We know nothing of lasting kingdoms. In America, every four years, we either re-elect our leader or kick them out. Plus, there’s midterms and local elections, run-offs. The bottom line is: we’ve built a system of disposable leaders.
Not so with God’s kingdom. His kingdom has always been. The High King of heaven has no term limits.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that will not pass away,
and his kingdom is one
that will never be destroyed.
—Daniel 7:14
Christmas morning was not Christ’s coronation, and His crucifixion was not a coup. He was King in the cradle and King on the cross. King as a crown of thorns pierced His royal brow and King as He burst from the grave with our freedom as His spoils. He is King today. He will be King forevermore.
Christ’s forever kingdom shifts our response to our ever-changing kingdoms. A day is coming when every knee from every nation will bow to the One deserving of our allegiance and adoration. The more our human leaders fail us, the more we praise the One who cannot forsake His own.
“‘His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will serve and obey him’” (Daniel 7:27).
As we look ahead to a new year, the only thing certain is that nothing is certain. From your personal comfort to our national stability, anything can happen (and often does). When that makes your hands tremble or your stomach tie itself in knots, consider the chorus that echoes through heaven’s corridors.
Blessing and honor and glory and power
be to the one seated on the throne,
and to the Lamb, forever and ever!
—Revelation 5:13
It’s true: power is slippery. All earthly kingdoms are destined to fall. Political boundaries will be drawn and redrawn. Yet, in every election cycle and leadership transition, we have this unmovable hope, “Of the increase of [Christ’s] government and of peace there will be no end” (Isaiah 9:7 ESV).
Find your fortitude in this: the King of kings will reign forever. When our world feels unsteady, lift your eyes. Lift your arms. Lift your heart. Then rest your weary bones and know—the King is on His throne.
Leave a Reply
58 thoughts on "By Thine All Sufficient Merit, Raise Us to Thy Glorious Throne Day 34"
❤️
I’ve really enjoyed this study. What a powerful message.
PraiseGod❤️
I felt a sense of urgency as I read these Scriptures. How many do I know that walk around unaware of God’s Word. Some may only think of Him for a few moments, or not at all. Please pray that those that don’t know or aren’t realizing their need for a Savior would be drawn by God’s mercy to repentance and salvation even today! Amen! Prayers for a wonderful day for you all!
All I need to know..,”Find your fortitude in this: the King of kings will reign forever. When our world feels unsteady, lift your eyes. Lift your arms. Lift your heart. Then rest your weary bones and know—the King is on His throne”Erin Davis
What grandness we have in the eternal kingdom of God. So much more than thus world can offer. Praying for eyes and a heart that see this grandness in my everyday life and a soul that longs for the ultimate fulfillment of it.
Thank you so much, dear sisters ❤️ God answered my prayers – my husband and I resolved our misunderstanding, I made safely home to my parents, and am now enjoying some quiet time this afternoon. ❤️❤️ My mom and I chose a YouVersion devotional to do together starting tomorrow. Excited for the new year and its new adventures.
Blessings to you all on the Eve of New Year’s Eve. Have a safe and wonderful New Year weekend! See you all in the next study ;)
AMEN!! what powerful and wonderful reading and devotional today. I’ve loved this study so much, I can’t believe it’s over. I’m It feels like we just started. Thank you everyone, I’ve enjoyed all your comments. Thank you Lord, for bringing us together this Advent season. Happy New Year!
I’m so thankful that God’s kingdom is everlasting! I often find change unsettling and scary. It is nice to know that I can count on something that never changes. ❤️
WOW this is such a beautiful devotion! I loved this – “The king of kings will reign forever. When our world feels unsteady (and it sure does), lift your eyes. Lift your arms. Lift your heart. Then rest your weary. ones and know – the king is on his throne.
I pray again and again that I keep my eyes up on my Savior! This has been a wonderful study. Prayers for all for all of you lovely ladies. I pray you all have a great new year!
What a beautiful devotion Erin. Thank you. This has been an amazing Advent study. Thank you SRT team. Happy New Year to all the Shes wherever you are. May God bless and keep each one of you. ❤️❤️
Forever and ever, He shall reign! Hallelujah!!
Amen! This devotional is outstanding! I am so encouraged! Thank you Erin for your clear and encouraging words!
The King of kings will reign forever!! That’s all I need to hear this morning. I am comforted by these words. Good morning sweet SRT sisters and Happy Friday!
Thank you all for your sweet prayers! I’ve read every one of them and they truly mean so much. My goal for this next year is to truly surrender control and put it in the hands of the lord. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” Proverbs 3:5-6. I know God has a hand in all our peaks and valleys. @Rhonda J. Your words are always so encouraging and you truly are such a light! @cassidy praying for sweet friend!
