Remembering God's Promises

Posted by Christina Scovone on Thursday, December 31, 2009

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Thursday December 31, 2009 and we are completing our studies in the book of Revelation. Please read chapters 21-22 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. You can also copy & paste this URL to your browser http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-december-31

Today's Message: Remembering God's Promises
As we come to the end of another year it is good to remember God's promises as they bring hope, peace, and joy for the new year.

Wow, it is the last day of 2009, if you have been with me since January 1, than you and I have one very important thing to be excited about, we have read the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation this year. That is a great accomplishment and God is rejoicing over that fact (even with the occasional missed day in between). As we take a look at the year past, we can not help, but think about some of the things that we wish we could have done a little bit differently. Although every day is a new day, there is something so exciting about ending the year (especially if it has been a difficult one) and looking forward to a new, more positive, hopeful beginning to change the outcome of the past year (s). The truth is that we can change the outcome of any situation, but unless we make some kind of effort, nothing will ever change, no matter how long we are on our knees praying. Through it all though, one thing is for sure that will never change and that is the Word of God.

This year we have not only gotten closer to understanding some of God's Word we also were reminded of the promises as well as warnings given to us. One of the biggest promises made to us is the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. After all the chaos and destruction takes place, we can look forward to a new heaven and earth, one with no more sorrow, pain, or not even a remembrance of anything or anyone that hurt us over the years. “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” - Revelation 21:1-5. What a wonderful blessing it is to know that no matter what we are going through God is with us and will remove all the pain and suffering that we have endured over the years. Praise God!

One of the biggest warnings given to us is spending eternity in hell, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” - Revelation 21:8. How solemn is the warning concerning all who are immorally corrupt? All will be cast into the lake of fire. However, as evil as these sins are, God is willing to forgive anyone, even the most vilest sinner, who turns from his sins to Christ. “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” - Revelation 22:14-17.

One thing I would like to point out is that it is important that we read the true Word of God, not some book that claims to be or claims to explain the Bible. “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” - Revelation 22:19-20. This is a stern warning to all those whom have taken words out of the Bible to try make it easier for someone to read. Every word down to the very last thee and thou is in the book for a particular reason, otherwise it would not have been in there. The Bible has been written so that a fifth grader can understand what is being read, if a fifth grader can read the Bible and understand it so can an adult. Of course, we are not supposed to read for a year and know everything about God, He did not design the Bible that way. He designed it so we read it year after year and learn something new each time. Yes, we can do studies such as these, but these are studies on the book, not the book it self. God rejoices at the fact that we are discussing and learning about His Word together, He does not rejoice at those who rewrite His Word to suit their own needs.

I want to personally wish you a blessed and prosperous 2010 and to let you know that I pray for you daily, although I may not know your name, God does, He knows your needs too, and it gives me great joy to ask Him to take care of them. Have a wonderful, safe, and blessed day/night and Happy New Year! I will see you next year.