Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

The Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ (Revelation) is one of the most difficult books in all of the Bible to comprehend. Much of what is written is shrouded in symbolism and the order of events expected to occur (or have already taken place) before the return of Jesus Christ is a matter of dispute amongst believers.

Yes, you’ll find people who have written extensive commentaries about the book with clear (at least to them) outlines on how everything will unfold. I’m not saying that some people are not gifted with special insight on what various verses and passages mean, but I have never come across a single interpretation that convinces me that this is the way things are. I also know that I am not alone in feeling this way.

So, what then? Do we set aside the book due to our lack of knowledge? Absolutely not!

God knows that our understanding of Revelation isn’t full, but it should not keep us from reading the book. In fact, as this verse demonstrates a blessing awaits the person who reads the book and takes what it says to heart. No other book in the Bible offers such a promise!

I believe that God extended this blessing to believers in order to encourage them to continue to read the book and allow the Holy Spirit to open their minds to understand what has been written.

Far be it for me to say that a deeper understanding of Revelation is unattainable. As the Holy Spirit leads and as time marches on I believe that the church will understand much more fully in order to prepare for the days ahead. That in itself is a wonderful blessing as God uncovers all that is hidden through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Remember this: a personal blessing awaits you!

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

This Thursday, all across the United States of America, millions of people will be gathering together to mark a national day of Thanksgiving as first proclaimed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Most people will celebrate the day by attending or watching a football game, eating a hearty dinner, perhaps watching a parade. In the eyes of some Thanksgiving kicks off “The Holiday Season” which extends through New Year’s Day.

Although the reason for the day has lost its meaning to many, Thanksgiving serves as a reminder to others to be grateful for what they have and to be thankful regardless of what may be going on in their lives. No, we shouldn’t wait until the fourth Thursday of November to offer thanks to our God, but as a nation it is beneficial to examine our hearts, give thanks to the Almighty, and put our trust in Him for His guidance.

Admittedly, I struggle to express thanks as I often find myself trying to resolve a problem or worrying needlessly over some matter when boldly going to the throne of grace would be personally beneficial and above all else honoring to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

You may be going through a very difficult time in your life right now and giving thanks to God for something you don’t want to experience seems unnatural, even phony. I don’t believe God wants us to thank Him for our calamities, rather for us to thank Him for holding us up all through our lives.

Psalm 30:5 says, “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.”

The promise of morning is coming and for that we can all be thankful.