I don’t know about you, but this is the time of year when I really need a bit of encouragement. The fun of the holidays is long past, the anticipation of the new year has fallen into a winter routine, the resolutions I believed would be good habits are sporadic at best, and well, it’s…
If someone asked you what it really means to believe in Jesus, how would you answer? Most of us have read or heard the verse: If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in…
What frightens you? Illness? Heights? Confined spaces? Flying? Rejection? Failure? __________? Have you ever been afraid of the disapproval of friends, family, coworkers, or the people with whom you interact on social media? Paul had something to say to Timothy about that . . . well, maybe not the social media part although I think…
Happy New Year’s Eve Day! We made it! We’ve read and prayed the whole New Testament this year. When we began this journey in January, I was excited but a little nervous wondering if I’d be able to reach the goal. Today, I’m feeling overwhelmed and so very thankful and blessed. I’m thankful to the…
I’ll never forget the first time I saw this lesson… A pastor friend stood at the front of the congregation holding a tape measure. He looked out over the crowd and asked for a volunteer. He called a child up to the front and asked him to extend the tape just a quarter of an…
Many books and movies present a dastardly villain as part of the storyline. Readers and viewers are most satisfied when finally as the story comes to a close the villain is defeated and justice prevails. “Villain” does not even begin to describe satan. The dark, dark evils he has reigned down on the world and…
Are you ready to celebrate?!?! After messages of disasters and epic battles page after page . . . the last four chapters of Revelation, and the last four chapters of the Bible, lift us up with Heaven’s majesty and God’s complete and total victory! A victory that by His grace . . . you and…
The last verse of yesterday’s chapter (Revelation 17) says: This woman you saw in your vision represents the great city that rules over the kings of the world.” Revelation 17:18 Many have shared that one of the signs of the End Times is the idea of a “one-world” system of governing. One of those individuals…
Since the beginning of time, God has used people on earth to accomplish His purposes. Solomon wrote: You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:21 You might believe you are too sinful or insignificant. You might believe that anything you do will be of little consequence. You shouldn’t! He chose a…
It’s a phrase that can send a parent’s nerves on edge… “That’s not fair!” Part of the problem is that it’s typically said in an annoying whiney voice. But of course, children do not have the corner on the “that’s not fair” market. Adults are often guilty of whining about fairness. Rev says, “Whining is…
I love reading and studying God’s Word. I love the way God’s love is communicated from Genesis through Revelation . . . His love given to His creation through the promise and ultimate victory of Jesus. I love the way the Holy Spirit guided 40 different writers to pen 60 books and letters over 1500…
Have you finished your Christmas shopping? Is everything wrapped and ready? I’ve shared with Rev that I knew writing through Revelation would be challenging. What I didn’t anticipate is that I would be writing about the times prior to Jesus’ second coming as we are preparing to remember and celebrate His first. Most years, I…
The other day, I noticed the following verse in Exodus… This annual festival [The Passover] will be a visible sign to you, like a mark branded on your hand or your forehead. Let it remind you always to recite this teaching of the Lord: ‘With a strong hand, the Lord rescued you from Egypt.’ Exodus 13:9 I love…
The Bible tells us that the devil is real. He knows his time to turn people away from Jesus is limited. He is intentionally tempting and persecuting the world
I often hear from people that they are struggling with feelings of fear and confusion as evil’s grip on the world appears to be growing ever stronger. Biblical truths that were once embraced by people are now being pushed aside in favor of beliefs that are blatantly and directly against God’s teachings and commands. And…
Jesus told His followers to be faithful and intentionally ready for His return… Everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven. Mark…
I sometimes wonder where we are in the end times spectrum. I wonder what if any events have taken place already and what the future will be like going forward. Rev and I were talking the other day, about the challenges of understanding John’s writing of God’s plan. There are some who take it literally…
The Bible tells us that God’s judgment is assured but that for those who love and trust Jesus they don’t need to be afraid because they are safe in His love.
The enemy of our souls would like us to be divided by race, nationality, ethnicity, etc. But God has given us a way to end racism—a way to be united by love.
We were having a discussion during one of our Sunday Morning Bible Classes. Several people commented on their desire for the second coming of Jesus. As many nodded in agreement, one of my friends joined the conversation and said, “I’m so anxious to see Jesus but I don’t really want to live through the prophecies…
Our glimpse into heaven continues with high drama. John wrote: I saw a scroll in the right hand of the one who was sitting on the throne. Revelation 5:1a A scroll is a piece of papyrus up to 30 feet long, rolled and sealed with clay or wax. This particular scroll was very important—it was sealed…
