The Seven Eyes of the LORD: Omniscient Witness Over Creation (Zechariah 4:10, Rev 4:5,5:6)

 Zechariah 4:10 — The Seven Eyes

In the vision of the golden lampstand, the angel asks Zechariah, "Who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel — they are the eyes of the LORD which range to and fro throughout the whole earth."

The seven lamps on the lampstand are the seven eyes. They are not merely watching — they are rejoicing as God's purposes unfold in what looks like insignificant work (a small, struggling return from exile, a modest rebuilding project). God's omniscient gaze is active, engaged, and delighted in faithful obedience even when the world yawns.

Revelation — The Seven Eyes of the Lamb

The Apocalypse picks up the Zechariah thread and makes the identification explicit and stunning.

Revelation 4:5 — Before the throne burn seven torches of fire, identified as "the seven spirits of God." The number seven signals completeness, fullness, perfection.

Revelation 5:6 — The slain-yet-standing Lamb has seven horns and seven eyes, which are "the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth." The same seven spirits that illuminate the throne room are sent out as the Lamb's eyes — the Spirit's omniscient, active presence pervading all creation. The Lamb who was slain sees everything.

This is one of Scripture's most compressed theological statements:

• Seven horns = complete sovereign power
• Seven eyes = complete omniscient sight
• Sent into all the earth = nothing is beyond His field of vision

The Lamb is not a passive victim. He is the all-seeing King.

The God Who Sees — Across All of Scripture

He Named Himself "The God Who Sees"

Genesis 16:13 — Hagar, alone and desperate in the wilderness, names God El Roi — "You are the God who sees me." The first person in Scripture to name God did so because she was seen when no one else saw her. This name anchors everything else.

He Surveyed His Own Creation with Pleasure

Genesis 1 — Seven times in the creation account: "God saw that it was good." After man and woman: "God saw everything He had made, and behold, it was very good." The Creator looks at His work with delight. This is not neutral observation — it is pleasure, satisfaction, joy.

He Looks Down Continuously

Psalm 33:13-15 — "The LORD looks down from heaven; He sees all the children of man… He who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds." God is not an absentee landlord. He fashioned every heart and watches every deed — not as surveillance, but as the intimate knowledge of a Maker.

Psalm 14:2 / Psalm 53:2 — "The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God." God is actively searching for seekers.

His Eyes Run To and Fro

2 Chronicles 16:9 — "The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is fully committed to Him." This is the same phrase as Zechariah 4:10 — a dynamic, active, searching gaze — but here the purpose is stated: He is looking for whole-hearted faith so He can strengthen it. God is not looking to catch failures. He is scanning the earth for devotion.

Nothing Is Hidden

Hebrews 4:13 — "No creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." Total exposure. The "seven eyes" of Revelation aren't metaphorical windows — they represent infinite perceptive penetration.

Job 34:21 — "His eyes are on the ways of man, and He sees all his steps."

Proverbs 15:3 — "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good." No partiality in His sight.

He Sees Into the Heart

1 Samuel 16:7 — "Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." The seven eyes pierce beneath the surface. He does not observe behavior — He reads motive, will, and love.

Psalm 139:1-4 — "O LORD, you have searched me and known me… you understand my thoughts from afar… even before a word is on my tongue, you know it altogether." Total omniscience, expressed as intimacy, not invasion.

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What He Sees and Does Not Like

The Seven Things He Hates

Proverbs 6:16-19 — Six things the LORD hates, seven are an abomination to Him:

1. Haughty eyes — pride
2. A lying tongue
3. Hands that shed innocent blood
4. A heart that devises wicked plans
5. Feet that run to evil
6. A false witness who lies
7. One who sows discord among brothers

Note that haughty eyes is listed first — the corrupted capacity for seeing turned into contempt.

He Cannot Look at Evil

Habakkuk 1:13 — "Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and you cannot tolerate wrongdoing." The same seven eyes that search the earth for devotion cannot dwell upon iniquity. Holiness is not squeamishness — it is the nature of pure light in the presence of darkness.

Isaiah 59:2 — "Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear." Sin obscures the view — from our side. God is not absent; we have pulled the shade.

What He Sees in Worship

Isaiah 1:11-15 — God says He is sated with burnt offerings and has no delight in solemn assemblies paired with bloodshed and injustice. "I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly." He sees through the ritual to the heart behind it.

Amos 5:21-24 — "I hate, I despise your feasts… But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." He sees hollow worship.

What He Takes Note of That Others Overlook

Malachi 3:16 — "Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed His name." The quiet conversations of the faithful — He records them. What the world ignores, He treasures.

