Spoiler alert...

(Originally written November 10)

Today: Revelation 9-12

Have you ever REALLY wanted to watch something—a big sporting event, an episode of your favorite TV show or a movie—only to have someone else tell you the ending in advance? It’s usually not a good thing. But in the case of Revelation and information about the end of the world, I think it’s amazing. Here’s what it says:

The kingdom of the world
is now the kingdom of our God and his Messiah!
He will rule forever and ever!

Revelation discusses some things that sound…well, a bit scary. Some of it may be confusing, too. But the ending? Priceless.

Tomorrow: Revelation 13-16

Don't fear...he's got the keys

(Originally written November 8)

Today: Revelation 1-3

Have you ever locked your keys in a car?

It can be VERY frustrating! I remember one incident when my mom locked her keys inside the car while it was still running. Luckily, this particular event happened within a few blocks of the dealership where she purchased the car. A representative from the dealer ship came to the scene quickly—what a relief! We could pile in the car and head out to our next destination.
Did you know that God has a set of keys? Here’s what the Word said today:

Don’t fear:
I am First, I am Last, I am Alive.
I died, but I came to life,
and my life is now forever.
See these keys in my hand?
They open and lock Death’s doors,
they open and lock Hell’s gates.

Today we started reading the book of Revelation—probably one of the most-talked-about books of the Bible. For years, people have used Revelation to predict when the world will end and when Christ will return. There are countless books, movies, articles and different perspectives that sound very scary. But in this passage, Jesus told John not to fear—we should also follow His instructions. God’s been around since before time itself, He will be around forever, He’s alive today…and he’s got a serious key ring.

Tomorrow: Revelation 4-8

When it feels like the end of your world...

Today: Luke 21-22

Throughout time, hundreds of writers have written their theories about the end of the world. There's a famous book series called "Left Behind" (I haven't read it) and there have been countless movies like "Armageddon", too (I've definitely seen that one--Ben Affleck is in it!).

While Jesus was on the planet, people asked Him about the end of the world. While it's definitely interesting, as I read His words in this passage, I thought about how some of them apply in other situations. Because although the planet remains intact, sometimes I feel like it's the end of my world as I knew it (and I bet you probably do, too).

I don't know about you, but the past year has been a year of major ups and downs for me. I have faced things I never expected to face and now find myself in a place I never expected to be. I don't know yet if it's good or bad. I just know that it feels like my world has been turned in every direction possible.

I was talking to someone today about how life in your 20s is bizarre. On one hand, it feels like there's so much ahead of you--so many directions you can go and so many opportunities you can take. But on the flip side, it's daunting. Over the next five years or so, I'll probably make some of the biggest decisions of my entire life. Wow.

That said, as I read today's passage, Jesus' words definitely seemed fitting for situations when it feels like the end of my world. So take a look and see what you think:

...Every detail
of your body and soul—
even the hairs of your head!
—is in my care...

...Sky and earth will wear out;
my words won't wear out.

...Pray constantly

that you will have

the strength and wits

to make it through everything

that's coming and end up on your feet.

Tomorrow: Luke 23-24