After a restless night, I tried to make it up with some rest during the day. I did take advantage of some “cyber Monday” buys for Christmas cards. I also had a work out at the fitness center and made my final preparations for my teaching session with the men’s group at church tonight.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Blessed and holy are those who share in this first raising of the dead. The second death has no power over them. They will be priests for God and for Christ and will rule with him for a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6 NCV

Resurrection is at the heart of the gospel message. Resurrection speaks of a new life, a new beginning a fresh start. We read in Paul’s words,  “Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins…But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much….he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:1,3-6 NLT)

The good news of being in relationship with Christ is moving from darkness to light, from death to life. To the Colossians Paul writes, “…you were dead in your sins….God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV)

This resurrected life not only has a spiritual dimension but one that relates to our future and give us hope for eternal life in Christ. Paul wrote to the Corinthians and spoke of the importance of Christ’s resurrection for the forgiveness of our sin and for our own future resurrection from the dead. “So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-44 NIV)

Jesus Himself said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.” (John 5:24,25 NIV)

We see the end of Revelation reveals the fulfillment of the words of Jesus. Those who place their faith in Christ are raised to rule and reign with Christ. As Paul said, it will be a time of honor and glory for all those who place their faith in Christ.

But we see Jesus tells that all will be raised. “…for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.”  (John 5:28,29 NIV)

Revelation also, describes the resurrection of those who “rise to be condemned.” It is what is referred to as the “Great White Throne Judgment.” “I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. Then books were opened, and the book of life was opened. The dead were judged by what they had done, which was written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. Each person was judged by what he had done.”  (Revelation 20:12,13 NCV)

Those who accept Christ are raised to rule, those who reject Christ are raised to be judged. They will face the opportunity to “justify themselves” before the God of the Universe, and give an account of all their deeds, attitudes and actions.

All will be resurrected, but not all will be raised to rule. Your resurrection depends on your present faith in Christ. Understanding that you are dead (spiritually) while you are physically alive, will enable you to be alive, after you are physically dead.

Today has been a laid back type of day. I have enjoyed working on my lesson for our men’s group tomorrow night. I have also been given the opportunity to preview an upcoming e-book on the life and ministry of Missionary Ken Godbey. Debbie’s challenge was having her car battery die as she was out running errands. It took some time, but she was able to get it restarted and then we headed out to buy a new battery.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The second beast also forced all people, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to have a mark on their right hand or on their forehead.  No one could buy or sell without this mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name…Its number is 666.”  Revelation 13:16-18 NCV

One of the most well known events in  Revelation is the “Mark of the Beast.” It is one of the control measures that is taken by the Anti-Christ and the “false prophet.” These two are viewed in the image of two beast in Revelation 13. The mark is mentioned as being specifically identified with “the beast” and it is used to control who can transact commerce. It is a mark that is needed to “buy or to sell.” So it does not just have to do with buying, but the ability of people to conduct or own a business.

The power grab of the Anti-Christ is described in these words,  “It was given power to make war against God’s holy people and to defeat them. It was given power over every tribe, people, language, and nation.” (Revelation 13:7 NCV) We see that his power is universal and it is specifically set against God and those who follow Him.

We notice that people are “forced” to take the mark. This is not an act of volition but one of coercion and deception. We read very specifically that, “…The false prophet had used these miracles to trick those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped his idol.” (Revelation 19:20 NCV) Also, we read,  ^“And the second beast does great miracles so that it even makes fire come down from heaven to earth while people are watching. It fools those who live on earth by the miracles it has been given the power to do. It does these miracles to serve the first beast…” (Revelation 13:13,14 NCV)

The “mark of the beast” is a sign of allegiance and loyalty. The mark becomes an identification with the Anti-Christ and his system of government. We see the false prophet sets up an idol and forces people to worship the image.

As a result, the “mark of the beast” is not something that is taken by “accident” or being unaware of what is happening. The events of the world and the nature of the times, makes it very clear as to what is happening. This is designed to set those loyal the the Anti-Christ and those loyal to the true “Christ” against each other.

