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This is the last chapter of Revelation! We should all do a cheer : ) Not an easy book to read in the Bible at all but it has a great ending. It's near Christmas so I thought I'd call relatives before I send out cards. I called my Aunt and we had a good talk. She said she has also been reading Revelation. I had no idea but she reads a few chapters of the Bible every night. We talked about what it meant and it was just very cool! I told her about how God kept following me until I became a Christian and she said, "It's because God knew you needed Him with all the stuff your parents were going through."
That brought so much healing. It's not just me.
Revelation Chapter 22
After Armageddon, the rivers will be full of life again. They will be crystal clear.
The River of Life
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.
If you remember the Euphrates was to be dried up before the Battle of Armageddon. Now a new river will be in place that will never dry up. I still want to paint there if it's ok with Jesus. No more curse for women or men. Instead of the "6 6 6" mark of the beast we'll have God's name on our foreheads. We were created in His image. No more night, darkness or fear.
The Time Is Near
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.”
It is very important to God that we not worship other people, angels, prophets anyone other than God Himself. It is also saying that the book of Revelation is to remain open and not be sealed. I think He's referring to people who pretend to be Christian and perfect but secretly do evil. God is saying He will deal with that, not to interfere.
Jesus Testifies to the Churches
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.”
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.I am including John 1:1-5 because it is so similar to Revelation. Jesus is from the beginning of the world and the Bible. The Alpha (Greek letter "A") and Omega (Greek letter "Z"). The beginning and the end. There is so much consistency throughout the Bible. Yet it was written by several inspired men.
(John 1:1-5 NKJV)
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.
A Warning:
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.
I believe what this means is God doesn't want Revelation to be censored or edited. I write my thoughts but that's all they are just thoughts, so I use a different font to make it clear. I think something we struggle with today is, "Political Correctness." People are so worried about what others think, they may even be tempted to change the meaning of Revelation, so it's more comfortable for others. Definitely not a good idea. We also have several versions of the Bible today, in all sorts of languages. I believe this is very good and will please God.
I would sum it up as God is almighty, nothing is impossible for Him. I respect Him. Not out of fear but out of love. Because He changed my life in really good ways. He helped me through some pretty impossible situations, even blessing my career. It's something we don't even think God would be interested in but He is!
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things.Amen. God is for us! Come Lord Jesus, Come.
(Romans 8:31-32 NKJV)
I Am Coming Quickly
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
(Revelation 22:1-21 NKJV)
The one who wrote this down and testifies to it's truth is the Apostle John. Looking forward to meeting him one day, in the New Jerusalem.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thanks for streets of gold, and clear, clean, water. Thanks for cleansing us from our sins when we confess. You are a righteous and Holy God! The only God. I lift up those in Australia as they struggle with terrorism in Sydney. Please bring peace and hope to these people. Help them get through this terrible time. America has had some dark days as well. I pray for Your protection in Ukraine and that there will be no more penalties for these people. Bless them with Your hope and presence Father. I pray You will bless the American kids protesting with a true understanding of what Christmas really is about : ) It's in our hearts not our pocket books. Protesting Macy's is just plain silly. Thank You for Jesus, our Savior! Expose the deeds of darkness and let Your awesome light shine! Bring back the Jesus movement Lord, so more young people can come to You.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Ok I love to laugh and after reading Revelation we could sure use some laughter!!!
Willie Robertson and Luke Bryan are wishing us all a Hairy Christmas (link)!
Not sure if you remember, but tradition says that gift giving and Santa were started by Saint Nicolas in Turkey. I like how this song says Jesus and Santa Claus both came from love. Santa from human love; Jesus from God's love.
Story of Santa Claus (link)
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