Continue

At the beginning of 2025, God put a word on my heart. The word is “Continue.” As I read this final chapter of Revelation, this section jumped off the page as it was my reminder to continue in what God has given me to do. 

As we prepare to start a new year, let us be mindful that what God is doing in and through our lives must continue. Yesterday I learned just how difficult people have it and, by default, how good I have it. There is much good work I need to continue.

As you walk into the new year, purpose in your heart to count your blessings, then share those blessings with the less fortunate. Our ministry, Agape Leaders Christian Fellowship, is praying for people, feeding people, and, with the support of David Radsick and Dreamer Outfits, clothing people. If you want to join us in what we are doing, contact me and I will gladly give you more information. 

Let’s continue to do the will of the Father as we enter this new year. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 22:10-11
 
10 Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. 11 Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.”

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 22

Open Gates

This verse caught my eye when I read it. On the surface, it seems like no big deal. However, there’s quite a bit here. 

The gates of a city were vital to its existence. Commerce took place there. Judgement took place there. Control of who or what entered took place there. And at night, these gates were closed for survival purposes. Gates were critical to safety. 

However, at the times described in this chapter, the gates will never close. Why? Because El Shaddai and the Lamb will be present. There is no threat that can overcome them. There will be no night!

For me, that’s encouraging! So here are the questions of the day: Will you be there? Is your name written in the Book of Life? If you are not sure, send me a private text and let’s talk about it. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 21:25

25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 21

Too Late

This passage clears up a myth that is believed wholeheartedly in the United States. There’s a belief that everyone dies and goes to heaven. In fact, there are some people who believe that if God does not allow them into heaven He’s not a good God.

Those people are in for a rude awakening. This passage makes it clear that there will be people who will be thrown into the lake of fire with the enemy. The question is, will you or I be one of them. 

Take time today to ask the question, “Have I accepted Jesus’ sacrifice for the forgiveness of my sin.” If you have not, I encourage you to do it before it’s too late. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 20:11-15

11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small,standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 20

Believe It Or Not

When I was young, there was a show that came on tv, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. Although the creator wanted everything he presented to be true at some level, some of his claims were sensationalized or made up.

Because of that, people were able to choose what they believed and what they did not. Unfortunately, many people use this same mindset when it comes to the Bible. 

This passage is a reminder that God is real. The “claims” of the Bible are all true. This passage will be the fate of people we know and love. Why? Because they have chosen not to believe. 

I, for one, am not okay with that. My heart’s desire is to share this gospel and live it out in such a way that the people in my sphere of influence have no choice but to say, “I believe.” I realize that I have no control over the beliefs of others, but I can control living an obedient example of a Christ-like life. So that’s what I’m doing. Will you please join me? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 19:19-21

19 Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and his army. 20 But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signson its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. 21 The rest were killed with the sword coming out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 19

Swift And Final

Living a life that dishonors God will not end well for anyone. In the United States, we have convinced ourselves and one another that we’re okay because, “God knows my heart.” That could be the biggest lie we tell ourselves. 

God does know our hearts. He knows when our hearts are full of deceit, to the level that we have successfully deceived ourselves. Be careful. 

This passage shows how swift and final God’s judgement is. Take time today to spend it with God. Ask Him to bring to light, parts of you that are in disobedience to Him. When He does, make the necessary changes! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 18:8 & 17

8 Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning and famine. She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.

17 In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 18

Called, Chosen, And Faithful

I love when the Bible provides a clear message. This passage is one of those. 

As believers in Christ who have accepted His sacrifice on the cross, we become the called, chosen and faithful followers. These are the people whom the Lamb will have with Him when He destroys the enemy in the end times. 

That begs the question, are you a called, chosen, and faithful follower of Jesus Christ. If you say yes because you go to church or read your Bible, or you’re a good person or any number of similar reasons, I encourage you to take time out of your day and sit quietly with God and ask Him to confirm that you are His through the blood of Jesus Christ. 

Many people are fooling themselves. They are convinced that they have a right relationship with God based on their works. Please do not be one of them. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 17:14

14 “They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 17

Seeing, Feeling, But Not Repenting

As I read this chapter of Revelation, I noticed the commitment to sin the worshippers of the beast have. To be tormented the way they will be and yet continue to refuse to repent and turn to God is crazy to me. 

The sad part is many of those same people have a chance to repent now and refuse. One day our beliefs will be irrelevant. The truth of God will be on full display and at that time it will be too late. 

Take time today and seek the Lord that He may be found. Give yourself the best Christmas gift ever, eternal life with God the Father through Jesus the Son by the power of the Holy Spirit the Helper. It’s the greatest gift ever. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 16:8-9

8 The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was allowed to scorch people with fire. 9 They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 16

God Is Real

Since September 5, our ministry, Agape Leaders Christian Fellowship Ministry, has been doing what we call prayer walks. 

