From the LGG Study Journal, Come, Lord Jesus, Come / w3d5
Scripture: Revelation 11:1-14
My mind is slowly wrapping itself around the beauty and mystery of Revelation. However due to some scheduling conflicts time to blog in response to my journey through the Scripture today, just didn’t happen. However, in place of the blog I am sharing a pic of my study journal for today as well as the LGG Journal page – that is always helpful and adds clarity and a visual to the story unfolding before us
Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them: “Come up here!” So the two prophets went up to heaven in a cloud while their enemies stared at them.
INTO THE WORD
Yesterday we read about Jesus being taken up in front of the watching disciples, and today we read about the two witnesses who will be taken up in front of a watching world. Because of God’s love and mercy, these two prophets will spend three and a half years proclaiming God’s coming judgment upon the world and calling the nations to repent and turn to God.
After their allotted time is over, God will allow them to be overtaken and killed. Their bodies will be left out in the streets of Jerusalem for three and a half days for all the world to see. People from every tribe, language, and nation will be able to see their dead bodies lying there. Huge celebrations will occur all over the world in response to their death. But the celebrations will not last long. After three and a half days, God will miraculously raise them up with the same power He used to raise Jesus from the grave.
We see from our verses today the lengths to which God will go in order to call unbelievers to repentance. We’ve seen this from the prophets of the Old Testament, through the apostles in the New Testament, right up to these prophets at the end of time. People from all tribes, languages, and nations of the world will be without excuse. God will give them time to repent. The call of repentance from the prophets will be heard all over the world and yet many people will still continue to harden their hearts.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, we take time today to pray for salvation for those in our lives who have hardened their hearts toward Your truth and salvation. We pause and pray salvation over their lives right now. Please use us, empower us, and fill us with Your Holy Spirit to be witnesses to them. Use us now, on this day, for Your glory. Until You return we pray come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.
based on the LGG Study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come / w3d4
Scripture; Acts 1:1-11 and Hebrews 9:27-28/ SOAP: ACTS 1:11
“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” ACTS 1:11. NET
Today’s journey may feel like we are circling the block – and in a way we are since it is nearly the same details from our previous post through Luke, chapter 24. Repetition in Scripture is always indicative of an important issue. -So, let’s check it out and see what we can learn and put into practice.
Lincoln came to play at Oma’s house this afternoon/evening – so I’m foregoing a personal blog for this wonderful and encouraging blog from the LGG Journal. I pray it is.a blessing
Based on the LGG Study, Come, Lord Jesus, Com / w3d3
Scripture: Luke 24:44-53 / SOAP verse 51
Now during the blessing He departed and was taken up into heaven.
Gen. 24:51
“As Jesus was blessing and encouraging those around Him, He was taken into Heaven. What a powerful example to us. As we go about our days in the shadow of Jesus’ return, may we, too, be a blessing and encouragement to those around us until the very minute we see Jesus face-to-face.”
The LGG Journal, Come, Lord Jesus Come, p 96
Observations and Applications for the Journey
Well, one of my favorite verses is tucked in this chapter. While it isn’t our focus verse I believe it bears a lot of weight on any Bible reading we do. It is actually a prayer that I almost always pray before I begin to read God’s Word. The verse is verse 45, which says: “Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” So, naturally this one jumped out at me, Verse 48 was another one that stood out to me, “You are witnesses of these things.” In one sense it’s a verse filled with honor and is a distinguished blessing; yet, with the next breath it is a hefty responsibility. However, it is one He has equipped us for as we read in verse 49, where Jesus reminds them of the gift the Father had promised, which He describes as being clothed with power from on high – A.K.A. – the Holy Spirit.
It struck me as I was reading this that God has always called His people to work. From Adam and Eve in the garden, which Bibleref.com explains like this: “The Garden of Eden was a place of work and fulfillment.When God placed Adam in the garden, He gave the man a task: Adam was “to work [the garden] and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15). What God had planted, Adam was to maintain. This task was in addition to Adam’s mandate to “be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground” (Genesis 1:29). Mankind was blessed by God, given responsibility, and provided work that was meaningful, creative, and beneficial.” And the work assignments continue as we reach Jesus’ announcement to the disciples: “You are witnesses of these things.” Simply, yet profoundly stated by bibleref.com commentary: “Witnesses don’t just watch – they tell others the TRUTH.”
“Witnesses don’t just watch – they tell others the TRUTH.”
