Revelation: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
The Book of Revelation is a mighty tough read. To be honest, I was torn between this verse and another, mostly because Revelations intimidates me a bit. It's like pure, unadulterated downloads from the Almighty.
It was written by John (the one whom Jesus loved) when he was exiled to the island of Patmos and is sometimes referred to as John of Patmos. (https://overviewbible.com/john-the-apostle/)
Our God created ALL things; He willed them into existence and they were created. He willed us all into existence and we were created. God's will is something I've tried to live by. It's much more reliable than other people's will for us. Sometimes it doesn't make sense, and yet, when we feel that inner voice, obey it, and trust it enough to take action, the universe conspires to make things happen.
I recall reading the beginning of Lost Moon by Jim Lovell about the Apollo Thirteen failed mission of landing on the moon. In it, Lovell states that he was initially an atheist, but when he came around the dark side of the moon and saw the earth and other planets lined up, he knew there must be some divine architect to order all planets into existence.
I have an Our Father meditation that ties the energy centers of our body, the chakras, to the Lord's Prayer and the Sacraments. The phrase, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done," fall on the throat chakra, correspond to the Sacrament of Holy Orders, and the intentions that came to me are: "Thank you for the gift of your will, surrendering to your will, giving voice to your will, the freedom that comes from doing your will, and your divine, infinite, and unconditional presence between You and me, family and friends, the whole world, and future generations."
All we have to do is give God His rightful honor and praise. Just by noticing even God's smallest gifts, and giving thanks, we enrich our lives one thousandfold. The more we notice and give thanks, the more God blesses us with more gifts. Our God is so good!
I've been doing this meditation for the past ten-plus years, and it never ceases to amaze me to see God's will for me in my life. If you're interested in learning the rest of the meditation, please leave a comment.
April 11
Matthew: Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.
Mark: And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside, everything comes in parables;
Luke: and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’”
John: The woman said to him, “Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water?
Acts: This Jesus is ‘the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.’
Romans: He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the ancestor of all who believe without being circumcised and who thus have righteousness reckoned to them,
1 Corinthians: To the present hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed and beaten and homeless,
2 Corinthians: For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh.
Galatians: I am afraid that my work for you may have been wasted.
Ephesians: The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,
Philippians: Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have.
Colossians: And Jesus who is called Justus greets you. These are the only ones of the circumcision among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
1 Thessalonians: to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we directed you,
1 Timothy: These are the things you must insist on and teach.
2 Timothy: Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful in my ministry.
Hebrews: Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through such disobedience as theirs.
James: Do not speak evil against one another, brothers and sisters. Whoever speaks evil against another or judges another, speaks evil against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.
1 Peter: Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
1 John: Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another.
Revelation: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
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