Revelation 8:4 (NLT), "The smoke of the incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God's people as an offering on the gold altar before the throne."
Thursday... Our prayers really do make a difference.
There are things we do in life that we hope makes a difference. Well, John from his vision of heaven and the end times says in Revelation 8:4 (NLT), "The smoke of the incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God's people as an offering on the gold altar before the throne." Yes, our prayers will make it to the gold altar before the throne.
Now we worry about the judgement part of the throne so this is a real encouragement. Our prayers as God's people will make it to the gold altar before the throne. Verse 3 in the Amplified Bible says, "Another angel came and stood at the altar. He had a golden censer and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints (God's people) on the golden altar in front of the throne." Now the incense was fragrant spices which exude perfume when burned. Our prayers as God's people are mixed with that incense and it smells so good.
Listen, our prayers do not come before God as annoyances. The angels don't bring our prayers before God with an attitude, no our prayers come mixed with incense, spices which exude perfume. Verse 4 says, "And the smoke and fragrant aroma of the incense, with the prayers of the saints (God's people), ascended before God from the angel's hand." The NIRV says, "The smoke and prayers went up in front of God." Again this smoke was not an annoyance. No it smelled so good.
He goes on. Verse 5 (NLT) says, "Then the angel filled the incense burner with fire from the altar and threw it down upon the earth: thunder crashed, lightning flashed, and there was a terrible earthquake." Yes, our prayers really do and will make a difference.
David says over in Psalm 141:1-2 (NLT), "O LORD, I am calling to you. Please hurry! Accept my prayer as incense offered to you, and my upraised hand as an evening offering." David caught it. "Accept my prayer as incense."
Proverbs 15:8 (AMP) says, "The sacrifice of the wicked is hateful and exceedingly offensive to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight." Verse 9 NLT) says, "The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness."
The prayers of God's people are mixed with incense and they really, really do make a difference. Yes, yes! #todaysbeginning

Comments
Post a Comment