The Daily Dose

This is a hard saying

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew 5:10

This one is hard for me. It’s hard for me to understand how persecution can be a blessing. Sure, I can receive it by faith, but to write about it with conviction takes some revelation.  So, I am going to start with the second part and hopefully we will have a better grasp when I am done.

The second part of the verse says “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  Jesus talked about the kingdom of heaven all through His ministry here in the world.  I think Jesus gave the clearest explanation of the Kingdom of heaven when asked about it by the Pharisees in Luke 17.  He said: “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”  (Luke 17:20-21) Jesus plainly says that God’s kingdom or the kingdom of heaven is not some place you will see only after you die or not when He sets up His kingdom on Earth.  He told them that God’s domain is inside each one of His people.  It is where He lives.  In our lives and in our hearts.  We release that kingdom in our lives when we receive Jesus as Savior and begin to walk out our purpose in this world.  We don’t have to wait until the great by and by when we are gone from this world, Jesus tells us that we can operate in the kingdom right here in the world right now.  By following His example and the leading of His Spirit, we can walk each day by heaven’s principles and heaven’s laws.  Why else would He tell us to pray for His will to be done here in the world just as it is in heaven. (see Matthew 6)

This is great news and when we realize that we are living this life the kingdom of heaven way and in God’s love and direction, that becomes all that is important.  I am reminded of Stephen when he faced the persecution of the high priest and counsel, all he saw was the kingdom of heaven even until death.  Notice Stephen’s words in the face of being stoned to death: But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”(Acts 7:55-56)

Wow!  That truly is a blessing to be at the point of martyrdom to only be able to see God in His kingdom watching what is going on and Jesus standing to welcome you home.  I do see that as a blessing.  I also know that when I am talking to someone about salvation, I am talking to them as someone who belongs to a different world than they do and I am willing to give my life so that they can escape this world of sin too. I am His ambassador from His kingdom to this world that I live in right now. I am here to tell others about my King that loves all people and wants to welcome them all into His kingdom to escape their destiny of punishment. Sometimes I may face hardship, and sometime it may be uncomfortable, but I am will to represent God’s kingdom as His daughter even to the point of death because I know that it has no hold on me.

Jesus was right when He said blessed are those who are persecuted because of their right relationship with God because they belong to a different Kingdom, the kingdom of heaven. 

Today I want to encourage you to walk out your days knowing that you belong to a different kingdom, and you are a citizen of heaven.  You have been deployed into this world to bring God’s kingdom to others after you received Jesus into your heart and life.  Now you understand that the world will try to come against you sometimes, but you are not of this world, this is not your home, so it doesn’t matter what they think of you, it only matters that they get the opportunity to receive Jesus and His kingdom into their life too.  They may not receive His great gift of love immediately after hearing, but those seed of salvation you planted will grow up to yield a crop of blessing in their hearts and yours. 

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 5:3-12

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.

12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The Sealed of God

Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, Revelation 7:2

When you buy many products in the store, they are sealed shut and that seal is not opened until the time that you are ready to use the item, whatever it is.  If you see something while shopping that has a broken seal or has already been opened, most likely, you will pass that up because it has been tampered with in some way.  Either it is contaminated by germs or gone bad from exposure to the outside elements.  You recognize that when the seal is broken, the product no longer has the protection from infectious bacteria and no guarantee of freshness.

This is what happens to each one of us when we receive salvation in the blood of Jesus.  We are sealed with the promised Holy Spirit of God.  With this seal, we are marked as God’s people and as long as we keep under that seal, we are protected from the worldly contaminates to be kept pure and clean.  Ephesians 1:13 says: In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.

In today’s reading, there is a pause in the opening of the seals by the Lamb of God.  The apostle John sees something that is happening between the 6th and 7th seals on the scroll.  It is almost like a “time out” to what has been going on so far in his vision.  Chapter six of revelation ends with the question, “Who is able to stand?”  Now John is about to be given that answer in chapter seven.

John, looking at the world from a heavenly viewpoint, sees four angels on the earth waiting to move until the seal of God is given to 144,000 witnesses.  These are people from the 12 tribes of Israel that receive salvation during the time period of the seals being broken and the release of the forces from heaven. These are being sealed as they received salvation for a mission they are given in the world at this point in time.  They are servants of God; some would even call them evangelist to spread the message of salvation throughout the world so that the lost people that are looking can find His great gift of eternal life.

