Revelation 1:3 – “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy aloud, and blessed are those who hear and obey the things written in it, because the time is near!”

As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word, a repeated statement from Jesus to John in the Book of Revelation captured my heart. I’ll get to that, but Revelation 1:3b in the Passion Translation stopped me in my tracks: “…the appointed time is in your hands.”

The Greek adverb “eggus” is taken from a primary verb, “agcho,” which means “to squeeze in your hands” or “to hold the reins or throttle in your hands.”    That could easily indicate that the Revelation of the book of Revelation is ready to be unveiled when the ready is ready to receive it through a prepared heart.   The time for this Revelation is now!

That brings me to the phrase or statement that captured my heart.  John was told to write what he had seen, what is, and what is to come.  The phrase – “What the Spirit IS SAYING to all the churches.” 

Notice it: “Is saying, not has said or will say but the Now Word from God.”   The Bible, God’s declared Revelation, is a Living Word from the Living God who Is Speaking!   We tend to read the Bible as history rather than a Now Word to us from God.    The words “is saying or presently saying” are repeated to all seven churches.  That should cause us to realize that God is the Speaking God! 

He communicates.  Revelation 3:19 is powerful.   “ALL those I dearly love I Unmask and Train.”  God disciplines His children to bring us to maturity and restoration.  He gives daily guidance both in the written Word and by the Spirit of God.  That guidance is Always consistent with and harmonious with the Word of God.  

Some say, “I don’t hear God.”  Jesus said, “My sheep HEAR my voice and follow Me.”  So, if we say we don’t hear Him, we are saying that we are not His sheep or that He didn’t tell the truth.  He did, so that declaration is dangerous and opens the door for deception.

Revelation 3:20 – “Behold, I’m standing at the door, knocking.”  He’s trying to get our attention.   “If your heart is open to HEAR My voice AND you open the door within, I WILL come in to you and feast with you, AND you will feast with Me.”

So, set your heart to Hear His Voice.  He is presently speaking.  The Holy Spirit is constantly seeking to guide.   We all Hear Him through the whispers to our hearts, the nudges, the checks or sense of hesitation, or impressions to do or not do.  We Hear, but do we have open hearts?

It is in your hands, and as you cooperate with Him, He opens the eyes of your heart to Know.   As you know, you can Do and Be.   Be who He says you are, more than a conqueror through and with Jesus!

Don’t give in to fear or doubt, but embrace the word He is presently speaking to you.  Be led by the Spirit into God’s peace, power, presence, and provision.   The appointed time is NOW!

Have a victorious day in Jesus, and remember that we are more than conquerors through Jesus!