The Daily Dose

Prosper

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. Psalms 1:3

It is hard to believe that we have gone through the entire New Testament in the Daily Dose blog. I have to say, for me at least, it has been truly enlightening.  I can honestly say I have a deeper understanding now.  For the rest of the year, I will be writing the Daily Dose through the book of Psalms.  I will continue to look at the journaling series on the weekends to mix it up a little. 

In Psalms 1 we are given a powerful secret of prospering in life.  Actually, it isn’t a secret, it is right out there plainly written for all who will look at it.  It is amazing to me that this passage isn’t followed by more people since it is safe to say that the majority of people in the world want to prosper and have success in all things, myself included.  Let me list out the simple instructions written here so that we can get a better understanding of how to live a prosperous life.

1. Do not take counsel from ungodly people
2. Do not walk on the same path with sinners
3. Do not be a scornful or mocking person
4. Make God’s Word your greatest joy
5. Run to it and meditate on it day and night.

This really doesn’t seem like a hard list to live by, yet how many people actually are?  As a Christian and as God’s people, it can actually go without saying that we do not take counsel from ungodly, unsaved people.  How can they accurately advise when they do not have an understanding of Faith in the Lord Jesus and the power of God’s word in prayer to change circumstances.

Certainly, our best friends should not be people who are not walking after the things of God.  Those influences will pull you further from you relationship with Him and cause you to walk in a different direction than what He has planned for you.

A scornful and complaining person is not the person who is delighting in the Lord and therefore cannot expect to be in tune and walking out the plans of God.

Lastly is to delight yourself in the Word of God and meditate it day and night.   This is where we miss it the most.  It seems like when we have time to run to something, it is to social media, news, television or some other extra activity that we enjoy doing.  However, you will not find success in those things.  It is time to start running to God and meditating His Word.  Not just memorizing it, meditating on it.  Spend time thinking about it and letting the Holy Spirit minister it to you until you gain a more enriched understanding of how to follow God’s word and God’s plan for your life.  Yes, prayer in important, but immersing yourself in God’s word is the most effective way to make His ways your ways.

So today I want to encourage you to start following the direction of God’s word given in Psalms one.  Take an assessment of your closest friends and confidants.  Who do you go to when you need advise or encouragement.  Are they Christian friends that talk about the way of the Lord with you or are they people who make all the life decisions based on the circumstances surrounding them.  Next, make a plan and follow it on how to spend time meditating a portion of God’s word each day.  Even if it is just for 5 or 10 minutes, it will make a big difference and transform your life.  You may be thinking I do not have 5 or 10 minutes of free time each day, I am way too busy.  If that is the case, then look for pockets of time where you scroll through the news or check your social media posts.  Set those things aside for a time until you make God’s Word your first stop and build a desire to know His ways more.  He created this world so it is safe to say that He knows how to be successful in it.  Start digging into God’s Word today and I promise you will never regret it!

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 1

1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.

3 He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.

5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

He was called

Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.  Matthew 10:4

Today’s scripture says that Jesus called Judas to be one of His disciples.  Judas just didn’t sneak into the group and one day Jesus looked up and said, “Where did you come from, you son of perdition?”  No, Jesus knew exactly who Judas was and even that he would one day turn Him over to the guards.  However, Jesus didn’t change His plan because of what He knew about Judas.  The call on Judas’ life was there from the beginning and stayed there until the end of his life.  If Judas had come back to Jesus or the other disciples after betraying Him and repented, he would have been forgiven just like we are today.  It doesn’t matter how many times we mess up or what we do, if we repent and turn away from sin, there is always forgiveness for us.

Today, every person has a call on their life, but not every person steps into that call.  Some get distracted and some think they aren’t good enough.  Some even think it is beneath them to maybe step away from something they have done their entire adult life to step into God’s planned place for them.  The fact is, it is our responsibility as God’s family to seek out that place in the body where we belong.  Maybe it is where we are right now, but maybe it is someplace else. The good news is that you can know and when you get into that place, there is a grace that covers you that will be evident for others to see. (1Cor. 12:11)

The thing about Judas was that he was in his called place operating in his gift.  You would think that he was in a safe place, safe from temptation and safe from evil.  But sin came to him even there and it was able to knock him off the course of being one of the disciples that turned the world upside down after Jesus’ ascension into heaven. (Acts 17:6) 

This is what we need to be on guard against always.  Of choosing the weights and sin that can lure us away from the call of God on our lives.  After you have pressed in and stepped in to your place of grace, it is still a place where you need to keep your relationship with your Heavenly Father intact.  In fact, you may need to press in a little closer to Him by spending quiet time and worshiping Him, to ensure that you do not get too busy for Him.  It is easy to get caught up in the busyness of ministry and if you are not careful, that activity can take the place of the special time you used to spend in His presence.  Then is where you will find yourself facing choices you never should have been exposed to in the first place.

