Getting Lost in a Good Book
Heart Happy
Audio By Carbonatix
There’s something magical about getting lost in a good book, especially during the cold, wintry days when the world outside feels still and quiet. Just last week, I found myself transported to another time and place through the pages of a book. It reminded me of when I was working on Where Treetops Glisten, a WWII novella set around Christmastime in Belgium. For days (months, really), the world of 1944 felt more real to me than the present. I woke up thinking about field hospitals and snowy battlefields and fell asleep doing the same. It’s amazing how stories have the power to pull us in, capturing our hearts and imaginations.
Winter is the perfect season for such escapes! The chill in the air invites us to grab a warm blanket, curl up by the fire, and dive into stories that warm our hearts and ignite our spirits.
Why We Love Getting Lost in Books
Getting lost in a book is more than just entertainment; it’s an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and connect. In today’s world of endless notifications and constant noise, a good book allows us to be still and embrace peace.
Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
There’s a special kind of stillness we can experience when we immerse ourselves in a story. As we journey alongside the characters, we gain perspective, empathy, and even inspiration for our own lives.
Passing On the Love of Reading
Books are a gift—not just for ourselves but also for others. As the snow falls outside, consider ways you can share your love of reading with those around you:
- Give a Book as a Gift
There’s no better time than the holiday season to share a story you love. Even when Christmas is over, it’s never too late to give a great gift to someone you love! Choose books with themes of hope, redemption, or joy to bless a friend or family member. Attach a personal note about why you chose the book—it adds a thoughtful touch. - Start a Book Club
Winter is a wonderful time to gather with others to discuss books. Whether in person or virtually, a book club offers connection and community. Choose a winter-themed or faith-centered book to spark meaningful conversations. - Share the Joy of Reading with Your Children
Snuggle up with your little ones and read together by the fire. Share stories that capture their imaginations and teach valuable lessons. My children loved when I read aloud to them—even now, as adults, they recall those moments fondly. - Host a Winter Book Exchange
Invite friends to a cozy book-swap party. Encourage everyone to bring a favorite book (wrapped in winter-themed paper!) to trade. You might walk away with your next great read while introducing someone else to a story you’ve cherished. - Donate to a Local Library, School, Shelter, Hospital, or Assisted Living Community
Many community organizations welcome book donations, especially faith-centered or uplifting stories. This is a meaningful way to share the love of reading with your community.
Tricia’s Winter-Themed Book Recommendations
If you’re looking for a cozy read this season, here are some of my favorites:
- Where Treetops Glisten (Tricia Goyer, Sarah Sundin, Cara Putman): A collection of WWII Christmas novellas, perfect for warming your heart.
- Wings of Glass by Gina Holmes: A beautifully written story of resilience and hope.
- Fire by Night by Lynn Austin: A gripping tale of faith and courage during the Civil War.
- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens: A timeless classic that reminds us of redemption and the true spirit of Christmas.
- The White Christmas Inn by Colleen Wright: A heartwarming story of strangers finding connection during a snowstorm.
Finding Peace in the Pages
As we open the pages of a good book, we’re reminded of the peace and stillness God invites us into.
Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
When we take time to slow down and engage with a story, it nourishes our souls and refreshes our minds.
This winter, let yourself get lost in a good book. Better yet, share the gift of reading with others! Whether it’s through gifting a book, starting a book club, or snuggling up with your kids, stories have a way of connecting us and pointing us back to the ultimate author of our lives.
Let’s celebrate the beauty of words, the warmth of community, and the joy of stories that inspire and transform. Happy reading, friends!
Walking in Him,
Tricia Goyer
Want more insight? Join us in reading Job on the Daily Bible podcast! 🎧 LISTEN & 📺 WATCH
Weekly readings for the Daily Bible Podcast with Tricia and Michelle
December 23
1 Peter 5:12 – 14, 2 Peter 1:1 – 3:18
Growing Toward Maturity in Christ
As we come to the final chapters of Peter’s letters, we hear his heart and urgency for believers. He writes as a man who knows his time is short, but his focus remains on encouraging the Church to stand firm in God’s grace and grow toward spiritual maturity.
