Faithful on Fridays Blog

Climb Every Mountain was sung by the Reverend Mother to her novitiate Maria in the Sound of Music. We’ve also climbed numerous mountains in this study, ascending and descending, only to approach yet another one. Keep in mind there’s repetition of events from various perspectives in this book as we view Satan’s final days once again.

An authorized angel was given the key to the burning pit and a chain to render God’s opponent powerless as he’s taken into custody, so to speak. John saw this event and reminded us of his character using four names: the dragon, a raging destroyer, the deceptive serpent from Gen. 3, the devil or accuser, and Satan, God’s adversary. That imprisonment will last a long time (symbolic 1,000 years) and then he’ll be released for a short duration. During that same time-period believers who have died standing in His victory will experience reigning as kings and serving as priests in the heavenly sphere. We won’t be floating around purposeless after death but will have royal responsibilities. I stand with Augustine, Luther, and Calvin believing that long period of time (called the Millennial Reign) is the church age we’ve been experiencing for over 2,000 years waiting for His Return. 

I hope you’ve learned in this study that Jesus obtained victory with His death and resurrection, consequently delegating His power over Satan to us. Remember, he only has power over us when we relinquish it to him. John repeated these truths in his letter to the Church: 

You have overcome the evil one (1 John 2:13-14), greater is He who’s in you than he who’s in the world (1 John 4:4), everyone born of God overcomes the world  and this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith (1 John 5:4). Who overcomes the world? Believers in Jesus Christ (1 John 5:5). His point is well-taken: we are a NIKE CHURCH, not only in the future but right now.

Yes, Satan will be released for a short duration and, as we’ve discussed previously, there’s a battle that Satan loses (possibly Armageddon and Gog/Magog). The unholy trinity is cast into the lake of fire for eternity only to experience the fruit of their rebellion against God. Seated on the Great White Throne is the Judge and books were opened: specifically the Book of Life. Since believers do not experience this judgment the symbolic books will reveal what people did with the gospel of Jesus. Death and Hades are cleared out and all that remains is God’s culmination for eternity: His Son and His Bride.

To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. … The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death. The one who conquers and who keeps My works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations. Revelation 2:7b, 11b, 26 

We’ll climb higher next week.

Seeking God

Did you ever wake up early in the morning, it’s still dark out, and your mind won’t shut down? Your thoughts just won’t quit and there’s no use trying to get back to sleep: you’re awake.

That’s the essence of seeking God. The Hebrew word actually means dark, just before dawn. It’s that time of day when you may want to roll over and attempt a few more minutes of sleep but to no avail; you might as well get up. Seeking God comes from an intense desire to know Him better. You come to that place in a situation when you don’t know what to do; you’re unsure and confused or maybe just sensing that magnetic draw of the Holy Spirit wooing you into those special moments with Him. For whatever reason, capture those moments with God. Make them purposeful because seeking God is serious and also beneficial. Those thoughts that wouldn’t quit and kept you awake, make them work for you instead of against you. You really won’t miss those 15 extra minutes of sleep but you may miss God for the day; go to that quiet place and talk to Him about it. That’s seeking God.

The word ‘seeker‘ is used often today, especially in contemporary churches. It seems to have taken on a negative quality, seeming to be immature in God. The truth is that we all should be seekers. Christians should experience an intense desire to know Jesus and His will for our lives. It’s a passionate, determined, and weighty matter to seek God but it has rewards. 

… you will seek the Lord your God and you will find Him, if you search after Him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 4:29 

… for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you … 1 Chronicles 28:9b 

For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:8 

… for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6b 

Do you see the common thread in those verses? They are promises. When we’re willing to give up our most valued commodity, time, and seek Him, we’re promised by the Creator of the Universe that we’ll find Him and His will. I don’t know about you but that’s an offer I can’t refuse. Those thoughts that just won’t quit and wake me up before dawn, I can make them work for me: I am a seeker. I challenge you this week not to roll over early in the morning but to get up. Rise to spend quality time with Jesus; you won’t be disappointed.

Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and His strengths; seek His presence continually! 1 Chronicles 16:10, 11

Open your Bible to the passage and watch the transformation of a wedding to a war. A white charger appears with a unique Rider who’s described as faithful; He accomplishes everything He promised. We first viewed this Divine Rider in Rev. 6:2 described as a Conqueror, our Nike Savior, and now we read once again that His every foe is once and for all defeated.

Promises were given not only to believers (those trusting Him) but to unbelievers (those rejecting Him) as well. It doesn’t look good for unbelievers on Judgment Day since Jesus is true; He’s not only faithful but a God of truthful and inevitable justice. 

Despite the truth that Satan is defeated he continues his war-plan against the Conqueror who’s the reigning King described again with great detail. The armies of heaven are pictured alongside Him riding white horses as well following their Commander in Chief: Jesus Christ. Satan is not deterred and the two armies engage in battle (undoubtedly Armageddon). 

