And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.

And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written:

“KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

(Revelation 16:11-16 – NASB)

I remember reading this passage not long ago while doing a study on the book of Revelation. As I read it, my eyes were filled with tears.

I imagined the scene:

All the Lord’s enemies, those who mocked His Holy Name, denied Him, lived wicked lives and disregarded His teachings – each one – defeated. Annihilated. Gone.

And we, His Saints, who were also mocked because of Him, persecuted and ridiculed for believing in the Word of His testimony. We, sinners, saved by grace, who fought our battles and crossed many valleys during our existence in this fallen world, we are invited to witness the overwhelming victory.

There will be no fight, for He has already fought the enemy and conquered hell and death as He breathed His last, resurrecting on the third day.

We will have to do N.O.T.H.I.N.G.

“From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations (…)” (v.15)

And just like that – It’s a done deal. The Word will defeat them all, once and for all.

And we will witness every bit of it!

He didn’t have to invite us, you know? He could have chosen to leave us in Heaven, rejoicing in the glory of the Father. But no – He wants us to join Him. Not to fight – but to witness Jesus, the Lamb, defeat all the armies of the world… as the Lion of Judah.

I don’t know about you – but that makes me want to shout for joy.

Not only because of what it means for our future and eternity, but also for what it means for us right now, as we face the battles on this side of eternity.

We have already won.

Yes – no doubt that victory marks the end of the battles on this earth as described in Revelation. But Scriptures do not confine our victory to the future.

Can we stop for a minute to remember that this victory – our victory – is not reserved for future events only? Can we pause for a moment to remind our hearts, that we ARE victorious, regardless of what we are going through right now?

Can we stop for a minute to remember that our victory is not reserved for future events only? Can we remind our hearts, that we ARE victorious, regardless of what we are going through right now? #MondayMotivation #MondayThoughts…
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Every battle has a Victor. Every War has a Conqueror.

Alexander fought the Macedonians in the Battle of the Hudaspes, and they became his subjects.

Napoleon fought the Russian and Austrian armies in the battle of Austerlitz, and his victory enlarged France’s territory.

The Allied forces defeated the Nazzi evil machine, ending history’s most dreadful war.

In every single battle or war, the Victor has countless casualties, nevertheless – HE WINS.

In every single battle or war, the Victor has countless casualties, nevertheless – HE WINS. #MondayMotivation #MondayThoughts #Morethanconquerors
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You may be going through a fierce battle right now.

It could be that you lost your job…

Or maybe your marriage seems to have become a playground for the enemy…

It could be your children, who are making all the wrong choices, leaving you heartbroken and feeling helpless…

There is no question that every battle we face brings along casualties…

Alexander lost over 1,000 men in his greatest battle.  Napoleon lost around 9,000 in his. The Allied Forces lost over 209,000 during WWII.

And yet… They won!

For us, our “casualties” may be different. They may be dreams that die, endeavors that fail, or relationships that come to an end. And yes, we can certainly (and have every right to) feel defeated for a moment.

Or for a while, even.

But today, that same Savior who will ride on the clouds one day, the same Jesus who will bring you along to witness His victory, the Lion of Judah, the Conqueror of all human wars and fears, the One who promises to wipe away every single tear that now falls… Your JESUS… He calls you to trust that He will give you victory over your current circumstances.

Not because you are able to overcome it… but because He already has.

Not because you are strong enough to take it… but because He is.

JESUS calls you to trust that He will give you victory over your current circumstances. Not because you are able to overcome it, but because He already has. Not because you are strong to take it, but because He is.
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Rejoice, child of the Most High! You have already won!

The post And the Winner Is… appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen—Even the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea that pass through the paths of the seas.

O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!

Psalm 8:3-9 (NKJV)

I’ve been studying the book of Psalms lately and came across several psalms which inspired well known scores that choirs and congregations have sung for many years, and even some more contemporary songs that we hear on the radio these days.

Because music is such a big part of my spiritual life, the psalms have been a great source of inspiration, admonition and encouragement in my journey as a Christian.

As I look through the pages of my worn bible, the book of Psalms is filled with markings that show the many trials and victories that I’ve faced through the years, and the blessed assurance and guidance received. T&P (Tested and Proven) is written many times in the margins, together with dates and even details of certain situations. That’s one of the reasons my favorite nickname for the Bible is “The Living Word.” It indeed lives and breathes and pours God’s breath upon the lives of His children.

When I came across Psalm 8 a couple of weeks ago, I could not help but remember the many times these words have comforted me when I first came to know Jesus, and feelings of unworthiness and inadequacy permeated my heart, constantly.

This Psalm has been translated into beautiful music masterpieces such as “The Majesty and Glory of Your Name” and parts of some more contemporary songs such as “How Excellent,” both of which are some of my church choir’s favorites.

Maybe you are facing a time when feelings of unworthiness and defeat permeate your heart.

It may be a sin that keeps you bound to defeat. Maybe you messed up. Once again.

Or it may be that your current circumstances are weighing you down so much, that you can barely lift your head. You cry out to God, and still, there are no answers to your troubles.

The Moon and the Stars suspended in space seem to be exactly where your Help remains. Far… far away.

You may feel unworthy and alone. But the Psalmist asks and answers our question, telling us exactly why we are loved and valued beyond measure by our God:

What am I, that this Unfathomable God would be mindful of me?

David looks at the stars in the sky or the vastness of the sea… the beauty and colors of nature in small details such as the smallest bird, or the hands of a new born child… and realizes that the same perfect, omnipotent God who spoke these things into existence loves him… a love worth His very life!

This realization overwhelmed David. It overwhelms me.

