II Chronicles 34:1–33

July 23, 2014

Josiah becomes king at eight years old. By the time he was sixteen, he began to remove all the idols and places for worshiping other gods from the land. He broke up the wooden and metal idols and beat them into powder. He sprinkled the powder over the graves of those who worshiped the idols. (The golden calf the Israelites made while Moses was on the mountain with God was broken and made into powder as well. The Israelites were forced to drink it, and it ended up on the ground—useless.) Josiah rendered the idols useless, dust on the ground—gone. The people returned to dust and what they put their faith in returned to dust. It brought them nothing, totally destroyed and useless.

At the age of 26, Josiah made Judah and the Temple pure again. In the process of doing so, Hilkiah the priest, "found the Book of the LORD's Teachings that had been given through Moses." God's words—lost in His own Temple. God's words that were supposed to be given to each king—lost. God's words that were supposed to be read every day—lost.

When Josiah heard what was in the Book of the LORD's Teachings he was very upset. He wanted to know more. What does this mean? He sent Hilkiah and four other men to, "go and ask the LORD about the words in this book that was found." So Hilkiah and those the king sent with him went to talk to Huldah the prophetess. She was a simple woman, the wife of a man who took care of the king's clothes, yet she was used by God to be a prophetess.

Huldah tells the men that God's word is true. God will do what is written in his Book of Teachings. Accountability for personal actions will happen. There are blessings for those who humble themselves before the LORD; there are curses for those who refuse to surrender their will to His. There are blessings for obedience; there are curses for disobedience. (See Leviticus 26:1 – 27:34; Leviticus 26:1 – 27:34 (Continued); Leviticus 26:1 – 27:34 (Continued); Deuteronomy 27:1 – 28:68; and Deuteronomy 28 (Continued) ) "I will bring all the curses that are written in the book that was read to the king of Judah. The people of Judah have left me and have burned incense to other gods. They have made me angry by all the evil things they have made. So, I will punish them in my anger, which will not be put out." Then, Huldah continued. Because Josiah had humbled himself and sought after the ways of the LORD, God promised to honor him and to not hold him accountable for his ancestors actions. God also told Josiah he would let him die in peace.

God's Word is true—period. He will do what He says—period.  

The men took Huldah's message back to Josiah. Josiah gathered all the people and went to the temple. There he promised to obey the LORD with his whole being and to obey the words in the Book of the LORD's Teachings. Josiah was doing God honoring things even before he knew what was in the book of God's laws. When he found out what was in God's Word (by seeking and searching) he sought to follow hard after the LORD; a blueprint for how we should live our lives. God fulfilled his portions of the prophecy He gave through Huldah.

Seven years ago, Jane (Her Name Was Jane) prophesied, and told us to read Psalm 150, Psalm 140. Jane then prayed a strong prayer of blessing over my life. I never thought of it as a prophecy until I heard my daughter-in-law telling someone that ... and I realized she was right.

I decided to research women prophets in the Bible. There are five listed specifically with the title of prophetess in the Old Testament. A prophetess is a female prophet called by God to be the mouth piece of the One who sends her. She speaks on behalf of the sender. A prophet (prophetess) is considered a seer because God has given them the gift of foreknowledge. God reveals His secrets to the prophet (prophetess). True prophecy is initiated by the Holy Spirit.

I absolutely believe God used Jane to prophecy to us. There can be no other explanation. Her prophecy about praising the LORD taught us a brand new principle/concept. Her prophecy of Psalm 140 describes two kinds of people: 1) people who refuse to obey the LORD's teachings; and 2) those who choose to rely on the LORD for His protection. The same basic principles prophesied by Huldah. Blessings—verses—Curses. Jane's subsequent prophecies of Psalm 1 and Isaiah 30 give the same message. We have a choice. You can choose blessings or you can choose curses. Jane's last prophecy to us was Jeremiah 33—God's promise of restoration. God chose Jane to speak His Holy Spirit inspired words because of her years of faithfulness, her godly character, and her surrendered heart.

Thank you, LORD, for using Jane to be YOUR mouth piece and messenger to us. LORD, Jane spoke words to us that she could not have said within her own ability or knowledge. They were YOUR words, LORD, and we thank you. LORD, we choose to surrender our hearts, lives, and whole beings to YOUR authority. We praise YOUR name LORD, for being the King of all kings and the LORD of all lords. How majestic is YOUR name in all the earth. We humble ourselves before YOU and we claim YOUR promises. Blessed be YOUR name. May all honor and all glory go to YOU for all that YOU have done and will do. Amen.


Next Entry: II Chronicles 35:1 – 36:1 

II Chronicles 32:24 – 33:25 (Continued)

July 22, 1014

After Manasseh suffered, "he humbled himself" before God and he begged the LORD for help. God heard his prayers and let him return to Jerusalem. IF—THEN.  II Chronicles 7:14 - IF my people who are called by name humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, THEN I will hear their prayers and heal their land.

There is always hope, but it first requires personal submission and action on our part in order for God to do HIS part. God is ready, willing, capable, and waiting. He speaks to us through his Holy Spirit, His Word, and others. He provides the ways. We must humble ourselves → seek → and turn. When we do that, HE does the rest.

Hope. There is always hope. But there comes a time when time runs out. Don't wait. Change your heart, mind and ways—TODAY!

Amon becomes king. He does what the LORD says is wrong. Amon does not humble himself or change his ways. Instead, he sinned even more. 


Next Entry: II Chronicles 34:1–33 

II Chronicles 32:24 - 33:25

July 21, 2014

After all Hezekiah did right, he ended up becoming prideful and arrogant. He didn't remember who was in control.

God

 ↓  

Man

Hezekiah no longer thanked God, and God became angry. When the people sought forgiveness God forgave, but how much better it would have been if Hezekiah had not become so full of pride. I pray that we never forget to thank God for all He has done. It is not about what "I" have done, it is ALL about what HE has done.

Hezekiah dies and his son Manasseh becomes king. Manasseh rebuilt the places for idol worship that Hezekiah tore down. He put idols in the temple. He totally turned against the LORD's teachings. "God's people" did more evil than the people God forced out of the land Moses led the Israelites to.

God spoke to Manasseh and "his" people but they refused to listen. Later, the king of Assyria comes to attack them. They captured Manasseh and bound him. This is the same army that came unprovoked to attack Hezekiah and God protected them and soundly defeated the army because of Hezekiah's faithfulness. This time because of Manasseh's unfaithfulness, God caused the Assyrian army to attack, and "God's people" were soundly defeated.

Our actions determines God's response. When we are faithful—He provides protection. When we are unfaithful—His protection is removed. 


Next Entry: II Chronicles 32:24 – 33:25 

II Chronicles 29:1 – 32:23

July 20, 2014

There is so much to write about Hezekiah. But first I want to write about this morning's sermon with Dr. Gregg Chenoweth. It was about timing: TDD—Timing Deficient Disorder. There is horizontal timing (meaning things in chronological order) and there is the multiple layers of vertical timing. One is absolute. The other can be vague. While the timing may not be clear, there is one thing we know. There IS a when.

"We Know the What... But When?"

1. Coiled Christians say "wait" to a good cause when a greater one is available. They'll even say no to friends in getting there.
2. Coiled Christians say "now" with immediacy and courage if they have heard from God.
3. Coiled Christians know being misunderstood or criticized after their decision does not mean they had a TDD moment and got it wrong.

"There is a WHEN! Be ready for it. God will bless your faithfulness."

The text for Dr. Chenoweth's sermon was John 7:1-14. But during his message, Dr. Chenoweth quoted verses from Jeremiah 33 - "...pray to me and I will answer you..."; and Isaiah 30 - "...the LORD longs to show you compassion... if you go to the left or right... you will hear a voice saying go this way." The exact promises God gave us through Jane (Her Name Was Jane). WOW! Co-incidence? No. God-incidence.

