Summary:
Shishak Attacks Jerusalem
Verses 1-16
Once Rehoboam's position as king over Judah was established, he and the kingdom abandoned God's law. Because of their unfaithfulness, God allowed Shishak king of Egypt to attack and subdue Israel in Rehoboam's 5th year as king. Shishak came with 1,200 chariots; 60,000 horsemen; and innumerable troops of Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites. He captured the fortified cities of Judah through Jerusalem.
The prophet Shemaiah told Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah, who had assembled in Jerusalem in fear of Shishak, that God said that since they'd abandoned Him, He'd abandoned them to Shishak. The king and the leaders humbled themselves and claimed that God is just. When God saw this, He told Shemaiah that because they'd humbled themselves, He would soon deliver them. His wrath wouldn't be poured out on them through Shishak. They would become subject to him, so they'd learn the difference between serving God and serving other kings.
Shishak took the treasures of the Lord's temple and of the palace, including Solomon's gold shields. King Rehoboam made bronze ones for the guards on duty at the palace. When the king would go to the temple, the guards bore these shields. Afterwards, they would store the shields in the guardroom.
Because of Rehoboam's humility, God turned His anger from him. Rehoboam was not totally destroyed. There was still some good in Judah. Rehoboam then re-established himself as king in Jerusalem. He was 41 years old when he became king. He reigned for 17 years in the city that the Lord had chosen to place His Name. His mother was Naamah, an Ammonite. Rehoboam had done evil because his heart was not set on seeking the Lord. His other events are in the records of Shemaiah the prophet and Iddo the seer. There was continual warfare between him and Jeroboam. He rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. Abijah, his son, became the next king.
Lori's Thoughts:
Continuously seeking God is what will keep us from falling out of step with Him. I say again, this is why Christ must be our Master as well as Savior.
God is just. Rehoboam was good to remember that when he received the punishment for his unfaithfulness. People! If bad things happen to you, it does not mean that God has stopped loving you! Parents need to teach their children what choices will harm them, sometimes by allowing them to experience failure. As soon as that child turns back to their parent, you better believe that parent was watching the whole time and has their arms ready to embrace their child when they come back. This is how God educates, disciplines, and loves us.
I was reading my devotional the other day, and it made a very interesting point. It asked the following questions:
Is it better for a parent to give a child whatever he or she asks for? Or, should they give the child what will keep them safe and whole?
Similarly, would you prefer for God to give you all you ask for? Or, would you rather He make sure you are saved?
Sometimes we need to be uncomfortable to be reminded that we need to cling to our heavenly Father. We're human, so we screw up. But, God is good. He forgives us when we are sincere and confess our sins.
. . .
I like how it says that Rehoboam rested with his fathers. It reminds me that there is more than life and death on earth. We will rise at the sound of His voice and go to a place where we'll never be separated from Him again.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Revelation 22 (NIV)
Summary:
The River of Life
Verses 1-6
The angel showed John the river of life. It is clear as crystal and flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb, down the middle of the great street. On each side of the river stands the tree of life (the river runs underneath it). The tree of life bears 12 crops of fruit, one per month. The leaves are for the healing of the nations.
In heaven, there will be no more curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city. His servants will serve Him. They will see His face. His name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night and no more need for light from a lamp or the sun. God will give us light. We will reign with Him forever.
The angel testifies that these words are true. The God of the spirits of the prophets sent His angel to show His servants what must soon occur.
Jesus Is Coming
Verses 7-21
" 'Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.' " (Verse 7) John testifies that he heard and saw these things. He went to worship the angel messenger, but the angel said he was a fellow servant of John, his brothers, the prophets, and those who keep the words of this book. The angel told John to worship God. He told John not to seal this book of prophecy, because the time is near. Let those who do wrong, are vile, do right, or are holy continue to do so.
" 'Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right of the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.' " (Verses 12-16)
The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' Let those who hear say, 'Come!' (Let's take people with us to heaven!) Those that are thirsty are invited to come and those who wish may take the free gift of the water of life.
John warns those that hear the prophecy. Add to it and God will add you to the plagues of this book. Take from it and God will remove you from the share of the tree of life and of the holy city.
He who testifies to these things says, " 'Yes, I am coming soon.' " (Verse 20a)
"Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen." (Verses 20b-21)
Lori's Thoughts:
I believe God gave us glimpses of heaven so that we'd have something to hope for. When I run, I anticipate finishing. I run with aim and a purpose. I am currently working at a place that is merely a job and not my career goal. But, I will be starting a position within my desired career in about 4 weeks. I feel less burdened at my job, knowing there is an end in sight. Now, heaven is a more abstract concept. I know people that doubt the existence of God and heaven, because it cannot be proven.
Why do I believe? I have witnessed His healing hand in my life when no other person was there to help me. I have seen a medical miracle in my brother, which doctors cannot prove, but I know what I saw. And, I have seen prophecies from Matthew and quite possibly Revelation come to pass within the past year. (earthquakes, floods, false prophets, etc.) Now, I have been reading the Bible since childhood. Not continuously, but long enough to know that these prophecies were written before they happened.
So, I thank God for giving us the Word, a message of hope. This world is not it. There is a ray of hope that burns a living fire in my heart and in my mind. This is what I run for.
