The Scarlet Woman

In the book of Revelation, John has a vision of a woman sitting on a hideous beast: “The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication.” On her forehead was written “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints” (17:4–6). Babylon was a code word for the Roman Empire, which was persecuting believers. But Babylon also symbolized any evil power opposing God’s people.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Initiative Against Depression

Oswald Chambers

A human being is capable of depression, otherwise there would be no capacity for exaltation. There are things that are calculated to depress, things that are of the nature of death; and in taking an estimate of yourself, always take into account the capacity for depression.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Inspiration of Spiritual Initiative

Oswald Chambers

When the inspiration of God does come, it comes with such miraculous power that we are able to arise from the dead and do the impossible thing. God does not give us overcoming life; He gives us life as we overcome.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Determination To Serve

Oswald Chambers

The mainspring of Paul 's service is not love for men, but love for Jesus Christ. Paul's realization of how Jesus Christ had dealt with him is the secret of his determination to serve others.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

What God’s Love Can’t Do

Billy Graham

God cannot forgive the unrepentant sinner. The human race is called on throughout the Bible to repent of sin and return to God. This love of God can be entirely rejected. God will not force Himself upon any man against his will.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Pure and Powerful

Zig Ziglar

Too often, we value all received messages equally. God’s Word, though, is more precious and valuable than any other message sent to us. The psalmist describes God’s message as “pure words” that are like silver processed “seven times” in the furnace.