Activated February 2005

8/14/2019 Activated February 2005

1/16

ctiv teCHANGE YOUR LIFE

CHANGE YOUR WORLD

THE QUEST FOR INDIVIDUALITY

Be all you can be

CONFORMITY OR CONVICTION?

Which will it be for you?

A MAN AMONG MEN

How one man changed

the world for hundreds


2/16

For a wide range of books and audio and

video productions to feed your soul, lift your

spirit, strengthen your family, and provide

fun learning times for your children, please

contact one of our distributors below, or visit

our Web site at www.activated.org

Activated Ministries

P.O. Box 462805

Escondido, CA 920462805

USA

[email protected]

(877) 8623228

Activated Europe

Bramingham Pk. Business Ctr.

Enterprise Way

Luton, Beds. LU3 4BU

England

[email protected]

(07801) 442317

Activated Africa

P.O. Box 2150

Westville 3630

South Africa

[email protected]

083 55 68 213

Activated India

P.O. Box 5215

G.P.O.

Bangalore 560 001

India

[email protected]

2004 Aurora Production AG

All Rights Reserved. Printed in Thailand.

www.auroraproduction.com

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture

quotations inActivated are from the New

King James Version of the Bible 1982

Thomas Nelson, Inc. When other versions

are quoted, some typographical changes

have been made for the sake of clarity and

uniformity.

Vol 6, Issue 2

February 2005

EDITOR

Keith Phillips

DESIGN

Giselle LeFavre

ILLUSTRATIONS

Doug Calder

PRODUCTION

Francisco Lopez

CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

CHANGE YOUR WORLD.

PERSONALLY SPEAKING

Some things never changethe questionWho am I? for example. That search for self is universal, God-created experience. One thing thhas changed in the last generation or two, thou

is where people are looking for the answer. Formany its not so much a search to find values ana purpose to base their lives on as a search foran identity, an image, with a heavy emphasis onindividuality.

Never has there been so much importance pon expressing individuality as in todays com-

merce- and media-driven world. I did a quicksearch on the Internet and found 153,000 sites ing me how I could express my individualityamost of them were selling something. There wethe obvious ways (choice of clothes, hairstyle,music, diet, or car) and the more extreme (tattoand body-piercings). These days, anything marketable is fair game. Advertisements pitch itemsdiverse as custom cellphone tones, artisan meturns, hand drumming, and charity fund givingas means of expressing individuality. What con-sumers dont seem to realize is that in their quefor individuality, they end up models of conformitywalking advertisements that promote other

peoples ideas, tastes, creativity, and enterpriseWhat was once a teenage rite of passage

now follows us from cradle to graveliterally!A gift card company says, You want your birthannouncement to express your individuality in aspecial way. A funeral home says, Prearrangement means you can express your individuality a funeral service.

But stop and think. Are those surface thingswhat make up therealyou? Or is it theinneryouyour spirit and the values motivating you and

guiding your actions that determine the real youWhat do you want to be known and remembereforthe image you project, or the positive influ-ence you have on others? Whoare you?

Keith PhillipsFor theActivatedfamily

2 ACTIVATED VOL 6, ISSU


3/16

INTELLECTUALITY?OR SIMPLE FAITH?

Many people strive to gain more and moreknowledge, but theyd be happier and

wiser in the end if they didnt. Jesus has toget past peoples head knowledge to reachtheir hearts. The Bible warns us to bewareof being corrupted from the simplicity thatis in Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3), and JesusHimself said, Unless you are convertedand become as little children, you will byno means enter the Kingdom of Heaven(Matthew 18:3). If we will recognize that in

the Lords eyes were just like little childrenthat dont know anything and that He is theOne with all the answers, thats being reallysmart!DAVID BRANDT BERG (D.B.B.; 19191994)

Understanding is the reward of faith.Therefore seek not to understand thatyou may believe, but believe that you mayunderstand.SAINT AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO (354430 A.D.)

To understand the whole work of the Masteris not in my power; but to do His will, writ-ten in my conscience, that is in my power,and that I know without a doubt. And whenI do this, then undoubtedly I am at peace.LEO TOLSTOY (18281910)

a ch i ld s fa i th

Jesus loves me, this I knowFor the Bible tells me so.Little children ask no more,For love is all theyre looking for,

And in a small childs shining eyesThe Faith of all the ages lies.

