The Daily Dose

Do you know Him?

“And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”  Matthew 7:23

Many people do a lot of great things to impact this world in a positive way.  There are philanthropists who give millions of dollars to fund orphanages and schools.  Some would give their lives to minister to the sick and serve homeless people.  Others serve on Mission fields around the world separated from home and family all their lives.  While these are all honorable things and certainly worthy of recognition here on earth, it is interesting to hear what Jesus has to say about the day we finally stand face to face with Him.

In today’s scripture, Jesus talked about the day when the books are open.  He said the only thing that matters on that day is that you know Him personally.  He’s not looking for you to tell Him how many souls you brought with you. He’s not looking for how many good deeds you have done while here on earth and He’s not even interested in how good you behaved in this life.  There will be those who come before Him saying they prophesied, cast out demons, and did many wonders in His name.  It is amazing to me that He will say to them “I never knew who you were” or in other words, they had no personal relationship with Him.  The point is that there is power in the name of Jesus, and even if you see great things being done in His name, none of these things will get you into eternity with Him, only that you know Him personally.  You must set aside time to cultivate your relationship with Him by talking and listening to Him daily, growing an active relationship with Him.

Today I want to encourage you to remember the time that you personally invited Jesus to be the LORD of your life.  Remember the day that you first started following His direction and leading for your life.  Take this time to think about the day that you first started talking to God personally and walking with Him day by day, the day that you finally made Him the LORD over every area of your life.  Now think about the relationship you have with Him today.  Do you spend time growing that relationship each day?  Do you recognize Him and His Word as the ultimate authority in your life?  Are you looking forward to the day when you hear “Well done, My faithful one” because you followed the plan and the leading of His Spirit day by day?   Decide today that you are going to go deeper with God by walking and listening closer to the direction He has for you each day.  Your relationship with Him is, hands down, the most important thing in this life and the next.

If you have never invited Him in to be your Lord and Savior, do that right now by praying this prayer of salvation and begin walking out each day with His love and direction guiding you.

Pray: God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior.  I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me.  Please forgive my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new today.  I know Your Son, Jesus died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead.  At this very moment, I accept, confess, and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward.  I now have a right relationship with God my Father through this salvation in the blood of Jesus. I thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit to guide me and to empower me to accomplish the things You have planned for my life in Jesus’ name, Amen

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 7:15-23

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?

17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.

19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’

23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

The narrow gate?

Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.  Matthew 7:14

Living the good life? What does that truly mean?  What was God’s idea of a good life when He created people?  Is it to work hard to accumulate things?  Is it being entertained at every free minute?  Is it having a family, working until you are 65 and retiring to live out the rest of your days in comfort and leisure? While none of these things are bad, and there certainly are worse ways to live out your days, but today’s text gives us some hints on God’s idea of living life to the fullest.

The passage starts with “Enter by the narrow gate.”  It goes on to say the narrow gate is difficult but leads to life.  So why is the narrow gate difficult?  If you picture an actual gate that is narrow, you could imagine that it would require you to unload anything that wasn’t actually part of you to get through it.  You would have to put down all the things that were heavy and burdensome.  In today’s world, you would have to enter on foot, not driving a vehicle through or bringing any of your possessions.  Mostly, it is taking a path that is purposeful and planned out by the Creator Himself.  Most people would follow the path of least resistance.  The road that is popular and well-traveled so that there is plenty of room and attractions along the way.  It can seem easier to coast or drift through life without purposefully pointing your life in a direction of intentionality.  Some would even purpose to pursue the things of this world that are fleeting and temporary but will disappear like a vapor when they are done living here in this world.