Jesus is given several more names describing His character and attributes in this passage; we now see Him as the Word of God. Our Lord is the Father’s divine expression, The Word (John 1:1-5) who faithfully obeys and completes His assignment. Jesus is the Word but at the same time speaks the Word; check out John 8:31-59 and watch for the repeat of the phrase ‘My word’.

He’s pictured as God Almighty (another name) dressed with a sword hanging on His thigh and an iron rod in His hand to crush His enemies. His final name in this passage is King of kings and Lord of lords; He rules and reigns as the Warrior King completely annihilating His opposition and imprisoning the beast (Antichrist) and the false prophet in the lake of eternal fire. That’s the bad news.

The good news is our Warrior King achieves the decisive victory as Isaiah foretold:

The earth will shake at the force of His word, and one breath from His mouth will destroy the wicked. Isaiah 11:4b 

The sons of Korah, psalmists, were also privileged with a divine revelation of this Warrior King:

Put on Your sword, O Mighty Warrior! You are so glorious, so majestic! In Your majesty, ride out to victory, defending truth, humility, and justice. Go forth to perform awe-inspiring deeds! Your arrows are sharp, piercing Your enemies’ hearts. The nations fall beneath your feet. Psalms 45:3-5 

Those verses are stunning but how do they affect our lives today? One truth that’s clear from this book is that followers of Jesus Christ will have to endure trials; our assignment is to persevere in the midst of them. Remember, He’s the Overcomer and now we triumph over any obstacle in His power given through the Holy Spirit: we are Nike Believers. As my younger son likes to quote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Stay strong, my friends.

Psalm 91 

Part Four

English grammar is not a strength with many Americans probably because it’s hard to teach and both teacher and students often find it boring. That fact makes this last episode of Psalm 91 difficult but let’s give it a shot.

You’ll find several pronouns within the final verses of this Psalm: he, me, I, him, and my. The key to understanding the richness of these verses is to determine to whom each of those pronouns points. In other words, who’s the he, who’s the me, etc.? 

God is speaking in verse 14 so I capitalized the pronoun,

“Because he holds fast to Me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows My name.” Psalms 91:14 

The he and him can be you if you spend time with God; don’t miss that conditional word: because. Knowing God’s name means you’re experiencing the many aspects of His character, therefore, you hold tightly to Him when life gets hard; you trust Him.

I am the Lord; that is My name; My glory I give to no other. Isaiah 42:8a 

We mature in the knowledge of the Lord’s name through our daily fellowship with Him. Remember the beginning verses of this Psalm which gave a condition for the promises? Well, it closes with the same idea. Using the word because again emphasizes the reason you can trust God; you’re getting to know Him, but don’t underestimate the power of that word because. 

Dale Carnegie wrote, “People do what they normally do unless given a reason to do something different.” Here are some reasons from our final verses: 

• I will deliver
• I will protect
• I will answer
• I will be with him
• I will rescue him
• I will satisfy him

… because he knows My name. Jesus understood the value of knowing the power of His name:

“Whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14 

“… so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give it to you.” John 15:16b 

Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
John 16:23b-24 

Could He be any clearer? The name of Jesus represents His power, strength, and ability to take care of you under any circumstances. Psalm 91 was undoubtedly written to stir up your love for the Lord and encourage you to spend time with Him. The many perks listed throughout this passage are there to increase your expectations of God’s involvement in your life.

What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits to me? Psalms 116:12

How about a few minutes of your time?

If you’ve stuck with me, hopefully following along in your Bible, then you’ve reached the paramount, the top of the mountain, of John’s vision. The punishments for sin are completed and the Bridegroom is ready to make His entrance. It’s time for a wedding!

Today the average wedding cost in America is $30,000 increasing 3,000% since the 50’s, meanwhile, the divorce rate continues to soar. Unfortunately, extravagant weddings don’t guarantee covenant relationships, faithfulness, or enduring commitment. 

John heard another ‘megaphone’ cry from heaven signifying the closure of God’s judgments and the arrival of His rewards; the only response was “Hallelujah!” We’ve become immune to it’s true meaning which in Hebrew indicates praise, rejoicing, and boasting in God with a sincere and deeply thankful heart that the Shining One, our God, reigns superior to all others. When we shout hallelujah we’re recognizing and voicing His superior character.

That shout was heard four times in this chapter, and nowhere else in the New Testament, from the heavenly throne room as the 24 elders and 4 living creatures that we learned about in chapters 4-5 are once again pouring out their overwhelming joy.