Today I want to encourage you to seek out and follow Him to your called place.   Ask Him to make the path there plain and clear.  If you are already in that position, press into Him closer than you ever have before.  Use your free time to worship and talk with Him.  Don’t let the enemy lure you away with distractions like social media and even financial gain.  Trust God to empower you to be a force for the kingdom of Heaven within your call today.  If you do fall down, don’t stay down.  Quickly repent and follow the Holy Spirit back to your appointed position.  Turn you focus to helping others so that they can find their place along the way too.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 10:1-4

 1 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.

2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;

4 Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. 

You are a laborer

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38

Have you ever wondered how to pray for lost family and friends?  Have you ever prayed “Lord, save them, please” over and over again with no noticeable results?  In today’s scripture reading, Jesus told His disciples exactly how to pray for unsaved loved ones.  He said to pray to the LORD of the harvest to send out laborers.  So, your prayer for the lost could sound something like this:  Jesus, Lord of the harvest, send out laborers to my lost friend __________.  Send that one person across their path that they will hear and listen to.  Send those into their life that will love them into your Kingdom and if I am the one, show me how to love them in a way that they will want to step into an eternal and personal relationship with you.

Which brings me to my second point, you are a laborer.  Maybe you are not the one that can reach your friend or family member, but you can be a laborer that someone else is praying for.  Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send you to people who others are praying for their salvation.  Pray for those you can love, encourage and lead into the Kingdom of heaven.  Ask Him to keep you aware of those in need of help and prayer.  We are all here to help each other out, so always be looking for people you can reach out to because someone somewhere is praying for their salvation.

Today I want to encourage you to remember as you go into your day that you are a laborer.  Labor together with the prayers of your brothers and sisters in the Lord.  Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborer to reach into the lives of your loved ones and pray for yourself to be a laborer to reach the loved ones of others and support other laborer.  The harvest truly is plenteous, and we are the laborers who need to go out there and bring them in.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 9:27-37

 27 When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, “Son of David, have mercy on us!”

28 And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”

They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.”

29 Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.”

30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, “See that no one knows it.”

31 But when they had departed, they spread the news about Him in all that country.

A Mute Man Speaks

32 As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a man, mute and demon-possessed.

33 And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke. And the multitudes marveled, saying, “It was never seen like this in Israel!”

34 But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons.”

The Compassion of Jesus

35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.

37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

 

The End

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20

I remember the first time I learned that Jesus was coming back to get us.  I was only twelve years old, and I got to say, I wasn’t quite ready for the news.  Even though I was so young, I was pretty serious about my faith.  I was also very sensitive to the thought of the lost and dying world around me.  However, that still did not prepare me for the revelation of the Lord’s return.  At first I was frightened to think about it.  Mostly because it was beyond the natural order of things.  But after some time of processing the idea, I couldn’t help but think, I just wasn’t ready for it.

As I grew older, I think I pretty much put the realization out of my head.  In the back of my mind, I knew the truth, but I took the mind set that it was for some time far in the future.  Little did I know that the world can be an ugly place and that I was being consumed by its deceptions.  My mentality of wanting to delay the event of His coming because I thought there were things in life that I wanted to enjoy first, was way off track.

These days I am excited about the fact that my Lord is coming to get me and rescue me from this fallen world.  I have enjoyed some of my life but I also have a lot of regrets.  Had I known back then what I know now, I would have had a totally different view on the subject.  Now I am looking forward to the day I meet Him in the clouds and get to be with Him for all eternity.  I know the reason is because my faith has been built up in that area.  The more I study God’s Word and press into Him personally, the more I look for the day that He will call me to be with Him.  He is my best friend, and He is the desire of my heart.  Of course, I love my family and friends, but I don’t have to choose one over the other, I can be with both forever.  When I do my part in this life to love, encourage and lead the people around me to God’s love and salvation, I get to take those lives with me into His presence for ever and ever.

Today, we are finishing the book of Revelation, and the last two verses tell us our focus as we end this prophecy.  The Lord Jesus Christ told John that it is a sure thing that He is coming quickly, and even though it has been nearly 2000 years since that promise was given, you can be sure it will happen in the twinkling of an eye, fast.  There will be no time for last-minute decisions.  So, while you still have time, cultivate a deeper relationship with your heavenly Father and your Savior, Jesus.  Press into Him and learn to love His appearing for a great reward as the apostle Paul wrote about in 2 Timothy 4:8. Trust me, you don’t want to be left here as the things in this book unfold.  So, turn every area of your life over to Him and when the trumpet sounds, you will have nothing to be afraid of.