In verse 12, Jesus says that He'll reward us for what we've done. We are not saved by what we do. Rather, what we do is a result of whom we serve. This is why it is necessary to accept Jesus as our Master as well as our Savior. Otherwise, we run the risk of serving money, ourselves, and eventually the devil. We all need someone that holds us accountable. Christ accepts us as we are - damaged by sin. If we choose to serve Him by loving God and loving others, our actions will be admirable. Our actions will indicate whom we serve and we will be rewarded accordingly.
Some argue that people can just choose to be good without believing in God. Maybe so. But, who do they call on when trouble comes? Who do they thank when things go well? I think these people choose not to believe in God because of hypocrisy. Their focus is on imperfect humans. Forget humans! Find God for yourself.
If nothing else, I hope you gain from this that grace means salvation, eternal life in heaven, is free. I encourage you to try it out. Nothing can hinder your free will. It's not how God rolls.
The River of Life
Verses 1-6
The angel showed John the river of life. It is clear as crystal and flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb, down the middle of the great street. On each side of the river stands the tree of life (the river runs underneath it). The tree of life bears 12 crops of fruit, one per month. The leaves are for the healing of the nations.
In heaven, there will be no more curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city. His servants will serve Him. They will see His face. His name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night and no more need for light from a lamp or the sun. God will give us light. We will reign with Him forever.
The angel testifies that these words are true. The God of the spirits of the prophets sent His angel to show His servants what must soon occur.
Jesus Is Coming
Verses 7-21
" 'Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.' " (Verse 7) John testifies that he heard and saw these things. He went to worship the angel messenger, but the angel said he was a fellow servant of John, his brothers, the prophets, and those who keep the words of this book. The angel told John to worship God. He told John not to seal this book of prophecy, because the time is near. Let those who do wrong, are vile, do right, or are holy continue to do so.
" 'Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right of the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.' " (Verses 12-16)
The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' Let those who hear say, 'Come!' (Let's take people with us to heaven!) Those that are thirsty are invited to come and those who wish may take the free gift of the water of life.
John warns those that hear the prophecy. Add to it and God will add you to the plagues of this book. Take from it and God will remove you from the share of the tree of life and of the holy city.
He who testifies to these things says, " 'Yes, I am coming soon.' " (Verse 20a)
"Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen." (Verses 20b-21)
Lori's Thoughts:
I believe God gave us glimpses of heaven so that we'd have something to hope for. When I run, I anticipate finishing. I run with aim and a purpose. I am currently working at a place that is merely a job and not my career goal. But, I will be starting a position within my desired career in about 4 weeks. I feel less burdened at my job, knowing there is an end in sight. Now, heaven is a more abstract concept. I know people that doubt the existence of God and heaven, because it cannot be proven.
Why do I believe? I have witnessed His healing hand in my life when no other person was there to help me. I have seen a medical miracle in my brother, which doctors cannot prove, but I know what I saw. And, I have seen prophecies from Matthew and quite possibly Revelation come to pass within the past year. (earthquakes, floods, false prophets, etc.) Now, I have been reading the Bible since childhood. Not continuously, but long enough to know that these prophecies were written before they happened.
So, I thank God for giving us the Word, a message of hope. This world is not it. There is a ray of hope that burns a living fire in my heart and in my mind. This is what I run for.
In verse 12, Jesus says that He'll reward us for what we've done. We are not saved by what we do. Rather, what we do is a result of whom we serve. This is why it is necessary to accept Jesus as our Master as well as our Savior. Otherwise, we run the risk of serving money, ourselves, and eventually the devil. We all need someone that holds us accountable. Christ accepts us as we are - damaged by sin. If we choose to serve Him by loving God and loving others, our actions will be admirable. Our actions will indicate whom we serve and we will be rewarded accordingly.
Some argue that people can just choose to be good without believing in God. Maybe so. But, who do they call on when trouble comes? Who do they thank when things go well? I think these people choose not to believe in God because of hypocrisy. Their focus is on imperfect humans. Forget humans! Find God for yourself.
If nothing else, I hope you gain from this that grace means salvation, eternal life in heaven, is free. I encourage you to try it out. Nothing can hinder your free will. It's not how God rolls.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
II Chronicles 11 (NIV)
Summary:
Israel Rebels Against Rehoboam
Verses 1-4
Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, gathering the houses of Judah and Benjamin for war against Israel. He mustered 180,000 fighting men to regain the kingdom from Jeroboam. The word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God. God told him to tell Rehoboam, Judah, and Benjamin not to fight against their brothers. God told them to go home, because this was His doing. They obeyed Him and turned back.
Rehoboam Fortifies Judah
Verses 5-17
Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem and built up towns to defend Judah and Benjamin. These were the towns he built:
Bethlehem Etam Tekoa
Beth Zur Soco Adullam
Gath Mareshah Ziph
Adoraim Lachish Azekah
Zorah Aijalon Hebron
He strengthened their defenses by putting commanders in each one with food, olive oil, wine, shields, and spears. Judah and Benjamin were his.
The priests and Levites from throughout Israel sided with Rehoboam. They abandoned their pasturelands and property because Jeroboam and his sons rejected them as priests of God. Jeroboam appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat and calf idols that he'd made. Those from every tribe who sought the Lord followed the Levites to offer sacrifices to God. These (good) rebels strengthened Judah and supported Rehoboam for 3 years. They walked in the ways of David and Solomon.
