For the record, I'm still singing "I Can Only Imagine", but this morning the words have become intertwined with "Better is One Day" ... Go figure.
Better is one day in Your courts, better is one day in Your house. Better is one day in Your courts than thousands elsewhere.
Reading Revelation is so much different than any of the reading I've ever done before. In other books, it is so easy to separate verses out and comment on them. Witht his book, I become so overwhelmed by the magnitude of what I'm reading, that to tear it apart into pieces is more than I can bare. Maybe I'll do better the next time I read it ...
vs 6 ... "So I looked, and there, surrounded by Throne, Animals, and Elders, was a Lamb, slaughtered by standing tall."
My Messiah! You came for us, as gentle as a lame and you were sacrificed so that we could be saved from our sin!
YOU SAVED US!! Your blood was shed so that we may have freedom in You! That is why we bow at Your feet in adoration!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Revelation 4
I've been praying about being stuck in the sin of the world - praying that God will grant me the wisdom to see my errors and be patient while I learn how to fix them.
Sir Smiley is learning how to walk and watching his progress really pulls on my heartstrings. He is just too nervous to let go and move! He finds comfort in crawling because it's familiar and he knows he can do it.
Aren't we all like that? If we just learn to trust in Him, we'd be fine! He will take care of us! If only we could take that first step to walk out of what is familiar and comfortable...
I'm very exciting about reading Chapter 4. The splendor and beauty of Christ's throne revealed. To go through and explain how I feel would be both time-consuming and insufficient. I am enchanted by the most overwhelming worship ever. Voices raised as one, light and beauty, all for Him. I still can't wrap my head around it.
vs 2 ... I was caught up at once in deep worship and, oh! - a Throne set in heaven with One Seated on the Throne.
After yesterday's readying, I had the song "I Can Only Imagine" stuck in my head ...
I can only imagine, when that day will come, and I find myself standing in The Son. Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel? Will I dance for you, Jesus, or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing HALLELUJAH - will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine ... I can only imagine...
The truth is, I CAN'T imagine it AT ALL! The idea of being in the Lord's presence is too big for me. In our everyday life, we have drama. As I have grown as a Christian, most of my drama I have been able to pray my way through: finances, homeschooling, sub-standard housing, ailing parents, etc. but I also have real human pain and a Mama's heart. It makes me sad if a friend is experiencing hardship or pain, and it makes me sad when my children are hurting. Even if all they do is fall and skin their knee, I get a little teary-eyed. (Although, I always tell them to brush it off and get back to playing - I'm NOT raising wimps! LOL)
To imagine all that pain GONE, fears GONE, worry GONE, frustration GONE ... to imagine that by it self is difficult. But then to multiply that by adding worship?
Wow.
No ... no, I can't imagine it at all.
Sir Smiley is learning how to walk and watching his progress really pulls on my heartstrings. He is just too nervous to let go and move! He finds comfort in crawling because it's familiar and he knows he can do it.
Aren't we all like that? If we just learn to trust in Him, we'd be fine! He will take care of us! If only we could take that first step to walk out of what is familiar and comfortable...
I'm very exciting about reading Chapter 4. The splendor and beauty of Christ's throne revealed. To go through and explain how I feel would be both time-consuming and insufficient. I am enchanted by the most overwhelming worship ever. Voices raised as one, light and beauty, all for Him. I still can't wrap my head around it.
vs 2 ... I was caught up at once in deep worship and, oh! - a Throne set in heaven with One Seated on the Throne.
After yesterday's readying, I had the song "I Can Only Imagine" stuck in my head ...
I can only imagine, when that day will come, and I find myself standing in The Son. Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel? Will I dance for you, Jesus, or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing HALLELUJAH - will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine ... I can only imagine...
The truth is, I CAN'T imagine it AT ALL! The idea of being in the Lord's presence is too big for me. In our everyday life, we have drama. As I have grown as a Christian, most of my drama I have been able to pray my way through: finances, homeschooling, sub-standard housing, ailing parents, etc. but I also have real human pain and a Mama's heart. It makes me sad if a friend is experiencing hardship or pain, and it makes me sad when my children are hurting. Even if all they do is fall and skin their knee, I get a little teary-eyed. (Although, I always tell them to brush it off and get back to playing - I'm NOT raising wimps! LOL)
To imagine all that pain GONE, fears GONE, worry GONE, frustration GONE ... to imagine that by it self is difficult. But then to multiply that by adding worship?
