Bottom line, I was closest to my dad when we invested time and interest in each other.  Isn’t that true of all relationships?  Reading through the Bible in the last 6 months was a special relationship building time with my heavenly Father.  The objective was not just to read the whole thing, finish it, and check it off my list; the focus was to read my Father’s letters to me with the intention to hear Him, understand Him, and then use His words to change me and my approach to everyday life.  It was an amazing experience and much more powerful in forcing myself to reflect on how God wants me to use and apply His word to my everyday life.

There have been times in my spiritual life when I relied on sermons and Sunday School lessons for spiritual knowledge and growth and for the bulk of my relationship with God.  My beloved, that was a HUGE mistake!!!  Don’t get me wrong, there is great value in those activities, but a relationship can’t be built without one-on-one quality time.  A relationship requires give and take, talking and listening, sharing and serving.  Not only did I learn how to recognize personal life applications for passages, but I learned how to have a deeper, more intimate relationship with God.  Reading the Bible with purpose helped me to listen to God more intently, pray more meaningfully, and serve Him more effectively.

Most surprisingly, I found this experience to be spiritually empowering.  I am more comfortable with my Bible and all it says.  I can find things I’m looking for more easily, and understand passages in context better than before.  I recognize God speaking to me, and though I don’t always like it, I am excited that He is still working on me and with me.

Will I do it again?  Absolutely!  Reading the Bible is now a regular part of my life, because it is an essential element of my relationship with my Father.  I hope you found my journey interesting and inspiring.  Join me for a new year of exploration into God’s word.

May God bless you, and happy New Year!

Maria

On this Christmas Eve, planning is forefront in my mind.  We didn’t anticipate or plan to drive to VA and back in the last 2 weeks.  Because of that, we were out shopping today which certainly was not part of the plan.  We usually finish our shopping the first week in December.  Once the shopping was completed, we moved into planning for tomorrow which consisted of picking up last minute items for the big meal, cleaning, and wrapping.  But there is a bigger plan on my mind…God’s plan!

Like this year trip Edward and I are on, there are important planning measures to be taken in order to a part of God’s great plan.  I’ve described our current trip as “a trip of a lifetime, an adventure beyond my imagination”.  I have it wrong though.  The trip of my lifetime has been going on since I was 8, when I accepted Christ as my Savior, but I haven’t reached my final destination.  My travel arrangements have been made through Christ’s sacrifice for me, and Jesus is arranging the accommodations.  Jesus said, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:3)  So, the final element of the planning process for my trip to Heaven is looking into the things to do in Heaven.  This is where it is fun…I envision all kinds of wonderful things, but I suspect that Edward is right.  I plan and dream about Heaven only to find God laughing at my measly fantasy.  Even though my imagination is probably not big enough to dream up what Heaven is really like, God encourages our planning and dreaming.

There is much to be done, however, before the final leg of my journey (our journey…I hope you’ll be along) to Heaven.  This is where Revelation offers a glimpse.

In Revelation, John writes about the vision that Jesus gave to him about end times.  This vision gives us insight about what was happening at the time, as well as the events that will unfold before we join Jesus in Heaven for eternity.

In Revelation Chapters 2 and 3, Jesus starts by dictating scrolls for John to send to 7 churches.  Jesus outlines strengths and weaknesses for each as follows:

7 CHURCHES        

It’s likely that you see yourself in one of those groups.  Maybe you are like the church at Ephesus – once on fire for Christ, but no longer in love with your Lord.  Maybe you are like the people at Smyrna being tested through poverty or sickness and losing faith.  Maybe you are like the Philadelphians, faithfully and patiently enduring despite your lack of strength and power.

John sees the “Lamb”, Jesus, opening the 7 seals which reveal events of judgment:

The first seal reveals a white horse.  It is unclear who the rider of the white horse represents, but many believe it will be a political or military leader who wins many victories.  A red horse comes from the second seal.  This horse and rider represent war and death on earth.  The third horse is black and seems to represent poverty, economic disparity, and food rationing.  The fourth seal reveals a pale horse with Death and Hades riding.  The fifth seal reveals souls of those murdered for God and their plea for God’s avengement.  The opening of the sixth seal shows a great earthquake, the darkening of the sun, a full moon the color of blood, the stars falling to earth, and fig trees shedding fruit in the wind.  Living things on earth hid from Jesus’ wrath. (Revelation 6)

In the vision, John sees angels at each corner of the earth holding back the wind and sea to protect the 144,000.  John then sees, “…a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands…” (Revelation 7:9)  This description represents all saved people coming out of the great tribulation, not just the descendents from the tribes of Israel.  This group, along with angels, break into worship beyond all worship experiences you can remember.  Edward and I have been in worship before with thousands of other people singing a capella.  It’s a moving experience, but the moment that John is describing would blow it away.