We go to “random” places, walk the area, and ask people if we can pray for them. We have a 100% prayer rate; not because everyone says yes, but because even when people say no, we walk a few steps away from them and pray anyway. Why? Because we’re not praying TO them, we’re praying FOR them. They do not need to be a part of the prayer. God placed them on our heart to pray for them. We are going to be obedient to Him.

Last night, Jayden and Emmy stopped a man and asked if they could pray for him. He said yes, then shared that he had been listening to sermons that morning trying to “hear from God.” Nothing worked. That is until God met him outside the Family Dollar store. 

After the prayer we could see the real joy of the Lord on this man’s face. He made some statements about why he was still out there, grabbed his bike, and said, “I’m taking myself home.” As he walked away, he declared, “GOD’S REAL! GOD’S REAL!”

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, I pray that you will be reminded that God’s real! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 2:10-12

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 15

Patient Endurance

Consider every bad thing you’ve ever faced in your life. The struggle is real. But given all of that, one thing you’ve yet to experience is The Wrath Of God! 

The last place you ever want to be is in the midst of God’s wrath. As we read this passage we see that many will experience this wrath. However, those who have patient endurance in keeping God’s commands and not following the beast will not experience God’s wrath. 

If we, like Paul, fight the good fight and keep the faith, we will receive the crown which has been laid up for us in glory. 

Now wouldn’t that be a better experience than God’s wrath? 

Spend time with God today. Ask Him to show you areas in your life in which your faith is weak or non-existent. He is faithful. He will point them out. When He does, change it. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 14:9-12

9 A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on their forehead or on their hand, 10 they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.” 12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 14

Is Your Name In The Book

When I was growing up, there was a series of movies that led many people, including myself, to read Revelation 13. Our focus was verse 18 and the number 666. 

I cannot keep track of the numerous ideas of what 666 meant and who was the beast. Some said one of our Presidents was the beast because each of his names had six letters. It was interesting times. 

Now that I’ve matured as a believer and read the Bible for myself, I understand things a little better. The most important thing to note from this chapter is those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will not worship the beast. That’s the group I’m in. What about you? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 13:8

8 All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 13

God Is Stronger

I love reading the Bible. No matter how many times I’ve read a passage, God will show me something I missed. Maybe saying I missed it is less true than saying it stood out. Today is another one of those times something stood out. 

The devil being cast out of heaven is something I’ve known for years. But what I never noticed before were the words, “But he was not strong enough…” Those words encouraged me greatly. 

John writes in 1 John 4:4, “Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.” We see in Revelation 12:17 that the devil is waging war against those who believe in Christ. Read that again!

People who do not believe in Christ are not in the enemy’s crosshairs, only those who believe. 

SO WHAT!!!!!

Speak these words over your life and press on in Jesus Christ; “Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.” Revelation 12:8 confirms that for you! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 12:7-9; 17

7 Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan,who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

17 Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 12

WAIT WHAT

As I read this passage, I imagined what the people will think who will be celebrating the death of the two witnesses. It will probably be a jolt to their logic center. 

“WAIT WHAT?!?!” will be heard throughout the land. Then to see them taken to heaven before their eyes, wow! And even with that before them, people are still not going to choose Christ. 

As you consider your walk with Christ, ponder this: Have I surrendered every part of me to Christ? If you have not, begin to surrender those parts of you that need to be given to Christ for Him to guide. You will never regret that decision. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 11:11-12

11 But after the three and a half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. 12 Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.”And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on.

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 11

Rest In The Storm

Today we are reading Revelation 10. However, this devotion is about Acts 12:5-11. I read it as a part of a devotional I read daily. 

Notice how deep Peter is sleeping. The angel who woke him up had to “strike” him. I wonder why Peter was so relaxed that he could sleep so deeply. I think I came up with a possible answer. 

Peter may have remembered Jesus’ posture when he and his fellow fishermen thought their bout was going to capsize. They woke up Jesus and asked if He even cared if they perished. What Jesus did shook up everyone. 

I believe that was why Peter had faith to sleep in the midst of his “storm.” He had unshakeable faith in God. 

How do you respond in the midst of a “storm?” Take a page from the life of Christ and stay calm. Your worry will not help, so why do it. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Acts 12:5-11

5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.

8 Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself,and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.

11 Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.”

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 10

Will You Be There

Revelation 9 paints a bleak picture for those who remain on earth during the time John is describing. One third will be killed, while those who remain will wish they were dead. 

Why will this happen? Because they refuse to repent.

Question of the Day: When this time comes, will you be there?

Take time out of your day and sit with God. Ask Him to give you insight to areas of your life where you have not repented. Be careful not to fool yourself, God is not mocked. A man reaps what he sows. If you refuse to repent of your sin, there’s a consequence. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 9:20-21

20 The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. 21 Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 9

A Merciful God

A popular phrase people use when the odds are stacked against them is, “So you’re saying there’s a chance.” My good friend Jerry May used to say that frequently. 

