In the many moves in our marriage, I always desired a house near the water, which God sometimes graciously granted. When Steve felt a call to the medically under-served area of central Nebraska, I knew it was unlikely we’d find water. But God opened a door to buy an affordable home on a pond, the only water, right within the city. It held water for six months and dried up in the winter when the city engineers closed the dam. Here is Annie, our youngest, decades ago, hunting for Easter eggs when little “Kearney Lake” had just been filled.
Even when there was water in the lake, it was never a habitat for eagles. We would have laughed at the thought. Yet, on the day of my husband’s funeral (10/20/04) there were half a dozen eagles flying over the lake for most of the day. My charismatic son saw great meaning in it — but I wasn’t so sure. But as I have studied Revelation 12, and meditated on all the Old Testament passages about eagles’ wings, I was brought to tears. The woman in Revelation 12 represents God’s people, whom Satan harasses and the Father guards. I now believe God sent those eagles as a comforting sign to us that Steve had flown away out of the serpent’s reach. (Rev. 12:14)
Unsplash photo by Érik Gonzalez Guerrero
The red dragon of Rev 12 is a personification of Satan, who comes to lie, kill and destroy. Indeed, he persecutes the church, endeavoring to “swallow her up.” He cannot, for his doom is sure, yet he can certainly work us woe in the meantime.
It is vital to realize, as D. A. Carson points out, that “he opposes the woman not only through persecution but also through deception.” With his mighty tail, he sweeps away many from orthodox Christianity. Below is Alisa Childer’s (author of Another Gospel) explanation of why many believers leave the evangelical church and move into the deception of “progressive Christianity,” which indeed, is not Christianity at all. When her pastor, who turned out to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing, tried to lead her away from the original teaching of Christ, from the true gospel, God gave her wings to fly away and dig into the evidence that what she had trusted as a child was, indeed, true. She has now become a wonderful apologist. (I strongly recommend her book: Another Gospel.)
There are two programs from a Reformed Perspective on you-tube called American Gospel. Though long, I found them both so very good. The first was made in 2018 and addressed the prosperity gospel. The second was done in 2019 and addresses ” “Progressive Christianity.” Many who began with the church, even who were with The Gospel Coalition, have left it for progressive Christianity. People like Rob Bell and Jen Hatmaker who truly are descriptions of 1 John 2:18-19. “They went out from us, but they did not really belong with us.” One of the elements of Progressive Christianity is that it denies the atonement, hell, and the judgment of God, claiming a God of love would never send anyone to hell. It is helpful to see their lies so we can better refute them. The Bible says we have a God that is both just and loving, and the “Hallelujahs” of Revelation 19 are about His judgment. Here are links to each. You may need to rent them. There is a longer version of the first, but I can’t find it — some of you might! These are not required for this study — but when you have a chance, you would be blessed to watch and tell others about them.
At the end of the week, I will ask you for your comments on this very clear message from Thomas Schreiner who is Professor of New Testament Interpretation at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and whose sermon I found on monergism. It is on Revelation 12 and entitled “Harassed but Victorious.” Listen whenever you can this week. 2009-03-08_Harassed_but_Victorious_Rev_12_1-17_Tom_Schreiner
To prepare your heart for this week’s study, watch this:
It isn’t just death that takes His saints “out of the serpent’s reach,” but indeed, God guards His own and gives them wings to fly away “out of the serpent’s reach.” This is shown in so many biblical stories — such as the Exodus where we are told: “You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.”
(Ex. 19:4)
The following is our theme verse for the week:
The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the desert, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent’s reach.
Revelation 12:14
Commentators from the Reformed position seem to agree that “time, times and half a time” which occurs also in Daniel, refers to an extended time between the ascension of Christ and His return. This is the time we live in, and the devil “is filled with fury, because he knows his time is short.” (Rev. 12:12) But we are not alone, as the verse above confirms. He provides a way of escape, giving us the wings of an eagle, so we can fly away to Him, out of the serpent’s reach.
For those of you who want to read all of Revelation, at the end of this week you’ll want to read Revelation 13-18. This short video will help you. Again, completely optional for those who want it. Scroll to Part 2. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/course/revelation/#overview Word Document of Lesson For Those Who Wish to Print it Off Word Document of #4Day 1. Getting Started
- In what ways have you sensed God’s protection or help in the midst of danger or sorrow this year? Be specific and brief to help us read from many of you.
- What stood out to you from:
A. Dee’s “eagle story?”
B. Alisa Childer’s thoughts on why people leave orthodoxy?
C. Anything else in the opening?Day 2. The Red Dragon Comes To Kill and Destroy
3. Read Revelation 12:1–13:1 and find everything you can about the red dragon. 4. How does Jesus describe Satan in John 10:10? We see this throughout Scripture and history. For example, in the book of Esther, we are told that an order was sent out to “destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews — young and old, women and little children…” (Esther 3:13) D. A. Carson writes “The imagery of the dragon is used throughout the Old Testament to represent evil kingdoms that persecute God’s people. ‘Dragon’ is another word in the Old Testament for the sea monster that symbolizes wicked kingdoms that oppress Israel. God is spoken of as defeating Pharaoh as a sea dragon at the Exodus deliverance and at later points in Israel’s history… The picture of the dragon’s tail sweeping away a third of the stars and casting them to earth is taken from Daniel 8:10…the stars can represent Israelite saints, not just angels.” (Dan. 12:3) (Ibid. p. 1123) Carson also writes: “Perhaps, the reference to a ‘third of the stars’ being swept away indicates that only a portion of the covenant community was suffering attack from the devil’s forces at the time of Christ’s life, whereas at the very end of the age that attack will reach universal proportions.” (p. 1124) 5. Read Exodus 19:4.A. What does God want Moses to remind His people about?
B. If you are familiar with the story of the Exodus, share some ways God intervened for His people to bring them to a place of safety, “out of the serpent’s reach.”
D. A. Carson writes concerning Rev 12:15-16 that the swallowing of waters is another allusion to the escape of the Israelites. The Red Sea threatened to swallow them up, but instead, swallowed up their enemy. 6. Read Ezekiel 29:2-6 and find examples of how God protected His people in Egypt again Pharaoh. 7. Read Job 26:12-14A. (Rahab is a synonym for Egypt) What did God do to rescue his people according to verses 12 and 13?
B. How does Job describe the power of God that we are allowed to see in verse 14?
8. Satan is responsible for many deaths, but death is the final enemy for the believer, and then comes victory. According to Revelation 12:11 how did the martyrs overcome the temptation to deny Christ as Satan urged them to do?Day 3. The Red Dragon Comes To Deceive
9. How is the dragon described in Revelation 12:9? 10. The same John reveals how to spot the enemy, the lies he tells, and how to “fly away” in his letters. Find all three in 1 John 2:18-25A. What telltale sign of false teaching is here? (19)
B. What lie do false teachers tell? (22-23)
C. How can we “fly away?” (24-25)
Repeatedly John urges us to stick with the original teaching. Heretics always introduce “new and improved” Christianity that lures away from the blood, the resurrection, and the infallibility of Scripture.
11. What assurance does John give us in 1 John 4:4? 12. What evidence does he give us to discern the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood in 1 John 4:5-6?Day 4. Harassed but Victorious
13. Listen to the sermon above and share your notes.Day 5. Contemplation Questions
14. Contemplation questions on Revelation 12:1-13:1A. How can I praise Him on the basis of this text?
B. How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text?
C. If this is really true, what wrong behavior, what harmful emotions & what false attitudes happen when I forget this?
D. What should I be aspiring to — reaching for?
E. Why are You telling me this today?
F. What is your take-a-way this week and why?
204 comments
Alisa Childers ministry is interesting to me. I need to contemplate how to answer people, succinctly, when they oppose my Christianity. Maybe something like, “It’s about eternity, evil vs. good, but mostly it’s about love.” I wonder how that would go down? Short and to the point and maybe even make them wonder what I am talking about!
I think that is a good response to have ready. It is being ready to give an answer for the hope within you. I think reading her book would also equip you. So good, Laura.
Yes Laura, I just finished “Another Gospel” by Alisa Childers a couple of weeks ago at Dee’s recommendation for us and it is well worth the read.
1. In what ways have you sensed God’s protection or help in the midst of danger or sorrow this year? Be specific and brief to help us read from many of you.
As I have shared, I have been dealing with ongoing rejection from my biological family, but in the time of the pandemic, God has emphasized the beauty of my own immediate family and my church family, including all of you. I jokingly say that if anyone should know blood doesn’t make a family, it’s me, and God is reminding me of that in sweet ways. Back in February of last year, my husband and I were praying about asking for his travel to slow down at work because I was struggling to juggle Philip’s needs, my job, my other kids, on my own when he was away. A few weeks later, his company required every one to work from home with no travel. It has been a gift for us to all be home. There are of course times when I have struggle with the lack of quiet or hiding in a spare room to have some time alone, and still being found! But overall, I am thankful for the extra time we’ve been able to spend together, especially for my marriage.
2. What stood out to you from: A. Dee’s “eagle story?”
I love this so much, it is beautiful, I don’t remember you sharing that. I love J.R.’s faith to see what sometimes I think we are hesitant to believe. You said “half a dozen” and I thought-6, you and your 5 children—God’s promise to protect you even though Steve was now Home with Him.
B. Alisa Childer’s thoughts on why people leave orthodoxy?
In the progressive movement largely almost to all of the converts are coming from the evangelical church, not necessarily from atheism or other worldviews. Some reasons–maybe they come from a very legalistic background where they were they were taught such a strict and legalistic view of Christianity that they threw the baby out with the bathwater; for some maybe there was abuse–we’ve seen a lot of scandals come to light recently and think it makes people lose faith in the church. For others, maybe it’s growing up in a Christian bubble where they weren’t exposed to other worldviews but then with the the internet they become exposed to “nice” people with different views and they begin to doubt what they were taught. When we read the Bible as kids, we read stories that touch our heart, then we get a little older and we read the harsh stories of God’s wrath and it’s hard to make sense of it.
She said there are a lot of legitimate reasons people begin to question and when these questions arise they may go to church leaders or their parents and they are told not to ask such questions. They are left feeling like there is no where safe to process their thoughts so they seek out other places like the progressive movement, and sometimes as far as atheism.
C. Anything else in the opening?
Love the verse 12:14, it seems fresh to me and so comforting. I love the song from Alison Krauss, haven’t heard that in a long time and the words have new weight. Beautiful. And I like thinking about how you love to be near water. I too love water, especially lakes. Nothing calms me like looking out onto the water, especially when it is still like glass, reflecting the beauty of the sky. I haven’t watched American Gospel yet but I’ve meant to. My pastor has recommended it also.
“If anyone knows blood doesn’t make a family, it’s me.” That is so true Lizzy — sad, but true. Sharing Christ makes us so close, and it is an eternal bond.
God bless you Lizzie! Navigating life when you experience rejection from biological family is so painful. I only experienced it in a small measure for a small amount of time from a sibling and it is a very hard road emotionally but it is good to hear God has provided graciously for you and you recognize what He has given you. His grace shines through you!
Thank you dear Bev, I’m so sorry you’ve had to endure the pain also but your kindness to me made me smile
Lizzy, thank you for sharing and being so transparent…I know you are loved here!!
Lizzy, you are a “noticer” – you caught the number of the eagles and I like your conclusion. I’m glad that your husband has been able to stay at home and not have to travel, and how that has helped you.
I so agree with Susan. You are a noticer and such a gift here in that. I also kept thinking how there is another blood that unites us, no matter our origin – the blood of Jesus.
So wonderful God has given you the gift of having your husband home. I SO get that needing some space though too.
I agree: water is so soothing.
Anna, love your comment on the bond of the blood of Jesus- Yes!
Thank you for your kind presence in the group, Shirley. It was a gift reading each of your thoughtful replies to us.
Love that you and hubby have been able to spend time together. The pandemic isn’t all bad…
In what ways have you sensed God’s protection or help in the midst of danger or sorrow this year? I’m still in amazement that I’m actually in Eastern Europe for the long awaited adoption of my little son during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic!! God seems to have a sense of humor at times and also a way of showing His strength in my weakness. I have been spending hours every day in very crowded coffee shops (an absolute way of life here) and riding public buses crowded to the maximum, visiting in many homes, and spending hours daily in an orphanage brimming with children and workers. Many former orphans who grew up with my daughter are also visiting in my apartment here. The other day I was on a long bus ride which was so crowded, my daughter and I were standing at the front of the bus pushed into the driver who was smoking and scrolling through his phone while navigating narrow crowded winding streets! Several of those I have been around here have become ill with COVID-19, including the social workers at the orphanage with whom I have daily contact. This scenario would normally fill me with great fear, especially since there is no worthy medical care in this very poor country, many people have died from this dreadful disease or had to be emergently medically evacuated to Turkey, and I just found out I will not be able to return to the U.S. if COVID-19 positive. So far, the miracle has been that I am still well. This may change tonight or tomorrow, but I am thankful for His protecting wings for me at this time, though I know He often allows His dear children to become ill. I have been in this country for 7 weeks and have at least 4 more weeks if all goes well. I’ve enjoyed keeping up with you guys even while in Eastern Europe!
You amaze me, Miriam. And I do pray supernatural protection until you are free to go!
oh Miriam. no words. Just deep deep prayers and love for you dear sister. His beauty in you amazes me.
Yes Miriam amazing. He has covered you with his feathers and sheltered you with his wings.
I appreciate you taking us with you on your journey. You so encourage me and I pray for His hand of protection over you, your daughter and son.
