Scripture Read:
2 Peter 3
In the Last Days
1My dear friends, this is now the second time I've written to you, both letters reminders to hold your minds in a state of undistracted attention. 2Keep in mind what the holy prophets said, and the command of our Master and Savior that was passed on by your apostles.
3First off, you need to know that in the last days, mockers are going to have a heyday. Reducing everything to the level of their puny feelings, 4they'll mock, "So what's happened to the promise of his Coming? Our ancestors are dead and buried, and everything's going on just as it has from the first day of creation. Nothing's changed."
5They conveniently forget that long ago all the galaxies and this very planet were brought into existence out of watery chaos by God's word. 6Then God's word brought the chaos back in a flood that destroyed the world. 7The current galaxies and earth are fuel for the final fire. God is poised, ready to speak his word again, ready to give the signal for the judgment and destruction of the desecrating skeptics.
The Day the Sky Will Collapse
8Don't overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. 9God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change.
10But when the Day of God's Judgment does come, it will be unannounced, like a thief. The sky will collapse with a thunderous bang, everything disintegrating in a huge conflagration, earth and all its works exposed to the scrutiny of Judgment.
11Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? 12Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day-- 13but we'll hardly notice. We'll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness. 14So, my dear friends, since this is what you have to look forward to, do your very best to be found living at your best, in purity and peace. 15Interpret our Master's patient restraint for what it is: salvation. Our good brother Paul, who was given much wisdom in these matters, 16refers to this in all his letters, and has written you essentially the same thing. Some things Paul writes are difficult to understand. Irresponsible people who don't know what they are talking about twist them every which way. They do it to the rest of the Scriptures, too, destroying themselves as they do it.
17But you, friends, are well-warned. Be on guard lest you lose your footing and get swept off your feet by these lawless and loose-talking teachers. 18Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Glory to the Master, now and forever! Yes!
What it means to me:
Darn Karyn Baker, chapter three does rock my socks off. So were've got to be ready to be mocked. woot persecution! Bring it Satan. My God word is with me and I shall not fall. The mockery will end, oh yes, it will. "God is poised, ready to speak his word again, ready to give the signal for the judgment and destruction of the desecrating skeptics." I love it, so true. But he is very merciful in giving everyone enough time to change, he wants to win back the world. He's God, he loves us so much, he bled and died for us. Now that is love. God isn't late with his promises, your just impatient, God's timing is God's timing, it's perfect, don't forget that. Your reward is coming, still, the day of judgement will come as a surprise, but to those who believe, it will be like nothing has changed, for if you've been living a Christ like life, you have a grasp of what is in store in heaven. Live for today, in the set that it will be your last, because it could be, the day of judegment could come tomorrow. If it does, this blog probably will go unread, but I'm prepared to face that fact. God is patient with his judgement, be glad and use that time to win another for Jesus.
Memory Verse:
"Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life?"
2 Peter 3:11 (Msg)
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Day Twelve and Thirteen
Scripture Read:
2 Peter 1
1I, Simon Peter, am a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. I write this to you whose experience with God is as life-changing as ours, all due to our God's straight dealing and the intervention of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 2Grace and peace to you many times over as you deepen in your experience with God and Jesus, our Master.
Don't Put It Off
3Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! 4We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you--your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust.
5So don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, 6alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, 7warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. 8With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. 9Without these qualities you can't see what's right before you, oblivious that your old sinful life has been wiped off the books.
10So, friends, confirm God's invitation to you, his choice of you. Don't put it off; do it now. Do this, and you'll have your life on a firm footing, 11the streets paved and the way wide open into the eternal kingdom of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The One Light in a Dark Time
12Because the stakes are so high, even though you're up-to-date on all this truth and practice it inside and out, I'm not going to let up for a minute in calling you to attention before it. 13This is the post to which I've been assigned--keeping you alert with frequent reminders--and I'm sticking to it as long as I live. 14I know that I'm to die soon; the Master has made that quite clear to me. 15And so I am especially eager that you have all this down in black and white so that after I die, you'll have it for ready reference.
16We weren't, you know, just wishing on a star when we laid the facts out before you regarding the powerful return of our Master, Jesus Christ. We were there for the preview! We saw it with our own eyes: 17Jesus resplendent with light from God the Father as the voice of Majestic Glory spoke: "This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of all my delight." 18We were there on the holy mountain with him. We heard the voice out of heaven with our very own ears.
19We couldn't be more sure of what we saw and heard--God's glory, God's voice. The prophetic Word was confirmed to us. You'll do well to keep focusing on it. It's the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts. 20The main thing to keep in mind here is that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private opinion. 21And why? Because it's not something concocted in the human heart. Prophecy resulted when the Holy Spirit prompted men and women to speak God's Word.
2 Peter 2
Lying Religious Leaders
1But there were also lying prophets among the people then, just as there will be lying religious teachers among you. They'll smuggle in destructive divisions, pitting you against each other--biting the hand of the One who gave them a chance to have their lives back! They've put themselves on a fast downhill slide to destruction, 2but not before they recruit a crowd of mixed-up followers who can't tell right from wrong.
They give the way of truth a bad name. 3They're only out for themselves. They'll say anything, anything, that sounds good to exploit you. They won't, of course, get by with it. They'll come to a bad end, for God has never just stood by and let that kind of thing go on.
4God didn't let the rebel angels off the hook, but jailed them in hell till Judgment Day. 5Neither did he let the ancient ungodly world off. He wiped it out with a flood, rescuing only eight people--Noah, the sole voice of righteousness, was one of them.
6God decreed destruction for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. A mound of ashes was all that was left--grim warning to anyone bent on an ungodly life. 7But that good man Lot, driven nearly out of his mind by the sexual filth and perversity, was rescued. 8Surrounded by moral rot day after day after day, that righteous man was in constant torment.
9So God knows how to rescue the godly from evil trials. And he knows how to hold the feet of the wicked to the fire until Judgment Day.
Predators on the Prowl
10God is especially incensed against these "teachers" who live by lust, addicted to a filthy existence. They despise interference from true authority, preferring to indulge in self-rule. Insolent egotists, they don't hesitate to speak evil against the most splendid of creatures. 11Even angels, their superiors in every way, wouldn't think of throwing their weight around like that, trying to slander others before God.
12These people are nothing but brute beasts, born in the wild, predators on the prowl. In the very act of bringing down others with their ignorant blasphemies, they themselves will be brought down, losers in the end. 13Their evil will boomerang on them. They're so despicable and addicted to pleasure that they indulge in wild parties, carousing in broad daylight. 14They're obsessed with adultery, compulsive in sin, seducing every vulnerable soul they come upon. Their specialty is greed, and they're experts at it. Dead souls!
15They've left the main road and are directionless, having taken the way of Balaam, son of Beor, the prophet who turned profiteer, a connoisseur of evil. 16But Balaam was stopped in his wayward tracks: A dumb animal spoke in a human voice and prevented the prophet's craziness.
17There's nothing to these people--they're dried-up fountains, storm-scattered clouds, headed for a black hole in hell. 18They are loudmouths, full of hot air, but still they're dangerous. Men and women who have recently escaped from a deviant life are most susceptible to their brand of seduction. 19They promise these newcomers freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption, for if they're addicted to corruption--and they are--they're enslaved.
20If they've escaped from the slum of sin by experiencing our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ, and then slid back into that same old life again, they're worse than if they had never left. 21Better not to have started out on the straight road to God than to start out and then turn back, repudiating the experience and the holy command. 22They prove the point of the proverbs, "A dog goes back to its own vomit," and, "A scrubbed-up pig heads for the mud."
What it means to me:
Don't procrastinate in developing the gifts God has given you. Peter lists a bunch of other stuff we can develop to have a stronger relationship with our Master. From faith, to sharing our wisdom to others through teaching, God wants to develop the skills we have been given not just for him, but also to help the body of believers. You will reap what you sow afterall. Look to Jesus in the darkest times and you will find peace. He will help you in times of trouble. I'm not saying he's going to make all your problems disappear, no in fact most of out circumstances are needed in order to shape us more like Christ. What I'm saying is, turn to Christ and he will show you how to succeed. The prophetic words you hear, and you will hear prophetic words, trust me, there an example of the first part of this chapter. Where we should teach others the wisdom we've been given, well the prophetic words you hear, can help other believers, don't be selfish, share what God has laid on your heart with your family. I love 1st and 2nd Peter, because it assures me of what waits in heaven, what I should look out for on earth, and what I should be doing while I wait for my reward.
Memory Verses:
"So, friends, confirm God's invitation to you, his choice of you. Don't put it off; do it now. Do this, and you'll have your life on a firm footing, "
2 Peter 1:10 (Msg)
"It would be better if they had never known the right way to live than to know it and then reject the holy commandments that were given to them."
2 Peter 2:21 (NLT)
2 Peter 1
1I, Simon Peter, am a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. I write this to you whose experience with God is as life-changing as ours, all due to our God's straight dealing and the intervention of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 2Grace and peace to you many times over as you deepen in your experience with God and Jesus, our Master.
Don't Put It Off
3Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! 4We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you--your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust.
5So don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, 6alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, 7warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. 8With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. 9Without these qualities you can't see what's right before you, oblivious that your old sinful life has been wiped off the books.
10So, friends, confirm God's invitation to you, his choice of you. Don't put it off; do it now. Do this, and you'll have your life on a firm footing, 11the streets paved and the way wide open into the eternal kingdom of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The One Light in a Dark Time
12Because the stakes are so high, even though you're up-to-date on all this truth and practice it inside and out, I'm not going to let up for a minute in calling you to attention before it. 13This is the post to which I've been assigned--keeping you alert with frequent reminders--and I'm sticking to it as long as I live. 14I know that I'm to die soon; the Master has made that quite clear to me. 15And so I am especially eager that you have all this down in black and white so that after I die, you'll have it for ready reference.
16We weren't, you know, just wishing on a star when we laid the facts out before you regarding the powerful return of our Master, Jesus Christ. We were there for the preview! We saw it with our own eyes: 17Jesus resplendent with light from God the Father as the voice of Majestic Glory spoke: "This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of all my delight." 18We were there on the holy mountain with him. We heard the voice out of heaven with our very own ears.
19We couldn't be more sure of what we saw and heard--God's glory, God's voice. The prophetic Word was confirmed to us. You'll do well to keep focusing on it. It's the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts. 20The main thing to keep in mind here is that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private opinion. 21And why? Because it's not something concocted in the human heart. Prophecy resulted when the Holy Spirit prompted men and women to speak God's Word.
2 Peter 2
Lying Religious Leaders
1But there were also lying prophets among the people then, just as there will be lying religious teachers among you. They'll smuggle in destructive divisions, pitting you against each other--biting the hand of the One who gave them a chance to have their lives back! They've put themselves on a fast downhill slide to destruction, 2but not before they recruit a crowd of mixed-up followers who can't tell right from wrong.
They give the way of truth a bad name. 3They're only out for themselves. They'll say anything, anything, that sounds good to exploit you. They won't, of course, get by with it. They'll come to a bad end, for God has never just stood by and let that kind of thing go on.
4God didn't let the rebel angels off the hook, but jailed them in hell till Judgment Day. 5Neither did he let the ancient ungodly world off. He wiped it out with a flood, rescuing only eight people--Noah, the sole voice of righteousness, was one of them.
6God decreed destruction for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. A mound of ashes was all that was left--grim warning to anyone bent on an ungodly life. 7But that good man Lot, driven nearly out of his mind by the sexual filth and perversity, was rescued. 8Surrounded by moral rot day after day after day, that righteous man was in constant torment.
9So God knows how to rescue the godly from evil trials. And he knows how to hold the feet of the wicked to the fire until Judgment Day.
Predators on the Prowl
10God is especially incensed against these "teachers" who live by lust, addicted to a filthy existence. They despise interference from true authority, preferring to indulge in self-rule. Insolent egotists, they don't hesitate to speak evil against the most splendid of creatures. 11Even angels, their superiors in every way, wouldn't think of throwing their weight around like that, trying to slander others before God.
12These people are nothing but brute beasts, born in the wild, predators on the prowl. In the very act of bringing down others with their ignorant blasphemies, they themselves will be brought down, losers in the end. 13Their evil will boomerang on them. They're so despicable and addicted to pleasure that they indulge in wild parties, carousing in broad daylight. 14They're obsessed with adultery, compulsive in sin, seducing every vulnerable soul they come upon. Their specialty is greed, and they're experts at it. Dead souls!
15They've left the main road and are directionless, having taken the way of Balaam, son of Beor, the prophet who turned profiteer, a connoisseur of evil. 16But Balaam was stopped in his wayward tracks: A dumb animal spoke in a human voice and prevented the prophet's craziness.
17There's nothing to these people--they're dried-up fountains, storm-scattered clouds, headed for a black hole in hell. 18They are loudmouths, full of hot air, but still they're dangerous. Men and women who have recently escaped from a deviant life are most susceptible to their brand of seduction. 19They promise these newcomers freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption, for if they're addicted to corruption--and they are--they're enslaved.
