Rev 9:1 ~ A star falls and he is given the Key to the shaft of the bottomless pit. Oh my, oh my! Horror unleashed.
Rev 9:16 ~ And the number of mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten
thousand---200 million! So frightening as I sit in my own temptations this day. A third of mankind killed by troops on horses with heads like famished fire-filled lions. Is this enough to convince anyone of God's Power and Plan? But the rest of mankind did not repent of worshiping idols which cannot see or walk. What am I doing on automatic pilot, coasting. What am I doing? Whom do I worship this day? Idols of my own making---wanting to be somebody, wanting to make an impact, wanting to say something of value, wanting to be used by God...do I want Him More?
Why isn't my first thought when things aren't going my way to repent? There is always something to confess, but sometimes, I'd rather lament what's going wrong. Is that my idol to which I cling? Surely, I'd rather cling to the hem of His Robe. Beware-hardened hearts cannot see. Hardened hearts will not be ready.
ReplyDeleteMary Lou, I hope it's a pre-trib Rapture, but I don't know. I used to not concern myself with it since it was out of my control, but reading these verses seriously affects my need to be found ready. I remind myself that He is merciful and full of Grace. He is faithful. He is love. But He is also Just and has every right to bring forth judgment. And no doubt, He will. When? Nobody knows the day or hour. But He is coming soon. And Victory prevails, heaven waits!
Powerful scripture today! Strong imagery! How terrifying! Yet, I have to ask myself, am I terrified when I sin, to truly repent? Do I truly realize holy He is? And sadly, I have to say the answer is, no.
ReplyDeleteI am right there with you, Annette, I so want to be found ready whatever I face. The thought occurred to me, that also means that I should be found ready to face each and every thing that causes me to stumble this very day. I will confess that I got all out of sorts yesterday and it was so stupid....not dumb...stupid. I realized I was wrong and stopped my complaining. I remembered my daughter's sweet mother in law who is only about ten months older than I am and has no true short term or even long term memory. She has no idea that it is even Christmas......so I did shut my mouth in complaining about having to wrap gifts of my son's to other people and became grateful that I still could wrap, knew what season it was and knew the people I was wrapping the gifts for....puts a brand new perspective on thing. I pray that it is a life's lesson for me and will cut short my complain etc. Also that I will remember this when I face other temptations. You are right, sweet A....He is faithful and just and is full of tender mercy. I am so thankful for the blood that He shed which covers my ugliness. May all of our hearts stay soft and tender toward Him and not be hardened by the world around us. It is a harsh, cruel world that surrounds us. May we all remember from one minute to the next that this is NOT our home! Blessed heaven waits! May we all continue to encourage one another daily.
Sorry to run on so.
Are you still reading along, Deborah *Twinkle*? I miss you! Praying for you this evening, friend.
ReplyDeleteMe too!
ReplyDeleteOne thing that gives me hope this night is that I see my sin much quicker than I have ever before.
ReplyDeleteDistance.
I see the distance I put between myself and those who are hard to love.
Disdain.
I see the disdain I have for those who silently refuse to change and put it back on me.
Disappointment.
I see the sorrow I hold thinking I can help change people...and when they don't change...
Despair.
I see the deep fear that lingers in my center over lack of control.
Disillusionment.
I see the thoughts that make me think I can do better or should do better.
Despondency.
I see the failure to trust a Good God in the midst of suffering thinking it is just too much to go through.
Death.
I see the death threats that make me want to cling to this life and this health for me and those I love.
Dumb.
I see stupidity that I think I am living for the good life here on earth and all I can do for Jesus.
Deceit.
I see the strategy that grips my thinking as I forget about what God wants and go after my goals.
Destruction.
I see ways I harm others by withdrawing, holding back from them, or lashing out.
I see more than ever.
And I know there's so much more to be seen as I descend into deeper places of evil in my own heart. Oh to see our Sovereign Savior there working all things for good. The One Who Will Provide a Ram, a Boat, 5 Loaves/2 Fish, even 153 fish, or Water into Wine.
There is so much HOPE for our sin.
I can so relate, Bev. Awakened to my sin by your words and sorrowed that I was not sooner to the confession, the acknowledgment of my selfish "D" sins, too.
ReplyDeleteYou are a beacon of Light to me, Bev, a beautiful example of a life surrendered. Just saw your text claiming Is.64:4 - hope it was the good news you needed this day. Love you so, my friend.