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Summary: The Theology of God's Gaze

Theme	Text	What It Means
Named "The God Who Sees"	Gen 16:13	He sees the unseen and forgotten
Surveyed creation with joy	Gen 1	His sight includes delight
Seven eyes sent into all the earth	Zech 4:10; Rev 5:6	Complete, Spirit-empowered omniscience
Running to find whole hearts	2 Chr 16:9	He looks to strengthen, not expose
Sees hearts, not outward appearance	1 Sam 16:7	No performance fools Him
Cannot look at evil	Hab 1:13	Holiness governs His gaze
Records the faithful conversations	Mal 3:16	He notices what seems insignificant

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The pastoral core: The same eyes that cannot tolerate iniquity are the eyes that scan the earth searching for whole hearts to strengthen. The seven eyes of the Lamb who was slain are not the eyes of a judge waiting to condemn — they are the eyes of the Redeemer who paid to restore sight on both sides of the relationship. He sees us fully, and He still ran to us.

This connects beautifully back to Zechariah: those seven eyes rejoice over Zerubbabel's plumb line. The all-seeing God delights in faithful, ordinary, small-things obedience.

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Gut reaction, the lamp of the LORD (Proverbs 20:27)

I enjoy the Bible references found in biblehub.com and was brought to Proverbs 20:7 through Spirit's power blesses us with understanding. My wife and I were talking about the Body keeps the score and anxiety that impacts our physical being. Last week I was talking with my brother about psychology. Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior, exploring mental processes, emotions, motivations, and human actions. We talked about cognitive, and behavioral psychology, about methods to study how humans think and behave, aimed at improving mental health, understanding behavior, and supporting well-being. This is all God's design. 

“The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.” (KJV)

“The human spirit is the lamp of the LORD that sheds light on one’s inmost being.” (NIV)

God has placed within every person an inner witness: the human spirit, conscience, and moral awareness. He uses this inner “lamp” to expose motives, reveal truth, convict of sin, and guide us toward wisdom and repentance.

This verse teaches personal accountability before God, spiritual self-awareness, and the need for our conscience to be formed by God’s truth.

Proverbs 20:27 teaches that God has placed within us an inner lamp, our spirit and conscience, through which He searches, exposes, and reveals the true condition of our hearts. That light is meant to lead us to wisdom, repentance, integrity, and dependence on Christ.

God uses the inner life He created in us to reveal what is really going on within us, so we can walk in truth, not self-deception.

1) God searches the hidden places of the heart

God is not limited to outward behavior. He examines what is deep, private, and unseen.

• Psalm 139:23–24 – “Search me, O God, and know my heart…”
• Jeremiah 17:10 – “I, the LORD, search the heart and examine the mind…”
• Hebrews 4:12–13 – God’s Word discerns “the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
• 1 Samuel 16:7 – “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

Key insight: God’s light reaches deeper than reputation, words, or performance.

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2) The human spirit functions like a lamp

Our inner spirit is a God-given capacity for moral awareness, discernment, conviction, and reflection.

• Genesis 2:7 – God breathed life into man.
• Job 32:8 – “There is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.”
• Zechariah 12:1 – God “forms the spirit of man within him.”
• Ecclesiastes 3:11 – God has placed eternity in the human heart.

Key insight: Human beings are not merely physical or instinct-driven. We are spiritually accountable creatures made to respond to God.

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3) Conscience is a gift, but it must be trained by truth

The conscience can accuse, excuse, warn, or become distorted. It is a lamp, but not an infallible one unless shaped by God.

• Romans 2:15 – Conscience bears witness.
• 1 Timothy 1:5 – Love comes from “a pure heart and a good conscience.”
• 1 Timothy 4:2 – A conscience can become “seared.”
• Titus 1:15 – A defiled conscience affects perception.
• Hebrews 9:14 – Christ cleanses our conscience.
• Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet…”

Key insight: Conscience is not enough by itself. It must be illuminated by Scripture and purified by Christ.

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4) God calls us to honest self-examination

Proverbs 20:27 invites us not to hide from God’s light, but to welcome it.

• Lamentations 3:40 – “Let us examine and test our ways…”
• 2 Corinthians 13:5 – “Examine yourselves…”
• Galatians 6:4 – “Each one should test their own work.”
• Psalm 26:2 – “Test me, LORD, and try me…”

Key insight: Spiritual maturity grows where there is humility, honesty, and repentance.

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5) God’s light exposes sin in order to heal, not merely condemn

When God searches us, His purpose is not only exposure, but restoration and cleansing.

• Proverbs 20:30 – Deep correction can cleanse evil.
• John 3:19–21 – Light exposes deeds so truth may be seen.
• 1 John 1:7–9 – Walking in the light brings cleansing and fellowship.
• Psalm 51:6 – God desires truth “in the inward being.”
• James 4:8 – “Purify your hearts…”

Key insight: God shines light into the soul because He loves us enough to transform us.

