“A mouth was given to him speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him” (Revelation 13:5).

Different rulers have ruled different lengths of time and one day there will be the final earthly ruler.  They all have this in common: they are arrogant, boastful and their mouths are filled with blasphemy.  Humans fall for the strongman.  Those who do not are forced to follow him.  This is the way of the world and one more reason to realize that we need to be saved.  Rulers of the world are temporary. The Word of the LORD is forever.

Lord, You are the beginning and the end.  All things are in Your hands.  Open my eyes to see the handiwork of Your creation which the world does not see.  Open my ears to hear the beauty of this creation, knowing that You have created this to be beautiful, shared, and enjoyed.  Guide me in the way I need to go despite whomever is leading us.  Let me see that all things here are temporary, but You are forever.

Jesus, King of the universe, through whom all things have been made, lift me up to see You more clearly.  Regardless of my circumstances, help me to have a clear vision of the hope You give.  Even if the strongman of ill-health becomes dictator of this life, help me to keep my eyes upon You and the promise which is mine in You.  Take me beyond the arrogant words of this world to live in the hope of Your eternal word.  Amen.

“I saw one of his heads as if it had been fatally wounded, and his fatal wound was healed. And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast; they worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?”  (Revelation 13:3-4)

We humans are impressed by such simple things while often ignoring what is truly profound.  A man tells you he is powerful, and we worship him.  The Creator of the universe invites us into friendship, and we are too busy for such things.  We worship what we know is fake and ignore what we know is real.  The Lord our God is holy, just, merciful, and kind, but there will come a time when one goes one way or the other.

Lord, I do “worship” the people of this earth.  “Oh, look at them!”  But all of that is so trivial.  Lord, help me to see things the way they truly are.  Keep me sober-minded so that I do not fall for the tricks of the devil.  Guide me according to Your word to live as You have created me to live.  The world will continue to be crazy and chase after smoke, but I do not need to join them.

Lord Jesus, once again I see the places where I need to be saved.  I ignore You, but I am impressed with the latest dictator of whatever.  Fashion, trends, health, celebrity, or whatever seem to wow me when all of creation is before me telling me who You are.  Lift me up, Lord Jesus, and help me to live into the life You give by grace, seeing things as they really are.  Amen.

“And the beast that I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power and his throne, and great authority” (Revelation 13:2).

Throughout history, there have been despots who arise and demand obedience.  The devil gives them their power which is merely deception.  They have come and gone and will come again.  Look to the One who is forever, for He holds all power and authority.  The rulers of the earth rule for a time; the Ruler of the universe created time.  Do not be afraid for the Lord of hosts is with you always and will never leave you.

 Lord, I do not understand why you allow despots to come and rule.  Yet, there are many things that I do not understand.  Help me to look to You, seeking faith, grace, and mercy.  Guide me in such a way that no matter the circumstance, I know that all things are in Your hands and that You have a reason for everything.  Lead me, Lord, and let me see through the temporary nature of this world and its folly.

Lord Jesus, You came to save all who would turn to You.  This is not just a momentary thing, but a reality of life forever. You have told us that he who endures to the end will be saved.  Guide me, dear Lord, to know that in You alone can I live without fear even when times are fearful.  Help me to live by faith.  Help me to live through whatever this world brings, knowing that You will work all things together for our ultimate good because You love us.  Thank You, Lord Jesus.  Amen.

“And the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore.  Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten crowns, and on his heads were blasphemous names” (Revelation 13:1).

If at first you don’t succeed, try something else.  The devil loses at every turn, but he won’t give up.  So deep is his hatred that he turns this way and that.  He will do the same with you.  But, the Lord’s love is so great that it never wavers and will not change.  The devil will be allowed to raise up blasphemous leaders who will lead the nations astray, but the Lord is still Sovereign.

Lord, I have been blessed, and forget about the faithful who had to live in times of great persecution.  Lead me to know that You not only know about these times and situations, but that Your promise has accounted for all these things, and You shield Your faithful.  Wicked rulers may arise, but You are always greater still and provide in every season for those who love You.  Lead me into Your love.

Lord Jesus, You came into the world in one of those times where a despot ruled.  There was blasphemy upon blasphemy and You grew up, lived, and ministered to us in such a time.  Guide me in the goodness of Your grace and mercy to walk humbly with You no matter what.  According to Your purposes, help me to live in every situation in the hope You give knowing that because You live, I too shall live.  Amen.   

“So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 12:17).

The wicked one is always enraged.  He is a loser.  He will never prevail against the Lord.  He cannot prevail against you if the Lord is with you.  But he will make war.  He will make life as uncomfortable as possible.  So what?  What are a few days of discomfort compared to eternity with the Lord?  Keep the Lord’s commandments, looking to the Lord and knowing that He will fulfill all of His promises.

I see the anger and hatred of this world, Lord.  So many are tossed about by the lies of the wicked one.  Help me to not fall prey to the wiles of the devil, but to hold fast during this time of wrath.  Keep me in the bond of Your love, the grace You purchased, the gift of redemption You have given, so that I may grow to be more like You every day.  You know what is needed and the times at which it needs to be given.

Lord Jesus, there are many times when I do not understand why the world is so crazy.  But I do see and understand that wickedness has been unleashed.  Help face my fears and build up my faith so that in every circumstance I know that You are the author and finisher of all creation.  Guide me to trust in Your word, believing in the hope that all shall be as You have promised.  Keep my eyes upon You, Jesus, in every time and place.  Amen.