As I read this chapter of Revelation I learned that God’s partial wrath is designed to give the unrepentant people a chance to choose Him. This is likely why only a third of the things were destroyed. What a mighty God we serve!

Have you been hesitant to surrender your life to Christ? Allow this chapter to serve as your reminder that although God is merciful and mighty, He is also just. He will not allow your disobedience to go unpunished. Either you will pay with your life and eternal separation from Him or you will allow what Jesus did on the cross to be your payment.

The choice is yours. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 8:7
 
7 The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down on the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 8

Homework Alert: Dan and Manasseh

This passage is one that had me doing research this morning. As I read it, something was off. I dug deeper and learned some fascinating things about why this is written this way. 

Your homework, should you choose to accept, is to learn what’s missing from these tribes and what’s added. The why may vary as the Bible does not come out and say why but there are several commentaries and Biblical scholars who provide historical insight as to why this happened. I’ve given you a “hint.”

Happy hunting! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 7:4-8

4 Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.

5 From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed,
from the tribe of Reuben 12,000,
from the tribe of Gad 12,000,

6 from the tribe of Asher 12,000,
from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000,
from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000,

7 from the tribe of Simeon 12,000,
from the tribe of Levi 12,000,
from the tribe of Issachar 12,000,

8 from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000,
from the tribe of Joseph 12,000,
from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000.

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 7

It Can’t Be That Bad

This chapter of Revelation should not be taken lightly. Jesus has revealed to John, and by default us, what is going to happen when Jesus is about to return for His people. If you are not walking with Jesus, it’s not going to be a good day for you. 

Many times I hear people say, “it can’t be that bad.” I encourage you to meditate on this chapter and consider a time in the Bible where you read about a warning from God that did not come to fruition. This, too, is going to come to fruition, the only question is, where will you be when you get where you’re going. 

Hear the words of God as recorded in the book of Isaiah: “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11)

God does not use idle words. If He says it, it’s going to come to pass. Please take this passage seriously. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 6:15-17

15 Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16 They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!17 For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?”

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 6

Don’t Weep, He Reigns

This passage presents a powerful image and reminder of who Jesus Christ is. In our daily hustle and bustle of life, it can be easy to forget who Jesus is. We walk ourselves into problems that He has told us to avoid. We find ourselves hurting, at our wits end, thinking there’s nothing we can do. 

In those moments, don’t weep! Remember, Jesus reigns. This passage tells us that there is only One who could save us, and He did!

Let that marinate. The only person in the history of man who could save humanity and place us in a right standing with God, did what needed to be done so we could be made righteous before a Holy God. It is simply the most unselfish act ever committed. 

In light of that knowledge, how can we continue to act selfishly at times. We can’t. 

Take time today and ask the Father to show you areas in your life where you act selfishly. When He points them out to you, ask for the wisdom and strength to make the changes necessary to remove willful selfishness from your character. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 5:2-5

2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. 4 I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 5

In The Spirit

A few times in the Bible, you will read someone saying that they were in the Spirit. This passage marks the second time John has said it in this book. But what does it mean.

In the simplest of definitions, it means you are aware of things in the spirit realm that you would not be able to perceive in the flesh alone. If you are a child of God, you have the ability to be in the Spirit. 

In Ephesians, Paul says to “pray in the Spirit.” Could that mean we have access to the Spirit always? Yes, it does. 

If that’s the case, why do we not dwell in the Spirit always? The answer to that question eludes me. But here’s my guess.

In order to please God, we must have faith. In order to show our faith, it must be done in the physical realm. Jesus was tempted by things that would have honored the flesh: food, prestige, and power, none of which honor God.

Take time today to ask God to let you spend time with Him in the Spirit. It will change you forever. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 4:2

2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 4

Little Strength

I have a membership at a national fitness center. I enjoy going there and “getting it in.” My favorite workouts are when I do them with my friends. We get the work done and we fellowship a little. 

This passage reminds me of the times I workout with my friends. The church of Philadelphia is appropriately named. In the Greek, it means “brotherly love,” or “fraternal affection.” My friends and I share a bond that is not easily broken. Believe me, I’m not an easy person to love, but they hang in there. 

The thing is, no matter how many workouts we do, we will only gain physical strength by lifting weights and doing those exercises. It will not enable us to have the “little strength” Jesus mentions when He encourages the church at Philadelphia. That strength came from persevering in faith. Notice what Jesus said will happen to the people who try to come against them.

Are you persevering in Christ’s strength? Or do you take the approach of, “I’m strong enough, I can do it myself?” 

If you never remember anything else said in these devotional, remember this, God will never task you to do something that you could complete in your own strength without Him. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Revelation 3:8-9

8 “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.”

Today’s Reading:

Revelation 3