Friday, December 31, 2010

Revelation 22 DEVO: JESUS IS COMING!!!

Chapter 22:
Again – this chapter ROCKS!
Kinda’ covered verses 1-5 in the previous devo, so we’ll pick up with verse 6.
John has been obediently penning (or whatever they used) everything he has been told. Everything is “trustworthy and true” and we are blessed if we obey God’s word! In amazement, john falls at his feet to worship, but even the angel knows he’s not the worthy one, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant….Worship God!” Immediate obedience was followed by immediate worship.
Then we read this incredible promise: “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” Amazing to think that God will reward our faithfulness. And a sad reality to think some will not believe.
We then read of God’s final invitation, “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” God is still wishing that none perish but all come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
God’s final book of “HIS-story” concludes with a warning, “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.” Jesus IS coming back……and our response is to echo the words here of the apostle John, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” And it’s all of grace!!!!
SO WHAT?!
*Scripture is clear that believers will not face judgment for their sins – which is AWESOME! But it is also clear we will be rewarded “for what we have done.” How are you & I presently involved in the good work God has for you (Ephesians 2:10)?
*The final warning reminds us how carefully we are to treat God’s Word, the Bible. It’s can be easy to read verses, translate it into our own lives and then take that translation and make IT God’s word. Be careful – from what I read in 18-19, that would NOT be good to do! Let’s say and teach what the Bible says and teaches and let’s not say and teach what it doesn’t! Which implies, we need to be in it!~
* I am sooooooo grateful for the privilege it has been to write devos for these 260 chapters! My prayer was that God would draw me closer to Him and He has answered. I hope they have been a blessing to those who have read them as well. More importantly, I hope reading the new testament has been a blessing. God’s words are living and active, mine are not!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Revelation 21 DEVO: The New Creation

Chapter 21:
These last two chapters totally ROCK!
When Adam & Eve chose to go against God and sin entered our world, one of the results was God’s curse on our planet (Genesis 3:17). We not only live as sinners but in a sinful world and planet, but in this chapter, God changes that! “Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away…”
What will this place be like? Hard to imagine a place without “sea” since 70% of our present planet is covered with water. It will be “Holy” because sin won’t exist. We will literally dwell with God! Tears will be wiped away and there will be no more death or mourning or pain. This will be the Garden of Eden recaptured! Who is this for? “Those who are victorious” – believers for whom Christ secured our victory!
“Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” The capital city of heaven will be brilliantly glorious and like no other ever!
• Great wall – symbolizing protection
• Jewels as clear as crystal - beauty
• 12 amazing gates, 3 on each side – easily go in & out
• And our new home is a ginormous cube!
o 1400 miles wide, 1400 miles long & 1400 miles high! That’s like the distance from Katy to the Canadian border & from the west coast of the USA to the Mississippi. This is a B-I-G place!
• Walls of jasper, city made of gold, multiple foundations of precious stones, a street of clear gold (whatever that is) and gates made of pearls (that is one huge oyster)! Unfathomable!
• No sun or moon because God’s glory is more than enough.
• Bountifully fruitful trees, river as clear as crystal, no curse,
• No night – sorry you nocturnal peeps.
• And best of all NO SIN!!!
Indescribable, Incomparable, Sinless, Beautiful Perfection!
And all of these are the reward to those who belong to God “whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”
SO WHAT?!
*Throughout history, believers have been pre-occupied with heaven (Hebrews 11:13, 16) and our citizenship (Philippians 3:20, Colossians 3:2). 1 Peter 2:11 describes us as “aliens” on this earth. So here’s my question: Are you and I looking forward to all that was described in this chapter more than we want all that the world has to offer? Instant gratification, materialism and comforts that this world offers can often blur our view. A heavenly perspective is vital because it causes us to live differently! How’s your perspective?
*Give thanks again today to God if your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life and if not, why not go to our Lord and ask Him to write it in there today!

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Revelation 20 DEVO: The 1000 Years & The Judgment

Chapter 20:
Ok, so basically you end up in one of three camps on this 1000 year reign thingy:
Pre-millennium – 1000 years is literal, Jesus’ second coming initiates His 1000 year reign and this occurs before the final removal of Satan.
Post-millennium - Also literal and Christ return after 1000 years to defeat Satan.
Amillennium - 1000 years is figurative and in the hearts of the believers – i.e. the church age.
I would classify myself as a pre-trib, pre-mill, rapture hopeful ‘til further notice. Not that you care, but, just sayn’…..This chapter seems to be broken up into two sections.
The first 10 verses are about the coming earthly 1000 year kingdom of Jesus. God is doing these things and HE is in control = “Key” (as if He ever wasn’t). Satan will be removed, all humans who had survived the tribulation are executed at Armageddon. The “Abyss” is a temporary holding place of torment for Satan & his demons. When the 1000 years is over Satan will return to deceive the world (4 corners) and go into a battle. And like Armageddon, it will be an execution – “fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
The remainder of the chapter has to do with man’s last day in court, which is quite sobering. This is God’s judgment on sin and unbelieving sinners. “The earth and the heavens fled from his presence…” because they were sinful and to prepare for the new heaven and earth. The “dead” are all unbelievers who have ever lived – remember, believers will NOT face this judgment because they have been washed by the blood of Christ! (Romans 8:1, John 3:18 & 5:24) “Books were opened” – this is a record of every thought, word & deed of every unsaved person – wowsa! Sooooo glad Jesus took those for me!~ “Another book was opened, which is the book of life.” This has the name of every believer, God’s kids! This is the ONE book you want your name in!!! And it says judgment occurred. There will be no appeals, no hung juries, no mistrials at this one.
SO WHAT?!
*Regardless of where you & I place the 1000 years, the judgment on sin and sinner WILL eventually occur. And it will be just and swift. In light of this are two responses:
1 – Absolute praise and joy for those whose names are written in the book of life! Because by grace through faith we believed in what Jesus did (and we couldn’t do) to make us right with God, we will never face this judgment – WHOOHOO!!!!! Thank you Jesus!
2 – Absolute horror for those who refused to believe and receive God’s offer of forgiveness in Christ, because they will be tormented forever!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Revelation 19 DEVO: Loud Cheering!

Chapter 19:
Whew – we made it through chapters 6-18! Certainly 14:16 has proven true: “This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God!”
Now it’s time for God’s people to sing and this chapter if filled with songs of cheering: The Hallelujah Chorus, Salvation Belongs to Our God, Crown Him with Many Crowns, His Truth is Marching On, Be to Our God, etc…. God has won the battle and the victory causes us to praise the Lord – which is what “hallelujah” means!
In this chapter we read of the activity of the angels, the 24 elders, the 4 living creatures and the redeemed saints – all of which are praising the Lord! Why? “For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.” This will begin the earthly kingdom of God and we see the church (bride) finally pure! And “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” Of all the invites you could ever get, this is the best invitation in the universe!
We then see the real white horse of victory! Notice the descriptions of Jesus here:
“Faithful and True”
“The Word of God”
“King of Kings and “Lord of Lords”
(buy the way, is this one a tattoo?)
The antichrist and the false prophet are captured and “thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.” The gross metaphors in this chapter are meant to show the completeness of the victory by our Lord.
SO WHAT?!
*The thing that will consume our relationship with God in heaven is WORSHIP! How are you involved in worshipping our Lord right now? Publically, do you gather with other believers regularly (church) to worship God? We are commanded to (Hebrews 10:24-25). Privately, do you spend regular time with God in the Bible and in prayer? We need to if we want to develop this wonderful relationship with our Creator!
*How are you cheering for God? We’ll yell like crazy for our sports teams, but do you & I show our support for God and His ways? I truly believe one of the titles all believers could have is “cheerleader.” In the way we live, in the words we speak, in the things we think about, are you & I “saying” GO GOD!?~

Monday, December 27, 2010

Revelation 18 DEVO: History & Fall of Babylon – Part 2

Chapter 18:
In this chapter we see God’s judgment on the great Satanic system of evil. In doing so, the Author uses OT accounts of destruction of harlot cities. These pronouncements come from heavenly authority.
”Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!” This world system in which we live in seeks to deceive us, to distract us and to devour us. And here, in the end, God will destroy it! The believers role is to not follow it with it’s riches, luxuries, boasts and promises but follow Christ!
There is tons of imagery in this chapter – too numerous to go through. “In one hour” (3x’s) would be better translated “In such a short time.” Sin looks so good, but like Moses we are to choose to follow God rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season (Hebrews 11:25).
“Kings of the earth” are those in leadership. “Merchants of the earth” are those who make money from her.”Every sea captain” are those who suffer loss from hauling her goods. “In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!” Those whose hope is in the world’s system will lose everything when it collapses (Enron).
SO WHAT?!
*In what or in whom are you trusting in? Finances? Brains? Athletic ability? Accomplishments? Titles? Your spouse? Your broker? Your pastor? Whenever we place our trust in anyone or anything other than God, we will be disappointed!
*How are you & I laying up treasures in heaven? If this world and it’s system is truly only temporary, then how are we investing in eternal things?

