JanMary

1. What do the records contain that are opened before the throne of God on Judgment Day? This is the Great White Throne judgment (The Father judges no one.) where Jesus, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah and Judge of the whole earth is seated, to reward all whose names are recorded in the Lambs Book of Life, for their deeds done through the Holy Spirit, in their walk of faith. (for the things done in the flesh for recognition, that is the only reward, those will be burned up as wood, hay and stubble. (Luke 16: 19-31 Jesus speaks to the Pharisees of this time. Jesus also taught about what the servants did with the talents given to them and their suitable reward for each...or in the case of the foolish servant his was taken away and given to the one who had 10 through investing (in the kingdom) Mt.25:14-30) Rev. 20 is about accountability for every life lived, each one precious to our Lord, saved or not, each ones lungs filled with His breath. All who rejected God's free gift of salvation and eternal life through Jesus, and whose names are not written in the Book will be sentenced and thrown into the Lake of Fire , which is the second death. v15).Jesus speaks of this separation in Mt:7:13,14; Mark 9:42, Luke 16:19 and to this time of judgment. 2. How is it fair that we escape judgment by having our names written there, even though we have committed many sins? Grace is the free gift offered to every living soul....a "Fair" and Free" gift to receive or to reject. Those who would cry "foul!" had the same opportunity as you and I, but chose to go their own way and rejected this priceless gift. 3. Who paid the price to make if "fair" and just? Our precious and glorious Savior and King, Jesus the Christ! How we praise and thank you, gracious Lord!

1. If now we are "betrothed" to the Lamb (to use this analogy), why is the "marriage" delayed until the End of Time? This is to be the marriage celebration of all born again believers...and the delay must include all of those betrothed to Him. 2. What does the state of marriage imply that betrothal does not? Betrothal in our terms means "promised" to marry but allows for a period of time to make all of the preparations for the celebration on the day of the marriage and consummation, when the groom takes his bride to the home He has prepared for her to live and spend the rest of their lives together. During our betrothal period the relationship has limitations in the relationship. When we are married we are permitted unlimited intimacy and proximity as bride and groom. How glorious that will be to have no separation from our Jesus, no more long distance prayers, no more trials and testing, no more tears or broken hearts....that will all be left behind. We will see Him face to face and will "know" each other in emotional/spiritual terms, as humans experience physically in marriage. 3. In what sense will that be realized in the New Jerusalem? When we are "married" we will "see Him" and we will be "like Him" in that our flesh and sin nature were left behind, so no more fears or pretense or wondering about Him or about how He thinks of us or sees us....total transparency. Sheer love and adoration flowing between bride and groom. What a beautiful gift to look forward to enjoying and living for eternity. His bride will be His delight, so no wandering eyes as happens in marriages, because we will all be our perfect selves from all that we've endured according to His plans for us as we lived here on earth. As the bride (symbolic for intimacy), men will still be men and women will still be women, but asexual since there will no longer be a need for procreation. I love that our Father has feminine tenderness of heart, and a loving listening ear, which in my experience is limited in males...."just get to the Point!" So when we think of Paul, and Peter and John, and Abraham and David, we will know them as they were in the Bible, but perfected and in His image, just as we will be.

1. In what way is the Son of the Lamb like the Song of Moses that was sung after the crossing of the Red Sea? Both songs were birthed in the fires of tribulation and hardship. Both are songs of exuberant thanksgiving and praise for the Lord's faithfulness and deliverance. Both speak of God's glory and strength and holiness. They sang the Song of Moses AND the Song of the Lamb, praising God for His marvelous works, His omnipotence and His Righteous ways, adoring Him. 2. Why do you think the sound of voices accompanied by instruments is pleasing to God? God created the Universe to the sound of music: When the morning stars sang together (Job 38:7) and it is God who gives us songs in the night. (Job 35:10) We are His creatures, created in His image with voices, every one unique and different from another, His handiwork. His word tells us to praise and "sing a new song". He says also "Let the high praises of God be in their throats....and to sing with joy upon our beds".( Psalm 150) They were fulfilling Psalm 147:7: "Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praises with the harp or lyre to our God." Voices are the major way we express our God given emotions. He loves music, so instruments are important to Him. He told Moses how to make instruments for their worship, and David, as well. Lucifer was "worship leader" in Heaven before he fell, and God created us, His children.....so all in all, Music is a source of great joy to Him, and one major way we can bring Him pleasure and joy. (It's lovely to receive a card, but how much more meaningful to hear words spoken by the voice of a beloved family member or friend or to pick up the phone and hear "Happy Birthday" being sung, usually way off key, but delightful, by loved ones far from home. 3. What will it take for all nations of come to the Lamb in our own day? Holy Spirit empowered evangelism, with signs and wonders and miracles, as in the first great outpouring of Holy Spirit in Acts. The Church has been asleep for a long time, doing mainly church "business"; routine, powerless, for the most part. I believe the past few months are preparation for this, as believers the entire world over celebrated Passover separately locked in our own homes, just as they did the night before the Exodus from Egypt. Fifty days later they celebrated Pentecost, which we just celebrated, but I believe the great outpouring is yet to come, and soon. (The current unrest and tribulation, plagues, and terror I believe will be used for good, His purposes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIs-oWrGaiI Beautiful video when the morning stars sang together