We have been battling "the storm" for seven years now. That is a very long time to be caught in difficult circumstances. We know the what ... we just don't know the when. Dr. Chenoweth's message today encouraged us to hang on! Remember God's promises! There is a WHEN! Be ready for it! God will bless your faithfulness! Jeremiah 33 - "Pray to me and I will answer you..."; Isaiah 30 - "I will give you direction." (my paraphrase)

Thank you, LORD, for your perfect timing. Dr. Chenoweth's message was exactly what we needed to be reminded of. My husband says it's the LORD saying, "I've got you covered." We have been battling "the storm" for seven years. We will hang on. We will hang on to Your promises. There is a WHEN!

Now... about Hezekiah. The first thing he does upon becoming king is to open the doors to the temple that his father closed. He directed the Levites and priests to cleanse themselves to prepare the sacrifices and to rid the temple of anything that was unholy. He made it clear to everyone why they were in the predicament they were in; it was because their ancestors had been unfaithful to the LORD. Because their ancestors quit following the LORD; because they chose to reject His commands; because they shut the doors of the temple; and because they stopped burning incense—the LORD was now punishing them.

Hezekiah decided that he would not be like his father. He would break the pattern and return the people to following the LORD's commands. Everything was prepared. The burnt offerings (for the forgiveness of sins) were sacrificed. The people worshiped and praised the LORD with the cymbal, harps, and lyres (Psalm 150) as David commanded. Hezekiah ordered the Levites to, "Praise the LORD, using the words David and Asaph had used. So they praised God with joy and bowed down and worshiped." (We praise the LORD quoting the same Psalms the people quoted during Hezekiah's time. How cool is that?)

Hezekiah wrote a letter to be sent and read throughout the land. It said, "...return to the LORD... then God will return to you... don't be like your ancestors... don't be stubborn (KJV and the NIV both say "stiff necked")... obey the LORD willingly... serve the LORD... come back to the LORD... the LORD your God is kind and merciful. He will not turn away from you if you return to him." Did the majority of the people rush to repent? No. They laughed at it and instead made fun of the messengers. You have to do what God puts on your heart to do. How others respond to it is out of your control. In Hezekiah's case a few men were sorry for what they had done and they changed their hearts and repented.  

The people brought their tithes and offerings to the temple. They brought so much that there were piles and piles of offerings. II Chronicles 31:10 - "Since the people began to bring their offerings to the Temple of the LORD, we have had plenty to eat and plenty left over, because the LORD has blessed his people. So we have all this left over!" God bless when we willingly give back to Him what HE has blessed us with. 

Hezekiah "did what was good and right and obedient before the LORD his God." He did everything to the best of his ability. He tried to obey God's teachings and commands. He was successful because of his obedience.

But then...

"After all that Hezekiah had so faithfully done," the king of Assyria attacked them. They weren't attacked because they were unfaithful to God. They weren't being punished because of the sin of their ancestors, and they weren't being held accountable for unfaithfulness. Hezekiah was doing everything right and they were being attacked. He encouraged his people saying, "Be strong and brave. Don't be afraid or worried... there is a greater power with us than with him. He only has men, but we have the LORD our God to help us and fight our battles." (II Chronicles 32:7-8)

The king of Assyria surrounded them and attacked them. He ridiculed them. He wrote letters insulting them. He tired to scare them. He did everything he could humanly do. BUT GOD! God fought the battle and God WON! The LORD saved them and took care of them.

These chapters show two different spectrum's: punishment for disobedience; and trials (trails) to be faced even in obedience. We've come to understand we are not being punished and we are not victims. Sometimes the trials we face are the result of someone else's disobedience. But take heart. God will use for your good what others intended for your harm. And in the process, you are given the amazing opportunity of seeing the Hand of God at work in your life.

There is a when! Be ready for it! The battle will end and the victory will be won. God's promises are true. Let's get that altar of stone started! The WHEN is coming!

I've just had an "aha" moment! Of course the A.T. needed to end! The trail (and my goal to hike it) played such an undeniably important role in our lives as we navigated "the storm." God's purpose for putting us on the trail has been fulfilled. There is absolutely no reason for us to continue. None! It seems so obvious now. The Appalachian Trail's role from now on will be one of remembrance.

The WHEN is coming! Blessed be the name of the LORD!!

LORD,
You just amaze me. You take the layers of our life and just keep peeling them away. The more we surrender to you the more you reveal of yourself. We stand in awe of who YOU are. Thank you for the opportunity to see YOUR hand at work in our lives. We love you, Father. How majestic is YOUR name in ALL the earth.

Addendum: 6/23/16 ~ The construction of the Praise Shelter is well underway. The shelter is up and stained. The fireplace is built and the old brick street pavers are laid in the one half. The stones engraved with the chapters Jane told us to read are going to be placed in the path this weekend. Soon. Soon it will be finished.

Addendum #2: 8/22/18 ~ Picture of the Praise Shelter and video of the cobblestone path.

Next Entry: II Chronicles 32:24 – 33:25

II Chronicles 27:1 – 28:27

July 19, 2014

Jotham becomes king. "(He) became powerful, because he always obeyed the LORD his God." He not only started well, but he finished well too. But then Ahaz becomes king and it's a completely different story. (You can read more about Ahaz in II Kings 16 and Isaiah 7.)

Because Ahaz refused to follow God's ways, the LORD handed him over to the king of Aram. God also handed him over to Pekah the king of Israel because Ahaz (Judah) had left the LORD. Disaster happened to them and they were taken captive by their own relatives. A prophet of the LORD met the Israelite army when they returned from the battle. He told them: Look, God is the one who handed the people (Ahaz/Judah) to you because he was angry with them. But God has seen the cruel way you have treated them and killed them. Now you plan to make your own relatives your slaves. This should not be! You yourselves have sinned against God. "Now listen to me. Send back your brothers and sisters whom you captured because the LORD is very angry with you."

The people of Israel listened and sent the people of Judah back to their homeland.

Ahaz witnessed all of this but still did not change. The Edomites attacked Judah. Did Ahaz turn to God for help? No. He goes to the king of Assyria. The Philistines also attacked Judah. All this happened because Ahaz (Judah) was unfaithful to the LORD. The LORD caused it to happen. In all his troubles, Ahaz turned even farther away from God. He gathered things from the temple; he broke them; and he closed the temple doors. Why is it some people just don't seem to "get-it"? They keep turning away from God instead of turning to God?

God does not tolerate continued disobedience. The longer you refuse to surrender your will to HIS will, the harder it becomes repent.


Next Entry: II Chronicles 29:1 – 32:23

II Chronicles 25:1 – 26:23

July 18, 2014

Amaziah becomes king. He does what is right, but it is more out of duty than a passion to follow the LORD's commands. When Amaziah became established, he held those who had killed his father accountable. He followed the laws of Moses and did not hold the children accountable for the actions of their parents.

Amaziah prepares his soldiers for battle. He also hires 100,000 soldiers from Israel for 75 pounds of silver. A man of God comes to him and says—what are you doing? Don't let the men from Israel go with you. Why are you trusting men instead of God? "You can make yourself strong for war, but God will defeat you. He has the power to help you or to defeat you." Amaziah says—but what about the money I have already spent? And the man of God replies—walk away from it. "The LORD can give you much more than that."

God has the power to help you OR defeat you. Put your faith and trust in Him. Rely on HIM, and only Him. It is HIS battle.

So Amaziah goes to war without the hired men and God provides the victory. But THEN, Amaziah brings home the idols of the people he defeated and started worshiping them. Why? Why would he do that? I've always said the most dangerous time isn't when you are facing a battle bigger than yourself because you know you need God's help. The danger comes when the battle has been won and you forget it was God who won the battle. The focus becomes, "look what I have done" instead of, "look what God has done."

Amaziah starts worshiping the idols that could not save those he had attacked and God had beaten. The LORD was very angry and sent a prophet to talk to him. Have you noticed that God always sent someone to warn people when they were getting off track? Unfortunately, it made Amaziah mad and he did not repent. His response was basically, "Who are you to tell me what to do?"

God provides each of us the opportunity for change, but the decision to listen and obey falls entirely upon our own shoulders.