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Christmas - Indecent Exposure

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”
Ok, I’m not God (something we can all be grateful for), but if I was God and I was going to show myself to the world, I would certainly not have done it the way God Himself did. Placing myself inside of an average Mary won’t get me noticed. And doing it before this couple was married could certainly cause a scam. No, I’d have written it in the sky or spoken audibly world-wide or have chosen someone famous or at least had a better marketing plan. But instead, this message, God’s message of hope and forgiveness, is given to a humble couple to carry and bring forth. It seemed, in essence, to be indecent exposure. But was, in fact, the greatest plan ever!
Then, adding what seems to be more indecent exposure, that very same message is given to lowly farmers,
“…and there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Yet these shepherds went, checked out Jesus, and then,
“spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”
The under exposed was becoming exposed!
As if this weren’t evidence enough, for the rest of His childhood, before Jesus began His ministry, all we read about Him is one sentence:
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
Seems indecent exposure for the Savior of the world, don’t you think? Yet this is the story of Christmas. God’s choosing common people to carry and bring forth His uncommon message of grace & forgiveness!
So What?! In many ways still today, Jesus continues to get indecent exposure. We are told we can’t use his name in prayers at sports events or told not to give out Bibles in schools. This actually makes sense, God never chose the world as the means through which He would communicate his message, He chooses common believers like you & me! Christmas is a great time to talk about Jesus with your friends! Ask them what they like about Christmas, what Christmas is about, what gifts they hope to get and give. If you do, most often they’ll ask you and then you can share with them the good news of Jesus! I’ve also listed a number of ways Here to BE Jesus this season as well. May God allow all of us to give Jesus DECENT exposure this season!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Revelation 17 DEVO: History & Fall of Babylon – Part 1

Chapter 17:
Chris Tomlin sings, “You and I were made to worship.” These words chime with the words of God in Ecclesiastes 3:11. We all have this “God-shaped vacuum” inside of us and our enemy wants us to try to fill it with everything but God. Throughout history, Babylon has been an important center for false worship. I’ll split this devo into 3 sections:
The Woman & the Beast (1-6a): “great prostitute” is a metaphor for false religion, idolatry & the word’s evil system. The “kings of the earth” are unbelieving people of hiogh ranks eho commit spiritual adultery. He “woman” is sitting on (supported by) the beast (the anti-christ). She is dresses spiritually attractive – purple (royalty), scarlet (blood), gold, stones & pearls. She had a “name written” points to their culture where prostitutes had to identify themselves. I don’t believe Babylon so much represents a geographic location as much as a symbol of all worldliness. She is bad stuff and is “drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus.”
“Explanation” by the Angel (6b-14): Ok – John is confused……..and I can relate! 7 heads = 7 hills: This may be Rome. 7 Kings could represent 7 world empires: At this time, Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persian & Greece had fallen, but not Rome and one yet to come. Almost sounds like the beast is both the 7th & 8th King, which is possible if you count the fake resurrection – I’m not sure on this stuff….hehe… I DO know they come with one agenda – to wage war! “But the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings.”
Judgment of the Woman (15-18): I believe the waters represent world-wide domination. The extreme and graphic violence done to the prostitute is God’s judgment on her – “God’s words are fulfilled.”
SO WHAT?!
*Are you or I guilty of spiritual adultery? What does that look like? How about any time we worship anything or anyone other than God – gulp! What is the focus of our thoughts? Stuff? Pleasure? Recognition? Accomplishments? Abilities? Etc… Lord, please help me to keep my eyes on YOU and my hands reaching out to a world that desperately needs you!
*In what ways have you bought into this evil world’s system and it’s lies? Lets spend time in God’s Word, filling out minds with truth so we can spot fakes as they come!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Revelation 16 DEVO: Seven Bowls of God’s Wrath

Chapter 16:
In this chapter, the Greek word “megas” appears 16 times, more than anywhere else in the new testament, because them emphasis is on greatness. God sorta’ gets on His megaphone and gives the command. It’s time for the “third woe” (11:14).
First Bowl: Recalls the 6th plague under Moses – “ugly, festering sores broke out on the people who had the mark…” This will be a universal & agonizing pain that won’t go away.
Second Bowl: “sea…….turned into blood …..and every living thing in the sea died.” Unlike the 3rd trumpet which only affected some water (8:10), this one is universal.
Third Bowl: Ok, now the fresh waters are turned to blood, killing all life in them. The first Egyptian plague affected the Nile, here all rivers are affected and people will not be able to tap into the water table like the Egyptians did (Ex 7:24). Then there’s a pause for an angel to sing and somehow the altar agrees – coolz!
Fourth Bowl: Intense heat from the sun scorches people. Yet even among this intense agony, there is no repentance, but instead “they cursed the name of God…..refused to repent and glorify Him.”
Fifth Bowl: Here, Satan’s entire human system is thrown into disarray & chaos. There is world-wide darkness. People are in such agony that they chew on themselves trying to alleviate the pain. What is sadly more amazing is that wicked men & women will still not repent even when face with such catastrophic conditions!
Sixth Bowl: This is parallel to the 6th trumpet. Like the 5th seal, it doesn’t bring immediate pain but prepares for the future – assembling of armies to fight God – a hopeless cause! “Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.” The three evil spirits I believe represent the combined forces of evil in the world.
Seventh Bowl: With the pouring out of this bowl, God’s end time wrath is completed. “It is done” matches Jesus’ words on the cross. This bowl results in the opening of Heaven and the Son of Man coming forth for the final great (“megas”) battle. This earthquake is off the Richter scale! And the destruction somehow even causes islands to flee, mountains to be found nowhere around and 100lb hailstones are tossed at people – mega ouch! The result? “They cursed God.”
SO WHAT?!
*What physical pain & suffering are you going through right now? As painful as it may be (and I’m not down sizing your pain) it will NEVER COMPARE to the physical pain and agony people will face who do not put their trust & faith in Jesus Christ! TODAY is the day for you to believe if you have not yet done so! Hebrews 3:7-12
*This passage ought to bring an urgency to see our family, our friends and our neighbors Know Jesus & Make Him Known! Lord, help us to lovingly and graciously bring you up with someone today who needs you and please cause them to believe! Acts 16:31

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Revelation 15 DEVO: Preparing to Pour Out God’s Final Wrath

Chapter 15:
What do you & I worry about? The future? Finances? Our kids be ok? Terrorism? Aging? Political problems? Moral decline? Global Warming? As God prepares to unleash His wrath, what should worry sinners most is what He will do! God has given plenty of warnings throughout the Bible. This chapter fulfills things already spoken of in 6:17, 11:14, 11:18, 14:10 & 14:14-20.
“I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign: seven angels with the seven last plagues—last, because with them God’s wrath is completed.” Seven is the number of perfection & completion in the Bible. Our marvelous God fulfills what He promises. The plagues are the bowl judgments of the next chapter. John’s vision is of the throne room of God and he sees “what looked like a sea of glass glowing with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious…” It’s not a sea (21:1) but seems to be some kind of platform before God’s throne. These people are the believers who were saved during the tribulation (through much pain & violence) and are now victorious! God gives them instruments so they can sing a “song of Moses.” When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea they sang a song of victory – same here. It’s about the Lamb’s faithfulness, deliverance & judgment.
We conclude with a glimpse of God’s holy, eternal & majestic presence. Like all times in the Bible when we read of God’s presence, it’s awesomeness is too much for man to be near due to our sinfulness.
SO WHAT?!
*What is your favorite worship song? Take a moment today and sing God that song of worship. Meditate on the words and give thanks.
*God’s way are not always understandable. John MacArthur says, “It’s an amazing paradox – that God is busily saving sinners…..from His own wrath!”

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Revelation 14 DEVO: The Lamb, 144,000 & Multiple Angels

Chapter 14:
In chapters 12 & 13 we see the suffering of believers. In this chapter, we see that their sacrifice is worth it! It begins with the Lamb, Jesus, standing on Mt Zion, as apposed to the dragon standing on the shifting sand. He had the 144,000 witnesses (ch 7) with Him and they were marked as His, sort of a forehead tattoo. “And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.” The singing will only be by those who belong to God because He purchased them with Jesus’ blood. Then an amazing statement is given, “They follow the Lamb wherever he goes.”
Then we see four climactic announcements:
The Eternal Gospel is offered “to every nation, tribe, language and people.” The motivation to fear Him is “because the hour of his judgment has come.”
The Fall of Babylon is pronounced. This can refer to either an actual city on the Euphrates or to the world’s system of evil. Regardless, people did not accept the offer in 6-7 and are judged. This wil be discussed more in chapters 17-18.
The Torment of the Beast Worshippers is clear. Those who take the mark and/or worship the beast, as discussed in the previous chapter, will receive from God their due punishment.
Those Who Die in the Lord are blessed and “will rest from their labor.” In the end, living for Jesus is totally worth it!
The chapter ends with an agricultural bent. Like a farmer harvesting his crops, there will be a separating of the faithful from the unfaithful. I believe the metaphors mentioned here point to a divine judgment that Jesus will bring and is put in terms of a harvest.
SO WHAT?!
*What response is stirred up within you to know that you are marked by God and are His? Worship is the answer in this chapter! What is your answer? What is mine?
*It was said of these believes that they followed the Lamb wherever He went. How would this or does this look like in our lives?
*Fear of eternal punishment, torment and hell is not a bad motivation for believing. It’s not the only one, but it’s not a bad one. The very reason I first believed in Jesus was because I didn’t want to be left behind when God returned. What motivates you the most to follow Jesus?

