Psalms 50:22-23 ESV
“Mark this, then, you who forget God,
lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver!
23 The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;
to one who orders his way rightly
I will show the salvation of God!”
Before Jesus came, it is clear that the place of the heart given to God was more important than actions apart from the heart. This is the way we glorify God, acknowledging Him and walking in His way.
Word for Life in Love— Scripture Meditations By Stephen Brown
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
Will Not Be Hurt - Revelation 2:11
Revelation 2:11 NIV
Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.
We will all die once because of fall of man. Into the dust our bodies return when our soul departs. But far worse is the second death ahead of those who do not overcome the world by believing in the one who did. Our victory is in sharing His victory. We are transferred from death to life, and thereby enter the eternal life of God. It happens before our mortal death, and we will be raised up immortal.
Smyrna means myrrh in Greek. It was one of the gifts brought to Jesus by the wise men. Myrrh was an ingredient of the holy incense burned in the temple. It was used to prepare the body for burial. It is associated with the Bridegroom to come. The church located here provides a model of Christian life that anticipates the Son's return.
Revelation 20:6
Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.
Revelation 20:14-15
Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.
Revelation 21:8
But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars —they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.
We will all die once because of fall of man. Into the dust our bodies return when our soul departs. But far worse is the second death ahead of those who do not overcome the world by believing in the one who did. Our victory is in sharing His victory. We are transferred from death to life, and thereby enter the eternal life of God. It happens before our mortal death, and we will be raised up immortal.
Smyrna means myrrh in Greek. It was one of the gifts brought to Jesus by the wise men. Myrrh was an ingredient of the holy incense burned in the temple. It was used to prepare the body for burial. It is associated with the Bridegroom to come. The church located here provides a model of Christian life that anticipates the Son's return.
Revelation 20:6
Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.
Revelation 20:14-15
Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.
Revelation 21:8
But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars —they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
He Teaches The Humble
Psalms 25:6-9 NASB
Remember, O Lord, Your compassion and Your lovingkindnesses,
For they have been from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
According to Your lovingkindness remember me,
For Your goodness’ sake, O Lord.
8 Good and upright is the Lord;
Therefore He instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in justice,
And He teaches the humble His way.
To consider His offer and mercy to any depth can only lead to one being humble. We can then learn and walk His way, to recognize His voice and follow after.
Remember, O Lord, Your compassion and Your lovingkindnesses,
For they have been from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
According to Your lovingkindness remember me,
For Your goodness’ sake, O Lord.
8 Good and upright is the Lord;
Therefore He instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in justice,
And He teaches the humble His way.
To consider His offer and mercy to any depth can only lead to one being humble. We can then learn and walk His way, to recognize His voice and follow after.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Soul Then Spirit
1 Corinthians 15:45-49 NIV
So also it is written, “The first man, Adam, became A living soul.” The last Adam became a life- giving spirit. 46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual. 47 The first man is from the earth, earthy; the second man is from heaven. 48 As is the earthy, so also are those who are earthy; and as is the heavenly, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly.
1 Corinthians 15:50
50 Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.
Though the first Adam was in the Garden, he was not able to eat from the tree of life. He was created a living soul with the breath of God, but he did not fulfill the word of God.
A seed from the tree of life fell to the earth and grows in the soil where it finds welcome. The perishable becomes heir to the imperishable, and we will be like him.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Do Not Be Afraid -Revelation 2:10
Revelation 2:10
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.
Many times Christ said, "Do not be afraid". We suffer in this life, some more than others. God allows this to happen. He suffered as well and overcame the suffering that we might find God. He clothes us and protects us under the seal of His Holy Spirit. Faith overcomes fear, for it is based on love.
Ten days. The number ten in the Bible is frequently used to imply a Divine order and a complete whole. The ten plagues on Egypt are an example. The days of persecution are numbered. The devil's time is set. The purpose of God will be fulfilled.
Spiritual warfare is a reality, and the din of that battle is just beyond our powers of perception. The eyes of faith allow us to glimpse our circumstance and reach out to our Savior. If we hold on to His hand, we hold on to life. We are called to continue in that faith to the end. If we do, we receive the crown of life.
Revelation 3:10-11
Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.
Daniel 1:12-13
“Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king's food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see.”
Matthew 10:21-22
Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22 and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Matthew 10:26-28
Have No Fear
26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Hebrews 3:6
but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Matthew 24:9-13
“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.
