“They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore” (Micah 4:3)

December 15, 2011

A description of the Millennial Kingdom where the nations sing, “I ain’t gonna study war no more!” Only the Lord can bring such a thing to pass. His return will finally accomplish “Peace on Earth.”

“But Jonah ran away from the LORD” (Jonah 1:3)

December 14, 2011

Jonah heard God’s call and ran the other way. He soon learned that running from God led to killer storms, drowsy depression, and suicidal thoughts. God let Jonah hit bottom and after 3 days He raised him up. The resurrected Jonah obeyed God. There are consequences to running from God. Are you trying to run from God?

“Day and night they never stop saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come’” (Revelation 4:8)

December 13, 2011

John witnesses the worship of Heaven. I wonder if he realized that one of the 24 thrones surrounding the throne of the Lord was his? Twelve for the tribes of Israel and twelve for the Lord’s disciples. Our worship now is rehearsal for this.

“I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name” (Revelation 3:8)

December 12, 2011

This sounds like WCC. God keeps trusting us with open door opportunities, while we are little in strength (numbers, money, influence). Let’s keep on preaching the Word and the Name.

“Seek me and live; do not seek Bethel, do not go to Gilgal, do not journey to Beersheba. For Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will be reduced to nothing” (Amos 5:4-5)

December 11, 2011

God is a person not a place. Seek Him from where you are now. A change of scenery will not change your heart. Stop running away and start running to God. Seek the Lord and live.

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first” (Revelation 2:4-5)

December 10, 2011

Churches today track how much money and how many people, but Jesus had a different way of tracking success. He wanted to know how much they loved Him. How’s your church doing?

“Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near” (Revelation 1:3)

December 9, 2011

Proverbs promises wisdom to its readers. This book promises blessing. Jesus unveils the things to come to John. Revelation isn’t just the last book in the Bible. It reveals last things.

“Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul” (Proverbs 29:17)

December 8, 2011

Children are not born with self-discipline. Parents must apply external discipline which teaches self-discipline. Of course, this requires self-discipline on the parents part. Our children often reveal our own problems with anger and self-control. This should drive parents to prayer!

“After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence” (Hosea 6:2)

December 7, 2011

In the midst of a scathing critique and judgment on Israel, the prophet pauses to declare this word of promise. On the third day there will be a resurrection that will make it possible for us to live in God’s presence. Jesus has fulfilled this prophecy.

“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control” (Proverbs 29:11)

December 6, 2011

Parents teach your children to control their tempers. Your external control grows into their self-control later. Yet, the best is the internal fruit of the Spirit which includes self-control. Stop saying you have a bad habit or anger issues and start walking in the Spirit.