Up!

Psalm 122:1,4 - I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the LORD." Where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, to the Testimony of Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.

It's always "up" with God. This Old Testament verse today it might read: Where the children of God go up to hear the preaching of the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and give Him thanks.

Because He is greater we are to bow before Him. We look up to Him for our trust and faith. He is seated on high and knows all that goes on below. Even as we seek Him our attitude and character will be "up." Yet God tells us that He will bring everything that we try to place above Him down. 

Some will not consider Him. Instead they will look to themselves as great:

Their land is also full of silver and gold, and there is no end to their treasures; their land is also full of horses, and there is no end to their chariots. Their land is also full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made. (Isaiah 2:7-8) 

God has a word for that.

The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the LORD of hosts shall come upon everything proud and lofty, upon everything lifted up—and it shall be brought low— (Isaiah 2:11-12)

God also tells us that we are to look to Him in times of trial, not to look to man or government, composed of mere men. ...“O LORD God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” (2Chronicles 20:6,12)

There could very well come a day when we cannot understand anymore what this world is coming to. For those who know Christ, we recognize the signs. It's why we look to Him now...always. Our silver, gold, power, name, status means nothing. None of our stuff will satisfy, protect or save. Only staying focused and trusting in Him. Looking up. All these things will be brought low. In our personal lives and in this world. 

Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it. (Micah 4:1)

We are told to look up because our redemption draws near. God brings us up out of the miry clay. He will seat us with Him up in heavenly places if we draw near to Him and receive Him as Lord and Savior. Everything points up to Him. And rightly so. One day He will be recognized by all. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (Psalm 46:10). He will. And all will bow before Him, believers and unbelievers alike.

What's the difference between a believer and unbeliever? A believer is one who has confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so: only if one believes in something can one act purposefully. In other words, one whose confidence, existence and reliability is in God, is a believer. It's our attitude toward God and faith in Him. It is our relationship with Him. We need that relationship, not our religious beliefs. So, an unbeliever has no real relationship, no trust or faith in God, but perhaps in themselves, man. Harsh words but true.

Believers will soar on eagles' wings with God. But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31). God isn't promising an easy ride while we live on earth; but if we stand steadfast, run the race with endurance, we will receive the prize in the end...eternal life with Christ. 

Even above the mountain tops is where God resides. 

His foundation is in the holy mountains. (Psalm 87:1)  The mountains are only the foundation! The world is His footstool. His throne of grace is higher than we can imagine. Everything beneath Him that is not of Him will be consumed. For behold, the LORD is coming out of His place; He will come down and tread on the high places of the earth. The mountains will melt under Him, and the valleys will split like wax before the fire, like waters poured down a steep place. (Micah 1:3-4) 

I love how the Old Testament so strongly builds us up to the New Testament's coming of Christ and how He fits into this picture of hope and salvation. It is through Christ that we will not be added to the judgment and consumption He will bring. But we need to know Him. We need that relationship, not the ritual of paying attention just on Sunday but every day. We need His Word every day. We need communion with Him every day. This is a true believer. Not rote prayers, but our own words spoken each day to Him. Let us look up, go up now. Rise above the junk of the world, think on the things that are worthy and receive the things of heaven. Personally seek Him.

Isaiah 2:11-12 - The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the LORD of hosts shall come upon everything proud and lofty, upon everything lifted up—and it shall be brought low—

How Can I Not?

Mark‬ ‭16:15 - And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."

How can I not do this!? This was a question brought up in our Revelation study by one woman after reading carefully what will occur in the future, maybe closer than we know.

In our study this week we were shown some of the things this world will--will--go through in the last days. While we may not understand all the imagery of Revelation 8 and 9, it again points us to Who, not what, is in control and Who we can trust. Read for yourself! 

We have to believe that even though we live on earth in an earthly body with earthly desires, there are two unseen spiritual atmospheres. Some of us can feel the presence of them. There is a joy about one but a heaviness and sorrow about the other. 

With that, listen to a few of the things that will happen in those last days. Remember that if it is in the Bible it will happen. God does not lie but He also wants us to be fully aware, warned and prepared for those days. These are judgments that will take place. This may seem like a lot of scripture but nothing says it better. 

...hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up. (Revelation‬ ‭8:7‬)

...something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed. (‭‭Revelation‬ ‭8:8-9‬)

...a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. ...A third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter. (Revelation‬ ‭8:10-11‬)

...a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night. (Revelation‬ ‭8:12‬)

That's just the environment. Imagine a third of all crops, water, fish and animals destroyed and less sun to grow what remained. That would be a problem. This will be done that man will look to God and believe. He will be controlling all this. But there is more.

Next the judgments upon man. A bottomless pit was opened and locusts swarmed out. They were not to harm (the remaining) vegetation but were given authority to torment anyone who was not of God. In this prophecy, however, there are still many who, like Pharaoh in Exodus, hardened their hearts and refused to repent and still would not bow to God. And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them. (‭‭Revelation‬ ‭9:5-6)‬ ‭Five months of wishing death. 

