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?

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?

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?

No Secrets

 

No Secrets

Revelation 17: ³ The Spirit took control of me, and the angel carried me to a desert. There I saw a woman sitting on a red beast that had names insulting to God written all over it; the beast had seven heads and ten horns. ⁴ The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and covered with gold ornaments, precious stones, and pearls. In her hand she held a gold cup full of obscene and filthy things, the result of her immorality. ⁵ On her forehead was written a name that has a secret meaning: “Great Babylon, the mother of all prostitutes and perverts in the world.” ⁶ And I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God's people and the blood of those who were killed because they had been loyal to Jesus.

 

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Wanting to be “successful” I took classes and obtained mentors to guide me to the top. Little did I know that in order to be in the “in” crowd”, I would be subject to secrets. One guy would use the company jet to bring prostitutes to private islands.

 

• I had to decide if the climb was worth keeping the secret.
• I had to decide to align with people who did things that were against my beliefs.
• I had to decide if I would join in, or look the other way or leave.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, had the HOLY SPIRIT take control of him and was allowed to be carried by the angel to a desert where he saw a great city that fooled people into their lustful actions. The woman (city) was drunk with the thought of GOD losing HIS power because of the death of HIS people.

 

My Observations:

• GOD can see my hidden motives to take control from HIM.
• GOD can see my innermost desires, not matter how disgusting they may be.
• GOD can see anything hidden, and HE will make it known, even the things that fool me.

 

There is nothing hidden from GOD. I mean, even when I try to fool myself, GOD sees the deep rooted hidden desire and exposes it. Since I can be fooled and I don’t know my motives, what hope is there for me? Plenty!

 

GOD wants me to know myself enough to confess where I fall short so I can confess this to HIM, so HE would cleanse me of the things I can so easily fall into. HE wants me to have HIS name on my forehead, carrying HIS message boldly so all can see it and return back to HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the HOLY SPIRIT wanted to show the writer this image?
• Have you ever been in a situation where if you kept a secret you would be paid, even if it went against your morals?
• Would you be willing to trade your morals to fit in or would you stand firm for what GOD wants from you today?

Nothing Left

Nothing Left

Revelation 16: ¹⁷ Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl in the air. A loud voice came from the throne in the temple, saying, “It is done!” ¹⁸ There were flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder, and a terrible earthquake. There has never been such an earthquake since the creation of human beings; this was the worst earthquake of all! ¹⁹ The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of all countries were destroyed. God remembered great Babylon and made her drink the wine from his cup—the wine of his furious anger. ²⁰ All the islands disappeared, all the mountains vanished. ²¹ Huge hailstones, each weighing as much as a hundred pounds, fell from the sky on people, who cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because it was such a terrible plague.

 

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Hearing about the store closure, I went to purchase some items at a discount. The first week of the closure, there were plenty of items, but ion the last week, there was nothing left but an empty store.

 

• Everything was gone and the store looked strange.
• Even the shelves were removed and it no longer looked like a store.
• The store was no longer a store.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the seventh and final angel pour out the seventh bowl in the air. An earthquake shook all the planet and every city, mountain and island was destroyed. To make matters worse, hailstones, that usually weigh an ounce, weighed one hundred pounds, and fell from the sky causing great harm. This final plague caused people to curse GOD.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s plan to take down Satan’s kingdom will be final and unmatched.
• Everyone will know when GOD has completely unleashed HIS anger.
• Only those who believe in JESUS will be spared from the plagues.

 

Belief in JESUS is only the beginning. I mean, many people who believe there is a heaven or hell, try to believe in JESUS to stay out of hell. BUT GOD wants so much more. HE wants me to have a loving relationship with HIM and HIS people.

 

HE wants more than for me to fear everlasting punishment. HE wants me to have the best from HIM and HE promised to give HIS best to those who love the LORD> I am glad HE gave me people to serve and prayers to give to HIM!

