Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, December 30, 2016

“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;” (Revelation 7:9).
--L. David Harris (www.davidwritesalot.com)

The struggle is almost over! But while the drama of the ages continues during the final hours of earth’s history, you have a decision to make. Will you choose to see yourself on the winning side with Jesus or experiencing terminal defeat with Satan? Will you envision the day Jesus returns, with jubilant praise on your heart or rue the day because you fear to see His face?

I love how God has given us so many sneak peeks into the future through Scripture. While the news media is constantly reporting the strain of race relations and mounting tensions among the nations, God’s heavenly reporter forecasts an end to all schisms. And the beauty of this forecast is that it’s all-inclusive. No, I am not talking about a luxury vacation at your favorite resort on the Mexican Riviera. The blessing that the Bible reports opens the doors wide to people from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. Rather than an exclusive offer to some elite class of individuals, God throws open His arms to welcome and embrace everyone who chooses to have faith in the merits of the life of Jesus Christ.

So as trials increase as the day of the Lord approaches, when Jesus will take His people to heaven for a thousand year vacation in preparation for our permanent relocation to the new earth, you must envision yourself standing before the throne of God. You must keep your eyes on the prize of rejoicing in His presence forever. You must see yourself eating from the Tree of Life and walking on streets of gold. You must see yourself conversing with the great men and women of ancient times who have proven faithful to God. You must hear yourself singing songs of triumph.

The struggle is almost over! Live each day in anticipation of the glory that is before us, if we keep the faith, keeping the Lord’s commandments and helping others do the same.—L. David Harris (www.davidwritesalot.com)