The Purpose: To Bring Honor and Glory to the LORD!

November 09, 2017

Remember this day! 

Moses said to the people, "Remember this day, the day you left Egypt. You were slaves in that land, but the LORD with his great power brought you out of it." Exodus 13:3

"On that day you should tell your son: 'We are having this feast because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.' This feast will help you remember, like a mark on your hand or a reminder on your forehead. This feast will remind you to speak the LORD's teaching, because the LORD used his great power to bring you out of Egypt." Exodus 13:8–9

"From now on when your son asks you, 'What does this mean?' you will answer, 'With his great power, the LORD brought us out...' This feast is like a mark on your hand and a reminder on your forehead to help you remember that the LORD brought us out of Egypt with his great power." Exodus 13:14–16 (emphasis mine)

When the Israelites left Egypt God did not lead them on the shortest route to the Promised Land. The shortest route would have taken them through the land of the Philistines and it would have involved a battle. While reading this passage this morning, something jumped off the page at me, something I never noticed before. The Israelites expected to have to go through the land of the Philistines to get to the Promised Land. How do I know this? Because they knew where the Promised land was; they knew the logical route took them through the land of the Philistines; they knew what type of people the Philistines were; and they knew passing through that land would involve a battle. So when they left Egypt, "The Israelites were dressed for fighting when they left the land of Egypt."  (Exodus 13:18)

How did I totally miss this important statement all the other times I've read the book of Exodus? The Israelites were prepared for battle!! They were expecting to have to face a battle on the way to their freedom. But, instead of going through the land of the Philistines (a much shorter route but a route which would have involved the Israelites participating in a battle), God led them through the desert toward the Red Sea (much longer and highly improbable route with an impossible obstacle)—a huge body of water between them and the path to the Promised Land. 

When the lawsuit was first filed by my sister and brother-in-law we fully expected it to go to trial. We knew our freedom lie on the other side of "the storm"; we knew a trial was the logical end of a lawsuit; we knew what type of people we were up against; and we knew the lawsuit was going to involve a battle. So, we prepared for the inevitable (or so we thought) battle of a trial. We expected a trial. But less than a year into the preparation, we began to believe there wasn't going to be a trial. We had no concrete evidence, we only had a strong feeling that the journey we were on did not involve a trial. One year passed. Two years passed. And instead of going through the process of a trial (which typically should have happened in a short amount of time and would have involved us entering into a battle), God has instead chosen to lead us on a much longer and highly improbable route with an impossible obstacle—this lawsuit— between us and our freedom. Mediation—failed. Settlement—failed. All offers—rejected. The ONLY thing left in the legal system is a trial. How on earth can we possibly be freed from a lawsuit without a trial?

God led the Israelites the whole way.

"The LORD showed them the way; during the day he went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud, and during the night he was in a pillar of fire to give them light." Exodus 13:21

They didn't travel on the fastest route. God even had them backtrack at times—all for HIS purpose.

"The king will think, 'The Israelites ares lost, trapped by the desert.' I will make the king stubborn again so he will chase after them, but I will defeat the king and his army. This will bring honor to me, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD.""

The Purpose: To bring honor and glory to the LORD and prove to everyone that HE is the LORD.

The Israelites "who were leaving victoriously" were chased again by the Egyptians. The Egyptians just absolutely refused to let the Israelites go. The Israelites are trapped with the Red Sea on one side and the entire Egyptian army advancing towards them. The Israelites are discouraged and wish they would have never left Egypt. Then Moses makes an audacious statement:

"Don't be afraid! Stand still and you will see the LORD save you today. You will never see these Egyptians again after today. You only need to remain calm; the LORD will fight for you.... I (the Lord) will be honored when I defeat the king.... the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD." Exodus 14:13–18

By HIS great power!! The angel of God who led Israel's army moved behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from in front of Israel's army to behind them. The pillar or cloud (Brick By Brick!) stood between them, protected them, and kept them apart all night. And then the impossible happens. God parts the Red Sea and the Israelites walk across to their freedom on dry land and the Egyptians who tried to follow them were swallowed up by the water.