 

Challenge

• How do you think the writer felt about this last plague?
• Have you ever seen a building demolished or the aftermath of a natural disaster?
• Will you seek GOD for a relationship that is loving, versus seeking GOD for what you can get today?

Slow to Anger

Slow to Anger

Revelation 14: ¹⁷ Then I saw another angel come out of the temple in heaven, and he also had a sharp sickle.

¹⁸ Then another angel, who is in charge of the fire, came from the altar. He shouted in a loud voice to the angel who had the sharp sickle, “Use your sickle, and cut the grapes from the vineyard of the earth, because the grapes are ripe!” ¹⁹ So the angel swung his sickle on the earth, cut the grapes from the vine, and threw them into the wine press of God's furious anger. ²⁰ The grapes were squeezed out in the wine press outside the city, and blood came out of the wine press in a flood two hundred miles long and about five feet deep.

 

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A neighbor gave an uncharacteristic shout to stop playing in front of his house. A stray ball hit the window but it did not break. This neighbor was usually docile and in the past, never minded us playing.

 

• We had done something that crossed the line of patience.
• Patience had finally run out and the neighbor was furious.
• We could no longer play in front of that neighbor’s house because patience turned to wrath.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw another angel who had a sickle. But this time it was to cut down grapes that were growing. These grapes seemed to be filled with the wrongdoing of humanity. They had reached a limit and GOD was furious!

 

My Observations:

• GOD is slow to anger, BUT HE still gets angry.
• GOD is extremely patient, but one day HIS patience will run out and HE will pour out HIS fury.
• GOD has given humanity plenty of time to turn from their wicked ways, and one day HE will be furious.

 

No one likes to talk about the wrath of GOD. I mean, we usually want to mention HIM as “gentle” or “forgiving” or “loving.” HE is all of the above. BUT GOD is also “jealous”, “just” and “supreme.” HE can and will judge mankind based on their relationship with HIS SON, JESUS, who is the Savior.

 

All have sinned and fall short of GOD’s glory. This means we all deserve GOD’s wrath. We are saved from HIS wrath by “active” belief in JESUS. Not just the knowledge of the story of JESUS, but allowing HIM to guide our lives as we surrender to the HOLY SPIRIT. I am grateful GOD is slow to anger and recognize, HE will get angry!

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about GOD’s fury?
• Have you ever tried someone’s patience and saw him or her run out?
• If you are testing GOD’s patience with you, will you consider turning your ways over to HIM by believing in HIS SON, and surrendering your life to HIM so HIS anger will not be poured out on you?

Timing

Timing

Revelation 12: ¹⁰ Then I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, “Now God's salvation has come! Now God has shown his power as King! Now his Messiah has shown his authority! For the one who stood before our God and accused believers day and night has been thrown out of heaven. ¹¹ They won the victory over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the truth which they proclaimed; and they were willing to give up their lives and die. ¹² And so be glad, you heavens, and all you that live there! But how terrible for the earth and the sea! For the Devil has come down to you, and he is filled with rage, because he knows that he has only a little time left.”

 

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After giving up my desire to leave, I was resolved that I would spend the rest of my days in the town I moved to. I decided that I needed GOD in my life rather than the party scene I was known for. One day I got a phone call at my desk. “We would like for you to come work for us” were the words I was waiting on for months.

 

• I was stunned and didn’t believe it at first.
• I had been waiting for so long, that after a while I stopped thinking it would happen.
• I was filled with new energy, knowing that it was finally time!

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard a voice in heaven talking about the arrival of the Messiah! John spoke about the timing being “Now” meaning there would be no more waiting and all that needed to be done was done. He also said that those who were accused by Satan “won the victory!”

 

My Observations:

• Waiting on GOD with my own expectations can make me feel disappointed sometimes.
• When GOD arrives with HIS solution, I can sometimes be a bit stunned.
• JESUS has already won the victory, so I can celebrate “now!”

