You don’t have to spend much time paying attention to the news before you start to be troubled. The media that makes us immediately aware of tragedy anywhere in the world might be new, but troubled times are not. Isaiah’s vision came to him “in the year that King Uzziah died” (Isaiah 6:1), when injustice and corruption seemed to reign in Judah. Ezekiel’s vision came to him while he was in Babylon, where a remnant of the people had been wrenched from their homes and carried into exile. When John received his vision, he was exiled on the bleached rocks of Patmos away from his beloved tribulation-suffering churches.
All three saw their visions in troubled times, but their visions allowed them to see what was really going on in the world. In Revelation 4:1–2, John encouraged his readers twice to see what he saw. Twice he told them to “look” or “behold”: “Look! an open door in heaven!” “Look! a throne, and someone seated on it!“ (The ESV reflects this more clearly, for reference.) Darrell Johnson writes in his book Discipleship on the Edge, “‘Look’ is the most frequent command in the entire book of Revelation. The second most frequent is ‘fear not.’ We obey the second by obeying the first. When we look we are no longer afraid.”
In heaven, John saw a throne. Seated on the throne was the true King, the Creator of the universe who rules rightly, judges justly, and who receives worship from all He has made. Four living creatures and twenty-four elders surrounded Him and sang praise to Him. In His hand was a scroll that no one could open.
This vision is glorious and puts all human rulers, those from John’s time to today, on notice. But there is a problem—how can any human being come into the heavenly throne room without being instantly judged and found wanting?
“Look!” one of the elders told John in Revelation 5:5. There was a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, who approached and took the scroll. This Lamb had conquered through sacrificial love, and this enabled Him to open the scroll that moves history.
How does this vision keep us from being afraid? It did not take John or his churches away from the earthly challenges they faced, and it isn’t going to remove all our challenges either. But what we see going on in the throne room of heaven affects everything going on in the universe, despite appearances to the contrary. It is closer and more relevant to us than any news that might trouble us, and what is going on there inevitably extends to the earthly realm.
We also see that it is safe for us to approach the throne of the universe because the Lamb is there. His worthiness extends to those He has purchased, making the throne of heaven the “throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16). Whereas Isaiah cried, “Woe is me!,” we can cry, “Worthy is the Lamb!”
Written by Elliot Ritzema
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107 thoughts on "The Lamb Is Worthy"
I am so behind in my reading! But I had to comment, and in case anyone else is here today to read it. The devotional really helped me to contextualize and understand the reading more. These are troubled times indeed. As was discussed in the letters to the 7 churches, it is troubling to see Christians calling themselves such while endorsing behavior that is the antithesis of Christ, and yet here is God’s Word telling us this would happen and helping us not to be afraid. Thank you Lord !
Worthy is the lamb! AMEN!
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What a powerful picture and visual for today. It is both sobering and exciting to think of this kind of experience in the Lord’s presence. Holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty. All praise and honor to our mighty King. Worthy is the Lamb.❤️
‘Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and also of the living creatures and of the elders. Their number was countless thousands, plus thousands of thousands. They said with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing! I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them say, Blessing and honor and glory and power be to the one seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever! The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.’ Rev 5
Amen
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“Is He Worthy? HE IS” -Chris Tomlin song
Worthy is the Lamb, indeed. (That reminds me of a song by Third Day… Agnes Dei/Worthy.)
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“Agnus Dei / Worthy”
Alleluia, Alleluia
For our Lord God Almighty reigns
Alleluia, Alleluia
For our Lord God Almighty reigns
Holy, Holy
Are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
You are Holy
Holy
Are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy Is the Lamb
Worthy Is the Lamb
Amen
Holy, You are holy
King of kings, Lord of lords
You are holy
Holy, you are holy King of kings, Lord of lords
I worship you
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So much imagery and symbolism in this book. Notes in my study Bibles are helping so much. How despairing that no one was worthy to open the scroll. That just makes me sad.
