Tag: blood of the Lamb
Satan, Thrown Down to Earth
Scripture reading for December 16: Revelation 12
“Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world–he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” Revelation 12:7-11
By faith in God’s Word, we know that events on earth are tied to events in heaven. There is an invisible world that is more real than the physical world we can see and touch. John got to observe the war that was taking place in heaven. Michael, the Archangel assigned to Israel, was fighting against the dragon known as Satan. That great dragon was thrown down out of heaven to the earth in defeat and shame. He was noted to be the deceiver of the whole world and his fallen angels, now demons, who had rebelled with him were thrown down too. Those unsaved left on earth at that time would experience great woe because of the devil’s wrath against God and those made in His image.
But there was a great declaration of victory coming from a loud voice in heaven. The announcement that Satan had been thrown down and would no longer bring accusation against God’s people was great news. The loud voice declared the kingdom and power and salvation of Christ was now ushered in. Those who had suffered under Satan’s accusations and deception but had trusted in Christ’s shed blood and maintained their testimony of faith were overcomers! Even those who had been martyred for their faith were now alive and rejoicing at heaven’s victory through Jesus Christ. (Revelation 12:12)
Have you experienced this war between Satan and those made in God’s image? How does any human being participate in this victory? Have you trusted in the ‘blood of the Lamb’ and stated that publicly?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for providing victory for Your people through the shed blood of Your own Son. We believe on Jesus, the Christ, and by faith enter that kingdom and receive His power through the infilling of the Holy Spirit to become witnesses who willingly give that others may know. Amen.
The overcomers!
Scripture reading for December 26: Revelation 10-13
When we look at the world we live in and the formidable troubles that face all mankind, it is easy to become fearful and worry. Demonic forces are everywhere and it appears that they are winning. Pornography is prevalent everywhere. Terrorism and bloodshed are daily news for those who anxiously watch. Economic troubles, famines, and earthquakes are regular fare. Nations are uneasy with wars, rumors of war, nuclear weapons, rockets, and armies in readiness. Into this setting Christ, the Lamb slain, leads His followers and calls them to be overcomers!
John saw a repeat of the nativity story with a cosmic setting. This sign appeared in heaven showing a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. This woman was pregnant and and in pain as she was about to give birth. (Revelation 12:1-2) John then saw another sign. There appeared a great red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on the heads. The dragon’s tail had swept a third of the stars from the sky and flung them to earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman to devour her child the moment it was born. (Revelation 12:3-4)
The woman gave birth to a male Child, Who will rule all the nations! The Child was snatched up to God and His throne. The woman fled into the desert to a place God prepared for them. Then there was war in heaven between Michael the Archangel and his forces and the dragon and his angels. The dragon was hurled down to earth with his angels with him. The identity of the dragon was the “ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan”. (Revelation 12:7-9)
A loud voice from heaven announced the coming of the kingdom of God and the hurling down of the accuser of the brothers. The brothers “overcame by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” (Revelation 12:11) The heavens were rejoicing! All who dwelt there were encouraged to rejoice! Those on the earth, however, would have woe because the devil was enraged. He knew his time was short! (Revelation 12:12)
As believers, we are seated in the heavens in Christ. Heaven is our home. We can rejoice because we have overcome. The blood of Jesus speaks peace, joy, and pardon for all who will repent and trust the Lord! We are overcomers along with the forces of heaven! The devil is cast down and we are snatched up along with the Man-child Who was born to the woman! No matter what might happen to us on earth, the best is yet to come! Rejoice today and tell someone the good news! The devil’s time is short!
War in heaven, the devil on earth!
Scripture reading for December 15th: Revelation 12, Psalm 100, Ecclesiastes 2
Revelation 12: 7-12 “Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world–he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.””
John now writes about war in the heavenly realm. There was conflict between God’s powerful angels and Satan and his rebellious angels. There was victory for God’s angels and Satan was cast out of heaven and down to earth. Satan would no longer be allowed to accuse God’s people before the throne. The kingdom rule of God and Christ was in charge. But the accuser would attack God’s people on earth. They would overcome him through standing in faith in the victory of the cross through Jesus Christ’s shed blood and their testimony of faith. They would stay true, even if it cost their lives! In standing firm, victory was assured and they would enter God’s heavenly gates with thanksgiving and praise for His love and deliverance!
Psalm 100:4-5 “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His Name! For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the promise of our victory through the blood of Your Son, our Lamb! I will cling to Jesus Christ as my testimony of salvation. Give me grace today and each day to resist temptation and thankfully enjoy life under the leadership of Your Holy Spirit. Give grace to brothers and sisters around the world under the devil’s attack. Reveal Jesus Christ as the conquering Lamb!
Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 “There is nothing better for a person that that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, is from the hand of God, for apart from Him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?”
Multitudes clothed in white!
Scripture reading for December 9th: Nehemiah 7-9, Psalm 140, Revelation 7
Revelation 7: 13-17 “Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple; and He Who sits on the throne will shelter them with His presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their Shepherd, and He will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.””
In the heavenly vision given to John, he beheld a great multitude of people from every tribe of the earth standing before God’s throne. One of the elders around the throne asked John who they were. John wisely answered, “Sir, you know.” It was revealed that these were those who came out of the great tribulation of the last days. They had white robes because they had repented of sins and come to Jesus Christ for cleansing and His righteousness. They had been martyred and now stood in God’s presence cleansed and satisfied by the Good Shepherd who wiped away every tear and gave them living water! Praise His Name forever and ever!
Psalm 140:12-13 “I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy. Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your Name; the upright shall dwell in Your presence.”
Prayer: Father God, I thank You for Your mercy and for Your justice. Thank You for showing mercy in the great tribulation to those from all nations who will repent. I have given my body to you to use for Your purposes of reaching the nations and all lost with the Good News of salvation and righteousness in the kingdom of Heaven through Jesus Christ and His blood. May I worship You through obedience today.
Nehemiah 9:3 “And they stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day; for another quarter of it they made confession and worshiped the Lord their God.”
Victorious testimony
Scripture reading for December 16th: Job 8-11, Revelation 12
Key Scriptures: Revelation 12:7-11 “Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world–he was thrown down to earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.”
John had a ring-side seat to a war in heaven–of all places! Angels were fighting one another with Michael, Israel’s chief angel, fighting against the ancient serpent, Satan. Satan was the deceiver of the whole world and the accuser of God’s people. He lost the conflict and was cast out of heaven and down to earth along with his other rebellious angels. A loud voice in heaven made a declaration of victory: God’s salvation and kingdom had come and Christ was in authority. All Christ’s brothers (and sisters) now conquer the accuser, Satan, through the blood of Christ Jesus–the Lamb of God and by the word of their testimony of faith in Him. Victory is assured, even in their death through martyrdom!
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the victory won for us who believe in You on the cross of Calvary and Your own blood. Help me to faithfully declare my testimony of faith in You and Your shed blood with the lost that they also might conquer their fallen adversary and know eternal life and Your steadfast love.
Job 10:12 “You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit.”
Sheltered with His Presence!
Scripture reading for December 7th: Hosea 7-9, Revelation 7
Key Scriptures: Revelation 7: 13-15 “Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. “Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will shelter them with His Presence.””
John has been in God’s throne room and was given a vision of multitudes worshiping God dressed in white. One of the elders gave him insight about their identity and where they had come from. These were martyrs coming out of the great tribulation time, a time of final judgment on the world. They had trusted in Christ Jesus, the Lamb of God and been clothed in white. These were fully committed and worshiped God day and night.
Hosea 8:7 “For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. The standing grain has not heads; it shall yield no flour; were it to yield, strangers would devour it.”
Prayer: Lord, thank You for vision into Your plans for the future for Israel as well as those who put their trust in Jesus Christ. Keep me from sowing the wind and shelter me with Your Presence today and forever. Amen.
Glorious saints!
Scripture reading for December 27th: Revelation 10-13
When we look at the world we live in and the formidable troubles that face all mankind, it is easy to become fearful and worry. Demonic forces are everywhere and it appears that they are winning. Pornography is prevalent everywhere. Terrorism and bloodshed are daily news for those who anxiously watch. Economic troubles, famines, and earthquakes are regular fare. Nations are uneasy with wars, rumors of war, nuclear weapons, rockets, and armies in readiness. Into this setting Christ, the Lamb slain, leads His followers and calls them to be overcomers!
John sees a repeat of the nativity story with a cosmic setting. This sign appearing in heaven showed a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. This woman was pregnant and and in pain as she was about to give birth. (Revelation 12:1-2) John then saw another sign. There appeared a great red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on the heads. The dragon’s tail had swept a third of the stars from the sky and flung them to earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman to devour her child the moment it was born. (Revelation 12:3-4)
The woman gave birth to a male child, who will rule all the nations! The child was snatched up to God and His throne. The woman fled into the desert to a place God prepared for them. Then there was war in heaven between Michael the Archangel and his forces and the dragon and his angels. The dragon was hurled down to earth with his angels with him. The identity of the dragon was the “ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan”. (Revelation 12:7-9)
A loud voice from heaven announced the coming of the kingdom of God and the hurling down of the accuser of the brothers. The brothers “overcame by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” (Revelation 12:11) The heavens were rejoicing! All who dwelt there were encouraged to rejoice! Those on the earth, however, would have woe because the devil was enraged. He knew his time was short! (Revelation 12:12) No matter what might happen to saints on earth, the best is yet to come! Rejoice and tell someone the good news!
