Posts with the category “daily-devotionals”

"He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names." - Psalm 147:4 Water is essential to life. It sustains your body, refreshes your mind, and keeps every system functioning. Without clean water, the human body begins to break down quickly. That’s why the scene in Revelation 8, where the third trumpet sounds and a blazing star named Wormwood pollutes a third of the world’s...  Read More

"The second angel blew his trumpet, and something like a great mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood." - Revelation 8:8 The scene described in Revelation 8 is almost unimaginable. A blazing mountain plunges into the sea, turning a third of it to blood. The oceans, which cover most of the earth’s surface, will become a place of death and destructi...  Read More

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 When was the last time you paused to thank God for the little things? Not just the big moments of deliverance or the obvious blessings, but the tiny, often unnoticed details that He faithfully provides every single day. It’s easy to overlook them, to assume they’ll always be there, but t...  Read More

"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5 It’s easy to fall into the habit of depending on God only when life feels like it’s spiraling out of control. When you face a crisis. Maybe it’s health issues, financial struggles, or a broken relationship. That is when you turn to Him, despera...  Read More

"The first angel blew his trumpet, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and these were thrown upon the earth. And a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up." - Revelation 8:7 It’s hard to imagine the kind of destruction described when the first trumpet sounds in Revelation. A third of the earth’s forests burned...a...  Read More

"Say to them, ‘As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?’" - Ezekiel 33:11 The book of Revelation unfolds like a series of packages within packages. You start with the seven seals, which open up to reveal seven trumpets. When the ...  Read More

"And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life." - 1 John 2:25 Do you remember the joy of anticipation as a child? Whether it was a Christmas gift, a long-awaited vacation, or a surprise from your parents, the build-up to something amazing could feel almost unbearable. It wasn’t just about the gift, it was about the journey to uncover it, the clues along the way, and the realization that...  Read More

"And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.’" - Revelation 3:14 The title The Beginning of the Creation of God emphasizes that Jesus is not only the source but also the sustainer of all creation. Far from being a created being, Jesus is the eternal Word through whom everything came into existence. As Joh...  Read More

"And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.’" - Revelation 3:14 In a world filled with broken promises, shifting narratives, and unreliable sources, Jesus stands out as The Faithful and True Witness. This title is a powerful reminder that He is completely reliable, trustworthy, and honest in everything H...  Read More

"And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.’" - Revelation 3:14 When Jesus is called "The Amen," it’s a declaration of His nature as the God of truth. The word “Amen” itself is often used to affirm something as certain, reliable, and trustworthy. By identifying Himself as The Amen, Jesus reveals that He ...  Read More

"I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades." - Revelation 1:18 Imagine standing before a locked door, knowing that what lies beyond it determines your eternal destiny. Now imagine seeing Jesus approach with the keys in His hand, unlocking the door with authority and grace. This is the truth of Jesus as the One who holds the keys of death and Hades. It signif...  Read More

"In his right hand he held seven stars, and from his mouth came a sharp, double-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength." - Revelation 1:16 Imagine the power and authority that a sword symbolizes. It’s an instrument of judgment, protection, and finality. In Revelation, Jesus is described as holding a sharp, double-edged sword that comes from His mouth. This imagery spea...  Read More

"The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters." - Revelation 1:14-15 When we picture Jesus, we often imagine Him as compassionate and gentle, extending mercy and love. However, in Revelation, we are given a strikingly different image of Jesu...  Read More

"And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: 'The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.'" - Revelation 2:18 When Jesus is called "The Son of God," it’s not just a title. It’s a declaration of His divine nature and His unique relationship with God the Father. This title speaks to the heart of the Christian faith: Jesus is not mer...  Read More

"In his right hand he held seven stars, and from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength." - Revelation 1:16 In Revelation, we read that Jesus holds the seven stars in His right hand. At first glance, this image might seem strange, but it carries a powerful message about Jesus' control and authority over His church.  The seven stars represent ...  Read More

"When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, 'Fear not, I am the first and the last.'" - Revelation 1:17 When Jesus calls Himself "the First and the Last," He is declaring something powerful about His nature. He is not simply a figure in history. He is eternal, existing before all things and continuing forever. This title emphasizes His sovereignty ...  Read More

"And in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest." - Revelation 1:13 The title "Son of Man" is one of the most significant titles Jesus used for Himself throughout the Gospels and, specifically, in Revelation. On the surface, it emphasizes His humanity. Jesus, though fully divine, was also fully human. He lived among us, fe...  Read More

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” - Romans 12:19 When we face injustice or hardship, our natural instinct is often to fight back. Whether it’s someone wronging us or an unfair situation, we want to make things right on our own. But in these moments, we need to remember that Jesus, in His infini...  Read More

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? - Romans 6:1-2 God’s grace is a beautiful gift, one that offers forgiveness when we fail and mercy when we fall short. However, it’s crucial that we don’t misunderstand the purpose of grace. Just because God offers His grace does not mean we should take it as a free pa...  Read More

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.” - Titus 2:11 As we reflect on the picture of Christ as the perfect judge, it can be easy to focus on the weight of the final judgment. The thought of standing before Jesus, knowing that all our actions, thoughts, and decisions will be examined, might feel overwhelming. But while Revelation paints a powerful image of a righteou...  Read More