20If they've escaped from the slum of sin by experiencing our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ, and then slid back into that same old life again, they're worse than if they had never left. 21Better not to have started out on the straight road to God than to start out and then turn back, repudiating the experience and the holy command. 22They prove the point of the proverbs, "A dog goes back to its own vomit," and, "A scrubbed-up pig heads for the mud."
What it means to me:
Don't procrastinate in developing the gifts God has given you. Peter lists a bunch of other stuff we can develop to have a stronger relationship with our Master. From faith, to sharing our wisdom to others through teaching, God wants to develop the skills we have been given not just for him, but also to help the body of believers. You will reap what you sow afterall. Look to Jesus in the darkest times and you will find peace. He will help you in times of trouble. I'm not saying he's going to make all your problems disappear, no in fact most of out circumstances are needed in order to shape us more like Christ. What I'm saying is, turn to Christ and he will show you how to succeed. The prophetic words you hear, and you will hear prophetic words, trust me, there an example of the first part of this chapter. Where we should teach others the wisdom we've been given, well the prophetic words you hear, can help other believers, don't be selfish, share what God has laid on your heart with your family. I love 1st and 2nd Peter, because it assures me of what waits in heaven, what I should look out for on earth, and what I should be doing while I wait for my reward.
Memory Verses:
"So, friends, confirm God's invitation to you, his choice of you. Don't put it off; do it now. Do this, and you'll have your life on a firm footing, "
2 Peter 1:10 (Msg)
"It would be better if they had never known the right way to live than to know it and then reject the holy commandments that were given to them."
2 Peter 2:21 (NLT)
Day Eleven
Scripture Read:
1 Peter 5
He'll Promote You at the Right Time
1I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it's like to be a leader, in on Christ's sufferings as well as the coming glory. 2Here's my concern: that you care for God's flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously.[ 3Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.
4When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he'll see that you've done it right and commend you lavishly. 5And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for--
God has had it with the proud,
But takes delight in just plain people.
6So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. 7Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
He Gets the Last Word
8Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. 9Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. 10The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ--eternal and glorious plans they are!-will have you put together and on your feet for good. 11He gets the last word; yes, he does.
12I'm sending this brief letter to you by Silas, a most dependable brother. I have the highest regard for him.
I've written as urgently and accurately as I know how. This is God's generous truth; embrace it with both arms!
13The church in exile here with me--but not for a moment forgotten by God--wants to be remembered to you. Mark, who is like a son to me, says hello. 14Give holy embraces all around! Peace to you--to all who walk in Christ's ways.
What it means to me:
To those who lead, lead not because of pride, but lead to bring God pleasure. To me leading involves not just leading others, but being able to be led by others. To be a strong leader you need both, not just one or the other. If you read the NIV translation of this passage, it talks about how the old are the leaders and the young are the followers, but I think the age is really applying to your growth in God. How wise you are. I mean some of the best leaders I know aren't even 20. Leaders don't lead because you have to ( you signed up to lead, and your just doing it every week due to routine) but do it for God. Also to those who are learning still, follow your leaders, it will prepare you for the future. Both thou, do not be proud, take delight in the ordinary people, for we are all sinners aren't we? Don't make your leaders idols, for then we are placing people above God. Nor should leaders boast in their skills, for without God, they would not have the wisdom they use in theire teaching. Be always on guard, remember to apply what your taught to your life, because the enemy attacks when we are most vulnerable. Don't be selfish when going through trials either, for you should know that your brothers and sisters are going through the same trials across the distant land.
Remember the suffering will end, so persevere through the trials and your reward in heaven will be great.
I noticed that through this book, perserverance comes up alot, b/c the trials we face shape us to become more like Christ, that is, if we perservere through them with a Christ like mind.
Memory Verse:
"Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you."
1 Peter 5:7 (Msg)
Sorry I took so long to update, I'll try to stop procrastinating these things. Also I had to seperate this from the other days, b/c it finishes off 1 Peter, and the other two go into my next scripture. I was busy on Thursday and time got away from me. I'm sorry to all those who read these, if there are any who actually do.
-Brent
1 Peter 5
He'll Promote You at the Right Time
1I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it's like to be a leader, in on Christ's sufferings as well as the coming glory. 2Here's my concern: that you care for God's flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously.[ 3Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.
4When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he'll see that you've done it right and commend you lavishly. 5And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for--
God has had it with the proud,
But takes delight in just plain people.
6So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. 7Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
He Gets the Last Word
8Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. 9Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. 10The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ--eternal and glorious plans they are!-will have you put together and on your feet for good. 11He gets the last word; yes, he does.
12I'm sending this brief letter to you by Silas, a most dependable brother. I have the highest regard for him.
I've written as urgently and accurately as I know how. This is God's generous truth; embrace it with both arms!
13The church in exile here with me--but not for a moment forgotten by God--wants to be remembered to you. Mark, who is like a son to me, says hello. 14Give holy embraces all around! Peace to you--to all who walk in Christ's ways.
What it means to me:
To those who lead, lead not because of pride, but lead to bring God pleasure. To me leading involves not just leading others, but being able to be led by others. To be a strong leader you need both, not just one or the other. If you read the NIV translation of this passage, it talks about how the old are the leaders and the young are the followers, but I think the age is really applying to your growth in God. How wise you are. I mean some of the best leaders I know aren't even 20. Leaders don't lead because you have to ( you signed up to lead, and your just doing it every week due to routine) but do it for God. Also to those who are learning still, follow your leaders, it will prepare you for the future. Both thou, do not be proud, take delight in the ordinary people, for we are all sinners aren't we? Don't make your leaders idols, for then we are placing people above God. Nor should leaders boast in their skills, for without God, they would not have the wisdom they use in theire teaching. Be always on guard, remember to apply what your taught to your life, because the enemy attacks when we are most vulnerable. Don't be selfish when going through trials either, for you should know that your brothers and sisters are going through the same trials across the distant land.
Remember the suffering will end, so persevere through the trials and your reward in heaven will be great.
I noticed that through this book, perserverance comes up alot, b/c the trials we face shape us to become more like Christ, that is, if we perservere through them with a Christ like mind.
Memory Verse:
"Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you."
1 Peter 5:7 (Msg)
Sorry I took so long to update, I'll try to stop procrastinating these things. Also I had to seperate this from the other days, b/c it finishes off 1 Peter, and the other two go into my next scripture. I was busy on Thursday and time got away from me. I'm sorry to all those who read these, if there are any who actually do.
-Brent
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Day Eight, Nine and Ten
Scripture Read:
1 Peter 2
1So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. 2Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God's pure kindness. Then you'll grow up mature and whole in God.
3You've had a taste of God.
The Stone 4Welcome to the living Stone, the source of life. The workmen took one look and threw it out; God set it in the place of honor. 5Present yourselves as building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in which you'll serve as holy priests offering Christ-approved lives up to God. 6The Scriptures provide precedent:
Look! I'm setting a stone in Zion,
a cornerstone in the place of honor.
Whoever trusts in this stone as a foundation
will never have cause to regret it.
7To you who trust him, he's a Stone to be proud of, but to those who refuse to trust him,
The stone the workmen threw out
is now the chief foundation stone.
8For the untrusting it's
. . . a stone to trip over,
a boulder blocking the way.
They trip and fall because they refuse to obey, just as predicted.
9But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you-- 10from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted. 11Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. 12Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they'll be won over to God's side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives.
13Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; 14they are God's emissaries for keeping order. 15It is God's will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you're a danger to society. 16Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. 17Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.
The Kind of Life He Lived 18You who are servants, be good servants to your masters--not just to good masters, but also to bad ones. 19What counts is that you put up with it for God's sake when you're treated badly for no good reason. 20There's no particular virtue in accepting punishment that you well deserve. But if you're treated badly for good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God.
21This is the kind of life you've been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step.
22He never did one thing wrong,
Not once said anything amiss.
23They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. 24He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. 25You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you're named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.
CULTIVATE INNER BEAUTY
1 Peter 3 1The same goes for you wives: Be good wives to your husbands, responsive to their needs. There are husbands who, indifferent as they are to any words about God, will be captivated 2by your life of holy beauty. 3What matters is not your outer appearance--the styling of your hair, the jewelry you wear, the cut of your clothes-- 4but your inner disposition.
Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in. 5The holy women of old were beautiful before God that way, and were good, loyal wives to their husbands. 6Sarah, for instance, taking care of Abraham, would address him as "my dear husband." You'll be true daughters of Sarah if you do the same, unanxious and unintimidated.
7The same goes for you husbands: Be good husbands to your wives. Honor them, delight in them. As women they lack some of your advantages. But in the new life of God's grace, you're equals. Treat your wives, then, as equals so your prayers don't run aground.
Suffering for Doing Good 8Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. 9That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless--that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing.
10Whoever wants to embrace life
and see the day fill up with good,
Here's what you do:
Say nothing evil or hurtful;
11Snub evil and cultivate good;
run after peace for all you're worth.
12God looks on all this with approval,
listening and responding well to what he's asked;
But he turns his back
on those who do evil things.
13If with heart and soul you're doing good, do you think you can be stopped? 14Even if you suffer for it, you're still better off. Don't give the opposition a second thought. 15Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. 16Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They'll end up realizing that they're the ones who need a bath. 17It's better to suffer for doing good, if that's what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad. 18That's what Christ did definitively: suffered because of others' sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all--was put to death and then made alive--to bring us to God.
19He went and proclaimed God's salvation to earlier generations who ended up in the prison of judgment 20because they wouldn't listen. You know, even though God waited patiently all the days that Noah built his ship, only a few were saved then, eight to be exact--saved from the water by the water. 21The waters of baptism do that for you, not by washing away dirt from your skin but by presenting you through Jesus' resurrection before God with a clear conscience. 22Jesus has the last word on everything and everyone, from angels to armies. He's standing right alongside God, and what he says goes.
1 Peter 4
Learn to Think Like Him 1Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. 2Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.
3You've already put in your time in that God-ignorant way of life, partying night after night, a drunken and profligate life. Now it's time to be done with it for good. 4Of course, your old friends don't understand why you don't join in with the old gang anymore. But you don't have to give an account to them. 5They're the ones who will be called on the carpet--and before God himself.
6Listen to the Message. It was preached to those believers who are now dead, and yet even though they died (just as all people must), they will still get in on the life that God has given in Jesus.
7Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. 8Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. 9Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless--cheerfully. 10Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: 11if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything--encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
Glory Just Around the Corner 12Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. 13Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
14If you're abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It's the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. 15If they're on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that's a different matter. 16But if it's because you're a Christian, don't give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!
17It's judgment time for Christians. We're first in line. If it starts with us, think what it's going to be like for those who refuse God's Message!
18If good people barely make it,
What's in store for the bad?
19So if you find life difficult because you're doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he's doing, and he'll keep on doing it.
What it means to me:
1 Peter 2
1So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. 2Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God's pure kindness. Then you'll grow up mature and whole in God.
3You've had a taste of God.
The Stone 4Welcome to the living Stone, the source of life. The workmen took one look and threw it out; God set it in the place of honor. 5Present yourselves as building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in which you'll serve as holy priests offering Christ-approved lives up to God. 6The Scriptures provide precedent:
Look! I'm setting a stone in Zion,
a cornerstone in the place of honor.
Whoever trusts in this stone as a foundation
will never have cause to regret it.
7To you who trust him, he's a Stone to be proud of, but to those who refuse to trust him,
The stone the workmen threw out
is now the chief foundation stone.
8For the untrusting it's
. . . a stone to trip over,
a boulder blocking the way.
They trip and fall because they refuse to obey, just as predicted.
9But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you-- 10from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted. 11Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. 12Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they'll be won over to God's side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives.
13Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; 14they are God's emissaries for keeping order. 15It is God's will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you're a danger to society. 16Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. 17Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.
The Kind of Life He Lived 18You who are servants, be good servants to your masters--not just to good masters, but also to bad ones. 19What counts is that you put up with it for God's sake when you're treated badly for no good reason. 20There's no particular virtue in accepting punishment that you well deserve. But if you're treated badly for good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God.
21This is the kind of life you've been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step.
22He never did one thing wrong,
Not once said anything amiss.
23They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. 24He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. 25You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you're named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.
CULTIVATE INNER BEAUTY
1 Peter 3 1The same goes for you wives: Be good wives to your husbands, responsive to their needs. There are husbands who, indifferent as they are to any words about God, will be captivated 2by your life of holy beauty. 3What matters is not your outer appearance--the styling of your hair, the jewelry you wear, the cut of your clothes-- 4but your inner disposition.
Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in. 5The holy women of old were beautiful before God that way, and were good, loyal wives to their husbands. 6Sarah, for instance, taking care of Abraham, would address him as "my dear husband." You'll be true daughters of Sarah if you do the same, unanxious and unintimidated.