When we reach verse seven there’s a sense of glorious celebration that the time for this wedding, the marriage of the Lamb to His Bride has arrived and she’s ready. In the lower story, a real-life wedding, there is an engagement, a time of waiting, planning the ceremony, and reception. Invitations are sent out, the luxurious dress is purchased, and the arrangements for flowers and photos are completed.

In the upper story, the spiritual image, God followed the same process. He sent His Son to redeem (buy back) and become engaged to His people with the promise of returning (Matt. 25:1-13). John’s vision pictures that moment when the interval of waiting is completed. This ceremony and reception will spare no expense as the Bridegroom is reunited with His bride: The Church. With an extravagant and luxurious setting we’ll enjoy His Presence once again dressed in our holy garment, a spiritual gown of white linen. Make no mistake, that wedding dress represents the righteous words and deeds we’ve done representing Him to the world and ministering in His Name. 

The invitations to the reception are sent out with a blessing, consequently, John’s ecstasy at the future event caused him to fall down and mistakenly worship the angel who will not have it. Worship is exclusively for Jesus as God and our testimony of His love, grace, mercy, and future hope is called the ‘spirit of prophecy’. 

Whenever you minister or serve people in His Name you’re declaring those attributes of our Redeemer and Lord. You’re prophesying what He’d say if He was here; you’re re-presenting Him to the world and He’s pleased. Allow that wedding image to flood you today as you anticipate His return and know you’ll be standing beside Him. The only response is a Hallelujah Chorus!

Psalm 91

Part Four

We’ve established that the promises of God from Psalm 91 are contingent on your fellowship with God. You’ve experienced Him and He knows you because of this precious time together. The promises of deliverance and protection become real as your confidence grows stronger but that doesn’t occur by osmosis; it happens because you’ve chosen to dwell and abide in His presence.

The Psalmist continues in verses 7-13 painting the picture of ‘boots on the ground’ warfare. It’s a fascinating segway. Satan begins a slow infusion of fear into your heart but due to the Spirit’s residence, it has no entryway, you only observe God’s punishment of the wicked (vs. 8). Why is that? As a believer, the punishment required for sin was suffered by Jesus on your behalf and your present assignment is to listen and learn from your commanding officer. Time spent at His feet will keep Satan under your feet. Let’s go deeper into that image.

Verse ten doesn’t tell us that evil isn’t allowed into our life but that it will be disallowed from conquering or overtaking us. Huge difference. The result of spending time with God is His guidance into wisdom and direction for you and your family’s life. Fear and dread of the future won’t be permitted because you’ve made God the highest authority and have learned to trust Him; He’s become your safe house or sanctuary. Your mind is focused on Him.

God is so passionate about you that He’ll send angelic bodyguards in case you get tripped up; they’re ready to put you back in position. What position? That of a victorious warrior and conqueror of Satan who’s operating against you. 

Verse thirteen gives us the picture of those ‘boots on the ground’ who tread and trample. The Hebrew word for tread means to march victoriously or to bend the bow, take aim, and fire! As believers in Jesus Christ we have the authority to march into combat and keep the lion, king of the beasts and the serpent, the devious deceiver, in their rightful positions: under our feet (vs. 13).

And He put all things under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Ephesians 1:22-23 ESV

The Christian church is filled with God, therefore, everything under Jesus’ feet is rightfully under our feet. Since the death and resurrection of Christ we’ve been restored to our position over Satan; he’s our adversary but we are his conquerors. He may nibble at our heels, as Spurgeon writes, but we trample him down at every turn.

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Romans 16:20 ESV

You made Him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned Him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under His feet. Hebrews 2:7-8 ESV

Everyone loves a good economy; just ask American voters who elected Bill Clinton in 1992 due in part to his mantra, “It’s the economy, stupid.” Revelation 18 shows us that it will be the world economy that collapses: Babylon has fallen. 

God sent one of His authorized, top-ranking angels who was in His glorious presence to deliver that message. This powerful figure looked into the future and saw the world systems of finance, trade, wealth in all forms, and even social systems fall into ruin. Nations, under the rule of the beast (Antichrist), have grown rich with the world’s power but their destruction is immanent. 

As you read this chapter pay close attention as God Himself responds:

“Come out of her My people.”

What the world has to offer, wealth, luxury, and prosperity will eventually disappear like a giant millstone cast into the sea never to rise again (vs. 21-24). The economy will tank, financial institutions will crash and burn, unemployment will soar, and families who put their faith in the world’s systems will suffer. Jesus was right to warn us,

“Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.” John 12:25

“The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” John 15:19

“I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” John 17:16

What’s even more interesting is that this collapse will happen suddenly and quickly; the symbolism is ‘in a single hour’. What will be the response in heaven? Rejoicing, God has remembered His promises to apostles, prophets, and saints with rewards and punishments coming due: Justice will be administered and righteousness will triumph.

