Revelations 22:12-21

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Read Revelations 22:12-21 Verses for meditation: Revelations 22:12-13, 16, 20-21 ESV: 12 "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Reflect How does it feel to be reading the very last few verses of the bible? What do the proclamations, the last few of them, say about Christ? Come, Lord Jesus! Does this really express our desire? How does the greatest book end, and on what note? But is this really the end? Relate With mixed feelings, I'm writing this last devotion based on the final ten verses of the greatest book, the bible. What a journe...
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Philippians 4:4-23 "Finding peace in a stressful world"

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Read: Philippians 4:4-23

Verses chosen for reflection: 

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.


Reflect

The church in Philippi were advised to rejoice in the Lord always for He is the Alpha and Omega of their lives. As they learned to rejoice in the Lord, their reasonableness (or gentleness) could be made known to everyone. This served to witness for the Gospel. 


As a believer, our day to day behaviour can be a strong witness of the Gospel. How we carry ourselves speaks of who God is in our lives and how we revere and obey His word. We can show the world that we need not be anxious even if a difficult or stressful situation arises. 


We need not be anxious because we know of God who can help us. We can always go to God in prayer and supplication (action of asking); believing that He always listens and answers according to His will and way. Through such an understanding, we can have the peace of Christ in us. The peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding because the world cannot understand as the world does not know God.


We should cherish the peace of Christ, because it can guard our hearts and minds from sinfulness or doing anything that might cause others to doubt the Gospel. It can also help us to stay calm and be aligned with God when we face with difficulties and stresses in our daily life.  In order to keep the peace of Christ in us, Paul advised that we should always think of and practice godliness; which refers to anything that is just, pure, lovely (passive sense of what is agreeable), commendable, excellent and worthy of praise.


Relate


In a world of increasing chaos and pressures, true peace is very precious. To be able to find peace is not just about having a "quiet" moment. Nor is it just about going on a vacation or long period of leave from work. It is about being able to be steadfast in our relationship with God and  responding to life situations in a way that honours God. It is about being centred on the will of God no matter what we are doing or facing in life, be it working, studying, resting or doing household chores.


Today's passage serves as a very good reminder to me. I am reminded to grow in my reflection and practice of the good things of God. This is so that I can continue to grow in my relationship with my Abba, Father. With the peace of Christ, I will be able to discern better with godly perspectives. This will enable me to make better decisions so as to glorify God's name; no matter at the workplace or home. This will also enable me to be aware of areas in my life that need change and how I can go about effecting those changes; knowing that God is always with me. 


Rest

Thank you God for your true peace that can only be found in Christ. Thank you for this privilege to be able to experience such divine peace in a dark and chaotic world. Give us Your peace and help us to be good instruments of Your peace to reach the world around us. This we pray in Jesus' Name. Amen. 


Jason 











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