 

Being glad in the middle of a storm seems hard. I mean, when the time is tumultuous and it seems like nothing is going right, it doesn’t seem like a good time to celebrate. BUT GOD wants me to see beyond the storm.

 

JESUS won the victory over yours and my circumstances. While we cannot see it, HE has taken care of everything, even “that” thing that looks impossible to you. GOD formally declared that all was right so all we have to do is proclaim HIS victory until JESUS returns. I gladly am willing to speak about JESUS, even unto death.

 

Challenge

• What timing does the writer mention?
• Have you ever been waiting on something to happen for so long, that you just gave up?
• Will you continue to proclaim GOD’s message of love and salvation even though your circumstance may not have cleared up today?

Time has come

Time has come

Revelation 11: ¹⁵ Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The power to rule over the world belongs now to our Lord and his Messiah, and he will rule forever and ever!” ¹⁶ Then the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones in front of God threw themselves face downward and worshiped God, ¹⁷ saying:

“Lord God Almighty, the one who is and who was!
We thank you that you have taken your great power
    and have begun to rule!
¹⁸ The heathen were filled with rage,
    because the time for your anger has come,
    the time for the dead to be judged.
The time has come to reward your servants, the prophets,
    and all your people, all who have reverence for you,
    great and small alike.
The time has come to destroy those who destroy the earth!”

¹⁹ God's temple in heaven was opened, and the Covenant Box was seen there. Then there were flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.

 

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Knowing I had the job was comforting, but the changes in the organization had not been announced. I was one of many who were starting a new division in the company. I could act like an entrepreneur in the company, while being paid as an employee.

 

• I could not wait for the time for us to get started.
• I could not wait for the time for us to be empowered to do what we wanted to do.
• I could not wait for the time to be rewarded for my hard work.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard the seventh and final angel blow his trumpet. JESUS, the Messiah, was announced as the one who is in “power.” He then wrote down what the twenty-four elders were saying about the power JESUS has.

 

My Observations:

• GOD had a formal ceremony to announce JESUS being placed in power.
• JESUS has the authority to judge you and me.
• People may react to JESUS being placed in power, in a negative way, BUT GOD is sovereign and has declared HIM to be revered.

 

People want power. I mean, look at how people act during election time or when a king or queen dies. People act horrible. The worst comes out and power struggles increase over race, gender, age and may other divisions that keep disunity at the forefront. BUT GOD has a solution. JESUS!

 

At the right time, JESUS will be announced as the Savior everyone should have placed his or her belief in. At this time, it will be too late to change sides over to the winning side. JESUS will look at every word spoken, every thought acted out. HE will judge some and reward others who follow HIM to their best ability. JESUS rules!

 

Challenge

• What time, described by the writer, sticks out to you?
• Have you ever seen a human ceremony, like a coronation or inauguration?
• Will you seek JESUS as your Savior today, knowing HE has been placed in authority and will show HIS power when HE returns soon?

Undisciplined Celebration

Undisciplined Celebration

Revelation 11: ⁷ When they finish proclaiming their message, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will fight against them. He will defeat them and kill them, ⁸ and their bodies will lie in the street of the great city, where their Lord was crucified. The symbolic name of that city is Sodom, or Egypt. ⁹ People from all nations, tribes, languages, and races will look at their bodies for three and a half days and will not allow them to be buried. ¹⁰ The people of the earth will be happy because of the death of these two. They will celebrate and send presents to each other, because those two prophets brought much suffering upon the whole human race. ¹¹ After three and a half days a life-giving breath came from God and entered them, and they stood up; and all who saw them were terrified. ¹² Then the two prophets heard a loud voice say to them from heaven, “Come up here!” As their enemies watched, they went up into heaven in a cloud. ¹³ At that very moment there was a violent earthquake; a tenth of the city was destroyed, and seven thousand people were killed. The rest of the people were terrified and praised the greatness of the God of heaven. 

¹⁴ The second horror is over, but the third horror will come soon!