Amaziah would not listen. He tried to align himself with Israel again. Instead of being joined with Israel he was defeated by Israel. He was captured by his enemies, and later he was hunted down and killed by his own people. "God caused all this to happen" because he sought help from others instead of God. Why? Why? Why? Why are some people so stubborn?

We all need to let go (of our pride) and let (surrender to) God.

Uzziah becomes king. He does what the LORD said was right. "As long as Uzziah obeyed the LORD, God gave him success." Therein lies the true secret to success. It is not our own abilities, but God's response to our servant-hood. Unfortunately, when Uzziah became powerful, "His pride led to his ruin." He became unfaithful to God and he thought he was above the rules. Only the priests were allowed to burn incense on the altar, but Uzziah decided that he would do it. The priests tried to warn him, "You have been unfaithful, and the LORD God will not honor you for this." Uzziah wouldn't listen. He became angry and he did what he wanted to do. Because of his actions, Uzziah developed a skin disease and he could no longer live in the palace. He was separated from being around other people for the rest of his life.

The most dangerous time is not when we are in a crisis. The most dangerous time is when things are going well.

LORD, I want to finish strong! May we follow hard after you now and when "the storm" is over.

From the Life Lesson in my Bible – "The humble are always at peace; the proud are often envious and angry." ~ From The Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis.

In my Bible margins I have written – "Isn't that amazing! The very thing they think will bring them stature and control actually binds them in a prison. A self made prison of envy and jealousy. What they thought would bring freedom is instead an albatross. A goal or "feeling" that can never be attained."

II Chronicles 25:9 - "...the LORD is able to give thee much more than this." Jane (Her Name Was Jane) has written in her KJV margins – Much More!  See Romans 5 - Uncle Amos's "much more's."

Addendum: 4/12/15 ~ "Walk away from it...the LORD can give you much more." Luke 6:38 - "Give, and you will receive. You will be given much. Pressed down, shaken together, and running over, it will spill into your lap. The way you give to others is the way God will give to you." We are watching this happen. "The storm" has battered our finances. In our human minds we think, but how can we be restored? How could that happen? How would God be able to do that? See II Kings 6:8 – 8:15.

Our human minds cannot begin to fathom the magnitude of God's love and abilities. Cannot. Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow. 


Next Entry: II Chronicles 27:1 – 28:27  

II Chronicles 21:4 – 24:27

July 17, 2014

You cannot align yourself with ungodly people and then expect to remain faithful to the LORD.

Jesus' calls for us to be separate cannot be followed when aligned with the ungodly. Jehoshaphat found this out when he aligned himself with Ahab (II Chronicles 16:3) and then again with Ahab's son Ahaziah (II Chronicles 20:35). He (and others) suffered the consequences.

Jehoshaphat is dead and now his son Jehoram (the son who married Ahab's daughter) becomes king. In his desire to have total control, he kills all of his brothers and some of the leaders of Judah. He did not follow in the footsteps of his father. Instead, because he married Ahab's daughter, he chose to follow her ways and to do what the LORD said was wrong. But, not everyone chose to follow Jehoram's sinful ways. The people of Libnah broke away from his rule because he had left the LORD's ways.

If you find yourself linked with others (in business or socially) who are not following God, you must break free.    

God sent Elijah to warn Jehoram (by letter) what was going to happen. Jehoram and his people, his wives and children (plus everything he owned), were all going to suffer the consequences for his actions. He was going to develop a terrible disease that he would die from. Two years later he died a horrible death. His need for total control (II Chronicles 21:4), eventually led to his downfall (II Chronicles 21:20), and in the end it brought him nothing. No one was sad when he died. He wasn't even buried with honor.

God's promises are true and nothing can destroy or prevent God from fulfilling His promises. 
There are consequences for our life choices.  Our decisions bring God's promised results: Blessing—or—Curses.

Because of his selfish need for control Jehoram killed all his brothers. And now years later, the exact same fate happened to his own sons by robbers. His youngest son Ahaziah survived, and he became king. He followed in the footsteps of his father, his namesake uncle, and the others in Ahab's family because his mother encouraged him to do what was wrong. His actions later led to his death. Ahaziah goes to visit his uncle Joram (the son of Ahab and king of Israel). While there, "God caused" (NCV) "brought about" (NIV) his death (KJV - "was of God"). There are consequences for our choices and actions.

Ahaziah's mom Athaliah (Ahab's daughter) either doesn't "get-it" or doesn't care. She doesn't take this opportunity to repent and change her ways. Instead, she kills everyone in the royal family so she can take over. At least she thought she killed everyone. But Jehosheba (Ahaziah's sister) takes Joash (Ahaziah's son and her nephew) and hides him in the Temple. No danger in Athaliah finding him there... she is not worshiping God in the Temple. Jehosheba, (along with her husband Jehoida the priest) hid him for six years.

When Joash was seven, Jehoida led the plan to make him king. God promised the king would be of David's descendants and nothing can destroy or prevent God's promises from being fulfilled. Joash is made king. Jehoiada appointed guards to surround him. (God's angels surround us.) When Athaliah realized she was no longer the ruler over Judah she screamed, "Traitors!  Traitors!" Interesting how she felt anything and everything was permissible and acceptable for her as she maneuvered to get her way, but let someone do what God instructed and she screams—no fair! She was taken outside the gate and put to death. Sin must not be tolerated. It must be removed. That may mean that you have to separate yourself from an ungodly situation or person.

As long as Jehoiada was priest and advising him, Joash did what the LORD said was right. He rebuilt the temple. But later when Jehoiada died, Joash began to listen to others and he stopped worshiping the LORD. II Chronicles 24:19 - "Even though the LORD sent prophets to the people to turn them back to him and even though the prophets warned them, they refused to listen." God sent Jehoiada's son Zechariah to talk to the people. II Chronicles 24:20b - "This is what God says: 'Why do you disobey the LORD's commands? You will not be successful. Because you have left the LORD, he has also left you.' "

Did they listen to him and repent and return to the Lord? No. The king and his officers instead made plans against Zechariah and stoned him to death. Zechariah was the son of Jehoiada, the person who had done so much for Joash and was so respected by the people that when he died at the age of 135 years old, they buried him in Jerusalem with the kings! Yet by this time, Joash was so far away from the LORD that he didn't even remember what Jehoiada the priest (and his uncle) had done for him. As Zechariah was dying he said, "May the LORD see what you are doing and punish you." (II Chronicles 24:22)

By the end of the year it happened. The Arameans came against Joash. The Arameans were just a small little army compared to the large army of Judah, "but the LORD handed over Judah to them" because the people of Judah had left the God of their ancestors. So Joash was punished. Joash was wounded by the enemy, but it was his own officers who killed him as lay in his own bed. He died and was buried, but not with the kings.

How sad. Joash started well but ended in failure. I don't want to just start well. I want to finish well.   


Next Entry: II Chronicles 25:1 – 26:23  

II Chronicles 19:4 – 21:3

July 16, 2014

NCV - "You won't need to fight in this battle. Just stand strong in your places, and you will see the LORD save you... don't be afraid or discouraged, because the LORD is with you. So go out against those people tomorrow."

NIV - "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you... Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.

KJV - "Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you... fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.

The reference for that verse is found in II Chronicles 20:17 and it is our prayer. Oh LORD, may it be so. May ALL know that it is YOU who saved us from "the storm." We have done all You have commanded us to do. We have taken up our positions. We are standing strong. We are putting our faith and trust in You. We are Walking by Faith, first and foremost praising Your name. Hear our prayer. Save us we pray. Amen.

Jehoshaphat repents for getting off track. He goes back to Jerusalem. He again does what he can to turn the people back to God. He appoints judges to settle disputes. He tells them to, "watch what you do..." the job you are doing is not for people, it is for the LORD. He says again, "watch what you do..." God wants you to be fair and he doesn't want your decisions to be influenced by money. He goes on to tell them, "You must always serve the LORD completely, and you must fear him... have courage. May the LORD be with those who do what is right."

