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Wednesday, November 27, 2002

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Revelation 15:1-4
Psalm 98
Luke 21:12-19

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see the whole picture

"I saw in heaven another sign, great and awe-inspiring: seven angels holding the seven final plagues which would bring God's wrath to a climax. I then saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire." —Revelation 15:1-2

When the seven angels are pouring out the seven final plagues of God's wrath, the saints in heaven are worshipping God and singing His praises.

When people are manhandling and persecuting us because of our love for Christ (Lk 21:12), the saints in heaven are singing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb (Rv 15:3).

When we are betrayed by our family and friends and some of us are put to death (Lk 21:16), the saints in heaven are praising the mighty and wonderful works of our Lord God Almighty (Rv 15:3).

When we are hated by all because of our life in Jesus (see Lk 21:17), the saints in heaven are giving honor and glory to the Lord's name (Rv 15:4).

Fix your eyes on Jesus in heaven (see Heb 12:2). What is happening on earth is only the smallest part of reality. "Set your heart on what pertains to higher realms where Christ is seated at God's right hand. Be intent on things above rather than on things of earth" (Col 3:1-2). Look "to the sky above," see "the glory of God" with "Jesus standing at God's right hand" (Acts 7:55). Look to heaven. Look from heaven. See the whole picture.

Prayer:  Father, may I not let earth obstruct my view of heaven.

Promise:  "Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done wondrous deeds." —Ps 98:1

Praise:  Instead of riding the elevator, Michael climbs eight floors of steps to his office each day and uses that climb as a sacrifice of love to intercede for his loved ones.

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our book, Living In Reality, or on audio AV 38-1, AV 38-3, AV 39-1, AV 39-3 or our two-tape video series beginning with V-38.)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Richard L. Klug, April 10, 2002


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 18, 2002