The reminder that even at the thrown the elders fell down in praise. Imagining the sound of the course of praise as each area built upon the others. I have found myself slowing down massively with the readings this week and allowing the details to soak in.
Me too, Mindy! I am awestruck when I think about the throne room of God.
What stood out to me was Rev 5:12. “They said with a loud voice,
Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered
to receive power and riches
and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and blessing!”
What the Lamb was to receive is sevenfold—power, wisdom, riches, strength, honor, glory, blessing. The number seven indicating completeness or perfection.
Mentions of a rainbow made me think of how it is used in today’s society. (Rev 4:3 The one seated there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian stone.A rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald surrounded the throne. And Ezekiel 28 The appearance of the brilliant light all around was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day.) How that must sadden, disappoint, and perhaps anger God. Although it’s not a suprise to Him.
Song that came to mind-a toe tapper for sure!
“When we all get to Heaven”
Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace;
In the mansions bright and blessed
He’ll prepare for us a place.
Refrain:
When we all get to heaven,
what a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
we’ll sing and shout the victory!
2 While we walk the pilgrim pathway
Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when trav’ling days are over
Not a shadow, not a sigh. [Refrain]
3 Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving ev’ry day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay. [Refrain]
4 Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open–
We shall tread the streets of gold. [Refrain] Hymnary dot org
VagleBrothers video of this song, that I randomly chose to listen to, has a picture of the northern lights included! ❤️
Tears! This song, one of my grandpa’s favorites. He was a music guy, always whistling and singing. Snapping and toe tapping. Even you saying “this is a toe tapper” got me. This was often one of the hymns that he would whistle. So cool that he is experiencing this and one day we all will. So blessed by your share. What a day of rejoicing that will be!!
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Today I am going to “Look!” with an open heart! The imagery is very unique, vivid and quite honestly scary. But we are saved by Jesus! And that good news is the best news!
Today I am going to “Look!” With and
I have read the book of Revelation before, but this is just so eye opening and heart-warming, and scary, and I don’t even know how else to describe it.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to delve deeper and learn more about how much God loves us. All this intricate detail is meant to be shared with us so that we know how the story ends, but then truly begins.
Blessed Wednesday sisters. Your prayer requests are on my heart.
Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)-
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
What really stood out to me was, “I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain”. Weirdly this reminds me of Mike the headless chicken that was still able to walk after the farmer tried to chop him for dinner, and later still survived 18 months. With my imagination, that Lamb would have appeared with blood still on his body, but yet alive and walking… for John to make such observation. John saw the Lamb and knew it was killed, still bearing the marks of His sacrifice. It sounds horrific that He “looked as if He had been killed but still walked”. The gospel is not easy to read. No one else in all Heaven and earth. That is why He alone is the only way. Many find this “the only way gospel” offensive. People like to have options. Most other religions offer many paths and methods toward salvation, spiritual fulfilment and enlightenment, that focuses on human effort, good deeds, moral behaviours, rather than God’s grace through a Savior. All humans have fallen short. No one is worthy but the slain Lamb. This Lamb reveals both God’s love and judgment onto one (Himself). This whole book of Revelation feels so holy for me. It gives me such fear and trembling to even be able to read about it. These scenes feel like behind the scene ones that took place in the throne room of Heaven and are revealed to us now that we may be filled with awe to offer praises and worship to Jesus, the Lamb of God. Thank you Jesus. Thank you God for your love that You laid down your life. Be blessed dear sisters.
Oh Yes, Mercy. How privileged we are to see the end of the story. To know that even in those dark days, Truth wins. ❤️
What a beautiful reading for this morning! Knowing that the Lamb is on His throne gives me energy and motivation for the day ahead. Knowing that He has a plan to make sense of history in His great glory and justice and love fills me with a sense of awe and wonder. And, knowing that the Lamb is worthy to open the scroll fills me with great joy. The holy plans of God will unfold, and He will make for us a new home forever. Life can be long. It can feel empty at times. It can feel discouraging too. But praise God we have a new and living hope through Jesus. A hope that is sure and solid.
