Words of Hope Daily Devotional
The Words of Hope Devotional is a non-profit, donor-supported publication whose goal is to encourage readers to grow in faith through the practice of daily Bible reading and prayer. The devotional is available in your email, in print, and as an app in Google Play and the App Store.
A New Earth
Read: Revelation 20:11-21:8
And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true” (21:5)
Multitudes stand before the throne. All the unrepentant dead are raised—whether buried, cremated, drowned, bombed to bits, or lost in space! Their fate was fixed long since by their own bad, obstinate choices. But all will know they rejected the Judge of the earth and the King of kings. Books are opened—their biographies.
Jesus owed us nothing. Yet he paid for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). Defendants will not be damned for their sins, but for refusing Jesus’ free offer of life. All who rejected him are cast into the fiery lake—the second death. Then Death itself, and the Grave, are abolished.
Jesus’ followers are registered in the Lamb’s Book. For them God has a surprise. John sees a new heaven and earth. God designed our earth so he could live with us here for eternity (Gen. 1-2). Every part pleased him. Jesus loved the red poppy fields in Galilee (Matt. 6:28). The Father loved the birds (Matt. 10:29). Everything he made reflects a facet of his glory. He will transform our planet, even plants and animals (Rom. 8:18; Isa. 11:6). Our new earth will never be less than the one we have now. Our new body will never be less than the one we have now. Both will be much more! —Ruth Siemens
As you pray, ask God to help you remember his promises to you.
About the Author
Ruth Siemens was a campus minister with IVCF/IFES, then started Global Opportunities to prepare professionals to work and witness in secular employment abroad.
Big Prayers
Read: Ephesians 3:14-21 . . . far more abundantly . . . (v. 20) When I read Paul’s grand prayer that closes Ephesians 3, my own prayers feel small and practical. Of course our heavenly Father is eager to hear
Choosing to Suffer
Read: Ephesians 3:7-13 I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering. (v. 13) Hardly a day goes by that I do not have a conversation with someone who chooses to suffer so others can hear the
The Mystery of Belonging
Read: Ephesians 3:1-6 . . . partakers of the promise . . . (v. 6) As president of Words of Hope I hear from Christians in many places who are isolated. A 25-year-old woman inside Iran writes, “It is very
Retaliation
Read: Obadiah 15-21 For the day of the LORD is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head. (v. 15) One of the hardest things
Hiding Places
Read: Obadiah 1-9 The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, “Who will bring me down to the ground?” (v. 3) When
False Comfort
Read: Amos 6:1-7 Woe to those who are at ease in Zion, and to those who feel secure on the mountain of Samaria. (v. 1) I knew the risk. The yellow fuel warning light was illuminated in my car. But
True Riches
Read: Amos 5:11-15 Therefore because you trample on the poor and you exact taxes of grain from him, you have built houses of hewn stone, but you shall not dwell in them; you have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall
Privileged Status
Read: Amos 3:1-10 Hear this word that the LORD has spoken against you, O people of Israel. (v. 1) American Express coined the slogan, “Membership has its privileges.” This implies that members enjoy certain benefits non-members cannot enjoy. Belonging to
It’s Not Fair!
Read: Joel 2:28-32 . . . everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. (v. 32) In our world, we value fairness. It seems fair to us when bad people suffer, and good people prosper. We