I remember back in 2005 when my year started off in the book of Revelation and how it revealed God’s victory. It triggered the naming of my daily devotional time blog and keeps me going even today (From 2005 to Eternity). When you read it, you realize the victory has already been won thanks to Jesus. We get to choose which side we want to be on and get to be one because of freewill and yet many are yet to choose. It even speaks to another book I helped write with a group of guys from church called More Than because through Jesus we are more than conquerors. So, are you ready to live today knowing that the battles already been won?
The Certainty of Victory in Christ
Revelation 21:6-7 (NIV) - "He said to me: 'It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.'"
The book of Revelation provides a glimpse into the ultimate victory that belongs to God and His people through Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the certainty of God’s triumph over evil and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This victory is not merely a future hope but a present reality for believers. By acknowledging Jesus as the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, we recognize that He holds ultimate authority over all things, including the outcome of every battle we face.
Key Takeaways:
As believers, we can find assurance and confidence in knowing that the ultimate victory has already been secured through Jesus Christ. This truth should inspire us to live each day with faith and courage, knowing that we are on the winning side. It reminds us that our present struggles are temporary and that we are destined for an eternity of joy and glory with God. Our identity as victorious children of God empowers us to overcome challenges and persevere in our journey of faith.
Living in Light of Victory
To live in light of the victory revealed in Revelation means embracing a mindset of faith and hope. It involves daily surrendering our fears, worries, and doubts to God, trusting in His sovereignty and goodness. We can draw strength from knowing that our battles are not ours alone but that God fights on our behalf. This realization should motivate us to share the message of hope and salvation with others, inviting them to join in the victory found in Jesus Christ. Let us live each day with confidence and purpose, knowing that the end of the book has already been written, and we are assured of victory through Christ.
Victory: Embracing the Conqueror’s Identity
The certainty of victory in Christ is not just a theological concept but a lived reality for every believer. As we navigate the challenges of life, let us anchor our hope in the finished work of Jesus Christ and the promise of His ultimate triumph. By embracing our identity as conquerors through Him, we can face each day with boldness and assurance, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Let us, therefore, read the end of the book with confidence, knowing that we belong to the victorious side and that our eternal destiny is secure in Christ.
Today’s Devotional:
This year, I am utilizing the 365 Daily Devotions book I received for Christmas, applying its teachings specifically in the context of fatherhood. It’s called WALKING WITH GOD by DAVID JEREMIAH. It’s exciting to get to learn from a new resource this year as we have tried different options the past two years and will keep working through this one for 2024. For more information about the author and his ministry, visit: DavidJeremiah.org.
NEVER DEFEATED
Verse: 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (NLT)
As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.
Let’s be the dads who embody the spirit of perseverance and steadfastness in doing good, inspired by the exhortation in 2 Thessalonians 3:13. In a world where fatherhood is often challenged by numerous responsibilities and distractions, let us remain unwavering in our commitment to modeling integrity, love, and service to our families and communities. Despite the inevitable challenges and setbacks we may encounter, let’s be the dads who never grow weary of investing in the well-being and growth of our children, nurturing them with patience, wisdom, and encouragement. May our actions reflect the enduring love of our Heavenly Father, who never tires of extending His grace and mercy towards us. Let us persevere in doing good, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain, and our influence as fathers can leave a lasting legacy of faith and righteousness for generations to come.
Victory over discouragement
Today’s Devotional, kicks off pointing to the reality of how discouragement often masquerades as something else and makes it hard for us to identify it or realize it is taking place. It gives us examples of how it masquerades as “frustration, leading us to believe that our best efforts will never result in anything useful.” It continues with another example of how it “cloaks itself in fear of failure, making us think that we might try but won’t ever accomplish the things we dream of.” Have you ever seen it dress up like “self-pity, causing you to think that no one has it as tough as you do?”
Victory by Focusing on the Big Picture:
Nehemiah’s story offers valuable lessons for dads facing discouragement, providing a blueprint for overcoming obstacles and staying focused on the big picture in our roles as fathers.
Like Nehemiah, dads may encounter challenges and setbacks in their journey of parenting. Whether it’s struggles with work-life balance, conflicts within the family, or doubts about their ability to lead effectively, it’s easy to feel discouraged. However, just as Nehemiah turned to God in prayer for strength and guidance, dads can find encouragement and renewed purpose by seeking God’s wisdom and provision in their parenting journey. Through prayer and reliance on God, dads can gain clarity on their roles and responsibilities as fathers and receive the strength needed to persevere through difficult times.
Nehemiah’s steadfast commitment to the big picture of rebuilding Jerusalem despite facing opposition teaches dads the importance of maintaining perspective in parenting. In the midst of daily challenges and distractions, dads can stay focused on the overarching goal of nurturing and guiding their children in the ways of the Lord. By keeping the long-term vision of raising godly children who love and serve God, dads can navigate through discouragement and setbacks with resilience and determination.
Furthermore, dads can emulate Nehemiah’s leadership qualities by effectively organizing and leading their families towards a common purpose. Just as Nehemiah rallied the people of Jerusalem to work together towards the restoration of the city walls, dads can unite their families in pursuing shared goals and values. By fostering teamwork, communication, and cooperation within the family unit, dads can create a supportive environment where each member is empowered to thrive and contribute their talents and abilities.
In applying Nehemiah’s example to our lives as dads, let us turn to God for strength and guidance, keep our focus on the big picture of raising godly children, and lead our families with wisdom, courage, and perseverance. By doing so, we can overcome discouragement and fulfill our calling as fathers who leave a lasting legacy of faith and love for generations to come.
Victory because God’s In Control
Today, no matter what you are facing, remember “God is always in control and He is with you”! Cling to Nehamiah 4:14:
Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!”
Today’s Devotional closes with this reminder and challenge: “Our God is truly an awesome God”, “when we get the big picture, acknowledging Him in all His power and glory”, “we will not be discouraged”! Today, unmask discouragement and all the disguises by inviting Jesus into your heart and trusting God to get you through!
“The trick is to put it all in perspective… and that’s what I do for a living”
ERMA BOMBECK
