Author: Scott Lane

Re: Verse reading–Revelation 15 and 16 (day five)

Revelation 15:2-3 “those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, holding harps of God.  And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb,”

There is something remarkable about singing praise to God. It lifts eyes, perspective, and outlook. Regardless of past experiences or current circumstances, praising God creates opportunity for joy, peace, and determination.  The busyness and rhythms of our lives often place praising God secondary. The hymn writer points out that we are often distracted and disrupted (hearts are out of tune) from praising God. “Tune my heart to sing Thy grace, Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise.”

The descriptions given by John indicate that in heaven that won’t be an issue. We see in chapter 15, even those who have been persecuted, praise God for His character, sovereignty, and work.

How about you? Will you intentionally sing and praise God today?

Re: Verse reading–Revelation 14 (day five) 

14:3 And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth.

Even in the end times, there are truths and realities that only believers know, understand, and learn. These lyrics/lessons are counter-cultural to a world where hope, values, and priorities are self-centered and not God-centered. The world won’t “get it”.

That’s always been the case. Look at 1 Corinthians 2:14 “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”

Apart from the Holy Spirit’s help, man is incapable of learning these lessons.

Make a list today of the lessons/truths you’ve learned that are counter-cultural.  Here’s a start: Sacrifice, Love, Purity, Perseverance…

Re:Verse passage: Revelation 12:1-6, 13-17; 13:1-4, 11-18 (day five) 

The saints described in Revelation 12:11 remain faithful and devoted until the very end of the world. Their perspective has never changed or waivered. Their worldview remains biblically based.

Sin- Sin is too big a problem/condition for man to fix or solve. It is a man-made problem, but doesn’t have a man-made solution. The sacrificial death of God’s Son (the blood of the Lamb) is the only means by which to experience the forgiveness of sin.

Testimony- An experience deeper than emotion or intellect has forever changed the heart, mind, and soul of each believer. A life-saving encounter with Christ gives personal knowledge and understanding of the power of God. (power that opposes the attack and deception of Satan)

Life- Life is larger and longer than just the experience on earth. There is an eternal outlook and awareness. Physical death is not the end; therefore they need not fear it. (to live is Christ, to die is gain)

Will we be know as faithful and devoted?

Revelation 10:1-9; 11:1-15 (day five)

In John’s vision of the end times, there is clear direction and instruction for him. He is not just a spectator in this vision. He is involved. In chapter 10 &11 notice the prompts to John: do not write, take the book, eat the book, measure the temple, prophesy again. John is an active and obedient participant.

Some believers have a vision (version) of the Christian life that does not give attention to obedience. Following Christ does not allow for the option of being bystanders. He desires us to be engaged in the work of the Gospel and involved in God’s plan and purpose. He desires to use our gifts, talents, abilities, and opportunities for His Glory!! Daily we can join in His redemptive work that continues until he decides time has run out.   God will use us as an employee, student, husband, parent, co-worker, employer, neighbor, and a hundred more ways. Anyone struggle with being obedient? Repent and get in the game!!

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 8 and 9 (day five)

Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Most often, we think the context is a present desire for God’s will and direction to be clear and then accomplished in us and through us. Looking at Revelation 8, scripture reminds us that this prayer has implications for the future and the end times. God is answering this prayer (His will being done and Kingdom coming), and they serve to usher in the end of the world.

Rev. 8- “that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God…” No prayer is ever unheard, ignored, forgotten, or set aside. All the prayers of all the saints counted, remembered, and rightfully placed before the throne of God.

How does this reality shape your prayers today??!!

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 6 (day five) 

Revelation 6 is almost unbelievable: all kinds of symbols and predictions of judgment and the wrath of God. How can we trust that the Lord is telling us the truth? Answer: Because, He has proven to always be truthful and trustworthy. Even in the hard and disturbing things, God’s nature and character is to tell the truth. Look at the life and teachings of Jesus. (John 14) In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; (John 16) I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone… In the world you will have tribulation,

Praise God!! He has proven to be a truth teller in revealing both the beautiful and difficult parts of His plan for mankind.  Do you believe that?

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 4:1-7, 5:1-14 (day five)

It’s the same picture we see in Revelation 1. Remember the description of the Glorified Christ? Strong, Wise, Holy, Powerful, Intimidating, and Magnificent!! Yet the same person comes to John and demonstrates love, compassion, and kindness by placing His hand on John’s shoulder and speaking words of encouragement. Same thing is found in Revelation 5. He is BOTH the Lion (Conqueror, Strong, Majestic, Ferocious) AND the Lamb (Gentle, Humble, Approachable, and Innocent).

There is danger in only seeing and acknowledging one or the other of these characteristics of Jesus. Relating only to Him as the Lamb, could make a human heart overconfident, arrogant, and prideful. But relating to Him as only the Lion could cause unhealthy and oversensitive fear, panic and separation, and an unwillingness to approach or trust Him.

We must see and sense Jesus in all his glory and mercy!! He is BOTH the Lamb that we can love and trust AND the Lion that we can submit to and serve!!

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 2:1-11; 3:1-6, 14-21 (day five) 

Revelation2:5 “Therefore remember”, Revelation 3:3 “So remember”

One of the biggest blessings from working with teenagers is watching and hearing their moments of conversion, and spiritual clarity. It is SO beautiful and inspiring when the Lord comes near and clearly speaks to their hearts. Priorities change. Perspective shifts. Devotion grows. Joy fills. It is always a reminder of the power and strength of God.

So today, will you remember? Maybe these questions will help…Who led you to Christ? When and where were you? Who did you tell? How did you tell? Have there been moments when God was clearly drawing near to you in order to draw you to Himself? How did your heart change? How did you look at life and circumstances differently? Have there been times in church, camp, revival meetings, or personal devotional times when God overwhelmed you?  Remember!! Rejoice!!

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 1 (day five) 

John has a similar experience to Revelation 1 in Matthew 17. But there are different sets of instructions from the Savior. In Matthew 17 Jesus says, “Do not tell anyone what you have seen”. In Revelation 1, Jesus says, “Write in a book what you see”.

Jesus could have appeared to the churches the same way he appeared to John. Yet, He doesn’t. Jesus clearly begins a new way to speak to and engage believers (churches)- thru the Scriptures (book). John Piper writes, “It is because He wants to come to us in and through his Word. He wants us to seek him in his Word, and know him by his Word, and gaze upon him steadily through his Word. And when we do, the Lord stands forth from his Word in ways beyond the merely rational and intellectual possibilities of reading.”