Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.

“After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven…” Revelation 4:1 (NKJV) 

Revelation chapter four gives us a rare and amazing glimpse into the throne room of God. After the letters to the churches in chapters 2 and 3, the scene suddenly shifts: the Apostle John is caught up in the Spirit and sees a door open in Heaven. What he sees next is awe-inspiring: a throne, and ONE seated on it, surrounded by brilliant light, worship, and creatures declaring day and night, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” God is on the throne! 

In a world marked by chaos - wars, economic crises, cultural confusion, suffering, and personal hardship - we can find great comfort in this vision of Heaven! John reminds us that when our world is shaken, God is still on the throne! Heaven is not in chaos. God is not pacing. The throne is occupied by your Father, your Redeemer, the Creator of all! He is ever present! He is all-knowing! He is all-powerful! He loves you and me! 

Let's anchor our identity in Heaven’s reality.

The open door in Heaven (v.1) is an invitation to see life from God’s perspective. I know that I am sometimes overwhelmed by what’s happening on Earth, because I forget what’s happening in Heaven. I know that I have less anxiety, fear, and depressive thoughts when I begin each day with Jesus, in prayer, and His Word, before I engage with the world.  

Before checking the news or scrolling social media, open the Bible and remind yourself who is on the throne. Let God’s reality reshape your perspective on the challenges you face. 

Our lives are indicative of our Object of Worship.

The living creatures never cease to declare God’s holiness (v.8). The 24 elders cast their crowns before the throne (v.10). In Heaven, worship is continual, not occasional.  

As a student pastor, I constantly reminded our students that worship isn’t just music. It’s the orientation of our hearts and the actions of our lives. 

Evaluate your life: What “crown” am I holding onto that I need to lay at Jesus’ feet? 

Is it pride, popularity, power, or pleasure? Give it to God. True worship includes surrender. 

“Worship puts God at the center, and when He’s at the center, everything else finds its proper place.” Matthew 6:33

“You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power…” Revelation 4:11  

Live with eternal purpose.

This world is not all there is. When we see the throne of God, we realize that every moment of obedience, every act of faithfulness, every trial endured is moving us closer to the day we’ll see Him face to face. We may not know the hour of Jesus’ return, but we know that we are closer today than we were yesterday! 

When work feels pointless, parenting feels exhausting, or life feels like a grind, remember, you’re living for the One who sits on the throne. Serve Him faithfully where you are. Live life with the highest purpose: to lead others to know, love, and follow Him. We have been called to be a part of an eternal rescue mission! 

Let Heaven’s throne give you courage today.  

You don’t serve a distant, disinterested God. You serve King Jesus, whose name is above all names, and He will reign forever. He is unshakeable! 

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises?
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you?
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

James Weekly Verse Challenge:

Want to go beyond just reading God's Word? Want to take action? As we study the Book of James in the "Faith That Works" message series, we encourage you to do more than read the theme verse. Each week, we challenge you to memorize the verse and put it into action. Beginning Monday, October 6, we will text the weekly verse on a downloadable wallpaper on Monday mornings. Download the mobile wallpaper to your phone and memorize the weekly verse as you strive to live it daily. 

Text "JAMES" to 601-299-4493 to receive each week's theme verse.