For Thought and Meditation - Wednesday, September 01

[Pine Baron]

Good morning all. Honestly, Revelations have never made any sense to me. I don't need to know it, I won't be here. Have a safe and blessed day.

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 - Pastor Greg Laurie
How Bible Prophecy Gives Us Perspective

“God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and He blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.”
—Revelation 1:3

Have you ever wondered what will happen in the future? Have you ever wished you could see what will take place? In some ways I’m glad I don’t know the future. God knows the future, I know Him, and that’s enough.

The book of Revelation, however, gives us a glimpse into the future. In fact, the Bible says there’s a special blessing promised to those who hear and keep the words of this book (see Revelation 1:3).

Revelation means “the unveiling,” because it is not God’s desire to conceal but to reveal. And one thing I’ve learned from studying this great book is that God has a plan, and everything is right on schedule. I’ve also discovered that the best is yet to come, and as followers of Jesus Christ, we win in the end.

When we study Revelation, and Bible prophecy in general, we gain perspective. When we learn about the future, it motivates us to live righteously in the present. And how we view the future is important. If we believe that Jesus could return at any moment, it will affect the way that we live.

For instance, when you were a child and did something wrong, maybe your mother said, “Just wait until your father gets home!” Did you look forward to his arrival?

No, you didn’t. When you heard his car pull into the driveway and knew he was walking up to the door, you were afraid.

On the other hand, if you were good and didn’t get into trouble that day, you could hardly wait until your father got home.

Now let’s apply that to the Lord’s return. If we’re right with God, then we’re looking forward to it. But if we’ve disobeyed Him, then maybe we’re dreading it.

Our belief in the imminent return of Jesus has an effect on us and on the way we live.

[USMC87]

Amen, We are watching every day for the return of Christ!

[Wayne Smith]

Oh, yes, the immanent return of Christ has a major effect on my attitude now. But for the greater discussion of the end times and trying to determine what will happen when - well, I've come to the conclusion that God will do what God will do and what I believe will have absolutely no effect on what God will do!