Rehoboam's Family
Verses 18-23
[* <- = son/daughter of *]
-Married Mahalath <- Jerimoth (father) <- David <- Jesse
<- Abihail (mother) <- Eliab <- Jesse
-> (Mahalath's sons:) Jeush, Shemariah, Zaham
-Married Maacah <- Absalom <- Solomon
-> (Maacah's sons:) Abijah, Attai, Ziza, Shelomith
Rehoboam loved Maacah over all his others. He had 18 wives and 60 concubines. They bore him 28 sons and 60 daughters. He appointed Abijah to be the chief prince among his brothers, so he would be the next king. Rehoboam acted wisely by dispersing some of his sons throughout Judah, Benjamin, and their fortified cities. He gave his sons abundant provisions and wives.
Lori's Thoughts:
Vengeance is the Lord's. Sometimes we are instructed to stand back and let God take care of everything (see II Samuel 5:17-25). Sometimes I can't see the end game. But, God has never let me down once, so I trust His judgment. When God tells us no, there's a reason for it. We must listen and obey, even if we don't understand.
I've learned that any endeavor I've ever undertaken without God has led to failure. I believe He has something amazing and powerful waiting for me, beyond what I can imagine. I will trust His timing and will. In the meantime, I struggle with patience and faith. I'm still in training, but I'm headed in the right direction.
So, while Rehoboam was waiting on the Lord, he strengthened what God had already given him. This is what we must do. Don't complain or get lazy. This only leads to doubt, the devil's favorite attribute. God has given each of us a measure of faith, a unique personality, a specialized ability, and free will. I'm not an expert at anything, yet. But, while I wait on the Lord, I can work on strengthening my attributes and conquering my weaknesses with the power of the Holy Spirit.
I encourage you to do the same. See how people are drawn to the God in you. Just as the faithful Israelites who found themselves among unbelievers migrated towards those who remained faithful, so will those who seek God in our day migrate towards you. They may not even realize they're looking for God. But, they are drawn to the fruit of the Spirit that you produce. I think the joy and peace we experience with God, in this unsettling world, is the most attractive.
Now, I have my strong opinions of Rehoboam's many wives and concubines. But, I don't really have something positive to say. So, I'll just say this: Would God, who wants us to serve Him only, approve of us having more than one spouse? I think He desires faithfulness. However, God uses imperfect people for His perfect will. All I can say is seek Him and He will make your paths straight. I will not deign to tell you how to live your life when I've got my own problems. If you've got God, you have everything you need.
Israel Rebels Against Rehoboam
Verses 1-4
Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, gathering the houses of Judah and Benjamin for war against Israel. He mustered 180,000 fighting men to regain the kingdom from Jeroboam. The word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God. God told him to tell Rehoboam, Judah, and Benjamin not to fight against their brothers. God told them to go home, because this was His doing. They obeyed Him and turned back.
Rehoboam Fortifies Judah
Verses 5-17
Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem and built up towns to defend Judah and Benjamin. These were the towns he built:
Bethlehem Etam Tekoa
Beth Zur Soco Adullam
Gath Mareshah Ziph
Adoraim Lachish Azekah
Zorah Aijalon Hebron
He strengthened their defenses by putting commanders in each one with food, olive oil, wine, shields, and spears. Judah and Benjamin were his.
The priests and Levites from throughout Israel sided with Rehoboam. They abandoned their pasturelands and property because Jeroboam and his sons rejected them as priests of God. Jeroboam appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat and calf idols that he'd made. Those from every tribe who sought the Lord followed the Levites to offer sacrifices to God. These (good) rebels strengthened Judah and supported Rehoboam for 3 years. They walked in the ways of David and Solomon.
Rehoboam's Family
Verses 18-23
[* <- = son/daughter of *]
-Married Mahalath <- Jerimoth (father) <- David <- Jesse
<- Abihail (mother) <- Eliab <- Jesse
-> (Mahalath's sons:) Jeush, Shemariah, Zaham
-Married Maacah <- Absalom <- Solomon
-> (Maacah's sons:) Abijah, Attai, Ziza, Shelomith
Rehoboam loved Maacah over all his others. He had 18 wives and 60 concubines. They bore him 28 sons and 60 daughters. He appointed Abijah to be the chief prince among his brothers, so he would be the next king. Rehoboam acted wisely by dispersing some of his sons throughout Judah, Benjamin, and their fortified cities. He gave his sons abundant provisions and wives.
Lori's Thoughts:
Vengeance is the Lord's. Sometimes we are instructed to stand back and let God take care of everything (see II Samuel 5:17-25). Sometimes I can't see the end game. But, God has never let me down once, so I trust His judgment. When God tells us no, there's a reason for it. We must listen and obey, even if we don't understand.
I've learned that any endeavor I've ever undertaken without God has led to failure. I believe He has something amazing and powerful waiting for me, beyond what I can imagine. I will trust His timing and will. In the meantime, I struggle with patience and faith. I'm still in training, but I'm headed in the right direction.
So, while Rehoboam was waiting on the Lord, he strengthened what God had already given him. This is what we must do. Don't complain or get lazy. This only leads to doubt, the devil's favorite attribute. God has given each of us a measure of faith, a unique personality, a specialized ability, and free will. I'm not an expert at anything, yet. But, while I wait on the Lord, I can work on strengthening my attributes and conquering my weaknesses with the power of the Holy Spirit.