A Purposeful Journey of Growth
Peter opens with a reminder: “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life” (2 Peter 1:3). Our journey toward maturity begins with God’s divine provision and continues as we draw near to Him.
Peter maps out this growth process for believers:
- Faith: The foundation of all spiritual growth.
- Goodness: A moral excellence that reflects God’s character.
- Knowledge: An increasing understanding of God’s Word and His ways.
- Self-Control: The ability to resist sinful desires and live in submission to God.
- Perseverance: Patient endurance through trials and challenges.
- Godliness: Living with reverence for God and His purposes.
- Brotherly Kindness and Love: A heart that reflects Christ’s love for others.
Peter assures us that “if you do these things, you will never stumble” (2 Peter 1:10). This growth is not about perfection; it’s about direction—continuously moving closer to Christ.
The Dangers of Spiritual Immaturity
In 2 Peter 2, Peter warns against false teachers who twist God’s truth and lead others astray. Immaturity makes believers vulnerable to these deceptions. Spiritual maturity, on the other hand, equips us to discern truth from lies. Peter describes the characteristics of false teachers:
- Greed and Self-Indulgence: Motivated by selfish desires.
- Twisting the Truth: Making Scripture say what suits their agenda.
- A Love for Sin: Pursuing the world’s corruption instead of God’s holiness.
We must anchor ourselves in the unshakable truth of God’s Word. Spiritual maturity means holding fast to His promises and growing in discernment.
God’s Timing and Our Endurance
In 2 Peter 3, Peter addresses scoffers who question the return of Christ, saying, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?” (2 Peter 3:4). Yet Peter reminds us:
- God’s timing is perfect. “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day” (2 Peter 3:8).
- God’s patience has a purpose: “He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent” (2 Peter 3:9).
As we wait, Peter calls us to live holy, honorable lives. God’s delay is not neglect—it’s mercy, offering more people the chance to turn to Him.
Word of the Day: Maturity
Definition: The quality of behaving mentally and emotionally like an adult; continuous growth toward completion.
Keys to Spiritual Maturity
- Humility: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). A mature believer recognizes their complete dependence on God’s grace.
- Diligence: Spiritual growth requires effort. Pursue faith, goodness, knowledge, and love as Peter outlines in 2 Peter 1.
- Discernment: Mature believers recognize false teachings and stand firm in God’s truth.
- Patience: Trust God’s perfect timing and endure trials with hope.
- Purpose: Live intentionally for Christ, knowing He has called you to a life of holiness and impact.
A Final Encouragement
Peter’s final words are a call to stand firm, grow in grace, and fix our hope on Christ’s return. We are not meant to stay stagnant; God is growing us, maturing us, and preparing us for eternity.
A Prayer for Today
Father, thank You for giving us everything we need to live godly lives through Your divine power. Help us grow in faith, knowledge, self-control, and love. May we live with humility, discernment, and patience, reflecting Your grace to the world. Strengthen us to stand firm and persevere until we see You face to face. Amen.
December 24
1 John 1:1 – 4:6
The Word Made Flesh – The Incarnation
Merry Christmas Eve!
Today, we celebrate the profound truth of Christmas—the Incarnation. The Word became flesh. God, in His infinite love, came to dwell among us as Jesus Christ. He is the fulfillment of every promise, every hope, and every longing.
Immanuel – God With Us
John opens his first letter with these words: “We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life” (1 John 1:1).
This is no abstract truth or distant deity. The eternal Word became tangible, real, and close. The Incarnation—God taking on human form—is the ultimate act of love and rescue.
- God Became Flesh to Save Us
John reminds us that God’s love for humanity isn’t theoretical; it’s personal. He sent Jesus to rescue us from sin. “If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness” (1 John 1:9). - Walking in Light and Love
The Incarnation changes how we live. God’s light dispels our darkness, and His love transforms our relationships. John urges us:
- Walk in the Light: “God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all” (1 John 1:5).
- Love Sacrificially: “We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters” (1 John 3:16).
True faith is lived out by walking in obedience to God’s Word and loving others with the same sacrificial love that Christ showed us.
- The Incarnation Anchors Us in Truth
In a world full of competing voices, John warns believers to test every message: “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world” (1 John 4:4).
