Daily Reading: Revelation 12-13
Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints. (Revelation 13.10)
Devotional Thought: In Revelation 13, the march to the end of history is proceeding in the company of two beasts: one from the sea and one from the earth. These beasts represent the political and cultural powers that war against the true saints and the true faith. In other words, days of persecution and deception are ahead for The Church.
In times of persecution and deception, we are called to "endurance and faith" (v. 10). Consider your own life right now. In what areas is Satan attacking you? Who has hurt you? What injustices have you endured? What systems are in place that bring you injury? What civil laws are preventing you from freedom in worship and witness? You are called to endure. You are able to do so because you know that in the end your victory is assured!
As far as deception is concerned, what are your strongest temptations? What fears and doubts plague you? What ungodly attitudes are trying to worm their way into your heart? What untrue thoughts – in your leisure and diversion – are attacking your mind? You are able to endure these in victory as well! Do not give in to them, not even for a moment! Remember, the longer you gaze upon a lie, the more believable it becomes! Follow the admonition of 2 Corinthians 10.5 and take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ. Your mind can be transformed by the daily renewing presence of the Spirit and by consistent, intentional focus (see Romans 12.2). So, be ruthless with yourself! But, also be patient with yourself: training your mind is something that takes time! But thanks be to God he is with you to help you.
So, dear child of God, whatever you face today exercise patient endurance and faithfulness!
Prayer: Lord, I know that the persecutor and deceiver of my soul stands against me to destroy me. But I also know that you are with me to give me life and victory. Help me to have endurance and faithfulness to the end. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 105:1-6
1 Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.
2 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.
3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
4 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.
5 Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,
6 you his servants, the descendants of Abraham, his chosen ones, the children of Jacob.
Bình luận