Tell the Next Generation

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Perhaps it is my age or the new addition to our family with my little nephew Caleb, but I have become rather intrigued by supporting younger generations. Working at Kanakuk Kamps for two summers, visiting with high school-aged girls in FCA and even interactions with college freshman are all examples of avenues I have been able to influence the next generation. Now that I have graduated from college, I feel as though I have been pushed out of this current generation’s bubble and into a space that I don’t believe anyone likes to admit they are in: the older generation. Don’t worry, my mid-life crisis has not hit me yet at age 22 but it is amazing how one can go from being concerned with the idea that the world is “yours” to “theirs.” Think about it with me for a second: elementary-aged children have been exposed to more technology within their short life span than my grandma has in her entire lifetime! Not only is the upcoming generation technologically driven, but also evidence-based with the demand for proof in every aspect of life. Modern medicine has revolutionized our healthcare system and has transformed the way we approach health and fitness. What about our spiritual status? (….Chirp, Chirp….) Yah, that’s what I thought! Appears as though only a cricket knows what to say, right? Funny how we bring in the topic of religion and people are at a loss of words as how to describe this generation’s view on it. Well, it’s not that this generation isn’t “spiritual” just “spiritual” in a variety of different ways with some being incredibly far away from the Truth. Why do you think that is? Don’t blame the government or the free religion tolerance that is taking place; Yes I believe God has been somewhat slighted-out of schools and public places but do you know what I really think it is: we have a degree of what I like to call “Spiritual Amnesia.” We are a generation of forgetful people, but we are not the first generation to be like this. The other generation that sticks out in my mind as well as in the Bible was notorious for having bouts of spiritual amnesia which caused them to remain in the desert for a period of time. Can you think of a group of people that may have been in the desert for a period of time? Let’s visit an account in Psalm 78 and discuss how our “older generations”—including myself, can learn from their mistake.

Now, Psalm 78 contains 72 verses so we won’t be going verse-by-verse however, I highly recommend you do this and wrestle with each point presented because it will transform the way you not only understand where this generation was but more importantly, it will reveal the character of our great God! I will try and find “natural” breaks in the passage and discuss sections of verses for ‘blogging-sake.’

Within the first four verses we can sense urgency in the Psalmist for getting the attention of those he is writing to: give ear, incline your ears and so on and so forth. He proclaims that he will not hide the things that were made known to him by his father but “will tell the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.”

In the next section, verses five through eight, he continues to explain why it is important for the next generation to know of God’s goodness. God established a testimony in Jacob and the law in Israel way back in Genesis 17:7; 18:19 and Deut. 6:6-9. Genesis 18:19 states this:

“For I have chosen (known) him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.” ESV

So basically, this isn’t a new concept of “telling the next generation” this has been part of God’s plan from the beginning of time! Why you may continue to ask, is this so important? Because the next generation is to “set their hope in God” to “not forget the works of God,” and to “keep his commands; and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.”

When I read this passage, I feel as though there’s a dependency created between “obedience of God’s law” and “forgetting God’s works,” and vice versa. It makes sense does it not? If your mom or dad said to you “Sweetie, will you clean your room,” you would have the choice to obey or disobey depending on not only your desire to honor your parent, but the running history you may have experienced in choosing one way or the other. If you’ve experienced goodness from you parent, you are going to remember that which may propel you into being obedient; if it was a real bad experience and you were punished for disobedience, I bet that you recall that situation much faster than the other. I don’t know. To me, if you are struggling with a sin, generally that sin is on your mind all the time; but if you continually having the Lord transform your mind---getting into his Word on a daily basis and meditating on those truths---the temptation to sin becomes less likely to be in your mind. Just a thought regarding this point of the passage: let’s continue on!

The next passage of scripture leads into a larger portion of this passage recounting the works of God and Israel’s response. The Ephramites turned back in the day of battle and did not keep his covenant; these people forgot his works. Notice that phrase---“they forgot his works.” To me a “work” a “wonder” like what is described in the next few verses is nothing short than a miracle and yet these people forgot them!

“He divided the seas and let them pass through it and made the waters stand like a heap…”

“In the daytime he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a fiery light,.”

“He split rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep.”

“He made streams come out of the rock and caused waters to flow down like rivers.”

Hmm. In my basic knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of a desert, it appears as though the Lord is providing EXACTLY what these people need, does it not? As we read on into verses 17-22, we realize that these people still did not listen to God and in fact, tested him by saying “Can God spread a table in the wilderness? Can he also give bread or provide meat for his people?” Are you serious? You all just witnessed God dividing seas, splitting rocks and being led by a cloud and fiery pillar—is anything too hard for our God? Apparently the Israelites thought so and rebelled. Naturally God becomes angry because they did not ‘believe in God and did not trust his saving power’ (vs.22). Probably one of thee most beautiful of words follows this verse; yet. Verse 23 says this:

“Yet, he commanded the skies above and opened the doors of heaven, and he rained down them manna to eat and gave them the grain from heaven. Men ate the bread of angels he sent them food in abundance He caused the east wind to blow in the heaves, and by his power led out the south wind; he rained meat on them like dust, winged birds like the sand of the seas; he let them fall in the midst of their camp, all around their dwellings. And they ate and were filled for he gave them what they craved.”
Psalm 78:23-29 ESV

Oh fellow (and fell-a ) beloved, do you see that? Seriously, do you see what has taken place and the revealing goodness of our God? The Lord provided abundantly and goes on to rebuke the people for not being satisfied by actually killing ‘the strongest of them and laying low the young men of Israel’ (vs 24). You may say, well that seems odd that God’s anger would rise after he gives them what he wants. But you have to understand, these people were not getting it! They refused to trust and believe in him and so, much like a Father disciplines a child who refuses to obey, God—who is perfectly Holy and Righteous brings justice to this group and works towards bringing about a generation who worships Him with obedient hearts. Eventually they get it because of his wrath and they begin seeking him earnestly and then revert back to ‘flatter him with their mouths; lying with their tongues.’ They did not remain faithful to his covenant (vs. 30-37). Do you flatter the Lord with your tongue and lie to God? Maybe just meditate a bit on this if you feel convicted in this area before reading on.

The beautiful word ‘yet,’ appears again in verse 38 saying:

“Yet he, being compassionate, atoned for their inquity and did not destroy them; he restrained his anger often and did not stir up all his wrath. He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes and comes not again.” ESV

Do you sense this balance scale that titers back and forth throughout these verses between God’s character traits: compassion and mercy versus justices and righteousness? This continues throughout the rest of the passage. The people continue to refuse disobey and God manages to retain anger and then has to bring forth wrath onto his people to get their attention. They even ‘provoke him to anger with their idols’ (vs. 58). They almost tease the God of the universe with these man-made idols, like the golden calf. How would that make you feel? Maybe you feel like your spouse or significant other is often so preoccupied with some rinky-dink gadget or worse, some other person and they hold that thing up to you and say, “This is so much better than you.” Ouch. I do not wish that upon anyone---but if anyone does not deserve it, it is God! We are merely humans—far from being good let along the perfect God of the universe! What idols are you teasing God with? Again, I challenge you to meditate on this before proceeding to read further in this passage.
Lastly, we encounter more wrath of God that is poured-out on the people of Israel in verses 59 through 68. He did reject what appeared to be a ‘more-likely tribe’ in candidacy of bringing in a king to lead the people and chose ‘Judah, Mount Zion which he loves’ (vs. 68). From this tribe came King David who became a shepherd of God’s people and did so with an ‘upright heart’ and ‘guided them with his skillful hand.’ Later on the ‘good shepherd’ is revealed who we know as Jesus Christ who is also acts as the Lamb of God and takes upon himself, the sin of the world.

I am sure you may be puzzled and hung-up on a few parts of scripture in this text. It’s challenging to see this dual-character of God and not somewhat ask the question, “If God loves us so much, why does he bring his wrath upon his people like that?” But you have to look at it from the Lord’s perspective (which none of us can do perfectly or understand---who can know the mind of the Lord?)---He is both equally just and loving. It would be denying himself if he were to completely go against this aspect of himself and to just give- in and do whatever his people wanted him to do. He wouldn’t be God---we would be able to manipulate him and corrupt him in our sinful ways---which completely goes against him because he is the only thing that is truly good! Seek Him and ask Him to bring a sense of peace to this area if you continue to struggle in it and you know what you can do? Tell the next generation! Find someone younger than you and teach them the goodness of our Lord revealed in both his justice and his mercy in this passage. He didn’t have to have compassion on his people, but he did. He didn’t have to give them what they needed after they deliberately disobeyed him, but he did! We don’t deserve anything! Do you understand that? God does not owe us anything!! Anything that we have that is good is a gift from our Lord—we deserve hell and total separation from the Lord. But in his goodness, he provided a Shepherd—one that laid down his life for us and paid the penalty for our repulsive sins so that we could be in community with the Lord. Think about all of this. Remember the Lord’s goodness in your own life and share that often. Do not become like the people of Israel and complain about being in a wilderness: rejoice in it and say “But we have Emmanuel, God with us! What more can we ask for?” Wake up from your current state of ‘Spiritual Amnesia’ and remember what the Lord has done, is doing and what he promises to do in the next generation.

