But Fire Came Down

But Fire Came Down

Revelation 20: ⁷ After the thousand years are over, Satan will be set loose from his prison, ⁸ and he will go out to deceive the nations scattered over the whole world, that is, Gog and Magog. Satan will bring them all together for battle, as many as the grains of sand on the seashore. ⁹ They spread out over the earth and surrounded the camp of God's people and the city that he loves. But fire came down from heaven and destroyed them. ¹⁰ Then the Devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had already been thrown; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

 

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After the final complaint, I had to do my duty. A member of my team had caused turmoil and was even speaking against me. I got the paperwork ready and fired him before he caused any more problems.

 

• This was the first person I had ever “fired.”
• I “fired” this person to protect the team.
• After “firing” this person, there was peace.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was shown what happened to Satan after he was release from jail. Satan went out to deceive instead of repenting. He gathered a huge number of humans to fight against GOD and HIS people. They surrounded the camp of GOD’s people to take it over. But fire came down from heaven and destroyed them.

 

My Observations:

• When I rebel against GOD, it is a futile move.
• “Fire” from GOD is a permanent destruction.
• GOD protects HIS people and will one day say “That’s enough!”

 

Being separated from GOD forever is a terrible thing. I mean, I cannot imagine when GOD says, “I’ve had enough!” HE is extremely patient and slow to anger. BUT HE does get angry. HE sees every deception you and I have fallen for. HE does not blame anyone who believe they need a Savior from the consequence of deception.

 

JESUS is our Savior. HE knew we are like sheep that go astray. HE died for you and me and was raised from the dead. HE protects us from any harm and will remember HIS promise to us. I am thankful for GOD’s protection.

 

Challenge

• What is the tone of the writer when he mentions “But fire came down from heaven and destroyed them?”
• Have you ever had to fire someone or have been fired?
• Do you disagree with GOD’s methods to the point where you will have a futile fight against HIM?
• Will you give your life to CHRIST so HE can protect you?

Not Fooled

Not Fooled

Revelation 20: ⁴ Then I saw thrones, and those who sat on them were given the power to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been executed because they had proclaimed the truth that Jesus revealed and the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image, nor had they received the mark of the beast on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and ruled as kings with Christ for a thousand years. ⁵ (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were over.) This is the first raising of the dead. ⁶ Happy and greatly blessed are those who are included in this first raising of the dead. The second death has no power over them; they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and they will rule with him for a thousand years.

 

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Being gullible was a problem I faced. I took what was said as face value. I repeated some of the words without checking whether the information was right or wrong. “Do you know what you are saying?” someone challenged me.

 

• I was saying things that contained half-truths.
• I believed in what people said without checking their character.
• I was fooled quite easily, because I wanted to be part of a crowd.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw thrones of people given power to judge. They had not been fooled by the beast or the false prophet or Satan. All things that looked glamorous but took people away from CHRIST, did not penetrate their hearts and they remained followers of JESUS, even unto death.

 

My Observations:

• It takes prayer to not be fooled.
• It takes giving up “my” desire to have a kingdom to hear the truth from GOD.
• It is worth losing the world and gaining my soul.

 

Relative truth can fool me into deep problems. I mean, when something sort of makes sense, but has a slight dab of lie mixed in, I sometimes cannot tell what is the real truth. Then my desires blind me further to want to believe in lies more than the truth. BUT GOD gave me a way to know the truth.

 

JESUS is the Way, the TRUTH and the life. Following HIM means getting to know HIM. It means I love HIM more than I love “being known” for studying HIM and becoming a Pharisee. It also means that the world has nothing to offer me, BUT JESUS has everything I need. I gladly give up the world’s lies for the TRUTH.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer mention about the “first raising of the dead?”
• Has life gotten so difficult that you are willing to believe in a lie?
• Will you seek the truth yourself by reading the Bible without someone else’s interpretation so GOD can speak to you through HIS word today?

Chaos Under Control

Chaos Under Control

Revelation 20: Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key of the abyss and a heavy chain. ² He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent—that is, the Devil, or Satan—and chained him up for a thousand years. ³ The angel threw him into the abyss, locked it, and sealed it, so that he could not deceive the nations any more until the thousand years were over. After that he must be set loose for a little while.

 

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After being dumped by a girl, I went to the apartment only to be met by a sheriff who gave me a summons for parking tickets. I sat down to take it all in when the phone rang. It was a creditor asking for money I did not have. I tried to go out to a party that night to take my mind off of my problems, but my car would not start!