Monday, December 20, 2010

Revelation 13 DEVO: The Beasts

Chapter 13:
Ok, it’s a big fight, it’s round 2, and the bell has rung. In this chapter we are presented with two “beasts.”
The Beast out of the Sea (1-10): This is the “antichrist”, the false messiah, who is given political power (seen in description) and spoken of in 1 John 2:18. “One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast. People worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?” This world leader will be powered by Satan, will deceive, be seen as a savior and be loved by all for the first half of the tribulation period. He will be proud, arrogant and will speak against God and His people. “This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people.”
The Beast out of the Earth (11-18): This second beast is elsewhere called the “false prophet” (16:13, 19:20, 20:10) and is given power to do miracles, but “Because of the signs it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants of the earth.” Now we’ve gone from a savior of a leader to being forced to follow him or die! “It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name……666.” People will now be forced to take the mark or starve! This mark identifies you with Satan and against God!
SO WHAT?!
*When was the last time you were tricked or deceived? Truth is, most of us have bought into something only to find out later we’d been tricked. It’s livable if it involves a purchase or duty. Buy when our soul is on the line, we’d better know the truth! How are you and I preparing so that we won’t be deceived? Best way spot a counterfeit is to regularly spend time in the REAL thing – God’s Word, and with the Author! Are you?
*Jesus told us this would happen in Matthew 24: “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you ahead of time.”

Saturday, December 18, 2010

2010 Freund Family Christmas Letter

“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman…….to redeem...”
Galatians 4:4

Ok, thought we’d try something a little different for our annual letter this year. So we’ve divided it up by individual. So here we go…

JESSICA – The highlights for my year were:
• A sleepover at grandma’s
• My school’s “Rhinofest”
• Being on Safety Patrol
• Going with teens to Kerrville
• Helping plant our family garden
• Young Musicians Choir @ church
• Spring & Fall soccer (dad is coach)
• Blue Bell Creamery & Mini-horse farm
• Presidential reception – I was Teddy Roosevelt
• 10th birthday was water games!
• VBS at First Baptist Katy
• Our family trip to Dallas & School Choir
• Got my ears pierced!
• Started my own Bible devotions
• Packed Christmas gifts for needy kids
• Had my final field day ☹
• Took swim lessons
• Carved pumpkin & trick or treated
• Got to be “nurse” for school takeover day
• Went to Dickens on the Strand & the Festival of Lights in Galveston – fun!
• School Christmas Choir Rocked!
I’m enjoying 5th grade, helping my mom and looking forward to a fun Christmas with my family! Oh – and being in 6th grade and the student ministry in June!

JEAN – Here’s the review of my year…
• Mother/daughter sleepover at grandma’s
• Some former students bought me an iMac!
• Bill gave me a surprise 40th birthday party and a dinner out at Saltgrass with some close friends!
• Bill & I attended our best ever youth conference in Chicago & I got to drive by the home my mom grew up in.
• Sister Andi came to town for some time together
• My dad was diagnosed in March with COPD and has an oxygen tank now.
• Helped Bill with the discipleship retreat
• Enjoyed a day in Conroe doing youth ministry planning with our wonderful team
• Had a girlfriends weekend in San Marcos shopping ☺
• Surprised Bill with a party for his 20th year in Katy.
• Enjoyed a night of music by our worship leader at a coffee shop in Katy
• My sister Andi met us in Dallas
• Helped some ladies start a ministry of fun called “lol” We had a Christmas in July, movie night & a coffee night
• Helped Bill on our A-E student leadership retreat
• We celebrated our 19th anniversary on July 27th!
• In August our AC went out 5 times & we packed 3 times to head to my parents
• Can’t believe Drew is a high schooler and Jessica will be in junior high in June!~
• In September I had heart palpitations & found out I had mitral valve leakage
• Participated in a Monday night women’s Bible study
• Sister Emily came to town in October
• Spent a day with the Young’s who moved away
• Volunteered in library & helped w/ 5th grade stuff
• Totally wonderful day at Dickens and the Festival of Lights
• My mom also retired from her job!
I love being a mom to Drew & Jessica and helping with their schoolwork and activities. I open my home up weekly to students and minister with Bill in most all of the student ministries as well. The Lord has been so good to us, although I did give up trying to keep up with Bill long ago!

DREW – Here’s the scoop with me:
• Participated in student ministry stuff: Axiom Conference, Discipleship Retreat, Tarp Wars, Bible studies, Elf Night, Disc Golf tournament, B2S BASH, SYATP, etc…
• Got my braces off – whoohoo popcorn!
• Did Singing Valentines at my school
• Choir Pop show & 8th grade party
• Got all “superior” ratings for choir
• Fiesta Texas in San Antonio
• My choir sang the national anthem at an Astros game
• I had a drum recital
• Got a “new” drum set
• Dallas fun with my family
• I turned 15 and played video games with friends
• Took summer school PE
• My guys team won our disc golf tournament
• Mowed some yards and earned some money
• Started my “freshman” year = harder!
• Texas Children’s did testing on my Asperger’s in September
• Choir car wash & choir concerts
• Went to SFA state park
• Dickens on the Strand & Festival of Lights was cool
In July, my dad and I had a “manhood” weekend. I tried golf, we drank Dew, we played video games and watched movies. Oh yeah, we talked about growing up and “guy” stuff too! A-w-k-w-a-r-d…

BILL – Ok, here’s my stuph…
• It was a full ministry year: Axiom Purity Conference (10 churches, #500 students), Super Bowl Outreach, Parent’s Night Out (raised $2000), SYMC in Chicago, Discipleship Retreat, Leadership training & planning, Graduation Sunday (I preached), Tarp Wars, CRASH, Summer missions trip to Mexico, A-E Retreat, Back 2 School BASH, Schlitterbahn, Elf Night Outreach, July 4th “Free Indeed” Outreach, Disc Golf Tournament, See You at the Pole, glow in-the-dark volleyball, FCA speaker, numerous Bible studies and meetings with students. And 14 students put their trust & faith in Jesus Christ this year through our ministry!!! The three biggies would be my 20th anniversary of ministering to students in Katy, being a part of the Simply Youth Inside Track Team and writing a daily devotion for all 260 chapters in the new testament!
• Personally I had a blast as well: Spending time with Jean, Drew & Jessica, morning basketball, running (coupla’ races), church golf tournament, double dating with friends, coaching Jessica’s soccer teams, going to high school football games with Drew, nephew Lance came thru town, men’s fraternity and dating Jean! The two biggies would be the “manhood” weekend I had with Drew and being married to Jean for 19 years.
We’ve had some tough things this year as well that we could have never endured without the strength of the Lord. The lifelong desire, both for my family and for our ministry, is to KNOW JESUS AND MAKE HIM KNOWN! So if you desire that relationship, let me encourage you to grab a Bible read the gospel of John. And if you ever want to know more, our family would love to help you to know Christ!

We would LOVE to hear from each of y’all! If you want to see more about our family you can visit our family website below! May God bless you this year more than ever before. And may you know Jesus personally this season as we celebrate His birth!

Bill, Jean, Drew, Jessica Freund

BILL - 281.414.9569 mrbill6761@mac.com
JEAN - chocaholic4ever@me.com
DREW – drummerdrew2@gmail.com

Texas Freunds Website:
http://web.mac.com/mrbill6761/Site/Texas_Freunds_.html

Redeemer Community Church
24201 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
Katy, Tx 77494
281.371.2156 (office) 281.574.4185 (fax)
www.redeemercommunity.org
IM/YM/GT/Twitter – mrbill6761
facebook.com
http://mrbillrsm.blogspot.com

Friday, December 17, 2010

Revelation 12 DEVO: The Woman, The Male Child & The Dragon

Chapter 12:
The title almost sounds like it should be a CS Lewis book doesn’t it! What we read today is kinda’ like a sketch of the hidden forces behind the climax of the seven bowls to be poured out. It shows the initial rebellion of Satan (Isaiah 14:13-15) and the impact that has had throughout human history. First off, I’ll give my take on the characters: The woman = nation Israel, the male child = Jesus and the dragon = Satan.
The Woman is described as “clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head.” Bible guys smarter than me say these are references to Jacob, Rachel and the 12 tribes. I get the 12 tribes thing. The idea of her about to give carries the idea that this Messiah came from the Jewish nation and the pain being the faithful who are suffering and/or the rejection of Jesus as their Messiah.
The Male Child represents Jesus, who “will rule all the nations with an iron scepter”, the foretold Messiah who was to come and did!
The Dragon is clearly Satan (vs 9) whose goal is to finish off this Messiah. The bell has been rung and the fight is about to begin!
Historically, the 1/3 stars that the dragon sweeps out of the sky & hurls to earth are the angels who joined Satan’s rebellion and became enemies of God, demons. This dragon’s plan is to kill this male child right after He is born, but God had other plans! This baby is swept up to heaven and the woman is sent into the wilderness for 1260 days (3 ½ years).
We then read that war breaks out in heaven between Michael & God’s angels and Satan & his demons. And of course, God wins and the description in 10-12 is awesome!
But, it’s not over. The dragon is ticked and what we read next would have made today’s special effects movies seem lame! It reads, “from his mouth the serpent spewed water like a river, to overtake the woman and sweep her away with the torrent. But the earth helped the woman by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that the dragon had spewed out of his mouth.” Now this would have been cool to see! So then, yeah, he gets more tickled and decides to take his anger out on faithful believers.
SO WHAT?!
*The things we read here and in upcoming chapters are a bitter-sweet. Yes I want Jesus to finally come and conquer evil for good. At the same time, I’m still wanting my friends, family and neighbors to come to believe and receive Jesus Christ! So the question of the urgent is am I being intentional to Know Jesus & Make Him Known with my life? How about you?

