[Preparation]

God has a certain way of helping us grow that we often confuse with punishment, but the preparation is what allows us to be better vessels. I remember when I played sports, whenever Coach would start getting out his stopwatch, you could almost hear the excitement leave our bodies. It meant that it was time for conditioning. It wasn't always fun, but it helped our bodies get in better shape for the competition. It allowed us to play at a higher level, it got our bodies used to the conditions.

[Refining]

God is a refiner. That makes all the difference.  A refiner's fire does not destroy, it does not burn up. It refines, it purifies. It separates the impurities, and it leaves the subject intact. The refiner wants to see the best result, and won't stop until it is finished. God refines us, often times by fire. Not to punish us, but to bring out the best condition we can be in. God is still God, even in the fire. God is still God in your test. God allows us to go through fire so that we can be better than what we were before. But God also allows us to through fire so that others can see what the refiner can do.

[Fire as a testimony]

In Daniel chapter 3, we see the 3 Hebrew boys tossed in the fiery furnace. King Nebuchadnezzar had the furnace set 7 times hotter, so hot that the guards were killed just by the flames. He was so sure that nothing could save the 3 boys. But Nebuchadnezzar saw a 4th man. He saw someone in the fire with them, but how could that be? He just had 3 boys threw in right? Rather than letting his children burn up, God stepped in. God showed the king, that even in the fire, He was still God. When we go through fire, God will always be there, whether He pulls us out of it, or walks with us through it.

[Closing]

Be encouraged today, knowing that God is still God, even in the fire. You're being refined, and you are walking of the furnace as a walking testimony.

Isaiah 43:2
"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."

Endurance is a requirement in this life, but what exactly does it mean?  Jesus told us in Matthew 10:22 that he that endures until the end shall be saved. There seems to have been a shift in society over the past generation or two.  We now adopt the mindset that we just have to hang on and make it to the end. With this mindset we do what we want to, we take care of ourselves and what makes us happy, and we squeeze everything else that is “expected” of us in there wherever it will fit. With this way of life spiritual things just kind of happen to us when they happen, like a wind that blows in our direction every once in a while. When we recognize it, we get excited that God intervened in our life. We have these experiences because He is faithful and He loves us.  We’re hanging on, enduring life, and getting breakthroughs from time to time. However, God didn’t call us into this type of endurance.  He called us into a race!  We are athletes in the Kingdom of God.  How good are we at running this race?
A little over four years ago I got my bicycle back out and rode with our boys. I used to ride a lot when I was a teenager, but I found out real fast that I’m not a teenager anymore.  I rode about 2 miles and thought I was dying!  After I recovered, I made a decision. I decided that I wasn’t going to stop because it was hard.  Cycling was the only sport I ever really enjoyed, and I was going to get back in shape.  You know what I did there?  I set a goal!  So, I started riding more as I found time and I slowly inched it up to about 5 miles, still felt like I was dying, but I kept doing it anyway! I’m still riding, because I’m still setting goals.  My goal now is to ride a Century Ride (100mi).  I did my first group ride a few weeks ago which was 38 miles and I felt great!  I’m not ready for 100 yet, but I believe I can if I don’t give up!
The Lord has been speaking to me through this endurance cycling journey I’m on.  There’s something to be learned and applied to our lives.  Whether we like it or not, good at it or not, or want to or not, we still have to endure. It’s simply part of life.  Endurance isn’t about hanging on and just making it.  Endurance is setting goals, working hard and crushing those goals! If we just flip a switch in the way we think about it we’ll move from hanging on while life happens to pursuing life and making things happen!
So, endurance means stretching ourselves a little farther than we are comfortable over and over again until we meet our goals.  When we get comfortable, we set new goals and repeat.  A runner that doesn’t train doesn’t win. A runner that stops running doesn’t win.  Those that keep their eyes on the finish line and do what it takes to be the best they can be are the ones who win!  Winners simply have a different mindset.  Endurance sports require more mental strength than they do physical strength. As athletes in The Kingdom of God we need to set goals for prayer, for church attendance, for learning God’s Word, leading others to Christ, and set our mind on the goal.  It will be hard, it will be painful and tiring, but whatever you do don’t stop until you meet the goal and you will feel accomplished and fulfilled.  Then in all of your excitement you’ll set another goal.  There are eternal rewards for this, but also keep in mind that you are stronger too!  What used to be difficult is now easy because you didn't just endure it, you crushed it!
Prayer
Father, I thank you for calling me into something greater than I’m capable of doing on my own. I repent for being idle for so long. Today I change my tactics. I set my eyes on you and change my mindset to be stronger and more able than I am now.  I ask you Lord to guide me in my spiritual endurance training.  Show me what goal to set and how to achieve it. Help me to overcome my weaknesses through the power of your Holy Spirit. I will run this race with patience. I will finish this course, and receive my eternal reward because you are with me.
In The Name of Jesus Christ my Savior
Amen

Last week we discussed Ancient Babylon, and the fall and rise again of Israel because of a Babylonian siege that tested the people of God.  If you haven’t read part one, please go back and read that first.