Coffee with Louie at 4 AM

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You know those nights that not matter what you do, eat, read, and maybe for you die-hards like me, clean—that you cannot fall asleep? A couple nights ago, I found myself so incredibly restless and unable to sleep. I went to bed at 11:00 pm and got up at 1:00 am and just laid there wide awake. I attempted to journal a bit in efforts to quiet my mind and then dozed until about 4:00 am. I decided to get up and just have a quiet time. I wanted to listen to a couple sermons online but my internet was being goofy so I found this Louie Giglio sermon that a friend of mine had given me on CD about a year and half ago. It was on the topic of “Being Disciplined in Solitude” and waiting for God to speak to you and do His will. Isn’t it funny that many of us do not like those awkward silences created in conversation or in church services when maybe the pastor is coming up to speak or the worship team is coming up to play?

So often we as Christians go off once we have prayed about something and say “This must be where God wants me to go…” without really sitting still and listening for the Lord’s reply. Now, I know that God speaks through different ways. He may not present himself in an audible-sense, but there is something to behold in waiting in silence for God. That morning I actually sat there after I heard the sermon …planning on just sitting in silence for 5 minutes. Those 5 minutes turned into one of the most remarkable experiences for me and actually turned into 15 minutes of solitude! I couldn’t help but be somewhat fearful! I was totally alone and it was early in the morning and I feel like I was able to relate to those Bible characters who are visited by an angel or the 11 disciples sitting in that room when Christ appeared out of no where. I was actually nervous! I knew that if God wanted to really show up and speak to me in some supernatural way—He could. I loved it! I felt God’s presence like I had never felt it before and I thought, “Oh man, just imagine when He is standing before me!” I can completely understand and relate to John now when he was first instructed to write Revelation how and why he fell dead because in those few moments of silence, If anyone were to appear before me: I would have too! HA. Another thing that made these moments so sweet was that as I was watching the hand on the clock on my wall go around, I was in total anticipation of God doing something-believing He would.

Louie goes on to explain the scripture found in John, “My sheep know my voice.” And so we as Christ-followers should be able to identify His voice above every other noise. In reality though, I struggle so often in hearing his voice simply because I listen to other “shepherds.” Shepherds like the media, friends, family and even my own thoughts. I often think in song lyrics and although these shepherds may even be means of which God can speak through—my heart longs for whisper from God. You know a passage that I have come to love on this subject and is one that Louie touches on in this sermon is the story of Elijah listening for God. It’s found in 1 Kings 19:1-18. Elijah is defeated and was fearful for his life so he ran off into the wilderness. He’s sleeping under a broom tree an this angel touched him and said “Arise and eat.” So he did and then he fell back asleep only to get woken up again to eat and go on a journey to Horeb, the mount of God.

Our story continues on when Elijah gets to this cave and the word of the Lord comes to him saying “What are you doing here?” Elijah admits to his defeated spirit and is ready to die like the other prophets. Then God instructs him to go out on this mount—so he obeys. Read what happens next…

“11And he said, "Go out and(A) stand on the mount before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and(B) a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind(C) an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.[a] 13And when Elijah heard it,(D) he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold,(E) there came a voice to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"” ESV www.biblegateway.com

I don’t know about you, but we serve a big God and I would only expect His ways of communication to be just that: Big! However, this scripture shows something so captivating about our God: He whispers. He wasn’t in the wind, earthquake or fire, the word of the Lord came in a whisper. And did you see how Elijah reacted to the whisper---he was in total awe of the presence of the Lord that he had to cover his face! A whisper. Wow. And then it’s like God just tenderly says, “What are you doing here?” Man. Do you not find this quality of God amazing and captivating? It is just satisfying for me to delight in this—wow.

You know that feeling when someone you are close with—maybe a spouse, a friend of a family member gives you a hug and whispers encouraging words to you? I can recall countless times after a race that my mom comes over to me and gives me a hug and whispers with tear-filled eyes, “I’m so proud of you Joni!” Or maybe it’s a husband drawing his wife to him saying, “You are so beautiful.” Ah! There is something about the act of being near someone you love and for the words shared between two people being in a whisper. Where do you think that gift comes from? God. Our God is so marvelous in the way He communicates with His children; don’t drown-out silence, embrace it, and anticipate God’s whisper.

Ab(r)ide in Him

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Ab(r)ide—A devotional inspired by John 15 and Psalm 91

For some reason the word “abide” has always had a definition that I found rather hard to completely grasp. It is a great word isn’t it though? I feel like it really summarizes the action of dwelling, remaining and/or conforming perfectly. Not only is the word “abide” often on the ‘shelf in usage’ but also in its verbal-sense. The American culture that we live in screams the antonyms of abide: leave, differentiate yourself and be ambiguous with religion. What does the Bible say about this word? Let’s turn our eyes to the book of John, chapter 15 to get a better idea:

I Am the True Vine

1"I am the(A) true vine, and my Father is(B) the vinedresser. 2(C) Every branch in me that does not bear fruit(D) he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes,(E) that it may bear more fruit. 3Already(F) you are clean(G) because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4(H) Abide(I) in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5I am the vine;(J) you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that(K) bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not abide in me(L) he is thrown away like a branch and withers;(M) and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7If(N) you abide in me, and my words abide in you,(O) ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8(P) By this my Father is glorified, that you(Q) bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9(R) As the Father has loved me,(S) so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10(T) If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as(U) I have kept(V) my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11These things I have spoken to you,(W) that my joy may be in you, and that(X) your joy may be full.

(ESV) citations found at www.biblegateway.com

I love this piece of scripture because do you notice how Jesus is so good at personifying a hard concept to his disciples? I also like his personal touch of “I Am” within the very first verse---emphasizes his relationship with God. In verse 2 he is stating the simply known fact that if a branch isn’t producing some fruit on a vine, it serves no purpose and should be cut off so that other branches receive the support from the vine. And if you are producing fruit, you may get pruned a bit because it allows for more fruit to flourish. Jesus transitions in verse 3 explaining the disciples are clean---in cross referencing the phrase “you are clean” to John 17:17 and Ephesians 5:26 we discover that this means having been sanctified by the Truth or the washing of the word. In verse 4, Christ commands the act of abiding in him. The branches of the vine he introduced earlier in the passage require the attachment to the main vine in order for fruit to be produced. How many branches do you see laying on the ground after a strong storm producing a piece of fruit ? Similarly, we cannot produce the fruit of the Spirit on our own. This “fruit” is referring to several passages throughout all of scripture with the most notable being found Galatians 5. The verses following the command explain what happens to those branches that do not abide in the main vine: thrown away. See in verse 7 that although you maybe conforming to the vine, that there is a sense of freedom when Christ says “ask whatever you wish and it will be done to you.” Abide in love: dwell in love, conform in the love of Christ. How does one do that you may ask: by “keeping his commands.” And in verse 11 it says that not only do we get the blessing of simply abiding and obeying our Lord but with that comes the fruit of JOY---complete joy!

I was running the other day praying this scripture over and over in my head. I have a hard time conforming to the Lord’s will sometimes. I always attempt to do things my way—even after prayer, I will often find myself going “behind God’s back” (not possible—but I feel like it). And so as I was running I just kept repeating the word “Abide, abide, abide” and this beautiful imagery came to mind: a bride. Just like ab(r)ide conforms to a husband and becomes one, so are we as Christ-followers. This imagery is not anything new is it? We are the bride of Christ are we not? Well, use that analogy for this scripture and it sheds a little different light does it not? We in America may not have the best examples of a wife conforming to her husband but picture a “Wife of Noble Character” simply dwelling with her husband and showing her love through the way she honors him. I say honor because everyone freaks out when we say “obeys her husband,” but in reality everyone---that’s what a woman is to do correct? Now you have to remember that in the analogy we are married to Christ: you cannot find a better husband than that amen? In the same way a husband has to be like Christ to his wife---so don’t get all upset at me for making those earlier statements, I’m a woman too you know . But do you see the picture created by simply adding an “r” into the word abide? Obviously Christ used the perfect analogy with the vine so I will not even attempt to “top” that, but I did think it was neat how when I was meditating on this word, that the image of a bride came to mind and opened up the verse a little more.

