Forge Fellowship // Manhood Requires Brotherhood day 1

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12

9 9 Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
10 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.
11 11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
But how can one be warm alone?
12 12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Really struggling to push through today in a Godly mentality. Spent the majority of my month being a slave to the anxiety my home creates and doing chores and so the last thing I wanted to do was to attend lifegroup when I could rather spend my time with people I enjoy. My attitude clearly reflected this, as it is every week and they've seen me this way so many times they probably didn't notice it. I really feel distant and rebellious from God every attendance so I just feel drained afterwards. 

I'm always feeling depressed after lifegroup partly due to the time that is wasted and the good relationships that I fantasise but become too cautious to initiate. Ironically, I decide to start this reading plan and the first devotional already hit me. By my paranoia, not trusting anyone I am serving my own selfish comfortability rather than serving others in fellowship. I am not placed in God's kingdom to stay comfortable but to genuinely seek Him and worship him even when my selfish desires don't want me to. God designed His Church or companionship, for intimacy, for vulnerability. I'm not any of those.

1 John 2: 1

1 John 2: 1 -  My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
Hey everyone, thank you all for the efforts made this bible plan, your words have been very encouraging! I hope we can continue holding each other accountable :) ty
As for me, this is probably the most personal devotional. Jesus received and defeated the punishment that we deserve, shouldn't that be enough to make us live out the rest of our days in gracious service? But despite us believing in our salvation, not all of us are joyful. Ironic? I know i'm not the only one here who feels personal disgust and regret from previous and current life choices. On the rare occasion, I can sometimes break down crying! How could God forgive me despite the countless people I've hurt? When I feel this way, I always reflect on this quote
He who is most deeply abased and alarmed, by the consciousness of his disgrace, nakedness, want, and misery has made the greatest progress in the knowledge of himself. - Jean Calvin

We should reflect on 1 John 2:1 when we can get a little depressed. Praise God!

Ecclesiastes 7:20

Ecclesiastes 7:20: Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins

King Solomon despite all of his mighty achievements came to realise that his hedonistic life choices had detrimental effects on his spiritual life, and thus understood something that is so detrimentally important to our Faith, everyone is broken, even the wise. I have this mentality in which I assume that particular people who imitate Church culture better than me won’t disappoint me/stumble. This higher expectation of them leaves me with an unbiblical view that they probably have a better standing with God. Stupid right? So instead of being offended, I should much rather be concerned and pray for them, walking in fellowship with them.

John 13:8

“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” - John 13:8                                      

Unless we submit to jesus, recognising that we’re just as broken as the next person, we will never learn humility.
While I personally accept this as fact, I don’t do anything about it as I fear my pride getting hurt again. But holding grudges or remaining protective doesn’t produce any sort of benefit in God’s kingdom. He values restored relationships, so he expect us to live in continual reconciliation with each other. Tbh most if not all of us are heaps ceebs when it comes to this as it is a scary journey to be disappointed by people over and over again, but we should be looking at God’s approval and not our own.

Ephesians 4

Ephesians 4:26-27 was a good reminder especially since some of us are going through a transitional phase due to capetown preperation. What Paul tells us is to deal with our anger in an immediate fashion so that we may maintain/build relationships rather than crippling them.   Because when we nurse our anger, we become vulnerable to satan. If we adapt this self control and willingness for team unity, then we can prevent trivial distractions from within our ministry in order so that we way focus on God's glory.

Revelation 22

20 He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon."

We will never know the hour or the day, but what we do know is that when Jesus comes it'll catch the world off guard. This would happen at any moment, and we must be ready for Him, always prepared. This would mean for us to be a witness for Christ to our environment and having an intimate relationship with Him. For us who are His own this is good news, one second closer to eternal union with God. Our efforts to contribute and better our community is important however our results cannot compare with the transformation that Jesus will bring when He returns.  

Revelations 21

3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
My life up till now filled so many melancholy periods and disappointments that this can seem like a distant fantasy. I honestly wonder to myself, "Do I really believe in a place like this? More importantly, do I act like I believe in it?" I get caught up in my anxieties and insecurities too easily, and don't look to God or the future with admiration enough. There will be no pain, death, sorrow, these are things to look forward to and I hope I can start living like it.

Revelations 20

12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.
I am not saved by deeds, however, my lifestyle is an indicator of my actual relationship with God. My gift of salvation does not free me from the requirement of genuine obedience to what God has called me to in scripture, so I must serve Him in the best way my mind and heart discerns me to.