Wow.
No ... no, I can't imagine it at all.
Revelation 3
I may have fallen behind in my writing, but I have enjoyed the reading. I had shared that I had many fears for years about really studying this story, but my feelings have changed. The things our God has in store for us are indeed intimidating, but I am no longer fearful, because I am His. And, after all, He is warning us beforehand. When the time comes, there will be no surprises - the entire plan is laid out right here.
vs 4 ... "... wallowing in the mud of the world's ways"
Is this me? Do I let myself get mired down in all of the gunk and goo of everyday life? I think most people do on occasion. The important part is what we are doing to get out of it. With the Word of God, we are able to grab onto a rope to climb out, and bathe in His mercy and forgiveness to wash off.
vs 4 ... "... wallowing in the mud of the world's ways"
Is this me? Do I let myself get mired down in all of the gunk and goo of everyday life? I think most people do on occasion. The important part is what we are doing to get out of it. With the Word of God, we are able to grab onto a rope to climb out, and bathe in His mercy and forgiveness to wash off.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Revelation 2
I am still overflowing with yesterday's message! How can anyone read those words and not be overwhelmed by knowing that our Messiah is coming to take us home! Today, the rubber meets the road though ....
vs 5 ... "Do you have any idea how far you have fallen? A Lucifer fall!"
Ouch.
I know ... I was there. I allowed Satan to use me for so many years. How he must have delighted in me!! The road I have traveled since turning from him has been arduous but completely worth it!
vs 7 ... "Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches..." It is so easy to turn to each other so that we can hearf what we *want* to hear, but how often do we quiet ourselves to and listen to what we are *supposed* to hear? The Spirit is there every day speaking to us - too bad we drown out The Voice with all of our unnecessary garbage and the incessant whining of our own voices!
And, just for the record, I am completely guilty of this as well. In fact, I become very reliant on other people's opinions of what I am doing or what I should be doing. Thankfully, God has blessed me by surrounding me with people that are in the Spirit!
vs 10 ... "I have a Life-Crown sized and ready for you." I am the daughter of the King of Kings! I am a member of His royal family! He has hand-crafted a crown solely for me, and it will fit perfectly ... I am His princess.
vs 23 ... "I x-ray every motive and make sure you get what's coming to you." When I read this, I am reminded of those insane TV evangelists that make most Christians cringe. Or of politicians who are underhanded. Or of just about anybody else who is put in a position of authority over us in order to guide us and protect us, but who end up doing the exact oppisite. God not only know exactly WHAT we are doing, He knows exactly WHY we are doing it.
What will He see when I step up to His x-ray machine? I am a little afraid to ask, actually...
vs 5 ... "Do you have any idea how far you have fallen? A Lucifer fall!"
Ouch.
I know ... I was there. I allowed Satan to use me for so many years. How he must have delighted in me!! The road I have traveled since turning from him has been arduous but completely worth it!
vs 7 ... "Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches..." It is so easy to turn to each other so that we can hearf what we *want* to hear, but how often do we quiet ourselves to and listen to what we are *supposed* to hear? The Spirit is there every day speaking to us - too bad we drown out The Voice with all of our unnecessary garbage and the incessant whining of our own voices!
And, just for the record, I am completely guilty of this as well. In fact, I become very reliant on other people's opinions of what I am doing or what I should be doing. Thankfully, God has blessed me by surrounding me with people that are in the Spirit!
vs 10 ... "I have a Life-Crown sized and ready for you." I am the daughter of the King of Kings! I am a member of His royal family! He has hand-crafted a crown solely for me, and it will fit perfectly ... I am His princess.
vs 23 ... "I x-ray every motive and make sure you get what's coming to you." When I read this, I am reminded of those insane TV evangelists that make most Christians cringe. Or of politicians who are underhanded. Or of just about anybody else who is put in a position of authority over us in order to guide us and protect us, but who end up doing the exact oppisite. God not only know exactly WHAT we are doing, He knows exactly WHY we are doing it.
