SCRIPTURE: Revelation 15 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: In this life, it is hard for Jesus-followers to resist temptation or persecution, to stay true to our commitment to Jesus. So many pressures, so many distractions, so many doubts, so many fears. But the constant reminder in the Bible is to stand firm, to persevere. The intent of these visions is…
facing God’s wrath alone?
SCRIPTURE: Revelation 14 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: God has every right to be angry. Imagine all the horrible things that people have done, that He has withheld judgment for. How long would I keep my anger in if someone kept cheating, stealing, slandering and abusing me and those that I loved? Would I just be nice forever and ever?…
why does the devil seem so strong?
SCRIPTURE: Revelation 13 OBSERVATION: In his vision, John now sees a horrible beast, which seems to symbolize a powerful empire (Rome?) with a fatal wound that appears healed. That beast has a beast that serves it (the Caesar?), and subjugates all nations, refusing to help those who do not worship him (or Rome), those who do…
his days are numbered
SCRIPTURE: Revelation 12 OBSERVATION: Another amazing vision. Here we see the story of the Bible visualized with a woman (God’s people, Israel, 12 tribes = 12 stars) having a baby (the promised messiah, and Satan doing everything in his power to prevent the messiah from coming. The messiah is victorious, snatched up to the throne (all…
afraid to be his ambassador?
SCRIPTURE: Revelation 11 OBSERVATION: From this vision, it seems that at the end of this period of history, as things go from bad to worse, God will embolden and empower His witnesses (the church) for one last declaration of the message of Jesus. Either there will be two specific people who will lead this, or these…
what makes a good leader?
Hey everyone, time for another discussion. Here is the question. Feel free to answer this however you like. What makes a leader a GOOD leader?
sweet and sour
SCRIPTURE: Revelation 10 OBSERVATION: Remember, John is still ‘hovering’ in his spirit, observing these grand visions unfolding before him. In this vision he becomes a part of the action. This huge angel reveals mysterious new information (the message of the seven thunders) that will not be unveiled until the last days (we still do not know…
praying for Haiti
Please be in prayer for the devastation caused by the recent hurricanes, around the Gulf of Mexico, as well as in the Caribbean, and in the poorest nation in the western hemisphere, Haiti. The poverty is unbelievable, and the suffering has only been made worse by the recent hurricanes. It is a disaster zone, and…
meeting people… in Ajax
Yesterday I attended the Ajax Business Network for a seminar called “From Obstacles to Opportunities”. Although the topic and speaker interested me, I wanted to connect with people outside of crossroads. There are so many neat people out there, people outside of our ‘church’ communities. For years I’ve felt locked into ‘church’, so busy with…
from obstacles to opportunities
Yesterday I attended a meeting of the the Ajax Business Network, where Barry Shainbaum shared his story of overcoming obstacles (namely mental illness) and persevering through and despite limitations and setbacks to success. Although this was not offered as a religious seminar, it was very religious, very spiritual. The language of “but by the grace…