Nathan Neighbors
Follower of Christ, Husband, Father, & Youth Pastor
Revelation 18:1 – Revelation 22:21
Today marks the end of a ninety day journey through the Bible. This has been a wonderful summer and a fantastic journey in my spiritual walk. Last summer (2009) was the first time I had ever read the Bible from cover to cover. It was such a great experience that I did it again this summer. This time as I read the Word each day I journaled about it through this blog. Now I can look back through these blogs and remember the things that the Lord has taught me this summer. As I end this ninety day journey I end with the Book of Revelation – a fitting end to my journey – it’s the end of God’s story for his children.
John’s revelation of the end of times is such a vivid description of what is to come in the story of us. I look forward to the day when the Lord will mount his white horse and heaven will open wide and he will ride down in glory to bring his children home to heaven. It will be a “new heaven and a new earth…the Holy City…the new Jerusalem.” (Rev. 21:1-2) It will be a wonderful place where, “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…” (Rev. 21:4) I can’t wait to be one of the, “thousand upon thousand, and ten thousands upon ten thousands” bowed down before the throne singing, “worthy is the Lamb, who was slain…” (Rev. 5:11-12) I want to be there so much, but I know that for now God has given us his Word to share the Good News of salvation so more can be part of the bride of Christ who will all one day come home.
Even in the final words of the Bible, God is still beckoning his children to turn to him. He says, “Come…whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” (Rev. 22:17b) That’s the invitation. That’s what the Word of God is all about. These sixty-six books are the story of God’s love for humanity and his invitation for us to be in relationship with him…Come, Lord Jesus, Come!
Nathan Neighbors 
Nathan,
Allow me to share how much your comments on the Bible have meant to me. Each day I looked forward to what you had written on your blog. Your dedication to reading the Bible this summer is an inspiration. Thank you for being so open with us about what God taught you about His word. I am grateful for you and Ashley and the beautiful examples you give our Mside Youth, Church Families and members of the community. We are impressed with your love for your family and friends. May God continue to use you in His Kingdom Work.
God is Able! Carole Johnson