On Sunday, July 18th I copied out: "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him (Jesus Christ) to show to His bondservants the things which must shortyly take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angle to His bondservant John who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ even to all that he saw. Blessed is he who read and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and HEED the things which are written in it; for the time is near."
God gave Jesus Christ the revelation to show---to us !
things which MUST shortly take place.
He sent
He communicated
John bore (bear) witness
Blessed he who reads, hear, heed
for the time is near: certain, approaching---can't be stopped. things must take place.
Our job? see, know, see how God delegates, bear witness, know God's Word and Jesus' testimony. read. hear. heed means be responsible for and obey. (Bob commented that heed, as in heed the warning. take note. be aware)
Jesus says: Grace to you and peace from Him who was and who is, and who is to come and from the seven spirits who are before His throne.
throne: soveriegnty, ruler, power, controls history
no accidents. no hiding. purpose, plan
What picture or description of Jesus from Revelation chapter one?
Jesus Christ
alive, revealer, obedient to the Father. giver of good gifts, authority, orderliness, Witness, One who blesses.
IS
WAS
IS TO COME
always existed, is alive, and IS COMING BACK.
Faithful
Firstborn
Ruler of the kings of the earth.
Creator, Source and Giver of GRace, peace, comfort, blessing, love, and He released us from our sins by His Blood.
His Blood: His work, physical investment of time, energy, pain, obedience. His Blood, the coin of the realm, the only thing that released us, the only way. His blood: poured out, spent. His blood carried the genetics of Adam and Eve which Jesus created, invented, and took upon Himself (like the author of the play entering onto the stage).
His blood: pictured in the sacrifice of lambs, bulls, rams, throughout the Old Testament.
Promised. Willing, able.
His blood: He used His blood to release us from our sisn and He has made us a kingdom of priests to His God and Father. His blood, as a substitute for us, as our blood is not required. Our blood is tainted, with markers of the old sin nature.
Jesus Christ: eternal, always existing, enthroned, ruler, unique: He loves us ! He released us. He is coming with the clouds. He owns, deserves, has laready glory, dominion, victory. Every eye will see Him (even the blind)! Even those who pierced Him, all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him--what a strange reaction, to mourn. Did or do we pierce Him every time we sin?
What does Jesus look like? A man. clothed in a robe reaching to His feet, with a golden breastplate, hair/head like wool and snow. Feet of burnished bronze, a voice like the sound of many waters, in His right hand: seven stars, out of His mouth: 2 edged sword. Eyes like a flame of fire, and His face was like the sun shining in its strength. His face radiates inner grace, peace, all knowing, all seeing, all power. And He says to John: Do not be afraid.
Jesus says: Do not be afraid. I am the Alpha and the Omega, who is and who was and who is to come. The Almighty. I am the first and the last and the Living one and I was dead and behold, I am alive forevermore. And I have the keys of death and of Hades. Write. Write therefore the things which you have seen and the things which are and the things which shall take place after these things.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Post Office Rant. Again.
Surely, surely we will have this figured out before our son comes home. We can hope. I took three envelopes to be mailed, and since their scales were broken (the clerk did not believe me) I got in the nice, short line, and listened as the clerk regaled the last victim (customer in line) for having a non-bendable envelope. They charge more for those. Oh, yeah. My three were super stiff, as I had return envelopes inside for my son to use. And the postage I had guessed at (one 44 and two 17-s) was three cents short on two of them. So, I handed over the six cents. I swear the post office makes stuff up.
The clerk gave me two custom forms, but they are out of the "large" size box best for sending things to the troops. I ordered some online, so hopefully, they will be delivered soon.
What to send deployed son?? He is not a sweet lover...other than dark chocolate. And where does one find dark chocolate that can hold up to a deployment in a hot climate? Walmart only had milk chocolate. The peanutbutter and strawberry M&Ms are new---it was tempting, as I wonder if my son has learned to barter. I am sending some fun novels for the troops. I don't see my son having time, but hopefully, he will find the camp library to donate them to...as some of the troops are avid readers. And if I send the wrong size, color, or style underware...I hope he can give them to someone who needs them. They are new. And washed.