The overcoming Blood!
Scripture reading for December 21st: Revelation 12:1-17
A great drama with interesting characters was the next sign seen in heaven by John on his tour of the throne room. Images have powerful ability in the hearts of men to convey truth or to deceive. Those who have been redeemed now have hearts that are teachable and open to truth. John wrote of these characters to describe the things God showed him that were yet to come.
“A great and wondrous sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads. His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that he might devour her child the moment it was born. She gave birth to a Son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her Child was snatched up to God and to His throne. (Revelation 12:1-5)
The Jewish believers of that day would recognize the character of the pregnant woman as the nation of Israel. The twelve stars were the twelve sons of Jacob. The child was the promised ruler from the line of Judah. Psalm 2:9 described this ruler as One with an ‘iron scepter’ to rule the nations of the earth. Believers would recognize in the description of this child being ‘snatched up’ to God and His throne, a picture of Jesus Christ who is ruling in heaven until all his enemies be put under his feet. (Psalm 110:1-2, 5-6)
The dragon is the old serpent from the Garden of Eden, Satan. He was kicked out of heaven and a third of the angels who rebelled with him fell also. (Ezekiel 28:12-18) The dragon has been at war with the seed of woman since the Garden of Eden where God told him of his end. (Genesis 3:15) In this cosmic contest, devouring mankind is now the dragon’s interest. Believers overcome him by their confession of trust in the blood of the Lamb! (Revelation 12:11-12) All heaven rejoices because the dragon’s time is short!
The multitude from the Great Tribulation!
Scripture reading for December 16th: Revelation 7:1-17
John’s vision now turned to an angel with a seal of the living God in his hand. This angel spoke to the four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, commanding them, “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” (Revelation 7:3) This angel was sent to number 144,000 from the tribes of Israel! Each tribe to be sealed was listed. Judah was listed first, followed by Reuben ending with Joseph and Benjamin.
“After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9-10) This great cry brought worship from all the angels around the throne, from the four living creatures, and from the twenty-four elders. They all fell down and worshiped God in unison.
“Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes–who are they, and were did they come from?” I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”” (Revelation 7:13-14) John was asked about this great multitude from every tribe and language of the earth and he did not know. The angel told him who they were and that they had come out of the great tribulation. These had trusted in the blood of Jesus Christ and were now clothed in white as a result of their faith.
As a result, this multitude was now serving God in His temple! God was their covering and shield. Their suffering was over and would never occur again! “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:17) God would fulfill His promises and the New Covenant would result in eternal blessing! The great multitude was now in their eternal home and would worship the Lamb for ever!
The Over-comers
Scripture reading for December 28th: Revelation 12-13
When we look at the world we live in and the formidable troubles that face all mankind, it is easy to become fearful and worry. Demonic forces are everywhere and it appears that they are winning. Christ, the Lamb, leads His followers and calls them to be over-comers in the midst of this trouble!
John saw the nativity story with a cosmic setting. A sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. This woman was pregnant and and in pain as she was about to give birth. (Revelation 12:1-2) John saw another sign: A great red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on the heads. The dragon’s tail had swept a third of the stars from the sky and flung them to earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman to devour her child the moment it was born. (Revelation 12:3-4)
The woman gave birth to a male child, who would rule all the nations! Jesus Christ is the child and God raised Him from the grave to the throne of heaven! There was war in heaven between Michael the Archangel and the dragon and his angels. The dragon was hurled down to earth with his angels. The identity of the dragon was the “ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan”. (Revelation 12:7-9)
A loud voice from heaven announced the coming of the kingdom of God and the hurling down of the accuser of the brothers. The brothers “overcame by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” (Revelation 12:11) The heavens were rejoicing but those on the earth would have woe because the devil was enraged. He knew his time was short! (Revelation 12:12)
As believers, we are seated in the heavens in Christ. Heaven is our home. We can rejoice because we have overcome. The blood of Jesus speaks peace, joy, and pardon for all who will repent and trust the Lord! We are overcomers with the forces of heaven! The devil is cast down and we are snatched up along with the Man-child who was born to the woman! No matter what might happen to us on earth, the best is yet to come! Rejoice today and tell someone the good news! The devil’s time is short!