SOAP 12/28/2016; Romans 5:17

Today's reading: Revelation 5, 6, 7, 8, 9*
S) "¹⁷ For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ."

Romans 5:17 (NASB)
*This verse was highlighted before I kept these entries online, so I wrote a new entry

O) This is such a beautiful juxtaposition between the reign of death and the reign of life. Through Adam's sin, death entered humanity. We were all under the cruel rule of death. But, through the righteous, obedient actions of Jesus, life has replaced death. Not only that, but under sin, we were only oppressed, subjected to the reign of death. On the contrary, by the grace of God, through Jesus Christ, we are not only given the gift of life, but that abundant grace also has us reigning in life! It's still a mystery, how exactly that plays out in the resurrection with Christ, but no matter what, it's immeasurably better. This is true to God's character, though, that His blessings are always greater than we deserve, but often greater than we could imagine. Not only are we no longer subjected to the cruel reign of death, and simply put into life, but we are given the opportunity to reign in life through Jesus Christ.

A) First, this is cause for simple thanksgiving. Second, like many promises I have in Christ, I must make efforts to keep this promise in mind. It is especially true, when I am struggling - struggling with sin, struggling to find peace, struggling to keep joy. Remembering God's love for me, and the ways He has expressed it in His grace, promised throughout the Bible, this is the cure for so many of my ails. His promises to me are based on what Christ has done, and that will not change. If I am in Christ, then I am made righteous, and I receive the gifts He has given in that abundant grace.

P) Father, thank You for Your unchanging character. Thank You for the promises You have given me in Christ Jesus. Lord God, let me remain humble and strive for obedience, not in order to earn Your  blessings, but as a response to the blessings You have already given me in Jesus. Open my eyes and ears, and give me wisdom and understanding. I want to more fully grasp Your love for me, and the wonder of the gospel. Help me to keep this in mind more often, to dwell on the wonders of Your grace. Be glorified in my life, Lord. Let Your will be done. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/23/2016; Luke 4:42

Today's reading: John 15, 16, 17, 18*

S) "⁴² When day came, Jesus left and went to a secluded place; and the crowds were searching for Him, and came to Him and tried to keep Him from going away from them."

Luke 4:42 (NASB)
*This verse was highlighted before I kept these entries online, so I wrote a new entry

O) This is, by no means, the only example we have of Jesus going to be alone - whether to pray or rest. However, what I did notice about this particular passage, is that leading up to it almost gives the impression that Jesus was up all night ministering. That kind of work almost demands the seclusion that Jesus was seeking. Not to be truly alone, I think, but to be alone with His Father in heaven. Even so, the needy people would not be denied, and they found Him still. That in itself, seems like kind of a fulfillment of the words of Jesus, when He said that those who seek will find.

A) Passages like this one remind me of how Jesus' time on earth was completely and totally mission-based. He had purpose for His presence, and He was going to fulfill it. Certainly, Jesus did it to perfection, but it's a reminder to me that I also have a purpose. No one will ever minister 100% of the time, perfectly, with complete humility and focus, the way Jesus did. However, there should be a progression at work in my life, that I would become more and more like Jesus. My time is not my own. On the other hand, even if I am willing to serve tirelessly, all night, after serving others for a long stretch of time, I must seek to have alone time with God. In many other ways, too, God doesn't just want my obedience, He wants relationship with me. I want to serve Him, and do His work, but I also just want to be with Him.

P) Father, I am so blessed to have a relationship with You. I want very much, to do Your will, to work the good works You prepared for me. I want to be an obedient servant, and honor Your name. I also don't want to sin, Lord. Please, lead me not into temptation but deliver me from the evil one. At the same time, I also just want to be with You, Father. Help me to stay focused on You, and to keep my mind on the things above, and not the things here on earth, in front of my eyes. Help me to see and hear, what You are trying to reveal to me. Lead me to make time, devoted to You, just spending time in Your presence. Help me to pursue what You want me to pursue. Let Your will be done in my life, and on earth as it is in heaven. Let Your kingdom come. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/13/2016; Ezekiel 16:18-19

Today's reading: Hebrews 9, 10, 11*

S) "^{18 '}Then you took your embroidered cloth and covered them, and offered My oil and My incense before them. ¹⁹ Also My bread which I gave you, fine flour, oil and honey with which I fed you, you would offer before them for a soothing aroma; so it happened,' declares the Lord GOD."

Ezekiel 16:18-19 (NASB)
*This verse was highlighted before I kept these entries online, so I wrote a new entry

O) This chapter begins with God reminding His people how graciously He has treated them, from first choosing them. As the chapter moves along, it progresses toward the adulterous idolatry of His people. In vv.16-17, God describes how His provision was used for harlotry, but when we get to the verses above, it takes a subtle shift. It is no longer only that the people have used what God gave them for this idolatry, but they are also now taking what belongs to God directly, and using it for idolatry. It was not just their clothes, jewels, gold, and silver which God had given them, but it was also His oil, His incense, and His bread. This passage is really a revelation of God's jealousy. He isn't jealous for His things, as if He so desired the oil, incense, and bread. He is jealous for His people. But, this shows that, not only had they betrayed His love, so as to turn away from Him and pursue idols, but they had betrayed His person, by also stealing from Him.

A) I could certainly take this passage as a warning, and I do, but more than that I take it as a reminder of how my idolatry (that is, the things I treat as gods in my heart), it hurts Him. My sins are a betrayal on a deep level with God. And, more often than not when I sin, I am using His provision as a means to sin. As it says in Romans 2:4, it is verses like this, which show the lovingkindness of God, and the pain my sins cause Him, that lead me to repentance, even more so than a warning of His wrath.

P) Father, forgive me for the idolatry of my heart. Forgive me for using Your blessings as a means for sinning against You. Forgive me for betraying, not only Your love, but Your person. Thank You for rescuing me, when I was helpless and dying. Thank You for blessing me, cleansing me, clothing me. Thank You for leading me by the hand, as the loving Father that You are, God. Let me dwell on Your love, Your character, Your compassion. Let me carefully, and prayerfully, consider how my sins hurt You, and hurt our relationship. Let me walk in repentance, seeking You more constantly throughout my days. Be glorified in my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/12/2016; Ezekiel 3:8

Today's reading: Hebrews 5, 6, 7, 8*

S) "⁸ Behold, I have made your face as hard as their faces and your forehead as hard as their foreheads."

Ezekiel 3:8 (NASB)
*This verse was highlighted before I kept these entries online, so I wrote a new entry

O) Very much like the prophet Jeremiah, Ezekiel was told to take the words of God to a people unlikely to repent. They had become a very hard people, hard of heart and heard of head. They would not accept rebuke or change well, if it all, and Ezekiel had a very difficult task ahead of him. However, in this chapter, he is given the words of God to eat (with much symbolism in itself), and he's sent to his own people to preach. God makes it very clear, the issue won't be one of understanding language. They should understand, but they won't (vv.6-7). But, in the verse above, we see a provision of God, a promise to Ezekiel that he will be hard enough to handle their hardness. They will butt heads, but he will not break.

A) While I may never be called to rebuke the religious or political leaders of my land, ministry is always hard. Even my primary ministries aren't exactly easy (although they are labors of love, to be sure). Parenting correctly is often difficult, and leading my wife (although she does so much to be easy to lead), even that kind of ministry can have its own unique challenges. However, I can rest assured that God gives me everything I need to perform what He has asked me to do. I wouldn't call my family obstinate people (although, I don't have teenagers, yet), but if I need to have a firm head about anything, I can count on God giving it to me. If I need to have a soft heart, I will count on Him softening me. Whatever He needs me to be, to minister to my family, I will rely on His change in me, to accomplish His will for them. This extends to any other kind of ministry I could ever pursue. The two main keys are these: I must seek to be doing His will, and I must submit to His changes in me to accomplish His will.

