SCRIPTURE: Revelation 13:11-18 OBSERVATION: This vision symbolically portrays the increasing power of Rome in John’s day, but also describes how in the final days the governments will enforce loyalty, denying those who refuse to “worship” their power access to the basics of life (those without number cannot buy or sell). In John’s day people had to…
Author: Norm
Jan 3 — Revelation 13:1b-10
SCRIPTURE: Revelation 13:1b-10 OBSERVATION: 1. The dragon symbolizes Satan, the beast seems to symbolize a government with multiple leaders (heads) that holds the whole world under its grip. An example of this kind of government would be the Roman Empire, but there have been other examples through history. 2. This government is characterized by its defiant…
Jan 2 — Revelation 12:10-13:1
SCRIPTURE: Revelation 12:10-13:1 OBSERVATION: Jesus is declared the winner. Those who believe in Him and testify to Him, despite persecution and death, are the overcomers! But the devil knows his days are numbered, and so he is on the rampage. The church is empowered (wings of the Spirit?) and protected, as long as they remains close…
Jan 1 — Revelation 12:1-9
SCRIPTURE: Revelation 12:1-9 OBSERVATION: The women represents Israel, producing the Messiah. The dragon represents Satan, rebelling in the beginning and taking a third of the angels with him (now demons). This scene represents the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15. The Messiah is snatched up to His throne, and God’s people (OT Israel becomes NT church) are taken to…
Dec 31 — Joshua 4:15-24
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 4:15-24 OBSERVATION: 1. The ark (the symbol of “God with us”) is at the center of this story. Where it goes, the people go. Where it goes, the waters part. When it leaves, the waters flow. The people are to keep a reverent distance from the ark. The memory stones are taken from where…
Dec 30 — Joshua 4:1-14
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 4:1-14 OBSERVATION: 1. This was certainly a memorable experience. The memory stones taken from the riverbed were to be an enduring reminder of God’s amazing provision in time of need. 2. An important part of spreading the message is communicating it to those around us, whether our own children (“when your children ask you”)…
Bible Readings (April)
APRIL 1. Luke 3:1-20 2. Luke 3:21-38 3. Luke 4:1-13 4. Luke 4:14-30 5. Luke 4:31-44 6. Joshua 22:1-9 7. Joshua 22:10-34 8. Joshua 23:1-16 9. Joshua 24:1-27 10. Joshua 24:28-33 11. Luke 5:1-11 12. Luke 5:12-26 13. Luke 5:27-32 14. Luke 5:33-39 15. Jeremiah 11:1-17 16. Jeremiah 11:18-23 17. Jeremiah 12:1-17 18. Jeremiah 13:1-14 19. Jeremiah 13:15-27 20. Jeremiah 14:1-16 21. Jeremiah 14:17-22 22. Luke 6:1-11 23. Luke 6:12-26 24. Luke 6:27-36 25. Luke 6:37-42 26. Luke 6:43-45 27. Luke 6:46-49…
Dec 29 — Joshua 3:1-17
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 3:1-17 OBSERVATION: 1. The ark of the covenant represents God’s presence among them, leading them to fulfill His purpose for them. They are to follow it, but to maintain a reverent distance from it. In the surrounding religions it was customary to perform ritualistic and orgiastic actions around sacred relics, to “move” their gods…
Dec 28 — Joshua 2:1-24
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 2:1-24 OBSERVATION: 1. God has already been preparing the land for invasion. The rumours were enough to cause fear in the inhabitants, an advantage for Joshua and his armies. 2. This was not just a battle for the land, it was a battle of the gods. The God of Israel was coming against El…
Dec 27 — Joshua 1:10-18
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 1:10-18 OBSERVATION: 1. Joshua has been well-prepared to lead this rag tag assembly of homeless nomads. He was a bold army commander (Exodus 17:9-14) who served as Moses aide for many years (Numbers 11:28), and also demonstrated a remarkable faith in God when facing the giants of Canaan (Numbers 14:1-10). 2. Joshua also inspires his followers with…