Spiritual Disciplines – Just Keith Harris

Revelation 12 on 4/7 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

Click here for Revelation 12 audio:

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Today’s post includes a brief overview of the chapter and a focused look at what it reveals about Jesus (Rev. 1:1) — so our eyes stay fixed on Him.

Chapter Overview:
Revelation 12 reveals the deeper, spiritual conflict behind everything happening in the book (vv. 1–17). A symbolic woman gives birth to a child destined to rule, while a dragon (Satan) seeks to destroy him, but the child is taken to God’s throne (vv. 4–5). War breaks out in heaven, and Satan is defeated and cast down, no longer able to accuse God’s people (vv. 7–10). Though enraged, he continues to pursue the woman and make war on her offspring – those who follow Jesus – but God protects and preserves His people even in the midst of suffering (vv. 13–17).

Seeing Jesus in This Chapter:
Revelation 12 reveals Jesus as the victorious Savior who has defeated Satan and secured His people through His work. He is the promised child who came to rule the nations and now reigns at God’s right hand (v. 5). Though Satan sought to destroy Him, Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension secured decisive victory over the enemy. Because of Him, Satan has been cast down and can no longer successfully accuse God’s people (vv. 9–10). Believers overcome not by their own strength, but “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (v. 11). Even as spiritual battle continues, Jesus has already won the decisive victory, and His people share in that victory as they remain faithful to Him. The enemy’s rage is real – but his time is short, and Christ’s reign is secure.

🌀 Reflection:
The battle is real, but the victory is already won in Jesus. How does that truth give you courage to remain faithful, even when following Him is costly?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Stand firm in your faith today, and boldly share your testimony of what Jesus has done in your life.

Revelation 11 on 4/6 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

Click here for Revelation 11 audio:

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Today’s post includes a brief overview of the chapter and a focused look at what it reveals about Jesus (Rev. 1:1) — so our eyes stay fixed on Him.

Chapter Overview:
Revelation 11 continues the interlude with a focus on God’s witnesses and His coming kingdom (vv. 1–19). John is told to measure the temple, symbolizing God’s ownership and protection of His people even as they face opposition (vv. 1–2). Two witnesses are sent to prophesy with power, calling people to repentance, but after completing their mission they are killed by the beast, only to be raised and vindicated by God (vv. 3–12). This leads into the sounding of the seventh trumpet, where heaven declares that the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of God and of His Christ, and that He will reign forever (vv. 15–18).

Seeing Jesus in This Chapter:
Revelation 11 reveals Jesus as the faithful King who preserves His people, empowers their witness, and will ultimately reign over all. He knows His people and marks them as His own, even in the midst of suffering (vv. 1–2). He sends His witnesses into the world with authority, calling people to repentance and bearing testimony to the truth (vv. 3–6). Though evil may seem to triumph for a time – even to the point of death – Jesus will vindicate His people, raising them up and proving that death does not have the final word (vv. 7–12). Ultimately, He is the reigning King whose kingdom will fully and finally replace every earthly power (v. 15). His rule is certain, His justice is coming, and His people will share in His victory.

🌀 Reflection:
Jesus’ kingdom will outlast every earthly power. How does that truth shape your faithfulness in a world that often opposes Him?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Live boldly for Jesus today, remembering that His kingdom – not this world – is what lasts forever.

Revelation 10 on 4/5 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

Click here for Revelation 10 audio:

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Today’s post includes a brief overview of the chapter and a focused look at what it reveals about Jesus (Rev. 1:1) — so our eyes stay fixed on Him.

Chapter Overview:
Revelation 10 serves as an interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets, emphasizing God’s timing and the role of His Word (vv. 1–11). John sees a mighty angel declaring that there will be no more delay and that God’s plan is about to be fulfilled (vv. 5–7). He is then told to take and eat a little scroll – sweet in his mouth but bitter in his stomach – symbolizing the message he must proclaim (vv. 8–10). The chapter ends with John being commissioned to continue prophesying to the nations (v. 11).