Bibleref.com
We may not have seen Him ascend into Heaven as the early disciples did – but surely as believers we know that He did. To do the work He has called us to requires that we keep in step with the Spirit, who will teach us all things and remind us of everything that that the Father and Son have said. Gal 5:22-26/John 14:26. Peter says that we have been equipped with everything we need for a godly life, and part of that life is the Savior’s call for His disciples to be witnesses. In our words, as well as in our lives/actions, I’m forever glad we haven’t been called to do it alone. Not only have we been filled with the Spirit but we have the examples of Jesus, the great disciple maker and the perfect evangelist.” –
Prayer – Our Heart’s Response to the journey
Father, may we live and love like Jesus – taking the message to all who will hear it, whether they are in our “backyard” or around the world. Help us to work, remembering the day is coming. Equip us with the TRUTH so that we are ready to witness – even as Your Son has called us to. In His name I pray – Amen!
As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a fiery chariot pulled by fiery horses appeared. 2 Kings 2:11 NET
Observations and Applications for the Journey
Today, on our journey, we find ;the story of Elijah and Elisha, two of the most well-known prophets of Israel. Their impact led to revival among some of the Israelites during a dark stage of Israel’s history. You can read more about their story at Gotquestions.com. 1
There is much to be explored in these eighteen verses. For instance, Elisha’s character and his devotion to Elijah, or the miraculous parting of the Jordan river. I do encourage you to explore all of these and more in today’s, “The More We Know…” section; but for now we will focus on Elijah’s whirlwind departure, which included a fiery chariot pulled by fiery horses, as well as the first of many miracles by Elisha, following his master’s death. 2
Like Enoch, from our previous post, Elijah was taken up without seeing death. I love that Matthew Henry points out that Elijah was not meditating or praying but rather continuing to go where the Lord led Him. Actually, when it occurred he was walking along with Elisha, “instructing and encouraging him.” – when suddenly a fiery chariot pulled by fiery horses appeared and Elisha watched, no doubt stunned by what he was seeing, he cried out “My father, my father! The chariot and horsemen of Israel!” When he could no longer see Elijah, his sorrow was evident as he tore his clothes in two. Then, before returning to the Jordan he picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen off him as he was taken up. When he reached the Jordan, similar to what he had seen Elijah do before they crossed over, Elisha took the cloak and hit the water and Scripture says “it divided and Elisha crossed over.” Those who saw what happened said: “The Spirit that energized Elijah rests upon Elisha.”
Don’t you just love, and I hope appreciate – the majesty and the drama of God and His Word?
From Today’s LGG Journal Entry
This is a portion of today’s LGG journal entry that I thought you might enjoy and find helpful in the application. For while we may never be taken up by a whirlwind that includes a fiery carriage and fiery horses – there are some things we can learn to put into practice as we wait for the Jesus to come …
There have only been three people recorded in the Bible who have been taken up into heaven: Enoch, Elijah, and Jesus (after His resurrection). All three times the being “taken away,” “caught up,” or “raptured,” happened a little differently but had the same effect.
Elijah knew his time to leave Elisha had come, and even though he knew the day, he did not know the hour of his departure. We know Jesus is coming soon because He has made it clear in His Word. We do not know the day or the hour, but God has let us know that the day is approaching. In the waiting, we must continue to do the work God has placed before us. We can look at Elijah as an example of how to live our lives while we are in the season of anticipation.
What we see in Elijah’s life are three ways to live our lives now. First, we need to walk forward in faith and not be afraid of what the future holds. Second, like Elijah, we need to invest in the next generation. And third, like Elisha, we need to honor those who have mentored and gone before us. Doing all three will help us live intentionally and effectively with the time we have left.
Prayer – Our Heart’s Response to the journey
Father, The imagery of Your Word is beautiful and engaging. The promise of Your coming and the encouragement to be about Your work – the work You have placed before us. Help us to live by the example of Elijah, living our lives while we are in the season of waiting. Help us to walk forward in faith and not be afraid of what the future hold. Help us and show us how to invest in the next generation; and to honor those who have mentored and gone before us. Help us to live intentionally and effectively with the time we have left – In Jesus’ name,, Amen!