 

• My life felt chaotic.
• Nothing seemed to be going “my” way.
• I had stopped following GOD, but a question came to my mind, “Don’t YOU see all these problems!?”

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw another angel who was given the power to lock Satan up for a thousand years. Chaos would be put under control for a thousand years. But then John was given a warning. “”he must be set loose for a little while.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD is so powerful, that he gave, even an angel, power over Satan.
• Satan’s chaos is seen, sentenced and will be done away with.
• One day, people will not be deceived into thinking of temporary solutions to solve problems.

 

You and I are being deceived and don’t even know it. Unfortunately we can be deceived and we have choices to make every day to do things GOD’s way or our own way. When we choose our own way, we run away from GOD and towards Satan’s deceit of a better life or temporary escape from life’s pain. BUT GOD sees his tactics.

 

There is no chaos that GOD does not see. HE holds order and is very methodical. Even the demise of Satan is calculated down to the minute. GOD sees, what you think is, chaos. In spite of what is going on GOD has the solution for you and me.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer’s description of Satan’s punishment?
• Have you ever felt like your life was in chaos and simply wanted it to stop?
• Will you hold onto your faith, knowing GOD is in control of any chaos you may perceive?

Not an Accomplice

Not an Accomplice

Revelation 19: ¹⁹ Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered to fight against the one who was riding the horse and against his army. ²⁰ The beast was taken prisoner, together with the false prophet who had performed miracles in his presence. (It was by those miracles that he had deceived those who had the mark of the beast and those who had worshiped the image of the beast.) The beast and the false prophet were both thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. ²¹ Their armies were killed by the sword that comes out of the mouth of the one who was riding the horse; and all the birds ate all they could of their flesh.

 

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“Was he part of it?” asked the person rounding up troublemakers. “No” was the reply from a witness that cleared me of being questioned.

 

• I was relieved.
• I did not have to face the discipline ahead of those who caused problems.
• I was allowed to remain free.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw two parts of the unholy trinity thrown into the lake of fire. He then witnessed the armies that rose up against the one riding the horse, JESUS. The army was killed by the sword that comes out of the mouth of the one who was riding the horse.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is the “Word” and will use the word to take down those who oppose HIM.
• Anything that mimics JESUS, tricking people to go away from HIM, will fall.
• Those who fight against the need for JESUS will be an accomplice to HIS murder and face HIS sentence.

 

Being declared “Not guilty” is a relief. I mean, I have stood before many judges and felt relieved each time my driving record was cleared. Yes, I got a lot of tickets! I deserved the sentence I faced. But I was released from any punishment. JESUS released me too.

 

HIS death, burial and resurrection showed me that HE was and is the true Savior, the Messiah. HE wiped away any guilt I had and said “I am HIS friend.” HE makes me part of HIS eternal family! I am grateful.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about those who seemed to be in power?
• Have you ever felt like giving up on GOD because it seemed like the enemy was winning?
• Will you continue to follow JESUS through good times and difficult times?

Weak and Overlooked

Weak and Overlooked

Revelation 19: ¹⁷ Then I saw an angel standing on the sun. He shouted in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair: “Come and gather together for God's great feast! ¹⁸ Come and eat the flesh of kings, generals, and soldiers, the flesh of horses and their riders, the flesh of all people, slave and free, great and small!”

 

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Trying to figure out how to see the boss of an area I wanted to get in, I thought of ways to “accidentally” run into the person. I lurked around to understand times for lunch and breaks, but nothing worked. The administrative assistant said, “You have to come through me.” “Nah, that can’t be the answer” I said to myself.

 

• I overlooked the administrative assistant’s position.
• I did not think the administrative assistant had power over my circumstance.
• I did not see it coming that the administrative assistant was watching me.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw an angel standing on something as powerful as the sun. He shouted in a loud voice, commanding one of the weakest creatures to eat strong and powerful people. Not just powerful eagles, but hummingbirds would be at the disposal of the Living GOD.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is so powerful, that HE can use something weak to do something strong.
• GOD is so mighty, that HE can overtake those who think they are powerful.
• GOD is omnipotent, that HE can choose which way HE will overthrow HIS enemy and use what people would label as weak to do something powerful.