As believers in the world today, we can take comfort in the assurance that God knows His own people and will protect them in the midst of trials and tribulations. Just as He sealed His servants in this section of Revelation, He watches over us and keeps us safe under the seal of the Holy Spirit of promise.  We don’t have to wonder how God will know which people are His, even though we may look like everyone else in the world, we have the seal of God on us so that when trouble comes, He is ready to lead us through it to victory. Don’t get out from under that seal and become contaminated by the outside world and elements. Keep your relationship and heart close to your heavenly Father by spending personal time with Him each day. Only then will you strengthen that seal of His presence to know He is with you every step of the way.

Today I want to encourage you to thank your heavenly Father for His seal of promise on you.  Thank Him for always being present with you.  Let Him know how much you appreciate His coming close to you when you draw near to Him.  Praise Him for His great gift of salvation that He makes available to anyone who would call on the name of the Lord and then take His light of love into the world with you each day to shine for all those around you to see.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 7:1-8

1 After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. 

2 Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, 

3 saying, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” 

4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed:

5 of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand were sealed;

6 of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed;

7 of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand were sealed;

8 of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed.

A great earthquake

I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood.  Revelation 6:12

I live in western Pennsylvania so, as you can imagine, we don’t get a lot of earthquakes around here.  Oh, we have snow, hail, windstorms and even a tornado once in a great while, but no tremors.  Actually, there was one time when I happened to be sitting in my living room by myself and the entire house began to shake.  I thought it was very strange but truthfully if I hadn’t been sitting still, I would have never felt it.  I found out later that day that there was actually a tremor in our area.  Very rare and have never experienced one since then.

There have been devasting earthquakes in our time.  I can remember when an earthquake hit Haiti in 2010.  Almost the entire country was in ruins.  There have been others since then in various countries.  Japan, Nepal, Indonesia, Morocco, China and Afghanistan to name a few, ranging from 6.0 – 9.0 on the Richter scale.  As devasting as these disasters were at the time, they are nothing compared to the earthquake we are reading about today in Revelation 6.

When Jesus opens the 6^th seal in today’s reading, there was released such a great earthquake in the world that it blackens the sun and turns the moon bloodred.  This phenomenon causes stars to fall to the earth it’s compared to a tree shaking off ripe fruit.  On top of that every mountain and island are moved out of place and the sky slams shut like a book.  This picture is way beyond anything I can imagine, though I do think if I were there I would be calling out to God for help and protection.  Surprisingly, the majority of the people in the world will run and hide from Him.  There will be some who turn to God, but overall, people are still not acknowledging that God can save them.  They believe God only wants to destroy them and they have no remorse in their hearts for their wickedness. 

This scene reminds me of Adam and Eve in the garden when they sinned against God.  They hid themselves and when they were found by Him, they made excuses and blamed someone else for making them that way.  If they had repented and confessed to God that they made a mistake and asked for His help, I know things would have gone a little differently.  Not that sin would not have entered the world, but their relationship with God would have definitely been better.  All the people in today’s reading that are in the world at the time of this great earthquake, hide and then call on mountains and rocks to fall on them to hide them from the face of Him who sits on the throne.  No responsibility, no remorse and no repentance.  So sad, even those that do survive only go on to a greater degree of destruction and devastation on the earth with the things to come.

Today I want to encourage you to repent and turn to God for salvation, help and empowerment to get you out of any predicament you may be facing.  Don’t try to figure things out for yourself and don’t try to hide from Him or what you are going through.  Turn your concerns, cares and worries over to Him and learn His supernatural answers to every problem you have.  If you don’t already know Him personally or if you are here in the world when these devasting things happen, you can turn and repent (go in His direction) today.  Simply invite Him into your heart and into your life by praying the prayer below with all sincerity and believe.  He will save you and He will keep you.  After you do ask Him in, then you begin to cultivate your relationship with Him by getting to know His love and provision for every area of your life through quiet time with His Word and prayer each day.  If you have already invited Him into your circumstances, begin to learn about the depth of His love for you by pressing in to time with Him and His promises He gave in His everlasting Word!

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: Revelation 6:12-17

12 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. 

13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. 

14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. 

15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 

16 and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 

17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

Under the Alter

When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.  Revelation 6:9

 As I get older each year, I consider that the day is getting closer to when my work here in this world will be over.  Not that I expect it any time soon, I just know that I am getting closer each day to the time of departure.  Don’t get me wrong, I am looking forward to that day, but I do want to complete the purpose I was given life in this world.  Both my husband’s and my parents have passed, and we recognize that our generation is next and want to make sure to live each day to the fullest until we are called home to be with our family in heaven.