Jesus then opens the seventh seal showing 7 angels with trumpets.  Judgments follow:

(Revelation 8 – 10:7)

At this point, two witnesses will prophesy for 1,260 days.  Anyone who harms them during this time will be killed.  They will have power to stop the rain, turn water to blood, and strike the earth with plagues.  At the end of their time, the beast will rise from the bottomless pit and kill them.  They will lie dead for 3 ½ days before they are raised up and taken to Heaven. (Revelation 11:1-12)

The 7^th angel blows his trumpet saying, ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.’ (Revelation 11:15)  This may be what Christians traditionally call the “second coming”.

Michael and his angels engage in battle with Satan.  Satan is kicked out of heaven and spends his time on earth chasing after Christians. (Revelation 12:7-17)

As Satan stands on the sand of the sea, a beast rises out of the sea.  Satan gives this beast “power…and great authority”.  Many believe this “beast” will be the antichrist who exhibits political, military, and/or spiritual power.  The beast has a mortal wound which is healed giving him respect by many on earth.  People begin worshiping the beast, and the beast has authority to kill those who refuse. (Revelation 13:1-8)

A second beast rises from the earth.  This beast is actually a false prophet…a dragon (Satan-like) disguised as a lamb (Christ-like).  A lion in sheep’s clothing, so to speak.  This beast or false prophet demonstrates great signs, deceives people, and requires the mark of the beast to be able to buy or sell anything. (Revelation 13:11-18)

The final set of judgments is represented by seven bowls poured out over the earth by angels:

(Revelation 16)

Finally, John sees Jesus on a white horse.  An angel binds Satan and throws him into the bottomless pit for 1,000.  Christ raises the martyrs and reigns on earth.  After the 1,000 years end, Satan is freed, deceives the nations, and gathers his people for battle. (Revelation 19:11-20:8)  “And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Revelation 20:9-10)

Then God sits upon the Great White Throne of judgment.  Unbelievers will be condemned for eternity and sent into the lake of fire.  The book of life holds the names of believers who will live eternally with God in the new Heaven in the new earth.  “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.” (Revelation 21:3)  The New Jerusalem will be like a bride.  “It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.” (Revelation 21:11)  “The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.  They will see his face…” (Revelation 22:3b-4a)  Won’t it be awesome to engage in worship together with God visually present?  Isn’t it more pleasing to watch a loved one open our gift to them?  Won’t it be fantastic to see God’s pleasure in our gift of worship?

The final destination is going to be more magnificent, more fun, more beautiful, and more exciting than we can ever imagine.  Even so, feel free to indulge your fantasy and imagination about Heaven once in awhile.  When not doing that, enjoy the journey.  Meet new people, share the stories of your journey, be open to detours where God can use your special gifts, and pick someone up along the way.  Believers sometimes need a lift to the top of the hill, and unbelievers may need a lift, a map, and a tour guide.

Well, this posting ends my 6-month journey reading through the Bible.  I’ll be posting a note reflecting on the process, but what I can say now is that I’ve fallen in love with God’s Word.  My Bible is now a familiar and beloved book.  I hope to spend the rest of my life trying to wear it out!

God bless you, and Merry Christmas!

Maria

We investigate things all of the time.  Can you really substitute applesauce for oil when baking a cake?  Can I really drive this 16 thousand pound, 40+ foot rig down a single lane highway going 75 miles an hour without peeing myself?  How does 180-degree water continuously spring from the earth?  Does XM and Verizon Wireless work in the middle of the desert with no civilization in sight?  Okay, so those are just some of the random questions that have been raised in the last couple of week in my life. 

