Revelation 9: Are You At The Golden Altar?
Verse of the Day: (V13) “And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,”

1. Angel (V1-10)
V1 “And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.”

Our holy God reveals to Apostle John that the fifth angel will sound, and a star who is none other than Satan, the Devil, will fall from heaven to earth, and be given the key to the bottomless pit which is fiery hell. Though this event of Satan’s fall had already happened, God still reveals it to John to give him the background so that he can fully understand the future events that are unfolding before him. Today, Satan is on earth deceiving and devouring many but with much restraint as the Holy Spirit is also on earth convicting sinners to repent their sins, and indwelling Christians who believe in Christ. However when the Rapture - which is any time now when all Christians shall be called up by Christ to be with Him in heaven forever, and at the same time God shall restrain His Spirit - takes place, Satan shall have full control of the world to deceive, torment and eventually kill many. The fifth angel will then send out killer locusts to hurt and torment all men, except those who have God’s seal on their foreheads, for five grievous months.
 
2. Abaddon (V11-12)
V11 “And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.”

These locusts have a king or a demon leader named Abaddon in Hebrew, and Apollyon in Greek, and it means The Destroyer. Indeed, he lives up to his name as he destroys many.

3. Altar (V13-21)
V20 “And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:”

The sixth angel sounds the trumpet, and a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, then proclaims to the angel to release four angels that are bound - which are actually four demons - at the great river Euphrates - the place of Satan’s last stand - to slay one third of the world population. The golden altar represents the prayers of all the saints of the Old and New Testaments as they continually pray for all who are going through the Great Tribulation period that they will repent of their sins, and cease their worship of the Devil and his demons, and turn to the holy God, and worship Him.

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to always be at Your golden altar praying to You.

Revelation 8: Will You Escape The Wormwood?
Verse of the Day: (V11) “And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were bitter.”

1. Waters (V1-10)
V10 “And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;”

Finally, the Almighty God revealed to Apostle John the seventh and last seal by sending seven angels with seven trumpets who are about to sound and send forth His most severe judgment on the entire world during the Great Tribulation period - which is a period after the Rapture where all Christians are caught up into heaven and God actually restrain the working of His Spirit thus allow the Devil to have full control of the whole world. There shall be complete silence of half an hour before God commands His first angel to sound the trumpet and send hail and fire mingled with blood that burns one third of the earth. The second angel then sounds and sends something like a great mountain burning with fire into the oceans turning one third of the oceans into blood resulting in the death of one third of all sea creatures as well as the destruction of one third of the ships in the seas.
 
2. Wormwood (V11-12)
V12 “And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.”

The third angel sounds and sends a great falling star, which is called Wormwood that is poisonous, into the seas and rivers resulting in the death of many who drink the poisonous water. The fourth angel sounds and destroys the third part of the sun, the moon as well as the stars resulting in one third darkness of the world and creating great chaos.

3. Woe (V13)
V13 “And I beheld, and hear an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!”

Let us not delay our decision to believe and trust in Jesus Christ because the terrible day will come when we will suffer much as we live through the Great Tribulation period. It will be a woeful and troubled time because we will beg God to let us die as His judgments are too severe upon us. My friends, today is the day of salvation, and let us repent our sins, and believe and receive Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour and Lord!

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I escape from the Wormwood because I believe in You.

Revelation 7: Will God Wipe Away Your Tears?
Verse of the Day: (V17) “For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living foundations of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”

1. Winds (V1-8)
V1 “And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.”

The four winds are the winds of God’s judgments upon the people during the Great Tribulation period. Only God decides as to how and when He shall judge the people for their sins and rebellion. God restrains and withholds the winds of judgments on all who reject and rebel against Him until He has sealed all who have trusted and obeyed Him on their foreheads. Indeed, though it is very trying and tough to believe in God during the Great Tribulation period because God has restraint His Holy Spirit and has allowed the Devil to have full control of the world, yet there are still an hundred and forty and four thousands Jews as well as a great multitude of Gentiles who still trust and obey Him.

