The Daily Dose

The first four Trumpets

The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.  Revelation 8:7

We are getting deep into the book of Revelation now.  As we read more each day, I am recognizing that it is getting harder to find an encouraging message in the things we are about to read.  Yesterday, we saw the seven angels at the throne of God given seven trumpets.  Today, these angels are released to sound these horns.  For the rest of chapter eight, the first four angels blow their trumpet to release devastation in the world.  First the vegetation is struck with hail, fire and blood.  As the second angel sounds his horn, a third of the sea became blood and one third of the creatures living in the sea died.  After the third angel’s horn sounds, a great star falls from heaven burning like a torch and pollutes a third of the rivers and springs of water, contaminating them so that the water is unusable.  When the fourth angel sounds, one third of the sun, moon and stars are darkened.  Then comes a pause from the trumpet blasts so that another angel can give a warning of the remaining three angels to sound their trumpets

These powerful images of heavenly action with the angels sounding their trumpets, show us imagery that seem very intimidating on the surface, but we can find encouragement and hope in the passages we are about to read of the events to come. I will remind us all here that this is God’s book and His plan to use these events to reach the masses of people still on the earth. Below are four reminders of where we can keep our focus as we read through what looks and sounds like total devastation in the world.

1. Remember that God’s plan and actions, even those depicted in the book of Revelation, are always purposeful and just. As the ruler of the universe, He works all things according to His will and for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Therefore, even in the face of apparent chaos, we can trust that God is at work, bringing about His divine plan for redemption and restoration.
2. Let’s use the book of Revelation as a reminder of the urgency of our faith and the need for being ready spiritually. Just as the trumpet blast signals the beginning of divine intervention, it calls us to examine our hearts and draw closer to God. Purpose to use the time we have now to deepen our relationship with Him, by seeking His guidance and surrendering to His plan and purpose for our lives each day.
3. We can also find comfort in the promise of God’s presence with us in every circumstance. In times of uncertainty and upheaval, we can take refuge in the assurance that God is our ever-present help and strength (Psalm 46:1). He is our shelter in the storm, providing peace and protection right in the middle of life’s challenges.
4. We can view Revelation 8 as a call to action. As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are called to be agents of His love and light in a world that desperately needs it. We can extend compassion and kindness to those around us, sharing the hope and truth of the gospel with boldness and His empowering grace.

So today, I want to encourage you that even through these scenes of unsettling images, find encouragement and hope in the middle of it all. Trust in God’s love and plan for your life and draw near to Him in faith and prayer. Take refuge in His presence, and be a bold witness of His love and provision of salvation to the world while we still have time. If you have never received His gift of salvation, do that today by praying the prayer below from your heart. Jesus will come into your life and lead you in His perfect path of righteousness.

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 8:7-13

7 The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.

8 Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 

9 And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

10 Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 

11 The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter.

12 Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night.

13 And I looked, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!”

In the stillness

When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.  Revelation 8:1

 When I was ten years old, my family took a trip to Washington D.C.  It was the perfect time for me to go.  Even though I didn’t understand the significance of many sights, I was old enough to remember them for the day when I learned more about these places.  One particular ceremony we witnessed was the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier.  At the time, I had no idea what was going on, but the memory of the display by “The Old Guard” a special Army unit of the 3^rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, is still with me today.  Everyday, at the top of each hour, a relief commander shows up at the tomb and announces the Changing of the Guard.  Then the ceremony begins.  The soldiers go through a series of steps and pauses facing East and turns to face north for 21 seconds each.  Every motion is done 21 times to represent the highest military honor (the 21-gun salute) that a soldier can receive for giving their life in service to their country.  When the commander appears to execute the shift change, the crowds that are watching become completely silent.  As a ten year old child, that is what I noticed the most.  Complete stillness is hard when you are that age, at least it was for me.  Even though I didn’t understand what was going on, in the silence, there was a reason for the ceremonial procedure and a significance for every step they took.  Something was happening much deeper than just some guards taking 21 steps and looking in certain directions.  They were guarding a place of honor and continually reminding the onlookers that this was a place to be given the highest respect because of the lives it represented.

As we read today at the beginning of Revelations eight, the seventh seal is opened from the scroll that only the Lamb of God can open.  Immediately after the seal is broken, there is silence in heaven for a half hour.  Even though it is quiet, things are happening that everyone there is watching.  Seven angels appear and they are given seven trumpets.  Another angel stood at the altar and offered up incense along with the prayers of the saints on the earth. The scent of the incense along with to the prayers are lifted up to God and then the angel throws the golden censer full of fire to the earth.  That sets off a series of thundering, lightnings and another great earthquake.  This ceremony is made in preparation for the seven angels to sound their trumpets.  While there is complete silence in this scene, there is still something going on of great significance.  This final seal of the scroll is about to set in motion another series of seven in the sounding of the trumpet by the angels who hold them.

As I consider this scene and the prayers of the saint’s involvement in it, it occurs to me that many times this happens when we pray for something here in the world, yet we do not see any results right away.  Even though the circumstances we are praying about do not seem to change immediately, there is something much deeper happening.  Heaven is positioning and preparing the answer and beginning to put pressure on the situation to change.  We can remember this time of stillness as we wait and watch for the answer to arrive in our trouble and be assured that even though it doesn’t look like much is happening, heaven is on the move.

Today I want to encourage you to rejoice as you lift up your requests and petitions to your Father in heaven.  Get excited and know that as soon as you make your need known to God, heaven is put into action.  Things are beginning to shift at the command to the angelic forces and your answer will soon be on its way. Keep in mind that just as this scene in today’s reading or even the changing of the guard, something much deeper is happening in the silence. Oh, you may not see any thunder and lightning, but you will have that peace and confidence that in the stillness, things are about to change.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 8:1-6

1 When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 

2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. 

