SWHW Bible Reading Plan: December 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Lauren Diggs:

Okay, we’re 14 chapters deep into Revelation, so if you’re still here with us, bless you. This book is probably one of the most intimidating books of the Bible for me. It’s full of prophecy, visions, and symbolism like no other, so it can be easy to blow off and leave for biblical scholars and theological experts. But it’s also filled with nuggets of wisdom and truth for us right now, at this time, on this day. 

Like we see here in verse seven, “And he said with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of judgment has come, and worship Him who made the heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.’”

And then a little further down in verse 12, “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.”

Right in the middle of a voice from heaven, the roar of waters like the sound of thunder, harpists playing and singing a new song, angels flying overhead and making proclamations with a loud voice, we have two very simple commands. Two commands that remind us of our aim and ultimate purpose:

To fear, give glory to, and worship God 

To continue running the race of faith with endurance 

And both of those things are to be done no matter what is going on around us. 

It is way too easy to become distracted these days. God knows that. This is why He reminds us often in the Word of our purpose and where our focus must be. The call to fear Him and worship only Him is woven throughout the entire Bible. 

The instruction to endure and remain faithful to Jesus and His mission is found in Scripture from beginning to end. These are the truths that keep us grounded, keep us focused on the mission, and give us strength when ours has been drained.   

I encourage you to dig deeper into books of the Bible that may intimidate you with prayer, the Holy Spirit, and sound teachings. There is much the Lord can and will show us when we study His Word. But, in the times you’re intimidated or don’t have the understanding, be reminded that God’s Word is full of foundational truths that always point us back to the main thing -- Him. 

And when you find yourself depleted and ready to tap out, let that be your cue to drop what you’ve been carrying, fix your gaze on Jesus, and follow His lead because we all need to be grabbed by the shoulders often and aimed back in His direction. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth of Your Word. Thank You for the deeper things of You but also those simple truths that keep me focused on who You are and what my purpose is in You. Forgive me for the times I let the world around me be louder than You. And when I allow what’s happening around me to lead me instead of You. Be louder and bigger than all those things in my life. Help me to fear You, give You glory, and worship You every day. And give me the strength to endure when I want to tap out. I love You so, so much, Jesus. Amen.