I gotta find some fellow deployed moms to get some ideas. I should have been taking names at the goodbye ceremony. School supplies are so cheap right now. This would be an excellent time to buy simple ink pens to send to the troops, as the children enjoy them, and I have read military blogs online that say the kids help themselves to the troops ink pens. My son would probably wonder why his silly mom sent pens he does not like using. I saw a blog begging for women products---my son would doubt my sanity if I sent them lady pads.
4:44pm. okay. I did my first box. The post office was out of the large, so I used a small one to send James novels he will probably add to the library there, and underware he does not like, but it is washed, and clean, and because I used the small box, I got charged $14.95. Isn't that lovely?? Am I stupid or what? If I had brought tape, and thought faster on my feet, I would have grabbed one of the mediums, stuffed it in a medium, and only had to pay $10. I kid you not. Oh, I am mad. This good girl is gonna go bad. What a racket. What a stinkin' racket my post office is. I swear they make up rates. I had filled out the form as best I could. He offered confirmation. I would hate for James to have to sign for it. What if he was not available?? What if he was sleeping? Good grief.
I am learning. Medium box or Large. forget the small. Sorry, James. It take mom a while to figure stuff out. Who knew, the smaller boxes cost MORE to mail?!
And I got to wait in line for this privilege. One clerk. The other was on break. At least there was some AC.
Wish they had orientation classes for moms of soldiers.
The clerk gave me two custom forms, but they are out of the "large" size box best for sending things to the troops. I ordered some online, so hopefully, they will be delivered soon.
What to send deployed son?? He is not a sweet lover...other than dark chocolate. And where does one find dark chocolate that can hold up to a deployment in a hot climate? Walmart only had milk chocolate. The peanutbutter and strawberry M&Ms are new---it was tempting, as I wonder if my son has learned to barter. I am sending some fun novels for the troops. I don't see my son having time, but hopefully, he will find the camp library to donate them to...as some of the troops are avid readers. And if I send the wrong size, color, or style underware...I hope he can give them to someone who needs them. They are new. And washed.
I gotta find some fellow deployed moms to get some ideas. I should have been taking names at the goodbye ceremony. School supplies are so cheap right now. This would be an excellent time to buy simple ink pens to send to the troops, as the children enjoy them, and I have read military blogs online that say the kids help themselves to the troops ink pens. My son would probably wonder why his silly mom sent pens he does not like using. I saw a blog begging for women products---my son would doubt my sanity if I sent them lady pads.
4:44pm. okay. I did my first box. The post office was out of the large, so I used a small one to send James novels he will probably add to the library there, and underware he does not like, but it is washed, and clean, and because I used the small box, I got charged $14.95. Isn't that lovely?? Am I stupid or what? If I had brought tape, and thought faster on my feet, I would have grabbed one of the mediums, stuffed it in a medium, and only had to pay $10. I kid you not. Oh, I am mad. This good girl is gonna go bad. What a racket. What a stinkin' racket my post office is. I swear they make up rates. I had filled out the form as best I could. He offered confirmation. I would hate for James to have to sign for it. What if he was not available?? What if he was sleeping? Good grief.
I am learning. Medium box or Large. forget the small. Sorry, James. It take mom a while to figure stuff out. Who knew, the smaller boxes cost MORE to mail?!
And I got to wait in line for this privilege. One clerk. The other was on break. At least there was some AC.
Wish they had orientation classes for moms of soldiers.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Update on Rifqa Barry: graduating with honors !
http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2010/07/rifqa-graduates.html
Update on Rifqa Barry! She graduated with honors! Please pray for her protection as a Christian convert. Please pray she be allowed to stay in the USA.
Update on Rifqa Barry! She graduated with honors! Please pray for her protection as a Christian convert. Please pray she be allowed to stay in the USA.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Today I flunked a test.
I have a pride problem.