I see this as a spiritual gate.  Living your life growing your spirit person, that is what gets through the narrow gate.  Consider in a spiritual sense of laying down your cares and burdens and trusting in the God of the universe to get you through.  Notice that He is only interested in a relationship with you, not the things of this world.  Of course, it is wise to properly maintain your physical body, but this is not what actually goes through the narrow gate.  To truly live this life to the fullest, an individual must have a personal relationship and fellowship with the Father of love.  The wide gate is for the masses which many can fit through all at once.  Those headed toward this gate give no consideration to a personal relationship with the God of creation, only trying to satisfy and fill up with self-indulgence. 

Today I would encourage you to take a look at which gate you are heading toward.  Are you seeking out the precious personal time to fellowship and commune with your heavenly Father?  Or are you with the masses that are only looking out for number one? Have you stored up for yourself treasures in this world, or do you place your treasure and resources in His kingdom where it cannot be eaten away by rust and moths?  Decide today that you are going to start making eternal investments by helping others and using your resources to promote God’s agenda.  Then spend time each day purposing to press into Him through the narrow gate of relationship and being an example of His love everywhere you go.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 7:13-14

 13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Write

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.”  Revelation 19:9

You can write!  We all can. I have been a proponent of writing for the past several years.  I encourage people to journal to capture the things in your heart and in your thoughts.  Journaling is so simple, just write scriptures that you are meditating and want to remember or the impressions and thoughts you get during your quiet time.  You can write out the things you are praying and putting before God and make notes as you see Him moving in those situations. Write your story and the many wonderful ways you see God moving in your life.  Write a note or letter to someone you care about or randomly think of.  Write a text message to let someone know you are praying for them.  You can even write a social media post to tell the world there is hope.

Writing helps not only the people you are writing to, but it also helps you.  Writing things out reinforces them in your thoughts and also in your heart.  Writing also gives clarity and helps you organize ideas and plans.  Writing to others can inspire and motivate them to take a next step in life and writing your testimony can help you be ready to share it at any moment.

In today’s reading, a fellow servant tells John to write.  This voice tells Joh to write a blessing on those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb, the bride of Christ.  It was a true saying back then and it is still today.  John wrote down this message so that it could be preserved for the coming generations.  This encouragement was for the churches that John was writing to then, and it is also for us.  John’s writing that he did nearly 2000 years ago is impacting us still today all these years later.

That brings me to my final point.  Your writing will live on after you.  You have the opportunity today to impact the generations of tomorrow.  So start writing something today at least in a journal so that your words will continue to speak the love of God long after you have left this world.

Today I want to encourage you to write!  Write daily scriptures and thoughts.  Write letters and journals to help others get up when they get down.  Write notes and text to tell people you love them and they are doing a great work no matter how small it may seem.  Impact the world around you for years to come by writing what the Holy Spirit puts on your heart today.

Today’s Scripture reading: Revelation 19:9-10

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.” 

10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

Righteous Acts

And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.  Revelation 19:8

I can’t wait to get to heaven!  Not that I want to die and leave my life here, but as I read through the book of Revelation, I can’t help but notice the awesome time we will have when we get there.  From what we have read throughout this book, it looks like there is constant celebration and rejoicing.  A continual release of our expression of gratitude and admiration for all God has done in His creation and for delivering us from the evil clutches of sin.

In today’s reading there is once again a loud cheer of praise.  Thunderous voices of a great multitude crying out “Hallelujah!  For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns!”  Then the celebration goes into overdrive because the wedding celebration of the Lamb begins.  The bride of Christ has gotten herself ready to meet her groom, the Lord Jesus Christ!

I like how this is phrased here: “His wife has made herself ready.”  It doesn’t say, He has made her ready by His blood and sacrifice and it doesn’t say that God has made her ready by rescuing her from sin.  Those are the ways of salvation, only. The passage actually says that she gets herself ready and the way she does that is in the very next line.  She is wearing fine linen, clean and bright, which is the righteous acts that we do. This is not to be confused with good works for salvation. There is only one way God saves people and that is accepting the Lord Jesus as the Son of God and receiving His payment of His blood and sacrifice for the penalty of our sin. These righteous acts are for preparing the bride for His coming to get her for the wedding.