Missy, praying for you as I type here and read your post. May God be your protector and provider. I can almost envision myself in the Philippines in a crowded bus standing in the aisle and smelling cigarette smoke. I feel for you and for Xhoi and your new son. But God is there with you and He is keeping you safe from the enemy’s reach. I was reading a magazine at church today and was profoundly touched by a quote from Elizabeth Elliot (speaking of the path of obedience)-“if a duty is clear, then the dangers surrounding it are irrelevant.” Never do I want to downplay the “dangers” you are in, but our God is bigger and He is our circumstance. Love to you and Xhoi and your son!
Missy and all, for some reason this came up after I posted my first response so you will see the above twice.
Miriam, your life seems kind of crazy right now – but in a good way! Praying for your protection – physically from Covid, and that He will keep you strong as you wait for the adoption to be final.
I love what you shared about God having a sense of humor. I also love hearing how God has vanquished your fear in the midst of you being in the center of His will there.
So neat your daughter is being reunited with kids she grew up with. Oh how your heart must ache seeing so many children in need. Hugs. I am praying for you.
Miriam, my goodness, so there are no restrictions to those in Europe. I will be praying for your health and safety.
yes, prayers for you and joy in observing your journey!
Whoa…American Gospel (the one posted) made me cry. I want to watch the movie now! Maybe I’ll have a watch party?
Great idea to have a watch party!
Laura, I was reminded last night of the action song you did on FB of the song Eagles’ wings. Can you post it again? Or can I just search for it in the group’s page? I believe you were just sitting down.
Ohhh, I would love to see that too.
I’ll try to find it. I taught you guys the arm movement 😉.
Unfortunately the video is on my dead iPad 😔. However, if you are on the face book page you can see it. You guys are tempting me to dance Eagles Wings for you again….
SO weird….maybe a kiss from the King? Psalm 91 keeps popping up in my life I’m going to dance it tomorrow to “get it out of my system! Here’s what’s happened:
I have been teaching dance at our church dance studio to a couple of sweet young girls (10 and 13) for the past 6 months. A few of the adults have joined us this year, but not many. 2 weeks ago the girls brought me (for my bday) a beautiful calligraphy of, you guessed it, Psalm 91!! Their mom had a friend make it for me. I decided to teach the girls the chorus (dance) last week at our rehearsal. Now we mention it here, and you as well! I’m going to try to dance it tomorrow and have the girls record. It might be tough because I haven’t in a while, but you will get the gist of it 😉.
oh Laura! That’s a “kiss” for you and us! Looking forward to seeing you dance Ps. 91! 🙂
Laura would love to see more dance from you. God knows just what we need, when we need it.
will look forward to it, Laura…
What a sweet gift they gave you and what a gift you are to them in teaching them how to dance to worship music. I am not on Facebook, so I hope you dance it again and post a link here.
Laura, can you add me to the Facebook page? I’d love to see this. search Chris O’Brien -Dorr, Mi
thanks!
Chris, Diane tried to add you to the FB page awhile ago but never seemed to get your email address (I think you guys were missing each other on the blog?). Can you give it to me?
Chris, not sure if you will see this. I just messaged you on FB about adding you to the group.
Day 1. Getting Started
In what ways have you sensed God’s protection or help in the midst of danger or sorrow this year? Be specific and brief to help us read from many of you.
Last August when I contracted Covid there was still a lot of fear associated with some one my age getting it and I had some underlying conditions that were cited as concerns. With the virus as I went into the first week of headache and aching all over and extreme fatigue I took hold of a passage of scripture, Psalm 91 and immersed myself in it’s promises and memorized the first 4 verses. I found a great peace in the Lord in that time of weakness. When I did not have any respiratory issues at all I felt protected. And by mid September when we took an annual trip to So Dakota to go off roading I was surprised and very grateful to the Lord that I felt normal. I didn’t expect a full recovery that quickly. I deeply appreciate His gracious hand of protection and healing on my life.
What stood out to you from:
A. Dee’s “eagle story?”
First I can appreciate Dee’s story about Kearney Lake which comparably is a pond (-: because my parents didn’t live far from there and it is a very familiar place. I had not heard the story of eagles flying there the day of Steve’s funeral but that would have been truly amazing because at that time eagles were unheard of in our area. No doubt a gift from God Himself.
The recognition by Dee of the biblical use of wings resonated with me because Psalm 91:4 says “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” Sometimes like when I had Covid you aren’t able to soar or aren’t carried away on his wings but they will cover and protect you where you are like I experienced when I was sick.
B. Alisa Childer’s thoughts on why people leave orthodoxy?
I found it interesting that she says the greatest following the Progressive Church has comes from the Church. The Progressive church doesn’t seem to be a movement that builds it’s ranks from people who know nothing about church and the Bible. That gives me the perspective people aren’t drawn to the movement for what it offers them in the way of answers for their lives or help on how to live their lives. It is actually weak in that regard. But rather it seems to be made up of questioners and doubters. I think she has an accurate perspective in the reasons she gives. And for those reasons people are led astray into false concepts of the church and the Bible. I think generally speaking the American Church has failed to root it’s followers in sound doctrine and to live out that sound doctrine before it’s young. It has been self centered like the world and has not been other centered by demonstrating the love of Christ to it’s fellow believers and to the lost world. And I don’t mean in a social justice kind of way but with the kind of compassion Christ demonstrated to this lost and dying world.
C. Anything else in the opening?
Bev-wow. I love hearing how you meditated on Psalm 91 while sick with Covid! My pastor just recovered and said the attack on his mind and fears was the worst part of his sickness. Just hearing how you soaked in His Word is a beautiful picture of His protection over you. So thankful you recovered well!
Bev — fun how we have a link geographically. Your Covid and Psalm 91 story is so good.
“Sometimes like when I had Covid you aren’t able to soar or aren’t carried away on his wings but they will cover and protect you where you are like I experienced when I was sick. “
So true. I am so thankful He covered you in His wings during that time, Bev. I watched Him do that with my Mum through cancer (before she went to heaven) and probably Dee can attest to that too.
Bev; do you know what I think is most missing in churches? Just the good old fashioned pure reading of the Word and letting God speak through it to all those present. In hindsight I am SO thankful for the first year at my Anglican church because that’s all my vicar did: read whole chapters of the Word aloud with a very brief mention of how it was transforming him. Then in our Community Bible Experience we read through the whole New Testament together in the 40 days before Lent: life transforming.
Get rid of all the books and interpretations and so forth and let the Word speak for Himself.
Wow, Ann. Sounds powerful.
It truly was, Chris. I realize that even more looking back now. My vicar and his wife gave me such a love for the Word and I was so very hungry already that first year after God opened my eyes to see. His wife visited me every other week also, with her 3 kids and we read the Bible and prayed together, with our 5 kids playing around us. She actually told me never to lose what others called “overwhelming” in me: she saw it as the passion of God in me. They went back to England.
Day 1
1. In what ways have you sensed God’s protection or help in the midst of danger or sorrow this year? Be specific and brief to help us read from many of you.
I have sensed His protection over my husband’s job…through all the COVID and lay offs, he only missed a total of 4 days and has remained healthy. I have sensed his protection over my son in being a policeman with all that’s gone on in our country and he also has remained healthy.
2. What stood out to you from:
A. Dee’s “eagle story?”
I love how God sent those eagles as I’m sure over the years they have been a comfort. When my father died, being at the graveside, I lingered after people were leaving and talked to him. As I turned to leave I felt a hand on my shoulder and what I thought an audio voice saying, “I’m ok and I love you so.” I looked to see if others had heard but no one looked back or anything. That has always been a comfort to me.
B. Alisa Childer’s thoughts on why people leave orthodoxy?
I recommend The Submerging Church documentary on Amazon prime. It may be on YouTube if you don’t have Amazon prime. It’s a real eye opener of what is going on in the churches. It’s a progressive/liberal movement that’s been going on for years. It’s really about power and control and I think you may be surprised who is a part of it.
C. Anything else in the opening?
Im not sure if I agree with the interpretation of the 1260 being a kind of time rather than a length of time but I sure wouldn’t be dogmatic about it.
Sharon–what a sweet gift He gave you when your father died, reminds me just how personal He is with us, He sees
Love your story of being at your dad’s funeral. And your answer to C. I wish there were more Christians who held that attitude about the things that are peripheral to the gospel. There’s no doubt that symbols, dates, and times are challenging in Revelation.
Oh Sharon: what a gift that was at the funeral. Only God!
I will look into that documentary: thank you.
I see it did go through 😊
Day 1. Getting Started
In what ways have you sensed God’s protection or help in the midst of danger or sorrow this year? Be specific and brief to help us read from many of you.
One of our dear older men in our church who I have learned to love and appreciate passed away last October from COVID. I felt so close to him that it was like a punch in the gut when he died. We prayed fervently for his physical healing but God healed him by calling him home-out of the serpent’s reach. The bittersweet remembrance of him for me was the week before he got ill. He usually comes in early and on that Sunday, I had a 10-minute conversation with him about his life and his walk with God. And what stood out to me (that I shared later with his children) was that he said he is not afraid to die if he gets sick with COVID. And a week later, he got the virus and died about a month later. That conversation tempered my sorrow for his death. The very memory brings tears of joy as I look forward to meeting him again.
What stood out to you from:
A. Dee’s “eagle story?”
I love the special story of the eagles coming to the pond during Steve’s funeral. God was so attentive to His beloved (both to Steve and to you). And I will never look at an eagle again without sensing the very presence of God.
B. Alisa Childer’s thoughts on why people leave orthodoxy?
Alisa’s thoughts (legalistic background, abuse, living in a Christian bubble, trouble with the Bible, no safety net to ask questions to i.e. parents) are reality checks of how insidious Satan’s ways are. In varying degrees, I have seen all of the 5 reasons she gave in my own life. Even the very times that I have fallen, God has guarded me and plucked me out of the fowler’s net in perfect time.
C. Anything else in the opening?
It isn’t just death that takes His saints “out of the serpent’s reach,” but indeed, God guards His own and gives them wings to fly away “out of the serpent’s reach.”
What a beautiful yet poignant way of looking at the deaths of believers. To be out of the serpent’s reach into God’s presence! And what comfort that the very God of the universe is guarding me and will provide the wings to fly away out of the serpent’s reach.
I had time to listen to the first American Gospel video as well as to listen to Professor Schreiner. Thank you, Dee, for all these wonderful resources that you have given to us to equip us while we are “in the wilderness” and waiting for Jesus to come again.
You are a student who takes things seriously and takes time, Bing!
Bing–love this story of your talk with the older man in your church–what a sweet gift God gave you, knowing it would comfort you and that you could also share that with his children, beautiful. It’s also a testimony to me of how you cared for this man, giving him your ear, God blessed you for that with this special moment He gave you before bringing him home.
“Even the very times that I have fallen, God has guarded me and plucked me out of the fowler’s net in perfect time.” He does indeed guard all those who are His! Praise Him. I so agree: “And what comfort that the very God of the universe is guarding me and will provide the wings to fly away out of the serpent’s reach.”
Missy, praying for you as I type here and read your post. May God be your protector and provider. I can almost envision myself in the Philippines in a crowded bus standing in the aisle and smelling cigarette smoke. I feel for you and for Xhoi and your new son. But God is there with you and He is keeping you safe from the enemy’s reach. I was reading a magazine at church today and was profoundly touched by a quote from Elizabeth Elliot (speaking of the path of obedience)-“if a duty is clear, then the dangers surrounding it are irrelevant.” Never do I want to downplay the “dangers” you are in, but our God is bigger and He is our circumstance. Love to you and Xhoi and your son!
What a neat quote from Elizabeth Elliot. Thank you for sharing.
In what ways have you sensed God’s protection or help in the midst of danger or sorrow this year? Be specific and brief to help us read from many of you.
I suppose there isn’t just one event for me. I have felt peace most of last year with the virus. I have had many adjustments from church to my work, and have never really been afraid or threatened by the “sickness,” as the tods and I call it. It has been sad to see the fear in others though. I don’t know anyone in my immediate realm who has died, and I only have 1 church acquaintance who I just heard yesterday was in the hospital with the virus. She got pneumonia, but seems to be making it through, I hear. The people I know who have had it had simple symptoms (slight cold, no taste/smell, and exhaustion). I think that’s is 99.7% or so a commonality. So God has protected me through the madness of it all. Thank You Lord Jesus!
What stood out to you from:
A. Dee’s “eagle story?”
Very cool, sweet story! The fact that won MANY showed up is amazing. I love eagles. They are so regal.
B. Alisa Childer’s thoughts on why people leave orthodoxy?
Yes, this is eye opening to me. I was one of those who grew up in church, not knowing really about Jesus. It is sad to look back on. I am thankful my parents took me to church though; I knew I needed something in my life at 26 or so because I was missing out. That’s when I went back, after a 10 year hiatus. It was only about 15 years ago that I began studying on my own and found Jesus! Our church now has a mission to “love people one step closer to Jesus.”
C. Anything else in the opening?
I watched the first video of “American Gospel” and it was very enlightening. I have been searching for an explanation of what some of these pastors (Olsteen and Meyer) ideas were (wondering why I had heard negative things about them) and why people questioned their theology for years. This explains it! I will search for the longer “movie” and let you know.
Laura: how very sad that you went to church so long as a kid and never met Jesus there. But I am so glad you know Him now.
1. In what ways have you sensed God’s protection or help in the midst of danger or sorrow this year? Be specific and brief to help us read from many of you.
God has given me wisdom and extraordinary power to overcome several of the evil one’s arrows. He keeps throwing them at me this year so far, for a new deep valley for me to walk in with God is developing, yet I am getting better at fretting not being my first response-though it tempts me-rather digging in deeper with God!
2. What stood out to you from:
A. Dee’s “eagle story?” I wanted to jump up and say Hallelujah-God is always good-for I think the Eagles were for Steve but also for Dee and her dear son-God is so marvelous-He blesses over and above what our hearts can imagine.
