I held my father’s hand as the accordion machine pumped air into his lungs. It was time to say goodbye.
How do I let go of the one who tethered me, taught me how to see the world? How do I let go of the hugs that could melt away tears?
The nurse clicked off the death-machine march, and the room fell silent enough to hear dad’s deflating breaths. My husband and I sang “Amazing Grace” as I held dad’s cooling hand. A tear traced down his face. He whispered his last breath.
In that moment, I wanted to reach out my arm and grab forward into the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1). I wanted to run into my father’s safe arms, skipping ahead of the pain and suffering of grief. It’s been eighteen years, and thinking about his death still makes me want to hide in a corner for a week.
Because the reality is, death is a curse (Genesis 2:17, Hebrews 9:27). A consequence (Romans 6:23). A horrific reality of the world torn by sin (Genesis 5). Where parents and children die and our souls cry out, “It should not be this way!”
What pain or suffering has your family faced because of the curse of death? In our pain, our hope echoes as we wait for the reverse of the curse to come, tearing through the clouds—a new reality where God once again dwells with his creation and there is no death or suffering, no mourning or pain, for the curse has been done away with (Revelation 21:3–4).
But for now, we breathe in a heavy weight as we wait for this hope. We carry the marks of our brokenness. These marks can look like the physical scars of cancer surgery or maybe the stiff knee from high school soccer. Maybe they look like the deeper wounds of injustice or the loss of a spouse. Whatever the wounds, we all have them.
And with every wound, we reach forward more to our great hope, a hope not like a wishing well or positive vibes (whatever those are). Our future hope is a physical reality, paved with gold and flooded with the light of God’s glory, where all who are in Christ will dwell with new bodies that never die (1Corinthians 15:42–49, Revelation 21:21–23). This is trustworthy and true (Revelation 21:5, 22:6).
So as we suffer momentarily, even in the darkest days of despair, we can trust the promises of our future home. We set our hope on things above (Colossians 3:1–4) because we can be sure God will make all things new (Revelation 21:5)—including my father’s body.
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59 thoughts on "The New Creation"
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Hello I am new to leaving a comment and I am reading this a week from thanksgiving… I was most interested in the 12 gates and being carved from a single pearl (where are they at?) and the 12 foundations being the apostles of the lamb and the different kinds of jewels?
Anyone else?
Happy Thanksgiving my Dear She’s! I am SO, So Very grateful for you, my sisters, and friends! I woke up with a migraine today, and it is still hanging on. But, it’s alright.
Today’s reading was “the good part!” Oh, to keep our gaze and heart fixed on the beauty to come! The “no more tears” wiped away by the God who loves us! And has prepared us a place for His people- the new heavens and new earth! The description s are vivid with the streets of gold, the stones, and the doors of solid pearl!!
I hope ya’ll got plenty of good turkey and mashed taters, and love. (I did not–but again, it’s good!) Praise God—I have “Unstealable Light- Our Salvation!” That was our lesson yesterday at jail! It cannot be taken away- and it will shine! We talked about Paul and Silas, shining their light in the prison (perfect!) and changing the jailer, and his family’s life!! They too, can shine their light, no matter their circumstances, (us too, obviously!!) and change the atmosphere! My leader used to say “be the thermostat, not a thermometer!” (did I say that right?). One of our girls, ya’ll might remember Stacey, now in jail again, said she is taking that to heart and she IS being the thermostat. She is thankful. Shalan needs prayer, she text me this morning from the hospital again! She has an infection in her kidney!! So she is missing Thanksgiving with her daughter and her daughter’s dads family. :(
Hey Shes!
How cool is that!!??
There’s now an edit feature in community comments!!
A welcome answer to fast, fat, foolish fingers!
Thanks Team SRT!!
My Thanks Giving
to the One and Only
Lord God
Your Daughter is
Indebted!
Contented!
Delighted!
Comforted!
Pleased!
Satisfied!
Joyous!
Blissful!
Blessed!
Welcomed!
And Eternally Grateful!
Happy Thanksgiving! May the Lord extend His Mercy on us today and all days!