1. What has to change in our thinking in order for us to see the Lamb as a victorious Warrior? It has been a process of God's healing and deliverance for me from my early years as a victim of abuse and violence. In that mindset it was impossible to see the Lamb as a Warrior....I saw Him as the Suffering Servant, Savior, crucified and risen from the dead, but not as a warrior. Now after years of Bible reading/study and prayer, that ignorance has been corrected and He is now my victorious Lord and Warrior, Who is ready, more than willing and able to battle evil whenever He is called upon. 2. In what ways are you called upon to serve the Lamb in skirmishes with evil in your life and community? He calls upon me to war in the spiritual realm, in Him, having put on His armor (Eph 6) and to intercede in prayer from that new position against the forces of evil, hell bent on destruction of believers, our cities, our government, and our nation. 3. Are you aggressive like the Conquering Lamb, or do you shy away from conflict with the enemy? My training started with weird physical attacks on my body that frightened me. (red, yellow, blue and white lights in odd shapes flashing up and down near my eyes distracting and scaring me. Then sharp pains on my body like someone was pounding on me with fists....in fear I would call others to pray. When those prayers stopped the attacks immediately, I realized the symptoms were demonic and learned in scripture how to take authority in the spirit and to call on our Warrior God to fight the battle. Those weird symptoms stopped occurring. He is forever faithful to teach and to train us! I was timid as I began...(He taught me to see myself clothed in Him, as Wonder Woman wielding a sword (the word of God) rather than Minnie Mouse wielding a popsicle stick.....I love that our Lord has a sense of humor!!!) I was in a skirmish with hundreds of other believers last night on a prayer call for our Nation, as we warred in the Spirit against the plot uncovered by D.C. police that anarchists were calling for a million protesters to come to Washington D.C. this weekend (June 6-7) to overwhelm the city, armed with gas masks, enamel spray paint to deface our memorials, high powered lasers, and whatever destructive means they could bring, offering them places to park and to stay. We "warred" in prayer for 3 hours and believe the attack will be thwarted and come to nothing. We saw in the spirit, thousands of God's angel army confusing and thwarting their plans and defending our President, our government, our Constitution and our nation. Before I learned, I "warred" in the flesh with a demonic neighbor, through polite conversation, then pleading for the destructive behavior to stop, to no avail..in fact it intensified. When I was reminded that we war not with flesh and blood, but with powers and principalities....and began to war in the spirit, to take authority over the evil one and called upon our Warrior Lord, to intervene.....it took another several months, but the Lord is victorious, always! In the process I've prayed for him and for his family to come to know our Lord as Savior and Lord.

1, If you take this verse symbolically, in what sense are the 144,000 described as virgins? I believe: redeemed. ....newborn babes in Christ in the short time between salvation and being in their glorified bodies with Jesus ...forgiven, blood washed, blood bought, totally faithful and sold out to Jesus, unspoiled, and the witness for Christ was all Grace, set free from the O.T. regulations of the Law. I imagine them so zealous in their new found faith in the short time they had to evangelize that they had no time for relationships with women. 2. In your life, what would it mean if you were to "follow the Lamb wherever He goes"? An Interesting question at this stage of my life! When I surrendered fully to Him years ago, the result has been that I have followed Him wherever He has led. It has been a wild trail of ups and downs, losses and trials, loneliness at times, upheaval, being misunderstood and judged when my life didn't follow "others expectations." Blessing beyond what I'm able to express adequately, in the spiritual realm and in relationship with Him. And as John Bunyan (Pilgrim's Progress, the ancient book written from his jail cell) tells us, the trail is always leading upward toward our final home. There has been gradual growth in grace and understanding, deeper relationships as He has healed my brokenness and ability to trust. I'm quicker to forgive and let go of worry than in the old days. I'm thankful for this long life and that I still have a destiny to fulfill before my call to come home. Do I have regrets? Some, but every mistake or place of rebellion in the early years served me well in terms of seeking a closer walk with Him, learning about how quick He is to forgive, to trust Him and to know His beautiful heart of love. 3. What might have to change if you made this pledge. In my answer to #2, I never did make a pledge....I knew I couldn't keep a pledge so at some point along the way I decided His ways are always the best ways and surrendered my will to His, many times at points where we "disagreed" about who was going to "reign" in my life.