One final example of this word in scripture is found in Psalm 91. At K2 Kanakuk Kamp last summer we memorized this Psalm as a staff because we were in need of some defense in what appeared to be a physical battle with H1N1 in our Kampers. It was pretty frustrating when you finally see a child broken and willing to change and then have to go home because of a fever. I was revisiting that scripture this morning and lo and behold the first two verses say this:

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

You have to realize that we are pretty helpless without our God amen? Sure, we may be able to muster up strength to endure some of life’s arrows thrown at us but when trials such as sickness, brokenness and fear are thrown at us, we got nothing! We are as helpless as that branch just thrown down on the ground by the latest storm. But Scripture says that if we “dwell in the shelter of the Most High” and “abide in the shadow of the Almighty” He will become our fortress, our safe-place and our refuge. What a husband! He is protecting us as a husband protects his family! If all we have to do (I know, easier said than done) is to obey his commands while He saves us from deadly pestilence, snare of the fowler, terror of night, arrows that fly by day, pestilence that stalks in darkness and destruction that wastes at noonday—I would say we have a pretty good deal going here. Ha, seriously how silly we are to be ambiguous and attempt to do things our own way. God not only offers his security but he often helps us learn how to trust in Him. Our God provides EVERYTHING for us—we simply need to abide in Him. And if you have issues being abride of Christ—do what any wife would do, talk to her husband! Cry out to the Lord and ask for help: that may come in the sense of peace and the ability to trust Him more or else He may even lead you to scripture or a memory of His faithfulness in the past. He will reveal that we have one wonderful husband leading us and one we cannot help but trust!

Beauty and the Beast

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"Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme....Beauty and the Beast" Last week I was sitting in the Canton High School Commons watching an elegantly and beautifully dressed girl dance with this goofy-looking "Beast" (no offense to the boy of course!) dance back and forth while "Mrs Pots" sang the love song from the movie "Beauty and the Beast." My mom is a choir director in Canton for both the Jr. High and High school and I had the privilege of watching their spring musical performance. The kidos did an outstanding job and really told the story very well; in fact, they stirred up a lot of sweet and precious memories for me of when I was a little girl dancing around to this song in play clothes with some bear or ken doll in our living room. I was infatuated with stories that contained a beautiful girl searching out an adventure. Naturally, every little girl sees her role as "Beauty" when in reality---I think I'm closer to the Beast. I know, I know, I am not trying to fish for compliments or be the girl that never is satisfied with her looks--I'm telling the truth! Turn to a page in the Bible that I was reading in my quiet time this morning and allow me to explain:

"When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you. Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that my heart desires besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Psalm 73:20-26 ESV

On any given day, I can turn into a beast: past sins, regret and bitterness can easily creep into my heart and make me hostile towards the work of God's holiness and redemption in my life. I can be ignorant and just plain stubborn in surrendering things at the foot of the cross. I recall a scene from the musical last week when the beast yells at beauty " You're not welcomed here! Get out!!!!!!" Ha! I may not say those words audibly---or even think those words, but when I reject the Holy Spirit's leading or conviction, it is as if I am saying those things. My fits of rage and temper tantrums may sound something more like this: " Not now God, I'm too busy with other things. I just want to have a pity party right now ok? It hurts a lot--how could this happen to me, what did I ever do?" Yup. Even though it may have different words than the script, I would say that that those statements have come from a beast: me--bad breath and all!

But the "beauty" in this story (I hear the pretty melody of the transitional background music--if I could insert me humming it right here I would :), is that word found in verse 23 "Nevertheless." Despite my rage and anger, God remains faithful: He holds my right hand, guides me and even receives me into glory (vs. 23-25) The Psalmist confesses that in comparison to any other person or thing both in heaven and on earth---nothing matters and is more desiring than knowing God (v 25). He admits that his flesh and heart may fail but that really, God is the strength (or in Hebrew--Rock) of his heart and my portion forever. Portion refers to "lot, lines," or "inheritance." I think of portion as the only thing I cling to--the only thing that I will have in the end of my life.

Wow. We can watch a movie like Beauty and the Beast and think "what a great story!" But it's deeper than that when you look at it in light of what you know in Scripture: We are like the Beast but then we are transformed because of the grace, the mercy, faithfulness and ultimately, the love of our God. He is not fearful of us in our horrific state of sin: He sees us as 'ugly and gruesome' yet redeemable. The Bible says that once we accept Christ--when we 'died our lives are now hidden with Christ in God' (Col. 3:3). So when God looks at us--he no longer sees the beast, He sees Christ and He promises to 'never leave us nor forsake us' (Deut. 31:6). Surrender the mask of the "beast" to Christ so that you can experience the "beauty" of knowing God and claim the "beautiful inheritance" (Psalm 16:6).

The Fear of Questions-a devo from various scripture

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When asked the question “What are you afraid of?” My answer does not consist of the usual spiders, the dark or some disfigured movie monster—it is actually the inability to give an answer. Do you ever struggle with that? The fear of not knowing what to say or how to express what you know? I’m not just talking about in class when your professor randomly says “Miss Strom…what is the answer to practice problem 10-A?” (Although, it does make me a little nervous) I am talking about the questions that every person who claims to have Christ as the Lord and Savior of their life encounters by non-believers. Questions like: “Why do bad things happen to good people? Why does God send people to hell? How do people come to know the Lord if they have never had the chance to hear about him? Why is the church full of hypocrites? Are you sure that Christ is the only way to heaven: do not all religions lead to heaven?” I have a tendency to push this topic or subject of fear from my mind and ignore it’s presence in my mind when in reality, we as Christ followers should be able to give an answer. But when my eyes stumble upon a passage like in 1 Peter 3—I realize that maybe it’s about time to face this fear:

“13Now(S) who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14(T) But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed.(U) Have no fear of them,(V) nor be troubled, 15but(W) in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy,(X) always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and(Y) respect, 16(Z) having a good conscience, so that,(AA) when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17For(AB) it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” (ESV-1 Peter 3:13-17)

It is so great that the first thing addressed here is the reminder that “If God is for you, who can be against you?” (Romans 2:2) If you are proclaiming the name of Christ and being obedient to sharing Him with others—which is what God has commanded us to do, what are you afraid of? The outcomes are win-win: if you share Christ with someone and give testimony to Him in your life, you win and if you are rejected and ‘suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed:’ another win. The next sentence is the heart-beat of this topic and I encourage you to put yourself into the scripture like this:

“Have no fear of them, nor be troubled Joni, but in your heart honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you…”

First step in this passage is to ‘honor Christ the Lord as holy.’ What does that even mean? It has to mean more than just saying “Oh yah, God is pretty holy.” No, this means that we are to recognize God as perfect, set-apart from anyone or anything, pure, blameless, righteous, omniscient, omnipotent, Creator of everything: so Holy that no man would even have the ability to look upon God’s face without falling upon his own face, dead. I would say that God is more than just ‘pretty holy.’ I feel like this portion of the verse precedes the action of giving a defense in order to put us in our place. We are not omniscient. We do not have unlimited knowledge, or claim that we can perceive everything. Therefore, if we do not have this knowledge, we should not rely on our own understanding and perception but rather rely on Christ. Remember the verse in Proverbs? “The beginning of all wisdom is the fear of the LORD.” Adam and Eve desired to know both good and evil and so they sinned against God and sought fruit from the Tree of Life. This passage is addressing the core of every human being: a desire to be God—when in reality, all we can be is like God.

Moving onto the next portion of the scripture, “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you..” Just because we are neither God nor omniscient like him, does not permit us to simply waste the mind He has given us. “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul mind and strength.” (Mark 12:30). Therefore, do not even try to use the excuse that you do not have the ability. All of those questions that were shared in the beginning are targeting the simple reason why you have hope in Jesus Christ. So why do you have your hope in Christ? Not how did you come to know Christ—but why? Even mature Christians may struggle a moment in putting it into words: I know I do! But God’s Word says that we are always give a reason as to why we have placed our hope in Christ.

Even if we express our faith in Jesus Christ perfectly, it does not mean that the person will accept and believe in Christ. I was listening to a sermon the other day by the evangelist, Jack Graham on the topic of “Belief and Unbelief.” He addressed all of these questions and said that these questions stem from a heart of unbelief. I am not saying that if you have periodic doubts regarding God that you are not a Christian---but when you are approached by a person who is asking “Why does God send people to hell?” or “Why do bad things happen to good people?” That ultimately, these questions stem from a heart of unbelief and to be honest, your words cannot make a person believe. It is ultimately God who draws those to him. 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 says this:

“4For we know,(A) brothers[a] loved by God,(B) that he has chosen you, 5because(C) our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and(D) in the Holy Spirit and with full(E) conviction.”

