294th Week, Revelation Chapters 14-18 (Click on Title for Video Introduction)

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Click on Title for Video Intro


Monday, Revelation Chapter 14
Revelation 14
Verse 14
Bart Strayer

Verse 14: …seated on the cloud was one ‘like the son of man’ with a crown of gold on his head and sharp sickle in his hand.

THOUGHT
Here we have the image of the final judgment with Christ separating the faithful from the unfaithful with the sickle in his hand. Christians rejoice in the long-awaited reward of an eternity with Christ. All of our years of following Christ now have the next chapter to be written. All of the years following Christ now make sense to the masses. I was reading in my devotional this morning, and I liked the following few sentences:

“WE are not told to ‘walk in the light’ of our conscience or in the light of a sense of duty, but to ‘walk in the light as He is in the light’. (1 John 1:7)  When we do something out of a sense of duty, it is easy to explain the reasons for our actions to others. But when we do something out of obedience to the Lord, there can be no other explanation - just obedience. That is why a saint can be so easily ridiculed and misunderstood.”

PRAYER
Lord, we look forward to the end times not with fear, but with anticipation of Your triumphant return to this earth. We thank You for the Holy Spirit which guilds us in our lives. Fill us with Your wisdom so that we may gain a deeper appreciation of who You are. In Jesus Name. AMEN


Tuesday, Revelation Chapter 15
Revelation 15
Verse 2
Bart Strayer

Verse 2:  And I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire and standing beside the seas, those who had been victorious over the beast and his image.

THOUGHT
I don’t know about you, but I want to be one of those standing victorious over the beast. The victory over sin is the biggest victory we can ever win. Sometimes I ask myself, “What have I done today to live in victory?”  Some days I have a cool story about winning against sin or overcoming adversity, but most days are just living for Christ in obedience and love, nothing spectacular, just my commitment. But I realize now that is all Christ wants of us, to love Him and follow.

PRAYER
Lord, we thank You for being our redeemer. Guild us to that place standing beside You in ultimate victory over sin. Help us in our obedience to Your Word. AMEN


Wednesday, Revelation Chapter 16
Revelation 16
Bart Strayer

THOUGHT
No single verse stuck out for me in this chapter. However, one central concept was learned by me, and I think it is worth repeating. Many of you may have read it in your Biblical Commentary, but failed to realize the differences between the bowl judgments and the trumpet judgments.  

The bowl judgments are complete whereas the trumpet judgments are partial.  The trumpet judgments still give the unbelievers the opportunity to repent; the bowl judgments don’t.  Mankind is indirectly affected by several of the trumpet judgments but directly attacked by ALL of the bowl judgments.

Wow, I can’t imagine waging a physical war against God. That is something I will never understand. I am glad to be on the winning team though, because in the end, GOD WINS.

PRAYER
Lord, we thank You for Your acts of Love for Your people.  Help prepare us for that Day of Judgment.  Guard our hearts and minds this week as we go about our service for You. May we bring You glory in all of our actions. AMEN


Thursday, Revelation Chapter 17
Revelation 17
Verse 17
Matt Strayer

Verse 17:  For God has put into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until God’s words are fulfilled.

THOUGHT
This verse really helped me understand God’s total control once again. It doesn’t matter if you are for God or against Him. He works it all together for His purpose. I feel I can trust in Him totally with my day to day life because He knows my heart.  Even though I may sin, I am still trying my best to serve Him and His people. Having this faith and reassurance is what we need to rely on. 

PRAYER
Dear God, we know that You are in control. Thank You so much for Your Word to help remind us of that from time to time. AMEN


Friday, Revelation Chapter 18
Revelation 18
Verse 9
Matt Strayer

Verse 9:  When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her.

THOUGHT
I guess I really identified with what my study Bible had to say about this verse. Those who are tied to the world’s system will lose everything when it collapses. What they have worked for their entire life will be destroyed in one hour. Those who work only for material reward will have nothing when they die or when their possessions are destroyed.

Kristen does such a great job of reminding me of the important things in life. In fact she has said many times before that our faith, our Christian character, and our relationships mean the most. I know that is why she values staying home with Micah. Her relationship with him is the most important thing in her life besides me and her relationship with God. I know staying at home with the kids is not for everyone; it’s just what she feels is most important to her. The money earned from her working at this point in her life is not worth it. She has taught me so much about family relationships and my relationship with God.

Also, Outreach Outdoors for me is a labor of love. Money is part of our ministry (as it is of almost all ministries) but it’s not the focus. God is the focus, and we trust Him to make it go. We are building relationships that will take us forward. The relationships are so rewarding and encouraging.  It is unbelievable. Since the Classic I have become great friends with a guy from Russel, Ia. He is also 34 years old and our journeys are so similar it is freaky. He wants to help Team Outreach in some way. Of course we want him to help but it’s the relationship that God has brought forth that is so awesome. I could care less if he helps.  God is in charge of that, but our relationship will better ourselves and those that we come in contact with.

PRAYER
Dear God, help us each and every day to really become focused on eternal things. The things of this earth can be destroyed in one hour. We truly desire to be left with Christ-like character and great relationships with other believers. Help us get there God.  AMEN

















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