based on the LGG Study: Come, Lord Jesus, Come / w3d1
Scripture: Genesis 5:21-24 and Hebrews 11:5 / SOAP: Hebrews 11:5
By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death, and he was not to be found because God took him up. For before his removal he had been commended as having pleased God. Hebrews 11:5 NET
Observations and Applications for the Journey
Several things caught my attention in our passages; not the least of which was the fact that Enoch1 was taken up so that he did not see death.2 I was also drawn in by the possibility that he was sixty-five when he began his walk with God, or at least started faithfully walking with God. Some translations, like the KJV and NET, record that “After he became the father of Methuselah at the age of 65, Enoch walked with God.” However, some, such as the NIV, do translate it as: “After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God -” Please note that my curiosity about this statement wasn’t doubting that older people can be saved, but that for some reason the Bible makes a distinction that “after” he became the father of Methuselah he walked (faithfully) with God. Whether Enoch was sixty-five or younger when he became a man of faith doesn’t really matter here, but knowing and having heard many say, ‘I’m too old to become a believer’ or ‘I’m too stuck in my ways…’, gives me/us hopeful encouragement to offer those who are older and have not yet received Christ.
The second thing that came to mind was the heartbreaking thought that God must look at our world and see the same thing (or worse) as He did in the days of Noah, who, by the way, was a descendant of Enoch. Consider for yourself the record in Genesis: “in the days of Noah, the Lord saw that the wickedness of humankind had become great on the earth. Every inclination of the thoughts of their minds was only evil all the time.” I don’t mean to change our focus from Enoch to Noah, but bear with me for a minute and consider not just what God saw but how it made Him feel, as the author of Genesis goes on to describe: “The Lord regretted that he had made humankind on the earth, and he was highly offended.” So offended was He that the Lord said, “I will wipe humankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—everything from humankind to animals, including creatures that move on the ground and birds of the air, for I regret that I have made them.” But please do not miss the next words because they will forever bring hope to us and our lost and dying world: “Noah found favor in the sight of the LORD.”
“Noah found favor in the sight of the LORD.”
Genesis 6:8
So here we are in this world, much like, if not worse than, Noah’s day. Surely, few, if any, would disagree that we live in a world filled with wickedness, where every inclination of the thoughts of man’s mind always seems evil. Leaving no room to wonder why we are encouraged to search the Scriptures for hope and cry out – Come, Lord Jesus, Come!
Friends, a strong and resilient faith, not just the faith that leads to salvation but the faith that keeps us standing in the midst of the storms and temptations of this life, is essential to our walk with God. This is especially true in a world filled with evil, like ours – enticing us toward ungodly living or striking fear in our hearts – and/or shaking our faith. This, at least in part, is the reason for Paul teaching the church of Ephesus and all other disciples who would read his letter to put on the armor of our faith, the armor of God.3 For we certainly do not have a chance of standing, let alone walking faithfully with God if we are not suited up with His armor – including, the shield of faith, with which we can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one who rules this dark world.4
Prayer – Our Heart’s Response to the journey
Father, Thank You for Your Word from beginning to end, from Genesis, where we read of Enoch and Noah and others of the faith, to Revelation, where we read of Your Son’s impending return. From beginning to end, it fills us with HOPE and imparts both saving and staying FAITH to our hearts and minds. Please help us live faithfully in this world of wickedness that is saturated with every evil inclination. Father, we can only stand firm with Your help and effectively do the work You have called us to do when we live and look like Jesus instead of the world. Help us, like Enoch, to walk faithfully with You, our God, until You call us home! – Amen! In the name of Jesus – the pioneer and example of our faith – so let it be!
Reflection on the Journey
How did Enoch’s life please God? What does this teach us about how we should live our lives?
Borrowed and shared from the LGG Journal, Come, Lord Jesus, Come / p76
Scripture: Revelation 22:20
The one who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.
INTO THE WORD
Jesus is coming soon. That means our days are numbered, and the clock is ticking. I can’t even imagine what that glorious day will be like when I finally get to be with Jesus forever. I’m sure when I look back on my life it will seem like a short amount of time compared to eternity with Christ. I imagine the trials, tribulations, and pain I have experienced will soon be forgotten in light of eternity with Christ.
Focusing on my future with Jesus helps me endure today.
Realizing that there is a timeline and an end date helps me to press on when my heart is tempted to despair. On days when I’ve been online too much or watching the latest news update instead of reading God’s Word, I am tempted to worry about the future. It is in those times I have to remind myself to get back into God’s Word and allow it to calm my heart and ease my mind.