Jehoshaphat is doing what is right and minding his own business when the Moabites, Ammonites, and some Meunites banded together and set out to make war against him. It was unexpected and Jehoshaphat was afraid. "So he decided to ask the LORD what to do." He gathered all the people together to ask the LORD for help. Jehoshaphat prayed. "LORD, you are God... you rule... you have power and strength... no one can stand against you... you forced out the people... you promised... you gave this land... IF trouble comes upon us we will come before you... we will cry out to you... THEN you will will hear and you will save us." LORD, here is the problem: people are coming against us. It is people you allowed to remain! Now they have come to force us out of your land that you gave us. "Oh God, punish those people." We have no power against those who are coming to attack us. "We don't know what to do, so we look to you for help."

Then Jahaziel stood up to speak. "Listen to me... the LORD says this to you:

'Don't be afraid or discouraged because of this large army. The battle is not your battle, it is God's.' "

Then God gave specific details. "Tomorrow go down there and fight those people. They will come up through the pass of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the ravine that leads to the desert of Jeruel." And then the promise found in II Chronicles 20:17 -

"You won't need to fight in this battle. Just stand strong in your places, and you will see the LORD save you... don't be afraid or discouraged, because the LORD is with you. So go out against those people tomorrow."

All the people bowed before the LORD in worship. Then some Levites stood up and started praising the LORD. (Psalm 150) The next morning the army headed out. Jehoshaphat stood before them and said, "Listen to me. Have faith in the LORD your God, and you will stand strong. Have faith in his prophets (the words He gave us through Jane), and you will succeed." And then Jehoshaphat did an amazing thing. He listened to the people's advice; he chose men to be singers of praise to the LORD (Psalm 8); and he put them in front of the army. As they marched out they said:

"Praise the LORD: for His mercies endureth forever."

And when they began to sing and to praise God, the LORD took over the battle and secured the victory. II Chronicles 20:22 - "As they began to sing and praise God, the LORD set ambushes... and they were defeated." They praised the LORD before the actual battle was won. They believed in God's promises. They praised the LORD before and after the battle... and ALL knew it was the LORD who secured the victory. (Psalm 140:12 - "I know that the LORD secures justice....")

Addendum: 11/14/14 ~ "You won't need to fight in this battle. Just stand strong in your places, and you will see the LORD save you..." I believe this. I truly believe this.

Addendum #2: 6/22/16 ~ HE will secure justice. HE will protect us. HE is the answer. HE is the One. What does the end of "the storm" look like? I have no idea. But it will be in HIS time and in HIS way. ALL will know it was the LORD who secured our justice. (Psalm 140:12) We absolutely STILL believe this.

Addendum #3: 4/26/18 ~ See the following updates:

By HIS Great Power
The Purpose
Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!


Next Entry: II Chronicles 21:4 – 24:27

II Chronicles 16:1 – 19:3 (Continued)

July 15, 2014

Jehoshaphat (king of Judah), became entwined with Ahab (king of Israel) because his son married Ahab's daughter. Ahab—who rarely followed God's teachings; and Jehoshaphat—who followed God's teaching. In Jane's (Her Name Was Jane) Bible she has written: danger ahead. Indeed. When you align yourself with those who are not like-minded with you, there is danger ahead.

Jehoshaphat knew he was going against God's commands, but he did it anyways.

Ahab wants to go to war and he wants Jehoshaphat to join him. Jehoshaphat wants to make sure it is God's will. Ahab just wants to do what he wants to do. He has a group of 400 "prophets" that will tell him whatever he wants to hear. Ahab despises the one prophet who is honest about what God wants. Jehoshaphat wants to hear what the LORD'S prophet has to say. Micaiah (the Lord's prophet) says—don't do it. Don't go to war. Your plans won't work. In fact, what you don't understand is this: God is fed up with your refusal to follow his teachings. You think those 400 men are just telling you what you want to hear. Wrong. They are being used by God to fool you into going into battle because of your refusal to submit to His authority. Ahab became angry. He refused to listen, and put Micaiah in jail. Ahab (in his typical arrogant fashion) said to only give Micaiah bread and water until he returned safe from the battle. Micaiah replied, "If you come back safely" then the LORD hasn't spoken through me.

"Remember my words, all you people."

So, Ahab does what Ahab wants to do and he goes into battle. But Ahab wasn't completely confident in his victory. Somewhere in the back of his mind there was some doubt and fear. So he tells Jehoshaphat to wear his royal clothes, but Ahab wore other clothes so no one would recognize him. How nice of him. He set up his "friend" as a means to protect himself. Ahab's plan most likely would have worked, but God stepped in and intervened. The only person the king of Aram wanted was Ahab. When they saw Jehoshaphat in royal clothing they were ready to attack him. But Jehoshaphat shouted, "... and the LORD helped him." And then, by chance, (God) a soldier shot a random arrow and it struck Ahab between his pieces of armor. Ahab was dead by sunset.

By chance, was actually the Hand of God. The army that was ready to attack Jehoshaphat was stopped by God. II Chronicles 18:31 - "The LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him." (KJV) God protects those who call on Him; He holds accountable those who have turned their backs on Him. We control whether we submit ourselves to the authority of God and obey His teachings. God controls all the rest.

Jehoshaphat returns. God sends a seer to him and asks, "Why did you help evil people? Why do you love those who hate the LORD?" Because of the choices Jehoshaphat made, the LORD was angry with him and he was faced with new troubles and the same problems of aligning himself with those who were not like-minded.


Next Entry: II Chronicles 19:4 – 21:3

II Chronicles 16:1 – 19:3

July 14, 2014

Asa went from relying and depending on the LORD, to relying on his own strength and seeking out others to join him as he went out to battle.

The LORD had already proven himself faithful. He had already helped Asa and Judah win against other very powerful kings. Why change now? Why did Asa start deciding he was capable without God's help? Success breeds pride, and pride/success has ruined many people. The danger comes when you start believing in your abilities and depending on your strength, instead of depending on the LORD and acknowledging your success comes from HIM.

The most dangerous time isn't when you are facing a great crisis. The most dangerous time is when the crisis is over, and the victory is won.

A seer named Hanai went to Asa to warn him about the consequences. Instead of repenting, Asa became angry and put Hanani in prison. Instead of looking inward and accepting responsibility, Asa blamed others. Even when Asa was faced with disease he did not turn to God. He died soon after.

Jehoshaphat (Asa's son) becomes king. Jehoshaphat relied on the LORD and he obeyed God's commands. He wanted to obey. It takes intentional desire and effort to follow God; surrendering your will to the LORD's will does not happen automatically or accidentally. Jehoshaphat then did what should come naturally when you are surrendered and following the LORD—he told others. He sent his officers and leaders to teach others. They took God's words and went throughout the towns so everyone would know who God was and would know His teachings. The LORD blessed Jehoshaphat and protected him.


Next Entry: II Chronicles 16:1 – 19:3 (Continued)  

II Chronicles 11:18 – 15:19

July 12, 2014

The story of Rehoboam.

After Rehoboam became strong and established, he (and the people) became self-reliant. They stopped obeying God, and they abandoned the laws of God. Oh, the dangers of PRIDE and forgetting that it isn't about "I" do. It is, "I can do all things through Christ." Rehoboam forgot (or ignored) the

God

     ↓   

  Man

relationship, and trouble ensued.

The king of Egypt attacked them. The LORD said, "You have left me, so now I leave you to face (them) alone." It is always in that order. We separate ourselves from God; we are left on our own. The LORD never abandons us first.  

When Rehoboam sees what is happening he becomes afraid and repents. The LORD saw they were sorry, so He held back His anger and prevented the king of Egypt from totally destroying them. Even though Rehoboam repented there were still consequences. The king of Egypt stripped them of what they were most proud of; their many prized possessions. Rehoboam "made himself" a strong king. "He did not want to obey the LORD.

Pride → punishment.

