The second horseman of the Apocalypse rides a fiery red horse representing warfare, which normally comes after the failed diplomacy of man. Just as our Father desires earth to reflect heaven, Antichrist’s world will reflect hell. No doubt “a great sword” represents a proliferation of weapons, smart weapons, as well as weapons of mass destruction. “And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword” (Revelation 6:4 KJV). The unpleasantness of hearing the judgments of God upon the world is motivation to spread the good news of a second chance before it’s too late. LORD, energize and motivate us to share Your Word, Your Gospel, and Your prophecies that You might be magnified, and they might be benefited. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Spiritual Warfare
Behold A White Horse (Revelation 6:2)
The first seal judgment of the Book of Revelation opens at the beginning of Daniel’s Seventieth Week. “And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer” (Revelation 6:2 KJV). This first of the four horseman of the Apocalypse most likely represents Antichrist with veiled military power (“a bow”) diplomatically consolidating power worldwide. What has just disrupted the world? Was it a Pre-Tribulational Rapture of the Church? Could it be the revelation of the first horseman as a supernatural alien/Nephilim (UFO alien)? LORD, You are our teacher of things to come. Give us understanding that we may hasten Your return. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Love Covers Over a Multitude of Sins
Not everything we do is sin, Thank God! But, “above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1Peter 4:8 NIV). Only the love of God can rightly answer for the sins of the world through the atoning death of the Son of God (John 3:16). Even the irritating things we do that are not sin, but may provoke others to sin, can be covered over, like a wet blanket can prevent a fire. Love is that esteem that only emanates from God and is transmissible by a willing heart to reach back to God or touch others. Sin cannot take hold where the Spirit of Love rules. You cannot sin and love God at the same time. We need the influence of the Holy Spirit all around us like He brooded over the earth at Creation. LORD, fill us — Your Church — with Your Spirit that this planet may have an opportunity to experience the love of God in this sin drenched world. Draw us all to Yourself like a Holy Magnet. Amen. “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me” (John 12:32 KJV).
Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5)
A scroll with seven seals is opened by the “Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, [He] hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof” (Revelation 5:5 KJV). Messiah “shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and His rest shall be glorious” (Isaiah 11:10). The upcoming judgments of Daniel’s Seventy Weeks (Daniel 9:24) are the forewarned response from the angry Messiah (Psalm 2:12), whom neither the Jews nor Gentiles have fully embraced. LORD, may we fear You as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah rather than that roaring lion who seeks to devour us. Grant us the courage to stand before our enemies, knowing You have got our back. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Thou Art Worthy (Revelation 4:11)
Humanism at its zenith is a fascination with self — falling in love with the picture in the mirror. No worse punishment can be pronounced for the humanist than taking the emphasis upon self and gazing upon the Almighty. John shows us a picture of eternity with a scene around the throne of God. “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11 KJV). His glory is His pleasure; and, our purpose for existence is for the pleasure of God. For this reason, how could we not be more delighted than to find the attention He lavishes upon us? “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him” (1Corinthians 2:9). How could Heaven be more attractive? LORD, You are worthy of the praise, honor, and glory given You. Satisfy our soul in giving You this worship. Teach us our poverty of Spirit, when we restrain our praise of You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The Final Call (Revelation 3:20)
If the Church of Laodicea can be compared to the final stage of Church History, then lukewarmness is its trademark. “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue [vomit] thee out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16 KJV). In spite of Laodicea’s lukewarmness, Christ gives her an invitation, the final call to repentance before He unfolds tribulation upon the earth. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me” (3:20). We have been comfortable in the world, rationalizing Christ can benefit from our riches, but blinded by self-interest, we have not seen the glories of the Invisible Christ in the Unseen Realm. O LORD, awaken Your people! May we acknowledge Your displeasure because of the slowness of our heart in believing You. Be merciful to us and cause us to make an impression on those left behind. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen and amen.
Protecting Against the Lie
With ever greater capabilities to deceive with Artificial Intelligence (AI), how does the Church protect itself against deception? “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1John 4:1 KJV). When commanded to “believe not” (4:1), it is implied that God gives us the ability not to be deceived. Only the Spirit of God can give us that ability. But, you say, Judas Iscariot fooled the Apostles. Perhaps. Judas Iscariot was baptized like the rest, and he had a position of trust, for he “had the bag, and bare what was put therein” (John 12:6). But, Christ, the Head of the Church was never fooled. Ananias and Sapphira were also baptized, but Peter countered, “Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?” (Acts 5:3). Only the Spirit of God is able to protect us against the lie. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25 NIV). A supernatural protection from deception is given, when we “keep in step with the Spirit” (5:25). When Saul of Tarsus came forward as a new disciple; the other disciples were naturally wary. But, the Lord provided the testimony of Barnabas to overcome their wariness (Acts 9:27). Not too fast and not too slow, disciples are cautioned to walk “in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25) to keep from being deceived. LORD, Your Spirit is our defense against deception. May we reasonably use all tools at our disposal to avoid being deceived by the enemy, but they will only work unless You bless them. Help us to obey Your command not to be deceived. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Set Before Thee An Open Door (Revelation 3:8)
If we could compare the Church of Philadelphia to the stage of Church History subsequent to the Reformation, possibly touching the times even of recent, then we can see a missions minded, evangelistic church, striving to be revived. “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word, and hast not denied My name” (Revelation 3:8 KJV). Philadelphia and Smyrna are the only two churches of the seven, who are not reprimanded. O LORD, may we be counted among that number! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Obey God’s Spirit
We wonder why we don’t see the same results or better than the Early Church in the Book of Acts. But, are we so institutionalized and respectable that we don’t know the voice of the Holy Spirit? Philip listened to an angel, who directed him to “go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza” (Acts 8:26 KJV). Then, the Spirit said, “Go near, and join thyself to this chariot” (8:29). And, he “preached unto him Jesus” (8:35). “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him” (8:36-38).
Doesn’t happen today?
What about this lady, who did a handstand for the Lord?
LORD, overcome the spirit of disbelief, which too often overrules the voice of Your Spirit. Make us to walk orderly according to Your Word, but make us to walk after Your Spirit, always giving Jesus the glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Help, LORD (Psalm 12:1)
We are always a prayer away from help. God’s “throne of grace” is ever open to us in our “time of need” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). Thrice, God rapidly responds, “I will help thee” (Isaiah 45:10, 13, 14). When our crisis is deepest, His help is closest. He knows we are then most open to a dramatic application of change in our teachable moment. Trust, try, and “prove Me now” (Malachi 3:10) is our Lord’s call to action. What thing in the back of our mind has the Spirit of God been whispering, “Change”? You, fill in the blank. “Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke [of man’s traditions], the putting forth of the finger [in scornfully pointing out those who do not comply with those traditions], and speaking vanity [using those false traditions]” (Isaiah 58:9). When the Spirit of God has sufficiently arrested our attention about whatever change He wants, He then challenges us, “Prove Me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10). The surest path is “straight forward” (Ezekiel 1:9, 12), and we know the outcome will bring us safely Home. LORD, You are our help. Come to our aid. Supply what we have not. Open our eyes to receive the understanding we need. Thank You, and may Your name be praised evermore. In Jesus’ name, we ask it. Amen and amen.
We Need A Miracle 
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