“Let the one who does wrong still do wrong, and the one who is filthy still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous still practice righteousness, and the one who is holy still keep himself holy” (Revelation 22:11).

How much of our energy is spent on trying to control the behaviors of others?  Whether it is in the church, or in society, conformity seems to be a powerful god in our midst.  But the One True God has declared that we are to let people be.  They will do what they will do.  Preaching then cannot be convincing but directing.  You have been called by Jesus to live into a life that is righteous.

Lord, only by grace and in the power which is yours is righteousness possible with me.  I still do wrong, and I am filthy, living in a filthy culture.  But You have called me to be righteous.  It is Your Holy Spirit that must carry the burden and lead me step by step, for all power and authority belongs to You, even the power to raise me from the place of being wrong and filthy to the place of being righteousness.

Lord Jesus, I believe in Your name, which means, “God’s Salvation.”  You are the only One who can save me.  Slay the wrong filthy sinner in me today and raise one who is willing to practice Your righteousness.  Guide me in the goodness and mercy of Your grace so that I am on the narrow path and not on the broad way which leads to destruction.  You are my Savior, Lord, and God.  Thank You for bringing me into You.  Amen.

“And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near” (Revelation 22:10).

Daniel was told that the words of his prophecy were for a later time.  John is told that these words are for this time.  We have been living in the time where we know who the Savior is.  The outward appearance may be different, but we are the same as the people John served.  Humanity has not progressed.  Apply these words to your life and begin again the journey of becoming mature in Christ.

Lord, it does not matter what I think.  It does matter who I am.  Help me to begin again and realize that these are not cleverly devised myths, created to deceive me.  You have given me the words of truth and You have called me through my baptism to walk the narrow road of faith.  Lead me Lord so that I may open all of the prophetic words of Scripture and see them applied to my life.

Word of Life, Savior of the world, You have opened up my soul by what You have spoken.  Into my soul You have poured the Holy Spirit.  Guide me in the words of prophecy so that I may humbly walk with You, my Lord and Master.  You know all that is needed for me to be conformed to Your image.  Remove the obstacles and lead me in Your goodness all the days I live in this age until I see You face to face.  Amen.

“And he said to me, “Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brothers the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!” (Revelation 22:9)

You shall have no other gods!  There is only One who is worthy of worship, honor, and praise.  Worship the One true God and Him alone.  Do share the word and honor others, but only worship the Lord.  Even well-meaning and with good intentions, we can be led astray to worship others.  We are all called to be servants of the One Lord and Master of us all.  Keep this in mind, lest pride sneak in and deceive your heart.

Lord, I have done this.  I have fallen to my knees and worshiped others and other things rather than You, the Creator of all that exists.  I thank You for the grace I need which enables me to continue the narrow path, but help me to keep these things straight and do this no more.  Help me serve You and let my service be an act of worship.  Help me to correct others if they were to make this mistake concerning me.

Savior of my soul, Holy Spirit that guides me, Father in heaven above, You, the One true God and are worthy of all worship, honor, and praise.  Lead me in true worship so that I may grow in wisdom.  Teach me once again what it means to serve with You whole my whole being.  Guide me this day in humility so that I may observe, see, and love You and my neighbor as opportunity presents itself.  May this day see me worshiping You in thought, word, and deed.  Amen.