Tada!  Here it is, what we are to be doing to get ready for the wedding to come.  The day when we will be united with Jesus our Lord.  We are to be putting on righteous acts or doing what is good and right in the eyes of God our Father.  We are not to be condemning the world because of the sin bondage that it is under, and we are not to be squabbling with each other over doctrine and denominations.  There is no question what a good deed is and that is what our days here in this world should consist of.  When we are doing righteous acts, there is no room for the arguments and disagreements that blemish His bride, there is only joy and peace as we put on the robe of righteousness and fine linen.

Upon doing a search in the scripture of what “righteous acts” are, I was not surprised to find out that they are things we do beyond ourselves.  It is not going to church, being baptized or taking communion.  Righteous acts are the things that Jesus taught us to do for others.  Things we do in secret and not to be seen or praised by important people. In Matthew 6, Jesus taught us the things we are to do for others.  Things such as: giving alms to the needy and beggars.  Giving anonymously, generously and cheerfully. Praying for others in secret, not loud and repetitive for others to see how spiritual we are.  Fasting, a practice that is not so common in the church today, but one that is still most effective in purifying your heart and purging out distractions and unhealthy habits, either food or something else.  Jesus taught us to do unto others what we would want others to do for us (Matthew 7:12) and the things we do for those who are hurting and lost, we are doing it as unto Him. (Matthew 25:40)

So today I want to encourage you to get yourself ready by coming into agreement with the Word of God and God’s people.  Even if it seems impossible to get into agreement with others, you can do this with the empowering grace of the Holy Spirit.  Ask Him to show you areas where you can put on righteous acts such as giving, praying and fasting and begin doing those things today.  Get a plan in place to be ready to give when an opportunity presents itself and then when you do, remember that you are doing it unto the Lord, too.  Don’t walk right by the hurting people around you, share the love of God with them in a kind act, just as Jesus did.  Then encourage other believers to do the same thing.  You can influence believers that you are around and help them to get ready also.  Put on the robe of fine linen today and continue to wear it until the day the Lord Jesus comes back to get His glorious bride prepared without spot or wrinkle.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 19:6-8

6 And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! 

7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” 

8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

Righteous Acts

And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.  Revelation 19:8

I can’t wait to get to heaven!  Not that I want to die and leave my life here, but as I read through the book of Revelation, I can’t help but notice the awesome time we will have when we get there.  From what we have read throughout this book, it looks like there is constant celebration and rejoicing.  A continual release of our expression of gratitude and admiration for all God has done in His creation and for delivering us from the evil clutches of sin.

In today’s reading there is once again a loud cheer of praise.  Thunderous voices of a great multitude crying out “Hallelujah!  For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns!”  Then the celebration goes into overdrive because the wedding celebration of the Lamb begins.  The bride of Christ has gotten herself ready to meet her groom, the Lord Jesus Christ!

I like how this is phrased here: “His wife has made herself ready.”  It doesn’t say, He has made her ready by His blood and sacrifice and it doesn’t say that God has made her ready by rescuing her from sin.  Those are the ways of salvation, only. The passage actually says that she gets herself ready and the way she does that is in the very next line.  She is wearing fine linen, clean and bright, which is the righteous acts that we do. This is not to be confused with good works for salvation. There is only one way God saves people and that is accepting the Lord Jesus as the Son of God and receiving His payment of His blood and sacrifice for the penalty of our sin. These righteous acts are for preparing the bride for His coming to get her for the wedding.

Tada!  Here it is, what we are to be doing to get ready for the wedding to come.  The day when we will be united with Jesus our Lord.  We are to be putting on righteous acts or doing what is good and right in the eyes of God our Father.  We are not to be condemning the world because of the sin bondage that it is under, and we are not to be squabbling with each other over doctrine and denominations.  There is no question what a good deed is and that is what our days here in this world should consist of.  When we are doing righteous acts, there is no room for the arguments and disagreements that blemish His bride, there is only joy and peace as we put on the robe of righteousness and fine linen.