7The same goes for you husbands: Be good husbands to your wives. Honor them, delight in them. As women they lack some of your advantages. But in the new life of God's grace, you're equals. Treat your wives, then, as equals so your prayers don't run aground.
Suffering for Doing Good 8Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. 9That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless--that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing.
10Whoever wants to embrace life
and see the day fill up with good,
Here's what you do:
Say nothing evil or hurtful;
11Snub evil and cultivate good;
run after peace for all you're worth.
12God looks on all this with approval,
listening and responding well to what he's asked;
But he turns his back
on those who do evil things.
13If with heart and soul you're doing good, do you think you can be stopped? 14Even if you suffer for it, you're still better off. Don't give the opposition a second thought. 15Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. 16Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They'll end up realizing that they're the ones who need a bath. 17It's better to suffer for doing good, if that's what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad. 18That's what Christ did definitively: suffered because of others' sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all--was put to death and then made alive--to bring us to God.
19He went and proclaimed God's salvation to earlier generations who ended up in the prison of judgment 20because they wouldn't listen. You know, even though God waited patiently all the days that Noah built his ship, only a few were saved then, eight to be exact--saved from the water by the water. 21The waters of baptism do that for you, not by washing away dirt from your skin but by presenting you through Jesus' resurrection before God with a clear conscience. 22Jesus has the last word on everything and everyone, from angels to armies. He's standing right alongside God, and what he says goes.
1 Peter 4
Learn to Think Like Him 1Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. 2Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.
3You've already put in your time in that God-ignorant way of life, partying night after night, a drunken and profligate life. Now it's time to be done with it for good. 4Of course, your old friends don't understand why you don't join in with the old gang anymore. But you don't have to give an account to them. 5They're the ones who will be called on the carpet--and before God himself.
6Listen to the Message. It was preached to those believers who are now dead, and yet even though they died (just as all people must), they will still get in on the life that God has given in Jesus.
7Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. 8Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. 9Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless--cheerfully. 10Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: 11if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything--encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
Glory Just Around the Corner 12Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. 13Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
14If you're abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It's the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. 15If they're on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that's a different matter. 16But if it's because you're a Christian, don't give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!
17It's judgment time for Christians. We're first in line. If it starts with us, think what it's going to be like for those who refuse God's Message!
18If good people barely make it,
What's in store for the bad?
19So if you find life difficult because you're doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he's doing, and he'll keep on doing it.
What it means to me:
Man I love these passages, its kinda good that I put off this for three days so I could get the whole picture of these three chapters.
You have God, good for you, now clean out any unholy thing in his temple ( we are temples for God), and use it to glorify God. We won't stumble if we obey God's will, and that is the whole analogy behing the stone. Were chosen to preach the word of God, I mean who else is going to do it, certainatly not the buddhists. God will use us in many ways, don't get cozy to this world and God's use for you in it. You will die, it's a scientific fact is it not? Don't give into earthy desires for they just interfere with the high goal God has for you, preparing you for his kingdom. Instead we are suppose to live along side everyone in this world. We have to get along with them, even if they don't get along with us. Our lives can evanglise to them, so it is always important we are always doing everything for God, so he shines through us. Respect not just your heavenly master, but respect earthly authorities. God has put them there to keep order for the time being, if you obey you can cure the ignorance of the world who think your a danger to society. Excersise your freedom by serving God, not breaking the rules. I love that part. Love everyone, respect the governement. Perservere with love even to those who beat you, or treat you bad for no reason. Look at Jesus, he was killed with no just caused and he never raised a hand to his enemies, he never sinned through all the pain he endured, and for what, to reconnect us with our heavenly father, I think we should be doing all we can for this guy, and acting like him is a good way to start.
Get rid of your old habits that would make you attached to this world and live for God alone.
Memory Verses:
"Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. "
1 Peter 2:11(Msg)
"It's better to suffer for doing good, if that's what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad."
1 Peter 3:17(Msg)
"Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it:"
1 Peter 4:10(Msg)
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Day Seven
Passage Read:
1 Peter 1
1I, Peter, am an apostle on assignment by Jesus, the Messiah, writing to exiles scattered to the four winds. Not one is missing, not one forgotten. 2God the Father has his eye on each of you, and has determined by the work of the Spirit to keep you obedient through the sacrifice of Jesus. May everything good from God be yours!
A New Life 3What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, 4including a future in heaven--and the future starts now! 5God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you'll have it all--life healed and whole.
6I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. 7Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.
8You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don't see him, yet you trust him--with laughter and singing. 9Because you kept on believing, you'll get what you're looking forward to: total salvation.
10The prophets who told us this was coming asked a lot of questions about this gift of life God was preparing. 11The Messiah's Spirit let them in on some of it--that the Messiah would experience suffering, followed by glory. They clamored to know who and when. 12All they were told was that they were serving you, you who by orders from heaven have now heard for yourselves--through the Holy Spirit--the Message of those prophecies fulfilled. Do you realize how fortunate you are? Angels would have given anything to be in on this!
A Future in God 13So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that's coming when Jesus arrives. 14Don't lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn't know any better then; you do now. 15As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. 16God said, "I am holy; you be holy."
17You call out to God for help and he helps--he's a good Father that way. But don't forget, he's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living.
Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. 18It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. 19He paid with Christ's sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. 20And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately--at the end of the ages--become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. 21It's because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God.
22Now that you've cleaned up your lives by following the truth, love one another as if your lives depended on it. 23Your new life is not like your old life. Your old birth came from mortal sperm; your new birth comes from God's living Word. Just think: a life conceived by God himself! 24That's why the prophet said,
The old life is a grass life,
its beauty as short-lived as wildflowers;
Grass dries up, flowers droop,
25God's Word goes on and on forever.
This is the Word that conceived the new life in you.
1 Peter 1
1I, Peter, am an apostle on assignment by Jesus, the Messiah, writing to exiles scattered to the four winds. Not one is missing, not one forgotten. 2God the Father has his eye on each of you, and has determined by the work of the Spirit to keep you obedient through the sacrifice of Jesus. May everything good from God be yours!
A New Life 3What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, 4including a future in heaven--and the future starts now! 5God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you'll have it all--life healed and whole.
6I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. 7Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.
8You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don't see him, yet you trust him--with laughter and singing. 9Because you kept on believing, you'll get what you're looking forward to: total salvation.
10The prophets who told us this was coming asked a lot of questions about this gift of life God was preparing. 11The Messiah's Spirit let them in on some of it--that the Messiah would experience suffering, followed by glory. They clamored to know who and when. 12All they were told was that they were serving you, you who by orders from heaven have now heard for yourselves--through the Holy Spirit--the Message of those prophecies fulfilled. Do you realize how fortunate you are? Angels would have given anything to be in on this!
A Future in God 13So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that's coming when Jesus arrives. 14Don't lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn't know any better then; you do now. 15As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. 16God said, "I am holy; you be holy."
17You call out to God for help and he helps--he's a good Father that way. But don't forget, he's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living.
Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. 18It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. 19He paid with Christ's sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. 20And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately--at the end of the ages--become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. 21It's because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God.
22Now that you've cleaned up your lives by following the truth, love one another as if your lives depended on it. 23Your new life is not like your old life. Your old birth came from mortal sperm; your new birth comes from God's living Word. Just think: a life conceived by God himself! 24That's why the prophet said,
The old life is a grass life,
its beauty as short-lived as wildflowers;
Grass dries up, flowers droop,
25God's Word goes on and on forever.
This is the Word that conceived the new life in you.
What this means to me:
God's always watching us, which is a good thing isn't it, it means we can call out for help when in a difficult situtation and he'll be right there for us, sorta like when your having a nightmare and you wake up screaming your parents rush into your room to see what's wrong, even though they already know that you had a nightmare. So Paul acknowledges that God is so great for giving us this new life in Christ. He's 100% right you know, God could have given up on mankind as soon as we sinned, but he found a way to bring us back into his court. Through his son Christ Jesus. I can't wait until the day when I'm taking into heaven, we always think to the future about that day don't we? Well Paul address a really interesting point, the future is now. The day when you'll have your full reward is coming, but God is watching us in the here and now, and preparing us for heaven. We need to persevere for the trials to come. Most outside the body of Christ think, we have it all, that are lives are all rosey. While it's true that Christians in the western world arn't persecuted as much as those maytr's in some of the countries in the east and the middle eastern part of the world, we still face many problems. So we are told to perservere through them right? Ok good. You are blessed for believing with your faith. Do you ever question if you truely think God is real. Well I once prayed to God to ask him if I truely believed he was real and you know what he said? "If you had doubts I wasn't real, then would you be talking to me right now?" Ya, my God has a sense of humor but I've never forgot that lesson. You have faith in God when you pray, worship, and teach about him. Heck you have to have some faith to even stand learning about him and taking it to heart right? Paul commends those who believe what they have not witnessed, he was a witness and he had a hard time believing sometimes, and look you have never seen Jesus in flesh yet, you believe. Now that's faith. Paul warns us to be ready to recieve the gifts, don't make your heart like stone to Jesus. Instead surrender your life to God every moment of the day so his plan, his purpose for your life at that very moment can be fulfilled. Don't be lazy and conform to society and pretend everything is hunky dory, thats the easy way out. Live for God instead, you'll be doing it in heaven, you might as well practice now. Obey God's plan for your life instead of living for your own desires. 1 Peter 4:2 says, "As a result he no longer lives for evil human desires but for the will of God". Don't worry I memorized it, it doesn't count as my memory verse if I've already memorized it right? If you need help ask for and God will help, but remember God won't let you get away with sloppy work, if he provides you a way out of your problem he expects you to follow it 100% of the way, not call it quits at 85%. Remember how much God sacrificed to get you out of sin, don't you think all your time and effort is small favor to do for I guy who bled and died for your pain and suffering. He died, so you could Live. He knew in advance that you would screw up, so he planned for Jesus to fix your problem. Your life is changed, you can't ever go back to being obvious anymore, if you try your just ignoring the greatest sacrifice ever made. It's like someone buying you a new car because you desperatly needed one, and you selling it. No worse you trashed it and didn't even care. You want to embrace your new life? Good start by being in the word, and I mean everyday, heck if you can pull that off for a year, try once every 12 hours, then try once every single moment you can. Every other moment you can spend with the Master talking about what you've read or how his creation is doing with a great gift you were given at birth. Life, and how your going to work towards the greater gift to come, eternal life.
So I'm going to read all of 1 Peter in the coming days, I encourage you to read along with me. 5 minutes a day is all it takes to read a chapter in this book, and its a small favor you honestly owe to God for taking away your eternal death.
Memory verse:
"Your new life is not like your old life. Your old birth came from mortal sperm; your new birth comes from God's living Word. Just think: a life conceived by God himself!"
1 Peter 1:23
This one is going to be a doozy to remember.
-Brent
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Day Five and Six
Passage Read:
Psalm 119
91Your Word and truth are dependable as ever;
that's what you ordered--you set the earth going.
92If your revelation hadn't delighted me so,
I would have given up when the hard times came.
93But I'll never forget the advice you gave me;
you saved my life with those wise words.
94Save me! I'm all yours.
I look high and low for your words of wisdom.
95The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me,
but I'm only concerned with your plans for me.
96I see the limits to everything human,
but the horizons can't contain your commands! 97Oh, how I love all you've revealed;
I reverently ponder it all the day long.
98Your commands give me an edge on my enemies;
they never become obsolete.
99I've even become smarter than my teachers
since I've pondered and absorbed your counsel.
100I've become wiser than the wise old sages
simply by doing what you tell me.
101I watch my step, avoiding the ditches and ruts of evil
so I can spend all my time keeping your Word.
102I never make detours from the route you laid out;
you gave me such good directions.
103Your words are so choice, so tasty;
I prefer them to the best home cooking.
104With your instruction, I understand life;
that's why I hate false propaganda. 105By your words I can see where I'm going;
they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
106I've committed myself and I'll never turn back
from living by your righteous order.
107Everything's falling apart on me, GOD;
put me together again with your Word.
108Festoon me with your finest sayings, GOD;
teach me your holy rules.
109My life is as close as my own hands,
but I don't forget what you have revealed.
110The wicked do their best to throw me off track,
but I don't swerve an inch from your course.
111I inherited your book on living; it's mine forever--
what a gift! And how happy it makes me!
112I concentrate on doing exactly what you say--
I always have and always will. 113I hate the two-faced,
but I love your clear-cut revelation.
114You're my place of quiet retreat;
I wait for your Word to renew me.
115Get out of my life, evildoers,
so I can keep my God's commands.
116Take my side as you promised; I'll live then for sure.
Don't disappoint all my grand hopes.
117Stick with me and I'll be all right;
I'll give total allegiance to your definitions of life.
118Expose all who drift away from your sayings;
their casual idolatry is lethal.
119You reject earth's wicked as so much rubbish;
therefore I lovingly embrace everything you say.
