Hello! I think we still have several verses from last Friday unexplored. So let’s start there and then continue here.
Funny morning here. I will jump on when I can. Blessings
Colossians 3 is easily a passage to meditate on daily. It is right in my top ten to motivate myself to godliness, to encourage myself to do as God wants me to do. It blesses me, convicts me, encourages me, challenges me and shifts my focus to Christ.
Healing and Discipleship 
Revelation 17 World English Bible (WEB)
17 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here. I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who sits on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth committed sexual immorality. Those who dwell in the earth were made drunken with the wine of her sexual immorality.” 3 He carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet-colored beast, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of the sexual immorality of the earth. 5 And on her forehead a name was written, “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” 6 I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. When I saw her, I wondered with great amazement. 7 The angel said to me, “Why do you wonder? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns. 8 The beast that you saw was, and is not; and is about to come up out of the abyss and to go into destruction. Those who dwell on the earth and whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel when they see that the beast was, and is not, and shall be present. 9 Here is the mind that has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits.
Good morning! Will hang in till Dave is ready to leave for the cottage!KC
Good morning all. Loving these precious times. Understand totally Lisa, I know you function in His strength, definitely admire you and how handle all that is on your plate. ❤️
Blessings this morning!
Rob
I love the comment of the writer in vs6 of how he wondered at all he saw and then the angel’s response, “why do you wonder?” My first thought is well yeah, you get to see everything that is going on. LOL (Maybe or maybe not) Interesting in vs 9 the seven heads are seven mountains, which we have been taught are the seven realms, government, health, entertainment/media education, business, religion, science. So the harlot Babylon is sitting on top of those mountains.
“Babylon must fall for the slain of Israel, just as for Babylon have fallen the slain of all the earth.”
Jeremiah 51:49 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/jer.51.49.esv
Wendy
Amen!! So true.
Rob
So what is jumping out is verse 8 where it says “once was, now is not and yet will come”. It sound like it’s referring to Satan who once had a place in heaven with authority, NOW is a defeated foe a paper dragon so to speak , yet will come again before His final judgement to wreak havoc and bring iniquity to its full . Any other thoughts on this? kC
What I think is so interesting in this day is that many many do not believe in a power of evil like Satan, even among people who call themselves Christians it is amazing that the polling reveals a very large number of those do not believe in Satan or a distinct evil entity. So they could very well marvel when the evil is revealed and shown to be what it is. That’s not really commenting on what you said Karen, but that is what stood out for me in that.
Wendy
LOL.. this stood out to me to KC. Asking for God to explain it as I was completely perplexed by the phrase. but following with you.. yes, Satan is/was the God of this present world but will not be in the future at all as his lot is to be totally destroyed. Honestly the whole passage still goes above my head so mostly I am praying for God to help me.
10 They are seven kings. Five have fallen, the one is, the other has not yet come. When he comes, he must continue a little while. 11 The beast that was, and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is of the seven; and he goes to destruction. 12 The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour. 13 These have one mind, and they give their power and authority to the beast. 14 These will war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and those who are with him are called chosen and faithful.” 15 He said to me, “The waters which you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages. 16 The ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the prostitute, will make her desolate, will strip her naked, will eat her flesh, and will burn her utterly with fire. 17 For God has put in their hearts to do what he has in mind, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God should be accomplished. 18 The woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth.”
World English Bible (WEB)
“They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings! Those who are with him will also conquer them, and they are called ‘chosen ones’ and ‘faithful ones.’ ””
Revelation 17:14 TPT
https://www.bible.com/1849/rev.17.14.tpt
I want to be among the ones called ‘chosen ones’ and faithful ones’
Wendy
Yes , I feel Him working within our spirits to strengthen that resolve in these times!KC
This was the stand out for me to. Whatever is going on, keeping Jesus in the window.. “He that is in me is greater” regardless of what it “looks” like to my senses. Must keep meditating on this reality so in true testing it is very deeply rooted in my whole being
17 For God has put in their hearts to do what he has in mind, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God should be accomplished.
This I love, so God is manipulating them to do His will while they think that they are winning, but it is just to accomplish what He wants. All I can say is YAY God!!! He will win, they are a defeated foe because of what Jesus did on the cross.
“He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like [a flash of] lightning.”
Luke 10:18 AMP
https://www.bible.com/1588/luk.10.18.amp
Wendy
WOW yes… this stood out to me too. It reminds me so much of the cross. Satan was so sure Jesus was about to lose only to find himself nailed to the cross and defeated instead. Oh that these truths would be etched in our hearts so that we never falter or doubt.
Colossians 3 World English Bible (WEB)
3 If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.
5 Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 For these things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. 7 You also once walked in those, when you lived in them; 8 but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth. 9 Don’t lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings, 10 and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator, 11 where there can’t be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, or free person; but Christ is all, and in all.
3 If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.
I Love these verses, actually doing an extensive study of this theme right now. Reaching to live the reality and experience of these. Our home is with Him.
Rob
vs 4… echoes 1John 3.. as soon as Christ appears, we will be made like Him instantly. My own identity is implicitly tied into who Christ is. Until He is revealed fully in my heart, I cannot become or “be revealed” for who I truly am at my core. Without Christ, we actually don’t evern really know ourselves or our true nature. This is a very powerful peace of our identity and why we struggle so much against ourselves in the fallen state.
