The Battle of Armageddon Joins

We need to study the pouring out of the seventh vial. The powers of evil will not yield up the conflict without a struggle. But Providence has a part to act in the battle of Armageddon. When the earth is lighted with the glory of the angel of Revelation eighteen, the religious elements, good and evil, will awake from slumber, and the armies of the living God will take the field.
Four mighty angels hold back the powers of this earth till the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads. The nations of the world are eager for conflict; but they are held in check by the angels. When this restraining power is removed, there will come a time of trouble and anguish. Deadly instruments of warfare will be invented. Vessels, with their living cargo, will be entombed in the great deep. All who have not the spirit of truth will unite under the leadership of satanic agencies. But they are to be kept under control till the time shall come for the great battle of Armageddon.
Every form of evil is to spring into intense activity. Evil angels unite their powers with evil men, and as they have been in constant conflict and attained an experience in the best modes of deception and battle, and have been strengthening for centuries, they will not yield the last great final contest without a desperate struggle. All the world will be on one side or the other of the question. The battle of Armageddon will be fought, and that day must find none of us sleeping. Wide awake we must be, as wise virgins having oil in our vessels with our lamps. . . .
The power of the Holy Ghost must be upon us, and the Captain of the Lord’s host will stand at the head of the angels of heaven to direct the battle. Solemn events before us are yet to transpire. Trumpet after trumpet is to be sounded, vial after vial poured out one after another upon the inhabitants of the earth. Scenes of stupendous interest are right upon us.
Maranatha p. 257
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NOTICE: I will be on vacation for the next week or so, so the devotional will be sporatic at best. I will try to keep up with any prayer requests however.
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Prayer Requests
—–My Uncle Clarence died suddenly yesterday while working in the garden he loved. Please pray for my mother and all of our family during this time of mourning. Mike
—–Please pray for my grandson Peter who is running a 102.5 degree fever. He gets seizures easier when he has a fever so this is a great concern. He does not appear to be sick and is drinking orange juice so it can’t be his throat. Please pray that he gets well from whatever is causing this fever. Also please pray for Eileen and Mike as they are travelling to visit us. In addition, please continue to pray for my sister who just had knee replacement surgery. She is in great pain. Rose
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Dear Friends

A few years ago, we went up to visit Esther Marie where she was working. Just as I was starting to take a drink of water, someone said something very funny. I laughed and at the same time breathed in the water. Everyone has had that happen, but this time it was worse. I could not get even the tiniest breath. All that lovely air, but I couldn’t breathe a bit of it!

I must have looked strangely, because Esther and Ronnie Jay were instantly at my side trying to help me to get a breath. After what seemed like an eternity, I could get a little air into my lungs. It took several minutes before I could breathe normally again. I had heard that a person could drown on a teaspoon of water. Now I know that is true.

It is that way in life as well. Just as that small amount can block the ability to breathe—-an ability that we all take for granted, so a tiny, cherished sin can drown us spiritually. Just as that water separated me from the surrounding air, so “a little leaven [of sin] leaveneth the whole lump” Gal 5:9 What starts out as a little sin that does not seem to matter, soon becomes our master. We find ourselves near death, drowning in sin just as much as I nearly drowned from that tiny bit of water.

Isaiah tells us, “We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isa 64:6 “Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Isa 59:2 David exclaims, “For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.” Ps 38:4

Praise God, we have a Saviour Who does not leave us in this condition! He is watching over us, listening for our cry for help. He is mighty to save and will swiftly come to our aid. “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isa 53:4,5 “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies” Ps 103:2-4

Wonderful Saviour! Compassionate Friend! May we serve Him always with all of our heart. May we ever look to Him for the help that we need. May we, because of His love and care for us, continually do those things that are pleasing to Him is my prayer.

Rose