B. Alisa Childer’s thoughts on why people leave orthodoxy? She hit the nail on the head with prominent reasons why people leave.
C. Anything else in the opening? Annie’s picture by the lake-She is so beautiful against the backdrop of God’s amazing provision in her life-Just makes me think of how God is continuing to make her life a beautiful story! I loved hearing how God recently healed a desperate place in her heart!
Awww, Rebecca — in the midst of your tumult you are still so other-centered.
I love the way you look at attacks, so true: “a new deep valley for me to walk in with God is developing”.
Anna, all I can say as He has lured me into the wilderness but this time He is my oasis-but it is real water. 🙂 He is keeping me and growing me closer even though I may wrestle with Him. I have learned I AM DESPERATE FOR HIM-I NEED HIM-not real profound-pretty simple! These trials are squeezing out what is truly inside-the stones in my heart..I have seen that truly any good, any desire to press into Him is from Him because in my flesh I don’t want to trust Him..i want to take control and boy do I end up in the pigs dirt when I resist Him! I want more and more to stop resisting at first and just immediately trust-I know that is a lifetime but I do see a little molecule of progress resisting less and trusting more with the big Kahuna trials lately. 🙂
Oh how I get this: “any desire to press into Him is from Him because in my flesh I don’t want to trust Him”. Amen and Amen. Every new trial is a burning away of dross and a cleansing, a washing in His Word. It is all Him, isn’t it?! Plenty of stones being removed here too and only more to be excavated. Like you said: it’s a life-long journey.
Today, I was sitting with pride also meaning to be presumptuous and to shift our confidence from God to self. Praise God He doesn’t leave us flailing in that sin of pride and stubbornness but continually calls us into His humbling to lift us up in Him.
Then this song came up at random- just what we were sharing of:
https://youtu.be/0M4YppfO2rw
In what ways have you sensed God’s protection or help in the midst of danger or sorrow this year? Be specific and brief to help us read from many of you. This bible study has provided much protection from spiritual attacks particularly in my marriage this past year. Again today. I was struggling with deep sorrow yesterday over yet another deep struggle in my marriage. We seem to just get past one and then another comes. This one is very personal due to a medical condition I’m experiencing and caused me to question why God allowed this, for surely He is sovereign. As I struggled yesterday afternoon, I just had to get away from the sorrowful pit I was falling into. I headed out for a walk on our property, praying that God would speak to my heart and give me some peace. I didn’t consider what I saw on my walk until your story about the eagles, Dee. I saw a red tail hawk fly from a group of pine trees over to a swampy wooded area. In a few moments, this predatory bird was chased by noisy crows back to the pines. They continued to fight noisily as I headed back to the house. I was mostly annoyed at the disruption of my peaceful walk, but now can think of how these birds could symbolize the struggles in my marriage. The predator keeps attacking, and we need to keep fighting him off. The battle is a noisy disruption in our otherwise peaceful marriage. It is painful beyond anything to date and yet I know others suffer with more. We will continue to do battle and seek our peace from the Lord.
What stood out to you from:
A. Dee’s “eagle story?” I love how it was such an obvious sign that had not been seen before at the pond, and I love the sweet picture of your daughter at the water.
B. Alisa Childer’s thoughts on why people leave orthodoxy? Lizzy summarized well. The part that stood out to me is where people in the church with questions do not have a safe place to get answers. So true and I think because many in the church are trying to maintain that perfect picture to others, as the person from Holland, Mi (near my hometown!) described in the American Gospel.
C. Anything else in the opening? The title, “I’ll Fly Away”, and video of that song. Facing a valley of darkness, to know I will fly away one day is comforting. Just a few more weary days and then I’ll fly away to glory.
Chris, praying for you as I type here. Your testimony about your struggle with your marriage resonated with me. My husband has been going through a deep valley due to a strained relationship. It has affected me to some degree that my natural inclinations to withdraw, give unsolicited advice, be judgmental kicked in. As I reflected on what I am learning here, I began to realize the serpent is tightening the noose around us. He spews lies, deceives both my husband and me by feeding us negative thoughts, etc. I claimed God’s promise of protection for our marriage and also for my husband’s mental health. The problem (strained relationship) has not gone away but just like you, I will continue “to do battle and seek our peace from the Lord.” Take courage, my dear friend, God is on your side.
Thank you!! I’ll be in prayer for you and your husband as well. Thank you so much for sharing, encouraging me and for your prayers. How sweet that as I type the Lord encourages me with a song my daughter is learning on the piano THIS week:
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heartNaught be all else to me, save that thou artThou my best thought, by day or by nightWaking or sleeping, thy presence my light
Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true wordI ever with thee and thou with me, LordThou my great Father, and I thy true sonThou in me dwelling and I with thee one
Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praiseThou mine inheritance, now and alwaysThou and thou only first in my heartHigh King of heaven, my treasure thou art
High King of heaven, my victory wonMay I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s sunHeart of my own heart, whatever befallStill be my vision, O ruler of allHeart of my own heart, whatever befallStill be my vision, O ruler of all
Thanks for honestly sharing about your marriage struggles….you are not alone, and I will pray for you and your husband. And for your medical condition, too. I find it is so helpful to get out into nature to uplift your mood! The crows….we have had a few hawks around since last summer, and we have a lot of crows. The crows really raise a racket when the hawks are flying around. I’ve heard that crows are extremely intelligent birds!
The other thing that stood out in your post was that many people may leave their church because it isn’t a safe place to voice their doubts and questions. I think that is very true.
Thank you, Susan, for your encouragement. Knowing you here and things you have shared is what prompted me to get out for a walk and seek the Lord there 🙂
Thank you for sharing so honestly, Chris and of how God used the eagle story to encourage you. I am sorry you are walking through an illness and stress in your marriage: but that also says to me God is at work in mighty ways in you and in your midst.
May God bless you as you continue to press into Him. I too go for walks (or runs) to pray. It really helps to get out, doesn’t it?
I so love that old hymn your daughter is learning. It truly makes all the difference when God reminds us to look up at Him, doesn’t it? Doesn’t take away the pain, but comforts us in it and carries us through it.
Susan, the bit about crows being intelligent is true! My sister worked in the veterinarian business for many years. The last place she worked took in exotic animals. One was a crow. I guess their interaction with it was pretty amazing! She was convinced of the high intelligence. I never knew this and found it hard to believe. I can’t remember specifics as to what the crow did that made her intrigued; maybe learning commands or something? I’ll have to ask her again.
I do so feel for you Chris — home is supposed to be haven of restoration not a place of attack. May God help you persevere. And I do pray for your husband — I’m sure it must get weary praying, persisting, and hoping.
Thank you, Dee and Anna. The weight is heavy now. It presses me to seek God more which is good, but hard too. I need to keep focused on today. Your encouragement helps so much.
A song for you:
https://youtu.be/MPI7WbPyoM8
Praying for God to keep lifting your eyes up to Him today.
Simchris-oh I can relate to your pain and the deep sorrow. Big hugs and asking for Him to be your strength, your everything, your comfort, your joy…Lord thank you that you are present-you are with Chris and know every thought every pain she has inside. Thank you that you will give her Eagle’s wings to fly away from satan’s attack on her and her marriage-help her daily re-focus her thoughts on you-to fight back satan’s lying condemning thoughts. help her to remember daily to keep her eyes on you and not her husband-or on the ways satan may distract. How I need this today too! Thank you that you are with her and you will help her.
He will give you eagles wings, sister. He will! You are growing into the image of Jesus-so beautiful but He will make you even more beautiful-hard to see right now, I so know that. I love to see how you are pressing into Him-He loves that and loves you so.
Thank you 🥲
support from all of you means so much. This hard stuff really challenges my faith. My husband and I both come from divorced families. We are trying hard to break that cycle. My husband and I had a great conversation regarding our struggle on Tuesday night. Keep the prayers coming. It’s helping 💕
Oh praise, God! He is so mighty to save us from the enemy’s schemes. May you continue to see the victory of Christ in your midst.
Another song for you and praying that your praise slices through every attack waged against you:
https://youtu.be/UrtBibddZZc
Chris–so thankful for the good conversation with your husband! Continuing to pray for healing and for His mercy to cover you both
Chris, that’s HUGE – that you and your husband could talk about your struggles….often it’s the total breakdown of communication that is so troublesome, so I find that very encouraging that you two can keep the dialogue going.
Yay!
Chris, yes I agree with everyone here-good good that you were able to open up to each other about your struggle and it went well. 🙂
Chris–so good to see you back here. I’m so sorry for the continued deep pain though. Praying for healing an a true breakthrough, for His rescue.
Chris, I will pray.
The only bird that will peck at an Eagle, is the crow. He sits on his back and bites his neck. The Eagle does not respond or fight with the crow. It doesn’t waste time or energy on the crow. It simply opens its wings and begins to rise higher in the sky. The higher the flight, the harder it is for the crow to breathe. Eventually the crow falls due to lack of oxygen.
I put this here to hear how y’all would apply this fact to the Christian life….thought it went well with this lesson and y’all are better with words than I am.
Sharon-Wow to this! I did not know these things about the crow! What an amazing metaphor-whereas the eagle thrives in a higher place, it is the death to the crow. What a boost when my faith falters. Just climb higher with the help of God and that evil crow will ultimately die for that is his destiny. Thanks for sharing! No school for us today due to the weather so I have time to post more today. Am so blessed to have this kiss from our King!
Sharon, this information makes my experience so much more meaningful and gives such courage!! Thank you dear sister.
Oh wow: Sharon! That fits so beautifully with how God leads us. Thank you for sharing that.
Sharon–this description of the crow & Eagle reminds me a bit of Keller’s quote we say here often–that “God gives Satan only enough rope to hang himself”!
Great picture, Sharon!!
In what ways have you sensed God’s protection or help in the midst of danger or sorrow this year? Be specific and brief to help us read from many of you. I definitely felt God’s protection in surviving (uninjured except for some bruises) a double rollover accident that I had. There is no explanation for how my car flipped when I was headed straight for 2 trees and then landed perpendicular to the road (facing the road) between 2 road signs in a space that was barely wide enough for the width of the car, without damaging anything except the car.
What stood out to you from:
A. Dee’s “eagle story?” I like how you took it as a sign of comfort from God. I believe that God in His creativeness uses nature to speak His truths to us. So many people that I know would have said that it was their loved one coming back to show that they’re okay, which takes away from giving God the glory for His goodness toward us.
B. Alisa Childer’s thoughts on why people leave orthodoxy? I have to admit that until you started addressing the issue I’d never heard of progressive Christianity. I am definitely going to listen to the you tube videos when I get the chance. What Alisa Childer said makes sense. People think that they’re not turning their back on Jesus, just traditional church. They really need to look deeply in what their new church is actually teaching, does it line up with the gospel?
C. Anything else in the opening? “But we are not alone, as the verse above confirms. He provides a way of escape, giving us the wings of an eagle, so we can fly away to Him, out of the serpent’s reach.” Sometimes that is not a physical removal from our situation, but it is always a spiritual one.
Wow, Dawn! A double rollover! God surely protected you.
Dawn, I have also heard people say their loved one gave them a sign and I agree, that takes credit away from God-besides we know that sort of thing to be unbiblical. Good insight on how to redirect people’s thinking, in love of course.
Wow: what a miracle, Dawn!
That certainly was God protecting you, Dawn!
Yes, he provides a way of escape, love this truth as in I Corinthians 10:13
1. In what ways have you sensed God’s protection or help in the midst of danger or sorrow this year? Be specific and brief to help us read from many of you.
God just continues to be there for me in a time of grief. I am still grieving the loss of my dad last May, and the fact that I also do not have a living parent now. Moving into the new year, without my parents, has been hard. There have been times I have felt very lost, alone, and confused, and I wonder, where are you God? Yet I keep believing that I am held by Him, and now, He is speaking to me through Henri Nouwen’s wonderful book, The Return of the Prodigal Son. When Henri writes about the son in Rembrandt’s painting with his face pressed against his father’s chest, I imagine being held by my dad, as he was a “hugger”.
2. What stood out to you from:
A. Dee’s “eagle story”?
I am inclined to believe that God miraculously sent those eagles to fly over the water that day. I really, really believe that He did. Makes me think of that song, “And He will raise you up on eagles wings….” That is something for you to treasure, Dee, that God gave you such a comforting sign.
B. Alisa Childer’s thoughts on why people leave orthodoxy?
Her points were very good, and it’s interesting that many come from the evangelical church. Especially in what’s currently going on in our country, where political figures have been idolized and many people radicalized, similar to how people are radicalized by ISIS, I think the lines have been blurred between religion and politics. I do believe that one’s Christianity should inform your beliefs and choices, but you should not be controlled from the pulpit, or pressured. So one podcast I listen to, Anita Lustrea’s Faith Conversations – she talks a lot about “deconstruction and reconstruction” of one’s faith with various guests on her podcast. Yet, I don’t feel that Anita has gone astray in her beliefs. There was one or maybe two episode where she had Rob Bell on as a guest. I didn’t know anything much about him, so I listened to a few of his podcasts, but I felt there wasn’t something quite right about what I was hearing from him, so I quit listening to him.
C. Anything else in the opening?
That one of the lies of progressive Christianity is that it denies the necessity of the atonement of Jesus for our sins, because this belief system says that God would never send anyone to hell. That would make a lot of things in the Bible just not make any sense.
Susan: I am so very sorry for the loss of both your parents and your Dad so recently too. What a gift for God to send you that book. It is such a good book to read and so beautiful how God spoke to you through it.
Thanks dear Susan.
I LOVED that book by Nouwan. He saw so much in the painting — and I have a print in my hall.