Notice how the verse states “that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and full conviction.” ‘Not only in word but in the power and the Holy Spirit’ I am being repetitive because the point is that it’s the partnership of both sharing the Truth and God opening the eyes of the individual to Himself that penetrates his or her heart. God opened Saul’s (Paul) eyes on a road and audibly spoke to Him: think of having that kind of a conversion! (Acts 9) In Galatians 3, Paul is addressing the Galatians on this topic:

“1O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?(A) It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly(B) portrayed as crucified. 2Let me ask you only this:(C) Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by(D) hearing with faith? 3Are you so foolish?(E) Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by[a] the flesh? 4(F) Did you suffer[b] so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and(G) works miracles among you do so(H) by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— 6just as(I) Abraham "believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"?”


I feel like he is somewhat frustrated a little. I don’t know, when someone says something like “O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?!” Ha! My paraphrase of this text would be: “Are you high on something—what’s your deal?” But the Galatians were struggling with the concept of works and faith and which of the two were the means of salvation. Notice the placement of the word “Spirit.” Verse 3 states that we began with the Spirit and later on in verse 5, ‘he who supplies the Spirit to you.’ Are you getting the idea now?
This somewhat leads into one of those questions addressed earlier about “Why does God let good people go to hell—why aren’t all people saved?” I will admit, this topic makes me uncomfortable but just because it’s uncomfortable doesn’t mean that we are not to wrestle with it. The element of God’s sovereignty in salvation and the concept of predestination can get a little messy theologically. No body likes to think of people going to hell and if God desires for no one to perish—it doesn’t make sense. This is something that we are to wrestle with as Christ-followers and seek God’s Word on. I am so incredibly humbled with this topic and do not claim to ‘have it all figured out’ but here is what God’s Word says and it is my prayer that you take it and be uncomfortable with it too.
Going back to that verse in 1 Thessalonians, it does state “that he has chosen you.” Romans 8:29-30, Ephesians 1:5,11: six verses total in the New Testament pertain to God “predestining” or “determining beforehand,” other literal meanings are “elected” or in Greek ekloge meaning “choice, selection, election.” (ESV Commentary) This predestination is to be ‘conformed to the image of his son’ or the ‘adoption of Christ.’ Never does it say “God has predestined us for hell.” WE, ourselves, are predestined for hell but God, in His abundant mercy and grace, has now predestined us for heaven. See the contrast? Additionally, we cannot claim to be ‘good people.’ Jesus Christ himself said in Matthew, "Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments." There is only one person who is good. The statement about “keep the commandments” is not saying that you earn salvation through good works but that you must first recognize God as the only person who is good. In that light and recognition, the good that you serves an act of belief in it. We must realize when wrestling with this scripture that God is good! He is not an evil God sending people to hell. Did he elect people to know Him? According to the word, yes—He is God and is sovereign. Does that mean that we who are chosen are to just sit on our bums and let him bring those that are his to himself? I love this passage from Romans 10:

12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 14 But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? R32 And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?" 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. 18 But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for"Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world." 19 But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says,"I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry." 20 Then Isaiah is so bold as to say,"I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me." 21 But of Israel he says, "All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people."
(ESV www.studylight.com)

(Sorry. This devotional is turning into a full-blown lesson—but it is so good to work through this amen?!) The verses 13 and 14 state the fact : How are people going to come to the Lord if they have not heard? And how are people going to hear if someone has not been sent to preach? Can you see how predestination fits into God’s plan and will? The verse “Everyone who calls on the name of Lord will be saved,” reveals that God is good and does not desire for anyone to perish. As we get to verse 18 in this passage, we realize that a lot of people have heard it—but they deny the message. God is so patient amen? Verse 21 it states that “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.” Within the concept of predestination, there is still an element of choice—to obey or disobey. How it all works, I am still not completely sure: it would be foolish to deny the fact that God has predestined us because it takes away from God’s immense sovereignty and is inconsistent with the way he has carefully planned-out all of creation. In the same sense, we are not robots—love is a choice: Christ did not say “You will follow me,” he said “Follow me.” God is not sending anyone to hell: He loves us so much that he granted us a way to be saved from it!

Whew. Questions? :)Ha. Questions may seem rather intimidating but do you realize how important they are? Do you see how facing a fear of questions head-on can actually lead to a deeper knowledge of God? The more we know God—who is love, we can know love. The wrestling is not in any shape or form a means of obtaining head-knowledge, it’s meant to be practiced and put into action. Recognize the reason you came to Christ, passing from darkness into light. The Bible commands us to ‘let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.’(Matt. 5:16). Probably the biggest question you should wrestle with are not the ones people ask you, but the one you should ask yourself daily “Why am I a Christ-follower?” Allow that question to permeate into the way you live your life.

Foundations of Wisdom

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We are all familiar with the first verse of the Bible which states "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Over a six day span of time, God spoke light into existence followed by sky, land, vegetation, seasons, creatures both in water and on land and then we know he created us, man. Where did the intangible concept of wisdom come from? Do you think it was created on the first day with light? What about with the creatures of the sea? I was reading in Proverbs this morning and discovered that it's foundations of wisdom were before God spoke light into existence!

"22(AH) "The LORD(AI) possessed[b] me at the beginning of his work,[c]
the first of his acts(AJ) of old.
23Ages ago I was(AK) set up,
at the first,(AL) before the beginning of the earth.
24When there were no(AM) depths I was(AN) brought forth,
when there were no springs abounding with water.
25Before the mountains(AO) had been shaped,
(AP) before the hills, I was brought forth,
26before he had made the earth with its fields,
or the first of the dust of the world.
27When he(AQ) established the heavens, I was there;
when he drew(AR) a circle on the face of the deep,
28when he(AS) made firm the skies above,
when he established[d] the fountains of the deep,
29when he(AT) assigned to the sea its(AU) limit,
so that the waters might not transgress his command,
when he marked out(AV) the foundations of the earth,
30then(AW) I was beside him, like a master workman,
and I was daily his[e](AX) delight,
rejoicing before him always,
31(AY) rejoicing in his(AZ) inhabited world
and delighting in the children of man."

ESV http://www.biblegateway.com/

I love how the author of this passage personifies wisdom in verse 30 saying " I was beside him, like a master workman, and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the children of man." This passage emphasizes the importance and significance of wisdom does it not? Wisdom is an attribute that God delighted in before man was in even in existence to delight in! The passage goes on to describe what we are to do with wisdom:

"32"And now,(BA) O sons, listen to me:
(BB) blessed are those who keep my ways.
33(BC) Hear instruction and be wise,
and do not neglect it.
34(BD) Blessed is the one who listens to me,
watching daily at my gates,
waiting beside my doors.
35For(BE) whoever finds me(BF) finds life
and(BG) obtains favor from the LORD,
36but he who fails to find me(BH) injures himself;
all who(BI) hate me(BJ) love death."

ESV http://www.biblegateway.com/

"For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD..." Whoever finds wisdom finds life and favor from the Lord. That's huge! Chapter 9 goes on to describe the way of wisdom and contrasts wisdom with simplicity. Interesting. The way of the world screams simplicity in everything: delight yourself in simple ways. Simple in this context is implied foolishness, the act of believing in everything and acting in folly (Proverbs 8:5;14:15,18). These cross reference verses contrast simple with the word prudent. This word is used frequently throughout all of Proverbs--it is tied with knowledge and disciplined in many of the verses. So how does one even become wise or prudent? If it gives life and if it was so significant that it existed before the world's foundations---how does one obtain it? Read on in chapter 9 and discover the catalyst for wisdom:

" 7Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
8(R) Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
(S) reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9Give instruction[b] to a wise man, and he will be(T) still wiser;
teach a righteous man, and he will(U) increase in learning.
10(V) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and(W) the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
11For by me(X) your days will be multiplied,
and years will be added to your life.
12(Y) If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
if you scoff, you alone will bear it."

ESV http://www.biblegateway.com/

The "fear of the LORD" is the beginning of wisdom. The fear of the LORD doesn't mean that you're literally scared of Him--it means that you recognize your place: under his authority. Other Proverbs regarding the fear of the Lord state that "The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor." (15:33). Job 28:28 states that fear of the Lord and wisdom are the same thing and "to turn away from evil is understanding." So not only to recognize his authority in humility but to turn from evil are intertwined in wisdom. Seek the Lord for wisdom and prudence: make wisdom your companion like it was God's before the foundations of the world!