Seeing Jesus in This Chapter:
Revelation 10 reveals Jesus as the sovereign Lord whose purposes will be fulfilled in perfect timing. The message of “no more delay” reminds us that history is moving toward His appointed end – nothing will stop what He has planned (vv. 6–7). He is the One who has revealed the “mystery” of His plan, bringing all things under His rule just as He promised through the prophets (v. 7). At the same time, His Word carries both sweetness and bitterness – sweet because it reveals His truth, victory, and salvation, but bitter because it includes judgment and the reality of rejection (vv. 9–10). Jesus calls His people not just to hear His Word, but to receive it deeply and faithfully proclaim it, even when it is difficult.

🌀 Reflection:
God’s plan is moving forward, even when it feels delayed. Do you trust His timing, even when you don’t fully understand what He is doing?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Take in God’s Word today and share one truth from it with someone, even if it feels difficult to say.

Revelation 9 on 4/4 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

Click here for Revelation 9 audio:

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Today’s post includes a brief overview of the chapter and a focused look at what it reveals about Jesus (Rev. 1:1) — so our eyes stay fixed on Him.

Chapter Overview:
Revelation 9 records the fifth and sixth trumpet judgments, intensifying God’s warnings to the world (vv. 1–21). The fifth trumpet releases demonic forces from the abyss that torment those without God’s seal, bringing great suffering but not death (vv. 1–6). The sixth trumpet unleashes a massive force that kills a third of humanity, showing an escalation in judgment (vv. 13–18). Yet even after these devastating events, many refuse to repent, continuing in idolatry and sin despite clear evidence of God’s judgment (vv. 20–21).

Seeing Jesus in This Chapter:
Revelation 9 reveals Jesus as the sovereign Lord over both judgment and mercy. Even the terrifying forces unleashed are under His authority – nothing happens apart from what He permits (vv. 1, 13–15). He limits their power, protecting those who belong to Him and restraining the extent of destruction (vv. 4–5, 18). At the same time, these judgments are not random – they are warnings meant to lead people to repentance. Yet the tragic reality is that many still refuse to turn to Him (vv. 20–21). This shows both the seriousness of sin and the patience of Christ, who continues to call people to repentance even in the midst of judgment. Jesus is not only the Judge – He is the One who gives opportunity after opportunity for sinners to turn and be saved.

🌀 Reflection:
Even in the face of judgment, hearts can remain hard toward God. Is there any area of your life where you are resisting His call to repent?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Turn to Jesus in full repentance today, and pray for someone who needs a softened heart to respond to Him.

Revelation 8 on 4/3 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

Click here for Revelation 8 audio:

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Today’s post includes a brief overview of the chapter and a focused look at what it reveals about Jesus (Rev. 1:1) — so our eyes stay fixed on Him.

Chapter Overview:
Revelation 8 begins with the Lamb opening the seventh seal, bringing a striking silence in heaven before judgment continues (v. 1). The prayers of God’s people rise before Him like incense, and in response, fire from the altar is cast to the earth, signaling that judgment is coming (vv. 3–5). The first four trumpet judgments then sound, bringing partial but devastating effects on the earth, sea, fresh water, and sky – each affecting a third of creation (vv. 7–12). The chapter closes with a warning that even greater judgment is still to come (v. 13).

Seeing Jesus in This Chapter:
Revelation 8 shows Jesus as the Lord who hears His people and responds with righteous judgment. The silence in heaven reflects the weight of what He is about to do – this is not chaos, but deliberate, sovereign action (v. 1). The prayers of the saints rise before God, and the judgment that follows is connected to those cries for justice (vv. 3–5). Jesus is not distant from suffering – He hears, remembers, and acts. The trumpet judgments reveal His authority over all creation – earth, sea, water, and sky – and show that even in judgment, His power is measured and purposeful (vv. 7–12). These are warnings, calling people to repentance before final judgment comes. Jesus is both patient and just – the One who delays so that people might turn, yet will not ignore sin forever.

🌀 Reflection:
Your prayers are not ignored – they rise before God and matter more than you realize. How does that encourage you to trust Him, even when answers seem delayed?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Bring a specific prayer before the Lord today, trusting that He hears and will act according to His perfect will.

Revelation 7 on 4/2 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

Click here for Revelation 7 audio:

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Today’s post includes a brief overview of the chapter and a focused look at what it reveals about Jesus (Rev. 1:1) — so our eyes stay fixed on Him.