Abijah (son of Rehoboam) becomes king. There was a war between him (Judah) and Jeroboam (Israel). Abijah brought 400,000 soldiers into battle. Jeroboam brought 800,000. Abijah stood on a mountain and said, "Listen to me!" You know that God gave David and his sons the right to rule Israel forever, so what are you doing following Jeroboam, the son of one of Solomon's officers? You are making plans against God by planning evil against us. You are arguing against God. You have made yourself golden calves to be your gods. You have gotten rid of who God appointed as priests (the Levites) and you have appointed your own priests. You have left the LORD. "But as for us, the LORD is our God; we have not left him." (Psalm 140:6 - But we say, "You are my God...") "We obey the command of the LORD, but you have left him. God himself is with us...." He is the One leading us. Listen! Stop what you are doing! Don't fight against God! It won't work! You won't succeed!

Jeroboam wouldn't listen. Instead he sent some of his troops to "sneak behind" Judah's army. You can "sneak behind" man, but you cannot sneak behind God. When the people of Judah realized they were being tricked, they cried out to the LORD. They didn't run, and they didn't hide. They gave a battle cry, and "God caused" Jeroboam and his army to run away. "God handed them over" to Judah. The people of Israel were defeated, and the people of Judah won. Why? "...because they depended on the LORD." Jeroboam never again became strong. "The LORD struck Jeroboam and he died."

Accountability. Consequences. Every king that followed Jeroboam followed in his foot steps and did evil. Every single one! They couldn't succeed because they were trying to circumvent God's will. It won't work. It can't work.

Abijah dies and his son Asa became king. Asa did "What the LORD his God said was good and right." The LORD gave them peace because they obeyed the LORD. But then Zerah from Cush comes out to fight them with an enormous army. Asa called out to God saying, "LORD, only you can help weak people against the strong. Help us LORD our God, because we depend on you. We fight against this enormous army in your name. LORD, you are our God. Don't let anyone win against you." (Psalm 140 - "...don't let their plans succeed or they will become proud.") The size of the army doesn't matter because the battle belongs to the Lord. They couldn't do it but God could, and He did. "So the LORD defeated (them)... they were crushed by the LORD."

When you face a battle that is bigger than you, remember this truth: You can't do it, but God can. Don't give up. God is in control. 

II Chronicles 15:2 - "The LORD is with you when you are with him. IF you obey him, you will find him, but IF you leave him, he will leave you."

II Chronicles 15:7 - "But you should be strong. Don't give up, because you will get a reward for your good work."

Don't give up! God IS in control. II Chronicles 15:15 - "They looked for God... and found him."

Jeremiah 29:12–14 - "...then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will search for me. And when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me! I will let you find me," says the LORD. "And I will bring you back from your captivity... and I will bring you back to this place."

LORD, we call out to You. Hear our cries for mercy. Protect us from "the storm." Protect us from those who "have set traps along our path."


Next Entry: II Chronicles 16:1 – 19:3

The Lost Chapters

March 26, 2017

When I finished writing my journal entry for Revelation 22 on August 27, 2013, I thought I had completed my journey of reading the entire Bible while writing my thoughts in a journal. But in July of 2014, while I was transcribing my journal entries for II Chronicles into this blog, I was surprised to realize there was a section of the Bible which I had not yet written anything about. I call that section: The Lost Chapters.

Below is my journal entry from July 02, 2014.

July 02, 2014

When my private journals became entangled in "the storm," I lost all confidence in my future writings remaining private. As a result, I quit writing in my journals for a period of time. I continued my Bible readings, but I quit writing. That is why my journal entries (The Journey: Part One) ended on November 08, 2010 with what I wrote about II Chronicles 10:1 – 11:17 and didn't begin again until November 26, 2010.

When I summoned the courage to begin writing again, I started with where I was reading—Ezra. Because I wasn't sure if my journals would remain private in the future, for several months I was very cautious about what I put down in writing. As time went along, I once again opened up and shared my thoughts and feelings. In August of 2013, I completed my journey of reading through the Bible while keeping a journal. I then began to record my journal entries into Blogger.

When it was time to enter II Chronicles 11:17 – II Chronicles 36:23, I realized those chapters were missing from my journals. I had totally forgotten about skipping a section of II Chronicles during my hiatus from writing. I now call the missing section: The Lost Chapters. It is the only part of the Bible I have not completed.

I don't remember any of the specifics or the contents of these chapters. It will be interesting to read and see what God has to say in these chapters and/or what He wants to remind us of as we are approaching the seven year anniversary of "the storm."  

My handwritten journal entries for this section will be in my last journal (Journal #13), following what I wrote about Revelations. After I finish reading and writing about this section, I will enter The Lost Chapters in chronological order in Blogger. 

I had totally forgotten about these chapters; I can't wait to find out what is in them.

The Lost Chapters—which I had totally forgotten about. It was incredibly amazing to read the missing section and realize it was saved aside by the providence of God for such a time as this. The lost chapters were divinely orchestrated by God to become the last chapters of my journey through the Bible. It was as if the Coach (God) was gathering the team together for one last meeting of preparation, instruction, and encouragement before sending me out to do HIS work.

I wrote that last statement and then went out for a walk. As I was walking, I suddenly realized the time frame between the time I read these "lost" chapters (July 2014) and when God began to reveal to me what He wanted done with my journals in October 2014.  LORD – What Am I to Do?; The LORD Answers!; I Didn't Know—BUT GOD DID!!

I'm not sure if I ever noticed the correlation before. If I had, I'd forgotten. It was just three months later. AFTER—I'd finished reading from Genesis to Revelation; AFTER—I had filled thirteen journals with my personal thoughts; and AFTER—I finished reading and writing about the "lost" and "last" chapters—THEN. Only THEN did God reveal that Walking on His Footpath (Following the Master's Lead) was not just my story to privately share with my family and friends. Instead, it was the way HE wanted HIS story to be publicly told. The Coach was in fact preparing me to be sent out to do HIS work.

Now here I am again, preparing to enter the "lost" and "last" chapters from my last journal into this blog, and I feel as if Coach God is once again using these chapters to call a meeting to prepare, instruct, and encourage me before sending me out to do HIS work. What exactly is the New Beginning and HIS work going to look like? I don't know. I could have never imagined my private journals going public. I can't begin to imagine how God intends to use them. All I know is that with HIS help, I am available to do whatever He asks of me.

Even though I've already transcribed the missing journal entries into Blogger to chronologically complete the section between II Chronicles 11:17 and II Chronicles 36:23, I believe it is important to also record them here, after the completion of Revelation, in the exact time frame in which they were read and in the place where the "lost" and "last" chapters appear in my hand written journals.

Revelation is finished. Now let's finish the rest of Journal #13 with the Lost (and last) Chapters entries for II Chronicles 11:17 to II Chronicles 36:23 written from July 12, 2014 to July 24, 2014.


Next Entry: II Chronicles 11:18 – 15:19 

The Journey: Part Two

March 24, 2017

Today is a very bittersweet day. For seven years now—since November 16, 2009—I have almost daily read His Word and written in my journals or recorded my hand-written journal entries into this blog while reading through the Bible again. The Journey: Part One was completed on July 1, 2014—seven years after "the storm" began. Now The Journey: Part Two is finished—seven years after I began keeping a journal while reading through the Bible. The last journal entry for Revelation is entered.  

I don't want it to be over. I don't want this journey of Walking on His Footpath (Following the Master's Lead) to end. His footpath has had some unexpected twists and turns, but God has taught me so much, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. It has been a part of my life for seven years now, and it feels like a trusted old friend. I just don't feel ready for this part of the journey to end.

I'm asking myself why that is. Why don't I feel ready? Why am I reluctant to have it end?

Who could have ever imagined that it would take me almost four years to complete my journey of keeping a daily journal while ready through the Bible. And then who could have ever imagined that was just the beginning, and it would take me another three years to transcribe those entries into this blog. And who could have ever imagined that THIS is how God wanted HIS STORY told? And who would have ever thought that the lawsuit which began in 2007 would still be ongoing? You have to wonder if there is any link between the journals being finished and the ending of the lawsuit?

