HEAVENLY REPORTER
This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant John, who faithfully reported everything he saw. This is his report of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 1:1-2 (NLT)
It’s so refreshing to receive information and know it's 100% accurate. In today’s world, we are pulled in so many directions, leaving us confused, doubtful, hopeless and often frustrated. Everything is so fast-paced, and we receive information so quickly that before we can even process it, it changes. Each day, we may follow stories of many kinds that deliver a lot of information, so it’s important to know that the source is reliable. Not only that, but it’s helpful as we live day to day. Thankfully, in Jesus, we have the ultimate source. Jesus resides in heaven and is faithful and true. Revelation chapter 1 gives us a promise and points us to the one true, reliable witness, Jesus Christ.
The enemy loves nothing more than to attempt to confuse us by sharing fragmented information, twisting the truth just enough to try to fool us into following false information. As we look to Revelation chapter 1, it’s important to pay attention that it refers to John as a faithful reporter and later to Jesus as the faithful witness. We look for information and stuff to help us every day—our phones, our workplace, our relationships, and so much more. But what about heaven? Do we look toward heaven for help? Heaven offers us reliable, unblemished help that is not temporary but lasting. Love, guidance, encouragement, hope and security, all things that are not always lasting here on earth. When we rely on Jesus, who is seated in heaven, we find peace beyond our understanding. Our help comes from the Maker of the heavens and the earth.
APPLICATION: Allow yourself today to refocus on Scripture, pay attention to the small details mentioned. These details give us a true account of reliability. Shut your phone off, turn off the news, stop relying on what others say, and let the manual created for your life speak louder than anything else: the Bible.
PRAYER: Jesus, this world is so loud at times. Help me focus on You and Your words, so I can see glimpses of heaven now and meditate on the beauty and goodness You have given. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don't let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?