As I think about that time, I am so thankful for the promise that Jesus made right before going to the cross in John chapter 14.  He said:  “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”  He has promised that He is preparing a place for me, even a mansion if the translation is correct?  Whatever place He is preparing, I know it is a good place and one that is perfectly suited for me.  He has designed it with the way He created me in mind.  I know I will love my dwelling place when I am there with my Father and my Savior.

In today’s reading, the Lamb of God Who took away the sin of the world and is the only One worthy to open the scroll and break the seals on the scroll, opens the fifth seal.  Instead of another special agent being released into the earth, the scene takes place right there in heaven, at the alter, before the throne of God.  John reports that he saw souls under the alter.  Those who had been slain for the Word of God and the testimony which they held on to until death.  This picture always seemed strange to me.  Why were they under the alter and why did they have to wait there for the others who would be killed like they were?

That’s when I remembered the words of Jesus that He is preparing a place for the church, His bride.  However, after the bride is taken out of the earth, that preparation is over.  These that are saved during this tribulation time do not have a place prepared for their souls until their bodies join them.  I have added a picture today of the souls under the altar.  Of course, it is not a real picture but something someone made from what they thought John might have been seeing.  It helps me to imagine the scene and when I look at it, it reminds me of a gateway through which these souls will enter into heaven.   This is only my imagination, and it may be totally off, but it is a good depiction of what it could look like when the time comes.

These souls are crying out to God to avenge their blood and He hears them and comforts them with white robes of righteousness and rest. Then God assures them that He will avenge them after the rest join them.

Today I want to encourage you as you navigate the challenges and trials of this world to draw strength from the example of the faithful martyrs in Revelations 6, who remained steadfast in their faith even to death.  Take comfort in the assurance that just as God will bring justice and victory to them, He will also do for you today.  Remain committed in your faith, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.  Take heart in the promises of Jesus who said He is getting a place ready for you and when it is your time to go, know that you will love that place far more than anywhere you have lived in this world.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 6:9-11

9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 

10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 

11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.

Death and the Grave

I looked up and saw a horse whose color was pale green. Its rider was named Death, and his companion was the Grave. These two were given authority over one-fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword and famine and disease and wild animals.  Revelation 6:8

 I am praying for you today.  As you read through Revelation with Daily Dose, I pray that revelation will come to you beyond what I am writing each day.  I am praying that supernatural insight and encouragement is entering your heart and life through this book. My hope is that you are gaining new understanding of the things to come and how to share with others before it is too late.  As the Holy Spirit opens up your understanding, please share with me when you have time.  I know there is so much more beyond what I understand today, and the depth of this book is much more than we even realize.  As you read each day, I ask that you start with prayer and invite the Holy Spirit to reveal truths and inspiration to empower you to put away any fear of uncertainties that you may have felt in the past.

As we continue to watch the Lamb of God open the seals on the scroll that only He is worthy to open, the fourth seal is broken, and a pale horse is released.  John watched as the riders, Death and Hades were given authority over ¼ of the earth.  As a result, a quarter of the world’s population was killed in battle, famine, disease and hungry wild beast.  If you can imagine the magnitude of the destruction that has hit the earth with the release of the 4 horsemen, much of the planet’s surface will be destroyed from warfare.  I have seen reports on news apps of countries around the world that are at war at this time and the devastation of the land is incomprehensible.  Buildings falling down, vegetation and nature blackened as the results of bombing and burning not to mention the severe injuries of the people.  It is a terrible scene in today’s world and at the time of Revelation six, it will be beyond anything that has ever hit the world before.

In my opinion, these first four seals that are broken occur over a one-year time period.  One rider each season. At the end of the first year, the earth is in total demolition, sorrow, suffering and misery.  Everyone is brought to an equality like never before and it is the perfect condition for a world leader to rise up over the chaos to say they are bringing “peace” and order back into the world.