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Revelation 11 DEVO: Measurement, 2 Witnesses, 7th Trumpet

Chapter 11:
Ok, I think today’s passage is one of the most difficult passages in Revelation to interpret. With that said, here are my thoughts…
1-2: John is told to go and measure the temple, altar & it’s worshippers. Inventory is often taken of one’s possessions and the temple belonged to God. Seems to also be a sense that those measured are secure in God and those not measured are not – most likely unbelieving Gentiles who will oppress the Jews just before Christ returns. The 42 months = 1260 days or 3 ½ years and predicted in the book of Daniel. The main comfort I take from this is that the reign of evil WILL have an end!
3-6: God then sends 2 fire-breathing witnesses. Most likely these are Moses & Elijah. Both were at the transfiguration, Malachi 4:5 says Elijah will appear during this time, “no rain” alludes to Elijah and “water to blood” alludes to Moses. Regardless, anyone who tries to hurt these two witnesses is toast! They will preach repentance, foretell the future and restore Israel to her land.
7-10: The beast here is not Satan himself, but certainly demonic and will kill these two witnesses. Their bodies will be left in the streets for 3 ½ days to enhance the insult. People will be glad they were slain and even celebrate. Somehow (TV/satellite/internet) the whole world will see this.
11-12: When these two come back to life, absolute fear will come upon those who were rejoicing. If murder is the ultimate weapon of mankind and it doesn’t work, that will bring terror! God will then call them up to heaven and everyone will watch them go. Those left behind will be freaking out – wondering what will happen to them next.
13-14: Their fears came true as “there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.” This is not the third “woe”, that is still to come.
15-19: The 7th Trumpet sounds and heaven celebrates the transferring of power from Satan back to the True King! BUT, before the contents of the 7th trumpet are disclosed (Ch 16), there is some lengthy background given (ch 12-15) so we can better understand those coming judgments.
SO WHAT?!
*God is measuring our hearts right now. More important to God than what we say or do is our heart. How does your heart for God measure up? Do you & I treasure the things of God above all other things? Two big indicators are our schedules and our checkbooks. What do they show?
*Being a true witness for Jesus can cost us our lives? But even if it doesn’t, it should cost us something. What have you & I sacrificed for our Lord?
*How has God lifted you up because you were obedient. He did it with these two witnesses physically, but how about with us? Lovingly take a stand for God - it’s worth it!
*Finally, God is STILL offering hope! Regardless what kind of mess you are in, God is in the restoration and transformation business – and he’s GREAT at it!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Revelation 10 DEVO: "No More Delay"

Chapter 10:
No, I’m not talking about the guilty republican, I’m speaking of what the swearing angels says in verse 6. (good swearing) The content of 10:1-11:14 act as an interlude and the second of two “parenthesis” in Revelation. This one occurs before the 7th trumpet (3rd woe) sounds. This section is preparation for the final trumpet and focuses on God being in control. It’s an announcement of the end to come, a preparation for the future.
The Angel’s Announcement (1-7): “Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven.” – the scene again shifts from heaven to earth. This could be Michael or Gabriel but doesn’t have to be. And the description……..amazingly angelic: “robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars.” Have your Sunday school kids draw & color this one! Then as the angel is about to speak and John is grabbing his pen to write it down, he is told “Seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down.” Ya’ know, sometimes even though you don’t understand, ya’ just obey. The angel raises his right hand & swears to God (really!), “There will be no more delay! But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.”
John Told to Prophecy (8-11): So then the angel tells John to “take the scroll and eat it.” It’s gonna’ make you sick but do it any way! And no, John was not in need of some fiber for his diet! I believe that the bitterness of eating that scroll paralleled the bitterness of the trumpet judgment to soon come. And the sweetness is paralleled with the joy of God fulfilling His plan!
“Then I was told, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.”
SO WHAT?!
*It’s hard to imagine the worldwide devastation that has already occurred and be told it will get worse. Panic & fear will be the daily norm and the psychological consequences of that alone will be huge as well. TODAY is the day to get right with God. Lord forgive me and thank you for paying the price for MY sin so that I could be brought into a right relationship with you! Your love is amazing!!!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Revelation 9 DEVO: 5th & 6th Trumpets

Chapter 9:
How far will God go to get our attention? As far as punishing His own Son for our sin in order to show how much He cares as well as hates sin. Today we continue with the trumpet judgments. With the final three trumpets come three “woes.”
5th Trumpet – First Woe: In the first 12 verses God unleashes a horde of supernatural demonic creatures (never seen locusts like this!) who spread as much misery as possible. Somehow they inflict pain on all “who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads……..…for five months.” How bad will this be? “During those days people will seek death but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will elude them.” This will be a painful time for unbelievers and the description of these war-like creatures is difficult to imagine!
6th Trumpet – Second Woe: “Release the four angels……….and the four angels……..were released to kill a third of mankind. The number of the mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand. I heard their number.” This death toll from this army of 200,000 will be significantly larger than any ever before. And want to talk freakish – they’ll do it with “fire, smoke & sulfur” out of their mouths & in their tails – which were like snakes with heads!~ Wow – fire breathing horses with heads like lions and tails like snakes!
What is both shocking, as well as sad, is that even in spite of all this, people still did not turn to God: They “did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.”
SO WHAT?!
*Lets take some time today to thank God for revealing Himself to us and that byHis grace through faith we can be saved!
*What idols do you & I have? Ok, maybe not statues, but how about money? Academics? iPods? Clothes? Trucks? Pleasure? Stuff? Etc….. Anything that we give more attention to more than God. Lord, help me to make you #!1 in my life each day!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Revelation 8 DEVO: Seventh Seal & First Four Trumpets

Chapter 8:
Yeah, yeah, so my title is not that creative, but it IS what happens in this chapter!
Anyway, take the next 60 seconds and be absolutely quiet. Our scene has shifted back to the throne room of God – and there is silence for 30 minutes - a reverence to God. This is the calm before the storm. The opening of this seventh seal contains the seven trumpet judgments, which will make the previous judgments look puny.
First off, an angel delivers the prayers of the saints and they are offered to God as a sweet aroma. It’s amazing to think that our prayers are sweet to God! “Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.” Look out, here it comes…
1st Trumpet – 1/3 of Vegetation Burns Up: “…hail, and fire mixed with blood” is sent to earth. God is using nature to punish mankind. These are the judgments that are held back in 7:3.
2nd Trumpet – 1/3 of Sea Life Destroyed: “…something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea.” Fish can’t live in blood and ships burn from this mountainous size chunk. And remember, we get much of our oxygen from algae & stuff in the sea.
3rd Trumpet – 1/3 of Fresh Water Poisoned: “…a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water.” There will be a water shortage and many people will die from the lethal & bitter poison of the wormwood.
4th Trumpet – 1/3 of the Heavenly Bodies are Darkened: “…a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them turned dark. A third of the day was without light, and also a third of the night.” Imagine the affect on agriculture, navigation, human health, productivity, etc…
The chapter ends with yet another announcement, this time by an eagle: “Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!” Let me translate – It’s gonna’ get worse.
SO WHAT?!
*There is a lot of similarities in the seals & trumpets to old testament plagues & prophecies that are too numerous to go into. But this I know. This is God’s judgment on a world that didn’t want Him. How about you & me. Do we “desire” God more than anything else. Well, probably not, at least not on our own. But by His Holy Spirit we can! Lord, we love you, we need you and we don’t stand a chance without you!

Friday, December 10, 2010

Revelation 7 DEVO: 144,000 & Those in White Robes

Chapter 7:
“After this…” This chapter represents another new vision for John. It answers the question in 6:17, “Who can withstand it?” It’s kinda’ like a parenthesis between the 6th & 7th seal and it contrasts the preparedness of God’s people with the panic of the unprepared world.
So, you have four angels with power to destroy, covering the whole earth (4 corners = 4 directions on the compass) and for now, holding back. Why? Because God has to put His seal on them first. Only the true servants of God, who are sealed, can be protected from this judgment!
We are then given the exact number – 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes. We believe this group of 144,000 will carry God’s message to the world during the difficult days of the tribulation. This is not ALL the faithful, bust a specific group of them given this responsibility to witness at this time. Most likely Christian Jews.
The next thing John sees to write down is “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” This group of people have be cleansed of their sins (white robes) and are praising God big time! I love this next part – one of the elders asks John “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?” Like John really knows, so he replies, “Sir, you know.” And he does! “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” These are Jews & Gentiles who have turned to God in the tribulation and died. As a result, they too have been washed of their sins!
SO WHAT?!
*God knows & seals those who are His! Once you are a child of God, you can never not be! How awesome is that?!~! Are you “Hizkid?”
*Yes, there will be a multitude of those who get left behind in the rapture (if you’re pre-trib) that turn to God. It will cost them their lives, yet it will happen. But why put off believing? A heart attack, a car wreck or whatever can always occur at anytime and it be too late. 2 Corinthians 6:2 says, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Revelation 6 DEVO: Seal Judgments