Just after these events, we read of a scene of the Lamb and the 144,000  “…With him were one hundred forty-four thousand people who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.“ (Revelation 14:1 NCV)  These are those from the twelves tribes of Israel. They are divinely selected and protected by God.

“Then I saw another angel coming up from the east who had the seal of the living God. And he called out in a loud voice to the four angels to whom God had given power to harm the earth and the sea. He said to them, “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we mark with a sign the foreheads of the people who serve our God.” (Revelation 7:2,3 NCV)

An important aspect of being a follower of Christ is understanding that our lives have been “set apart” to the Lord.  “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” (Eph 4:30)

Paul writes about the work of Christ and says,  “Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.”  (2 Cor 1:22) This is emphasized in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians,  “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise…”  (Eph 1:13)

A seal speaks of ownership and authority. We can be confident that when we “belong” to the Lord, He provides us the confidence in life to live with wisdom and victory as the events of life unfold. We don’t need to worry about being “marked” by the Anti-Christ, if we are “sealed” by the Holy Spirit.

Today was another cold and snowy day. It is also Debbie’s birthday! She made it through another year of life and another year of encouraging and helping me in my recovery. We eat the same diet, so I’m not sure how she stays in such good shape and my shape is….more challenging.

 BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “If you are to be a prisoner, then you will be a prisoner. If you are to be killed with the sword, then you will be killed with the sword. This means that God’s holy people must have patience and faith.” Revelation 3:10 NCV

The events of Revelation bring tribulation for the unjust and trying times for those who reject the worship of the Anti-Christ and remain faithful to the Lord. The details of all that takes place is not recorded in scripture, I am confident that in these days there will be times of divine intervention and protection. We see the Lord’s message through the words and miracles of the two witnesses. As a result, there becomes an awareness of the divine connection to many of the events that are taking place.

What we do know is that those who are faithful and loyal to Christ will be persecuted, placed in prison and killed. In the face of all these events it calls for unprecedented “patience and faith.”

Patience is required knowing that what is taking place will be short lived in comparison to the scope of time and events that take place. Faith is required because there will be consistent pressure to deny Christ and to pledge loyalty and worship to the Anti-Christ and his system of government.

This theme of patience is seen in other scriptures,

“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.” (James 5:7 NCV)

“He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.” (Romans 2:6-8 ESV)

In Revelation after the third angel sounds his trumpet we read, “…There will be no rest, day or night, for those who worship the beast and his idol or who get the mark of his name.” This means God’s holy people must be patient. They must obey God’s commands and keep their faith in Jesus.” (Revelation 14:11,12 NCV)

Patience, faith and obedience are once again called for on behalf of God’s people. These are consistent themes that we see throughout scripture and they are intensified in the last days.

Patience is important because when we become impatient two things happen. First we lose our focus. Doubts began to arise and compromise can set in. That is why “faith” and patience go hand in hand. The second thing that happens when we lose patience is we take matters into our hands. Have you ever become tired of “waiting for someone else” to act? When you do, you decide to “take care of it yourself.” That can be a response to how they respond as much as when. We can do the same thing if we are not careful with the Lord.

King Saul became impatient, and it lead to his sin of offering sacrifices that were the responsibility of the priests. In scripture we are consistently call to “wait with patience.”

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.“ (Psalm 27:14 NIV) “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.“ (Psalm 40:1 NIV) “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!” (Psalm 37:7 ESV)

Waiting patiently, reminds us that we are not in control. We find ourselves in a place of submission to some one else. We need to have confidence that there is not better place to be, than in submission to the Lord who cares for us and is working on our behalf. We see during the “bowl” judgments the Lord arises to defend His people whose suffered and lost their lives for being faithful to Him.