Many times Christ said, "Do not be afraid". We suffer in this life, some more than others. God allows this to happen. He suffered as well and overcame the suffering that we might find God. He clothes us and protects us under the seal of His Holy Spirit. Faith overcomes fear, for it is based on love.
Ten days. The number ten in the Bible is frequently used to imply a Divine order and a complete whole. The ten plagues on Egypt are an example. The days of persecution are numbered. The devil's time is set. The purpose of God will be fulfilled.
Spiritual warfare is a reality, and the din of that battle is just beyond our powers of perception. The eyes of faith allow us to glimpse our circumstance and reach out to our Savior. If we hold on to His hand, we hold on to life. We are called to continue in that faith to the end. If we do, we receive the crown of life.
Revelation 3:10-11
Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.
Daniel 1:12-13
“Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king's food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see.”
Matthew 10:21-22
Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22 and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Matthew 10:26-28
Have No Fear
26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Hebrews 3:6
but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Matthew 24:9-13
“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Yet You Are Rich -Revelation 2:9
Revelation 2:9
I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
The source of our afflictions, the bedrock of our sorrows and troubles, comes from sin. Sin is present in the world due to disobedience. Though our afflictions arise from disobedience, God uses those same afflictions to teach obedience. Christ obeyed the Father in every temptation and it is Christ we follow after.
The poverty in this verse is from the world view, for Jesus calls these believers rich. The outward view of their temporary circumstance does not reflect the eternal riches within. In a similar way, their opposition claims to be follow God, yet it is Satan that leads the way, away from God. True poverty is not knowing God. Many do not even suspect their lack. Our riches are summed in the love of God.
Slander is a hallmark of Satan, also known as the accuser. Slander is likened to murder, and Satan was a murderer from the beginning. Through him death came to us. Jesus offers life.
2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich
1 Thessalonians 3:4
For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.
Matthew 4:10
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only. ’”
James 2:5
Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Romans 8:37-39
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,
39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Revelation 2:10
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.
I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
The source of our afflictions, the bedrock of our sorrows and troubles, comes from sin. Sin is present in the world due to disobedience. Though our afflictions arise from disobedience, God uses those same afflictions to teach obedience. Christ obeyed the Father in every temptation and it is Christ we follow after.
The poverty in this verse is from the world view, for Jesus calls these believers rich. The outward view of their temporary circumstance does not reflect the eternal riches within. In a similar way, their opposition claims to be follow God, yet it is Satan that leads the way, away from God. True poverty is not knowing God. Many do not even suspect their lack. Our riches are summed in the love of God.
Slander is a hallmark of Satan, also known as the accuser. Slander is likened to murder, and Satan was a murderer from the beginning. Through him death came to us. Jesus offers life.
2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich
1 Thessalonians 3:4
For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.
Matthew 4:10
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only. ’”
James 2:5
Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Romans 8:37-39
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,
39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Revelation 2:10
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
First And The Last -Revelation 2:8
Revelation 2:8 NIV
“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.
In the beginning there was God. In the end there is God. He came, died, and came to life again that we would die to self and come to life.
He is the first born of the new creation and the judge at the end of time. The living and the dead will all stand before Him.
When we look at Isaiah 44:6, we see Christ is telling us that He is God.
Isaiah 44:6
6 “This is what the Lord says—
Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty:
I am the first and I am the last;
apart from me there is no God.
Isaiah 48:12-13
12 “Listen to me, Jacob,
Israel, whom I have called:
I am he;
I am the first and I am the last.
13 My own hand laid the foundations of the earth,
and my right hand spread out the heavens;
when I summon them,
they all stand up together.
“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.
In the beginning there was God. In the end there is God. He came, died, and came to life again that we would die to self and come to life.
He is the first born of the new creation and the judge at the end of time. The living and the dead will all stand before Him.
When we look at Isaiah 44:6, we see Christ is telling us that He is God.
Isaiah 44:6
6 “This is what the Lord says—
Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty:
I am the first and I am the last;
apart from me there is no God.
Isaiah 48:12-13
12 “Listen to me, Jacob,
Israel, whom I have called:
I am he;
I am the first and I am the last.
13 My own hand laid the foundations of the earth,
and my right hand spread out the heavens;
when I summon them,
they all stand up together.
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