 

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“No talking during library time” were the words of doom. Who wants to spend 30 minutes being quiet? First a note was passed, then a giggle would happen. Soon a word or two would come out, then full conversations. The battle of quiet to noise went on. Months later, the library teacher left and we celebrated! But another was put in place. This one was more strict and would enforce discipline.

 

• We wanted to do what we wanted to do!
• We wanted the teacher to be stopped by any means necessary.
• We celebrated the teacher’s abrupt departure, only to be met with a more strict teacher.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the “beast” rise from the abyss. This being was able to kill the two prophets of GOD. People around the world celebrated, unknowingly siding with the beast, who could be classified as the second part of the unholy trinity with Satan. All seemed lost, BUT GOD intervened.

 

My Observations:

• GOD has total power over life and death.
• GOD has a specific time in which HE does everything.
• GOD has a plan to tear down Satan’s kingdom, so celebrating against GOD would not be wise.

 

Getting my way may not be good for me. I mean, when I want something that is not good for me, I may put my desires over GOD’s. HE may even allow me to get my way, but I may not want what I get. Trouble follows a celebration of my being undisciplined. BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

“Surrender” is something I need to do in order to truly change. HE wants me to surrender my life to HIM by believing in HIS SON, JESUS, who died for humanity and was raised from the dead. Only JESUS can cure the mess humans have made.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer seem as if he was writing a horror movie of today?
• Have you ever celebrated something you were clearly doing wrong?
• Will you ask GOD to guide you away from the things you were or are doing, that are against HIM, so you can have a loving relationship with HIM today?

Planned From the Beginning

 

Planned From the Beginning

Revelation 9: ¹³ Then the sixth angel blew his trumpet. I heard a voice coming from the four corners of the gold altar standing before God. ¹⁴ The voice said to the sixth angel, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great Euphrates River!” ¹⁵ The four angels were released; for this very hour of this very day of this very month and year they had been kept ready to kill a third of all the human race. ¹⁶ I was told the number of the mounted troops: it was two hundred million. ¹⁷ And in my vision I saw the horses and their riders: they had breastplates red as fire, blue as sapphire, and yellow as sulfur. The horses' heads were like lions' heads, and from their mouths came out fire, smoke, and sulfur. ¹⁸ A third of the human race was killed by those three plagues: the fire, the smoke, and the sulfur coming out of the horses' mouths. ¹⁹ For the power of the horses is in their mouths and also in their tails. Their tails are like snakes with heads, and they use them to hurt people.

 

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Planning an event, I got engrossed in the details. Someone asked me “Do you have anyone scheduled to set up and tear down?” I had thought about setting everything up, but it did not dawn on me to think about tearing down the event.

 

• I had to plan tear down before the event started.
• I had to know the hour, day month and year I was going to tear down the event.
• I had to assign specific resources to tear down the event.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard the sixth angel blow his trumpet. A voice, perhaps JESUS, told the sixth angel to release four angels that were ready to tear down Satan’s kingdom at a very specified hour, day, month and year. The four angels were released from where it all started, near the Garden of Eden’s river Euphrates.

 

My Observations:

• GOD cursed humanity and the earth when Adam and Eve sinned.
• JESUS volunteered to take on the death sentence that was meant for all of humanity.
• JESUS lived a sinless life and is now the judge over Satan and has provided a revelation of what HE plans to do.

 

The end was planned from the beginning. I mean, GOD is not reacting to anything that is going on today. HE is not surprised to see the moral decay and emerging hatred. HE knew from the beginning how many people would choose HIM as their Savior.

 

Unfortunately there will be some who will reject the love of CHRIST no matter how much love is shown to him or her. JESUS showed immense love and the FATHER immense constraint. HE provides ample time for us to accept JESUS as the Savior. I hope for more to come to know HIM in a saving way.

