The Most Productive Thing

Daily Reading: Revelation 8-9

Scripture Focus: And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. (Revelation 8.3-4)

Devotional Thought: I love this particular passage of scripture. The golden censer, incense, and the prayers of the saints.  Let’s take this in three parts like Pastor Scott does!

·       I really appreciate the symbolism of the golden censer.  According to theologians, it can represent several things, but one thing in particular that is meaningful to me is how the censer represents the sacrifice of Jesus.  When the angel holds the censer before the throne, God "sees" the blood of Jesus. What a promise!

·       Then, incense is added to the prayers of the saints.  I like to think of this as our praise to the Lord before we pray.  Revelation 7.12 says our praises give glory, wisdom, honor, and power to our God.

·       Finally, the prayers of the saints, you and me.  Many of us are stuck at home during this COVID crisis, and we may feel frustrated and "useless."  But, that is the wrong way to look at it.  This is an opportunity to do that which is most productive: pray!  If you have chosen to watch television all day, I’m sorry for you.  You are missing a lot.  My prayers have been so much more powerful since I am praying more.  I don’t just go through a list every day.  I am praying for true revival, along with my regular list.  I pray and the Lord works, every time!

Fran Ginn

Prayer: Oh Lord, grant that we would have the persistence and faith to pray as we ought.  In addition to revival in the church, please put a burden on our hearts for the lost and help us reach out.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 103.1-5

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,

3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.