The Incarnation—Jesus Christ as fully God and fully human—grounds us in truth. It reminds us that the Spirit of God lives within us, giving us discernment, confidence, and victory over the world’s deceptions.
Word of the Day: Incarnation
Definition: The central Christian doctrine that God became flesh and lived among us in the form of Jesus Christ.
Living in the Reality of the Incarnation
- Embrace God’s Presence
The Incarnation means God is close to us. He is not distant; He is Immanuel—God with us. Let this truth draw you near to Him in worship and prayer. - Walk in Obedience
“Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did” (1 John 2:6). The Incarnation is a call to action—live as Christ lived. Love sacrificially. Walk in truth. - Share the Good News
The Incarnation is God’s rescue plan for humanity. This Christmas, share the hope of Jesus with others. - Rejoice in Your Identity
We are God’s children! “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1). This is the greatest gift of Christmas.
Closing Thought
As you gather with family, light candles, and sing carols tonight, take a moment to marvel at this truth: the eternal Word became flesh for you. He walked among us, lived without sin, and gave Himself to save us.
The Incarnation changes everything. It is not just a Christmas story; it’s the foundation of our hope, our joy, and our salvation.
A Christmas Eve Prayer
Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. On this holy night, we celebrate the Incarnation—Your love made flesh. Help us to live as Your children, walking in light, love, and truth. Fill our hearts with gratitude and joy as we reflect on the beauty of Christ’s birth. Amen.
December 25
1 John 4:7 – 5:21, 2 John 1:1 – 13, 3 John 1:1-15
The Word of Love Born Among Us
Merry Christmas!
Today, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the greatest expression of God’s love for us. In the quiet of the manger, love was born. This love has changed the world, and through Jesus, it changes us too.
Born of God, Born to Love
The apostle John, writing to the early church, circles around one core truth: God is love. Because God is love, those born of Him are called to walk in love.
John reminds us:
- “Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7).
- “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
What does it mean to love like this? It’s more than a warm feeling or a kind gesture. It’s a love that reflects the very heart of God—sacrificial, steadfast, and transformative. This love was made visible when Jesus was born, sent as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Love Drives Out Fear
Christmas reminds us that love conquers all, even fear. John writes:
“Perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment” (1 John 4:18).
The birth of Jesus declares that we no longer need to fear judgment, sin, or separation from God. The love of God, revealed through Christ, sets us free.
Born to Overcome
In 1 John 5:4, John declares: “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
Because Jesus was born, lived, and conquered death, we are born again into victory. Christmas is not just a celebration of His birth; it is a reminder that through Him, we can overcome any challenge, sin, or fear that the world throws our way.
Walking in Truth and Love
In 2 John 1, John emphasizes the importance of walking in love and staying faithful to God’s truth. “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands” (2 John 1:6).
We demonstrate God’s love through our actions, remaining discerning and steadfast in truth.
In 3 John, John praises Gaius for his hospitality and faithfulness to the Gospel. Gaius was known for showing love to fellow believers, especially those on mission for the Gospel. This is a beautiful reminder that love isn’t passive—it’s active.
Who can you support today? Beyond physical gifts, we can give our prayers, encouragement, and acts of service to those spreading God’s Word and love.
Word of the Day: Born
Definition: To come into existence as a result of birth.
Today, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the moment in history when God’s love took on flesh.
Because Christ was born:
- We Can Be Born Again: “Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7). Through faith in Jesus, we experience new birth—transformation and eternal life.
- We Overcome the World: “Everyone born of God overcomes the world” (1 John 5:4). Christ’s birth brought victory over sin and death, and through Him, we share in that victory.
- We Walk in Love: The birth of Jesus calls us to let love be born in us daily. This love shines through our obedience, our truth, and our care for others.
Living Out the Love Born in You
This Christmas, let’s celebrate Jesus by:
- Embracing New Life: Have you experienced the new birth that comes through faith in Jesus? Let His love transform your heart.
- Loving Sacrificially: Give love to those around you—your family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. Let love be born in your actions.
- Overcoming Fear: Let God’s perfect love cast out fear. Trust Him completely.
- Supporting Others: Like Gaius in 3 John, show hospitality and care to those serving the Gospel. Whether through prayer, encouragement, or practical help, let your love point others to Christ.