120I shiver in awe before you;
your decisions leave me speechless with reverence. 121I stood up for justice and the right;
don't leave me to the mercy of my oppressors.
122Take the side of your servant, good God;
don't let the godless take advantage of me.
123I can't keep my eyes open any longer, waiting for you
to keep your promise to set everything right.
124Let your love dictate how you deal with me;
teach me from your textbook on life.
125I'm your servant--help me understand what that means,
the inner meaning of your instructions.
126It's time to act, GOD;
they've made a shambles of your revelation!
127Yea-Saying God, I love what you command,
I love it better than gold and gemstones;
128Yea-Saying God, I honor everything you tell me,
I despise every deceitful detour. 129Every word you give me is a miracle word--
how could I help but obey?
130Break open your words, let the light shine out,
let ordinary people see the meaning.
131Mouth open and panting,
I wanted your commands more than anything.
132Turn my way, look kindly on me,
as you always do to those who personally love you.
133Steady my steps with your Word of promise
so nothing malign gets the better of me.
134Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women
so I can live life your way.
135Smile on me, your servant;
teach me the right way to live.
136I cry rivers of tears
because nobody's living by your book! 137You are right and you do right, GOD;
your decisions are right on target.
138You rightly instruct us in how to live
ever faithful to you.
139My rivals nearly did me in,
they persistently ignored your commandments.
140Your promise has been tested through and through,
and I, your servant, love it dearly.
141I'm too young to be important,
but I don't forget what you tell me.
142Your righteousness is eternally right,
your revelation is the only truth.
143Even though troubles came down on me hard,
your commands always gave me delight.
144The way you tell me to live is always right;
help me understand it so I can live to the fullest. 145I call out at the top of my lungs,
"GOD! Answer! I'll do whatever you say."
146I called to you, "Save me
so I can carry out all your instructions."
147I was up before sunrise,
crying for help, hoping for a word from you.
148I stayed awake all night,
prayerfully pondering your promise.
149In your love, listen to me;
in your justice, GOD, keep me alive.
150As those out to get me come closer and closer,
they go farther and farther from the truth you reveal;
151But you're the closest of all to me, GOD,
and all your judgments true.
152I've known all along from the evidence of your words
that you meant them to last forever. 153Take a good look at my trouble, and help me--
I haven't forgotten your revelation.
154Take my side and get me out of this;
give me back my life, just as you promised.
155"Salvation" is only gibberish to the wicked
because they've never looked it up in your dictionary.
156Your mercies, GOD, run into the billions;
following your guidelines, revive me.
157My antagonists are too many to count,
but I don't swerve from the directions you gave.
158I took one look at the quitters and was filled with loathing;
they walked away from your promises so casually!
159Take note of how I love what you tell me;
out of your life of love, prolong my life.
160Your words all add up to the sum total: Truth.
Your righteous decisions are eternal. 161I've been slandered unmercifully by the politicians,
but my awe at your words keeps me stable.
162I'm ecstatic over what you say,
like one who strikes it rich.
163I hate lies--can't stand them!-
but I love what you have revealed.
164Seven times each day I stop and shout praises
for the way you keep everything running right.
165For those who love what you reveal, everything fits--
no stumbling around in the dark for them.
166I wait expectantly for your salvation;
GOD, I do what you tell me.
167My soul guards and keeps all your instructions--
oh, how much I love them!
168I follow your directions, abide by your counsel;
my life's an open book before you. 169Let my cry come right into your presence, GOD;
provide me with the insight that comes only from your Word.
170Give my request your personal attention,
rescue me on the terms of your promise.
171Let praise cascade off my lips;
after all, you've taught me the truth about life!
172And let your promises ring from my tongue;
every order you've given is right.
173Put your hand out and steady me
since I've chosen to live by your counsel.
174I'm homesick, GOD, for your salvation;
I love it when you show yourself!
175Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well,
use your decrees to put iron in my soul.
176And should I wander off like a lost sheep--seek me!
I'll recognize the sound of your voice.
Psalm 119
91Your Word and truth are dependable as ever;
that's what you ordered--you set the earth going.
92If your revelation hadn't delighted me so,
I would have given up when the hard times came.
93But I'll never forget the advice you gave me;
you saved my life with those wise words.
94Save me! I'm all yours.
I look high and low for your words of wisdom.
95The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me,
but I'm only concerned with your plans for me.
96I see the limits to everything human,
but the horizons can't contain your commands! 97Oh, how I love all you've revealed;
I reverently ponder it all the day long.
98Your commands give me an edge on my enemies;
they never become obsolete.
99I've even become smarter than my teachers
since I've pondered and absorbed your counsel.
100I've become wiser than the wise old sages
simply by doing what you tell me.
101I watch my step, avoiding the ditches and ruts of evil
so I can spend all my time keeping your Word.
102I never make detours from the route you laid out;
you gave me such good directions.
103Your words are so choice, so tasty;
I prefer them to the best home cooking.
104With your instruction, I understand life;
that's why I hate false propaganda. 105By your words I can see where I'm going;
they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
106I've committed myself and I'll never turn back
from living by your righteous order.
107Everything's falling apart on me, GOD;
put me together again with your Word.
108Festoon me with your finest sayings, GOD;
teach me your holy rules.
109My life is as close as my own hands,
but I don't forget what you have revealed.
110The wicked do their best to throw me off track,
but I don't swerve an inch from your course.
111I inherited your book on living; it's mine forever--
what a gift! And how happy it makes me!
112I concentrate on doing exactly what you say--
I always have and always will. 113I hate the two-faced,
but I love your clear-cut revelation.
114You're my place of quiet retreat;
I wait for your Word to renew me.
115Get out of my life, evildoers,
so I can keep my God's commands.
116Take my side as you promised; I'll live then for sure.
Don't disappoint all my grand hopes.
117Stick with me and I'll be all right;
I'll give total allegiance to your definitions of life.
118Expose all who drift away from your sayings;
their casual idolatry is lethal.
119You reject earth's wicked as so much rubbish;
therefore I lovingly embrace everything you say.
120I shiver in awe before you;
your decisions leave me speechless with reverence. 121I stood up for justice and the right;
don't leave me to the mercy of my oppressors.
122Take the side of your servant, good God;
don't let the godless take advantage of me.
123I can't keep my eyes open any longer, waiting for you
to keep your promise to set everything right.
124Let your love dictate how you deal with me;
teach me from your textbook on life.
125I'm your servant--help me understand what that means,
the inner meaning of your instructions.
126It's time to act, GOD;
they've made a shambles of your revelation!
127Yea-Saying God, I love what you command,
I love it better than gold and gemstones;
128Yea-Saying God, I honor everything you tell me,
I despise every deceitful detour. 129Every word you give me is a miracle word--
how could I help but obey?
130Break open your words, let the light shine out,
let ordinary people see the meaning.
131Mouth open and panting,
I wanted your commands more than anything.
132Turn my way, look kindly on me,
as you always do to those who personally love you.
133Steady my steps with your Word of promise
so nothing malign gets the better of me.
134Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women
so I can live life your way.
135Smile on me, your servant;
teach me the right way to live.
136I cry rivers of tears
because nobody's living by your book! 137You are right and you do right, GOD;
your decisions are right on target.
138You rightly instruct us in how to live
ever faithful to you.
139My rivals nearly did me in,
they persistently ignored your commandments.
140Your promise has been tested through and through,
and I, your servant, love it dearly.
141I'm too young to be important,
but I don't forget what you tell me.
142Your righteousness is eternally right,
your revelation is the only truth.
143Even though troubles came down on me hard,
your commands always gave me delight.
144The way you tell me to live is always right;
help me understand it so I can live to the fullest. 145I call out at the top of my lungs,
"GOD! Answer! I'll do whatever you say."
146I called to you, "Save me
so I can carry out all your instructions."
147I was up before sunrise,
crying for help, hoping for a word from you.
148I stayed awake all night,
prayerfully pondering your promise.
149In your love, listen to me;
in your justice, GOD, keep me alive.
150As those out to get me come closer and closer,
they go farther and farther from the truth you reveal;
151But you're the closest of all to me, GOD,
and all your judgments true.
152I've known all along from the evidence of your words
that you meant them to last forever. 153Take a good look at my trouble, and help me--
I haven't forgotten your revelation.
154Take my side and get me out of this;
give me back my life, just as you promised.
155"Salvation" is only gibberish to the wicked
because they've never looked it up in your dictionary.
156Your mercies, GOD, run into the billions;
following your guidelines, revive me.
157My antagonists are too many to count,
but I don't swerve from the directions you gave.
158I took one look at the quitters and was filled with loathing;
they walked away from your promises so casually!
159Take note of how I love what you tell me;
out of your life of love, prolong my life.
160Your words all add up to the sum total: Truth.
Your righteous decisions are eternal. 161I've been slandered unmercifully by the politicians,
but my awe at your words keeps me stable.
162I'm ecstatic over what you say,
like one who strikes it rich.
163I hate lies--can't stand them!-
but I love what you have revealed.
164Seven times each day I stop and shout praises
for the way you keep everything running right.
165For those who love what you reveal, everything fits--
no stumbling around in the dark for them.
166I wait expectantly for your salvation;
GOD, I do what you tell me.
167My soul guards and keeps all your instructions--
oh, how much I love them!
168I follow your directions, abide by your counsel;
my life's an open book before you. 169Let my cry come right into your presence, GOD;
provide me with the insight that comes only from your Word.
170Give my request your personal attention,
rescue me on the terms of your promise.
171Let praise cascade off my lips;
after all, you've taught me the truth about life!
172And let your promises ring from my tongue;
every order you've given is right.
173Put your hand out and steady me
since I've chosen to live by your counsel.
174I'm homesick, GOD, for your salvation;
I love it when you show yourself!
175Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well,
use your decrees to put iron in my soul.
176And should I wander off like a lost sheep--seek me!
I'll recognize the sound of your voice.
What it means to me:
To me, this is how my life would be if I were more into the word. It encourages me to pick up the bible and continue to read daily. The Psalmist is continually persecuted, but he turns to God instead of crumbling under pressure. I know of many situations in where I take the easy way out instead of standing firm for what I know is right. I love the line, your words add up to one thing, truth. It's so easy and basic, and yet why do we continue are day listening to lies, instead of taking the time to stop and listen, if even for a moment to hear the word of truth. Society lies, Satan will make sure to keep that up, but you can rely on the word of God to be true. Don't forget it. Ah, I encourage you all to keep reading and never crumble to the lies of society.
Memory Verse:
"Your commands give me an edge on my enemies;
they never become obsolete."
Psalm 119:98 (Msg)
"Get out of my life, evildoers,
so I can keep my God's commands."
Psalm 119:115 (Msg)
"Break open your words, let the light shine out,
let ordinary people see the meaning."
Psalm 119:130 (Msg)
I decided to memorize one extra because these three I really want to have with me, so I can meditate on them. There pretty simple but very important verses to have in my arsenal against the enemy.
-Brent
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Day Three and Day Four
I fell asleep when I got home yesterday...
>.>
Anyway here we go anyway.
Scripture Read:
Psalm 119
1You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by GOD.
2You're blessed when you follow his directions,
doing your best to find him.
3That's right--you don't go off on your own;
you walk straight along the road he set.
4You, GOD, prescribed the right way to live;
now you expect us to live it.
5Oh, that my steps might be steady,
keeping to the course you set;
6Then I'd never have any regrets
in comparing my life with your counsel.
7I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
8I'm going to do what you tell me to do;
don't ever walk off and leave me. 9How can a young person live a clean life?
By carefully reading the map of your Word.
10I'm single-minded in pursuit of you;
don't let me miss the road signs you've posted.
11I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart
so I won't sin myself bankrupt.
12Be blessed, GOD;
train me in your ways of wise living.
13I'll transfer to my lips
all the counsel that comes from your mouth;
14I delight far more in what you tell me about living
than in gathering a pile of riches.
15I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you,
I attentively watch how you've done it.
16I relish everything you've told me of life,
I won't forget a word of it. 17Be generous with me and I'll live a full life;
not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road.
18Open my eyes so I can see
what you show me of your miracle-wonders.
19I'm a stranger in these parts;
give me clear directions.
20My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!-
insatiable for your nourishing commands.
21And those who think they know so much,
ignoring everything you tell them--let them have it!
22Don't let them mock and humiliate me;
I've been careful to do just what you said.
23While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me,
I'm absorbed in pondering your wise counsel.
24Yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight;
I listen to them as to good neighbors! 25I'm feeling terrible--I couldn't feel worse!
Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember?
26When I told my story, you responded;
train me well in your deep wisdom.
27Help me understand these things inside and out
so I can ponder your miracle-wonders.
28My sad life's dilapidated, a falling-down barn;
build me up again by your Word.
29Barricade the road that goes Nowhere;
grace me with your clear revelation.
30I choose the true road to Somewhere,
I post your road signs at every curve and corner.
31I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me;
GOD, don't let me down!
