Today’s chapter gives us a glimpse into six gifts that won’t break. They’re paid for in full at the highest price, and they are laid up ready for the last and greatest Christmas…
READ REVELATION 2 Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
As I look to the dawn of another new year, I can’t help but look back at the broken toys (and broken promises) that litter the past year. But looking ahead, it seems that overcoming and getting victory over something that has to be endured, is also in our future. It was one of two themes running through these four short but timeless letters in John’s vision, and the second theme is a gift.
The first gift is a tree. [v7] This may be a reason behind the evergreen tree at Christmas. The next five gifts fit with the first: eternal life [v11]; hidden manna to feed on, along with a new name [v17]; authority to rule with the Creator’s sceptre – as was our blueprint design before we were created [a]; and the morning star that God Himself holds in His hand. [v26-28] These everlasting Christmas gifts (which we’re sure to receive just as our Maker promised), are only possible because He came that first Christmas, in order to give them. Read More? … CLICK to follow “23 December – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Wanting to communicate with your Father God this Christmas? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help.[b]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”
The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord! [Psalm 146:10]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
The World: The people of Zambia[c]
Your Country’s response to the refugee crisis in the Middle East
Yourself: The Lord’s leading in your life
Your concerns for today
Lord thank-you that You certainly hear the cries of helpless victims who cry out to You. [Exodus 22:23]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”
This is what the Lord says: “If you repent, I’ll restore you so that you may serve Me. If you utter worthy (not worthless) words, you’ll be my spokesman. Let these people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.” [Jeremiah 15:19]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”
“May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts by strengthening you in every good deed and word.” [2 Thessalonians 2:16-17]
“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”
When Jesus was questioned, tested, tricked, or in His hour of great need, He always spoke things that were previously written in God’s Word.[d] Following these memory verses from ten topics, will help you learn 52 verses from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Topic = The Creator God’s Salvation Plan
“…for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” [Romans 3:23]
[a] Genesis 1:26
[b] Matthew 6:5-15
[c] http://www.operationworld.org/country/zamb/owtext.html
[d] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31