Next 1/3 of man was allowed to be killed by a huge, powerful army. And yet, even after that some would not bow to the Lord. By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed—by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts. (Revelation‬ ‭9:18,20-21‬)

This bowing to God is not just the idea that we believe there is a God and taking the idea He will return lightly or believing it won't happen in our lifetime. Bowing means submitting to Him, asking forgiveness of our sins and following and obeying Him. It is something we must do. James 2:19 says: You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! If the demons know and they tremble over God, shouldn't we? With reverent fear. 

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The Lord is merciful. These things must come to pass as signs. We haven't  seen anything like this yet but it will happen. He tries to get our attention personally even today with financial hardship, illness, murder, theft, terrorism. Weren't we shocked at 9/11? Aren't we concerned about the rise in terrorism, human trafficking, unnecessary violence? Still some don't get it. He will step it up as the days go on. Jesus would prefer that none perish, yet He knows that will not be the case. These are the stark warnings for us that we might come to Him and believe, trust, have faith in and obey Him. Even if He waits 25 years, knowing Him is His desire. Underlying all this destruction is His love. It might not seem like it, but it's there. He keeps warning and warning. He loves us so much.

How can I not do as the opening scripture tells us? Do I expect everyone to listen/read? No. Do I want people to harden their hearts all the more? Of course not. How can I not share what the truth of God's Word says? 

How many times do we, even believers, have to hear what God commands us and reject it? We are all guilty of putting other things before Him, as came out in our Revelation study yesterday. God's warnings are for our good. He is delaying His return, for awhile, that more would submit and receive Him. But...He could come any time. Or anyone could be struck by a car or sudden illness. We must know Him before disaster arrives. Then we can look to Him to get us through. No one or thing can compare. 

How can I not continue to share His love and warnings? How can I not say it like it is? How can I not? His words might be hard to believe, unless you know Him. We cannot be content in this world with all its trappings. Do the things of this world really satisfy or do you always desire more? People throw their money into lotteries hoping to win the big one. How about throwing your heart at the throne of God for the greatest reward of all...eternal life. The greatest gift we can receive is Jesus Christ. All that money will not satisfy in the long run. It will not prevent our death or the death of others. It will not bring our salvation either.

In class we all agreed that what we share with others isn't always going to be received joyfully or thankfully. Most will reject the words of God. That is the greatest burden we all carry. But Jesus says to give our burdens to Him. We do what is required and let Him sort it out.

C.S. Lewis said: If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. I know that many will say they are satisfied in this world. Jesus tells us not to seek the treasures of the world that perish but seek the things of God. It goes against the human mind. We are told that we are to have faith in those things we cannot see. Wow. Jesus' followers had the opportunity to see Him and believed (and even then there were those who wanted no part of Him). Through His disciples and others after them, the testimony of Jesus Christ has continued...among those who have not seen Him. Only He will remain in the end after the earth is gone.

Matthew‬ ‭10:32-33‬ ‭- Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

When All is Said and Done

Isaiah 2:17 - The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day...

It's true. The Bible tells us what it will be like. It's true! [God] has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; (‭Hebrews‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬) When all is said and done, everyone will have known what God has spoken for thousands of years was true. His glory will be revealed. All people will have no recourse but to bow before Him. 

This world, if you haven't noticed, is in turmoil which many believe will not get better. It started by seeping in, then trickling, now flowing. Soon gushing. What will it take to open people's eyes to what God has shown us in His Word to be the last days? What He has spoken to us through His Son. 

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come...(‭2Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬)

What will it take? Loftiness of man will be bowed down when they no longer are able to devise schemes against the enemy. Without strong godly leadership in families, churches and government, they truly will be brought low. The strength of nations that once looked to God but have now looked the other way will diminish. The enemy will have a foothold. Perilous times will come. If we do not have a great trust in God over man we will be in trouble. 

Churches no longer choosing to preach the truth of the Gospel will crumble. When man's agenda is greater than God's, this loftiness will be bowed. 

Families without the solid foundation, centered in God, will fail...is failing. Do not be deceived. We cannot live without strong faith in God.

Through it all, God's plan will prevail. No matter what. God will be exalted in the end. His plan is removal of all evil so that He will rule and reign forever one day...with His saints...those who have bowed before Him, followed Him to the end, have set themselves apart, and have endured these difficult days, and run the race for and toward Him. 

Lord, I pray You will grow the number of followers quickly. I ask that You keep those who follow You strong in their desire to be victorious in the end. Open eyes, ears and especially hearts to receive what You have to offer over what the world has. Your kingdom is forever; this world will fail. Let us keep our trust in You alone.

Remember, when all is said and done, God will be exalted, glorified. He has warned us. As we are going over in Ecclesiates, all is vanity, a grasping for the wind...without God. Who is ready? Who will believe? Who will heed His words?

Luke‬ ‭21‬:‭25-28‬ - And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.