P) Father, thank You for being in my corner. You are for me, and because of that I have all confidence that what I am called to do, You will equip me to do. Whatever I need to be, in order to accomplish Your will, You can and will make me to be. Start Your changes with me, Lord, that I may be used by You, for Your glory. Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done, in my own household, in my city, in my country, on earth as it is in heaven. Make me usable in Your hands, Lord. Use me to accomplish Your will, according to Your will. Be glorified above all else. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/11/2016; Jeremiah 38:19

Today's reading: Philemon 1; Hebrews 1, 2, 3, 4*

S) "¹⁹ Then King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, 'I dread the Jews who have gone over to the Chaldeans, for they may give me over into their hand and they will abuse me.'"

Jeremiah 38:19 (NASB)
*This verse was highlighted before I kept these entries online, so I wrote a new entry

O) Zedekiah, like many kings before him, heard the truth of God from a prophet, but he still rejected it. Unlike some of those other kings, however, he almost seemed reluctant. In many ways, he seemed like he was almost on the fence about whether or not to heed the warnings of the prophet before him. He even sought Jeremiah's counsel, although his motives were certainly questionable. In this verse, we see the summation of his real problem. In the end, King Zedekiah feared men more than he feared the LORD, and that was his undoing.

A) I cannot think of very many instances in the Bible, where the fear of men so clearly trumped the fear of God, like in this verse. I think that is because, like in most of my own experiences, this conflict of fears is more subtle than that. I am not really a fearful person, and I don't generally care too much what other people think about me (or what they think at all). However, I was recently confronted with the realization that, under a certain type of circumstance, this is exactly what was happening. I was being tempted when I was alone, and I had the striking awareness of the presence of God. In itself, that was His grace at its most beautiful, because God was trying to rescue me in that moment of weakness (and He truly did). At that time, I realized that the temptation to sin while no other people were around, was unique to my loneliness, because if there were any people around at all, my fear of their judgment would have been enough to cut through any temptation. I'll say that again, I wouldn't feel tempted because I'd be too afraid of what people would say and think and do in reaction. However, with only God watching, I was not afraid enough of what He would say and think and do. That sickened me that day, and it opened my eyes to the reality that any time I am sinning, I am clearly not fearing God as I should. On the other hand, anytime I would be tempted to sin, if only there were no watchful eyes, then I am clearly fearing people more than I should. The truth is, my very own sins will abuse me. The wages of sin is death. My sins will be the death of me, unless there is intervention. Thankfully, there is divine intervention, the only kind that could ever work. God intervenes, repeatedly, to rescue me from myself. In Christ, His perfect love casts out all fears, and I have no fear of punishment, and no fear of death. I must walk in that mercy every day, and acknowledge the holy perfection of my God. I must fearfully acknowledge His sovereignty to rule my life according to His authority and judgment. That is the only way I can live free of the fear of punishment, and death.

P) Father, open my eyes and ears, to be more aware of Your sovereignty, might, judgment, and authority. Let me fear You as I ought. Show me where my fears are maligned. I never want to be motivated by a fear of men, because I know that is such dangerous ground to walk. That is the same misguided fear that led King Zedekiah astray. Instead, let me fear You, and only You. Let my fear of You alone, motivate and guide my decisions. Let my heart be fully submitted to You, that You would then keep me from sin. Let Your will be done in my life, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/10/2016; Jeremiah 36:23-24

Today's reading: 2 Timothy 1, 2, 3, 4*
S) "²³ When Jehudi had read three or four columns, the king cut it with a scribe's knife and threw it into the fire that was in the brazier, until all the scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the brazier. ²⁴ Yet the king and all his servants who heard all these words were not afraid, nor did the rend their garments."

Jeremiah 36:23-24 (NASB)
*This verse was highlighted before I kept these entries online, so I wrote a new entry

O) God had directed Jeremiah to write down everything He had told the prophet, from the time of King Josiah until this time (the fourth year of Jehoiakim, son of Josiah). When the scribe wrote it all down, because Jeremiah was still under a sort of political house arrest, he told the scribe to take the scroll and read it in the temple of the LORD. Then, in v.9, we see the narrative skip forward as much as a year, but we don't know if Baruch the scribe had been reading the scroll repeatedly that whole span. However, at this later time some officials heard the words, and they were appropriately alarmed, and carried word to the king. Despite trying to hide the actual scroll, the king fetched it (although Baruch and Jeremiah were hidden). When the king heard the words of the scroll, not only was he unafraid, but he didn't even seem exactly angry. His action to destroy the scroll (and trying to seize the scribe and prophet) almost seems like an afterthought. What this really came down to, was that this king wanted to continue in his own sovereignty. Rather than rending his clothes in repentance, he chose to rend the scroll which condemned him. Obviously, though, this was not like the edict of an earthly king. Destroying the physical message wouldn't eliminate the danger, any more than killing the messenger would.

A) This is a strong reminder for me. When confronted with the truth and sovereignty of God, my choice is to submit or rebel. There is no middle ground, there. God requires obedience and submission to His lordship. The instinct, though, is to just tear up the message and try to ignore the things God says when they don't align with my own will. Like a little kid with a note from the teacher, I want to destroy the evidence of my guilt, rather than confess it and submit to the authorities over me. But, this is the beauty of the gospel. I don't have to be afraid of the punishment, if I am truly repentant when I confess my sins. God has already promised to justify me in the blood of Christ, when I repent and submit myself under His sovereign authority again. So, when I read the Bible, and there are Scriptures which convict me of a sinful behavior or attitude, my reaction must be to accept the truth and authority of my King, as well as His mercy and grace. Something's gotta give, and I will either rend my heart in repentance, or rend His words in denial.

P) Father God, the grace You have shown Your servant is overwhelming. Indeed, You had overwhelmed me with Your mercy and grace, Your lovingkindness in pursuit of my heart, even when I was in denial of Your words. I am so thankful, Lord, that You never give up on me. Even when I choose to rend Your words, rather than rend my heart, You are always willing to receive me again. Let me walk in an attitude of willing and quick repentance. I invite the convictions of the Holy Spirit in my life. Open my eyes and ears, to recognize the sinful areas of my heart that need to be submitted to Your authority, God. May I choose to rend my heart, and never Your words, because I am so aware of Your grace and mercy, Your lovingkindness and compassion, which saved me from my self-inflicted ruin. Let Your praise be ever on my lips, and be glorified in my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/07/2016; Jeremiah 8:10b-11

Today's reading: Colossians 1, 2, 3, 4*

S) "¹⁰ '... From the prophet even to the priest
Everyone practices deceit.
¹¹ 'They heal the brokenness of the daughter of My people superficially,
Saying, "Peace, peace,"
But there is no peace.'"

Jeremiah 8:10b-11 (NASB)
*This verse was highlighted before I kept these entries online, so I wrote a new entry

O) This chapter is part of a long discourse, where the LORD is exposing just how far His people have gone away from His ways. In a sense, these two verses really summarize the depth of their fall. Of all of God's people, the prophets and priests had always remained the most faithful. From the very beginning, Moses (himself a prophet) and Aaron (the first of the Levitical priests) were clearly the most faithful of that generation (although they themselves were disqualified from entering the promised land). Then into the judges, we see the prophetess Deborah rebuking the judge Barak (Judges 4). Even with the very first king of Israel, Samuel had to rebuke Saul. Nathan had to rebuke King David. Even after the split of the kingdom, when Jeroboam erected golden calves in Israel, all the Levites left their lands behind, to go to Judah so they could remain faithful to the LORD (2 Chronicles 11:14-16). So, we see example after example, throughout the checkered history of Israel, and even Judah, that the priests and prophets had, for the most part, remained faithful to God even if the kings and people had become unfaithful. However, here in the final days of Judah, after the kingdom of Israel had already been taken into exile for their unfaithfulness, even the priests and prophets (Jeremiah excluded, I think) had become deceitful. They were charged with ministering to the people, with speaking the truth of God to them, and bringing reconciliation between God and His people, but they weren't doing it. They were saying there is peace, but there was no peace. They were saying that the people were healed (spiritually, that is), but they were not.