3 Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 

4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand. 

5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.

6 So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

Ask the question

Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?” Revelation 7:13

 Each day as I write the Daily Dose, I ask the Holy Spirit two questions:  1. What do you want to show me in this passage of scripture today? 2. What truth do you want me to write about and share?  These are good questions, yet most times I am still amazed that He answers those questions so quickly as I read His Word.  I don’t have to get down on my knees and beg for revelation and I don’t have to wait for days for the answers to come.  I just begin writing what He puts on my heart and many times it unfolds as I write.  Whatever He highlights in a passage, I begin to think about it and then begin writing about it and as I do, He opens up my understanding even more.  This is one of the reasons I encourage all people to journal.  Not only does it help in processing your thoughts and feelings, but more revelation comes as a result of writing down the things God’s Spirit is showing you at the time.

In today’s reading, the apostle John has just watched as the 144,000 servants of God have been sealed on the forehead with God’s seal in the world.  When he is finished watching angel that is doing the sealing on the earth, his attention is drawn back to the throne of God.  Suddenly, there is a great celebration going on again!  A multitude of newcomers of every nation, tribe and tongue are now standing before the throne of God and before the Lamb of God, their Savior.  This innumerable crowd is clothed in white robes, holding up palm branches and praising God with a loud voice saying: “Salvation belongs to our God Who sits on the throne, and the Lamb!”  This seems to be a contagious shout because everyone else that is there around the throne joins in with the worship and they know just what to sing: “Amen! Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might be to our God forever and ever, Amen!”

While this is happening, John is questioned by one of the elders, who seems to be close to him or guiding him at this point in the vision. The elder asks: “Who are those dressed in white robes and where did they come from?”  John does not try to guess or make up an answer that might sound intelligent or wise, he simply says: “Please, tell me what you know about them.”  As this vision and scripture is being revealed to John, I love that he doesn’t pretend like he understands it all.  He writes what is given to him by faith, but he asks questions along the way when given the opportunity. It is almost like the elder senses that John has a question right now and then asks him.

The elder explains that what John is seeing is millions of people that have come out of the Great Tribulation who were turned to salvation by the 144,000 witnesses that he had just seen get sealed by the angel.  These that have been saved at that time are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple.  God the Father lives among them and they will never hunger or thirst anymore because the Lamb of God will be shepherding them and leading them to living fountains of waters.  Then God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.  These that are before the throne have suffered much in the Great Tribulation and now, they are home with the Lord, never to suffer again for all eternity. 

This is a great scene and a joyous celebration of those who have been persecuted and afflicted beyond anything we know today. Now they are in heaven away from the terrible misery of the Great Tribulation.  God personally wipes away their tears and grief and welcomes them home!  John did not ask any more questions like: Why did they have to suffer so much?   Why were they left on earth for so long? or Why didn’t God protect them from suffering?  He receives by faith that the end result was salvation that brought them to the end of suffering and into Glory to ever be with their Lord.

Today I want to encourage you to ask questions.  Especially when you have trouble understanding scripture, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the message that He has for you in it at that time.  Begin to write out the things that He is showing you.  Recognize that you don’t have to know all the details, be satisfied with what you receive in the moment and by faith apply that to your heart and life.  Don’t be so set on understanding the whole council of God in one moment, because it will never happen.  God is way to big for us to ever understand Him completely.  The good news is that He will give you exactly what you need in your moment of struggle as you ask and receive His assurance to your heart! Trust Him today to lead you in that perfect path and them by faith start walking on it.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 7:9-17

9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 

10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 

11 All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 

12 saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”

13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?”

14 And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 

15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. 

16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; 

17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Let your light shine

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:16

What do you see when you reflect back on your life and ask the questions: Have I achieved everything I have set out to do so far?  How am I doing with the goals I have set in my life to accomplish?  What areas can I do better?

If you have never set goals, it is not to late to start now. Having a vision for where you are going and what is coming up will strengthen and grow your relationship with your heavenly Father and others.  Objectives such as: Spend quiet time with God each day.  Get physically fit/healthier.  Make a conscience effort to connect with family and friends more.  Save money or learn a new skill.  The possibilities are endless.

If you have no idea where to start, learn from today’s scripture.  Jesus gave us three things that we can do each day that will impact our lives like nothing ever has before this time.  He said:

1.         Let your light shine for everyone

2.         Let it shine through doing good for others

3.         Glorify your Father in heaven

These three things are connected and when you do the first one, the other two are the result.  For example, serving others at every opportunity, whether it is an act of kindness, an encouraging word or a gift to help someone who is struggling financially, are examples of how you shine God’s light in the world.  As you help others in love, you are showing them how important they are to you and also to God.  You are representing your Father in heaven as you reach into lives around you with your “good works.”  Sure, we share the message of the gospel with others, but even Jesus helped others with the physical needs before He told them the good news of salvation.  The truth is that helping others with what they think they need first, prepares their heart for the message that God loves them unconditionally and wants to rescue them from an eternal life separated from Him.

Today I want to encourage you to start fresh with the decision to do good to others every day.  Become aware and look for those that you can bless.  Set a goal each morning that you are going to touch at least one person’s life today.  If you get to the end of the day and it hasn’t happened, send a message of encouragement to someone or give them a call.  Sure, these things take some of your time and effort, but the richness they will produce in your life is priceless.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 5:13-16

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

 

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.