Other than my short-lived career as a Registered Private Investigator, the only other significant investigation that I followed was of JKF’s assassination.  He died more than 10 years before I was even born, but I was intrigued after one particular high school history class where our teacher outlined a few of the contradictory circumstances in the case.  I decided to “investigate” it myself, because his rendition seemed too far-fetched to believe.  I read the Warren Commission Report (twice),  and dozens of books on the assassination.  I was even lucky enough to interview a member of the House Select Committee who investigated the assassination in the 70′s.  Last week, I finally got to visit Dealey Plaza and make some conclusions of my own.  This is where I want you…reading the Bible, interviewing people of faith, but ultimately, coming to conclusions of your own.

Jesus says, “Do not be afraid.  I am the First and Last.  I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever!  And I hold the keys of death of Hades.” (Revelation 1:17-18)  Jesus reminds us that he has conquered death and lives eternally.  Sin is what condemns us to death, but Jesus offers freedom from death through salvation.  Jesus clearly states that He holds the key to Hades.  It’s through Him that one is saved or sentenced.  It’s just that simple.  Though there are many more passages, I think that statement alone clarifies that there is an eternal place to be with Jesus (Heaven) and a place to be eternally separated from Him (Hades).

Don’t take my word for it, friends.  Investigate it for yourself!

Many people believed that JFK was a great man and a skilled President.  As we remember his assassination on this anniversary, take a moment to reflect on how quickly his life ended.  There isn’t always an opportunity at the end-of-life to make decisions that you’ve put off.  Investigate Christ and make a decision while you still have the gift of life.

My prayer:

Lord, thanks for so many pleasures in life!!  I so enjoy traveling, reading, and meeting other people.  I was so excited to visit Dealey Plaza, a place I had studied in photographs for so many years, but it’s peanuts compared to studying your Word and Heaven.  Lord, give me an opportunity to share my faith with someone who is still investigating You.  Help me to demonstrate the fruit of the spirit with the people in my life.  Amen

Signs have two purposes: to guide and to warn.   Jude’s letter serves just those purposes to the church.  Jude is warning against ungodly people influencing the saved.  “For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God…” (Jude 4)  Like sin itself, ungodly people can slowly infiltrate our lives and influence our behavior.  It often begins very subtly, but before long, we are accepting behaviors that we once would not.  Jude offers some clues as to who these offenders are: “These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.” (Jude 16) 

This was not Jude’s only warning. 

“It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.” (Jude 19)  Divisions can be deadly to a body of believers, and people devoid of the Spirit can sabotage strength of faith.  These warnings must be taken seriously.  We must continue to watch for warning signs in our spiritual lives, friends (and anyone we keep company with), co-workers, church, and community.  Some of those who are lost are just missing the signs; others see the signs and reject them – turning away and following their own path.

Jude leaves us with a guide, however, to the behaviors we should continue in our lives and in our interactions with those who are not believers.  “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.  And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.” (Jude 20-23)  First, we must build and guard our faith with the help of the Holy Spirit, but then, we must seek to save those who are lost through love and mercy. 

My prayer today:

Lord, thank you for the warnings and guidance provided through the Holy Spirit and the Bible.  Help me to recognize Your leading versus the influences of people in my life.  Protect me from the negative influences of doubters, grumblers, and malcontents.  Help me to serve You through love and mercy.  Amen

John encourages us to support godly people spreading the Word.  “You do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God…we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.” (3 John 6-8)  In this holiday season, I challenge you to think beyond your Christmas tree and consider giving to Christ’s cause by supporting missionaries through prayer and financial giving.  I would recommend:

            International Mission Board – www.imb.org

            Serving in Mission – http://sim.org

“Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good.  Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.” (3 John 11)

My prayer today:

Lord, thank you for the missionaries serving internationally, particularly in the places that I’m not willing to go.  Lord, please protect them and their message from evil.  Open the hearts of the people as they hear the world of God.  Lord, help me to be effective in sharing the good news in my life.  Amen

Why does John warn us about idols?

“For all that is in the world – the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions – is not from the Father but is from the world.” (1 John 2:16)  Why is it such a big deal if things are from the world?  “The whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” (v. 5:19b)  Satan will use idols, desires, and possessions against us.  He can distract us from practicing our faith, serving God and others, and reaching the saved.  As Christians, Satan has lost the battle for our souls, so his primary objective with us is to render us ineffective and powerless for the Kingdom of God. 