I encourage you to do the same. See how people are drawn to the God in you. Just as the faithful Israelites who found themselves among unbelievers migrated towards those who remained faithful, so will those who seek God in our day migrate towards you. They may not even realize they're looking for God. But, they are drawn to the fruit of the Spirit that you produce. I think the joy and peace we experience with God, in this unsettling world, is the most attractive.
Now, I have my strong opinions of Rehoboam's many wives and concubines. But, I don't really have something positive to say. So, I'll just say this: Would God, who wants us to serve Him only, approve of us having more than one spouse? I think He desires faithfulness. However, God uses imperfect people for His perfect will. All I can say is seek Him and He will make your paths straight. I will not deign to tell you how to live your life when I've got my own problems. If you've got God, you have everything you need.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Revelation 21 (NIV)
Summary:
The New Jerusalem
Verses 1-27
John saw a new heaven and a new earth because the first heaven and earth had passed away. And, there was no more sea. He saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, descending from heaven, sent by God. The city was like a bride, beautifully dressed for her husband. John heard a loud voice from the throne say, " 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' " (Verses 3b-4)
The One seated on the throne said that He was making everything new. He told John to write the following down, because His words are trustworthy and true. " 'It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters, and all liars - their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.' " (Verses 6-8)
One of the 7 angels, with the 7 plagues, told John to come see the wife of the Lamb. He carried John in the Spirit to a great mountain, where he showed John the New Jerusalem descending from heave. The city shone like the glory of God. Its brilliance is like a very precious jewel, like jasper, clear as crystal. It has a high wall with 12 gates. There are 12 angels at the gates. On each gate are written the names of the tribes of Israel. There are 3 gates on each side - north, south, east, and west. On the wall with the 12 foundations are written the names of the Lord's 12 apostles (I'm sure John was joyful to hear this.)
The angel had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city in man's measurements. The city was shaped as a square. It was about 1,400 miles (12,000 stadia) long, wide, and high. Its wall is about 200 feet thick (144 cubits). The wall is made of jasper. The city is made of pure gold, like glass. The foundations are decorated with every kind of precious stone:
1st - jasper
2nd - sapphire
3rd - chalcedony
4th - emerald
5th - sardonyx
6th - carnelian
7th - chrysolite
8th - beryl
9th - topaz
10th - chrysoprase
11th - jacinth
12th - amethyst
The 12 gates are made of 12 pearls; each gate is a single pearl. The great street is made of pure gold, like transparent glass.
John saw no temple, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple. There is no sun or moon, because God gives the light and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by this light and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. The gates will never be shut, because it will never be night. The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. Nothing impure, shameful, or deceitful will ever enter it - only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Lori's Thoughts:
This is what God intended for us: to live with us. We will never again doubt His existence or presence in our lives. As surely as He will keep His word to live with us, then He surely dwells in our hearts now, if we have asked Him too. Sounds a bit existential, doesn't it? Well, that's doubt and unbelief, which I am guilty of. I constantly pray for faith. But, I have moments when I just know. That is the Holy Spirit speaking to me.
Aside from dwelling with God, we will live free from pain and suffering. How I long for that day. It seems like this life is mostly pain and suffering, with a few glimpses of love and hope and peace. These few glimpses are what I long for and what get me through this life. One day, it will be all love and peace. Hope, we'll no longer need, because we will have reached what we had hoped for, and we will live without any glimpses of any kind of evil.
When God told John the type of people that will be thrown into the sulfur lake (which, I see, is the same as the lake of fire), I thought - I'm guilty of several of those sins: being cowardly, unbelieving, sexually immoral, investigating the magic arts, idolizing, and lying. But, I must remember that I am covered by Christ's blood, which paid my entrance fee to heaven. And, He sent the Holy Spirit to transform me into a woman after His own heart.
God greatly loves King David. So much that He had mercy, numerous times, with the Israelites, when they rebelled against Him. He did so on David's behalf. And David was already dead! When alive, David had sought God with his whole heart. But, he committed murder, sexual immorality, and most of the other sins listed in verses 6-8 of this chapter. However, God calls David a man after His own heart. It is not about being a perfect person. It is about having a perfect Savior who freely forgives and loves us, if we will just say yes.
And, how awesome does heaven sound? Gold so pure it's like glass. Every precious stone imaginable. (I want diamonds.) A fortified palace illuminated by God.
If your primary love language* is receiving gifts - can you tell how much your heavenly Father loves you by this palace that He has made for you?
If your primary love language is quality time - can you tell how much He loves you by promising to live with you?
If it is acts of service - can you tell how much He loves you by dying on the cross for you?
If it is physical touch - can you tell how much He loves you by promising to dwell in your heart?
If it is words of affirmation - can you tell how much He loves you by giving you the Bible for encouragement?
He loves us - all of us - in our own unique ways of identifying love.
*See Gary Chapman's The Five Love Languages
The New Jerusalem
Verses 1-27
John saw a new heaven and a new earth because the first heaven and earth had passed away. And, there was no more sea. He saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, descending from heaven, sent by God. The city was like a bride, beautifully dressed for her husband. John heard a loud voice from the throne say, " 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' " (Verses 3b-4)
The One seated on the throne said that He was making everything new. He told John to write the following down, because His words are trustworthy and true. " 'It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters, and all liars - their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.' " (Verses 6-8)
One of the 7 angels, with the 7 plagues, told John to come see the wife of the Lamb. He carried John in the Spirit to a great mountain, where he showed John the New Jerusalem descending from heave. The city shone like the glory of God. Its brilliance is like a very precious jewel, like jasper, clear as crystal. It has a high wall with 12 gates. There are 12 angels at the gates. On each gate are written the names of the tribes of Israel. There are 3 gates on each side - north, south, east, and west. On the wall with the 12 foundations are written the names of the Lord's 12 apostles (I'm sure John was joyful to hear this.)
