Rv22

The last chapter of the Bible encourages us to live expecting Jesus' return! I believe those who received this letter personally assumed that Jesus would return in their lifetime. How much more should we expect the day is drawing near? Jesus said, "Yes, I am coming quickly."

God definitely thinks about time differently than we do. His patience has meant life to millions who have believed. His patience today continues to give opportunities for others to believe and for those who believe to live for His kingdom. As we close out 2014 and begin thinking about the possibility of another year, let us consider living as though this could likely be the last year... ever.

Live expectantly. Live intentionally.

troy

Rv21

Heaven will be awesome! There is nothing to compare it to on earth! God's glory will illuminate the city. God's presence will be the most vivid reality! Nothing profane or vile will be there. All the news will be good news.

Not so much today. We open every day with another report of bad news. Lives that are lost. Tragedy that has struck. Brokenness and pain abound. Today we will be surrounded by God's glory, but most everyone will miss it. Most of us will only have passing thoughts of God and His glory.

We will be caught up in the daily grind of life in the midst of sin. We will see glimpses of God's glory, but it will not be the focus of the day! 

Heaven will be awesome. Just saying.

Rv20

There is nothing more exciting than knowing that your name is written in the Book of Life. Everyone will be judged according to their works. Anyone who is pardoned will be pardoned by grace through faith!

I have often pondered the final day of judgement. These images are gripping. I wonder if one will be able to hear the collective beating of millions of nervous hearts standing before the judge? I wonder if all of us will be gripped with fear or if some will be calmed by the reality of the Holy Spirit is us?

Jesus told his disciples, "rejoice that your name is written in the book of life"! Now this is something to celebrate. 

Rv18

As we enter Christmas Eve, let this chapter sink deep into our souls. It is a warning against using wealth for our own luxury rather than using what God has given us for His good.

Every year there is a hesitation in my soul during Christmas. I love the celebration, the gathering of family and the exchanging of gifts. I love the times of worship and laughter. My hesitation is simply a question, "Is God pleased with me?" Have I used what He has give me in a way that honors Him?

I often wonder how the money we exchange each Christmas through gifts compares to our overall giving to God's kingdom each year. I am not a grinch at Christmas. I do think it is something to consider.

May God be pleased with all of us.

Rv17

There is no sin like sexual sin! It grips the soul and ruins one's conscience from the inside out! Even in the final judgement, sexual sin is the prominent enemy of mankind.

Keep yourself free from all moral sins. Everyone has to battle regularly with this beast! Whether it is lust of the eyes or the temptation to be unfaithful to marriage, sexual sin is always lurking. No one is free from it's temptation. There is no sin that is more shameful or gripping. 

It is so critical that we have accountability in our lives! Have you been completely honest with your spouse and others who care for your soul? Are there secret sins in your life? Being free from sexual sin begins with honest confession. Being free from sexual sin enables one to have joy in their faith and freedom in their life.

Fight hard for purity! It matters.

Rv16

We stand in awe of the lack of repentance in the last days, but I wonder what things God would call me to repent from today? It is easy to look at the failures of others and difficult to examine ourselves.

We all justify sin at some level. My prayer is that Christmas will be a time to celebrate Christ in full repentance and faith. To tolerate any sin is to forget the price that Jesus paid to set us free from sin.

Let's focus on making this Christmas about serving Christ.

Rv15

The songs of heaven will be riveting and powerful! To hear the survivors singing praise to God will be a moving experience. I can't imagine what that will sound like.

Singing in heaven will be amazing! Everyone will participate. Everyone will have a story to tell. Everyone will be engaged and focused on true worship. Oh that God's people would enter into worship fully before they get to heaven. I am saddened to see how many engage more at sporting events than they do in worship. I believe it is a reflection of what they truly worship.

Let our mouths proclaim true worship this season. Sing songs to the Lord with others who will gather in His name. Don't let silence be the expression of our worship to God! Give to God a gift of unhindered praise.