2. White (V9-14)
V9 “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;”

Only an hundred and forty and four thousands Jews chosen equally from the twelve tribes of Israel together with a great multitude of Gentiles who truly believe and trust in Christ survive the Great Tribulation period. They are all dressed in white robes signifying they are washed by the precious blood of Christ, and the palms in their hands symbolising their victory over spiritual death as Christ triumphantly conquers death when He rose from the dead. Indeed, God loves and desires to save all because He makes all in His image and likeness, and for His pleasure and praise, if only man truly believes in Him.

3. Wipe (V15-17)
V15 “Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.”

All believers during the Old and New Testaments including the hundred and forty and four thousands Jews and the great multitude of Gentiles who survive the Great Tribulation period shall bow before the throne of God serving Him day and night. God shall then wipe away all tears from their eyes, and they shall never be hungry or thirsty as they feed on His Word and drink from His living fountains of waters. Let us therefore continue to love and serve God until the day of His glorious return or He calls us home.

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You for wiping my tears as I fully believe and trust in You.

Revelation 6: Will You Escape The Great Day?
Verse of the Day: (V17) “For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”

1. Great Sword (V1-11)
V4 “And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.”

The seven seals are revealed to Apostle John. The first seal - is a white horse - and the rider had a bow and a crown on him, and it represents false peace as Antichrist, the supposedly chosen leader or the world dictator, who shall rule the world is actually under the evil influence of the Devil. This period is called the great day or - the Great Tribulation - which is immediately after - the Rapture - when the Lord Jesus Christ shall call all His Christians to be with Him in heaven forever (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). The Antichrist shall deceive the unbelievers who are left behind that the sudden disappearance of the Christians is a great mystery – however, he assures them that he is in-charge and everything is under control. The second seal - is a red horse – and the rider has a great sword, and it represents war and bloodshed. There is really no peace, but great suffering of the people. The third seal - is a black horse - and the rider has a pair of balances, and it represents worldwide famine. The fourth seal - is a pale horse - and the rider’s names are Death and Hell, and it represents worldwide disease. The fifth seal – is an altar - and under it is the precious blood of all the saints who have died for their faith in Jesus Christ.          

2. Great Earthquake (V12-14)
V12 “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;”

The sixth seal - is a great earthquake, and the sun become black, and the moon become bloody - which the world has never seen or experience before, and many choose rather to die than live during this Great Tribulation period because of the great suffering and pain.

3. Great Men (V15-17)
V15 “And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;”

During the great day or the Great Tribulation period, everyone from the greatest to the weakest, the richest to the poorest, the freemen to the prisoners, shall seek and hide themselves in dens and rocks to escape the terrible disasters, but many perish and die. Many shall seek death, but are too fearful to die. Yet only a few shall truly call upon Jesus, and repent of their sins, and believe and receive Him as their personal Saviour.

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I escape the great day because I trust and obey You.

Revelation 5: Do You Know The Lamb?
Verse of the Day: (V12) “Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.”

1. Lion (V1-7)
V5 “And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.”

Apostle John, who was in his spirit, had a glimpse of the future, yet he wept as no one could open the book of the future events, and let loose the seven seals of God’s dealings with men. One of the elders then revealed to him that only Jesus Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and the Root of David, could open the book and loose the seven seals. What are these seven seals? These seven seals prophesy God’s future severe judgments upon the people who reject Him, and this period is also known as the Great Tribulation, which shall last for seven years. This Great Tribulation shall begin after God has called His Holy Spirit and all His churches to glorious heaven. It is then that the Devil shall have full control of the earth, and shall deceive, torment and lead them to fiery hell, which is also his final destination, because of his pride and rebellion against God, His Creator. Time is short, and let us share God’s salvation plan so that all shall believe in Jesus Christ, and shall be called up to heaven, and escape the terrible Great Tribulation.  

2. Lamb (V8-12)
V8 “And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.”

John described prayers of the saints as golden vessels full of fragrance that are pleasing to many. Prayer is indeed the source of power from Christ, the Lamb as well as the Lion. Though the Lamb is meek and gentle, and the Lion is strong and powerful, yet Christ has all of these characteristics, so that He is meek and gentle to know our sufferings, and strong and powerful to give us power to do His work. Let us therefore continue in prayers, because they are truly our source of meekness, gentleness, strength as well as power.