Speaking the Sword

Image from:http://www.flyingchangewebs.com/images/white%20horse.jpg

This past week at Oasis, Jared spoke on the passage in Ephesians entitled “The Whole Armor of God” in chapter six. I love this imagery that Paul is using to encourage the Church of Ephesus. Throughout the course of this book, Paul writes a series of letters challenging the people in their faiths and interactions with one another. Then, almost like the final clincher that a football coach may throw in to really get the boys rallied, he presents this imagery of battle gear. This is what it says:

“The Whole Armor of God
10Finally,(M) be strong in the Lord and in(N) the strength of his might. 11(O) Put on(P) the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against(Q) the schemes of the devil. 12For(R) we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against(S) the rulers, against the authorities, against(T) the cosmic powers over(U) this present darkness, against(V) the spiritual forces of evil(W) in the heavenly places. 13Therefore(X) take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in(Y) the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (ESV www.biblegateway.com)

In order to fight in a battle, you have to know your enemy correct? In these first few verses Paul describes that our enemy is “not flesh and blood but rulers, authorities, cosmic powers over this present darkness and the spiritual forces of evil.” Wow. I don’t think you could take any form of self-defense, karate, or num chuck classes to knock out “cosmic powers” do you? No, the passages precedes into the description of what we are to put on: the armor of God.

14Stand therefore,(Z) having fastened on the belt of truth, and(AA) having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and,(AB) as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16In all circumstances take up(AC) the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all(AD) the flaming darts of(AE) the evil one; 17and take(AF) the helmet of salvation, and(AG) the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18praying(AH) at all times(AI) in the Spirit,(AJ) with all prayer and supplication. To that end(AK) keep alert with all perseverance, making(AL) supplication for all the saints, 19and(AM) also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth(AN) boldly to proclaim(AO) the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I(AP) am an ambassador(AQ) in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

(ESV www.biblegateway.com)

Ok. I don’t know about you, but this armor of God is pretty intense is it not? A belt of truth followed by a breastplate of righteousness? Because I’m a runner I like this next part, I would think that Paul is saying, “Make sure you have your spikes on” so you’re ready to share the gospel of peace. A shield that reflects …flaming darts? A helmet of salvation? A sword of the spirit which is technically God’s Word with never-ending prayer and supplication.

Whew. You know what really got me jazzed in this passage of scripture? The sword. (Maybe it’s because I took that Meat Science class my freshman year at SDSU and we got to work with knives :) The reason why I love the sword is because this analogy is used throughout all scripture and the other passages bring it to an even higher element of meaning particularly in Revelation 19:15

15(A) From his mouth comes a sharp sword(B) with which to strike down the nations, and(C) he will rule them with a rod of iron.(D) He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. (ESV www.biblegateway.com)

A guy has a sword coming out of his mouth---how cotton-pickin’ cool is that?! This is not just any normal guy, this is indeed our “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” This passage is the ultimate introduction for a warrior; forget the Bulls arena music, when Christ returns on His white horse with flames in his eyes, a crown on his head, a robe dipped in blood and a sword jetting from his mouth, it will be the most majestic sight one will ever witness. Oh, don’t forget the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” tattooed on his thigh—wow. Ok, so the sword. I want you to understand the significance of the sword. Obviously it’s a symbol of a fight, a battle and war. It’s sharp. In fact another passage tells us just how sharp this sword is:

12For(A) the word of God is living and(B) active,(C) sharper than any(D) two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and(E) discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (ESV www.biblegateway.com)

This is not your typical Medieval sword that let’s say Robinhood would use. This sword cuts deeper than flesh and blood. This sword reaches deep inside of your in most being and pierces into your thoughts and intentions of the heart: it’s that sharp. You may not realize it but you hold a deadly weapon in your hand when you hold the Word of God. Just like we discussed earlier, a weapon needs to match your enemy and there is not other weapon that is going to stop Satan except the Word of God. Notice the correlation between this verse and John 1:1 which states

“14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,[d] who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
(ESV www.biblegateway.com)

See how our analogy continues to grow and permeate throughout all of scripture? This is important. The Word became flesh. Christ is the Word made into flesh. This means that the Word is not just a book that we open on Sundays; it’s not just a nice bedtime story book for your kids; it’s not just a rule book for how to live your life---it’s real and a live. The power of God’s Word is like none other. You have to realize that the power that comes from the Word is the same power that spoke light into exsistence, like in Genesis; the power of the Word is the same power that spoke to Moses in the burning bush, like in Exodus. The power of the Word is the same power that spoke through all the prophets of the Old Testament in which, I remind you, all were fulfilled (except for the return of Christ). The power of the Word is the same power that spoke through Jesus in his earthly ministry. The power of the Word is the same power that spoke and Lazarus was raised from the dead. The power of the Word is the same power that spoke the words “Father forgive them for they know not what they do,” and “it is finished!” The power of the Word is the same power that spoke and Christ was raised from the dead and now sits at the right hand of God.

Now do you know why I get jazzed about what was talked about Oasis? Do you realize that God has made a power available to us like no other power here on earth? Do you realize that we have been equipped with the same weapon as our Lord Jesus Christ (well, technically, He is his own weapon—wrap your mind around that!). When He returns, He won’t even have to lift a finger—but merely speak and justice will be brought to Satan and his army? My challenge to you this week, is to take up that Sword, take up the Word of God and write what it says on your heart. It is promised to you by God that whatever trial, whatever discouraging event, whatever pain or suffering you encounter in this life, that His Word is with you. You won’t be able to defeat Satan with church. You won’t be able to defeat Satan with giving clothes to the poor and money to the needy. You won’t be able to defeat Satan by saying that your parents were good people and that you believed in God. The ONLY way to obtain this sword is through the acceptance of Jesus Christ into your life and making him Lord and Savior of your life.

Goodness Made in Flesh

Image from:
http://www.storesonlinepro.com/files/1823899/uploaded/cross_sun_clouds.jpg


If there was ever a theme for "Good Friday" I think it would be this video with Divine Romance by Phil Wickham--check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jABIjfkRVxI


While I was on my mission's trip to New York City, I had a conversation with a gentleman who was Muslim on the differences between Christianity and the Muslim faith. I recall one comment he made that really ties in with the question: "Why 'good' Friday?" He said " Why is it that you Christians choose to have a cross as your religious symbol? It makes no sense! If you love someone so much, why would you show honor to something that actually was a part of your loved one's death?" I feel as if God just breathed this answer into me in that moment, " Well, if you notice---the cross no longer has Christ on it, does it? It's a symbol of both the sin that was conquered and the resurrection that took place three days later." It does seem rather odd that we have a cross for a symbol of our faith in Christ Jesus and that we have a day set aside on our calenders in which we remember his death. If Christ rose a few days later, why emphasize his death? Why not have a stone necklace instead of a cross for our symbol to represent the stone being rolled away?

It hit me today while I was doing my quiet time and just praying for God to reveal something unique and special to me about this day that we can call this day " good " because we have a Good God. Lately, I have been overwhelmed with scripture describing the attributes of God including his goodness, faithfulness and his steadfast love. Goodness is an attribute of God that is permeated throughout all of scripture:

Exodus 33:19
And he said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name 'The LORD.' And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.

Psalm 31:19
Oh, how abundant is your goodness,which you have stored up for those who fear youand worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!

Psalm 65:4
Blessed is the one you choose and bring near,to dwell in your courts!We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house,the holiness of your temple!

Psalm 68:9-10
Rain in abundance, O God, you shed abroad;
you restored your inheritance as it languished;
10your flock found a dwelling in it;
in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy.

Isaiah 63:7
(The LORD’s Mercy Remembered) I will recount the steadfast love of the LORD,the praises of the LORD,according to all that the LORD has granted us, and the great goodness to the house of Israelthat he has granted them according to his compassion,according to the abundance of his steadfast love.

And these are just a few of the verses that have the word "goodness" in them; not including the goodness God has lavished upon those he loves both within the Bible and His current body of believers. Not only is goodness included in the list of God's attributes, but this quality of God was personified in his son, Jesus Christ--check out this verse in Titus 3

"3For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

AH! You cannot tell me that this verse does not create so much sorrow and joy within your heart all at once when you read it. His goodness appeared, the word goodness was actually made into a human image that walked upon this earth only to be poured out on who....US! What does it say in verse 5? It says "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his....mercy". Mercy is not getting something we deserve--mercy is being justified so that we might become the heirs of an eternal life. Now that is why we can call this day 'good.'