And tiny hands and tousled headsThat kneel in prayer by little beds

Are closer to the dear Lords heartAnd of His kingdom more a partThan we who search, and never findThe answer to our questioning mind.

For Faith in things we cannot seeRequires a childs simplicityFor, lost in lifes complexities,

We drift upon uncharted seasAnd slowly Faith disintegratesWhile wealth and power accumulate.

And the more man learns, the less he knowsAnd the more involved his thinking growsAnd, in his arrogance and pride,No longer is man satisfiedTo place his confidence and loveWith childlike Faith in God above.

Oh, Father grant once more to menA simple childlike Faith again.And, with a small childs trusting eyesMay all men come to realizeThat Faith alone can save mans soul

And lead him to a Higher Goal.HELEN STEINER RICE

ACTIVATED VOL 6, ISSUE 2


4/16

ONEOF THEMOSTCOMPELLING

STORIES in the Bible is the oneabout four teenagers, found inthe first chapter of the book ofDaniel. After the Babylonians

destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC,Babylons King Nebuchadnez-zar instructed Ashpenaz, thechief of his eunuchs, to bringsome of the children of Israelin whom there was no blemish,but good-looking, gifted in all

wisdom, possessing knowl-edge and quick to understand,

who had ability to serve in thekings palace, and whom they

might teach the language andliterature of the Chaldeans(Daniel 1:34). In other words,the kings eunuchs were totake these outstanding youngIsraelitesfour of whom wereDaniel, Shadrach, Meshach,and Abednegoand makethem real Babylonians.

It goes on to say, The kingappointed for them a dailyprovision of the kings deli-cacies and of the wine whichhe drank (verse 5). After three

years of instruction and thisspecial diet, these young ser-vants in training were to standbefore the king.

But because the Israeliteswere forbidden by Old Tes-tament laws to eat certainfoods, Daniel purposed in hisheart that he would not defilehimself with the portion of thekings delicacies, nor with the

wine which he drank; there-fore he requested of the chief ofthe eunuchs that he might notdefile himself (verse 8).

And the chief of the eunuchssaid to Daniel, I fear my lordthe king, who has appointed

your food and drink. Forwhy should he see your faces

looking worse than the younmen who are your age? Then

you would endanger my heabefore the king (verse 10).

But Daniel, Shadrach,

Meshach, and Abednego hadmade up their minds that th

would not compromise theirconvictions, so Daniel askedif they could eat their ownfood for 10 days. Then letour appearance be examinebefore you, and the appear-ance of the young men whoeat the portion of the kingsdelicacies; and as you see fit

so deal with your servants. And at the end of the ten daytheir features appeared bettand fatter in flesh than all th

young men who ate the portof the kings delicacies (ver13,15).

It goes on to say, As forthese four young men, God

BY

VIRGINIAB

RANDT

BERG

CONFORMITY OR

CONVICTION?



5/16

HAVE CONVICTION

HAVE COURAGE!

To deny self is to become

nonconformist. The Bibtells us not to be conformeto this world either physicalor intellectually or spirituallyBILLY GRAHAM

You have to have convictio

or you have no reason tlive. And then you have to dsomething about your coviction, or you cant stand tlive with yourself.D.B.B.

Theres an allegiance this one and undivided in thChristian. Its a devoted, decated lifea life surrendereto the Christian ideal. Therelies its power.

V.B.B.

The fanaticisms that wshould fear most are thosthat could be confused witolerance.FERNANDO ARRABAL

Have couragemoral couage, the courage of oneconvictions, the courage see things through. The wor

is in a constant conspiracagainst the brave. Its the agold strugglethe roar of thcrowd on one side and thvoice of your conscience o

the other.GENERAL DOUGLASMACARTHUR

gave knowledge and skill inall l iterature and wisdom; andDaniel had understanding inall visions and dreams.

At the appointed time, KingNebuchadnezzar interviewedthe young men, and amongthem all none was found like

Daniel, [Shadrach, Meshach,and Abednego]; therefore theyserved before the king. Andin all matters of wisdom andunderstanding about whichthe king examined them, hefound them ten times betterthan all the magicians andastrologers who were in all hisrealm (verses 1920).

