https___growingupintheword.blogspot.com_2015_.xml
https___revelationjesuschrist.org_ne_2019_03_21_it-is-done-hypocrisy-and-sin-is-removed-the-true-church-is-revealed__1.xml
1.1 2.1 3.1 4.1 6.1 7.1 8.1 9.1 10.1 11.1 11.2 13.1 14.1 14.2 14.3 16.1 17.1 19.1 20.1 22.1 23.1 23.2 25.1 26.1 28.1 28.2 28.3 30.1 31.1 32.1 32.2 33.1 33.2 34.1 34.2 35.1 36.1 37.1 37.2 38.1 39.1 40.1 41.1 42.1 43.1 44.1 45.1 46.1 47.1 48.1 48.2 49.1 49.2 50.1 51.1 52.1 53.1 54.1 55.1 56.1 57.1 57.2 57.3 58.1 58.2 58.3 59.1 60.1 61.1 62.1 63.1 63.2 64.1 64.2 65.1 66.1 67.1 68.1 69.1 69.2 70.1 70.2 71.1 72.1 73.1 74.1 75.1 75.2 76.1 76.2 76.3 76.4 76.5 78.1 79.1 80.1 81.1 81.2 82.1 83.1 84.1 85.1 86.1 87.1 87.2 88.1 89.1 90.1 91.1 92.1 93.1 93.2 93.3 94.1 95.1 95.2 96.1 96.2 96.3 96.4 97.1 97.2 97.3 97.4 97.5 97.6 97.7 97.8 97.9 98.1 99.1 100.1 101.1 102.1 103.1 104.1 105.1 105.2 106.1 107.1 108.1 109.1 109.2 109.3 110.1 111.1 112.1 113.1 114.1 114.2 115.1 115.2 116.1 116.2 117.1 118.1 119.1 120.1 121.1 122.1 123.1 124.1 125.1 126.1 127.1 128.1 129.1 129.2 130.1 131.1 132.1 133.1 134.1 135.1 136.1 137.1 138.1 139.1 140.1 140.2 140.3 141.1 142.1 143.1 144.1 145.1 146.1 147.1 148.1 149.1 150.1 151.1 152.1 153.1 154.1 155.1 156.1 157.1 158.1 159.1 160.1 161.1 162.1 162.2 163.1 164.1 165.1 166.1 167.1 168.1 168.2 169.1 169.2 170.1 171.1 172.1 173.1 174.1 175.1 176.1 176.2 177.1 177.2 178.1 179.1 180.1 181.1 182.1 183.1 184.1 185.1 185.2 186.1 187.1 187.2 188.1 189.1 189.2 190.1 190.2 190.3 191.1 191.2 191.3 192.1 193.1 194.1 195.1 195.2 196.1 197.1 197.2 198.1 199.1 200.1 200.2 200.3 201.1 202.1 203.1 204.1 205.1 206.1 207.1 207.2 208.1 209.1 210.1 211.1 211.2 212.1 213.1 213.2 214.1 214.2 214.3 215.1 216.1 217.1 218.1 218.2 219.1 220.1 221.1 222.1 222.2 223.1 224.1 224.2 225.1 225.2 225.3 226.1 227.1 228.1 229.1 230.1 231.1 232.1 233.1 234.1 234.2 235.1 235.2 236.1 236.2 237.1 238.1 239.1 240.1 240.2 240.3 241.1 241.2 241.3 241.4 242.1 242.2 243.1 244.1 244.2 244.3 244.4 245.1 246.1 246.2 246.3 247.1 248.1 249.1 250.1 251.1 252.1 252.2 252.3 253.1 254.1 255.1 257.1 258.1 258.2 258.3 259.1 260.1 261.1 263.1 264.1 265.1 266.1 267.1 268.1 269.1 270.1 271.1 272.1 273.1 274.1 275.1 276.1 277.1 278.1 279.1 280.1 281.1 282.1 283.1 284.1 285.1 286.1 287.1 288.1 289.1 290.1 291.1 292.1 293.1 293.2 294.1 295.1 295.2 296.1 297.1 298.1 299.1 300.1 301.1 301.2 301.3 302.1 302.2 303.1 303.2 303.3 303.4 304.1 305.1 306.1 307.1 308.1 308.2 309.1 310.1 311.1 312.1 313.1 313.2 313.3 314.1 314.2 315.1 315.2 316.1 317.1 318.1 319.1 320.1 321.1 322.1 323.1 324.1 325.1 326.1 327.1 327.2 328.1 329.1 330.1 331.1 333.1 334.1 334.2 335.1 336.1 336.2 336.3 337.1 338.1 339.1 340.1 341.1 342.1 343.1 344.1 345.1 345.2 346.1 347.1 348.1 349.1 351.1 352.1 352.2 353.1 354.1 354.2 354.3 355.1 356.1 357.1 358.1 359.1 360.1 361.1 362.1 362.2 363.1 364.1 364.2 365.1 365.2 366.1 367.1 368.1 369.1 370.1 371.1 372.1 373.1 373.2 374.1 374.2 375.1 376.1 377.1 377.2 378.1 379.1 380.1 380.2 381.1 382.1 383.1 384.1 384.2 385.1 385.2 385.3 386.1 387.1 388.1 389.1 389.2 390.1 391.1 391.2 392.1 392.2 393.1 394.1 394.2 395.1 396.1 397.1 398.1 398.2 399.1 400.1 400.2 401.1 402.1 403.1 404.1 405.1 405.2 406.1 408.1 409.1 410.1 410.2 410.3 410.4 411.1 412.1 412.2 414.1 415.1 416.1 416.2 417.1 418.1 419.1 420.1 421.1 422.1 423.1 424.1 425.1 426.1 427.1 428.1 428.2 429.1 430.1 431.1 432.1 432.2 433.1 434.1 435.1 436.1 436.2 437.1 438.1 438.2 439.1 440.1 440.2 440.3 440.4 441.1 441.2 442.1 443.1 443.2 444.1 444.2 445.1 445.2 445.3 446.1 446.2 447.1 447.2 447.3 448.1 448.2 448.3 448.4 450.1 451.1 453.1 453.2 453.3 454.1 454.2 454.3 454.4 455.1 455.2 456.1 456.2 457.1 458.1 459.1 460.1 461.1 462.1 463.1 463.2 463.3 463.4 463.5 463.6 463.7 463.8 463.9 463.10 464.1 465.1 466.1 467.1 468.1 469.1 470.1 471.1 472.1 473.1 474.1 475.1 476.1 477.1 478.1 480.1 481.1 483.1 484.1 485.1 485.2 486.1 486.2 487.1 487.2 488.1 488.2 489.1 489.2 490.1 491.1 491.2 492.1 492.2 493.1 493.2 494.1 494.2 495.1 496.1 497.1 497.2 497.3 497.4 497.5 499.1 499.2 499.3 499.4 500.1 500.2 500.3 500.4 500.5 500.6 500.7 501.1 501.2 501.3 503.1 503.2 503.3 503.4 504.1 504.2 504.3 504.4 504.5 504.6 504.7 505.1 505.2 505.3 506.1 507.1 507.2 508.1 509.1 509.2 510.1 511.1 512.1 513.1 513.2 514.1 515.1 515.2 516.1 517.1 518.1 519.1 519.2 520.1
Counseling Blog Thursday, December 31, 2015 Celebrate A Year of Glory! “At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, Because of Your righteous judgments.” MAY WE TAKE ONE MINUTE AND GIVE THANKS... As we reflect on this year may we offer up a prayer of thanksgiving and praise for the COUNTLESS blessings and precious promises our King Jesus has bestowed upon us... “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (I Thessalonians 5:18) Thank you Lord... “For You formed my inward parts... I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” Thank you Lord... For we must "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine... You are My witnesses,” says the LORD, “And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me.” Thank you Lord... “That we may know what is the hope of Your calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power” Thank you Lord... For "We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Thank you... "O LORD, You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.” Thank you Lord... “For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God" Now "May the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Wednesday, December 30, 2015 I Cried Out to The Lord... “I cried out to the LORD in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and LORD, you heard me! You threw me into the ocean depths, and I sank down to the heart of the sea. The mighty waters engulfed me; I was buried beneath your wild and stormy waves. Then I said, ‘O LORD, you have driven me from your presence. Yet I will look once more toward your holy Temple." "One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock." "For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness." “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (I Peter 1:6-7) Tuesday, December 29, 2015 His Power + His Promises... "For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue). By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature. For this very reason, adding your diligence [to the divine promises], employ every effort in exercising your faith to develop virtue (excellence and resolution), and in [exercising] virtue [develop] knowledge (intelligence), And in [exercising] knowledge [develop] self-control, and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety), And in [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection, and in [exercising] brotherly affection [develop] Christian love. For as these qualities are yours and increasingly abound in you, they will keep [you] from being idle or unfruitful unto the [full personal] knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).” (2 Peter 1:3-8 AMP) "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Monday, December 28, 2015 “Finally, brethren... Meditate on these things" "Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8) Whatever things are true... "The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever" (Psalm 119:160) "The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever" (Psalm 119:160) Whatever things are