From inallthingspray.net:
Daily Devotionals/Readings:
Read Revelation 6 to Revelation 8
[Open SBC Online Bible]
Highlights:
A study in the meaning of the first six seals, as they are broken (Rev. 6). The people of God will be preserved (chap. 7). Silence, as the 7th seal breaks (8:1-3)! Sweet smell (satisfaction) of prayer (8:4-5). Read what happens when the 1st four trumpets blow (8:6-12). If you think this is dreadful, read what's coming (8:13)!
The exile of John on Patmos and the suffering that took place in Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-10) are examples of the persecution that was intensifying against Christians throughout the Roman Empire. As it was then, so it is in much of the world today. The persecuted stand before the Throne and the Lamb.
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb (Lord Jesus Christ), clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb (7:9-10). In heaven, multitudes of victorious overcomers stand in the presence of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Throughout the centuries, this revelation has strengthened the faith of many Christians who have faced fierce opposition from a hostile world.
In every generation, there are some who follow the Lord with their whole heart. The Lord tells us: Narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it (Matt. 7:14). However, a minority of the world's population in many successive generations adds up. There will be a great multitude, which no man could number. . . . which are arrayed in white robes. . . . He said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes . . . in the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 7:9-14). These are the faithful who have heard His voice and followed Him through trials and sufferings. These are they who see beyond the present sufferings and look forward to the glorious privilege of being in the presence of the King of kings and Lord of lords for all eternity.
Faithful Christians may not have much of earth's pleasures, but earthly life is exceedingly short compared to eternity. The trials we face now will seem insignificant compared to the glorious privilege of being in the presence of the Lord.
For the Lamb . . . shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes (7:17). Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (I Cor. 15:57).
Thought for Today:
For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands (Is. 55:12).
Cross References:
For Rev. 6:12: See Joel 2:31. Rev. 6:13: See Is. 34:4. Rev. 6:17: See Joel 2:11. Rev. 7:3: See Ezek. 9:4. Rev. 7:17: See Ezek. 34:23.
Word Studies:
6:13 untimely figs unripe figs; 6:15 bondman slave.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcast in honor of Phyllis Wiley's Birthday • Country: Myanmar (formerly Burma) (48.1 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Burmese and ethnic languages • Limited religious freedom • 87.5% Buddhist; 6% Christian; 4% Muslim (mainly Sunni); 1% animist; .5% Hindu; 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Confess your sins to the Lord; He is merciful and forgiving (Dan. 9:4-9).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:33
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