They Will See His Face

Today's full reading: Revelation 22

"No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His servants will worship Him. They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever." (Revelation 22:3-5 ESV)

The final images of redemptive history are stunningly beautiful. The curse of sin is completely gone; God is on His throne; and, His servants are worshiping Him.

Take a moment today to worship God with a pure heart - thanking and praising Him for the promise of amazing things to come.

***Remember: tomorrow starts the 2009 One Year Bible Reading Plan***

Be sure to visit the blog (www.bjprice.blogspot.com) regularly for lots of helpful tools and links for your One Year Bible Reading trek!

Know this, I'm praying for you! If there is ever anything I can do to help you or pray for you more specifically, please feel free to email me directly, bj@fbctrussville.org, or leave a comment here on the blog.

May God richly bless you this new year!

B.J.

He Will Dwell With Them

Today's full reading: Revelation 21

"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away' "

"And He said to me, 'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.' " (Revelation 21:3-4,6-8 ESV)

God's covenant promise to dwell with His people will one day be completely fulfilled. We see it's foreshadowing throughout the Old Testament as it is clearly portrayed through the Tabernacle in the dessert and the Temple in Jerusalem. But, they were just that - a shadow of greater things to come.

Today, as an act of worship, take time to praise God for His great plan for our future, especially His covenant promise to dwell with us fully in the New Heaven and New Earth! Pray for those who have not yet come to faith in Jesus Christ - that they may be saved by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit working through the witness of His Word and His saints.

The Book of Life

Today's full reading: Revelation 20

"If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:15 NIV)

The sad reality is that, contrary to popular belief, everybody does not go to heaven when they die. All roads do not lead to the same place; all religions or faith do not lead to heaven.

Today, as a simple act of worship, thank God for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Praise Him for writing your name in the Lamb's book of life. Pray for those who have not yet turned to Christ for salvation.

The Wedding of the Lamb Has Come

Today's full reading: Revelation 19

"Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: 'Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.' (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)" (Revelation 19:6-8 NIV)

Let the wedding celebration begin!! The preparations have all been made. The clothes have been prepared; the sacrifices have all been made to assure that this day is like none other. Jesus paid an incomprehensible price on the cross to make it possible for the bride, His Church, to be presented to Himself on this day as a pure, holy, wholesome companion.

Are you ready for the wedding?

Today, as an act of worship, remember the sacrifice Jesus made for the stain of our sins to be completely wiped away; let it usher you into a true posture of thanksgiving, worship, and praise. Also, remember the examples that other passionate Christ followers have given us; may their righteous deeds spur us on to be radically and faithfully committed to Jesus Christ.

God Has Judged

Today's full reading: Revelation 18

"They will throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning cry out: 'Woe! Woe, O great city, where all who had ships on the sea became rich through her wealth! In one hour she has been brought to ruin! Rejoice over her, O heaven! Rejoice, saints and apostles and prophets! God has judged her for the way she treated you.' " (Revelation 18:19-20 NIV)

There is a judge in heaven, and the day of judgment is coming. But, do we really believe that? Really? If we really believed that all men would give an account for the things they did and did not do, would we live and/or feel differently than we do today?

As you and I consider the implications of knowing that God is watching everything we do, think, feel, and say, may we live in transparent fellowship with Him. We should be communing with Him daily through His word and prayer.

Today, as an act of worship, praise the infinitely Holy and righteous Judge of the universe. He, by His very nature and character, is the only one worthy and capable of serving as righteous judge. Be thankful and full for joy for we have an advocate in Jesus Christ. Ultimately we are not sentenced based on our merit, but on the merits of Christ and in turn He is/was sentenced to death on our merits - sin!

The Lamb Will Overcome

Today's full reading: Revelation 17

"The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers." (Revelation 17:12-14 NIV)

Here in Revelation 17:14 we read the words that many Christians are referring to when they say, "I've read the back of the book, and we win!"

We could speculate about the people, places, and times mentioned in this passage. But, the truth is, it would likely amount to nothing more than just that, speculation.

The more profitable pursuit would be to ask the question, "Knowing that Christ is victorious in the end and us along with Him, how should I live today? Or, what should I do differently since I know that abiding Christ will prove to be what separates the eternally saved from the eternally damned?"

Today, as an act of worship, I pray that you will be a faithful follower of Christ, by abiding in Him. Praise Him as the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Repent and Glorify Him

Today's full reading: Revelation 16

"The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was given power to scorch people with fire. They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify Him." (Revelation 16:8-9 NIV)

Even on Christmas day when, in much of the world in 2008, we celebrate the coming of the Christ child, our readings remind us of God's plan that we glorify Him in and through our lives. John has seen the Revelation that in the last days God's wrath will be poured out on those who do not repent. They have refused to worship God time and time again, and even as His wrath is being poured out, the Bible says, "they refused to repent and glorify Him" (Revelation 16:9).

Today, as an act of worship, may we follow the example of the shepherds and wise men; worship the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ, the promised One. In His coming to earth, His holy life, and His sacrificial death, He paid the debt of sin that is ours. Praise and worship Him today!

Merry Christmas!!