3. Live (V13-14)
V14 “And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.”

Praise God, all beasts, elders and saints who believe and receive Jesus Christ, the Lion, the Lamb, as our Lord and Saviour, shall live forever with Him in glorious heaven. Because Jesus lives, we can face tomorrow. Because Jesus lives, life is worth living now and forever! Today, will you believe and receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord?

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I know You, the Lamb, who loved and died for my sins.

Revelation 4: Do You Know The God On The Throne?
Verse of the Day: (V9) “And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,”

1. Throne (V1-3)
V2 “And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.”

The Almighty God revealed to Apostle John in his spirit a glimpse of the amazing and marvellous sights and beauty of His glorious home in heaven. This was to encourage and inspire John to continue to endure his suffering and persecution, as soon he shall be promoted to heaven and to worship God for all eternity. Indeed, no creature can truly worship God except men and angels. However, men are above the angels, because they are created in God’s image, and are therefore called God’s children when they believe and receive Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord. Since the fall of the first couple - Adam and Eve - men became sinners, and they needed a Saviour, Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, to die on the cross, and shed His blood for their sins. Whoever believes in Jesus shall never perish in hell, but have everlasting life with Him in heaven.

2. Thanks (V4-9)
V4 “And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.”

God revealed to John that the twenty four elders who surrounded Him comprised the twelve tribes of Israel during the Old Testament, and the twelve apostles of the church during the New Testament. In other words, the tribes and apostles are God’s chosen leaders to lead the people to God’s love, so that by faith both the people in the Old as well as the New Testament shall believe in Jesus Christ, and worship and thank Him for all that He has done. By faith, God’s saints in the Old Testament believed that Jesus shall come to save them, and similarly by faith God’s saints in the New Testament believe that Jesus already came and died and shed His precious blood for the forgiveness of their sins.  

3. Things (V10--11)
V11 “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

God who sits on the throne creates all things – the heaven, the stars, the earth, the seas, the mountains, the animals, and especially the people, who are created in His own image. Indeed, God creates men for His own pleasure so that men shall truly worship Him, and in so doing their souls shall be fully and deeply satisfied. This is the sole and ultimate purpose of men’s existence that their souls are in tune with their Creator for all eternity.

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I know and worship You on Your throne in heaven.

Revelation 3: Will You Open The Door?
Verse of the Day: (V20) “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

1. Dead (V1-6)
V1 “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.”

God judged the fifth church or star - the church at Sardis – and found them guilty though He highly commended a few names who were faithful and obedient to Him. The church at Sardis was a dead church because they had neglected to fulfil God’s Word - the Great Commission of preaching the gospel and sending and supporting missionaries to reach out to the lost souls in the various parts of the world, and - the Great Commandment of loving one another. Let us remember that God richly bless the church that obey His Word.

2. David (V7-13)
V7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;”

God commended the sixth church or star - the church in Philadelphia - because they had faithfully kept His Word - the Great Commission of reaching out to the lost souls, and - the Great Commandment of loving one another. Indeed, Jesus Christ is holy and true, and has the key of David or Heaven, and whoever repents his sins, and believes and receives Him shall enter Heaven and shun Hell, and no one, not even the Devil, can stop him. In other words, once saved, always saved - once a child of God, always a child of God.

3. Door (V14-22)
V16 “So then because thou art lukewarm , and neither cold nor hot, I will spue I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.”

God judged the seventh and last church – the church of the Laodiceans – and found them guilty. They were blessed with material wealth and possessions, but instead of believing and trusting and serving God, they were neither hot nor cold, and God warned them that He would spit them and remove His glory and presence from them. Let us be hot and on fire for God by fulfilling His Word to obey His Great Commission and Great Commandment so that He shall richly bless and keep us now and forever. Today, Jesus Christ is knocking at your door or heart to come and bless you, will you open? Let us open our hearts to Him and repent of our sins and wrongdoings, and believe and receive Jesus as our personal Saviour and Lord, and we shall be blessed and called His children!

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I open my door in my heart to receive You as my Lord.

Revelation 2: How Is Your First Love?
Verse of the Day: (V4) “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.”