noble... "But the noble man devises noble plans; And by noble plans he stands" (Isaiah 32:8) "But the noble man devises noble plans; And by noble plans he stands" (Isaiah 32:8) Whatever things are just... "The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He." (Deuteronomy 32:4) "The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He." (Deuteronomy 32:4) Whatever things are pure... "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalms 51:10) "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalms 51:10) Whatever things are of good report... "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4:29) "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4:29) If there is any virtue... “As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue" (II Peter 1:3) “As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue" (II Peter 1:3) If there is anything praiseworthy... "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." (Ephesians 1:3) "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." (Ephesians 1:3) Meditate on these things... Thursday, December 24, 2015 Gift of The Gospel Gift of The Gospel Let us praise Him for His gift to us! May we have the same urgency in our service to The King as the shepherds who first knew of Him....and spread the news of His Glorious Gospel to all ears who have not heard! "When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying one to another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem, and see this [wonderful] thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the Baby as He lay in the manger. And when they had seen this, they made known what had been told them about this Child, and all who heard it were astounded and wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these things, giving careful thought to them and pondering them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them." Wednesday, December 23, 2015 Bread of Life Bread of Life "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea..." (Matthew 2:1) Bethlehem means "house (or place) of bread"... "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." So it was fulfilled, The Bread of Life was born in Bethlehem, the "place of bread!" Interestingly, the Hebrew meaning of the name Micah is "who is like Jehovah?" How beautiful that because of the fulfillment of His Word, Purpose and Promises, we have an opportunity for reconciliation with God, to live in His image...become "like Jehovah" and feast on The Bread of Life! "And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him..." (Colossians 3:10) Tuesday, December 22, 2015 Tabernacle With Us Tabernacle With Us We praise You, Lord God, that You sojourned among us in the flesh...so that we, in our flesh today, may also have Your Tabernacle within us. Thank You, Abba Father, for Your Purpose to dwell within us and that, according to Your Will, we may experience Your Living Word and Your Grace and Truth therein. Oh Heavenly Father, we love You and we praise You... You are Perfect Love and Glory... You are the same as when Your Light shone into the darkness in the beginning...just as Your Light shines in our tabernacle, our tent of meeting, today. "Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle." "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16) "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." Monday, December 21, 2015 Send Me! Send Me! May we all have the same strength of faith, trust and obedience that Mary modeled when faced with God's will... Let us boldly stand up and say, "I am your willing servant, Lord, send me!" Oh, what an immeasurable blessing when His searching eyes find our own heart to be worthy of His command...such a tremendous honor to be called upon as favorable, according to His will! "Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him...” (2 Corinthians 16:9) "Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8) Sunday, December 20, 2015 Let Us Have Peace Let Us Have Peace True peace is only found through Jesus Christ...it is not something we can understand, but rather something we experience... "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ..." (Romans 5:1) "and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7) Saturday, December 19, 2015 Fulfilled Fulfilled Let us thank our Abba Father for fulfillment of His Word...for, by this, we too may be fulfilled. Let us praise Him, for our souls find their worth through Him and indwelling of The Holy Spirit. For He was born among us and we are born again unto Him...and He remains steadfastly with us forevermore. "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6) Friday, December 18, 2015 A Spirit of Graceful Giving A Spirit of Graceful Giving As we are full throttle in this season of celebrating God's Divine Gift to us, let us embrace and exude the true spirit of giving. Let us give freely with a sincere, cheerful and clean heart... Let us give with grace, forgiveness and unconditional love...no strings attached for the one who receives... Let us give with mercy, compassion and forgiveness... Let us give in a manner that truly reflects The Holy Spirit at work within us and in a way that is Holy and pleasing unto God... May we all have a grateful and generous heart...a graceful spirit of giving in this season as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior... And may The Lord God fill and replenish our cups so that we overflow with fruits to gracefully give, in His Holy and Righteous Name. "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully[a] will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:6-7) "I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." Thursday, December 17, 2015 He Cares for You He Cares for You Pour out your heart to Him...for He longs to know you. Cling to Him and resist the schemes of the evil one...for He is your tower of strength. Find rest and protection under His wing...for He is your refuge. Trust Him at all times and in all circumstances...for He longs to give you comfort, peace and joy. Drink from His living waters...for He longs to give you refreshment. Run to Him, seek Him above all things...for He has unlimited resources... He cares for you and longs to spend eternity with you. "...casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." "The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him." "And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13) "...but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” Wednesday, December 16, 2015 God's Gift to You God's Gift to You No matter where you are today in your life, take a moment to reflect on what God has done for you... Take time to meditate on the complexity of God's Perfection in His Divine Plan and how He lovingly and deliberately included you in His purpose... That long ago before the heavens and earth were created, He formed you in His mind and intricately planned your identity and eternal inheritance. No matter what your circumstances are today...thank Him for what He has carefully constructed, revealed and promised to you...the greatest Gift ever unwrapped... The Mystery of Christ. "To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which[a] is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27) Tuesday, December 15, 2015 From Guilt to Grace From Guilt to Grace What a beautiful picture of