32I'll run the course you lay out for me
if you'll just show me how. 33GOD, teach me lessons for living
so I can stay the course.
34Give me insight so I can do what you tell me--
my whole life one long, obedient response.
35Guide me down the road of your commandments;
I love traveling this freeway!
36Give me a bent for your words of wisdom,
and not for piling up loot.
37Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets,
invigorate me on the pilgrim way.
38Affirm your promises to me--
promises made to all who fear you.
39Deflect the harsh words of my critics--
but what you say is always so good.
40See how hungry I am for your counsel;
preserve my life through your righteous ways! 41Let your love, GOD, shape my life
with salvation, exactly as you promised;
42Then I'll be able to stand up to mockery
because I trusted your Word.
43Don't ever deprive me of truth, not ever--
your commandments are what I depend on.
44Oh, I'll guard with my life what you've revealed to me,
guard it now, guard it ever;
45And I'll stride freely through wide open spaces
as I look for your truth and your wisdom;
46Then I'll tell the world what I find,
speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed.
47I cherish your commandments--oh, how I love them!-
48relishing every fragment of your counsel. 49Remember what you said to me, your servant--
I hang on to these words for dear life!
50These words hold me up in bad times;
yes, your promises rejuvenate me.
51The insolent ridicule me without mercy,
but I don't budge from your revelation.
52I watch for your ancient landmark words,
and know I'm on the right track.
53But when I see the wicked ignore your directions,
I'm beside myself with anger.
54I set your instructions to music
and sing them as I walk this pilgrim way.
55I meditate on your name all night, GOD,
treasuring your revelation, O GOD.
56Still, I walk through a rain of derision
because I live by your Word and counsel. 57Because you have satisfied me, GOD, I promise
to do everything you say.
58I beg you from the bottom of my heart: smile,
be gracious to me just as you promised.
59When I took a long, careful look at your ways,
I got my feet back on the trail you blazed.
60I was up at once, didn't drag my feet,
was quick to follow your orders.
61The wicked hemmed me in--there was no way out--
but not for a minute did I forget your plan for me.
62I get up in the middle of the night to thank you;
your decisions are so right, so true--I can't wait till morning!
63I'm a friend and companion of all who fear you,
of those committed to living by your rules.
64Your love, GOD, fills the earth!
Train me to live by your counsel. 65Be good to your servant, GOD;
be as good as your Word.
66Train me in good common sense;
I'm thoroughly committed to living your way.
67Before I learned to answer you, I wandered all over the place,
but now I'm in step with your Word.
68You are good, and the source of good;
train me in your goodness.
69The godless spread lies about me,
but I focus my attention on what you are saying;
70They're bland as a bucket of lard,
while I dance to the tune of your revelation.
71My troubles turned out all for the best--
they forced me to learn from your textbook.
72Truth from your mouth means more to me
than striking it rich in a gold mine. 73With your very own hands you formed me;
now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you.
74When they see me waiting, expecting your Word,
those who fear you will take heart and be glad.
75I can see now, GOD, that your decisions are right;
your testing has taught me what's true and right.
76Oh, love me--and right now!-hold me tight!
just the way you promised.
77Now comfort me so I can live, really live;
your revelation is the tune I dance to.
78Let the fast-talking tricksters be exposed as frauds;
they tried to sell me a bill of goods,
but I kept my mind fixed on your counsel.
79Let those who fear you turn to me
for evidence of your wise guidance.
80And let me live whole and holy, soul and body,
so I can always walk with my head held high. 81I'm homesick--longing for your salvation;
I'm waiting for your word of hope.
82My eyes grow heavy watching for some sign of your promise;
how long must I wait for your comfort?
83There's smoke in my eyes--they burn and water,
but I keep a steady gaze on the instructions you post.
84How long do I have to put up with all this?
How long till you haul my tormentors into court?
85The arrogant godless try to throw me off track,
ignorant as they are of God and his ways.
86Everything you command is a sure thing,
but they harass me with lies. Help!
87They've pushed and pushed--they never let up--
but I haven't relaxed my grip on your counsel.
88In your great love revive me
so I can alertly obey your every word. 89What you say goes, GOD,
and stays, as permanent as the heavens.
90Your truth never goes out of fashion;
it's as up--to-date as the earth when the sun comes up.
What it means to me:
This passage is totally my prayer today. Our walk with God is totally like a road. Enemies can jump us and pull us aside from the road, but as long as we obey God and we are rooted in his word, we will have the strength to get up and keep walking. I'm alot like this psalmist. I grow impatient all the time waiting for God to give me the next instruction. I love obeying God, but I need to be patient as well. I don't fret when I get insulted for my faith, in fact I feel the holy spirit fill me with Joy when that happens, because I stood strong for God and didn't hinder to the mockings of society. This is such an awesome psalm I decided to take two days worth of 45 verse and just let you guys read them. Obedience comes up alot, as well as patience, and being able to have a firm foundation in God.
Picking the memory verses were the hard parts. I could only choose two. But there are lots of parts I want to memorize and put up on my wall in my room before today ends.
God's truth never goes out of fashion, I love that. It's so true. The psalm brings up perserverence through trials alot as well. Ya, thats key, stick to the word and those trials will help you grow. I know some of my trials have alot of the time forced me to open the word. I find comfort by doing that alot as well.
Great psalm.
Memory Verse:
Oh, that my steps might be steady,
keeping to the course you set;
Psalm 119:5
This is my plea to God. I do pray lord that you will keep me righteous so that I may never fall from the path you have set before me. Lord I pray that everyone who reads this won't fall victim to the two biggests hinders to be obedient to you lord. I pray that we just stick to your plan, and our own desires don't get in the way, nor does the world push away your plan's splendor from our sights.
>.>
Anyway here we go anyway.
Scripture Read:
Psalm 119
1You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by GOD.
2You're blessed when you follow his directions,
doing your best to find him.
3That's right--you don't go off on your own;
you walk straight along the road he set.
4You, GOD, prescribed the right way to live;
now you expect us to live it.
5Oh, that my steps might be steady,
keeping to the course you set;
6Then I'd never have any regrets
in comparing my life with your counsel.
7I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
8I'm going to do what you tell me to do;
don't ever walk off and leave me. 9How can a young person live a clean life?
By carefully reading the map of your Word.
10I'm single-minded in pursuit of you;
don't let me miss the road signs you've posted.
11I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart
so I won't sin myself bankrupt.
12Be blessed, GOD;
train me in your ways of wise living.
13I'll transfer to my lips
all the counsel that comes from your mouth;
14I delight far more in what you tell me about living
than in gathering a pile of riches.
15I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you,
I attentively watch how you've done it.
16I relish everything you've told me of life,
I won't forget a word of it. 17Be generous with me and I'll live a full life;
not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road.
18Open my eyes so I can see
what you show me of your miracle-wonders.
19I'm a stranger in these parts;
give me clear directions.
20My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!-
insatiable for your nourishing commands.
21And those who think they know so much,
ignoring everything you tell them--let them have it!
22Don't let them mock and humiliate me;
I've been careful to do just what you said.
23While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me,
I'm absorbed in pondering your wise counsel.
24Yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight;
I listen to them as to good neighbors! 25I'm feeling terrible--I couldn't feel worse!
Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember?
26When I told my story, you responded;
train me well in your deep wisdom.
27Help me understand these things inside and out
so I can ponder your miracle-wonders.
28My sad life's dilapidated, a falling-down barn;
build me up again by your Word.
29Barricade the road that goes Nowhere;
grace me with your clear revelation.
30I choose the true road to Somewhere,
I post your road signs at every curve and corner.
31I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me;
GOD, don't let me down!
32I'll run the course you lay out for me
if you'll just show me how. 33GOD, teach me lessons for living
so I can stay the course.
34Give me insight so I can do what you tell me--
my whole life one long, obedient response.
35Guide me down the road of your commandments;
I love traveling this freeway!
36Give me a bent for your words of wisdom,
and not for piling up loot.
37Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets,
invigorate me on the pilgrim way.
38Affirm your promises to me--
promises made to all who fear you.
39Deflect the harsh words of my critics--
but what you say is always so good.
40See how hungry I am for your counsel;
preserve my life through your righteous ways! 41Let your love, GOD, shape my life
with salvation, exactly as you promised;
42Then I'll be able to stand up to mockery
because I trusted your Word.
43Don't ever deprive me of truth, not ever--
your commandments are what I depend on.
44Oh, I'll guard with my life what you've revealed to me,
guard it now, guard it ever;
45And I'll stride freely through wide open spaces
as I look for your truth and your wisdom;
46Then I'll tell the world what I find,
speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed.
47I cherish your commandments--oh, how I love them!-
48relishing every fragment of your counsel. 49Remember what you said to me, your servant--
I hang on to these words for dear life!
50These words hold me up in bad times;
yes, your promises rejuvenate me.
51The insolent ridicule me without mercy,
but I don't budge from your revelation.
52I watch for your ancient landmark words,
and know I'm on the right track.
53But when I see the wicked ignore your directions,
I'm beside myself with anger.
54I set your instructions to music
and sing them as I walk this pilgrim way.
55I meditate on your name all night, GOD,
treasuring your revelation, O GOD.
56Still, I walk through a rain of derision
because I live by your Word and counsel. 57Because you have satisfied me, GOD, I promise
to do everything you say.
58I beg you from the bottom of my heart: smile,
be gracious to me just as you promised.
59When I took a long, careful look at your ways,
I got my feet back on the trail you blazed.
60I was up at once, didn't drag my feet,
was quick to follow your orders.
61The wicked hemmed me in--there was no way out--
but not for a minute did I forget your plan for me.
62I get up in the middle of the night to thank you;
your decisions are so right, so true--I can't wait till morning!
63I'm a friend and companion of all who fear you,
of those committed to living by your rules.
64Your love, GOD, fills the earth!
Train me to live by your counsel. 65Be good to your servant, GOD;
be as good as your Word.
66Train me in good common sense;
I'm thoroughly committed to living your way.
67Before I learned to answer you, I wandered all over the place,
but now I'm in step with your Word.
68You are good, and the source of good;
train me in your goodness.
69The godless spread lies about me,
but I focus my attention on what you are saying;
70They're bland as a bucket of lard,
while I dance to the tune of your revelation.
71My troubles turned out all for the best--
they forced me to learn from your textbook.
72Truth from your mouth means more to me
than striking it rich in a gold mine. 73With your very own hands you formed me;
now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you.
74When they see me waiting, expecting your Word,
those who fear you will take heart and be glad.
75I can see now, GOD, that your decisions are right;
your testing has taught me what's true and right.
76Oh, love me--and right now!-hold me tight!
just the way you promised.
77Now comfort me so I can live, really live;
your revelation is the tune I dance to.
78Let the fast-talking tricksters be exposed as frauds;
they tried to sell me a bill of goods,
but I kept my mind fixed on your counsel.
79Let those who fear you turn to me
for evidence of your wise guidance.
80And let me live whole and holy, soul and body,
so I can always walk with my head held high. 81I'm homesick--longing for your salvation;
I'm waiting for your word of hope.
82My eyes grow heavy watching for some sign of your promise;
how long must I wait for your comfort?
83There's smoke in my eyes--they burn and water,
but I keep a steady gaze on the instructions you post.
84How long do I have to put up with all this?
How long till you haul my tormentors into court?
85The arrogant godless try to throw me off track,
ignorant as they are of God and his ways.
86Everything you command is a sure thing,
but they harass me with lies. Help!
87They've pushed and pushed--they never let up--
but I haven't relaxed my grip on your counsel.
88In your great love revive me
so I can alertly obey your every word. 89What you say goes, GOD,
and stays, as permanent as the heavens.
90Your truth never goes out of fashion;
it's as up--to-date as the earth when the sun comes up.
What it means to me:
This passage is totally my prayer today. Our walk with God is totally like a road. Enemies can jump us and pull us aside from the road, but as long as we obey God and we are rooted in his word, we will have the strength to get up and keep walking. I'm alot like this psalmist. I grow impatient all the time waiting for God to give me the next instruction. I love obeying God, but I need to be patient as well. I don't fret when I get insulted for my faith, in fact I feel the holy spirit fill me with Joy when that happens, because I stood strong for God and didn't hinder to the mockings of society. This is such an awesome psalm I decided to take two days worth of 45 verse and just let you guys read them. Obedience comes up alot, as well as patience, and being able to have a firm foundation in God.
Picking the memory verses were the hard parts. I could only choose two. But there are lots of parts I want to memorize and put up on my wall in my room before today ends.
God's truth never goes out of fashion, I love that. It's so true. The psalm brings up perserverence through trials alot as well. Ya, thats key, stick to the word and those trials will help you grow. I know some of my trials have alot of the time forced me to open the word. I find comfort by doing that alot as well.
Great psalm.
