What an incredible sight is ahead! One of these days a window is going to be opened between the spiritual heaven and the physical earth. It sounds like something out of a movie, but the truth is that a time is coming when reality will exceed the most fantastic plots of human fiction.
That is what John saw, a strange opening carved out of the cloudy sky! The apostle looked in amazement as a magnificent white horse appeared.
Then he focused on the One riding it whom he identified by His character. He was the Faithful and True One, coming to the world to sentence and execute in righteousness.
The next thing to catch John’s attention were His eyes. They were not soft and gentle, looking down from the sky with kindness and compassion. No, they were intense and piercing, glowing as two fiery torches. Above them, on the rider’s head were multiple crowns. John did not elaborate on how that could be, but let the bare fact speak for itself. They were symbols of royalty, proof that He was coming into our world with full and legitimate authority.
All of this sent that clear message: This was no joy ride. Yes, He is still the Lamb; but no, this time it is not a friendly visit to earth. It is a charge into battle.
That future window will reveal the One who is the Truth, the One who is faithful to His promise...
Jesus Christ is back!
(Revelation 19:11-12

​The most fantastic meal ever prepared or enjoyed is coming. It is called the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and the combined superlatives from every language in the world could not describe it with justice.
Actually, we don’t know too much about it, but what we can deduce from the few verses in Revelation 19, is that it will be the grandest, largest, most magnificent banquet our human minds could ever imagine.
When will it be? Towards the very end. Or maybe we should say, “At the beginning”, for everything will be different from this moment on.
Who will be present? The bride of Christ, a multitude so large their voice is as the roar of many waters, whose number is not even given. It is made up of every child, youth and adult, who from Eden to the Second Coming has ever looked to Jesus in true and humble faith. It is the largest family gathering ever held.
Who will serve in it? Probably the angels. It sure seems natural that they would be involved, along with many other glorious creatures we know nothing about.
What will be on the menu? That’s another secret, but undoubtedly our taste buds will be in for a completely new culinary pleasure.
What about music? Will there be any? Of course there will be! Wherever God is there is music, and this would not be a heavenly celebration if it didn’t have the most awesome of orchestras, playing flawlessly whatever masterpieces the Great Musician has chosen for the occasion.
What will the attire be? This answer is mysterious too. Somehow we will be dressed in the righteousness Christ has given us, which is some kind of celestial linen, fine and white as light.
How will we be seated? Again, no indication is given. But somehow the massive array of tables will be so arranged that every eye will be able to see the Host, our Savior, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He is the Hero and main focus of attention at this meal. And although He is always the conquering Lion of the tribe of Judah, yet He chooses to show up on this occasion as the meek but victorious Lamb whose perfect sacrifice has made it all possible.
Nobody will be thinking about the pains of their earthly experience. All sorrows will be swallowed up in the everlasting comfort of divine grace. Politics will not even be a dim memory. Nothing from earth’s history will ever again have any power to distract us from the pure worship of God.
Indeed, the best is coming.
Revelation 19:6-10

After God’s crushing victory over the evil world system, John hears a thunderous sound from an uncounted choir saying, “ALLELUIA!”
And a bit later again, “ALLELUIA!”
Then the mysterious creatures near the Throne join in, “Amen! ALLELUIA!”
Finally, the fourth and only other utterance of this cry in the New Testament makes its appearance. It is as if the entire record of Scripture has been building up to this moment. The LORD has finally brought justice to thousands of years of human rebellion and the heavenly multitude rejoices in His sovereignty. He has established His absolute authority over heaven and earth and hell. He has avenged every single believer who ever suffered for righteousness. He has forever secured His loved ones from their enemies and has eternally banished every kind of curse from His children.
Here comes that massive shout, greater than the roar of a thousand Niagaras and the poundings of mighty thunder. Throughout the amphitheatre of the universe it rings out:
ALLELUIA, FOR THE LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT REIGNS!
(Revelation 19:1-6)