How courageous theseyoung men were! It seemedas though much more couldhave been theirs if they hadbeen willing to conform to theBabylonian way of life, but theywouldnt. As a result, God wasable to use them mightily forHis glory, and in the long runDaniel was exalted above allthe kings other counselors.

As has been the casethroughout history, manypeople today are willing tocompromise their principlesin order to be accepted ormore successful. But this storyshows how one such seem-ingly small decision can havea great effect in the years tocome. If Daniel and his friendshad compromised early in

life, they would not have stoodtheir ground later. Daniel

would not have triumphed inthe lions den (Daniel chapter6), or Shadrach, Meshach, and

Abednego in the fiery furnace(Daniel chapter 3).

They were in a difficultposition and took a stand. We

today who love God and wantto stay true to Him are in asimilar position, as all aroundus people try to rule God outof their lives and thoughts andprograms. Rock-solid reali-tiesGods sovereignty, thetruth of His Word, and godly

standards of moral con-ductare being replaced bythe shifting sands of apostasy,rationalism, and materialism.

What about you? Will youstand up for your convictions,or go along with the crowd?

Will you stand out for JesusChrist and the only real stan-dard for today, the Word ofGod, or will you do that whichseems more expedient andcompromise? Will you takea stand against the world, orcut the corners of bedrockprinciples and make dim andshadowy the Word of God?

The Kingdom of God isfounded on absolute thingsabsolute truth and candor andsincerity. And always there is

the kingdom of evil that is noless absolute in its falseness.The question is whether or notyou are going to see that theissues of Christian living andChristian duty are sharplydefined.

Will you take a definitestand today? You cant conformto both the things of God andthe things of the world. The

Christian life is a transformedlife, not a conformed life!Gods Word says, They trustedin the Lord and were neverconfounded (Psalm 22:5). You

will not be confounded if youtrust in Him fully and neverconform at the price of com-promise.



6/16

kinds of real characters! Notwo people are alike, and thare many big differences thaset people apart.

Even if everyone were tobelieve and apply the Word God, the Word is living, so itresults are different in eachpersons life. For example, iften people were to read theBibles famous love chapter1 Corinthians 13, each mighget something different fromit. One may feel the Lord istelling him to have more outgoing love, another to be lespushy, another to be less pro

another to be less self-centeand on and on. There is simpno way for people to become

mindless robots or to losetheir intellect or individualias a result of living the Word

I understand that if that wpossible, no one would like tIt would make life boring anunchallenging. But thats nopossible. In fact, the opposite

is likely to happenthe closyou draw to Jesus and the myou absorb His Word, the moyour own personal gifts andstrengths come to the fore. TLord amplifies and enhance

your natural talents and abities, including your brainpow

L OTSOF PEOPLE HAVEFALLENFOR THE DEVILSLIE thatif they read, follow, and obey the Word of God, theylllose their individuality. In other words, they believethat if they simply accept the truths of Gods Word by faith, they

will become just like everyone else and will cease to be a unique,thinking personthat they will lose their edge, their intellect,and their ability to carry on thoughtful discussions.

If you stop to look around you, though, youll see that thereis plenty of variety, intelligence, and individuality among those

who dont adopt this mindset. Within the body of believers whoare all trying their best to follow Jesus teachings, there are all

DAVID BRANDT BERG

the quest fo



7/16

(all of which came from Himin the first place, by the way),and He makes you an evenbetterpersona betteryou.

And Im not just talking aboutyour spiritual life, but yourimagination and creativity,

your reasoning processes, yourdecision-making ability, yourpeople-handling skills, and allthe rest. The closer you get tothe Lord and the more attuned

you are to Him, the more of anindividual you will become,because He will make you into

what He wants you to be, whichis different from what He wants

anyone else to be.Even if you were to read all

the same Bible passages andmemorize all the same Scrip-tures as a million other people,that wouldnt take away youruniqueness. How you applyGods Word in your life andhow that Word is manifestedin your decisions, your person-ality, your likes and dislikes,

your faith, your reactions, andso on is what makes you anindividual. The commitments

you make to the Lord, theexperiences you go through

with Him, the love you give,the ideas you get from Him,the people you influenceall

of that is what makes you whoyou are and defines who youare, and no one could ever bethe same as you. Its impos-sible!

You dont have to reach outto the things of the world to tryto establish your individuality.Thats a real trick of the Devil,because you think yourebecoming a different, uniqueperson, but all the while hisdesire is to make you just likeall the others who blindly goafter the things of the world.