1. What is the significance of the Lamb standing on Mount Zion? Mount Zion is where our faith began when Abraham, in obedience, took his only son Isaac to offer him as a sacrifice...a type and shadow of our Father sacrificing His only begotten Son our Savior Jesus on that mount . Mt Zion is where Grace (Jesus death and our salvation) replaced obedience to the Law (and bloodl sacrifices) given at Mt. Sinai during the Exodus. Jesus standing there, in now the New Jersusalem, the Heavenly city come down from Heaven, gloriously victorious over all the work of the enemy, and all His work on earth successfully completed! What a glorious sight to imagine!!! What Joy that the Jews have finally completed the work they eschewed 2,000 years ago. 2. Who are these 144,000 people with Him? They are the Jews who during the years of Tribulation, newly born again and zealously evangelized the earth for Jesus. 3. What is the significance of the Lamb's and the Father's names written on their foreheads? Jews have rejected Jesus as their Messiah since He walked with them on earth and died for them...for all mankind. Now they have both the Father and Jesus' names written on their foreheads, indicating they have received Him as their Savior prior to their deaths. Completion....Father and Son together with the chosen people in unity, home at last.

What is the significance that a person's name is recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life? To know that one's name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life is assurance, a guarantee of that one's salvation, and will not ever be blotted out. (We don't "lose our salvation. We didn't earn Salvation) Jesus told the thief on the cross who was dying beside Him "today you will be with me in Paradise" and to each of His lambs, the same promise to be in Heaven. (Because Christianity is not a works based religion, but is based totally on faith in Jesus' death and resurrection, and our "Yes" to Him. Period! He brought us to Salvation and He will also bring us to Glorification in eternity with Him.(He always finishes what He starts, unlike many of us) 2. When is that name written, according to Revelation 13:7-8? 1.The names were recorded in The Book of Life of the Lamb that was slain in sacrifice from the foundation of the world. And as John said in Ephesians: . (Ephesian 1:3,4: Even in His love He chose us (the Father), actually picked us out for Himself as His own in Christ before the foundation of the world. He foreordained us, destined us, planned in love for us to be adopted as His own children through Jesus Christ in accordance with the purpose of His will, because it pleased Him and was his kind intent.. John 17:6: I (Jesus) manifested Your Name to the people whom You have given Me out of the world. They were yours and You gave them to Me out of the world. They were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have obeyed and kept Your word. John 17:24: Father, I desire that they also whom You have entrusted to Me as Your gift to Me, may be with Me where I AM, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me. Your love gift to Me; for you loved Me before the foundation of the world. 3. John wrote these words to encourage the persecuted church. How do these words reassure you? I am His and He is mine...forever, no matter what! I love that we were chosen then given to Jesus, and He in turn redeemed and saved us, and gave us back to His Father as His love gift. As I said recently to a brother in Christ, we were re-gifted, but not like those unwanted things given away as wedding or shower gifts...we were hand picked!

1 Why don't you allow God to stretch you today by offering loud shouts of praise, praise that enumerates the Lamb's attributed and worthiness. Yes.......and it was a stretch because I'm soft spoken, live in a small apartment surrounded by other families in close proximity and a family member who would freak out if I did this at home. But I got away into the country and shouted my praise to my Lord...startled a wild turkey and some birds, but they'll recover....maybe they are praising Him in their beautiful songs. In fact, I think they are. We have a bird feeder on the patio, and a little Junko comes in the evening and after his last meal of the day, flies onto the knob on top, puffs out his chest, throws back his head and sings the most beautiful little song, then flies away to where ever is home. I believe He is singing praise! 2. And as you speak these things, meditate on what you are saying. I have no idea what I was saying as I praised in my prayer language, but what I felt was amazing joy...then tears and depth of emotion in my heart of gratitude for Him choosing and calling me, saving and loving me and abiding in me. It felt like a "spring cleaning" in my spirit....and an amazing release of pent up "words" and emotions long stifled. Thank you, Pastor Ralph....this was wonderful! The picture in my mind on the drive home was of an organist who always plays soft hymns, suddenly opening up all of the pipes and playing A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD, full stop! It made me smile...I think He was smiling too.