Chapter 6:
What is the worst thing you’ve ever had to endure? Being picked on, beat up, having a close friend die or something worse? As painful as these things are, none of these will even compare to the devastating judgment God will unleash in the future. (At this point, I’ll interject my personal timeline thoughts. I believe the rapture - 1 Thessalonians 4 - occurs before chapter 6, probably after chapter 3. This would make me a pre-trib rapture hopeful ‘til further notice)
We’ve come to the portion in Revelation where God begins judging a sinful world. This is the first of three seven part judgments – 7 seals, 7 trumpets & 7 bowls. The seventh one of each opens the first one of the next. The scene now shifts from heaven to earth.
1st Seal – Conquering Power: “there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.” I believe this first rider represents the anti-christ and the forces of evil. He will deceive many, appear as counterfeits (white = counterfeit purity), everyone will like him at first and he will attain worldwide domination. But it will only be be temporary.
2nd Seal – War & Bloodshed: “Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword.” Red symbolizes slaughter & he’s given a sword because the number he kills will be so great. And whatever restraints there have been up to this point are removed and peace is no more.
3rd Seal – Famine & Poverty: “I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand.” With this judgment comes the scarcity of food. It will be both difficult to find and so expensive that poverty will come upon many.
4th Seal – Death: “there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death…..they were given power……to kill….” Pale = sickly, look of terror and hell is the horse of death! The magnitude of this catastrophe can hardly be grasped. ¼ of the people of the earth (over 1.6 billion right now) killed?!~
5th Seal – Martyrs & Vengeance: “I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out…..“How long, Lord ……..until you judge the inhabitants of the earth?” God will not forget those who paid the price for Him……and it will only be “a little longer.”
6th Seal – Earth & Universe Collapse: “There was a great earthquake, the sun turned black, the whole moon turned blood red, the stars fell to earth, the heavens receded and every mountain & island was removed from its place.” Wowsa - a galactical catastrophe iof this kind is unfathomable – but WILL occur just as written!
What will all of this do? Although some will survive these events, this devastating terror will bring fear to every category of humanity! People of all kinds will hide and wish they were dead rather than facing the wrath of God.
SO WHAT?!
*What emotions do the events of this chapter bring you? Even as a believer, I have fear – fear for my friends & family members who have not yet believed & received. Lord, please turn this fear into an urgent compassion that results in me sharing Jesus with them – even before the end of the year!
*God is serious about sin. His judgments are complete and no one can hide from Him. YET HE IS SO LOVING that He offers us a way to be made right with Him through Jesus Christ! If you have never put your trust in Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins and eternal life – now is the time! “For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?”

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Birthday Ideas for Jesus!

CHRISTMAS is a great time of year to BE Jesus to people. Here are some ideas that can help you do that:
• Visit hospital patients who can’t go home for the holidays. Bring gifts, cookies, etc…and share the Gospel.
• Give a days wages, $ you saved, etc… to Star of Hope, Salvation Army, a missionary, etc…
• Volunteer time/service at your church – cleaning, repairing, etc…
• Buy socks & blankets and take them to the homeless with some food.
• Visit those unable to get out & about, in nursing homes, jail, etc…
• When eating at restaurants, ask the waiter/waitress how you can pray for them.
• Invite friends over for a Christmas party – have games, snacks & a
speaker who will share the Christmas story about Jesus.
• Write letters of encouragement to those who need a “written hug.”
• Wrap gifts up for Jesus (commitments, $ for needy, goals, etc…) – open them first!
• Include Gospel tracts when you pay your bills, when you drive thru fast food places, when you give gifts, etc…
• Sing Christmas Carols at stores, in your neighborhoods, etc…
• Don’t let people be “home alone” on Christmas. Invite them to part of your celebration.
• Help the elderly/widows with a meal, yard work, etc…
• Ask local stores if you can wrap gifts, help carry out packages, etc…. All for FREE!!!
• Create a birthday card for Jesus. Write in it what you would tell Him if you could hand it to Him in person.
• Have a Birthday Party for Jesus or a pinata’ for kids in the neighborhood.
• Take your family to a stinky old barn on Christmas morning and read thru the Christmas story.
• Get some families together and buy a bunch of NEW cloths, toys, etc.. and have a FREE garage sale in a poorer neighborhood.
• Not much $ - Make a “kind deeds” Christmas book & give it to your
Parents. Coupons for “I’ll cook dinner”, “I’ll do the laundry”, “free kid-sitting”, etc…
• Take a homeless person to lunch.
• Have a Christmas cookie exchange – and a speaker to share the Gospel.
• Go to the mall, Look for lonely people sitting on a bench and talk to them about Christmas.
• Invite a neighbor, friend or family member to Christmas Eve service.
This is Cool God Stuff!

Revelation 5 DEVO: Seven-Sealed Scroll of the Lamb

Chapter 5:
Worthy-ness is also a theme of Revelation – because God alone is worthy. The contents of this scroll will take up the remainder of this book and our brains! So here’s my disclaimer: As we dive in deeper in each of these devotions, just remember, they are devos, not in-depth Bible studies of the end times! Just sayin’…
John now notices a scroll in the right hand (power) of God and an angel asking who can open it. This bums out John because no one is found worthy until an elder says “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Jesus takes the scroll and immediately the 4 creatures & 24 elders are thrilled to fall down in worship and begin to sing (1st choir)! They give the reason Jesus is able to open it, “because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
Then an angelic choir (no really, they were angels) joins in song, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (2nd choir)
Then everyone else joins in, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” (3rd choir)
SO WHAT?!
*What if Jesus had not died for my sins and been resurrected? Could He have opened the scroll? (1 Corinthians 15:14-19) When Jesus took that scroll from his Father’s hand all those around the throne were ecstatic! It should thrill us as well to know that He is worthy and that what Jesus did for us was enough!
*How’s your worship? Privately – do you spend time daily with Jesus? Then publically, how do you treat Sunday morning worship services? Are you bored or thrilled?!~! Where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Revelation 4 DEVO: The Throne in Heaven

Chapter 4:
A few years back I attempted to draw (I have artistic deficiency) this chapter on a sheet of paper. I know, crazy exercise, but it helped me to try to get an idea of what John was seeing. Just as John’s first vision ends, he is summoned for a second one “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” Remember our structure: chapter one = “what was”, chapters 2-3 = “what is” and the rest of Revelation is “what is to come.” Not maybe, but fixed and certain, these things literally “must” happen.
“Throne” is used 37 times in Revelation (13 in this chapter). That’s because it represents authority & rule and when we talk about God we are talking about the one who is in control and ruling! John is attempting to describe the indescribable God. So, if you don’t totally get it, join the club!
God the Father’s appearance is awesome! (Check out Ezekiel 1 too). And so is His throne room! So you’ve got God on His throne, and it’s surrounded by four creatures that you won’t find at your local zoo! In front of them are 7 blazing lampstands and some kind of amazing looking sea encompassed by some kind of round rainbow. Around all of these are 24 “elders” (men or angels I’m not sure) who are in white, each have thrones and are repeatedly laying down their crowns, bowing down and telling God He is worthy! And all of this with quite the pyro-tech show of lightning & thunder. Pretty clear huh?!~! Oh, and God the Father is holding a scroll – oops = next chapter!
SO WHAT?!
*The picture of God on His throne brings numerous applications:
1 - God is in Control: As much as you & I like to be control freaks, it’s only perceived control. Only God is truly in control. “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
2 - The throne represents judgment. In the remainder of this book we will read of God’s judgment on those who reject Him. For now, we live in an age of grace where God is offering opportunity for all to believe, but this time period will end. So - Don’t be that guy! Put your trust in Jesus today.
*3 – A response of reverence is given by everyone. Many today blow off and mock the things of God. Some day that will all change. Every knee WILL bow and every tongue WILL confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Let’s make Jesus known so people can confess Him now & receive eternal life, instead of judgment when it’s too late.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Revelation 3 DEVO: Complacency, Deliverance & Luke-Warmness

Chapter 3:
John continues in this chapter to bring Jesus message to the remaining three of the seven churches.
SARDIS: Complacency – This was a church that had grown careless and indifferent to spiritual things, they had gotten “comfortable” in their spiritual lives. “You have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” You can’t live off of past spirituality! There is no neutral in the Christian life. It’s an uphill road and if we put our life in neutral we will actually backslide. The cure? “Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die.....Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent.” Yet, not all those in Sardis had fallen like this.
PHILADELPHIA: Promised Deliverance – Jesus said of the faithful in this church, “you have kept my word and have not denied my name….. you have kept my command to endure patiently.” Wow – wouldn’t we love to hear this from Jesus about us!~ As a result, Jesus promises them “an open door, that their enemies will bow down to them and that He will deliver them from the hour of trial.” Hang in there Philadelphia!
LAODICEA: Luke-Warmness – Jesus’ most scathing rebukes is given to this church. They were not commended for anything – yikes! These people, by their own self-evaluation were rich and didn’t need anyone’s help. They “had it all.” But God’s evaluation was quite different, “You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” Not that they didn’t have lots of “rich” stuff, but Jesus was addressing their spiritual condition! Rich in resources is not equivalent to rich in heart. These people were not on fire for God, and yet, they had enough good looking deeds to not be considered cold – they were lukewarm. Ever drank lukewarm water? Disgusting! And that is what God thinks of people like this, “I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” The cure? “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Jesus is waiting for us to come to him in humility and repentance!
SO WHAT?!
*Have you watched God doing amazing things through you and to you? I hope so! The danger is if we live on that experience and never see God do anything more. I once heard it said, “If you’re not as close to God today as you were yesterday, guess who moved?” It’s stuck with me. God’s work in lives is always meant to be fresh. Let’s not be complacent & stick close to God each day so we can experience & share His fresh work.
*What are you facing that is tough and overwhelming? Go to god during those times, keep His word and don’t become bitter. If you do, then be assured that God will deliver you!
*How’s you walk with Jesus? Hot? Cold? Or puke-warm?!~ We get one chance to live this life for Him – let’s not be lame!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Revelation 2 DEVO: Lost Love, Suffering, Compromise & Tolerance