The Bible instructs us: Donot love the world or the things

in the world. For all that isin the worldthe lust of theflesh, the lust of the eyes, andthe pride of lifeis not of theFather but is of the world (1John 2:1516), and Do not beconformed to this world, but betransformed by the renewing of

your mind (Romans 12:2).Those who buy into the

Devils lies end up conforming

to the world. Gradually, as theyyield their mind and thoughtsand choices to the indoctri-nation of the world, they losetheir uniqueness and become

just like billions of otherpeople who are in bondage tothe darkness. Thats hardly

being an individual!The more of the world you

take in, the more you are indanger of becoming not whothe Lord created you to be,but a model of someone elsesthinking. Instead of a solid,loving Christian who knows

where hes going and is securin Gods love, youll end up apoor lost wanderer spirituall

What makes you an indi-vidual is not having beliefsthat no one else has, but letti

your belief in truths held incommon with millions of othbelievers educate, inspire,

motivate, and cause you to dthings that are unique. Theindividuality is in what you d

with your life.So you have a choice: You

can take Gods Word andall that the Lord shows youthrough your personal con-nection with Him and becomthe beautiful individual andunique expression of Gods

love that He wants you to be,or you can go the other routeand resist the Lords instruc-tion, refuse His help, and misbecoming what you could habeen. Its up to you. Thats yofreedom of choice, your free-dom of thought.

The more of the world you take in, the more you are in danger of becoming a model of someone elses thinking

i n d i v i d u a l i t y



8/16

IT HAPPENED TO ME

A MAN AMONG MEN

seaman and now a traveling counselor, my dadconversed comfortably with everyone from pocians to drug addicts, and he taught us kids tothe same. But I could not understand the passthat drove him to make these visits to the prisoso many days every week.

My father and mother were moved by the pliof others. Our large family could only afford the

basics and a few small luxuries, but when theysaw the need in others lives, they tried to helpDad spoke of building a Sunday school for theinmates neglected children. He said he wouldto organize activities such as sports tourname

and workshops for the men who had wholelifetimes to spend there. He talked of involving sisters and me with charity projects at orphan-ages and hospitals. Whatever he did, he tried t

Whenhe looked

at each

one, he saw

a human

being, a

unique and

beloved

creation

of God.

ITLOOKEDLIKEASMALL

SETTLEMENTrows ofmatching buildings on oneside and neat vegetable

gardens on the other. In thedistance was a basketball court.Out further yet, a vendor sold

fruit.I walked up the dirt path

behind my father, who chattedwith some men as he walked.Small crowds gathered as wepassed by. They stared andwhispered. Men always staredand whispered.

I didnt know what they weresaying, but I walked on, tryingnot to show any sign of fear.

Was I afraid? Of course! Iwas 15 years old, these were noordinary men, and this was no

ordinary village. This was thecountrys national prison, wheremen were put away and forgot-ten.

My father and I walkedon until we came to a smallchapel. A few men had alreadygathered there, waiting onthe benches for some kind ofentertainment. It was hot and Iwished I were at home, sipping

orange juice and watching TVrather than trying to escape thestares of these fellows.

I listened as my father spokewith the inmates. He had a

naturally amiable manner. Theylaughed heartily together, theway men do when they aresharing a good joke. As an ex-



9/16

do better. Wherever he worked,he could work harderand hedid.

Dad turned and motioned metowards the front. Come helpme sing, he said.

I stood by his side, facingthe crowd of prisoners. They

were hushed, expectant. Hepulled out his beat-up nylon-string guitar, strapped it on, andthumbed through the hymnaltill he came to the song he had

in mind. He wasnt a particu-larly talented musician, but thatdidnt matter. Dad had spirit ineverything he did, and when

you were around him, you felt it. A few riffs brokethe silence. He began to sing:

Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonderConsider all the works Thy hands have made,I see the stars; I hear the rolling thunder,

Thy power throughout the universe displayed. ...

His eyes signaled to me. As I joined in on thechorus, so did some of the men. They closedtheir eyes, as if picturing a wonderful and lovingGod, a God who ruled the entire universe, yetwanted to be in the heart of every man.

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee,How great Thou art, how great Thou art.