“The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. Then I heard the angel of the waters saying: “Holy One, you are the One who is and who was. You are right to decide to punish these evil people. They have poured out the blood of your holy people and your prophets. So now you have given them blood to drink as they deserve.” (Revelation 16:4-6 NCV)

Patience and faith. These two aspects of our life as Christ followers are part of our daily walk of obedience. When we find ourselves faithful in the “little” testings of life, we can be confident that we will be ready for whatever the Lord allows to come our way.

With cold and snow the family stayed an extra night and returned to Denver at midday. It was good to have them hear and to enjoy our time together. Bridget brought a puzzle and did the work by herself. I wasn’t as much help as two years ago after I got out of the hospital. It is a nice “family” project during the holidays. Next time we will give more assistance.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “These are the people who have come out of the great distress. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Because of this, they are before the throne of God. They worship him day and night in his temple.” Revelation 7:14,15 NCV

As we see the Book of Revelation unfold it reveals not just the judgments on the ungodly, but the suffering of the righteous. As the fifth seal is broken we read, “…I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been killed because they were faithful to the word of God and to the message they had received. These souls shouted in a loud voice, “Holy and true Lord, how long until you judge the people of the earth and punish them for killing us?” (Rev. 6:9,10 NCV)

We then see a John has another vision of the throne of heaven. In this one it is not just the angelic hosts and the twenty-four elders before the throne. Now he sees a multitude dressed in white from every nation. They worship the Lord with the words, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (Rev. 7:11 NCV) It is to these worshiping around the throne the living creatures join in saying, “Amen…”

Who are these in this position of privilege? John is told, “These are the people who have come out of the great distress.” (Rev. 7:14 NCV) Later in Revelation we read of those who are faithful to the Lord, “…our brothers and sisters defeated him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb’s death and by the message they preached. They did not love their lives so much that they were afraid of death.” (Rev. 12:11:NCV)

What we see is that these who “overcome” have their eyes and focus on the eternal. Paul in the midst of his sufferings said, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV)

As John sees heaven opened he is able to record the “unseen” that is the reward of those who are faithful to Christ even to death. Those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, not only inherit the Kingdom of God, but they are in a position of leading in worship around the throne. Their suffering is not an insignificant matter in God’s eyes. Just as the table of a King in the Old Testament was a position of privilege, so we see these who are around God’s throne, in a position closest to Him sharing in the privilege won by their faithfulness.

We also take note that this group represents a “great multitude.” We would like to think that suffering for the cause of Christ will be limited in scope of number and geography, but we see this description is contrary to that idea.

Paul shares some challenging words to believers, “For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.” (Philippians 1:29 NLT)

We see this  attitude of “privilege” to suffer for Christ in the apostles. In the early chapters of Acts when the Sanhedrin tried to stop the preaching of the apostles and punished them their response was this, “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” (Acts 5:21 NIV)

The writer of Hebrews talks of those who were people of faith but suffered greatly. “Some were laughed at and beaten. Others were put in chains and thrown into prison. They were stoned to death, they were cut in half, and they were killed with swords. Some wore the skins of sheep and goats. They were poor, abused, and treated badly. The world was not good enough for them!“  (Hebrews 11:36-38 NCV)

Suffering for the cause of Christ is not only a reality, but it is to be viewed as a privilege. We can be confident that the Lord is aware of those who suffer and grants them a special place around His throne in Heaven. Just as we honor the military personnel who sacrifice their lives for our political freedom, those who suffer and are persecuted for the cause of Christ are those deserving of honor in this life and in the the life to come.

Our house was buzzing this morning with the activity of grand kids and the preparations for our Thanksgiving meal. It was good to have Christian and Bridget, Riley, Caedmon and Eliana join us last night. My mom has been with us the last few days and Debbie’s sister and her husband, Sue and Sam Schmidt joined us for our meal.

With Debbie’s past work schedule’s and my illness, this was the first family Thanksgiving meal for us to host in our home in a number of years. It was good to be back together with the “Thanksgiving Day Parade” from New York on the TV.

