The Daily Dose

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.

Worthy to receive

Saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” Revelation 5:12

We started the beginning of Revelation chapter five last week that introduced a scroll with seven seals that no one in heaven or earth was able to open until the Lamb of God came on the scene.  The apostle John was so eager to hear the message in the scroll that he wept because no one was able to open it and reveal the message.

The second part of this chapter is once again a celebration and worship service starting with the four creatures and elders immediately in front of the throne.  This time the passage says that these that are before the throne have a harp and golden bowls full of incense that contain the prayers of the saints.  Because these prayers are right at the feet of the eternal One, I believe the answer to these prayers will be revealed as the scroll is opened.

The part of the passage that I want to focus on today is the new song that the congregation at the throne of God sang at that time.  This song’s lyrics look similar to the words spoken at the throne in chapter 4, but now those words have been turned into a melody.

As I read the words of the song, I imagine the beauty of what this song most sounded like to John.  It is his first exposure to heavenly music, but he recognizes it right away and knows that it is something new.  The words are what I find really interesting. “You are worthy to take the scroll,” We know Jesus is the only One worthy and the song tells us it is because He was killed and redeemed us back to God by His blood and He did it for all people in the earth.  Then the announcement that we will reign on earth with Him comes.  Glory to God.  But the next part is what jumped out to me as I read it again today.  It says: “Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain . . . to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing.”  There is no question that He is worthy to receive these attributes, but the passage ends with again the assembly singing: “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne and the Lamb forever.

We often sing these same words in worship services in the world today, but I have never wondered where the power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing that He is worthy to receive comes from.  I just thought it came from Him, and it does.  However, when we are singing or saying, “You are worthy oh Lord to receive our honor, our glory, our power and our blessings.” We are offering to Him all the honor, glory, power and blessing that He has placed within us.  We cannot offer Him anything that we do not have and all that we do have came from Him.

So clearly, I want to say, when we worship God, we are giving Him our blessings, honor, glory and power to the degree of our heart that we are worshiping Him with.  I know this sounds a little confusing, so I want to unpack it briefly to try to get this picture into your mind and heart.

I am going to bring this down to earth so we can begin to see what this will look like even in this heavenly gathering. When I worship God today while I am alive in this world.  I lift my heart and life to Him and hopefully when I do that, I am giving Him everything that is within me to honor Him, to bring glory to Him with all the strength that I have and with all the power and authority that He has given me.  I have to admit that there are times in a worship services that I have just gone through the motions and not taken to heart exactly what that worship time was for.  Now I am seeing that when I give God all that is in me, all the blessings that have been poured out on my life, all the honor, respect, reverence and awe of His goodness that He has shown me, all the glory and power/authority that He has put in my life, I am giving Him the open door to come into my life and be Lord of it.  He has created me with the boundary of choice.  I must choose to call on Him and I must choose to surrender all to Him to invite Him into my circumstances whatever they may be.  I give Him back all and He pours out all on my life as I do.  This can happen as I am going through a struggle or even when things are calm in life.  When I am in trouble, instead of going to Him with the problem, rehearsing to Him what is the matter and how it is crushing me and I do not know what to do, I go to Him blessing Him, with honor of Who He is and what the difference I know He can make in the situation.  I give Him all the strength and power in me to follow any direction He puts in my heart to lead me away from trouble.

When things are going well and it looks like bright skies on the horizon, I again give Him entrance to my life by giving Him blessings, honor, glory and power.  He enters my life through my worship that He is worthy to receive so that He can pour out more blessings into my life.  I don’t just go to Him when I am in trouble.  More importantly is when I go to Him when I am not in trouble.  That is the time that He will lead me forward in life instead of picking me up after I have fallen down. 

Each time, no matter if I am in trouble or not, giving Him all that is within me is the way to hear His voice on the inside of my heart and it’s the way to know His direction.  Continual worship allows me to keep moving forward in the path of righteousness without falling into the traps that the enemy has set up for me.

Today, I want to encourage you to give Him all your worship!  Praise Him with everything that is inside of you.  You don’t have to wait until the weekend service or a special event and you don’t have to wait until you are going through tough times.  You can stop right where you are any time of any day.  Sing to Him a new song and pour out all the blessings, honor, glory, strength and power that is in your life to open the way for Him to pour out His wisdom, direction and lead you to the blessings that He has prepared for you before you were even born.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 5:8-14

8 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 

9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,

10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.”

11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, 

12 saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

13 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!”

14 Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.

Have mercy!

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.  Matthew 5:7

Ooo!  This is a tough one.  We live in probably the most unmerciful world of all time.  There is very little grace to be seen these days in our society.  People are angry, hurt and unforgiving and will fight for the right to be that way.  Grace, compassion and empathy are seldom seen when you look around.  Seriously, next time you are out in a public place, just stop and listen to the conversations going on around you.  People are proud of who they got the best of, who the were able to put in their place and even more pleased when they stood up to an authority figure.  The popular thing today is to fight for the right to be right and then make sure everyone knows about how right you were.