The angel had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city in man's measurements. The city was shaped as a square. It was about 1,400 miles (12,000 stadia) long, wide, and high. Its wall is about 200 feet thick (144 cubits). The wall is made of jasper. The city is made of pure gold, like glass. The foundations are decorated with every kind of precious stone:
1st - jasper
2nd - sapphire
3rd - chalcedony
4th - emerald
5th - sardonyx
6th - carnelian
7th - chrysolite
8th - beryl
9th - topaz
10th - chrysoprase
11th - jacinth
12th - amethyst
The 12 gates are made of 12 pearls; each gate is a single pearl. The great street is made of pure gold, like transparent glass.
John saw no temple, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple. There is no sun or moon, because God gives the light and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by this light and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. The gates will never be shut, because it will never be night. The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. Nothing impure, shameful, or deceitful will ever enter it - only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Lori's Thoughts:
This is what God intended for us: to live with us. We will never again doubt His existence or presence in our lives. As surely as He will keep His word to live with us, then He surely dwells in our hearts now, if we have asked Him too. Sounds a bit existential, doesn't it? Well, that's doubt and unbelief, which I am guilty of. I constantly pray for faith. But, I have moments when I just know. That is the Holy Spirit speaking to me.
Aside from dwelling with God, we will live free from pain and suffering. How I long for that day. It seems like this life is mostly pain and suffering, with a few glimpses of love and hope and peace. These few glimpses are what I long for and what get me through this life. One day, it will be all love and peace. Hope, we'll no longer need, because we will have reached what we had hoped for, and we will live without any glimpses of any kind of evil.
When God told John the type of people that will be thrown into the sulfur lake (which, I see, is the same as the lake of fire), I thought - I'm guilty of several of those sins: being cowardly, unbelieving, sexually immoral, investigating the magic arts, idolizing, and lying. But, I must remember that I am covered by Christ's blood, which paid my entrance fee to heaven. And, He sent the Holy Spirit to transform me into a woman after His own heart.
God greatly loves King David. So much that He had mercy, numerous times, with the Israelites, when they rebelled against Him. He did so on David's behalf. And David was already dead! When alive, David had sought God with his whole heart. But, he committed murder, sexual immorality, and most of the other sins listed in verses 6-8 of this chapter. However, God calls David a man after His own heart. It is not about being a perfect person. It is about having a perfect Savior who freely forgives and loves us, if we will just say yes.
And, how awesome does heaven sound? Gold so pure it's like glass. Every precious stone imaginable. (I want diamonds.) A fortified palace illuminated by God.
If your primary love language* is receiving gifts - can you tell how much your heavenly Father loves you by this palace that He has made for you?
If your primary love language is quality time - can you tell how much He loves you by promising to live with you?
If it is acts of service - can you tell how much He loves you by dying on the cross for you?
If it is physical touch - can you tell how much He loves you by promising to dwell in your heart?
If it is words of affirmation - can you tell how much He loves you by giving you the Bible for encouragement?
He loves us - all of us - in our own unique ways of identifying love.
*See Gary Chapman's The Five Love Languages
Friday, April 29, 2011
II Chronicles 10 (NIV)
Summary:
Israel Rebels Against Rehoboam
Verses 1-19
Israel was at Shechem to make Rehoboam king. Jereboam son of Nebat was in Egypt, because he had fled there from Solomon. Jereboam heard about Rehoboam, so he returned to Israel. He brought the Israelites to the new king and they asked for him to lighten the load that Solomon had put on them. Rehoboam told them to return in three days for his answer.
Rehoboam consulted with the elders that had served Solomon. They told him to be kind and favorable to the people and they would always serve him. Rehoboam rejected them and consulted the young men serving him, with whom he had grown up. They told him to tell the Israelites that his pinky finger was greater than his father's waist, that he would make their burden greater. They also told him to say that, whereas Solomon had used whips to scourge them, Rehoboam would use scorpions.
When the Israelites returned to him, after the three days, Rehoboam told them what the young men had advised. This was in accordance to the word God had spoken to Jereboam through Ahijah the Shilonite. The people then asked what part they had with David. They decided to look after their own houses, so they went home and abandoned Rehoboam.
Rehoboam remained king over Judah only. He sent out Adoniram, the head of forced labor, to the Israelites. The Israelites stoned him to death. Rehoboam, however, escaped on his chariot to Jerusalem. Israel has been in rebellion against David's house to this day.
Lori's Thoughts:
You can say that again. I mentioned before the controversy over Israel's capital. It was Jerusalem in Solomon's time. Some still argue that it is. But, the majority of Israel hold that Tel Aviv is the capital. Functionally and politically, it is.
The big lesson here is this: God set families up so that there would be a leader/counselor/guide for each. Our elders aren't always right. But, they have more experience than we do and they're worth listening to.