 

Challenge

• What exciting thing did the writer share?
• What surprises do you see in this passage?
• Do you see that GOD is very methodical and has a plan that cannot be stopped for you and me today?

Fighting Nature

Fighting Nature
 

Revelation 9: Then the fifth angel blew his trumpet. I saw a star which had fallen down to the earth, and it was given the key to the abyss.  ² The star opened the abyss, and smoke poured out of it, like the smoke from a large furnace; the sunlight and the air were darkened by the smoke from the abyss. ³ Locusts came down out of the smoke upon the earth, and they were given the same kind of power that scorpions have. ⁴ They were told not to harm the grass or the trees or any other plant; they could harm only the people who did not have the mark of God's seal on their foreheads. ⁵ The locusts were not allowed to kill these people, but only to torture them for five months. The pain caused by the torture is like the pain caused by a scorpion's sting. ⁶ During those five months they will seek death, but will not find it; they will want to die, but death will flee from them.

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On our way home from vacation, we stopped at a rest area to stretch our legs and use the bathroom. I was the first one out and I noticed a sign, pointing to a path. Not ready to end my vacation just yet, I asked “Would you all like to see the path?” “Yes” was the reply. Once inside we got swarmed by mosquitos!

 

• I got bit by multiple mosquitos.
• I was stung in awkward places like my ankle, the top of my head and my elbow.
• I was uncomfortable for about a week or ten days.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard the fifth angel blow his trumpet. He saw nature move in different ways. A star, an abyss and locusts with special instructions were used to carry out GOD’s fifth part of tearing down Satan’s kingdom.

 

My Observations:

• Things that I observe to have no intelligence, such as a star, can be used by GOD for HIS plan.
• GOD has complete command over nature and has a plan to use it for HIS purpose.
• At some point GOD will unleash nature against those who do not believe in HIM, HIS SON and HIS power.

 

Fighting nature is impossible, because it equates to fighting GOD. I mean, I can seek food, shelter and clothing as my basic necessities, but they are limited when it comes to fighting GOD. HE has the power to command nature to do as HE pleases.

 

Any past observations of how nature should act will be thrown out the window, because GOD will tell it to perform in a prescribed way that will baffle humans. HE will protect those who believe in HIS SON by telling nature not to harm HIS children.

 

Challenge

• What parts of nature does the writer observe?
• Some bugs emerge every seventeen years, so is it so far fetched that GOD can use locusts?
• Will you focus on your relationship with CHRIST to not only avoid plagues, but to have an abundant life today?

Wish You Weren’t Here

Wish You Weren’t Here

Revelation 8: ¹³ Then I looked, and I heard an eagle that was flying high in the air say in a loud voice, “O horror! horror! How horrible it will be for all who live on earth when the sound comes from the trumpets that the other three angels must blow!”

 

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Stopping off at the postcard stand, I grabbed one and wondered what to write. Yes, I said postcard. It had an image of where I was on vacation and space to write a note on the back and it could be mailed, so people could share in the experience. Someone suggested writing “Wish you were here!”

 

• I wanted the person to share in the experience.
• I wished that the person I was writing to could be there experiencing what I was experiencing.
• I was going through an enjoyable time so I wished everyone could experience the same.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw an eagle flying high in the sky. It said a warning that the next three trumpets would bring on extremely rough times, like never before, for those who lived on earth.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s power is sometimes misunderstood.
• GOD has patience and HE gives us enough warning to be ready for HIS plan.
• It us up to me to be ready for the return of CHRIST, which will be a terrible day for those who have not put their trust in HIM.

 

Kingdom demolition is not a popular subject, but is necessary. I mean, we like storybook endings that say everything will be alright for everyone. BUT GOD says something different. HE warns us of HIS plan to tear down Satan’s kingdom. During that time, everyone will wish they weren’t here.

 

Everything will be alright for those who love the LORD and put their trust in HIM. But when HE returns, HE will judge those who have not put their trust in HIM or who have manipulated HIS words to get their way. GOD doesn’t play. HE provides ample time and fair warning for me to get my life straight and to align with HIM.