A) There is a sense in which all believers are called into the royal priesthood (1 Peter 2), because we are ministering to the world, trying to share the gospel and facilitate that reconciliation between God and His creation. And, in a smaller scale, there is a sense in which I operate as a priest over my family, in that I am leading them to serve God, to worship Him. In that role, I have a responsibility to lead them in truth. I cannot call something acceptable that is not acceptable to God. I cannot mislead them into a false sense of security. I must hold firmly to the truth of God's standard for righteousness, carefully observing His holiness, and openly leading by example in confession and repentance. I have a duty to lovingly care for my family when I see there is sin or brokenness. It is not up to me to heal them, though. That is the role of God alone. But, I should be leading them back to the presence of Jesus, that He may do what He does as our merciful and faithful high priest.

P) Father God, thank You for the mercy and healing that You are so quick to give. Thank You for the promise to sanctify me in Christ Jesus. Thank You for leading me, to conform to the truth as You have declared it, and for opening my eyes and ears to know Your standard of righteousness. I know that the culture of this world would rather redefine what is good, than to submit to the only One who is good, but that is not what I want. I don't want the false promises of the world, I want peace with You. Help me to lead my family in truth. Help me to be bold, in confessing the truth according to Scripture. Let me be unwavering in my commitment to this. I know that this must be done in love, or else it will become a fruitless endeavor, so please keep my heart soft. Let me always seek the good of my wife and children, according to what You define as good. I know that You can, and will, heal every spiritual hurt that we have. Every wound we endure can be healed when we are reconciled in peace with You. Even our physical hurts are only temporary, until we are raised in glory with Jesus. So, let me lead my family in love, so they may be healed in truth, and have peace with You. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/16/2016; Psalm 119:71-72

Today's reading: Malachi 3, 4; Psalm 148; Acts 5

S) "⁷¹ It is good for me that I was afflicted,
That I may learn Your statutes.
⁷² The law of Your mouth is better to me
Than thousands of gold and silver pieces."

Psalm 119:71-72 (NASB)
*This verse was highlighted before I kept these entries online, so I wrote a new entry

O) This is the end of the "Teth" portion of this psalm (because Psalm 119 has a sort of verse for each letter in the Hebrew alphabet, almost like an acrostic poem). Because these verses are sort of a conclusion for vv.65-70, working backward through them helps shed some light on the context. David concludes that the law of God is better than gold and silver to the extreme. Gold and silver, obviously being some of the most valuable things available for him to compare, he is essentially saying that God's law, His very words (because it says, "of Your mouth") is priceless, invaluable, irreplaceable. He wouldn't trade them for anything. With that attitude as a starting point, when reflecting on v.71, it's easier to see how he concluded that his afflictions were good. If the most valuable thing in the world to him is the law of God's mouth, then anything that brings him more awareness, more knowledge, a deeper understanding of that same thing, that law of God's mouth, anything to bring that more to light, that would also be valued by David. His ability to see his circumstances this way, though, was predicated on the value he placed on the law of God's mouth. If he didn't have such a high regard for God's words, then he probably would not have seen his affliction as anything so good, either.

A) The very direct application for me, is first for me to determine the value of God's words, the law of His mouth, in my life. That is really just a determination I have to make (and, I have been making it over the last several years). Values are always defined internally. If I had a baseball signed by my favorite player, and someone wanted to trade me a baseball signed by Babe Ruth, I might not want to do it because my favorite is still my favorite. Even though I could sell the Babe Ruth for more (because other people would value it more), that doesn't mean that I value it more. In the same way, I can make the determination that God's words, the law of His mouth, are indeed more valuable to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. That's the price I can set on it, by my own valuation. Once I'm there, once I've determined that knowing God's words is so valuable to me, then I will begin to see circumstances differently, especially afflictions. If financial stresses are causing me to dive into Scriptures for hope and trust in God, then my financial stress will be seen as a good thing - because I so value God's words. If relationship issues, difficulties with my kids, problems at work, failing health; if anything causes me to learn God's statues better, to learn what He has said more, then those afflictions will be seen as good, when I value the law of God's mouth so much. I'll be able to say it's a good thing I went through X, Y, and Z, because it brought me closer to God, and I understand Him better, having gone through that while leaning into Him. Because of this view, and seeing my afflictions as a discipline rather than a punishment, I should be warned that in a way that could be inviting God to allow afflictions in my life, though. I'll pray that I deliberately value God's words more, but at the same time, I'll expect afflictions may help me prove my prayers.

P) Father God, the law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. I declare that, I confess it. Help me to live that out, and prove it by my actions and lifestyle. Let me hunger and thirst for Your words, each day. When I face afflictions, when I am tested in this, let those circumstances drive me into communion with You, Father God. Let me run to the refuge of Your words. Let me spend more and more time in the Scriptures, that I would know Your words better and better, and know You more and more. In every thing, on earth as it is in heaven, let Your will be done. Be glorified in my afflictions. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/17/2016; Revelation 22:8-9

Today's reading: Ezekiel 42, 43, 44; Revelation 22

 S) "⁸ I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. ⁹ But he *said to me, 'Do not do that. I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the prophets and of those who heed the words of this book. Worship God.'"

Revelation 22:8-9 (NASB)

O) John, by the end of the visions he had seen, must have been fairly overwhelmed. With all of the supernatural activities, the swing from plagues to promises, it's not really that hard to understand why he would have been tempted to worship at the feet of this angel. In fact, this wasn't even the first time he was tempted in this way (see Revelation 19:10). However, this angel was quick to rebuke John, reminding him to worship God alone. The angel also gives some definition to his role as an angel (that he is a fellow servant), and also some definition to what it means to be of the brethren (that we heed the words of God, and also that we serve one another).

A) First, this is a warning to me to not exalt fellow servants of God. I must be careful not to take an attitude of admiration beyond those bounds, where I may actually be closer to worshiping a fellow servant. Second, and equally important, is that I must never allow others to esteem me to such a degree, either, that it would become sin for them and me, both. The best way for me to really keep this kind of humility and right-minded view, is for me to be committed to worshiping God alone, and doing so often. That's the only safeguard against idolatry, and the only safeguard against pride.

P) Father, You alone are to be praised. I confess that I have wrongfully worshiped things and people. This can still be a temptation, still be a struggle for me, when I let my guard down. When I take my eyes off of You, I am woefully prone to exalting things in my heart that have no place there. But, I want to worship You alone. I want to redirect others, too. I don't just want to deflect compliments, but I want to reflect Your glory. Help me to be bold, and vocal, about praising You when others see anything good in me. Help me to plainly refer them to Your goodness, so that anything resembling admiration for me, might become worship of You. All of this to Your glory alone, Lord God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/16/2016; Revelation 21:23

Today's reading: Ezekiel 40, 41; Psalm 128; Revelation 21

 S) "²³ And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb."

Revelation 21:23 (NASB)

O) This verse actually relates to the story of creation. That seems especially appropriate, considering that only a few verses earlier (v.6), God said He is the Alpha (beginning) and the Omega (end). The relationship, is that the light of the world, the light of creation, the light we need is not from the sun or stars, but from God Himself. It shouldn't be lost, that many early civilizations worshiped the sun, because they recognized the need for light, the dependence that crops had on light, the warmth and even just the general comfort from living in the light. At this point in Revelation, the first earth has passed away along with the first heaven, which i think also refers to the stars, moon, and planets, etc. (see also 2 Peter 3:10-13). But, just as the early peoples recognized the importance of light in their very lives, I think this verse (like the creation story) is reminding us that God Himself is our source of life. In Him, we have all we need of light, all we could want of light.

A) The first thing i thought, reading this passage, was of the correlation to the creation story (that God declared light before making the sun). But, the second thing I thought, was that there would be no bedtime! Perpetual day means no night, no night means no sleeping! I don't know if that's literally true, but the appeal of that possibility reminded me of another entry i made regarding my sleeping habits. Pulling all of this together, this verse is really a reminder to me, that I must find my satisfaction and life in God Himself. He sustains me, He gives fulfillment. One day, maybe i won't have to sleep, but what I do with my time in that place, is also beyond my imagination. When distractions are set aside, and I worship God with a pure heart, I often am reminded that there is nothing I'd rather be doing in that moment. In the New Jerusalem, maybe I'all do nothing but worship Him, and never be more glad than to not have to stop for any reason.