The underlying lesson is of humility. When put in a position of power, we should not assume that we're greater than our predecessor. We should work hard to be as great and ask God to help us be greater. By our own power, we stumble and fall. Rehoboam's pride let do the division of the world's greatest nation. Although Judah did well for a while, eventually, all tribes fell away from God into idolatry.
In everything, lean on God.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Israel Rebels Against Rehoboam
Verses 1-19
Israel was at Shechem to make Rehoboam king. Jereboam son of Nebat was in Egypt, because he had fled there from Solomon. Jereboam heard about Rehoboam, so he returned to Israel. He brought the Israelites to the new king and they asked for him to lighten the load that Solomon had put on them. Rehoboam told them to return in three days for his answer.
Rehoboam consulted with the elders that had served Solomon. They told him to be kind and favorable to the people and they would always serve him. Rehoboam rejected them and consulted the young men serving him, with whom he had grown up. They told him to tell the Israelites that his pinky finger was greater than his father's waist, that he would make their burden greater. They also told him to say that, whereas Solomon had used whips to scourge them, Rehoboam would use scorpions.
When the Israelites returned to him, after the three days, Rehoboam told them what the young men had advised. This was in accordance to the word God had spoken to Jereboam through Ahijah the Shilonite. The people then asked what part they had with David. They decided to look after their own houses, so they went home and abandoned Rehoboam.
Rehoboam remained king over Judah only. He sent out Adoniram, the head of forced labor, to the Israelites. The Israelites stoned him to death. Rehoboam, however, escaped on his chariot to Jerusalem. Israel has been in rebellion against David's house to this day.
Lori's Thoughts:
You can say that again. I mentioned before the controversy over Israel's capital. It was Jerusalem in Solomon's time. Some still argue that it is. But, the majority of Israel hold that Tel Aviv is the capital. Functionally and politically, it is.
The big lesson here is this: God set families up so that there would be a leader/counselor/guide for each. Our elders aren't always right. But, they have more experience than we do and they're worth listening to.
The underlying lesson is of humility. When put in a position of power, we should not assume that we're greater than our predecessor. We should work hard to be as great and ask God to help us be greater. By our own power, we stumble and fall. Rehoboam's pride let do the division of the world's greatest nation. Although Judah did well for a while, eventually, all tribes fell away from God into idolatry.
In everything, lean on God.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Thursday, April 28, 2011
II Chronicles 9 (NIV)
Summary:
The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon
Verses 1-12
The queen had heard of Solomon's fame. She went to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions. She brought with her a great caravan: camels carrying spices, a lot of gold, and precious stones. Solomon answered all of her questions without difficulty. When the queen witnessed his wisdom, palace, food, the seating of his officials, his attending servants and cupbearers and their robes, and the burnt offerings he made at the Lord's temple, she was overwhelmed. The queen said that the report she had heard of Solomon was true. She wanted to see it for herself and found that he was greater than the report. She claimed that his men must be happy to hear his wisdom. She praised God, who delighted in Solomon and had made him king over His people. She said that God had made Solomon king to uphold justice and righteousness.
The queen of Sheba gave Solomon 120 talents (~4 1/2 tons) of gold, more spices than anyone had ever given him, and precious stones. In addition, Hiram and Solomon's men brought back gold from Ophir, algumwood, and precious stones. Solomon used the algumwood to make the steps for the Lord's temple and the royal palace. He also used it to make the harps and lyres for the musicians as none ever before in Judah. Solomon gave the queen all she asked for and more than she had brought to him. Then, she returned to her own country.
Solomon's Splendor
Verses 13-28
Solomon's yearly weight in gold that he received was 666 talents (~25 tons [don't let the number freak you out; it is merely man's number]), not including the revenue brought in by merchants and traders. The kings of Arabia and governors of the land brought him gold and silver. Solomon made 200 large and 300 small shields of hammered gold, with 600 bekas and 300 bekas (~7 1/2 lbs and ~3 3/4 lbs) per shield, respectively. He placed them in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon (sounds like something out of Robin Hood).
Solomon made a great throne. It was inlaid with ivory and overlaid with pure gold. He built 6 steps and a footstool of gold attached to it. There were armrests on both sides and a lion next to each armrest. There was a lion on each side of the steps, totaling 12 lions. Nothing like it was ever made in any kingdom. (Getting a visual? Impressive, huh?)
All of Solomon's goblets were made of gold. All the household articles in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon were made of pure gold. Nothing was made out of silver, because silver had little value in his day (because it was so common). His fleet of trading ships was manned by Hiram's men. They returned once every three years with gold, silver, ivory, apes, and baboons. Solomon had more riches and wisdom than any other king on earth. All other kings went to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart. They all brought a gift with them of silver, gold, robes, weapons, spices, horses, and mules. Solomon had 4,000 stalls for his horses and chariots. He had 12,000 horses, which he kept in his chariot cities and in Jerusalem.
He ruled over all the kings from the Euphrates River to Philistia, as far as the border of Egypt. He made silver as common as stones in Jerusalem. Cedar was as plentiful as sycamore-fig trees in the foothills. His horses were imported from Egypt and every other country.
Solomon's Death
Verses 29-31
His other events are written in the records of Nathan the prophet, in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer, regarding Jeroboam son of Nebat. Solomon reigned in Jerusalem for 40 years. He rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. Rehoboam his son succeeded him as king.