Revelations 19

10 At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.”
Preachers and Pastors are physically observable so it can be somewhat easy to become overwhelmed that we can start empathising our admirations on the prophet rather than God. I'd imagine a lot of people who are hungry for God can get the two confused, as being discipled might give them special privileges. As for myself, I moved to Cheil because I wanted to grow in a Church community as I knew that my Western Suburb groups would be short-lived on gangs and substance abuse. Though I was desperate I didn't gain fellowship straight away as God deemed it thought he would send me a mentor first. Being perfect in His planning, I gained fellowship by the time I focused more on His approval than peoples. I still fail here and there including a massive relapse in my Lifegroup however I've come running back to good more often then when I didn't understand scripture or God.

Revelations 18

14 “They will say, ‘The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your luxury and splendour have vanished, never to be recovered.’ 15 The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment. They will weep and mourn
Everyday I'm in risk of being absorbed into temporary satisfactions just from Youtube or Facebook. Clothing quite still catches my attention when it shouldn't, I think it would look great with my outfit and focus on it more than I do reflecting on scripture. Me and my accountability partner have to keep me in check that my desires lead me towards the right direction, the eternal one. Owning nice clothing isn't wrong, but I still should put boundaries on them to keep myself from stumbling. 

Revelations 17

12 “The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast.
This verse empathises on worldly power and it's ineffectiveness against God and those who suffer for Him. Their reign will only last for one hour which I'd assume is not literal and rather referred as brief/temporary in contrast to eternity. As amazing as Game of Thrones is or Lord of the Rings, those critically acclaimed series of art will not last in the long run, I should not be putting so much worth or attention in it but rather concentrate on building up the kingdom.

Revelations 16

6 

6   For they have shed the blood of your holy people and your prophets,
           and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve.”
God is just and holy beyond human comprehension, he goes against what the logical world calls morally right. One of the earliest examples I can think of in which I submitted myself under God was when I voted no against gay marriage. I came o accept that I will never understand God and why his holiness is against people doing what they want if it wasn't harming anyone. I cannot assume that a all powerful, omnipotent and sovereign God must play by my rules.

21 From the sky huge hailstones, each weighing about a hundred pounds, fell on people. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible.
It can somewhat surprise me that after all the things God had done, people still wouldn't submit. It scares me that there can come a point in which someone can consciously have awareness on God existence and yet still flip him the middle finger despite an eternity waiting for them.

Revelation 15

8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.
John saw the temple filled with the incomprehensible glory of God, his holiness. God will never betray his own morally perfect characteristics, this reassures that we can trust in his promises and continue pursuing Christlike living.

Revelation 14

4 These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they remained virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as first fruits to God and the Lamb. 5 No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.
In Old Testament, idolatry was frequently used as symbolism for spiritual separation from God. To remain spiritually pure means resisting the temptations and indulgences that the world idolises. To be one of the blameless is to stay attached to the vine such as studying scripture, participation in fellowship etc.

Revelation 13

14 Because of the signs it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants of the earth. It ordered them to set up an image in honour of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 
This would probably happen during a time in which political/social tensions are high as persecution of true Christians are or is starting to become a bigger reality. Pagan culture is attractive as it encourages us to follow what coincides with our hearts desires, we who are set apart submit ourselves to something that from a hedonistic perspective limits ours and others freedom. Allowing ourselves to read and study scripture to guide our faith and practice will prevent us from being deceived by false signs and teachings. Unless these signs/symbols point to Jesus and is consistent with scripture, it could stumble our faith leading us into our own or others deception. 

Romans 12

12  
12   Therefore rejoice, you heavens
             and you who dwell in them!
      But woe to the earth and the sea,
             because the devil has gone down to you!
      He is filled with fury,
             because he knows that his time is short.”

The battle of Good and Evil is ongoing but the outcome is predetermined, Christ's return is near. While this is something I can acknowledge and rejoice for, this is also what I need to step up my game for my own sake and my friends who do not know salvation. Satan is desperately trying to take as many as he can with him so this spiritual battle is immeasurably frustrating and difficult. My hope and prayer is that I may be the best witness of Christ I can be whether I'm comfortable or not.

Revelation 11

13 At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
This is a somewhat an abnormal and rare reaction from pagans/unbelievers as it is usually those who are Christians who typically praise God despite a personal tragedy or hardship takes place. It seems that these people have either acknowledged God's power or repented for their hedonistic lives. This pleases God as He loves to be glorified, I wish I could certainly act like I've repented as I'm still tainted in my speech, pride, view of women, view spiritual elitism. Glorifying Him should prompt me to moral action and genuine service. 

Revelation 10

4 And when the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven say, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down."

