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This first section of chapter 19 describes a major shift from earthly judgment to a joyful heavenly celebration centered on the fall of Babylon and the upcoming union of Christ and his church. Can we get a hallelujah?

Psalm 96... It's not Revelation 19, but is it all that different? Do these words sound even a little familiar? "Sing a new song to the LORD! Let the whole earth sing to the LORD! "Sing to the LORD; bless his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves!" Ps. 96:1 Those words are a vibrant, corporate hymn that serves as a global call to worship, celebrating God's supreme sovereignty, His role as Creator and His upcoming righteous judgement over all the earth... kind of like Revelation 19 after all.

Chapter 18 portrays three dramatic laments from those who profited from Babylon's corruption. Time and again, they have been called to repentance, but now it's all burning. The rulers mourn, merchants weep and ship captains are moored. If all that wasn't enough, Babylon is symbolically cast into the sea, never to rise again. And then all is quiet...

In ch. 17, John introduces another beast (are we surprised?) and a prostitute who he describes as a woman dressed in purple and scarlet, holding a cup of filth. Translated, she might look good on the outside, but offers nothing but destruction. A battle ensues and, well, she is dispatched. Despite the overwhelming corruption described in the text, the core message of the chapter concludes in vs. 14 with the absolute sovereignty of God: "They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings."

A few things come into focus as John's recounting of his visions continues: God's absolute justice - He takes sin seriously and will judge unrighteousness; The hardness of the human heart - people can be unyielding in their sin; The triumph of God - all the evil world systems will ultimately fall. That is good new for those whose eternity is secure in Jesus!

We are picking back up in the book of Revelation to revisit where we've been (ch. 1-14) and anticipate where we're going (Ch. 15-22) in John's account of the end times. What a ride its been! Even still, we can only watch and wait for the day of Christ's return when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is LORD! Hallelujah!

The psalmist is extolling the virtues of and giving praise to God as he prepares to spend time with Him in worship. He states again and again in such beautiful words that God always goes before us to keep us close, keep us from harm and keep us on the path that leads to Him. His 'keeping' is the most wonderful gift, and our ultimate response is our own praise and worship!

As we continue our quick jump back into the theme of blessing, we might ask ourselves what is it, exactly? Where does it come from and ultimately, how we can use the gift of God’s blessing to share the love of Christ and his purpose for us with others?

One of the greatest ways we can demonstrate God’s love to others is by simply listening well. Easier said than done, though, right? How might God show you how to be a better listener?

Welcome to Pure Life Alliance, First Image and Oregon Camp Cedarbrook! It is our great privilege to partner in prayer with these 3 wonderful organizations. Don't miss this chance to hear from our local Prayer Partners about their current ministry plans and how God is reaching our community through them and their work!

Psalm 77 is about having hope in God in the midst of despair... and turbulence...and anxiety. Oh, and don't forget agitation. We don't need to dwell in any of those places, though, because all our HOPE is built on the trustworthiness of God; who He is and what He has done.

So... do we feel confident in our understanding of Revelation so far? The answer to that is likely "yeah, not so much". Do not be dismayed, though, because the amazing thing (freeing, really) is that we don't have to understand it. Words like 'rapture' and 'tribulation' come into play and illicit all sorts of opinions, but at the literal end of things, it all has pointed to the promise and assurance of God's ultimate victory over evil and the redemption for believers. That's the part we should fully understand and embrace with our whole lives.

We are coming to the end of "The Great Conflict" section of Revelation in chapters 12-14. Chapter 14 offers a panoramic preview of the ultimate redemption and final judgement. Still heavy with fantastical imagery, all of it again serves to comfort faithful believers and warn the ungodly.

At the risk of sounding too simplistic, things are not going well. Or so it would appear... John concludes this section by calling for the patience and faith of the saints, echoing his previous words to the seven churches about their own obedience and faithfulness. Here, he warns that those destined for captivity or death will experience it, but the ultimate victory of believers lies in their steadfast endurance rather than earthly resistance.

The psalms are a collection of songs, poems and prayers that serve to direct God's people to Him in times of grief, joy, praise and lament. They serve as a tool box of sorts when we need to bring all the things to God... whatever all the things look like. But as for me, how good it is to be near to God!" vs. 28a