Closing Thought
Today, as we gather to celebrate Jesus’ birth, may we remember that His love has forever changed us. God’s love was born in a manger, and now it lives in us. “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
A Christmas Day Prayer
Father, we thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ. On this Christmas Day, we celebrate the birth of Your love into the world. Help us to live as those born of You—walking in love, truth, and victory. May Your love be born anew in our hearts today and every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 26
Jude 1:1 – 25, Revelation 1:1 – 2:29
Beholding the Revelation of Jesus
Today, we step into two powerful books—Jude and Revelation. Jude challenges us to defend the faith boldly, while Revelation unveils the majesty of Jesus Christ and offers messages of both hope and correction to the early churches.
As we reflect on this year and prepare for the next, let’s consider what God has revealed to us through His Word. He is a God who speaks, reveals, and sustains us through every circumstance.
Contend for the Faith (Jude)
Jude, the half-brother of Jesus, delivers a short but powerful message:
“Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people” (Jude 1:3).
Jude warns against false teachers who infiltrate the church and twist God’s grace. He reminds us of the past: the Israelites’ disobedience, Sodom and Gomorrah’s rebellion, and even fallen angels. God is just—He spares the righteous and judges the wicked.
Jude’s words encourage us to remain steadfast. We must stand firm in truth, rebuke falsehood with the authority of God, and protect the integrity of our faith.
Revelation: A Divine Unveiling
The book of Revelation begins with awe and wonder. John, exiled on the island of Patmos, receives a vision of the risen and glorified Jesus Christ:
“When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man…” (Revelation 1:12-13).
Jesus is revealed as the Alpha and Omega, the First and Last, and the Living One. Revelation is a glimpse into God’s heavenly perspective, a vision of both judgment and hope.
Messages to the Churches (Revelation 2)
In Revelation 2, Jesus addresses the spiritual condition of four churches:
- Ephesus: Faithful in deeds but forsaking their first love.
- Smyrna: Encouraged to remain steadfast in persecution.
- Pergamum: Rebuked for compromising with false teachings.
- Thyatira: Called out for tolerating false prophets and sin.
Each message serves as both a warning and a call to repentance. These letters remind us to evaluate our own faith journey: Have we grown complacent? Have we compromised truth? Or are we staying faithful despite adversity?
Word of the Day: Revelation
Definition: The divine or supernatural disclosure to humans of something relating to human existence or the world.
Revelation is more than a book; it’s a theme that applies to our lives today. God continually reveals Himself—through His Word, through creation, and through His Spirit at work in us.
What Has God Revealed to You?
As we reflect on the year, we must ask: What has God revealed to me?
- Has He shown you His sustaining grace in hardship?
- Has He revealed His compassion, His faithfulness, or His promises in new ways?
- Has His Word deepened your understanding of who He is?
Jude’s call to defend the faith and Revelation’s unveiling of Jesus point us to one truth: God is sovereign, faithful, and present. He reveals Himself to strengthen us, equip us, and draw us closer to Him.
Reflect and Respond
- Stand Firm in Truth: Like Jude’s audience, we must guard against false teachings and cling to the foundational truths of Scripture.
- Fix Your Eyes on Jesus: Let the vision of Christ’s majesty in Revelation remind you of His power and sovereignty over your life.
- Evaluate Your Heart: Are there areas where you need to repent, persevere, or return to your “first love”?
- Share What You’ve Learned: Reflect on what God has revealed to you this year and share it as a testimony of His faithfulness.
Closing Thought
As we end this year, let’s celebrate the God who reveals Himself to us. Let’s stand firm in our faith, behold the majesty of Jesus, and live with boldness, hope, and love.
“Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault” (Jude 1:24).
December 27
Revelation 3:1 – 6:17
Examining Our Faith in Light of God’s Holiness
Today, we step deeper into the breathtaking imagery of Revelation. In Revelation 3, Jesus challenges the remaining churches—Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea—to examine their spiritual condition. Then, in Revelation 4 and 5, we are transported into the heavenly throne room, where God’s majesty and Christ’s sovereignty are on full display.