What a day that will be

In Spanish we say, “no tiene pelos en la lengua” which has the rather odd literal translation of, “he has no hair on his tongue”! It refers to a person who says things like they are, more or less the equivalent of “not mincing one’s words”.
At any rate, that would seem to describe an elderly Daniel fairly well, especially as he talks to the wicked king Belshazzar. A paraphrase would be, “You have used God’s temple utensils for a blasphemous party, knowing very well what He did to your proud grandfather many years ago. Now, He who holds your breath in His hand has had it. You are in major trouble.”
What a phrase! “He who holds your breath in His hand.”
In Genesis 2, God breathed the breath of life into man’s nostrils, but He did not relinquish ownership of it nor authority over it.
Modern man, from the poorest to the most powerful ones in world politics, tends to think his breath is a personal possession. Day after day we see the authorities speak with cocky assurance about their plans and goals. There seems to be little doubt in their minds that their breath is guaranteed for tomorrow.
Belshazzar thought so too, until the hand appeared.
We live in special times and may soon witness events that could parallel stories like this one in Daniel 5.
Meanwhile, let’s use our breath to honor God every moment we are awake

For many, this Covid year has brought about some intensely stressful situations.
And so, I’d like to analyze this thing called stress for a few minutes, for it may not be what we sometimes think it is. First of all, it is very much a thing of the mind, an invisible war that takes place in our thought life, and something all of us have to deal with.    
However, since it is usually triggered by very visible and tangible situations, we tend to think of it almost as a physical malady. If we add the various bodily symptoms that often come with it, it is no wonder that we may see it as an evil attacking us from “out there” somewhere.
Stress can come to us in many ways and from many directions. It may come through a demanding boss, unpleasant co-workers, or nasty clients. There is a kind that comes knocking at our door when bills are due and money is scarce. Other common sources are family tensions, health problems or uncertainties, huge and intimidating projects, or complex ministry situations.
Sleepless nights are a frequent product, as well as tightness in the chest, loss or increase of appetite, irritability, etc…
But ultimately, stress is very much a spiritual battle. At least, I see it that way in my life. There comes a point when I have to stop blaming circumstances and take a look deeper and inside.
In order to get some perspective on the issue, let’s consider three very familiar Bible stories.
First, think of the Israelites, right out of Egypt. They soon found themselves facing a sea of water with the Egyptian chariots pressing in from behind. They were mega stressed, so much so that they blamed Moses for taking them to their death and wished they were slaves back in Egypt! But should they have been stressed? NO, absolutely not. From reality’s perspective, they weren’t in the slightest bit of danger. And after the miracles they had just witnessed, they should have been looking up and saying, “Hmmmm. I wonder how God is going to get us out of THIS mess?”
Now let’s think about the three Hebrews standing before Nebuchadnezzar. They could probably hear the roar of the fire and feel the increase of temperature coming from the furnace. Knowing  it was their next stop, shouldn’t they have stressed out? NO, and they didn’t. Why not?
Because they believed God.
Finally, move forward a few chapters and think about Daniel, and how stressed he was when the lion’s den decree was passed. Actually, he wasn’t, was he? Why not?
Because he believed God.
Now let’s ask ourselves why we are often stressed into desperation over circumstances that don’t come even close to these I mentioned? Why were we stressed out?
Because we failed to believe God.
We didn’t rule our minds and control our thinking, and we either forgot or ignored basic truths like these:
Psalm 23:1, The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
Isaiah 26:3-4, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, who mind is stayed on thee…
So the next time I feel stress beginning to invade my soul, I trust I’ll have the maturity to acknowledge what’s really happening and repeat what a certain gentleman said long ago, “Lord, please help my unbelief!

This Christmas story is about the amazing encounter of an elderly gentleman, a young married couple, and their first baby boy. It is full of mystery and wisdom, faith and hope, patience and happiness!

Audio: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/42572996

In this lesson from the life of Jacob, we see how vital the truth of God’s omnipotence is, and its power to change the outlook and attitude of one who after a century of horrible choices, was the very definition of misery. It is a message of hope and encouragement for all of us, who to one degree or another, have failed to live up to the high calling we have in Christ.
​Spreakers audio: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/42298601