Morning Meditation:"He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following Him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." - Revelation 19:13-16

Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord, and He has offered His chosen Bride His hand in marriage and has given her His royal name. He is a Jealous Husband, I AM WHO I AM, Strong Tower, Righteous BRANCH, Holy One, Faithful and True, Conqueror, and above all, He is King! This is His Supreme Name, the most important name of all - for this name declares His Sovereignty - He is Ruler over all. He wears this name on His thigh as the badge of His authority for the whole world to see. It is the military standard His troops march under, as they go forth victoriously under the banner of the name that is above all names. "They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings - and with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers" (Revelation 17:14). This is the banner of His love that covers His royal family. "...His banner over me is love" (Song of Songs 2:4).

Isaiah prophesied the birth of the firstborn royal son who would be called, "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever" (Isaiah 9:6, 7). One would think all nations would bow to a Ruler who is called such glorious names these. But man, who was given benevolent dominion of earth, has fixed in his mind that no kingdom but his own will have authority over his life. Man is the king of his own little kingdom and no one dare usurp his self-made throne; he doesn't like being told what to do and he will oppose anyone who tries. "Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against His Anointed One...the One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then He rebukes them in His anger and terrifies them in His wrath, saying, "I have installed My King on Zion, My holy hill...therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling" (Psalm 2:1-2, 4-6, 10-11). They are fools who think they could possibly succeed fighting against the powerful kingdom of our Sovereign King. His robe will be dipped in the blood of all who opposed Him when He rides forth as Warrior-Messiah-King. Lord, we praise You that we wear spotless robes because we have been covered by Your blood, and we have no fear of judgment because we wear Your royal name. Forgive us for the times we let "self" get in the way and usurp Your rightful place on the throne of our lives. Thank you for helping us to see the error of our ways. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

(Revelation 15:3-4)

Afternoon Devotion:"But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in His own time - God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and might forever. Amen." - 1 Timothy 6:11-16

The kingdom we've been given is a spiritual kingdom - it is written on our hearts, "...because the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21). And the weapons of His kingdom are not of this world (2 Corinthians 10:3-5); we've been given authority in Christ and we've been armed with Truth: "...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17). How truly blessed we are to be the chosen Bride of the King of kings, who has written His covenant of love on our hearts and has signed it in His blood. There is one more thing He has given us in His royal name that will seal our marriage covenant; a gift from the Father, who will help us walk in all the ways of holiness as we prepare for our Bridegroom to return to take us home where we will one day reign beside our King. "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:26-27). As we enter the final stage of our marriage to the Lamb, our Bridegroom has given us a suitable Helper to make sure we are thoroughly prepared and protected until He returns. Let us commit these last days to living in all the ways of holiness, keeping ourselves separated from, and undefiled by, the world. Let us make the most of this day, asking the Lord to examine our hearts and remove anything that may be taking up precious space in our hearts so there can be room for more of His presence to enter in. Let us open our hearts so the King of glory may come in and fill us with even more of His love!

(Psalm 24:7-10)