What will He see when I step up to His x-ray machine? I am a little afraid to ask, actually...
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Revelation 1
I am SOOOOO excited about finally getting the opportunity to read this book with some focused intensity and alongside some truly impassioned Students of the Word. I have to admit, I have always ben intimidated to read this beatutiful Revealing of God's plan. After all, THIS is THE plan!! The Word just doesn get more honest than this. If you truly accept Christ as your Savior, then you have to recognize and accept that this is what God has in store for us - His creation. No hiding, no excuses. Time to face my fear and jump in!
Sidebar: After some debate, I decided to read The Message version. I know it creates a little controversy, and lots of people really have strong feelings against this version. Personally, I appreciate it for the no-nonsense and clear approach. Lately, I've been doing my study on the bus on my way to work. At this hour of day, before my coffee, I NEED no-nonsense clarity.
So .... let's do this!
vs 1 ... I love how right away John tells us that he isn't dreaming and this did not come from him. He tells us that he is bringing a very clear message straight from Heaven!
vs 4 ... I love that Jesus is called "About to Arrive" instead of "Is to Come". Doesn't it sound so close? To Him, it really is just the blink of an eye. He is About to Arrive!
The harder I try to imagine how John must have felt that day, the more difficult it becomes. Here he is in exile - the One That Jesus Loved - banished for teaching the love of Our Savior. He is praying and worshipping, IN THE SPIRIT he says, and suddenly he is overtaken by The Messiah!!
... Behold he comes
Riding on the clouds
Shining like the sun
As the trumpets call!
Lift your voice
It's the year of jubilee,
And out of Zion's hills Salvation comes!!
THERE IS NO GOD LIKE JEHOVAH!!!!!
Sidebar: After some debate, I decided to read The Message version. I know it creates a little controversy, and lots of people really have strong feelings against this version. Personally, I appreciate it for the no-nonsense and clear approach. Lately, I've been doing my study on the bus on my way to work. At this hour of day, before my coffee, I NEED no-nonsense clarity.
So .... let's do this!
vs 1 ... I love how right away John tells us that he isn't dreaming and this did not come from him. He tells us that he is bringing a very clear message straight from Heaven!
vs 4 ... I love that Jesus is called "About to Arrive" instead of "Is to Come". Doesn't it sound so close? To Him, it really is just the blink of an eye. He is About to Arrive!
The harder I try to imagine how John must have felt that day, the more difficult it becomes. Here he is in exile - the One That Jesus Loved - banished for teaching the love of Our Savior. He is praying and worshipping, IN THE SPIRIT he says, and suddenly he is overtaken by The Messiah!!
... Behold he comes
Riding on the clouds
Shining like the sun
As the trumpets call!
Lift your voice
It's the year of jubilee,
And out of Zion's hills Salvation comes!!
THERE IS NO GOD LIKE JEHOVAH!!!!!
My Own Revelation
It has been some time again since I have attempted this blogging thing. I find it rather amusing that as much as I have to say, how unwilling I am to sit down and actually say it. Entirely unacceptable. The truth is, I have a lot rambling around in this scattered brain of mine, and I really would like to share it ... even if it never gets read.
I am truly inspired every day by the powerful Word of God. I have been blessed to be part of several study groups and would love to impart just a bit of the inspiration I get every single day! I read books that I love to quote, children that do some whacktacular things that I love to share, and my sassy attitude has to have some form of acceptable outlet!
So I'm going to give this another shot and see what happens. Who knows? Maybe I'll inspire someone else to have their own Revelation.
:)
I am truly inspired every day by the powerful Word of God. I have been blessed to be part of several study groups and would love to impart just a bit of the inspiration I get every single day! I read books that I love to quote, children that do some whacktacular things that I love to share, and my sassy attitude has to have some form of acceptable outlet!
So I'm going to give this another shot and see what happens. Who knows? Maybe I'll inspire someone else to have their own Revelation.
:)
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