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6) True light is ultimately found in Christ

The inner lamp of conscience is real, but it is not the final light. Jesus is the Light of the world who fully reveals God and ourselves.

• John 1:4–5 – “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.”
• John 8:12 – “I am the light of the world…”
• John 3:20–21 – Coming to the light reveals whether our works are in God.
• Luke 11:34–36 – Be careful that the light in you is not darkness.
• 2 Corinthians 4:6 – God shines in our hearts through Christ.

Key insight: Conscience may awaken us, but Christ must redeem and lead us.

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7) The Holy Spirit works with our spirit

In the New Covenant, God does not merely inspect the heart from the outside. He dwells within His people by the Holy Spirit.

• Romans 8:16 – “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit…”
• 1 Corinthians 2:10–12 – The Spirit reveals what is from God.
• Ephesians 1:17–18 – God enlightens “the eyes of your heart.”
• Philippians 2:13 – God works in us “to will and to act.”
• Ezekiel 36:26–27 – God gives a new heart and Spirit.

Key insight: The believer’s inner life is not only examined by God, but also indwelt and renewed by Him.

Practical Application

Ask:

• What motives are driving me right now?
• Where am I rationalizing sin?
• Is my conscience shaped by God’s Word or by culture, emotion, or pride?
• Am I bringing hidden things into Christ’s light?

A healthy response to Proverbs 20:27 is:

1. Invite God to search you
2. Submit your conscience to Scripture
3. Confess what He reveals
4. Walk in the light daily

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Short devotional takeaway

Your heart is never dark to God.
He sees what you avoid, what you fear, and what you hide. But His light is not merely to expose you. It is to heal, purify, and lead you into truth.

“Search me, O God… and lead me in the everlasting way.” (Psalm 139:23–24)

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Connecting to the Divine Light: God’s Action and Human Response

Thinking about Darkness in the human condition. Jesus Christ is the Light who entered our darkness to save us, and we truly receive that light only when we stop living for ourselves and begin living in alignment with Him as Lord, Savior, and Logos.

The message of the gospel is that people do not move from darkness to light by self-improvement alone. Connection to the divine light requires God’s saving action in Christ and a personal response of faith, surrender, and alignment to Him.

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1) God’s Action: Christ entered our darkness and bore our judgment

The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the Light of God who entered a world of darkness, yet was rejected by the very people He came to save. Instead of abandoning humanity, He willingly took upon Himself the judgment that sin deserves. On the cross, He experienced abandonment and suffering so that sinners could be brought back into the love and life of God.

This means salvation begins not with human effort, but with God’s initiative, mercy, and sacrifice.

Key Bible references:

• John 1:9–11 – The true Light came into the world, but the world did not receive Him.
• Isaiah 53:3–6 – He was rejected, pierced, and bore our iniquities.
• Mark 15:33–34 – Jesus enters the darkness of forsakenness on the cross.
• Matthew 27:45–46 – Darkness covers the land as Christ bears judgment.
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 – Christ was made to be sin for us so we might become righteous in Him.
• Galatians 3:13 – Christ became a curse for us.
• 1 Peter 2:24 – He bore our sins in His body on the tree.
• Romans 5:8 – God showed His love in that Christ died for us while we were still sinners.
• Colossians 1:13–14 – Through Him we are rescued from the domain of darkness.
• 1 John 4:9–10 – God’s love is revealed in sending His Son as the atoning sacrifice.

Core idea:

Jesus did not simply come to teach about light. He came to absorb the consequences of our darkness so that we could be reconciled to God.

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2) Human Response: We must align our lives with Christ as the Logos

The second part of connecting to the divine light is human response. If Jesus is the Logos—the divine reason, truth, wisdom, and ordering principle behind all creation—then He cannot be treated as a mere idea, moral teacher, or spiritual option. He must become the center and meaning of life.

To receive the light is to trust Christ, follow Him, and reorder one’s life around Him. This means repentance, faith, obedience, and surrender. We do not simply admire the Light. We come into it and live by it.

Key Bible references:

• John 1:1–5 – Jesus is the eternal Word (Logos), through whom all things were made.
• John 8:12 – Whoever follows Jesus will not walk in darkness.
• John 3:19–21 – Coming to the light requires honesty, repentance, and openness to God.
• John 14:6 – Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
• Colossians 1:15–17 – All things were created through Him and for Him.
• Acts 17:28 – In Him we live and move and have our being.
• Romans 12:1–2 – True response involves surrender and transformation of mind.
• Galatians 2:20 – The believer’s life is now centered in Christ.
• Philippians 1:21 – “For to me, to live is Christ.”
• Luke 9:23–24 – Following Christ means self-denial and daily surrender.
• Matthew 7:24–25 – A life built on Christ stands firm.
• 1 John 1:5–7 – Walking with God means walking in the light.