So, we enjoyed a good day together, thankful for the Lord’s presence and provision for all that we have in Him and through Him.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

Thanksgiving is like a fall Sabbath or New Year’s Day. It is a time to stop, reflect and evaluate. These “built in” pauses in our year do serve an importance purpose if we take advantage of them. Thanksgiving has traditionally taken place after the conclusion of the fall harvest. It is a time after gathering to pause, to enjoy the rewards of our labor, to recognize the value of our work and to gain a fresh perspective on the priorities of life.

Since we are far removed from the agriculture lifestyle, the significance of the ingathering normally related to the harvest is lost in modern day celebrations. The security of our lives is not impacted as much as it was on the success of the crops. However, the opportunity to reflect on what we have, who we have in our life and understand the source of our security has not changed.

When Paul tells the Thessalonians to “give thanks in all circumstances” – the can present a challenge. It is is easy to be grateful, celebratory and confident of the future when all is well and we feel in control or what we have and where we are going.

However, when the “harvest” is slim or health is challenged or the future appears dim, it is difficult to give thanks and to be thankful. It is in these times that we need to focus on the source of our security.

We can only give thanks in all circumstances when we realize that it is not only “God’s will” but it is through our faith in God that we can have the confidence we need as we face an uncertain future.

So, during this Thanksgiving season, let’s not just reflect on what we “have” but “who” is the source of all that we have and the One who secures our future. When we give “thanks to God” we recognize Him as our source, our provider and the One who is with us in all circumstances.

This morning I had a meeting with some directors of residential assisted living centers. It was interesting to discover how many there are in our area and the important role they fill in the care of seniors. I hope to be able to assist them with some of their legislative priorities this next session.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like flames of fire.  His feet were like bronze that glows hot in a furnace, and his voice was like the noise of flooding water. He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp double-edged sword came out of his mouth. He looked like the sun shining at its brightest time.” Revelation 1:14-16 NCV

The Book of Revelation pulls back the curtain of heaven. We see descriptive words of the glory of the Son and of the throne of God. Revelation is a “prison” letter. Just as Paul wrote to churches from a prison in Rome, John writes to the seven churches of Asia Minor from the prison island of Patmos.

As the vision begins, John sees the glory of the resurrected Christ. It is important to note that He appears “among” the seven candlesticks, which represent the seven churches. Regardless of its condition, deeds that are notable and that which needs to be corrected, Christ is among His church. He has not abandoned His church, He is working through hearts and lives who, have “ears to hear what the spirit has to say.”

As the resurrected Christ appears before John, He appears in glory from head to toe. We see in the image of the white hair, the wisdom of the Lord. We see the “eyes” of fire that search the heart and soul. We see glowing feet of bronze that blaze that form a path of righteousness where ever He goes. The sword of truth comes from His mouth to speak to the heart of every issue. Just as God is light, we see that the Son is clothed in brilliance like the sun.

Jesus as the Son of Man reflected the character and ways of the Father while on the earth, but now we see the Son of God reflect the brilliance of the essence of God in His power and glory.

After John receives the messages to deliver to the seven churches, he then sees the throne room of God Himself, “The One who sat on the throne looked like precious stones, like jasper and carnelian. All around the throne was a rainbow the color of an emerald…Lightning flashes and noises and thunder came from the throne. Before the throne seven lamps were burning, which are the seven spirits of God. Also before the throne there was something that looked like a sea of glass, clear like crystal.”  (Revelation 4:3,5-6 NCV)

During the reign of Solomon, he attempted to build a throne that was awe inspiring and set him apart from the people. There may be glorious thrones on earth, but none that compare to the throne of God. What we see is that God reigns in power, majesty, glory and brilliance.

Another important aspect of heaven is that God is not alone. Heaven is filled with angels around the throne, the seven spirits of God that go throughout the earth, the four “living creatures” and we see the twenty-four elders.

