The Daily Dose

Be Generous

And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.  Matthew 5:41

Generosity!  It is the ultimate example of what our God is.  He is extremely generous in all the He is and does.  His love is overflowingly generous in that He didn’t even spare His only son to show how much He loves us all and to rescue us.  He never holds back and His desire is that we would be that kind of example to the lost world around us.

Jesus tells us in this section of Matthew 5, to give what we are asked for and beyond.  He encourages us to always go the extra mile.  Whatever you think you can do easily, stretch beyond that point to become excessive in all we do for others.

Whether it is helping someone out financially or giving of material possessions, always go above and beyond what is requested.  We should always have the mentality of exceeding the expectation.  You can even go as far as returning things in better condition after you have used or borrowed something.   This is the God way of doing things.

Here is the list of things that Jesus taught in these five verses:

1.         Do not resist an evil person

2.         When slapped on one cheek, offer the other one too

3.         If someone wants your shirt, offer then your coat too

4.         Anyone who wants to borrow from you do not turn them away or consider if they will pay you back

5.          If someone asks you to do one mile with them, go two.

The way I approach this is with love.  I consider giving of any kind, a gift and display of God’s love through me.  I don’t worry about if I will be treated right or appreciated.  Love is my motivation, so it doesn’t matter who or what the circumstances are.  It has nothing to do with the person receiving the gift, it is all about who I am and Who I represent.  I cannot be offended because I expect nothing in return.  I like to use the verse in Romans 13 that says “Own no man anything but to love them.”  Consider the debt in this scripture in Romans is the same debt as: Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors in the Lord’s prayer, the debt of love for the world. I owe that love to the world around me and therefore I choose to be a generous lover of all people!

Today I want to encourage you to be generous.  Be generous with your time. Be generous with your resources and be generous with your love for others.  Show the world around you how great and loving your Heavenly Father is by being that example of love to everyone you meet.  Let the love of God abound in your richly and be generous in giving to your world.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 5:38-42

38  “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’  

39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. 

40 If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. 

41 If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. 

42 Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.

The Breath of Life

Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. Revelation 11:11

Recently, I have been under a load of care.  I couldn’t quite identify what was going on exactly, but I was feeling overwhelmed and stagnant.  Oh, I was still able to go through my daily routines, but life was feeling stale and uninspired.  I knew some of the heaviness was the result of some unhealthy habits I had fallen into, but I was not strong enough to pick myself up without help.  After praying about it for several days and asking for help from the Holy Spirit.  I finally felt impressed to ask a friend to help me stay accountable as I started a fast to eliminate the draining habits I had allowed in my life.  On the third day, I was on the treadmill listening to worship music and praising God as I often do during that activity.  Suddenly, out of nowhere, I sensed the Holy Spirit voice on the inside of my heart.  He said that in this season I needed to “Step it up” and not allow myself to get under the load.  I had been wondering if I was taking on too much, but He showed me that His empowering grace was what I needed to keep flowing in my life to accomplish the missions that He has me on.  The toxic habits I had allowed in were smothering the flow of God’s grace in my life. That breath of life from the word of the Holy Spirit was all I needed to hold on to and get me up from the funk I had been swimming in.  I am so thankful that when we take the time to hear from Him, He shows up to lead us through whatever we are going through.

In today’s reading, we see another demonstration of the breath of life that raised up the two witnesses after they have been killed by the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit.  Their bodies will lay in the street for three days.  Unlike Jesus’ body that was placed in a tomb for three days, enclosed by a large rock to cover the entrance of the tomb, the witnesses’ bodies lay out in the street where everyone in the world will look on for three days.  Suddenly, on the third day, the breath of life from God will come into their bodies again and they will stand up on their feet so that all the world can see them alive once again.  Immediately after they get up, they will hear a voice from heaven calling them to “come up” and they will ascend into the clouds of the air just a Jesus did at His ascension. They will go home to heaven ever to be with their Lord Jesus.  Again, things begin to tremble on the earth and another great earthquake that kills seven thousand people.  Finally, the people of the world will give glory to God because of this undeniable display of His resurrection power.

