Invitation to the Future

In Revelation 4, we come to the section about the future. John is included so he could see and understand the things that are to happen on earth. In turn, he would record this experience so we could all understand.

In this vision, John sees an open door up to heaven and a voice tells him to come up.  He goes up and sees God sitting on a throne (v. 2). Qualities of God as king, governor, and judge sitting on a throne are extolled. A rainbow encircled the throne and surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones with twenty-four elders sitting on them. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold (v. 4).

Image Source – Jeff’s Prayer Connection

From the throne come flashes of lightening and in front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing (seven spirits of God). A sea of glass that is clear as crystal looked like it was in front of the throne (v. 6). John was given this vision to help us see what heaven will be like; a place far more beautiful than the human eye has ever seen or the mind ever imagined.

Most want to go to heaven some day but not right away. The good thing is that life is not really ended by death. For those of us who believe in Christ, it only changes because we make a great step from faith into vision when we leave this earth. We will someday find a life far more beautiful than we could ever imagine.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

Give a Little Extra

In yesterday’s post Barely Hanging On, I wrote about how the church at Sardis was in decline. They needed to give a little extra to make good things happen. In our own lives today, that’s still a lesson we need to hear. 

What steps can you take to go the extra mile to solve a problem? One idea is to come up with questions that need answered. Another is to ask for directions or seek advice that may help. Below are examples of what giving a little extra can do: 

• A commander of an Army was thought to be a total failure but he didn’t give up. His name was George Washington.
• A company had some problems with their systems at first but then they came up with a new system. The system was Windows and the company was Microsoft.
• Moses and Caleb rose to prominence and fulfilled God’s purpose after the age of 80
• Jesus can change dark days into ones of joy and hope. That’s what He did for two of His followers on the road to Emmaus
• At 211 degrees, water is hot but at 212 degrees, it’s boiling. Ask God to help find that little extra passion to make things happen.

Ask God to help you find that little extra today. Here is a video to inspire: Help Me Find It – Sidewalk Prophets.

So you must be brave. Don’t give up! God will honor you for obeying him. – 2 Chronicles 15:7

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

Seek the Prize and Arise

Believe God will give you what you need and keep working to paint a picture of future victory. Here’s a video to inspire this action: Revelation Song – Kari Jobe.

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded. – 2 Chronicles 15:7

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

Standing Up to Fear

The early Christian church faced persecution but Christ’s description of himself as the ONE who is the First (with God from the beginning) and the Last (the judge of all); who died and came to life again (Rev. 2:8) brought a reason to stand up to their fear. He gave them hope and comfort in serving a higher purpose than themselves. They were not shaken; just like this video points out: We won’t Be Shaken – Building 429.

Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the LORD. – Psalms 31:24

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

Discover the Love of God and Reveal it to Others

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Anyone that reads, hears, and applies His Word to their daily lives will benefit. Discover the love of God and reveal this love to others so that they may receive the reward God wants for them. Here is a link to a poem written with these thoughts in mind: King of Kings.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.