The four living creatures call out in worship before the throne, “Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty. He was, he is, and he is coming.” (Rev. 4:8 NCV)

The twenty-four elders lay down their crowns and they cry out, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, because you made all things. Everything existed and was made, because you wanted it.” (Rev. 4:11 NCV)

It is interesting that the first book of the Bible and the last book of the Bible, affirm God as creator and sustainer of all things. God is a God of plan, purpose and destiny. We see that for the world and we can understand that for every individual.

As you review these descriptions of the glory of the risen Christ and God the Father, allow your heart and mind to be lifted in praise and to picture yourself in the awesome presence of our glorious Lord.

This morning I enjoyed another meeting with a Long Term Care Hospital executive. It is always interesting to learn more about the inside processes and challenges in heath care at all levels.

After lunch with my mom, I had an afternoon massage. That was welcome after my workout yesterday. By the time I returned home, I was ready for a nap, before working on some other projects.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… You ask, “How have we tired him?” You did it by saying, “The Lord thinks anyone who does evil is good, and he is pleased with them.” Or you asked, “Where is the God who is fair?” Malachi 2:17 NCV

Malachi is one of the more interesting prophetic books. It is a question and answer discourse. It is like an interrogation or accounting of word and actions. What we see is in the attitudes and questions of the people they were “putting God on trial.” Their questions revealed a doubt about God’s love and questioning of God’s ways. But in the process the questions that revealed doubt and were used to excuse sinful behavior became “tiring” to God

The Lord was “getting weary” of their rebellion and the attitudes of His people. But in the words of those from thousands of years ago we see a reflection of the attitudes of many today.

The first one is expressed in believing that God is unfair, primarily because of the presence and seemingly toleration of evil. They had the attitude that, “God thinks anyone who does evil is good…” How often we see many who become resentful toward God because they can’t reconcile the “presence of evil with a God of love.” The irony is that they want God to judge to evil in the most wicked individuals, but not judge the wickedness in their own life.

We see that throughout time the Lord in His mercy and everlasting love has provided an opportunity for people to change their lives, confess and repent of their wickedness. But we do see God’s judgment does come on individuals, groups and nations.

We can be thankful for the Lord’s compassion that doesn’t wipe us all from the face of the earth. Jeremiah declared, “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed…” (Lamentations 3:22 NIV) The psalmist asked the question, “LORD, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive?” (Psa. 103:3 NLT)

We see another expression of “terrible things” the people said about God that echo to our present day.  “You have said, ‘It is useless to serve God. It did no good to obey his laws and to show the Lord All-Powerful that we were sorry for what we did.” (Malachi 3:14 NCV)

What happens when what God does and allows doesn’t meet with our expectations When we have more trouble and hardships than are “fair”? What do we do when we see evil triumph over good and when we see the innocent suffer for the guilty? For many they conclude that it is “useless to serve the Lord.” Like the Children of Israel in the wilderness that grew tired of the provision of manna, they grow tired to the Lord’s mercy and patience.

In doing so, we see an attitude of expectation of God serving people, instead of people committed to serving the Lord. This was especially interesting for those original recipients of Malaci’s words. They lived in a day when Kings ruled in the land and people were expected to be loyal regardless of the decisions and conduct of the King. But the honor the people gave to human leaders they did not give to  God.

We see this reflected in the Lord’s interrogation of the people, The Lord All-Powerful says, “A son honors his father, and a servant honors his master.” I am a father, so why don’t you honor me? I am a master, so why don’t you respect me? (Malachi 1:6 NCV)

Our call is to trust God, not try God. We are called to submit to God and not expect Him to accommodate His plan and character to our limited understanding. The Bible says, “…how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!“ (Romans 11:33 NLT) If God’s ways are impossible to understand we need to accept that. We rest in His love, mercy and justice. His promise through Malachi to the people was this,

“…The names of those who honored the Lord and respected him were written in his presence in a book to be remembered. The Lord All-Powerful says, “They belong to me; on that day they will be my very own. As a parent shows mercy to his child who serves him, I will show mercy to my people. You will again see the difference between good and evil people, between those who serve God and those who don’t.”  (Malachi 3:16-18 NCV)

We should all be seek to be those who are among those who are known to honor and respect the Lord, to be those who will be found faithful in the day the Lord returns and makes a clear distinction between those who belong to Him and serve Him and those who don’t.