Chapter 2:
In the next two chapters Jesus gives John the “What IS” section of this book, specifically, the current state of the churches mentioned. Jesus is dictating a letter to each of these 7 churches and the structure is the same:
- It’s always written to “the angel” or messenger of that church. Probably the one who delivered the message.
- Next we get who it’s from, which is always a different description of Jesus. And it always with this phrase, “I know.” There is nothing we can hide from Jesus!
- Then, in 6 of the 7, we are given what Jesus commends that church for.
- Followed by what Jesus rebukes that church for – 2 of the 7 received no rebuke.
- Then each church is commanded to change in some way so to better represent Him.
- And finally, each church is give a promise of some sort – “to him who overcomes.”
Ok – so let’s look at the first four churches:
EPHESUS – Lost Love: The description of Jesus here tells us that He is in control, He’s actively checking out churches & determining how their “light” or life is. Ephesus receives a pretty good beginning evaluation: hard working, perseverance, don’t put up with wicked men, tested peeps, endured hardships and hadn’t given up! But they had “forsaken the love they had at first.” It’s easy to start doing ministry out of love for Jesus and after a while to lose that devotion and enthusiasm and let it become routine & repetitious! The cure? “Repent and do the things you did at first.” If not, I’ll remove your lampstand – Yikes! Jesus will take away the light & testimony for Him of any church that will not repent!
SMYRNA – Suffering: Jesus is described as “The First and the Last”, pointing to His control, which is comforting if you’re suffering like Smyrna was. As poor as Smyrna was (financially & materially) Jesus said they were RICH! They had Jesus and He knew the suffering they were going through and were yet to go through for Him. No rebuke here, just comfort from the Lord: “Do not be afraid” and “Be faithful.” If you do = LIFE, victor’s crown, = you win!
PERGAMUM – Compromise: Jesus is described as “the sharp, double-edged sword” (see Heb 4:12-13), the idea being to divide truth from error. This was a church that had remained true to Jesus in both a difficult area and through difficult circumstances. But Jesus says they have compromised. They’ve let false teaching in their church. The cure? “Repent therefore!” – Or face judgment from Jesus.
THYATIRA – Tolerance: Another good beginning evaluation as they are commended for their love, faith, service, perseverance and doing more than when they began – ministry was booming! Yet Jesus rebukes them because they are “tolerating that woman Jezebel.” Somehow there were some who had rationalized her behavior and were permitting it in the church. She won’t repent of her sexual immorality so Jesus gives her a punishment that fits her crime.
SO WHAT?!
*”Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says…” – The idea is we are to listen up! God is serious about His Church and wants it to be a light that helps people see Him. And if His church (you & I) is not, look out!
*Has your fire for Jesus dwindled to a smolder? Are you just going through the motions and “doing church”? In the words of the song, have you “lost that loving feeling?” If so, God’s arms are open wide for you to run to Him, love & be loved again! Don’t put it off, MAKE time today and lets pray like David in Psalm 51 “Restore me to the joy of my salvation!”
*What are you going through right now for the sake of Christ? Maybe you’ve lost friends because of your stand. Maybe your being made fun of at school. It can cost you grades, your job, reputations, friendships, etc… but know it is worth it! Jesus said, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.”
*Finally, is there sin that you are allowing or rationalizing in your own life, your ministry or your church? Addressing sin today isn’t looked upon as kind but it’s Biblical and it is needed, because it affects the whole. The great news is that if we confess it to God & turn from it, He can transform us and make us the kind of reps He wants us to be for Him! Lord forgive me for the issues I have not addressed and need to. Help me to turn from my wrong ways as well as lovingly address the issues I am aware of that I’ve put off!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Revelation 1 DEVO: What WAS, What IS, What IS TO COME

Introduction:
We live in a culture that is fascinated with the future: horoscopes, palm readers, the occult, psychic hotlines (they knew you’d call), etc… The future fascinates us because we’re all a bit intrigued with what lies ahead. If only there were a book that would tell us what that is!~ Well, God gave us one – the Bible – and within that book, the sub-book called Revelation. The word translates “Apocalypse” which means “to uncover or unveil.” Revelation doesn’t hide the truth but reveals it! It is John’s last writing and God is revealing to him what WILL literally (no figuratively) happen in the future. He wrote it in approximately 92-94 AD while exiled on the island of Patmos and was written to the 7 churches in Asia (and all believers). It has a very clear structure seen in vs. 19 that is repeated throughout (1:4, 1:8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5):
What Was: “what you have seen” = The vision John had just seen (Ch 1)
What Is: “what is now” = the letters to the churches (Ch 2-3)
What Is To Come: “what will take place later” (Ch 4-22)
It’s a book chucked full of prophecy. 278 of the 404 verses (yeah, too much free time) allude to OT prophecies! It’s a book of praise – There are tons of hymns & songs written from these chapters.
It’s also a book of both hope (for the believer) and warning (for unbelievers). And although many of the very specific details are unknown, what God intends to have occur at the end of time is clear. So – wanna’ know how this life on earth thing ends? Do you want the ultimate action thriller? Then read Revelation with me because, “blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”

Chapter 1:
“The revelation from Jesus Christ” – God is revealing to John what will occur at Jesus’ second coming (His first coming was “Christmas” when He became a man). This book reveals Jesus – “who is, who was and who is to come.” Another reference to Jesus being God because these words can only be true of “the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
So, we pick up the story as John is out chillin’ in the Spirit and hears “a loud voice like a trumpet” that tells him to “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches.” John turns around to see who is speaking to him and attempts describe the indescribable Lord – nice try! And, like all in the Bible who come into the very presence of God, John falls face down in fear! The immense holiness and awesomeness of God will always cause unholiness to shudder. Jesus taps him, says it’s ok (whew) and identifies Himself: “I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!” This is Jesus! And He is in charge of eternity for every soul!
Jesus tells John to grab a pen & paper (ok, maybe ink & papyrus) and write down what He’s gonna’ tell him, “what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.” So John played secretary to Jesus and wrote Revelation – the very words of God! How Awesome is that!!!
SO WHAT?!
*The Gospels reveal Jesus’ first coming as one of humiliation, offering grace. Revelation reveals Jesus second coming as one of exaltation, judgment to those who don’t believe. The urgency for our friends to believe has never been so high. Christmas time is an easy time to turn conversations to Jesus. Lord give us opportunities TODAY to share your love!
*So, are you ready for some wild, end-of-all-things stuff?! You are if you know Jesus as your Savior! You’re not ready yet if you haven’t trusted in Christ – but why not today? If you do, I guarantee you will be blessed (vs 3). Don’t put it off, the end is nea…….

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

3 John DEVO: No Greater Joy!

3 John:
Encouragement – there is no greater motivator of people! You and I love to receive it and love to see it! In this short letter, John dishes it out to Gaius!
Next to 2 John, this is the next smallest letter in the Bible. Addressed to Gaius, it is about the walking in truth, the need for showing hospitality to traveling preachers & believers and to warn against church “dictators.”
John first commends Gaius’ character: “It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
Imagine how you’d feel if next Sunday your pastor said these things about you!~ John was majorly encouraging Gaius!
He goes on to commend his conduct: “Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love…….It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.” Gaius was being hospitable to fellow believers he didn’t even know.
Then, there was Diotrephes. His conduct showed he was selfish (“loves to be first”), slanderous (”spreading malicious nonsense about us”) and controlling (”he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.”) John’s advice: “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good.” In other words – don’t be that guy!
SO WHAT?!
*There truly is no greater joy than to know my children are walking in the truth! Grades, sports and activities aside, to know that Drew & Jessica know Jesus and want to make Him known, that ROCKS MY WORLD! And for the honor to have spiritual “kids” all over the world who have been in our student ministry and are now pastors, youth workers, soldiers, missionaries, doctors, musicians, moms, etc… and still know Jesus and are making Him known – that too Rocks! You Go God!
*Hospitality can be messy. Rooms get dirty, things get broken, laundry machines wear out and there is constant cooking & cleaning. But God wants us to open up the homes He gave us for Him! Over the years, the Freunds have had many items broken, numerous dents, carpet stains, holes in walls, etc… that tell stories of the students who made them. Now I’m not saying they were all enjoyable at the time - Jean has put up with and cleaned up A LOT! But how boring would it be after 10 years to say “wow, hasn’t this carpet held up well” because nobody’s been there! Forget that, lets wear out our homes because we’ve constantly opened them up to minister for Jesus! And by the way, if you do, those people will keep coming by later in life as well because they know you love and care for them and it may lead them to Jesus!~ So, be hospitable, be messy for Jesus!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

2 John DEVO: Hospitality Abuse

2 John:
This second letter from John also deals with false teachers and the dangerous influence they can have on believers. It is the shortest writing in all of the Bible – only 13 verses. It is written to emphasize Christ, Truth & Love as well. It is addressed to “the chosen lady and her children” – most likely a good friend of John in ministry.
John begins by emphasizing that we live lovingly and truthfully. To show love without truth is not helpful and to show truth without love is not kind. Balance is needed. Why? “…because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.” You and I must be wise as serpents and harmless as doves or we can hinder the work of Jesus: “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.” This “chosen lady” may have, in trying to be loving, let false teachers stay with her resulting in damage to God’s work.
SO WHAT?!
*When you talk to people about Jesus, which is easier for you to share – Jesus’ love or Jesus’ truth? We must remember both, but if I’m gonna’ err on one it’s gonna’ be overemphasizing His LOVE! This letter warning could easily have been written to me. I do hope that when false teaching occurs that we will speak up. I’ve learned that to say nothing is to approve of what was just said!
*The only way to detect false teaching is to know the Truth. How much time are you & I spending in God’s Truth, the Bible? If we are to combat a world of deception, we must be filling our hearts & minds with what God says. Are you?
*How’s your hospitality? It means “lover of strangers.” Are you involved in loving strangers? That TRULY IS what God did with us!