P) Father, thank You for this glorious promise! Hasten the day, Lord, that night never returns. Let me keep focus, that one day I will live in Your glorious, perpetual light. In the meantime, let me remember that my source of life, warmth, comfort, and revelation, is You alone. Let me be patient and disciplined, to sleep when I should, and to make the most of my days. Let Your will be done in my and through me. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/15/2016; Revelation 20:14-15

Today's reading: Ezekiel 38, 39; Psalm 145; Revelation 20

S) "¹⁴ Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. ¹⁵ And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."

Revelation 20:14-15 (NASB)

O) Similar to the end of the beast and the false prophet, and then the end of their army that followed them, these verses are at once a promise and a warning. The promise, is that one day death and Hades will be ended, thrown into the lake of fire. The struggle of human existence as we know it, will be over. No longer will we wonder about the after life. No longer will we deal with mortality. The mystery will be over. That is a promise. The warning, is that those whose names are not found in the book of life, they will also be thrown into the lake of fire. Just as I mentioned yesterday, regarding Revelation 19:20-21, the passage above (combined w/vv.5-6), may support the idea of utter annihilation for those doomed to the lake of fire. A little earlier in this chapter (v.10), the devil is certainly said to be tormented for eternity, and it seems likely that the beast and false prophet also share that fate. However, this mention of the second death, and the comparison to those who will not suffer the second death being the followers of Christ, this does leave it open to the possibility that if their names are not found in the book of life, they are destroyed in the lake of fire. After all, this chapter is very clear that the devil (and probably the beast and false prophet) will suffer eternally. It does not include that description for those people who are cast in. Likewise, the people are said to suffer the second death, but the devil, false prophet, and beast, are not said to suffer a second death when they are thrown into it.

A) Like my conclusion yesterday, I still don't want people to be thrown into the lake of fire, regardless of what happens to them when they hit the flames. I don't want them to suffer, I don't want them to be annihilated. This is because I would much rather see them live eternally with Jesus! If people come to submission under the lordship of Christ, because they are afraid of suffering in hell, or being annihilated, then I suppose that is still a victory and reason to celebrate. However, if a person continues in their walk with Jesus only because they are afraid of hell, then I don't think that is really sustainable. Fear, as a motivation, doesn't last very long (in the big picture). It is much more important to submit to King Jesus because we love Him, and we understand His love for us. Love is a perfect motivator. The verses above are cause for me to celebrate, in that I know with certainty that there is an end to come. I know that there will be a time when the struggle of humanity will be past us. There will be a time when I no longer wonder about eternity. That is a comfort to me, because it lets me let go. I don't have to debate it. Similarly, I don't have to know exactly what happens in hell, because I'm certainly not going there. I can be certain of that because of the love I share with Jesus. He loves me, and I love Him. That love will not change, even if I am not always good at acting out my love. I want my life to glorify God, not only because I fear and revere Him as my Creator, but because of the love in my life. Love is a much more appealing attribute in me, as a Christian, than any fear I might express.

P) Father, thank You for these promises, Lord God. Thank You for revealing the end of the story. Thank You for promises, that death and Hades will be ended. Thank You for the promises that the devil will be permanently judged and ended. Thank You for promising that I will live forever in eternity with You. Help me to heed this warning, even though my own salvation is secure in my relationship with Jesus. Help me to heed the warning, that it would affect how I share the gospel, and why I share the gospel. Not only that I want no one to go to hell, whether it's eternal torment or annihilation, but let this contrast be motivation to share the gospel that others would receive an eternity of love, and an eternity of relationship with You. Open my eyes and ears, that I would be more and more obedient to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let me boldly share the gospel, and Your love in my life. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/14/2016; Revelation 19:20-21

Today's reading: Ezekiel 36, 37; Psalm 110; Revelation 19

S) "²⁰ And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone. ²¹ And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh."

Revelation 19:20-21 (NASB)

O) The bigger picture of the Bible should never be lost. The bigger message of any particular book within the Bible should always be kept in focus. The running theme and context of any specific passage should always be protected. With that in mind, this chapter is closing with the victory of the Lamb, God's victory over the beast and the false prophet, and the army which they commanded. God is victorious, not only over the carnal humans who oppose Him, and oppose His people, but He is also victorious over His spiritual enemies. Now, in the particulars of these verses, I did find it notable, that the beast and the false prophet, who may not actually be people (but possibly institutions, nations, or spiritual beings), are the two who are said to be thrown into the lake of fire. The people, the army of followers who were still opposing God, are simply said to be slain. They are killed, and their bodies are then food for the birds (which is fairly common language in prophetic judgments). That is to say, the people are not said to be thrown alive into the lake of fire. It may be that they still end up there, but this is one of many passage that suggests the possibility that those who die apart from Christ simply die, that they are extinguished, that they do not suffer eternally but are instead destroyed utterly. This is by no means definitive; there are many passages that suggest eternal suffering for those who reject Christ, but there are as many passages (maybe more) that suggest the annihilation of those who reject Christ. In either case, the sovereignty and victory of God are certain.

A) Regardless of the details (or even the duration), I don't want anyone to go to hell. More exactly, I want everyone to live forever in communion with Jesus! There is no sweeter peace, joy, fulfillment, and love, than to be in relationship with Jesus. So, I don't want to become too distracted by debating the nature, characteristics, or details of hell. I know that God will end the problem of sin. I know that God will be victorious over all His enemies. This passage is a promise of His ultimate victory over the beast and false prophet, and it's a warning to the people who would oppose God. It's not about what happens or doesn't happen in hell. This passage is to remind me of the awesome power of my God. This passage is to remind me that He wins, and I win with Him when I am in Christ. This passage humbles me, reminding me to be thankful for my place with Him.

P) Father, thank You for victory. Thank You for revealing the end of the story, that You will one day put an end to Your enemies, and mine. I pray for Your will to be done, that every opportunity is given for every person in the world to accept You as King. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, Father God. You are sovereign and good. You are just and merciful. You are full of grace and love. Thank You for bringing me into a right relationship with You, through the gospel. Be glorified in my life, and let me boldly share Your love with others. Let me evangelize, not because hell is bad, but because You are good. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/13/2016; Revelation 18:20

Today's reading: Ezekiel 33, 34, 35; Revelation 18

S) "²⁰ Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced judgment for you against her."

Revelation 18:20 (NASB)

O) We're coming close to the end of this narrative, and eventually the end of everything. In this chapter, the identity of Babylon is not clear. Opinions over the millennia have varied, but when we read through vv.2-5, it is very clear that her destruction is not something to lament. Having said that, wicked men lamented her destruction, because of the personal loss it meant to them. However, the voice from heaven warns the people of God to get out of the city, lest they participate in her sins and receive her judgment as well. Those who lamented this destruction, were the merchants who were yoked to her in wickedness. However, we are also warned, as Christians, not to be unevenly yoked, because wickedness and righteousness have nothing to do with each other. God's people were warned to distance themselves from this city, because of the overwhelming temptations to participate in her sins. Finally, when God's judgment was executed, the wording is very specific. The judgment God pronounced was for His people, against the wicked city. Our Father in heaven does not want us to be drawn into sins. Jesus said that stumbling blocks would come, but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes! (Matthew 18:7). So, when God executes His righteous judgment against such men, those who are placing stumbling blocks that cause others to fall, then His judgment is also on behalf of those who have stumbled on account of the wickedness of others.

