Revelation

Dear God, I was speaking to a young man in my office yesterday who is heavily influenced by pastors that focus on the rapture and tribulation. He gave me a website to check out and a DVD to view. I watched a little of the DVD and looked at the cover of the website. I’m thinking about writing the young man today with my thoughts.

My first thought is that any time anyone around Jesus was afraid he told them to fear not. Jesus didn’t sell his message using fear. He offered mercy. If I believe what I say I believe and if I share that with others then the rapture and the tribulation will take care of themselves. My job isn’t to scare anyone into Heaven. That isn’t much of a sales pitch anyway.

While we were in my office, he referenced the fruits of the Spirit and said that the first one is love. I agreed with him, but then we listed through the others and I tried to point out peace to him. I’ve told you this many times before, but peace is the one thing that I can’t fake. I can pretty much put up a facade and fake the other fruits. To other people, I can make myself look loving, joyful, kind, gentle, etc., but I am unable to fake peace. When I am truly in you is when I am at peace, and if I am not following you then I have no peace.

Father, I could go on and on, but I guess the thing I really want to say is that I am grateful that you take away all my fear. Your love drives out all my fear. (1 John 4:18). I don’t have to fear the rapture, the tribulation, a one world government or the anti-Christ because you are my God. You have this. I am in you and you are in me. You gave me a great bridge to reach you through coming to earth through the part of your essence that is your son, Jesus, and showed me not only how much you love me, but also how to love and live. Thank you for all of this. I need you.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 

Revelation 21:1-4

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

Revelation 21:1-4

Dear God, there must be something about heaven and the state that we will be in when we get there that makes it okay not to struggle. I guess when I am surrounded by your glory in person I won’t be able to think about myself or my selfish desires. I won’t worship myself and my own agenda. Because here on earth, when there is no struggle and things are too good I start to find that I’d much rather be into me and my desires.

I say all of this because of John’s description in verse four. No more death, crying, or pain? I admit that it would not be good for me now. It wouldn’t be good for any of us. But I guess there is something that makes heaven different.

Father, I submit to whatever path you have for me—both here on earth and in heaven to come. If you need me to struggle, then I will hold your hand in the struggle. If you grant me a smooth path for a while, the I will worship you on that path. You are my God and I love you.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 

Revelation 3:14-20

Revelation 3:14-20 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
Dear God, last night’s meeting with our group from church was probably one of our best from a standpoint of really getting into what people believe about specific theological issues. While everyone there attends the same church, and most grew up in that church (or at least that denomination) I think some of the people around the circle articulated for the first time what they believe about submission to you, repentance, and salvation. There were some misunderstandings of what other denominations believe. There was some self-realization that people had about their own misgivings about what they believed. 

As for me, my own feeling is that I have me theology, philosophy, and even feelings about all of that, but at the end of the day I’m not sure enough about topics like infant baptism and confirmation vs baby dedications and person decisions. What I know is that you want me to repent of my sin, accept Jesus’ Lordship over my life, and submit to and worship you. 

Father, I give you that. First, I am sorry. Our church repeats a penitent prayer every week. It is good and I confess my sin now. I am grateful that Jesus did what he did and continues to do what he does. I accept your Lordship and example over my life. I give you my worship as my Redeemer and my God, and I accept the yoke you have for me in exchange for the yoke I actually deserve. 

In Jesus’ name I worshipfully pray,

Amen