1. How does the blood of the Lamb enable us to conquer Satan? We are saved (bought back from Satan, who became our "father the devil", when Adam and Eve fell into his temptation). The Blood of Jesus defeated Satan at the Cross and as God's sons and daughters, His blood covers us and we deal with him from the position of his defeat. "warfare only takes place between 2 undefeated enemies. Once an enemy has been conquered, the war is over. Satan is a defeated enemy". 2. How does the word of our testimony show victory over Satan? Our testimony of Jesus in us, flies in the face of Satan, the accuser of the brethren who was defeated, defanged, de-clawed at the cross. We deal with his attacks with the authority we've been given in Christ using the Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit, as Jesus did in the wilderness when He was being attacked and tempted. 3. Why is it necessary to "take up our cross daily" in order to conquer? Our loving Father gives us a fresh start, a new beginning every morning. (I'm so thankful for this gift...no matter what the day before brought or we wish we'd done differently, it's over and buried in the deepest part of the sea.( Micah 7:19. Corrie Ten Boom said "and God puts out a no fishing sign" so we don't keep dredging it up) We wake up, put on HIs armor (Eph 6: 11-18) and go forward into whatever the new day's trials, tribulations, sorrows, joys or battles are in store, surrendered to Jesus (a daily and sometimes hourly choice) His Presence, wisdom and strength help us to stand up under trials.

1. In what way does the Lamb seek to guide you as a Shepherd? At the moment I believe it is to the promise given to me in 1988....which would have been easy (for us) at that time (and I'm sure for Him, as nothing is too hard for Him) but we've put down deep roots and are much older now. He's always seeking my willingness to follow without excuses or resistance. 2. What will this require of you? It will require totally relying on Him. (Oh, I just "got" that! Why would I ever think it would be otherwise. I will never be able to rely on myself/will) 3. What do the "spring of living water" represent in your life? For me, He is my spring of living water.....His washing me in His Word every morning, and Holy Spirit's nudges and encouragement and enlightenment and answers during the day, and the times I climb into our Father's lap to snuggle and to hear "You are my beloved daughter in whom I'm well pleased"....all glory to Jesus for rescuing me from the slimy miry pit all of those years ago when death seemed the only way out of misery and pain. 4. Have you exhausted these springs yet-- or even really found them? His springs are living, alive,....fresh every morning and whenever I come to "drink" of Him. How I thank and praise our Shepherd for taking me by the hand and leading me out of the darkness, and into the Light....Himself.. 5. What tears do you need wiped away from your eyes? Tears for our brother MosesSole who just shared about the horrific crime/injury to his beloved niece. My prayers this morning are for her, for him for their family, that our Comforter will hold them all in His strong and loving care, and in agreement with Rosegarden's heart and tears for our broken nation, for the burdens on our beloved President and other leaders. But tears of joy and relief yesterday as I watched the successful launch of our astronauts into space, recalling the one which broke our hearts. Oops! I was trying to do something else and this wasn't it!!!! I apologize!

1. Why do you think this image is so jarring--being made white by washing in blood? Blood implies an injury which needs medical attention, often associated with trauma and death. The odor of blood is repellent as well. When blood spills on clothing, It's very difficult to remove through washing. A family member faints at the sight of blood, even a small cut, so to read that white robes have been "made clean" washed in blood is anathema or opposed to every thing we know or experience. 2. What are we supposed to see in this? Jesus blood is the only "agent" which can cleanse or wash away the stain of sin, so the white robes represent perfect cleansing, forgiveness, celebration, and acceptance into the family of God through the shed "blood of the Lamb" our Savior. 3. Why do you think this imagery is embarrassing to some? We're forced to think of and remember the gruesome torture and death Jesus died for us when blood is mentioned. Perhaps some prefer to think of Him risen from the dead clothed in white linen rather than focus on the gory details of His suffering. (When I saw The Passion of the Christ, I became almost physically ill, and sobbing, as we saw Him being tortured and beaten) Also Women's flow of blood has a negative connotation in many places in scripture making them untouchable or unable to be out in public during those times, and so on. Blood just isn't a pleasant topic in any conversation. (My mother would call it "not fit for table discussion)

