Pastor Bob DuPar
December 13, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Obadiah 1:1-21; Revelation 4:1-11; Psalm 132:1-18; Proverbs 29:24-25

Observation

I’m fascinated by today’s reading in Revelation 4. The four living creatures hover around the throne saying,

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”

Then, the text says that whenever the four living creatures do this, the twenty-four elders fall down and before “Him who sits on the throne, and worship Him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: ‘You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being.” Revelation 4:8-11

This is particularly exciting in light of what we know from a couple of other verses in the NT:

“In these last days (He) has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.” Hebrews 1:2

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:15-17

My point is that these verses, coupled with the verses in Revelation, clearly demonstrate that Jesus is God. God created the universe; and, Scripture says that Jesus created everything; therefore, Jesus is God!

We never get a really clear picture of Jesus (the Lamb that was slain) and God the Father in Revelation – in terms of where they are in relation to each other. Some verses make it sound like God the Father is on the throne, others like the Lamb is on the throne. But, both are worshipped and both are God.

Application

I’m just excited about the depth and reliability of Scripture. You can probe it, study it, test it… and it is never found insufficient or inaccurate. God’s Word is Truth and it continually stands up against the tests of time. God’s Word is living and active. Through It I not only grow in my knowledge of God, but also in the intimacy of my relationship with Him.

Prayer

“Lord, Oh, the depth of the riches, both of Your wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable are Your judgments and unfathomable Your ways! For who has known Your mind, or who became Your counselor? Or who has first given to You that it might be paid back again? For from You and through You and to You are all things. To You be the glory forever. Amen.”
Romans 11:33-36

Pastor Bob DuPar
December 12, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Amos 7:1-9:15; Revelation 3:7-22; Psalm 131:1-3; Proverbs 29:23

Observation

“Since you have kept My command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.” Revelation 3:10

“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”
Revelation 3:17-20

Application

God’s keeping power in Revelation 3:10 does not necessarily refer to deliverance, as in the rapture. It can also describe His power to protect us in the midst of tribulation and suffering. And His invitation in 3:20 is much more than an offer of salvation. It’s a lifelong invitation of intimacy and fellowship with our Creator and Heavenly Father.

Prayer

“Lord, thank You for life, protection, family and all of Your blessings. Thank You for initiating a relationship with me, and for loving me unconditionally.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
December 11, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Amos 4:1-6:14; Revelation 2:18-3:6; Psalm 130:1-8; Proverbs 29:21-22

Observation

“Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say He is.” Amos 5:14

“I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. Even though you bring Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs!” Amos 5:21

“…Then all the churches will know that I am He who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.”
Revelation 2:23

“I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.” Revelation 3:1b-2

“If You, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His Word I put my hope. …O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with Him is full redemption.”

Application

Revelation 3 is powerful: “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die…” God is not interested in worldly reputations. He desires people who support their reputation with good deeds. I am to strengthen what remains before it dies. I can either take this as condemnation or as an offer of hope and change. Sometimes returning to our “first love” involves stoking the fire, and rekindling the flame.

Prayer

“Lord, thank You that You don’t keep a record of sins and that Your shed blood covers all sin. You are my hope. Your unfailing love keeps me going.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
December 10, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Amos 1:1-3:15; Revelation 2:1-17; Psalm 129:1-8; Proverbs 29:19-20

Observation

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first…” Revelation 2:4-5a

“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10

“Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” Proverbs 29:20

Application

When I forget my first love, the best way to get back on track is to repent and do the things I did when I first came to faith in Christ. Perspective comes from remembering the place we used to be and realizing how far we have drifted or fallen.

You’ve got to love a warning that begins with: “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer!” As much as I want to avoid suffering, I need to remember that it is part of God’s refining process in my life. And, He is faithful to protect me and give me strength even in the midst of adversity.

Prayer

“Lord, grant me the strength and focus to keep You first, every moment of every day. Help me not to settle for lesser things.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
December 9, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Joel 1:1-3:21; Revelation 1:1-20; Psalm 128:1-6; Proverbs 29:18

Observation

“I will restore to you the years the locusts have eaten…” Joel 2:25

“And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.” Joel 2:28

“I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” Joel 2:30-31

“I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And …I …saw …someone ‘like a son of man,’ dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
Revelation 1:12-18

Application

God has the power to restore the years that the locust have eaten if I trust Him and let Him.

Joel 2:30-31 was recently brought to life for me in the movie, The Star Of Bethlehem. I highly recommend it. The intricacy of God’s plan never ceases to amaze me; and, the practical outcome of this is more evidence which speaks to the validity of the Bible.

Revelation 1:12-18 is an account of John’s encounter with Christ. But, the description sounds a lot like God. Wait! Maybe Jesus is God! This passage makes me want to live more fully surrendered to the Lord and His Word as I await this incredible day!

Prayer

“Lord, come quickly! And, help me to do my part in spreading the Gospel and leading others to You before You come.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
December 8, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Hosea 10:1-14:9; Jude 1:1-25; Psalm 127:1-5; Proverbs 29:15-17

Observation

“But you have planted wickedness, you have reaped evil, you have eaten the fruit of deception. Because you have depended on your own strength…”
Hosea 10:13

“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son. But the more I called Israel, the further they went from Me. …It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them. …When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot Me.” Hosea 12:1-4; 13:6

“I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction? …Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God. Your sins have been your downfall! …I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for My anger has turned away from them.” Hosea 13:14; 14:1, 4

“…Contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” Jude 1:3b-4

“Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” Jude 1:21
“Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy mixed with fear – hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.”

Application

We reap evil and deception when we depend upon our own strength and knowledge. Sometimes I abuse God’s patience and mercy by wandering further from Him rather than using it as an opportunity to draw closer to Him.

I need to contend for the faith, my faith, and stand against those who twist the truth to their own benefit. I need to be merciful to/with those who struggle, yet ruthless with those who intentionally manipulate the truth (as well as people) for evil.

Prayer

“Lord, thank You for Your power to keep me from falling, for Your grace which allows me to stand before You – presentable, without fault and with great joy! You are the only God! The only Savior! To You alone be all glory, majesty, power and authority, now and forevermore!”

Pastor Bob DuPar
December 7, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Hosea 6:1-9:17; 3 John 1:1-14; Psalm 126:1-6; Proverbs 29:12-14

Observation

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
3 John 1:4

“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good.” 3 John 1:11a

“If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will always be secure.”
Proverbs 29:14

Application

I don’t believe there’s any greater joy or sense of fulfillment in life than knowing that your children know the Lord, love Him with all their heart, and follow Him in obedience. This is the greatest ministry, the highest calling, for fathers. What does it profit a man/father to gain ___________, yet lose his own daughter or son?

Prayer

“Lord, grant me the wisdom and discipline to continually take a spiritual inventory of my life, to be honest and objective, and to adjust my priorities accordingly. ”