Open Canvas

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Well, I am about 166 hours from finding out about my dietetic internship application; don't worry, it's not like I'm counting or anything :) A week from right now I will either be in complete joy with nervous excitement or utter despair with the feeling of rejection. HA! But seriously, this past weekend I was praying just about how to have the right perspective on my life and how to approach each and everyday, let alone next year. I feel as though I am in no sweeter position than where I am right now because I feel like my heart is an open canvas in which God can masterfully paint whatever it is he desires upon my heart. So often I feel like I catch myself sketching out lines here and there only to discover God's hand carefully "erasing" my pitiful lines and replacing them with beautiful strokes of vibrant color. This past year I have felt the pain of areas of my heart under the eraser but I trust in The True Artist's hands--his creations are far greater than anyone can imagine. His word says "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than than your ways, and my thoughts higher than yours." Our God is a big God. Yet he chooses our hearts as his favorite canvas. Our Lord created the heavens and the earth, yet he delights in designing a redemption-masterpiece within each of his children.

My encouragement to you is to simply allow the Artist work within your heart. When lines are erased in your heart; dreams, goals and relationships--don't look it as God restricting you in living your life but rather God's way of creating something far greater than you could ever construct. God is big, he needs a lot of room to work: stand back and allow him to turn vibrant strokes into a masterpiece--your life.

New York City Mission's Trip Thanksgiving Report

Dear Family and Friends,

Words cannot express how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to serve in New York City over my Springbreak. It has been a little over a week from getting back and I am still standing in awe of how God works. I have so many things to share with you all but before I begin, may I just say a huge, huge thank you for your prayers and support for me? God supplied our team MORE than enough to go on this trip! We were so blessed by our friends and family; it truly portrayed the faithfulness of God in accomplishing His will. I pray that you will be encouraged in knowing we have a God with limitless resources and a caring Father who promises to “provide all of our needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Ok, are you ready for this? I am going to my best to be brief enough so that you can finish this letter before your hair turns gray (and if already has…sorry I have no other analogy to use) yet detailed enough that you can feel the Holy Spirit working through the team in our day-to-day outreach missions.

Sunday-March 7, 2010 We rolled into NYC early Sunday morning and got to the New York School of Urban Ministires (NYSUM) around 1:00 am. We got up nice and early to catch a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and then went to the Brooklyn Tabernacle 12:00 service. Let me just say, whether you felt the Holy Spirit or not, you could not deny the presence of the Spirit within that body of believers. The music was ridiculous: 300 person choir (each person had the lung capacity of perhaps 5 people) when they sang it was as if a wave of sound was going to push you backwards out of your chair. Pastor Cymbila had a wonderful message on “being sober-minded and self controlled” for Christ’s return and did a wonderful job explaining how to be ready for Christ’s return. Later on that evening we went to Time Square Church, near Time Square. It is a Interdenominational Church---I have never been in a room with so many different nationalities. It was what I would think a lot of what heaven may be like someday. Their format of service was kind of neat in how they had two people give a testimony and then a sermon following. I could not get over how both these bodies of believers based centered so much of their worship services on prayer. Both churches have numerous services ALL day on Sunday—I wonder how our Midwest churches would be transformed if we put more of an emphasis on prayer.

Monday-March 8,2010 Our first day consisted of two service projects: Cerebral Palsy Center and Goldwater Terminally Ill Hospital both in the Bronx area. At the center we went from room to room playing guitar and singing songs with the students/patients. It was neat to see how much they lit up with music and how free they became in expressing their joy through dancing or clapping. At Goldwater, we were blessed to see so many believers who are worshipping God on their hospital beds—some patients have been there for 4-5 years and they continue to rejoice and serve God. Would you rejoice and serve God on your death bed? That was Peter’s desire in 2 Peter 1:13 which states:


“I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent (body) to stir you up by way of reminder since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time recall these things.”

Tuesday-March 9,2010 Well Pastor Rick promised our team that we would be challenged at some point of the week but I wasn’t expecting it to be this soon! Tuesday our group did two more service projects with the first one being in the projects at a church/soup kitchen known as “Espanola.” Pastor Rick informed me late Monday night after our team meeting that I would be speaking at the service the next morning—AKA you will have about one hour to prepare a message and oh…by the way, you will have a translator because a majority of the people who come only speak Spanish. My thoughts: “Oh good. This is good.” AH!  I went to bed Monday evening thinking that I would just give my testimony on running because everyone can relate/understand running. I woke up the next morning with 2 Timothy 2:20-22, a verse that I had read while I was competing at my indoor track conference meet earlier in march. The verses say this:

“Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable use, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”

Me in my nerdy-Bible-studyingness (You are correct—that is not a grammatically correct phrase!) was really excited with this passage because I referenced back into the Old Testament and discovered that the “vessels” used in the passage were the same that were in the Temple of God that the priests had to clean in order to be in the presence of God. But then it dawned on me: although I find the correlation awesome and exciting, these people need the story of Salvation—not an Old Testament seminary lecture and so God opened my eyes up to the analogy of using an actual vessel, a cup for my message. And so I gave a message using a simple cup: we are like a cup. We were created for God’s purposes just like a cup would be used in a house. When a cup becomes dirty, stained or broken, it is unusable, disgusting and if you can’t clean it, it should be thrown-out. A cup cannot clean itself, it must be washed by someone. And with that, sometimes the outside of the cup doesn’t look too bad but when you look inside of it, it’s disgusting (like the passage in Matthew “Seven Woes” of the Pharisees—cleaning the outside of the cup). Then I basically gave the story of Salvation through Christ and how His blood is the only thing that can make us clean: the washing of His blood will cleanse us and make us honorable—ready to be used by our Master again. The translator threw me off a little but it was so amazing to literally stand back and allow the Holy Spirit work through my words and relay His message. Three people came forward to accept Christ and I humbly accepted the privilege of praying with them. It was so, so neat.

Later that evening we did a homeless ministry where we went out at 9:00 pm taking blankets, food, water and pocket Bibles to the homeless near Time Square. It was there that I got to visit with a remarkable woman named “Gret,” from Jamaica. She had accepted Christ when she was 13, and come to the states to get her degree in teaching. Through a series of events, she became homeless and had been struggling in and out of it all her life. She is now 68 years old and unable to get a job. She has learned to completely depend upon God and to put her hope in Him everyday. She attends Time Square Church when she is able to get there but because she has to travel all over NYC for food or different shelters, she doesn’t always get there. I got to pray with her and tell her things that she never hears: that she’s a beautiful, gentle and wonderful child of God; that those who are blessed with a home, food and shelter could easily lose it in a matter of seconds and that all we are guaranteed in this life is Jesus Christ and that God is good. She prayed with me and then said “Blessings to you in your career and thank you so much for the food, I wouldn’t have had supper tonight if it wasn’t for you.” Sigh. I was and continue to be utterly speechless at how a woman with nothing still offered a blessing to a girl who has everything, a more.

Wednesday-March 10, 2010 Tourist Day! I will keep this brief because to be honest, it was my least favorite day of the trip—New York City is exciting, don’t get me wrong, but I am just not into all the hustle and bustle of the city. We got up really early and caught the subway to Central Park. We then walked to Time Square for people to purchase tickets to Broadway shows (I didn’t actually go because I was cheap). We went to the Upper Deck of Rockefeller Center and saw the City---I can’t recall the number of floors but you get there in a minute on the elevator! Your ears pop like crazy! After that we ate near the Ice skating rink that you always see on Good Morning America or in Home Alone and then we went to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. That was ridiculous! The floor shook when the organist played; I was so tempted to start singing the Lord’s Prayer but I’m sure the people wouldn’t have appreciated it during the 12 mass service  After that I went to the New York City Library while most of the team went to the shows. We met up later and went to China Town and Little Italy for supper. We crawled into our beds about 12:00 that night—feet throbbing and all.

Thursday-March 11, 2010 We completed another two service projects with the first one at what is known as “The Relief Bus.” It is a bus that literally parks on a side street where the volunteers hand out free soup, hot chocolate, bread and offer to pray with people. It was so much fun! The workers were so happy and they led by example in being a joyful giver. I got to ladle the soup for most of our time there and then pray with several homeless men—most of them believers. It’s crazy, I met more homeless believers than business men and women-believers in NYC. That evening we did a subway ministry where we literally got on a subway car and road for about three hours singing, sharing testimonies and praying with people. I was probably the most uncomfortable in this ministry because I am not one who likes to do open-air-preaching but if it’s done with the message of grace and truth –it’s amazing to see how it softens and changes people’s hearts. How are you relaying the message to those around you?