God's Grace, Mercy and Love for His hurting and wandering children... When we find our identity in Christ, we need to understand and receive God's Grace and let go of the guilt and shame accumulated in our wanderings. We can be saved and forgiven, but if we don't allow ourselves to experience His Grace, we are unable to fully receive the freedom and abundant life He desires for us...all of which are blessings that come from truly receiving what He so lovingly longs to give us. Let us cling to this picture of His essence and character...grace, love, forgiveness and mercy...all of WHO HE IS, given freely and unconditionally to those who believe and receive. "And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. Friday, December 11, 2015 He Was Here... He Still is! "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us" (1 John 1:1-2) The God of the universe, OUR Savior left His heavenly throne, His perfect heaven and came down from on high to make Himself a tangible human being. He was touchable, knowable, tangible... This child we see in a manger on Christmas was the great I AM! Picture this perfect little baby being held by Mary and Joseph now when they kissed their little baby goodnight they kissed the face of God... Our God! These words we have to read are the very words of God! These accounts are Gods words through those who heard Him speak them as He was manifested tangibly, personally and lovingly in their presence... Thank you Jesus that you came to save us but also that we might know you! Thursday, December 10, 2015 The Big Picture! "Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken" (Joshua 21:45) When actors and actresses make a movie, it’s the director who sees the “big picture” and the overall direction. A lot of times they don't understand everything the director is doing but they trust the director's guidance...knowing he sees the finished picture. Throughout scripture we can see so many of faithful "characters" not knowing their direction but having a promise of a great "big picture". Moses could have questioned the big picture as he had 2 million Israelites looking to him to lead them into the Promised Land, Joshua could have questioned while standing with Jericho before him... But they trusted the Directed, the Overseer of their souls. They both trusted and responded with complete devotion and surrender to His amazing Guide, and Direction and “not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken” (21:45). We too can abandon ourselves to our Director and rest in His faithfulness, promises and guidance knowing He sees the "big picture" and the beginning from the end! “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Godly Jealousy God's jealousy differs from the sinful jealousy we typically succumb to in our humanity. God is not envious of nor coveting something that does not rightfully belong to Him. His jealousy, just as all that He Is, is born from pure agape love... He is jealous of anything compromising our surrender of our whole heart to Him...something that rightfully belongs to Him anyway, as we were created by Him and for Him. He is jealous of us placing anything before Him because He is all-knowing and all-seeing... He desires to spare us the danger, misery and sin that follows as a result of not placing Him first in our lives. He loves us completely, zealously and divinely and His godly jealousy for us is rooted in that as well. Consider Paul's example, "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ." We have ONLY One God, One Master, One Groom...let us prepare diligently for that day and surrender our whole hearts to our betrothed, as we wait in confident expectation and anticipation. "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready." (Revelation 19:7) "Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God..." "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.." (Colossians 1:16) "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6:24) God is not envious of nor coveting something that does not rightfully belong to Him. His jealousy, just as all that He Is, is born from pure agape love... He is jealous of anything compromising our surrender of our whole heart to Him...something that rightfully belongs to Him anyway, as we were created by Him and for Him. He is jealous of us placing anything before Him because He is all-knowing and all-seeing... He desires to spare us the danger, misery and sin that follows as a result of not placing Him first in our lives. He loves us completely, zealously and divinely and His godly jealousy for us is rooted in that as well. Consider Paul's example, "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ." We have ONLY One God, One Master, One Groom...let us prepare diligently for that day and surrender our whole hearts to our betrothed, as we wait in confident expectation and anticipation. "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready." (Revelation 19:7) "Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God..." "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.." (Colossians 1:16) "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6:24) Tuesday, December 8, 2015 Living in His Image Living in His Image Let us live a life that truly reflects our transformation in Christ and the character of God, whose image we were created in... A life that is full of love, grace, peace, mercy, forgiveness, joy and freedom... A lighted life that clearly indicates to others that there IS a Redeemer and a Savior...a real reason for hope in this shattered, decaying world. May we live in a way that gives weight to our testimony and shows the regenerating power of The Holy Spirit. May the unbelievers...the broken children of God...see His light as a roaring fire within us and find their way home to their Abba Father...and join us in Eternity. "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (2 Corinthians 4:4) "But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." (Genesis 1:27) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Monday, December 7, 2015 True Story With everything going on all over the world lately it is hard to read bible verses like the ones below and not feel a wave of chills run down your spine. Everything that has been prophesied and predicted in the bible has happened and come true up until this point -- down to the very minute detail (research this very topic and it will blow your mind). So then at some point we (especially nonbelievers) all must ask ourselves the question, "What makes us think the end of the story won't come true?" "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." 2 Timothy 3:1-5 "In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." 