A) Recently, I learned of a term I hadn't known, although the concept isn't necessarily new. The word is "imprecatory," and it was used to describe psalms in the Old Testament, where men like David would ask for God's wrath and judgment to come upon their enemies. As a Christian, as a man who has been forgiven so much, it can be difficult to grapple with these type of psalms. Similarly, the verse above comes across as an instruction. The angel of God clearly says to rejoice over the destruction of people - people who need Jesus. The reality, though, is that there have always been, and there will continue to be, those who simply will not repent and believe. Whether or not they are even able, is some cause for debate. However, whether they "can" or not doesn't change the fact, the reality, that there are millions upon millions who will not repent from their evil deeds. When I think about specific things, like the sex trafficking industry, or the creation of illegal drugs, or I think of brutality in the name of greed, these are unspeakably unjust. However, they are not hypothetical problems, but hey have real, living and breathing, people who are driving these evil things forward. There would be no prostitutes if there were no johns, but how many less would there be if there were no pimps? There would be no cocaine if there were no users, but how much less would there be if there were no cartels? There would be no sweat shops if there were no consumers, but how many less would there be if there were no evil business owners? The problems of these kinds of evils are very complex, but I cannot escape the realization that there are real lives involved, not only the victims' lives, but the lives of the people who are propagating these kinds of wickedness. As much as I desire, just as my Father does, for none to perish, but for all to come to repentance, the reality is that it will not happen. There will continue to be myriads who will choose to continue in their sins, and continue to draw others to join them in their sins, even if they are confronted with the truth of the gospel, the reality of God's love, and the free offer for salvation by putting their lives in submission to Jesus as King. So, what then? Admittedly, I have a very hard time accepting this, emotionally. The one comfort I really have, is that it is not up to me to decide. I don't have to try and figure out if a person will never repent. I don't have to determine if there is still hope for them or not. God is perfect. I trust that and believe it completely. He sees the hearts of men. He declares the end from the beginning. He, and only He, is perfectly able and just to judge. The real issue at hand, is that there is wickedness happening. I hope and pray, that the solution for ending that evil, more often than not, will be that the perpetrators of wickedness will repent and turn to Jesus as Lord. But, if they won't do that, I still want evil to end. I still want my children to not fall over a stumbling block that someone put before them. I still want there to be an end to immorality. And so, I will rejoice when God ends it. I hope and pray that it ends because they embrace the gospel. But, I will also choose to rejoice in the destruction of evil, trusting that God has perfect judgment, even if I lament that there was no other way. I can mourn the loss of people, while still rejoicing that their evil deeds have finally ceased with God's final judgment.

P) Father God, I trust You in every way. I am so grateful that I receive Your mercy. I confess that I still need forgiveness every single day. I am still in need of Your patience and the blood of Jesus for justification. Thank You for my open eyes and ears, that I know and have accepted the gospel. I don't know all the ways Your grace is at work in me, but I know that it is at work in me. Father God, I pray that same grace will work in the lives of those who do not know You. Save them all, Lord! My heart is like Yours, and I don't desire for anyone to die in their sins. Open eyes to see and ears to hear. Soften hearts to the gospel, Lord. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, and save every single one who will accept Your lordship. Bring into Your kingdom, all who will enter. I trust that You are at work in this way, Lord. Let me be obedient as a worker, as a citizen of Your kingdom. Put me to work, Father God. Let my heart forever be soft in this way, Lord. I pray that my heart is never hardened toward those who do not know You, and especially not toward those who die in their sins. It is a terrifying thing to fall guilty into the hands of the Living God. Let me do nothing, but mourn the loss of people, created in Your image, who die without repenting of their evil ways. However, may I never lose sight of the fact that Your judgment is perfect, and Your judgment of the evils of this world are for my sake. You judge wickedness for the sake of Your children, and for the sake of my children. Thank You, Lord God, that You do not let evil deeds go unpunished. In Jesus Christ, that punishment has been taken for me, and for everyone who will submit to Your lordship. But, to those who will not allow that Jesus takes their punishment, they will by no means go unpunished. You will remove those who place stumbling blocks. I am grateful to You, for being a righteous judge, perfect in timing, able to see the hearts of men with clarity, and who does not miss any evil deeds done on the earth. Everything is seen by You, Lord God Almighty. Let Your will be done, and may my heart remain soft. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/12/2016; Daniel 4:37

Today's reading: Daniel 3, 4; Psalm 81; Revelation 17

S) "³⁷ Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride."

Daniel 4:37 (NASB)

O) The king had a vision of a tree being cut down, and he could not understand what it meant. When he finally consulted Daniel, he was warned that his pride would bring the judgment of God, and that he would be driven mad for seven years. Daniel warned the king to humble himself, that perhaps he would not be made like the beasts of the earth. The actual judgment didn't happen until a year later, but it's not really explained why. Perhaps Nebuchadnezzar had humbled himself enough, or for a while, and that postponed his judgment. Perhaps God was simply being patient, trying to give him time to repent in the first place. In either case, the king vocalized his arrogant heart from the rooftop of his palace, God heard it and pronounced sentence against Nebuchadnezzar, and he went insane for seven years. He was eating grass and was wetted by the dew, and apparently his appearance was like a wild beast, with his hair like feathers and his hands like claws. Eventually, he did repent, and the verse above is his conclusion on the matter after it was over.

A) Nebuchadnezzar is a prime example of a man whose life should probably not be emulated, but he still had a profound, accurate, challenging thing to say about God. There are many things in my life that are so far beyond my control, that I never even consider defying them. I can't control how much money I make. I can't control who my neighbors are. But, the power wielded by this King was, by earthly standards, limitless. Even so, God humbled him by directly turning his life upside down. God didn't use circumstances like an uprising rebellion, or a conquering empire. He didn't even use natural disasters, or famine, or plagues. Instead, to reveal His absolute sovereignty, God simply reduced this king to an animal. Thankfully, God has never resorted to such devastating methods in my life. He could, and as Nebuchadnezzar said, His decision would be justified. Having said that, He certainly has used circumstances to do it. Much more desirable would be to humble myself, then God won't have to humble me. Even so, I'd rather God humble me, even as He did to Nebuchadnezzar, than for me to be obstinate before Him. I'd rather be humbled by God's ways, than destroyed by His wrath.

P) Father, You are the King of heaven. All Your works are true and Your ways just. You have humbled this proud servant, and I know You will again. In fact, today in my clearheaded and humble thinking, I invite Yiu to keep me humble, Lord. You are sovereign and I am not. You are wise and I have no understanding. I need Your righteousness, judgment, protection, and goodness. I depend on Your grace and mercy. I never want my pride to stand between us, Lord. So, if I am ever failing to humble myself before my Lord, then please, by all means, humble me. You are worth my humiliation, Father God. Thank You for Your compassion and lovingkindness. Thank You for the patience Yoh show me everyday. Be glorified in my life, and let Your will alone be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/11/2016; Daniel 2:17

Today's reading: Daniel 1, 2; Revelation 16

S) "¹⁷ Then Daniel went to his house and informed his friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, about the matter."

Daniel 2:17 (NASB)

O) Daniel and his friends were among the first exiles into Babylon. They were taken, specifically, to be retrained in Babylonian culture, to serve Nebuchadnezzar. That was a three year process, and then some time after they had officially entered service in their new role, their new king had an alarming dream. To authenticate the interpretation of his dream, the king commanded that the wise men who served him must first tell him what he dreamt. Because they could not, and he believed they were stalling in order to conspire with each other about how they might answer, he instead elected to simply kill all of his wise men (spiritual advisors, astrologers, etc.). When the captain of the king's bodyguard came to arrest and execute Daniel, he replied with discretion and discernment (v.14). After buying just a little bit of time, Daniel's next step was to call in some back up. He didn't panic, or fight, or flee. He got together with his friends, the men who had been with him since the exile. He had already seen these men stand with him, when they elected not to eat the king's portion (chapter 1). They got together and they sought the LORD, and they worshiped God, and they asked for His compassion and guidance.

A) There are many things from Daniel's life, that serve as blueprints for how to live a godly, devoted, faithful life. In this small snapshot, the part that jumped out to me immediately, was his dependence on his friends. Here was a man, taken from his family, from his home, from everything he knew. He connected with three other men through a common struggle, a common faithfulness, and a common God. After some time working together, living together, and learning together, when a life and death situation arose, he knew right where to go. He knew immediately, who it was that would seek God with him. I am apart from my family. I am apart from my home, from the people and places I knew. I need to get myself more connected with some men here. I should exercise some amount of patience, because I know that strong, godly relationships take time, but they also take intentional investment. I don't want to go to church week in and week out, and just worship a little, hear a message, and then return home with just my wife and kids. I need to seek some men who can grow with me. I need to foster some relationships, find some men who have some common experiences, who take their faithfulness to God as seriously as I do. I need to connect to some men who also call Jesus their Lord. Then, as we grow together, and I learn to call them brothers, then when calamity strikes I will know where to go. I will know the men who will pray and seek God with me, who will ask for His compassion in my life, who will worship Him for what He has done for us.

