Happy 4th of July!
If anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Revelation 22:19
Today and tomorrow, we will finish up the book of Revelation and I got to say, what a joy it has been walking through each chapter day by day. I think I mentioned at the beginning that I was apprehensive about going through this book and writing something about it each day. Mostly because I didn’t want to try to explain everything that this book reveals, because I don’t understand everything that it says. But that is ok! It is the truth about any passage your read in the God’s holy Word, you don’t have to understand it all at one time, but simply focus on the message the Spirit of God is giving you from that passage for today. Going through the apostle John’s vision, verse by verse, has revealed that there are truths to be applied to everyday life in each section of the book. What a blessing it is.
In today’s key verse, there is a warning. In fact, both verses 18 and 19 contain an exhortation to not add or take away anything from this prophetic book. A curse is added to anyone who adds to it and a part from the Book of Life is taken away if anything is taken out of the words of revelation that was received. Also, one of the reasons I was hesitant to write about these things.
So, to start the wrap up of the book of Revelation, I want to apply these warnings to our life today. For sure I would strongly recommend that you do not add or leave out anything that was shown to John as you consider and even share about the book of Revelation. I would even take this a step further and give an admonishing not to add or take away from the purpose of your life. This of course will require a bit more attention to how your behave each day. To be constantly aware of what your assignment is for the day and to not be distracted by the things going on around you to take you off the path of His plan for you.
Seriously, when was the last time you checked in with your heavenly Father to make sure you are walking out each day according to His plan and purpose for your life. Do you start your days worshiping and fellowshipping with Him and getting the details for the steps? Have you given priority to and preference to the direction of the Holy Spirit in your life and are you listening to and following wherever He leads?
These are some serious questions, and they can no longer be ignored. As you pray for the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers, make sure you are going out into your mission field whatever that might be. Whether it is taking food or clothing to the homeless out on the streets or volunteering to help others in your community. Maybe it is serving and encouraging others or giving funds and supplies to ministries around the world. Whatever you have been called to and whatever mission you have been created to live out, be vigilant to ensure that you complete, down to the last detail, all that He has for you to be a part of. Then when you are done in this life, you will be able to enter into His presence knowing that you completed your assignments each day here in this world.
Today I want to encourage you to take an assessment of the ways you are following God’s plan for your life. Start with your quiet time with God each day. Are you diligent to get in His presence and receive His plan for the day or at least the next steps you need to take? Maybe your are meeting with Him in the evening or before bed to get details for the next day. Are you writing these things down so that you don’t forget the direction in the morning. Are you journaling and making notes about the interactions and encounters you have with your Father so that you can go back and remember all that He has spoken to your heart about the struggles you are facing in life and the barrage of distractions that hit you on a daily basis? And most of all, is your heart’s desire to do the will of your Father in heaven or to make yourself problem free and comfortable while you are on this planet? Start today to make a plan going forward. First of all, ask Him for the desire to walk closer with Him and to go through each door He opens in front of you. It seems like that craving should be automatic, but the truth is that it can get buried under the activities and material things that this world offers. Determine today to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and then He will add all the things that you need in life to get your mission accomplished.
Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 22:18-29
18 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;
19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
The Daily Dose 