So true, Dee….I just read the part about Nouwen’s reflections on the younger son, how he saw, in him, not only the first Adam and all of lost humanity since him, finally coming home, but also The Son, Jesus, returning home to the Father with all of His lost children. He writes that all of the gospel is right there; his insights are pretty mind-bending…even his noticing that the face of the son almost looks like a newborn’s, and linking that to a second birth. James Martin SJ just shared this week on his FB page a disturbing article about a Catholic church in NC where a former pastor and a group of seminarians went through a church’s theology library and removed books deemed heretical, including books by Nouwen, and burned them. It’s a movement of “hyper-orthodoxy” that is returning to pre-Vatican II.
Susan, I understand how you feel about not having a parent to go to or even just hug. It is hard. I still miss my mom. It been years now. I will pray for you to feel Him more right now.
Thank you Laura….I remember all that you used to share about your mom….I don’t think we ever stop missing our parents.
Day 2
3. Read Revelation 12:1–13:1 and find everything you can about the red dragon.
Large, Red, 7 heads, 10 horns, 7 crowns on his head, tail swept 1/3 of the stars in the sky. threw them to the earth, stood in front of the woman while she’s giving birth, ready to devour the Child, Child snatched away from him, He and his angels fought Michael and his angels, forced out of heaven, great, dragon, ancient serpent, devil, Satan, deceives the whole world, thrown down to earth with his angels, accuser of the brethren day and night, accused defeated him by the blood of the Lamb, come down to earth in great anger-becoming terror and the earth and sea, has little time, rose up out of the sea. 7 heads, 10 horns with 10 crowns on its horns, a blasphemous name written in his head.
4. How does Jesus describe Satan in John 10:10?
Like a thief that comes to steal, kill and destroy.
5. Read Exodus 19:4.
A. What does God want Moses to remind His people about?
What He did to the Egyptians and how He carried them on eagles’ wings and brought them to Himself.
B. If you are familiar with the story of the Exodus, share some ways God intervened for His people to bring them to a place of safety, “out of the serpent’s reach.”
Saved Moses as a baby and used Him as an adult
Sent the plagues
The Passover
A cloud by day and a fire by night
Parted the Red Sea so they could cross and Pharaoh and his army was drowned
…and much more.
Finishing up question 3 as I misread it.
Persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child, woman taken from serpent, he poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman hoping to cause her to be swept away, enraged with the woman, went off to make war with the rest of her children.
Day 1. Getting Started
In what ways have you sensed God’s protection or help in the midst of danger or sorrow this year? Be specific and brief to help us read from many of you.
Our family sorrow has been over lesser things this past year: not being able to visit my family in New Zealand, not being able to get together with my in-laws at various times because of corona, school closing for my girls, canceled birthday party for my oldest and so forth.
God’s protection has been through Him teaching all of us to be genuine in expressing our sadness, to put ourselves in each others’ shoes and to forgive each other quickly. He has used it to bring us closer together and to teach us ways to express our emotions in a healthy and honest way.
What stood out to you from:
A. Dee’s “eagle story?”
The nearness of God in our earthly losses. It so touched my heart: how beautiful of God to bless your heart, Dee, as you prepared to bless ours.
B. Alisa Childer’s thoughts on why people leave orthodoxy?
I just kept thinking: how none of those reasons for leaving are relevant anymore when God captures our hearts. The moment we are born again, nothing can separate us- no false teaching can ever lure us away. For, He who is in us is greater than He who is in the world.
I have been thinking about how even the recent spiritual abuse I went through has been (and continues to be) His cleansing of my heart.
C. Anything else in the opening?
I watched the start of the first American Gospel film (the second is unavailable here). It resonated so much.
I was deeply aware of my own sinfulness as a teenager and thought that disqualified me. But I also strongly believe that it in fact got that far because I didn’t repent of a particular sin I was deeply ashamed of.
In my case I did grow up in what you would call “orthodox” Christian beliefs – they were taught in my home and at church. But, I idolized broken people and so began to see God through a warped lens.
Interestingly, God opened my eyes to see Him for who He truly is, when one of the people I idolized as God repented of the sin that was at the root of my warped vision of God: about twenty years later. I didn’t notice that till about a year after God opened my eyes. I don’t believe that timing was a random coincidence.
It always helps me to remember that my biggest weapon against the enslavement of not just myself, but others also, is my open confession of sin: declaring and living out God’s righteousness – and NOT my own – in doing so.
Interesting Anna that you idolized broken people…did you know they were broken at the time?
“Open confession of sin.” Yes!
No, I didn’t, Sharon. That is such a good question to ponder. I was so focused on myself that when what I spoke wasn’t heard, I turned on myself, rather than resting in the One who had called me to speak up. If I had rested in God, I think He would have loved to have showed me their brokenness and their need for prayer also.
I don’t think they realized they were broken themselves either: at least not in the area they were blinded. It was absolutely amazing seeing that repentance come and it makes me weep so much because now I also see the ache she carried all those years in not knowing and not understanding.
I had just penned a piece about her in which God showed me how He used all those years of her blindness in that one place for good also. For, her ache compelled her to love on so many others she wouldn’t have been drawn to in the same way. It reminded me of what Dee said about Jacob: that even in our failures God keeps working through us. After all; we all see but in part, right?
Thank you for your question. It is a blessing.
LIke Sharon, I found the repentance of a broken person who had led you astray impacting you. How important it is to admit we were wrong about something theologically! I take this to heart!
Yes: hugely important, Dee. It does something spiritually that we cannot comprehend. It covered me and my Mum in indescribable peace that broke strongholds.
To this day, what took place when I was little makes me stop and pay attention to things my kids say to me. My youngest particularly has such an anointing of the Spirit in wisdom and discernment and has led me to much repentance also. Out of the mouths of babes and a little child shall lead them.
Once, I had her on my bike, up front as a toddler, and God had woken me that night asking me to read about the feeding of the five thousand. I suddenly noticed all sorts I hadn’t seen before. Well – that same morning on the bike she said: “Mama, Jesus is hungry for the fish and bread.” I hadn’t read that story to her in I don’t know how long. We hadn’t done anything with fish or bread and she didn’t know what I had been reading that night. I then knew God wanted me to share what He had opened my eyes to more widely.
Kids are much more receptive to the Spirit of God, truly. We think we need to teach them, but God wants to teach us so much through them.
I wept reading that Jesus was 12 when His parents reprimanded Him for doing His Father’s will. I was that same age when God had me speak up, and yet unlike Jesus I didn’t stand firm in my Heavenly Father’s will, but bowed to my idols.
3. Read Revelation 12:1–13:1 and find everything you can about the red dragon.
He is is large and red.
He has 7 heads, 10 horns and 7 crowns. Now, I know Biggs says we can’t look to our own circumstances when reading Revelation, rather to look in the OT for discernment. I am not remembering anything about 7 and 10 (I know that we aren’t supposed to look for meaning in numbers as well), but I am thinking about 7 continents that might represent the evil on this earth. I know 7 is perfection (Jesus).
His tail is so long it swipes 1/3 of the stars.
He is standing in front of the woman waiting for her to give birth. He is ready to devour the child upon the birth.
God takes the baby from him.
He and his “angels” fight Michael and his angels. He loses.
He is thrown back to earth by God with God “angels” and he has great anger.
He pursued the woman.
He tried to drown the woman.
He declared war against her offspring.
He took his stand on the shore beside the ocean.
4. How does Jesus describe Satan in John 10:10?
His purpose is to steal, cheat, and destroy.
Day 2. The Red Dragon Comes To Kill and Destroy
3. Read Revelation 12:1–13:1 and find everything you can about the red dragon.
He has seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth.
He is the ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He is the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them day and night before our God.
He stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it.
He and his angels fought back against Michael and his angels.
He was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
When he saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child.
4. How does Jesus describe Satan in John 10:10?
He who comes to steal, kill and destroy.
Carson also writes: “Perhaps, the reference to a ‘third of the stars’ being swept away indicates that only a portion of the covenant community was suffering attack from the devil’s forces at the time of Christ’s life, whereas at the very end of the age that attack will reach universal proportions.” (p. 1124)
But why then are they cast down to earth? He isn’t sweeping them away but casting them to earth. What could that mean? Could it in fact connect to the angels of Satan being swept down with him? Could it connect to the seed of the serpent being present on earth with the seed of God? Could it be a reference to the tares growing alongside the wheat until the harvest? I am a little confused by this.
5. Read Exodus 19:4.
A. What does God want Moses to remind His people about?
What He did to the Egyptians, and how He bore His people on eagles’ wings and brought them to Himself.
B. If you are familiar with the story of the Exodus, share some ways God intervened for His people to bring them to a place of safety, “out of the serpent’s reach.”
Through the ten plagues He sent upon the Egyptians that the Israelites were spared from. Through a cloud and a pillar of fire (Exodus 13:21):
“And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.”
And by parting the sea, for them to walk through on dry ground and then causing it to fall on the Egyptians.
6. Read Ezekiel 29:2-6 and find examples of how God protected His people in Egypt again Pharaoh.
I don’t see the ways He protected them in those verses, only the ways in which He humbled Egypt.
7. Read Job 26:12-14
A. (Rahab is a synonym for Egypt) What did God do to rescue his people according to verses 12 and 13?
By His power He stilled the sea;
by His understanding He shattered Egypt.
By His wind the heavens were made fair;
His hand pierced the fleeing serpent.
B. How does Job describe the power of God that we are allowed to see in verse 14?
As a small whisper that we hear.
8. Satan is responsible for many deaths, but death is the final enemy for the believer, and then comes victory. According to Revelation 12:11 how did the martyrs overcome the temptation to deny Christ as Satan urged them to do?
By the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. By not loving their lives, even unto death. Reminds me it’s all about Jesus: even our testimony is in fact the testimony (life) of Jesus speaking through us.
Under question 4. I was just listening to the sermon about the third of the stars being cast down and it suddenly made me think of these verses:
51 And behold, (BU)the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And (BV)the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of (BW)the saints (BX)who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into (BY)the holy city and appeared to many.
5. Read Exodus 19:4.
A. What does God want Moses to remind His people about?
God wants Moses to remind them of what He had done for them; taken out the Egyptians and carried the Israelites out of Egypt on “eagles wings.”
B. If you are familiar with the story of the Exodus, share some ways God intervened for His people to bring them to a place of safety, “out of the serpent’s reach.”
He parted the Red Sea so they could pass, but not the Egyptians.
He led them with a pillar of fiery clouds to the correct place.
He provided manna for food to eat.
6. Read Ezekiel 29:2-6 and find examples of how God protected His people in Egypt again Pharaoh.
Well, I’m not getting this question because when I go to the scripture it reads more like a threat than something He has already done?
He says He will reside in the Nile, as a monster. He will put hooks in his jaws.He will allow the fish of the streams attach to his scales.He will cast him out of the water onto the land where he and the fish will become food for the animals.
7. Read Job 26:12-14
A. (Rahab is a synonym for Egypt) What did God do to rescue his people according to verses 12 and 13?
He calmed the sea and crushed the sea monster.
He made the heavens shine and the gliding serpent was pierced.
B. How does Job describe the power of God that we are allowed to see in verse 14?
These actions were just a whisper of God’s power.
8. Satan is responsible for many deaths, but death is the final enemy for the believer, and then comes victory. According to Revelation 12:11 how did the martyrs overcome the temptation to deny Christ as Satan urged them to do?
They did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. Wow.
3. Read Revelation 12:1–13:1 and find everything you can about the red dragon.
1. he has 7 heads, 10 horns and 7 crowns.
2. it’s tail swept 1/3 of the stars out of the sky and flung them to earth. (Could this be Israel? God told Abraham when sara was barren his offspring would be as many as the stars. just throwing that out there.)
3. it stood in front of the woman waiting to devour her baby after she gave birth
4. The dragon has his own angels and they were ready to fight to be in a high place-heaven, (the final war with Michael and his angels leading. Maybe trying to take God’s place? Since that is how satan and his angels were cast down from heaven in the first place. )
5. The dragon-(satan and his angels) lose and are cast down to earth where they led the whole world astray.
6. after the dragon was hurled to the earth he pursued the woman but she was snatched up and protected. The dragon tried to destroy her again, but couldn’t so he went after her offspring-true believers but was unable to destroy them.
4. How does Jesus describe Satan in John 10:10? satan only comes to steal, kill and destroy.
Wow–so amazing: The picture of the dragon’s tail sweeping away a third of the stars and casting them to earth is taken from Daniel 8:10…the stars can represent Israelite saints, not just angels.” (Dan. 12:3) (Ibid. p. 1123) Carson also writes: “Perhaps, the reference to a ‘third of the stars’ being swept away indicates that only a portion of the covenant community was suffering attack from the devil’s forces at the time of Christ’s life, whereas at the very end of the age that attack will reach universal proportions.” (p. 1124)
5. Read Exodus 19:4.
A. What does God want Moses to remind His people about? how he rescued them from evil-Egypt’s leaders
B. If you are familiar with the story of the Exodus, share some ways God intervened for His people to bring them to a place of safety, “out of the serpent’s reach.”
God carried the Israelites on Eagles wings and brought them to himself-Like the woman in revelation-she was carried on eagles wings and brought into the wilderness where God protected her from the dragon.
God went before the Israelites (His presence) and held back the enemy.
He parted the water and brought them through on dry ground. The dragon tried to overtake the woman with water but the earth swallowed it up to protect her.
WOW! I promise I didn’t read D.A. Carson’s quote below-but these passages SO parallel, I missed this detail below-wow, I have goosebumps.