“Why would You be mindful of me, Lord? After all I’ve done in my past… after the mistakes I still make in the present… and even knowing the times I’ll disappoint You in the future… Why on earth are you mindful of sinful, inadequate, broken me?”

In order to understand the answer, we must visit Genesis 1:26-27:

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (NASB – Emphasis Mine)

Did you get that?

When God looks at you and me, He does not see us. He sees the Son-head of the Trinity – the Perfect God-Man Jesus Christ, who was tempted and suffered with the weight of all the same stuff that you and I face and much, much more, conquered it all… and died, blameless, in our place.

The wrath of God that I deserved fell upon Him. He was and is my Shield. Because of that, when the Father looks at His imperfect, messy children, He sees His blood-bought church. He sees Perfect Jesus.
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That does not by any way mean that He overlooks our sin. Any sin separates us from the Father – but once we truly repent and turn away from it, our connection is re-established. That is a promise:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

He does that because He created us in His image (or nature). It’s the nature that guarantees that blessed communion. He said it four times in Genesis 1:26-27 – so, it must be true.

Therefore, my friend, the next time you feel like God is light-years away from you, ask yourself this question:

Do you think that the One true God, Who thinks you more important than every star in the universe… Who made you to rule over every creature that lives on the face of the earth… the same God Who tells the angels to sing and rejoice when one dark, lost soul is redeemed… do you believe that the same God Who promises not only to forgive, but to restore you back into His fold…

Do you really believe He is far away?

I think not.

Don’t confuse the proper humility of understanding and respecting God’s greatness with self-depreciation.
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You are worth a lot. As a matter of fact, you are worth dying for. And because of His mind-boggling love for you, He promises that nothing… And He means NOTHING! Will EVER separate you from His love.

O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your Name in all the earth!

The post This Is for When You Feel Unworthy and that God Is Not Near appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.

And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written:

“KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

(Revelation 16:11-16 – NASB)

I remember reading this passage not long ago while doing a deeper study on the book of Revelation. As I read it, my eyes were filled with tears.

I imagined the scene:

All the Lord’s enemies, those who mocked His Holy Name, denied Him, lived wicked lives and disregarded His teachings… each one of of them – defeated. Annihilated. Gone.

And we, His Saints, who were also mocked because of Him, persecuted and ridiculed for believing in the Word of His testimony. We, sinners saved by grace, who fought our battles and crossed many valleys during our existence in this fallen world… we are invited to witness the overwhelming victory.

There will be no fight, for He has already fought the enemy and conquered hell and death as He breathed His last, resurrecting on the third day.

Nothing will we have to do.

“From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations (…)” (v.15)

And just like that – It’s a done deal. The Word will defeat them all, once and for all.

And We.Will.Witness.It.All.

He didn’t have to invite us, you know? He could have chosen to leave us in Heaven, rejoicing in the glory of the Father. But no – He wants us to join Him. Not to fight – but to witness Jesus, the Lamb, defeat all the armies of the world… as the Lion of Judah.

I don’t know about you – but that makes me want to shout for joy.

Not only because of what it means for our future and eternity, but also for what it means for us right now, as we face the battles on this side of eternity.

Unquestionable, Undeniable, Overwhelming Victory… IN THIS LIFE.

Yes – no doubt that victory marks the end of the battles on this earth as described in Revelation. But Scriptures do not confine our victory to the future.

Can we stop for a minute to remember that this victory – our victory - is not reserved for future events only? Can we pause for a moment to remind our hearts, that we ARE victorious, regardless of what we are going through right now?
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I know, I know – many of us don’t feel quite “victorious” right now.

But, Hey! God is not asking how you “feel.”

Today He wants to remind you of what you must KNOW.

And this is what Paul told the Romans, and invites us to remember today. It’s the Truth that every Christian should grasp deep within, every time his or her heart threatens to yield to a sense of defeat or restlessness:

“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (…) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” Romans 8: 35,37 (NLT – emphasis mine)

Yes, dear friend. Every battle has a Victor. Every War has a Conqueror.

Alexander fought the Macedonians in the Battle of the Hudaspes, and they became his subjects.

Napoleon fought the Russian and Austrian armies in the battle of Austerlitz, and his victory enlarged France’s territory.

The Allied forces defeated the Nazzi evil machine, ending history’s most dreadful war.

In every single battle or war, even if the Victor has countless casualties, nevertheless – HE WINS.

You may be going through a fierce battle right now.

It could be your marriage that seems to have become a playground for the enemy…

It could be your children, who are making all the wrong choices, leaving you heartbroken and feeling helpless…

Or it could be your finances that steal your peace.

There is no question that every battle we face brings along casualties…

Alexander lost over 1,000 men in his greatest battle.  Napoleon lost around 9,000 in his. The Allied Forces lost over 209,000 during WWII.

And yet… They won!

For us, our “casualties” may be different. They may be dreams that die… endeavors that fail… or relationships that come to an end. And yes, we can certainly (and have every right to) feel defeated for a moment.

Or for a while, even.

But today, that same Savior who will ride on the clouds one day… the same Jesus who will bring you along to witness His victory over every evil thing that has even been … the Lion of Judah… the Conqueror of all human wars and fears… the One who promises to wipe away every single tear that now falls… Your JESUS… He invites you to believe that you’ll have victory over your current circumstance.

Not because you are able to overcome it… but because He already has.

Not because you are strong enough to take it… but because He is.

Lift your head, child of the Most High! Your Defender is on the move! Call upon His Name – the Name above all names – and tell your heart to trust and believe!

“No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.

Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:37-39 (NLT)

Facing a fierce battle today? Lift your head, child of the Most High! Your Defender is on the move! Call upon His Name - the Name above all names – and tell your heart to trust and believe!
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The post Unquestionable, Undeniable, Overwhelming Victory appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.