The City
This is my daughters, Beri and Brooke, from 1991!
Revelation 18
We are almost through the tribulation. Yeah!!! As a reminder to myself, the purpose of my daily devotions is to allow scripture to influence how I think and act today. The temptation in Revelation is to focus on interpretation rather than devotional application. However, sound interpretation, to some degree, must precede sound devotional application.Read more
Babylon
I mentioned our dear friends John and Tracey in yesterday's picture. Here I am with their kids, Jake and Ally. We've known them since they were born. Now Ally is my height, and well, as you can see, Jake is just a little taller than me.
False religion
Revelation 17
This chapter gives insight into what is happening on earth during the judgements of God. Most likely this chapter isn't chronological but takes us back to the first half of the tribulation. It provides context. The characters are the Scarlet woman and the beast or antichrist that we met chapters 12, 13.Read more
They’re Back
This pic is from a 2017 trip to Kauai with our dear friends John and Tracey Bennett!
Revelation 16
The wrath and the plagues are back. We had a break from them for a few chapters as we viewed the Tribulation from a few different scenes. But now the tribulation, from a chronological standpoint, is close to the end. Verse 1 says "Then I heard a loud voice from the temple, saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” Read more
Prayers of the Martyrs
Here's one more Christmas morning pic!
Revelation 15
This is a short summary chapter of a scene in heaven which foreshadows events to come. It’s a prelude to the coming seven bowls of judgement. The final acts of wrath during the tribulation. There are seven angels that hold the final seven plagues of the tribulation. There is also a sea of faithful followers of God who suffered and were martyred by the evil world system lead by the beast. The martyrs sing to God:Read more
Let's Move On!
This is our dear, dear friends, Matt and Carrie Petersen. Two of the nicest people you could ever meet. Not pictured is their sweet daughter Ellie. Matt is a colleague of mine from work. The first time they invited us to dinner we had a wonderful dinner and amazing conversation. As I made myself at home and peeked my head into one of their rooms, I discovered a purple room with classic rock posters, multiple electric guitars, a full drum set, microphones and sound system. I inquired and found out that they play rock music together in the evenings as a way to unwind and bond with each other. Leigh and I thought everyone watched Netflix to unwind and bond with each other. They are both introverts and were very hesitant but we begged and begged and begged. Finally they agreed to play us a song. Well, they rocked our world. Matt played a mean electric guitar while breaking into multiple rifts and Carrie played drums and sang like rock star. It was the most amazing surprise. I told them immediately of my plans to book them all over the city.....but once again, they are introverts and this is their special time together. They kindly denied my offer to be their manager.
Revelation 14
Let’s move on!
Ok, we got through chapters 12 & 13. Read more
The Dragon
Let It Snow!
Revelation 13
The Dragon
What is Satan doing during the tribulation? Here in this dark chapter we read of the dragon, Satan, being allowed by God to exercise authority with a greater degree on earth. It is, in a sense, his climatic moment. This is the chapter in revelation that discusses the well-known beast (anti-christ) who rises up in the second half of the tribulation. The dragon is the source of his power and authority. He gains much attention because he rises from the dead. Verse 3 says "...his fatal wound was healed. And the whole world was amazed and followed after the beast." Also, "he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God." Read more
It's Getting Dark in Here!
This is my favorite picture taken from my 5 different trips to Africa!
Revelation 13
It's Dark in Here
This is a dark chapter. The following post is my words dealing with my struggles with this section of scripture. Please read it all. I do reach a conclusion.
Recall that chronologically, we are between the sixth and seventh trumpet. The seals, trumpets and horns are written by John from God's perspective, i.e., what God is doing during the tribulation. Chapters 12, 13 are written from Satan's perspective, but only in the sense of what Satan is doing during the tribulation. Thus, it is a dark chapter. I feel like I could live without these chapters in my life but I trust that God put them here for a reason and, as such, I should study them.Read more
Let's Keep Score!
Question: What is Nate's favorite food? Hint: He refined his palate for fish eggs and octopus while living in Japan for two years. Another interesting fact about Nate: He had lived in three countries by the time he turned 5 years old. Born in Reston, VA, then two years in Barbados and two years in Japan. He is now 8 years old.
Revelation 12
Let’s Keep Score
I covered Revelation 12 briefly yesterday but went back to it this morning. This chapter gives an aerial view of Satan during the tribulation. A good story teller will weave character development into the progression of the story in order to build the drama toward the culmination of final chapter. The writer of Revelation does this well. Read more
The Hero and the Villain
This is great pic of my grandsons in Great Falls, VA
Revelation 12
The Hero and the Villain
We are in a break between the 6th and 7th trumpet. These chapters of 11-15 give context to the sequence of the seals, trumpets and bowls of wrath. During these chapters we see how Satan and the antichrist fit into the picture. Chapter 12 tells the story of the tribulation from the perspective of the great cosmic battle between Christ and Satan. Every person and culture from prehistoric times until now tell their stories from the perspective of the protagonist and the antagonist. The concept is deep within us because God has placed it within us. Every good movie or novel we read has an antagonist to add drama to the story. We are built to expect it from our stories and we are built to believe the protagonist will ultimately prevail. Read more