Reading today’s verses does that for me. Remembering that Jesus is coming back soon helps put it all into perspective because it reminds me that the trials and tribulations I find myself in today will not last forever. The “soon” Jesus talks about here will one day be “now.” Thinking about this helps me to endure today.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank You for the promise that You are coming back soon. Help us endure and face our trials with perseverance. Help us count our days and make them matter, not getting sidetracked in quarrelsome, insignificant matters. Help us stay focused on You and the mission You have given us—to make disciples of all nations. Help us reach those in our homes and our towns with Your love. Until the glorious day when we finally see You face-to-face, we will continue to pray, come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.
Reflection For Today
w2d5 / What are you most excited about when you think of what your life will be like when Jesus comes back?
based on the LGG Study – Come, Lord Jesus, Come / w2d4
Scripture: Revelation 22:12-13
Look! I am coming soon, and my reward is with me to pay each one according to what he has done! I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last , the beginning and the end!
True confessions … I am not one that has ever been comfortable with the topic of rewards in or for the Christian life, Don’t get me wrong, I know Jesus speaks of the rewards, and I do consider them an exciting part of what is to come, and let’s face it I would much rather be given His reward than the punishment unbelievers will face; however, I believe we must be careful to not focus on the reward and lose sight of the One who is bringing the reward with Him. Perhaps my aversion to the thought of earning rewards stems from my overly competitive personality. Board games, card games, sporting events, and nearly anything else that can be turned into a competition bring out the competitor in me … or at least it used to. At some point in the past several years (actually much further back than that), I realized just how obnoxious my overzealousness to win was – actually, I believe it was God who pointed it out to me, and He’s been working on me ever since. But, just in case you see me in overdrive in one of the aforementioned situations – please remember – God’s not finished with me yet. 😊💜
My point of sharing this less-than-flattering part of my testimony was simply meant to be a segue into the Love God Greatly devotion for today. However, when I read the Devo (after writing the segue), It let me know I’m not the only one who doesn’t like to talk about the idea of being rewarded for our good works/faithfulness. The devotion also helped me realize there might be more reason for my reluctance to dwell on the rewards to come. They suggest that because “we know we can never earn our salvation, a free gift from God, we tend to get nervous when the topic of rewards is brought up.” I don’t know that this truly applies to me as much as my competitive nature, but I do hope you’ll keep reading to see and be as encouraged as I was.
To be clear, our salvation is not a reward. It is a gift, not of works, so that no one can boast (Eph 2:8-9). You can read more about this in The More We Know section below.
Focusing on my future with Jesus helps me endure today.
LGG Journal: Come, Lord Jesus, Come / p 84
INTO THE WORD
In some of our Christian circles, we don’t talk much about this idea of being rewarded for our good works. I think it makes us feel uncomfortable. Since we know we can never earn our salvation, a free gift from God, we tend to get nervous when the topic of rewards is brought up.
But in Revelation 22:12–13, Jesus specifically says that when He returns, He will repay us according to how we lived our lives. What a comfort this promise is for those who have suffered greatly for the name of Jesus. It is encouraging to remember that nothing done for God is ever forgotten or wasted. Jesus sees the sacrifices made. He sees the injustices inflicted on those who have taken a stand in His name. He knows the things that have been taken from His people, and He has not forgotten. Because Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, He has seen it all, beginning and end, and nothing has escaped His notice. He will reward us according to our work.
When Jesus first came to earth, He came as a baby. When Christ comes again, He will come back as the roaring lion, ready to bring judgment upon the earth.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank You for being holy and good. Thank You for seeing it all. You never miss an injustice or heartbreak. Thank You for never wasting any hurt that I go through. Thank you for always bringing good and purpose out of my pain. Even though I pray my primary motivation for obedience will be my love for You, I thank You for the promise of Your heavenly rewards. I look forward to the day when I can lay them all down at Your holy feet. May I do everything for Your glory. Until the glorious day when I see You face to face, I will continue to pray come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.
The judgment seat of Christdoes not determine our salvation; that matter was settled by Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf (1 John 2:2) and our faith in Him (John 3:16). All our sins are forgiven, and there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24, emphasis added).
Second Corinthians 5:10 states: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” This is often referred to as the “Bema seat,” and is not the same as the judgment given to those who reject Christ. Unbelievers will be judged at the great white throne and be sentenced to eternal suffering in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11–15).