How should that effect believers, regardless of their time period, who read this chapter? Be smart, make investments, work hard, show honesty and integrity but hold all the worldly rewards loosely in your hands. It can disappear in a single hour. Our provision is not in the world but in our Savior: Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. Therefore, if the economy tanks in our day we don’t fall apart or fall into fear because we trust in the Creator of the Universe and our future continues into eternity. We learn to recognize that what the world has to offer is temporary and fleeting so we die to it’s seductions.

As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died. Galatians 6:14

Psalm 91: Part Two

Last week I introduced Psalm 91 by encouraging you from the first verse to spend quality time with God, disciplining yourself, if necessary, to stay in His presence; that’s the caveat, the condition for the next verses. 

I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalms 91:2 

The Psalmist undoubtedly experienced God in his devotional time and therefore could utter that declaration with confidence. Notice the possessive pronouns: my refuge, my fortress, my God; the Lord’s become personal and trustworthy to him.

The next four verses are promises you can count on in your times of trouble. Let’s reflect on how God reveals Himself through these verses: open your Bible.

• He promises to deliver and rescue you from any deceptions of Satan (vs. 3). The ‘snare of the fowler‘ is a picture of a bird-catcher secretly trapping his prey into a corner. Paul also uses that image in 2 Tim. 2:26; the devil tries to capture you with his lies but God rescues you from that trap.

• The ‘deadly pestilence‘ included here comes from the root word for ‘word’. Yes, sickness and disease are deadly but words can also be devastating (Prov. 18:21), however, here’s that caveat again, He’ll rescue you … if you make time for Him.

• Another bird-metaphor from verse four means, in contrast to verse three, that God covers with His pinions. These are the outer edges of the wings whose purpose is to restrain, bind, and hold you down. He promises to draw you in and hold you tightly so you’re safe … if you make time for Him.

• The Hebrew phrase ‘under His wings‘ gives the picture of being cornered, hidden, and guarded by the Lord. Again in contrast, when Satan corners you with destruction, God offers deliverance so you can boldly proclaim, “You are my refuge, my fortress, my God” … if you make time for Him.

• God offers to be a shield, guarding us and quenching the fiery darts of the enemy (Eph. 6:16), whether large or small (buckler), He stands guard … if, I think you know what’s next.

• The Psalmist declared a life with no fear (vs. 5), daytime or nighttime, from inside or outside when you dwell and abide in El Shaddai: the All-powerful God.

• Finally, verses 7 &8 give a scenario of devastation and ruin happening all around you but the fear Satan uses to trap you cannot even approach because you’ve been filled with God. He allows His chosen, you and me, to observe the punishment of the wicked but we only watch; Jesus took our punishment on the Cross.

The figurative language of Psalm 91 infuses us with encouragement and hope that no matter what’s happening in our life, the Most High God is there to guard and protect you. Whether you live in Syria, North Korea, or America, He will save, rescue, and deliver you. His name, Jesus, means just that. 

Why is sex such a big deal? Aside from the physical pleasure aspect, the lower story, it’s a union of man and woman, however, in the upper story, the spiritual aspect, it’s a picture of God and His image-bearers together in relationship. Satan must hate that intimate love we experience with God because he’s always attempting to corrupt it as we read in Revelation 17.

It’s not accidental that John’s vision pictured a prostitute riding a beast; it was intentional since we understand the power of seduction (the whore) and control (the beast). This chapter begins the process of God’s plan for utter destruction of Satan’s  dominion on earth. At the end of time the world will be seduced like a beautiful woman luring an unsuspecting man; this end-time culture, called Babylon, will take pleasure-seeking, luxury, and wealth to new heights, all promising increased happiness. The central government (the beast) will remove individual rights and totally dominate the citizens of the world all while persecuting Christians who oppose it. That’s the gist of verses 1-6 and not difficult to imagine.

We know from ancient world history that all great empires eventually fell into ruin (Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian, Greek, or Roman) since none stand today and the final Anti-Christian empire (the beast) will be no different. The Beast vs. The Lamb will be a victory for Jesus since He’s the Lord of all lords and King of all kings. God will remain sovereign and His dominion will have no end as He directs this drama to its conclusion: a wedding.

What does it all have to do with us? What’s our take-home from this chapter? Begin with this warning from John,

For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. 1 John 2:16-17

When our desire is to please God in our daily life we’re on the right path. The world’s temptations will always lure you away from Him but the Spirit will keep your thinking clear, your motivations pure, and your actions in opposition to the way the world operates.   

“Get more money, you’ll be happier; please yourself alone, you’ve earned it; God understands, He wants you to be happy.” 

Actually, He craves relationship with you and total dependence on Him in life; that’s true intimacy and a divine oneness that Satan will never understand. Chapter 17 is hard to read and understand but God’s plan is not: it’s a marriage.

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with Him. Philippians 3:8-9a