Core idea:

Jesus is not merely someone to believe in intellectually. He is the One by whom life itself makes sense. To reject Him is to remain disordered; to receive Him is to be rightly aligned with reality.

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Big theological takeaway

Connecting to divine light is not achieved by human wisdom or religious striving alone.

It happens through:

• God’s grace: Christ enters our darkness, bears our sin, and opens the way back to God. 
• Works the Holy Spirit does in the believers life
  
• Our response: we trust Him, follow Him, and make Him the defining center of our lives.
• resurrection and the Kingdom of Heaven
  

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Strong concluding Bible synthesis

These verses tie both themes together beautifully:

• John 1:12 – Those who receive Him are given the right to become children of God.
• John 12:46 – Whoever believes in Him will not remain in darkness.
• 2 Corinthians 4:6 – God shines the light of the knowledge of His glory in the face of Christ.
• Ephesians 5:8 – “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” 

God brings us into the light through the sacrifice of Christ, and we remain in that light by surrendering our lives fully to Him.

King of Kings, prepares our heart to receive the good news about the Kingdom

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Guarding the Heart from Sin

 Matthew 5:29–30

“If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away… And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away…”
— Matthew 5:29–30

Big Idea

Jesus teaches that sin must be dealt with radically, not casually. The issue is not merely external behavior, but the heart that desires, tolerates, and nurtures sin. True holiness requires decisive action against whatever feeds rebellion against God.

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1. Sin Begins in the Heart, Not Merely in the Act

Jesus gives this teaching in the context of lust and adultery. His point is that sin is not only the visible deed. It begins in the inner life.

“But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
— Matthew 5:28

This is consistent with the whole testimony of Scripture:

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
— Proverbs 4:23

“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil…”
— Luke 6:45

“For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery…”
— Mark 7:21–23

The battle against sin is not first about image management. It is about heart governance. If the heart is left unguarded, sinful thoughts become sinful desires, and sinful desires eventually become sinful deeds.

“Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”
— James 1:14–15

Application:

Ask not only, “What did I do?” but also, “What have I allowed to live in my heart?”

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2. Jesus Calls for Radical Amputation, Not Mild Adjustment

Jesus uses shocking language intentionally. He is not commanding literal self-mutilation, but spiritual ruthlessness. Anything that becomes a pathway into sin must be dealt with decisively.

“If your right eye causes you to sin…”
“If your right hand causes you to sin…”
— Matthew 5:29–30

The “eye” can represent what we desire, gaze upon, or entertain. The “hand” can represent what we do, pursue, or grasp for. Jesus is saying: if something is feeding sin, remove it.

This same principle appears elsewhere:

“Make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”
— Romans 13:14

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness…”
— Colossians 3:5

“Abstain from every form of evil.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:22

“Flee from sexual immorality.”
— 1 Corinthians 6:18

Notice the language: put to death, make no provision, flee. Scripture never tells us to casually coexist with cherished sin. Sin is not a pet to manage. It is an enemy to kill.

Application:

What must be cut off?

• A habit
• A screen
• A relationship
• A private indulgence
• A pattern of secrecy
• A source of temptation you keep excusing

If it is feeding sin, Jesus says it is too costly to keep.

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3. The Cost of Sin Is Greater Than the Cost of Cutting It Off

Jesus says it is “better” to lose one part of life than to lose your whole self to destruction. That is a severe but merciful warning.

“For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.”
— Matthew 5:29–30

Sin always promises pleasure, but it hides its price. It offers immediate gratification while concealing long-term ruin.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
— Proverbs 14:12

“The wages of sin is death…”
— Romans 6:23

“Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned?”
— Proverbs 6:27

What feels “small” in the moment is often spiritually devastating over time. Jesus is teaching us to think with eternal seriousness.

Mature believers learn to say:
“I would rather lose convenience, comfort, pleasure, or freedom than lose tenderness toward God.”

“What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?”
— Matthew 16:26

Application:

Do you view sin as dangerous enough to treat with urgency? Or have you quietly negotiated peace with it?

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4. Guarding the Heart Requires Guarding the Gates

If the heart is the wellspring, then we must guard what flows into it. Jesus’ imagery of the eye and hand reminds us that temptation often enters through ordinary avenues of life.

Guard your eyes

“I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.”
— Psalm 101:3

“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.”
— Psalm 119:37

Guard your mind

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”
— Romans 12:2

“Take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
— 2 Corinthians 10:5

Guard your desires

“Beloved, I urge you… to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.”
— 1 Peter 2:11

Guard your company

“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’”
— 1 Corinthians 15:33

Guard your speech

“Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.”
— Proverbs 4:24

Sin often grows where there is unguarded access. Many spiritual defeats are not mysterious. They are the result of leaving doors open that should have been shut.

