The opposite of love is indifference. Hate is the clothing loves wears when it’s feeling lonely and mean.
– Patton Oswalt
Archives for May 2013
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Revelation – Part 14
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Then I looked, and, oh!—a door open into Heaven. The trumpet-voice, the first voice in my vision, called out, “Ascend and enter. I’ll show you what happens next.”
Revelation 4:1
This is exciting, right?!?!?
I was caught up at once in deep worship and, oh!—a Throne set in Heaven with One Seated on the Throne, suffused in gem hues of amber and flame with a nimbus of emerald. Twenty-four thrones circled the Throne, with Twenty-four Elders seated, white-robed, gold-crowned. Lightning flash and thunder crash pulsed from the Throne. Seven fire-blazing torches fronted the Throne (these are the Sevenfold Spirit of God). Before the Throne it was like a clear crystal sea.
Revelation 4:2-6
In case you were planning to google this to find an image, take my advice and don’t. How do I say this nicely? Most artwork done to illustrate images from Revelation are scary, goofy or both.
Prowling around the Throne were Four Animals, all eyes. Eyes to look ahead, eyes to look behind. The first Animal like a lion, the second like an ox, the third with a human face, the fourth like an eagle in flight. The Four Animals were winged, each with six wings. They were all eyes, seeing around and within.
Revelation 4:6-8
At this point you gotta wonder if John has fallen and hit his head on that rocky beach of Patmos. I mean come on. This image scares the tinklies outta me.
The important thing to remember as we start to see these descriptions from John (and trust me here…they get worse) is that John is describing things based upon his first century knowledge.
But beyond all this confusing imagery, there is this:
And they chanted night and day, never taking a break:
Holy, holy, holy
Is God our Master, Sovereign-Strong,
The Was, The Is, The Coming.
Revelation 4:8
This is the heart of what the book of Revelation is all about. It’s the recognition or realization of who God is.
He is master.
He is sovereign.
He is strong.
But above all, he is holy.
Holy
Holy
Holy
Don’t miss the last part of the description.
The Was, The Is, The Coming.
Now this part is where things get interesting. Come back next week if you don’t believe me.
Glutton – Part 29
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I began writing this series in an effort to ‘keep it real’.
To that end, I have to admit that, at this point in the journey, I really should have made a lot of progress. I mean don’t you think after all these months I should be posting a picture of my skinny self posing in one leg of a giant pair of pants?
Here’s the truth. The giant pair of pants barely fits…period.
I really feel like I have made lots of emotional progress. And God knows that I needed to. But, if you see me regularly, you know that I am still as fat as ever. (That sentence brings me nothing but white hot shame.)
So why bother to keep doing this?
My buddy* Jon Acuff wrote this the other day:
“Sometimes, being honest about your scars can help make sure someone else doesn’t get their own set.”
And because I believe this is true, I can’t stop writing about being a glutton. But I also can’t stop trying to be a reformed glutton. I know God is willing and able to lead me out of this desert and it’s probably time for me to stop grumbling about the manna.
*Jon Acuff doesn’t know we are buddies. So if you meet him, don’t drop my name or anything ‘cuz it will be awkward for both of you.
Bible Tuesday – Revelation Part 13
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Before we get started, can I just be honest here? I can’t believe it has taken me 13 weeks to get through 3 chapters in the book of Revelation. Ya’ll, I think Jesus might get back before I am done here 😉
Write to Laodicea, to the Angel of the church. God’s Yes, the Faithful and Accurate Witness, the First of God’s creation, says:
“I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You’re not cold, you’re not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You’re stale. You’re stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, ‘I’m rich, I’ve got it made, I need nothing from anyone,’ oblivious that in fact you’re a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless.
Revelation 3:14-17
Let me just say something. If Jesus says your church makes him want to vomit, you might wanna think about scheduling a revival…or three.
“I know you inside and out”
I’m not proud of everything I am but I love knowing that Jesus knows it all.
“Here’s what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that’s been through the refiner’s fire. Then you’ll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You’ve gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see.
“The people I love, I call to account—prod and correct and guide so that they’ll live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God!
Revelation 3:18-19
Have you ever thrown yourself a good, old fashioned pity party? I mean really just wallowed around feeling sorry for yourself? Just asking God over and over “Why?!?!?!?” Well, the next time you find yourself doing this, remember this verse.
The people I love, I call to account—prod and correct and guide so that they’ll live at their best.
You want to know why things happen to you? Things that stink? Things that aren’t fair? You want answers as to why Donald Trump is rich, healthy and happy and you aren’t? Maybe it’s because God loves you too much to leave you alone.
I encounter a similar problem with my step-son. I really want him to make good decisions and live up to his potential. I am guessing he would prefer that I shut up and leave him alone. And, you know what? If I didn’t love him, I would do just that. If he was just some kid that meant nothing to me, I would never spend one more minute of my life worrying about him. But love requires me to keep trying.
“Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you. Conquerors will sit alongside me at the head table, just as I, having conquered, took the place of honor at the side of my Father. That’s my gift to the conquerors!
Revelation 3:20-21
After all is said and done, Jesus still knocks at our door. And he is still willing to eat supper with us. And unlike my whiny kids, I bet he won’t complain about anything I fix.