Friday-March 12, 2010 On our last full day of ministry, we put on two services for men’s homeless ministries. The first one was called “The Bowery” which is one of the oldest shelters in America. Some of the roughest men of NYC come here for services and a meal everyday. We gave a service and witness the miracle of three more men coming forward to accept Christ. One of these men was walking by just before we started the service and “felt like something was pulling him inside the building.” That something was definitely the Spirit. Later on that evening we went to “Batel” which is a drug and alcohol rehab. Basically these guys come with prison as their only other option. These men are broken and desire to be different—most of them already saved. Our group did a service and then just got to enjoy fellowship with them. The people who were in charge of the ministry were amazing; a young couple with a little 3 year old boy running around. At first I was surprised that they would raise a child in an environment like that but then it dawned on me while I was watching him running around squealing: this small child is bringing such a vibrancy and softness to the people there. That child has no idea the impact he is making on the Kingdom when he may not even know Jesus himself yet. Is God not good? How can you deny that our God is good?

Well, now that your hair is completely gray and only partially falling out, :) I will wrap this up. Again, thank you so very much for your support. You truly impacted the City through the team. I pray that what I shared with you would be of an encouragement not only in the area of giving but serve as a challenge in your own relationship with Christ. One of the best quotes I received from the week was from a NYSUM worker who said this, “ Don’t hold back, allow God to mess with you tonight (homeless night).” Don’t just take these stories and say, “Well that’s great that Joni had a good time and enjoyed serving in New York City.” No, it is my hope that you take these stories of redemption and truth and allow them to mess you up a little. Allow God to move through it. Is God calling you to serve in a similar mission’s experience? What about at your job? What about that man you see on the corner everyday who is homeless? Have you ever gone to work with the goal of steering a conversation towards sharing the Gospel? Look for those opportunities, they are there. Allow God to mess with you, you won’t regret it!

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace in my imprisonment (or on my mission’s trip) and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.”

Philippians 1:3-8

God bless you all!

His,

Joni Strom

His Instrument

Image from:http://www.flickr.com/photos/larou/3462594915/

Earlier this month I had the privilege of running at our Summit League Conference Indoor Track meet up in Fargo, ND. Although I have been running for about ten years now (AH!), I still find myself becoming so anxious for races--so to say the least, I was rather anxious this weekend. My race wasn’t until 12 and we had time in the morning to relax before heading over to the track. I found myself skimming the pages after my normal quiet time study of Revelation to get a little more encouragement (not that Revelation isn’t an encouraging book and all hehe!). Usually I go to Psalms because I can relate to the Psalmist's cries to God when he is “being pursued by his enemies” only for me it’s North Dakota Bison haha. But instead of going there, I for some reason had this desire to find a passage on the topic of us as God’s instruments. I vaguely recalled a passage about it but I wasn’t sure. I hopped onto Biblegateway, an online Bible search engine, and looked up the word “instrument.” I skimmed through all of the “hits” not finding the phrasing I was thinking of until my eyes landed on 2 Timothy 2:20-22—this is what it says in NIV:

“20In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. 21If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
22Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

I found this passage incredibly encouraging as I began to prepare for my race because I felt like no matter our gifts or abilities, our true desire should be to be an “instrument for noble purposes.” Not only are we used for noble purposes but it says we can be made holy and useful for our Master. Is that not awesome?

An instrument that I have always loved and adored is the violin. In relation to this passage, I picture a dusty, antique violin sitting in the corner of a room. It has been masterfully designed but remains on the shelf because it, itself, cannot play---it requires a violinist to carefully restore, tune and play in order for beautiful music to be made. We are like that violin: we are unable to do anything good but through forgiveness from our Lord Jesus Christ, we can be transformed from an old dusty violin, that is nothing but mere wood with cat gut, into a beautiful instrument--an instrument that can be useful for our Master and prepared to do any good work. The ESV version uses “vessel” instead of instrument---which again has such a wonderful picture of our identity in Christ when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and flee from the evil desires of our youth. I encourage you to look at this passage of scripture and read it more in context because it is truly a treasure-chest-of-a passage in how to live a Christ-centered life—a life that can take polar opposites of running a mile in a track meet, a violin and an instrument described in the Bible and for it all to relate to one another. I also challenge you to permeate the scripture you read into your life and pursue a continual focus on our Lord Jesus Christ today!

All the days of her life...

Image:http://i.blogg.no/496x494/http:/enchantedkrna.blogg.no/images/holding_hands_1210787176.jpg

After listening to Rick speak last night about Purity, I was reminded of this passage in Proverbs 31:10-12 which states:

"An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life." ESV

Now, I am not attempting to make this into a beauty-pagent-like devotional where I am telling women: this is what you will never measure up to. That's not what I am saying at all. My heart's convictions behind this is to carry-over what Rick spoke about last night specifically in the area of porn/fantasizing and relationships and holding it to Thee Standard--God's Word.

Challenge #1 for myself (I don't get out of this either!) and all God-fearing women.

So this passage begins with the subject matter---an excellent wife and how she is difficult to find. She is rare and valuable like that of precious stones or jewels. We all like to feel significant from time-to-time correct? To feel like we stand-out, are different or set-apart from all the other women on the planet. This woman that is being described here is just that but it's not because of anything she has done to make herself look good or her efforts towards morals, it is because she fears the Lord (vs. 30). This woman has placed all of her trust, her desires, her abilities, her will and has fully submitted to God. I know that some of you maybe thinking “Well, ok this is all great Joni, but what if I don’t get married? What if I don’t have a husband to marry? Am I somewhat chasing after this level of excellence in vain? Not at all! Let’s remember that as a body, we are the “Bride of Christ.” Marriage in itself is an example of how Christ loves the church. Ultimately your submission to any authority or husband is out of fear and reverence for God---your underlying motive for striving for this excellence is to honor God--for what his Son, Jesus Christ, did on the cross and then rose again so that we could share in eternity with one another. It’s a hard thing to do: submission and fearing the Lord about everything else in this life and that is why this woman is rare.

Do you fear the Lord above everything? You don’t have to seek the approval of man—if you fear the Lord first, honoring anyone else including a husband, will come out of your love for God.

Challenge #2 for myself and all God-fearing women.

“The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.” Hmmm. Trust is such a difficult thing to obtain. I was listening to a Mark Driscoll sermon this morning in his Doctrinal series entitled “God Judges.” (http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/doctrine/fall-god-judges) In it he talks about the fall of humans and how things played-out in the Garden. In it he describes where “Sin Originated” and the role of both the woman and the man in the first sin that has condemned all humankind to separation from God. One thing he noted in scripture was that once Adam and Eve had eaten the forbidden fruit they became aware of their nakedness and covered themselves. This act of covering revealed a lack of trust between the two of them and shame in dishonoring God. When God asked Adam about what happened, he addressed himself as “I” instead of “We.” Adam lost trust in Eve because of the sin that was just created in eating the forbidden fruit. So fast-forward to this passage---how is it then that a man’s heart can trust in a woman? Again, it goes back to where this woman’s heart is located and who SHE places her trust in. The man can trust his wife because she is placing her trust in God—so the man is ultimately reaping from God. Because of the fall, we women are extremely deceitful and manipulative. We know exactly which buttons to push and what words to say to get what we want: a man should not put his hope or trust in a woman without God at the center. In this passage not only can the man trust his wife but he can prosper because of it. “He will have no lack of gain.” God desires us to trust Him and since we are made in His image, our desire to be trusted as women really stems from that quality of God. The fact that the man in his verse trusts his wife shows that original, authentic vulnerability of love that God created in the Garden between Adam and Eve when things were “very good.”

First, do you have your trust in God as a woman? Have you submitted all of your manipulative and controlling characteristics to Him? Do you desire to be trusted?

Challenge #3 for myself and all other God-fearing women

Ok, the verse that really inspired me to write this devotional in the first place.
“She does him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” All the days of her life. Rick spoke about the startling statistic that the number of women partaking in porn is growing faster than men. Youch. The very topic that most women would say destroys them and steals from their marriage or relationship is now what they are participating in. No woman wants to be compared to those women in magazines, the tv or online. Gosh, we have enough trouble looking at ourselves in the mirror everyday we don’t need an airbrushed, made-up, fantasy-super woman to compare ourselves to. For any guy who is reading this---I don’t care how much pleasure you get from it, if you have any love in your heart, you should stop immediately from filling your mind with that crap and learn to live in the real-world. I won’t go any farther with addressing guys because I will more than likely destroy my computer in the process because it angers me so much  …but seriously. Back to the statistic—ladies, ladies, ladies. What are we doing to ourselves? It may not be looking at images of “perfect guys” but in the same sense of a man comparing us to pornstars, we do the same when we over-fantisize in romance novels and movies. I am all about fairy-tales and happily ever-afters, I think that there’s a reason we love stories involving princes and dragons and being rescued; however, we can’t expect a man to fill our every need. So what does this have to do with the phrase “all the days of her life”? Well, for those of you who are married, how would your husband feel if you were to tell him that he was not good enough or that he is failing because he doesn’t look like some movie star or act like some character from a book? Even greater weight is on those of us who are not married yet and do not know who our husbands will be. How would your husband feel if you were fantasizing and filling your mind with images and ideas of who and what he should be like before you even meet the poor guy? It’s identical to him filling his mind with porn images and how you are to look and act before he knows you. We need to guard our hearts ladies, big time. Again, it all goes back to who are you fearing? Who are your placing your trust and hope in? Edward Collins? (Yuck. Lol sorry, not such a fan of Twilight….I know, I know Ashley  ) But seriously, I am pleading with myself as I plead to any XX chromosome person to put your hope in God. To be content in Him and this passage—this list of qualities of an excellent wife will be obtainable. Not because of anything you’ve done but because of the work of our Great and Glorious HOLY and PURE God and Savior, Jesus Christ in you.