 

Weak things are overlooked. I mean, things like prayer, belief, trusting and fasting are viewed by humans as last resort items versus the starting point to strength. When things get bad, GOD is turned to, temporarily until the storm is over, then we turn back to our old ways. BUT GOD wants something different.

 

HE can use birds against an army of people equipped with the latest technology, to fight and conquer them. HE can also see you, who thinks of frailties and faults as obstacles, but HE sees you as the answer to HIS problem, namely reaching the lost. I am glad GOD trusts you and me even though we are weak.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention the angel was standing on the sun?
• Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed, thinking you cannot possibly overcome the difficulties you are facing?
• Will you look to GOD, who has all power, and believe HE is fighting the battles you are facing today?

Written Name

Written Name

Revelation 19: ¹¹ Then I saw heaven open, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True; it is with justice that he judges and fights his battles. ¹² His eyes were like a flame of fire, and he wore many crowns on his head. He had a name written on him, but no one except himself knows what it is. ¹³ The robe he wore was covered with blood. His name is “The Word of God.” ¹⁴ The armies of heaven followed him, riding on white horses and dressed in clean white linen. ¹⁵ Out of his mouth came a sharp sword, with which he will defeat the nations. He will rule over them with a rod of iron, and he will trample out the wine in the wine press of the furious anger of the Almighty God. ¹⁶ On his robe and on his thigh was written the name: “King of kings and Lord of lords.”

 

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When I saw my nameplate on the desk, I said “Wow.” I quickly reflected on where I came from and where I was then. I was now responsible for duties of great importance.

 

• I had become a “name” within a company.
• I had my “name” written on a nameplate.
• I was the “name” who had authority.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the most amazing thing happen! He saw heaven open and there was a white horse with a rider called, or named “Faithful and True.” This rider had a name, or authority, that no one knew but HIMSELF. But to everyone else HE wore a name that could be understood with was “The Word of GOD.” HE then displayed a name “KING of kings and LORD of lords.”

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is the KING of kings and LORD of lords!
• JESUS is the Word of GOD that I can follow!
• JESUS is the only authority who deserves a name!

 

Making a “name” for myself can be problematic. I mean, I may start to believe in “my” abilities and “my” title, thinking “I” have authority. Fame blinds me to GOD’s power and authority. JESUS is the only one who deserves a “name.”

 

HE Is above all and loves when I point people away from me and towards HIM. Every ability I have is because of HIM, so I should use them for HIM. I gladly mention JESUS as the authority of my life!

 

Challenge

• How many names does the writer mention?
• Have you ever tried to make a name for yourself?
• Have you given JESUS the authority HE deserves over your life?

 

Followers

Followers

Revelation 19: ¹⁰ I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “Don't do it! I am a servant together with you and with other believers, all those who hold to the truth that Jesus revealed. Worship God!”

 

For the truth that Jesus revealed is what inspires the prophets.

 

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As the other speakers finished, I noticed the audience gave the obligatory applause. I was next. I gave my presentation and got strong applause, due to the interest in the subject.

 

• I felt good getting the applause.
• I wanted to get that same applause again and again.
• I wanted more and more people to know “my” name, so “I” could get a promotion.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was filled with awe. He saw such great wonders, so he decided to do something. He fell down to worship the angel but was abruptly stopped. “Don’t do it!” was the exclamation from the angel.

 

My Observations:

• The angel saw Satan get kicked out of heaven for trying to be worshipped.
• GOD is a jealous GOD and deserves to be worshipped alone.
• Any following that I create should be pointed to JESUS.

 

Developing a kingdom on earth can be dangerous. I mean, when people follow me, they are following a flawed person. But when they follow JESUS, they follow perfection. Following flawed humans can possibly cause deeper flaws in my character because I could be subject to manipulation.

 

JESUS is the one all of us need to follow. John the Baptist, different than the disciple, pointed people to JESUS. He did not think it was important to hold onto followers when JESUS was the Way, the Truth and the Life. I gladly point people away from following me and onto the path of JESUS.

 

Challenge

• Why did the writer try to worship the angel?
• Have you ever become enamored over a certain human you thought had more capabilities than you?
• Have you considered following JESUS with your life so you can see what perfection looks like and share it with others today?

Invited

Invited

Revelation 19: 9 Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”

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Receiving my first invitation to a wedding felt special and strange. I had never been invited to a wedding by myself. I went and saw the couple exchange their vows. At the reception, they sat me with family members who made me feel like I was part of their family.