"When the Israelites saw the great power the LORD had used against the Egyptians, they feared the LORD, and they trusted him..." Exodus 14:31

The Purpose: To bring honor and glory to the LORD and prove to everyone that HE is the LORD.

A trial in the world's court system is not the answer for our freedom. Even if we were leaving the courtroom victorious, I believe our accusers (just like the Egyptians) would change their minds and like the Settlement judge warned, all they would have to do is file an appeal and continue their pursuit of us. No, a trial is not the answer. I absolutely believe that God has led our paths during this ten year journey. My journals and this blog are a testament to it. I believe the pillar has moved behind us, and brick by brick, a wall is being built to stand between us, protect us, and keep us apart. Some day the impossible will happen, and God will somehow lead us to our freedom on dry land. I'm sure the Israelites could never have imagined in a million years that God would separate the waters of the Red Sea and make a path for them to cross on dry land. I cannot imagine how God is going to free us without a trial. Our backs are against the wall. A trial date is to be set for next year. Our pursuers are coming after us. Only God! Only God by HIS great power can do the impossible.

The Purpose: To bring honor and glory to the LORD and prove to everyone that HE is the LORD.

"I will sing to the LORD,
   because he is worthy of great honor. He has thrown the horse and its rider
   into the sea.
The LORD gives me strength and makes me sing;
   he has saved me.
He is my God,
   and I will praise him. He is the God of my fathers,
   and I will honor him. The LORD is a warrior;
   the LORD is his name.
The chariots and soldiers of the king of Egypt
   he has thrown into the sea.
The king's best officers
   are drowned in the Red Sea.
The deep waters covered them,
   and they sank to the bottom like a rock.
Your right hand, LORD,
   is amazingly strong.
LORD, your right hand
   broke the enemy to pieces.
In your great victory
   you destroyed those who were against you.
Your anger destroyed them,
   like fire burning straw.
Just a blast of your breath,
   and the waters piled up.
The moving water stood like a wall;
   the deep waters became solid in the middle
      of the sea.
The enemy bragged,
   'I'll chase them and catch them.
I'll take all their riches;
   I'll take all I want.
I'll pull out my sword,
   and my hand will destroy them.'
But you blew on them with your breath
   and covered them with the sea.
They sank like lead
   in the raging water.
Are there any gods like you, LORD?
   There are no gods like you.
   You are wonderfully holy,
   amazingly powerful,
   a worker of miracles.
You reached out with your right hand.
   and the earth swallowed our enemies.
You keep your loving promise
   and lead the people you have saved.
With your strength you will guide them
   to your holy place"

"Sing to the LORD,
   because he is worthy of great honor;
he has thrown the horse and its rider
   into the sea."

From Exodus 15:1–13; 21

THEN they will know! Then ALL will know HE is the LORD and HE saved us by HIS great power!  May it be so, LORD.  May it be so.

Brick by Brick!
By HIS Great Power
THEN They Will Know!
The Proof Came—AFTER
The Purpose: To bring honor and glory to the LORD and prove to everyone that HE is the LORD.  

Remember this day!!  


Next Entry: HIS Story

By HIS Great Power

November 02, 2017

This morning, as I began to read Exodus 3 in my Bible (the next chronological chapter in my devotions), I was struck by several things.

