praying effectively: Fear God (Rev.13:18-14:12)

(Revelation 13:18)  Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six.

(Revelation 14:1-12)  Then I looked, and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His name and the name of His Father written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder, and the voice which I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps. 3 And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth. 4 These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they have kept themselves chaste. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from among men as first fruits to God and to the Lamb. 5 And no lie was found in their mouth; they are blameless.

6 And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; 7 and he said with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters.”

8 And another angel, a second one, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her immorality.”

9 Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” 12 Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we know there will be a time when Satan is allowed to rule the earth through the Antichrist, after the rapture and up until the second coming of Jesus;  and those who worship the Beast (and Satan) will be judged and thrown into hell (13:18, 14:9-11)

- that those who put their faith in Jesus will be saved (14:12)

- that those who are believers, keep the commandments of God (14:12)

- that people worship Jesus (14:7)

- that people fear God (14:7)

- that people give God glory (14:7)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for desiring all to come to You for salvation.  Even during the Tribulation, You will still desire people to turn to You, and You will give people full and fair opportunity to do so.

Help all believes now to desire to share the gospel message with those around us, so that others too will be saved, and be saved from going trough the Tribulation.  And when we share the good news, may it not be with a fear-driving motive, but with Your love.  All to Your glory, amen.

praying effectively: Know That God is Just (Rev.13:9-10)

(Revelation 13:9-10)  If anyone has an ear, let him hear. 10 If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that everyone hear and listen to God's word (13:9)

- that we know God will judge everyone according to their deeds, punishing unbelievers according to their sinful acts (and rewarding believers according to their deeds done with pure motives) (13:9-10)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus and heavenly Father, thank You for Your fairness.  And thank You for protecting Your children for all eternity.  May we rest in You, and patiently wait, knowing that one day You will bring about justice and peace to the entire earth. 

Until that time, guide us and help us to remain steadfast.  Strengthen and equip us to continue serving You and others, all in Your love, and all to Your glory.  Amen.

praying effectively: Hold Fast (Rev.3:7-13)

(Revelation 3:7-13)  “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:

He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this:

8 ‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that everyone hear and listen to God's word (3:13)

- that we hold fast and remain faithful (3:11)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus and heavenly Father, thank You that You are fair and practical.  Thank You that You will gather up Your children and not allow us to go through the Tribulation to come.  May we not take Your grace and Your protection for granted.  Guide us in staying faithful and holding fast to Your word.  Amen.

praying effectively: Remain Obedient (Rev.2:18-29)

(Revelation 2:18-29)  “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write:

The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze, says this:

19 ‘I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first. 20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality. 22 Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds. 24 But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them—I place no other burden on you. 25 Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come. 26 He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations; 27 and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces, as I also have received authority from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that everyone hears and listens to God's word (2:29)

- that we remain faithful (2:25)

- that we know God will judge everyone according to their deeds, punishing unbelievers according to their sinful acts, and rewarding believers according to their deeds done with pure motives (2:23)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for being the fair and righteous Judge.  For all believers, thank You for forgiving all our sins and choosing to remember them no more, so that when we stand before You, we will not be found guilty. 

Until then, keeps us steadfast, and guide us in living out Your will in our lives with pure and righteous motives.  All to Your glory, amen.

praying effectively: Do Not Fear (Rev.2:8-11)

(Revelation 2:8-11)  “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write:

The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this:

9 ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.’

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that everyone hears and listens to God's word (2:11)

- that we remain faithful (2:10)

- that we do not fear what we may be about to suffer (2:10)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You that You are Sovereign and the Almighty!  Protect us from evil.  Protect us spiritually, emotionally and physically.  And as You allow us to go through tests and trials, give us courage and keep us faithful and steadfast in Your strength and love.  As we can see in Your word, You are faithful and we can trust in You fully.  Guide us in Your will, all to Your glory. 

And in the midst of this worldwide pandemic, and quarantine, help us to be a calming factor to those around us, encouraging others to look to You, exited to see what You will do in these interesting times.  Continue to give us opportunities to share the strength and hope that can only be found in You.  Amen.

praying effectively: Hear What the Spirit Says (Rev.2:1-7)

(Revelation 2:1-7)  “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:

The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:

2 ‘I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; 3 and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place—unless you repent. 6 Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.’

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we confess our sins and change our behavior (2:5)

- that we go back to being obedient to God's will (2:5)

- that we go back to serving God and others as we should (2:5)

- that we hate the sinful behaviors which God hates (2:6)

- that everyone hears and listens to God's word (2:7)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus and heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace.  Thank You for understanding how we will still fall, but You will not give up on Your children.  Keep us from evil and keep us steadfast.  Let us not get discouraged from following You and Your will. 

May we hate what You hate, and may we desire what You desire.  Guide us in understanding Your word and Your will for our lives.  All to Your glory, amen.

praying effectively: Let Jesus Come In (Rev.3:14-22)

(Revelation 3:14-22)  “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this:

15 ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, 18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. 21 He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that everyone hears and listens to God's word (3:22)

- that people hear the voice of Jesus and open the door to Him (3:20)

- that people become zealous and repent (3:19)

- that people use the eye salve of salvation through Jesus, so that they may truly see (3:18)

- that people clothe themselves in the righteousness of Jesus Christ (3:18)

- that people invest in the eternal riches found in the kingdom of heaven (3:18)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your enduring patience, and for not giving up on us.  Thank You that You are just, and will give everyone a fair opportunity to hear Your voice and welcome You into their hearts.  May people see their need for You in their lives.  Amen.

praying effectively: Repent (Rev.2:12-17)

(Revelation 2:12-17)  “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write:

The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:

13 ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality. 15 So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.’

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that sinners repent or they will be judged (2:16)

- that everyone hears and listens to God's word (2:17)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You that You are the fair and just Judge of the nations.  Convict the hearts of those who do not know You.  Help them see their need for You in their lives.  Guide them to Your words of salvation, which are eternal and life-changing.  Amen.

praying effectively: Wake Up (Rev.3:1-6)

(Revelation 3:1-6)  “To the angel of the church in Sardis write:

He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. 3 So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. 4 But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that everyone hears and listens to God's word (3:6)

- that sinners wake up, and build on the things have been heard, realizing that the good deeds they do are not enough to save them (3:2)

- that sinners heed the gospel message they have heard and repent (3:3)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank Your for Your words of life.  May Your word spread throughout the nations.  May everyone hear the good news.  Convict hearts to wake up and turn to You and repent.  Bless and strengthen all those who believe in You, so that through them You may be glorified.  Amen.