As soon as I read Seana’s opening sentence…my mind too went back to that afternoon of April 12, 2008. Only that we got the call from the hospital that my daddy had passed away. I felt/feel so sad none of us were with him. At his burial when all of us placed dirt onto the coffin to say our last good-byes, I did not say “good-bye” instead I said, “See you later daddy.” Thankful for today’s reading,giving us hope that death is not the end, it’s the beginning our NEW life with Jesus FOREVER and the assurance that we will not only get to see our JESUS face-to-face, but have a reunion with our loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving to all of us in the U.S. and praying this very moment for those celebrating with an empty chair at the table. I’m going to be bold this morning, I wasn’t going to, but here I go… My sister (who has walked away from her faith) is at this very moment facing the death of her MIL. She loves her very much and I plan on reaching out to her here shortly. Her MIL is a very lovely and VERY sweet lady, though I’m not sure if she ever placed her faith in JESUS. BUT I do know that many family members have come to visit her as she was placed in hospice a few days ago, and I know that there are some family members that do know JESUS!
I have noticed that I’m irritable lately. I think it connects to the anniversary of Tanner’s passing. It’s been 4 years and 14 days. I’m thinking of all that have lost a loved one. We can hold onto hope that they are with God and we will see them again.
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I have enjoyed Revelation more than I expected. I don’t know why I have been so afraid to read it. It truly gives hope.
Love you Traci!
I am thinking of these verses today!
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
Colossians 3:1-4 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/col.3.4.NIV
And then – “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/php.4.4-7.NIV
May I keep my eyes on Jesus, thanking Him for all He has done for me! Casting every care or worry on Him and Rejoicing always in my Savior and Redeemer and soon coming King!
Aww! God is so good! He keeps reaching for us and for the lost!
I’m reminded of this old song!
He gave His life’s blood
For even me
Once I was straying
In sin’s dark valley
No hope within could I see
But they searched through Heaven
And found a Savior
To save a poor lost soul like me
O what a Savior
O Hallelujah
His heart was broken
On Calvary
His hands were nail scared
His side was riven
He gave His life’s blood for even me
Death’s chilly waters
I’ll soon be crossing
But His hand will lead me safely o’er
Then I’ll join that chorus
In that great city and
I’ll sing up there forever and ever more
O what a Savior
O Hallelujah
His heart was broken
On Calvary
His hands were nail scared
His side was riven
He gave His life’s blood for even me
For even me
O what a Savior
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Marvin Dalton
O What A Savior lyrics © Stamps Quartet Music Company
Have a blessed day!
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Happy Thanksgiving! Praying for all like me that are experiencing the first without one or more. Focusing on all my blessings. Thankful for all of you SRT ladies.
Seana’s devotional hit close to home with me too. 19 years ago I sat with my mom as she went to meet Jesus and then just nine months ago today I sat with Jack as he met Jesus. I know the holidays are hard for many people and that many of our sisters lost someone this year. Praying that God will give us all comfort and peace! Today’s scripture is certainly encouraging—all tears will be wiped away by our Lord and Savior!
Praying God’s blessings on each of you! Happy Thanksgiving to our US sisters! ❤️
Happy Thanksgiving to you all! May you have a blessed day…
Hope. I’m tethered to this hope through faith given to me, so that I may believe in the birth, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who loves us all. May God help us all.
Thank you Seana, so beautifully said.
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I have really enjoyed going through the book of Revelation – a book I once feared and so misunderstood. I know this study has only brushed the surface, but it was very helpful and a good place to start.
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As I read “He will wipe every tear from their eyes”, I had a flashback to yesterday. I was at my daughters to pick up my little 20 month old grand-daughter. Before heading back to my house with her I went in to use the bathroom and she cried her eyes out as if I was leaving her forever! When I came out I scooped her up to my arms and gently wiped her tears, telling her, “grammie hates to see you cry”… It is only a slight glimpse of what it will be like to have our loving, heavenly Father wipe away our tears.
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Happy Thanksgiving to my SRT She’s – near and far. Praying for you all today and especially for those of you who are missing loved ones -who have an empty chair at the table, and for those of you who will be alone. You are loved, you are prayed for.
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Song that comes to mind..