But this is not just a heavenly vision to admire. These chapters compel us to examine our own faith, remove what does not belong, and rekindle a deeper reverence for our Savior.
Examine Your Faith: Warnings and Encouragement to the Churches
Sardis:
Jesus says, “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead” (Revelation 3:1).
What a sobering statement! Sardis appeared vibrant outwardly but was spiritually stagnant and lifeless. Jesus calls them to wake up and strengthen what remains.
Philadelphia: This faithful church is commended for their perseverance. Jesus promises them an open door that no one can shut:
“Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial” (Revelation 3:10).
Philadelphia shows us what vibrant, enduring faith looks like—steadfast and unwavering.
Laodicea: Perhaps the most famous warning of all, Jesus rebukes the Laodiceans for being lukewarm:
“Because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:16).
Lukewarm faith is complacent, indifferent, and unfruitful. Jesus urges them to repent and return to fervent love for Him.
These warnings remind us to examine the state of our faith. Are we alive and growing like the church in Philadelphia? Or have we settled into complacency, losing our passion for Christ?
Stand in Awe: The Throne Room of God
In Revelation 4, John is invited into heaven and given a vision of God’s throne room:
“At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it… The one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne” (Revelation 4:2-3).
Here we see God’s majesty, brilliance, and sovereignty on full display. Around the throne are living creatures and elders worshiping without ceasing:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come” (Revelation 4:8).
The vision of God’s throne invites us to stand in awe of Him. It reminds us of His authority over all things and His worthiness to receive our worship and devotion.
Worthy is the Lamb: Christ’s Sovereignty
Revelation 5 shifts the focus to a scroll that no one is worthy to open—until Jesus appears. John weeps bitterly at first, but then he hears this declaration:
“Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals” (Revelation 5:5).
But what John sees is not a lion, but a Lamb who was slain. The heavenly creatures cry out:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing” (Revelation 5:12).
This moment reminds us that Jesus, the Lamb of God, is the ultimate victor. He alone is worthy of our worship, trust, and allegiance.
Word of the Day: Examine
Definition: To scrutinize, inspect, or look closely at something.
As we reflect on today’s passages, we are invited to examine our faith:
- Examine Your Heart: Like the churches in Revelation 3, we must ask: Is my faith vibrant and alive, or have I grown lukewarm? Where do I need to repent and rekindle my love for Jesus?
- Examine God’s Majesty: Revelation 4 and 5 give us a glimpse of God’s holiness and Christ’s sovereignty. When was the last time you stood in awe of God and let that awe fuel your worship?
- Examine Your Purpose: Jesus is worthy to open the scroll because He has won the ultimate victory. Is He at the center of your life? Are you trusting Him with your struggles and joys?
A Call to Examine and Reflect
Examining our lives can feel like undergoing a medical examination—there may be things God reveals that need to be removed. Sin, distractions, complacency—these don’t belong in the life of a believer.
Here’s a challenge for today:
- Take time to examine your heart. Ask God to show you areas where repentance and renewal are needed.
- Reflect on God’s holiness and Christ’s worthiness. Stand in awe of the Lamb who was slain.
- Journal your reflections. What has God revealed to you this year? Where has He stretched your faith? Where have you seen His grace and love in new ways?
When we examine ourselves honestly before God, we make room for Him to transform us. Like the church in Philadelphia, let’s hold fast to the faith and persevere with passion and purpose.
Closing Thought
Revelation invites us to examine our faith and stand in awe of our holy and sovereign God. Let us not settle for lukewarm faith but pursue vibrant, wholehearted devotion to Jesus Christ—the Lamb who is worthy.
“Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever” (Revelation 5:13).
December 28
Revelation 7:1 – 10:11
Heeding God’s Warnings in Revelation
Today’s reading in Revelation 7–10 takes us deeper into the apocalyptic vision that John received. We encounter scenes of divine judgment, angelic proclamations, and sobering warnings that echo across time. But intertwined with these warnings is an incredible assurance: God is in control, and He protects those who are His.
The Seal of God: A Warning and a Promise
Revelation 7 opens with a pause before the seventh seal is broken. An angel commands that the earth and sea not be harmed until God’s servants are sealed. This sealing is significant—it marks God’s people as His own, protecting them amid the chaos to come.
“Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God” (Revelation 7:3).
Then John sees a great multitude from every nation, tribe, and language, worshiping before the throne and the Lamb. Their voices echo with praise:
“Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb” (Revelation 7:10).
Even amid judgment and warning, we are reminded of God’s ultimate promise: He will wipe away every tear, and His faithful ones will dwell in His presence forever (Revelation 7:17).
The Seven Trumpets: God’s Warnings in Judgment
Revelation 8 marks the opening of the seventh seal, which brings silence in heaven for about half an hour. This silence is the calm before the storm as the seven angels prepare to sound their trumpets.
The first four trumpets bring partial destruction:
- The earth is scorched.
- The sea turns to blood.
- Freshwater is poisoned.
- The heavens are darkened.
The judgments are severe but limited—they affect one-third of the earth, sea, and skies. These are warnings, merciful in their restraint, meant to lead people to repentance. “God spares more than He smites,” as one commentator says.
The Fifth and Sixth Trumpets: A Call to Repentance
Revelation 9 takes the judgments further with the fifth and sixth trumpets. Locust-like creatures are released to torment those who do not have God’s seal, and armies are unleashed, causing widespread destruction.
But despite these warnings, humanity does not repent:
“The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands” (Revelation 9:20).
What a sobering reminder of the hardness of the human heart. Even in the face of clear warnings, many still refuse to turn to God.
The Sweet and Sour Scroll: A Message to Proclaim
Revelation 10 brings a moment of pause as a mighty angel appears, holding a small scroll. John is instructed to take the scroll and eat it. It tastes sweet as honey in his mouth but turns sour in his stomach.
This symbolizes the bittersweet nature of God’s Word. His truth is sweet because it brings life and hope, yet it is also sobering when it reveals judgment and calls us to repentance.
“Then I was told, ‘You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings’” (Revelation 10:11).
Like John, we are called to proclaim God’s message, no matter how difficult it may be. Warnings are an act of God’s mercy, giving people the opportunity to repent and turn back to Him.
Word of the Day: Warnings
Definition: Cautionary advice to prevent harm.
Revelation 7–10 is filled with warnings—warnings of judgment, rebellion, and the consequences of rejecting God. Yet these warnings are not without hope.
- God’s Warnings are Merciful: The judgments are partial, giving humanity time to repent. God does not desire that anyone perish but that all come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
- God’s Warnings are Protective: Like a parent warning a child to look both ways before crossing the street, God warns us because He loves us.
- God’s Warnings are a Call to Action: We must examine our hearts, repent of sin, and share God’s truth with others.
Heeding the Warnings
It’s important to understand the entire Bible in order to grasp Revelation’s message. The Old Testament prophets repeatedly warned Israel to turn from their wicked ways and follow God wholeheartedly. Revelation gives a similar warning—but this time, it’s for all of humanity.
Here’s how we can apply this to our lives today:
- Examine Your Heart: Are there areas where you need to repent and realign with God’s will? Take time to pray and ask God to reveal anything that doesn’t belong in your life.
- Share God’s Truth: Warnings are not meant to scare people but to call them to salvation. How can you lovingly share the Gospel with someone who needs to hear it?
- Rest in God’s Protection: If you are sealed by God, you are His. No matter what happens in this world, you can trust in His promises and His care for you.
Revelation reminds us that God’s warnings are rooted in His love. He desires for us to turn to Him and find refuge in His grace.
Closing Thought
Revelation gives us a sobering picture of judgment but also a beautiful assurance of God’s love and protection for His people. Heed the warnings, share the truth, and rest in the hope of salvation.
“For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:17).
December 29
Revelation 11:1 – 14:20
Blessed in the Midst of Spiritual Battle
Today’s chapters, Revelation 11–14, remind us of the ongoing spiritual warfare between good and evil. While these visions are dramatic, they point to eternal truths—God is in control, His people are sealed and protected, and true blessing comes through steadfast faith.
Measuring, Witnesses, and the Seventh Trumpet
Revelation 11 opens with John being given a measuring stick to measure the temple of God and the altar. In the Old Testament, measuring often conveyed ownership, safety, and permanence. This act reminds us that God owns all things, knows all things, and protects His own.