Application:

What are the “gates” in your life that need stronger boundaries?

• Media
• Entertainment
• Social media
• Isolation
• Fantasy life
• Private conversations
• Emotional attachments
• Prideful thoughts

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5. Sin Must Be Fought at the Desire Level, Not Only the Behavior Level

You can remove an outward behavior while still loving the sin inwardly. Jesus wants more than external restraint. He wants inward purity.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
— Matthew 5:8

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
— Psalm 51:10

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
— Psalm 37:4

The answer to sinful desire is not only suppression. It is superior affection. Sin loses power when the heart is increasingly satisfied in God.

This is why repentance is not merely saying, “I need to stop.”
It is saying, “My heart has loved the wrong thing.”

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart…”
— Matthew 22:37

Application:

What desire beneath the sin needs to be exposed?

• Approval
• Control
• Escape
• Pleasure
• Comfort
• Power
• Validation
• Bitterness

Until the deeper desire is brought into the light, behavior modification alone will not last.

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6. Guarding the Heart Requires Both Repentance and Dependence

Jesus’ words are strong, but they are not a call to self-salvation. We do not conquer sin by willpower alone. We fight through repentance, prayer, the Word, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
— Matthew 26:41

“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
— Galatians 5:16

“If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
— Romans 8:13

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.”
— Psalm 119:9

“Your word I have stored up in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
— Psalm 119:11

The heart is guarded not merely by avoidance, but by active spiritual filling:

• Scripture in the mind
• Prayer in temptation
• Confession in failure
• Accountability in weakness
• Worship in daily life
• Dependence on the Spirit

Application:

Do you have an actual strategy for holiness, or only vague intentions?

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7. Grace Does Not Make Sin Safe. Grace Makes Holiness Possible.

A passage like this can feel heavy, but it is not meant to drive believers into despair. It is meant to drive us to seriousness, repentance, and Christ.

Jesus is not only the one who warns us about sin. He is the one who came to save us from it.

“You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
— Matthew 1:21

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
— 1 John 1:9

“For the grace of God has appeared… training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions…”
— Titus 2:11–12

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace…”
— Hebrews 4:16

Grace does not lower the standard. Grace gives us a Savior, forgiveness when we fall, and power to fight again.

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Summary Truth

Matthew 5:29–30 teaches that sin is so deadly, and holiness so valuable, that we must remove anything that feeds rebellion in the heart.
Jesus is calling for:

• Seriousness about sin
• Radical repentance
• Heart-level holiness
• Practical boundaries
• Dependence on God’s grace

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Discussion / Reflection Questions

1. What “eye” or “hand” in your life has become a recurring doorway to sin?
2. Where are you managing sin instead of mortifying it?
3. What desire beneath the temptation needs to be confronted?
4. What practical boundary do you need to establish immediately?
5. How can you fill your heart more intentionally with God’s Word this week?

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Short Teaching Conclusion

Guarding the heart from sin means refusing to treat temptation lightly. Jesus teaches that eternal things are at stake, and therefore drastic spiritual action is wisdom, not extremism. Whatever feeds sin must go. Whatever strengthens love for Christ must stay.

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Heart Attitudes and Actions That Please the Lord Isaiah 59-66

 We're studying Zechariah in BSF and got to read a familiar passage, 

 "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. - Isaiah 61:1-3

This got me reading Isaiah 59-66, I asked Claude to consolidate a list of heart attitudes and actions faithful believers can take that please the Lord:

Heart Attitudes

Humility and Contrition

• Being humble and contrite in spirit (66:2)
• Acknowledging we are the clay and God is the potter (64:8)
• Recognizing God as our Father and Redeemer (63:16; 64:8)

Reverence and Fear of God

• Trembling at God's word (66:2, 5)
• Revering His ways and remembering them (64:5)

Repentance and Acknowledgment of Sin

• Repenting of sins (59:20; turning from rebellion, treachery, lies)
• Acknowledging our iniquities and offenses (59:12-13)
• Recognizing our uncleanness and need for cleansing (64:6)

Delight and Joy in God

• Delighting greatly in the Lord (61:10)
• Soul rejoicing in God (61:10)
• Rejoicing and being glad in what God creates (65:18)
• Heart rejoicing when seeing God's work (66:14)

Trust and Waiting

• Waiting for Him (64:4)
• Looking to the Lord and seeking Him (65:10)

Actions and Practices

Prayer and Intercession

• Calling on the Lord's name (64:7; 62:6)
• Giving ourselves no rest in prayer (62:6)
• Giving God no rest until He establishes Jerusalem (62:7)
• Striving to lay hold of God (64:7)