Do You Tremble at God's Word?

Image from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/liberato/204396279/

I took a "break" one day this past week from studying Revelation to listen to a sermon by Francis Chan, a pastor of a church in California and the author of the book "Crazy Love." I listened to a sermon entitled, " The Most Important Lesson I Could Teach." It was over 2 Peter 1--a chapter that I had never really read and introduced several topics that just challenged me so much in how I approach reading God's Word and how I live it out in my life. One of these areas that I felt challenged in was what I do with my life before I die. In this passage of scripture, Peter knew the type of death he was going to have because Jesus told him in an earlier passage. Peter says in verse 12-14:

"Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder,since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me." ESV

Those words in italics, I believe are important to highlight because it shows the kind of mindset Peter had: always reminding the believers of the qualities listed earlier in verses 5-7 (faith, virtue, self control...) "as long as I am in this body." Peter knew that he was going to die a cruel death. Don't you think that if he was in today's society, he would enjoy and live it up as much as possible before a death upside down on a cross? We invest, plan and save for retirement to "enjoy" the last few years we have on this earth before we go into the true Paradise. I don't know, I am not saying that you can't save money so that you're not a burden to your family when you're unable to take care of yourself, but don't you think we should have the mindset of "until I leave this body, I want to be reminding everyone, my family, friends, co-workers, people on the streets--everyone about how to live a life for Christ?" Maybe if you struggle with this concept, you should first pray that God would deliver you from a fear of death. It's ok, there are days where I am like "What if this happens....or I get sick and this happens.." and I panic but then I am reminded of the victory I have in Christ Jesus and that passage that speaks of "Oh sin where is thy victory? Death where is thy sting?" And that we have no fear in death!

Second Peter says something intriguing about how he saw Christ (in Matthew 17) with his face shining like the sun, his body turning to white and Moses and Elijah appearing by his side. God comes along in a huge, bright cloud (like the one in the OT that was with the Israelites...cool how he is permeated throughout right? I love it!) and God says "This is my Son, whom I am well pleased." So Peter has witnessed an INCREDIBLE thing and yet his words in verse 18-19

"....we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation."

Did Peter just say that the prophetic word, is something more sure than all of the glory and splendor described earlier in verse 18? YES! Is that not crazy--but so so true? It is also neat how he says "knowing first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation." Ha. How often we hear "Well, that's just how you interpret the Bible...I interpret it like this..." Ah! We must be careful! Francis Chan did an awesome job in emphasizing this in his sermon of how to study God's word. We must work so diligently at looking at text asking God to "put aside my desires, give me the truth."

Lastly, Chan highlighted Isaiah 66:1-2 which states this:

"Thus says the Lord: "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word." ESV

But this is the one whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word. Humble. Contrite. Trembles. When I approach reading God's word, am I humble? Do I have a contrite or broken Spirit? Do I tremble at the power in His Word? This is my heart's prayer for the rest of my study in Revelation and well, the rest of my life: To approach reading God's word with reverance,humility, brokeness and with trembling--knowing that I have a privilege everyday to encounter something greater than the physical splendor of Jesus and God in a cloud. Don't get me wrong, ha! I want to see that and I will, but really---God's Word is just as powerful and amazing as that.



Get the sermon at:
11/27/09 "The Most Important Message I Could Teach" Francis Chan

http://www.cornerstonesimi.com/special/media_player.html

Revelation Chapter 2

I realized the other day, there is no way that I will be done with studying Revelation over break! In fact, my pace right now, with free time, is a chapter a week-week and half. It's hard not to dive into the scripture, read commentary and go to cross references which usually lead to other cross references :). Oh well. Let's look at chapter two a little bit and see what it all entails!



This portion of scripture, according to ESV commentary, is the "Beginning of the body" and it includes three letters to four of the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergmum and Thyatria.



Ephesus-Christ is aware of the work, toil nd patient endurance. He notes that one thing he has against the church is that they have "abandoned the love you had at first." The commentary says that it could either be that they forgot the love/lost love for one another or the same degree of love for Christ--or both.



Cross References

"abandoned the love you had at first"

• Jeremiah 2:2- "I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me int the wilderness, in a land not sown.


• Ezekiel 16:8- " When I passed by you again and saw you, behold, you were at the age for love, and I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness; I made my vow to you and entered into a covenant with you."


• vs. 43-"Because you have not remembered the days of your youth but have enraged me with all these things, therefore, behold, I have returned your deeds upon your head, declares the Lord God. Have you not committed lewdness in addition to all your abominations?"


• vs. 60- "Yet I will remember my covenant in the days of your youth and I will re-establish an everlasting covenant with you."

Smyrna-tribulation, poverty and slander of those who say they are Jews and are not. Two main topics: (1) Be faithful unto death and you will receive a crown of life. (2) that you may be tested.

Cross References-

(1)Be faithful unto death and you will receive a crown of life:

• Matthew 10:22-" You will be hated for my namesake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved."


• Hebrews 3:5-6: " Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were spoken later but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are in his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope."

(2)that you may be tested

• James 2:5- " Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom?"


• 1 Timothy 6:18- " They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share thus storing up treasures for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of what is truly life."


• Hebrews 10:34-"For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property. Since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession, an abiding one."

Church of Pergamum-The Holy spirit somewhat reveals a character quality with Jesus that corresponds with the church's weakness/is being challenged with. ie. "the words of him who has a sharp two-edged sword." And here the church is struggling with false witness and prophets.

"Satan's throne"-ESV Commentary: " pergamum hosted temples dedicated to "the divine Augustus and the goddess Roma" and to "Asklepios (the god of healing, symbolized by serpents) and a large altar dedicated to Zeus. The worship of the emperor as a god was also strongly emphasized, even required, in the province of Asia, and it was a major problem for Christians at the time. All of this qualifies Pergamum to be called the site of Satan's throne. Amid oppressive paganism, a believer named Antipas had sealed his testimony with his life, and Jesus shares with Antipas his own title, faithful witness."

Balaam-prophet seduced King moab to be both sexually and spiritually adulterous

Nicolatiains-spread the act of sexual and spiritual infidelity

Cross References

"War with the sword of my mouth"

• Isaiah 49:2-"He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away."


• Ephesians 6:17-"....and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit which is the word of God."


• Hebrews 4:12-"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."


• Revelation 19:15-"From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations with and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty."

Thyatria

-"Christ's eyes like a flame of fire, whose feet are like burnished bronze"

*ESV Commentary-Interesting little note I just wanted to highlight in the commentary, that this passage in regards to the metals is somewhat familiar to Thyatiran metal workers.

Cross Reference

• Revelation 1:14-15
• Ezekiel 1:27

-Jezebel-prophetess: teaching and seducing servants to practice sexual immorality and eat food sacrificed to idols. She could be hypothetically speaking or an actual woman who was a prophet.

Cross References

• 1 Kings 16:30-33; 19:1-2: These passages describe the queen of Tyre, King Ahab's wife named Jezebel who suggested the Israelites to worship false gods etc...In (19:1-2) she wanted to kill Elijah the prophet
• Babylonian prostitute
• This woman had time to repent, or symbolic of the church having time to repent, but she or they didn't.

-"I will give to each of you according to your works"

Cross References

• Matthew 16:27-"For the son of man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.

-ESV Commentary-"reward only to those have taken up the cross"

-hold fast what you have until I come. The one who conquers and who keeps my works till the end, to him I will give authority over the nations."

Cross References

• Psalm 2:88-"Ask me and I will make the nations your heritage and the ends of the earth your possession."
• Daniel 7:14-" And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations and languages should serve him."