1. First (V1-7)
V1 “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;”

God through John revealed His judgment on the seven churches or golden candlesticks and - the first church to be judged was - the church at Ephesus. They had left their first love which was the most important proof of their faith in God. They had done everything right - they preached God’s Word and cast out false preachers - yet God rebuked them for leaving their first love. God warned them that He shall remove the golden candlestick or His glory from them, unless they would repent of their hypocrisy, and return to their first love. Indeed, the church can be serving God, but if they are doing everything mechanically and routinely, and without sincerity and truth - they have left their first love!

2. Fear (V8-17)
V10 “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

God commended the second church - the church at Smyrna - because they were faithful amid intense persecution and even death. God encouraged them to fear not suffering, persecution or even death, because He shall be with them in life and in death, and one day He shall reward them with crowns of life in His home in glorious heaven. God then judged the third church - the church at Pergamos. Though they had faith in God yet they had subscribed to the doctrine of Balaam - the sins of idolatry - and also the doctrine of the Nicolaitans - the sins of the flesh. In other words, they were living double lives - on one hand, they seemed to be Christians as they attended and worshipped God in church, yet on the other hand, they seemed to be unbelievers as they lived in sins and wickedness.  
 
3. Faith (V18-29)
V19 “I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.”

God judged the fourth church – the church at Thyatira – and found them guilty. Though they had works, love, service, faith and patience – yet they had not complete faith in the Lord Jesus Christ - they had actually allowed Jezebel, a female false prophetess, to teach and lead them to immorality and idolatry. God warned them to repent of their sins, otherwise they were reaped the severe consequences of His wrath and judgement on them.

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to always keep my first love with You now and forever.

Revelation 1: Do You Know Alpha & Omega?
Verse of the Day: (V8) “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”

1. Alpha (V1-10)
V9 “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

The Almighty God revealed to Apostle John - at the island of Patmos which he was there as a prisoner because of his faith in Jesus Christ and God’s Word - of the manifold blessings as well as fiery judgments that shall come to mankind. It was a great encouragement to John as he realised that God was in control of everything – the past, the present and the future – because He is Alpha and Omega – the beginning and the end, and He exists from everlasting to everlasting. However, John also got a fearful glimpse of the impending judgment and punishment for those who reject and curse God - fiery hell.

2. Asia (V11-17)
V11 “Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.”

The Alpha and Omega through Apostle John sent a book of His judgment and assessment on the 7 churches in Asia and only 2 out of the 7 churches, namely - Smyrna and Philadelphia - were commended for their faithfulness and labour of love, while the rest of them - Ephesus, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis and Laodicea - were judged and found unfaithful and disobedient. Let us pray and ponder as we search our hearts and the spirituality of our church that we be commended - like Smyrna and Philadelphia – to be found obedient to God and His Word, and are faithful to death or till His glorious return.  

3. Amen (V18-20)
V18 “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

Amen means – Let it be done. We can never outsmart and outwit God, because He is our Creator who holds the keys to glorious heaven and fiery hell. Though men time and again think that we are smarter and wiser than God, yet it shall come a time of reckoning and judgment that we are nothing but creatures in the hand of our Creator. The vital question is - Are we in the hand of a loving God because we believe and receive Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord? Or - Are we in the hand of an angry God because we reject and curse Jesus, and He shall punish us for our unbelief and rebellion? The choice is yours!

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I know You, Alpha & Omega, my Saviour & Lord.

Jude 1: Twice Dead
Verse of the Day: (V12) “These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;”

1. Denying (V1-11)
V3 “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

God’s servant, Jude, urged Christians to earnestly contend for the faith in Jesus Christ amid false preachers, who had crept in as grievous wolves in sheep clothing, denying the Lord Jesus, and destroying the faith of many, and turning God’s grace to man’s lusts.

V4 “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”

2. Dead (V12-19)
V12 “These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;”

These false preachers are eloquent and impressive in man’s eyes, but they are ungodly and deceitful in God’s eyes as they lead many to eternal condemnation. They are like fruits that look delicious but are actually poisonous. Indeed, Christians are borne twice – physical and spiritual birth - but they die only once – physical death - as they shall live with God forever. On the other hand, the unbelievers are born only once – physical birth - but they die twice – physical and spiritual death as they shall be condemned in fiery hell.

V15 “To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”

3. Difference (V20-25)
V21 “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”

Let us keep ourselves in God’s love by demonstrating our compassion for others so that people can see we are truly different from this unloving world, and that Jesus lives in us!