• I felt honored to be invited.
• I felt special, even though it was not my special day.
• I felt part of the family for a moment.

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was told to write something special. He was told how blessed people are who are invited to the marriage feast of the LAMB. John, possibly hearing the words with astonishment, may have needed the angel to add some assurance. The angel said , “These are the true sayings of God.”

My Observations:

• GOD gave me free will to choose HIM.
• My service to HIM includes serving people and telling people about the great news about CHRIST.
• I will be invited based on true belief in JESUS as my Savior and my clothes in heaven will be representative of any service I did that was acceptable to GOD.

Being invited someplace is an honor. I mean, Being wanted, desired and needed really feels great! When GOD invited me, HE wants, desires and needs me. But what do I have to offer? Nothing. HE has it all and still want, desires and needs me.

GOD invites you and me to participate in life HIS way, every day. HE places people in front of us and wants us to show HIS love and listen for opportunities to share the love of JESUS with our mouth to the right person. I am grateful for GOD’s invitation.

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer had to be told “These are the true sayings of God.?”
• Have you ever been invited to something?
• Will you accept GOD’s invitation to live inside you when HE knocks on your heart today?

Clean Shining Linen

Clean Shining Linen

Revelation 19: ⁵ Then there came from the throne the sound of a voice, saying, “Praise our God, all his servants and all people, both great and small, who have reverence for him!” ⁶ Then I heard what sounded like a crowd, like the sound of a roaring waterfall, like loud peals of thunder. I heard them say, “Praise God! For the Lord, our Almighty God, is King! ⁷ Let us rejoice and be glad; let us praise his greatness! For the time has come for the wedding of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself for it. ⁸ She has been given clean shining linen to wear.” (The linen is the good deeds of God's people.)

 

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Feeling pretty hungry, I decided to leave work and go to lunch. I looked in my wallet and had just enough money to buy my lunch. Yes, I said money and not a debit card. I knew of a place that I could get a full meal for the amount I had. I ran into a person who asked me for some money.

 

• I had to decide if I was going to eat or help this person eat.
• I had only enough money for one person to eat.
• I missed lunch that day.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw an amazing sight. He witnessed every person who believed in and served the living GOD, wearing “clean shining linen.” He then was given where the clothes came from. “The linen is the good deeds of GOD’s people.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to be one of “HIS people” so I can enjoy an eternal relationship with HIM.
• GOD sees every deed I did and will do, and HE turns the good ones into “clean shining linen.”
• I sometimes question why do good, when I have problems that need a good deed.

 

“What about me?” is the question I sometimes ask GOD. I mean, it seems like when I have the least amount of money, someone comes up to me and asks for my last dollar. “Come on GOD, can’t YOU plan a little better?” I question HIM in frustration. BUT GOD is gentle with HIS response with me.

 

HE gently says to me “Do it this time and trust that I have much more for you.” I sigh and obey HIS leading. Every time I have done this, HE blesses me here on earth and in heaven. I then feel foolish that I did not want to serve in the first place. I am glad GOD gives me many opportunities to do HIS good deeds.

 

Challenge

• Does it seem like the writer was having a hard time describing what he saw and heard?
• Have you ever been faced with the dilemma of doing something good for someone versus taking care of your own dire need?
• Will you continue to seek doing GOD’s good deeds, knowing HE sees you and loves every good deed you do in JESUS name today?

Praise Party

Praise Party

Revelation 19: After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a large crowd of people in heaven, saying, “Praise God! Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God! ² True and just are his judgments! He has condemned the prostitute who was corrupting the earth with her immorality. God has punished her because she killed his servants.” ³ Again they shouted, “Praise God! The smoke from the flames that consume the great city goes up forever and ever!” ⁴ The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. They said, “Amen! Praise God!”

 

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As we approached the building, I could hear the music getting louder and louder. I had never been to a club, so it was a mystery to me. When I got in, lights were flashing, music was blaring and people were dancing all over the place. Everyone shouted with excitement at certain songs!

 

• I was elated!
• I was enamored!
• I shouted just like everyone else!

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard something he never heard before. He heard praise from every saved person who ever existed, along with the angels, elders and living creatures! This was no ordinary praise, it was a praise that was unrestrained!

 

My Observations:

• One day I will be able to praise GOD for my salvation and for GOD’s power.
• One day I will be able to praise GOD for getting rid of the thing that caused me to fall over and over throughout life.
• One day I will be able to agree with other people who are praising GOD!

