Daily Walk Through the New Testament
March 30

CONGRATULATIONS!! You have read through the New Testament in these last 365 days. I trust that as you come to the close of this endeavor, you now have an even greater passion for God’s Word than ever before. Psalms 119, with its 176 verses, is the longest chapter in the Bible, and each section of those 176 verses are in 8-verse couplets magnifying God’s Word and the God of the Word. In Psalm 119:92, the Bible says that “unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction.” Only God knows the mornings I have gotten up with the feeling that if I did not hear a word from the Lord, I would not be able to make it through the day.
God’s Word has not only cleansed me, but has sustained me through the years. It has taught me in many ways: how I can be cleansed; how not to wander; and how to hide the Word in my heart that I might not sin. It has become my meditations, my contemplations, and my delight. God’s Word has also taught me to not forget God’s faithfulness, tender mercies, and goodness to me, and has reminded me that had it not been for my afflictions, I would have gone astray. I am overwhelmed when I consider the principles, as well as the promises; the rebukes as well as the encouragement; and the comfort as well as the confrontations that I find in God’s Word.
It is my prayer that as you go through this coming year, God’s Word will enrich your soul, and may you say along with the Psalmist in Psalms 119:103-104, “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.”
God bless you. Thank God for His Word!

Daily Walk Through the New Testament
March 29

Answer the following questions regarding your readings from this past week:

1.) How do this week’s discussions of what will happen in the future affect your life today? Are there things you need to do differently in light of what is coming?

2.) Take a few moments to set some specific goals for the next year, taking into account the readings from this week. Remember that the objective in Bible study is not simply to add to our intellectual understanding, but rather to give God room to alter the trajectory of our lives.

Daily Walk through the New Testament
March 28
Read Revelation 22:1-21

Many of us make it a practice to use the end of the year as a time to reflect on where we have been and what we have done. There is much good that comes from this practice, particularly if we give God permission to speak into the process. Reflection Andre-evaluation are such important pieces in making resolutions. They serve as catalysts for greater fruitfulness and more deliberate effectiveness.
However, it seems that it is also wise, especially in light of this passage, to keep things in perspective of the imminent coming of Christ. We can have plans for improvements and dream dreams about what we could do, but to put off the essential and prefer the temporal is foolish.
Perhaps that is why we are given such a vivid description of Christ’s return in Revelation 22. It grabs our attention and demands that we anticipate His Second Coming. Respond in obedience by praying, “O Lord, help me to remember! Protect me from vain planning that focuses too much on this life and leaves Your imminent return out of the picture. May all I do be done in the light of Your return. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!”

Daily Walk through the New Testament
March 27
Read Revelation 21:1-27

A brainstorming exercise that is meant to expand one’s thinking about what is possible asks the question, “If your money or capacity were limitless, what would you do with your life?” When our mental and physical restraints are set aside, we can dream up some dramatic and dynamic scenarios. However, nothing we can imagine can begin to compare to what God has in mind for those who trust in Him.
The picture of a new heaven and a new earth was not given simply to encourage John in the midst of his struggles many years ago. These words were preserved in sacred texts so we might persevere and hold out hope for that new and better day coming.
Give thanks to your Father that He will accomplish great things on the new and better day, and that you will take part in it as one of His own!

Daily Walk through the New Testament
March 26
Read Revelation 19:17-20:15

This world is not always a just place. We read stories of children starving; innocents are brutally raped. Evil perpetrators are set free. Cheaters prosper while the faithful are reviled and ridiculed. This doesn’t just happen “out there”; sometimes this is our story too. Sometimes we are the ones who are hurt and must deal with injustice. When we are the victims, it is no longer theoretical, and we can feel helpless and hopeless. We can even fall into despair and assume life will always be this way. But this passage reminds us of the truth: there is a day of justice coming! God will have the final say, and His administration is perfect and just!
Today, put your hope in the truth and in what God has said He will do. Praise God for His justice, and ask Him for strength and patience. Trust His goodness and rely on His power as you persevere.