I know I am drawing some great conclusions from this passage to reduce the breath of God down to my everyday circumstances, but the point is, God’s breath will reach us wherever we are in life.  From raising up from death to giving new live to the stale ruts of everyday life.  His breath will renew and restore whatever we are going through in this world.

What about you?  Are you facing some uphill battles in your world today?  Do you feel like you are under a load of care being crushed by your circumstances?  Whatever it is, God has a plan to get you out from underneath it and raise you up strengthened and restored.  He will breathe the breath of life into your troubles and call you to “come up” to a higher level with Him.  He will walk you through the valleys of life and keep you close on the path of His righteousness.

Today I want to encourage you in whatever struggle you are currently going through.  Get alone and press into Him.  Shut out the outside world for a time so that you can hear His direction more clearly.  Ask a friend to walk with you through a fast or time of separating from the distractions of life and take time to listen to that still small voice within your heart.  It may feel like three days in the grave but stick with it until the answer comes.  You will feel the release of the pressure that is trying to snuff you out and you will gain new strength for the mission He has called you to.  He will empower you to come up to higher ground with Him and then you will give glory to God for His presence and renewed purpose.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 11:11-14

11 Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. 

12 And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them. 

13 In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven.

14 The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly.

Until it is Finished

When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. Revelation 11:7

In today’s reading, we see the two witnesses finally killed after 1260 days of being indestructible.  I can’t help but see a parallel to the life of Jesus.  After 3 years of ministry, virtually untouchable by any enemy or foe, suddenly Jesus was taken into custody, tried and condemned to death all in a 24-hour period.  It was not because Jesus suddenly lost power or anointing, it was because He laid His life down. It almost looks like that is exactly what happens to the two witnesses of Revelation.  After they finish what they came to do, not before, but after their work was completed, then they are overcome and killed.

As it was in the days of Jesus when the priests and religious leaders celebrated His death, so the world watching the events take place during the time of the two witnesses will celebrate their deaths.  However, the account is different than Jesus because one of His followers came and got His body and put it in a tomb.  The witnesses will be left out in the street and even watched for three days.  It seems like their bodies will be guarded because the passage says they are not allowed to be put into graves.  Meaning it is prohibited in some way.  The world looking on will make a holiday out of the event and send gifts to one another.  This is not a celebration of life.

Which brings me to my next thought.  Is it possible that I can live on until my mission is completed?  Like these witnesses, am I granted an amount of time to finish the work and testimony that I have been assigned?  I think back to a scripture in Psalms 139 that says all my days were written in His book or another passage that says I will live out the full number of my days.  Yes, I believe I will be in this world until my purpose for being here is finished.  He has begun a good work through my life and will be with my Lord Jesus in heaven only after it is accomplished.  Will there be people around to celebrate my life?  I hope so, but I am sure of one thing, I will trust Him to get me there.

What about you?  Do you believe you will live to complete the assignment you have been given.  Are you convinced that God’s grace and protection will keep you until the day that your work here is done?  If not, begin to ask Him for that assurance.  Maybe you don’t even know why you are here in the world and what the purpose of your life is?  He wants to show you and lead you to the perfect plan He designed for you before you were even born.  Start seeking His direction and purpose for your life today and He will get you on that path of righteousness, step by step.

 Today I want to encourage you to rest easy in His provision and peace for your life.  Be assured that He has begun a good work in you and will keep you here until it is done.  Your days do not have to be cut short by tragedy and disease; you can follow the plan of His book to live out the full number of your days.  Don’t let the enemy cut them short, get your life on the path of purpose and be here until your testimony is finished.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 11:7-10

7 When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. 

8 And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. 

9 Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. 

