Bible Reading: Mark 15
Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
After six grueling hours on the cross Jesus cried out this pitiful plea to the Father. He was near death and his mission was almost fulfilled. The people standing around did not understand what he meant. Do we?
Why did he cry out this particular saying? This was prophesied almost a thousand years before it happened.
Psalms 22:1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
David prophetically described the crucifixion of Jesus Christ during his days. He began his prophetic Psalm with these heart-wrenching words that would later come from the mouth of our Savior.
Why was Jesus forsaken by the Father? Because as he hung on the cross, he took all the sins of the world upon himself and bore them.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Jesus took our sins and the Father who is too pure to look upon sin had to forsake the Son for a season. In all of eternity nothing like that had ever happened! Jesus experienced a kind of separation from the Father that brought about this cry from the cross.
He did this for you! He took your sin so you could be forgiven and free. Call upon his name today and praise him for what he has done!
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
As a little child
Bible Reading: Mark 10
Mark 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
I love hearing the ideas my children come up with! They don't know the word 'impossible'. They have no idea how much things cost! They come up with these ideas to make elaborate club houses and motorized life sized Lego cars! They also believe me.
When I tell them something, they believe it. They have not learned skepticism or realism. Their worlds have plenty of room for Swiss Family Robinson style tree houses. My son thinks we should just do away with money as a society and have stores where you just go in and get what you need. (I call him a socialist and tell him it will never work!)
The Kingdom of God however is something that right now is invisible. We must hear the Word of God and believe him when he tells us that Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. We will not get to go see it and then believe. We must TRUST the Word of God like a child who believes what their parents tell them.
We must do away with skepticism and our supposedly 'rational' minds when we come to Scripture and simply sit quietly and listen as Jesus talks to us. Like a child hearing a bedtime story and then drifting off to sleep imagining what they heard, we need to listen to the Word of God. It is not a fairy tale. It is the truth and unless we believe it, we will never receive the promises that God has made in it.
If you have some excited children around your house this Christmas season, keep that image in mind as you meditate on this verse. Let's get excited about the gift of God's Son and the incredible gift of answered prayer from our loving Heavenly Father!
In Christ,
Rody
Mark 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
I love hearing the ideas my children come up with! They don't know the word 'impossible'. They have no idea how much things cost! They come up with these ideas to make elaborate club houses and motorized life sized Lego cars! They also believe me.
When I tell them something, they believe it. They have not learned skepticism or realism. Their worlds have plenty of room for Swiss Family Robinson style tree houses. My son thinks we should just do away with money as a society and have stores where you just go in and get what you need. (I call him a socialist and tell him it will never work!)
The Kingdom of God however is something that right now is invisible. We must hear the Word of God and believe him when he tells us that Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. We will not get to go see it and then believe. We must TRUST the Word of God like a child who believes what their parents tell them.
We must do away with skepticism and our supposedly 'rational' minds when we come to Scripture and simply sit quietly and listen as Jesus talks to us. Like a child hearing a bedtime story and then drifting off to sleep imagining what they heard, we need to listen to the Word of God. It is not a fairy tale. It is the truth and unless we believe it, we will never receive the promises that God has made in it.
If you have some excited children around your house this Christmas season, keep that image in mind as you meditate on this verse. Let's get excited about the gift of God's Son and the incredible gift of answered prayer from our loving Heavenly Father!
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Their worm diets not
Bible Reading: Mark 9
Mark 9:43-44 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
Hell is not a pleasant subject. Especially this time of year, when people are focusing so much on the birth of Christ. We must remember that Jesus was born to save us from hell.
Jesus taught us that sin is so serious that to remove those things that offend us is better than going to hell. Here Jesus makes the contrast between eternal life and eternal hell. He describes entering life maimed as better than going to hell with both hands. For the believer, death is a doorway to eternal life with Jesus. However, sin will send a person to hell. A person who is not born again will face hell.