1. God knows. Nothing was/is a surprise to Him. "I have seen... I have heard... I am concerned... I have come down to save them... I will bring them out... (I will) lead them... I have heard the cries... "
2. God is ever present. Moses was going about his daily business when he saw the bush on fire but not burning up. Moses didn't call out to God and then God finally arrived from some far away distant place. He was already there! BUT, Moses (and we) have to first look, and then draw closer in order to see Him.  
3. God promised HIS help. He is the great I AM. He was. He is. He will always be. He promised to go with them as He sent them out, and He promised to help them. "I care about you... I have seen what has happened to you... I promised I would take you out of your troubles... I will lead you..."
4. God has power. "Only a great power will force him to let you go, so I will use my great power... After I do that, he will let you go." God has "surpassing greatness" (Psalm 150). Nothing is beyond His capability. "Praise him for his acts of power..." (Psalm 150).  
5. God is in control. God used the ordinary to prove His authority. God took Moses' rod, something he used in his day to day life, to show Moses (and later the Egyptians) HE was in control and had the power and authority to save His people. Psalm 140:12 - "The Lord secures justice."
6. God will lead. He doesn't need our ability, He only wants our availability. Who has the power and authority? "It is I, the LORD. Now go! I will help you speak, and I will teach you what to say."

Thank you, LORD, for the reminders this morning. You are the great I AM. You are omnipresent and you are omniscient. Your promises are true. You have surpassing greatness. And no matter what, YOU are in control and you will continue to lead us while we are on this journey. We will continue to trust you and follow you on your footpath.

I still do not believe this path we are on includes sitting across from my sister in a court of law as "he said–she said" plays out in front of a judge. I do not believe a judge in the world's court system is going to determine our fate. (It took a considerable amount of courage to just put my belief down in writing—again!) It's not a comfortable position to be standing at the precipice of a cliff when you know you don't have any kind of safety line to protect you should you fall. I know I will look like a fool and much of what I have devoted seven years of my life to (reading through the Bible and keeping a journal of my thoughts now transcribed into this blog) will be totally discounted should I be proven wrong. BUT, with tears in my eyes I am going to step out on the edge of the cliff and say it again: I do not believe the path we are on includes a trial.

So, if I don't believe there is to be a trial, then what do I believe will happen? What I believe is found in the chapter I read this morning.  

"Only a great power will force him to let you go, so I will use my great power... After I do that, he will let you go." ~ From Exodus 3:19–20

I believe the only way we will be released from the traps my sister and brother-in-law set and from this lawsuit they've filed is by HIS great power. Not a judge. Not the skill of an attorney. Not by luck, happenstance, or a fluke. No. Only by HIS great power!

We have already seen that "time" is not the answer. The lawsuit has dragged on in the court system for over ten years. "Time" has changed nothing. When someone is fueled by revenge and evil intentions, no amount of "time" in and of itself, will ever change their mind.

We have already seen that "reasoning" is not the answer. A mediation attorney spent hours (literally) in their room trying to "reason" with them—and failed. A skilled settlement judge gave it his best effort. He tried to "reason" with them—and failed. All of our "reasonable" offers to sell, buy, or sell to a third party were flatly rejected without any consideration. "Reasoning" is not the answer or the lawsuit would be over.

Shockingly, even though my sister and brother-in-law's lives appear to be fueled by greed, "money" is not the answer either. They have already spent far more than they could ever hope to win even if the judge ruled in their favor on every one of their (false) charges. If you add what they will now have to spend to take the lawsuit on to trial to what they have already spent, it makes no logical or business sense. The judge at the Settlement Conference made a pointed effort to explain to them that even if they were successful in getting a judge to rule in their favor, all we would have to do is go down the hall to another office and file bankruptcy and they would be left with nothing. Yet, the risk of gambling and losing even more money is not enough to make them stop. Not only are they willing to risk spending more money they also rejected the possibility of receiving guaranteed money. We offered to walk away from any share of the money in escrow (over $140,000) if they dropped the lawsuit, and our offer was rejected. So, no amount of guaranteed "money" or no amount of risked "money" is the answer.

Even a ruling by a judge is not an answer. As the judge explained at the Settlement Conference, if you don't like the court's ruling you can always appeal, the lawyers would be glad to take your money.

Time. Reasoning. Money. A court's ruling. None of these are the answer. No earthly thing is the answer.