2 Corinthians 4:4 I sincerely pray that the acts of terrorism, violence, and everything else that continues to happen around us will prompt all of my fellow sisters and brothers who are lost or questioning their beliefs, to start seeking and searching for answers and light a fire in them that cannot be put out, and to put their faith in the only answer and solution to all of this madness -- Jesus. He is our only hope. Brothers and sister..... He is coming back for those who belong to Him and we win in the end. Give your life to Jesus and keep looking up. " And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4 by Sarah Armstrong Sunday, December 6, 2015 He Is Holy Let us honor The Lord with praise and worthy worship that belongs to Him alone... For He IS Holy! "Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke." For He IS Holy! "Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke." Saturday, December 5, 2015 Filling The Void Only the One who created our hearts can fill it. We were designed by God to desire, seek and to ultimately be completed by Him. We can try to force other things to fill the void, but will always come up empty, as we were created by Him and for Him. Only God fills the emptiness and the longing in our hearts for something more... So, let us give God our whole hearts and may we be filled with the full measure of His love and The Holy Spirit...may we know the fullness of God in our hearts until our cups run over! "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." "For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." We were designed by God to desire, seek and to ultimately be completed by Him. We can try to force other things to fill the void, but will always come up empty, as we were created by Him and for Him. Only God fills the emptiness and the longing in our hearts for something more... So, let us give God our whole hearts and may we be filled with the full measure of His love and The Holy Spirit...may we know the fullness of God in our hearts until our cups run over! "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." "For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." Friday, December 4, 2015 The Lord Is There The Lord Is There Let us rejoice and have everlasting comfort because Jehovah Shammah is with us... He, who is Creator of and is Sovereign over ALL things, is ever present in and with those who believe, trust and obey Him. Thank you, Heavenly Father, that we only need to look to you for everything we will ever need. In The Name of Jesus Christ, Amen. "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble." "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him." (Colossians 1:16) "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16) Thursday, December 3, 2015 Intercessory Prayers Intercessory Prayers Intercessory prayers reflect the very essence of God's own character, rich in unconditional love, grace and mercy. Praying for others enables us to look beyond ourselves and increases our compassion for others. Think about this...who do you want to spend eternity with? Are there people you care about who do not know Jesus? Are you praying for them without ceasing? Then, consider this...love and pray for your enemies. This is truly putting on the compassion of Christ and going beyond yourself in interceding for them. Remember, prayer is sweet smelling aroma that pleases Him (Revelation 5:8). He desires our prayers! Prayer strengthens our faith and increases our intimacy with Him! In it, we are reflecting and glorifying Him! Let us pray with sincere hearts and without ceasing on behalf of God's hurting children...that they will have a heart change and receive Jesus...that they will share in our eternal inheritance and experience the riches, hope and glory and everlasting grace freely given by our Abba Father! "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." Wednesday, December 2, 2015 God Knows The Heart Consider that God may not be as interested in what you've done so much as why you did it. He knows the heart and the intentions behind our actions. He searches, examines, knows, softens, changes and judges the hearts of men. So, when we pray for forgiveness of our actions, let us also pray for a heart change...a sincere, clean heart filled with The Holy Spirit...a change that is only possible through a partnership with Abba Father...creator of all hearts. "He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works." "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." "But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” "I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." (Jeremiah 17:10) "All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits." (Proverbs 16:2) Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Perfect Peace Trusting God's response to our prayers produces peace regardless of the outcome because we acknowledge and accept that He is in control and all things are according to His Will. When He answers in conflict to our own desires or preferred timing...we have peace because we know our God and have complete reliance upon Him! This peace that surpasses all understanding comes from knowing God in a very intimate way...getting into His Word... trusting in His Promises, His Faithfulness, His Immutability, His Perfect Love and His ultimate plan for our future. The more we know Him, the more we trust Him...and this is perfect peace... "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6) "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." (Proverbs 19:21) "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” "...but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action." "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7) "For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” When He answers in conflict to our own desires or preferred timing...we have peace because we know our God and have complete reliance upon Him! This peace that surpasses all understanding comes from knowing God in a very intimate way...getting into His Word... trusting in His Promises, His Faithfulness, His Immutability, His Perfect Love and His ultimate plan for our future. The more we know Him, the more we trust Him...and this is perfect peace... "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6) "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." (Proverbs 19:21) "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” "...but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action." "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7) "For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Monday, November 30, 2015 Forever Future Forever Future The next time Satan whispers in your ear and reminds you of all those painful past memories and mistakes, remind him of your future... For those who are believers in Christ, their names are written in The Book of Life and eternal salvation is theirs... This is eternal victory and your forever future! Rejoice and live in abundance today, for you are sealed and His forevermore! "But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life." (Revelation 21:27) "because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." "and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee." (2 Corinthians 1:22) "He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels." (Revelation 3:5) Saturday, November 28, 2015 Rooted... May we become more deeply rooted daily with a fervent faith in our Lord...seek and develop a heightened understanding of the omniscience and majesty of our Creator...and experience the amazing measure of His limitless love, grace and mercy for His precious children! "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!..." "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Immutability... GOD IS THE GREAT I AM and is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow! His Truth, Character, Love and Promises are immutable and endure forever! All that He