Understanding Revelation: A Guide for Overcomers
By Matt Messner
Revelation is a difficult yet fascinating part of our Bible. It’s a book full of mystery, angels, beasts, bottomless pits, and judgments. Many modern readers (and pastors) pass it over because it is challenging to confidently interpret and understand this book.
Here are some keys to help you understand this book:
1. Remember that it is God’s Word, inspired by the Holy Spirit.
2. Recognize the three types of literature that it is and approach it accordingly.
a. It is a letter. This is an epistle, written and circulated among the seven churches to […]
Choosing Sides
The focus of our thoughts shapes our emotions. Where is the focus of your thoughts today?
I can be frustrated with people, or I can love people.
I can judge others, or I can compassionately pray for others.
I can be self-consumed, or I can be consumed by a love for others.
I can choose a side, or I can choose love.
I can carry offenses, or I can forgive.
Without love, we live in fear. Fight or flight becomes our default response to situations.
Let’s live out this truth today: 1 John 4:18 “Where God’s love […]
Pray for the World
The recent terrorism in Israel has been horrific and heart breaking. I have been to Israel and the West Bank territories many times. We have had several family members live and work in Israel. We love the people, and the place.
With the escalation of this conflict, we find ourselves shocked, sad and angry.
It is important to denounce terrorism and the atrocities committed against Israel. It is important to pray for the Israeli and Palestinian people. It is important to pray for peace and for aid to get to the innocent people suffering […]
Taken Advantage Of
Where is God while we are waiting? What about when we are overlooked or taken advantage of? What does it mean to be “Labanized”? Take courage! God will come through.
The God Who Sees You
Read Genesis 16:1-13 and 21:8-20
When have you grown impatient waiting for God’s provision?
What challenges do blended families face, based on your experiences? What can be done to make things work in those situations?
Describe a time when you had to flee from a situation? (a job, a relationships, or a dangerous circumstance). Do you feel like God met you there?
List any stressful or hopeless situations you are facing by completing this sentence:
God sees ________________________.
Read Romans 8:31-39
Based on God’s response to Hagar, pray for hope in the face of hopelessness, patience when feeling impatient, provision where there isn’t […]