Scripture

Revelation 18

Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway

Observation

Why did God call His people out of Babylon (verse 4)? Is it legitimate for Christians to rejoice when God punishes evildoers (verses 5-8, 20)?

Application

In what ways do I need to “come out” of the world in which I live? Am I more worried about offending other people than I am about rejoicing in God’s righteous judgment?

Prayer

Pray today’s Scripture back to God:
Lord God, I ask that you would show me the areas in my life that are spiritually like Babylon, and make me obedient to Your call to come out from them. I ask that You would give me compassion where You have compassion, but that I would also rejoice in Your righteous judgment when You decide to punish the rebellious and unrepentant. I pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Pray to BLESS!
One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:

• B – BODY (physical health)
• L – Labor (their job or school)
• E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
• S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
• S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)

Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries:

• Pat & Hannah Kelley
• Fred & Shirley Leonard
• Mark & Michelle Morgan (Cody, Kyle)
• Michael Morgan

Ministries:

• Provenance
• Genesis World Mission

CLF:

• That we will devote ourselves to prayer, individually, in small groups, and as a church.

Community: Rural towns in Treasure Valley – Emmett, Greenleaf, Homedale, Marsing, Middleton, New Plymouth, Parma, Payette, Wilder, Weiser, etc…

• That city leaders would submit to God
• That people can find and keep gainful employment
• For sound financial management by city officials
• Salvation for unbelievers
• For the mayor, city council members, and public works officials

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess. – 1 Peter 3:15 (NET)