Today I want to encourage you to long for the day of Jesus return.  Think about spending eternity with Him and what a wonderful destiny it is.  Make God’s kingdom your treasure in this world and begin walking in His direction and on His planned path for your life.  Don’t let fear and inhibition keep you from stepping through every door He opens in front of you.  Complete your assignment here in this world so that when you meet Him in the air, you will be confident in His appearing.  If you have never received the gift of salvation, do it today.  We are promised in His word that when we call on Him, He will answer us.  Pray this salvation prayer today and Jesus will come into your life and into your heart and change you from the inside out.  Trust Him today and you will never have to be afraid of anything again.

Pray:  “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of Your grace and salvation. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again, conquering death. I invite You into my heart to be my Lord and Savior. Forgive me of my sins and guide me as I follow You. Thank You for Your love and mercy. Amen.”

Embrace this journey of faith and experience the transformative power of knowing Jesus personally. It’s the best decision you’ll ever make.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 22:20-21

20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Happy 4^th 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.

Not by works

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.”  Revelation 22:12

It is clear in scripture that we cannot be saved by our good works even though most people generally have the idea that if they do enough good things it will outweigh the bad actions.  However, it just isn’t the case.  God’s Word plainly tells us in the book of Titus and other places that it is not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to His mercy He saved us.  It is very clear that there is no way that we can save ourselves no matter what we do.

Yet, there is good news about doing good deeds.  Today’s scripture says that there are rewards for the things we do here in this world.  I am talking about anything that we do to help advance God’s kingdom, will go with us into eternity.  Not just the lives that we have helped to lead into the kingdom, but also the good things we have done to influence lives for heaven or support the ministries that are bringing souls in.

Jesus said in Matthew 5 that we are to let our light shine (the light of the good news of God’s love and salvation) so that others can see our good works and glorify God in heaven.  Let me be clear here.  We do not do good works for the approval of people or to be noticed or promoted, but rather for loving people.  We are working and laboring together with the Holy Spirit of God to encourage people to walk closely with our Father so that all people will complete down to the last detail every assignment on their life.

I would like to point out that there is also a sense of urgency in today’s passage.  Jesus said, “I am coming quickly.”  It is a promise, but it is also a warning not to waste our time here in this world because we don’t know when He will come and He gives us the opportunity to maximize our effectiveness as an ambassador of heaven by following the Master’s plan for our lives, everyday of our life.  Yes, I know this passage was written close to two thousand years ago, but all that tells us is that we are closer now than ever before in time to His return. Don’t waste another day.

So today I want to encourage you to do goods works for others.  Not so that God will love you more and not for the praise of other people, but for the purpose you were given breath.  Come along side friends that are struggling in life, pray for those who need salvation and have other needs.  Give to those who are lacking or to missions around the world and invite others to your small groups and church services.  Ask the Holy Spirit today to lead you to those who need your love and compassion and when you see them, don’t look the other way and ignore the chance to impact a life for eternity.  Instead, run to that person with open arm and let them know there is a Father and Savior Who loves them and wants to rescue them no matter what their circumstances are.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 22:12-17

12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 

13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 

15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.

16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

It’s not over yet

Then the angel said to me, “These words are true and can be trusted. And the Lord God, who gives his Spirit to the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must happen very soon.” Revelation 22:6

These words are true and can be trusted!  We would say this about the entire Word of God that has been written out and preserved for us to hold on to until our Lord comes back to get us.  Certainly, the historical events recorded in God’s Word can be verified and trusted to be true.  This promise here in Revelation chapter 22 is specific for the book of Revelation or the revealing of our future with our Savior.  We can absolutely believe everything John wrote in this book and everything that he was shown from heaven will come to pass.  We can trust that John wrote the details out that our heavenly Father wanted us to know and understand for the time we are in this world.  We can also believe that one day we will be with Him in all His glory and see the beauty of heaven and all its splendor.

However, today we are still here in this world, and we do have a purpose for being here right now at this time.  God has a plan to wrap things up in this world and He has included each one of His people in that plan.  He has a role for us to play.  Not because He needs us so much, it is because He loves us so much.  His plan included giving His people the authority to share His message of love for all people. What a great honor it is to walk along side God’s Holy Spirit as He leads you and points to your purpose each day!