And then my father read from the Scripturesabout such a God and such a lovea love withpower great enough to forgive any sin and loveany sinner.

That day I understood that this was not just anine-to-five job for Dad, but a consecrated mis-sion. I could see that he felt compelled to walkamong outcasts as Christ had done thousands ofyears before him. It made no difference that theirpast was reprehensible and their future bleak.

When he looked at each one, he saw a human

BY NYX MARTINEZ

It was a

true act of

unconditiona

loving kind-

ness when

they accepte

that man int

our big fami

and little

house.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Jesus, how I love You! Youve proved to me over and overagain what great love You have for me. I was nothing, yet Youcame and died for me so that You might always have me with

You. You reached down to the depths for me, and I took holdYour hand. You pulled my spirit up into heavenly places withYou, and continue to show me wonders of Your love day after

day. You give me so much love, hope, joy, and excitement inthe spirit.

Sometimes I get so caught up in other things that I forgetto give You the love and attention You deserve and desire. Bu

You still understand and You keep loving me and encouraginme and reminding me that Youre always there, waiting for mto come to You and be refreshed a nd renewed. Help me, Jesuto remember to take time with You each day. Amen.



10/16

being, a unique and beloved creation of God,and he wanted to make their present world abetter place.

Years passed. Dads visits to the prisonchapel marked time for the men. Many of his

dreams eventually became realities. The sportsleague was organized; Sunday school activitieswere led by the inmates themselves. As a resultof my dads dogged work to raise public aware-ness of the plight of those in prison, nationalcelebrities came and gave their time and talentsto bring some cheer and comfort to those once

forgotten men. Sponsorships grew. Dads seem-ingly insignificant efforts created a ripple effectthat reached into thousands of hearts. Menchanged. My father was granted access to anyprison ward in the country, and he traveled ofteninto those dark corners, continuing his missionof hope. If he were ever imprisoned for his fanati-cal faith, Dad sometimes joked, he would feelright at home.

Once I overheard him telling Mom aboutsomeone who had served his term and was nowa free man. He needed a place to stay while pre-paring to start a new business and get on withhis life, and Dad wondered if we could spare

a room in the house for a couple of weeks. Iwasnt sure I liked that idea. But if there were anytwo people practicing what they preached, theywere my parents.

It was a true act of unconditional loving kind-ness when they accepted that man into our bigfamily and little house. He lived with us awhileand observed everything, like the peculiar wayall 12 of us children gathered around the eight-seater table for a typical Filipino breakfast of rice,omelets, and dried fish, listening as Dad told his

usual corny daddy jokes and read the morningdevotional.

When this man left our home, he left with apromise that he would give his life to the Lordand support our family in any way he could.

When he was eventually able to start a bakerybusiness in the city, he was true to his word andregularly supplied us with fresh bread.

From instances like this, I realized that Dadwas changing the world in the best way pos-sibleon a person-to-person basis. Sure, hegathered the crowds, but what he did best wawin heartsone heart at a time, one day at a

time.What drove my parents to carry on with that

work despite the many challenges we facedas a family was a passion that I questioned inmy early teen years, but I dont anymore. It hasbeen awhile since I left home, and I have sincehad a books worth of recollections similar to

this one about that day on the prison groundsYesterday, I received an email from my dad,

mom, and brothers and sisters still at home.Their volunteer work continues to be taxing, buthey will never give it up. It is not just their worit is their life.

Dad still puts in those hours. Mom still sup-ports him every second. The prison ministry isthriving. Dad writes about taking the kids on throad to every corner of the country, to farawayexciting places. There they will learn how toreach out to others, how to have a life that isworth living.

Thinking about the lives that have been

changed for the better as a result of the waymy parents have continued to help otherseverywhere they walk, be it a high road or lowreminds me of another who walked among methe One commissioned to bring Gods love tothe world long ago.

Jesus said, Come, you blessed of My Fatheinherit the Kingdom prepared for you from thefoundation of the world: for I was hungry andyou gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gaveMe drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;

was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick andyou visited Me; I was in prison and you came tMe. Inasmuch as you did it to one of the leaof these My brethren, you did it to Me (Matthe25:3436,40).

