Devotion for Wednesday, December 27, 2023

“There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads” (Revelation 22:3-4).

The mark of the beast and the mark of Jesus are both mentioned.  Is this a literal mark, or is it telling us about who, or should I say, to whom we belong?  Are you a child of the rebellion or a child of the Heavenly Father?  It will show in your demeanor.  It will be in your countenance.  It will be on your forehead for all to see.  This is why the Lord told us to let our light shine forth so that others would see what we do and give thanks to our heavenly Father.

Lord, in this crazy, mixed-up world, I am often befuddled when I think there are so many options.  There are truly only two.  Either I follow the way of the world or else I follow You.  Help me to follow You first, last, and always.  Guide me through the morass of this age to be made whole in Your goodness and mercy.  Let the words of my mouth speak of Your grace and mercy.  Direct my feet to walk the path You have set before me.

Holy Spirit, Your word to me is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.  Grant me clarity of thought and mind to humbly walk through this age such that Your name is clear upon me for all to see.  I have been marked with Your cross, sealed by the Holy Spirit in the promise of my baptism, and enabled to walk in this age by faith.  Guide me, Lord, to live all of the days You grant me in order to remain faithful so that I may live with You forever in the age to come.  Amen.