This is the description that Jesus gives us: hell is a fire that is never quenched. He says this twice. He also says their worm dieth not. Worms live in rotting flesh. Eternal fire and eternal rotting. How horrible! Yet, we must believe this because Jesus taught about it.
We must also ask this question: What could be so bad that the Son of God would have to die? Hell is the answer. Jesus came to save us from this horrible reality.
If we are honest with ourselves, how much would we have to cut off to get rid of everything that offends?
Mark 7:21-23 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
Not just hands, feet and eyes, but hearts would have to go! We cannot save ourselves! That is why Jesus was born. He loves us and came to save us. We only enter into life because of him!
In Christ,
Rody
Mark 9:43-44 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
Hell is not a pleasant subject. Especially this time of year, when people are focusing so much on the birth of Christ. We must remember that Jesus was born to save us from hell.
Jesus taught us that sin is so serious that to remove those things that offend us is better than going to hell. Here Jesus makes the contrast between eternal life and eternal hell. He describes entering life maimed as better than going to hell with both hands. For the believer, death is a doorway to eternal life with Jesus. However, sin will send a person to hell. A person who is not born again will face hell.
This is the description that Jesus gives us: hell is a fire that is never quenched. He says this twice. He also says their worm dieth not. Worms live in rotting flesh. Eternal fire and eternal rotting. How horrible! Yet, we must believe this because Jesus taught about it.
We must also ask this question: What could be so bad that the Son of God would have to die? Hell is the answer. Jesus came to save us from this horrible reality.
If we are honest with ourselves, how much would we have to cut off to get rid of everything that offends?
Mark 7:21-23 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
Not just hands, feet and eyes, but hearts would have to go! We cannot save ourselves! That is why Jesus was born. He loves us and came to save us. We only enter into life because of him!
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Ashamed of me and of my words
Bible Reading: Mark 8
Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
How could anyone be ashamed of Jesus and his words? Well, it can happen. Have you ever thought that you should have talked to someone about their relationship with Jesus Christ and yet felt ashamed to bring it up? Have you ever been embarrassed to point out what the Bible says about something that comes up in conversation? This has happened to every follower of Jesus at one time or another. Maybe it is not so much a shame of Christ, but a fear of being rejected.
However, never forget what the Bible says about Jesus:
Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
John 15:18-19 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
John 17:14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
The world hates Jesus, his word and his followers. To follow Jesus means rejection in this world. Paul knew this and he declared:
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Don't be ashamed of Jesus or the gospel. Pray for boldness to proclaim his word. When people hear the message of the gospel, they can be saved if they will only believe. You can be a trumpet for the goodness and love of God. Don't be silent!
In Christ,
Rody
Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
How could anyone be ashamed of Jesus and his words? Well, it can happen. Have you ever thought that you should have talked to someone about their relationship with Jesus Christ and yet felt ashamed to bring it up? Have you ever been embarrassed to point out what the Bible says about something that comes up in conversation? This has happened to every follower of Jesus at one time or another. Maybe it is not so much a shame of Christ, but a fear of being rejected.
However, never forget what the Bible says about Jesus:
Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
John 15:18-19 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
John 17:14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
The world hates Jesus, his word and his followers. To follow Jesus means rejection in this world. Paul knew this and he declared:
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Don't be ashamed of Jesus or the gospel. Pray for boldness to proclaim his word. When people hear the message of the gospel, they can be saved if they will only believe. You can be a trumpet for the goodness and love of God. Don't be silent!
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, December 19, 2011
Their heart is far from me
Bible Reading: Mark 7
Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
The scribes and Pharisees of Jesus' day were very concerned with religion. They had a whole list of things that religious men were supposed to do or to avoid. They were especially focused on washing their hands and their dishes. If they could not wash properly, they would not eat. This was seen as being very pious and holy.