For some time now, we have wondered if completing the entire journey through the Bible was linked with the ending of the lawsuit. God waited patiently for Noah to finish the boat before judgment was handed down to those who refused to change their hearts and lives. When the boat was finished, judgment happened and then there was a New Beginning. You have to wonder why has the lawsuit not been resolved yet? It has been almost ten years. Why are my sister and brother-in-law still pursuing us? Why haven't they understood the path they are going down is leading to destruction? Why have they refused to change?  

I guess maybe that is part of why I am reluctant for this part of the journey to be over. Do I want the lawsuit to be over? Yes. Am I fearful of the outcome of the lawsuit? No. Then why the reluctance? The answer is: my sister and brother-in-law. I'm concerned for them. My heart breaks for them. There does not appear to be even a hint of any kind of change of heart or life. Not even one little hint. It feels as if time is fading. While there is breath there is hope, but hope is dwindling.

God waited patiently while Noah finished the boat, but there came a time when the door of the boat was shut and accountability for the people's refusal to surrender to God's authority happened. God has been so patient with my sister and brother-in-law, and for that I am eternally grateful. As much as it would be nice for the lawsuit to be over, the delay in judgment has provided my sister and brother-in-law with days, weeks, and now ten years of God's grace. I would gladly choose to have the lawsuit continue for many more years if all they needed was more time to change their hearts and lives. Sadly, I don't think it is something as simple as needing more time. 

No matter what, there is one thing I absolutely KNOW—God has a plan and HE is in control. 

God's plan and His timing has been meticulous throughout this whole journey. Nothing has been left to chance. He is a just, fair, and on-time God, and we trust Him. So, LORD, where do I go from here? What is it you want me to do next? There's no map for the next part of our journey. But, even though we don't know where YOUR footpath is going to take us there is one thing that is certain: we are following YOUR path no matter where it leads. LORD, show us the next step you want us to take and we will obediently follow you on YOUR path.

Thank you, LORD, for giving me the nudge to begin keeping a daily journal while reading your Word. Oh, how I have changed. I began so timid and unsure of myself and what I was to do. Writing seemed so awkward. Who could have ever imagined that thirteen journals and four years later, I would discover YOU gave me a desire and love for something I would have thought was absolutely impossible—a love for writing. 

LORD, thank you for Jane E. Wolfe. Thank you, for her faithfulness to you and her incredible encouragement to us. I hope Jane knows how you used her to change our lives and how you are going to continue to use her to change others. LORD, may her story and our story which is YOUR story reach many people for your kingdom.

LORD, whatever lies ahead, may YOU receive ALL the glory and ALL the honor. It's ALL about you LORD. It's ALL about you.

I surrender my reluctance. The Journey: Part Two is over. I'm ready to move on now. I'm ready.

*****

Today was moving day. On this, the same day as the last entry for Revelation, we moved the eight large industrial size storage boxes of lawsuit "junk" from our detached storage garage to the attic area of our shop building. No longer will they be taking up space where we can daily see them and continually have to move things around them. They are gone. Totally out of sight. Another part of the journey completed.

Addendum: 3/26/17 ~ Sometimes I think I just need a good thump on the head! Silly me! What was I thinking? Why was I hanging on to the past? Last night we had the unexpected opportunity to share some of HIS story with some friends we hadn't seen in quite some time. Oh, what a pleasure it was to share with them what we have learned. They listened carefully and it was exciting to see them understand new truths for the first time. And then it hit me. Part Two of our journey may be over but the trail isn't finished. IT IS TIME FOR THE NEW BEGINNING!! 

Why was I looking back and focused on what was ending instead of looking forward and focusing on what is ahead? What is important is the New Beginning, the next part of our journey. Thank you, LORD, for the reminder. Thank you, LORD, for the opportunity to share YOUR story. Thank you, LORD, for showing me that while Part Two of our journey is over, Walking On His footpath (Following the Master's Lead) is not ending—it is just beginning!!

I'm excited to see what lies ahead. I can't imagine what God has in store for my journals and this blog. All I know is this: It is time for the NEW BEGINNING; I am available; and I am following HIM wherever HE leads. 

Addendum #2: 7/31/18 ~ Silly me—again. When I first wrote this on 3/24/17, I made this statement, "You have to wonder if there is any link between the journals being finished and the ending of the lawsuit?" I thought I was finished. But I thought wrong.

If you have ever hiked the Appalachian Trail (or any other mountain trail for that matter), you will immediately recognize this analogy on why I was mistaken about being finished. When hiking a mountain trail, reaching the peak of the mountain is your goal. You climb... and you climb... and you climb. The peak appears to be getting closer. Then just when you think you have reached the apex, the path makes a turn and you realize you have not reached the peak after all. The trail continues on and the peak is farther on ahead. Such has been the case with me thinking I was finished in March of 2017. I wasn't finished at all, there were additional edits to make. The path turned, and more of the trail lie ahead.

Addendum #3: 12/26/2019 ~ A lot is "finishing."  For the last several months I have been going through my journal entries to make editing changes after learning how to use the "em" and "en" punctuation dashes. I am getting close to finishing the edits. "The storm" journey we have been on for over twelve years now has a court date—Spring of 2020—so we are getting close to finishing this trial time of our lives.

Finishing. Ending. Done. Over.

While we will be grateful to have the lawsuit in our past, what we are really looking forward to is: A New Path—A New Journey.


Next Entry: The Lost Chapters  

Revelation 21:1 – 22:21

August 27, 2013

It is finished! Eternal heaven is about to begin. There is a new heaven and a new earth. There is a new Jerusalem that descends from heaven. There will no longer be a "cloud" of God's presence (like there was when God protected and led His people from their bondage in Egypt) because God Himself will be there with His people. Oh what a day! To be in the presence of the LORD God Almighty Himself!! 

Revelation 21:4 - "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain, because the old ways are gone." The One on the throne said, "Write this, because these words are true and can be trusted."

"It is finished. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give free water from the spring of the water of life to anyone who is thirsty. Those who win the victory will receive this, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. But cowards (KJV - fearful), those who refuse to believe, who do evil things, who kill, who sin sexually, who do evil magic, who worship idols, and who tell lies—all these will have a place in the lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." Revelation 21:6–8

The key to knowing God is found in the word I have underlined. You have to be thirsty. His water of life is available to anyone who wants it, but you have to want it. You have to desire it as if you were in a hot dry desert and desperately needing water to survive. If you sincerely want to know God and know more about God, He WILL show you Himself. God has never turned away an honest seeker. NEVER! When you seek Him, you will find Him. It is a promise from God that cannot be broken. 

There is no need for a temple in the New Jerusalem. The Almighty God and the Lamb are the temple. The city doesn't need a sun or moon because God is the light and the Lamb is the lamp. No thing or no one else is needed. We will walk in the light of God and the Lamb. There is no darkness there. There is no sin. Revelation 21:27 - "Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life will enter the city."

The river of the water of life flows through the city. It flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb. The tree of life is on each side of the river. Nothing that God judges guilty will be there. Evil is forever gone. Surrounding the throne of God and the Lamb is God's servants—you and me—and we are worshiping the Lord God Almighty. Songs of praise are popping into my mind: I Can Only Imagine; What a Day That Will Be; The Cross Was Enough (Jesus, Son of God); How Great Thou Art.

Jesus as Lord says:

"Listen!  I am coming soon!... Obey my words!"

And again He says:

"Listen! I am coming soon! I will bring my reward with me, and I will repay each one of you for what you have done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the First and Last, the Beginning and the End. I, Jesus have sent my angel to tell you these things for the churches. I am the descendant from the family of David, and I am the bright Morning Star."

The Spirit and the bride (that's us) say,

"Come!"

Let the one who hears this say,

"Come!"

Let whoever is thirsty,

"Come!"

Revelation 22:17 - "Whoever wishes may have the water of life as a free gift."

Revelation 22:20–21 - "Jesus, the One who says these things are true says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all. Amen."

*****

There is no more to say. The Cross of Jesus is enough. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Come!


Next Entry: The Journey: Part Two 

Revelation 20:1–15

August 26, 2013

The thousand year reign of Christ begins. An angel came down from heaven. He had the key to the bottomless pit and a large chain in his hand. It was his job to grab Satan, tie him up, and throw him in the bottomless pit. Satan was now powerless and his ability to deceive and trick the people of the world was suspended until the thousand years ended.  

