Revelation 9-12

We read through Revelation 9-12 today.  Thank goodness for the NIV Life Application Study Bible my husband just bought himself.  I wouldn't have a clue about what's happening without its helpful side notes on the text.  We read about "angels" but learn that while some our our traditional heavenly angels, some in this book are those who "have fallen" and are evil forces working for the devil.  The devil is up to no good in our very lives.  Locusts and plagues and earthquakes are unleashed on the world.  Many are tortured and die.  It is scary, mysterious stuff, and John mentions that he is not allowed to reveal all that he sees to us.

Just for the record, it's day three of reading Revelation, and I am still confused.  And you know what?  I am perfectly okay with that.  I am thinking right now that I don't want to know everything about everything that is to come.  There's no way I'd be able to sleep at night!  

There's one thing that's clear in this overwhelmingly figurative and symbolic book.  God is the ONE in charge of it all.  That is all I need to know.  After that, I just want to nurture the faith God has given me out of His good grace that saves me and seals me as one of His children.  I believe in Jesus!  And from the sounds of these chapters in Revelation, I need to make sure I am living a life of thankfulness for my belief.

We can follow the examples of the elders at God's throne,

We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,

    the One who is and who was,

because you have taken your great power

    and have begun to reign.

Revelation 11:17

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for Your almighty power and plan for Your creation.  I pray for Your forgiveness for all my imperfections.  I know I am made perfect in repentance through Your Son, Jesus, my Savior.  Soften my heart for Your glory.  Open my heart to all the things I need to bring to You, all the ways I need to walk more closely with You.  I want You to reign in my life.  I also pray for __________ that they will know You and Your love and Your power, today and always.

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

Blessings,

This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.