Upon doing a search in the scripture of what “righteous acts” are, I was not surprised to find out that they are things we do beyond ourselves.  It is not going to church, being baptized or taking communion.  Righteous acts are the things that Jesus taught us to do for others.  Things we do in secret and not to be seen or praised by important people. In Matthew 6, Jesus taught us the things we are to do for others.  Things such as: giving alms to the needy and beggars.  Giving anonymously, generously and cheerfully. Praying for others in secret, not loud and repetitive for others to see how spiritual we are.  Fasting, a practice that is not so common in the church today, but one that is still most effective in purifying your heart and purging out distractions and unhealthy habits, either food or something else.  Jesus taught us to do unto others what we would want others to do for us (Matthew 7:12) and the things we do for those who are hurting and lost, we are doing it as unto Him. (Matthew 25:40)

So today I want to encourage you to get yourself ready by coming into agreement with the Word of God and God’s people.  Even if it seems impossible to get into agreement with others, you can do this with the empowering grace of the Holy Spirit.  Ask Him to show you areas where you can put on righteous acts such as giving, praying and fasting and begin doing those things today.  Get a plan in place to be ready to give when an opportunity presents itself and then when you do, remember that you are doing it unto the Lord, too.  Don’t walk right by the hurting people around you, share the love of God with them in a kind act, just as Jesus did.  Then encourage other believers to do the same thing.  You can influence believers that you are around and help them to get ready also.  Put on the robe of fine linen today and continue to wear it until the day the Lord Jesus comes back to get His glorious bride prepared without spot or wrinkle.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 19:6-8

6 And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! 

7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” 

8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

A voice from the throne

Then a voice came from the throne, saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!”  Revelation 19:5

This phrase struck me as I read through the passage for today.  A voice from the throne said, “Praise our God.”  As I stopped reading to consider it, I asked myself, Who is saying this?  It didn’t make sense that God would be saying from His throne “Praise our God.”  If it were God speaking, He would have said, “Praise Me!” 

Then I considered the fact that God is not the only One on the throne.  Even though there is one throne, it is occupied by three.  The triune God.  God the Father, the Holy Spirit and Jesus the Son.  The voice coming from the throne here is Jesus. 

Hebrews chapter 2 explains to us that Jesus is one with those who receive salvation.  Verse 11 proclaims He is not ashamed to call us brethren.  It goes on to say in verse 12 that He, Jesus declares God’s name to us and sings praises with us to God our Father.  Jesus leads us to the throne of God to praise and worship God right along with Him.  The passage in Hebrew even goes so far to say the Jesus puts His trust in God, just like we need to. He is truly the example we need to follow and the first and last in all things.

And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” And again: “Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.” – Hebrew 2:13

This is not a new thought for me but one that always causes me to be in awe of Him.  Jesus, our Savior, the perfect Lamb of God, the man part of the Godhead, worships God with us.  He leads us in praise to our Father and He is only complete with His whole body, the church.  Together and as one being, we trust in God our Father. Think about that.

Today I want to encourage you as you spend time in praise and worship, remember that Jesus is right there with you worshiping our Father and leading you in praise to Him.  Next Sunday when you go to church with your brothers and sisters in Christ, keep in mind that Jesus is worshiping with you.  He is the head of the body of believers, and He is the One that leads us to the throne, the One Who directs our steps.  So today, lets praise our God together with Jesus all those who fear Him both great and small.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 19:4-5

4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, “Amen! Alleluia!” 

5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!”

Finally!