During the 1000 year reign of Christ, those who during the seven year tribulation refused to follow the beast and the false prophet and instead chose to follow and be faithful to the message of Christ (and therefore were put to death), came back to life. Their souls joined Christ and ruled with Him and the other believers who had died before or who had been raptured by Jesus at the first part of His second coming.

After the 1000 year reign of Christ is completed, Satan will be loosed from the bottomless pit for a brief period of time before eternity begins. During this time he sets out to do what he has always done—deceive and trick people. He gathered an army so large that they were like the sand on the seashore. They marched across the earth full of pride and arrogance. They were determined to destroy God's people. They surrounded God's people and the city (Jerusalem) God loves.

They were full of confidence and they were in control—or so they thought. But they were deceived. They only thought they were in control. God was in control! Fire came down from heaven and burned them up—which was only the beginning. Judgment was going to happen. Satan's reign was over. Satan, the beast, and the false prophet were thrown into the lake of burning sulfur to be punished day and night forever and ever.

The Great White Throne—the final judgment of all those who refused to surrender to Jesus/God.

Oh my! Whenever I hear the words "Great White Throne" I immediately picture in my mind the events of the day in April of 2007 when my husband and I met with a lawyer to seek advice on how to remove ourselves from any business connections with my sister and brother-in-law. Our lawyer had just finished explaining the convoluted meaning of the documents my brother-in-law deviously created and deceitfully had us sign. I sat across the conference table from our lawyer. My husband sat on my right (our lawyer's left). I had just asked our lawyer if he felt my sister or brother-in-law would ever be held accountable for their vile actions. He didn't say anything. Instead, he took a plain piece of paper and wrote three words. He then picked up the paper, turned it over, and held it up for me to read. In large letters it said:

GREAT

WHITE

THRONE

I knew the Great White Throne meant judgment but I didn't understand the full meaning of it. Now that I have studied end-time prophecy and understand more about the Revelation of Jesus, the reality of what it means is even more disturbing than what I realized on that eventful day in our lawyer's office. While those three words were our lawyer's opinion, I'm so grateful that God is Faithful and True; we bear no responsibility for the choices and actions of others; and we can trust Him to make His judgments according to His righteousness.

There are two end-time judgments described in Revelation.

The Judgment Seat of Christ—is for believers. It is when Christ-followers will stand before Christ and be judged for the things they have done and given crowns for the works they did while on earth. This judgment is for believers only and happens after the rapture of the Church.  

The Great White Throne—is the time when all those who have refused to confess that Jesus is Lord are judged. It is too late. There are no arguments and there is no defense. Their choice was made when they refused to change their hearts and lives, and the sentence has already been determined. Their names are not written in the Book of Life. They are judged for the things they did and the sentence is sure—eternity in hell.

I just can't imagine the horribleness of this. It is absolutely beyond human comprehension and words. But, even though it is difficult and painful to think about, it does not change this fact: IT IS TRUTH.

So, why don't we live as if we believe it is Truth? Understanding what the Bible says is going to happen should make us want to live each day as if it were our last. Do the important things—TODAY! Tell your lost family members and friends about Christ—TODAY! Live your life the way Christ would want you to live—TODAY!  

Do you believe God's Word? Do you believe Jesus could return at any time? If you believe that, then how does that belief change your life? What would you do differently? Even if Christ didn't return for another thousand years, what if you only had a few months or weeks to live? What would you do differently if you knew when your earthly life would soon end and your eternity was ready to begin?

• What is it that you are doing now that you would stop doing?
• What are you not doing now that you would start doing?

The truth is ALL of our lives are terminal. Whatever it is you would change—DO IT NOW! 

Philippians 2:10–11 says every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus is Lord. DO IT NOW—while there is still time. Change your hearts and lives and surrender your life to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Surrender your life to Master Jesus—TODAY!  


Next Entry: Revelation 21:1 – 22:21

Revelation 19:1–21 (Continued)

August 23, 2013

After hearing about all the destruction happening to the evil and people on earth, the response of the "great many people" in heaven was this:

"Hallelujah! (Praise the Lord) Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God, because his judgments are true and right."

In their righteousness they understood what was happening on earth was true and right. Sin was punished. Accountability happened. Those who had done evil received their just punishment, by God not man. Again they said:

"Hallelujah!"

And the twenty four elders and four living creatures said:

"Amen, Hallelujah!"

Then a voice from the throne said:

"Praise our God, all you who serve him and all you who honor him, both small and great!"

And then a great multitude of people (our loved ones who have went before; and you and I) shouted out, sounding like the roar of rushing water (I'm remembering the deafening roar of Niagara Falls) and sounding like the loud reverberating sounds of thunder saying:

"Hallelujah! Our Lord God, the Almighty, rules. Let us rejoice and be happy and give God glory, because the wedding of the Lamb has come, and the Lamb's bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given to her to wear."

(Fine linen means the good things done by God's people.) Then the angel said to John, "Write this:

'Happy are those who have been invited to the wedding meal of the Lamb!' "

These are the words of God. John bowed down at the feet of the angel, but the angel said, "Do not worship me—worship God, because the message about Jesus is the spirit that gives all prophecy."

Then John saw the heaven open, and there before him was a white horse.

Revelation 19:11–16 - "The rider on the horse is called Faithful and True, and he is right when he judges and makes war. His eyes are like burning fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him, which no one but himself knows. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven dressed in fine linen, white and clean, were following him on white horses. Out of the riders mouth comes a sharp sword that he will use to defeat the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will crush out the wine in the wine press of the terrible anger of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his upper leg was written the name:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." 

Wow! There is no other way to write that then word-for-word out of God's Holy Word. Unlike the counterfeit rider of the white horse in Revelation 6:2, this rider is called Faithful and True; a name we cannot understand; the Word of God; and KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS! And we are with Him as He descends from heaven and makes war with the beast, the false prophet, and the kings of the earth. 

Christ is victorious, the armies of the earth are destroyed, and the beast and false prophet are thrown into the lake of fire, to remain there for 1000 years. The thousand year reign of Christ is about to begin.

From Life Lesson:

"Here is the big difference between victory in Christ and victory in the world: A victor in the world rejoices over something he did... but the believer, rejoices over who he is—a child of God, a forgiven sinner, an heir of eternity...

Nothing can separate us from our triumph in Christ. Nothing! Our triumph is not based upon our feelings, but upon God's gift. Our triumph is based not upon our perfection, but upon God's forgiveness. How precious is this triumph! For even though we are pressed on every side, the victory is still ours. Nothing can alter the loyalty of God... it is not something we do. It is something we are." ~ From On the Anvil by Max Lucado

It is ALL about Him. When it is all about Him, we can respond to HIS judgments with happiness and praise, because we know He is Faithful and True and He judges fairly.  There are NO mistakes.  He is: 

 

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.  

Amen.


Next Entry: Revelation 20:1–15

Revelation 19:1–21

August 23, 2013

The human part of me reads about these judgments and my heart just breaks for those who are being judged guilty for refusing to surrender their wills to God's will.   

A couple of days ago, while I was out and about running errands, I caught a few minutes of a sermon on the car radio. The Pastor was talking about Isaiah 54:17 which I referenced in my Revelation 17 journal entry. One of the comments he made shocked me. This Pastor said that at the end time judgment we, as Christ followers, will personally condemn those who wrongly condemned us if they do not repent and change their hearts and lives. My mouth literally dropped open and I heard myself shout—NO! The thought of being the one to pronounce condemnation on those who wrongfully condemned us is a horrible sickening thought and incomprehensible to me. It felt as if I had been punched in the gut.

It was the first time I had ever heard that preached and I really had to process and think about this brand new (to me) thought. What is this Pastor saying? More importantly, what does God say about this? So, I started asking, "What does this mean Lord?" I went back to Isaiah and re-read the verse (Isaiah 54:17) and its context in different versions to try and understand the TRUTH of what God is saying.

This is what I've learned.

