and the angel said

"The angel said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true.  The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.  Behold, I am coming soon!  Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book." (Revelation 22:6-7)

These words are written specifically by John the revelator in the last Book of the Bible and are intended to verify the truth of that which has been told in the Revelation, but they could be said of all of the Bible.  Congratulations to each of you who have been steadfast in your reading in 2011 and have journeyed from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22.  You have done a mighty work.  If it was your first time through the scriptures, what did you learn?  If it was the 2nd, 3rd, 4th or more time through the Bible, what did you see that you hadn't seen before.  The promise of God is that his word is alive and now that you have welcomed it into your heart and mind, it will begin its work in you.  It is sharper than a 2 edged sword and if you let it have its way, you will be a new creation, born of spirit and destined for an even greater work than you could ever have imagined.
From the story of Creation and the fall of man, there was a promise of redemption that would appear in Christ Jesus.  That promise of a deliverer is spoken if of in the prophets and is revealed in the birth at Bethlehem.  Jesus speaks of his return to his prophets and the Epistles speak of it as well and now in the final chapters of God's Revelation we are reminded by Christ himself that he will return....soon!  What better thing can we do than to be found engaged in the glorious work of Christ when he returns to claim his creation the Church!

Thanks for reading with me this year and holding me accountable for my daily devotions.  You have been a great help to me.  What new thing shall we do for the glory of God in this new year.  God bless and keep you.  Remember, his word is trustworthy and true.  Amen