Here’s the really good news, you are in the right place right now.  You can follow Him today into the purpose He has for you.  His plan is that you walk day by day with Him on assignment and mission to love and reach the people you are with.  Whether a word of encouragement, an act of kindness or sharing the good news of God’s salvation provision through the blood of Jesus, there is always work to be done.

Here’s the thing: We have not been deployed in this world for the allotted time we are given to go out and do whatever we feel like doing or not doing.  We are here for a reason and that is to be a force for our Father on this planet.  If you believe you have become a Christian simply to get yourself and maybe you family into heaven, then you are missing out on the joy of living out your purpose.  Maybe you think, I served for years in the church in my younger years, not it is time for the next generation to do the work.  The truth is, even if you are not in an active position in your local church, you need to be on mission in your neighborhoods, your employment and your social activities.  Serving in the kingdom of heaven is not done in the local church alone. Ministry is done where ever you are in life. We are here until we leave to serve others and pour resources into saving souls from eternal separation from the One who created us.

So today I want to encourage you as you read through this passage in Revelation 22, consider what are you doing right here and now to advance the kingdom of heaven.  Please be praying each day for laborers to go out into the field because the harvest is plentiful.  We live in some of the darkest times in history and the world is looking for a Savior like no other time in history.  Pray for the Lord of the harvest to send out laborer and also ask whose life you can impact today with God’s goodness and love because it is the goodness of God that brings people to repentance and to the saving knowledge of Jesus.  Turn your life completely over to Him today and enjoy the greatest adventure ever as you walk out your mission with Him in the remaining days you are here in this world. It is a wonderful thing to learn and read about the days to come in eternity with our heavenly Father, but this life is not over yet, so keep pressing on, intentionally adding to your treasure in heaven by winning souls. The only thing you can take with you when you leave here is other people.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 22:6-11

6 Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.

7 “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

8 Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.

9 Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” 

10 And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. 

11 He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.”

No more Curse

And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.  Revelation 22:3

 It’s been a hard week.  There was a tragic loss in the family and many questions unanswered.  It is so very painful to watch people we love suffer through traumatic circumstances.  I know that as much as I want to and no matter how hard I try, I cannot fix things or have words to make it all better.  There is one thing I know helps and it is to pray for God’s peace and comfort on all those who are hurting and His grace to empower them to get through this sad time.

Today’s passage is a great promise and reminder that there is a time coming when the curse will pass away.  All sickness, disease, death, and sorrow will no longer exist.  There will be no more pain and there will be no more tears.  Not just for a short time, but for all eternity. Glory to God!

I love to consider the details that are listed in Revelation 22.  A pure river of life water, crystal clear, flowing directly from the throne of God and His Lamb.  On both sides of the river are streets with trees of life planted right down the middle of them.  These trees grow different fruit each month and the leaves of the trees give renewed strength and refreshing to all people.  There is no more curse because we live there with our Father and our Savior.  We can see His face and we will be marked with His name.  No more night and no need of lamps or the sun because the Lord God is light.  Best of all, these things will never end.

This text is a great comfort for those who have loved ones that have gone on, but it is also a great hope for us who are still here.  We do not have to fear death and we do not have to worry about what is next when we leave this world.  We have God’s Word and promise that He has a place for us and will readily receive us to Himself when the time comes.  We will not be sad when we pass, but we will have perfect peace and joy as we join those who have gone before us and celebrate the victories that we had in this world.

Today I want to encourage you if you have had someone close to you go on ahead into eternity.  Rejoice and be glad for them.  They are thrilled to be there and to no longer be struggling in this life.  Let your heart be truly happy for them as they are enjoying the presence of their Savior and Lord.  Then turn your attention to those who are suffering with life right here and now and share with them the hope of His glory to come.  Let others know that they can rest in His promises to keep them in all their ways here in this world and the next.  Hold on to the hope that is waiting for you to be with your heavenly Father in the time to come.  Chances are you will be leaving this earth the same way people have been going since creation.  Start trusting Him today for the grace to leave here in joy and peace.

If you have never received God’s great gift of salvation, invite the Savior into your life today and know this hope of spending your eternity in His kingdom home.  Pray this salvation prayer today and let Him change your life from the inside out.

Pray: “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of Your saving grace. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again, conquering death. I invite You into my heart and into my life to be my Lord and Savior. Forgive me of my sins, and guide me as I follow You. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit that goes with me in this world and Your love and mercy. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Today’s scripture reading Revelation 22:1-5

1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 

2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 

3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. 

4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. 

5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.

