Devotion for Monday, June 12, 2023

“Then the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, one saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates” (Revelation 9:13-14)

From the heart of civilization comes the unleashing of judgement.  It may have happened in Rome, but how often is it from the outsider that calamity comes?  Is it not more often that it comes from the inside?  Yes, from the inside comes calamity too.  Governments treat their citizens as objects and humanity is lost in the cogs of the machine.  It has happened and the final day will come when the final judgement ends this age.

Lord, regardless of where I am on the timeline, help me to be faithful at all times.  Even though the culture I am in may kill its people, let me never forget that You are Lord of life and have commanded me to love my neighbor.  Help me to be mindful of others and to treat others as I would want to be treated.  You have guided into me Your principles.  Help me to live within them.

Lord Jesus, without the grace You give, I would be carried away by the culture in which I find myself.  Lead me this day to live the faith You have given me and love my neighbor as myself.  Help me through whatever may come to live by the simple guidelines You have given, remembering that You, too, know suffering.  Peter and Paul were faithful amidst great persecution.  I can too, by Your grace with Your grace, can be faithful in suffering if that be my lot.  Amen.