P) Father, thank You for answering my prayer, and bringing me to Montana. Thank You for hastening the days to get my family here with me. They are only a week away, now, and it's starting to feel real. Thank You for blessing me, and keeping me, and getting me this far. Father God, I need some brothers here. I need some men on whom I can depend, to lift me up in prayer, to seek Your will with me. I need to be that man to some other men, too. Father God, please prepare these relationships for me; prepare encounters with brothers and sisters, that Kristin and I can begin to build those relationships that You intend with Your family, with Your children. I want to be a solid, dependable, loving brother, and I need that in my life, too. Let Your will be done here, as in heaven. Let me find and build these relationships, that they would honor You and glorify Your Son. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/10/2016; Revelation 15:3-4

Today's reading: Lamentations 3, 4, 5; Revelation 15

S) "³ And they *sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,

'Great and marvelous are Your works,
O Lord God, the Almighty;
Righteous and true are Your ways,
King of the nations!
⁴ 'Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy;
For all the nations will come and worship before You,
For Your righteous acts have been revealed.'"

Revelation 15:3-4 (NASB)

O) The singers in this passage are those who overcame the beast, his image, and the number of his name. That is to say, they were victorious over that tribulation. The details of that victory aren't really given. We know that not taking the number of the beast would certainly make grocery shopping difficult (see Revelation 13:16-17), but that could be some measure of symbolism. It could be something like a boycott, a social ostracism like the Jews saw in Germany. It could be quite literal, too. In either case, without a doubt they overcame the same way that the devil was defeated, by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony (see Revelation 12:11). Exactly what they overcame, or even when this victory song is taken up, is not why I highlighted this passage, though. In chapters 5 and 14, there are myriads singing new songs to God. That term "new song" is also used once in Isaiah, and several times in Psalms. Contemporarily, I hear that phrase used a lot. It seems a very popular thing to do, lately, to encourage a "new song" to God. But in this passage, we see something quite different from that. These who were victorious, they sing "the song of the Lamb" which appears to be the rest of v.3, and the beginning of v.4, but they also sing "the song of Moses," which is the end of v.4, the last two lines. This brings to light an important lesson that shouldn't be lost. New is not always better. We serve the Ancient of Days, and He has never changed. He has never needed to become new. Our worship of God must be true, and if it includes a new song, that is just fine. If it includes a song that is three thousand years old, as long as it is true worship, then that is also perfectly good worship.

A) There are times when I become obsessed with new. Materialism and capitalism are built around the concept that new is better. But, even with less tangible things, I can sometimes get tricked into thinking that new is better. A new method of doing something, a new tradition, a new worship song. That's really where this verse hit me. Sometimes, new worship songs can feel fresh and exciting. The unfamiliar lyrics can help draw my focus to God, really paying attention to what I'm singing, since I can't recite the words by rote. The new music can be exciting. However, I don't want worship to be about me. Traditional songs, hymns, even a Psalm taken straight from the Bible, these should be given as much value as any new song, so long as the lyrics are true and I am singing them to God in truth. I don't want to become bored with worship, just because it's "old" to me. In reality, I need to keep myself humble, and remember that worship is not about my feelings. Feeling the emotional connection between me and God, while I worship Him, is always nice. However, worship is not about me. I must remain humble and committed, devoted in my singing, to worship and praise Him because of who He is, not because of how I feel about the song. He deserves more than my good feelings.

P) Father God, You are holy. You are mighty, sovereign, true, unchanging, full of lovingkindness, compassionate, patient, righteous, and perfect. Your judgments are final. Your wrath is unbearable. Your love is complete. Your wisdom is unsearchable. Your mercy is complete. You are eternal, ever-present, and all-powerful. You are personal. Who am I, that You would desire to relate to me? Who am I, that You would be pleased to know me? Thank You for the communion we have in Your Son. Thank You for the mercy I receive by the blood of Jesus Christ. Thank You for promises I have, for the blessing it is, for the love You have lavished on me, to call me Your child. You deserve all this worship and more. You deserve every part of my life devoted to You. Let my lips sing Your praises all the days of my life. Even to my very last breath, let me worship You in spirit and in truth. Father, I confess that my attitude in worship is not always what it should be. Too often, I get distracted by the music and the words, and thinking about the song for the sake of the song. I don't want that, Lord God. Help me to focus properly, to be mindful of why I worship. Help me to focus on who You are, what You've done, and who I am in Jesus Christ. Let me be intent with my thoughts, with my words, to focus on thanksgiving. I pray that You find a humble servant, when I worship You. Let me bow my heart before You, singing both new songs and old. Let my worship to You be found as a sweet aroma before You, a sweet gift from Your child. I pray that my worship is pleasing to You, whether it is traditional or contemporary, whether it is an old stand by or a new favorite. I just want my worship to be true and to please You. Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For all the nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed. I love You, Father God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/09/2016; Revelation 14:3-5

Today's reading: Lamentations 1, 2; Obadiah 1; Revelation 14

S) "³ And they *sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth. ⁴ These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they have kept themselves chaste. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from among men as first fruits to God and to the Lamb. ⁵ And no lie was found in their mouth; they are blameless."

Revelation 14:3-5 (NASB)

O) Like most passages in Revelation, we must understand that there are, actually, a few ways to interpret the book as a whole. Whether the majority of its prophecies have already been fulfilled, or they actually point to an "End Times" can vary tremendously. In this case, I'm not sure it actually matters, because the sovereignty of God on display is the same, whether this occurred in the first century, or it will occur centuries from now. This is not the first appearance of this multitude. Earlier, in Chapter 7, they were sealed on the head as bond-servants to God, to be protected from tribulation. Now in this chapter, they are said to have the name of the Father and Lamb (being Jesus) on their heads. This is noteworthy, because the previous chapter ended with the warning about the mark of the beast being on the foreheads (and hands) in order that they might be able to buy and sell. In both of these groups, we see a symbolism in this mark on the forehead (and/or hand), because this is one of the ways that the Romans marked their slaves (or "bond-servant" as many recent English translations have the word). These 144,000 were said to be the slaves of God, and now we see they bear His name on their heads. This is in contrast to the people who take the mark of the beast (implying an allegiance, debt, or slavery to him). With all this context in place, we come to the scene, seeing this multitude of faithful Christians (because they follow the Lamb, which is what disciples do, which is what Christians actually are) taking up wondrous worship to God, which is unique to them. Now, whether or not their are other Christians in this scene, in the world, is also not explained. However, this 144,00 is described as remarkably faithful. They are said to be chaste, but that seems very likely to be symbolically telling of their faithfulness to God, more than their physical sexuality. No lie is found in their mouths, which could be talking about them simply being honest, or it could also be more idiomatic. Honesty, in this way, was often representative of moral purity in general. When Ezekiel says he was a man of unclean lips, from a people of unclean lips, he seemed to be speaking of impurity more broadly. Also, when Jesus met Nathanael, he was called, "an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!" Again, this could have simply meant he was extraordinarily honest, but it seems to carry with it a broader implication. And, the last line of v.5 certainly makes it clear that these people are blameless. Finally, and perhaps the most telling of the descriptions of this group, is that they are said to be purchased from among men as the first fruits to God and the Lamb. Now, this term is clearly symbolic, but it's not unique to this book. In fact, it appears several times in the New Testament, and it either refers to Jesus Himself, or to the church (see James 1:18 especially). So, this 144,000 seems most likely to me, to refer to the early church. This would set this whole period (at least from ch.7 through ch.14) in the time period of the early church.

A) The more I read through Revelation, trying to read it for what it says within itself, the more I wonder how much of it may already have come to pass. Having said that, I don't have a strong desire to be decided about it. If it does indeed refer to the past, then this passage is inspiring me to be like that early church, faithfully wed to the Bridegroom. I want to follow the Lamb wherever He goes. Even if I'm not counted among the first fruits to God, I want to keep lies from my lips, and remain blameless (I say "remain" because Jesus makes me blameless by justification, taking away the guilt of my sins before my Father in heaven). If, however, this multitude has not yet been revealed on earth, then I still want to be like them! It doesn't change the fact that this group, whoever they were/are, remain exemplary in their walk with Jesus. That is exactly who I want to be, exemplary in my walk with Jesus, and one day worshiping before His throne.

