Day 364

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Scripture

December 29—Revelation 14-16: Seven Bowls with Seven Plagues

Observation

Another vision of the 144,000—now singing a new song—precedes the final series of divine judgments upon the earth. As angels proclaim the gospel message, the final outpouring of God's wrath begins. Seven angels carrying seven bowls of God's judgment pour out their destruction in the form of blood scorching heat, darkness, pain, earthquakes, hailstones and warfare. Yet, through it all, men "cursed the God of heaven for their pains and sores, but they refused to repent of all their evil deeds" (16:11).

Application

On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate your singing ability? (Think of ten as "positively CeCe Winans," one as "strictly for the showers.")

Your ability to sing hymns of praise to God with enthusiasm and feeling (though not necessarily with perfect pitch) is one of the best barometers of the level of joy in your spiritual life. Paul says in Ephesians 5:19 that one mark of a Spirit-filled life is to "talk with each other much about the Lord, quoting psalms and hymns and singing sacred songs, making music in your hearts to the Lord."

Singing has always been a part of the worship of God's people. Moses led the whole nation of Israel in singing a song of praise (Exodus 15). The book of Psalms contains such statements as "Compose new songs of praise to him" (33:3) and "Come before him, singing with joy" (100:2). And singing was an integral part of worship in the first-century church (Colossians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 14:15).

To help you prepare for an eternity of singing praises to God in heaven, locate a hymn book and spend time singing some of your old favorites, or reading the words out loud as poems of praise to God.

Prayer

Through faith, your children can be sure of your answers to our prayers for we are highest in your favor because we have the readiest access and the greatest number of answers to prayer from you. We will never shy away from praying to you because of what some may say—saying God does not answer directly or objectively but indirectly and subjectively. That is nurturing a false faith. Faith teaches us that it is your will to answer prayer and you answer all prayers and every prayer of us who truly pray. Thank you, God, for your loving goodness and for sending us a Savior saving us from going through the terrible Tribulation period described in today's Bible study. We are forever watching and waiting for our Lord and Savior's return for us of the faith. In Jesus' name we praise and honor you and glorify your Holy name! Amen! 





© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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