D. A. Carson writes concerning Rev 12:15-16 that the swallowing of waters is another allusion to the escape of the Israelites. The Red Sea threatened to swallow them up, but instead, swallowed up their enemy. 6. Read Ezekiel 29:2-6 and find examples of how God protected His people in Egypt again Pharaoh.
Same Spirit says same thing, Rebecca. 🙂
A quick stop here to share a hymn “Under His Wings”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeHcf_EtZ6A&list=RDiCq89Kqhm0g&index=21
I hope it gets through.
3rd verse:
Under His wings—oh, what precious enjoyment! There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me; Resting in Jesus I’m safe evermore.
Under His wings, under His wings, Who from His love can sever?Under His wings, my soul shall abide, Safely abide forever.
Bing, this is beautiful! After I listened to it I saw that you quoted verse 3 and the line that stood out to me was, “Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me. Resting in Jesus I’m safe evermore.” I will take comfort in that…thank you for posting this.
Perfect hymn, Bing.
this hymn is so beautiful!
Sharon, Dee, Shirley, and to those who love George Beverly Shea, here is his version of “Under His Wings”. Soulfully sang-as always.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bgb3d6hiTpU
George Beverly Shea…wow! My father’s favorite, such memories stirred up. Thanks so for sharing this Bing!
Thank you, Bing, I loved this!
This was so good to listen to: thank you, Bing. I also shared it with a friend and it so blessed her too.
Day 2
6. Read Ezekiel 29:2-6 and find examples of how God protected His people in Egypt again Pharaoh.
He put hooks in their jaws and dragged them out on land with fish sticking to their scales. Left them and all their fish stranded in the wilderness to die. Buried them on the open ground to be given as food the wild animals and birds.
7. Read Job 26:12-14
A. (Rahab is a synonym for Egypt) What did God do to rescue his people according to verses 12 and 13?
He stirred up the sea. Crushed the great sea monster. Pierced the gliding serpent.
B. How does Job describe the power of God that we are allowed to see in verse 14?
Merely a whisper. Thunder
8. Satan is responsible for many deaths, but death is the final enemy for the believer, and then comes victory. According to Revelation 12:11 how did the martyrs overcome the temptation to deny Christ as Satan urged them to do?
By the blood of the Lamb. By their testimony. Did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.
Day 1. Getting Started
1. In what ways have you sensed God’s protection or help in the midst of danger or sorrow this year? Be specific and brief to help us read from many of you. – I really haven’t sensed any danger in this last year, but sorrow would be more in line for me. I haven’t really felt any loss with the pandemic, it’s been just the opposite for me. I’ve become closer to God, I’ve had time to dig in deeper with Bible Study and have had more me time since working from home. The sorrow I guess is more external, when I see others struggling, and lack of travel allowed. In all of this I have felt God’s presence and His peace in my life more.
2. What stood out to you from:
A. Dee’s “eagle story?” – Oh my, this was so encouraging to me. How God showed you just when you all needed it, that he heard your requests and knew just when you needed for him to show his glory. To bring the eagles where they normally would not be and give you peace that Steve was free.
B. Alisa Childer’s thoughts on why people leave orthodoxy? – each little clip that I hear makes me more intrigued about her book, Another Gospel, that I am going to have to find it. I feel saddened by the deception that some have taken hold of as truth. This makes me wonder how discipled new believers are, that a strong Christian has not come up beside them and walk with them. But I guess too that a strong Christian could be fooled if they have been having doubts. Time to order the book…
C. Anything else in the opening? – The song, I’ll Fly Away, love it. So upbeat and the pictures she had in the video showed me just how beautiful God’s creations are. Also loved how we have been given hope and encouragement that God has given us what we need to fly away from the serpent’s grasp and how God will be there to protect us until we are free from his reach.
Julie, your presence and input here over the last year has been a real encouragement to me and your love and desire for the Lord is evident.
Amen to Sharon’s comment, Julie.
Julie: It is beautiful to me that you feel the sorrow and struggles of others in your own lack of fear and sorrow. It’s like that verse that says we weep with those who weep and we rejoice with those who rejoice. How precious that you are coming alongside others in prayer to help carry their burden.
A quick comment- I do love the eagle story, Dee. So amazing.
Still working on lesson, but not able to do computer work. Thanks for prayers, am making a little progress.
I am sorry to hear of you being unable to do computer work, but glad you are making a little progress. May God bring you sweet encouragement today.
9. How is the dragon described in Revelation 12:9?
He was a great dragon, a serpent, the devil, or called Satan, whose plan is to deceive the world.
10. The same John reveals how to spot the enemy, the lies he tells, and how to “fly away” in his letters. Find all three in 1 John 2:18-25
A. What telltale sign of false teaching is here? (19)
These people have left our churches. They never really belonged with us.
B. What lie do false teachers tell? (22-23)
They say that Jesus is not Christ. They sent the Father and the Son.
C. How can we “fly away?” (24-25)
We need to remain faithful to what we learned in the beginning about the Father and the Son.
11. What assurance does John give us in 1 John 4:4?
We belong to God. The Spirit in us is greater than that of the world.
12. What evidence does he give us to discern the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood in 1 John 4:5-6?
The spirit of falsehood is that which relies on the world and world views. People who listen to the world are not of God.
The spirit of truth is that which belongs to God and speaks from His point of view. People who listen to us are of God.
Day 3
9. How is the dragon described in Revelation 12:9?
the ancient serpent
he is called the devil and Satan
the deceiver of the whole world
10. The same John reveals how to spot the enemy, the lies he tells, and how to “fly away” in his letters. Find all three in 1 John 2:18-25
A. What telltale sign of false teaching is here? (19)
That it originates from within the church, not from outside of it.
B. What lie do false teachers tell? (22-23)
That Jesus is not the Christ (the Messiah: the One who delivers us from our sins and the realm of darkness).
Therefore they cannot have the Father because only those who confess the Son have the Father.
To confess means:
HELPS Word-studies
3670 homologéō (from 3674 /homoú, “together” and 3004 /légō, “speak to a conclusion”) – properly, to voice the same conclusion, i.e. agree (“confess”); to profess (confess) because in full agreement; to align with (endorse).
[3670 /homologéō (“confess”) means to speak the same thing, i.e. “assent, agree with, confess, declare, admit” (Vine, Unger, White, NT, 120).]
So: that means those who teach people to adhere to a set of rules to be “set free” are false teachers. They turn the steps and regulations (or their teaching material) into the “deliverer”, rather than pointing out that Jesus came because we could never ever fulfill the law ourselves. JESUS has become our deliverer (the Christ/Messiah), to enable us, through His indwelling power, to fulfill the law.
C. How can we “fly away?” (24-25)
By letting the Word (and we are told the Word is Jesus) that we first heard abide (remain, dwell, make His home) in us. If He remains in us, we will remain in Him.
11. What assurance does John give us in 1 John 4:4?
That He who is in us is greater than he who is in the earth.
12. What evidence does he give us to discern the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood in 1 John 4:5-6?
That though they come from within the church, they speak from the world (looking to the outward masks of self-righteousness – they are white washed tombs – and not the inward transforming presence of Jesus) and the world (self-righteous) listen to them.
Day 3. The Red Dragon Comes To Deceive
9. How is the dragon described in Revelation 12:9?
That ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world
10. The same John reveals how to spot the enemy, the lies he tells, and how to “fly away” in his letters. Find all three in 1 John 2:18-25
A. What telltale sign of false teaching is here? (19)
“They went out from us” They end up leaving and do not stay but that reveals they are false and truly were not of the same mind and spirit.
B. What lie do false teachers tell? (22-23)
They deny Who Jesus is as the Christ the very Son of God. More importantly God the Son part of the Holy Trinity.
C. How can we “fly away?” (24-25)
We can abide in (rest in) what we learned in the beginning when we confessed Jesus as LORD and the Son of God. The promise He made to us in confessing and believing in Him was to give us eternal life.
11. What assurance does John give us in 1 John 4:4? 12.
That He lives in us. He abides in us and His love is growing in us. This is because we have the Holy Spirit given to us when we accept and confess Jesus in our lives.
What evidence does he give us to discern the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood in 1 John 4:5-6?
The world relates to the world and thinks like the world and focuses on worldly things.
Believers who listen to and understand the things of God and share in His teachings remain together in the Spirit of truth. The truth of God’s Word exposes worldly lies.
My mom passed away yesterday. We were blessed to be able to spend her last few days with her in person through hospice. Outside of a couple of emergency room visits no one has had a face to face visit with her since March.
Thank you so much for letting us know, Dawn. What a gift to have those last days together after so long apart. Praise God for His compassion. Sending love and hugs across the oceans. Will keep praying for you. So hard to lose a Mom.
Thank you, Anna.
Dawn, please accept my deepest condolences and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers…hugs!
oh Dawn, so sorry for your loss but so thankful you were able to spend time with her, face to face
Dawn, I am so sorry to hear about your mom passing and glad you were blessed with spending time with her in the last days. Love to you and your family.
Oh Dawn — I’m so sorry. I know you will miss her so. I’m glad you were able to be with her in person. Such a hard time for last days — praying God’s comfort for you!
Dawn, So sorry for your loss but what joy for your Mom to be set free from the great struggles of this life and body. Praying for your comfort “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Roman 15:13
Dawn I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I will pray for peace for you and your family. 🙏🙏🙏
Dawn, I just saw this post… I am so sorry for your loss of your mom, and thankful you were able to see her while she was in hospice care. Losing your mom is really hard. Praying for you and your family.
DawnMS, I have thought of you often and especially now. Such a hard hard loss. You are so loved here and we are praying for God to wrap His loving arms of comfort around you.
Dee, as I follow along the word document for this week it is different from these questions. Did you change the word document?
Oh I think it is mostly the numbering- so I was confused.
9. How is the dragon described in Revelation 12:9? 10. The same John reveals how to spot the enemy, the lies he tells, and how to “fly away” in his letters. Find all three in 1 John 2:18-25
1. Revelation 12:9 – great, serpent of old, devil, satan, deceiver of the whole world,
2. 1 John 2:18-25 – Those who say they are Christians but really don’t believe. We will know who they are when they leave us. Whoever denies Jesus is the Christ-such a person is the anti-christ denying God and Jesus. No one who denies the Father has Jesus. Whoever acknowledges Jesus has the Father also.
A. What telltale sign of false teaching is here? (19)
If you go to church are a good person, and do the right thing you are a Christian. If church doesn’t fulfill you, entertain you or basically serve you the way you want to be served, then leave.
B. What lie do false teachers tell? (22-23)
They lie about Jesus as Savior and that we can save ourselves via our good works, or in other ways even via using Jesus for what He can give us . That He isn’t God. The false teachers become the one their followers believe is ultimate.
C. How can we “fly away?” (24-25)
To stick with Scripture-daily meditation, what we know, what we have memorized deep in our hearts. As Dee says below-stick with the original teaching.
11. What assurance does John give us in 1 John 4:4?
His Holy Spirit (He) is in those who are His and He is greater than the world so we are overcomers!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 He can help us Fly Away from the evil one’s lies.
12. What evidence does he give us to discern the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood in 1 John 4:5-6?
Those who are of the world speak from the world’s point of view and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us.
Day 3
9. How is the dragon described in Revelation 12:9?
Great, ancient serpent, devil, Satan and deceiver.
10. The same John reveals how to spot the enemy, the lies he tells, and how to “fly away” in his letters. Find all three in 1 John 2:18-25
A. What telltale sign of false teaching is here? (19)
These people (antichrists) left the church because they never really belonged. If they belonged, they would of stayed and their leaving proves they never did belong.
B. What lie do false teachers tell? (22-23)
Jesus is not the Christ, they deny the Father!
C. How can we “fly away?” (24-25)
Remain faithful to what we have been taught in the beginning and in doing so we will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father and in this fellowship we enjoy promised eternal life.
11. What assurance does John give us in 1 John 4:4?
That we have already won the victory because the Spirit that lives in us is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.
12. What evidence does he give us to discern the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood in 1 John 4:5-6?
People that belong to the spirit of the world will speak from the world’s viewpoint and the world listens to them.
Those who belong to God and those who know God will listen to those who belong to God. If they don’t belong to God, they will not listen.
I would like to share a story of how easily falsehood can be snuck into a church. After our youth pastor left (this happened about 10 years ago),I was asked to teach the high school Sunday school class. The pastor handed me a video series by Rob Bell that our former youth pastor had purchased and was using. I immediately googled his name and couldn’t believe what I was reading in regards to his views on hell etc. and also I had heard from another pastor the heresy he was teaching. Also, I felt the Spirit had given me discernment about our former youth pastor in conversations I had with him and some things just didn’t sound right. I immediately went to our pastor and handed him the video series and told him to Google Rob Bell, which he did and he came back to me, thanked me and told me he’d thrown the videos away.
A story my father told me…the FBI doesn’t study counterfeit money, they study real money, so they can spot the counterfeit.
Sharon: praise God for His discernment through you. I too have experienced that discernment in Spirit. When I opened up the book that my church used in its freedom course, I felt sick to my stomach. As I began to read it, I could see numerous Scriptures chopped up and taken out of context. But in my case, I felt so immature in my faith (two years after coming back to faith) that I reached out to a more mature believer: thank God her reply was: “Anna, Jesus died on the Cross, fullstop.”
I was actually thrilled by the “freedom” they were advertising (because of the trauma triggers) but praise God His Word and Spirit protected me in my vulnerable state.
I love what your Dad said. It’s so true. I so marvel at God’s preparation of me before sending me to the church that was teaching lies. I started attending there after around a year of attending a small Anglican church. The vicar of that church stood up every Sunday to read directly out of the Bible. He only added a few sentences at the end about its impact on him and inviting us to let Jesus transform us through it. I also read through the whole New Testament with a group from that church in the 40 days before Lent. God surely knew what was coming.