Based on the LGG Study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come / w2d3
Scripture: Revelation 3:10-11 (11)
Because you have kept my admonition to endure steadfastly, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come on the whole world to test those who live on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have so that no one can take away your crown. – Rev 3:10-11. NET
Despite the fact that I frequently share the devotions from the study journal, I will not always do so. However, I do believe they are most helpful in gaining further insight. I find this to be especially true in this particular study since some passages, like today’s, deal with eschatological events; I’ve mentioned before that while I have heard many messages preached about the end times and have read through the book of Revelation, I have never delved into a study of Revelation and/or the end times. So, as it arises in this study and others, I lean even more heavily on trusted resources, friends, and Pastors to help me understand what I’m reading in order that I might correctly explain the Word of God. 1
This one thing I do know and cling to daily – Jesus is coming again!
Coming again coming again Maybe morning maybe noon Maybe evening and maybe soon Coming again coming again Oh what a wonderful day it will be Jesus is coming again
Jesus is Coming Again / John W. Peterson
INTO THE WORD from p 64 of the Come, Lord Jesus, Come / an LGG study
Because you have kept my admonition to endure steadfastly, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come on the whole world to test those who live on the earth. Revelation 3:11
These verses, originally written to the church in Philadelphia, can be considered controversial depending on your view of the end times. Some scholars have read these verses and believe they are a promise that the church, as a whole, will be spared from experiencing the tribulation in the end times (1 Thessalonians 4:13—5:11). However, other scholars believe these verses apply to only the church in Philadelphia, regarding a specific hour of testing and persecution in their time and region.
Either way, we know Jesus is coming back. That is both a fact and a promise. So, whether God chooses to remove the church before His final testing, sometimes called the tribulation, like He did with Noah from the flood and Lot from Sodom, or He allows the church to go through the tribulation and protects her as He did with Israel in Egypt or with Daniel in Babylon, we know that God has made a provision for us. He has been providing the church with strength and courage in the midst of horrific persecution throughout the centuries and is doing so to this day.
Instead of allowing division to form around the interpretation of eschatological events, let’s remain united around the promise of Jesus’ return and our hope of eternity spent with Him.
PRAYER
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for the promise that You are always with us, to the end of the age. Help us not allow our hearts and minds to give in to fear, but give us supernatural courage to face the world without fear, knowing that You are fighting our battles. Help us remember our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world who are currently facing great difficulty for Your name. Thank You, Lord, for Your goodness in our lives and the blessed hope we can carry in our hearts as we look to our future spent with You in heaven for eternity! Until that glorious day, we will continue to pray come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.
The More You Know
Are you ready? If you have believed in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior then you are by the grace of God part of the family of God, and your eternity is secured forever in Heaven with God. However, if you have not believed, I plead with you to read Know These Truths and call upon the name of Jesus and be saved.
27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be distressed or lacking in courage. 128 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I am.2 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it happens, you may believe.330 I will not speak with you much longer, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me, 431 but I am doing just what the Father commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Get up, let us go from here.
Today’s devotional is borrowed and shared from the Love God Greatly Journal, p 64. I found it to be another wonderful reminder that we are meant to walk in peace and not despair. This peace isn’t one that we generate or gain from the world, it is a gift that comes only through and in Jesus Christ. It is available to all who believe in Him. In yesterday’s post, we looked at the difficulties and messes that challenge us in this world. Today, Jesus makes it clear that the world has no hope to offer us, for it is filled with lies, unfairness, and death. The good news and promise of hope is that He left His disciples/us with His peace. His is a peace that resides in us through the Holy Spirit. It is a peace that fills us with courage and overcomes the troubles that we face in this world. Jesus said that it was important for the disciples to know all of this because of what was about to happen, and the same is true for us as we watch the ‘ruler of this world’ stir up all kinds of evil around us. We need to remember that, the enemy has no power over those who belong to Christ, and – like Jesus – we need to press on in what God has called us to do – which is to live and love like Jesus so that the world may see and know God through us.
Once again, Jesus connects the ideas of love and obedience (John 14:15, 21). His submission to the will of God is evidence that His message is true (John 5:19).
Bibleref.com
INTO THE WORD is borrowed from the Come, Lord Jesus, Come journal / p64
Jesus’ peace is ours for the taking. He did not leave us to worry or fret over the decline we see happening in the world. That is not a burden we are meant to carry. Instead, Jesus has given us peace to carry us through our hard days and sleepless nights. Having Jesus’ peace does not mean we will not walk through hard times. It means we will not walk through them alone.
