New Testament in a Year

Revelation 8:1-13
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Revelation chapter 8 transitions from the breaking of the seals on the scroll to the trumpets! 

In Old Testament times trumpets represented the announcement of important events or times of war.  Here we will see plagues that are more devastating than the seals, but not as devastating as the bowls to come in Revelation chapter 16.  The eagle in this chapter represents swiftness and destruction.  When the eagle speaks of “all who belong to this world” in verse 13, it is referring to people who are not in relationship with God.

Verses 3 & 4 in this chapter today are beautiful: “Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great quantity of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God’s people, to be offered on the gold altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of the saints, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out.”  I love that analogy of the incense mixing with the prayers of the saints.  Do you believe that your prayers reach God’s altar in heaven? 

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the song “How He Loves Us” sung here by David Crowder:

Do you know how much He loves you?  Click here for His eternal love!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand.” Revelation 8:3-4 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving that your prayers to God are like incense smoke, going up to God from the hands of angels. Pray without ceasing. Pray right now.

Comments from you:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

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