P) Father, You are worthy to be praised. This multitude, they are right to sing a new song before Your throne. Lord, I don't pretend to know all the mysteries of John's revelation, but this passage is clear, that I must remain a faithful disciple. I must remain loyal, unwavering in following Jesus. I must remain honest and blameless. I confess, that in terms of exemplary disciples, I have a long way to go. But I want to grow and mature in my relationship with You, God. Help me to be more like these, who are the first fruits. Let my life be for Your glory, God. I only want Your will to be done, that I would be a servant who pleases my Master. To You be all praise and glory forever. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/08/2016; Ezekiel 28:16

Today's reading: Jeremiah 42, 43, 44; Psalm 48; Revelation 13

S) "¹⁶ By the abundance of your trade
You were internally filled with violence,
And you sinned;
Therefore I have cast you as profane
From the mountain of God.
And I have destroyed you, O covering cherub,
From the midst of the stones of fire."

Ezekiel 28:16 (NASB)

O) This verse was already highlighted in my Bible, as a warning, but when I looked for an entry for it I couldn't find one (although it certainly seems familiar). Since I can't exactly erase a highlight, I decided I would go ahead and write a(nother) entry for it. This comes as part of a judgment and then lamentation for the king of Tyre, although he is not named. While the imagery and some of the descriptions certainly carry with them some spirituality, I do believe this is still talking about a mortal man. Throughout the first half of the chapter, there are several references to the king making himself out to be like God, and the supernatural elements to vv.15-16 may be a reference to that, almost like the LORD is using the arrogance of the king to make His point, that the king is no match for God at all. I suppose, because it is not explicitly said so in the Bible, and even because this king is unnamed, that there is some possibility that he could have been an actual cherub, but that seems unlikely. However, whichever is the case has no bearing on the warning itself. Clearly, the hubris of this king brought about the judgment of God.

A) Because I know with certainty that I am not a cherub, the last half of the verse isn't directly applicable. Even metaphorically, this is a judgment I will avoid by keeping myself humble before my God. He is God and I am not. Unfortunately, there are still ways in which I act as if I am God - by this I mean I am tempted and sometimes sin, with things like arrogant pride, and making decisions as if I am sovereign over my life. In a sense, every time I sin, it could be said that I am making myself out to be the god of my own life, that I am making myself the god of my own heart. There are many, many passages in the Bible, warning against this kind of pride. However, this verse did strike me as a little unique, in that it connects the materialism of the king's desires to the violence of his hands. While this passage may be a little more descriptive than prescriptive, I also see a sort of parallel in the beginning of James 4, which talks about the connection between unsatisfied desires and violence. While the root of any sin is certainly pride, it should be noted that there are other - progressions I suppose I could say - that trace sinful behaviors back to their roots. If violence really is the end result of materialism, then addressing the unchecked desires in my life will certainly help prevent some of that violence (although I am sure other things can lead to violence). Materialism isn't something too obvious in my life; that is to say, I don't think it's a regular stumbling block for me. Having said that, I know that I have sometimes been surprised by desires that have taken root in my heart, for things that I don't really need, or even that I should certainly not even have. Even materialism has a root, and tracing it back to the pride that says I'm in charge of my life, and I'm entitled to my desires, is certainly where I need to put to death my own desires.

P) Father, thank You for the patience You show Your servant every single day. I confess that materialism still creeps into my heart at times. I don't always notice it, because it doesn't seem like a particularly regular struggle for me. Because of that, I pray that You would help me see the temptations for what they are, help me see them even more clearly. Tracing that back further, Lord, I lay down my own desires. Help me put to death, the desires that do not honor You. I am not my own, Lord. I confess that I am Yours, because You have purchased me - and at an incalculable cost. I am indebted to You. However, even more than that, I just love You. Father God, I want to be obedient, and to please You. I want to live for You, and not fleshly lusts which are passing away, anyway. Help me to exercise more self-control today than I did yesterday. Help me to grow in this daily. Help me to walk in the Spirit, so I am not gratifying the desires of my flesh, and instead I am pursuing and gratifying the desires of my spirit. It is the desire of my spirit to honor and glorify You, my Lord. Let Your will be done in this. Have Your way with me, Your humble servant. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/07/2016; Revelation 12:17

Today's reading: 2 Kings 25; 2 Chronicles 36; Jeremiah 40, 41; Revelation 12

S) "¹⁷ So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus."

Revelation 12:17 (NASB)

O) This chapter seems to take a break from the future events, inasmuch as it seems pretty clear that it is depicting the birth of Jesus, and the opposition from satan. The ensuing war, I think, probably takes place over a long course of time, but that's where it gets a little bit more than speculative. Eschatology being what it is, and apocalyptic prophecy adding to the mystery, there's no way to know what all of this means. Anyone claiming to have all of the knowledge, all of the secrets revealed, should probably be avoided. However, taking the chapter together as a whole, the sovereignty and victory of God come through very clearly (especially from v.11). Just as important, to take from this chapter and this last verse especially, is that there is a very real war happening. The church, and every citizen of the Kingdom of God, has a very real, very active, very angry enemy. The enemy of Christianity, of Christians, of Christ, it is not the far left-wing politics of America. The enemy is not the liberality of Europe. The enemy is not Islam, or even the militant tyranny of ISIS (or ISOL). The real enemy we have is the dragon, the ancient serpent, the devil, satan (v.9). Everything else is a ploy. We do not battle against flesh and blood. There is a much bigger, much more important war raging around the globe. It's the only war that matters, the only war that has ever mattered. The war for souls to be rescued from the hatred of the devil. This battle is fought without carnal weapons, but instead with the spiritual weapons of prayer and fasting, learning the truth of God through Scripture, and the boots on the ground are the same ones that bring the gospel to those who are held captive.

A) Nothing frustrates me like wanting to fight, feeling the adrenaline and zeal, but having no actual target. Nothing makes me want to fight, like spiritual issues. Things like, when someone has been believing a lie for a long time. Things like, when someone has been struggling with a temptation for a long time and I didn't know it. It didn't take long as a Christian, for me to realize that those are spiritual issues, because I never wanted to fight a person, per se. It's just that it felt the same as wanting to fight. I learned that the fight really is in prayer. It's also in speaking the truth against those lies, and fasting for freedom, and just loving people like Jesus. Verses like the one above remind me that there is an enemy to fight, and the real issue for me, is to remember that there is a war going on even if the battlefront hasn't hit home. The devil is making war, even if I am not. He has been enraged for more than two thousand years. He hasn't stopped making war, and he won't stop until Jesus comes back to end it once and for all. In the meantime, I know that I will not end his fight, but I for sure won't let him end mine, either. I won't let him end the fight for anyone I love. The hardest thing about spiritual warfare, is that it is so hard to keep focus. It is so hard, because it's easy to be out-of-sight and out-of-mind. I don't want to be reactive, I want to be active. I want to be actively praying for my own clarity of mind, victory over temptation, faithfulness to my Lord, and devout in my obedience. I want to be actively praying for my marriage, for my wife. I want to be actively praying for her through her weaknesses, that she would find strength in the Lord. I want to be actively praying for my kids, and my unsaved loved ones, and my friends, and my town, and my country, and the world. I just need to keep my eye on the prize, remember that I have a real enemy, and then stand up and fight.

P) Father, You have already given me the victory. I know that with the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony, I will overcome. However, I confess that I am easily distracted. I am easily fooled, lulled into a false sense of security. There is a very real war raging through the world, and my house is not immune to those perils, either. But, I don't want to wait for a bombardment for me to take up arms and join the fray. I want to be more active. Father, I must keep my mind on the battle; this is not a game. Open my eyes to see this fight; open my ears to hear the war. Help me be a disciplined soldier for You, my King. Please forgive my apathy and ignorance. Give me Your sword and point me in the direction to start swinging, God. I want to fight for You. I want to fight for myself, and for my wife and marriage, and for my kids. I want to fight for the souls who are in danger, the people I love who are not yet citizens in the Kingdom with me. Let Your will be done here, Lord, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/06/2016; Ezekiel 29:7

Today's reading: Ezekiel 29, 30, 31, 32; Revelation 11

S) "⁷ When they took hold of you with the hand,
You broke and tore all their hands;
And when they leaned on you,
You broke and made all their loins quake."