NYX MARTINEZ IS A FULL-TIME VOLUNTEERWITH THE FAMILY INTERNATIONAL IN UGANDA



11/16

ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS

IS YOUR MIND

FREE?

thinkers, in their supposed individuality, whcome up with those original thoughts; theDevil or one of his imps puts those thoughtsthere, and people adopt them as their own. S

expressing thoughts that contradict the Bibleisnt a sign of indiv iduality, but of acceptingbeliefs from the dark side.

In a sense, believing and conforming tothe truth of Gods Word doesmake you a slavin your thoughts, but so does believing andconforming to the Devils lies. We all surrendour thoughts to one side or the otherlight odarknessso everyone chooses, consciouslyunconsciously, who will be t heir master.

The desire to be a distinct individual is

inborn, put there by God, and isnt wrong. Buthere is a right way and a wrong way to goabout pursuing individuality. True freedomand godly individuality do notcome fromthinking thoughts that are contrary to Gods

Word. In fact, its just the opposite. Jesus sa idIf you abide in My Wordif you believe a ndfollow ityou shall know the truth, and thtruth shall make you free (John 8:3132).

Q : SOMEOF MYFRIENDSseem toanalyze and question everything.I can understand their not want-ing to blindly conform or believe everythingthey hear, but their constant questioning often

turns to cynicism. I say theyre taking their

free thinking too far, and they say I am

not a free thinker because I hold

some truths to be absolute.

What do you say?

YOU RERIGHTit ispossible to take freethinking too far. And, yes, there areabso-lutes.

To show that they can think for themselves,

which they consider necessary in order toestablish their individuality, some peopleargue against a ll right and reasonthe godlyprinciples in the Bible, for example. Whatthey dont understand, however, is that sucharguments dont originate in their own minds,coming from nowhere. Thoughts are inspired,and there are only two sourcesgood andevil. Thats why it so important that we learnto process our thoughts, to discern where theyare coming from and to wisely choose which

thoughts to entertain and which to reject.Its a trick of the Devil (and a very effective

and powerful trick these days) to get peopleto reject godly principles because they wantto be different or be themselves. Whenpeople think such thoughts, though, theyrenot really thin king their own thoughts butrather choosing to think thoughts that areinspired by the Evil One. Its not the free



12/16

OverviewOverviewE N D T I M E I N S I G H T

aaNN

AT FIRSTREADING, the book of Revelation is not onlymysterious but also confusing. Understanding howthe book is structured helps it become clearer.Revelation can be divided into three sections of seven

chapters each, with chapter 22 (which is basically a continua-tion of chapter 21) added to the last section.

The first section begins with an introduction, followed by let-

ters of correction and commendation from the apostle John toseven churches of his daycommunities of believers (Acts2:4447). Then, beginning with chapter 4, John relates hisexperience of being taken to Gods throne room in Heaven,where he witnesses Jesus opening a mysterious scroll thatis sealed with seven seals. As each one is opened, a spiritualentity or an Endtime event is revealed.

In the following seven chapters, the Lord zooms in to give

a more detailed look at the coming three-and-a-half years ofworldwide trouble known as the Great Tribulation (Matthew

24:1521). Here we learn of the spiritual struggle betweengood and evil, and of the rise of the Antichrist, who is depictedas the Beast. These events culminate in the Second Comingof Jesus and the gathering to Him of all believers.

The last section begins with events on earth immediately afterJesus return. The chronological order of events is interruptedby a two-chapter description of Babylon the Great, symbol-izing the brazen materialism of this day and age, and moreinformation on the Beast. It then returns to the chronologicalaccount of future events, beginning with a great celebrationin Heaven with Jesus and those He has gathered to Him from

earth at the Second Coming of Christ. This is followed by theBattle of Armageddon, where Jesus and His followers defeatthe Antichrist, and continues through the thousand-year reignof Christ on earth to the happy ending when the Heavenly City,New Jerusalem, comes down to its eternal resting place onthe newly recreated planet Earth and God Himself dwells withthe saved (Revelation 21:23).

One question nearly everyone has is whether Johns descrip-tions are literal or symbolic. Undoubtedly there are some ofeach. Another thing to bear in mind is that he was seeing in avision things he had never seen beforethings ofourdayso he had to describe them in the terms of his own experienceand in language that the people of his day could understand.For example, John had never seen tanks or planes or guns orbombs or heard their roar. So if he was watching modern war-fare, he might describe tanks as chariots or warplanes flying

at then incomprehensible altitudes as locusts.Many things in the book of Revelation remain mysteries or

topics of speculation. As future events unfold, Jesus will helpus understand more. of theof the12 ACTIVATED VOL 6, ISSU


13/16

who | what | when | where | how | wh

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gaveHim to show His servantsthings which mustshortly take place. And He sent and signified itby His angel to His servant John (Revelation1:1).