Memory Verse:
Oh, that my steps might be steady,
keeping to the course you set;
Psalm 119:5
This is my plea to God. I do pray lord that you will keep me righteous so that I may never fall from the path you have set before me. Lord I pray that everyone who reads this won't fall victim to the two biggests hinders to be obedient to you lord. I pray that we just stick to your plan, and our own desires don't get in the way, nor does the world push away your plan's splendor from our sights.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me--
my whole life one long, obedient response.
Psalm 119:34
I also pray Lord, that Lord, that when you speak to me, I will remember to not just hear what you say, but understand what it truely means, reveal your word to me, always.
-Brent
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Day Two
Scripture Read:
Revelation 10
1I saw another powerful Angel coming down out of Heaven wrapped in a cloud. There was a rainbow over his head, his face was sun-radiant, his legs pillars of fire. 2He had a small book open in his hand. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left foot on land, 3then called out thunderously, a lion roar. When he called out, the Seven Thunders called back. 4When the Seven Thunders spoke, I started to write it all down, but a voice out of Heaven stopped me, saying, "Seal with silence the Seven Thunders; don't write a word."
5Then the Angel I saw astride sea and land lifted his right hand to Heaven 6and swore by the One Living Forever and Ever, who created Heaven and everything in it, earth and everything in it, sea and everything in it, that time was up-- 7that when the seventh Angel blew his trumpet, which he was about to do, the Mystery of God, all the plans he had revealed to his servants, the prophets, would be completed.
8The voice out of Heaven spoke to me again: "Go, take the book held open in the hand of the Angel astride sea and earth." 9I went up to the Angel and said, "Give me the little book." He said, "Take it, then eat it. It will taste sweet like honey, but turn sour in your stomach." 10I took the little book from the Angel's hand and it was sweet honey in my mouth, but when I swallowed, my stomach curdled. 11Then I was told, "You must go back and prophesy again over many peoples and nations and languages and kings."
Revelation 11
The Two Witnesses 1I was given a stick for a measuring rod and told, "Get up and measure God's Temple and Altar and everyone worshiping in it. 2Exclude the outside court; don't measure it. It's been handed over to non-Jewish outsiders. They'll desecrate the Holy City for forty-two months.
3"Meanwhile, I'll provide my two Witnesses. Dressed in sackcloth, they'll prophesy for one thousand two hundred sixty days. 4These are the two Olive Trees, the two Lampstands, standing at attention before God on earth. 5If anyone tries to hurt them, a blast of fire from their mouths will incinerate them--burn them to a crisp just like that. 6They'll have power to seal the sky so that it doesn't rain for the time of their prophesying, power to turn rivers and springs to blood, power to hit earth with any and every disaster as often as they want.
7"When they've completed their witness, the Beast from the Abyss will emerge and fight them, conquer and kill them, 8leaving their corpses exposed on the street of the Great City spiritually called Sodom and Egypt, the same City where their Master was crucified. 9For three and a half days they'll be there--exposed, prevented from getting a decent burial, stared at by the curious from all over the world. 10Those people will cheer at the spectacle, shouting "Good riddance!' and calling for a celebration, for these two prophets pricked the conscience of all the people on earth, made it impossible for them to enjoy their sins.
11"Then, after three and a half days, the Living Spirit of God will enter them--they're on their feet!-and all those gloating spectators will be scared to death."
12I heard a strong voice out of Heaven calling, "Come up here!" and up they went to Heaven, wrapped in a cloud, their enemies watching it all. 13At that moment there was a gigantic earthquake--a tenth of the city fell to ruin, seven thousand perished in the earthquake, the rest frightened to the core of their being, frightened into giving honor to the God of Heaven.
14The second doom is past, the third doom coming right on its heels.
The Last Trumpet Sounds 15The seventh Angel trumpeted. A crescendo of voices in Heaven sang out,
The kingdom of the world is now
the Kingdom of our God and his Messiah!
He will rule forever and ever!
16The Twenty-four Elders seated before God on their thrones fell to their knees, worshiped, 17and sang,
We thank you, O God, Sovereign-Strong,
WHO IS AND WHO WAS.
You took your great power
and took over--reigned!
18The angry nations now
get a taste of your anger.
The time has come to judge the dead,
to reward your servants, all prophets and saints,
Reward small and great who fear your Name,
and destroy the destroyers of earth.
19The doors of God's Temple in Heaven flew open, and the Ark of his Covenant was clearly seen surrounded by flashes of lightning, loud shouts, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a fierce hailstorm.
Revelation 12
The Woman, Her Son, and the Dragon 1A great Sign appeared in Heaven: a Woman dressed all in sunlight, standing on the moon, and crowned with Twelve Stars. 2She was giving birth to a Child and cried out in the pain of childbirth.
3And then another Sign alongside the first: a huge and fiery Dragon! It had seven heads and ten horns, a crown on each of the seven heads. 4With one flick of its tail it knocked a third of the Stars from the sky and dumped them on earth. The Dragon crouched before the Woman in childbirth, poised to eat up the Child when it came.
5The Woman gave birth to a Son who will shepherd all nations with an iron rod. Her Son was seized and placed safely before God on his Throne. 6The Woman herself escaped to the desert to a place of safety prepared by God, all comforts provided her for one thousand two hundred and sixty days.
7War broke out in Heaven. Michael and his Angels fought the Dragon. The Dragon and his Angels fought back, 8but were no match for Michael. They were cleared out of Heaven, not a sign of them left. 9The great Dragon--ancient Serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, the one who led the whole earth astray--thrown out, and all his Angels thrown out with him, thrown down to earth. 10Then I heard a strong voice out of Heaven saying,
Salvation and power are established!
Kingdom of our God, authority of his Messiah!
The Accuser of our brothers and sisters thrown out,
who accused them day and night before God.
11They defeated him through the blood of the Lamb
and the bold word of their witness.
They weren't in love with themselves;
they were willing to die for Christ.
12So rejoice, O Heavens, and all who live there,
but doom to earth and sea,
For the Devil's come down on you with both feet;
he's had a great fall;
He's wild and raging with anger;
he hasn't much time and he knows it.
13When the Dragon saw he'd been thrown to earth, he went after the Woman who had given birth to the Man-Child. 14The Woman was given wings of a great eagle to fly to a place in the desert to be kept in safety and comfort for a time and times and half a time, safe and sound from the Serpent. 15The Serpent vomited a river of water to swamp and drown her, 16but earth came to her help, swallowing the water the Dragon spewed from its mouth. 17Helpless with rage, the Dragon raged at the Woman, then went off to make war with the rest of her children, the children who keep God's commands and hold firm to the witness of Jesus.
Revelation 10
1I saw another powerful Angel coming down out of Heaven wrapped in a cloud. There was a rainbow over his head, his face was sun-radiant, his legs pillars of fire. 2He had a small book open in his hand. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left foot on land, 3then called out thunderously, a lion roar. When he called out, the Seven Thunders called back. 4When the Seven Thunders spoke, I started to write it all down, but a voice out of Heaven stopped me, saying, "Seal with silence the Seven Thunders; don't write a word."
5Then the Angel I saw astride sea and land lifted his right hand to Heaven 6and swore by the One Living Forever and Ever, who created Heaven and everything in it, earth and everything in it, sea and everything in it, that time was up-- 7that when the seventh Angel blew his trumpet, which he was about to do, the Mystery of God, all the plans he had revealed to his servants, the prophets, would be completed.
8The voice out of Heaven spoke to me again: "Go, take the book held open in the hand of the Angel astride sea and earth." 9I went up to the Angel and said, "Give me the little book." He said, "Take it, then eat it. It will taste sweet like honey, but turn sour in your stomach." 10I took the little book from the Angel's hand and it was sweet honey in my mouth, but when I swallowed, my stomach curdled. 11Then I was told, "You must go back and prophesy again over many peoples and nations and languages and kings."
Revelation 11
The Two Witnesses 1I was given a stick for a measuring rod and told, "Get up and measure God's Temple and Altar and everyone worshiping in it. 2Exclude the outside court; don't measure it. It's been handed over to non-Jewish outsiders. They'll desecrate the Holy City for forty-two months.
3"Meanwhile, I'll provide my two Witnesses. Dressed in sackcloth, they'll prophesy for one thousand two hundred sixty days. 4These are the two Olive Trees, the two Lampstands, standing at attention before God on earth. 5If anyone tries to hurt them, a blast of fire from their mouths will incinerate them--burn them to a crisp just like that. 6They'll have power to seal the sky so that it doesn't rain for the time of their prophesying, power to turn rivers and springs to blood, power to hit earth with any and every disaster as often as they want.
7"When they've completed their witness, the Beast from the Abyss will emerge and fight them, conquer and kill them, 8leaving their corpses exposed on the street of the Great City spiritually called Sodom and Egypt, the same City where their Master was crucified. 9For three and a half days they'll be there--exposed, prevented from getting a decent burial, stared at by the curious from all over the world. 10Those people will cheer at the spectacle, shouting "Good riddance!' and calling for a celebration, for these two prophets pricked the conscience of all the people on earth, made it impossible for them to enjoy their sins.
11"Then, after three and a half days, the Living Spirit of God will enter them--they're on their feet!-and all those gloating spectators will be scared to death."
12I heard a strong voice out of Heaven calling, "Come up here!" and up they went to Heaven, wrapped in a cloud, their enemies watching it all. 13At that moment there was a gigantic earthquake--a tenth of the city fell to ruin, seven thousand perished in the earthquake, the rest frightened to the core of their being, frightened into giving honor to the God of Heaven.
14The second doom is past, the third doom coming right on its heels.
The Last Trumpet Sounds 15The seventh Angel trumpeted. A crescendo of voices in Heaven sang out,
The kingdom of the world is now
the Kingdom of our God and his Messiah!
He will rule forever and ever!
16The Twenty-four Elders seated before God on their thrones fell to their knees, worshiped, 17and sang,
We thank you, O God, Sovereign-Strong,
WHO IS AND WHO WAS.
You took your great power
and took over--reigned!
18The angry nations now
get a taste of your anger.
The time has come to judge the dead,
to reward your servants, all prophets and saints,
Reward small and great who fear your Name,
and destroy the destroyers of earth.
19The doors of God's Temple in Heaven flew open, and the Ark of his Covenant was clearly seen surrounded by flashes of lightning, loud shouts, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a fierce hailstorm.
Revelation 12
The Woman, Her Son, and the Dragon 1A great Sign appeared in Heaven: a Woman dressed all in sunlight, standing on the moon, and crowned with Twelve Stars. 2She was giving birth to a Child and cried out in the pain of childbirth.
3And then another Sign alongside the first: a huge and fiery Dragon! It had seven heads and ten horns, a crown on each of the seven heads. 4With one flick of its tail it knocked a third of the Stars from the sky and dumped them on earth. The Dragon crouched before the Woman in childbirth, poised to eat up the Child when it came.
5The Woman gave birth to a Son who will shepherd all nations with an iron rod. Her Son was seized and placed safely before God on his Throne. 6The Woman herself escaped to the desert to a place of safety prepared by God, all comforts provided her for one thousand two hundred and sixty days.
7War broke out in Heaven. Michael and his Angels fought the Dragon. The Dragon and his Angels fought back, 8but were no match for Michael. They were cleared out of Heaven, not a sign of them left. 9The great Dragon--ancient Serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, the one who led the whole earth astray--thrown out, and all his Angels thrown out with him, thrown down to earth. 10Then I heard a strong voice out of Heaven saying,
Salvation and power are established!
Kingdom of our God, authority of his Messiah!
The Accuser of our brothers and sisters thrown out,
who accused them day and night before God.
11They defeated him through the blood of the Lamb
and the bold word of their witness.
They weren't in love with themselves;
they were willing to die for Christ.
12So rejoice, O Heavens, and all who live there,
but doom to earth and sea,
For the Devil's come down on you with both feet;
he's had a great fall;
He's wild and raging with anger;
he hasn't much time and he knows it.
13When the Dragon saw he'd been thrown to earth, he went after the Woman who had given birth to the Man-Child. 14The Woman was given wings of a great eagle to fly to a place in the desert to be kept in safety and comfort for a time and times and half a time, safe and sound from the Serpent. 15The Serpent vomited a river of water to swamp and drown her, 16but earth came to her help, swallowing the water the Dragon spewed from its mouth. 17Helpless with rage, the Dragon raged at the Woman, then went off to make war with the rest of her children, the children who keep God's commands and hold firm to the witness of Jesus.
What this means to me:
Well, more metaphors. Like I don't know from personal experience who the women represents, I think maybe the church, or something like that. But the son she has.. woah, I seriously could use some help from people who have dazzeled with Revelations before.. *hint to Karyn Baker, can't me more clearer than that*.
Anyway here I go. Angel, a splendorous one, having to do with maybe peace, or the calm after the storm. Right like a rainbow is after the rain falls, he wasn't chaos or anything but he did bring a warning. He reveals God's plan to the people or something, but they seem to still ignore it and stuff. I don't know what's going on, because the honey, sour feeling thing is weird. Maybe it represents the word will be taken in with joy, but the thought of it, or the after effect will leave a quizy feeling, like you know something bad is going to happen to someone else and you can't stop it, but something good is happening to you, so your happy, but in the long run your happiness is left with a sad after taste. Understand that? Me neither.