Is... Creator, Protector, Healer, Shepherd, Provider, Master, Banner, All Knowing, All Seeing, Self Sufficient, Lord Of Hosts, Alpha and Omega, Holiest of Holies, God Most High of Peace, Love, Grace, Righteousness and Mercy...has no variability and is completely impervious to change! Just consider what that truly means for us...for Eternity... "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began..." "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." (Hebrews 13:8) "But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end." "Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me." "Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath..." (Hebrews 6:17) "And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you." Living Testimony Consider this....sharing your own experience of God's Glorious Grace may lead another to seek and receive The Marvelous Mystery of Christ! In Luke 8:38-39, after healing a man of his demons, Christ commissioned him to go tell everyone what He had done for him. Shouldn't we also be spreading the joy, hope and peace we have found in our own deliverance? Remember, there is no testimony without a "test" and your healed scars are proof to others of the redemptive and restorative power of Jesus. All who are in Christ Jesus have something useful thing to share! Partner with Him and He will transform your former "mess" into a powerful message! May you share your story in Christ's Name, for His Glory...and The Son will also acknowledge you before The Father in Heaven. "Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul." "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven." "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (Revelation 12:11) Living a Transformed Life! Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. The Sweetest Word! How sweet are Your words to my taste! Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. *Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way. Establish Your word to Your servant, Who is devoted to fearing You. *And I will delight myself in Your commandments, Which I love. Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.*Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me.*Let my soul live, and it shall praise You! Princes persecute me without a cause, But my heart stands in awe of Your word. I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure! Strong Tower Lord God, You are our Fortress and Tower of Strength... Lord over all and King of kings... Fill us with Your everlasting peace...give us strength of endurance to fight the good fight in Your Holy Name... Oh, how we need You today and every day! Your Will be done and Your Kingdom come... In Jesus Christ's Holy and Righteous Name, Amen. Meekness of Mind Blessed are those who are slow to anger, practice self control, who live in quiet submission and service to The Lord...and surrender the battle to God. Blessed are those who show restraint in the face of adversity are not tossed about the waves of the storm. For, those who remain steadfast and true are blessed with peace in their souls and an abundant, restful life. Blessed are the meek, patient and long suffering, for they are joint heirs with Christ, citizens of Heaven and a new Earth. "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7) "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:" (James 1:19) "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." "With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;" (Ephesians 4:2) "But godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6) "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:" (Philippians 3:20) "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea." (Revelation 21:1) Empty Promises! "The devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Matthew 4:8-9 Just the same as Jesus was offered everything, all the kingdoms in the world, we too can be offered everything, all the promises in the world or under the sun. Then if we are not careful we can get caught up doing everything to have those promises fulfilled-to work for whoever promised us, to live for whoever made those promises, and we become a slave to that thing, those promises or the person who promised. Unknowingly we have now made the promise or the one who promised our God...and if the one who promised is not the Faithful Promiser- God Almighty Himself then we are at risk of worshiping the wrong lord..." For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve." However, in the same way Jesus rebuked the devil and his empty promises by the word of God, we too can boldly say with confidence, "Away with you Satan!.. Then the devil left Him and behold angels came and ministered to Him." Jesus is the Reason for the Season! As many hurry along through this weekend shopping and heading into the business of the holiday season let us continue in the Spirit of Thanksgiving! Giving praise and glory to our King! After all, "He is the Reason for the Season!" Let us continue to worship Him in psalms and prayer... “Come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to Him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to Him. For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods. He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. The sea belongs to Him, for He made it. His hands formed the dry land, too. Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker, for He is our God. We are the people He watches over, the flock under His care. If only you would listen to His voice today!” I Love You Too Much to Let You Wander... “They defiled themselves by their evil deeds, and their love of idols was adultery in the LORD’s sight.” I love you too much to allow for divided loyalties. My covenant calls for single-minded worship. I am like a husband who gets angry when someone else competes for the heart of my wife or when her heart trolls for other lovers. So you must not commit adultery against me. Don't let your heart turn from me and go after other lovers in this world. Whatever lures your affections away from me with its deceptive attractions will not love you well. It will strip you bare and cut you in pieces. As you forsake all other gods, cleaving only to me and living for my honor, you will find that my jealousy is not a threat but a comfort. You will rest in knowing that anything and anyone who threatens your good will be opposed with my divine power. Lord, my heart is prone to wander. But as I begin to understand your passionate commitment to me, my heart becomes more tightly bound to yours, and all other lovers in this world lose their appeal... -Abundant Life The Real Reason for Thanksgiving! Washington, D.C. October 3, 1863 By the President of the United States of America. A Proclamation. The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the Eighty-eighth. By the President: Abraham Lincoln William H. Seward, Secretary of State A Song in Our Hearts Let us approach His Throne today and every day with a joyful, grateful, faithful heart...thanking Him for all of those He has artfully placed in our paths and for showing us how to love them... Praise Him for all that He is, all He has done, all that He promises forevermore! Praise The Almighty for ordaining and anointing this joyful song in our hearts! Thank you, Heavenly Father, In The Name of Jesus Christ, Amen! Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! Tuesday, November 24, 2015 What A Beautiful Picture of Jesus “Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, And princes will rule with justice. A man will be as a hiding place from the wind, And a cover from the tempest, As rivers of water in a dry place, As the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.” Our King that will rule in righteousness and justice. He will stand upon the earth and give each according to His great justice and mercy! He is our secret place and refuge in the storms and winds of this world. He is our hiding place and safety from the great tempest that storm through the midst of our lives. In our dry desert seasons He is the Rock that gushes forth streams and rivers of living water. That nourish and quench all of our thirst in abundance. Our shadow from the scorching heat of trials. He is the Rock that brings shade, shelter, refuge, immovable strength and steadfastness. Thank you Jesus that you alone will Reign in Righteousness! Our King that will rule in righteousness and justice. He will stand upon the earth and give each according to His great justice and mercy! He is our secret place and refuge in the storms and winds of this world. He is our hiding place and safety from the great tempest that storm through the midst of our lives. In our dry desert seasons He is the Rock that gushes forth streams and rivers of living water. That nourish and quench all of our thirst in abundance. Our shadow from the scorching heat of trials. He is the Rock that brings shade, shelter, refuge, immovable strength and steadfastness. Thank you Jesus that you alone will Reign in Righteousness! Simply Unexplainable "Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, Measured heaven with a span And calculated the dust of the earth in a measure? Weighed the mountains in scales And the hills in a balance? Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, Or as His counselor has taught Him? With whom did He take counsel, and who instructed Him, And taught Him in the path of justice? Who taught Him knowledge, And showed Him the way of understanding?” Who are we to question His authority? To question His sovereign rule over us? Have we the knowledge to weigh out the dust that covers the earth? Or calculate the span of the heavens? Of course not! Then why are we so quick to tell God Most High how to rule the works of His hand? Why is He even mindful of us? How dare we speak to Him with counsel and instruction. He raises up kings, He brings to nothing the prideful, He shows mercy on the broken and grace to the weak. By the greatness of His might and the strength of His power we are brought forth in righteousness! Oh the depth of His understanding is unsearchable. May the Creator of the ends of the earth renew our strength and ordain every footstep according to His plan and not ours! May we let His wisdom reorder our priorities and change our perspectives. May we not judge His word but rather let His word judge us. Who are we to question His authority? To question His sovereign rule over us? Have we the knowledge to weigh out the dust that covers the earth? Or calculate the span of the heavens? Of course not! Then why are we so quick to tell God Most High how to rule the works of His hand? Why is He even mindful of us? How dare we speak to Him with counsel and instruction. He raises up kings, He brings to nothing the prideful, He shows mercy on the broken and grace to the weak. By the greatness of His might and the strength of His power we are brought forth in righteousness! Oh the depth of His understanding is unsearchable. May the Creator of the ends of the earth renew our strength and ordain every footstep according to His plan and not ours! May we let His wisdom reorder our priorities and change our perspectives. May we not judge His word but rather let His word judge us. I've Got Nothing To Offer “In that day a man will look to his Maker, And his eyes will have respect for the Holy One of Israel. He will not look to the altars, The work of his hands; He will not respect what his fingers have made" (Isaiah 17:7-8) There will be a day when we stand in the presence of our Just Judge, Holy King, and Merciful Creator... In that day we will stand naked in His presence. Apart from the work we have done, the things we have accomplished, the success we have had, just merely humbled in reverence before our Maker. He will not look to anything we have added to His work, He will not acknowledge our human attempts to add to His will, He will not reward man made sacrifices but rather humble the proud and their self exhalations. His banner will be lifted high, His name will be praised by the heavenly host, His throne will be exalted, and all will bow and have respect for the Holy One of Israel. "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!" (Isaiah 6:3) There will be a day when we stand in the presence of our Just Judge, Holy King, and Merciful Creator... In that day we will stand naked in His presence. Apart from the work we have done, the things we have accomplished, the success we have had, just merely humbled in reverence before our Maker. He will not look to anything we have added to His work, He will not acknowledge our human attempts to add to His will, He will not reward man made sacrifices but rather humble the proud and their self exhalations. His banner will be lifted high, His name will be praised by the heavenly host, His throne will be exalted, and all will bow and have respect for the Holy One of Israel. "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!" (Isaiah 6:3) Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
1.1 2.1 3.1 4.1 5.1 6.1 7.1 8.1 9.1 10.1 11.1 12.1 13.1 14.1 15.1 16.1 17.1 18.1 19.1 20.1 21.1 22.1 23.1 24.1 25.1 26.1 27.1 28.1 29.1 30.1 31.1 32.1 33.1 34.1 35.1 36.1 37.1 38.1 39.1 40.1 41.1 42.1 43.1 44.1 45.1 46.1 47.1 48.1 49.1 50.1 51.1 52.1 53.1 54.1 55.1 56.1 57.1 58.1 59.1 60.1 61.1 62.1
“अनि मैले एउटा नयाँ स्वर्ग र नयाँ पृथ्वी देखे: किनकि पहिलो स्वर्ग र पहिलो पृथ्वी बितिसकेका थिए। र त्यहाँ कुनै समुद्र थिएन। र मैले जोनले पवित्र सहर, नयाँ यरूशलेम, परमेश्वरबाट स्वर्गबाट तल ओर्लिरहेको देखेँ, आफ्नो पतिको लागि दुलहीको रूपमा तयार पारिएको। ~ प्रकाश २१:१-२ पहिलो स्वर्ग, पृथ्वी र समुद्र हटाउनु थियो: त्यसपछि जोनले नयाँ यरूशलेम, परमेश्वरको साँचो चर्च देख्न सक्थे! निश्चित रूपमा अन्तिम न्यायको दिन पछि, जब सबै नष्ट हुनेछन् र केवल परमेश्वरको स्वर्ग रहन्छ: तब स्वर्गमा केवल परमेश्वर र उहाँका साँचो मानिसहरू देख्नुहुनेछ। र परमेश्वरका साँचो मानिसहरू धार्मिक मण्डलीहरू, विभाजनहरू, गुटहरू वा समूहहरूमा विभाजित हुनेछैनन्। ती मानव संगठनात्मक समूहहरू मध्ये कुनै पनि परमेश्वरको मात्र उपासनाको लागि अवस्थित हुनेछैन, र सबै परमेश्वरको सिंहासनको वरिपरि उपासकहरूको एक समूह हुनेछन्। त्यसोभए के यो हुन सक्छ कि प्रकाशले हामीलाई स्वर्गमा कस्तो हुनेछ भन्ने अन्तिम दर्शन देखाउँदैछ ताकि हामीले हाम्रो आध्यात्मिक दर्शनबाट "धेरै मण्डलीहरू" को भ्रम हटाउन सकौं? सायद मण्डलीको शुरुवातदेखि नै यही उद्देश्य थियो? "हामीलाई उहाँको इच्छाको रहस्य प्रकट गरिदिनुभएको छ, उहाँको असल खुशी अनुसार जुन उहाँले आफैमा उद्देश्य राख्नुभएको छ: कि समयको पूर्णताको व्यवस्थामा उहाँले ख्रीष्टमा सबै चीजहरू एकसाथ भेला गर्नुहोस्, जुन स्वर्गमा छन् र पृथ्वीमा छन्। उहाँमा पनि: जसमा हामीले पनि उत्तराधिकार पाएका छौं, उहाँको उद्देश्यअनुसार पूर्वनिर्धारित भएर, जसले सबै कुरा आफ्नै इच्छाको सल्लाहअनुसार गर्छ।” ~ एफिसी १:९-११ तर के यो पृथ्वीमा उहाँका जनहरूले उहाँलाई त्यसरी नै पूजा गर्ने परमेश्वरको अभिप्राय होइन? परमेश्वरले कुनै पनि मानिसलाई अख्तियारको स्थानमा उचाल्नुभएन जहाँ तिनीहरूले आफ्ना मानिसहरूलाई विभाजित गर्न सक्छन्। “तर तिमीहरूलाई रब्बी नभन, किनकि तिमीहरूका मालिक एउटै हुनुहुन्छ, ख्रीष्ट पनि; अनि तिमीहरू सबै दाजुभाइ हौ। अनि पृथ्वीमा कसैलाई आफ्नो पिता नभन, किनकि स्वर्गमा हुनुहुने तिमीहरूका पिता एउटै हुनुहुन्छ। न त तिमीहरूलाई मालिक नभन्नुहोस्, किनकि तिमीहरूका मालिक एउटै हुनुहुन्छ, ख्रीष्ट पनि। तर तिमीहरूमध्ये जो सबैभन्दा ठूलो छ, त्यो तिमीहरूको सेवक हुनेछ। अनि जसले आफूलाई उच्च पार्छ, नीच हुनेछ। र जसले आफूलाई नम्र पार्छ ऊ उच्च पारिनेछ।” ~ मत्ती २३:८-१२ "र अब म संसारमा छैन, तर यी संसारमा छन्, र म तपाईंकहाँ आउँछु। पवित्र बुबा, तपाईंले मलाई दिनुभएकाहरूलाई तपाईंको आफ्नै नामद्वारा सुरक्षित राख्नुहोस्, हामी जस्तै तिनीहरू एक हुन सक्छन्... ... र तपाईंले मलाई दिनुभएको महिमा मैले तिनीहरूलाई दिएको छु; जसरी हामी एक छौं, तिनीहरू पनि एक हुन सक्छन्: म तिनीहरूमा, र तपाईं ममा, कि तिनीहरू एक मा सिद्ध हुन सक्छ; र संसारले थाहा पाऊन् कि तपाईंले मलाई पठाउनुभएको हो, र तिनीहरूलाई प्रेम गर्नुभयो, जसरी तपाईंले मलाई प्रेम गर्नुभयो।" ~ यूहन्ना १७:११ र २२-२३ त्यसोभए पक्कै पनि धर्मशास्त्रहरूले हामीलाई देखाउँछन् कि उहाँका जनहरूलाई उहाँको उपासना गर्ने एकतामा एक अविभाजित मण्डली होस् भन्ने परमेश्वरको अभिप्राय हो - जसरी येशूले यसलाई सुरुमा निर्माण गर्नुभयो। त्यसोभए प्रश्न यो छ: यदि हामी अब एउटै मण्डली बन्न सक्षम छैनौं भने, हामी स्वर्गमा पुग्दा कसरी हुनेछौं? यदि हामीले अहिले त्यसो गर्न सकेनौं भने स्वर्गमा कसरी मिल्ने? हामी कसरी पवित्र र स्वर्गमा परमेश्वरको सिंहासनको सामु निर्दोष रहनेछौं, यदि परमेश्वरको शक्तिद्वारा हामीसँग अहिले त्यो गर्ने विश्वास छैन भने? “यी ती हुन् जो नारीहरूसित अपवित्र भएका थिएनन्। किनभने तिनीहरू कुमारी हुन्। थुमा जहाँ गए पनि उहाँलाई पछ्याउनेहरू यिनीहरू हुन्। तिनीहरू परमेश्वर र थुमाको लागि पहिलो फल भएका कारण मानिसहरूबाट छुटकारा पाएका थिए। र तिनीहरूको मुखमा कुनै छल फेला परेन, किनकि तिनीहरू परमेश्वरको सिंहासनको सामु निर्दोष छन्।” ~ प्रकाश १४:४-५ यसैले प्रकाश अध्याय 4 र 5, र 21 र 22 मा, परमेश्वरले हामीलाई चर्च कस्तो हुनुपर्छ भनेर स्वर्गीय दर्शन दिनुहुन्छ। जब उनी पवित्र हुन्छिन् र सत्यलाई पछ्याउँछिन्, उनी यो पृथ्वीमा स्वर्गीय स्थान बन्नेछिन्। पुरुषहरूद्वारा शासित झूटा दुलही मण्डलीहरूद्वारा उनी अशुद्ध हुनेछैनन्। परमेश्वरका साँचो जनहरू “स्त्रीहरूसित अपवित्र भएका छैनन्” वा धार्मिक प्रणालीहरूद्वारा अशुद्ध छैनन्। तिनीहरू ख्रीष्टमा एउटै शरीर जस्तै शुद्ध र पवित्र छन्। तिनीहरू हुन्: "पवित्र सहर, नयाँ यरूशलेम, परमेश्वरबाट स्वर्गबाट ओर्लिएको, आफ्नो पतिको लागि दुलहीको रूपमा तयार पारिएको।" “अनि हामीलाई सँगै उठाउनुभयो, र हामीलाई सँगै बसाउनु भयो ख्रीष्ट येशूमा स्वर्गीय स्थानहरू: कि आउने युगहरूमा उहाँले ख्रीष्ट येशू मार्फत हामीप्रतिको उहाँको दयामा उहाँको अनुग्रहको अत्याधिक धन देखाउन सकोस्।” ~ एफिसी २:६-७ तर प्रकाशमा, जोनले पनि ख्रीष्टको साँचो दुलहीलाई स्पष्ट रूपमा देख्न सकेनन्, जबसम्म आत्मिक वेश्या बेबिलोन र मानिसहरूका पशु संगठनहरूलाई उहाँको दर्शनबाट हटाइएन। पार्थिव चीजहरू हटाउनु पर्छ जसले परमेश्वरको हाम्रो दर्शन र हामीमा उहाँको उद्देश्यलाई ढाक्छ, पूर्ण रूपमा हटाउन आवश्यक छ। चर्चको यो दर्शन हुनु अघि, प्रकाशले आध्यात्मिक दर्शनलाई बादल लगाएका अन्य धेरै चीजहरू हटाउनु परेको थियो: - सात टाउको भएको, दश सिङ भएको जनावर (यो पतित मानिसहरूको समुद्रबाट बाहिर आयो जो एक पटक इसाई थिए - क्याथोलिक चर्च मार्फत) - झूटा अगमवक्ता जनावर दुईवटा सिङ भएको भेडाको पाठो जस्तै – पतित प्रोटेस्टेन्टवाद (जो पार्थिव दिमाग भएका मानिसहरूको अथाह खाडलबाट बाहिर आयो) - जनावरको छवि, आठ जनावर (पृथ्वी मन भएका मानिसहरु मध्ये पनि) - महान आध्यात्मिक वेश्या बेबिलोन (समुद्रबाट माथि आएपछि, जनताको समुद्रमा पनि शासन गर्छ) - ड्र्यागन (पृथ्वी मानसिकताको अथाह खाडलको) त्यसोभए अब, यी जनावरहरू र वेश्या आत्माहरू मात्र हटाइनु पर्छ, तर तिनीहरू कहाँबाट आएका स्रोतहरू पनि हटाउनु पर्छ: मानिसहरूको पुरानो समुद्र र मानिसहरूको पार्थिव अवस्था। र यदि यी मध्ये कुनैले चर्च वरपरको आध्यात्मिक स्वर्गीय स्थानहरूमा प्रवेश गर्न खोज्छ भने, तिनीहरूलाई हटाउनको लागि त्यो पनि हल्लाइन्छ। “अनि मैले एउटा नयाँ स्वर्ग र नयाँ पृथ्वी देखे: किनकि पहिलो स्वर्ग र पहिलो पृथ्वी बितिसकेका थिए। र त्यहाँ कुनै समुद्र थिएन। र मैले जोनले पवित्र सहर, नयाँ यरूशलेम, परमेश्वरबाट स्वर्गबाट तल ओर्लिरहेको देखेँ, आफ्नो पतिको लागि दुलहीको रूपमा तयार पारिएको। ~ प्रकाश २१:१-२ हो, त्यहाँ साँचो मण्डली (स्वर्गीय स्थानहरू) वरिपरि पनि चीजहरू छन् जुन हल्लाउनुपर्छ! त्यसैले ख्रीष्ट येशूमा नयाँ साँचो स्वर्ग कस्तो देखिन्छ भनेर हामीले स्पष्ट रूपमा देख्न सक्छौं। पुरानो नियमको भविष्यवाणीले पनि यसबारे बताएको छ। "यसैकारण म आकाशलाई हल्लाइदिनेछु, र पृथ्वी आफ्नो स्थानबाट हट्नेछ, सेनाहरूका परमप्रभुको क्रोधमा, र उहाँको भयंकर क्रोधको दिनमा।" ~ यशैया १३:१३ “परमप्रभुले पनि सियोनबाट गर्जनु हुनेछ, र यरूशलेमबाट उहाँको आवाज बोल्नुहुनेछ। अनि आकाश र पृथ्वी हल्लिनेछ। तर परमप्रभु आफ्ना मानिसहरूको आशा र इस्राएलका मानिसहरूको शक्ति हुनुहुनेछ। यसरी तिमीहरूले जान्नेछौ कि म परमप्रभु तिमीहरूका परमेश्वर मेरो पवित्र पर्वत सियोनमा बास गर्ने हुँ, तब यरूशलेम पवित्र हुनेछ, र त्यहाँबाट कुनै अपरिचितहरू फेरि जानेछैनन्।” ~ योएल ३:१६-१७ "यसकारण सेनाहरूका परमप्रभु भन्नुहुन्छ; अझै एक पटक, यो केहि समय छ, र म आकाश, पृथ्वी, समुद्र र सुख्खा जमिन हल्लाउनेछु। अनि म सबै राष्ट्रहरूलाई हल्लाइदिनेछु, र सबै राष्ट्रहरूको इच्छा आउनेछ: र म यस घरलाई महिमाले भरिदिनेछु, सेनाहरूका परमप्रभु भन्नुहुन्छ। चाँदी मेरो हो, र सुन मेरो हो, सेनाहरूका परमप्रभु भन्नुहुन्छ। यस पछिल्लो घरको महिमा पहिलेको भन्दा ठूलो हुनेछ, सेनाहरूका परमप्रभु भन्नुहुन्छ: र यस ठाउँमा म शान्ति दिनेछु, सेनाहरूका परमप्रभु भन्नुहुन्छ। ~ हाग्गै २:६-९ सुसमाचारहरूमा पनि येशूले हामीलाई यो आत्मिक रूपमा भइरहेको बताउनुभयो। "ती दिनको सङ्कष्टको तुरुन्तै पछि सूर्य अँध्यारो हुनेछ, र चन्द्रमाले आफ्नो उज्यालो दिनेछैन, र ताराहरू आकाशबाट खस्नेछन्, र आकाशका शक्तिहरू हल्लिनेछन्: अनि तब स्वर्गमा मानिसको पुत्रको चिन्ह देखा पर्नेछ: र तब पृथ्वीका सबै जनजातिहरूले शोक गर्नेछन्, र तिनीहरूले मानिसको पुत्रलाई स्वर्गको बादलमा शक्ति र ठूलो महिमाको साथ आउँदै गरेको देख्नेछन्। अनि उहाँले आफ्ना स्वर्गदूतहरूलाई तुरहीको ठूलो आवाजसहित पठाउनुहुनेछ, र तिनीहरूले उहाँका चुनिएकाहरूलाई चारै दिशाबाट स्वर्गको एक छेउदेखि अर्को छेउसम्म जम्मा गर्नेछन्।” ~ मत्ती २४:२९-३१ आध्यात्मिक हल्लाउने उद्देश्य भनेको केवल सत्य र पवित्र रहन सुनिश्चित गर्नु हो। किनभने परमेश्वरको साँचो राज्य, जुन भित्रको पवित्रताको राज्य हो, हटाउन सकिँदैन। यो एक अनन्त अपरिवर्तनीय राज्य हो! “जसको आवाजले त्यसबेला पृथ्वी हल्लायो: तर अब उहाँले प्रतिज्ञा गर्नुभएको छ, अझै एक पटक धर्ती मात्र होइन स्वर्ग पनि हल्लाउछु। र यो शब्द, अझै एक पटक, ती चीजहरू हटाउने संकेत गर्दछ जुन हल्लिएका छन्, बनाइएका चीजहरू जस्तै, कि ती चीजहरू जो हल्लाउन सकिँदैन। यसकारण हामीले सार्न नसकिने राज्य पाएका छौं, हामी अनुग्रह गरौं, जसद्वारा हामी आदर र ईश्वरीय भयका साथ स्वीकार्य रूपमा परमेश्वरको सेवा गर्न सक्छौं: "~ हिब्रू १२:२६-२८ र त्यसकारण, यसले हामीलाई अचम्म मान्नुपर्दैन कि प्रकाशको आध्यात्मिक पुस्तकमा, हामीले केही आत्मिक भूकम्पहरू भइरहेको देख्नुपर्छ। प्रकाश पार्थिव मन भएका धार्मिक राज्यहरू र धर्मको पार्थिव शिक्षाहरूलाई हल्लाउन डिजाइन गरिएको हो। र पतित सेवकाईको प्रतिनिधित्व गर्ने ताराहरू पनि, चर्चमा आध्यात्मिक स्वर्गीय स्थानहरूबाट खसे। “अनि मैले हेरें जब उसले छैटौं मोहर खोलेको थियो, र हेर, त्यहाँ ठूलो भूकम्प आयो। सूर्य कपालको भाङ्रा जस्तै कालो भयो, र चन्द्रमा रगत जस्तै भयो। अनि आकाशका ताराहरू पृथ्वीमा खसे, जसरी एउटा नेभाराको रूखले आफ्नो अकालको नेभाराहरू फ्याँक्छ, जब उसलाई शक्तिशाली बतासले हल्लायो। अनि स्वर्ग एक मुट्ठो जस्तै गयो जब यो एक साथ गुडाइन्छ। र हरेक पहाड र टापुहरू आ-आफ्नो ठाउँबाट बाहिर सारिए। अनि पृथ्वीका राजाहरू, ठूला मानिसहरू, धनीहरू, र प्रमुख कप्तानहरू, र शक्तिशाली मानिसहरू, र प्रत्येक दास र प्रत्येक स्वतन्त्र मानिसले आफूलाई पहाडका चट्टानहरूमा लुकेका थिए। अनि पहाडहरू र चट्टानहरूलाई भने, हामीमाथि