Lori's Thoughts:
" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' " (Jeremiah 29:11)
I do not have a tenth of Solomon's great riches, fame, or wisdom. However, I believe this verse in Jeremiah applies to me as much as it did to him. I do not believe it was in God's plan to have my heart get broken for the nth time or for my grandmother to have breast cancer. I do not believe it is in His will for the devastation caused by nature in southern U.S., Haiti, or Japan. I do not believe it is His will for innocent people to open their homes' doors to get shot by the Syrian military.
I do believe He wants our lives to be more like that of Solomon's. Sometimes I get weary with the woes of life and I start to believe the devil's lies that make me doubt the hand of God in my life.
But, it is by God's hand that I have any form of sanity after my abusive childhood. It is by God's hand that I have joy after countless times of crushing heartache. It is by God's hand that I have never been destitute in need. And I believe that when I get to heaven, I will see my grandfather without diabetes, my grandmother without cancer, my mother with joy, my sister without anger, and my other sister with love.
One of my co-workers died in his sleep at age 31. He left behind his wife and young daughter. I ache for a life companion. This ache cannot compare to what it must be like to lose one.
We should not fear death, however. Based on yesterday's studies, death in this life is not the end. I believe that we will be resurrected and brought to live with Christ in a kingdom far more splenderous (if that's a word) than Solomon's.
"For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." (I Thessalonians 4:16-17)
So, do not worry about what the world worries about.
"...seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given you as well." (Matthew 6:33) It worked for Solomon.
How do you seek God first? Talk to Him before you get out of bed. Tell Him what you have going on today. Ask Him to guide your every step. Read His word before you get to work or school. It really sets the day's mood.
The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon
Verses 1-12
The queen had heard of Solomon's fame. She went to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions. She brought with her a great caravan: camels carrying spices, a lot of gold, and precious stones. Solomon answered all of her questions without difficulty. When the queen witnessed his wisdom, palace, food, the seating of his officials, his attending servants and cupbearers and their robes, and the burnt offerings he made at the Lord's temple, she was overwhelmed. The queen said that the report she had heard of Solomon was true. She wanted to see it for herself and found that he was greater than the report. She claimed that his men must be happy to hear his wisdom. She praised God, who delighted in Solomon and had made him king over His people. She said that God had made Solomon king to uphold justice and righteousness.
The queen of Sheba gave Solomon 120 talents (~4 1/2 tons) of gold, more spices than anyone had ever given him, and precious stones. In addition, Hiram and Solomon's men brought back gold from Ophir, algumwood, and precious stones. Solomon used the algumwood to make the steps for the Lord's temple and the royal palace. He also used it to make the harps and lyres for the musicians as none ever before in Judah. Solomon gave the queen all she asked for and more than she had brought to him. Then, she returned to her own country.
Solomon's Splendor
Verses 13-28
Solomon's yearly weight in gold that he received was 666 talents (~25 tons [don't let the number freak you out; it is merely man's number]), not including the revenue brought in by merchants and traders. The kings of Arabia and governors of the land brought him gold and silver. Solomon made 200 large and 300 small shields of hammered gold, with 600 bekas and 300 bekas (~7 1/2 lbs and ~3 3/4 lbs) per shield, respectively. He placed them in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon (sounds like something out of Robin Hood).
Solomon made a great throne. It was inlaid with ivory and overlaid with pure gold. He built 6 steps and a footstool of gold attached to it. There were armrests on both sides and a lion next to each armrest. There was a lion on each side of the steps, totaling 12 lions. Nothing like it was ever made in any kingdom. (Getting a visual? Impressive, huh?)
All of Solomon's goblets were made of gold. All the household articles in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon were made of pure gold. Nothing was made out of silver, because silver had little value in his day (because it was so common). His fleet of trading ships was manned by Hiram's men. They returned once every three years with gold, silver, ivory, apes, and baboons. Solomon had more riches and wisdom than any other king on earth. All other kings went to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart. They all brought a gift with them of silver, gold, robes, weapons, spices, horses, and mules. Solomon had 4,000 stalls for his horses and chariots. He had 12,000 horses, which he kept in his chariot cities and in Jerusalem.
He ruled over all the kings from the Euphrates River to Philistia, as far as the border of Egypt. He made silver as common as stones in Jerusalem. Cedar was as plentiful as sycamore-fig trees in the foothills. His horses were imported from Egypt and every other country.
Solomon's Death
Verses 29-31
His other events are written in the records of Nathan the prophet, in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer, regarding Jeroboam son of Nebat. Solomon reigned in Jerusalem for 40 years. He rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. Rehoboam his son succeeded him as king.
Lori's Thoughts:
" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' " (Jeremiah 29:11)
I do not have a tenth of Solomon's great riches, fame, or wisdom. However, I believe this verse in Jeremiah applies to me as much as it did to him. I do not believe it was in God's plan to have my heart get broken for the nth time or for my grandmother to have breast cancer. I do not believe it is in His will for the devastation caused by nature in southern U.S., Haiti, or Japan. I do not believe it is His will for innocent people to open their homes' doors to get shot by the Syrian military.
I do believe He wants our lives to be more like that of Solomon's. Sometimes I get weary with the woes of life and I start to believe the devil's lies that make me doubt the hand of God in my life.
But, it is by God's hand that I have any form of sanity after my abusive childhood. It is by God's hand that I have joy after countless times of crushing heartache. It is by God's hand that I have never been destitute in need. And I believe that when I get to heaven, I will see my grandfather without diabetes, my grandmother without cancer, my mother with joy, my sister without anger, and my other sister with love.