You were a wise guardian of young hearts!
Day 4 Sermon notes:
1. God’s people – the church – are harrassed by the devil Satan is ruthless in his attack. Sometimes we can become immune to all the evil, but it is all around us.
2. Jesus triumphed over Satan by His death – at the Cross
Unbelievers are deceived by Satan – two things struck me in him saying this is
– oh that we may see God open the eyes of unbelievers we know to see Him. And may He use us in doing so. Someone being an unbeliever now, doesn’t mean he is not God’s elect and yet to be unveiled as a son or daughter of God. May we be so careful about making it an us vs them. As said in the sermon: the devil is our enemy, not the flesh.
– that we, as believers, can also be deceived. Jesus also said to Peter: “Get behind me, Satan.” Sometimes Jesus acts in ways we don’t understand and we can end up hardening our hearts and closing our hearts off to the truth. I did that as a kid.
But the difference for us, is I think, that Jesus resides in us and moves to turn us to repentance. Sometimes that takes a long time, but it does come. He – the Word in us – has the final say.
He tells us when we feel worthless and defiled, to remind ourselves of the truth: I am only righteous by the blood of the Lamb. When accusations come, we can take comfort in God’s truth.
I think this is such an important truth to tell our kids over and over again. We focus so much on “sin” (which is so important), but often fail to realize that there are two vital parts to God’s grace flowing: conviction of our sin AND the conviction of Christ’s righteousness covering us.
I was again reading this morning of Jesus saying that the Word has already made us clean. Turns out that word clean is also used to describe the cloths Jesus’ body was wrapped in and is also the word used for corn that has been winnowed and cleansed of all the chaff. So beautiful reflecting on the purity Jesus sees when He looks at us: He sees Himself.
This also makes me remember what he said in the beginning about being careful to judge something or someone quickly. What if we see the outside that has not yet been removed, but there is a harvest waiting inside for the touch of the Holy Spirit to uncover. It’s like that verse about eternity being in the hearts of man but it all being beyond our human fathoming.
He tells us that Satan’s time is short. Jesus is coming soon. The devil knows he’s a defeated enemy. Praise God!
He shares of how the Lord protects His people in churches from Satanic attack: oh how I have tasted that protection again and again. It’s God’s power that protects His own.
3. The Church is in the wilderness.
Satan spews water out of his mouth (false teaching, lies). But the earth came to the help of the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the dragon had poured from his mouth.
Still pondering what it could mean that the earth swallowed up the river of false teaching and lies. Could it mean that it ends up in fact being a blessing in the end? That as the earth swallows it up it enables a greater harvest? We are often told that God turns attacks into blessings.
I so see that with the false teaching I was exposed to: it has in fact ended up strengthening me in the Word of God, taking my roots of faith and love deeper, as God has set me apart from it, and from those who teach and support it. Through leading me in and out of this place of false teaching, He exposed lies I had agreed to as a kid that needed uprooting.
False teachers: “We’re so much wiser.” Chesterton: “This is the thrilling romance of orthodoxy.” Talks about how it’s so easy to be a heretic, much harder to stay true to the Gospel. Yet the Church is preserved by the Gospel.
Our perserverance gives glory to God – only through the power of the Cross do we stand. When we’re unpopular and then we stand: that is a testimony to the grace of God. Amen!!!
“rejoice that your names are written in heaven”: so love this Scriptural truth he quotes at the end. It is what has repeatedly carried me through opposition. I have Jesus and He is all I need.
I have to add something:
God is speaking through lions to me lately. I don’t know if you ever have this happen: but when something repeats, I know to pay attention. My youngest was given the task to draw a lion for school, my MIL had a dream about lions two days ago and then the night before that I had randomly opened the kids’ Bible to the story of Daniel to read it to them and then my Bible app had the Lion of Judah depicted behind my verse for today: Psalm 24:10.
I looked up the verses on lions and was so blessed. They so connect to this sermon: look at these:
2 Timothy 4:17
But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.
Hebrews 11:33 “…through faith…shut the mouths of lions.”
Isaiah 31:4
This is what the LORD says to me: “As a lion growls, a great lion over its prey- and though a whole band of shepherds is called together against it, it is not frightened by their shouts or disturbed by their clamor – so the LORD Almighty will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and on its height.
Proverbs 28:1
“…the righteous are as bold as a lion.”
Hosea 11:10
They will follow the LORD; He will roar like a lion. When He roars, His children will come trembling from the west.
So good to focus on the power of our LORD in defending us from the enemy. My spiritual Mom reminded me of the verse in Isaiah that it is the simple who are sent to confound the wise and the weak the strong: the verse appeared at the end of a song she watched on the Lion of Judah. That too just so blesses me.
Wonderful way He brings the same truth in many ways to us when He really wants us to hear! Lions!
Yes! BTW guess what topics I have been given to focus on with my high school English class: martyrdom, censorship and heroes. If that isn’t a God-wink!
Day 4
13. Listen to the sermon above and share.
Harassed but Victorious
Rev. 12:1-17
Satan – great adversary and opponent that we don’t see. Some people don’t believe he exists.
3 paragraphs/truths in this chapter…
1. Devils attempt to destroy the Christ is failure.
Women is the people of God all thru history.
Offspring is individual members.
The child is the Christ
Swept the stars (saints who are dwelling in heaven, not angels) and they fell to the ground. Antiochus in Daniel 8:10 stomped on ppl not angels? They didn’t fall to the ground (doesn’t really explain).
Satan uses ppl to destroy the Christ.
2. Jesus triumphed over Satan thru His death.
Satan means deception.
He was thrown from heaven to earth by Michael. Not the original expelling, but the expelling when Jesus died on the cross.
Which he says fits with verse 10 & 11. Michael wins because of what was done at Calvary . The accuser of the brethren has been expelled from heaven. It doesn’t mean he no longer accuses us, but his accusations have no place.
God has already judged our sins in His Son, the blood of the Lamb. When feeling judged and condemned we remind ourselves of the Gospel. We’re righteous by the blood of the Lamb. What does a believer take their comfort in…the blood of the Lamb. That’s our only hope of being made righteous. We share in that victory. Power of Satan has been broken in our lives when we live a new way, not perfection but a dramatic change. It’s all rooted in our redemption, in Jesus victory over the devil. Revelation is so similar to the rest of the NT. The short time is from the cross to the return of Christ.
3. The Lord protects the church from satanic attacks. 13-17
Satan knows he’s going to lose and he wants to bring others down with him. The woman is protected by the Lord…2 wings of the eagle refer to the saving power of God Himself, Ex. 19:3. It’s Gods power not the US! It’s not literally water that he tries to flood the church with but with lies, persecution & false teaching. How excited ppl can get about denying what’s in the Bible, embracing something like open theism, or saying homosexuality is fine. In denying the Bible they can feel sophisticated, so much wiser then those who preceded us.
Chesterson quote…
“This is the thrilling romance of orthodoxy. Ppl have fallen into a foolish habit of speaking of orthodoxy as something heavy, humdrum and safe. There never was anything so perilous or so exciting as orthodoxy. It was sanity and to be sane is more dramatic than to be mad. The church in its early days went fierce and fast with any warhorse, yet it is utterly unhistoric to say that she went mad along one idea like a vulgar fanaticism. She swerved to left and right so exactly as to avoid enormous obstacles. It is easy to be a madman, it is easy to be a heretic, it is always easy to let the age have its head. The difficult thing is to keep ones own. It is always easy to be a modernist, as it is easy to be a snob. To of fallen into any of those open traps of error and exaggeration which fashion after fashion and sect after sect sat along the historic path of Christendom, that indeed would of been simple. It is always simple to fall. There are an infinity of angles at which one falls. Only one at which one stands. To of fallen into any one of the fads, Gnosticism. Christian Science would indeed of been obvious and tame. But to of avoided them all would of been one whirling adventure and in my vision the heavenly chariot flies thundering through the ages. The dull heresies sprawling and prostrate. The wild truth reeling but erect.”
How can we make it thru the wilderness? By the grace of God and the power of the cross.
Even though we’re in the wilderness we will triumph!
The greatest joy we can have is the evil that has been triumphed within us.
I came across this poem I wrote (inspired by Scripture) I think about two years ago, yesterday. And I just saw how it connected to so many verses we have studied together, so I so longed to share it. I hope that’s okay, Dee. I pray it blesses you, as it did me to reread it and soak in the Scriptural truths woven into it:
Come
As the waters rise
Let me kneel
On Jordan’s banks
Your mighty hand behold.
In my lack
Your provision meet
In my fear
Your peace embrace.
Let me walk secure
My foundation strong
Beneath my feet
A steadfast Rock.
You are my girth
The hand
That will uphold
And carry me.
Your mercy
My pardon
All my sin and shame
Covered, linen white.
Washed, my wounds
Cleansed of grit
I now behold the arms
That have me ever held.
My face each day
You lift
Your compassion faileth not
For You see the Son
Reflected pure.
Let me arise
Each day anew
My sin and shame
Depart.
From behind the clefts
Let me now come
My Father’s Voice
To follow.
Strong, secure
Your heart
In my every trembling beats
And my feet shall tread.
No,
There is no other Rock
But Christ,
Redeemer, mine.
Each child
Your precious own
Onto Your lap
You call.
Yes, let the children come
To You
For the Kingdom of Heaven
Belongs to such as these.
Anna, I love how you intertwined scripture in this poem…so beautiful and it goes right along with this study!
It does, doesn’t it? It’s funny how God sets things like this before me again, years later. His Word to us never grows old or outdated; He just keeps taking His truths ever deeper in us.
Beautiful, Anna.
This is a beautiful poem, Anna. I am intrigued by the line of the wounds cleansed from their grit. Because we can keep carrying our “wounds”, not believing that we really have been cleansed, and I think of grit in a wound as being painful. After the grit was cleansed, now you can see the arms that hold you. When we refuse to believe we’ve really been forgiven, we can’t see His forgiving arms.
So interesting what you honed in on, Susan. So true that we can’t see the arms of Jesus holding us, when we don’t receive His forgiveness.
I think what’s so beautiful is that Jesus returns after His resurrection with holes in His hands and feet. The wounding can still be seen and is still carried. And yet, He is “whole”- and His wounds (stripes) make us whole also. It made me realize that the wounds don’t disappear, but He and we carry them as a sign of honor and privilege. But we can only receive them as a gift, as Jesus cleanses out the grit (the stones choking us: which I think you are right to point out can be us not receiving forgiveness but it can also be other lies we agree to).
Thank you for taking the time to sit with this. Your reflections bless me too.
BTW when I write my poems they just flow out of me. I don’t think so much about what I am writing. Maybe that is the Holy Spirit at work? I do sometimes end up editing them a little for flow or, when I later recognize how I have allowed my fleshly view to skew things in a certain part.
It’s always so interesting for me to see what others see in the poem and what their eyes are drawn to. That differs between people also and each time someone shares what they see, it teaches me something too.
BTW do you have a creative outlet too?
Very nice. “…the hand that will uphold and carry me.” Yes.
Day 5. Contemplation Questions14. Contemplation questions on Revelation 12:1-13:1
A. How can I praise Him on the basis of this text?
Thank You that You who are in us are greater than he who is in the world. Thank You for warning us in Your Word of false teaching and the accusations that the enemy would hurl at us, in our open confession of sin and weakness and Your righteousness. Thank You that because of Your Son’s sacrifice at the Cross no accusations of the enemy against us can stand.
Thank You for reminding me this week of how You walked before me, preparing me by feeding me with Your pure and unadulterated Word, before I was thrown into the lion’s den in my obedience to You. Thank You for reminding me of how You shut the lions’ mouths in my midst through Your Word to me. Thank You for tethering me to Yourself and leading me back out, whole and complete in You.
Thank You for reminding me not to focus on all that has not yet been restored, but to rejoice in my eternal inheritance of healing and wholeness in You. Thank You for reminding me that we are to work out the salvation that is already ours in Christ Jesus in fear and trembling. Thank You for reminding me that this life is not meant to be easy, but that You allow trials and suffering to birth the new in us and through us.
B. How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text?
Forgive me for bemoaning the privilege You have extended to me to join You in Your suffering to see Your salvation unfold in myself and others. Forgive me for not recognizing that You set apart those You love to declare Your glory and Your renown. Forgive me for allowing the enemy to repeatedly accuse me, rather than resisting Him by the power of Your Word.
C. If this is really true, what wrong behavior, what harmful emotions & what false attitudes happen when I forget this?
Wrong behavior: Seeking the approval of man.
Harmful emotions: Fear and shame.
False attitudes: Defining myself by comparing myself to others.
D. What should I be aspiring to — reaching for?
Celebrating my setting apart and seeing myself through the eyes of Jesus.
E. Why are You telling me this today?
To help me focus on: whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, excellent or praiseworthy.
F. What is your take-a-way this week and why?
The Gospel is so simple and I don’t need to be ashamed of the beauty of that simplicity. I may have been looked down on and seen as foolish for professing Christ alone, but as the sermon pointed out through Chesterton, it’s the false teachers who think they are so wise. But it’s in fact the simple that are sent to confound the wise, and the weak the strong:
1 Corinthians 1:27
But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;
Makes me think how God chose to overshadow an unwed woman, Mary, and to fill her womb with the Son of God. This set her apart unto the world as “unrighteous” and shameful and yet unto God and His followers as “righteous” and chosen of Him through the faith that He birthed in her.
Hi everyone! I managed to get a “practicy” video recorded of Psalm 91 – Eagles Wings! It is kind of funny because the babies were trying to be so good and quiet, but alas, they couldn’t! Hahaha! Let me know if you can’t view it.