The way I see it that leaves only two options:

1. A heart and life change; or  
2. By HIS great power.

Oh, how I pray it will be #1. That has always been our prayer and it continues to be our prayer today. If there is a true heart change then their desire to pursue us would soon change and the lawsuit would end. That is still our hope, desire and prayer. However, even after ten years of Grace, there has been no heart change.

If there continues to be no heart change, then by default that leaves #2. "Only a great power will force him to let you go, so I will use my great power... After I do that, he will let you go." Brick by brick a wall being built to force a change in behavior. What a sobering thought. I can't imagine what it would take to force them to stop. I can't imagine, and I can't even allow my mind to go there.

Oh. My. Goodness. I just had a brand new thought!! Soon the judge will set a date for a trial. When we received the news, it felt like an end point was quickly coming and we were running out of time for some sort of intervention to block the impending trial. It felt like we were the ones running out of time. But. Oh. My. Goodness! What if they are the ones who are running out of time? Are the "days of Grace" God has so graciously extended to them these last ten years coming to an end? Are they running out of time to change their hearts and lives? Is there a day of accountability and reckoning coming?

I don't know. All I know is this: we are putting our faith and trust in Christ alone. I wish we could make the same decision for my sister and brother-in-law, but we can't. Only they can choose to surrender their hearts and lives to the King of kings and Lord of lords  I KNOW God wants my sister and brother-in-law's surrendered hearts even more than I want it for them. I KNOW God is a fair and just judge who can be trusted. I KNOW that no matter what, I can have peace and joy in all circumstances because HE is in control and my trust is in HIM.

For the last couple of days the song In Christ Alone has been running through my mind.  Here are the lyrics:

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
'Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live, I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me

From life's first cry to final breath

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from His hand

Til He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

I will stand

I will stand, all other ground is sinking sand

All other ground, is sinking sand

Songwriters: Keith Getty/ Stuart Townend

Listen to In Christ Alone here.


Next Entry: THEN They Will Know!

And That Brings Us to the End

April 9, 2017

And that brings us to the end. Seven years after "the storm" began, and five years after I began the journey of reading through the entire Bible while keeping a journal, The Lost/Last Chapters—which God set aside for such a time as this—is the recorded fulfillment of HIS promise to free HIS people. The promise God gave to Jeremiah (while he was still held captive in Jeremiah 33) was also the last God-given promise given to us by Jane. E. Wolfe. Incredibly, seven years after "the storm" began, the very last verse in the very last chapter, is the recorded fulfillment of God's promise sent to the Israelites through Jeremiah. I believe it to be a message to us. The fulfillment of God's promise sent to us through Jane E. Wolfe is coming. There will come a day when we are no longer held captive by a vicious and vile lawsuit.

There is a WHEN—wait for it.

The more I think about the LORD's promise to free His people being fulfilled in the very last verse of the last chapter in my five year journey of reading through the Bible while keeping a journal, the more awestruck and astounded I am. God's timing is impeccable. Seven years after Jane spoke God's first words of promise to us, the very last verse of the very last chapter of my five year journey of reading, reflecting, and recording my thoughts while reading through the Bible, ends with the fulfillment of Jeremiah 33, Jane's last God-given words to us—God's promise to free HIS people. Incredible!! His promises are true. The Israelites were freed from their bondage as the LORD promised. Hold on! Our deliverance is coming.

There will come a day when we see the fulfillment of God's promise to us. We believe with all our hearts that our deliverance from "the storm" and the lawsuit my sister and brother-in-law filed is coming. Someday we will hear the words, "You are free to go."

Blessed be the name of the LORD!

"O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands, and put everything under his feet; all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swims the paths of the sea. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your NAME in all the earth!!" Psalm 8

No mere human words will every be able to adequately express our love, appreciation, gratitude, thankfulness, and praise to our heavenly Father for His compassion, His sacrifice, and His amazing Saving Grace. 

Addendum: 4/9/17 ~ It took seven years to complete my journey of reading, writing, and then transcribing my journal entries into Blogger. Seven years. So, what is next? I don't know. If God has something more for me to do He will let me know. Here is what I KNOW:

A New Beginning is coming!