You Alone Are Holy

Today's full reading: Revelation 15

"They held harps given them by God and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb:

'Great and marvelous are your deeds,
Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
King of the ages.
Who will not fear you, O Lord,
and bring glory to your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed.'"

(Revelation 15:2-4 NIV)

In today's short reading we hear the song of "those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and over the number of his name." (Revelation 15:2) It is a truly beautiful image to imagine - those who have suffered and stood strong for Christ and have been victorious and are now giving all honor and credit to Him to whom it is due, Jesus Christ.

One of my favorite CDs is Glory Revealed, the Word of God and worship. The project is a compilation of scripture songs that were written specifically for this project. One song is called "You Alone"; it is based on this passage.

Today, as an act of worship, I pray you will join me in offering a song of worship to the Lord based on this passage. His deeds are truly great and marvelous. And, we can honestly say to him, "You alone are holy!"

I found the You Alone on Youtube with a nice video of nature shots. I hope you will use it to worship the Lord sometime in your busy day. Have a wonderful Christmas Eve.

If you are reading this post in an email click here to access the post page which includes the video.

Fear God and Give Him Glory

Today's full reading: Revelation 14

"Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, 'Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.'" (Revelation 14:6-7 NIV)

How are we supposed to live our lives? Many people believe (and I agree) that we should live according to the Bible, the Word of God. Thus, they (and I) believe that the Bible is a guide book for holy living, a message from our creator about how we have been created to live.

That being the case, what is the bottom line summary of how we are to live? Jesus summarizes the law into two simple, yet profound, commands by quoting Deuteronomy 6:8, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind" and Leviticus 19:18, "Love your neighbor as yourself."

But what other terms can adequately describe and summarize how we should live? I love what the angel says in today's reading, "Fear God and give him glory" (Revelation 14:6). It reminds me of the God given wisdom of Solomon as recorded in the last two verses of Ecclesiastes. "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NIV)

Today, as an act of worship, worship God with a humble heart, knowing that God is infinitely worthy of our praise. Our lives should be completely leveraged for His glory not our own.

Let these words sink in, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:13 NIV)

Patient Endurance and Faithfulness

Today's full Reading: Revelation 13

"He who has an ear, let him hear. If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints." (Revelation 13:9-10 NIV)

In the last days some amazing and terrifying things will take place. As I read Revelation 13, I see vividly how God's sovereignty orchestrates a majestic symphony of His glory in all things. The more I learn about this God - the One True God, the more I rest in His grace and mercy, and wisdom. God knows best and He knows how to work all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

So what does this mean for us?

Today, as an act of worship, demonstrate your love for God through patient endurance and faithfulness. May the name of the Lord be praised both now and forevermore.

Willing to Give All

Today's full reading: Revelation 12

"They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." (Revelation 12:11 NIV)

It is always encouraging to hear of Christians who have stood up for the cause of Christ even unto death. They were unwilling to shrink away when faced with denying Christ or enduring great suffering. Don't get me wrong, I do not have a death wish. But, there is just something amazing to me about a person believing in something so strongly that its worth dieing for, or loving someone so deeply they are worth dieing for.

Here's a quote I love (but I don't know where I first heard it), "You haven't lived until you've found something worth dieing for."

The message of the Bible is not to be taken lightly; this is heavy stuff - life and death, heaven and hell. And, even if you don't take it that seriously, you still have to come to terms with the fact that men and women have died to preserve it for you.

Today, as an act of worship, praise God for the men and women who have given their lives for the cause of Christ.

If you are interested in hearing more about Christian persecution and suffering around the world presently and historically I recommend you checkout the Persecution Blog from the Voice of the Martyrs and read FOXE's Book of Martyrs (PDF 1.04 MB, 256 pages).

(A few other great mission organization links are The International Mission Board, South Asia Region of the IMB, and Gospel for Asia.)

The True Lord of All

Today's full reading: Revelation 11

"But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here." And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on. At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven." (Revelation 11:11-13 NIV)

What will it take to get your attention - that Christ is the true Lord of all? In the prophetic vision that John is witnessing and describing two witnesses have been sharing the the truth of God with all the people. Those who oppose them cannot overpower them. In fact, the witnesses have been given supernatural power to kill those who oppose them and their message. But, when the days of their testimony are complete they are killed in the street by the beast coming out of the abyss. Their bodies are left in the streets for three and a half days. Then "a breath of life from God" enters them and as you can imagine terror fills their enemies.

The enemies of God have made a terrible mistake. They have chosen the path of destruction. Their rebellion has separated them from the one true God. Following the anti-Christ has exposed their folly and now witnessing the scene of the two witnesses coming back to life and physically ascending into heaven in a cloud has left them utterly terrified. They are forced to recognize that Christ, not the anti-Christ, is the true Lord of all. Yet this realization is not one of repentance, but only a terrible acknowledgment that they are following a lie.