खस, र सिंहासनमा विराजमान हुनुहुने उहाँको अनुहारबाट र थुमाको क्रोधबाट हामीलाई लुकाउनुहोस्: उहाँको क्रोधको महान् दिन आएको छ। र कसले उभिन सक्छ?" ~ प्रकाश ६:१२-१७ प्रकाशमा, पार्थिव चीजहरूले दुष्ट मानिसहरूको हृदयबाट दुष्ट चीजहरूलाई प्रतिनिधित्व गर्दछ: - "उहाँ जो माथिबाट आउनुहुन्छ सबै भन्दा माथि हुनुहुन्छ: जो पृथ्वीको हो ऊ पार्थिव होर पृथ्वीको बारेमा बोल्छ: स्वर्गबाट आउनुहुने सबै भन्दा माथि हुनुहुन्छ।" ~ यूहन्ना ३:३१ - "(धेरै हिँड्नका लागि, जसको बारेमा मैले तपाईलाई बारम्बार भनेको छु, र अब तपाईलाई रोएर पनि भन्छु, कि तिनीहरू ख्रीष्टको क्रुसका शत्रुहरू हुन्: जसको अन्त विनाश हो, जसको परमेश्वर तिनीहरूको पेट हो, र जसको महिमा तिनीहरूको लाजमा छ। , जो पार्थिव चीजहरूमा ध्यान दिन्छन्~ फिलिप्पी ३:१८-१९ - “तर यदि तिमीहरूको हृदयमा तीतो ईर्ष्या र कलह छ भने, घमण्ड नगर्नुहोस्, र सत्यको विरुद्धमा झूट नबोल्नुहोस्। यो बुद्धि माथिबाट आएको होइन, तर पार्थिव, कामुक, शैतानी छ।" ~ याकूब ३:१४-१५ स्वर्गबाट तल आएको मण्डलीमा तीतो ईर्ष्या र कलह हुँदैन। यी चीजहरू मानिसहरूबाट आउँछन् जो समस्याग्रस्त समुद्रहरू जस्तै छन्: उछाल्नुहोस् र घुमाउनुहोस् र समस्यालाई मन्थन गर्नुहोस्। त्यसैले यो समुद्र आध्यात्मिक रूपमा पनि हटाइनुपर्छ: “धेरै मानिसहरूको भीडलाई धिक्कार, जसले समुद्रको कोलाहल जस्तै आवाज निकाल्छ। र राष्ट्रहरूको हतारमा, जसले शक्तिशाली पानीको हडताल जस्तै हतार गर्छ। जातिहरू धेरै पानीको दौडिएझैँ दौडनेछन्, तर परमेश्वरले तिनीहरूलाई हप्काउनुहुनेछ, र तिनीहरू टाढा भाग्नेछन्, र बतासको अगाडि पहाडको भुसझैँ र आँधीबेहरीको अघि लड्ने वस्तुझैँ खेद्नेछन्।” ~ यशैया १७:१२-१३ "अनि उहाँले मलाई भन्नुभयो, तपाईंले देखेको पानी, जहाँ वेश्या बस्छ, मानिसहरू, भीडहरू, राष्ट्रहरू र भाषाहरू हुन्।" ~ प्रकाश १७:१५ यसैले सुसमाचार "पुरानोसँग र नयाँसँग मिल्छ।" र नयाँ आत्मिक स्वर्ग र पृथ्वी संग, तब जोनले परमेश्वरको साँचो मण्डली देख्न सक्थे। "र मैले जोनले पवित्र सहर, नयाँ यरूशलेम, परमेश्वरबाट स्वर्गबाट तल ओर्लिरहेको देखेँ, आफ्नो पतिको लागि दुलहीको रूपमा तयार पारिएको।" ~ प्रकाश २१:२ "किनकि म ईश्वरीय ईर्ष्याको साथ तपाईलाई ईर्ष्या गर्छु: किनकि मैले तिमीलाई एउटै पतिसँग सम्बद्ध गरेको छु, कि म तिमीलाई ख्रीष्टमा एक पवित्र कन्याको रूपमा प्रस्तुत गर्न सक्छु। तर मलाई डर छ, कि जसरी सर्पले आफ्नो चतुरताले हव्वालाई बहकायो, त्यसरी नै ख्रीष्टमा भएको सरलताबाट तिमीहरूको दिमाग भ्रष्ट होस्। किनकि यदि आउनेले अर्को येशूलाई प्रचार गर्छ, जसलाई हामीले प्रचार गरेका छैनौं, वा यदि तपाईंले अर्को आत्मा प्राप्त गर्नुभयो, जुन तपाईंले प्राप्त गर्नुभएको छैन, वा अर्को सुसमाचार, जुन तपाईंले स्वीकार गर्नुभएको छैन, तपाईंले उहाँलाई सहनु हुनेछ।” ~ २ कोरिन्थी ११:२-४ “पति हो, आफ्ना पत्नीहरूलाई प्रेम गर, जसरी ख्रीष्टले पनि मण्डलीलाई प्रेम गर्नुभयो, र त्यसको लागि आफूलाई अर्पण गर्नुभयो; उसले वचनद्वारा पानीको धुलाईले यसलाई पवित्र र सफा गर्न सक्छ, कि उसले यसलाई आफैंमा एउटा महिमित मण्डली प्रस्तुत गर्न सक्छ, दाग, वा चाउरी वा त्यस्तो कुनै चीज नभएको; तर त्यो पवित्र र दोषरहित हुनुपर्छ। यस कारणले गर्दा मानिसले आफ्नो बुबा र आमालाई छोड्नेछ, र आफ्नी पत्नीसँग जोडिनेछ, र तिनीहरू दुई एउटै शरीर हुनेछन्। यो एउटा ठूलो रहस्य हो: तर म ख्रीष्ट र मण्डलीको बारेमा बोल्छु। ~ एफिसी ५:२५-२७,३१-३२ र अब एक पटक चर्च ख्रीष्टमा साँचो र विश्वासयोग्य प्रस्तुत भयो, तब हामी पनि चर्चमा सर्वशक्तिमान परमेश्वरको उपस्थिति देख्न सक्षम छौं! “अनि मैले स्वर्गबाट एउटा ठूलो आवाज यसो भनेको सुनें, हेर, परमेश्वरको बासस्थान मानिसहरूसँग छ, र उहाँ तिनीहरूसँग वास गर्नुहुनेछ, र तिनीहरू उहाँका मानिसहरू हुनेछन्। भगवान स्वयं तिनीहरूसँगै हुनेछन्, र तिनीहरूका परमेश्वर हुनेछन्।” ~ प्रकाश २१:३ साँचो ख्रीष्टियनहरू, व्यक्तिगत रूपमा र सामूहिक रूपमा, परमेश्वरको नयाँ नियमको मन्दिर हो, जहाँ परमेश्वर हामीसँग भेट्न पृथ्वीमा आउनुहुन्छ। “तिमीहरू परमेश्वरको मन्दिर हौ र परमेश्वरका आत्मा तिमीहरूमा वास गर्नुहुन्छ भनी के तिमीहरूलाई थाहा छैन? यदि कसैले परमेश्वरको मन्दिरलाई अशुद्ध पार्छ भने, परमेश्वरले उसलाई नष्ट गर्नुहुनेछ। किनकि परमेश्वरको मन्दिर पवित्र छ, जुन मन्दिर तिमी हौ।" ~ १ कोरिन्थी ३:१६-१७ “किनकि उहाँद्वारा हामी दुवैको एउटै आत्माद्वारा पितासम्म पहुँच हुन्छ। यसकारण अब तिमीहरू विदेशी र विदेशी होइनौ, तर सन्तहरू र परमेश्वरको घरानाका सहनागरिकहरू हौ। र प्रेरितहरू र अगमवक्ताहरूको जगमा निर्माण गरिएका छन्, येशू ख्रीष्ट आफैं मुख्य कुने ढुङ्गा हुनुहुन्थ्यो; जसमा सबै भवनहरू एकसाथ मिलाएर प्रभुको पवित्र मन्दिरमा बढ्छ: जसमा तिमीहरू पनि आत्माद्वारा परमेश्वरको बासस्थानको लागि एकसाथ निर्माण गरिएको छ। ~ एफिसी २:१८-२२ अब जब परमेश्वर उपस्थित हुनुहुन्छ, तब सुसमाचारको लागि परीक्षा र कष्टको गहिराइमा पनि, हामी अझै पनि पवित्र आत्मा, सान्त्वना दिने प्रतिज्ञाबाट सान्त्वना पाउन सक्छौं (यूहन्ना 14:16, 14:26, 15:26)। “र परमेश्वरले तिनीहरूका आँखाबाट सबै आँसु पुछिदिनुहुनेछ। र त्यहाँ फेरि मृत्यु हुनेछैन, न शोक, न रुनेछ, न त त्यहाँ कुनै पीडा हुनेछ: किनकि पहिलेका कुराहरू बितिसकेका छन्।" ~ प्रकाश २१:४ - “उसले मृत्युलाई विजयमा निल्नेछ। अनि परमप्रभु परमेश्वरले सबैको अनुहारबाट आँसु पुछिदिनुहुनेछ। अनि उहाँले आफ्ना मानिसहरूको हप्कालाई सारा पृथ्वीबाट हटाउनुहुनेछ, किनभने परमप्रभुले यो भन्नुभएको छ। अनि त्यस दिन भनिनेछ, हेर, यो हाम्रा परमेश्वर हुनुहुन्छ। हामी उहाँलाई पर्खिरहेका छौं, र उहाँले हामीलाई बचाउनुहुनेछ: उहाँ परमप्रभु हुनुहुन्छ। हामीले उहाँको पर्खाइमा छौं, उहाँको उद्धारमा हामी हर्षित र आनन्दित हुनेछौं।” ~ यशैया २५:८-९ - "त्यसोभए जब यो भ्रष्टले अविनाशी धारण गर्नेछ, र यो नश्वरले अमरता धारण गर्नेछ, तब लेखिएको भनाइलाई पूरा गरिनेछ, मृत्यु विजयमा निलिएको छ। हे मृत्यु, तिम्रो डंक कहाँ छ? हे चिहान, तिम्रो विजय कहाँ छ? मृत्युको डंक पाप हो; र पापको बल व्यवस्था हो। तर परमेश्वरलाई धन्यवाद होस्, जसले हामीलाई हाम्रा प्रभु येशू ख्रीष्टद्वारा विजय दिनुहुन्छ।” ~ १ कोरिन्थी १५:५४-५७ हो यो सान्त्वना पृथ्वी छोडेर ईश्वरको अनन्त स्वर्गमा प्रवेश गर्दा पूर्ण रूपमा प्राप्त हुनेछ। तर अहिले पनि "मृत्युको डंक" जुन पाप हो, हाम्रो जीवनबाट हटाउन सकिन्छ। यो पवित्र आत्माको भरि संगै सम्पन्न भएकोले हामीलाई अहिले धेरै आवश्यक अनुग्रह र सान्त्वना दिन्छ! "अनि सिंहासनमा विराजमान हुनुहुनेले भने, हेर, म सबै कुरा नयाँ बनाउँछु। अनि उहाँले मलाई भन्नुभयो, लेख: यी शब्दहरू सत्य र विश्वासयोग्य छन्। प्रकाश 21:5 हो, उहाँले अहिले नै सबै आध्यात्मिक कुराहरू नयाँ बनाउन सक्नुहुन्छ! यो पनि उहाँको साँचो र विश्वासयोग्य वचनको अंश हो। "यसैकारण यदि कोही मानिस ख्रीष्टमा छ भने, त्यो नयाँ सृष्टि हो: पुराना कुराहरू बितिसकेका छन्; हेर, सबै चीजहरू नयाँ हुन्छन्।" ~ २ कोरिन्थी ५:१७ "अनि उसले मलाई भन्यो, यो गरिएको छ। म अल्फा र ओमेगा हुँ, सुरु र अन्त्य। म तिर्खाउनेलाई जीवनको पानीको मुहान सित्तैमा दिनेछु।” ~ प्रकाश २१:६ यो सकियो! हो अहिले पनि: यो सकियो! जब येशू क्रुसमा मर्नुभयो, उहाँले हामीलाई अन्तिम शब्दहरू भन्नुभयो: "यो समाप्त भयो।" येशूको बलिदानले पूर्ण काम गर्छ र आज पनि सबै चीजहरू नयाँ बनाउनेछ। "यसकारण जब येशूले सिरका पाउनु भयो, उहाँले भन्नुभयो, यो सकियो: र उसले आफ्नो शिर झुकाएर भूत त्याग्यो। ~ यूहन्ना १९:३० के तपाईं सार्न नसकिने यो राज्य प्राप्त गर्न सक्षम हुनुहुन्छ? के तपाईं ख्रीष्टको साँचो दुलहीको भाग हुनुहुन्छ? के तपाईंसँग हेर्ने आध्यात्मिक आँखा र सुन्न कान छ? "जसले जित्छ उसले सबै चीजहरू पाउनेछ; म उसको परमेश्वर हुनेछु, र ऊ मेरो छोरा हुनेछ। तर डराउने, अविश्वासी, घिनलाग्दो, हत्याराहरू, व्यभिचारीहरू, जादूगरहरू, मूर्तिपूजकहरू, र सबै झूट बोल्नेहरू, आगो र गन्धकले जलेको तालमा तिनीहरूको भाग हुनेछ: जुन दोस्रो मृत्यु हो।” ~ प्रकाश २१:७-८ पहिलो मृत्यु, आत्माको मृत्यु हो जुन पाप गर्दा हुन्छ। "मृत्युको डंक" तब हुन्छ जब तपाईं पापमा फर्किनुहुन्छ, वा पापको कहिल्यै क्षमा गरिएको छैन, र तपाईं त्यसरी मर्नुहुन्छ। यदि तपाईं आफ्नो पापमा मर्नुभयो भने येशूले भन्नुभयो, "जहाँ म छु, तपाईं आउन सक्नुहुन्न।" यो दोस्रो मृत्यु हो, जुन अनन्तकालको लागि ईश्वरबाट स्थायी अलगाव हो। नोट: तलको यो रेखाचित्रले एक्काइसौं अध्याय पूर्ण प्रकाश सन्देश भित्र कहाँ छ भनेर देखाउँछ। पहिले कपटको छललाई नष्ट गरिसकेपछि, प्रकाश अध्याय 21 ले ख्रीष्टको साँचो दुलही, साँचो मण्डलीलाई प्रकट गर्दछ। प्रकाशको उच्च स्तरको दृष्टिकोणलाई अझ राम्रोसँग बुझ्नको लागि, तपाईंले "प्रकाश को रोडमैप।"