gentiles, I just can't see what it is. Any input is welcome on this one.

Lord, regardless of the answer, thank you for grafting me into your vine.

12/2/06 reading: Rom. 9-12

Groanings - Rom. 8:26, 27

"But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will." Rom. 8:26, 27

I love this translation!! I have read this verse a hundred times but never saw it this way. As a Christian, I have always had this question about whether I was praying in God's will. Scripture tells me that God hears ALL my prayers; that one reason I may not see the answer to some is because it was not in accordance with his will. What these verses tell me, is that when I am praying in the Spirit, I am ALWAYS praying in God's will! I may not know what I am praying, but so what?! If the prayers of a righteous man accomplishes much, then I know that if I am praying in the Spirit, IN GOD'S WILL, I am leveraging prayer to the max! It may be better that I don't know what I am praying, it keeps my selfish, sinful heart out of it -- it's not about me anyway.

Jesus, remind me to spend time with you in the Spirit. I want our communication to be pure.

Today's reading: Rom. 5-8