Revelation 20

“Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgement was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the Word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and not received the mark on their foreheads and on their hands; and they came to life  and reigned with Christ  for a thousand years.”
Revelation 20:4
 
A Prayer Over Our Children
In the face of death, give my children strength to remain faithful to You, bearing testimony of Your Name and Your Word. Make them Your royal priesthood so they may reign beside You. When war breaks out against You and they are surrounded, rescue them by Your holy fire of heaven, casting Satan down. Write my children’s names in Your Book of Life, oh God. Judge them according to what they have done so they may remain in Your presence forever.
 
Storms
The perfect beach day. Clear, blue skies. Bright sunshine. Warm sand and cool ocean breezes. Best of all…the water. White water foam and salt spray mists. Rolling and rocking, waves lifted and bobbed. And the icing on top…the sounds…waves crashing, sea gulls calling, and ocean breezes murmuring. At our favorite beach, feet, shells, and fish lay obscured by sand infused waters. So much sand laces the waves that Even the third or fourth shower rinse cannot persuade all the sand to relinquish its hold. But not this morning.        
                                                                                                                 
     “I can see my toes!” exclaimed my husband in amazement. In the five years we frequented this beach, never a foot lest a toe could be spied in the murky sea. “The water is clear!” He marveled.

     Suddenly, a beautiful day at the beach transformed into surreal serenity. All day, my husband and little girl gloried in the transparent ocean waters. Unveiled scuttling crabs on the ocean floor with swarming minnows delighted their sight. Large, lazy fish rested against the watery depths. Even submerged seashells with their muted colors were now visible. To see with such clarity what had been once shrouded now brought awe and joy. For God’s hidden glory revealed in creation with such timely perfection stirred us to humble appreciation.

          “Why is it so clear?” I asked, heart soaring with each jostling wave. My body rocked forward and back with the flow of the tide.

     “The storm,” answered my husband. “It cleaned the ocean of sand and debris.” As I bobbed in the waves, a startling truth emerged.

     Though storms batter and assault, like hurricanes cleansing the ocean waters, God can use our own personal storms to cleanse us of sin and refine us. Like hurricanes which crash with ferocity, so the storms of our own lives likewise beat us down. Yet, after the crushing winds, the debris settles and stillness emerges. Left behind are hearts stripped bare and a humbling of the soul with all vestiges of self washed away.

     This can be a painful place. But it is one which can also be one of great depth and beauty. For in the quiet, we see with greater clarity. The waves no longer crash and obscure our sight. With transparent detail, our eyes can focus upon Jesus. Here, with souls purified and cleansed from the wreckages of the storms, we lay exposed and unadorned. But in our vulnerability, God’s love can wash us and minister to our deepest, darkest places. Storms destroy and tear down. But they can also be used to uproot strongholds and shatter shackles. God can use these assailing winds to purify and make us new.
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     Dear Friends, may the storms of this life not destroy us but be used to unveil Christ in deep, new powerful ways. May God’s refining light transform us into new creations in Christ. And may God’s love wash over us with restoration and healing. This day, may we cling to Christ as our Shelter, Refuge, and Rock.
 
A Parent’s Prayer
Lord, open the eyes of my heart. I want to see You. Keep the storms of this life from distracting me. Rip all obscurities away. Instead, fix my focus upon You. Cleanse and purify me, oh God, and grant me peace. Though winds may assail, I pray You will keep me still before You with newfound clarity and strength. Amen.