1. Why do you think worship before the throne is such a theme of Revelation? I believe it is because the Bride of Christ is now safely home, finally able to behold Him in His glory, and to thank Him in worship for His unspeakable sacrifice which "bought" us back from Satan and secured us as our Father's children, and our elder Brother Jesus, siblings. 2. What are the implications of this band of white-robed saints before the throne for our relationships with minority peoples in our own cities and countries? Regardless of nation or tongue we are all His precious blood bought children.....He is delighted in His creation, and the colorful array of each of us. 3. How dare we no longer act? I've been a member of a mostly black (I'm not) church and was delightfully at home as a minority, and rejoiced in that, having come from a state in America where the majority of people belong to a cult where it is taught that black people bear the "mark or curse of Cain". Discrimination was the norm and though I wasn't part of the cult, I rarely saw a person of color, and was afraid when I encountered one as a child. I thrived and learned to worship freely in that wonderful church, and was distressed when we moved away. All of that to say, I'm intolerant of racism and prejudice, but I don't have an answer to the ugly problem except to pray, and to be delighted that our children grew up with no prejudice, and have friends of all nationalities. We are members of a very racially mixed church now and love that wonderful blend of accents, colors, different expressions of worship....so my prayers are that this kind of church will become the norm! 4. How must we act towards these who are different, but very much the same as we? We are called, in Jesus, to love as He loves....with appreciation for our differences in color, language, customs, and so on. And that love isn't just for Christian Brothers and sisters, but whomever and where ever we meet. Thank you Wayne.....your answer warmed my heart and spirit!!!!

1. What is the purpose of the punishment meted out by the Lamb? Retribution, rehabilitation, deterrence? The purpose is Retribution, for rejecting God's loving gift of Salvation through believing in and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ, His Son....the only way to enter into eternal life and the presence of our Holy God Who cannot abide sin of any kind. 2. Why is having a Lamb (Jesus) exacting justice more troubling to us than the idea of Almighty God acting justly? We think of lambs as rather dumb animals who are defenseless and need to be led and cared for. Knowing personally Jesus who is our gentle lamb of God and loving Shepherd with whom we are in relationship is difficult to think of Him as Warrior meting out retribution. The name of "Almighty God" seems less personal, more distant and fierce, as in the Old Testament (before Jesus revealed His heart of love and tenderness) hurling fire and brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah and destroying all inhabitants in the flood of Noah. 3. How important to a rounded understanding of Christ is the Messiah of Judgment? If there were no Judgment or consequence for sin, there would be no need of a Savior.....to save us from what? God is a God of love but also a God of justice. When we become aware of the fierceness of God toward wickedness and evil, our salvation becomes even more precious....the awareness of "being snatched from the burning fires of hell" leaves no room for a blase life or a ho hum attitude toward the Cross and His suffering for me.

1. He has been painfully, but gloriously rescuing me from the trauma and fears instilled in me in an abusive and violent childhood home. He is such a gentle teacher and healer, that He considers each step of healing when he deems one is ready and able to face the past and to go through the process of healing and deliverance. As a result Isaiah 45:3 "I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places that you may know that it is I the Lord Who calls you by your name" has become my song! I used to wonder when I read that verse what the treasures could possibly be....but in these many long years of being led out of the darkness into the healing and cleansing power of His love and light and grace, I discovered that He is my treasure, and the hidden riches of the secret places are where I fell into His arms and in love with my Savior and God. 2. I do sing to Him, but I also delight in every moment I spend in His Presence, I find joy in His amazing creation and creatures. When I learned to smile and to laugh He showed me that is music to His ears and Heart. Darkness still may swirl around me but I've never been alone in those places since He's healed the terror and nightmares and PTSD episodes....He is with me holding my hand. I will forever praise and thank Him. 3. It's difficult to imagine "reigning" with Him, and I can't imagine what that will entail, but I think the reason must be that each of us, trophies of His love, grace, deliverance, and training, then "being like Him" in love and wisdom and character will have a special assignment which we have been fitted for in this life of trials and being transformed into His image. (Romans 8:28, 29: And we know that all things work together for good, etc, v 29 that we may be conformed into the image of Christ.) short version.

1. Jesus dying for me says that I am precious and of utmost value to Him. 2. Before the foundation of the world was formed, Father God saw, chose and called me and gave me to Jesus as His love gift. Jesus bought me back from Satan with His blood, and gave me back to His Father (and now mine) as His love gift. That tells me I'm of unspeakable, unfathomable worth and value to our God. (Ephesians 1:4,5 and John 17:24) How I thank and praise Him that I am His forever....His bride, bought with a price too high to "think or imagine." 3. Not "casual" or lackadaisical or flippant ever. 4. His intimate friend, remembering I'm His purchased & prized possession. My deep devotion for Him, reverential, unafraid, always thankful, remembering to honor Him as my Lord and Savior and God...and in all of that, to enjoy Him and to cultivate His Presence daily. 5. He left the glories of Heaven to live as a sacrificial, slain Lamb. He has picked me up and delivered me countless times. He forgives and corrects me, inspires, teaches, and trains me, is patient as I learn to surrender and live for Him each day...He never demands....is always gentle. He reveals Himself every day through His Word as I read and study. His patience is unimaginable, as I am sometimes slow to learn. He appeared to me when I was new, and so terrified that I thought I was going to die from cancer....and in the most tender voice said: "Be still and know that I am God"...(I learned later that is Ps. 46:10.)