I'm ready, Lord. I'm available. Use me and our story, which is YOUR story, in whatever way YOU want. May YOU receive all the honor and the glory for what YOU have done. LORD, it has taken seven years to complete what you so clearly directed me to do. May you bless this work. May it be used to bring others to YOUR saving Grace. Thank you, Father. Thank you, for the journey. Thank you, for allowing us to be the recipients of this Blessed Event.

Psalm 10:14 – "I hope my words and thoughts please you. LORD, you are my Rock, the one who saves me."


Next Entry: Brick by Brick

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 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

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

August 19, 2013

The seven bowls/vials of God's anger are poured out on the earth.

The first angel and bowl—horrible, painful, and ugly sores came upon all those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped his idol.

The second angel and bowl—all the water in the sea became like decaying blood and every living thing in the sea died.

The third angel and bowl—the water in the river and springs became like blood. Then the angel of the waters said:

  "Holy One, you are the One who is and who was.
       You are right to decide to punish these evil people.
  They have poured out the blood of your holy people and
       your prophets.
  So now you have given them blood to drink as they deserve."
And then a voice came from the altar saying:
  "Yes, Lord God Almighty,
       the way you punish evil people is right and fair." Revelation 16:5–7                (emphasis mine)

It had to be difficult for the angel who had the authority over the water to watch all the waters of the world destroyed. Yet, he knew what God was doing was right, even if it meant destroying what he loved. Vengeance and punishment is the Lord's.

My husband has often said (and I agree) that God's punishment is far worse than any punishment man could ever give. That's why accountability that brings repentance, while there is still time for change, cannot be something we avoid or regret even if it is hard to watch someone we love experience it. 

The fourth angel and bowl—the sun increases in heat and people are burned with the fire from it. Instead of repenting, the people cursed the name of God and refused to change their hearts and lives, and they refused to acknowledge God as Lord of all and give Him the glory that is due Him.

The fifth angel and bowl—darkness covers the kingdom of the beast. People were in incredible pain without relief. They gnawed their tongues, causing pain to try and block out their even greater pain. And still—they refused to change their hearts and turn away from the evil things they did. Instead, they cursed the God of heaven because of their pain and their sores.

The sixth angel and bowl—the water of the Euphrates completely dries up. This prepares the way for the final battle of Armageddon. The dragon, the beast, and the false prophet send out evil spirits who have the power to do miracles and they go out to gather the kings and get them ready for the final battle—but it won't be their victory. It will be "...the great day of God Almighty." (Revelation 16:14)

God says, "Listen!  I will come as a thief comes!" (Revelation 16:15) Be watching and ready!

The scene is set. All the participants are in place. 


Next Entry: Revelation 16:1–21 (Continued)

Revelation 14:1 – 15:8 (Continued)

August 16, 2013

This passage is also a prophetic description of a battle that will take place at the end of the tribulation. The battle is so violent that blood will flow as high as a horse's bridle for a distance of about one hundred eighty miles. Horrible, horrible destruction and violence for those who refused to be a servant of Master Jesus and instead insisted on following their own selfish ways. They realize they are no longer in control of their choices. Their attempt to ride the fence and fool others into thinking they were "religious" while they were actually unbelievers is exposed and they are forced into being what they were all along—a slave to Satan himself. 

Then John looked again—and he saw seven angels bringing seven disasters. Revelation 15:1 - "These are the last disasters, because after them, God's anger is finished." When Jesus was crucified (John 19:30) He said, "It is finished." The Plan for Salvation was completed with Christ's death and resurrection. Now the plan for destruction and God's anger will soon be finished.