10 And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.

His two witnesses

These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth.  Revelation 11:4

 The two witnesses are another place where people often get focused on who they are when reading Revelation.  Obviously, John was not told to identify them if he recognized them, that is why we really don’t know who theses two are.  So, let’s talk about what we do know about them.  Since the passage doesn’t tell us their names, it is pointless to try to guess.  It just isn’t important at this time, or it would have been written down for us to know. Their purpose is clear from their description.  They are called olive trees and lampstands.  They are anointed to be the light in Jerusalem for three and a half years during the Tribulation.  This goes back to a reference in Zecheriah 4.  (You can see the cross reference when you read the passage in verse 4)

So once again, God is making every provision for people in the world at that time to repent and follow Him.  First there was the 144,000 evangelists and now the two witnesses.  These witnesses are telling His story.  No one can touch them wrongly or harm them in any way or they will be consumed by fire.  This is a very exciting time in Jerusalem, however these witnesses will be hated by many.  And obviously, there will be those against them that will make multiple attempts to take their lives, unsuccessfully.  From the passage, it looks like they are causing bad things to happen in the earth, but that is often the very thing that turn hearts to God.

I used to think it would be really cool to be here at the time of the two witnesses because of the awesomeness of God’s power on them.  However, now I am thankful that I can just watch this scene play out from heaven and do not have to experience this treacherous time in person.

Today, we have many opportunities to see bad things going on around us.  Wars, earthquakes, storms, even volcanoes and fires out of control, but the message God wants to get to the world is the same.  He loves us and wants us to be victorious. His protection is with us and His salvation is for all of us.

Today I want to encourage you to be the light in the world around you.  Oh, I know you may not have this great anointing and power the two witnesses will have.  But you do have the same message to carry and that is that God loves all people unconditionally and wants to show up in their daily life to guide and protect.  Jesus came into the world to save all people and He wants everyone, everywhere to receive the truth of His great gift of salvation.  Decide today to let your life be a testimony for Him, then you will be sure to accomplish the purpose you were born into this world for.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 11:3-6

3 And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”

4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. 

5 And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. 

6 These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire.

The Temple of God

Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. Revelation 11:1

Reading through the book of Revelation this time, I have come to recognize yet another truth to keep in mind to understanding the content.  That truth is, not to try to figure out the missing pieces, but to ask the questions: Why is the content included? and When is this event taking place? Unfortunately when reading the book of Revelation, we see it as a puzzle to try to figure out the missing pieces instead of putting attention on the detail that are written. 

There is a great example of this at the beginning of Chapter 11.  After John ate the little book and was told that he would prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings at the end of chapter 10, he was given a reed for measuring.  He was told by the angel to measure the temple and altar of God and all who worship there.  Because the finding of what he measured is never mentioned again, it is obvious that the focus of this verse is the temple, not the measurements. We know that the angel is talking about the temple in the world because John was told that the outer court has been given over to the gentiles (those without God).  The fact that there is a temple is the interesting part of this scripture.  At the time John was writing these words, the temple in Jerusalem had already been destroyed for the third time and there has not been a temple in it’s place since that time.  I’m sure when John saw the temple in his vision, he was completely amazed and drawn in. The temple at this point in time of the great tribulation would automatically allow us to conclude that the Jewish temple in Jerusalem will be rebuilt no matter how impossible it may look today for that to happen.

However, in today’s world, the age of grace that we live in, God’s people are the temple of God.  We no longer must atone for our sin each year on Passover because the punishment of sin was paid through the blood of Jesus.  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says: Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

When Jesus took the punishment of the sin of the world and nailed it to the cross, He paid the price of the perfect sacrifice for all who would receive it.  After He rose from that death on the cross and ascended into heaven, He sent God’s Spirit to live inside of the hearts of those who would receive His great gift of salvation.  Now we as God’s people have become His temple and dwelling place in the earth.  Instead of coming down to the Holy of Holies once a year to receive the sacrifice of the people, we daily give our lives as a living sacrifice.  In Romans 12:1-2 we find our mission and purpose in life today as a child of God.  It says: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Today I want to encourage you to live your life as a living sacrifice fit for the ministry of rescuing those who are lost and bringing them to the Savior of all.  He will not turn anyone away who asks because His blood paid the debt of all sin for all time.  Press into your calling today of being a living sacrifice and lift up your life in service to Him as a sweet smelling savor.  Then listen closely to the direction His Spirit speaks to you each day to follow and complete through His empowering grace and accomplish His plan for this time in history.  If you have never received His great gift of love and cleansing, do it today and lift up your life as a living sacrifice by praying the prayer below.  He will come into your heart and into your life and He will direct your path as you acknowledge Him in all your ways.