This is what religion always does. It gives you a set of external standards to do. If you do these, you are accepted. If you do not, you are seen as a compromiser.
Jesus pointed out that they were hypocrites. That word means a 'play actor'. They were pretending to be pious, but in reality, they were sinful at heart. Their outward bodies might be clean, but their inward souls were dirty. They talked about God and religious things, but their hearts did not belong to God.
Don't fall into this trap. A relationship with Jesus is not a set of rules. It is a reality where we understand and confess our sin and receive Jesus into our lives. All the rituals in the world will not save you. Only Jesus can save you. All the washing in the world cannot cleanse your heart. Only the precious blood of Jesus can cleanse from sin.
Jesus wants us to love him with all our heart. Outward religion is not love. It is only ritual. Love is from a pure heart. We need to pray with David:
Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
He will do! When he comes in, he cleans up the house.
In Christ,
Rody
Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
The scribes and Pharisees of Jesus' day were very concerned with religion. They had a whole list of things that religious men were supposed to do or to avoid. They were especially focused on washing their hands and their dishes. If they could not wash properly, they would not eat. This was seen as being very pious and holy.
This is what religion always does. It gives you a set of external standards to do. If you do these, you are accepted. If you do not, you are seen as a compromiser.
Jesus pointed out that they were hypocrites. That word means a 'play actor'. They were pretending to be pious, but in reality, they were sinful at heart. Their outward bodies might be clean, but their inward souls were dirty. They talked about God and religious things, but their hearts did not belong to God.
Don't fall into this trap. A relationship with Jesus is not a set of rules. It is a reality where we understand and confess our sin and receive Jesus into our lives. All the rituals in the world will not save you. Only Jesus can save you. All the washing in the world cannot cleanse your heart. Only the precious blood of Jesus can cleanse from sin.
Jesus wants us to love him with all our heart. Outward religion is not love. It is only ritual. Love is from a pure heart. We need to pray with David:
Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
He will do! When he comes in, he cleans up the house.
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Why are ye so fearful
Bible Reading: Mark 4
Mark 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
The disciples just saw Jesus speak to the wind and rebuke a terrible storm they were in at sea. He told the wind to be still! The disciples were exceedingly fearful and Jesus wanted to know why. They were in the boat with the Creator of the meteorological system - they should not have been surprised that all of his creation is subject to his word!
Jesus questioned their fear. They were with him. What did they have to be afraid of? They needed faith. They needed to trust him and believe his word. That is what we need today. The opposite of fear is faith. Faith brings courage.
When we trust Jesus, we can face the storms of life with courage. We can also face his providence and miracles knowing that he is at work in the world. Prayerful disciples expect for the Lord to be at work all around them. When we see something happen and know it must be Jesus at work we are grateful because we know who his is!
There is no need to fear when you walk by faith. The Holy Spirit is leading you in the direction he wants you to go. Faithfully follow the Lord!
In Christ,
Rody
Mark 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
The disciples just saw Jesus speak to the wind and rebuke a terrible storm they were in at sea. He told the wind to be still! The disciples were exceedingly fearful and Jesus wanted to know why. They were in the boat with the Creator of the meteorological system - they should not have been surprised that all of his creation is subject to his word!
Jesus questioned their fear. They were with him. What did they have to be afraid of? They needed faith. They needed to trust him and believe his word. That is what we need today. The opposite of fear is faith. Faith brings courage.
When we trust Jesus, we can face the storms of life with courage. We can also face his providence and miracles knowing that he is at work in the world. Prayerful disciples expect for the Lord to be at work all around them. When we see something happen and know it must be Jesus at work we are grateful because we know who his is!
There is no need to fear when you walk by faith. The Holy Spirit is leading you in the direction he wants you to go. Faithfully follow the Lord!
