Devotions: Marked by God or Marked for Judgment?
Day 1: God’s Judgment Is Real
Scripture Reading: Romans 1:18-20
Reflection: Revelation 9:1-12 reminds us of the reality and seriousness of God’s judgment. Romans 1 explains that God’s wrath is revealed against all ungodliness because His existence and righteousness are evident in creation. Ignoring His truth leads to consequences both now and eternally. Let us acknowledge His holiness and live in awe of His justice.
Prayer: Lord, help me to understand the reality of Your judgment and live in reverent awe of Your holiness. Amen.
January 5 Sermon: Mark by God or Marked for Judgment?
What does it mean to be “marked by God” or “marked for judgment”? Revelation 9:1-12 reveals the terrifying consequences of rejecting God and the immense security found in Christ. Discover the reality of divine judgment, the protection of God’s people, and the devastating power of sin’s consequences. Let this passage lead us to gratitude, warning, and urgency to share the gospel.
Contemplate these questions as you listen to this message:
What does the seal of God represent, and how does it offer security to believers in the midst of judgment?
How does the description of torment in Revelation 9:1-12 deepen your understanding of the consequences of sin?
In what ways does this passage motivate you to share the gospel with those who are “marked for judgment”?
Devotions: The Weight of Silence
Day 1: The Silence in Heaven
Reading: Revelation 8:1; Habakkuk 2:20
Reflection: In both Revelation and Habakkuk, silence marks the presence of God and the gravity of His judgment. Take time to be still before the Lord today. Reflect on His holiness and prepare your heart for His work in your life.
Prayer: Lord, teach me to honor You in the stillness. Help me to pause and recognize Your holiness and sovereign power. Amen.
December 29 Sermon: The Weight of Silence
In Revelation 8, heaven falls silent as the seventh seal is opened, followed by the prayers of the saints and the sounding of the first four trumpets. This profound moment reminds us of the weight of God’s judgment, the power of prayer, and the call to repentance. As we enter a new year, let’s reflect, renew, and focus on our faith in Christ.
Contemplate these questions as you listen to this message:
How does the silence in heaven challenge us to pause and reflect on the holiness of God in our own lives?
In what ways do the prayers of the saints inspire us to approach God with confidence and trust?
How does the vision of the trumpets remind us of the seriousness of sin and the urgency of repentance?
Devotions: Sealed for Salvation
Day 1: God’s Sovereign Care
Reading: Psalm 91:1-6
Reflection: Just as God seals His people in Revelation 7, He promises His protection throughout Scripture. Psalm 91 reminds us that God is our refuge and fortress, sheltering us under His wings. This assurance helps us face life’s uncertainties with confidence in His care.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for being my refuge and protector. Help me to trust in Your sovereignty in every season of life. Amen.
November 24 Sermon: Sealed for Salvation
In Revelation 7:1-17, John sees the sealing of God’s people for salvation, a vision of a global multitude worshiping the Lamb, and the eternal comfort of those redeemed by His blood. This passage reminds us of God’s sovereign care, the global reach of His grace, and the joy of salvation that leads us to eternal worship. Be encouraged by the hope this vision offers!
Devotions: Who Can Stand?
Day 1: The Sovereignty of God
Scripture Reading: Psalm 46:1-3
Reflection: The shaking earth in Revelation 6 reminds us of the psalmist’s declaration: God is our refuge even when the earth gives way. The Lamb controls the seals; nothing is outside His authority. In our own lives, even chaos is under His sovereign hand.
Prayer: Lord, help me trust in Your sovereignty, knowing You hold the world and my life in Your hands. Amen.
November 17 Sermon: Who Can Stand?
In Revelation 6, the seals are opened, revealing powerful images of judgment, the cry of the martyrs, and the inevitable reality of God's wrath. But even as the world shakes, the Lamb offers hope and salvation. Who can stand before the wrath of God? Only those who take refuge in Christ. Trust in Him today!
Devotions: The Anthem of Heaven
Day 1: The Search for One Who is Worthy
Reading: Revelation 5:1-4
Reflection: In Revelation 5, a search unfolds for someone worthy to open God’s scroll. John's sorrow reminds us of humanity's helplessness apart from Christ—no one in heaven or earth can unlock God’s plan. Our worth doesn’t depend on our power or achievements but on the Lamb’s sacrifice and victory.
Prayer: Lord, I am unworthy on my own. Thank You for Jesus, the only one worthy of my hope and trust. Draw me closer to Your strength and mercy. Amen.
November 10 Sermon: The Anthem of Heaven
In this message, we explore Revelation 5, where heaven erupts in worship, proclaiming the Lamb’s worthiness to open God’s redemptive scroll. Jesus, the Lion who conquered as a slain Lamb, unites believers across time and space in one anthem of praise. Join us as we uncover how this eternal song reshapes our hope and devotion.