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 11:1-3

1 Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. 

2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. 

3 And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”

No Excuse

But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.  Matthew 5:37

When I was young, I heard a lot of kids say the phrase, “I swear on a stack of Bibles.”  Meaning they were being as honest and authentic as they could possibly be.  Like one Bible was not enough to stress their point.  Today’s scripture says don’t swear by anything because you don’t even have the power to change any natural thing and there could be something else going on that you don’t’ even know about.  It goes on to say if you say Yes when you mean yes and no when you mean no, others will trust your word when it comes to important things, because you were trustworthy in the little things.

I like the way the message translation breaks this passage down.  It goes like this:

“And don’t say anything you don’t mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, ‘I’ll pray for you,’ and never doing it, or saying, ‘God be with you,’ and not meaning it. You don’t make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.

So, the passages is telling us don’t say things you don’t intend to do, just to make yourself look super spiritual or putting on the pretense of caring.  I know in my own life, I tend to want to excuse or justify my responses to ensure that I am clearly communicating without offending others or making myself look bad.  But the truth is, I only need to be clear and not misleading in my answer.  That doesn’t mean I have to be rude, just give the answer “yes” or “no”.  Simple as that. No excuse needed.

Today I want to encourage you to be upfront with others.  Don’t but on a façade to pretend you are something that you are not.  That will only get you into trouble.  Be authentic and real with people and clearly communicate your intentions without being underhanded and sneaky.  Give clear and concise answers like yes and no, but don’t feel like you have to justify or excuse your response. Lastly, don’t make up and promise to do things for others that you don’t intend to do like praying for them or blessing them.  Just be honest and loving without making up excuses. Only then will you stay far from the intensions of the evil one.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 5:33-37

33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ 

34 But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 

35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 

36 Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 

37 But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

Cut it off

_{And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.  Matthew 5:30}

This scripture has always been a little disturbing to me.  I mean, it seems so dramatic and extreme to cut of your right hand and cast it from you.  Why would you cut off a part of your body?  Why not just remove the offense from your life.  However, now that I come back to this passage after some time, it makes perfect sense to me.  In fact, that is exactly what the message of the verse is.  If you are struggling with a sin or destructive habit that you can’t seem to shake, cut it off!  Cut off all connections with that behavior and get as far away from it as you possibly can.  The passage also says that if you are having trouble with what you are looking at, stop looking at it and get it out of your sight.

An example of this may be a toxic relationship that always seems to influence you to activities that you do not want to be involved in?  Cut it off.  Break off that relationship and get far from it.  Until you are strong enough and stable enough to say no to that undesired activity, flee from it to save your soul. If you struggle with addictive substances such as drugs or alcohol, cut them off.  Give yourself no access to them and stay far away from people who would try to lure you back in again.

It reminds me of Joseph, when Potiphar’s wife came onto him.  He cut that conversation, relationship and coat off as quickly as he could.  He ran out of the place because he knew that was the wrong environment for him to stay pure in.  This is a perfect example of how we should behave when approached with temptation.  Do not consider, do not count the cost just get away from it even if you have to leave something behind.

James 4:7 gives us the answer to any temptation that comes our way.  It says: Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.  When you acknowledge your Heavenly Father in all your ways, you are taking the first step in resisting the enemy and his plans to trap you in a sin that you cannot get away from.

Lastly, when you are in the position of struggling, it will be very frustrating as you continue to fall into the same pit, but don’t be discouraged. Instead ask for help. You do not have to overcome alone, in fact you probably never will. You need the strength and help of God’s Spirit and He is right there inside of you waiting for you to ask. Invite His wisdom and help into your circumstances to keep you far from any temptation and to lead you in a direction that is far from the offenses of the world.

