What happens to the Israelites in this portion of scripture is... what is it? Preparation... persecution... protection? All they know is that God has made them a promise of freedom. How it goes down and what happens afterward is the beginning of the story of ultimate freedom and redemption for all Christians.

The supreme worthiness of Jesus Christ and the unfolding of the final purposes of God... that is what we see in Revelation 5. There is something for everyone... action, a hero, a treasure not-yet revealed, and unparalleled visual descriptions of fantastical heavenly beings. Popcorn recommended!

It is the story of the greatest price paid by the greatest redeemer that anyone could imagine.

8 "Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty, the One who was and is and is to come... 11 You are worthy , O LORD our God, to receive glory and honor and power...". God, You are worthy indeed! Let our hearts and voices ring out with praises to our LORD!

Perhaps the most recognized and quoted piece of scripture, Psalm 23 encompasses the heart of God, our Good Shepherd. He promises to provide rest, peace, strength, protection and blessing when, not if, we face hardship. He promises this: His goodness and unfailing love will be what sustains us.

The last two of the seven churches receive letters containing harsh rebukes - their people and practices are not cutting it. "You have the reputation for being alive, but you are dead. Strengthen the little that remains, for even what is left is at the point of death." Ouch. "You are lukewarm" (at best), Jesus says, and "you don't realize you are wretched and miserable." Double ouch. "Saving the best for last" does not apply in this case.

Love God and love others... these are the greatest biblical commands. While 1 Corinthians 13 is probably the most familiar scripture about love, are we missing - or even misunderstanding - it's true meaning? How does God want us to love Him and love others both in the world and in the church?

Jesus acknowledges and addresses these two churches in a very personal way. He recognizes their small fellowship and lack of wealth, but commends their richness of faith! It's definitely upside down when compared to who are considered winners and losers by today's metrics. Do we count ourselves winners or losers in God's view?

We are bringing back, by popular demand, our study in Psalms on the first Sunday of each month. This year, we are camping on Psalm 23 and others that speak of God's comfort when things get hard... and let's face it, a lot of things in life are just hard. The Psalms provide deep and sustained encouragement from writers who are themselves pouring out their hearts to God. They praise and they lament... all to the glory of God because he hears our cries.