What The Revelation of Jesus Christthingswhich must shortly take place.

Who The divine author was God Himself, whogave the vision to Jesus Christ to show Hisservants.

How Jesus relayed the vision through aheavenly messenger to the apostle Johnalsoknown as John the Beloved, one of Jesus original 12 disciples and the author of the Gospelof Johnwho wrote it down and sent it to theChristians (referred to collectively in the bookof Revelation as churches) in seven cities in theregion that roughly corresponds with modern-

day Turkey.

Where John received the vision on the Isle ofPatmos in the Aegean Sea, where he had beenbanished during the persecution of Christiansby the Roman Emperor Domitian for [spread-

ing] the Word of God and for the testimony ofJesus Christ (Revelation 1:9). It is believed thaabout a year after receiving the vision, Johnwas released and permitted to return to Ephe-sus (in modern-day Turkey).

When It is believed that John received thisvision in 95AD and wrote it down the followingyear, in 96AD.

Why Ultimately so that we who are living toda

would understand the events of the Endtime asthey unfold. You, brethren, are not in darknessso that this Day [Jesus return] should overtakeyou as a thief (1 Thessalonians 5:4).

THE BOTTOM LINE The forces of evil willnever be able to completely overcomeGods people. In spite of all the wrathand atrocities that bestial man will bringagainst Gods children during the Great

Tribulationthe coming three-and-a-half-year worldwide reign of terroragainst people of all faiths by the devil-ish dictatorship of the Antichrist and hisregimemultitudes of us Christians willstil l be here to joyously welcome Christstriumphant re-entry into the earthsatmosphere (Matthew 24:21, 2931). Jesusis the only One who can stop us, and He

will stop us then for a little while to takeus home for a party, the marriage supper

of the Lamb in Heaven! Then well comeback here and put a stop to the reign ofthe wicked! (Revelation chapter 19).D.B.B.BookBookofof RevelationRevelation



14/16

You dont have to under-stand God in order to love

Him, any more than a littlebaby needs to understandeverything about his motherand father in order to know theirlove. This is why Jesus said that

you have to be like a little childto enter the kingdom of Heaven

(Matthew 18:3). There are certainthings that you just have to acceptby faith.

Jesus also said that God is a Spirit(John 4:24). He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and everywhere-present.

Even the heaven of heavens cannotcontain Him (1 Kings 8:27). He is notconfined to Earth or our solar system orthe Milky Way galaxy or even the entireuniverse. He is all and in allfar beyondthe limited mind of man and our humanunderstanding!

But because He loves us and wanted toshow us His love, He sent His own Son in theform of a man, Jesus Christ. Jesus was like apicture of God, the image of the invisible God

(Colossians 1:15), to show us what God is likeand al l He did was love. He talked about love anshowed love and lived love, and finally, in lovlaid down His life for us, to bring life, forgiveneand eternal joy to all who would receive Him.

So if you feel that God is far from you, maybe because you havent received His love. There isempty place, which God created in each of our hethat only He can fill. Nothing else can truly satisf

GOD LOVESYOU! He is your kind and loving heav-enly Father who personally loves you, Hisown dear child, and you are in His hands.He has made this beautiful world as a home

for you to live in and enjoy, and He has lovinglygiven you a wonderful body, mind, and heart withwhich to enjoy it.

Sad to say, some people have gotten the ideathat God is some kind of monster who followsthem around with a big stick, always ready to

clobber them! But the Bible says that God islove (1 John 4:8). He is loving and forgiv-ing, and the only reason He follows anyonearound is in hopes that they will turnaround to meet Him, so He can receivethem in His open arms!

Others say they dont believe in Godbecause they cant understand Him.Well, no one can ever really understandGod. Its impossible! He says, As theheavens are higher than the earth, so

are My ways higher than your ways,and My thoughts than your thoughts(Isaiah 55:89). But even though wedont really understand Him, wecan look at the beautiful world Hehas madethe trees, the flowers,the mountains, the sea, the skyand feel His love in His wonder-ful creation.