1. The Lamb was standing as though it (HE) had been slain, with 7 horns and 7 eyes. (The 7 fold Holy Spirit...amplified) 2. Jesus is alive, having conquered sin, death and the grave and is committed to healing sickness, deliverance through trials and from harm, and to give me the wisdom, strength, encouragement and faith I need and am asking for to endure the long wait of many years for His promises to be fulfilled. He is also able to heal the emotional wounds from the abuse in childhood....He was there...He saw it all and knows what and how to heal. 3. Jesus' wounds brings victory over everything I will ever need, as He walks with me through thick and thin..(there has been a LOT of thin) He has been causing my faith, trust and character to grow. The complaining I did early on, has been turned into gratitude as He has shown me in His Word that "He is causing all things to work together for my good, Rom 8:28, that I be conformed into the image of Christ. Rom 8:29. (I learned years ago from an elderly saint that Rom 8:28 and 29 is one verse which is separated by a comma.... V29 is the whole point of V28. (The Bible translators separated the thought by putting a verse marker there (and minimized a very precious verse's intent, in my humble opinion, because v29 makes sense of all pain, trauma, and disappointment we go through in life.

1.How do humility and victory go together? Jesus' victory was dependent upon His humility. The Cross must come before the Crown. Humility goes before honor..(.and pride goes before a fall) was heard often as I grew up and didn't understand what it meant then. 2.How do the Lion and Lamb fit together? Jesus is the Lamb Who was slain for the sins of the entire world. As the Lamb He was submissive in every detail to His Father's will, and to His mission as Savior to "whosoever will come" to Him in faith in His death and resurrection. He was born to die a hideous unthinkable death, shedding His blood for the cleansing of sin, and to secure eternal life for those who will trust in Him completely for salvation. He rose from the dead, triumphant over the grave and sin and death, as the Lion of Judah (the heritage He hailed from in the Lineage of David, and the tribe of Judah) and as the Lion, he reigns over the entire Universe as Almighty God, seated at the right hand of the Father, and is both King and Judge. 3.How did Jesus humble himself? Jesus left the glories of Heaven with His Father to come to earth as a baby, born into poverty, lived as a man who was misunderstood, ridiculed, insulted, threatened, lied about and was ultimately brutally beaten and then crucified naked, as a criminal between 2 thieves, while being mocked as he suffered for the very ones who should have recognized and revered Him. (What a Savior, what perfect humility and submission to His Father's will that I now have eternal life and will reign with Him!) 4.Why is it necessary to humble ourselves before God will exalt us? Pride says "I deserve honor or I earned exaltation in my own strength". Humility understands that Grace and Mercy alone redeemed me, and any honor I may receive is for His honor and glory "who strengthens me." This is kind of humorous: The Lord has been teaching me to walk in His authority in regard to a serious situation with a neighbor who behaves in ways which seem demonically motivated. Due to serious abuse in childhood, I'm easily intimidated and frightened. I've memorized the scriptures He led me to learn, and showed me to think of looking like Wonder Woman with her sword, having clothed myself in the armor of God (Eph 6) to be brave and courageous.... instead of like Minnie Mouse with a popsicle stick weapon....I'm humbly working on it....there will be no room for pride, as He goes before me to secure the victory! (I am praying for the man and his family for deliverance and salvation....and protection for my family from them)