“His eyes were like a flame of fire... His feet were like fine brass...” - Revelation 1:14-15  When we think of judgment, many of us imagine a cold, distant courtroom where a judge renders a decision based on evidence and facts. But the judgment that Christ will bring when He returns is different. It is personal, perfect, and absolute. In Revelation 1:13-18, we get a glimpse into Christ’s role as ...  Read More

“When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. But he laid his right hand on me and said, ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.’” - Revelation 1:17-18  In Revelation 1, John has an incredible vision of Jesus. He sees Jesus in His full glory, far beyond the image we often have of Him. John describes Jesus with hair ...  Read More

“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place.” - Revelation 1:1  If you're a servant of God, then the book of Revelation was given to you. It’s not just for the theologians or scholars, and it's not just for people who have a deep understanding of Scripture. It’s for you. The Revelation of Jesus Christ was delivered with you in mi...  Read More

“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” - Revelation 1:3  Have you ever wondered why praying can feel so hard? Your mind wanders, you get distracted, and suddenly, you’ve lost track of what you were saying. Or maybe reading the Bible feels like a challenge—your eyelids get heavy, or...  Read More

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” - John 1:5  A while back, I, like many of you, stood outside in my backyard, looking up at the sky, hoping to catch a glimpse of the total eclipse. While Cleveland, Tennessee, didn’t get the chance to see the full eclipse, other parts of the world did. Apparently, it's a big deal because the path of totality only passes over...  Read More

“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” - John 10:9 Not too long ago, I had the privilege of sharing the gospel at the Bradley County Jail, and one of the most vivid memories I have is of speaking to men who were surrounded by fear and hopelessness. These men were confined by bars, but there was something far greater keeping them in bondag...  Read More

"Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it, because the time is near." – Revelation 1:3 Have you ever wondered what it would be like to receive a personal promise from God? In the book of Revelation, we get exactly that. A clear and direct promise of blessing. The promise is simple: if you...  Read More

"In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." – John 16:33 There’s something about tough times that tests our faith in ways that nothing else does. When life gets hard—when the pressures of work, family, health, or even personal struggles pile up—it's easy to wonder: Is following Jesus really worth it?  This question, though it may seem harsh, is one that man...  Read More

"Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near." – Revelation 1:3 If you’ve ever read through Revelation and found yourself wondering, “Why is this book so full of signs and symbols?” You’re not alone. It can be difficult to understand, and it’s a valid question to ask. But the answer is actua...  Read More

"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place." – Revelation 1:1 When we read that the things of Revelation "must soon take place," it's easy to get caught up in the idea of time. After all, this was written 2,000 years ago. So why haven’t all these events already occurred? The answer lies in the word "soon" but not in the way we u...  Read More

"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place." – Revelation 1:1 The book of Revelation has a clear purpose: to show God’s servants what must soon take place. The word servant here isn’t just a casual term. It comes from the Greek word for “bond-servant,” describing someone who has willingly surrendered themselves to a master, not ...  Read More

"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John." – Revelation 1:1 When you think about the book of Revelation, what comes to mind? Prophecies? Signs and symbols? While those elements are part of this remarkable book, Revelation is so much more. It’s not primarily a book abou...  Read More

"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place." – Revelation 1:1 The word Revelation comes from the Greek word Apokalypsis, which means “the removal of a veil so that something can be seen.” Imagine an artist standing before a captivated crowd, lifting the veil off a masterpiece for the very first time. That unveiling reveals the b...  Read More

"The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." – Matthew 9:37-38 The book of Revelation is a vivid reminder of the reality of eternity. It paints a picture of what’s to come, and as you read it, the weight of that reality can’t help but stir something in your heart. For those of us who know Jesus, it...  Read More

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." – 1 John 1:9 The book of Revelation doesn’t just speak to those who don’t know God, it also speaks powerfully to those who do. As a believer, you might find yourself reading its pages and feeling an uncomfortable tug on your heart. That’s the Holy Spirit stirring you, calling you to...  Read More

"For he says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." – 2 Corinthians 6:2 The book of Revelation has a way of cutting through the noise of life. It forces you to confront the reality of eternity and the truth that the end times are not a distant possibility but a promise. We don’t...  Read More

“Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." – Matthew 24:42 One of the most common questions people ask me is, “Do you think we’re living in the last days?” Studies show that 63% of Evangelicals and 40% of the general population believe we are. The curiosity about the end times is nothing new; even as a little boy, I remember asking my dad when Jesus would return....  Read More

"Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near." – Revelation 1:3 The book of Revelation is one that many shy away from, often labeled as too mysterious, too controversial, or too complex to tackle. Yet, within its pages lies a promise of blessing unlike any other book in the Bible. When you o...  Read More

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” - Isaiah 43:18-19   New Year’s Eve often brings with it mixed feelings. We look back at the year behind us, reflecting on memories, experiences, successes, and maybe a few regrets. And yet, as t...  Read More

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” - John 14:27   When Jesus came, He didn’t just promise peace, nor did He only embody peace. He actively GIVES us peace, an invitation to live with His assurance every single day. In John 14:27, Jesus tells His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my...  Read More