So, what encouraging message can be brought out of this traumatic picture?  Even though reading this chapter can try to bring fear and anxiety of the mass destruction in the world, we can take comfort in the promises of God.  God’s Word is alive and active in the world today and it will still be just as powerful in the time of tribulation that covers the entire world.   Those who will be coming to the Lord at that time will be a great force of goodness in the world to help bring more into God’s Kingdom through the suffering.  Also, be comforted with knowing that this is God’s plan and story.  He is the one that is holding the scroll, and He is the one that is releasing the circumstances of that time.  There will be people who try to control things and take advantage of the horrific surroundings, but God is the One that has all the answers, and He has the power that is still drawing people to Him.  In times of suffering, people began to think seriously about Who God is and how to reach Him.

Jesus told us in John 11:25-26: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die”. This promise reminds us that physical death is not the end and for God’s people, it is the beginning of a wonderful eternity with Him.  Psalm 68:20 reminds us that, “Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.” Even in the face of death, we can trust in God’s unfailing love and His promise to be with us always, guiding us through every trial and “tribulation.”

Today I want to encourage you to find hope in God’s Word to sustain you in every area and season of your life, even when navigating the challenges and uncertainties of this world.  As we continue our journey through Revelation, let’s hold on to the hope we have in Christ Jesus our Savior, knowing that He has overcome the world and has prepared a place for us in His kingdom. We can live each day with confidence and courage, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in our Lord Jesus (Romans 8:38-39).

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 6:7-8

7 When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the fourth living being say, “Come!” 

8 I looked up and saw a horse whose color was pale green. Its rider was named Death, and his companion was the Grave. These two were given authority over one-fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword and famine and disease and wild animals.

Peacemakers

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.  Matthew 5:9

Imagine you were sent to this world to make peace.  Not with other people, but to connect other people with God.  An ambassador.  That’s what Jesus did.  The angels proclaimed peace the night He was born into the Earth.  They said “Peace on Earth and goodness toward men” They were talking about peace with God.  Jesus came so that people of the world could be at peace with God through the sacrifice of His life and blood.

This is still our ministry today, but we don’t have to be the same sacrifice that Jesus was.  Our sacrifice is to give our life to show the world that they too can have peace with God, and be reconciled to Him, after we have first been brought back into a right relationship with Him.

We bring the peace of God’s goodness, and we bring the peace of God’s grace.  We proclaim the message of the creator’s love and His desire to have all people in His family.  He created us to be connected to each other and connected to Him.

In John 17:22-23 Jesus prayed: “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.”  God’s desire is for us to be connected to each other in unity, each of us doing our part in the ministry of being a peacemaker in the world.

And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:18) What truly makes us part of God’s family, His children is when we represent His mission and His cause in the world.  We bring His message of peace and Salvation to all so that they can make the choice to become a peacemaker, too.

Today I want to encourage you to be a peacemaker.  Share the message of God’s peace brought into the world through His Son, Jesus.  Keep your focus on the One who gives you peace and don’t let the stress and anxiety of the world steal it from you.  Instead, give peace to the world by loving people in a way that  shows how your Father in heaven loves them.  We are called the children of God, because we are one of His voices in the earth.  Be the voice of peace into every conversation you enter today and bring with you the unity that Jesus prayed so earnestly for.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 5:3-12

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.

12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Pure in Heart

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.  Matthew 5:8

The pure in heart, the innocent?  Remember when you were?  Probably a very long time ago, but still today you always look for the best in others.  You expect good things are going to happen and you have hope for tomorrow.  That sounds pretty innocent and even naive.  The world around you always looks to the bad news.  Everywhere you go people report what is going wrong?

This is quite a dilemma!  How do you keep yourself from being jaded by the gloom around you?  The latest gossip and the terrifying current world events.  Fear, anxiety and even panic threaten at first, but you quickly turn back to the innocence of your faith.  The unwavering belief that you have in your faithful Father.  The undeniable conviction of His unconditional love for you and the unfailing promises to keep you from harm.  This is where your innocence lies, in your childlike faith.

James 1:27 tells us: True spirituality that is pure in the eyes of our Father God is to make a difference in the lives of the orphans,  and widows in their troubles, and to refuse to be contaminated by the world’s corruption.  Yes, this is where you find your pureness of heart in keeping clean before your Lord.

This comes back to the time you spend with Him, The time you commit all to Him and the time you determine to go and do what He leads you to, through His Spirit.  The time you commit to your relationship with God will, in fact, make His presence real to you.  You will see God in all the circumstances surrounding you.  Even when the outside world is falling apart around you, you see God in the love He gives you in a Savior, the peace He gives you through His Sprit and the joy He gives you in His protection and provision.  James says it this way: Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:8)   When you press in and get close to God, He will get close to you. The closer you get to Him, the closer He gets to you.  By talking and listening to Him, reading His Word and getting to know Him better, worship and coming together with others of like faith, through these you are drawing near to Him.  You are the one who purifies your heart by replacing your worldly habits with ministry and God time.  The more you hang out with God, the less of the world you will have inside of you.  Now you can see Him.