We can experience peace when it feels like our world is spiraling out of control because true peace is only found in Jesus, not in this world. The only long-term thing this world has to offer us is heartache and worry. Because we have peace that surpasses all understanding, we can confidently look forward to the days ahead, knowing Jesus is already there. We do not need to fear our present or future because we know Jesus is always with us.
Knowing we can find peace in our lives despite our circumstances, we can choose today to have courage. Now is the time to embrace Jesus’ peace. Now is the time to exhibit courage, even when we feel afraid. It’s okay to feel scared even as you choose to be brave. Why do you think Joshua spoke so much about being courageous right before he conquered the promised land? He, too, had to muster up courage as he headed into a new land. But Joshua didn’t let his fear stop him. He went anyway knowing that God was with him. Jesus is with you too, and because of Him, you can experience true peace no matter what is going on in your life.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank You for the peace You have so generously given me. Please help me embrace Your peace and put it into action in my life. Help me be courageous in the tasks You have given me as I look forward to Your return. Until that day, come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.
Based on the study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come – by Love God Greatly / w2d1/ Image by LGG
Scripture: John 14:1-4 (3)
“Do not let your hearts be distressed. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 There are many dwelling places in my Father’s house. Otherwise, I would have told you, because I am going away to make ready a place for you. 3 And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that where I am you may be too.4 And you know the way where I am going.”
Observations and Reminders from the Journey
Jesus Himself was, at times, distressed. “intensely moved in spirit and greatly distressed “(Jn 11:33 and 12:27)
The term dwelling place in verse two, which is often translated “mansions” carries with it the reassurance that in the family of God there is room for all who believe.1
Christian living, or living and loving like Jesus, is to be the outward expression of our faith. Make no mistake this godly faith requires both discipline and courage. We are not called to paint on a smile and live the pretense that our lives are all sunshine and roses and free of trouble(s). We are called, however, to not let the troubles of this world weigh us down or deter us from our faith and God’s calling on our life. Instead we are to give them to God (Phil 4:6-7) because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7); we are to trust that He is not only working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose but that He is also using the troubles as opportunities to enrich our faith, (Rom 8:28-29; James 1:1-2). We are to fix our eyes on Jesus and fight the good fight – in other words stay alert, don’t turn away or fall prey to the false teachings and tactics of the antichrists meant to slay our faith. It will be a battle at times but it is a fight that, as Paul pointed out to Timothy, leads to the eternal life to which we were called, (1 Tim 1:18). It is the hope of our faith.
Life is hard, obedience is hard – loving our enemy is hard, being kind, bridling the tongue, and not demanding our own way are all difficult challenges. Difficult times are upon us, outrageous and heinous sin is everywhere, false teachings, and ‘live as you please attitudes’ aren’t relegated to the world but are in the ‘church‘ as well – making it difficult to tell the saved from the unsaved. This is exactly what we heard/read from Luke, John, Peter, and Paul last week and again today from John. It is undoubtedly daunting and seeming hopeless which is why we must not lose. sight of the TRUTH. Let’s fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith Who has given us reason to HOPE. Through Him we have seen that our God is faithful and present with us. He will strengthen us and help us and He will hold us up with His victorious right hand! His Word is forever a lamp to guide our feet and a light for our path and It is an arsenal of truth and power enabling us to stand firm against all who would/will try to lead us astray.
Notes From the Journey
A Prayer for the Journey
Father, when our hearts are troubled or distressed help us to set our eyes on You and on Jesus, our Savior, so that we are brave and courageous. Help us not to shrink back under trials or to walk away from You when things are difficult or not going the way we hoped. Help us to know the Truths from Your Word so that we are not led away from You by false teaching or the world’s temptations. Thank You that Jesus is preparing a place for us there where You are, Thank you that He will – one day – come again and take us to be with Him. We have been taught that you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life and that no one comes to You, except through Him. Thank You for the Hope that is ours because of Your grace and the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus. Thank You that while the battles on this earth and the lies of the enemy will be many we can live courageously knowing the victory is ours through Christ! -Hallelujah and amen!
Reflection for the Journey
As the old hymn says, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness!” What or who have you place your faith in? If it isn’t Jesus, I would love to introduce you to HIm. Please take a minute to click on the link “Know These Truths.” If you have any questions please message me at mryelnb@aol.com – with the subject line ‘Know these truths.”
Me From the Inside Out 