Q1. Why is everyone around the throne worshipping? They are living in the very presence of God of all creation....They are doing what they were created for, and are giving voice to their awe and joy for His Triumph and victory, giving Him glory and honor and praise. They are no longer preoccupied with themselves or anything else, and are no longer being harassed by our enemy with his attacks and distractions, so they are now totally free to focus their praise completely on our glorious and magnificent, Holy, perfect, loving God. 2. Why are they chanting and singing? Singing is one of the highest expressions of worship and their voices are expressing their wonder and praise of our Holy and awesome Creator. Their trials are over and they are finally at home and with their hearts desire. I think they are speechless surrounded by His glory, and can only sing and repeat Holy Holy Holy! 3.Why do you think that we get bored with worship after a few minutes? If worship is just getting a "check mark in the box" or a duty to perform, or a ritual as part of a church service, there isn't much joy or inspiration in that. In order to be thrilled in worship we must enter into His presence in our spirit, with a heart filled with joy and gratitude for all that He means to us, for all that He has done for us. Maybe we're angry at Him. Maybe we don't really know Him......yet. (It's impossible to worship the unknown!) 4. What does that indicate about our hearts? It may mean that one is either ungrateful or does not really have an intimate relationship with our Lord. We enter into "His gates with thanksgiving." If we take for granted our salvation and the privilege of living in the Holy of Holies in His Presence, worship may just become "another thing to do". It may be due to ignorance....worship is a learned experience. We first need to learn that worship is His due! It has been said that we all worship something, so it may mean that there is no room in a worldly heart to adore Him. It may also indicate that we are on "the throne" and have not yet surrendered that place to whom it belongs, to His Lordship. A heart grown cold may be a wounded or deeply disappointed heart needing healing and restoration before worship can flow. 5. What can we do to change this? Spending time alone in His Presence, and being honest and open with Him about our difficulties, seeking Him and His help will produce a change of heart and attitude. Jesus Is our friend who sticks closer to us than a brother. When we see that He is for us, and has cleansed and forgiven our sins, past, present and future, we can come to Him without fear or reservation about how we will be received.....always in love and acceptance. It might be helpful to talk to Him about the lack of desire to worship, to seek His insight and His help. It was so helpful to me to learn that Holy Spirit leads us into worship....but He cannot if we do not want to worship or are unaware that He longs to assist us in worship. If I'm out of sorts with Him and am not talking to Him about it, then worship becomes mechanical, or may not be happening at all. That's my process. It has also been helpful to learn that prayer is worship, in that I'm subjecting my heart and desires to Him and His guidance. Delight in His creation and His creatures is worship, Thanksgiving is worship....and those are all acceptable and and delight Him as much as a song. Tears are worship, as well. I loved reading in the old Testament that they were never to go out the same door that they came in to worship....that tells me that worship changes us, is meant to change us, and it's a gift from the Lord as much for us as for Him.

1. I've observed several who have, and it's very sad. From a vibrant relationship to a haphazard, willy-nilly one, no longer pursuing Him, but chasing after wealth, or fame or being drawn back into the world, and what Jesus described as "luke warm" neither hot nor cold....useless in the Kingdom of God....unless/until He is able to draw them back to His love. 2. No, I haven't experienced this...and I thank God for keeping me close to His heart through trials and needing Him every moment! 3. I would say this requires repentance ….a complete turning around and prayer for a fresh beginning. Holy Spirit is our Helper....we can cry out to Him to bring us back to a white hot relationship with our Lord! We can ask for a renewed hunger for His Word. We can ask Him to help us deal with whatever drew us back into the world and away from our Savior! 4. Pride and arrogance, or disobedience, might be the cause, so those would need to be confessed and repentance of. Also, we still have a sin nature, and it's possible to fall or "jump" into an old pattern of sin, long believed "dead". I love that Jesus will leave the 99 to go bring back the one who has gone astray. The "picture" of Him carrying the wounded lamb on His shoulders, touches my heart! (I would think there would be no way to escape being wounded while going astray). He is our loving God and creator, who experienced living in a human body, temped in every way that we are...yet without sin! He understands our weakness and doesn't stop loving us if we go astray and will never stop pursuing us!

1. Any time I might be deluded into depending upon my own righteousness (of which I have none and Isaiah 64:6-8 declares as "filthy rags") I would nullify His Sovereignty (to which I've eagerly and willingly submitted). How crazy to create distance and separateness at which time He would step back and let me take a "tumble"...requiring correction and discipline. I don't want to go there! 2. I don't recall that exact situation, but definitely recall pride rearing it's ugly head (I "get" why God hates pride! Prov 6:16-19). Pride is an attitude of independence from God....sheer foolishness! I shook my fist at Him while a brand new believer, determined to have my own way, and even went so far as to say "It would be just like you to try and stop me". Talk about arrogance and blindness! He didn't stop me. I regret that to this day, though forgiven and under the blood of Jesus! However, it was a valuable learning experience I never want to revisit again! I'm so grateful that He is my loving Papa, and I've learned to trust His will for me even when it's painful because He's always loving and always right...FATHER KNOWS BEST! Rom 8:28,29 says He used that ugly disobedience and willfulness for my good.... to further bring me into conformation to the image of Christ!

