A – People search for the meaning and purpose of life in all forms of fulfillment. Eternal life is only found in God through Jesus. This isn’t theory – this is people who are standing in God’s presence and proclaiming it as truth.
R – Heavenly Father, you are the Way, the Truth and the Life. We proclaim that you are the only way to eternal life and salvation. We recognize that Jesus died for our sins and we proclaim he is our savior. Thank you for loving us so much that you would invite us into relationship with you.
S – And I looked, and there was a pale green horse. Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following after him. They were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill by the sword, by famine, by plague, and by the wild animals of the earth.
Revelation 6:8 CSB
O – Commentary:
A pale horse was introduced when the fourth seal was opened. “Pale” is literally a pale green (cf. the same word used of vegetation in Mark 6:39; Rev. 8:7; 9:4). John stated that the rider’s name was Death and that hades was following close behind him. Here is the aftermath of war, famine, and death. With war and famine people fall prey to a plague and the wild beasts of the earth. The startling fact is revealed that a fourth of the earth, or approximately a billion people by today’s population figures, will be killed by these means. It should be obvious that this is not a trivial judgment but a major factor in the Great Tribulation, thus supporting the conclusion that the Great Tribulation has begun. The first four seals may be considered as a unit and a general description of the Great Tribulation as an unprecedented time of trouble
John F. Walvoord, “Revelation,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 948.
A – It is startling to think that one fourth of the world’s population would be killed in a short time frame. It is a great reminder to share the gospel with people so they can know can be in relationship with God.
R- Heavenly Father, you are just and true. We are all sinners and broken. We don’t deserve mercy and grace but are we grateful that you provide it through the blood of Jesus. Help us to have a heart for others and the boldness to share your love with them.
S -Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and also of the living creatures and of the elders. Their number was countless thousands, plus thousands of thousands. 12 They said with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered to receive power and riches
and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!
Revelation 5:11–12 CSB
O – There will be inumerable beings confessing the sacrifice that Jesus made for our sins. His actions on earthy allows him to receive all these treasures.
A – We get the benefit of forgiveness of sins because Jesus went to the cross for us. He is ascribed all honor and the things listed in this scripture. Interestingly, we can ask for wisdom, strength and blessing and he gives them to us. Jesus not only paid the price for our sins; he also provides what we need for our time on earth. He is worthy of our worship on earth and when we are with him in heaven.
R – Heavenly Father, you alone are worthy of honor and glory. We recognize that you are God and there is no other. We worship you and confess “Worthy is the Lamb to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing.” Thank you for our relationship with you!
S – Each of the four living creatures had six wings; they were covered with eyes around and inside. Day and night they never stop, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God, the Almighty, who was, who is, and who is to come.
Revelation 4:8 CSB
O – Commentary:
The four beings ceaselessly praised God’s basic characteristics: his holiness, his power (the Almighty), and his eternity (see note on 1:4). • Holy, holy, holy comes from Isa 6:3 and is the highest worship affirmation in Scripture. To double something makes it emphatic; to triple it makes it ultimate.
A – We worship God every day with our lives. The purity and essence of worship in heaven is a picture of what is to come. As we come into alignment with God’s Word and will for our lives, our thoughts, words and actions become a living worship that points only to Him.
R – Heavenly Father, you are Alpha and Omega – the beginning and the end. You are alone are worthy of our worship and honor today. Empower us to align our thoughts, words and actions with you so that our worship is pure and undefiled. You are Holy, Holy, Holy and there is no God like you.
S – I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth.
Revelation 3:15–16 CSB
O – Commentary:
neither hot nor cold: The hot springs in Hierapolis were famous for their healing qualities. Colosse was equally famous for its cold, refreshing springs. In contrast, the water available in Laodicea was smelly and lukewarm. Such water is distasteful; Jesus was saying that the church’s indecisive commitment to him was revolting.
A – Deciding to follow Jesus is not a “wishy washy” commitment. God gives us the free will to choose Him or our own ways. Going back in forth is an option that creates more chaos than conviction. In good and bad, choosing God allows us access to all that God has to offer.
R – Heavenly Father, you are a good Father. Give us courage today to make a choice. I choose you, God. In good and bad, your will and purpose is for my overall benefit. I surrender my will to yours today.
S – I know that you have persevered and endured hardships for the sake of my name, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first.
Revelation 2:3–4 CSB
O – Commentary:
In spite of the many areas of commendation, the church in Ephesus was soundly rebuked: Yet I hold this against you: you have forsaken your first love. The order of words in the Greek is emphatic; the clause could be translated, “Your first love you have left.” Christ used the word agapēn, speaking of the deep kind of love that God has for people. This rebuke contrasts with what Paul wrote the Ephesians 35 years earlier, that he never stopped giving thanks for them because of their faith in Christ and their love (agapēn) for the saints (Eph. 1:15–16). Most of the Ephesian Christians were now second-generation believers, and though they had retained purity of doctrine and life and had maintained a high level of service, they were lacking in deep devotion to Christ. How the church today needs to heed this same warning, that orthodoxy and service are not enough. Christ wants believers’ hearts as well as their hands and heads
John F. Walvoord, “Revelation,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 933–934.