Today, as an act of worship, praise the true Lord of all, Jesus Christ. Worship Him alone. "Praise Him for His acts of power; praise Him for His surpassing greatness." (Psalm 150:2) "Great is the Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." (Psalm 147:5) Remember, "The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground." (Psalm 147:6)

The Mystery of God Will Be Accomplished

Today's full reading: Revelation 10

"But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets." (Revelation 10:7 NIV)

As I began reading this passage I realized how much I still have to learn from the Bible. I do not presume to know what this all means, but based on what I read here in verse seven, the mystery of God will be accomplished in the last days. God will finish what he started. And all will see.

Today, as an act of worship, praise God for His mighty power displayed in creation and in our lives. Thank Him for reminding us of his promise that one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to glory of God the Father (see Philippians 2:9-11)

They Still Did Not Repent

Today's full reading: Revelation 9

"The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts." (Revelation 9:20-21 NIV)

Revelation chapter nine is quite terrifying to read. Such tribulation, one would think, would cause men to turn from sin and turn to God. But, sadly, this does not happen in the prophetic vision of things to come which John recounts here for us.

The heart of man is desperately wicked. May we pray that the true conviction of the Holy Spirit of God would fall upon everyone within our witness and influence that they may turn before it is too late.

Today, as an act of worship, join me in praying for a great wave of God's Spirit to sweep over those men and women with whom we will have opportunity to share Jesus with this week. May they be convicted of sin, righteousness, and judgment to come, and may we seize every opportunity to lead one more to Jesus.

The Prayers of the Saints

Today's full reading: Revelation 8

"Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel's hand" (Revelation 8:3-4 NIV)

As the judgment, wrath, and tribulation are beginning to take place here in Revelation chapter eight, it is encouraging to recognize that the prayers of the saints are still heard. They are not without purpose. God allows us the opportunity to commune with Him through prayer, and we should take Him up on the offer.

Today, as an act of worship, consider the significance that God allows our prayers to have in fulfilling His purposes. We should pray without ceasing - involving God in every aspect of our life. And, we should pray with great expectation that God will answer our prayers as they agree with His will.

Just A Glimpse of His Glory

Today's full reading: Revelation 7

"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."" (Revelation 7:9-10 NIV)

This another of my favorite passages in Revelations because of how vivid the description is of the worship around the throne of God - "a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language...and they cried out in a loud voice..."

Today, as an act of worship, express your praise in your praying for and serving the lost nations and peoples of the earth. Learn more about praying, sending, and going at www.imb.org/pray

The First Six Seals Cause Great Humility

Today's full reading: Revelation 6

"Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?"" (Revelation 6:15-17 NIV)

When you read the context of these verses it becomes clearly apparent that when the Great Day of the Lord comes and no one will stand in the presence of God. All will be humbled before him.

Today, as an act of worship, give your all to the Lord in humble adoration. Praise God for his awesome works and majestic power. Remember that he offers a full pardon from the punishment of our sins if we will truly believe. But, on that Day it will be too late.

Worthy is the Lamb

Today's full reading: Revelation 5:1-14

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!" The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped.

(Revelation 5:11-14 NIV)

Another powerful picture of unashamed unhindered worship is found here in Revelation chapter five. I encourage you to read it again and feel the weight and significance to the worship that is being offered to the Lamb. Christ, the Messiah of God, the promised child, the perfect sacrifice, is the only one worthy of our worship.

Today, as an act of worship, pray these ancient/future words of worship back to God. Offer them perhaps as an echo to the worship that John experienced while in the Spirit in the presence of the Lord. Make the prayer personal by proclaiming the attributes of God that are particularly meaningful to you in this stage of your life. Remember: He IS WORTHY!

This scripture reminds me of the song "Worthy is the Lamb" by Darlene Zschech. I hope you enjoy the video below.

They Never Stop Saying, "Holy, Holy, Holy..."

Today's full reading: Revelation 4:1-11

"Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. (Revelation 4:8-11 NIV)

I love the image that comes to my mind when I think about the supernatural worship experience that is taking place today in the very presence of God. John records here in Revelation that awe-some creatures never cease to proclaim God's holiness. What should we glean from this passage?

Today, as an act of worship, respond to God's presence in our lives with wholehearted devotion and passionate worship. May we proclaim the attributes of His character in such a way that we never cease to fully believe them.

Lukewarm: Neither Hot Nor Cold

Today's full reading: Revelation 3:7-22

"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." (Revelation 3:15-16 NIV)

Aching fills my heart when I read Christ's rebuke of the church of Laodicea mostly because I can identify clearly with their situation. In the area of the world where I live it is far to easy for someone to ride the fence when it comes to Christianity. They can offer lip service to God - claiming to be a Christian, yet live a life of deceitfulness, hatred, jealousy, and immorality and face little or no earthly consequence.

This, of course, is not true in other areas of the world. Just imagine if on the day you told your family that you believed in Jesus they cut you off totally. What if your whole neighborhood banished you from the community?

Or worse, what if you were physically attacked like these people, who earlier this week paid a serious price for following Christ? I have a feeling that such persecution serves as a catalyst for building genuine faith and keeps people off the fence.

Today, as an act of worship, embrace Christ fully; hold nothing back in your devotion to Him. Pray for strength to be a bold witness for Him today no matter what storm you may face or what price you must pay.

"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 him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne." (Revelation 3:19-21 NIV)