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Praise God!
In the podcast they spoke of how the scroll is God’s plan for judging evil and saving his people and redeeming creation. Breaking its seals = working out God’s plan.
I don’t know about anyone else but that just gives me such great hope. Jesus is Lord. God is on the throne. Evil does not win.
Amen!❤️
From today’s devotion: “How does this vision keep us from being afraid? It did not take John or his churches away from the earthly challenges they faced, and it isn’t going to remove all our challenges either. But what we see going on in the throne room of heaven affects everything going on in the universe, despite appearances to the contrary. It is closer and more relevant to us than any news that might trouble us, and what is going on there inevitably extends to the earthly realm.”
I had never really connected to it in that way—that what is going on in the throne room is what extends to the earthly realm. He is in control!
Precious Sisters, please keep me in your prayers today. I have a dentist appointment and am very nervous and frightened. I have not gone in a while and, in my head, play all the things that could be said today. Please pray for peace and that the results will not be as bad as I have imagined.
Been there myself! Praying the appointment goes well! ❤
Praying for peace, encouragement, and positive results as you go for your dental appointment today. ❤️
Praying Marina.
Hi ladies, we had to have the ambulance come and take my Husband to the hospital today because his back got worse. So please just keep him in your prayers..
Praying for your husband, Mollie. ❤️
Praying Mollie that all is well with your husband. So sorry.
My SRT Sisters
As I read the morning devotion.
“… what we see going on in the throne room of heaven affects everything going on in the universe … closer and more relevant to us than any news that might trouble us …”
And as I survey the unrest of this world.
If we ever needed to hear words of conquer & comfort before, we sure do need them now.
If we ever needed His presence & permanence before, we sure do need them now.
If we ever needed faith & forgiveness before, we sure do need them now.
“Look”. “Behold”. “Draw near”. “Fear not.”
“Blessing”. “Honor”. “Power”. “Glory.”
“Worthy is the Lamb.”
Let us go in Peace to love & serve the Lord.
Amen.
Yes! So wonderful!
Sharing the song SRT linked to the podcast. What a beautiful way to start the day!
Worthy Of It All / I Exalt Thee (Jeremy And Adrienne Camp Version / Audio)
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5:13-14
13 And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang:
“Blessing and honor and glory and power
belong to the one sitting on the throne
and to the Lamb forever and ever.” the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb.”
What a powerful and beautiful example of worship! How does our worship compare?
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Love, hugs, and prayers! May God open our eyes, hearts, and minds as we study these challenging chapters. ❤
Song share #2:
Michael W. Smith – Agnus Dei feat. Skye Reedy
Yes, Cee Gee!
And listen, my loves, to CeCe Winan’s “Worthy Of It All” from her “Believe For It” album…
“All the saints & angels/they bow before Your throne/all the elders cast their crowns/before the Lamb of God and sing..”
Gwineth, Yes, her version is the one I am familiar with, too. I started to mention it! Thanks for doing so! ❤
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These stood out to me- the open door-God’s door is always open to us, we just have to answer His call! Look! Ask God to open our eyes to what He has for us and to His word. Don’t be afraid! God is in control! The Lamb who was slain yet ruled and reigns. He was the ransom for our sins so we can approach the throne of God!
“Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!””
Revelation 5:13 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/rev.5.13.NIV
Amen!
Praying for all!
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❤️✝️ it is only God’s grace that allows me to see and, for the first time, understand what I am reading in Revelation.
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“Look” “Fear Not” “We obey the second by obeying the first” Loved this! “When we “look” we are no longer afraid.” As my court date approaches I will keep looking to the ONE who keeps me safe therefore I will do my best (in my human nature) not to be afraid! My JESUS has me!