Thank You Lord by Chris Tomlin
.Thank you, Lord, for the small things
Like me and her on the porch swing
For summer nights and fireflies
And the sound of my old six string
Blessings, on blessings, on blessings, on blessings
If I still got breath in these lungs
And that’s all I need to get down on my knees
And be thankful for all that He’s done
For my mama, for my friends
For Your love, it never ends
For the songs that make us dance
On this old dirt floor
For my babies, for my girl
For the way they changed my world
Waking up today
Yeah, I just gotta say, thank You, Lord
Yeah, I just wanna say, thank You, Lord, oh-nah, yeah
Thank You, Lord, for the hard times
For lighting the way in the dark times
For pulling me in, forgiving again
The times that I took it too far, I
Gotta thank You for keeping me humble
For picking me up when I stumble
And although I change, You stay the same
And I don’t say thank You enough
For my mama, for my friends
For Your love, it never ends
For the songs that make us dance
On this old dirt floor
For my babies, for my girl
For the way they changed my world (changed my world)
Waking up today
Yeah, I just gotta say, thank You, Lord
I just wanna say, thank You, Lord (oh, yeah)
Praise up, eyes closed
One thing I know (ooh)
I just wanna thank You, Lord, thank You, Lord (Thank you, Lord)
Praise up, eyes closed
One thing I know
I just wanna thank You, Lord, thank You, Lord, whoo
For my mama, for my friends
For your love, it never ends (it never, never ends)
For the songs that make us dance
On this old dirt floor
For my babies, for my girl
For the way they changed my world (the way they changed my world)
Waking up today
Yeah, I just gotta say, thank You, Lord (ooh-ooh)
I just wanna say
(One thing I know) Thank You, Lord
(I just wanna thank You, Lord, thank You, Lord, yeah)
Praise up, eyes closed (ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)
One thing I know (ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)
I just wanna say, thank You, Lord
Awww,what a sweet parallel! Thank you for the prayers! Happy Thanksgiving, Sharon!❤❤❤
I too have enjoyed Revelation. More than I expected. I love this story about your little granddaughter. So sweet. Melts your heart.
Thank You Father for the Hope that comes in Jesus!
Wait in the Hope of our future !!! Amen
This is trustworthy and true! Revelation 21:5 ✝️
The scripture we read today is full of hope; all the “making right” that is awaiting, where splendor and glory abound and the Lord God Almighty and Lamb are just everything. What a day and moment that will be. I appreciate Seanna Scott’s raw, transparent and tender sharing. It reminds us that really, its not supposed to be this way. But praise our Almighty God that these words she penned are true “So as we suffer momentarily, even in the darkest days of despair, we can trust the promises of our future home. We set our hope on things above (Col 3:1–4) because we can be sure God will make all things new (Rev 21:5) Thanks be to God.
A very Happy Thanksgiving to our US sisters. May you have blessed and beautiful day❤️
Amen! Brings to mind also
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,”
They are BIG and GLORIOUS things await us!! Hold Fast! And run the race to win!
Seana’s devotional hit close to home today. 17 years ago, my Dad went to be with Jesus. I was a broken 10 year old who favorite person in the whole world had been taken away! Grief follows me throughout different phases of life and pops up after I achieve something new. Even now, I am going through grief as I am in my current season (new job, away from “home”). I know that God hears my prayers & I know He understands when I no longer have words to offer and sit silently crying out to Him. Our tears are prayers too. At least I believe they are!
Praying for you dear Susan! May God meet you in your grief and comfort your dear heart! Sorry that you are away from home right now. May you find good friends to fill that void. ❤️
Praying for you this morning Susan and will continue as you adjust to your new job and new home. ❤️
Praying for you, Susan. May Jesus wrapped you in his arms today and give you sweet memories of your Dad.
Praying for you Susan!
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. I pray the Lord would bless you and keep you, make his face shine upon you, and give you peace no matter your circumstances today. I pray for all of us who have lost someone this year, the firsts are always the worst! My nieces are coming over here before the bigger get together – my heart breaks for them (and us!)
On another note, I did not know about the different resurrections, nor that those that pass are with God but have not received their glorified bodies yet. I’ve been reading Revelation with ChatGPT open and wow! I’m so thankful for all of your comments and insights and the SRT team!
Praying for you today, and your nieces. The suffering is gone, it doesn’t seem fair that he had to suffer in the first place, but it is a reality. The broken world, that gives us something to expectantly wait on and that glorious hope! All things made right. It gives us such vital talking points to share. But just being wrapped in the love of family will be good for them.
I pray those classes have helped your marriage?! We are still having the issues over here, although not as often.
Oh, something else for which we can ALL be thankful!!! I just saw an EDIT option on a reply!!!
THANKS SRT tech team!!! ❤
WhooHoo- It’s here for comments, too! ☺☺☺
That is something to be thankful for! :)
I just saw that too, and I used it! Nice new addition.
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SEANNA SCOTT, thank you for sharing that most intimate moment with us. God bless you with happier memories today as you remember and give thanks. ❤
Seanna said, “So as we suffer momentarily, even in the darkest days of despair, we can trust the promises of our future home. We set our hope on things above (Colossians 3:1–4) because we can be sure God will make all things new (Revelation 21:5)—including my father’s body.”