Clearly on some level we long to be released from this “false” facade identity and yet part of us relates so completely with it and embraces this “temporal” and temporary version of us that we find outselves at war against ourselves.
“Setting our minds on the things above not the things that are on the earth” I’m thinking this word ‘setting’ reminds me of when Jesus ‘set His face like flint to go to Jerusalem’ Luke9:51 impliying a hardened resolve knowing there would be challenges to distract and make it difficult in the way. So for us to set our minds on the things above , the things that God is doing right now will likewise be beset with difficulties , therefore how important is it for us now to predetermine, regardless of what’s ahead to deter us and deceive , to be constantly bring our minds to the things above . And how can we know what those things are unless we are seeing them in His Word! KC
Yes, I am in total agreement with you Karen and Rob’s comment also. We do have to have our faces set like flint, it seems like moment by moment, especially right now. Constantly focusing on what is above and that our citizenship is NOT here, but seated in the heavenlies.
Wendy
Proverbs 12:16 New International Reader’s Version (NIRV)
16 Foolish people are easily upset.
But wise people pay no attention to hurtful words.
Amen. WR
Amen!!!! Ezekiel 2:5-7 World English Bible (WEB)
”
5 They, whether they will hear, or whether they will refuse, for they are a rebellious house, yet they will know that there has been a prophet among them. 6 You, son of man, don’t be afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you, and you dwell among scorpions. Don’t be afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house. 7 You shall speak my words to them, whether they will hear, or whether they will refuse; for they are most rebellious.”
If we set our sites purely on pleasing Jesus, then our goal is to do what He says regardless of how it is received. Imagine Noah working on the ark for 100 years surrounded by people who were only capable of thinking evil thoughts. The mocking and persecution, looks, words, potentially violence etc that he was exposing Himself to in such a corrup environment and yet he steadfastly worked on what God told him to do. I am convinced now is the perfect time to practice and build but our focus on Him instead of man’s response.
Everything hangs on our obedience and attitude towards God. Man’s reaction counts for nothing from a biblical perspective. I have to continually remind myself that to expect a better response from man than Jesus is insane and likely prideful and absolutely irrational and no doub foolish.
11 where there can’t be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, or free person; but Christ is all, and in all.
This verse right here is the answer to racism in my opinion for those of us who are in Christ.
Wendy
Amen! I was thinking of this. I was thinking that the slogan really should be that all human life matters. Challenge is that this is not the message most want to hear as this would have to apply to unborn children etc.. I am thankful that our children know people from many backgrounds but they understand that identity lies in knowing Christ or not, outward appearance is never the thing any man should ever be judged on.
1 Samuel 16:7 [Full Chapter]
But Yahweh said to Samuel, “Don’t look on his face, or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for I don’t see as man sees. For man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart.” The challenge here is this requires us to submit to God as Lord and judge. I am deeply challenged by the “naturally” judgemental nature of man and find myself fighting with it often. Every statement of judgement “you always”, “well you are just so….” etc are all likely candidates for moments when I have falsely judged someone’s heart or actions or attitude. Even if I were to accidentally judge rightly on rare occasion, to sin against God the other 99.9% of the time by judging someone when I have no real access to the genuine (in the heart and life and past of the person) evidence is foolish at best.. deeply prideful and harmful and destructive in many cases
“put to death your members” we see this crucify your fleshly desires repeat over and over and over. Clearly this is essential for walking as the Lord walked.
James 3:10-14 World English Bible (WEB)
10 Out of the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send out from the same opening fresh and bitter water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, yield olives, or a vine figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh water.
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and don’t lie against the truth.
vs 9-10… our part to put off the old man and put on the new… clearly this is directed to us to do.. This is one of those ones that I need to continually ask for help with my part from the Lord. Please help me Lord to utterly crucify the flesh and it’s desires, appetites and works.
12 Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.
14 Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.
17 Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.
18 Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and don’t be bitter against them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, don’t provoke your children, so that they won’t be discouraged.
22 Servants, obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will receive again for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality.
“a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.” this is a great verse to seal in our hearts. LOL we can see why these things are so imbattled in our life when these are the very heart expression that reveal Christ in us. Satan does not want us to operate in any of these things. Totally explains why lack of compassion, violense and abuse, pride, and giving up or getting discouraged and depressed are all so prominent. It is the enemies attempt to immunize us against the expression of the Kingdom and continue to hold us in bondage as his slaves.
Romans 6:16-18
World English Bible
16 Don’t you know that when you present yourselves as servants and obey someone, you are the servants of whomever you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God, that, whereas you were bondservants of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were delivered. 18 Being made free from sin, you became bondservants of righteousness.
12 Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other,
I think of how this will be true and His expression and heart.
Ezekiel 11:19 – Amplified – And I will give them one heart [a new heart], and put a new spirit within them. I will take from them the heart of stone, and will give them a heart of flesh [that is responsive to My touch],
Rob
Love that Ezekiel verse, “will give them a heart of flesh (that is responsive to My touch).”
Man do I cry out for that, to be responsive to His touch and not only that but be able to be aware and be aware of His touch. Spending time with Him to get to know Him and know His voice and His touch more than I already do, so there is no questioning, just immediate responsiveness. I cry out to you Father, ABBA Father ABBA Father hear my prayer, even when I don’t know what to pray for or the words to say. I pray in the language that you understand and hear. In Yeshua’s name.
Wendy
Amen!!!
Rob
Yes… Precious verse.