I attended the Larimer County Republican breakfast this morning and was surprised to see my friend Ryan Frazier. He was equally surprised to see me outside of Jefferson County. Ryan has recently announced his candidacy for U.S. Senate and will be an excellent candidate.

This afternoon, I had a good workout at the fitness center. It was intense but hopefully beneficial. This evening I begin to teach a four week series at our Monday night men’s meeting at Timberline Church.

The “Respite Ball” Debbie and I attended on Saturday evening was a successful event. I have been to a lot of fundraising banquets, but I never have been to one where over $300,000 in donations was raised in one night. Debbie and I enjoyed meeting some people at our table from our neighborhood and visiting with State Representative Jenny Arndt from Fort Collins.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then the Lord will be king over the whole world. At that time there will be only one Lord, and his name will be the only name.”  Zechariah 14:9 NCV

It is an advantage having the “Books” of the Bible as we do today. We are able to see the span of time covered in the revelation of God’s redemptive plan and “connect the dots.” As the Old Testament prophet Zechariah spoke God’s message about the Lord restoring His people to the Holy City and the land of Israel, it would have appeared that all those events would happen in the same context of time.

But as we see the events that have taken place and those that have not, we realize that Zechariah was “seeing” events that are still to take place as the Lord brings total and complete restoration of His plan and purpose for His people of all nations, for all time.

In the final chapters of Zechariah we see the future day of the Lord indicated with the words, “at that time.” Here are some observations.

The promise of divine protection. “At that time the Lord will protect the people in Jerusalem…. At that time I will go to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem.” (Zechariah 12:8,9 NCV) We see in Revelation that description of a final assault on God’s people, “Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.” (Revelation 16:16 NIV)

The promise of salvation. “At that time a fountain will be open for David’s descendants and for the people of Jerusalem to cleanse them of their sin and uncleanness.” (Zech 13:1 NCV)

The removal of false and misleading prophets. “At that time the prophets will be ashamed of their visions and prophecies.” (Zech. 13:4 NCV)

The Lord’s sovereignty over time and earth. “On that day there will be no light, cold, or frost. There will be no other day like it, and the Lord knows when it will come. There will be no day or night; even at evening it will still be light.” (Zech. 14:6,7 NCV)

We see when Jesus’ disciples ask him about when certain events would take place He responded, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.“ (Acts 1:7 NIV) We also see in Revelation the description of God’s eternal home. “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light…” (Revelation 22:5 NIV)

The promise of life giving water. “At that time fresh water will flow from Jerusalem. Half of it will flow east to the Dead Sea, and half will flow west to the Mediterranean Sea. It will flow summer and winter.“ (Zech. 14:8 NCV) We see a similar description from the prophet Ezekiel and in Revelation, “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.” (Rev. 22:1 NIV)

The Lord will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. “…At that time there will be only one Lord, and his name will be the only name.” (Zech. 14:9 NCV) We see the description of the coming King in Revelation, “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords.” (Rev. 19:16 NCV)

The proclamation of praise at everywhere.  “At that time the horses’ bells will have written on them: holy to the lord.”  (Zech. 14:20 NCV) The one dominate theme of God’s presence is continual worship and recognition of the holiness of the Lord. We see in Revelation the cries from the God’s throne of Holy, Holy, Holy. We see the verses that describe the culmination of the reign of the Lord in the anthem of praise in Revelation that declares, “…and there were loud voices shouting in heaven: “The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.” (Rev. 11:15 NLT)

With these and other declarations in the Old Testament, we see the God’s “time” has not experienced ultimate fulfillment. We see the parallel in the words of Jesus, the apostles and Revelation about the ultimate plan of God that will take place in His time and through His divine power.

That calls us to serve Him with full commitment, patience and devotion understanding “that time” maybe in “our time.”