 

Praising GOD seems boring to the world. I mean, temporary drunkenness, mixed with flashing lights, mixed with loud music with great beats must be better that praising GOD, right? Wrong! The praise mentioned here goes on forever and ever!

 

No more waking up to problems on Monday and needing to temporarily escape on Friday. No more wondering if things will work out or not. No more guessing if GOD is with me or not. This praise is permanent, unrestrained and full of relief! I look forward to, one day, truly praising GOD!

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer could not describe the sound?
• Have you ever been so elated that you just wanted to shout with joy?
• Are you looking forward to one day being able to praise GOD for what HE has done for you, and not holding back from your praise?

Never Again!

Never Again!

Revelation 18: ²¹ Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “This is how the great city Babylon will be violently thrown down and will never be seen again. ²² The music of harps and of human voices, of players of the flute and the trumpet, will never be heard in you again! No workman in any trade will ever be found in you again; and the sound of the millstone will be heard no more! ²³ Never again will the light of a lamp be seen in you; no more will the voices of brides and grooms be heard in you. Your merchants were the most powerful in all the world, and with your false magic you deceived all the peoples of the world!”

 

²⁴ Babylon was punished because the blood of prophets and of God's people was found in the city; yes, the blood of all those who have been killed on earth.

 

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When the police arrived at the bowling alley, they asked me to identify one of the thugs who chased me. “Is this one of the people who were after you?” was the ludicrous question asked of me.

 

• I had just freshly ran away from danger and the police brought it back in my face!
• I worried that any jail time the thug would face would be short and I would have a problem later on.
• I did not believe the thug would permanently leave me alone.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was shown a mighty angel pick up a stone, throwing it into the sea, and said many declarations about how the great city would “never again” do the harm on humanity it once did.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s judgment is permanent and cannot be reversed.
• GOD will put an end to any torment HIS people faced throughout all of history.
• GOD sees any injustice done to anyone who believes in JESUS.

 

When GOD does away with evil, it will be permanent. I mean, there will be no retaliation, no pop up problems and no embarrassing confrontations with evil people who could cause future problems.

 

JESUS has been raised from the dead and that is not the end! HE went to build a new heaven and a new earth. HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside those who believe, to protect and give purpose to tell others about our risen Savior. I am glad I will, one day, never face problems again!

 

Challenge

• What reason does the writer give for the punishment of the great city?
• Have you ever feared to tell on someone who harmed you or lied on you or stole from you?
• Have you considered believing in JESUS as your Savior and life support today?

Waiting to Rejoice

Waiting to Rejoice

Revelation 18: All the ships' captains and passengers, the sailors and all others who earn their living on the sea, stood a long way off, ¹⁸ and cried out as they saw the smoke from the flames that consumed her: “There never has been another city like this great city!” ¹⁹ They threw dust on their heads, they cried and mourned, saying, “How terrible! How awful for the great city! She is the city where all who have ships sailing the seas became rich on her wealth! And in one hour she has lost everything!”

²⁰ Be glad, heaven, because of her destruction! Be glad, God's people and the apostles and prophets! For God has condemned her for what she did to you!

 

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As the teacher separated the thug from the rest of the class, I felt relieved. It seemed like she allowed the thug to torment us forever without doing something about it. Before she left with the thug to go to the principal’s office, she gave a warning. “Do not celebrate, because this could be you.”

 

• She put a damper on my celebration.
• I wanted to get excited because justice had finally been served.
• I was told to hold back on my celebration, which was kind of a letdown.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw world trade and ocean travel come to an end. The great city that made it possible for goods to be sold around the world, and for luxury cruises to make people rich, had come to an end. This was the final piece of demolition that GOD put in place.

 

My Observations:

• Wealth without GOD can lead to my destruction.
• Luxury without GOD can cause me to move further away from hear HIM and seeing HIM.
• One day, the rich, powerful and arrogant leaders will mourn over the fall that GOD has planned.

 

Wealth is a touchy subject that can cause highly charged conversations. I mean, one person preaches prosperity, the other preaches poverty, in terms of being close to GOD. JESUS said “Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the SON of man does not have a place to lay HIS head” while HE walked on earth. HE owned everything, yet chose to be the poorest among HIS people.