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
That they should be with him
Bible Reading: Mark 3
Mark 3:14-15 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, 15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:
Yes, he gave them power to heal and to cast out devils. Yes, they were sent forth to preach. The most incredible blessing of the choosing of the twelve however, was that he ordained them 'that they should be with him'. Just to be with Jesus is the most incredible blessing there is. To spend time with him and listen to his word is the one thing that is needful. This is what Mary chose!
Luke 10:41-42 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Time spent with Jesus will never be taken away. It is that good part of our lives. Do you spend time with Jesus? We have that privilege on a daily basis. We are invited to spend time with him any time we want.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
When we are on mission with Jesus, we are promised his presence with us.
Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
It is the promise by which we cultivate contentment in our lives.
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Jesus is with us. His Spirit lives in us. He will never leave us. He is with us always. Now he invites us to be with him. Will you spend time with Jesus today? It is that good part which shall never be taken away from you.
In Christ,
Rody
Mark 3:14-15 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, 15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:
Yes, he gave them power to heal and to cast out devils. Yes, they were sent forth to preach. The most incredible blessing of the choosing of the twelve however, was that he ordained them 'that they should be with him'. Just to be with Jesus is the most incredible blessing there is. To spend time with him and listen to his word is the one thing that is needful. This is what Mary chose!
Luke 10:41-42 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Time spent with Jesus will never be taken away. It is that good part of our lives. Do you spend time with Jesus? We have that privilege on a daily basis. We are invited to spend time with him any time we want.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
When we are on mission with Jesus, we are promised his presence with us.
Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
It is the promise by which we cultivate contentment in our lives.
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Jesus is with us. His Spirit lives in us. He will never leave us. He is with us always. Now he invites us to be with him. Will you spend time with Jesus today? It is that good part which shall never be taken away from you.
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, December 12, 2011
I came not to call the righteous
Bible Reading: Mark 2
Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
The self-righteous have no need of Jesus. Only the desperate and those who know they are sinners go to the Savior. The Pharisees of Jesus' day saw themselves as righteous and they looked upon other men with contempt.
Luke 18:9-14 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
A person who sees themselves as righteous looks down on others and has no need for a Savior. This is the trap of religion and the path to hell. The Bible tells us clearly there is none righteous, no, not one. (Romans 3:10)
The physician of souls is come and he invites all who are sin-sick to come to him for forgiveness and cleansing. Will you go to the Savior? Will you trust in him alone for righteousness?
1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
Jesus Christ is our righteousness. Trust him!
In Christ,
Rody
Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
The self-righteous have no need of Jesus. Only the desperate and those who know they are sinners go to the Savior. The Pharisees of Jesus' day saw themselves as righteous and they looked upon other men with contempt.
Luke 18:9-14 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
A person who sees themselves as righteous looks down on others and has no need for a Savior. This is the trap of religion and the path to hell. The Bible tells us clearly there is none righteous, no, not one. (Romans 3:10)
The physician of souls is come and he invites all who are sin-sick to come to him for forgiveness and cleansing. Will you go to the Savior? Will you trust in him alone for righteousness?
1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
Jesus Christ is our righteousness. Trust him!
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Come
Bible Reading: Revelation 22
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
The Bible ends with a wonderful invitation to come to Jesus. He has the water of life. Jesus offered this water to a Samaritan woman at a well.
John 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Are you thirsty? Then come to Jesus. He has the water of life. Once you drink of this water, you will never thirst again.
The invitation is offered to "whosoever will" and notice where the invitation comes from. The Spirit says, "Come." The Holy Spirit invites people to come to Jesus and drink the living water. The bride also says, "Come." This is the invitation from the church.
Here is the wonderful news! The invitation is offered to all and the church joins with the Holy Spirit in inviting people to come to Jesus. Are you a part of this inviting party? Please join in! Come. Then go and invite others!
In Christ,
Rody
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
The Bible ends with a wonderful invitation to come to Jesus. He has the water of life. Jesus offered this water to a Samaritan woman at a well.