Does this mean that we can’t enjoy the pleasures of this world?  Absolutely not!  Next time I’m wearing my 4-inch fuchsia heels holding my Starbucks’ frappaccino, I will be sure to shout a “hallelujah” and “praise and glory to be God” as I connect our RV to sewer hook-ups!!

My prayer today:

Lord, thank you for all that you’ve given me from basic living needs to the luxury items like coffee and shoes.  More importantly, Lord, thank you for blessing me with a wonderful family, group of friends, and home church.  Thank you for saving Edward’s life.  Thank you for the beautiful countryside!  Help me to keep my possessions in the appropriate context.  Just stuff.  Keep me focused, Lord, on You.  Forgive me for displacing my priorities sometimes.  Amen

Like sports, faith must be practiced to be developed and effective.  First, the decision must be made to play.  You must choose to be a Christian – “become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.” (2 Peter 4b)  The “divine nature” represents the sacrifice of Jesus Christ which allows us to receive eternal salvation. 

If you’ve already joined the team, then it’s time for practice.  Faith alone secures salvation but practicing faith will equip us against the world’s temptations, grow characteristics more like Christ, and prepare us for God’s work.  Peter writes, “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.” (2 Peter 5-7)  Peter emphasizes that faith is first and the foundation for all Christians, but don’t stay an infant on milk.  Take off those training wheels and challenge yourself to add elements like knowledge (hint: read your Bible) and brotherly love (hint: serve someone in need).  2 Peter 8 states, “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Finally, after receiving Christ’s salvation and growing beyond simple faith, take action!  Peter encourages us to be active Christians.  On this trip, I’m learning how to do this better.  I’ve managed to awkwardly engage people in conversations about faith in a laundromat, hiking trail, and Wal-mart.  Get creative about serving God – Edward has taken on the practice of offering to pick up supplies from “town” for our camping neighbors.  It’s amazing how simply returning with a flyswatter will open doors for building a relationship with others.  What ways can God use you where you are?  “For if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” (2 Peter 1:10)  Peter doesn’t mean that you will see gratitude, powerful results, or a reward for your “good” behavior.  I think he’s saying that you can’t go wrong with demonstrating Christ-like qualities.  You honor God with them; you honor yourself.  The reaction and the results are God’s business.

My prayer today:

Lord, this has been a year of spiritual growth for me as I learn to be more like you and obedient to your calling.  Though I’ve made progress, I struggle with self-control, godliness, and brotherly love.  Help me to nurture these qualities through experiences with others.  Especially help me to be effective and fruitful in my interactions with others.  Amen

 Though life is full of suffering and trials, God has chosen you and me for his kingdom.  (You can call me “Princess Maria”.)  Those tests of faith give us a chance to praise and honor God.  In those times, our “faith and hope are in God.” (1 Peter 1:21)  Despite the rejection and disdain of men, God sees us as precious and has chosen us to be His people.  “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who call you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (2:9) 

We are the princes and princesses in this royal family, despite the rags that we clutch to and the dingy tower we look out from.  One day, “after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to this eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.  To him be the dominion forever and ever.” (1 Peter 5:10)  One day soon, we will all roam the royal kingdom and look upon the face of our King!

My prayer today:

Lord, thank you for the hope we have in you and the eternal gift you have so generously given.  Help me to treasure it while I am here on earth by loving and serving others for you.  Thank you for the beautiful examples of hope that you’ve provided in nature.  Amen

James says in 2:17, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”  Jesus’ grace and mercy offers us salvation and forgiveness of our sins without having to do works.  Works are not required for salvation, because no one could do enough works, well enough to earn salvation.  What James is talking about is the fruit of our faith.  If you hear the good news and receive salvation, but do nothing with it, faith’s power is lost and dead to the kingdom of Heaven.  Without works, what good is your faith doing?

Would you be a Christian today, if someone else didn’t live their faith out through works?  Maybe you can relate to my story.  My grandparents lived their faith through works and introduced me to Jesus.  My neighbor took me to church where I was baptized at age 8 while my mother worked.  The Comptons opened their home every weekend for a home Bible Study and nurtured me from spiritual infancy into adolescence.  Then there were countless pastors, Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, and others who helped shape and grow my faith.  Would I be lost today without all of those people living their faith by their works?  “Yes.”  I believe so. 