Worship and Praise

• Telling of the Lord's kindnesses and praiseworthy deeds (63:7)
• Bringing acceptable offerings to God's altar (60:7)
• Proclaiming the praise of the Lord (60:6)

Righteousness and Justice

• Gladly doing right (64:5)
• Being clothed with garments of salvation and robed in righteousness (61:10)
• Not calling for injustice or relying on empty arguments (contrast to 59:4)

Response to God's Light

• Arising and shining when God's light comes (60:1)
• Looking and being radiant (60:5)

Solidarity with God's People

• Rejoicing with Jerusalem and being glad for her (66:10)
• Mourning over Jerusalem (66:10)
• Not keeping silent for Zion's sake (62:1)

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The Shoes of Readiness: The Gospel of Peace

 Prepared to publicly proclaim

The soldier’s footwear signaled stability and mobility. Believers are ready to move with the message.

• “Stand… with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:15)

• “Always be prepared to give an answer… for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15)

• “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” (Romans 10:15; Isaiah 52:7)

• Jesus sends His followers: “Go and make disciples… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded.” (Matthew 28:19–20)

Readiness begins with willingness. Public proclamation is part of faithful discipleship.

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John 3 explained clearly

The gospel of peace rests on the truths Jesus taught Nicodemus.

• New birth: “You must be born again.” (John 3:3, 7)

• Spiritual transformation: “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” (John 3:6)

• God’s love and initiative: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.” (John 3:16)

• Human response: “Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (v.16)

• No condemnation for the believing: “Whoever believes in Him is not condemned.” (v.18)

• Judgment for rejecting the light: “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light.” (v.19)

Being ready includes the ability to articulate these essentials simply and clearly.

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Peace with God before peace with people

Reconciliation with God is the foundation for reconciliation with others.

• “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)

• Christ Himself “is our peace.” (Ephesians 2:14)

• Jesus restores relationship with God first: “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

• Peace with others flows from this restored vertical relationship:

  • “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18)

  • “Make every effort to do what leads to peace.” (Romans 14:19)

Horizontal peace is fragile when vertical peace is missing. Readiness starts with reconciliation through Christ.

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Readiness as a daily posture

Readiness is not occasional. It is a stance.

• “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning.” (Luke 12:35)

• “Preach the word… be ready in season and out of season.” (2 Timothy 4:2)

• “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:15)

• The early church lived in daily readiness: “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20)

Readiness is daily availability to God’s mission, God’s timing, and God’s people.

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Christ’s Ambassadors Behind Enemy Lines

And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should. Ephesians 6:19–20

Paul describes himself as an ambassador in chains. This is diplomatic language set inside spiritual warfare. Ambassadors do not choose the territory. They are sent. They carry authority that is not their own. They speak on behalf of a King while standing in contested ground. 

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Representing Christ in Hostile Territory

Believers are not tourists in the world. We are envoys stationed where allegiance to Christ is resisted.

• Jesus prays not for removal, but for protection and faithfulness in the world

  I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. John 17:15–18

• The Church advances in a kingdom that collides with darkness

  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:5

  Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Matthew 10:16-20

• Our citizenship is elsewhere, yet our assignment is here

  But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. Philippians 3:20
  So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 2 Corinthians 5:20

This reframes suffering. Resistance does not mean failure. It often confirms placement.

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Speaking with Boldness and Wisdom

Paul asks for prayer not for safety, but for clarity and courage. Boldness is not volume, it's faithfulness under pressure.

• The Spirit supplies words when opposition rises

  “And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.” Luke 12:11–12

• Boldness flows from intimacy, not personality

  And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

  After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29–31

• Wisdom governs timing, tone, and method

  Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:5–6
  

  A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.Proverbs 15:1

Ambassadors speak truth without compromise and love without fear.

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The Mission Never Pauses During Conflict

Chains did not suspend Paul’s calling. Prison became a pulpit. Conflict often becomes the platform.

• The gospel advances through adversity

  And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear. Philippians 1:12–14

• Warfare clarifies purpose rather than cancels it

  Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them...Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. 

  Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. 2 Timothy 2:3–4,7-9

• Faithfulness is measured in endurance, not ease

  It has come at last, salvation and power, and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ.

  For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth the one who accuses them before our God day and night.

  And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony.

  And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.

  Therefore, rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice!

  But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time.Revelation 12:10-12

  But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:13

God does not wait for peace to act. He reveals His power in the middle of the battle.

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Core Truth

Christ’s ambassadors do not retreat when opposition increases.
They stand, speak, and advance.
Not because conditions are favorable.
But because the King has already won.

