Revelation 8 - 8.3.23

Scripture

Revelation‬ ‭8:13‬ ‭ERV

“While I watched, I heard an eagle that was flying high in the air. The eagle said in a loud voice, “Terrible! Terrible! How terrible for those who live on the earth! The terrible trouble will begin after the sounds of the trumpets that the other three angels will blow.”

Observation-What does it say?

In this chapter, the seventh seal from John’s revelation is revealed. The opening of the seventh seal reveals the appearance of seven angels with seven trumpets. When the first angel sounds his trumpet, hail, fire, and blood come hurling down to earth, burning up a third of the earth’s trees and grass. When the second trumpet from the second angel sounds, something like a huge mountain gets thrown into the sea, killing a third of the living sea creatures and ships, and turning a third of the sea into blood. The third trumpet being sounded will cause a great star to fall from the sky and land on a third of the rivers, and contaminating a third of the earth's water supply. Then, when the fourth trumpet is sounded a third of the sun, moon, and stars are struck, turning them dark. This causes a third of the day and night to be without light. But from the looks of things, even an eagle can see that things are about to get worse!

John’s vision from God is a pretty scary thought. It’s a vision of a world that was left behind because they rejected Jesus, and chose to do their own thing. With all those calamities just from the first four trumpets being sounded, only to have an eagle flying by the sky pretty much saying “you ain’t seen nothing yet folks!” I mean it sounds like the weather is going to be really cold and dark, and food and water are going to begin to be really scarce. It’s something we as Christians shouldn’t wish on anyone! So how should we as Christians respond? 🤔

Application

Share with everyone about the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

The good news is we still have time. We don’t know how much time we have left, but I think it’s best we better take advantage of what time we do have. We need to have a sense of urgency! Time to tell our family and friends the good news of the gospel of Christ. Time to share with anyone and everyone. The signs are upon us that time is counting down towards the end.

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”-2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭

Do some of these things mentioned above look or sound like they’re happening in today’s world? Then what are we waiting for? We got some sharing to do!

Prayer

Father God, thank You for being so patient with us in this world. Your Word reminds us that You don’t want to see anyone perish. Instead, You want to see everyone come to repentance from their sinful ways so they can have eternal life. I pray for those people out there who are currently rebelling against You. I pray that You may soften their hearts to You, and they may repent from their sins, and put their faith in Jesus. I pray that You may give me the boldness and courage to go out there and tell others about Jesus before it’s too late. May we as a Church stand firm in our faith, and share the truth with others around us. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽

-Moses Gaddi

Psalms 119 - 8.2.23

Scripture

Psalms 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart
    that I might not sin against you.

Observation

Psalm 119 is a poem with a repeated theme – meditating/memorizing/delighting in God’s law/word and allowing it to transform us.

Application

As I read this psalm, I began to notice the promise of the many benefits we reap when we take the time to meditate on God’s word and hide it in our hearts.

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law (understanding)

Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors (guidance)

Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart

I gave an account of my ways and you answered me

My soul is weary with sorrow – strengthen me according to your word

For you have broadened my understanding

There I find my delight

Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.

Then I can answer anyone who taunts me

I have put my hope in your laws

I will walk about in freedom

I will not be put to shame

I find comfort in them

Prayer

Thank you for the reminder today of the importance of meditating on and memorizing your word. As we spend time in your word, we are transformed more and more into your image. It is our sword in times of battle, our comfort in times of sorrow/need, our guidance, and our delight.

Verse 59: I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.

- Debbie Dunn

Psalm 118 - 8.1.23

Scripture:

Psalm 118: 28-29

You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you.  Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Observation:

“Psalm 118 does not name an author in its title, but there’s reason to believe it was King David, the sweet Psalmist of Israel.” (enduringword.com)

In verses 5-7, the Psalmist used praise as a way to help him when hard pressed, fearful and being surrounded by enemies.  Even when circumstances were not good, he gave thanks for who God was…for His unchanging character. (Check out Pastor Levi’s sermon on “Yahweh” if you missed it: https://youtu.be/KvVwxBJCoUU)

The Psalmist is giving thanks to the Lord for His love and goodness; for being with him, for being his helper, strength, protection, defender and salvation; and for all the mighty things He has done!  “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever,” opens and closes this Psalm.

Application:

What are some aspects of God’s character that we can be grateful for today? Write them down.

I’ve noticed that when I take time to give thanks to the Lord and write down what I’m thankful for in my journal, it shifts my focus off of myself and the problems of the day. I suddenly feel peace and rest.

No matter what we are facing in life, there’s always a reason to praise the Lord.  (Hmm…reminds me of the worship song, “Reason to Praise” https://youtu.be/3vipAKUKcEE)

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

I pray that I would give You thanks in ALL circumstances as Your Word says (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18). Help me to always remember Your love, goodness and character when faced with things outside of my control.  Amen.

Here’s an old school worship song based on this Psalm. https://youtu.be/gUH_NzfRmbs

-Michelle Gaddi