Reading Revelation is Meant to Bless You (Not Scare You)..... By Quanny Ard

 Reading Revelation is Meant to Bless You (Not Scare You)

By Quanny Ard

“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” (Revelation 21:4, 5, NIV).

Revelation tells the end of our earthly story, but it also gives us a glimpse into eternity where there will be no more pain, sickness, or death. Can you imagine a world free from illness? No more doctor’s visits, negative prognoses, suffering or graveside goodbyes – these things will not even enter our minds in heaven.

I look forward to this in hope because I walked through some of my darkest days while watching my mother slowly decline and succumb to her terminal illness. It’s an experience like no other. This is definitely what I’d consider a major part of the gospel: a promised eternity without grief of any kind!

Revelation lets us know without a doubt exactly how important we are to God and how He will rescue us. As the other bookend of the Bible, Revelation, like Genesis, spells out the story of redemption in vivid detail. It echoes and completes His plan of salvation for us that began before time. Neglecting to read Revelation is like reading the best story ever, but not finishing it to find out how it ends! Spoiler alert: We are redeemed!

I encourage you to read through Revelation at least one time. It is a book that is meant to bless you and not scare you.

Revelation may not be the easiest book in the Bible to digest, and there are many resources (commentaries, topical Bible studies, etc.) available to help you in your quest to understand what God is saying. And remember, anyone that asks for wisdom will receive it (James 1:5, NIV).

God Promises His Will..... Denison Ministries

 God Promises His Will

Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

There is only one constant in this ever-changing world, and that’s the character of our heavenly Father. The very earth itself is undergoing changes constantly. What seems the most immovable now will one day be done away with. But God is unchanging. God is unwavering. He’s completely faithful and committed to seeing through the promises he’s made you. As we look this week at the promises of God may you ground yourself in his unchanging love. May God’s character become your source and refuge—your constant and unshakable foundation.

Scripture:“Making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” Ephesians 1:9-10

Devotional:

In the life of Jesus, God illustrated not only his nearness to us, but his desire to co-labor with us in his plans of redemption for all peoples, all generations and all of creation. And within God’s desire to partner with us on the earth lies an incredible promise he makes to his people: God promises to share with us the knowledge of his will. An incredible example of God sharing his will with his people is displayed in Ephesians 1:7-12:

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 

Paul tells us that God, through the death of Jesus, revealed the mystery of his will to his people. Jesus’ death tells us of God’s incredible plan to reconcile everything around us to himself. God’s plan set throughout the ages revealed itself in Jesus’ actions. However, Scripture doesn’t only describe a single time God revealed the mystery of his will. The Bible is clear that God desires for his people to continually know his will.

Romans 12:1-2 says, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” In the renewing of your mind to God’s truth, you position yourself to continually discern the “good and acceptable and perfect” will of God. How amazing! Not only does God want you to know his will, but he’s given you an incredible tool to do so in the renewing of your mind.

Take time today to seek his will through Scripture, listening to the Holy Spirit and seeking counsel from those who are in tune with God’s heart. Allow him to reveal his will in whatever way he desires. Spend time in his presence letting him reveal the desires of his heart. And align yourself with his unceasing faithfulness as he speaks and leads you throughout your day. May you discern the “good and acceptable and perfect” will of God today as you spend time in guided prayer.

Guided Prayer:        

1. Meditate on God’s desire to share with you the knowledge of his will.

“Making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.”Ephesians 1:9-10

2. Where in your life do you need God’s guidance? Where do you need direction?

3. Ask God to give you the knowledge of his will. Listen for him to direct you right now. Pay attention to any Scripture that come to mind. Trust that God speaks and wants you to know his will.

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2

God wants to speak to you throughout your day, influencing the various decisions you make. Your heavenly Father loves you. As a good Father, he longs to share with you what’s best for you, and he’ll do so in the best way possible. Trust and listen today, and live your life in response to the life-giving knowledge of God’s will.

Extended Reading: Romans 12

Sowing Spiritual Seeds..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 Sowing Spiritual Seeds

Dr. Charles Stanley

John 4:34-38

Think about everything that contributed to the story of how you came to know Christ as your Lord and Savior. It's probably not possible to fully count all those spiritual seeds that God used to draw you to Him. And not all the people who sowed good seed into your life knew what the outcome would be.

We also have the opportunity and privilege--every single day--of sowing seeds into the lives of others, such as our friends, co-workers, children, grandchildren, or even strangers. God takes what you plant and adds to it. He leads others to sow further seed or "water" the ground. Little by little, truth gets cultivated in their lives. What greater thing could you do?

Conversely, you might focus on providing your kids with plenty of material security and send them to the best schools and colleges--and yet it would count nothing for eternity. But when you sow into their lives the things of God and the qualities of Jesus, you're feeding their spirits. The seeds that affect their hearts, view of God, and desire to make a difference for Him in the world are what will produce genuine, lasting fruit and a great harvest in their lives. Whether or not you ever see the results, the Lord is using you profoundly when you sow this kind of crop.

