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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Wednesday, 23 October 2024:
Revelation 16:6 — For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets.
God allows the persecution of His people that sinners might come either to repentance or judgment. God’s people are perfectly loved and blessed by God nonetheless. Our reward is not prosperity on earth; our reward is Him.
Revelation 16:7 – And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!”
God’s judging acts are true to His character and promises, and righteous in restoring justice.
Revelation 16:10, 11 — People gnawed their tongues in anguish and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds.
The unrepentant sinner receives the consequences of his sins and blames God.
Revelation 16:12-16 – The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east. And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.”
God prepares the way for the final battle in the Valley of Megiddo.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 23 October 2024: Endure trials and persecution in a Christlike way as an act of worship and fellowship with Jesus and as a testimony to a watching world. Don’t for one second believe the lie that persecution implies a diminishing of God’s love for you or lack of involvement in your life. He knows exactly what is happening to you and is using it to conform you to His character as He prepares you for His eternal reward for you, all while allowing you to participate in His redemptive plan. Also, don’t confuse persecution with prosecution; don’t call the consequences of your own sin maltreatment. If you are suffering from the natural results of your own sinful behavior, repent, and press forward with renewed commitment, trusting in the grace of God. Again, even in your failures, your Father loves you no less, and His disciplines are for your maturity in Him; don’t despise His blessings. Be grateful for them.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 