But before the final seven disasters began, John saw something else. He saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire. All of those who had won the victory over the beast and his idol and of the Antichrist were standing there. They had harps that God himself had given them. Revelation 15:3–4 - "They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb:

"You do great and wonderful things, (Psalm 111:2)
    Lord God Almighty. (Amos 3:13)
Everything the Lord does is right and true, (Psalm 145:17)
     King of the nations.
Everyone will respect you, Lord (Jeremiah 10:7)
     and will honor you.
Only you are holy.
All the nations will come
     and worship you, (Psalm 86:9–10)
because the right things you have done,
     are now made known." (Deuteronomy 32:4)

After John saw the redeemed and heard this song, the temple in heaven was opened and the seven angels bringing the seven disasters came out. They were given seven golden bowls "filled with the anger of God, who lives forever and ever." The temple filled with smoke from the power and glory of God, "and no one could enter the temple until the seven disasters of the seven angels were finished."

The final destruction is about to begin.


Next Entry: Revelation 16:1–21

Revelation 14:1 – 15:8

August 15, 2013

God's judgment arrives. The time has come; the time for patiently waiting (as in the time of Noah) is over; and the time for judgment is here. Only those who are cleansed by the blood of the Lamb are protected from God's anger. 

John looked—and before him was the Lamb and 144,000 of the redeemed who were saved out of the tribulation. They were singing a new song of praise to the Lamb. Then John saw three angels.

The first angel proclaimed the Gospel of Christ. This happens right at the end of the tribulation and immediately before the judgment of the nations. This message is not about grace and salvation—it is about judgment. The only people it is "Good News" for is Israel and the 144,000.

The second angel announced the destruction of Babylon—false worship. (Revelation 17 & 18 tells us more about Babylon.)

The third angel—accountability happens! Anyone who went along with, followed, and/or worshiped the beast (this boils down to everyone who does not obey and worship Christ as Master) "will drink the wine of God's anger which is prepared with all its strength in the cup of His anger. And that person will be put in pain with burning sulfur before the holy angels and the Lamb. And the smoke from their burning pain will rise forever and ever." (Revelation 14:10–11) There will be no rest, day or night, for those who worship the beast and his idol or who get the mark of his name.

I'm sure there will be plenty of people who think they would never worship the beast so they think none of this applies to them. But wait! Let's examine what the Truth is. 

As a true believer (one who has surrendered their will to God's authority and accepted His free gift of Salvation) your body is a temple of the Lord. Temple—the one and only place where sacrifices were performed. Jesus Christ was the sacrifice for our sins. When we accept His sacrifice and receive Him as our personal Savior our bodies literally become the temple of the Lord. As a repentant believer, your actions show there has been a change in your life.

BUT! There are "religious" unbelievers (people who say they believe but their actions show otherwise) whose bodies are synagogues of Satan. Synagogue—a building, a gathering place, a "town hall" of sorts. It is ran by people, financed by people, and is a place of worship and study. As "religious" unbelievers, one's body cannot be a temple of the Lord. Instead, because there has been no true repentance and change of life, their bodies become a synagogue and gathering place of Satan. 

Unless you are surrendered by word and deed to Master Jesus, and your body is the temple of the Lord because He lives in you as the sacrifice for your sins—you are living in the "synagogue of Satan" (Revelation 2:9; 3:9) and John's message does apply to you!

John says, "This means God's holy people must be patient. They must obey God's commands and keep their faith in Jesus."(Revelation 14:12) Then John heard a voice from heaven saying, "Happy are the dead who die from now on in the Lord... they will rest from their hard work, and the reward for all they have done stays with them." (Revelation 14:13)

Rest and reward—verses—the cup of God's anger that never ends. Psalm 75:8 - "The Lord holds a cup of anger in his hand; it is full of wine mixed with spices. He pours it out even to the last drop and the wicked drink it all." (For other verses that speak of the Lord's cup of anger see: Jeremiah 25:13–15; Isaiah 51:23; Jeremiah 49:12; Ezekiel 23:32; and Luke 22:42–43.)