V22 “And of some have compassion, making a difference:”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I am borne twice but die only once and live forever.

3 John 1: Are You A Doer Of God’s Word?
Verse of the Day: (V5) “Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;”

1. Doer (V1-8)
V1 “The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.”

Apostle John expressed his love in the truth for Gaius, and wished him materially, physically and spiritually well, because he was truly a doer of God’s holy Word. Gaius would faithfully and diligently do and fulfil God’s Word and commands as he demonstrated his great love and hospitality to God’s preachers, people and even strangers.

V2 “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

2. Diotrephes (V9-11)
V9 “I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.”

Do not be surprised and shocked when your church leaders behaved badly as Diotrephes was an example of an ungodly leader who was proud and unfriendly, and he was only a hearer, but not a doer of God’s Word. Indeed, we may wonder why a righteous God allow such wicked leaders in the church, but let us be assured that He shall eventually judge the church and her people if it is truly His church and His people. Let us not be weary in well doing as the churches and their people shall eventually reap what we sow.

V10 “Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.”

3. Demetrius (V12-14)
V12 “Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.”

Indeed, there are always godly and ungodly churches and leaders. Demetrius was a godly leader as he demonstrated his love and hospitality for God’s preachers, people and even strangers. Let us also learn from Apostle John that the best communication is close and personal, and the best way to show our love and care for others is to know their names.

V14 “But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to be a doer, and not just a hearer of Your holy Word.

2 John 1: Are You Loving In Truth?
Verse of the Day: (V1) “The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;”

1. Truth (V1-8)
V7 “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”

God is Love and the Truth, and both are inseparable - in other words - you cannot love without the truth, and you cannot have the truth without love. This is why the elder or Apostle John expressed his love in the truth for the elect lady and her children who demonstrated their love and hospitality to all visiting preachers that God shall reward them for their good works. He warned them never to entertain antichrists or false preachers who would come to them lest they fall into their heresies that Jesus did not come as a man. This is indeed the cornerstone of Christianity – Jesus, God’s begotten Son, came as a man to live, and die, and shed His blood for the sins of the whole world!

V8 “Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.”

2. Transgress (V9-11)
V9 “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.”

When we believe and receive Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour and Lord, and trust and obey His doctrine or the Bible, we shall have both God and Christ, and the Holy Spirit shall dwell in us. If any preacher does not preach Christ as God’s Son, and the whole counsel of the Bible, he transgresses and sins against God and do not entertain him.

V10 “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:”

3. Trust (V12-13)
V12 “Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.”

John conveyed the greetings of the children of the elect lady’s sister, and trusted to see her face to face than writing to her so that they could enjoy the warm fellowship. Indeed, when we all get to heaven, what a day it shall be - when we shall see Jesus face to face!

V13 “The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to love all in truth, and to look forward to see You soon.

1 John 5: Are You Praying In God’s Will?
Verse of the Day: (V14) “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:”

1. Water (V1-8)
V6 “This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.”

God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are the Trinity who witnessed Jesus coming to earth by both water and blood. Jesus is indeed Water because water represents God’s Word, the Bible. Jesus is also Blood because He left the splendour of heaven to live, minister and eventually gave His life on earth and shed His blood for the sins of the world. Whoever believes in Him shall never perish, but have everlasting life with Him in glorious heaven.  

V7 “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”

2. Witness (V9-12)
V9 “If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.”

In the court of the law, the judges base their verdicts on evidences and eye-witnesses, and sometimes they do err because of corruption or even human error. However, in Christianity, God is our Judge and Witness and He shall never err because He is God, the Truth. Therefore no one, not even the Devil, can dispute God when He testifies that He gave His Son, Jesus, to live, minister and eventually die for the sins of the whole world.

V10 “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.”

3. Will (V13-21)
V15 “And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”

God shall answer all our prayers only when they are according to His perfect will. This is why our hearts must be in tune with God’s heart so that all our prayers are in fulfilment of His will. Let us therefore flee from idols, or anyone, or anything that shall hinder us from worshipping God, and doing His will, so that all our prayers shall be answered.

V21 “Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to flee from idols, and pray according to Your will.