A – The commentary hits the bullseye – we cannot have a deep love for God by going through the motions. It is easy for us to get into a routine or practice that allows to “obey” God on the outside. But, God looks at our hearts. Do we hunger for more of Him and desire deeper relationship with him? We can get back to our first love. We want an active, growing heart relationship with Him.
R – Heavenly Father, you are the One, True God. Forgive us for the areas where we have moved away from our “first love” with you. Even when we obey in our actions, help our hearts to be the true center of our relationship with you. We desire to know you more intimately today.
S – When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last, 18 and the Living One. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades.
Revelation 1:17–18 CSB
O – Commentary:
John stated, When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. Paul was struck to the ground in a similar way when he saw Christ in His glory (Acts 9:4). Previously John had put his head on Jesus’ breast (cf. John 13:25, kjv). But now John could not be this familiar with the Christ of glory.
John received reassurance from Christ in the words, Do not be afraid. Christ stated that He is the eternal One, the First and the Last (cf. Rev. 1:8; 2:8; 21:6; 22:13), and the resurrected One, the Living One, who though once dead is now alive forever and ever! Here Christ affirmed that He alone has the keys of death and hades that is, authority over death and the place of the dead (cf. John 5:21–26; 1 Cor. 15:54–57; Heb. 2:14; Rev. 20:12–14). Though the glorified Christ is to be reverenced, faithful believers like John can be sure they are accepted by the Son of God. The Christian’s death and resurrection are both in His hands.
John F. Walvoord, “Revelation,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 931.
A – The glory of God is overwhelming throughout the Bible. Even one of Jesus’ closest disciples couldn’t stand it. Then, to see he holds the keys to death and the eternal should draw us to him as our Lord and Saviour. The fear of the Lord is dread and terror to some. To those who believe in Jesus, it brings awe, reverence and a desire to be in relationship with him.
R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you alone. You are the Alpha and Omega and we reverence you for who you are. We desire to know you more and to align our words, thoughts and actions to bring you honor today.
S – Hallelujah! Praise God in his sanctuary. Praise him in his mighty expanse. 2 Praise him for his powerful acts; praise him for his abundant greatness.
Psalms 150:1–2 CSB
O – These are strong proclamations:
Hallelujah – hâlal; to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; caus. to celebrate
A – I will rave and celebrate my God today. He knows me intimately, created all things, has no limits and he continues to grow in his magnitude. That is worth celebrating. He is all present, knows all things, and yet, he still loves each of us intimately. That is the God I will bow my knee to and serve unashamedly.
R – Heavenly Father, you are Awesome! Thank you for being so big and knowing me so intimately. With joy, I surrender myself and this day to you. Continue to draw me closer to you in our relationship. I celebrate you as my God, Lord and Savior!
S – Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, offspring, a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one’s youth. 5 Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them.
They will never be put to shame when they speak with their enemies at the city gate.
Psalm 127:3-5 CSB
O – Commentary:
Children, the psalmist wrote, are some of the Lord’s providential blessings (see blessed, v. 5). They are a reward from the Lord. Sons help defend the family for they are like weapons (arrows) in the hands of a mighty man. Sons are capable of defending the family in civil cases (at the gate civil cases were discussed and decided).
The imagery of arrows and of defense “in the gate” was natural for a nation endangered from without and within.
Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 885.
A – Children are a gift from God. In Bible times, there was a practical application in tending to the family land and tasks. More importantly, God designated the family unit as the core of relationships that are for a lifetime. As we pour into the next generation, they take the family unit to the next steps of growth individually and as a whole. We should be attentive and committed to growing our families to know and live for God.
R – Heavenly Father, you are our God and Father. Thank you for the gift of family. Empower us today to honor those relationships with love. Our different gifts, talents and personalities make us a stronger, more complete family unit.
S – Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion. It cannot be shaken; it remains forever.
2 The mountains surround Jerusalem and the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forever
Psalms 125:1–2 CSB
O – Our trust is in God who is unmovable. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is present in the good and bad times. He protects us by surrounding us in his presence.
A – The consistency of God brings peace and confidence to our lives. We are not serving a moving target or changing character. Instead, the same God who called the heroes of the Bible is calling us today. He also goes with us and surrounds us – the front, side and back. Our exposure to the enemy is when we open doors for him to have access. We must be vigilant to recognize when we do that and to close them quickly.
R – Heavenly Father, you are Mighty in battle. You fight for us and surround us with your presence. Your character is consistent and does not change. Empower us today to walk with confidence and humility as we accomplish the purposes you have for us.
Just Add Water . Chris Bonham 