1. It means that we no longer walk after the dictates of the flesh but after the dictates of the Spirit. (John 3:18) We, having said "yes" to His invitation to become His, are born again into His likeness, and we are new creatures in Christ, indwelt and empowered by Holy Spirit. ( indwelt by the God-head Colossians 2:10) 2. First, it is the only way to have eternal life! Second, our new life begins at that moment and the transformation of our flesh begins until we become more and more like Him. We no longer just know "about" Him, we've begun the amazing and miraculous process of KNOWING HIM, in an intimate relationship (Phil 3:10-14)....we "hear" His voice, we are led by His Spirit, no longer lost and adrift toward a meaningless end in eternal death, but now look forward to the joy of eternal life with our God, in His Presence forever! These are a few of the benefits I am rejoicing in this morning because we are in Christ, after reading Ephesians chapter 1: 1. God chose, selected, called me in love before the foundation of the world was formed. 2. God foreordained and adopted me as His own, in Jesus because it pleased Him. 3. In Him I’m redeemed and forgiven. 4. I am God’s portion. 5. I obtained an inheritance. 6. I am destined and appointed to live for the praise of God’s glory. 7. I am sealed with the Holy Spirit. 8. I am alive in Christ.... the same new life with which Christ was quickened from the grave. 9. I am seated with joint seating with Him. 10. I belong to God’s own household. 11. He has crowned me with glory, honor, beauty, and splendor, bearing God’s beauty. How we praise and thank You for this unbelievable privilege....a million thank You's aren't adequate...we'll be thanking You throughout eternity as we rejoice in Your Presence!!!

1. Jesus, though God (the Son and Second person of the Triune Godhead) stripped Himself of all privileges and rightful dignity, so as to become a servant/slave like men and was born a human being. Then further abased and humbled Himself still further and carried His obedience to the extreme of death on the cross. 2. "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall" Prov 16:18 (We can choose to humble ourselves and failing that, He will, in love, humble us. (We can't really be of use in His kingdom until we have an honest view of who we are...people with a fallen nature, sinful to the core in need of His Grace and training through teaching (renewing our minds in scripture) and trials and testing as Holy Spirit does His transforming work in us gradually "crucifying our flesh" to reflect His character and nature. 3. I would call this pride and arrogance...thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought. (Rom 12:3) Also, denial, attempting to cover shame.

1. To die is to gain the Glory of Eternity. (After being with Jesus for 3 years in Arabia (Gal 2:18) and if he died when he was stoned and left for dead at Lystra but brought back to life, as it seems to hint in scripture, (2 Cor 2:12) he has been to Heaven and "tasted" the Glory of Eternity, and is more than ready and longing to be set free from his earthly body and to be in Heaven. 2. He yearned to die and be with Christ in Heaven, which was "far, far better." 3. To live was more "needful and essential" for the Church, in his service as apostle, missionary and teacher, so convinced of this he knew he must remain.

1. We need not be afraid! I expect we will be in AWE and total joy!....appearing before Christ is only for His Bride, the Church, where we will be rewarded for our work on earth.( Ps 62:12) Also to You, O Lord, belong mercy and loving kindness, for You render to every man/woman according to his/her work. 2. No we will not be judged. No double jeopardy in Heaven! Jesus was judged once for ALL. This is the Bema seat judgment where our work on earth will be rewarded. (The Great White Throne judgment is for unbelievers, for rejecting God's gift of Salvation in His Son, Jesus, and their punishment.) 3. Our names are written in the Lambs Book of Life (Rev 20:12) We are IN Christ, engraved on the palm of His hands! (Isaiah 49:16) 4. Our lives in Christ will be evaluated for merit, and everything we have allowed Holy Spirit to work through our lives will be rewarded. All of our works done for personal gain, self promotion, recognition, or any unholy or selfish motivation, will be judged by "fire" and burned up as worthless wood, hay and stubble and the reward will be lost.

1. My home is temporary and is not much like Heaven! We have to pay rent and put up with noisy, thoughtless neighbors, who come and go. I used to treasure my earthly possessions: Grandmother and Great Grandmother's antiques and beautiful sterling silver and their treasures. Now, not so much. They all require lots of upkeep and polishing and the antiques are getting more fragile at 175 years old. There is still some strife between family members, though all love Jesus. So, I'm getting more and more homesick for Heaven, my eternal home. The one which was created for me (and for you!) and is forever...no strife, nothing will wear out, our bodies will be eternal with no maintenance and upkeep (I'm sooo looking forward to that....no dentists, no disease, and no combing and styling the same hair for 77 years, which is getting thinner as I type, and the gym is getting harder and harder to get up the gumption to go!) I doubt we'll have weight issues there, as our new bodies will not be flesh! Jesus lives here in our home but more like a guest.... in Heaven we will dwell in His Glorious, loving presence continually, His Bride....His family, and the home we can't really even imagine....Forever and ever! I can't wait to meet Paul...I have a million questions for him...and want to thank him for living the life and fighting the good fight of faith to demonstrate how we are to live and to not give in or give up no matter how weary or discouraged we become.