Youre in

Gods handWHY

WORRY?



15/16

you would like for Him to fill that empty spotin you, all you have to do is open your heartto Him. He will give you His love that willchange your whole outlook on life.

This is one of the wonderful things about

Gods love: When we know that God loves us,we know that everything in our lives is goingto work out in the end because He will takecare of us. This is faith, and its faith in Hislove that keeps out worry and fear. Perfectlove casts out fear (1 John 4:18). ReceivingGods love into your heart is like turning ona light in a dark roomthe darkness has toflee!

Then you wont need to worry any-more. Youll know your heavenly Fatherloves you and that you and yoursyourfuture, your health, your familyare inHis hands. Do not worry about your life.Look at the birds of the air, for they nei-ther sow nor reap nor gather into barns;yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Areyou not of more value than they? (Mat-thew 6:2526). He will care for His own!

Do you have Gods love in your heart?If not, all you have to do is pray and ask

Jesus to come into your life! He says,Behold, I stand at the door [of yourheart] and knock. If anyone hears Myvoice and opens the door, I will comein (Revelation 3:20). He loves you and

will come in right now if you will sin-cerely pray this prayer:

Jesus, please forgive me for all mysins. I believe that You are the Son ofGod and that You died for me. I now

open the door of my heart and I askYou to come in and give me Your giftof eternal life. Then help me to loveYou and to love others with Your love.Amen.

Secret of success:Trust the Lord for Hisleading and guidance.

2 Chronicles 26:5Psalm 37:23Psalm 118:8Proverbs 3:57Isaiah 48:17

We cannot find ourway through life with-out the Lords directguidance.Jeremiah 10:23

Proverbs 16:9John 15:5

If we depend oncarnal reasoning,were doomed to dis-appointment and finalfailure.Psalm 127:1aProverbs 14:12

Jeremiah 17:5Galatians 6:3

Carnal reasoning isfoolish and displeas-

ing to God.Proverbs 26:12Proverbs 28:26aIsaiah 47:10

Jeremiah 8:9Romans 1:2122

Romans 8:681 Corinthians 3:18201 Corinthians 8:1b3

Only by seeking theLords solutions canwe understand situations as He does.Proverbs 16:2Ecclesiastes 2:26aIsaiah 42:16Isaiah 55:89

Gods Word shows uthe way by sheddinglight on the subject.Psalm 37:31Psalm 119:105Psalm 119:130Proverbs 6:22232 Peter 1:19

God has all theanswers and delightto give them to us, spray.Proverbs 16:3Isaiah 30:21Jeremiah 33:3James 1:5

Receiving Gods love into your heart is

like turning on a light in a dark room

FEEDING READING

CARNAL REASONINGWhen the terms carnal mind, carnal-minded-

ness, carnal thinking, or carnal reasoningare used in the Bible, the intended meaning of

carnal is not the most common modern mean-ing of sensual or sexual, but of the flesh asopposed to of the spirit.



16/16

FROM JESUS WITH LOVE

WHAT IS TRUEAND RIGHT?

You can ask Me for any of the gifts

of My Spirit, and according to My willIll give them to you.

Solomon, when he was first madeking, was desperate for My wisdombecause he knew that he needed it.He prayed sincerely, wholeheartedly,and unselfishly, Give to Your servantan understanding heart to judge Yourpeople, that I may discern betweengood and evil. For who is able to

judge this great people of Yours? (1Kings 3:9). Because his heart was inthe right place, I real ly poured it on.

As long as he stayed close to Me, hewas one of the wisest men who hadever lived.

Wisdom is a great gift to have,because its the gift of understanding

whats true and rightand in todaysmixed-up world, that can sometimesbe hard to know. If you were to go

only by what you read or hear, youdbe completely lostyoud have noidea what the truth is or whats reallyhappening around you. But with Mygift of wisdom, you can know exactly

where things truly stand.Another gift that would be a big

help to you is the gift of discernment.Its very similar to wisdom in that ithelps you to have greater insight intopeople and situations, and to be able

to tell whether theyre being true orfalse.

Having these two gifts is a lotbetter than just being smart or welleducated. If you want to be wise andhave good discernment, just ask Me.Sincerely pray for these gifts of MySpirit, and Ill give them to you.

Documents

Activated February 2005