SWHW Bible Reading Plan: December 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Michelle Myers:

We're almost 1/3 of the way through what most consider the most intimidating book of the Bible. But here's an encouraging reminder we may all need: this book is only intimidating if you're reading it, expecting full understanding. 

Just a reminder: God's ways and thoughts are infinitely higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). By definition, then, God will do and say things that are beyond our human ability to comprehend. We shouldn't be surprised when we encounter parts, particularly in prophecy, that we cannot figure out. After all, a God we could fully fathom would not be worthy of our worship. So replace any pressure you feel to "get it" with peace, trusting God's got it. 

But beyond even that: Revelation would be intimidating to read as someone who has not yet confessed Christ. Revelation gives us a clear picture of God in all of His power, all of His deity, and all of His holiness. It puts reality around the most important decision we will all make: what we believe about Jesus.

If you're here, and that's you, I'm praying God will reveal Himself to you right now. But you need to know that what you feel about God does not change how God feels about you. You are both fully known and fully loved by Him. I pray you will make today the day You choose to live for Him. It truly is the most important decision we all must make.

What about reading Revelation as believers? We get to take away the hope Jesus makes possible. 

Re-read this with me:

"For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. They will hunger no longer; nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb on the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes."  Revelation 7:15-17

There is a day coming, friend, when Jesus will wrap us in His presence. We will see God in all of His fullness, and serving Him will be the only thing on our to-do list. He will take away every need and every hardship. In Christ, we will have complete protection and complete relief. There will be no more pain of any kind. 

And as verse 10 reminds us, this is our future by our salvation in Christ alone. We can't earn it. We don't deserve it. There is no amount of knowledge or good deeds that could ever measure up to equal what Jesus made possible for us through the cross and the empty tomb. 

So no matter what kind of pain or suffering you may be enduring right now, have confidence that it is temporary. In Christ, this is your future because of His last words on the cross: "It is finished." 

Hallelujah - what a Savior!

God, You don't just make hope possible. You are our hope. You are so good to give us this glimpse of what our future with You looks like. We long for the day to be in Your presence, but we trust Your timing. Although we don't know when this day will come, God, we know it's coming. Help us take the hope You give us to create urgency for our lives here. God, it's not about the temporary. It's not about us. It's only about You. God, I pray for those who don't know You yet. Reveal Yourself to them in a fresh, powerful way. Surround them with believers. Use us to point them to You, and Jesus, save them. Thank You for salvation that Jesus made possible. We are in awe of You, and we love You. Amen.