Today I want to encourage you to purify your heart by replacing all the activities that take your attention away from you Father.  I’m not talking about your family time, your family is your ministry, but I am talking about the things you give your attention to when you do have some down time.  Don’t fill up with news, social media and movies, instead fill up with the Word, with messages and quiet time talking things out with Him.  He wants us to be pure in heart, but we are the ones that make it happen by getting closer to Him each day.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 5:3-12

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.

12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The Third Seal

When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand.  Revelation 6:5

I remember when March 2020 hit, and the country shut down for “two weeks” that ended up being over two months.  Some places were even longer than that.  Many businesses worked remotely for the rest of the year, and some are still operating that way, today.  Then the government began to give out “free money” to try to help the economy get back on track.  It was a very stressful time and it continued to escalate throughout the entire year and into the next.  Things are still not the same as they were before and probably never will be.  Some for good, but mostly, just different and we will be seeing lasting effects of that time for years to come.

Ironically, I remember picking up my weekly grocery order just one week before everything shut down and because people were already starting to buy up all the toilet paper, my small order of toilet paper was substituted with two large packages of tp.  I remember thinking “What in the world am I going to do with all that toilet paper.”  Little did I know that there would be a long team shortage of toilet paper and I would have enough to last until the supplies could be restocked months later.  It seemed like the most unusual thing for people to panic about, yet we found out in that time what was really important to the world.

In today’s reading, the Lamb of God breaks the third seal of the scroll that only He is worthy to open.  A black horse is released into the world.  The rider of the horse is carrying a set of scales.  Then there is an announcement in heaven about the inflated cost of an important ingredient of food.  It makes perfect sense that there would be a time of famine and scarcity following the war making horseman of the previous seal.  After so much bloodshed and war breaking out, there was no doubt a lot of theft and looting, not to mention a lack of workers that had been deployed and lost in the time of war. The last part of the announcement was: “Do not harm the oil and wine.”  This is an instruction to the rider carrying the scales.  Some have said the oil and wine are symbols of the Holy Spirit and the blood of Jesus, though I believe it is literally oil and wine because it is in the same sentence with the list of other earthy substances, wheat and barley. Signifying that God’s provision will be unharmed as He provides for those who are trusting in Him.

Once again, keep in mind that during this time there will be more people drawn to salvation and there are many there that have already received and will still be helping those lost people to find their way to Him.  In the middle of all that is going on in the world, God is still providing for those who turn to Him.  Maybe not a great supply of toilet paper, but they will have all that they need in that season.

Today I want to encourage you that no matter what is going on in the world, it is still His-story.  In these uncertain times, we have hope in our salvation and relationship with our Father in heaven.  Things are happening in the world all around us to line up the circumstances for the end of the age, but don’t be afraid or discouraged about that.  Remember that we will have victory and have been assured victory over every trial today and to the end of time!  There is no sad ending for those who are in Christ Jesus and those who have a part in the plan that is playing out right here and right now.  Our part is to trust Him each day and stay faithful by generously supporting each other in the community of God’s people and keep our hopes high even in the middle of difficult circumstances and scarcity.  God’s provision is unlimited!

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 6:5-6

5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 

6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.”

Conflict

When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” Revelation 6:3

At the beginning of this year, the Lord showed me that when conflict arises, I should press into it and get excited about what resolution will come out of it. When conflict is faced properly, it can be the very thing that helps us explore all perspectives to come up with the best possible solution to whatever the issue is.  I don’t experience conflict a lot and quite frankly, I try to avoid it.  I do not like arguments, hurt feelings or putting myself in another’s place to try to understand perspective.  I have not been successful at it yet since having this direction, though thankfully I have not had a lot of opportunities to practice.  I do trust the Holy Spirit and I will endeavor to press in every chance I get.  Hopefully, in time, I will get better at it.