“But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and drank up the river which the dragon poured out of his mouth” (Revelation 12:15).

The devil seeks to destroy, and the Lord knows that.  Everything the Lord wills shall come to pass.  He will keep things as they should be.  Knowing this, having your hope in the Lord, what kind of person should you be?  Will you fear the world or follow the Lord?  The wicked one wants to destroy you, but the Lord has given His life to redeem you.  You are in His hands.  Abide with Him no matter what.

In the craziness of this world, especially when things seem to be catastrophic, I am chased by this world’s disorder.  Help me, dear Lord, to not fall because of troublesome circumstances.  You will take care of every commotion that would destroy my faith in You.  Even though I die yet shall I live.  Help me so that my faith is not in circumstances, but in the sure hope You give through faith that by grace I shall be with You forever.

Dear Lord Jesus, You know what it is like to have the floods of wickedness poured out against You.  You went to the cross for me.  Guide me, dear Lord, in the faith You have given me so that I may humbly walk with You, Savior of my body and soul.  Lead me according to Your word to follow what You direct amidst every trouble.  Keep my eyes upon You so that I may follow You through every difficulty.  Amen.

“And the serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood” (Revelation).

The wicked one wants to drown out Jesus.  It doesn’t matter what you think or believe so long as it is not the truth.  The “floods” of this age come, distracting, diverting, and seeking to lead us astray.  Do not be carried away by the venting of the wicked one in this age.  The Lord has told us these things must come to pass.  Instead, look to the Lord, the giver of life, and live in the hope He gives you through faith by grace.  Do not be guided by your circumstances, but by the Lord of all.

Lord, You know how I am tossed about by the winds of this age.  Help me to focus upon what is right and good.  Teach me to love You and my neighbor, fulfilling the commandments You have given me.  Turn my heart to seek after You everyday.  Open my ears to hear what You would have me hear.  Move my hands and feet to be obedient to what You command.  Through all things, help me to learn what it means to be faithful.

Lord Jesus, these are great thoughts, but You know how my heart wanders and becomes distracted from the task at hand.  Guide me, dear Lord, in the way of truth.  Confront my heart when it is wandering, and through all things, help me to learn from You how to be a dutiful child of the Heavenly Father.  Through all that comes, lead me, dear Lord, so that I may learn from You how to live a faithful life.  Amen.

“But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent” (Revelation 12:14).

The Lord gives reprieves.  The wicked one may attack, but the Lord is Sovereign.  Do you worry about wicked times?  Do you worry about the outcome?  The Lord will prevail.  This is His world, and He created all things.  Do not be frightened by the stupidity of evil, but marvel at the goodness of the Lord.  All the wickedness of this age is but for a season.  He will shelter you under the shadow of His wings.

Lord, travesty comes, and I wonder why.  Tribulation comes and I do not understand.  Help me to know that Your holy angels  protect and guard those who are in You.  Lead me according to Your goodness to know that in You alone is all hope.  Time is your creation and it is in your hands.  Lead me toward You no matter who or what pursues me.  Guide me to love You and others according to Your will.

Lord Jesus, daily, I need to be saved from the fear and doubts that are in me.  But You told us to “fear not.” Lead me according to Your goodness so that I may hold fast to the hope and promises You give that are mine in You.  Lead me each day to do what You would have me do.  Let me not be distracted by the insanity of the wickedness in this world, but instead live according to the Word You have given me.  Amen.

“And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child” (Revelation 12:13).

The devil and those who follow him lead, are vengeful.  Why let things be when you can pursue and make others miserable?  The world hates the things of the Lord.  The world does not want to be reminded that its time is short.  The world is temporary.  What then?  Where do you place your hope?  Where is your future? Will you be vengeful, or seek after the Lord regardless of the circumstance?

Lord, I am often a mixed bundle of nerves.  I do not do the things You would have me do.  I do follow the way of the wicked one and act and react according to how I feel and not according to what is right.  Lead me to humbly walk steadfastly in the goodness of Your grace and mercy.  Guide me so that I do not lash out when I do not like something but live in harmony with You and others. Let the words of my mouth be acceptable to You, O Lord.

Lord Jesus, You know us better than we know ourselves.  Some are very good at masking what they are feeling.  But too many times, I react according to how I feel.  Lead me, Lord, so that whether I am persecuted or left alone, I look to You alone for help.  When given the opportunity, place in me the desire to love my neighbor even if they persecute me.  In all things, help me to look to You.  Amen.

“For this reason, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time” (Revelation 12:12).

It is only a short time that the devil has.  Whether you count your seventy years plus or minus, or the whole of this age, what is that compared to eternity?  The Lord has called you through the calamities of this world to live in His presence.  Come then and live into the life He gives.  Be guided by His goodness and mercy to know that in Him is life and liberty.  Woe to the wicked but rejoice, you who are in the Lord’s grace.

Lord, this sounds so simple, but living amidst the attacks of the devil is hard.  You know what it is to be tempted.  Only You were able to perfectly resist the temptation of the devil.  I often fail.  You need to lead me out of the terror of the wicked one so that my eyes can remain focused upon You.  Guide me, dear Lord, in the way of everlasting life so that I may join with You in eternity.

Lord Jesus, You know all that is needed.  You know where I have failed.  You understand the difficulty of living in this age.  You have promised to walk with me all the days of my life.  Even if I do not feel Your presence, guide me Lord so that I turn to You in all circumstances.  Lead me according to Your grace to know that my hope is in You and not in the circumstances of this age.  Amen.