Then John looked—another angel came out of the temple and said to the One who looked like the Son of Man, "Take you sickle and harvest from the earth, because the time to harvest has come, and the fruit of the earth is ripe." (Revelation 14:15) So, the earth was harvested by the One. The final believers are now removed from the earth.

Then another angel came out of the temple and he also had a sharp sickle. And then from the altar came a third angel who had power over fire, and he told the second angel, "Take your sharp sickle and gather the bunches of grapes from the earth's vines, because its grapes are ripe." This isn't a harvest of redemption. This is a harvest for destruction. The angel swung his sickle and harvested the grapes, "and he threw them into the great winepress of God's anger."

Total. Violent. Destruction.

Addendum: 3/7/2017 ~ Revelation 14:10–11 - "...will drink the wine of God's anger which is prepared with all its strength in the cup of his anger. And that person will be put in pain with burning sulfur before the holy angels and the Lamb. And the smoke from their burning pain will rise forever and ever."

What a horrible, horrific thought. I don't think I ever thought specifically about the source of the smoke from Hades/Hell before. But this verse says the smoke comes from "their burning pain." Oh. my. goodness. An eternity of pain, “their burning pain," evidenced by the smoke that arises from the pit of hell!!

This just became very personal. "THEIR burning pain..." Who is the "their" in your life? Who do you know that is at risk for being part of this group of people whose burning pain will create the smoke that arises from Hell? There IS eternal accountability!    

Do we believe this or not? Because if we believe this then we CANNOT remain the same. We first need to make sure we are living our own lives surrendered to Master Jesus. And then we need to make sure we are doing everything possible to lead others in our sphere of influence to the Path to Salvation.

There is nothing more important. NOTHING!! Eternal accountability is at stake. 


Next Entry: Revelation 14:1 – 15:8 (Continued)

Revelation 8:1 – 9:21 (Continued)

August 02, 2013

6th Trumpet—Destruction was unleashed. One-third of all the people on earth were killed by fire, smoke, and sulfur. Revelation 9:15 - "And they let loose the four angels who had been kept ready for this hour and day and month and year so they could kill a third of all people on the earth."

There is an hour, day, month, and year planned and already determined for this judgment to occur. Judgment WILL happen. There is no avoiding it. One-third of ALL people were killed by fire, smoke, and sulfur—and their hell was just beginning.

INCREDIBLY, the "people who were not killed by these terrible disasters still did not change their hearts and turn away" from their own selfish ways. Revelation 9:21 - "These people did not change their hearts and turn away from murder or evil magic, from their sexual sins or stealing."

I want to scream WAKE UP!! Now, before it is too late, CHANGE YOUR HEARTS AND LIVES!!!  Please!! There is an hour, day, month, and year planned. I Peter 3:20 says that God waited patiently for Noah to finish building the boat before His judgment happened. Just because judgment hasn't happened yet doesn't mean that judgment it isn't going to happen. God waited patiently for Noah to finish the boat, and THEN judgment happened.

God is waiting patiently. He wants you to surrender and repent. But there comes a time when the waiting is over and accountability happens. Do it now. Change your hearts and lives TODAY while there is still time. 

Addendum: 2/10/17 ~ Today, while reviewing and editing Revelation 8, I suddenly realized I need to explain what I mean when I talk about "change your heart and life." When my journals were written they were for my (and my family's) personal use so no explanation of what I meant was needed. But now that God has revealed His plan for how He wants HIS Story told, and my private writings are going to be made public, I suddenly realized not everyone will understand what "change your heart and life" means; who the message is for; why it is such a prevalent theme all throughout scripture; and how you go about changing your heart and life.

Change your heart and life is not referring to the need for a personal self-improvement course so you can become a better person. It's not about what we change—it is about who changes us. It's about accepting God's free gift of Salvation given for all mankind. The gift is free and available, but it is something each one of us must accept for ourselves. It's the only way to change your heart and life. 

Read about The Path to Salvation here or click on the next journal entry.


Next Entry: The Path to Salvation

Revelation 8:1 – 9:21

August 01, 2013

The Lamb opens the seventh seal and there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.