Ezekiel 29:7 (NASB)

O) There are three main things to take into consideration about this verse. First, is that this concept is not original with Ezekiel. When Jerusalem was besieged by Rabshakeh while Hezekiah reigned, he said that Judah should have no confidence in Egypt, calling them a staff of crushed reed, that if they leaned on Egypt they'd be pierced in the hand. Now, the literal recording from above suggests it might say "shoulder" but the point is the same. The significance between these two analogies, is that the earlier were the words of an Assyrian commander, while the words recorded above were given to Ezekiel by the LORD. We could take this to mean that the words of Rabshakeh informed the opinion of God (i.e., Assyria said it and God was confirming it as true). Or, more likely, God had informed the opinion of Assyria regarding Egypt. After all, Assyria had conquered Israel (the northern kingdom) before coming against Jerusalem; they were used as God's agent of purging the northern kingdom, who had rebelled against Him. Rabshakeh even claimed that the LORD actually told him to go conquer (see Isaiah 36:10). Although he obviously could have been lying, we know God spoke to Nebuchadnezzar, but he simply exalted himself beyond God's purposes. The same could have happened with Sennacherib sending Rabshakeh against Jerusalem. The second notable thing between these two analogies, are that in the earlier case, it was a warning to Judah (and likely a warning from God through an unlikely vessel). However, this later warning is directed at Egypt, who is the subject of this unflattering verse. God's people were still likely to hear of God's judgment against Egypt, as Ezekiel was a prophet sent to them, but this is still God humbling a country that thought more highly of themselves than they ought to have. The last notable difference, is the addition of the second portion, "And when they leaned..." Because the reality is, a lot of countries did rely on Egypt for support in conquests, in defense, and for food in times of famine, and even for shelter when they were fleeing political oppression or even assassination. But, how the world viewed Egypt didn't matter, because God knew them better. He saw through their reputation, and saw how weak, splintered, and vulnerable they really were. Lastly, there is a peculiarity with the last word. It is literally translated "stand" and it makes for a somewhat ambiguous sentence. Some of the older translations (KJV, ASV) say, "... loins to be at a stand." But the general idea seems to be the same, that it shocks, wrenches, quakes... it's not good.

A) These kinds of warnings must always be seen two ways. First, I must not be the Egypt in this judgment. God knows me better than the people who see me. They might have a very high opinion of my abilities, qualities, or character. But, they only have their perception. I also may think highly of myself, which might even be informed by te praises of others, to some degree. However, God knows my weaknesses. God knows my limitations, my shortcomings, my failures. As much as I value genuine and loving encouragement, which is good in itself, I must always humble myself before my God, and ask Him for a reality check. Second, I must also not be fooled by the Egypts around me. I must only look to Jesus for my help, for my support, for my security. Obviously, God will use Christians in my life to support, love, and care for me - He'll even use some unbelievers for His glory in this - but that's just it, always His glory must be central to this all.

P) Father God, thank You for direct discipline. Thank You for admonishing Your children, and loving me enough to warn me about dangers I can't see. Thank You for being utterly reliable, and stronger than I can ever fully know. You are holy and good to Your servant. I confess that I have mistaking let placed my trust in broken reeds. I have foolishly looked elsewhere for help and support. But, I know the truth now. I know that there is no other support but You, God. There is no other, on whom I can lean, except You. You are my Rock, my sure foundation. Thank You for grace and love. Let Your glory be plain by my complete trust in You, Father God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/05/2016; Revelation 10:10-11

Today's reading: Ezekiel 25, 26, 27, 28; Revelation 10

S) "¹⁰ I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and in my mouth it was sweet as honey; and when I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter. ¹¹ And they *said to me, 'You must prophesy again concerning many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.'"

Revelation 10:10-11 (NASB)

O) The imagery of eating a scroll from God is actually seen in another place in the Bible, in Ezekiel 3, where the prophet also described his eaten scroll as sweet as honey. In both instances, they were given prophecy about future events, not only for themselves to know, but they were told to go speak those prophecies to the people and their leaders. In John's case, there is also the added bitterness. The Bible doesn't expressly tell us why it turned bitter, but there are a few logical possibilities. For one thing, most people want to know the future, and so hearing about future events would initially be exciting and good, but when John heard about the great calamity upon the earth, it would have become grievous knowledge to him. Another possibility is that it was his call to prophesy, specifically, that made it bitter. That is, like Jeremiah with the word of God burning his bones within him, it's possible this reference to the book becoming bitter in his stomach is an image of him needing to expel it from within, needing to get it out. That is, with the words bitter in his stomach it made him want to spit the words out.

A) In either case, I must pair knowledge with obedience. If I am not willing to do what God says to me, then why should I expect Him to speak to me at all? I suppose any devoted Christian would feel this way, but I would love to hear God speak things to me. I have certainly felt Him lead me in certain things, certain decisions over the course of my life. The more certain I have been that it was Him directing me, the more joyful it was, the sweeter it was, to be in communication with my Lord. However, I don't want to chase "a word from God" when I have over a thousand pages of words from God. The Bible itself, being the certain words of God, should be just as sweet for me to eat. Like Jesus repeated, I do not live on bread alone, but on the very words of God. Even with just what's in the Bible (and that's a little bit of an underwhelming description, because it is vast in its content), that is a heavy responsibility of knowledge that must be followed by obedience. There is a great deal in the Bible that is indeed sweet to take in. It is full of promise, comfort, peace, and joy. At the same time, there is still a lot to make my stomach bitter. There are a lot of hard truths for those who are still rebelling against the King they won't acknowledge. That knowledge, those words, those are bitter to my stomach, knowing that I do have some responsibility to speak the truth about some very hard topics to some people that I love, in many cases, love dearly. But, like John, I must be fully committed to obedience, to repeat the things God has spoken, the truths that will not change whether or not I speak them. I suppose the important thing is, to never leave the bitter by itself, but to present it with the sweet. I don't want to rebuke without encouragement. I don't want to warn without giving hope. I don't want to talk about judgment without also talking about mercy. I don't want to talk about righteousness without also talking about grace. There is a lot about God's words that can be bittersweet, but when we are in Christ, every bitterness can be taken away, and we can experience only that sweetness of His communion. That is what I want to share. In the end, that is what I want people to take in, the sweetness of Jesus Christ.

P) Father, thank You for the words You spoke, for the preservation of the Bible. Thank You for the sweetness of Scriptures, Lord. In Your grace, You tell us of Your peace, love, compassion, mercy, and hope. Your lovingkindness is sweeter than honey. But I confess, that Your judgment can be bitter to my soul, Lord. I humbly confess that You are totally, completely, and utterly perfect in Your judgments, in Your sovereignty. But, as a limited creature, I am not always able to see things clearly, Lord. I am heartbroken by the knowledge that some people I love will die in their sins, never having been brought into proper communion with You, God. I know this also breaks Your heart, so I will continue to pray that they all come to repentance, that they all would come to a full and right knowledge of You, trusting and following Jesus Christ as their Lord. Father, You have opened my eyes and ears, to see and hear Your will. It is more than enough to have the Bible, to know what You have spoken that it records. Help me to be faithful with that knowledge, Father God. Let the bitter parts of Your words, the parts that are hard for be to digest, let those words in me be a motivation to speak the truth to people about what their future holds apart from You. However, don't let me ever stop there. I pray that I am always given the opportunity to also speak of Your great sweetness, Lord God. To share all of the promises, the comfort, the relationship that You provide. You take the bitter and You turn it sweet. You redeem and restore. You heal and give purpose. You open ears and then You speak. You open eyes and then You reveal. Thank You for Your sweet words, Lord. And also thank You for the bitter ones. I will gladly take them both, Father. Thank You for speaking to us. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, and let me be obedient with the knowledge You have given me. All this to Your glory. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.