"Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer." -- Revlation 2:10

Early Christians in the time of Revelation were struggling with the fearful prospect of suffering and dying because of their faith.  The split with Judaism was happening and Christians were having to identify themselves radically apart.  Because of the persecution they were experiencing by the Roman government, those who were Christian were so at their own peril.  John is answering a question that is being posed in regard to the requirement of bowing to the emperor as if he were a god.  Some wished to be secret followers of Jesus and bow before the emperor with their "fingers crossed", so to speak, but this was not acceptable.  If it meant dying for your faith, so be it.  There was only one God, and Caesar it wasn't.  So Revelation is a letter of hope to 7 churches in Asia, indicating that they would suffer, but in the end, God wins.  Most of us aren't pressured to go underground in our faith, but how would you respond to the question John is addressing?  Can we or should we ever be "secret" Christians?

Readings:  Amos 1:1-3:15; Revelation 2:1-17; Psalm 129:1-8; Proverbs 29:19-20

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." -- Revelation 1:8

Today, we begin the reading of Revelation.  It's one of the most confusing, yet at the same time most intriguing books of the Bible.  It begins with a vision revealed to John, who is exiled on the Isle of Patmos.  And the Lord introduces himself as being the Alpha & Omega: the beginning and the end.  We are gifted the opportunity to experience a slice of life somewhere in the middle.  It's good to remember, as it can help us to keep perspective.

Found this on YouTube.  Some rough images... PG13.

Readings:  Joel 1:1-3:21; Revelation 1:1-20; Psalm 128:1-6; Proverbs 29:18

"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain." -- Psalm 127:1

This psalm speaks to the importance of having alignment in your life.  When your vision gels with God's vision for it, you will find purpose and meaning.  When you ask God to lead you in your life, and trust him as you walk through it, you will flourish in it.  Regardless of circumstances, regardless of obstacles, and regardless of all the ups and downs along the way... because your direction is right, you will be right.

Readings:  Hosea 10:1-14:9; Jude 1:1-25; Psalm 127:1-5; Proverbs 29:15-17

"Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy." -- Psalm 126:4-5

This prayer is one of trust and hope.  Sometimes, when things seem hopeless, we have a tendency to give in, give up, and despair about what is or what is to come.  But the people of God do not live in hopelessness, for their faith is one of hope.  So when darkness envelops you, look beyond the clouds to the light that they block.  The clouds may come, and even stay awhile, but by their nature, they are temporary vapor merely concealing that which is behind them and unchanging.

Readings:  Hosea 6:1-9:17; 3 John 1:1-14; Psalm 126:1-6; Proverbs 29:12-14

"A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control." -- Proverbs 29:11

Have you ever done anything you wished you could take back?  Ever said anything that couldn't then be unsaid?  Oh to get those moments back when we hurt someone we cared about and change the course of our relationships and even our lives... regret.  How often, when this has happened to you has it been in moments of passion and anger... just letting your unfiltered self let loose without concern or even awareness of the consequences of such actions?  Dwell on this text and learn from it.  Next time you're about to speak in anger or in a hurtful way, pray to God for self-control.  It is the way of wisdom.

Readings:  Hosea 4:1-5:15; 2 John 1:1-13; Psalm 125:1-5; Proverbs 29:9-11

"An evil man is snared by his own sin, but a righteous one can sing and be glad." -- Proverbs 29:6

Sin (when we stumble, mess up, wrong another, hurt ourselves, etc.) is a reality of life.  Sin is part of our nature, because we are not perfect.  Sin is that which destroys the world.  Some people aren't aware of this fact, and sin with abandon, not realizing the damage they're doing. Others are hyper-aware of it, and dwell on their sins and the sins of everybody else... to the point that becomes sin itself.  If you've ever been caught in a lie, you can probably relate to this proverb.  Our motivation to not sin should not be based on the fear of God's wrath, but rather on the consequences of our sins.  I believe that God desires us to flee from sin, not because it might hurt God, but because it hurts us, his created children.  That's the way God loves us, and it's why he's shown us the way through Jesus Christ.  So go... and sin no more.

Readings:  Hosea 1:1-3:5; 1 John 5:1-21; Psalm 124:1-8; Proverbs 29:5-8

"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." -- 1 John 4:8

In my opinion, this is one of the most important verses in all of Scripture.  It is here that we come to understand who and what God is.  God is love.  I'm occasionally asked about the fate of non-believers.  And  whenever asked about afterlife matters, my answer is consistently, "I don't know."  I am not God, and anyone who claims to know is suffering an identity crisis.  They must be confusing themselves with God, for only God knows what comes after we die.  But here is what I believe:  God is love.  If you love, God is in you.  Maybe you are an atheist and you claim that there is no God.  My question to you would be to please define what you mean by "God".  If you and I are having a conversation, and I mention "God", it is this one revealed to us in 1 John: God is love.  So if you tell me you don't believe in God, and yet you love... then I would say you do believe in God, but you just don't know it.  For if you love, then God is working through you to reveal himself to those you love.  But if you don't love and don't even have the capacity to love, then I might believe you... but I'd love you anyway.

Readings:  Daniel 11:36-12:13; 1 John 4:1-21; Psalm 123:1-4; Proverbs 29:2-4