 

To HIM, worldly wealth was not a thing to be obtained because HE owned it all anyway. But what was HE after? HE wanted to save all HIS humans HE created, from destruction. One day, JESUS will judge the world for stealing people away from following HIM. I gladly seek HIS kingdom, which are the lost people HE wants me to find.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer give a sense of urgency?
• Have you ever wanted to be rich or follow those who are?
• What is GOD’s plan for your life and why do you think HE has you where you are today?

Merchants Mourn

Merchants Mourn

Revelation 18: ¹¹ The merchants of the earth also cry and mourn for her, because no one buys their goods any longer; ¹² no one buys their gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; their goods of linen, purple cloth, silk, and scarlet cloth; all kinds of rare woods and all kinds of objects made of ivory and of expensive wood, of bronze, iron, and marble; ¹³ and cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; wine and oil, flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and carriages, slaves, and even human lives. ¹⁴ The merchants say to her, “All the good things you longed to own have disappeared, and all your wealth and glamor are gone, and you will never find them again!” ¹⁵ The merchants, who became rich from doing business in that city, will stand a long way off, because they are afraid of sharing in her suffering. They will cry and mourn, ¹⁶ and say, “How terrible! How awful for the great city! She used to dress herself in linen, purple, and scarlet, and cover herself with gold ornaments, precious stones, and pearls! ¹⁷ And in one hour she has lost all this wealth!”

 

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Expecting to be rich, I asked for some stock tips from a wealthy person. I immediately purchased some shares of stock to practice my new route to extreme wealth! I watched “my” money grow for a minute, but then the stock began to fall. I decided to keep “my” money in. After a while, the stock went to zero and I lost “my” money.

 

• The loss came quickly.
• The loss made me mourn.
• The loss made me stay away from wasting any more time and money, searching for something empty.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was shown a great city that caused the world to sin in greedy ways. Merchants who had become wealthy mourned over the immediate loss of income from the lustful wealth they once had experienced.

 

My Observations:

• When GOD said “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” HE said it as a warning.
• GOD also warned me that humans cannot serve two masters and the choice will be between HIM or money.
• GOD wants me to love HIM with all my heart, mind and soul, so there would be no room for loving things that could harm me.

 

Having money is not the problem, it is when money has me that causes many issues. I mean, when I can easily give to people and do not care if I am wealthy or not, then GOD can trust me to not fall into the temptations of wealth. Unfortunately, wealth is flashed in front of us, seemingly, every minute of the day.

 

Business owners face a dilemma of being profitable and serving people. GOD blesses fair scales, or prices and wonderful treatment of employees and customers. I gladly put GOD at the center of my business so I will not share in the tearing down of the thing that makes greed appealing.

 

Challenge

• What detail does the writer mention?
• Have you ever wanted to be rich or at least more wealthy?
• Has money hindered your relationship with serving GOD?

I Ain ’t In It!

 

I Ain ’t In It!

Revelation 18: ⁹ The kings of the earth who took part in her immorality and lust will cry and weep over the city when they see the smoke from the flames that consume her. ¹⁰ They stand a long way off, because they are afraid of sharing in her suffering. They say, “How terrible! How awful! This great and mighty city Babylon! In just one hour you have been punished!”

 

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Getting caught in the act made me feel uncomfortable. I looked at others who were involved to speak up but no one stepped up. When I went to one guy, he said “My name is Bennet, I Ain ‘t  in it!” as if to say, I have nothing to do with your punishment! Ain ‘t is slang for “am not.”

 

• I wanted others to join in with me, so maybe my punishment would be milder.
• I wanted someone else to speak up so perhaps my punishment would go away.
• I actually did not know what I was expecting by asking guilty people for help to jump in when I was caught.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was shown the fall of the great city that caused people to sin. Those who had joined in sexual sin mourned over the great punishment imposed on the city. But they stood off in the distance, afraid of sharing in the suffering.

 

My Observations:

• There is strength in numbers until “I” get caught doing something.
• I feel comfortable when “everyone” else is doing the same bad thing that I want to do.
• My best path is to stay away from doing the thing in the first place.

 

Risking getting caught is not the problem, rather doing the thing I would get caught doing, in the first place is the problem. Did I say that right? I mean, I should fear doing the thing that upsets GOD in the first place rather than fearing the consequence of my sinful action.