God sees all the little things you do; He's interested in more than just "big" things. The fruit of His Spirit--such as kindness, patience, and self-control--often manifests itself in quiet ways that others may never give you credit for. But such spiritual seeds accomplish powerful work in His kingdom.

A Prayer for When God Wrecks Your Dreams..... By Mandy Smith

 A Prayer for When God Wrecks Your Dreams

By Mandy Smith

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Is there  a dream in your heart that you feel is being delayed? If you look hard enough, you may see another blessing in disguise. Some dreams of mine include being a wife and mother. I am single but I am grateful to God that He has been able to fulfill the emotional longings I have in unexpected ways.

I understand the heart-numbing pain of a dream that has not come to fruition. It’s hard to consider a “wait” or a “no” to be loving, isn’t it? We can often feel neglected, lonely, heartbroken, tired, or hopeless.

In this society of social media overload, there are things that can pop up on a newsfeed that can cut deeper than any sharp-edged sword. Seeing someone receive a blessing you have cried, worked for, prayed for, and dreamed of while you are still in the “waiting room” is ridiculously hard. We are called to be joyful with our brothers and sisters in Christ, “Rejoice with those who rejoice;” but we are also called to “mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15)

Many times, when we receive a “dream come true” we talk about the faithfulness of God, and rightly so. But, being honest, I always come back to this next thought: “If my dream does not come true, if I never receive what I’ve knocked on heaven’s door for year after year, does that mean God is not faithful?” I hope you know what the answer is, but just in case, let me remind you and myself of this single truth:

God is faithful to us at all times whether our dreams come true, or not.

His faithfulness to me is saving me from an eternity apart from Him. When I look back at things I’ve gone through I also see a bigger picture of His faithfulness and His guiding hand in my life. He is faithful to complete His work in us but not to complete our dream to-do list. “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

God is still good. God is still omnipotent. God is still faithful to us because He is God and I am not.

May you be comforted by the assurance that staying rooted in the Lord is the most assured way to live a full, joyful, and “dream come true” kind of life: “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

The only way we can have a content heart and a joyful life is by letting Him love us, pursue us, and fill the heart-numbing ache we have with His grace. That doesn’t always make it easy to let go of a dream or to let it sit still for a season, and I know God recognizes that. Don’t forget that we are what He dreams of and desires and He loves us so much. His will and dreams for us are more than we can even imagine…and that’s more than ok.

God, thank You that Your will and Your plan is always perfect. It might not be easy or always feel good, but I know You see the big picture and know what’s best for me. You are always good. You are always faithful. You always have steadfast love for your children. These are truths that will never be untrue- so help me live in light of those truths today.

Help me have peace as I meditate on what it means that You are always good, faithful and full of steadfast love for me. Help me face today with confidence knowing that Your plan is greater than all of my dreams. Lord, I love You, thank You for the life I have in You.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Rejoicing in All Seasons..... by Debbie Holloway

 Rejoicing in All Seasons

by Debbie Holloway

“The hope of the righteous brings joy” (Proverbs 10:28).

I’m currently in the process of moving – but only a few miles away. During the intense first weekend of driving back and forth constantly from the old house to the new apartment, I was always amused when I passed by one curious little house. We began moving in on Valentine’s Day weekend, and this little brick house by the roadside was decked in red and white lights and glowing hearts dotting their lawn. During the daylight it was easy to miss the house, but come nightfall it stood out like a beacon of Valentine’s Day glory.

A few days after Valentine’s Day passed, however, the hue emanating from the house transformed from red to chipper Irish green as the occupants geared up for St. Patrick’s day – complete with shamrocks instead of hearts. My initial reaction to this was something like, Wow. These folks really love their holidays.

As I would drive past the house over the following days and weeks, it got me thinking something else, though. Very few of us embrace change so exuberantly as these (I imagine) quaint little homeowners. Very few of us throw ourselves wholeheartedly into the season of right now. It’s tempting for many of us to leave the Christmas lights up past New Years, simply because it’s hard to let go of the nostalgia of that warm, fuzzy time. Many of us are picky about what we celebrate. Not these folks, though! They seem delighted just to be able to revel in the fact that we have holidays.

That’s an attitude I could probably learn from. I think of Jesus turning water to wine, of all the celebrations, holidays and jubilees that God instituted for the Jews, and I think – God loves an excuse to have joy and celebration! If I can smile, rejoice, and bring attention to a thing of beauty and excitement, I think I should. Just like the people who use every holiday as an excuse to dress up their little house and share a little light with the neighbors.

Intersecting Faith and Life: Do you roll your eyes at the exuberance of others? Or do you take every opportunity to rejoice in the beauty of the world around us? Take a moment to celebrate something small.

Further Reading
Leviticus 25:8