1 John 4: Do You Love God?
Verse of the Day: (V19) “We love him, because he first loved us.”

1. False (V1-2)
V1 “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”

To really know the true currencies from the false, we must study the characteristics of the true currency as well as handle it daily so that when the false ones come, we immediately can discern and detect that they are counterfeits. This especially applies to the discernment of God’s preachers. To discern the false preachers, we must truly know and daily apply God’s Word in our lives, so that when false ones come, we immediately know that they are false. One of the most common false teachings is when they deny Jesus as the very man of man, and the very God of God, though He truly is God’s Son.

V2 “Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:”

2. Flesh (V3-6)
V3 “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.”

Besides denying that Jesus is not come in the flesh, many of the false preachers either add to or subtract from God’s Word and thus leading many souls to eternal condemnation. Let us pray that God’s true preachers and Christians shall share the gospel of Jesus Christ that He died on the cross and shed His blood for the sins of the whole world and whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life with Him in glorious heaven.

V6 “We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.”

3. Fear (V7-21)
V8 “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”

We love God because He is love and He first loves us, and we shall also love all including our enemies who hurt and harm us. Indeed, God’s perfect love cast out all fears, and let us stay in His perfect love, and we shall fear nothing not even death, and no one not even the Devil, and shall always enjoy this life on earth as well as life everlasting!

V18 “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I love You because You first love me as You are love.

1 John 3: Do You Have Compassion?
Verse of the Day: (V17) “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

1. Compassion (V1-18)
V16 “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

Jesus, the Son of God, demonstrated to us that real love demands real action as He loved the world so much that He laid down His life on the cross for the sins of the whole world - for yours and mine. Indeed, we know we are God’s children by our love for others. Just like an apple tree produces apples, and so the God of love produces His children of love!

V18 “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

2. Confidence (V19-22)
V21 “Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.”

We shall have confidence in God and know that He answers our prayers when we truly love others and do what is right before Him. This is why many times we lack confidence in God and our prayers are not answered because we fail to demonstrate our compassion and love for others. When people offend and hurt us, we get angry and bitter, and fail to forgive and love them as Jesus would have done. Indeed, how can we say we are the children of the God of love when we cannot even love all including our enemies? Before Jesus died, He demonstrated His love for His enemies when He prayed to God, His Father, to forgive those who persecuted and eventually crucified Him. Let us therefore be like Jesus, our Saviour and Lord, to truly love all including those who hurt and harm us!

V22 “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.”

3. Commandment (V23-24)
V23 “And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.”

Loving others is not just God’s commandment, but it is the evidence that we are His children. When we truly love others we shall know that we dwell in God and He dwells in us. Indeed, once we receive Jesus Christ as our Saviour the Spirit of love indwells in us!

V24 “And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I have compassion because Your Spirit indwells in me.

1 John 2: Will You Abide In God?
Verse of the Day: (V6) “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”

1. Advocate (V1-5)
V1 “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:”

What a privilege and honour to know that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is our Advocate and Comforter in time of our troubles and trials, and even when we sin, He shall plead with God, His Father, to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Indeed, we may not be sinless, but let us sin less, as we trust and obey God and His Word.

V5 “But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.”

2. Abide (V6-19)
V14 “I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.”

Let us abide in God, and let God and His Spirit abide in us by studying and applying His Word in our lives. Many professing Christians fail God because they do not truly believe in Him with their hearts and have never abide in His Word and Spirit. Let us therefore, whether we are young or old, truly abide in God and His Word, and do His will, so that He shall bless, protect and keep us from the Devil and the lusts of our eyes and flesh.

V17 “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

3. Anointing (V20-29)
V20 “But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.”

The Holy Spirit shall anoint and teach us His holy Word as we abide in God. Indeed, only the Spirit who indwells in us can truly illuminate and enlighten us so that we can fully understand His Word and apply them in our lives. Though we have anointed pastors and preachers to teach and minister to us, yet without the unction from the Spirit, we can never have the spiritual insights, understanding and application of His Word in our lives.

V27 “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to abide in You as You are my Advocate and Anointing.