The seventh seal revealed seven angels who stand before God and they each were given a trumpet. Another angel came and stood before the altar. He was holding a golden pan for incense—the prayers of God's holy people. He put the golden pan filled with incense and the prayers of God's people on the altar before the throne. The smoke went from the angel's hands to God with the prayers of God's people.

I believe these to be the prayers of repentance, surrender, praise, protection, provision, honor, glory, thankfulness, and gratitude to Master Jesus. Prayers that come from understanding the God (Master) → man (servant) relationship. Those types of prayers are a sweet smelling aroma to God. I cannot believe the golden pan also held the self-serving prayers so prevalent in modern Christianity. Prayers from those who have placed themselves on the throne while treating God as if He was their own personal servant to heed their every wish, beck and call. How could those types of prayers be an offering to the Most Holy One and to the Lamb? Isaiah 65:5 describes those kind of prayers as a stench in the nostril of God.

God heard the prayers of his people and the angel filled the pan with the fire from the altar and threw it on the earth.  And there were flashes of lightning, thunder, loud noises, and an earthquake. God hears the honest prayers of His people.

The seven angels with the seven trumpets prepared to blow them. The tribulation time is at hand.

1st Trumpet—hail and fire mixed with blood poured down on the earth. A third of the earth, the green grass and a third of the trees were burned up.

2nd Trumpet—something that looked like a big mountain was thrown into the sea and a third of the sea became blood, and a third of the living things in the sea died and a third of the ships were destroyed.

3rd Trumpet—a large star, burning like a torch fell from the sky. It fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. The star was named wormwood which means bitter, and there was bitter sorrow around the world. The water became toxic and many people died from drinking it.

4th Trumpet—a third of the moon, sun, and stars are destroyed. This creates total chaos on the earth. It affects everything: the tides, the ability to grow food, etc. Life as it was known is now gone.

Sometimes it's easy to read descriptions of something and think—wow—but then go right on without really thinking about the magnitude of it. Or, we picture it in our mind as some sort of movie event that is not part of reality. But think about it!! This is not a science fiction movie. This is reality!! 

The Solar System: One-third of the sun, moon and stars destroyed.  This affects everything!

The Earth: One-third of the dirt, grass, and trees burned up. One-third of the sea turned to blood. One-third of the living things in the sea destroyed. One-third of the ships (commerce) destroyed. One-third of all the earth's water, rivers and springs become unusable. 

Picture it in your mind. One-third of everything!! Can you imagine the stench, the chaos, the hopelessness, the horror? The sun, moon and stars as they were known—GONE. The 🌎 as it was known—GONE! 

After the 4th trumpet an eagle was flying high in the air and in a loud cry was saying, "Trouble!  Trouble! Trouble for those who live on earth because of the remaining sounds of the trumpets that the other three angels are about to blow!" (This reminds me of the "How terrible it will be" statements found in Isaiah.)

5th Trumpet—A star falls from the sky. It was given the key to a deep hole that leads to the bottomless pit. It opened the hole and smoke came up out of it like smoke from a furnace. The sun and sky became dark. (This would disrupt everything. A localized volcano wrecks havoc on air flights, etc. Think what this would do!) Then out of the smoke came locusts who were given the power to sting like scorpions. Normally a locust devours vegetation, but these locusts were instructed not to harm the earth, or any plant or tree. They were to only harm people and to cause extreme pain for five months with their powerful sting. People will want to die, but "death will run away from them" and they are forced to endure the awfulness for the entire five months. The locusts leader was an angel of the bottomless pit. His name means Destroyer. Just like in the days of Pharaoh and the Israelites who were in captivity, the only people not affected by this curse were God's people, the ones who had been sealed for protection by the sign of God on their foreheads.

Revelation 9:12 - "The first trouble has past; there are still two other troubles that will come."


Next Entry: Revelation 8:1 – 9:21 (Continued)