Chapter Overview:
Revelation 7 pauses between the sixth and seventh seals to answer the question, “Who can stand?” (6:17). Before judgment continues, God seals His servants, symbolizing His ownership and protection over them (7:1–3). John hears of 144,000 sealed from the tribes of Israel (7:4–8), then sees a great multitude from every nation standing before the throne and the Lamb, worshiping and declaring that salvation belongs to God (7:9–10). These are those who have come out of great tribulation, cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, now serving God and experiencing His presence, provision, and comfort forever (7:14–17).

Seeing Jesus in This Chapter:
Revelation 7 shows Jesus as the Lamb who saves, shepherds, and secures His people. Those standing before the throne are there because of Him — they have washed their robes and made them white in His blood (7:14). Salvation belongs not to human effort, but to God and to the Lamb (7:10). And this Lamb is not only Savior — He is also Shepherd. He leads His people, provides for them, and brings them to springs of living water (7:17). In Him, suffering gives way to comfort, hunger to fullness, and sorrow to joy. The Lamb who was slain now reigns, and His people are safe with Him forever, held securely in His presence and care.

🌀 Reflection:
Jesus doesn’t just save His people — He keeps them and cares for them. How does that truth give you hope in the middle of difficulty or uncertainty?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Encourage someone today with the hope that Jesus is both Savior and Shepherd, and He will never let His people go.

Revelation 6 on 4/1 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

Click here for Revelation 6 audio:

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Today’s post includes a brief overview of the chapter and a focused look at what it reveals about Jesus (Rev. 1:1) — so our eyes stay fixed on Him.

Chapter Overview:
Revelation 6 shows the Lamb opening the first six seals of the scroll, unleashing a series of judgments on the earth (vv. 1–17). The first four seals reveal riders on horses symbolizing conquest, war, famine, and death — forces allowed by the Lamb to bring judgment on a broken world (vv. 1–8). The fifth seal reveals the souls of martyrs crying out for justice, and they are told to rest until God’s purposes are complete (vv. 9–11). The sixth seal brings cosmic upheaval — earthquakes, darkened skies, and collapsing creation — causing people of every status to hide in fear, recognizing that the day of God’s wrath has come (vv. 12–17).

Seeing Jesus in This Chapter:
Revelation 6 reveals Jesus as the sovereign Judge who carries out God’s righteous justice. The Lamb is the One opening the seals, showing that even judgment is under His authority and unfolds according to His will (v. 1). The chaos of conquest, war, famine, and death is not outside His control — it is permitted and directed as part of God’s purposes (vv. 2–8). He hears the cries of His people who have suffered and been killed for their faith, assuring them that justice will come in His perfect timing (vv. 9–11). And when judgment fully breaks in, people recognize that it is not random — it is “the wrath of the Lamb” (v. 16). This is the same Jesus who was slain in love, now revealed as the righteous Judge. His holiness demands justice, and His authority ensures that evil will not have the final word.

🌀 Reflection:
The same Jesus who saves is also the One who judges. How does that truth shape the way you view sin, justice, and your need for grace?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Turn from any known sin today and thank Jesus for saving you from the judgment you deserve.

Revelation 5 on 3/31 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

Click here for Revelation 5 audio:

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Today’s post includes a brief overview of the chapter and a focused look at what it reveals about Jesus (Rev. 1:1) — so our eyes stay fixed on Him.

Chapter Overview:
Revelation 5 continues the heavenly scene as a scroll in God’s hand is introduced, but no one is found worthy to open it (vv. 1–4). John weeps until he is told that the Lion of Judah has conquered (v. 5). When he looks, he sees a Lamb standing as though slain, who alone is worthy to take the scroll (vv. 6–7). As the Lamb takes it, heaven erupts in worship — first from the elders and living creatures, then from countless angels, and finally from all creation — declaring His worth because He was slain and has redeemed a people from every nation (vv. 8–13). The scene ends with unified worship of both the One on the throne and the Lamb (v. 14).

Seeing Jesus in This Chapter:
Revelation 5 reveals Jesus as the worthy Lamb and conquering King. He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Root of David — the promised Messiah who has conquered (v. 5). Yet His victory is not through force, but through sacrifice — He is the Lamb who was slain, standing alive, bearing the marks of His death (v. 6). Because of His death and resurrection, He alone is worthy to take the scroll and carry out God’s redemptive plan for history (v. 7). His blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe, language, people, and nation, making them a kingdom and priests who will reign with Him (vv. 9–10). Heaven declares His worth in fullness — power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing belong to Him (v. 12). And in the end, all creation joins in worship, showing that Jesus is not only Savior but Lord over all. The Lamb who was slain is the King who reigns.