1 John 1: Is Your Joy Full?
Verse of the Day: (V4) “And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.”

1. Full (V1-6)
V3 “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.”

Our joy can only be full when we walk in close fellowship with God, who is the Light, who brightens our lives in this world of darkness that is filled with sins and wickedness. Today, there are many in this world who have no real joy in them, because they do not believe in Jesus, the Son of God, and are living day by day without purpose and meaning in life. Though they seem to enjoy life as they eat, study, work and sleep, yet deep down in their lives they know that their lives are empty and hollow. Indeed, the only way to have a meaningful and purposeful life is to know Christ, and to make Him known to all.

V5 “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”

2. Fellowship (V7-8)
V7 “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

Indeed, our joy can only be full, and we can have great fellowship with God and His people, when we confess and repent our sins and wrongdoings, and believe and receive Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour and Lord. However, many in this world refuse to admit and acknowledge that they have sinned or done anything wrong though we have inherited our sinful and depraved nature since the fall of our first parents, Adam and Eve.

V8 “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”

3. Faithful (V9-10)
V9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Let us confess and repent our sins, and let Jesus come into our lives, so that our joy may be full, because only He can forgive our sins, and only He can give us the real joy in this life and for all eternity. Let us therefore come boldly to Jesus daily confessing our sins, because He is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all wrongdoings.  

V10 “If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to confess and repent my sins so that my joy is full.

2 Peter 3: Will You Flee From Lusts?
Verse of the Day: (V3) “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts.”

1. Own Lusts (V1-9)
V4 “And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.”

Those who profess to believe in God but have never believe in Him with their hearts will eventually walk after their own lusts and face His judgment as in the days of Noah when He destroyed all, except eight souls, with a great flood. However God is longsuffering and is always waiting for all to come to repent their sins and believe in Him with their hearts, so that they shall escape eternal condemnation and be with Him in heaven forever.

V9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

2. Own Destruction (V10-16)
V12 “Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?”

God promised the people that He shall not destroy the world with the great flood again, but shall destroy them with great heat if they continue to rebel against Him. Indeed, God shall not only judge and destroy the unbelievers but also the professing believers who seemingly know His Word, yet refuse to obey them, and thus face their own destruction.

V16 “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.”

3. Own Stedfastness (V17-18)
V17 “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.”

Finally, Peter, who denied Jesus thrice, repented his sins and became an Apostle of Jesus, admonished all who believe in Jesus to grow in grace and in His knowledge so that they shall not fall into wickedness but shall be stedfast and abounding in His work and Word.

V18 “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to grow in grace in You, and flee from lusts and sins.

2 Peter 2: Wells Without Water
Verse of the Day: (V17) “These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.”

1. Wages Of Unrighteousness (V1-16)
V1 “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”

God through Apostle Peter warns His people that there shall be false men of God who preach everything except His Word to enrich themselves like Balaam the false prophet. These false preachers were for the love of money than souls, and instead of leading souls to God, they lead them to fiery hell. However, God shall severely judge and destroy these false preachers. Let us stay faithful to God’s true preachers, and flee from the false ones.

V15 “Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;”

2. Wells Without Water (V17-19)
V18 “For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.”

God reminded His people that there are false preachers who serve themselves, and are like wells without water and clouds with great storm that deceive people to eternal hell. Indeed, wells are to provide water for people, but if there is no water, it is a useless well!

V19 “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.”

3. Way Of Righteousness (V20-22)
V20 “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.”

Let us be men of God who preach and teach His Word, and lead and show the people the way of His righteousness. Let us fully trust and obey God and His Word, than to pretend that we are His people, and eventually He shall judge and cast us to eternal damnation!

V21 “For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to be the well with water that preach only Your Word.

2 Peter 1: Is God Pleased With You?
Verse of the Day: (V17) “For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

1. Precious (V1-8)
V1 “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:”

2 Peter was the last letter of Apostle Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, before God promoted him to glorious heaven. As with all last letters, it summed up what God has for His people, through Peter, that they must believe in God’s precious promises, and continue in their precious faith in Him amid intense persecution and worldly temptation.

V4 “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

2. Purged (V9-12)
V9 “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”

Though we are saved by grace through faith in God, yet we are still in our old nature of flesh and sins, and the only way to know that we are truly saved and called of God is when we keep confessing and purging our sins, and abounding in the fruit of the Spirit.