So the holy temple of God in Jerusalem ( is that right?) is being desecrated by people who arn't God's chosen people. So non-jews are basically in control of that land for now. God sends two witness' who speak prophetic words from the holy spirit for 2260 days. Which makes me believe they are a metaphoric representation as well. This is tough stuff. Carrying on, the beast ( satan or the anti-christ, I think the anti-christ) kill them, and there bodies get mocked, only for God to raise them from the dead, and quiet the sceptics, and they get to go to heaven, and then guess what? Big Earthquake= More fear of God. The last trumpet blows, heaven rejoices, more diasters and blinding lights, basically God is trying to get it to these people that he's not lying down anymore, this is it, the day of judgement is at hand, and these people still don't get it.
THEN the most confusing part, about the women, I really don't get this. Who is the child she gives birth to? Please help me with this. Thanks.
Well I got through 6-12, proud of me? No.. well I tried.
Memory Verse:
"Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law."
Psalm 119:18
Once again I stole it from the daily scripture. But it reminds me to look at all the good things God has planned for me and his purpose for me, that are written in his word. I shouldn't cling to the bad, but rejoice for the good, the Lord has given me the gift of eternal life and I am worried about things like death, or being ugly. Pfft, trust in the word and you shall reap the rewards of knowledge and truth is what I have to say
Brent out,
-Brent
Monday, November 14, 2005
Write a blog about Ashley Mayer week.
Guess what? It is write a blog about Ashley week starting now!
Sweet, great timing that I was at my computer. Anyway Here is my blog about Ashley Mayer.
Ashley Mayer:
My my, there has been no one in my life that has impacted my life more than Ashley Mayer has in the last year. That is of course, anyone but Jesus, he's a life changer you know. I didn't know Ashley Mayer too well until about January this year, go figure. No really, I'm dead honest. I didn't have a very strong friendship with her until then, just ask her. Anyway. This girl literally changed my life around, for the better. I have seen so much growth in this girl, it inspired me to have a stronger relationship with God myself, and it still inspires me. She is so commited to Christ, everytime I see her, I see Christ through her. It's awesome. She is always been there in the last year, to listen to all the inane rantings about my day, and the complaints of life, and yet has a Christ like attitude towards me and helps me through them all. I could seriously trust Ashley Mayer with my life, I'm that safe with her. I had feelings for her, I will admit to that, God she is beautiful and her attitude, definitly the kind of person I would marry, but those feelings, well they were temporary and they kinda got in the way of our relationship. Ever since the 40 days of purpose, I've learned to listen more to what others have to say, and man am I glad, because Ashley Mayer has said some prophetic words that have really encouraged me. Man our friendship sure has grown very strong. I really feel comfortable telling her things I wouldn't even tell anyone else.
I have a closer relationship with Ashley Mayer than I do Karyn Baker. Sorry Karyn but honestly it's true. I would do anything to have Ashley Mayer smile, her hapiness always brightens up my day, no matter how crappy it is.
Honestly this girl is just so passionate about God. Her listening ability eludes me. I don't know, it has to be a gift from God, that she can just give the advice she has given me.
She is always supporting me too. I mean if I'm trying something new, I can go and talk to her, and she will give me encouragement to stay at it. For example the group at the school. Who do you think I told first about it? I told Ashley Mayer. She was really excited about it, and her excitement got me excited, and now LEAP ( Leader's Evangelising to All People) is a spark of God in our school.
Man, I thank God alot for putting Ashley Mayer in my life. I wouldn't be the same without her. This girl is just so interesting, I just love hearing her speak, like about anything. Like for example I love it when she talks about cats, I don't even love cats as much as I do sheep, and yet, I love hearing about her days spent with her kitty, or her talks with God, or the problems she is having, because I just really love this girl.
Well, I guess that is all I can say about Ashley Mayer before I go to bed. If I think of more I'll post it.
-Brent
Sweet, great timing that I was at my computer. Anyway Here is my blog about Ashley Mayer.
Ashley Mayer:
My my, there has been no one in my life that has impacted my life more than Ashley Mayer has in the last year. That is of course, anyone but Jesus, he's a life changer you know. I didn't know Ashley Mayer too well until about January this year, go figure. No really, I'm dead honest. I didn't have a very strong friendship with her until then, just ask her. Anyway. This girl literally changed my life around, for the better. I have seen so much growth in this girl, it inspired me to have a stronger relationship with God myself, and it still inspires me. She is so commited to Christ, everytime I see her, I see Christ through her. It's awesome. She is always been there in the last year, to listen to all the inane rantings about my day, and the complaints of life, and yet has a Christ like attitude towards me and helps me through them all. I could seriously trust Ashley Mayer with my life, I'm that safe with her. I had feelings for her, I will admit to that, God she is beautiful and her attitude, definitly the kind of person I would marry, but those feelings, well they were temporary and they kinda got in the way of our relationship. Ever since the 40 days of purpose, I've learned to listen more to what others have to say, and man am I glad, because Ashley Mayer has said some prophetic words that have really encouraged me. Man our friendship sure has grown very strong. I really feel comfortable telling her things I wouldn't even tell anyone else.
I have a closer relationship with Ashley Mayer than I do Karyn Baker. Sorry Karyn but honestly it's true. I would do anything to have Ashley Mayer smile, her hapiness always brightens up my day, no matter how crappy it is.
Honestly this girl is just so passionate about God. Her listening ability eludes me. I don't know, it has to be a gift from God, that she can just give the advice she has given me.
She is always supporting me too. I mean if I'm trying something new, I can go and talk to her, and she will give me encouragement to stay at it. For example the group at the school. Who do you think I told first about it? I told Ashley Mayer. She was really excited about it, and her excitement got me excited, and now LEAP ( Leader's Evangelising to All People) is a spark of God in our school.
Man, I thank God alot for putting Ashley Mayer in my life. I wouldn't be the same without her. This girl is just so interesting, I just love hearing her speak, like about anything. Like for example I love it when she talks about cats, I don't even love cats as much as I do sheep, and yet, I love hearing about her days spent with her kitty, or her talks with God, or the problems she is having, because I just really love this girl.Well, I guess that is all I can say about Ashley Mayer before I go to bed. If I think of more I'll post it.
-Brent
Day One
Scripture Read:
Revelation 6
Unsealing the Scroll
1I watched while the Lamb ripped off the first of the seven seals. I heard one of the Animals roar, "Come out!" 2I looked--I saw a white horse. Its rider carried a bow and was given a victory garland. He rode off victorious, conquering right and left.
3When the Lamb ripped off the second seal, I heard the second Animal cry, "Come out!" 4Another horse appeared, this one red. Its rider was off to take peace from the earth, setting people at each other's throats, killing one another. He was given a huge sword.
5When he ripped off the third seal, I heard the third Animal cry, "Come out!" I looked. A black horse this time. Its rider carried a set of scales in his hand. 6I heard a message (it seemed to issue from the Four Animals): "A quart of wheat for a day's wages, or three quarts of barley, but all the oil and wine you want."
7When he ripped off the fourth seal, I heard the fourth Animal cry, "Come out!" 8I looked. A colorless horse, sickly pale. Its rider was Death, and Hell was close on its heels. They were given power to destroy a fourth of the earth by war, famine, disease, and wild beasts.
9When he ripped off the fifth seal, I saw the souls of those killed because they had held firm in their witness to the Word of God. They were gathered under the Altar, 10and cried out in loud prayers, "How long, Strong God, Holy and True? How long before you step in and avenge our murders?" 11Then each martyr was given a white robe and told to sit back and wait until the full number of martyrs was filled from among their servant companions and friends in the faith.
12I watched while he ripped off the sixth seal: a bone-jarring earthquake, sun turned black as ink, moon all bloody, 13stars falling out of the sky like figs shaken from a tree in a high wind, 14sky snapped shut like a book, islands and mountains sliding this way and that. 15And then pandemonium, everyone and his dog running for cover--kings, princes, generals, rich and strong, along with every commoner, slave or free. They hid in mountain caves and rocky dens, 16calling out to mountains and rocks, "Refuge! Hide us from the One Seated on the Throne and the wrath of the Lamb! 17The great Day of their wrath has come--who can stand it?"
Revelation 7
The Servants of God
1Immediately I saw Four Angels standing at the four corners of earth, standing steady with a firm grip on the four winds so no wind would blow on earth or sea, not even rustle a tree.
2Then I saw another Angel rising from where the sun rose, carrying the seal of the Living God. He thundered to the Four Angels assigned the task of hurting earth and sea, 3"Don't hurt the earth! Don't hurt the sea! Don't so much as hurt a tree until I've sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads!"
4I heard the count of those who were sealed: 144,000! They were sealed out of every Tribe of Israel: 512,000 sealed from Judah, 12,000 from Reuben, 12,000 from Gad, 612,000 from Asher, 12,000 from Naphtali, 12,000 from Manasseh, 712,000 from Simeon, 12,000 from Levi, 12,000 from Issachar, 812,000 from Zebulun, 12,000 from Joseph, 12,000 sealed from Benjamin. 9I looked again. I saw a huge crowd, too huge to count. Everyone was there--all nations and tribes, all races and languages. And they were standing, dressed in white robes and waving palm branches, standing before the Throne and the Lamb 10and heartily singing:
Salvation to our God on his Throne!
Salvation to the Lamb!
11All who were standing around the Throne--Angels, Elders, Animals--fell on their faces before the Throne and worshiped God, 12singing:
Oh, Yes!
The blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving,
The honor and power and strength,
To our God forever and ever and ever!
Oh, Yes!
13Just then one of the Elders addressed me: "Who are these dressed in white robes, and where did they come from?" 14Taken aback, I said, "O Sir, I have no idea--but you must know."
Then he told me, "These are those who come from the great tribulation, and they've washed their robes, scrubbed them clean in the blood of the Lamb. 15That's why they're standing before God's Throne. They serve him day and night in his Temple. The One on the Throne will pitch his tent there for them: 16no more hunger, no more thirst, no more scorching heat. 17The Lamb on the Throne will shepherd them, will lead them to spring waters of Life. And God will wipe every last tear from their eyes."
Revelation 8
1When the Lamb ripped off the seventh seal, Heaven fell quiet--complete silence for about half an hour.
Blowing the Trumpets
2I saw the Seven Angels who are always in readiness before God handed seven trumpets. 3Then another Angel, carrying a gold censer, came and stood at the Altar. He was given a great quantity of incense so that he could offer up the prayers of all the holy people of God on the Golden Altar before the Throne. 4Smoke billowed up from the incense-laced prayers of the holy ones, rose before God from the hand of the Angel.
5Then the Angel filled the censer with fire from the Altar and heaved it to earth. It set off thunders, voices, lightnings, and an earthquake.
6The Seven Angels with the trumpets got ready to blow them. 7At the first trumpet blast, hail and fire mixed with blood were dumped on earth. A third of the earth was scorched, a third of the trees, and every blade of green grass--burned to a crisp.
8The second Angel trumpeted. Something like a huge mountain blazing with fire was flung into the sea. A third of the sea turned to blood, 9a third of the living sea creatures died, and a third of the ships sank.
10The third Angel trumpeted. A huge Star, blazing like a torch, fell from Heaven, wiping out a third of the rivers and a third of the springs. 11The Star's name was Wormwood. A third of the water turned bitter, and many people died from the poisoned water.
12The fourth Angel trumpeted. A third of the sun, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars were hit, blacked out by a third, both day and night in one-third blackout.
13I looked hard; I heard a lone eagle, flying through Middle-Heaven, crying out ominously, "Doom! Doom! Doom to everyone left on earth! There are three more Angels about to blow their trumpets. Doom is on its way!"
Revelation 9
1The fifth Angel trumpeted. I saw a Star plummet from Heaven to earth. The Star was handed a key to the Well of the Abyss. 2He unlocked the Well of the Abyss--smoke poured out of the Well, billows and billows of smoke, sun and air in blackout from smoke pouring out of the Well.
3Then out of the smoke crawled locusts with the venom of scorpions. 4They were given their orders: "Don't hurt the grass, don't hurt anything green, don't hurt a single tree--only men and women, and then only those who lack the seal of God on their foreheads." 5They were ordered to torture but not kill, torture them for five months, the pain like a scorpion sting. 6When this happens, people are going to prefer death to torture, look for ways to kill themselves. But they won't find a way--death will have gone into hiding.
7The locusts looked like horses ready for war. They had gold crowns, human faces, 8women's hair, the teeth of lions, 9and iron breastplates. The sound of their wings was the sound of horse-drawn chariots charging into battle. 10Their tails were equipped with stings, like scorpion tails. With those tails they were ordered to torture the human race for five months. 11They had a king over them, the Angel of the Abyss. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, in Greek, Apollyon--"Destroyer."