🌀 Reflection:
Jesus is worthy not just because of who He is, but because of what He has done. Does your worship reflect the worth of the Lamb who was slain for you? 💬 Mission Challenge:
Worship Jesus today specifically for His sacrifice, and share with someone how His death has changed your life.

Revelation 4 on 3/3o | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

Click here for Revelation 4 audio:

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Today’s post includes a brief overview of the chapter and a focused look at what it reveals about Jesus (Rev. 1:1) — so our eyes stay fixed on Him.

Chapter Overview:
Revelation 4 shifts the scene from earth to heaven as John is called up to see what will take place next (vv. 1–2). At the center of everything is a throne with God seated on it, surrounded by dazzling glory, lightning, and worship (vv. 2–5). Around the throne are twenty-four elders and four living creatures who continually praise God, declaring His holiness and eternal nature (vv. 4–8). Day and night, heaven resounds with worship as all creation honors the One who lives forever, and the elders fall down before Him, casting their crowns and declaring that He alone is worthy because He created all things (vv. 9–11).

Seeing Jesus in This Chapter:
While Revelation 4 focuses on the One seated on the throne, it reveals the sovereign rule and worthiness of God that sets the stage for Jesus’ work. The throne reminds us that God reigns over all things — nothing in heaven or on earth is outside His authority (v. 2). He is surrounded by glory, power, and holiness, worshiped without ceasing as “the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come” (v. 8). Every creature and every authority ultimately answers to Him. The worship of heaven centers on His worthiness — He alone deserves glory, honor, and power because He is the Creator and sustainer of all things (v. 11). This chapter prepares us to see that everything that follows — including judgment, redemption, and the return of Christ — flows from the throne of God. And as we move into the next chapter, we will see that Jesus, the Lamb, is the One worthy to carry out God’s purposes.

🌀 Reflection:
Heaven is centered on worship of the One on the throne. Is your life centered on Him in the same way?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Take time today to worship God for who He is as Creator and King, not just for what He gives.

Revelation 3 on 3/29 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

Click here for Revelation 3 audio:

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Today’s post includes a brief overview of the chapter and a focused look at what it reveals about Jesus (Rev. 1:1) — so our eyes stay fixed on Him.

Chapter Overview:
Revelation 3 continues Jesus’ messages to the churches, addressing Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea (vv. 1–22). Sardis has a reputation for being alive but is spiritually dead, and Jesus calls them to wake up, repent, and return to what they received (vv. 1–3). Philadelphia, though weak and persecuted, is commended for faithfulness and promised an open door and secure place in God’s kingdom (vv. 8–12). Laodicea, however, is rebuked for being lukewarm — self-sufficient in appearance but spiritually poor, blind, and needy — and is called to repent and return to true dependence on Christ (vv. 15–18). Across each message, Jesus calls His people to hear, repent, and overcome, promising eternal life and fellowship to those who remain faithful (vv. 5, 12, 21).

Seeing Jesus in This Chapter:
In Revelation 3, Jesus is revealed as the holy and true King who sees clearly, rules completely, and calls His people to real faith. He is the One who has the seven spirits and the seven stars, meaning He has full authority and gives true spiritual life (v. 1). He is the holy and true One who holds the key of David — what He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open (v. 7). He sees beyond appearances, exposing empty reputation in Sardis and lukewarm self-deception in Laodicea, while honoring quiet faithfulness in Philadelphia (vv. 1, 8, 15–17). As the faithful and true witness, His words are trustworthy, even when they confront and correct (v. 14). Yet He is also gracious — loving enough to discipline, calling His people to repentance, and inviting them into fellowship: “I stand at the door and knock” (vv. 19–20). He promises that those who overcome will share in His victory and reign with Him (v. 21). Jesus is not impressed by appearances — He desires true faith, real dependence, and enduring devotion.

🌀 Reflection:
Jesus sees what is real, not just what appears to be. Are you relying on reputation or truly walking with Him in faith and dependence?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Turn from self-reliance today and intentionally depend on Jesus in one specific area of your life.