John 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Are you thirsty? Then come to Jesus. He has the water of life. Once you drink of this water, you will never thirst again.
The invitation is offered to "whosoever will" and notice where the invitation comes from. The Spirit says, "Come." The Holy Spirit invites people to come to Jesus and drink the living water. The bride also says, "Come." This is the invitation from the church.
Here is the wonderful news! The invitation is offered to all and the church joins with the Holy Spirit in inviting people to come to Jesus. Are you a part of this inviting party? Please join in! Come. Then go and invite others!
In Christ,
Rody
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
God shall wipe away all tears
Bible Reading: Revelation 21
Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
This is what we look forward to in Christ! Do you suffer from tears? Of course you do because we all live in a world where there is sin. Sin leads to pain and suffering. Our God loves us so much that he came into our sinful world and suffered and died as a man. Jesus did this so that we could be saved and have a hope for a home with him where there is no sin.
Imagine a world where there is no death. Loved ones don't die. People don't have congenital defects that kill them too soon. People don't have car accidents. People don't have cancer.
Imagine a world with no sorrow or crying. There is nothing there to cause it! No broken relationships. No divorces. No loss. No regrets.
Imagine a world with no pain. No sore backs. No headaches. No broken bones. No cancer. No radiation. No needles.
All these things are passed away. These things are all the result of sin and there will be no sin in this new heaven and new earth.
It is God who will wipe away the tears from all eyes. Our loving Heavenly Father will wipe away the last tears from the old creation and when our eyes clear we will see the new heavens and new earth Jesus has made for us.
What a day that will be.
Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
In Christ,
Rody
Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
This is what we look forward to in Christ! Do you suffer from tears? Of course you do because we all live in a world where there is sin. Sin leads to pain and suffering. Our God loves us so much that he came into our sinful world and suffered and died as a man. Jesus did this so that we could be saved and have a hope for a home with him where there is no sin.
Imagine a world where there is no death. Loved ones don't die. People don't have congenital defects that kill them too soon. People don't have car accidents. People don't have cancer.
Imagine a world with no sorrow or crying. There is nothing there to cause it! No broken relationships. No divorces. No loss. No regrets.
Imagine a world with no pain. No sore backs. No headaches. No broken bones. No cancer. No radiation. No needles.
All these things are passed away. These things are all the result of sin and there will be no sin in this new heaven and new earth.
It is God who will wipe away the tears from all eyes. Our loving Heavenly Father will wipe away the last tears from the old creation and when our eyes clear we will see the new heavens and new earth Jesus has made for us.
What a day that will be.
Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
In Christ,
Rody
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Written in the book of life
Bible Reading: Revelation 20
Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
This chapter explains that Satan will be bound for one thousand years and Christ will reign on earth during a period of time that has been called the Millennium. This will be a time of peace on earth and a time when man and animal will dwell together in harmony. However, at the end of the thousand years, the devil will be loosed from the bottomless pit. He will lead the unbelievers in an attempt to attack the saints and the King. The fire of God will devour them and the devil will be cast into the lake of fire.
At this point, the Bible tells us there will be a Great White Throne Judgment. The unbelievers will be resurrected and they will be judged. Their works will be scrutinized by Jesus Christ and they will receive sentence - the lake of fire for eternity. Everyone whose name is not found written in the book of life will be cast into the fire.
Is your name written in the book of life? How does a person know if their name is written in the book of life? Paul knew that Clement and others were written in the book:
Philippians 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, your name is in the book. It is the unbeliever whose name is not in the book.
Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Those who do not know Jesus will worship the beast. They are not believers and their names are not in the book. Do you want your name in the book? Then repent and trust in Christ. Confess to him your sin and your need of a Savior and ask him to save you. He will!
