Tag: Tree of Life
Day 5–The Final Blessings
Scripture reading for June 26: Revelation 22:7 (Jesus) “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this Book.” vs 12-14 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing My recompense with Me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”
The final recorded blessing from our Lord given to John is given to those who will hear and heed the prophetic announcements and warnings he was told to record at the beginning of his book. (Revelation 1:3) We notice the repetition of the words, “I am coming soon” by Jesus Christ. This promise was to be held closely by each faith responder as they worked and waited for the promise to find final fulfilment. But God did not reveal the exact timing of these final events. If we knew when, then we would not need to live by faith. But because we live by faith, we actively seek to be clothed in Christ’s robes of righteousness through Spirit-filled living. We gather with God’s people to worship Him and study His Word to prepare our hearts to enter the Holy City and eat eternally from the Tree of Life. We daily seek to proclaim the Gospel to those in our world.
But there is a warning from God concerning those who are shut out of the Holy City. These are those who refused to repent of their wicked deeds but instead practiced rebellion. These sought sorcerers and used drugs and alcohol in their idolatry. They practiced all forms of sexual immorality and violence to murder or enslave others. They were liars and loved falsehood, thereby hating the Truth found in Jesus Christ. Their place will be in the lake of fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. (Revelation 20:10, 15)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Come! Your soon return is my hope and future desire. Lead me today by Your Holy Spirit to share this Good News of our eternal reward of a heavenly city and a Tree of Life! May all first responders become faith responders. Amen.
Everything made new!
Scripture reading for December 31st: Revelation 21-22
The end of the Bible tells of a new beginning! All who were faithful to Christ would live in a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells. All who enjoy this new beginning have been faithful and trusted Christ. He has faithfully done what He promised.
John saw a holy city, the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. This city was prepared like a bride for her husband. (Revelation 21:2) A voice from heaven announced that the dwelling place of God is now among men and He will live with them. He will comfort them and change the order of their existence. There will be no more tears, crying or pain. God would make everything new!
The New Jerusalem contains the most precious and beautiful treasures for the redeemed. There is the river of life that flows from the throne of God. It’s waters are crystal clear and flowing abundantly. The banks of the river are lined with the tree of life, bearing fruit each month of the year. It’s leaves bring healing to the nations. The best treasure of all is those who dwell in this city will have the Lamb dwelling in their midst and they will see His face! What blessed peace and joy will be ours when we see Him and behold Him in all His glory!
“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.” (Revelation 22:12-14)
Three times in this final chapter the Lord speaks of His soon return, and the final “blessed” concerns those who have their wedding clothes ready for His coming! The Spirit and Bride conclude with an invitation to all to come and join the Bridal party of those waiting for His return! May you be ready too!
As we come to the last day of this year, I am so blessed to have been able to write through the entire Bible. I know that I have experienced Jesus Christ in every book. I also know the Lord’s heart better and feel that I have grown spiritually in ways that I would not have without writing. Thank you for sharing this journey with me and please join me again next year! In His Love, Pastor John Morse
The King on His Holy Throne!
Scripture reading for December 29th: Revelation 22, Psalm 110, Ecclesiastes 12
Revelation 22: 1-4 “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His servants will worship Him. They will see His face, and His Name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.”
The end of the matter has been recorded by the King and sent to us through the apostle John from his visit to the throne room of heaven. The King reigns in Zion over all His enemies! We were all once His enemies, but have been made righteous by the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ, the King of Kings! His Name is on our foreheads! God provides for all the water of Life, flowing as love from His Son’s eternal throne. The nations are healed of their enmity through the Tree of Life and nothing accursed will ever be found again. The night is gone and the Lamb is our eternal Lamp! We have been given grace to be transformed from ‘enemies of God’ to ruling sons and daughters, reigning with Christ Jesus forever and ever! Amen!
Psalm 110:1-2 “The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool.” The Lord sends forth from Zion Your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of Your enemies!”
Prayer: Father God, I respond to this revelation of the end by holy reverence, awe, and worship! You have done it all! You have provided eternal life to me, an enemy, through grace! You have saved me from the judgment by paying for my sins through Jesus’ shed blood. You heal me and make me holy and give me a place in Your eternal family and holy city! You are my Light, my Life, and my Salvation forever and ever!
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or bad.”
Paul speaks boldly to authority!
Scripture reading for February 28th: Acts 26, Psalm 42, Proverbs 11
Acts 26: 24-29 “And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am–except for these chains.””
God gave Paul the opportunity, at King Agrippa’s request, to hear Paul’s defense. Paul spoke boldly to King Agrippa, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, he presented the Gospel message of his own testimony and Christ’s resurrection. He directly appealed to King Agrippa, and even to Festus, the governor, to become followers of Christ. There was resistance as Festus accused Paul of being mentally unstable, and King Agrippa and his wife felt pressure and resisted action of faith. But Paul boldly proclaimed the Gospel message to those God had set before him, a prisoner of Jesus Christ!
Psalm 42:1-2 “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirst for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your amazing care to place Your people where they may reach even those in authority with Good News. I ask for open doors today and each day to present my testimony of Your saving grace in my life and the forgiveness of sins through Your Son Jesus Christ. May my life bring glory to You and much fruit in souls partaking of Jesus Christ the Tree of Life Eternal!