Monday, November 29, 2010

1 John 5 DEVO: THE Relationship That Brings Assurance

Chapter 5:
What is the strongest thing you possess? Brains? Braun? Personality? Your truck? (hehe…) John says in this chapter that it is our FAITH!
John again stresses that love for God = carrying out His commandments – AND they’re not burdensome. I need to hear this because often I feel the heavy burden of ministry (Paul did too 1 Corinthians 11:28). But somehow it need not be my burden, but I am to “cast my cares on Him.” (1 Peter 5:7).
Then John begins a bit of courtroom talk as he uses the word testimony & testify 8 times in 6 verses. God’s testimony (the Bible) is true and is verified by multiple witnesses. Verses 11-13 were some of the first verses I memorized as a new believer and they have stuck in my heart! “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” These verses ROCK! Basically if you’ve got Jesus, you’ve got life, if ya’ don’t, ya’ don’t! And for us who do have Jesus it gets even better:
1) We can KNOW we have eternal life!
2) We can receive anything from God that He wants us to have!
“Jesus Christ – He is the true God and eternal life!”
SO WHAT?!
*How’s your faith? We don’t need big faith in a small god, but rather small faith in our BIG God! Never forget it!
*What “burdens” are you carrying right now that you need to give to Jesus? Take some time right now and pray them over to Him – you’ll be glad you did, He’s big enough to handle them!
*Are you 100% sure that if you died tonite that you’d go to heaven? I’m not talking 99%, I mean 100%. You can be! And it’s not based on how you feel or what kind of a day you had. It’s also not arrogance. It’s based in what God says in 5:13 and it’s TRUE! There is nothing that gives me more peace than to know my eternity is secure NO MATTER WHAT! Believers in Jesus totally have “Hakuna Matata” = No Worries! Ohhhhh yeah!!!!

Friday, November 26, 2010

1 John 4 DEVO: Relationship With The World, God & Others – Part 2

Chapter 4:
Relationships require trust and vulnerability. We are always at risk whenever we put our trust in another, therefore we are to exercise wisdom in relationships as well. That is what John is getting at when he says “do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” False teachers attempt to lead truth seekers astray. Bad company can corrupt good morals and a companion of fools will suffer harm. So we are reminded that “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” God has made us overcomers because of Jesus in us – let’s never forget that we can choose to follow Jesus and not others!
Relationships also require love – and because we’re all sinners, they require the unconditional, sacrificial love of God: “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him………that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” And what should our response to that kind of love be? “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” We are to demonstrate love for others in the same way!
John finishes this chapter with one of his constant themes – LOVE! He uses this term interchangeably with God Himself. “God is Love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” And as this occurs, we will love others. “Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”
SO WHAT?!
*May sound like a broken record, but do you and I LOVE God and LOVE others? Can we “prove” it by the way we live?
*How could you “lay your life down” for a Christian friend this next week?

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

1 John 3 DEVO: Relationship With God & Others – Part 2

Chapter 3:
The intimate relationship a believer has with God is founded on love. “We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) This love God has for us is amazing and is described in the first two verses of this chapter. The best word is “lavished.” It means to expend in great amount without limit! WOW – that is totally what God did and does! And what is our response to God’s love? To intentionally live sinful lives? May it never be, “All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. No one who lies in Him keeps on sinning.” Throughout the Bible, a true relationship with our Creator develops into a transformed life.
Then, when we are transformed by God’s love for us, we love our brothers & sisters (11-15). And it means a sacrificial love: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” We can’t say we love people if we see their needs, have the ability to help them, but don’t! “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
John finishes this chapter with words that sound familiar to the vine & the branches in John 15: “The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.”
SO WHAT?!
*Today (& every day) is a great day to give thanks. Let’s take some time today and write down some of the ways God has “lavished” His love on us. Then take that list and spend some time in prayer thanking Him! See mine here
*Jesus laid down His life for you and me. There is no way we could ever repay Him. But we can LIVE the rest of our days as a big THANK YOU LETTER back to Him. Let’s go for it!
*Who do you know in need that you can you show your love to in actions and in giving?

Give THANKS!

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” In Thursday’s DEVO I challenged all of my readers to make a list of all the things that God has lovingly “lavished” on them. So here’s my list of some things I am grateful for:

• My salvation in Jesus
• My Bible & God’s promises in it
• My wife/girlfriend Jean (details here)
• My son Drew
• My daughter Jessica
• Good health
• My job at Redeemer
• My military friends & all US military
• Friends
• Family
• Students
• The 10 Students who have trusted in Christ since July!
• Pastor Mitch
• The Katy Area Youth Ministries Network Gang
• The SYM Inside Track Team
• Katy Pastors
• Our missionaries
• D&J”s teachers
• Neighbors
• Laughter
• Food to eat
• Clothes to wear
• Our home
• Trials
• Music
• JJ (my truck)
• Jean’s Rav 4
• Games & Sports
• Our country
• The Katy community
• KISD

1 John 2 DEVO: Relationship with God, Others & the World

Chapter 2:
Sin is a horrible thing. It tears apart & destroys relationships. Yet, as terrible as sin is, how much greater is God’s grace! “But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” Thank you Jesus!
God – What shows that we have a relationship with God? “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.” Pretty clear huh?!~
Others – What shows that we have a correct relationship with our fellow brothers & sisters in Christ? “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.” Again, pretty clear huh?!~
The World – What is our relationship to be with the world we live in – it’s system & attractiveness? “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.” One more time, pretty clear huh?!~ John goes on to tell us that our desires for the things of this world - “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” – aren’t from God.
The chapter ends with a warning against false teachers who disguise themselves as believers - what I call “make-believers.” These people look, talk & act like believers, but eventually they will deny Jesus, be liars, lead people away from God and themselves ditch God. Beware & Be Strong: “And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.”
SO WHAT?!
*Do you & I keep God’s commands? No – not fully. But would our lifestyle show we are living to please Him? If you aren’t sure, ask a close friend. But pray first, that we will accept their answer!
*How are you actively showing love to your brothers & sisters in Christ? Do you pray for them, show compassion, serve them, share their burdens, sacrifice for them? It’s never too late to start!
*Take a look at your checkbook, credit card statement and your weekly schedule. What do these things show that you love? Jesus told us “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also!” Is it time to reset priorities?
*Finally, all over the Bible we get the message that we are not to play games with God. So let’s all do each other a favor and not be “make-believers.” Let’s be “all in” for Jesus!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

1 John 1 DEVO: Relationship with God & Others

Introduction:
The book of 1 John is a book on Relationships: Relationship with God, Relationship with the World, and Relationship with Others. It was written by the apostle John in approximately 90 AD to believers in Ephesus to address false teachings. It is very practical as well as very black & white. Some of the repeated words/phrases and how often they are used are: Love (35), Know (33), World (22), Jesus/Christ/Son (37), Dear children/friends (15), brothers (15), Life (14), Sin (14).
John writes to reassure believers in their faith and to teach them to discern truth from error, both in doctrine and lifestyle by presenting a clear picture of Jesus Christ!

Chapter 1:
Fellowship is an amazing thing. It’s not the same as socializing, but has the idea of sharing in the joys of Jesus with other believers. To do so, you must have Jesus in your life. In the first three verses, John explains how (through our senses) this “Word of Life” is revealed in Jesus (1), experienced by those who trust in Christ (2), is shared by those who know Christ (3) and brings joy (4).
And what is this message? “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” Then he addresses three false claims that were causing problems:
1st Claim (6): “If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.” – Translate: “The way I live doesn’t affect my relationship with God.” Truth is, it DOES affect us. Remedy = “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
2nd Claim (8): “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” Translate: “Deep down I’m not that bad.” Yes you are and so am I! And if Jesus is the truth (Jn 14:6), then Jesus is not in us, and we are not believers! Remedy = “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
3rd Claim (10): “If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.” Translate: “If I’m not a sinner then God’s a liar – take your pick.” Ummmm…..I’m gonna’ go with God on this one!
SO WHAT?!
*How does knowing that Jesus is “The Word of Life” impact you? How does denying Christ impact our relationship with others?
*To confess” our sins means to “agree” with how God sees them. How often do you spend time confessing your sin? Lord, help us to make confession as regular of a practice as we make sin! Help us to keep accounts with you short!
*Does JOY describe your relationship with Jesus? If not, what does? How does our intimacy with Jesus (or lack of it) affect our relationship with fellow believers? Lord help us to get right with You regularly so we can be right with others!