One of my co-workers died in his sleep at age 31. He left behind his wife and young daughter. I ache for a life companion. This ache cannot compare to what it must be like to lose one.
We should not fear death, however. Based on yesterday's studies, death in this life is not the end. I believe that we will be resurrected and brought to live with Christ in a kingdom far more splenderous (if that's a word) than Solomon's.
"For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." (I Thessalonians 4:16-17)
So, do not worry about what the world worries about.
"...seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given you as well." (Matthew 6:33) It worked for Solomon.
How do you seek God first? Talk to Him before you get out of bed. Tell Him what you have going on today. Ask Him to guide your every step. Read His word before you get to work or school. It really sets the day's mood.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Revelation 20 (NIV)
*Author's Note: I completely forgot that today was a Chronicles day. However, maybe God wanted me to study Revelation today.*
Summary:
The Thousand Years
Verses 1-6
John saw an angel descending from heaven, holding the key to the Abyss and a great chain. The angel seized the dragon, the ancient serpent that is the devil, also known as Satan. The dragon was bound for 1,000 years. The angel threw Satan into the Abyss, locking and sealing it so that he could not deceive the nations. He must be set free for a short time afterwards.
John saw thrones on which were seated those given the authority to judge. He saw the souls of those beheaded because of Jesus' testimony and the word of God. They did not worship the beast or his image or receive his mark on their foreheads or hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for 1,000 years. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those involved. The second death has no power over them. They will reign with Christ as priests of God. The rest of the dead will arise afterwards.
Satan's Doom
Verses 7-10
When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released and will deceive the nations in the earth's four corners, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle. He will enlist people as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They marched across the earth and surrounded the camp of God's people, the city that He loves. Fire came down from heaven and devoured them. The devil was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and false prophet were thrown. They will be tormented day and night, forever.
The Dead Are Judged
Verses 11-15
John saw a great white throne and Him who is seated on it. The earth and sky fled from Him; there was no place for them. He saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. Books were opened. The book of life was also opened. The dead are judged according to what they had done, as recorded in this book. The sea, death, and Hades gave up their dead and they were judged. Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire, which is the second death. Anyone whose name is not written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.
Lori's Thoughts:
I was wrong. I thought the beast from the last chapter was the devil. The beast is the leader that many will follow instead of God. However, Satan will also be thrown into the sulfur lake, along with the two beasts, that is the leader and the false prophet.
So, for a thousand years, martyrs will be raised back to life and will reign with Christ while Satan is bound. If Satan can't deceive anyone for this time, does that mean that more people can be saved without his interference? I hope so. But, when the devil is let loose, he will deceive as many people as the sand of a seashore. That sucks!
There will be two resurrections and two deaths, aside from those of Jesus. The martyrs will die once and be resurrected once. The rest of the dead will arise in the "second resurrection" (my term), but may die again in the lake of fire. I wonder if this is different than the lake of sulfur? If so, only the dragon and two beasts will be tormented forever. I hope so, because I would not wish eternal torment for any human. Not even to those that have abused me.
Summary:
The Thousand Years
Verses 1-6
John saw an angel descending from heaven, holding the key to the Abyss and a great chain. The angel seized the dragon, the ancient serpent that is the devil, also known as Satan. The dragon was bound for 1,000 years. The angel threw Satan into the Abyss, locking and sealing it so that he could not deceive the nations. He must be set free for a short time afterwards.
John saw thrones on which were seated those given the authority to judge. He saw the souls of those beheaded because of Jesus' testimony and the word of God. They did not worship the beast or his image or receive his mark on their foreheads or hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for 1,000 years. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those involved. The second death has no power over them. They will reign with Christ as priests of God. The rest of the dead will arise afterwards.
Satan's Doom
Verses 7-10
When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released and will deceive the nations in the earth's four corners, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle. He will enlist people as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They marched across the earth and surrounded the camp of God's people, the city that He loves. Fire came down from heaven and devoured them. The devil was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and false prophet were thrown. They will be tormented day and night, forever.
The Dead Are Judged
Verses 11-15
John saw a great white throne and Him who is seated on it. The earth and sky fled from Him; there was no place for them. He saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. Books were opened. The book of life was also opened. The dead are judged according to what they had done, as recorded in this book. The sea, death, and Hades gave up their dead and they were judged. Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire, which is the second death. Anyone whose name is not written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.
Lori's Thoughts:
I was wrong. I thought the beast from the last chapter was the devil. The beast is the leader that many will follow instead of God. However, Satan will also be thrown into the sulfur lake, along with the two beasts, that is the leader and the false prophet.
So, for a thousand years, martyrs will be raised back to life and will reign with Christ while Satan is bound. If Satan can't deceive anyone for this time, does that mean that more people can be saved without his interference? I hope so. But, when the devil is let loose, he will deceive as many people as the sand of a seashore. That sucks!
There will be two resurrections and two deaths, aside from those of Jesus. The martyrs will die once and be resurrected once. The rest of the dead will arise in the "second resurrection" (my term), but may die again in the lake of fire. I wonder if this is different than the lake of sulfur? If so, only the dragon and two beasts will be tormented forever. I hope so, because I would not wish eternal torment for any human. Not even to those that have abused me.
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