 

Challenge

• Did the writer capture what seems to be the eye of the storm?
• What do you think will happen when JESUS returns?
• Will you put your total trust in JESUS so HE can guide you in this life as well as in eternity today?

Light Ownership

 

Light Ownership

Revelation 8: ¹² Then the fourth angel blew his trumpet. A third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that their light lost a third of its brightness; there was no light during a third of the day and a third of the night also.

 

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My favorite time of year is summer and my favorite time of summer is the beginning of the season because the amount of daylight is at its maximum. I remember once, getting up early and staying outside until the sun finally set. It was warm and people seemed to be ready to enjoy outdoor activities.

 

• I enjoyed summer picnics.
• I enjoyed outdoor activities.
• I enjoyed the abundance of food that seemed to be everywhere in the summer.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard the fourth trumpet blown by the fourth angel. Natural light was affected, probably causing the earth to become dark and cold. Vegetation would struggle to grow and the Satan’s kingdom would become an uncomfortable place.

 

My Observations:

• GOD spoke light into existence.
• GOD owns light and life.
• GOD has a plan to remove the things HE created, like light, and provide a better place.

 

Light is necessary for life. I mean, without light, nothing can grow. GOD is not in the business of punishment, BUT HE will focus HIS judgment onto Satan, a created being who chose to challenge GOD by trying to become HIM and by trying to steal all humans.

 

Every problem that you and I faced has come from Satan’s prideful decision to challenge GOD. Something had to be done. JESUS chose to die for the sins of mankind, knowing some people would still not choose HIM. HE will become all the light we will ever need!

 

Challenge

• What “third” of things does the writer mention?
• Have you noticed that when the first four angels blew their trumpet, a third of things were destroyed?
• Will you focus your life on a third of the Holy Trinity, namely JESUS, who gave HIS life for you and wants you to not only believe for salvation, but wants you to surrender your life to HIM today?

Fish and Ships

Fish and Ships

Revelation 8: ⁸ Then the second angel blew his trumpet. Something that looked like a huge mountain on fire was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea was turned into blood, ⁹ a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

 

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Fishing at a stocked lake was enjoyable. We caught several fish that were noteworthy. We went to other lakes that had fish at one point, but upon returning, the lakes seemed dead. “What happened to all the fish?” I pondered.

 

• I enjoyed fishing.
• I have seen lakes with fish jumping out of the water.
• I never wondered what it would be like if there were no fish.

 

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, hears the second of seven trumpets blown. This second step of taking down Satan’s kingdom, was focused on the sea. A third of the fish and ships were killed and destroyed, more than likely to affect tourism, commercial fishing and goods and services trading.

 

My Observations:

• GOD doesn’t seem to be afraid of destroying the earth HE created, because HE is powerful enough to protect humans.
• Once GOD cursed something, there is no power to turn it back into being blessed.
• GOD’s people who believe in JESUS as the Savior will not have to experience a second death.

 

Destruction is usually an attribute we do not like to give to GOD, but is necessary. I mean, HE tells us what is coming and how HE will do it. We have to believe HE is going to do what HE says HE will do.

 

GOD warns us so we can have plenty of time to get in alignment with HIM. HE laid out HIS plan as clear as possible, showing us HE will take down Satan’s kingdom and bring HIS kingdom into full glory. This is not a time to be scared, but it is not a time to rejoice either, for GOD does not wish anyone to perish. This is a time to prepare.

 

Challenge

• How do you think the writer felt about writing this?
• Have you ever asked GOD to show HIS plan to you?
• Since HE has shown HIS plan, do you agree with HIS methods or does it raise more questions?
• Will you seek a different set of questions and allow HIS plan for your life to be shown to you without trying to steer GOD into getting your way but HIS?