 

Before I commit the act, I should ask myself, “Is this worth losing everything over this moment of pleasure or this act of hatred?” “NO!” should be the answer. GOD gives me a way out that the tempting great city does not offer. HE provides forgiveness where the tempting city provides death. I choose JESUS for my forgiveness.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer include the distance of the guilty people from the great city?
• Have you ever gotten caught for something you did wrong?
• Will you learn from your mistakes and stay away from easy sin so you will not have to face consequences today?

Now What?

Now What?

Revelation 18: After this I saw another angel coming down out of heaven. He had great authority, and his splendor brightened the whole earth. ² He cried out in a loud voice: “She has fallen! Great Babylon has fallen! She is now haunted by demons and unclean spirits; all kinds of filthy and hateful birds live in her. ³ For all the nations have drunk her wine—the strong wine of her immoral lust. The kings of the earth practiced sexual immorality with her, and the merchants of the world grew rich from her unrestrained lust.”

 

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Waiting for my parents to overlook the keys to the car, I slid them out of sight. They were going on vacation and I planned on using the car without permission. They left and the keys were mine! I started the car and as I was driving, noticed the engine was getting hot. I checked the fluid levels and there was no coolant in the car. I spent all my money just trying to get the car to work.

 

• I got what I wanted but did not want what I got.
• I added problems by my sneakiness that I had not accounted for.
• I was in worse shape by doing something I should not have been doing.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard another angel, who had great authority, announce that the great city Babylon has fallen. This was the thing that tempted humans into fulfilling their lusts for sex, power and money. The evil plan to tempt people away from GOD failed and evil was turned against evil.

 

My Observations:

• My evil plans never work, BUT GOD’s loving plans always succeed.
• My plans that use the world’s methods may temporarily succeed, BUT GOD rewards me eternally for following HIS plans.
• It seems like every time I used evil as my plan, it backfired and then I ended up in worse shape.

 

“Now what?” is the question that I have to ask myself when I realize my sin put me in worse shape. I mean, do I keep going down the sinful path or do I stop, turn around and go towards the way that I know is right and would benefit me? Unfortunately, there have been times when I have chosen to be wrong and fall down with my sins. BUT GOD has that in HIS plans.

 

HE saw my sins and made a way for me to return to HIM. By confessing my sins, HE is faithful and just to cleanse me of all unrighteousness. HE restores my soul and leads me on the path of righteousness. I am glad GOD gives me another chance.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer was informed about the angel’s authority?
• Have you ever did something wrong and now you have to live with your mistake?
• Will you tell GOD about your mistake so HE can erase it and restore you and give you a better path to walk today?

Street Justice

Street Justice

Revelation 17: ¹⁵ The angel also said to me, “The waters you saw, on which the prostitute sits, are nations, peoples, races, and languages. ¹⁶ The ten horns you saw and the beast will hate the prostitute; they will take away everything she has and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and destroy her with fire. ¹⁷ For God has placed in their hearts the will to carry out his purpose by acting together and giving to the beast their power to rule until God's words come true.

 

¹⁸ “The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.”

 

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After being robbed, I was shaken. I feared sitting in certain seats on the bus, or even going down certain streets. Someone said to me, “Don’t worry, those people who did you harm will face street justice.” In other words, someone will rob the robber.

 

• I saw “street justice” happen to thugs in my neighborhood.
• I heard about “street justice” happening to gang members.
• I witnessed thugs beating up the thugs who once bullied me.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, got another statement from the angel who took him into the desert. The angel explained that the great city that caused humans to sin, would face “street justice’ from the beast and from those who may be leaders of countries. Their jealousy of the power would cause them to desire to take down part of Satan’s kingdom.

 

My Observations:

• GOD will allow evil people to take down evil people.
• GOD wants my heart to remain focused on HIM and not return evil for evil.
• GOD does not want me to celebrate the demise of anyone, because it could happen to me.

 

“Turnabout is fair play” is a term that means, it is alright to do evil to someone who has done evil to me. But this causes a problem to the believe. I mean, the world may look away at my “street justice” BUT GOD will not look away. All my sins come with consequence. BUT GOD gives me a better way.

 

Instead of committing sin, GOD wants me to give my enemies over to HIM. “Vengeance is mine says the LORD, I will repay.” HE is sovereign and just to carry out what HE said HE would. HE sees the victim and the foe. HE knows who is the oppressor and listens to those who cry out to HIM. I give my enemies to GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does the angel remind the writer that the woman was the great city?
• Have you ever been wronged and wanted to do something wrong to “that” person?
• Will you give “that” person over to GOD so your conscience will be clean today?