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The glory of God illuminates the church bearing fruit (Psalm 89:15, Rev 21-22)

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, LORD. Psalm 89:15

My biggest takeaway from Revelation study was the Revelation of the church, a kingdom of priests (Rev 1:6, 5:10, 22:5-6). I'm enjoying living in the light of the presence of God, glowing with others as we worship the Lord together. 

... Come with me! I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”

So he took me in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and he showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God... (Rev 21:9-11)

And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp. / By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory. (Rev 21:23-24)

Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Rev 21:25-27)

 ...the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. (Rev 22:1-3)

Aperson (bride, wife), an illuminated city.

• by its light nations walk (in the year of our Lord, education, healthcare...)
• all nations glory and honor (without shameful idolatry and dishonesty)

a name, written in the Lamb's Book of Life

Jesus is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29)

• Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
• Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. Isaiah 60:1

The Lamb who gave up his blood for us

• But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

We walk in the Light of Jesus with faith, becoming sons of light.

• Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. / While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light.” After Jesus had spoken these things, He went away and was hidden from them. John 12:35-36

Light to shift your focus - raise your level of understanding

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Servant Songs of Isaiah, reverberate from Jesus to us today

 Reading https://wordgo.org/journal/how-does-isaiah-reveal-god-today

The Servant Songs of Isaiah are four poetic passages in the Book of Isaiah that describe the mission, suffering, and triumph of God’s "Servant." Jesus Christ—His character, mission, suffering, and redemptive purpose. 

1. Isaiah 42:1–9 – “The Chosen Servant”

• Theme: Justice with gentleness.
• Key Insight: The Servant is chosen, Spirit-filled, and will bring justice—not by force, but with compassion.
• Fulfillment in Jesus: His baptism (Matthew 3:16–17), His healing ministry (Matthew 12:15–21).
• God blesses us with truth from the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7)
  

2. Isaiah 49:1–13 – “The Light to the Nations”

• Theme: Global mission, divine calling from the womb.
• Key Insight: The Servant feels discouragement but is reassured of global impact. 
• Fulfillment in Jesus: Jesus as the light to Gentiles (Luke 2:32, Acts 13:47); His ministry to the discouraged and outcast.
• Discovering the Light of listening and being Salt (Luke 8-14)

3. Isaiah 50:4–11 – “The Obedient Servant”

• Theme: Unwavering obedience in suffering.
• Key Insight: The Servant listens to God daily and does not turn away from abuse.
• thinking about 1 Chronicles 28:19 ("Every part of this plan,” David told Solomon, “was given to me in writing from the hand of the Lord." NLT, "All this he made clear to me in writing from the hand of the Lord, all the work to be done according to the plan" ESV)
• 4 Ways to start Hearing God (from general to specific)
  
• Fulfillment in Jesus: His resolve to go to the cross (Luke 9:51), His silence before accusers (Isaiah 50:6 → Matthew 26:63).

4. Isaiah 52:13–53:12 – “The Suffering and Exalted Servant”

• Theme: Atonement through suffering.
• Key Insight: The Servant is pierced for others’ sins, dies unjustly, yet is vindicated.
• Fulfillment in Jesus: Passion narrative and crucifixion (Isaiah 53 → John 19; Acts 8:32–35; 1 Peter 2:24).
• When Jesus was dying he was speaking God's word

• Like Jesus we go from 

  • "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? Psalm 22:1, Mark 15:34

  to

  • "Let the rich of the earth feast and worship. Bow before him, all who are mortal, all whose lives will end as dust. Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done." Psalm 22:29-31, John 19:30

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Love is the tool that unveils our hearts, crucifies our flesh, and welcomes God into our lives (Gal 2:20,5:22-25,Rom 6:6-14)

Enjoying a time of fasting with the Lord, listening, receiving, praying and walking with Him. This holy week I'm contemplating God's love held Jesus to the Cross, not the nails. Love is the tool we use to unveil (circumcise) our hearts, to crucify our flesh, and come into God's light. Love removes the spec from our eye, so we can see clearly. Love lifts the shame and guilt from our spirit. Love fills us with living water. Love plows the hard ground of our heart and removes the weeds so that new life can flourish and be fruitful. 

• Matthew 28:5: Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
• Acts 4:10: Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead.
• Galatians 2:20: My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.

Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. - Romans 6:6-14

Gal 2:20,5:22-25,Rom 6:6-14 NLT, MSG

Tuesday we enjoyed the Session 4: Holy Saturday: Where? "Where is God when heaven is silent". So many guys left before hearing the big finish about Psalm 22 which Jesus was remembering on the Cross. The creation of all that popular music, revealed at the end. 

Yesterday I was reviewing 40Days, revisiting day 2. Then on my way to work A.J. shared the Story of Jonah during SALT and Light, it was amazing!