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1 Corinthians 15:49
Just as we are now like the earthly man, we will someday be like the heavenly man.
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Colossians 3:3-4
For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your* life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
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SONG SHARE:
LIVING HOPE by Phil Wuckham
How great the chasm that lay between us
How high the mountain I could not climb
In desperation, I turned to heaven
And spoke Your name into the night
Then through the darkness
Your loving kindness
Tore through the shadows of my soul
The work is finished, the end is written
Jesus Christ, my living hope
Who could imagine so great a mercy?
What heart could fathom such boundless grace?
The God of ages stepped down from glory
To wear my sin and bear my shame
The cross has spoken, I am forgiven
The king of kings calls me His own
Beautiful savior, I’m Yours forever
Jesus Christ, my living hope
Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free
Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me
You have broken every chain
There’s salvation in Your name
Jesus Christ, my living hope
Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free
Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me
You have broken every chain
There’s salvation in Your name
Jesus Christ, my living hope
Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free
Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me
You have broken every chain
There’s salvation in Your name
Jesus Christ, my living hope
Then came the morning that sealed the promise
Your buried body began to breathe
Out of the silence, the roaring lion
Declared the grave has no claim on me
Then came the morning that sealed the promise
Your buried body began to breathe
Out of the silence, the roaring lion
Declared the grave has no claim on me
Jesus, Yours is the victory, whoa!
Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free
Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me
You have broken every chain
There’s salvation in Your name
Jesus Christ, my living hope
Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free
Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me
You have broken every chain
There’s salvation in Your name
Jesus Christ, my living hope
Jesus Christ, my living hope
Oh God, You are my living hope
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING to my sisters in America! ❤☺❤
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Love, hugs, and prayers to all! ❤
He is our Living Hope! Happy Thanksgiving Cee Gee!
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Beautiful song!
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Happy thanksgiving to All my American sisters here…❤️❤️❤️
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I am so very THANKFUL for our time here each morning, afternoon,evening..
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Thankful..
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Much love and hugs to all here wrapped in prayers..❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thanks, Tina! ❤. Love and hugs back to you! ❤❤❤
Blessings to you Tina – and much love and hugs being sent back to you!
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Love and prayers to you , Tina! I am thankful for your honesty and how you share from your heart in such an amazing way!
Seana Scott, thank you for sharing that tender memory. I’m glad you have the confidence that you will see your dad again.
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Tearfully thinking of my dad, father-in-law and mother-in-law who as far as I know died without surrendering their hearts to Jesus. Only God knows where their hearts were as the crossed into eternity, but I know God is good and His ways are just. If they called out to Him in their final moments, I know He answered and was there to meet them.
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Praying for others in my family who have resisted His call, that this would be the year their eyes would be open to the reality of His mercy and grace.
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Happy Thanksgiving, Shes. May this be a day of rejoicing in God’s goodness to you.
So sorry, Kelly! I agree with your thoughts. ❤
Praying with you for those who have not chosen Jesus. ❤
Praying with you for the unsaved in our families and friends, Kelly!
Praise be to God, so much to be Thankful for!
Even though we live in a world cursed with sickness and death on this day give thanks as we look to the Holy City, Jerusalem. We get a glimpse of what beauty will be there in today’s reading. All She’s have a blessed Thanksgiving. ✝️
Definitely a thanksgiving moment! Praise God for your mum’s disappearing clot.. Praise God..
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Happy Thanksgiving.. A. Walton, to you and yours..❤
Happy Thanksgiving from Ireland! Making lots of the classic foods from scratch today. Yum! So glad to have our in-laws with us. Thankful for she reads truth as well.
I came down with an infection on Monday. I am still trying to kick it. I’m feeling better, but it is still not gone. Would appreciate prayers. Thank you.
UPDATE on my mom: her clot is GONE! YES!!!! She has had so many health problems lately; I’m glad this is not one of them. Yay! Praise God! Thanks for your prayers.
Rejoicing with you about your mom!
Praying your infection clears up so you can enjoy the visiit with your in-laws.
Yay for your mom and praying you feel well enough to enjoy today! ❤
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving! Praise God for your Mom’s clot going away. Praying you feel better soon!
Praise God for the answered prayer for your mom! So happy for you that you get to spend today with family – enjoy your time together. Prayers that your infection heals completely! Happy Thanksgiving!!
Great news about your mom! Praising God.
Praying for your infection.
Wonderful news about your mom, A Walton! Praying for complete healing for you!
Praising God for your mom and praying for you!