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
In Christ,
Rody
Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
This chapter explains that Satan will be bound for one thousand years and Christ will reign on earth during a period of time that has been called the Millennium. This will be a time of peace on earth and a time when man and animal will dwell together in harmony. However, at the end of the thousand years, the devil will be loosed from the bottomless pit. He will lead the unbelievers in an attempt to attack the saints and the King. The fire of God will devour them and the devil will be cast into the lake of fire.
At this point, the Bible tells us there will be a Great White Throne Judgment. The unbelievers will be resurrected and they will be judged. Their works will be scrutinized by Jesus Christ and they will receive sentence - the lake of fire for eternity. Everyone whose name is not found written in the book of life will be cast into the fire.
Is your name written in the book of life? How does a person know if their name is written in the book of life? Paul knew that Clement and others were written in the book:
Philippians 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, your name is in the book. It is the unbeliever whose name is not in the book.
Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Those who do not know Jesus will worship the beast. They are not believers and their names are not in the book. Do you want your name in the book? Then repent and trust in Christ. Confess to him your sin and your need of a Savior and ask him to save you. He will!
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
In Christ,
Rody
Monday, December 5, 2011
Faithful and True
Bible Reading: Revelation 19
Revelation 19:11-13 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
Here we see Jesus, our King returning to make a righteous war. You and I have never seen a righteous war. We have seen the kinds of wars that men make and both sides say they are righteous. Jesus however, is Faithful and True. What a wonderful thought - our God is faithful and true.
Jesus always does what he says he will do - faithful. He always tells the truth - true. Here we see the return of the king. He promised he would come again and he will. His eyes are a flame of fire. Can you imagine how terrible this sight will be to men and women who do not know him? Those fiery eyes see all. Nothing is hidden from his sight.
His vesture is dipped in blood. There will be much bloodshed at the Second Coming of our Lord. Too bad because now is the day of grace. Anyone who will receive him may be forgiven. But many men will not. They hate the name of Jesus.
His name is called the Word of God. That is what John said when he introduced him - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1).
The Word came in the flesh to seek and save that which was lost. The Word will come again to bring vengeance upon his enemies. I pray that you will receive him as your Savior and Lord now so that when he does come again, you can be with him and not against him!
In Christ,
Rody
Revelation 19:11-13 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
Here we see Jesus, our King returning to make a righteous war. You and I have never seen a righteous war. We have seen the kinds of wars that men make and both sides say they are righteous. Jesus however, is Faithful and True. What a wonderful thought - our God is faithful and true.
Jesus always does what he says he will do - faithful. He always tells the truth - true. Here we see the return of the king. He promised he would come again and he will. His eyes are a flame of fire. Can you imagine how terrible this sight will be to men and women who do not know him? Those fiery eyes see all. Nothing is hidden from his sight.
His vesture is dipped in blood. There will be much bloodshed at the Second Coming of our Lord. Too bad because now is the day of grace. Anyone who will receive him may be forgiven. But many men will not. They hate the name of Jesus.
His name is called the Word of God. That is what John said when he introduced him - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1).
The Word came in the flesh to seek and save that which was lost. The Word will come again to bring vengeance upon his enemies. I pray that you will receive him as your Savior and Lord now so that when he does come again, you can be with him and not against him!
In Christ,
Rody
Friday, December 2, 2011
Come out of her my people
Bible Reading: Revelation 18
Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
What should a believer do when they find themselves in a false system? They should do exactly what John heard the voice from heaven say. They should come out of that. The Bible instructed those followers of Jesus who were tempted to go back into Judiasm to:
Hebrews 13:13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
The Jewish believers were instructed to go forth unto him without the camp. Here in Revelation, the true believers in Jesus are instructed to come out of the Babylonian system. To stay would be to partake in her sins. To stay would be to receive her plagues.
Followers of Jesus are to gather together with the saints. (Hebrews 10:24-25). This means we need to be a part of the true church. This is not an particular denomination. It means to be a part of a church that believes the Bible and worships Jesus.
