***Listen To Audio Version: Be Ready Audio 587
Today’s Devotional Scripture: 20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. - Revelation 22:20 KJV
The Message For Today (July 9, 2026):
***Listen To Audio Version: Be Ready Audio 587
You’ve heard the saying… many people have. “I am coming quickly,” and yet, it’s been thousands of years since Jesus ascended. It’s been so long that some people have taken it for granted; they have discounted the urgency and no longer see it as something to be on guard for. We’re waiting for this big apocalyptic moment that will end the world in catastrophe, possibly in our time, but fail to realize that this possibility is true for anyone, at any given moment.
It may not be apocalyptic or catastrophic, but people’s lives end every day. Sometimes in the sweetness of the night or in the light of day. Everyone’s day comes. For some, it comes like a thief in the night. They are not prepared for the Lord, but alas, their day is here.
Our day will come too, whether it’s in the night, during the day, or during the end of days. We never know the time. No one does, not even Jesus, as He said in His Word. The Lord admonishes us to number our days, to make them matter. For each day to count in some way, however small or big. (Psalm 90:12-13 So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Return, O Lord! How long?)
The point is to always have our hearts prepared and ready for Him. To be in constant fellowship with Him, teaching others through our examples, our love, and even the Word about His goodness and His coming. To draw others to salvation because He does not want anyone to perish, but for all to come to Him.
The theme here is His restoration and return. A final invitation from Christ to believe in Him and join Him in eternity.
God restores everything lost in Eden, and He removes the curse that was initiated by Adam and Eve’s disobedience and treason. He not only promises salvation to those who believe, but restoration and intimacy with Him. We will be restored to our original plan of fellowship, the way God intended, with Him, constantly in coolness. That is a good thought right now as my AC unit has died and gone to heaven, leaving me in 85+ degree temperatures in my home until the new unit is installed. 😅
No matter what “age” we are in, we can trust the Lord for His grace and mercy. Each day should be lived with love, intention, and urgency because we do not know the hour when He will come to us with His reward and take us home with Him.
Maybe this would be a good time to reflect on some of the key verses here and take note of what the Holy Spirit shares with you in fellowship as a guide for our days and a promise for our hearts.
🖊️ Journaling Prompts
💧 What does the “river of life” mean to me today? Where am I drawing my spiritual nourishment from?
🌳 How can I live as one who has access to the tree of life - healed, whole, and fruitful?
🕊️ How do I respond to Jesus’s repeated statement: “Behold, I am coming quickly”?
🙌 Have I ever tried to “worship the messenger” in my life rather than God? Where do I need to refocus?
🔔 What does it mean to live ready for Christ’s return?
🫴 Who in my life needs to hear the invitation: “Come... and take the water of life freely”?
The door is still open to those who do not know Him as Savior. There is still an opportunity to say YES so that we do not perish.
As we walk through our challenges, let’s keep our eyes on the “Bright Morning Star” in sweet anticipation of our reunion with Him.
As the Bible closes, I am grateful that it does not end with judgment, but rather with grace. We are part of a divine story that ends with restoration, not ruin. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”
Closing Devotional Prayer
My Prayer for You:
Lord, You are the best at how You rule and bless us. Your desire is grace for us, mercy for our sins, and the reward of eternal life. Let Your grace and mercy sustain us until You come for us with Your gracious and unmerited eternity. Amen.
Written by our Thursday Writer Ann Marie Thrives
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