Revelation 20-22

We’ve come to the end. Not the end of His story, but the end of His Book.

John attempts to describe the incredible sights before him of what eternity will be like. I can only imagine how poor he found his command of language to paint an adequate picture of God and His Son in glory.

Ever felt truly welcome? You moved to a new place, went to work or school or church for the first time, and someone there took an interest in you, showed you around, remembered your name, introduced you to others.
Your apprehension eased as you became more comfortable, seeing yourself working/learning/worshipping here, believing you really could make some new friends and fit in here after all.

I believe John portrays heaven as a welcoming place – for some. For those washed in the blood of the Lamb it is a place of great diversity, where all are loved, all are valued, all are welcomed. A place where our fears and anxieties melt away. Where pain, suffering, sorrow, heartache, disappointment, and grief are unknown. Where God will personally wipe away every tear of hurt. Where the fear of death can’t touch us. Where there are endless possibilities of enjoying and serving and worshipping God face-to-face in community.

For those who don’t submit their lives to the reign of the King, well, it’s a different ending.

No wonder those who longed for Christ’s return, who suffered for His name, who were ridiculed, beaten, cheated, abused, mistreated, persecuted, and martyred cried out “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (Rev 6:10, ESV). They still eagerly anticipate the overthrow of the enemy and the victory of the King.

The Spirit and the Bride say “Come” (Marana tha in Aramaic). John said “Come”. Let the one who hears these words say “Come”. All the earth groans and longs for His return.

Do you?



Lee Thrasher
May 24

Revelation 18-19

What shines for you? I mean, what really shines? I am talking about the kind of shiny that makes you draw in your breath and distracts you. We all have shiny things. For some it may be golf clubs or sporting events; for others it may handbags, travel, or – dare I say it – shoes!

I am certainly not a scholar of John’s revelation, but chapter 18 does mention a lot a shiny objects. It seems that Babylon was a city that dazzled everyone with her treasures. Her cargos of gold, silver, jewels, silks, marble, and spices still manage to get our attention today. We might add fancy cars and technical gadgets to a modern list, but much of it would remain the same. Alarmingly, the mighty angel does not have good things to say about Babylon’s destiny.

All of Babylon’s neon pales in comparison when the next chapter proclaims the wedding feast of the Lamb. Heaven is opened and John sees the white horse whose rider is called Faithful and True. The contrast of these images reminds me that I need to guard the deepest caverns of my heart for the things that are eternally dazzling. I am thankful for the many joys, comforts and beauty that the Father has so graciously provided, but I don’t want to let the roots of those things grow too deep.

I want to set my hope on the day when Jesus will return for His church. The glorious hope of this fills my soul with joy and longing. Soaring moments of worship and quiet whispers of meditation on the Word lead me into those places that God wants me to reserve only for Him. I pray that we will be a church that rejoices in our blessings while we remind each other of the feast that is to come.


Kathleen Tatro
May 23

Revelation 15-17

Let me just confess right at the beginning that Revelation is a book I’m pretty shy about. As a young believer, I was taught that it really didn’t matter what was figurative or literal in Revelation. What mattered was that I was walking with God whenever and however He decided to end things with me OR the earth. I realized not too long ago that I had taken that same approach to my entire walk with God. Life was not mine to seize and enjoy, but to endure until my demise or His return. And I better have it all together when that time came! Whew…..what a load to bear! Then I read that Jesus said “my yoke is easy and my burden is light”. This did not describe the yoke and burden I had taken upon myself. My yoke kept waiting for the other foot to fall – ON ME! It left me praying for Him to return quickly, not because I was anxious to see Him, but because I wanted to be done with this life before I could mess it up anymore! Ouch, it hurts to put that down in words!

Thankfully, God did not leave me burdened and ready to just get this life over! He taught me that the abundant life began when I accepted Him. He doesn’t want me to “grin and bear it” here, He wants me to fully enjoy every aspect of my life with Him! I’m not saying this life still doesn’t get me down sometimes and I still don’t know about the seven angels with seven plagues and seven bowls and the woman on the beast, it’s all a complete mystery to me! But this I know: the focus shifted. I LIVE OUT LOUD for my Lord now, with gusto and joy and love! It’s a fabulous life and I intend to enjoy every minute I have left to His glory!

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m still just as ready for the Lord to bring me fully into His radiant beauty, but in His timing. I read a quote by Erma Bombeck that has become a favorite: “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me".” I want to use every bit of me to bring Him glory.


Julie Hallman
May 22