Maybe you are a part of a church like that. You should praise God and pray for your church. If you are a part of the Babylonian system, you need to get out of it. Go to Jesus and bear his reproach.
In Christ,
Rody
Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
What should a believer do when they find themselves in a false system? They should do exactly what John heard the voice from heaven say. They should come out of that. The Bible instructed those followers of Jesus who were tempted to go back into Judiasm to:
Hebrews 13:13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
The Jewish believers were instructed to go forth unto him without the camp. Here in Revelation, the true believers in Jesus are instructed to come out of the Babylonian system. To stay would be to partake in her sins. To stay would be to receive her plagues.
Followers of Jesus are to gather together with the saints. (Hebrews 10:24-25). This means we need to be a part of the true church. This is not an particular denomination. It means to be a part of a church that believes the Bible and worships Jesus.
Maybe you are a part of a church like that. You should praise God and pray for your church. If you are a part of the Babylonian system, you need to get out of it. Go to Jesus and bear his reproach.
In Christ,
Rody
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Mystery Babylon the Great
Bible Reading: Revelation 17
Revelation 17:5 And upon her forehead was a name written, Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of harlots and abominations of the earth.
The New Testament reveals two women representative of all people. First, there is the chaste woman who is the bride of Christ - the church. Second, there is the whore - Mystery Babylon.
Just who or what is this Mother of Harlots? She is described as a whore (17:1). She is arrayed in purple and scarlet color and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls (17:4). She is drunk with the blood of saints and with the blood of martyrs of Jesus (17:6).
It is evident that this woman sits upon the government because she sits upon the seven mountains or seven kings. What does she represent?
Mystery Babylon represents false religious systems. These have always sit upon the government and been decked with costly apparel. They have always persecuted the true followers of Christ. She is the Mother of Harlots and many false systems have come from her. She is a whore because she is not the true bride of Christ but charges for her services.
The Bible tells us that the ten horns will hate the whore and will make her desolate before they devour her. Eventually the government will be done with the false, compromising religious systems and will destroy them.
What a graphic picture of the false religious systems of the last two thousand years! Look around. Who is wearing purple and scarlet and decked with gold? Who commits fornication with the kings of the earth? It is always a compromising religious system who wants their representative to have the ear of the king.
What kind of people ought we to be? We need to be a part of the true bride of Christ. Christ loves his church and gave himself for her. Christ is coming for his church. But this harlot will continue to be vying for power during the time of the Great Tribulation.
Trust Jesus and follow him!
In Christ,
Rody
Revelation 17:5 And upon her forehead was a name written, Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of harlots and abominations of the earth.
The New Testament reveals two women representative of all people. First, there is the chaste woman who is the bride of Christ - the church. Second, there is the whore - Mystery Babylon.
Just who or what is this Mother of Harlots? She is described as a whore (17:1). She is arrayed in purple and scarlet color and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls (17:4). She is drunk with the blood of saints and with the blood of martyrs of Jesus (17:6).
It is evident that this woman sits upon the government because she sits upon the seven mountains or seven kings. What does she represent?
Mystery Babylon represents false religious systems. These have always sit upon the government and been decked with costly apparel. They have always persecuted the true followers of Christ. She is the Mother of Harlots and many false systems have come from her. She is a whore because she is not the true bride of Christ but charges for her services.
The Bible tells us that the ten horns will hate the whore and will make her desolate before they devour her. Eventually the government will be done with the false, compromising religious systems and will destroy them.
What a graphic picture of the false religious systems of the last two thousand years! Look around. Who is wearing purple and scarlet and decked with gold? Who commits fornication with the kings of the earth? It is always a compromising religious system who wants their representative to have the ear of the king.
What kind of people ought we to be? We need to be a part of the true bride of Christ. Christ loves his church and gave himself for her. Christ is coming for his church. But this harlot will continue to be vying for power during the time of the Great Tribulation.
Trust Jesus and follow him!
In Christ,
Rody
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