V10 “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:”

3. Pleased (V13-21)
V15 “Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.”

Again, God, through Peter, reminds His people that since we have only one life, and soon it will pass, only what is done for Jesus will last. Therefore, let us please God in our words and works just like Jesus, God’s Son, whom God was well pleased with Him. Let us continue to trust and obey God’s Word because this is the only best way to please Him.

V19 “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to please and glorify You by trusting and obeying You.

1 Peter 5: Will You Cast All Your Care Upon God?
Verse of the Day: (V7) “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

1. Crown (V1-4)
V3 “Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”

Christians, especially the pastor or the under-shepherd of the church, let us not be weary in well doing as God, our Chief Shepherd, knows all our labour of love, and He shall reward us with crowns when we get to His glorious home in heaven. Let us be examples of God’s holiness and righteousness, and keep on sharing the Gospel of Christ, that all may come to know Christ as their personal Saviour, and in turn make Christ known to all.

V4 “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”

2. Care (V5-9)
V6 “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:”

As much as God is real, the devil is also real and he is the enemy of God. The devil knows that he has limited time on this earth as God shall ultimately condemn and cast him into fiery hell in due time because of his pride and wickedness. Therefore the devil seeks to destroy God’s people so that all will go to hell with him. However, God is greater than the devil, and He shall protect and preserve His people. Let us therefore humble ourselves, and be vigilant, and cast all our care upon God who truly cares for us.

V8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

3. Call (V10-14)
V10 “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

Let us thank God for His amazing grace as He calls and convicts us of our sins, so that we repent of our sins, and turn to Him. The God of all grace has not called and promised us lives without suffering, but He assures us that He is with us through all our sufferings. Let us therefore be humble and faithful, as one day, we shall be delivered from all our sufferings when we are promoted to glorious heaven to be in God’s presence forever!

V12 “By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to cast all my care upon You as You truly care for me.

1 Peter 4: Are You Living In God’s Will?
Verse of the Day: (V2) “That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.”

1. Will Of God (V1-10)
V1 “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;”

Many times God allows us to suffer in our fiery trials so that we will draw ourselves close to Him and His Word and prayers, and cease to sin against Him. Indeed, when we live in God’s will and love, we cease to live in our lusts and flesh. Let us therefore love all the people including our enemies, so that we sin less, and stay in God’s perfect will.

V8 “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”

2. Oracles Of God (V11-16)
V11 “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

Let us stay close to God’s oracles and words as only in them we shall know His perfect will for our lives. It is sad that many Christians know God’s oracles, yet they choose to disobey them and eventually suffer the consequences of their sins. This is why God has to send fiery trials to His children so that they repent their sins, and return to His perfect will.

V12 “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:”

3. House Of God (V17-19)
V17 “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?”

Let us take heed that God shall judge His house or children first as they are precious in His sight. Though God’s judgement is severe, yet it is beneficial to His children as it will draw them close to Him. If God severely judges His children, it is even more severe when He judges the unbelievers as they shall be condemned to fiery hell because of their sins of belief. Let us therefore flee from sins, and obey God’s gospel, and live in His perfect will.

V18 “And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to live in Your perfect will even in great suffering.

1 Peter 3: Are You Suffering For Christ’s Sake?
Verse of the Day: (V17) “For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.”

1. Sight Of God (V1-11)
V4 “But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”

The home and the church are the two institutions that Christ loves as they are precious in His eyes. Let us like Christ loves our family and church knowing that they are precious in His sight. We may not fully agree with our family and church members in everything, but we must still love them. This is especially so for the husbands, as God shall not hear their prayers, if they do not love their wives - their weaker halves and joint-heirs with Christ.

V7 “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”

2. Will Of God (V12-17)
V14 “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;”

As I write this devotion, my dearest sister, Daisy, is suffering much due to her severe illness. Though she has done nothing wrong, yet she knows that it is God’s will that she suffers, just like Christ, who also suffered much, when He died on the cross, not for His own sins, but for the sins of the whole world – yours and mine! Let us continue to endure our suffering for righteousness and Christ’s sake, and preach the gospel of Christ to all.

V15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

3. Longsuffering Of God (V18-22)
V18 “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:”

Let us not take for granted God’s longsuffering, as during the Great Flood, He destroyed all, except the eight souls in the ark, because the rest kept refusing to repent their sins.

V20 “Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I am suffering for righteousness’ and Your sake.