In today’s reading, there is a different kind of conflict and not one that comes out with a better solution.  At least not on the surface.  As we read about the Lamb of God breaking the second seal on the scroll that only He is worthy to open, a new horse and rider are released into the earth.  This rider is on a fiery red horse.  Red often symbolizes bloodshed, war and violence. This special agent is given power to take peace from the world.  The rider is given a great sword, indicating his ability to bring about widespread conflict and bloodshed.  With this rider, war breaks out on every level in the world and great conflict from countries to households.  Although this scene looks grim when reading through the passage, keep in mind that God is the one releasing these elite forces so we can be confident that His ultimate goal is to reach more people before the end comes.  Although the blood shed after the release of the second rider is great, it will also be a time of redemption.  In this time of trouble more will be calling on the name of the Lord to be saved, answering the prayers of God’s people that are still in the world at that time.

This image of conflict and war reminds us as believers to be God’s people of peace in a world of strife that we live in today. These words were recorded when Jesus gave His sermon on the mount: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). In times of hostility, we are called to reflect the peace of God through the power of the Holy Spirit, promoting connection and understanding right in the middle of a world of adversity that we live in.

Today I want to encourage you that even though we are not facing this magnitude of war and conflict that is happening in the passage, we will always have conflicts in life. With conflict, it is important for us to find peace and hope in the love of God and the promise of His eternal kingdom. Join me today in pressing into Him when conflict arises and committing to living this life as peacemakers.  By drawing on the peace of our Savior in every circumstance, and standing firm in our faith as we look forward to the day of His coming.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 6:1-4

1 Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” 

2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.

3 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” 

4 Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.

Come and See

Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.”  Revelation 6:1

Here we go!  Chapter six is where Revelation shifts from heavenly worship and celebrating to interaction with earth.  The Lamb of God begins opening the seals on the scroll that only He is worthy to open.  This has been a struggle for me in the past as I have read these verses many times.  I wondered how these things that seem so terrible could come from heaven and from the good God and Father that has always been so kind and gentle with me.

However, after writing each day leading up to this chapter that I finally realized, these terrible things that are coming out of the scroll as it is being opened are the answers to the prayers that are being lifted up by God’s people that are still in the world.  Even though the church, the body of believers had been taken out of the earth at this point in the future, those that are left behind in the world are still being saved and coming to salvation.  Unfortunately, they are facing very treacherous times and crying out to God for help.  As we read about the seals on the scroll being broken, John is invited to come closer and see what is about to take place. Horse and riders that are being released into the earth.  These are special forces that have been held in reserve for the time that is coming in the world.  These weapons that God has created for this special purpose are released to fight against God’s enemies to fight against the plans that the powers on earth are trying to set up.

My heart has changed, and I no longer feel afraid as I read these verses. I now realize that God has weapons in heaven that He has not released yet, and they are far more fierce than any evil we have ever seen in the world before.  Satan’s tactics to take over the world again are no match for the power that the Lamb of God is now releasing in this chapter.  These secret weapons are being released against God’s enemies, not those who are trusting in Him. 

When the first seal was broken, John saw riding on a white horse, wearing a crown and carrying a bow.  This rider did not have any arrows, indicating that he was not released to kill.  The white horse is a sign of strength and hope for those who are in the world and the rider’s crown is authority to bring that hope to all believers.  This rider is conquering without force and without destruction.  He is getting through to the believers that they have been heard and God is on their side.

We can be encouraged through this passage even today.  Even though we are reading about a future event, it is comforting to know that God will be actively involved against the trouble that is coming on the earth.  That He has prepared forces, heavenly battalion to carry answers to those who are calling on Him just like He does for us today.  God is not suddenly going to change who He is when things start going bad, He will be the same loving and protecting God then as He is right here and now.  I think the biggest encouragement that this gives me is that God is still engaged in what is going on in the world during the time of tribulation.  It is still His-Story!  He hasn’t shut the door of heaven and said “They are on their on now.”  He shows up greater than ever and He will be rescuing people on a greater level than ever before.  I am beginning to see that the book of Revelation is revealing to God’s people that He is so much bigger and greater than we have imagined in the past.  He reveals His secret weapons that will be release at the end to finally put His enemy away for good! 

So, remember today that no matter what trials or tribulations you are facing, take comfort in knowing that God is only a prayer away and His purposes will prevail when you call on Him.  Draw strength from the Lamb who has conquered sin and death, standing firm in your faith and trusting in His unfailing love.  Find hope and assurance in His victory.  Thank you, Father, that you are the same great God and Father, yesterday, today and forever!

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 6:1-4

1 Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” 

2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.

3 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” 

4 Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.