To bring this up to modern times, let’s look at the book in the Bible that tells us the future. The book that begins by stating it is “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” once seemed like a lot of things would have to change before it could come to pass, but as times have progressed, we quickly realize, that a lot has changed. We are more aligned with what the Bible says will happen than we ever have been in history!

By the time we get to chapter 14 of Revelation we’ve already witnessed seven letters to churches, seven seals of the book opened, and seven trumpets of judgment sounded. In chapter 13 two beasts rise up, deceive them that dwell on the earth, and rule the world. The second beast overcomes the first and performs signs and wonders, and force everyone to worship the image of the beast and take a mark of the beast or be killed.

Now remember Daniel chapter 3? Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon made an image of gold and commanded EVERYONE to bow down and worship it or they would be killed. Daniel seemed to have escaped this trial. He likely was exempt from this because he had found favor for his dream interpreting gift.  However, the other three boys, Hananiah, Mishael, an Azariah who Nebuchadnezzar renamed to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were among the people whom were required to obey this new law.  It is startling to me that out of EVERYONE in Israel that were captured and brought to Babylon, only three young men were brave enough, and faithful enough to stand for what was right.  Of coarse we know that they were willing to die rather than worship another god, but The Son of God went in the fire with them, loosed them, and kept them from harm!

Starting at Revelation 14:6 there are 3 angels sent back to back.  The first one comes and preaches The everlasting Gospel to all of the Earth.  The second one declares that Babylon is fallen, and the third one says if anyone worships the beast and it’s image and receives the mark he will also drink of God’s wrath.
Revelation 14:6-10
(6) And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
(7) Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
(8) And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
(9) And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
(10) The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
 
Let me speak real plain. People will do what they want to, believe what they want to, and they’ll get a just reward for their decisions.  If you don’t want to believe in Jesus Christ you don’t have to.  You can ignore His warnings, and you can ignore His love for you.  You can choose to go the way the world is going.  However,  you can also choose to take a stand and be different even in the face of adversity.
 
Here’s my whole point.  Although a spiritual Babylon is rising again and deceiving nations, Babylon shall fall as fast as it rises.  Revelation 18 describes the fall of Babylon the great. In its description it is described as a city that is:

1. a habitation of devils (dwelling place of demons)
2. caused all nations to drink of the wine of her fornication (immoral sexual acts)
3. caused merchants of the earth to become rich with her delicacies (power and luxurious living)

Some years ago, it was hard to comprehend a land this vile, but now we are living in it!  Masses are selling out to demons and sexual immorality because they want the delicacies she has to offer.  It’s like a carrot on a stick baiting us to follow right after the enemy’s plan.  Don’t be fooled though, it is built on a shaky foundation of sin, and the righteousness of God will prevail!
The Revelation of Jesus Christ is really a book of victory! We should rejoice!  Not because of the horrible things that happen to the world and those that love it, but because evil is judged, condemned, and destroyed!  Everything that is fleshly and earthly either has to be redeemed by the blood of The Lamb, resurrected/changed to incorruptible and immortal, or it must be destroyed.  Sin will be destroyed. Pain and death will be destroyed. Every demon, and foul spirit that plagues this earth now will be destroyed! Death, Hell, the false prophet, the beast and Satan himself will all be cast into The Lake of Fire, and whosoever was not found written in The Book of Life will be cast in the lake of fire.  This is called the second death.  This is where death dies! There is a promise in Rev. 2:11 that says they that overcome shall NOT be hurt of the second death.   This is a great cleansing preparing the earth for The New Jerusalem.  Rev. 21:1 says that the first heaven and the first earth pass away, and created new.

When everything is said and done, The Word of God will still be standing strong!  Put your faith in that which is sure, not in that which will be shaken.

As for Babylon, here is her future:
Revelation 18:1-21
(1) And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.
(2) And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
(3) For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
(4) And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
(5) For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.
(6) Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.
(7) How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.
(8) Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.
(9) And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,
(10) Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.
(11) And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:
(12) The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
(13) And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
(14) And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.
(15) The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,
(16) And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!
(17) For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,
(18) And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!
(19) And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.
(20) Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.
(21) And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

Babylon was an ancient city in the middle east. When comparing ancient maps with modern maps, it appears to be in the same location as Baghdad, Iraq today.   We do not find a physical place called Babylon today, but let me assure you Babylon still exists!

The Old Testament has not been done away, and it’s not just history.  It is an insight to spiritual things. For example, Hebrews ch. 9 compares the physical tabernacle of the Old Testament with the real throne room of God.  So, we are enlightened by this scripture that everything that was done in the Old Testament Tabernacle was a reflection of what is actually in God’s presence.  Now through the blood of Christ, the Power of His Resurrection and the gift of The Holy Spirit we are each a reflection of His Glory and we are His tabernacles!
In the Old Testament Babylon was the enemy of the people of God.  This wasn’t unusual because Israel had lots of enemies.  What is different though is that the other enemies fell at the hand of Israel, but Babylon succeeded in sieging, and capturing Israel and desecrating the Holy Temple of God. (2 Chronicles 36)

There is so much spiritual significance to this fall of Israel.  It was the first time they were in bondage again since God saved them out of Egypt.  In Daniel chapter one we find that they didn’t waste much time to attempt to “reprogram” the youth by offering them food that undermined their faith and by changing their God inspired names to Babylonian idol inspired names.