12The first doom is past. Two dooms yet to come.
13The sixth Angel trumpeted. I heard a voice speaking to the sixth Angel from the horns of the Golden Altar before God: 14"Let the Four Angels loose, the Angels confined at the great River Euphrates."
15The Four Angels were untied and let loose, Four Angels all prepared for the exact year, month, day, and even hour when they were to kill a third of the human race. 16The number of the army of horsemen was twice ten thousand times ten thousand. I heard the count 17and saw both horses and riders in my vision: fiery breastplates on the riders, lion heads on the horses breathing out fire and smoke and brimstone. 18With these three weapons--fire and smoke and brimstone--they killed a third of the human race. 19The horses killed with their mouths and tails; their serpentlike tails also had heads that wreaked havoc.
20The remaining men and women who weren't killed by these weapons went on their merry way--didn't change their way of life, didn't quit worshiping demons, didn't quit centering their lives around lumps of gold and silver and brass, hunks of stone and wood that couldn't see or hear or move. 21There wasn't a sign of a change of heart. They plunged right on in their murderous, occult, promiscuous, and thieving ways.
Revelation 6
Unsealing the Scroll
1I watched while the Lamb ripped off the first of the seven seals. I heard one of the Animals roar, "Come out!" 2I looked--I saw a white horse. Its rider carried a bow and was given a victory garland. He rode off victorious, conquering right and left.
3When the Lamb ripped off the second seal, I heard the second Animal cry, "Come out!" 4Another horse appeared, this one red. Its rider was off to take peace from the earth, setting people at each other's throats, killing one another. He was given a huge sword.
5When he ripped off the third seal, I heard the third Animal cry, "Come out!" I looked. A black horse this time. Its rider carried a set of scales in his hand. 6I heard a message (it seemed to issue from the Four Animals): "A quart of wheat for a day's wages, or three quarts of barley, but all the oil and wine you want."
7When he ripped off the fourth seal, I heard the fourth Animal cry, "Come out!" 8I looked. A colorless horse, sickly pale. Its rider was Death, and Hell was close on its heels. They were given power to destroy a fourth of the earth by war, famine, disease, and wild beasts.
9When he ripped off the fifth seal, I saw the souls of those killed because they had held firm in their witness to the Word of God. They were gathered under the Altar, 10and cried out in loud prayers, "How long, Strong God, Holy and True? How long before you step in and avenge our murders?" 11Then each martyr was given a white robe and told to sit back and wait until the full number of martyrs was filled from among their servant companions and friends in the faith.
12I watched while he ripped off the sixth seal: a bone-jarring earthquake, sun turned black as ink, moon all bloody, 13stars falling out of the sky like figs shaken from a tree in a high wind, 14sky snapped shut like a book, islands and mountains sliding this way and that. 15And then pandemonium, everyone and his dog running for cover--kings, princes, generals, rich and strong, along with every commoner, slave or free. They hid in mountain caves and rocky dens, 16calling out to mountains and rocks, "Refuge! Hide us from the One Seated on the Throne and the wrath of the Lamb! 17The great Day of their wrath has come--who can stand it?"
Revelation 7
The Servants of God
1Immediately I saw Four Angels standing at the four corners of earth, standing steady with a firm grip on the four winds so no wind would blow on earth or sea, not even rustle a tree.
2Then I saw another Angel rising from where the sun rose, carrying the seal of the Living God. He thundered to the Four Angels assigned the task of hurting earth and sea, 3"Don't hurt the earth! Don't hurt the sea! Don't so much as hurt a tree until I've sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads!"
4I heard the count of those who were sealed: 144,000! They were sealed out of every Tribe of Israel: 512,000 sealed from Judah, 12,000 from Reuben, 12,000 from Gad, 612,000 from Asher, 12,000 from Naphtali, 12,000 from Manasseh, 712,000 from Simeon, 12,000 from Levi, 12,000 from Issachar, 812,000 from Zebulun, 12,000 from Joseph, 12,000 sealed from Benjamin. 9I looked again. I saw a huge crowd, too huge to count. Everyone was there--all nations and tribes, all races and languages. And they were standing, dressed in white robes and waving palm branches, standing before the Throne and the Lamb 10and heartily singing:
Salvation to our God on his Throne!
Salvation to the Lamb!
11All who were standing around the Throne--Angels, Elders, Animals--fell on their faces before the Throne and worshiped God, 12singing:
Oh, Yes!
The blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving,
The honor and power and strength,
To our God forever and ever and ever!
Oh, Yes!
13Just then one of the Elders addressed me: "Who are these dressed in white robes, and where did they come from?" 14Taken aback, I said, "O Sir, I have no idea--but you must know."
Then he told me, "These are those who come from the great tribulation, and they've washed their robes, scrubbed them clean in the blood of the Lamb. 15That's why they're standing before God's Throne. They serve him day and night in his Temple. The One on the Throne will pitch his tent there for them: 16no more hunger, no more thirst, no more scorching heat. 17The Lamb on the Throne will shepherd them, will lead them to spring waters of Life. And God will wipe every last tear from their eyes."
Revelation 8
1When the Lamb ripped off the seventh seal, Heaven fell quiet--complete silence for about half an hour.
Blowing the Trumpets
2I saw the Seven Angels who are always in readiness before God handed seven trumpets. 3Then another Angel, carrying a gold censer, came and stood at the Altar. He was given a great quantity of incense so that he could offer up the prayers of all the holy people of God on the Golden Altar before the Throne. 4Smoke billowed up from the incense-laced prayers of the holy ones, rose before God from the hand of the Angel.
5Then the Angel filled the censer with fire from the Altar and heaved it to earth. It set off thunders, voices, lightnings, and an earthquake.
6The Seven Angels with the trumpets got ready to blow them. 7At the first trumpet blast, hail and fire mixed with blood were dumped on earth. A third of the earth was scorched, a third of the trees, and every blade of green grass--burned to a crisp.
8The second Angel trumpeted. Something like a huge mountain blazing with fire was flung into the sea. A third of the sea turned to blood, 9a third of the living sea creatures died, and a third of the ships sank.
10The third Angel trumpeted. A huge Star, blazing like a torch, fell from Heaven, wiping out a third of the rivers and a third of the springs. 11The Star's name was Wormwood. A third of the water turned bitter, and many people died from the poisoned water.
12The fourth Angel trumpeted. A third of the sun, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars were hit, blacked out by a third, both day and night in one-third blackout.
13I looked hard; I heard a lone eagle, flying through Middle-Heaven, crying out ominously, "Doom! Doom! Doom to everyone left on earth! There are three more Angels about to blow their trumpets. Doom is on its way!"
Revelation 9
1The fifth Angel trumpeted. I saw a Star plummet from Heaven to earth. The Star was handed a key to the Well of the Abyss. 2He unlocked the Well of the Abyss--smoke poured out of the Well, billows and billows of smoke, sun and air in blackout from smoke pouring out of the Well.
3Then out of the smoke crawled locusts with the venom of scorpions. 4They were given their orders: "Don't hurt the grass, don't hurt anything green, don't hurt a single tree--only men and women, and then only those who lack the seal of God on their foreheads." 5They were ordered to torture but not kill, torture them for five months, the pain like a scorpion sting. 6When this happens, people are going to prefer death to torture, look for ways to kill themselves. But they won't find a way--death will have gone into hiding.
7The locusts looked like horses ready for war. They had gold crowns, human faces, 8women's hair, the teeth of lions, 9and iron breastplates. The sound of their wings was the sound of horse-drawn chariots charging into battle. 10Their tails were equipped with stings, like scorpion tails. With those tails they were ordered to torture the human race for five months. 11They had a king over them, the Angel of the Abyss. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, in Greek, Apollyon--"Destroyer."
12The first doom is past. Two dooms yet to come.
13The sixth Angel trumpeted. I heard a voice speaking to the sixth Angel from the horns of the Golden Altar before God: 14"Let the Four Angels loose, the Angels confined at the great River Euphrates."
15The Four Angels were untied and let loose, Four Angels all prepared for the exact year, month, day, and even hour when they were to kill a third of the human race. 16The number of the army of horsemen was twice ten thousand times ten thousand. I heard the count 17and saw both horses and riders in my vision: fiery breastplates on the riders, lion heads on the horses breathing out fire and smoke and brimstone. 18With these three weapons--fire and smoke and brimstone--they killed a third of the human race. 19The horses killed with their mouths and tails; their serpentlike tails also had heads that wreaked havoc.
20The remaining men and women who weren't killed by these weapons went on their merry way--didn't change their way of life, didn't quit worshiping demons, didn't quit centering their lives around lumps of gold and silver and brass, hunks of stone and wood that couldn't see or hear or move. 21There wasn't a sign of a change of heart. They plunged right on in their murderous, occult, promiscuous, and thieving ways.
What it means to me:
Ok, now I'm regretting being a fast reader, because that is a huge chunk of scripture for me to discuss. So you won't mind if I sum it up a bit will you? Oh, and I don't have alot of philsophical background so, I don't know what all those metaphors or what nots actually mean, but I'm going to try my darndest. So here I go. Basically, the lamb of God is opening the seven seals and in the first four come out the four riders. One who conquers, one who brings chaos, I don't know what the whole whet quart thing means, so someone will have to help me with that. The fourth one commands hell's army and is death. They had the permission to destroy one fourth of the earth. So God is allowing this all to take place according to his will can be accomplished on earth. It also leads into the next part. When the 5th seal is opened we see all the martyr's who died in the name of Jesus. They are clothed and told to wait until their compainions in faith arive. I'm guessing this is the people God is bringing up to heaven from the ground and the ones in the next part. The 144,000 meantioned after the terrible diasters unleashed during the opening of the sixth seal. As I'm writing this I'm getting hungry and I'll be right back to discuss the rest. That note there is so you know if I forget what I'm talking about you'll have to fill in the blanks.
Ok I watched some House as well, and if you haven't guessed, I wasn't feeling well today and I stayed home. Anyway, so those 144,000 people from the tribes of Isreal to me represent the people who turned to God through the tribulation. If I'm wrong well, correct me and I'll get over it, I'd rather be wrong than think I'm right. Oh I got ahead of myself, that's sorta what the angel said anyway. There is alot of stuff in the trumpet part that confuses me. For example I don't know what the smoke really means, and the locust army thing also confuses me, but I think the scorpions just plain represent pain. The whole, will try to kill themselves but cannot find death is interesting. I would think that death being a horseman unleashed on the earth would mean more people dying at their own hands especially with that rider of choas, you know the one who takes away peace, but can someone clarify that for me. Alright, I think I'm done this part, the rest of 6-12 will be read tomorrow. Sorry for the long read just one more thing below and I'm done for day 1.
Memory Verse:
"For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, "
1 Peter 3:18
This verse is from the daily scripture on the youth website, and I thought it was neat and is a really good and neat purpose behind Christ's life. It's one of those, "Well if the bible is true than this verse is really life changing" verses.
For clarification, the bible is true, so it is a very life changing verse.
-Brent
Two new posts
Well I have two things to report and instead of having two posts, I'm making an announcement in one post.
Why? Because I can... haha.
Anyway the youth website will be umm, sorta finished by the end of today so I added it to my links. You've probably seen it due to Karyn Baker so meh.
The other news is pretty sweet. I talked to God on Sunday and I'm going to be more focused on my first love, which is God, sooo I've decided to do what Dave said and Read my bible for 5 mins everyday for the next 5 weeks, and to memorize a scipture daily. But get this, I'm also going to help you guys by posting what I'm reading, what that means to me, and the memory verse I learnt to encourage you guys to do this as well.
Haha this is going to be fun. Love ya,
-Brent
Why? Because I can... haha.
Anyway the youth website will be umm, sorta finished by the end of today so I added it to my links. You've probably seen it due to Karyn Baker so meh.
The other news is pretty sweet. I talked to God on Sunday and I'm going to be more focused on my first love, which is God, sooo I've decided to do what Dave said and Read my bible for 5 mins everyday for the next 5 weeks, and to memorize a scipture daily. But get this, I'm also going to help you guys by posting what I'm reading, what that means to me, and the memory verse I learnt to encourage you guys to do this as well.
Haha this is going to be fun. Love ya,
-Brent
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Website?
Oh that's right it's the end of October. Where is the Website and forums. Well the forums are late, as I kinda figured they would be, but the website is basically done.
Wanna see it? Ha unless you can find it on google, you'll never find it. I'm having a grand unvailing of the website sometime in the double digit starting with a 1 days of November. Wait k? It'll be here in like a week.
-Brent
Screeny
Bios Page
Wanna see it? Ha unless you can find it on google, you'll never find it. I'm having a grand unvailing of the website sometime in the double digit starting with a 1 days of November. Wait k? It'll be here in like a week.
-Brent
Screeny
Bios Page
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