I deserve Hell and yet Jesus showed me how to follow Him, and then He took my punishment. I have everything needed for salvation. This is all that's necessary for me to know be conscious of, I need not speculate countless hours or days to discern the End Times. My desire to be ready for Him should mean that I need to focus on what is happening now, and to act based on the present and future state of our spiritual relationship with God and others.

Revelation 9

20 The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. 21 Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.

What I recently learnt of Samson is that he played with sin until he faced the consequences of it, which is something I didn't at first take away from the story. He didn't fall away from God as it was a slow gradual progress just like how many of us cut ourselves from the vine. Whoever allows sin to take root in their lives can find themselves in this predicament. To think that we can never be lost to God is dangerous as it can lead us to being complacent with our current lives and striving for improvement or Christlikeness. 

Revelation 8

 4 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.

There are times in which i'd be distressed or face anxiety attacks in which I wish for immediate relief or justice to take hold in my life. I can get impatient sometimes, even smaller occasions can cause me to question whether events were forms of persecution or not. God is sovereign and I can never understand his nature so I should thankfully serve Him without the intention of benefit until the time of Justice comes.

Revelation 7

16 16 ‘Never again will they hunger;
    never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’
    nor any scorching heat.
17 17  For the Lamb at the centre of the throne
    will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’
    ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’

I have no idea what can happen tomorrow, Christian persecution is already being set in small doses and inevitably will become more extreme judging from societies consistent changing belief in what is morally right and wrong. I'm a weak man, I already struggle so much just to refrain my mind off tainted images. So how can I expect to stand up agaisn't the world if i can't stand up against myself? I hope I'll be am ready in times of tribulation. I should focus on and take comfort in the promise of eternal relief and glorification of God as the suffering I face in this life will not be in vain. 

Revelation 6

 10 They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?”11 Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been.
God promises that those who suffer and die for Him will not be forgotten but instead honoured by Him, at least that's what the white robes represent i think??? During times of persecution we may wish for immediate justice, but we have to understand and accept that God works according to his own plan, and he promises justice. 

Revelation 5

10  10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”
I am the most sinful person I know. I'm a spiritual elitist (looking down on catholics and prosperity gospels), I frequently lie (not being truthful with my problems at life group), I'm prejudiced (distrustful of people especially Christians), the list can go on. Do I have a longing for God? Yes, but do I fulfill my priestly duties? No. Despite the promises in scripture that I believe are to be fulfilled, i'm still ineffective in so many areas especially in evangelism. My hope and prayer is that I'll break myself before God breaks me to have genuine love for Him and those who are lost. There are no freeloaders in God's kingdom, and this is a reality I have to remind myself of. 

Revelation 4

6 Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass,clear as crystal. In the centre, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle.  
I didn't really understand this, can't grasp this without looking at google images or reading my application notes. Never understood the point of different of different creatures but apparently they can be interpreted as different attributes of God. Ezekiel saw similar creatures in one of his visions (Ezekiel 1:5-10)
Lion - Majesty and Power
Ox - Faithfulness
Man - Intelligence
Eagle - Sovereignty 

Revelation 3

  19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.
God's purpose in discipline is not to punish, but to bring people back to him. One thing I remember Jerry telling me over a year ago was "break yourself before God breaks you", I don't actually know why I still remember and recite it to this day but it still sticks with me to this day. I can avoid God's discipline by drawing nearer to him through confession, service, worship and studying scripture. The Holy Spirit can reignite my zeal for God when I allow him to work in my heart. 

Revelation 2

20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. 
Sexual immorality often hurts because of violates the commitment so necessary to building up a relationship in Godly fashion. It can destroy families and churches because it destroys the integrity on which these relationships are built, thus God wants us to take no part in it even if our culture accepts it.

Revelation 1

6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
There will be occasions in which I feel too inferior to share my faith in Christ because my life hasn't been spectacularly changed enough. My friends had it worse of than me so to them it isn't a big deal that I became a Christian because I wasn't as involved as them. However I should qualify as a witness because of what Jesus has done for me, not because of my personal achievements or life changing events.

Jude

22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
For us to hate even the clothing stained by corrupt flesh means that we're to hate the sin but we must also love the sinner and be a witness of Christ to them. Basically this is when we reach out to others, but continuously checking ourselves against scripture.

3 John

7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans.
It is the Churches responsibility to care for Missionary work, it doesn't make logical sense for the very people we're trying to reach to pay for the outreach they possibly might reject or not trust. If our funds are coming from our own pockets, it won't give motive to question our reliability that we can be trusted with finances.

2 John

10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. 
This verse left me confused as it was to my impression that Christians are generally supposed to be hospitable to everyone in a non-discriminatory manner. Apparently so, if we are to give them material aid we would somewhat aid or encourage them in their misguided theology.