Super Powers

Super Powers

Revelation 17: ⁹ “This calls for wisdom and understanding. The seven heads are seven hills, on which the woman sits. They are also seven kings: ¹⁰ five of them have fallen, one still rules, and the other one has not yet come; when he comes, he must rule only a little while. ¹¹ And the beast that was once alive, but lives no longer, is itself an eighth king who is one of the seven and is going off to be destroyed.

 

¹² “The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet begun to rule, but who will be given authority to rule as kings for one hour with the beast. ¹³ These ten all have the same purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast. ¹⁴ They will fight against the Lamb; but the Lamb, together with his called, chosen, and faithful followers, will defeat them, because he is Lord of lords and King of kings.”

 

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Wanting to be a superhero, I grabbed a bath towel and tied it around my neck. The other kids did the same. We held our arms out in front of us and now, we were flying! We jumped, skipped, ran and made ray gun noises that had to be explained. “I just shot you with my ray powers!”

 

• We wanted to be superheroes.
• Even though there were a lot of us, our army was not strong.
• When each household said it was time to come in, we had to lay down our pretense and go inside.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was given the meaning of the seven heads and ten horns of the beast. During this time, people will think they are in power and will gather together to form a futile fight against JESUS.

 

My Observations:

• I have no power, BUT JESUS, who has all authority, is my strength.
• I have no authority, BUT JESUS, who has been place above everything, shares HIS authority with me.
• I have no way to change situations, BUT JESUS, hears my cry and understands everything I can and will go through, and HE empathizes with me to provide the HOLY SPIRIT to guide me.

 

There is no power greater than JESUS. I mean, I cannot go anywhere the get away from HIS power, nor can I usurp HIS authority. Not height, depth or breadth can keep me away from HIS love. HE is worthy of all honor, praise and glory.

 

Humans rise to power temporarily, but if they do not bow to JESUS their efforts are futile. Their attempts to enslave or to take over the world will be met with the power and authority of JESUS who is LORD of lords and KING of kings! I place my faith in HIM.

 

Challenge

• How did the angel get the writer’s attention?
• Have you ever wanted to be in power?
• Will you surrender your power to JESUS so HE will guide you through the HOLY SPIRIT to a place of victory today?

Unamazed

Unamazed

Revelation 17: When I saw her, I was completely amazed. ⁷ “Why are you amazed?” the angel asked me. “I will tell you the secret meaning of the woman and of the beast that carries her, the beast with seven heads and ten horns. ⁸ That beast was once alive, but lives no longer; it is about to come up from the abyss and will go off to be destroyed. The people living on earth whose names have not been written before the creation of the world in the book of the living, will all be amazed as they look at the beast. It was once alive; now it no longer lives, but it will reappear.

 

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Seeing the card trick performed in front of me, left me amazed. “How did you do that?” I asked. When I learned the secret, it didn’t seem so amazing, but I learned how to “amaze” other people.

 

• I was fooled into being amazed.
• I thought something amazing had happened, when it was only a trick.
• I learned the trick and wanted to “amaze” people.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the future which held a great city that was amazing. He also caught a glimpse of the beast who was from Satan. This being would act like JESUS and die and be raised from the dead. Everyone whose names have not been written before the creation of the world in the book of the living, will be fooled and amazed.

 

My Observations:

• Satan will try to mimic GOD, even by having a being die and be raised from the dead.
• GOD’s people have been saved, even before they were created.
• People who believe in JESUS will not be fooled by a being who is raised from the dead, who curses GOD.

 

People are amazed easily. I mean, there are videos that show people throwing a ball through tiny holes from great distances. But when people find out the video is fake, they quickly become unamazed. Same with the beast. When the angel explained that he will “reappear” it was to explain that nothing can mimic the resurrection of JESUS.

 

The Savior was and is GOD who became a human to die for the sins of humanity. HE lived a sinless life and was blamed and murdered by HIS own creation. HE was raised from the dead, giving everlasting life to those who believe in HIM for salvation. I will not be fooled.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer was amazed at seeing a futuristic city?
• Would you be amazed if someone were raised from the dead today?
• Will you seek wisdom that comes from GOD to understand who JESUS is, to believe in  HIM for salvation and to be guided by the HOLY SPIRIT today?