Yvonne H.’s Journal

This verse, actually this chapter, lets us know that God works in mysterious ways. we really cannot always understand the why and the how of what He is doing, but although we may not understand, we must still trust Him and believe that He is always working things together for our good.

Read, study, meditate, hear, listen, and take heed to the Words of our Lord. There is still time to "Come." The invitation is still being extended. It is His will that none should perish but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9b paraphrased)

I think this is a favorite verse for all believers. When we look back and reflect on all we've been through here on earth--the trials, the problems, the sickness, the sadness, to have the hope, and not just the hope, but the promise of a time where there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain--this is something to look forward to. Oh the joy that awaits us if we have been faithful to Him who has been faithful to us.

I am reminded of a song my grandmother used to sing many years ago: "Lord I care not for riches, neither silver nor gold; I would make sure of heaven, I would enter the fold. In the book of Thy kingdom with its pages so fair, tell me, Jesus, my Savior, is my name written there? Is my name written there on the page white and fair? In the book of Thy Kingdom, is my name written there?" (Mary A. Kidder/Frank M. Davis).

No one, not even the angels, is to usurp the worship that belongs to our God. He is the only one worthy of all our glory, honor, and praise. We must remember this even today. We can and do respect our leaders in their particular areas of leadership, but we are not to bow down and worship them. As the angel told John, "they are only fellow servants with us who hold to the testimomy of Jesus."

Hollywood and Las Vegas come to mind right now. All of the glamour, glitz, and glitter with which so many people are enthralled have no real meaning and will not last forever. How can the message be made any clearer before it is everlasting too late that "only what we do for Christ will last?"

Regardless of whatever happens, whatever all of this symbolism means, whatever will transpire in this those last days, I believe that God's Will will still be fulfilled.

Jesus says He's coming like a thief. In other words, although we know that He is coming, we will not know exactly when He's coming. As it was in the parable of the virgins, we would do well to be prepared (having our lamps full of oil) and ready for His return whenever it may be. It's my understanding that these bowl judgments will be different from the trumpet judgments in that there will be no final opportunity for repentance. Father, help me to remain in a spirit of readiness for your return--obedient, faithful, watching and praying.

In this verse, I am reminded that "...at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:10, 11). In light of what is and what is to come, I say To God be all the glory, the honor and the praise.

There is a saying: "When the going gets tough, the tough get going," meaning that the "alleged tough" get going away from the "toughness." I pray for the patience to continue to endure/remain in the Christian faith in spite of trials, tribulation and possibly persecution. I am a senior saint and I don't want my past diligent faithfulness to be negated by a weakening of my faith at the 11th hour. I love the Lord and I look forward to spending eternity with Him. Jesus said that "in this world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33). Because He has overcome the world, I, too, can overcome. "I am more than a conqueror through Him who loved me." (Romans 8:37).