“Faith was active along with [Abraham's] works, and faith was completed by his works…” (James 2:22)  Let our works demonstrate a living and active faith, as well as a deep love for our Lord.

My prayer today:

Lord, I’m guilty of an “almost dead” faith, at times.  I miss opportunities.  I turn away from opportunities.  I fear opportunities to demonstrate my faith at times.  Help me to show a living faith by my works.  Specifically, Lord, help me to share my testimony and the good news with the people I meet each day and other campers.  Forgive me for the poor attitude and lackluster performance in my spiritual work.  Lord, blind others to my faults and let them see your glory, grace, and mercy in place of me.  Amen

Now, I press on toward my goal:

My legs burned as we neared the top of a 1/4 mile hill from our campsite on our bikes.  I haven’t been on a bike since our kids were young and could tell immediately that it was going to be struggle for the first few rides.  Once we crested and coasted, I remembered how much fun biking riding can be.  I noticed the scenery and felt the wind tug my hair.  The beautiful foliage and warmth from the sun, which had completely escaped me during the struggle up the hill, was now the highlight of my day! 

Heading back down that 1/4 hill, I was picking up a lot of speed.  First, I felt exhilaration as the wind wrapped around my face and threw my hair up as high the helmet would allow.  Soon, however, a twinge of panic followed as I envisioned myself flying over the handle bars after squeezing too hard on the front brakes.  Which handle controls the front brake and which the back???  How could I forget!  I gently squeezed both slowing myself enough to test the theory that the right handle is for the back brakes.  I decided that speed on a bike is only nice when controlled. 

Pulling into the campsite, I reflected on the ride…painfully hard, gloriously perfect, and scary - with so much more to learn…like, what do I need 18 gears for??  My experience on this bike ride parallels my spiritual journey, in many ways.  When I’m climbing the mountain of crisis, I can miss the beautiful sights and gifts that God has given me in my quest to just get to the top and stop the pain.  The smooth ride is awesome and easy to enjoy but quickly forgotten in the excitement and fear of the ride down the hill.  And, as with my bike, my faith has a lot more gears to master to effectively manage this journey.

Faith must be the constant in our world of ups and downs.  Hebrews 11:1 states that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”  Hebrews warns believers who have “become dull of hearing” (5:11) not to get distracted from their faith by the trials and frustrations of daily life.  Faith must be nurtured and matured by moving from the “milk” of the Word to “solid food”. (5:13-14)  We must tend to our faith, nurture it, and persevere in it to grow it and share it with others.  Maturity in our faith also us to “step out” of our comfort zone and accomplish the things that God has specifically assigned to us.

Hebrews provides lots of examples of blessings and accomplishments by faith:

• Noah building an ark and sparing his family from death by the flood despite drought conditions
• Sarah having Isaac in her old age leading to the nation God promised
• Abraham provided a sacrifice other than Isaac
• Moses’ mother sending him off down the Nile, saving a leader
• Moses choosing his own people over the luxury of the palace and leading them across the Red Sea on dry land
• Passover (lives of so many saved)
• Israel’s defeat of many, many adversaries
• Daniel from being eaten by lions

Hebrews offers some powerful reminders to strengthen our faith when we are weak.  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (13:8)  He isn’t going to change His mind about your salvation, give up on you because you’re still a loser-sinner (just a saved one), or not show up when you need him.  Remember, He’s been here, done that, and understands exactly what we are going through.  “Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.  For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (2:18)  

“Let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken…” (Hebrews 12:28)  Hallelujah to that!!

So, turn to Him as you crawl, climb, or bike that hill.  Rejoice in Him as you enjoy the scenery and coast along.  Fear not when the ride gets wild!  He is with you faithfully!!

My prayer today:

Lord, thank you for the beautiful place I’m in and the opportunity to serve you alongside Edward.  Thank you for the people, experiences, and Bible passages that have helped shaped my faith.  Lord, help me to further develop my faith and be a positive influence on my friends, family, and campground neighbors.  Forgive me for times of faithlessness.  Amen