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.