During our life on this earth we are not to judge, condemn, seek revenge, or avenge what others do to us. That is for God to do and we should have no part of it. However, as part of the righteousness of God at the end time judgment, God gives us a voice and we will refute, expose, condemn, and be victorious from their false accusations. God gives us the voice to vindicate ourselves, expose the truth, and pronounce their condemnation. It will not be an "I got you" moment. Not at all. It will be a holy moment where the righteousness of God is revealed and proclaimed. It will be a God moment, and it will bring HIM honor and glory. It is His plan.

" 'This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and is their vindication from me,' declares the Lord." Isaiah 54:17b

As much as the thought of pronouncing their guilt makes me want to say—NO! I won't do it!—that response is an earthly answer. In the heavenly realm we will recognize it as just, fair, and right.

Blessed be the name of the LORD. It is not about us, it is ALL about HIM.


Next Entry: Revelation 19:1–21 (Continued)

Revelation 18:1-24

August 22, 2013

Another angel came down from heaven and declared in a loud voice:

Ruined! Ruined!

The city of Babylon is used throughout Revelation as a symbol for wickedness, greed, materialism, power—all things of the world and contrary to the teachings of Christ; and all things we as Christ followers should not be a part of.

And another voice from heaven said:

"Come out of that city, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive the disasters that will come to her." Revelation 18:4

We must separate ourselves from evil actions and from people who practice evil behaviors. We must! Disasters will come to anyone who practices evil actions and behaviors. Revelation 18:5b - "God has not forgotten the wrongs she has done."

The voice said:

• Give them the same punishment they gave to others
• Give them back twice as much as what they did
• Double the punishment they prepared for others
• They gave themselves much glory and rich living
• Give them suffering and sadness in the same proportion they gave themselves glory and pretentiousness
• They think themselves above everyone else
• They think they are untouchable and exempt from consequences
• So these disasters will happen to them in one day
• Death
• Crying
• Great hunger
• Destruction

Others will see what has happened and they will be afraid and distance themselves. They will be shocked by what they see. The punishment came quickly—it happened suddenly and without warning. Some were saddened because of what happened to "her" (what Babylon represents) and others were saddened because the destruction of "her" meant they were going to lose business and profits. All those who watched cried, "Terrible! Terrible!" All the things they wanted and desired were gone. Their rich and fancy things disappeared, and they would never have them again.

So, on one side you have the people of the world sad because of the destruction of "her" and sad for themselves because of the profits they were going to lose. But for God's people there was a totally different reaction.

"Be happy because of this, heaven!
     Be happy, God's holy people and apostles and prophets!
God has punished her (them) because of what she (they) did to you."

Then an angel picked up a large stone and threw it into the sea. He said, this is what it will be like. They will be thrown down and gone forever.

• The playing of music—gone
• Employment and work—gone
• Growing and harvesting of crops—gone
• The light from a lamp—gone
• The happy sounds of marriage and family—gone

Every. Thing. Gone. Forever. They were held accountable and judged guilty for their trickery and violence against innocent people.

From Life Lesson:

"Greed and materialism will be judged and crushed. Christians must derive their security from faith in Christ."

"John pointed out that although society was built around the economy, only what was built on God would last forever."

Side note: Besides the generalization of what/who Babylon represents, I'm sure there is also literal meanings to the symbolism and prophecy of Babylon of which I am not qualified to understand or write about.


Next Entry: Revelation 19:1–21

Revelation 17:1–18

August 21, 2013

God made us in His image. His plan was for us to live in fellowship with Him, but the sin of Adam and Eve changed all of that. Because of Jesus' sacrifice for our sins we have each been given a choice. We can choose to live in fellowship with Him—OR—we can choose to prostitute ourselves and align our life and actions with the evil one that is against God.

If we aren't in fellowship with God, we are aligned with what is against God. There is no middle ground. It really is one or the other. 

Revelation 17 describes an evil world system which is hostile towards God. This system had prostituted itself away from Truth and appeared to be in control. However, while evil may appear to be in control, the "control" is only temporary. God is in control and the final victory is His. Revelation 17:14 - "They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them, because he is Lord of lords and King of kings. He will defeat them with his called, chosen, and faithful followers."

This is referring to the final battle, but it is truth in ALL areas and ALL times. People will battle against us, but Isaiah 54:17 says:

"No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment
You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
And their righteousness is from Me,"
Says the LORD.

The Message says it this way (Isaiah 54:11–17)

"Afflicted city, storm-battered, unpitied: I'm about to rebuild you with stones of turquoise, lay your foundations with sapphires, construct your towers with rubies, your gates with jewels, and all your walls with precious stones. All your children will have God for their teacher—what a mentor for your children! You'll be built solid, grounded in righteousness, far from any trouble—nothing to fear! Far from terror—it won't even come close! If anyone attacks you, don't for a moment suppose that I sent them, And if any should attack, nothing will come of it. I create the blacksmith who fires up his forge and makes a weapon designed to kill. I also create the destroyer—but no weapon that can hurt you has ever been forged. Any accuser who takes you to court will be dismissed as a liar. This is what God servants can expect. I'll see to it that everything works out for the best." God's Decree.

God is in charge. He used wicked kings in the Old Testament to accomplish His will. He can take any situation, even what appears to be disastrous, and make the end result His will. Revelation 17:17 - "God made the ten horns want to carry out his purpose by agreeing to give the beast power to rule, until what God has said comes about." (Emphasis mine)

Until! Evil thinks it is in control, but that is only until God says enough is enough. In the end ALL will know that Christ alone is King of kings and LORD of all lords.

"We should not be surprised when the righteous suffer.  It conforms us to the image of Christ. It gives us power in witness. It instills the valuable strength of God-sufficiency and reduces the risk in our ministry for God. It refines us to make us capable and usable. It catches the attention of a watching world so that God's glory may be seen as He becomes credible and visible through our suffering. It may even be used in a sphere far beyond ourselves to glorify God in the universe. 

Don't pity the righteous who suffer. They have a divine edge. Their resource in pain is the reality that God is there and they only experience what He permits. And all that he permits is guaranteed by the kind of God He is. The righteous suffer with the knowledge that Christ has conquered and gives grace, growth, and glory in the midst of pain." ~ From The Upside of Down by Joseph M. Stowell 

Powerful, powerful, words that we can absolutely attest to from personal experience. Suffering should not be avoided, denied, or ignored. It should instead be embraced. It is during times of suffering that God molds us into becoming more like Him.


Next Entry: Revelation 18:1–24

Revelation 16:1–21 (Continued)

August 20, 2013

The seventh angel and bowl—The bowl was poured out into the air, then a loud voice came out from the throne in the temple, saying, "It is finished!" When Jesus was crucified and the Plan for Salvation was completed, Jesus said "It is finished" and the ground shook. Now the time for salvation is over, and this time God said, "It is finished!" and flashes of lightning, noises, thunder, and the worst earthquake ever experienced by man, happened on the earth. The cup of God's anger was forced upon those who refused to surrender to His Lordship. Cities were destroyed, mountains and islands disappeared, and giant hailstones weighing about 100 pounds each fell from the sky upon the people. And still—people cursed God, because this disaster was so terrible. Yet all these horrible disasters combined, pales in comparison with the eternal punishment awaiting those who refuse to change their hearts and lives. 

Revelation is full of so much imagery. Imagery that often times just gets lost, glossed over, or ignored. People are accustomed to watching fictional graphic movies on TV or going to the theaters and seeing 3-D movies of horrific events. When the show is over they either just switch the channel or leave the theater and return to their normal daily routines without thinking anything about it. The imagery of Revelations is often treated the same way. Read it (if it's read at all), put it aside, and then forgot about it. But the events John saw in the Revelation of Jesus are not part of a fictional horror movie. It is Truth. It will happen. And it should cause us to change our hearts and lives.

Don't read it and go back to your normal daily routine. 

Read it—and change your hearts and lives.
Read it—and reach out to the lost and dying.
Read it—and praise the name of the One who is, was, and is to come. 


Next entry: Revelation 17:1–18