You are thought to be weak or backward if you forgive others when they were obviously wrong, to love others when they are unlovable or to give to someone who has made, in your opinion, bad choices.  However, Jesus said you are blessed/happy and satisfied in life when you show mercy.

So what exactly is mercy?  Mercy can be defined as compassionate, or kindness shown toward an offender, enemy or undesirable.  It is also said that mercy is not giving someone what they deserve such as punishment or judgement.  Hmm, this sounds like what God does for all people including myself.  He doesn’t punish me when I sin, and He doesn’t condemn me when I deserve His judgement.  On the other hand, He does give me grace that I don’t deserve.  He is kind to me and never holds my mistakes and intentional deception against me.  He is merciful!  Scripture tells us that even when we were still sinners, Jesus died for us.  Jesus didn’t die for saved, born again people, He died for filthy, sin-stained sinners!  You can’t get any more merciful than that!

Now we understand why Jesus told His disciples that those who are merciful are the blessed ones, not those who are right and not those who are proud.  God’s compassion reaches to those who are compassionate, and His mercy is only given to those who show mercy. (see Matthew 18)

Today I want to encourage you to be merciful to all people.  Jesus said in verse 44 of this chapter to love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who use and persecute you.  That is a great description of being merciful.  Then you will be shown mercy when you do not quite get it right.  No matter how hard you try or how much effort you put in, you will always come up short sometimes.  Put yourself in the position to receive His mercy by being merciful to others every chance you get!

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.

What are you Hungry for?

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

As I have recently been reading through the book of Matthew, chapter five is one of my personal favorites in this book.  Verse five has always been my favorite verse in the chapter.   This makes me ask the questions: What am I hungering for? What am I pursuing that my life depends on?  What am I so thirsty for that my soul craves it?  Is it things I can buy in the world?  Is it pleasures and experiences that make me happy for a moment?  Maybe it is attention from important people, popularity and fame?

In this verse, Jesus says you are blessed or at perfect peace when you hunger and thirst for His righteousness, then and only then will you be fully satisfied in life.  He was not talking about doing good works or acting super spiritual and He wasn’t talking about craving certain foods or drink.  He was talking about being made righteous in Him.  Walking in a right relationship with the Father in heaven through Jesus’ payment for all sin.  Because we live in a sinful world, and not the sinless world God created for us, He made the provision to save us from being consumed by the evilness of this world.  He didn’t take us out of the world, but He sent His Son to rescue us here and then keeps us here to display His love for all the world to see.  This is true righteousness and what Jesus told us we are to hunger and thirst after.

He concluded this statement with a promise to fill those who are hungry.  We are filled up with what we are pursuing.  When you hunger and thirst for your relationship with your heavenly Father to be in right standing with Him and not separated, you are giving time and attention to that relationship.  Not just any time, but you are giving that relationship priority in your life and that starts by spending time with Him on a daily basis.  You are so hungry to be filled up with His goodness in your life that you run to Him first thing each morning to receive His renewed mercies and love to start your day.  You don’t wait until the end of the day when you have been filled up with all the sin and evil around you.  You don’t fill your heart and eyes with the passions and pleasures of the world and then right before you go to sleep each night read a quick scripture and give a short prayer.  That is not hungering and thirsting for His righteousness.  To hunger and thirst for your relationship with Him means that you begin talking with and thinking about Him the moment you wake up, you desire His presence throughout the day, and you take refuge in Him in the evening, then you will see His goodness show up everywhere you go.  Psalms 34:8 says Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.  When you taste the goodness that you have hungered and thirsted for, then you will experience His blessing no matter what comes against you in life.

Lastly, the promise of chasing after His righteousness is, you will be filled.  This not only means you will be filled with His Spirit and His fruit: Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, faith, patience.  You will also be filled with complete satisfaction and victory over every struggle you come up against.  Now that’s a promise worth running after.

So, now I am focusing all my thoughts and desires to hunger and thirst for His righteousness by hungering and thirsting for a closer relationship with my Father in heaven. People may think this is extreme, but I know it is the way to surrender to all the good plans He has for me.   I will not allow my heart to fill up with the cares, concerns and pleasures this world has to offer.  Instead, I will fill up with His goodness and learn of Him.  I will run to Him each morning to bask in His presence then take Him with me all day long by calling on Him throughout the day.  Join me in finding rest and accomplishments in our personal time with Him by filling up with His Word and His love for all people, then we will display that love and satisfaction to all those around us as we live our lives here in this world as His ministers of grace.

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

1 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him.

2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

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.