I hope you enjoy…arms movements to follow this video soon 😉
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0ZNcVt2CB5YSXytAASkVxRg3g
The music is by Angela Birkhead-Flight.
Oh Laura, that was amazing, beautiful! You are so, so graceful and creative! I love how you do the motions in the part about God holding you in his hands. I smiled at the rolling balls….”you need not fear the terror of the rolling balls…” Ha! Your grandchildren are adorable!
Laura, Thank you so much for sharing that. I love seeing you worship with your dance and as Susan said so graceful and creative. You blessed me with that this morning. And the littles are a delight to see as well.
So beautiful! My favorite bit is the bit where you dance Him holding us in the palm of His hand. Just the way you slowed the pace right down and stretched your arms out and then your hands toward us. I can just feel that so deeply. Thank you for giving me such a gift, Laura.
BTW your grandkids are adorable. I love their big smiles and just how they wanted to be a part of what you were doing too. I can see why you are so blessed by their presence in your life.
Laura — that was so fun to see. Such a lovely song, and meaningful as we have just heard of our own Mary Ebert being carried off on eagles wings away from the serpent’s reach.
It was also fun to see your little ones running in. 🙂
3. Read Revelation 12:1-13:1 and find everything you can about the red dragon.
The dragon is large, has seven heads with crowns on each head, and has ten horns. He dragged down one-third of the stars with his tail, throwing them to earth. John, in his vision, saw the dragon standing before the woman giving birth, just waiting to devour the baby. After the baby is protected by God and snatched away from the dragon, war erupts in heaven. Michael and his angels fight the dragon. The dragon lost the battle and was forced out of heaven. The dragon is identified as the ancient serpent, the Devil, or Satan, the one who deceives the whole world. He is the one who was the accuser, who accused our brothers and sisters before God, day and night. The dragon/Satan will now terrorize the earth because he is angry and knows he has little time. He tried to pursue the woman, but she also escaped him. Yet he tried to drown the woman with a great flood of water that came from his mouth. In anger, the dragon declared war on all the woman’ children – those who keep God’s commandments and say that they belong to Jesus.
4. How does Jesus describe Satan in John 10:10?
Jesus describes Satan as a thief whose purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy.
5. Read Exodus 19:4.
A. What does God want Moses to remind his people about?
God wants Moses to remind the descendants of Jacob, the people of Israel, that they saw what God did to the Egyptians when He rescued them. He wants them to remember that it was He who brought them to Himself and carried them on eagle’s wings.
B. If you are familiar with the story of the Exodus, share some ways God intervened for his people to bring them to a place of safety, “out of the serpent’s reach”.
God inflicted many plagues and disasters upon the Egyptians, yet every time He kept his people safe. One example was when He brought utter blackness/darkness over all the land of Egypt, yet in Goshen, where His people were, they had light. He also provided for their departure, knowing that they would need some stuff to take with them, and moved the Egyptians to give them all kinds of things, like clothing, gold and silver. He parted the Red Sea for them, so that they could escape the Egyptian army coming after them, and they walked right through it on dry land. That’s kind of an “eagle’s wings” picture, for the only way in that day to really cross the sea so quickly would have been to fly right over it. He also spared all of their firstborn children and livestock, protecting them under the lamb’s blood.
6. Read Ezekiel 29:2-6 and find examples of how God protected His people in Egypt against Pharaoh.
This is an interesting word picture here in which God describes Pharaoh, king of Egypt, as a monster….”you great monster lurking in the streams of the Nile….I (God) will put hooks in your jaws and drag you out on the land with fish sticking to your scales.” God declares Himself to be the enemy of Pharaoh and the people of Egypt. He says that He will leave Pharaoh, the “monster”, with all of his fish stranded in the desert to die. He will not be buried and will be food for the wild animals. Yuk. In any case, these human enemies of God are taken out of their natural element to a place where they cannot breathe or survive. Back in the Exodus, when the Egyptians pursued the Israelites through the same path through the sea, the waters closed over them and they died. I can only imagine all the dead bodies floating around or washed back up on the shore.
7. Read Job 26:12-14
A. (Rahab is a synonym for Egypt) What did God do to rescue his people according to verses 12 and 13?
The sea grew calm to help His people escape, and then God crushed “the great sea monster” – Egypt. God’s power “pierced the gliding serpent”.
B. How does Job describe the power of God that we are allowed to see in verse 14?
Job says these displays of God’s power are mere minor things, just a whisper of His power. Kind of like oh, you think parting an ocean is big…He could shatter the entire earth into bits and pieces if He so wanted.
8. According to Revelation 12:11, how did the martyrs overcome the temptation to deny Christ as Satan urged them to do?
They defeated Satan because of the blood of the lamb, Jesus, knowing that He died for them, was raised, and had promised to take them to be with Him where He was (I am reading this into this verse)….therefore, they were not afraid to die and not afraid to continue to speak about Jesus, even though it cost them their lives.
It’s so good to realize this: “Job says these displays of God’s power are mere minor things, just a whisper of His power. Kind of like oh, you think parting an ocean is big…He could shatter the entire earth into bits and pieces if He so wanted.” Thank you for drawing this out more.
It is amazing to consider how great His love for us in His forbearance, His patience in sanctifying us. He has every right to hurl His wrath upon us in our sin, daily, and yet He chose and still chooses to patiently bear up under suffering to see us be transformed piece by piece – also through His Body spread out on this earth. Oh may He give me that kind of heart toward His children, as I daily behold His forbearance in my own life in His breaking of my stubbornness and pride.
Susan — you are always the one who helps us see and feel what we might skim over. Imagining the dead bodies after the Red Sea closed.
I am having trouble getting my post for Day 5 to show up on the blog. Yesterday I typed it in my notes and then copied and pasted it in the comment section, submitted it and it didn’t show up so I tried a couple more times. Each time it appears to go through and then doesn’t show up. I tried again this morning with the same procedure and it told me there were identical comments already there but they are not showing up any place on the blog. Strange thing is it has allowed me to comment on other’s comments and they show up. So I just typed all my answers to Day 5 directly into the comments section and it appeared to take them but they didn’t show up either. This is a test to see if this shows up.
Well interestingly it would not take my comments for Day 5 by my attempt to attach them to my previous comment. I’ve never had any trouble before so I am bewildered. Dee perhaps your tech administrator can help solve it for me.
Bev: I have had something similar happen before (not here, but elsewhere). I discovered that it had to do with the app I was copying from. If I copy pasted it into Word first and then onto the comment section, it worked. Don’t know if that helps? Praying.
Thanks Anna,
Will see what I can figure out.
Bev — let me know if this a recurring problem. I’ve spent my money for website help in January — but February is around the corner!
Thanks Dee, That is good to know. Since I still can post and the problem seemed to be with copying and pasting I will come from a different angle. I would not want you to use money on tech support unless it were a major problem that kept me shut out somehow or affected a group of people. I may have created a problem by going back and forth on my iPhone and my iPad so it will likely straighten out. Thank you.
Susan: I just wanted to thank you so much for your observation re my poem. It suddenly struck me as I was emailing with my spiritual Mom that we can also hold onto offenses in our relationship with God.
I realized how sometimes God calls us to “sacrifice Isaac” but that we can pick that up as an offense because what He’s asking of us seems just so contrary to His very nature. But the only reason we hold onto that as an offense is because His Word to us in asking that of us hasn’t fully taken root. We don’t see the end-result in front of us: that Isaac is not going to be sacrificed but in fact set free by us placing him fully in God’s hand and letting go of all our rights over him.
Hmmm this is so good to ponder. I can even see how He has brought such freedom in some areas He asked me to sacrifice my Isaac in the past and how I am now seeing the fruit of the trust He grew in me. But I know there is more freedom He wants to bring me.
So thankful for your presence here- the Holy Spirit prompting through you.
BTW This verse shows that Abraham saw the end-result of his surrender before he walked up the mountain:
Genesis 22:5
He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.”
It’s like God’s call to us to submit to our unbelieving husbands. Doesn’t make sense, till we take ahold of the Promise in His Word that says they are already sanctified and made holy because otherwise our children would be unclean. I don’t know about you, but it’s stunning to watch Him unveil that Promise before me. I see so much of Jesus in my husband already.
Okay: I am being convicted here. I shouldn’t have added that last comment, Susan. I am sorry. I felt that little whisper: “Are you sure you want to say that.” And I stubbornly went ahead anyway.
I hate it when I sense people being fake with me and yet I am doing so here. I am being forceful and couching it in “kind” language.
So: I am sorry for being patronizing, controling and just really insensitive. I don’t know your story. Only God does and only He knows what is best for you and how to lead you and comfort you through His Holy Spirit.
Anna, no need to apologize as I didn’t take your words as meaning to be pushy or patronizing. Yes, my husband is not a believer, though he is, I will say, one who tries to live by “good” values and morals. My thoughts on submission….it’s not always a clear path. While patriarchy was definitely the way of life in biblical times, I don’t believe that patriarchy is the message of the Bible; the gospel is. Unfortunately, too many women have endured abuse of many kinds in the name of submission. Spiritually speaking, I am on my own in my marriage, which can be a sad and lonely place to be, at times.
Susan: by submission, I see myself as submitting to Jesus in my husband. That doesn’t mean I do things that are immoral to please him. But it means that I actively look for the person of Jesus (truth, love, grace, hope etc) in what he is saying and doing, and how Christ is leading our family through him. That means I pray Scriptures over him as if he were a believer, taking God’s Word as truth: that he has been made holy/sanctified through my faith.
Like you, I used to see myself as being completely alone in my faith in my marriage. But now, while there is definitely a yearning to share more than I can at present, I don’t see myself as being alone anymore because I can see Jesus in my husband. The truth in God’s Word in regard to him (that he has already been made holy through my faith) has begun to take root and opened my eyes to see my marriage in a new light.
To tell you the truth I started out really upset about the whole submission thing. I read a book that encouraged me to do so with an unbelieving husband and I stubbornly rejected it. I now deeply regret that decision because it stole about two years of seeing my husband through the eyes of Jesus. I look back and see how lonely I was and how I continually pushed my husband away, compartmentalizing my life and hiding things from him. Terribly, I judged him and felt ashamed of him.
Here is the video for hand movements of Eagles Wings:
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0d9TJFUkGzOuAVCHQ2-2GPyZA
Laura,
Thank you so much for this short version of Eagle Wings and the longer version a few days before! I see your joy while you were dancing. You have been given a gift and I am excited for you as you invest more time in worship through dance. Our Father is pleased.
Bev: I want to thank you for being honest about my “overwhelming” presence. It’s actually helped me see something I didn’t before. I talked to my best friend about it, telling her I know I am like that and it makes me want to disappear altogether, so people don’t have to “deal” with me. She agreed I can be overwhelming, but then also pointed out that because she knows me so well, that she isn’t put off by it and that what she sees inside of that “overwhelm” is in fact my deep love for Jesus.
That then reminded me of my vicar’s wife asking me not to lose that passion people found abrasive. So, I took it to the LORD in prayer, asking Him to give me wisdom, to understand why He gave me such passion that pushes people away.
The answer came today through my spiritual Mom’s own confession of sin and her sudden realization that God was taking the fruit of temperance or self-control deeper in her. It just suddenly clicked for me. That passion He’s given me isn’t wrong or bad or ungodly, but without the tempering of the Holy Spirit it can become a loose canon and hurt people or overwhelm them.
Of course I can’t “put a lid on” the Holy Spirit and I am not meant to. Only God can help me, through His promptings, to speak when needed and to keep my mouth shut when needed. So: all this to say thank you for speaking your heart. It propelled me toward seeking God’s discernment and wisdom. I can finally stop hating myself and stop feeling like I need to disappear and instead just pray for God to grow His temperance in me.
Anna — I appreciate how you take criticism before the Lord and sift it.
This is so good: That passion He’s given me isn’t wrong or bad or ungodly, but without the tempering of the Holy Spirit it can become a loose canon and hurt people or overwhelm them.
Dee: you know, I realized something. I am seeing how unbelievers are so hungry for my passion about Christ. I have been hesitant in sharing and yet as God has prompted me to share specific Scriptures with specific people I’ve watched them hungrily devour the truth. I don’t have a problem in tempering there because I am so scared of hurting them, as I was when the enemy turned Scripture on me (as He did to Jesus too), so I only move in the repeated prompting of the Holy Spirit.
Yesterday, I spoke a blessing and shared a Scripture over someone I don’t know well whose husband has a life threatening condition. Again, rather than being offended, she thanked me profusely and said she’d be reading it daily. I have had this happen repeatedly.
Could this mean that God wants me to focus my time and attention outside the church? I ask this also because the moment I left my church, two friends of mine immediately began to become more interested in what I had to share about my relationship with Jesus and His Word. It was like me being in a church put up a wall between us.
Many in this country have been deeply hurt in churches, where Scripture has been twisted and used to steal, kill and destroy. Spiritual abuse and sexual abuse in the church have been prevalent and those suffering from mental illness are in many cases those who have walked through abuse in churches. People watching me pursue a personal relationship with Jesus, seeing it transform me from the inside out and seeing Christian friends of mine join me in praying for them or their families has so touched their hearts. It’s made them hungry for more and much more open in sharing too.
Today, as I listened to this story of someone doing a Bible study at a public school for teachers, it made me wonder if there is a reason I don’t struggle with self-control/temperance when sharing the Good News with unbelievers. Maybe that is in fact where God wants me? I feel least well equipped in doing so, and yet that’s where God just takes over inside of me, as I lean hard on Him.
I think I’ve so longed to be accepted in a church and to again be involved in church ministry, like my parents were for years, but as God has repeatedly closed that door, He’s opened it with unbelievers and Prodigals in quiet and unseen ways that make my heart sing. And yet I’ve still felt like I don’t “count” because I have no physical church community or ministry opportunities inside a church. Strange really. When our greatest call is the Great Commission.
