The book of Revelation is best understood if you follow the outline given in Revelation 1:19, "Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter."  Past tense, things which John had seen; present tense, things which are; future tense, things which shall be hereafter.  The past tense portion of the book is found in chapter one, the present tense portion of the book is found in chapters two and three, while the future portion of the book begins in chapter four throughout the remainder of the book.  Today's reading, therefore, speaks of future events unfolding both in heaven and upon the earth.  Chapters four and five are heavenly scenes while chapter six begins an earthly scene we call the Tribulation.   

Revelation 4:11, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."

Revelation 5:12, "...Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing."  

These two verses set the tone for the worship, the praise, and the adoration of the Father and the Son in Heaven.  Our God is worthy of everything we have to offer Him.  Where are you in this spiritual endeavor?  Are you praising God?  Are you worshiping God?  Do you adore God?  

So often we simply think of God when we are in trouble or have some great need.  Today, I pray our hearts will be drawn to our great God; and that we will begin to praise Him always, that we will worship Him always, that we will adore Him always.   

May we live the verse found in Psalm 34:1, "I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth."  The Father, the Son, and the Spirit are all worthy of our praise, our worship, and our adoration.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. How would you describe what you are offering to the Lord? Is it valuable?

2. Do you daily lift up your heart in praise and adoration to the Lord? What kind of decision must we make to make sure this happens every day?

3. How would you describe your daily worship? How would you describe your corporate worship in God’s house?

4. Is it important to bless the Lord at all times? Why?