Today I want to encourage you to first of all submit all your thoughts and ways to God.  Then He will strengthen you to resist the devil and his tricks to hold you in bondage to habits and addictions.  Next, cut off all relationships, activities and substances that cause you to stumble.  Cut them off and get far away from them.  The more you stay away, the easier it will be to keep away.  So, the next time your right hand tries to cause you to sin, cut that sin off before it ever happens.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 5:27-32

27 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 

28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 

29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 

30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

31 “Furthermore it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 

32 But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.

Bitter Sweet

And he said to me, “Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.”  Revelation 10:9

I love God’s Word and I am so thankful that He has protected and preserved it through thousands of years of time so that we can still have it with us today.  I am also grateful that in today’s world, we have access to it at any time in abundance.  There is no shortage of His Word in the day we live in.  I know the love I have for the holy scripture was instilled in me as a young child. I didn’t get it at the time, but my father demonstrated daily his love for God’s love letter to the world.  I remember seeing him sitting in our living room reading it intently and he even started every prayer that he prayed by saying: “Heavenly Father, we are so thankful for your Word and the promises you gave us in it.”  My mother also spent time in God’s word daily, so it is no surprise that it grew up in me as I grew up around it continually.

In today’s reading, the apostle John received instructions to eat the little book that was held by the mighty angel. John reports after eating the book, that it tasted sweet in his mouth, but it also caused bitterness in his stomach. This is often what we experience as we “take in” God’s Word—bringing both joy and conviction, comfort and challenge.

As believers, we draw strength and encouragement from this imagery because it reminds us that God’s Word is nourishment for the soul: Just as John found the book sweet to the taste, God’s Word nourishes our souls and satisfies our spiritual hunger. In times of uncertainty and turmoil, the Word of God provides us with sustenance and strength to persevere.

The bitterness that John experienced after eating the book also helps us to remember the conviction and transformation that God’s Word brings to our lives. It challenges us to examine our hearts, repent of sin, and align our lives with God’s will. This is not always an easy thing to do, but He promises in His Word that He has given us His empowering grace to walk through every struggle to our victory as we trust Him every step of the way.

Revelation ten concludes with God’s commission to John to prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings. Similarly, as we immerse ourselves in God’s Word and allow it to transform our lives, we are empowered to boldly share the message of salvation to the world around us.

This passage also reminds us that God’s Word is relevant and powerful in every season of life. Whether we are experiencing seasons of joy or seasons of trial, God’s Word remains a source of comfort, guidance, and strength. It speaks directly to our hearts, offering hope and encouragement even in the middle of trouble.

Today I want to encourage you as you read this message in Revelation ten to embrace the Word of God with humility and reverence. Allow it to penetrate deep into your heart, transforming you from the inside out. Find sweetness in His promises and allow His truth to convict and challenge you for strength and growth.  In a world filled with uncertainties and challenges, God’s Word stands firm as a source of hope and encouragement. Hold fast to its truths, allowing them to guide and empower you today to be a bold witnesses for the Lord Jesus.  With an open heart to receive the sweetness and the bitterness of God’s Word, you will be transformed into a vessel of His grace and an instrument of His love in a world in need of His salvation.  Create a love and desire in your life for God’s Word by spending time in it each day and when others see the importance it is in your life, they will be inspired to love it too.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 10:8-11

8 Then the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, “Go, take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the earth.”

9 So I went to the angel and said to him, “Give me the little book.” And he said to me, “Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.”

10 Then I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter. 

11 And he said to me, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.”

His Timing

Now when the seven thunders uttered their voices, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them.”. Revelation 10:4

 This passage in Revelation ten reminds me of Jesus during His time living in this physical world, when He would heal or rescue someone.  At the beginning of His ministry, He would tell people not to tell anyone He healed them because it was not yet His time to be known.  In the third year of ministering, He no longer tried to keep things quiet.  He knew it was time to get the attention of those who would fulfill the scripture of God’s plan for salvation.