I suddenly remembered from my Dad’s book: that is how his church plant began: with a house group of believers who took church to a local community in the form of a café to talk about life and God. That then grew exponentially and had both unbelievers and believers from all different denominations joining. It’s crazy thinking about the mix of people my parents served there: rich, poor, middle class, Catholic, Protestant, even a Count. And yet we were like family and wealth or denominations didn’t determine interactions.
Last year the national union of Protestant churches finally officially apologized to the Jewish community for their role in the persecution and killing of Jews in WII. Many worked together with the Nazi occupiers to round up Jews. Corrie ten Boom and her family were a very rare exception (they still have the hiding place above a clock store in my husband’s home town).
I remember reading that for the Dutch who were raised on the ten commandments, many felt their hands were tied. They lived by the law and not the Spirit. It was similar in Germany where in fact many churches supported Hitler. They knew exactly what was going on too.
I remember my Dad being so shocked. I also remember Nouwen befriending a German Jew who hated Christians because of the war but how he said to Nouwen that Nouwen was “so different”. He felt so drawn to him.
As Christians we carry a wretched history of evil perpetrated in the name of our God. It breaks my heart so much. But for that apology to come is absolutely incredible. God is definitely moving in this country. There is so much healing to come. Also in regard to sexual abuse in the Catholic church here. But God’s not done!
That was a healthy thing for the union of Protestant churches to do.
I’ll pray for you Anna — it is so good you are sharing with unbelievers. And I know your heart longs to be in fellowship with believers too. May He guide you — I don’t know really what it is like in your country. I know the churches may look different after Covid as well.
Thank you so much for your prayers, Dee. Yes: I so long for that fellowship locally. I have two local believers I meet with, but I actually fellowship more deeply with friends in the States.
All those friends in the States (spread out through various States), except for two, are much older than me. They all have a great hunger for the Word of God. I can’t wait for the day I can meet them in person. They have loved and prayed me through so much and I have had the privilege of doing the same for them.
Anna, I am not going to go back and search for my exact words I wrote to you, please forgive me for that but it really is a time factor this morning. I know I used the word overwhelming and if I said presence in conjunction with that then I think perhaps I should try to clarify that I didn’t feel overwhelmed by your presence but rather the volume of your writing because I like to try and read as many comments by all the gals on the blog but often times I just don’t have the time or energy to take them all in. And I don’t even work outside of home like many here do. But I am not overwhelmed by your passion for Jesus. I love that about you. Oh that your tribe would increase! In this time of great decline in the church we need voices of encouragement with a passion for God and his Word. And it makes a lot of sense to me that God is using you to minister to unbelievers and Prodigals. May the Holy Spirit bless you richly in that.
Thanks for clarifying, Bev and your kind words. I obviously need to be praying for God to send me where that passion He’s given can flourish and bring Him glory and honor. Oh may He give me the courage to step out in new ways and stop trying to put Him in my churchy box. I feel like I am bursting at the seams in what He’s given me…there must be a reason for that.
I think I will step back from here and pray.
Day 4.
I listened to this twice and took notes the second time because it is so rich.
What stood out to me is this:
a. God has us in the wilderness to protect us from satan destroying us.
b. The wings refer to the saving power of Jesus Christ. He inside believers empowers us to victory over satan’s attacks-and He protects us.
c. The church is in the wilderness-there is suffering, difficulty and persecution from the resurrection to the second coming. If you aren’t experiencing trials they are coming.
d. Referring to the Dragon spewing water toward the woman-The devil is enraged and pours water out of his mouth at the woman but the church doesn’t drown. It isn’t literal water-the point is satan tries to destroy the church with the flood of lies, persecution and false teaching-heresy.
e. Many within the church in history abandon what their forefathers have taught. We feel we are so much wiser than those who precede us. Chesterton reminds us of a great truth. Orthodoxy is exciting because satan plants in the minds that orthodoxy is boring and it is exciting to be a heretic. The thrilling romance of orthodoxy-Orthodoxy is sane. It is easy to be a madman or a heretic. The difficult thing is to keep one’s own. It is easy to be a modernist or a snob. It is simple to fall-gnosticism to Christian science..to avoid them all has been one whirling adventure. The wild truth reeling but erect-the life of the church in the wilderness-heresies all around us brought on by satan. The church is preserved through the power of the Gospel. The church resists and resists to the glory of God. The churches preservation and perseverance-and us individually-our perseverance pronounces the glory of God.
f. When you feel condemned by falling, or sinning, or feel worthless what do you do? Remind yourself of the truth of the Gospel. I am righteous by the blood of the Lamb. Lord I am guilty and unclean, but I am clean by virtue of your blood. I take my comfort in the objective work of Jesus Christ. When accusations come you can’t stand based on what you have done because you have fallen short on your thoughts and words. The only hope for us is the blood of the Lamb.
g. Believers are marked by faithfulness-the power of satan has been broken in our lives when we live in a new way. There isn’t perfection but change. It is rooted in our redemption. The new life given to us by Christ.
h. How can anyone persevere? Through the grace of God. To stand in the minority is only by the grace of God. Jesus said, behold I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions. Rejoice that your names are written in heaven. The greatest joy is not our triumph over satan, the greatest joy we have is triumph over the evil within us. Find your greatest joy that evil has been dethroned in your life and you wil be with me forever.
Rebecca, this struck me as well. “The greatest joy is not our triumph over satan, the greatest joy we have is triumph over the evil within us. Find your greatest joy that evil has been dethroned in your life and you will be with me forever.” Evil has been dethroned in our lives.
Day 4. Harassed but Victorious
13. Listen to the sermon above and share your notes.
I was at home on a snow day when I listened to this sermon. Thankful for this “kiss” from the King. He knew I needed to listen to strengthen me. Here is a summary of what I gleaned.
a. Jesus triumphed over the devil at the cross.
b. Jesus triumphed over Satan through his death.
c. At the cross, Satan was defeated.
d. The Lord protects His people from satanic attacks. The church is preserved and it will resist the enemy.
Even if we are in the wilderness, God is protecting us and we will triumph over the evil including the evil that resides in me.
Also, I was working on a word study on the blessings that we have received from God through Jesus. And one of the words was “sealed”. Ephesians 1:13 I thought this was another confirmation of the protection that God has for those who believe.
Being sealed (by the Holy Spirit) Ephesians 1:13 means we have the mark of God’s authentic ownership. We have been sealed and secured, without a doubt, from Satan.
A quote from Albert Barner: “The Holy Spirit is the certain pledge that I am His, and shall be approved and saved in the last day.” A seal signifies a finished transaction! Hallelujah!
A quote from Charles Spurgeon: “As Christ has gone into heaven to prepare a place for us, so on earth, he has already prepared, in the covenant of grace, everything that is needed for the way home. ” And I believe, that includes, our protection from the enemy.
Bing: that is one of my absolute favorite Promises (the seal) and I have seen the truth of that Promise in how God protected me all those years I walked blinded to the truth as a Prodigal. It is such a gift when God roots the truth of His Word in our hearts, isn’t it? It really does make us more and more confident in Him.
Anna, it is mine, too. This promise keeps me very hopeful for our daughter. I fully believe that she has been sealed by God; I just need to not doubt and to continue to pray for her to come “home”.
Bing: could I encourage you to ask God to show you how He is guiding her, shaping her and preparing her for her calling in Him? Rather than praying for Him to bring her home, could you consider praising Him that He is doing so and look for proof of His hand upon her? I think you will be delighted by what God shows you. I have been with my husband.
BTW how God is working through me now directly connects to what my mother felt God name me and speak over me, when I grew in her womb. Her doctor laughed at her because she was so convinced I was a girl before the days of scans to check. But my Mum trusted in the God talking to her.
I just had to share something else. I am up praying and was reminded how the LORD gave me this verse, when my heart was in a place of doubt:
And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large.
It so touched my heart and lifted my fears. And even now it gets me that this stone was so very large and heavy: much like our burdens, right? Then, the very next day, the verse on my app to pray through is the verse on committing our ways to the LORD, so He will establish them. Turns out that the Word translated “commit” literally means: “roll away”. Only Jesus!
I was so deeply moved as I saw what God was telling me and it so convicted my heart and freed me. So, I laid everything in His hands and said: it’s all Yours. Take it.
That morning, I read a blog post that spoke of how we spread the aroma of Christ and that when we leave a smile on someone’s face, when they think of us, that’s the love of Jesus at work. I smiled from head to toe as I realized that the tiniest moments in my day mattered: it stripped so much shame. And it completely shifted my focus and freed me to enjoy my day and the people in it.
So: something I pray for your daughter (and you as her Mama) is this – that she and you will see the love of Jesus working in her to bring a smile to the faces of those around her and that when she one day looks back on her life, she will see that He never ever left her, nor stopped loving her and others through her.
Anna, I love how you have shown your love to me through this gentle admonition about my daughter. I see how God is clarifying my prayers for my daughter through you. I now see those things that God is doing in her life that I have not acknowledged before. My husband is better at that and I have often seen it as just a Dad who just dotes on his one and only child and daughter. Thank you for bringing these to my attention.
I copied and pasted them to my journal. You are a special “kiss” from the King today. Be praying for you and your husband as you have shared here.
Hugs! I think us Mamas/women can feel the pain so deeply that it can cloud our vision at times. But that’s why our loving God gave us our men: to help release the compassion of Christ hidden in that pain.
I was only just sitting here thinking of God’s gift in having Mary give birth so early in her life. It probably meant that her own Mama was still alive when Jesus was crucified and John the Baptist, her cousin’s child, was beheaded. And I just was so amazed that Anna means grace and how surely that is not an accident for the mother of Mary to have been given that name: oh how much grace she must have needed through the deep pain she carried in her heart for her daughter and Elizabeth. Pain hardens the heart and blinds our eyes without the touch of God’s grace.
I so had to share this after we looked at verse 2 (groaning, birth pains) recently and have talked of the seven seals being released. Look at what I found in connection to these verses:
2 Corinthians 5: 1 – 5
For we know that if our earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made by hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For indeed, in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, 3 since in fact after putting it on, we will not be found naked. 4 For indeed, we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a pledge.
Look at the meaning of “earthly” “tent” and “torn down” below. To me this shows us that this earthly tent hasn’t failed us, as we get older or illness ravages our bodies. Rather, our bodies are becoming less fitting, the closer to our eternal destination we get.
It’s almost like this picture of Jesus lifting it away to reveal HIS new and fitting covering (our heavenly inheritance) that has always been there, but just could not be seen or tasted much yet.
It makes me think so much of what I felt in my Mum’s presence near the end and that her friend did too. And it reminds me of what others have shared of relatives seeing Jesus just before dying (like Stephen did just before he died from the stoning ordered by Saul who became Paul). Now that is true prosperity – not what the prosperity gospel preachers sell – but the new life Jesus gives us freely.
Earthly =
HELPS Word-studies
1919 epígeios (an adjective, derived from 1909 /epí, “on, fitting” and 1093 /gḗ, “the physical earth”) – properly, upon the earth, referring to earthly (physical) life – i.e. the physical realities that naturally go with daily life.
Tent=
Strong’s Concordance
skéné: a tent
Original Word: σκηνή, ῆς, ἡ
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: skéné
Phonetic Spelling: (skay-nay’)
Definition: a tent
Usage: a tent, booth, tabernacle, abode, dwelling, mansion, habitation.
Torn down= two Words: katá and lýô
HELPS Word-studies
2596 katá (a preposition, governing two grammatical cases) – properly, “down from, i.e. from a higher to a lower plane, with special reference to the terminus (end-point)” (J. Thayer).
[2596 (katá) is written ‘kat’ or ‘kath’ before a vowel. So too, kata loses the final a before an initial diphthong (cf. BDF § 17; MH 61-62; R 206-208).
2596 /katá (“bring down exactly, complete”) is “opposite” to 303 /aná (“bring up to completion”).]
HELPS Word-studies
3089 lýō – properly, loose (unleash) let go; release (unbind) so something no longer holds together; (figuratively) release what has been held back (like Christ “releasing” the seven seals in the scroll in Revelation).
Strong’s Concordance
kataluó: to destroy, overthrow
Original Word: καταλύω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: kataluó
Phonetic Spelling: (kat-al-oo’-o)
Definition: to destroy, overthrow
Usage: (lit: I loosen thoroughly), (a) trans: I break up, overthrow, destroy, both lit. and met., (b) I unyoke, unharness a carriage horse or pack animal; hence: I put up, lodge, find a lodging.
And then my spiritual Mama replied with this verse:
And in that day his burden will depart from your shoulder, and his yoke from your neck; and the yoke will be broken because of the fat.” Isaiah 10:27
And this comment:
And I thought about it yesterday because of your verses about the fat in the offering. But this was a different word for fat, so I just kept pondering it:
your fatness
šâmen
Noun – masculine singular Strong’s Hebrew 8081: 1) fat, oil 1a) fat, fatness 1b) oil, olive oil 1b1) as staple, medicament or unguent 1b2) for anointing 1c) fat (of fruitful land, valleys) (metaph)
But it all just flows together so beautifully now. He is releasing the yoke/burden of This earthly tent, as He releases us from this fleshly hold. But it’s because He gets fatter in us, the anointing oil of HIS offering is being poured within and over us. That is His true grace for us. What a precious promise to cling to!
My reply to her:
I so had to think of two things: The connection to semen and the seed of God in us.
That samen means “together” in Dutch and German.
Just wow!
Surely these connections can’t be an accident in God’s economy.
And this made me laugh! That’s me: crazy for God:
2 Corinthians 5: 13 For if we have lost our minds, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.