Revelation 21:27 -

Step 1: Pray. Select.

As I began my time with the Holy Spirit, seeking what verse to study today, I was led to multiple references to the Book of Life. I haven't thoroughly examined the references in the Bible about the Book of Life in the past, so the Holy Spirit prompted me to look deeper through His looking glass.

I landed at Revelation 21:27. This is where we begin our journey today, friends.

Step 2: Write. Read. Circle

After reading the scripture three times, the following words stood out amongst the others:

Revelation 21:27 - But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Step 3: Re-Write

With a focus on the words I circled that stood out, here is the personalized sentence that came alive in my heart.

• Jennifer, by no means enter an abomination written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

If you are doing this alongside me today, add your name in front of your unique sentence so the Lord can speak directly to you.

Step 4: Visualize

I closed my eyes and let the breeze from the table outside, where I was sitting in my backyard, wash over me as if transporting me to a room in my mind I had never seen before. Nothing was inside this room except for a pedestal and a gigantic book.

The oversized Book was opened wide, and both the book and the pedestal it was placed upon were made of a hard, crystal-clear substance. The Book itself exuded a massive amount of light from within the binding. The true source of the light was unknown since there were no plugs, cords, or actual lighting fixtures to be seen. It was like the Book was a living organism beaming light from the inside out.

Standing there, I pondered what the Book and the pedestal were made of. They both resembled an ice sculpture chiseled to perfection. But from the room's warmth and the light, that was out of the question since there were no signs of melting. However, it was definitely solid as a rock.

I continue to stand at a distance, waiting to approach, but before I step closer, I feel the hand of the Holy Spirit gently rest upon my right shoulder. He reminds me of how far this Book has traveled to get to this moment and this encounter.

The first mention that I know of is in Exodus. We see Moses beg and plead to God on behalf of the children of Israel not to blot out their names after they built a Golden Calf to worship. And now, after numerous references and prophecies, we are in Revelation, which is now referred to as the Lamb's Book of Life.

He tells me that the Book didn't always look this way. But over time, and through Jesus' sacrifice of clarity, purification, and sanctification, the Book itself is crystal clear and considered pure as jasper.

From where I am standing, I cannot see any writing in the Book because too much light creates a barrier around it, blocking my view of any words on the pages. But from the scripture, I know all the names inside will be with the LORD in eternity.

I stop, take a beat, and marvel at how glorious it is. How can any of us, with our fleshly ways, even think about being written in such a sacred, purified book?

A question arises, so I move to Step 5.

Step 5: Ask. Seek

The requests/questions that came to mind are:

• Holy Spirit, how do I know if my name and those of my loved ones, friends, and family are written inside? Am I living a good or worthy life to be mentioned in the Book?

Step 6: Hear. Write. Receive

Here is the answer I received:

“You cannot get into this Book by your works. You are there if you believe Jesus died to save you so that the Book could include your name. However, if you do one of the things that God hates, which are found in Proverbs 6:16-19:

1. A proud look,

2. A lying tongue,

3. Hands that shed innocent blood,

4. A heart that devises wicked plans,

5. Feet that are swift in running to evil,

6. A false witness who speaks lies,

7. And one who sows discord among brethren.

And you are an abomination of the seven; you risk clouding the pure clarity of the Book. God is not a God of confusion. If you are confused or deceived and fall into the lies of the enemy out of ignorance, you can come to God and repent, and he will blot out your sin with the blood of Jesus. Hence, covering you with the blood. If you intentionally continue to form and crystallize with sin, you can no longer come forth as pure gold. It is not your job to figure out or understand the Book; he is in charge and on the throne governing it. Keep your eyes on Jesus and those who walked with him to learn the proper way to live, spreading the good news and making a pathway for others."

Step 7: Pray. Confirm

Heavenly Father, I come to you in complete awe of your son, Jesus, and the power of the blood.

Thank you for showing me how to live by studying your ways through the scriptures, so my name can be written in eternity. Let me tattoo your name on my heart so my name can be inked on yours.

Let me steer clear of anything that is an abomination to you, and if I am ignorant, please have mercy on me as I continue to learn what is pleasing and acceptable to you.

Please protect my path and guard me as I continue to reach for you and eternity.

I ask this in Jesus' mighty name - Amen!

If you used the scripture of the day and need prayer or someone to pray with you, connect Here. Remember, you are not alone.

Step 8: Share. Testify

If you used the 8-Step Prayer Practice today, we would love to hear how God works in your life! You can comment below or share your miracle or testimony HERE.

Conclusion:

Friends, it is wonderful to know that through Jesus and his sacrifices, if we believe in Him, he believes in us, and our name will be written in eternity.

Glory be to God in the highest for protecting our future in the Lamb's Book of Life.

Let us walk with Jesus daily, like the disciples did, to stay on the straight and narrow path.

Most importantly, let's know what an abomination to the LORD is to avoid the enemy's wiles.

God bless you. See you soon!