• Sign of Jonah - Listen and repent for salvation and receive true Light (Luke 11:29-36)
• Discovering the Light of listening and being Salt (Luke 8-14)
• Light of listening and bearing the cross (Luke 8:1-9:45). 

It's so obvious that we hide, in secret shame for no reason. We need more than a reading of these truths we need to come into the presence of God. 

Veil of our fleshly fallen nature living on, unjudged within us, uncrucified and unrepudiated

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Sometimes we need to be reminded about light and love (James 1:2-3,Heb 12, Revelation 21:9-14)

Yesterday I had the opportunity to lead a BSF group called Every Nation for my friend James. I started the group 1/2 hour early for fellowship and prayed for each guy to come in and share what the Lord is doing, through his Word and Spirit in their lives. I sent an email inviting them to join with a link to the passage (Revelation 21:9-22:5), the BSF App, and link to our meeting. I continued to pray as I waited until at the hour of the meeting we had 2 guys join out of 15. We enjoyed a wonderful fellowship, then at 4 minutes after the hour we opened the meeting with prayer for each guy that was missing, as we prayed for them by name 5 more guys joined!

We alway start our meeting with a review of last week, "Last week we learned about God’s just response to sin in final judgement and new creation, what help did you receive from the notes or lecture?" We had great sharing but even with 7 guys, by the end of day 2 not everyone shared so I opened pair-share breakout rooms on the application question "How does Revelation 21:9-14 offer a helpful perspective for God's people?"

The meeting flew by quickly and we got to last question that we framed up as prayer requests. Prayer on Question #14 What does the promise of God’s eternal reign, constant light, and continual presence with His people mean to you?

• Jon always safe, nothing hidden, unconditional support and love.
• Ngula, eternal reign, no longer questioned, just be with God and keep his word. Importance of sharing His word with more people: strangers, and family. Share and be with them forever.
• Kevin, removes the fear and phobia.
• Jeff, this week called brother Leo about sharing Christ tonight. He feels life is unjust, Christ isn't #1 and he's tired of hearing it. Urgency in light of what's happening. Pray Jeff delivers love of Christ and the seed planted in a receptive heart.
• Yujin, gratitude to the Lord for our BSF brotherhood.

We prayed for James safe return and stayed for end of meeting fellowship where I learned Khup was from Myanmar! 

My first trip to Myanmar was during the summer before BSF had launched Revelation (2016). I brought a bunch of chrome books and created an HTTP application for them to navigate resources via a thumb drive. I uploaded it to the web for fun here: https://myanmar-christian-bible-resource.s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/index.html. I had a vision at that time of Myanmar people ministering to people in Africa via online resources. Tonight that vision was realized with your Every Nation group! Praise the Lord for you guys! My friend's Patrick Walker and Jonathan Stone are still involved in Minister other there: https://www.facebook.com/OrphanCareInt 

Before this trip to Myanmar I met John Bevere at Ameriprise SALT meeting where he shared God and Gary, Larry and Harry (Matthew 25:14-30). 

His big point was that people think the kingdom of heaven is like this:

But God's word reveals this:

After this teaching John Bevere had everyone bow and pray. Then asked if we were going to do something different with the resources God has entrusted to "raise your hand." I raised my hand (and later learned that the other 50 people did as well). I added 4 more chromebooks and continued to create resources for them to use them. 

I'm praising God for Huey and his family we had dinner last night with Paul at Hip Sing BBQ and shared how impactful friendship is. On the way I heard from Russ and enjoyed the wonderful reminder that when we seek the Lord, He hears, and He answers! 

I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered

I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered

I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered

That's why I trust Him, that's why I trust Him

When life seems hopeless, shift your focus - raise your level of understanding

Christians have an ongoing struggle against sin that is frustrating

3 proofs of bona fide Christianity

Lord, wash my feet

Jesus wants us to be light so that He can be seen to the lost

Had to share John Bevere - Relentless with Rob, Gloria, and Jim and be reminded: James 1:2-3, "My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it pure joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything". 

Thanking God for Heaven today (Heb 12)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said,

“My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline,

    and don’t give up when he corrects you.

For the Lord disciplines those he loves,

    and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”

As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?

For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.

Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal. You know that afterward, when he wanted his father’s blessing, he was rejected. It was too late for repentance, even though he begged with bitter tears.

You have not come to a physical mountain, to a place of flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind, as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai. For they heard an awesome trumpet blast and a voice so terrible that they begged God to stop speaking. They staggered back under God’s command: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” Moses himself was so frightened at the sight that he said, “I am terrified and trembling.”

No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect. You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel.

Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven! When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.” This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain.

Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire.

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