Amen❤️
I would give my fav verse to you Psalm 55:22 “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you. He will not let the righteous be shaken!”
Cast your burden: This is an instruction to release the weight of your troubles, whether they are big or small, onto God.
He will sustain you: This promise indicates that God will provide the strength, support, and comfort you need.
He will never permit the righteous to be moved: This reassures those who are righteous that God will not allow them to fall or fail permanently.
Thank you Rhonda J!! I am very encouraged by your faithful and strong words of wisdom!
Love the devotional today!!
Along with our Revelation study I am reading… Revelation ~ A Book of Promises, by Pastor Greg Laurie. We have watched his services for years on YouTube. He has such an easy way of teaching the Bible. This book is no different. It’s so helpful at explaining what we are reading in Revelation and how to apply it to our lives today. Highly recommend it!
Yes, I love Greag Laurie and have that book! It is a great layout!
I like Greg Laurie. Thanks for the recommendation. Put it on my “to read” list.
What a visual today! What a glimpse into glory and the heavenly realm! While we are stuck down here with our little problems or big, and the world crazy and horrible everywhere we look…What a gift to us to COME and SEE! WE…get to SEE with John! How can we not want to get a real glimpse into GLORY! What awaits us! Where a magical, beautiful eternity is!
We sometimes get beauty and glory around us–a pounding waterfall coming down in power, a mountain top view of splendor looking down, a sunset at the beach, holding a new born baby in our arms after a hard labor. Those are precious moments God gives us to KNOW that He is still in control.
When we glorify God we are reflecting his goodness and beauty. It may not seem like we are doing anything special, but we ARE sharing his light by honoring him and living for him, and telling of him! Because WE received mercy and grace, we get to go to the Kingdom, and we get the chance and opportunity NOW to let others know. That the grace and mercy is there for them too. I don’t want to waste any moment! Our families are the hardest, but most important, so we must keep sharing. The world is bad, but just like Ezekiel, Isaiah, and John…God too, picked us to get that glimpse to come and see, not to only encourage US that there is something awaiting us that is beyond this tragic, fallen world, but to embolden us to lift up others in their grief and troubles, and hopelessness to something awaiting! (my run-on Paul sentences!) Shouldn’t this change our daily attitude? To live and display everything Jesus, the lamb, has done for me! To not let things here bother me and weigh me down because I know the One that is everlasting, on the throne, the sacrifice already provided…sets me free, Hallelujah waiting for his bride to come!!
Keep your lamps lit my sisters, always being ready. Looking forward to the coming of our King, the Lion of Judah, our Savior from eternal fire! Our lives and focus turned toward Him, the Mighty Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end!
“What a Savior” by Laura Story
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Last night, Manheim, PA (along with much of the world), experienced the amazing phenomenon of the Aurora. Ours was not as dramatic as some… visible mostly through camera lens… but magnificent, all the same!
As I viewed the sky and the resulting pictures, i felt excited by the passages in Revelation that refer to the unexplainable colors and beauty… and I felt my mind expand… God IS ABLE!!
I may not be able to quite follow all of the imagery… but God gave me a taste… And I’m longing for more… Join me in anticipation of His Glorious Place that He’s PREPARING for US!!!
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I love that!! Glimpses, indeed!
Amen! …I wish I were in an area to see the Aurora, how beautiful that must have been.
It’s crazy how many glimpses of the northern lights we have had over the past couple years. So exciting to think of that in light of the heavenly descriptions in today’s reading !
How beautiful, Carol! I will be watching tonight here in SC! Did you share your pictures on the SHE’S Facebook page?
Yes, for us too in Alberta last night. I am glad you mentioned. I did not catch it live but people were posting photos in community group and it was so beautiful. Brushstrokes of heaven. Some even in shapes of angel wings from some photos. The Lord is a true artist. I pray one day I will see it live.