I pride myself in being a good girl. I don't remember when the last time I was ticketed for driving too fast or failing to stop at a stop sign. I noticed that my drivers license expired on my birthday, but being out of town, did not tackle that unpleasant task until today. Since my hair is super short (heat plus menopause issues) I put on dangly earrings, and dressed nicely. Thankfully, I remembered my knitting. But, a two hour wait was too much. By the time my number came up, I was so angry I was shaking. My handwriting (signature) reveals it. And when the clerk told me to take OFF my glasses for their new "face recognition" I argued that this was silly as I always wear my glasses. So, my picture on my new license (paper temporary) is so ugly, I will be reminded of my pride every time I have to show it. And since I do all the grocery shopping, I show it almost every day. At least once a week. Today I was ashamed to be a Texan. Two hours to take my $25 and redo my picture. Two hours to prove I could see, and drive. Even the form made me mad, as it asked if I wanted to sign up for a voter's registration card. No where on the form was there a place to say I ALREADY have one. Thank you.
I was in and out of Walmart in 30 minutes. I found everything on my list and then some. And I did not have to wait for a clerk to take my money. Hey, Governor Perry, subcontract out the DMV to Walmart.
Maybe, they need a poster at the DMV that says---we are testing your mental ability. If you find yourself unusually angry after the two hour wait, then maybe you should not be driving !
Monday, July 12, 2010
Have you ever...??
Have you ever read a passage and been so struck by the words and pondering the meaning that you burst into tears at the beauty of it? and the promises? and the gift that is that passage?
I was visiting my daughter-in-law's and studying the churches of Revelation because I think we are responsible for what is there.. Revelation 1:3 says: Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.
How can we read and hear and heed unless we study these verses?
Spending a few mornings studying the churches, I wondered, are these actual churches? The first one, Ephesus, was a real place. And I wondered who the Nicolaitans were---and just last Sunday in Sunday School, the teacher went over that without my raising my hand! (that always amazes me how God will answer a questions within days or weeks of it coming up in personal Bible study)
And it is interesting to compare the different facets of heaven from each of the churchs, as well as the different rewards for perseverence, faithfulness, and overcoming.
The church in Thyatira has a scary Jezebel reference---they were tolerating her, as she was teaching and leading My bond servants astray, committing acts of immorality and eating things sacrificed to idols. Interesting how this Jezebel compared to the queen of the same name in the Old Testament not only has loose morals, and was a sceemer, but came to a bad end. Instead of the Old Testament way of the earth opening up and swallowing these baddies, the church in Thyatira was in trouble for tolerating her. In this age of "tolerance" there are certain things that we as Christians are NOT to tolerate. Jesus said He gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality, so He will throw her upon a bed of sickness and those who follow her are going to receive great tribulation "unless they repent of her deeds." Rev. 2:18-29 Wow. So, can I repent of the deeds of my nation? my city? my family?
Sardis is next with all the white clothing---and "you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead."
Isn't that the ultimate sad thing---thinking you are alive, but you are dead?
But, read through the message to the church in Philadelphia: (Jesus is saying:)
"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens says this: I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name, Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews, and are not, but lie---behold, I will make th em to coma dn bow down at your feet, and to know that I have loved you. Because you have kept the word of My persevereance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole earth. I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, in order that no one take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Rev. 3:7-13
All those words about "an open door" and the Jews helping---reminds me of the USA. Our history, steeped in the values of the Bible, our founding documents, and open door to the world longing to be free... doesn't it you?
And I love the promise that Jesus will keep us from the hour of testing, and come back quick to get us, being the weenie that I am. wow.
Maybe the Message to Philadelphia was not lost on our founding fathers...in the city of Brotherly Love.
Maybe it is us!
I was visiting my daughter-in-law's and studying the churches of Revelation because I think we are responsible for what is there.. Revelation 1:3 says: Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.
How can we read and hear and heed unless we study these verses?
Spending a few mornings studying the churches, I wondered, are these actual churches? The first one, Ephesus, was a real place. And I wondered who the Nicolaitans were---and just last Sunday in Sunday School, the teacher went over that without my raising my hand! (that always amazes me how God will answer a questions within days or weeks of it coming up in personal Bible study)
And it is interesting to compare the different facets of heaven from each of the churchs, as well as the different rewards for perseverence, faithfulness, and overcoming.
