September 16, 2012 (Ezekiel 40-41; Psalm 128; Revelation 21)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars-their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Revelation 21:7-8 NLT
Observation: The One sitting on the throne made it plain in these two verses of scripture who would enter into the new holy city of Jerusalem and who would inherit the blessings of God. He also made it plain who would not. Those that endure until the end and are victorious will receive the inheritance. But those that coward in their service will have no inheritance. Cowards are those that choose temporary safety over eternal security. The fear of persecution is greater than their fear of Almighty God. They value what the world thinks, more than what God’s word says. They bow to the pressure to conform, rather than stand and suffer willingly for Christ sake. The new holy city ofJerusalem will be the reward for those that are faithful until the end; a fiery lake of burning sulfur will be the fate of those that are not.
Application: These verses of scripture should make us all tremble and reflect at where we really presently stand. God is not going to accept a half-hearted commitment; He wants total and complete surrender to Him and His standards. He promises blessings and reward for those that are faithful and victorious, but He also warns of a horrible eternal fate for those that coward in their service, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshippers and all liars. Today, God has given us space to repent. He holds in His hands grace to cover all our sins, if we would only confess our sins, repent and turn from wickedness unto Him. His desire is to forgive us and make us new, but His offer of grace and the time He has allotted to receive it will one day come to an end. Don’t delay, repent and turn to Him today!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your wonderful mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day! Thank You for the opportunity to confess my sins, repent and turn to You daily. Thank You for the space You have given to all mankind. Your patience is amazing! Give me wisdom to know what’s right and the courage and strength to do what’s right at all times. Keep my eyes focused on You! Strengthen me to endure until the very end so that I may experience Your blessings and that new holy city of Jerusalem one fine day, in Jesus name, Amen!