I was thinking the same thing Carol! We had a good view here in rural Northern IL! You can’t help but Praise the Creator God and stand in awe! What a foretaste of what is to come!
Yes the northern lights!! I was also able to see them and they were more brilliant for our area than the last couple times. I’m a “night person” anyway, and love the night sky. Amazing to think that God creates all of these details for us to enjoy!! I know there will be other wonders too glorious to imagine, but sometimes I’m a little sad there will be no night (or sea?) in heaven! The description of the rainbow around the throne reminded me of last night’s “show”. :)
I heard there’s a possibility of seeing them again tonight, so check the skies! ❤️
Jesus Jesus Jesus – the sweetest Name I know! He alone is worthy! Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy! There is No One, only You Jesus!
I’m so grateful that we have the Bible and we know how the story ends. Because every time I read Rev 5:4, when it seems that no one is worthy of opening the scrolls with the seals and John weeps loudly, my heart just stops for a moment. I can feel the despair in that weeping, deeply. John didn’t have the complete revelation at that point, so I can imagine the crushing feeling of thinking “no one can save us because no man is worthy.” But then the lamb comes forth— worthy is the Lamb. Thank you Father for making the despair of our unworthiness momentary because in your Son, Jesus, we find our salvation. His sacrificial love for us, makes Him worthy forever and ever. May we never take your love for granted. May we always remember to “Look” and “fear not” because you are God. Amen.
AMEN!! This is so good Maria!
Well said, Maria… you broke it down in a way that I can relate to these verses… Thanks so much! ♥️
So well said. Worthy is the lamb
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Praise God that we have Jesus and all the elders fighting for us in the heavens. I couldn’t imagine living life without Him helping me. It has been a rough 18 months for me. My mom passed after a brief cancer battle in Feb 2024 and then in June 2024 my husband and I moved from Wisconsin to West Virginia for a church position. We left everything familiar and family behind. Knowing that I have Jesus made it somewhat easier.
We left our home of 18 years seven years ago. Relocating as empty nesters is not easy. I still struggle with homesickness. Praying for you.
Worthy is the Lamb! ✝️
how can any human being come into the heavenly throne room without being instantly judged and found wanting?
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Indeed, instant judgement is what we deserve, BUT GOD.. OH BUT GOD.
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I have tears as I imagine what I deserve against what I receive.. what Grace, what love, what Hope.
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BUT GOD..
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The call is to ‘LOOK’
LOOK AT the ‘Lamb’ who sacrificed himself for you. For me. For my people. For your people. Who gave that we may know a freedom. beyond our imagining here on earth..
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LOOK TO the Lamb, whose grace is sufficient, whose mercy is ours through His sacrifice, and who has given a Hope that allows us to look to a future with Him when the time comes.
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LOOK UP.. He waits for us. WE need not be afraid… we have been bought by the blood, we are saved by the Lamb of God..
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He is Worthy of our praise.. daily.
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Worthy is the Lamb.
Worthy is the Lamb.
Worthy is the Lamb.
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Amen..
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Happy Wednesday my dears..
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much love..♥️♥️♥️
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Thank you Tina for your message.❤️ Wishing you a wonderful day across the pond! Mine is very cold.
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Worthy is the Lamb!
Worthy is the Lamb❤️
Look! A door opened – John sees heaven and Gods throne 4:1
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Look! The lion of Judah is coming – John looks and sees the Lamb who was slain 5:5
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The act of “looking” moves John from expectation of power to revelation of sacrificial victory.
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“Look, the Lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered so that he is able to open the scroll and its seven seals. Then I saw one like the slaughtered lamb standing in the midst of the throne….” Revelation 5:5-6
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Worthy is the Lamb, Jesus, you deserve the praise, worthy is your name!!
Yes! Look!!
Darrell Johnson writes in his book Discipleship on the Edge, “‘Look’ is the most frequent command in the entire book of Revelation. The second most frequent is ‘fear not.’ We obey the second by obeying the first. When we look we are no longer afraid.”