Devotions: Before the Throne
Day 1: The Sovereign Throne of God
Reading: Psalm 93
Reflection: This psalm reminds us that God reigns with majesty and power, even when the world seems chaotic. Like the waves that seem relentless, life’s struggles can overwhelm us. But the psalmist’s focus on God’s unshakeable throne reminds us that God’s power is above all. John’s vision in Revelation 4 draws us to the same truth—that God is unmovable and in control.
Prayer: Lord, help me find peace in Your eternal rule, knowing that You reign above all. Set my heart on Your majesty and sovereignty. Amen.
November 3 Sermon: Before the Throne
In Revelation 4, John’s vision shifts from earthly struggles to the throne of heaven, unveiling God’s glory and ultimate control. For believers facing persecution, this reminder of a sovereign, eternal King offered profound hope. Today, we’re called to endure life’s challenges by focusing on the One who reigns over all creation. Discover this unshakable foundation and steadfast hope.
Devotions: Rich in Wealth, Poor in Spirit
Day 1: Spiritual Temperature Check
Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:12-13
Reflection:
In today's passage, Jesus warns of a cooling in the spiritual fervor of many believers as challenges and lawlessness increase. This prediction aligns with the lukewarm condition condemned in Revelation. Consider your own spiritual fervor: is your faith hot, cold, or lukewarm? How does the state of your heart reflect your relationship with God?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be aware of my spiritual temperature. Stir in me a fervent, enduring faith that does not cool in the face of trials or grow indifferent with comfort. Amen.
May 5 Sermon: Rich in Wealth, Poor in Soul
There are several words in the English language where a change of just a few letters completely changes things, even if they kind of sound the same. The easiest example that I came up with as I was thinking about this was dessert and desert. They look the same. It's one letter that's different, and if you're like me, you probably have to stop every time you need to spell one of those words and remember which one it is that you're trying to spell and which one has one S and which one has two. But they're completely different things. I don't think a dry, barren wasteland and a tasty part of the meal have anything in common, but they look the same. They even kind of sound the same. And two other words that are similar that come to mind for me are thermostat and thermometer.
Devotions: An Open Door
Day 1: The Sovereign Authority of Christ
Reading: Isaiah 22:22
Meditation: Reflect on how the key of the house of David symbolizes authority and control. Just as Eliakim was granted authority to open and close doors, Christ holds ultimate authority over all aspects of life. Meditate on areas of your life where recognizing Christ’s control could bring peace and trust.
April 28 Sermon: An Open Door
We love underdog stories. They are the types of stories that really draw us in, everything from something in the Bible like David and Goliath to that forever classic the Little Engine that Could. We naturally gravitate towards these types of stories. Now, we're just recently removed from the games of March Madness gracing our television screens, and I'm guessing that most people have similar feelings to mine. As you watch those games, if you aren't a fan of a particular educational institutional basketball program, you find yourself cheering for the team that's the lower seed. We love to see the little school topple the basketball powerhouses.
Devotions: Wake Up
Day 1: Spiritual Complacency and Awakening
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:1-13
Reflection:
In today's scripture, the foolish virgins thought they were prepared for the bridegroom, but their lack of oil revealed their unpreparedness at the crucial moment. Similarly, the church in Sardis appeared alive but was spiritually dead. Reflect on areas in your life where you might be spiritually complacent. Are you truly prepared for Christ's return, or are you relying on past spiritual experiences?
Prayer:
Lord, awaken my spirit and help me to live in readiness for Your return. Illuminate areas of complacency in my life and empower me to strengthen my commitment to You daily.
April 21 Sermon: Wake Up
External appearances can be deceiving, can't they? I think we can all relatively quickly come up with an idea of something that seemed to be unshakable based upon its appearance, but then ended up not holding up. We wouldn't have too much difficulty, I don't think, brainstorming a few different examples of this. Arguably the most obvious example, and probably the example that is probably running through your mind, is the world-famous ocean liner, the Titanic.
Devotions: Hold Fast
Day 1: The Holiness of Christ
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16
Devotional:
Reflect on the majestic description of Jesus in Revelation 2:18, with eyes like flames of fire and feet like burnished bronze. This vision underscores His holiness and purity, emphasizing His authority as our High Priest who understands our weaknesses yet calls us to confidently approach His throne of grace. Consider how Christ's holiness impacts your view of sin and grace in your daily life.
Prayer Focus: Ask God to give you a more profound reverence for Christ’s holiness and to help you live a life that reflects His purity.
April 14 Sermon: Hold Fast
There's been a repetitive theme so far in our time in the book of Revelation. The original audiences of this book, particularly these seven churches that are talked about that, are in Asia. In the second and third chapters of Revelation they are facing coming, tribulation and persecution, and for some of them we've seen that this persecution has already arrived.