Another thing to take note of is that Babylon took over in Israel because the people slowly began to stray from God’s commands, Godly leaders were replaced with worldly leaders, until the enemy finally took over the throne and they were basically defeated from the inside out.  We still have an enemy of The Cross, and history is repeating itself, but this time it’s spiritual.  Many that were bound in sin (Egypt) and were set free by the Blood of Jesus Christ are again straying from God’s Word and replacing Godly leaders with worldly leaders.  Our nation is in danger of falling, and the people of God are in danger of departing from the faith. 1 Timothy 4:1 says, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils”.   So, those that had faith shall depart because of seducing spirits.

The church is in danger, but remember what Jesus said to Peter after Peter spoke with revelation from God of who Jesus is:  Matthew 16:18: And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. So, The Church won’t fall, but some will fall from The Church.  Brothers and Sisters, please guard your hearts from the deception of the seducing spirits of the enemy. Babylon had a victory over Israel, but it wasn’t permanent. Thankfully four Hebrew boys chose to be different and hold on to their God given identity even in Babylon. Three of them refused to bow down and worship idols, and Daniel prayed anyway even when it was illegal.  They suffered the consequences of a fiery furnace and a den of lions, but these deadly blows turned into victories for the people of God.  After God saved Daniel from the Lions, King Darius’ heart was changed and he wrote a decree that The God of Daniel was The Living God and His Kingdom would not be destroyed (Daniel 6:26). Later on in Ezra Chapter 3 the altar was rebuilt, then the temple was rebuilt.  Nehemiah the Kings cup bearer was led of God to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem.  God used the wealth of the enemy to rebuild that which the enemy had stolen!

So, be encouraged today! God is already victorious.  There may be a battle, but The Church will still be standing when it’s over! We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; -2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Watch for part two of this, but if you can't wait please read Revelation 14:6-13 and Revelation 18:1-20.   You can also find more on this subject in Isaiah 21 and Jeremiah 51.

May God bless you and keep you

Part 2 is now posted here

"O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?" -Psalms 74:10

If there was ever a question asked more than others it is this.  Every road trip over and over we hear, "Are we there yet?". Every meal prep poses the question "Is it done yet?". In our life we often wonder even if we don't ask, "How much longer?".

I love how the Psalms take us into prayer in ways that we are afraid to go sometimes.  Passages like this show us that it's ok to be real with God.  If you're thinking it, you may as well pray it!  We say, "oh no I can't tell God that!" so we pretend to be someone else living a different life when we pray...  God knows us better than that.. Do we really think we're fooling Him?  Ofcoarse we don't, I get it.  It's a respect thing, we don't want to talk to God like we talk to others, and especially in ways that we would never talk to others.  We start building up walls in our mind to block things that we would never tell anyone, or never let anyone know.  When we pray, we have an opportunity to take walls down and let God into the dark places.  God is calling us to be REAL with Him.

So, the psalmist here is being real and says "Lord, how much longer is the adversary going to bring reproach and blaspheme your name? Are you ever going to do anything about it??"
In Psalm 74 there was no answer given, but after being "real" with his question he began reminding God (or himself) of who He is, and what He has already done.  Then the psalmist prayed with passion about the needs that was on his heart.

We do have an adversary, and it is hard to look past the difficulty at times. However, we have a choice.  Are we going to continue to look at the adversity and stand in defeat, or are we going to cast our cares upon God, stand still and know He is God, and walk in victory?  

You have a choice today. 1Peter 5:8 tells us that our adversary is the devil and he is walking about, seeking whom he may devour. So the adversary is looking for someone to totally destroy, and he hates you!  However, verse 8 says RESIST him steadfast in the faith!  Resist?  Yes! Steadfast in faith kind of resistance.  Plant your feet in the Word, build up defense through prayer, lift up that shield of faith and STAND! Verse 10 says God has called you, and He is using your suffering to make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, and settle you.  We just need to trust the process, but we have to be faithful in the process.  

James 4:7 gives us two simple steps to the solution:

1. Submit yourself to God.
2. Resist the devil

Obedience to these two simple steps results in a promise from God, "he will flee from you"

Father, I am sorry for holding back words when I talk to you. Today I give you every part of me. I have so many questions, and so many complaints. I'm tired of holding onto them all.  So, today I cast it all on you because I know you care.  
(begin telling Him everything that is bothering you. Do NOT hold anything back)
Now that I've given this to you God, I am going to trust you with it.  Please help me to be steadfast in the faith.  I submit everything to you, and I vow to no longer be moved by the workings of the adversary.  Holy Spirit please show me when the adversary is trying to move me, and remind me to put it in your hands, and submit it to you.    I thank you that your promises are true and my adversary will flee!
You Lord are Holy, You are my God, my King.  I love You and I fully surrender to you.
In the name of Jesus Christ my Lord,
AMEN