This resonates with me. How often do we turn our eyes away from something disturbing and then worry over it without examining the situation? Definitely something to consider.
Recently my 8th grade students had to draw a cartoon strip summary of Edgar Allan Poe’s “Annabel Lee.” One student drew the six-winged eyeball angel for the seraph who took Annabel Lee away. Other students couldn’t figure out what she drew. She responded with, “You know Biblical angels don’t look all cute and friendly, right?!?!” I laughed so loud.
This made me giggle. Thanks for sharing.
Hahaha! That’s awesome.
I have to admit, that so many times I have read Revelation through the filter of curiosity about the future and the puzzles of the imagery and prophecies. I find this time through, I am seeing all the revealing of the wonder, glory and character of God. There are praises from the elders and the creatures of course but also, the introductions to each church, the imagery used to describe God and the Lamb. It is all so revealing of His character, His plan, and the praise that we owe Him. Imagine one day, experiencing all this with every other believer ever and all praising Him together. ❤️
Amen ❤️
Also, please pray. My husband is headed into furlough (many are already furloughed) and we are a one income family. I’m on disability and unable to work outside the home.
Praying. The Lord will provide for your family.
Praying for provision and an end to this political struggle!
It’s difficult to remember that even though the earth seems to be in turmoil, there is a spiritual battle waging and the war is already won. I praise the Lord for hope beyond what we can see.
Yes, Libby praise God the battle is already won.
Praying for you and your family as your husband is furloughed.
Great reflection, Elliot Ritzema. Thank you.
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Rev. 4:8 “Each of the four living creatures had six wings; they were covered with eyes around and inside. Day and night they never stop,saying,
Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God, the Almighty,
who was, who is, and who is to come.”
I recently heard someone saying that the creatures are so full of wonder at the Father that this (vs.8) is their continuous response to Him because each time they gaze upon Him they see something new and awesome.
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We will never cease to be in awe of God.
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Thanks be to God!
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Also love the idea of all the singing in heaven.
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RUBY E – so sorry for your loss. Praying you can continue to join us and re-establish a daily rhythm of jumping into God’s word.
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THERESE – praying you are holding the new grandchild by now! And Sydney is recovering well.
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Update: We have an estimate from one plumber. We usually like to get 3 estimates, but it would be a while before others can come and look. Pray for wisdom about waiting or moving ahead with the one. Thanks.
Praying for your plumbing and for Ruby loss.
Praying for new mother and baby
That’s beautiful, Kelly! I will likely use that phrase a lot during this study! ☺
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Depending on the urgency of the plumbing problem, a second quote could be helpful if one responds within 2-3 days. Otherwise, I would grab the one available asap! ❤ Just my thought since you mentioned it. Praying for wisdom in your decision! ❤
Praying for a good one with a good quote.
Look! Fear not! – Amen ❤️
Thanks for praying for my mom’s blood clot. She spoke with her nurse and apparently it was a normal thing and should dissolve. They will check on it in two weeks.
That’s great news. Thanks for popping in with the update. Continuing to pray it is dissolved by the follow-up visit.
How is the house construction coming along?
They have not begun construction yet. They are still working on plans and getting an engineer to sign off on it all. We were hoping they would pour foundations in November, but now they want to get started in the new year. I still hope maybe they could begin before Christmas. ??? Everything shuts down here for a long time so I don’t know when in the new year they would even begin. Thanks for your prayers.
Praying the clot dissolves as expected ❤️
Praise the Lord!
Praying it dissolves!
Encouraging news! ❤
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It is late (or early), and I am having a rough time with these passages. I look forward to checking my study Bibles and every sweet sister’s comments in the morning.
❤ Hope you got some good rest during the early hours! ❤
It was not the best night. The good thing about a bad night sleeping is that the next night often is so sweet!