Devotion for Friday, May 26, 2023

“The second angel sounded, and something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea; and a third of the sea became blood, and a third of the creatures which were in the sea and had life, died; and a third of the ships were destroyed” (Revelation 8:8-9).

What kind of calamity will come upon the earth?  Are we not already doing things that jeopardize our well-being?  Look at your lifestyle.  Are you living in a way that is good stewardship?  Why is this important?  It teaches you to respect God’s creation. This is His world and what you have is on loan from Him.  Do you treat things poorly, or do you act as if it were  really all your property?

Lord, I want to think I am a mixture of things good and bad, but sometimes I am one way rather than the way I ought to be.  You know.  Guide me, Lord, so that I live according to Your goodness by Your mercy.  Help me to treat Your things well and to not awaken only after calamity.  Guide me Lord in the way You know I need to go so that I have an attitude befitting Your kingdom.  No matter what happens, help me to look to You.

Lord, I suspect that at the end of my life I will undergo calamity.  My body will fail and I will face a time and place where the end is near.  What will my attitude be?  Will I look forward to joining with You, or will I be afraid.  Guide me, Lord, so that I trust You even amidst times of calamity. Lead me to know that only in You is there hope and a future.  Keep me looking to You always.  Amen.