His judgments are true and just. He has punished the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality. He has avenged the murder of his servants.” – Revelation 19:2

It has been some time since I wrote the Daily Dose blog.  Over two weeks now.  Although it was nice to have a break, I have to say that I miss writing each day and sharing with all of you the thoughts and encouraging words that come to my heart as I read the Word of God.  My husband and I had the great privilege to tour the travels of the apostle Paul through Greece and what a great treasure it was to see many of the places that I have written about over the past three years.  Included in our trip was a visit to the island of Patmos, which to me was one of the greatest highlights of the trip.  Now as I read and write out the final chapters of Revelation, my memories of the island come flooding back as I consider the place where the Lord Jesus revealed God’s plan for the end of this age to the apostle John.  After John wrote the words and images that were revealed to him, I am sure he had many questions and thoughts about the message he was given.  Probably one of the most frequent questions was: “How long before these things come to pass?” or “When would his suffering end?”

Maybe you have looked at the issues going on in the world today or the stresses that you face in life each day and asked similar questions.  “When will all the pressure end?” And “How long before all is made right?”

In today’s reading, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and that this time of great tribulation is finally wrapping up.  Chapter 19 starts out with a celebration in heaven.  The hosts of God’s kingdom are shouting and praising God with all that is within us!  Our praise is that judgement has come on the earth and punishment for the corruption and the murdering of His servants has finally been executed.  No longer will God’s people in the world wonder how long they must suffer and is it finally the end of the government of perverse men and women.  The end of this time is here and now we will return with our Lord to take it all back!

So today if you are wondering how long it will be until things are made right, remember the time is near.  Look up to the One who has it all planned out and is lining up all things on His scheduled timeline.  Seek out His part of the plan He has for you and begin to step into your calling to get the work done.  It is only natural to want to be free from the pressures of life that we face day to day, but when you are living life in your designed space and calling, you will enjoy the time you spend here because your mission will bring others into the Kingdom of heaven with you forever.

Today I want to encourage you to change your focus from asking “How long oh Lord?” to “What is my assignment today, my Lord?”  As you purpose in your heart to fulfill God’s plan, you will have a sense of satisfaction and desire to not only do your part, but connect with others and grow along the way.  Start today to daily get the plan and then receive His empowering grace to complete, down to the last detail every step God’s Spirit points you to.  You only get one chance to live a life of purpose so start walking out that purpose today.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 19:1-3

1 After this, I heard what sounded like a vast crowd in heaven shouting, “Praise the Lord! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.

2 His judgments are true and just. He has punished the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality. He has avenged the murder of his servants.”

3 And again their voices rang out: “Praise the Lord! The smoke from that city ascends forever and ever!”

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick note to let you all know that the Daily Dose will be off the grid for the next two weeks. I will give you a full update when we are back up on the week of May 19th. We will finish up the last four chapters of Revelation at that time.

Enjoy the beautiful weather of May!!

What now?

The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived.  Revelation 18:23

I’ve heard stories about what the world was like during the time of the great depression.  The system of finance in the country hit an all-time low and many who had all their wealth tied up in it lost everything.  It was so bad that there were some that ended their lives because of the devastation and loss of hope for the future.

Since that time, things have changed some in that banks and financial institutes are now insured against such calamities to protect it’s investors.  So, once again, people trust in their wealth and resources to secure their future here in the world.  It is amazing to me that people are so caught up in their bank accounts and financial portfolios even though they know the day is coming when they will be gone from this world and in no way can take their funds with them.  Even today, people are truly blinded by the “security” of having great wealth.

This is truly what today’s reading was talking about the nations being deceived by the security of great riches.  The difference is that in the days of the great tribulation the deception will be far greater, and the collapse will be final.  There will be no getting back what was lost and the people will turn to their world leader to be their security in those final days.  Truly blinded by the darkness that has covered the entire planet.

It is sad and hopeless when we see this happening in our world today.  All around us and even those we love, have put their trust and security in the monies they accumulate.  It doesn’t matter how small or how great the amount, what a person has is what they ultimately depend on for their security.  Even though we all know that none of us are getting out of here alive and not one person gets to take any material thing with them when they go on to eternity, people still work an entire lifetime to accumulate things.  What we need to be doing is using every resource to reach souls.  Our security is in bringing people into eternity with us.  What we need to be striving for today and every day is rescuing those who are lost in the darkness of this time and walking them into the presence of a loving heavenly Father that has the greatest plan and mission for them to spend all their days working on.