Daily Walk through the New Testament
March 25
Read Revelation 19:1-16

This passage provides such a stark contrast with what we just read in the previous chapter. Revelation 18 was all about the destruction of Babylon, and Revelation 19 is all about the exaltation of the Lamb. The last chapter focused on the heartbreak associated with putting one’s hope in worldly wealth. This chapter focuses on the exhilaration associated with worshiping the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Have you ever noticed that Scripture does not simply decry the ways of evil? The Bible isn’t just a book that teaches us about things to avoid; there is always the positive replacement. There is the admonition to abstain from that which robs us of life and the invitation to embrace the one true God, who give us that which can only be described as abundant life. The abundant life He provides culminates in the hope that we have in and for heaven. Unfortunately, heaven is often something we talk about mainly at funerals. We also tend to use it as a response to situations that are hard to explain or justify. We are apt to say, “Heaven will make all things right,” simply because that allows us to sound spiritual without having to wrestle with the harder aspects of reality.
However, with that said, this vision the Lord entrusted to John is meant to provide a real and living hope for what is in store for those whose hope is in the Lord. There is a real victory awaiting us. This is not a fleeting, whimsical hope. Rather, the image of our Lord is of a mighty warrior restoring order and promising eternal life for those who will reign with Him.
Are you living with this victory in mind? How would you live differently if this real and living hope were stronger in you? Dwell on what Scripture teaches is in store for God’s people. Praise God for His victory and that heaven is in your future!

Daily Walk Through the New Testament
March 24
Read Revelation 18:11-24
At first glance, this passage seems like such a depressing passage to read. But there is an important message here for us. John was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write about the ultimate emptiness and shallowness of materialism. John went into considerable detail about the awe and beauty of Babylon and all that she created, and then it became clear it was ultimately all for nothing. It was burned up and lost in the end. There was no sustainable value in all her material prosperity.
Take a moment to think about the conversations that happen in our culture around Christmas. Think about the stories we hear about shoppers fighting over the most wanted toys and items on Black Friday. Even in Christian circles, we can give lip service to the idea that our celebration is about the birth of Christ, while in our heart of hearts, we give priority to the material possessions we will get or give at Christmas. Gift giving is not inherently evil. In fact, it can often be a great way to express love to those who are near and dear to us. But there is also an inherent risk with all things material. We can inadvertently treasure the gift over the Giver.
Perhaps this passage is meant to remind us that the material goods humanity generally treasures don’t hold eternal value. There is a day coming when it will all be tossed into the sea. We can be as those who weep at its passing, or we can take a more proactive approach and declare that our hope and treasures lie in the things we know and have in Christ.

Daily Walk Through the New Testament
March 23
Read Revelation 17:9-18:10
The symbolism of the Bible can be confusing. As a result, we can get distracted by what seems hard to understand. However, is it possible that by overthinking the passage, we miss the more basic message God may have for us today?
In Revelation 18, God called His own to flee the influence of Babylon. Babylon was full of wickedness and had a defiling effect on everything it touched. Yet in spite of this reality, there were those who gladly drank of her foolishness and relished in the debauchery she had to offer. The Lord, in His great mercy, offered a loving warning: “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues” (vs. 4).
The sad truth is that we can be like the people described in this text. We too, tend to enjoy our secret sins — even if it includes destructive consequences (much like the plagues). The culture in which we live invites us to ignore what we know is right and join in its sin. “Eat, drink, and be merry!” is the mentality. “No worries. It’s all good,” we hear. However, the culture lies to us and then mocks us when we fail. God, on the other hand, loves us enough to tell us the truth.
Is there something or someplace God is calling you “out of” today? Remember, it is because of His great love for you that He calls to you. He has something so much better to offer you. Heed His call!

Daily Walk through the New Testament
March 22

Answer the following questions regarding your readings from this past week:

1.) You have observed in Revelation the ultimate triumph of Christ over all evil. How are you growing in spiritual victory? How is sin & evil being defeated in you?

2.) In what way have you been persecuted for your faith? How did you respond?

Daily Walk Through the New Testament
March 21
Read Revelation 16:12-17:8

Believers should not be gullible. Satan is committed to the destruction of your life. Among the many lessons in Revelation, John clues us in on 2 of Satan’s methods for assaulting us. First, he tries to silence us through intimidation. The references to the great Beast may indicate that Satan & his minions will use their authority to leverage the government’s power against the church. It is sad but true, many Christians across the world are mistreated & abused because of their faith. Satan wants them silenced. In some cases, he is even using political regimes to do it; even here in our country.
Second, Satan tries to weaken us through seduction. This is a far different approach than persecution. Seduction occurs when we become distracted. Satan wants our attention on riches, popularity, or worldly models of success. He may even be pleased with “good things” in your life so long as God is not being glorified.
Ask God to give you a heart like His. Only God can bless you with the courage and wisdom you need to thrive for His glory.