July 15 | Revelation 7:11-17

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DAILY READING

Revelation 7:11-17

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REFLECTION

What God Promises

by Pr. Dave Mann

What does God promise for us in heaven? His presence. I hope that this statement does not disappoint you.

Sometimes we are tempted to make up in our minds the promises that we wish God would make, such as, "In heaven, God will give me the luxuries that I long for in the here-and-now: our favorite foods, the house of our dreams, the sports car we could never afford, etc.” If it is only this that we imagine heaven holds for us, it may mean that we long for earthly material blessings more than we long for the presence of God himself. If God could be puzzled, his bewilderment might sound like this: “How could you long for something so small when I offer you my very self? Oh you of so little faith.”

Revelation 7 lets us know that the promise of God for heaven is that we are blessed to be in his presence—to be fully, completely, eternally satisfied in God himself. 

In heaven, we are not the focus of the celebration; we are blessed to join in the blessing of God. When we finally through God’s grace attain complete sanctification, we will be at perfect rest as we stand unashamed in the presence of God. We will realize the purpose of our existence when we point away from ourselves and point to God—when we join the chorus and sing:

“Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen!”

Yes, we will be blessed with full satisfaction things that we need on earth—no hunger, no thirst, no scorching heat, given springs of living water, and God will completely comfort us in our sorrows. Note that these heavenly blessings were promised centuries before the Apostle John received the revelation (Isaiah 49:10 & 25:8). But how will fulfilling these promises be possible? It will be because everyone will see that Jesus is seated on the throne. Our hearts will be fully satisfied, and our own knees will bow before the Lamb on the throne. He will shelter us with his presence, and HE will be our shepherd.

The real heavenly promises focus on God himself. He will change our hearts both in the present and for all eternity so that we realize the magnificence of his real promises.

PRAYER

Lord God, it is no wonder I long for worldly pleasures when my heart is never satisfied. Help me to fear, love, and trust you above everything else. Come into my heart Lord Jesus, come in to stay. Amen.

July 14 Hebrews 4:9-11

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DAILY READING

Hebrews 4:9-11

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REFLECTION

Sabbath Rest

by Elaine Pierce

"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ...you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28a-29)

I'm not tired!. I don't need a nap! My 2 1/2-year-old grandson is fond of insisting that he doesn't need naps anymore. He says these things as he rubs his eyes and yawns, but he fights sleep and refuses to give in to what I know will be good for him and make the rest of the day go better for both of us. It's so apparent that rest will benefit him, but he - just like us - wants to be in control, and napping/fear of missing out, are not on his agenda.

In today's passage, the author of Hebrews urges his readers to "make every effort to enter that rest [Sabbath rest] so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. (v. 11) Sabbath rest is not just physical rest; it is spiritual rest and complete trust that Jesus has paid the price for our sin on the cross, and that we will spend eternity with him. Yes, we will rest with him, safe in his arms forever and ever amen!

I remember not so very long ago when that same little two-year-old was a newborn baby. He would nestle into my arms with compete confidence that he was safe and secure. He was helpless to do anything for himself, and his mommy and daddy took care of his every need. What a picture that is of our Heavenly Father. The rest he gives us is all good, all wise, and all powerful. He knows what we need, and all he asks is that we enter into that rest. Yes, his burden is light. Enter into that rest, and delight in the good gifts of our Lord.

PRAYER

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of rest, both physical and spiritual. Help me enter into Sabbath rest, and completely trust that you will care for me and provide for me. Amen.

July 13 | Isaiah 58:9-14

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DAILY READING

Isaiah 58:9-14

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REFLECTION

What Do You Delight In?

by Mary Alice McGinnis

We are such busy people. Always on the go, running from this activity to the next.

Trying to climb the corporate ladder or keep up with the Jones’. Comparing ourselves to others who seem to have everything they ever wanted. Even in our spiritual lives, we can get caught up in thinking, “I need to do more . . .” or “less of . . .” Trying to live up to that invisible measuring stick to prove ourselves is exhausting.

In today’s reading, the Israelites were asking why God was seeming not answering them. They were “doing” all the right things to prove they were worthy of God’s attention, at least in their minds. Isaiah tells them, when they cry for help, “He (God) will say, ‘Here I am.’”

This struck me because I often find myself seeing God as a divine vending machine - when I put in my time of prayer, worship, or good deeds, He will in turn grant me all that I desire.

Isaiah shows them that their checklist of dos and don’ts won’t satisfy the yearnings of their souls. When we realize the source of our ONLY HOPE, the only thing that can truly satisfy our deepest desire, only then can we find what we so desperately seek.

The things I seek after, my need to prove myself and seeking my own way, only leads me to needing more and more and more of such empty pleasures. Even when those pursuits are wrapped in the veneer of shallow godliness. It's like a hamster on a wheel, an endless, futile pursuit.

Instead, God invites us into His story! He invites us into a deep relationship with Him. Turning away from my empty pursuit of my own desires and instead DELIGHTING IN HIM. Then we will find the kind of life that is true life. “You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.”

God’s delight in us was purchased through the blood of Jesus. We no longer need to wonder if we measure up. We can find rest – a Sabbath rest – in the delight of Him.

“Then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” The mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

What might delighting in God look like in your daily life?

PRAYER

Lord, help me focus on You as my delight. Show me how to rest in You, and then lead me to honor You with my life.