Today, we are reading about the seventh trumpet that is about to sound.  In the preparation time of that blast, John is about to write what was going to be said in heaven, but he is instructed not to.  He heard a voice from heaven telling him to “Seal up what the seven thunders uttered and do not write it down.”  The angel that was positioned with one foot on the sea and one on land was holding a little book open in his hand.  This angel declared that there should be no more delay in finishing the mystery of God.  The book that is in the angel’s hand is open and ready to be revealed.

As I read about the angel holding the book, ready to reveal its contents, I am reminded of God’s divine purpose for my own life and yours. Each one of us has a unique role to play in God’s kingdom, and He equips us with His Word and His Spirit to fulfill that purpose. Just as John received instructions from the angel and heard the voice from heaven, we too have an important commission for our lives. We are called to be bold and courageous in proclaiming God’s good news to the world, even when it may be difficult or unpopular. The instruction to seal up the words of the seven thunders reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s timing and in His plan. There may be parts of God’s purpose that are not meant to be revealed to us at this time, but we can trust that His agenda will ultimately be fulfilled in our lives as we follow Him.

Today I want to encourage you to remain faithful and obedient to God’s Word and leading, even when you may not fully understand His ways. Like John, you are called to listen attentively to God’s voice and respond with faith and obedience. Remember that God’s divine call on your life and the importance of the mission is fulfilling that purpose. As you think about these verses be encouraged to trust in God’s timing, remain faithful to His Word, and boldly proclaim His truth to the world around you. In the middle of uncertainty and challenges, take comfort in the love of your heavenly Father and know that His purposes will prevail. With your heart open to His leading and ears tuned into His voice, you can walk in obedience and fulfill the divine purpose He has for your life. Like John, be ready and willing to receive the “little book” of God’s Word and revelation and walk out every detail that He has designed you to complete.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 10:1-7

1 I saw still another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire. 

2 He had a little book open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, 

3 and cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars. When he cried out, seven thunders uttered their voices. 

4 Now when the seven thunders uttered their voices, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them.”

5 The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised up his hand to heaven 

6 and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there should be delay no longer, 

7 but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets.

Agree with your adversary

Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Matthew 5:25

We live in an extremely angry world.  People everywhere are ready to tell you what they are irritated and angry about.  Whether it is the government, their job and even home life, most people are unhappy about their surroundings and want everyone around them to know about it.  They look for the problem in every circumstance of life, never considering that there is a positive side to the issue.

Today’s verse instructs us to be agreeable.  To even agree with your enemy/adversary.  This is not a popular message, and no one wants to hear that the right thing to do is to find a place of agreement in every conflict.  This is not to say that you agree with their complaints, but the passage does say that if you end up in court, the judge has no personal stake in the argument, and he will hand you over to be thrown in prison.

This is extreme, I know, but I can relate to this because I was once in a predicament where I was in a court battle.  If was ugly and there is no “being nice” in that situation.  Going through the court system will bring the worst out in anyone.  I felt defenseless because I was not willing to be ruthless and callous through the process.  As I prayed and committed the procedures to the LORD, I knew in my spirit that He was telling me to get this argument out of the courts and settle peacefully.  I did, but it felt like I was giving up.  I didn’t feel like I was being treated fairly, but at least I was the one who made the decision to settle which put the control in my hands.  I had no idea of the long-term benefits that would come from that decision.  All I could see in the moment was that I was giving up my rights and letting the other party off the hook.  Now years later, I am so thankful that I listened to God’s direction.  What could have been drawn out for years and hurt many innocent people along the way, was cut short with no lasting repercussions.  God took care of me and my rights after I surrendered them and got rid of the pride and anger that I was holding on to. 

Now when I read this scripture, it makes perfect sense to me.  When I agree with my adversary quickly and settle things in a peaceful way, it not only honors God, but it also gives Him an entrance into the situation to work thing out for good, every time.

Today I want to encourage you to put anger far from you.  Surrender all your hurts and offenses over to your loving Father.  He will take care of you as you give Him entrance into all the conflict you have in life.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 5:21-26

_{21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’} 

_{22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.} 

_{23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,} 

_{24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.} 

_{25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.} 

_{26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.}