No more Curse

And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.  Revelation 22:3

 It’s been a hard week.  There was a tragic loss in the family and many questions unanswered.  It is so very painful to watch people we love suffer through traumatic circumstances.  I know that as much as I want to and no matter how hard I try, I cannot fix things or have words to make it all better.  There is one thing I know helps and it is to pray for God’s peace and comfort on all those who are hurting and His grace to empower them to get through this sad time.

Today’s passage is a great promise and reminder that there is a time coming when the curse will pass away.  All sickness, disease, death, and sorrow will no longer exist.  There will be no more pain and there will be no more tears.  Not just for a short time, but for all eternity. Glory to God!

I love to consider the details that are listed in Revelation 22.  A pure river of life water, crystal clear, flowing directly from the throne of God and His Lamb.  On both sides of the river are streets with trees of life planted right down the middle of them.  These trees grow different fruit each month and the leaves of the trees give renewed strength and refreshing to all people.  There is no more curse because we live there with our Father and our Savior.  We can see His face and we will be marked with His name.  No more night and no need of lamps or the sun because the Lord God is light.  Best of all, these things will never end.

This text is a great comfort for those who have loved ones that have gone on, but it is also a great hope for us who are still here.  We do not have to fear death and we do not have to worry about what is next when we leave this world.  We have God’s Word and promise that He has a place for us and will readily receive us to Himself when the time comes.  We will not be sad when we pass, but we will have perfect peace and joy as we join those who have gone before us and celebrate the victories that we had in this world.

Today I want to encourage you if you have had someone close to you go on ahead into eternity.  Rejoice and be glad for them.  They are thrilled to be there and to no longer be struggling in this life.  Let your heart be truly happy for them as they are enjoying the presence of their Savior and Lord.  Then turn your attention to those who are suffering with life right here and now and share with them the hope of His glory to come.  Let others know that they can rest in His promises to keep them in all their ways here in this world and the next.  Hold on to the hope that is waiting for you to be with your heavenly Father in the time to come.  Chances are you will be leaving this earth the same way people have been going since creation.  Start trusting Him today for the grace to leave here in joy and peace.

If you have never received God’s great gift of salvation, invite the Savior into your life today and know this hope of spending your eternity in His kingdom home.  Pray this salvation prayer today and let Him change your life from the inside out.

Pray: “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of Your saving grace. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again, conquering death. I invite You into my heart and into my life to be my Lord and Savior. Forgive me of my sins, and guide me as I follow You. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit that goes with me in this world and Your love and mercy. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Today’s scripture reading Revelation 22:1-5

1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 

2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 

3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. 

4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. 

5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.

He wants to help

While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.” So, Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples.  Matthew 9:18-19

There seems to be a recurring theme throughout the gospels.  Every place where someone came to Jesus and asked Him to help their situation, He did.  Today’s text is no different.  The passage says a ruler, but we know from other accounts, he was a ruler of the synagogue.   This was one of the religious leaders, who did not follow Jesus’ teachings and did not support His ministry.  Yet, when Jairus needed help, he ran to Jesus and worshipped Him and asked Him to come and raise his daughter up.  Jesus stopped going in the direction He was headed and began to follow Jairus to his home.  He didn’t say: “Why don’t you take her to the synagogue to be healed or to the high priest?”  He didn’t say: “Oh sure, now you want something and suddenly my miracles are ok.”  Jesus was always and still is today full of compassion. 

No matter how messed up life gets, Jesus will never turn us away when we call on Him.  He will never tell us “No, I want you to be sick or no, I’m not going to bail you out this time.”  In fact, He said “Whoever comes to me, I will in no way turn them away.” (John 6:37) You can be sure that when you ask Him for help, He will get you through whatever you are facing.

Somewhere along the line many Christians have gotten the idea that when something bad happens that God is trying to teach us something or punish us for some sin.  It just isn’t true!  Jesus told us: you are in the world, you are going to go through things, but cheer up because I have gotten the victory for you. (John 16:33)

Our loving Heavenly Father does not want His people to suffer, and He does not want us to be put to shame.  It is the reason He had Jesus pay for all that shame and suffering, so we wouldn’t have to.  God wants His children to be a witness and testimony of the pits and problems He has rescued us from.  Even though difficulties may happen in life, when we call on Him, He will save us from it all.

Today I want to encourage you to call on Him for whatever you need rescued from.  Whether it’s sickness, financial trouble, family problems or emotional struggles, take it to Him.  He will help you and He will get you through to victory.  He wants to help you with your troubles, but you have to come to Him with them and worship Him.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 9:18-26

18 While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.”

19 So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples.

20 And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment.

21 For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.”

22 But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.

23 When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing,

24 He said to them, “Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him.

25 But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose.

26 And the report of this went out into all that land.