Proverbs 11:30 “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.”
I am coming soon!
Scripture reading for December 31st: Revelation 22
Key Scriptures: Revelation 22:1-5 “Then the angel showed me the River of the water of Life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the Tree of Life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His servants will worship Him. They will see His face, and His Name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.”
John is finally allowed to see the River of Life and the Tree of Life on the main street of the New Jerusalem. He is assured that nothing accursed will be allowed in to entice those in the city to eat of anything else because the throne of God and Christ the Lamb are in the middle of this city. Their presence brings glorious light to everything and there can be no darkness or shadow of turning. The sun and stars will no longer shine because heaven and earth are now one and Christ’s glorious rulership will be forever and ever with His Father, God. This eternal blessedness is reserved for all who by faith received Jesus Christ as Lord and repented of their sins. Now is the time to act for Jesus is coming soon (suddenly)!
Revelation 22:6-7 “And He said to me, “These Words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent His angel to show His servants what must soon take place.” “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the Words of the prophecy of this book.””
Faith confession and prayer: Father God, I hear Your eternal Word and have read it myself and believe it to be true and clear. I look forward to seeing Your face and partaking of the Tree of Life and River of Life forever and ever in the light of Your amazing glory and grace. I ask for mercy towards my children and grandchildren and all friends and neighbors that they may share in this amazing prophecy of Jesus Christ, King of kings, and Lord of Lords!
Revelation 22:17, 20-21 “The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take of the Water of Life without price.” . . .”He Who testifies to these things says, “Surely, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”
“Night will be no more!”
Scripture reading for December 30th: Revelation 22, Psalm 147-48, Proverbs 13
Key Scriptures: Revelation 22:1-5 “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His servants will worship Him. They will see His face, and His Name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.”
John’s final vision of the Holy City was of the river flowing from the throne of God and the tree of life growing on either side. These trees produced twelve kinds of fruit and leaves brought healing to the nations. No more idols would be found inside the city or temple, for God’s throne and the Lamb would dwell in it. This would bring eternal light and no more darkness or the deeds of darkness. The Lamb and God Almighty would reign forever and ever in a glorious kingdom of light.
Faith Confession: It will be” joy unspeakable and full of glory” to behold the Lamb and see His glorious face and worship Him forever and ever! No more darkness! Eating of the Tree of Life!
Proverbs 13:12 “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.”
Receiving eternal life by faith!
Scripture reading for April 11th: John 5, Psalm 73, Proverbs 11
Key Scriptures: John 5:24-27 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the son also to have life in Himself. And He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.”
Jesus gave simple instructions to His disciples. If they would listen and hear His word, mixing it with a choice to believe and trust it, they would have eternal life. Jesus stated that the Father had life in Himself, He was the source of all life and the Father had given that life to His Son. The Son of Man also had the authority to execute judgment on those who refused to listen to Him or His Father.
Faith Confession: Lord Jesus, I recognize You and the Father as the source of life and righteousness and I believe and receive You and Your word. I look forward to hearing Your voice at the rapture or the resurrection of life!
Proverbs 11:30 “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.”
Taking up Christ’s Yoke
Scripture reading for January 15th: Matthew 11, Psalm 11, Prov. 11
Key Scriptures: Matthew 11:27-30 “All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him. Come to Me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”
Jesus revealed His great authority, given to Him by His Father. He had known the Father and the Father knew His Son. Jesus was able to reveal the Father to whoever He chose. He then called all mankind to come to Him to receive the revelation of the Father’s love and His great authority. All were invited to take the yoke of a disciple and learn from Jesus. His way was gentle and brought people to find rest from the loads of life. All anyone had to do was come to Jesus to learn His way.
Faith’s Confession: Jesus, I come to You humbly, to learn more of My Father. I find rest in Your yoke of discipleship and trust you for fruitfulness in winning souls.
Proverbs 11:30 “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.”
The River of Life!
Scripture reading for December 28th: Zechariah 11-14, Revelation 22
Key Scriptures: Revelation 22:1-4 “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it and His servants will worship Him. They will see His face and His Name will be on their foreheads.”
John’s concluding chapter begins with a vision of the river of the water of life. It flowed from the throne of God and the Lamb and the tree of life was growing on its banks. The fruit was new every month, twelve kinds! The leaves were for healing of the nations. The water was crystal clear and pure, a source of refreshing and eternal life!
Zechariah 14:8-9 “On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea. It shall continue in summer as in winter. And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be One and His Name One.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I long to see You face to face! Thank You for giving understanding to Your people through the prophesies of Scripture. We long to drink the living water and eat of the tree of life! Jesus, You are the source of eternal satisfaction! Amen.
Rejoicing in the River!
Scripture reading for September 18th: Ezekiel 43-47
Key scriptures: Ezekiel 47:1, 12 “The man brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar.” . . . . “Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”
Ezekiel saw a vision of water flowing from the temple of God in heaven. It flowed south of the altar and flowed deeper and deeper the farther it went. He saw that everywhere the “River” went, it brought life and fruitfulness–even to the Dead Sea! His attention was brought to fruit trees growing on the banks of this “River”. Their fruit came new each month and their leaves were for healing! John the Revelator saw this as well!
Rejoicing in the “River of Life”: “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of Life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of Life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:1-2)