Next, we meet the two witnesses—powerful messengers who prophesy for 1,260 days while clothed in sackcloth. These witnesses echo the prophecy of Zechariah 4, which speaks of two olive trees and a golden lampstand, representing God’s anointed ones.
The witnesses perform miracles, shutting the skies and striking the earth with plagues, yet they are killed by a beast that comes from the abyss. Their deaths are broadcast to all nations (a scene we can easily imagine with modern technology), and the world rejoices. But after three and a half days, God breathes life into them, and they are resurrected, striking fear into the hearts of onlookers.
The chapter concludes with the seventh trumpet sounding, declaring:
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15).
Even in a world filled with chaos, we see the promise of God’s eternal reign.
The Woman, the Dragon, and Spiritual Warfare
Revelation 12 paints a vivid, symbolic picture of spiritual warfare:
- The woman represents Israel and the church.
- The dragon is Satan, intent on destroying God’s people.
- The child refers to Jesus, the Messiah, who is taken up to God’s throne.
A war breaks out in heaven, and the archangel Michael leads God’s angels against the dragon. Satan is defeated and cast down to earth, where he continues to pursue God’s people.
Revelation 12:11 gives us a glimpse of victory:
“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”
This passage reminds us that spiritual warfare is real, but victory comes through Jesus’ sacrifice and our steadfast testimony.
The Beasts and the Mark
Revelation 13 introduces two beasts:
- The first beast rises from the sea and symbolizes the antichrist, a political and religious leader empowered by Satan. He wages war against the saints and demands worship.
- The second beast rises from the earth and deceives people with miraculous signs, leading them to worship the first beast.
The second beast introduces the “mark of the beast,” symbolizing allegiance to Satan’s kingdom. While many speculate about the mark, John emphasizes wisdom and discernment.
Revelation 13:18 says, “This calls for wisdom.”
Amid these warnings, we’re reminded that God’s people belong to Him. Revelation 14:1 reveals the Lamb standing on Mount Zion with 144,000, marked with His name and His Father’s name. This is a spiritual marking, symbolizing God’s ownership and protection of His people.
Blessed Are Those Who Die in the Lord
Revelation 14 brings messages of both warning and hope. Three angels proclaim:
- Worship God because judgment is coming.
- Babylon has fallen, representing the fall of corrupt world systems.
- Do not worship the beast, or you will face eternal punishment.
But in the midst of these messages, a beautiful promise is given:
“Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them’” (Revelation 14:13).
This reminds us that true blessing is not found in avoiding adversity but in remaining faithful to God. Even in death, God’s people are blessed, for they enter His eternal rest.
Word of the Day: Blessed
Definition: Made holy; consecrated.
It’s easy to think of “blessing” as comfort, ease, or worldly success. But in Revelation, “blessed” takes on a deeper meaning:
- Blessed are those who hear, read, and obey God’s Word (Revelation 1:3).
- Blessed are those who die in the Lord, for they will rest and receive their reward (Revelation 14:13).
- Blessed are those who remain faithful, for they will share in Christ’s victory.
Blessing is not the absence of struggle but the presence of God within it.
As Nancy Guthrie writes, “This blessing is not that their lives will be comfortable or easy in the here and now. This blessing is far greater than that and will last far longer than that.”
How Can We Apply This?
- Stay Steadfast in Faith: Like the two witnesses and the 144,000, remain faithful to God even when it’s hard. He sees you, and He will reward your faithfulness.
- Seek Spiritual Discernment: Be wise and vigilant. Test every teaching and influence against God’s Word.
- Rest in God’s Protection: God marks His own. Trust in His sovereignty and care, even in times of uncertainty.
- Live with an Eternal Perspective: Remember that true blessing comes through faithfulness to Christ. Live each day knowing that your good deeds follow you into eternity.
Closing Thought
Revelation 11–14 reveals the intense spiritual battle at play, but it also points us to hope. We are blessed when we remain faithful to the Lamb, no matter the cost.
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord… for they will rest from their labor, and their deeds will follow them” (Revelation 14:13).
What does it mean to live as one who is blessed? It means standing firm in faith, seeking God’s wisdom, and trusting in His promises—even in the midst of the battle.