Roles Identified

Roles Identified

Revelation 7: After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds so that no wind should blow on the earth or the sea or against any tree. ² And I saw another angel coming up from the east with the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels to whom God had given the power to damage the earth and the sea. ³ The angel said, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees, until we mark the servants of our God with a seal on their foreheads.” ⁴ And I was told that the number of those who were marked with God's seal on their foreheads was 144,000. They were from the twelve tribes of Israel, ^5-8 twelve thousand from each tribe: Judah, Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin.

 

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At the event we were told to “Find your leader.” The instructions were clarified by having us find the person wearing a certain tee shirt color and carrying a pennant with the group name we were splitting up into.

 

• I found my leader easily.
• I was able to find my group easily.
• I was also able to separate from the larger crowd to form a smaller group.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, sees various roles identified for a special purpose. First he saw powerful angels who could damage the earth and the sea, but were told not to by another angel, who had an important role. This angel gave instructions to mark 12,000 people with GOD’s special seal that may be used for protection and as well as an identifier.

 

My Observations:

• It’s amazing that GOD kept HIS promise to never leave the twelve tribes, even though they did some terrible things, like trying to kill Joseph.
• GOD has a very specific plan with specific roles and specific numbers.
• Another part of dismantling Satan’s temporary kingdom is to damage the earth and sea.

 

GOD is methodical. I mean, HE orchestrates plans for you and me that are precise. HE knows the numbers HE wants to use and when HE wants to use them. GOD’s power is shown through HIS angels, who could hold back wind.

 

HE does things for a reason, many times we don’t understand. Fortunately for us, HIS plans are to prosper us, not to harm us, plans to give us a hope and a future.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer list the tribes of Israel?
• Have you ever had a special role?
• Will you accept JESUS as your Savior so you can be adopted into HIS family and given a role to play today?

Unprecedented

 Unprecedented

Revelation 6: ¹² And I saw the Lamb break open the sixth seal. There was a violent earthquake, and the sun became black like coarse black cloth, and the moon turned completely red like blood. ¹³ The stars fell down to the earth, like unripe figs falling from the tree when a strong wind shakes it. ¹⁴ The sky disappeared like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place. ¹⁵ Then the kings of the earth, the rulers and the military chiefs, the rich and the powerful, and all other people, slave and free, hid themselves in caves and under rocks on the mountains. ¹⁶ They called out to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the eyes of the one who sits on the throne and from the anger of the Lamb! ¹⁷ The terrible day of their anger is here, and who can stand up against it?”

 

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Asleep one night, we felt something. “Was that an earthquake?” I asked. I had never experienced an earthquake, so it was hard to describe the sensation of everything shaking without a storm being present. It was a small earthquake.

 

• I was somewhat curious about an earthquake.
• I wondered what an earthquake felt like.
• I went right back to sleep because nothing was disturbed in the house.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the LAMB open the sixth seal. Immediately there was an unprecedented violent earthquake. that shook the entire planet. As volcanos erupted, the sky would be filled with ash causing the sun to look dark and the moon to appear blood red. Possibly, fragments blown in the sky rained down like fiery stars. No one would mistake this Day.

 

My Observations:

• The Day of the LORD will not be mistaken.
• People will see GOD’s power unlike never before.
• No one will have to guess if GOD is angry, because HE will display it with unmatched fury!

 

Talking about the wrath of GOD is quite unpopular, but necessary. I mean, we want GOD to be nice, gentle and forgiving, which HE is. BUT HE also revealed what HE would do to Satan’s kingdom and that we should not ignore it like it will not happen.

 

In this sixth step of tearing down Satan’s temporary kingdom, GOD shows power that every nation would see and feel. No place would be spared. The Good News is, JESUS is not angry with those who believe in HIM. This HE promised.

 

Challenge

• Is the description the writer gives, frightening?
• Have you ever said “I wonder if this situation came from GOD?”
• Will you seek to understand why GOD showed us HIS wrath so you can be guided to be protected from it today?