I testify to everyone who hears the prophetic words of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book. And if anyone takes away from the words of this prophetic book, God will take away his share of the tree of life, and the holy city written in this book.
He who testifies about these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.”
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.  Revelation 22:18-21 HCSB

Our scripture passage today comes from the last three verses of the Bible. I strongly encourage you to read all of Revelation, but especially the last chapter. Chapter 22 tells us about the river of living water. It is described in verse 1 as sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the broad street of the city. Verse three talks about the tree of life on both sides of the river. We are told in verse 5 that night will no longer exist and we will not need lamps or sunlight because the Lord God will give us light. In verse 7 we are told that everyone who keeps the prophetic words of this book will be blessed. Then in verse 14 God tells us that those who have had their robes washed will be blessed. Remember that the blood of Jesus Christ washes us white as snow. We must accept Christ as our Savior. These will be able to enter the city gates. However, the dogs, sorcerers, sexually immoral, murderers, idolaters and everyone who loves and practices lying will be left outside.

Do you have to have the final word in an argument? Can you not let it go until you have had the final say? I know I have been that way most of my life. But I have learned one really important thing. In any argument it is best to let God have the final say. If you are going to say anything be sure that it will help and not hurt the person with whom you are arguing (Colossians 4:6). Pray before you speak and ask God to give you the words to say.

When you are facing a situation that appears to be bleak, know that God has the final say. Romans 8:28 tells us that God works all things for the good of those that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. So if you are facing hard times you might want to do a self check. Do you love the Lord? I mean really love Him with all your heart and soul. Are you doing what He has called you to do? Are you using the God-given talents that He has provided for you? Are you serving others? Are you doing what it is that He has put you here on this planet to do? God does not make any of us to decorate churches with our presence or warm the pews. He puts us here to do a job or many jobs. So, are you doing what God has called you to do?

If you love the Lord and you are doing what God has called you to do, then you need not worry when you are going through hard times. As a matter of fact we are told in James 1:2 that we should consider it a great joy when we go through trials. Why, you might ask. Because this is how God grows mature Christians. Testing our faith produces endurance and endurance makes us mature.

David wrote in Psalm 37:1-2 Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like grass, and wither as the green herb. All around us we see evil. It is so easy to become distracted by it. This is exactly what the devil intends for it to do, distract us. But we must stay focused on God. He’s got this. Don’t be discouraged when you hear bad news, pray. Give it all over to God and trust in Him.

We may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future. We are commanded to love the Lord with all our hearts, all our minds, and all our soul (Matthew 22:37). When we do this and focus on Him, He will take care of the rest (Matthew 6:33). So, I beg of you please don’t spend your day worrying about what evil people are doing. Spend your days focusing on God and all the goodness that is within Him. When you do this, you naturally want to do the work that He calls you to do. Then you know that whatever is happening, be it good or bad, God is working it all out for your good.

God gives us a choice. We can choose to love Him wholeheartedly or we can choose not to. Revelation, chapter 22, tells us that for those of us that choose to love Him and keep His commands, we will be allowed into the holy city to live with Him forever. God said it and that’s it. We win!

Have a great weekend!