Monday, November 22, 2010

John 21 DEVO: Resurrection Life & Restoration Life

Chapter 21:
Talk about going from ultimate high to ultimate low. Jesus has been resurrected, they got to see Him and he gave them their calling “As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you…” (20:21). And what do they do? They look at each other and go back to what they know “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” Jesus was not with them and they went back to what was comfortable and familiar. The worst place to be in life is outside of God’s will. Maybe that’s why these experienced fisherman didn’t catch anything all night.!?~
Jesus had something bigger for them – so he shows up and asks “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” They don’t recognize it’s Jesus (go figure), but frustrated tell Him “no” and then go with His suggestion and suddenly have the biggest catch of fish ever! Yeah, this will make you recognize it’s Jesus!
So they meet on the beach and have what I call “The Last Breakfast.” The had caught 153 large fish and ate together with Jesus. Totally cool that God records the number of fish they caught. Maybe it’s because He wants them to understand that He came to make them “fishers of men” and that every “fish” is significant to God!~ This is truly resurrection living. Jesus is wanting them to see that His calling on someone’s life goes far beyond their occupation!
The book of John concludes with an incredible scene of restoration. Peter denied knowing Jesus three times and once he realized it he was devastated. If Peter was at all like you and me, he probably felt continual guilt about it. And because Jesus offers true forgiveness, even of the guilt of our sin, He takes time to love & restore Peter. Three times Jesus asks Peter “Do you love me?” – correlating, I believe, to the three times he denied His Lord. To no one else does Jesus tell to take care of His little ones. What a great honor for Peter!
Now – ya’ gotta love what happens next! Jesus then predicts the kind of death Peter will die, so Peter looks around, sees John and says “Lord, what about him?” HA – I’d have probably asked the same thing! Jesus basically says He’s in charge of how John goes – you just live for Me!
The Gospel of John, which has had 20:31 as it’s theme, now concludes with this: “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”
SO WHAT?!
*What is your current occupation? Full-time student? Engineer? Accountant? Coder? Regardless of your occupation in life, if you are a believer, your higher calling is to Know Jesus & Make Him Known! Occupation is natural living. Representing Jesus is the abundant, supernatural, resurrection life that God calls all those who are His! Let’s live it!
*A while back, our church had a guest preacher who challenged us one Sunday to write down the names of people we wanted to see come to Christ and to pray for them. I was in charge of gathering those names and making prayer lists of them. I counted them twice to make sure but guess how many we had? Yep – 153 “fish” whom we committed to pray for! Numbers DO matter to God!

Friday, November 19, 2010

John 20 DEVO: Jesus is ALIVE!!!

Chapter 20:
As painful as reading the last chapter was, it pales in comparison to the WHOOHOO of this chapter! What separates Christianity from all other beliefs? The Empty Tomb! Our Leader is ALIVE! My good friend Greg Stier puts it this way: “You can visit the graves of every founder of every other religion, and unless someone dug them up and sold them on E-Bay, they should still be there. Jesus’ grave was a three-day rental, and it has been empty for nearly 2000 years.”
What a great scene – The ladies head to the tomb, see the stone rolled away and go tell Peter & John. They run to the tomb. John, apparently in better shape than Peter, gets there first but doesn’t go in until after Peter, but when he does he sees & believes! Then they just leave?!~ But Mary sticks around (just like a mom) and is greeted by two angels AND Jesus (whom she doesn’t recognize – God only knows why). So Mary gets the honor of seeing Him alive first – coolz!
Later, Jesus “drops in” on His disciples. (Apparently, resurrected bodies can go through walls as the scared disciples were locked in their house.) The first thing he says is “Peace” – Yeah – they’re freaking out! They are overjoyed to see him and go to tell Thomas who was not there. He is a bit skeptical until he sees the nail driven hands and pierced side of Jesus and says “My Lord and my God! Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” – This is AWESOME stuff!
Then we come to our theme verse that I have referred to over and over again in these Devos: “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” – DOUBLE AWESOME!
SO WHAT?!
*As a follower of Christ, my entire faith depends on the resurrection! If Jesus is still dead, then I’m still stuck in my sin and headed to hell! But 1 Corinthians 15 is clear – Jesus DID rise from the dead, was here for 40 days and MANY saw Him alive after He was dead! Believe it! Jesus is ALIVE and all the “other guys” who led belief systems are not.
*The disciples literally saw Jesus alive and believed. But isn’t it cool to know that when you & I, who don’t literally see Jesus, believe, we are called blessed (29).
*Ready for a challenge? Why not give out a “Gospel of John” booklet to your friends this holiday season? I just ordered #50 of them from CBD for people to give out. If this book is written so that people can believe in Jesus and have eternal life, then what greater gift could we give them?!~

Thursday, November 18, 2010

John 19 DEVO: Crucifixion, Death & Burial of Jesus

Chapter 19:
This is a painful chapter to read regarding the suffering that Jesus endured along with His crucifixion. Jesus was stripped, tied to a post & beaten with whips made of leather straps & shards of metal & glass that would rip the skin and expose muscles, veins & bones. The mocked Him with words, slaps & a crown of thorns. Horrific! Apparently, Pilate had Jesus flogged in an attempt to draw sympathy & have Jesus released. Didn’t work: “As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!”
Ticked at Jesus’ silence through it all, Pilate says, “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.”
Pilate then turned Him over to be crucified. They made Him – in His shredded condition – carry His own cross, the very one He would die on, up a hill. TONS of scriptures are fulfilled, some of which are: Isaiah 53:3-6, Psalm 22:18, Zechariah 12:10, Psalm 34:20.
Jesus tells John to take care of his mom (27) and he did. Finally, “Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” The chapter ends with “At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.”
SO WHAT?!
*Lets all take a few minutes today to get away, read this chapter again, and thank our Lord.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

John 18 DEVO: Betrayal, Arrest, Abandonment & Trial

Chapter 18:
Because of our purpose in 20:31, John produces evidence to substantiate that Jesus IS the Christ. All the shame and the scorn aimed at Him confirmed, rather than disproved, Jesus & His mission – “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (1:29).
First came the betrayal & arrest. Judas leads a large group of soldiers (probably 500+) and religious leaders to arrest Jesus. This group was ready for problems with Jesus & His followers. But Jesus made it clear (when Peter cut off the the dude’s ear) that he wanted no problems when he told Peter “Put your sword away!” And frankly, I think Peter was going for the head and the dude ducked! Peter was not a surgeon!
Next to having a friend turn on you is having another friend abandon & deny you – and multiple times. It’s not as if Jesus was not feeling lonely enough going thru this trial stuff, then to have His closest buddy deny knowing Him – ouch! “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” They asked Peter. He denied it, saying, “I am not.” It also must have devastated Peter to hear that cock crow and realize what he had just done!
Amidst all of this Jesus is being put on trial. Over & over again they find no fault in Him (duh). He finally gets to Pilate and at one point Jesus tells him, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” Then Pilate asks a question that ALL PEOPLE must answer: “What is Truth?” (John 14:6!)
SO WHAT?!
*Ever been betrayed by a friend? Then you know the hurt. Ever been the betrayer? Trust is broken, pain is inflicted and major relational damage is caused. Sometimes, in the case of Judas, the damage is eternal. I pray if you know of anyone you’ve done this to that TODAY you would go make it right – as best as you can.
*Don’t give up on friends when they hurt you. What if Jesus had given up on Peter? A big chunk of our new testament would be missing! Peter became one of the biggest leaders in the early church for Jesus!
*How do you determine truth? Believing in something doesn’t make it true – you can believe gravity doesn’t exist, but dive off the roof of your home and you’ll find out pretty quick it does! Then what makes things true? Truth! And you have to discover it if you want eternal life! Lord, make us truth seekers!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

John 17 DEVO: The Lord’s Prayers

Chapter 17:
Matthew 6 & Luke 11 are called “The Lord’s Prayer” – a pattern Jesus gave us of how to pray. Here we have The Lord’s Prayers. In most of the Bible we don’t get a whole lot of the content of Jesus’ prayers to his Father but in this chapter we do. We get to see some pretty intimate conversation between Jesus & His Dad! Basically, Jesus prays for Himself, His disciples and finally, you & I!
In praying for Himself, Jesus has His Father’s purpose in mind, “Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you…... I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” Jesus always prayed for not His will but His Father’s.
Then He prays for His disciples, “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.” Whoah – how totally encouraging for the disciples to hear this! And he asks His Father to protect them! The disciples would remain here and would face tough stuff – so He asks to be their refuge & strength, always there in time of need. I’ll take prayers like this anytime!
Finally, Jesus prays for “those who will believe in Me through their message” – that’s you & me! He prays that we be unified and united with Him. Why? “I want those you have given me to be with me where I am.” God soooo wants us to be with Him in Heaven someday! And Great News – He provided that way through Jesus!
SO WHAT?!
*Prayer can be a great revealer of our heart. What we pray for, how we pray and the time we give it. So, how’s your prayer life? God wants to have intimate conversations with us – and here’s the cool part – ANY TIME! The more we pray, the more we show our dependency on God. Let’s depend on Him often & always.
*How cool is it that Jesus prays for us and wants to spend eternity with you & me!~ Take some time today to thank Him.