The church in Thyatira has a scary Jezebel reference---they were tolerating her, as she was teaching and leading My bond servants astray, committing acts of immorality and eating things sacrificed to idols. Interesting how this Jezebel compared to the queen of the same name in the Old Testament not only has loose morals, and was a sceemer, but came to a bad end. Instead of the Old Testament way of the earth opening up and swallowing these baddies, the church in Thyatira was in trouble for tolerating her. In this age of "tolerance" there are certain things that we as Christians are NOT to tolerate. Jesus said He gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality, so He will throw her upon a bed of sickness and those who follow her are going to receive great tribulation "unless they repent of her deeds." Rev. 2:18-29 Wow. So, can I repent of the deeds of my nation? my city? my family?
Sardis is next with all the white clothing---and "you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead."
Isn't that the ultimate sad thing---thinking you are alive, but you are dead?
But, read through the message to the church in Philadelphia: (Jesus is saying:)
"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens says this: I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name, Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews, and are not, but lie---behold, I will make th em to coma dn bow down at your feet, and to know that I have loved you. Because you have kept the word of My persevereance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole earth. I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, in order that no one take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Rev. 3:7-13
All those words about "an open door" and the Jews helping---reminds me of the USA. Our history, steeped in the values of the Bible, our founding documents, and open door to the world longing to be free... doesn't it you?
And I love the promise that Jesus will keep us from the hour of testing, and come back quick to get us, being the weenie that I am. wow.
Maybe the Message to Philadelphia was not lost on our founding fathers...in the city of Brotherly Love.
Maybe it is us!
Open your mouth for the dumb
Actually, let us look at Proverbs 31. (Rest assured, dear readers, I am no Proverbs 31 woman.)
verses 1-9 are not just for the weeemen, in my opinion.
The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him. (could she have sung it??)
v. 3- Do not give your strength ot women, or your ways to that which destroys kings: It is not for kings, O Lemule, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink lest they drink and forget what is decreed, and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
(we are responsible for things decreed, and the afflicted have rights)
v. 6- Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to him whose life is bitter. Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his trouble no more. Open wide your mouth for the dumb, for the rights of all the unfortunate. Open your mouth, judge righteously and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.
(Women as well as men need these verses!! especially hospice caretakers.) eh?
verses 1-9 are not just for the weeemen, in my opinion.
The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him. (could she have sung it??)
v. 3- Do not give your strength ot women, or your ways to that which destroys kings: It is not for kings, O Lemule, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink lest they drink and forget what is decreed, and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
(we are responsible for things decreed, and the afflicted have rights)
v. 6- Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to him whose life is bitter. Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his trouble no more. Open wide your mouth for the dumb, for the rights of all the unfortunate. Open your mouth, judge righteously and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.
(Women as well as men need these verses!! especially hospice caretakers.) eh?
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Rain in Texas in July !
James won't believe it when we tell him that it is raining here in Texas in July ! Wow. Glorious, beautiful rain. The back yard needs mowing...but can't do it while it is raining.
My thoughts are with you, James. Wondering where you are. Wondering how you are doing. You are awake when we sleep, and when we go to bed, you are just starting your day.
We are so thankful Amber has been able to skype with you while you were at the Air Force Base. That is wonderful. You made her laugh, and it was so good to hear her laugh. Good for her and the baby. And it was so good to see you smiling in your bunk the other night.
Now we wait. Wait for the next word from you. Take care, and drink lots of water...
My thoughts are with you, James. Wondering where you are. Wondering how you are doing. You are awake when we sleep, and when we go to bed, you are just starting your day.
We are so thankful Amber has been able to skype with you while you were at the Air Force Base. That is wonderful. You made her laugh, and it was so good to hear her laugh. Good for her and the baby. And it was so good to see you smiling in your bunk the other night.
Now we wait. Wait for the next word from you. Take care, and drink lots of water...
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