Today I want to encourage you to examine your heart motive where your possessions are concerned.  Ask yourself if you truly trust in God or if your security is tied up in the things you own and the savings you add to.  Be honest with yourself and if you find that you are happy when your funds are high and depressed when they are low then chances are that your heart only finds security in what you put in the bank.  Surrender that over to your heavenly Father today and trust in Him.  He is the One that can protect you from the tragedies of the world and He is the One that will add all that you need to you when you seek Him first.  Make a shift in your heart posture today so that when you get to the end of your life you can hear from the Father “Well done, good and faithful servant!” instead of “Well, what have you done for the kingdom of heaven?”

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 18:21-24

21 Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore. 

22 The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore, and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore. 

23 The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. 

24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.”

What are you trusting in?

“They threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour, she is made desolate.’  Revelation 18:19

I don’t spend a lot of time looking at current events and the news around the world, but I do try to keep up with what is going on.  Especially with countries that are at war like the Ukraine.  This nation has suffered attacks from Russia for years and the destruction on that region is devastation.  People have been driven from their homes and many cities and buildings now lay in ruins.  However, if we are not looking at it on the news or internet in this part of the world, we barely even notice what is happening.  Millions of people are suffering from the brute forces coming against them and we are pretty much oblivious.

It is sad really, that we don’t take a more proactive stance when we see countries around the world being wiped out.  I am as guilty as the next person of thinking there is little we can do to help.  But there is a big thing we can do and that is to pray. We can pray for God’s provision and salvation for those being oppressed and pushed from their homeland and we can pray for the peace of those regions.  I know that it is scriptural that in the last days there will be wars and rumors of war, but that doesn’t mean that we just stand by and watch.  These destructive forces coming against countries like the Ukraine and Israel are nothing more than demonic deceptions hardening the hearts of those who want to rule the world.  Our prayers in this time are the very thing that will make an impact to change the circumstances in a positive way.

Today we are reading about the fall of the great city Babylon to come.  The entire city falls in just one hour.  It is hard to imagine such devastation that can flatten an entire city in just a 60 minute time period.  People will stand and watch this catastrophic display from a distant. They will mourn and lament for the rich city that they love so much.  All the riches in the world are not enough to save the great Babylon from the desolation that will come on it in that day.  But this destruction will be for the apostles and prophets to rejoice over because they will be avenged at that time.  All the resources and wealth that have been gathered to build and support Babylon the great will also be destroyed with it.  There will be nothing salvageable at the end. The kings and merchants of the world trusted in the great wealth and riches of that city but at the end of that day, it will all be gone.

Today I want to encourage you not to put your trust in uncertain riches.  Don’t depend on your things and possessions to comfort and support you through this life.  Trust in God and hope in His provision and wisdom.  Let His Spirit guide your steps each day.  He will lead you to your place of purpose and fulfilment and if you lose some things, you will still have the security of His love and kindness to get you through to the next provision He has for you.  I also want to encourage you to pray for nations today that are being attacked by enemy countries like Ukraine and Israel.  Pray for resolution and the end of the aggression coming against them.  Pray for the people to have hope and be brought to salvation through this trying time.  Pray for aide and support to help them rebuild and reestablish their cities and that the attacking countries would pull back and take care of their own people.  We cannot control all the crisis of the world, but we can lift them up to our Father in heaven and trust in Him to bring resolve.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 18:9-20

9 “The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, 

10 standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’

11 “And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: 

12 merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; 

13 and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. 

14 The fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all. 

15 The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 

16 and saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! 

17 For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.’ Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance 

18 and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What is like this great city?’

19 “They threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate.’

20 “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!”