In the two days left of 2022… “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all You have done; I reflect on the work of Your hands.” (Psalm 143:5 CSB). Thank You Lord, for the rainstorm this morning, it is a picture of Your abundant love… “I spread out my hands to You; I am like a parched land before You.” (v. 6). As I look ahead to the first hours of a new year I pray… “Let me experience Your faithful love in the morning, for I trust You. Reveal to me the way I should go because I appeal to You.” (v. 8). “Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God, May Your gracious Spirit lead me on level ground.” (v. 10). There are some who fear the future, “people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world…” (Luke 21:26). But we who have Jesus are safe and secure in Him. He calls us to watch ourselves “lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and the cares of this life… but stay awake at all times, praying that we may have strength to escape… and stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:24-36). The Kingdom of God is near. I can see the light getting brighter as I draw nearer to Him, pure and uncreated light that has come to us in love and mercy to shine in our days. The Ancient of Days has given Jesus dominion and glory and a kingdom for us to serve in, to share in. Such amazing truth. It will be ours too… (read Daniel 7). So, 2023? To God be the glory. This new year is in His hands. Remember the old, look for the new, live well in the present with Jesus. Maranatha.
Loved this advent study! Today’s demo reminded me of a quote by James Bryan Smith:
“I am one in whom Christ dwells and delights.
I live in the strong and unshakable kingdom of God.
The kingdom is not in trouble and neither am I.”
He reigns now and forever! His Kingdom has never and will never be in trouble. This truth settles over me like a cozy blanket, bringing peace and comfort and JOY.
Happy (almost) New Year dear She’s!
25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” – Luke 21:25-28
Praise God! He will always reign forever!
My favorite Scriptures tend to be the ones about Christ’s return. It is good to read about it, to remind our hearts of the reality of His second advent. “Maranatha!” As one of our Shes regularly prays ;)
“Look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” – what a beautiful command in Luke 21:28 to keep our gaze towards His return and how near it is when the Earth and our lives are shaken.
May our tribulations draw us towards the idea of Christ’s closer return. The worse it gets, the closer we are. Let us dwell on that hope, rather than our current terror or disappointment. I’m preaching to myself!!!
@Mercy– thank you for checking in. You are a good friend. I appreciate you so much and this community. I have been deeply meditating on your words about being a bow and arrow stretched by the Lord. You captured my feelings a lot with this metaphor. Situations are not resolved but I was with some other believers last night who prayed over me after I filled them in on some of the things that happened. As I read 1 Corinthians 15:57- I remember to declare Christ’s victory over all my disappointment. I have to keep doing this until victory is actually visual! God bless you, Mercy!!!
@Rhonda– woah, what a story. Praying grace, healing, and wisdom to your friend and her family with the newborn. May the Lord be so real and near to them, that they cannot deny His presence :) God bless you, Rhonda!!
@Lehua- God heal your heart and continue to help you navigate life with your husband. Be not afraid, He will see you through these difficulities. Thank you for sharing them so we can pray for you.
Love all you Shes. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may OVERFLOW with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. — Romans 15:13 :) <3
Praying for you in this unique season! I remember that longing. God can teach our hearts great patience during that time. It is worth the wait and so reflective of our hearts waiting with longing and expectancy for our perfect Savior!
sisters I forgot to ask for prayer, tomorrow I’m meeting up with my sister and nephew to give them some of their things that are at my apartment and to get some more of my things from the house. We also maybe going to the storage unit. Pray everything goes smoothly. This will happen at about 11:00 am CST. Thank you.
Thank you, God, for establishing Your kingdom eternal, and thank You for revealing to us Your plan – and for reminding us today.
I was encouraged by your words this morning Taylor. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
What a beautiful study this has been and what a great way to end and reflect on the coming year. This helps me remember that this is only our temporary home until we reach God’s kingdom. I am eternally grateful for Jesus who came to earth to bring us forgiveness for our sins and show that we are all worthy through his mercy and grace. Prayers for all who need them today. Thanks be to God!
“The King is own His throne.” Praise be to God. ❤️
I can’t help but think of the line in the pledge of allegiance here “one nation, under God”. This is the image Revelation 5 paints for me. I cannot wait to see this for myself- oh what a day that will be!!
Thank you, Erin, for this beautiful reminder of who Jesus is. I tend to limit Him to time on Earth and His Ascension rather than the King who WAS, who IS, and is to COME! I am feeling called to take steps to be more disciplined in my quiet time and to be more watchful for Jesus in my life. Praying for all the SRT She’s requests that are said and unsaid.
Thank you, Erin, for this beautiful reminder of who Jesus is. I tend to limit Him to
Praise be to God!
My never changing, always there, forever King has been my fortitude more times than I care to count. Over time I’ve learned He’s the One I can ALWAYS rely on, ALWAYS talk to, ALWAYS cry and laugh with. I praise my Lord Jesus Christ on bended knee and out stretched arms and an open heart.
Be blessed and praise God, Christ and the Holy Spirit for all they have done sisters.
Thank you SRT for being a community when I felt desperately separated. The studies I have done and the comments posted daily have brought me back to a steady ground again in my time of great distress. You have lifted me to the Lord with your wise words that seek after God. I am so happy I found this community. You have been a blessing to me and I have grown so much. Thankful for each one of you and praying for a beautiful new year growing closer to the Lord everyday.
Happy Friday She’s, my dear friends! Each of you is so special in my heart! I love to walk beside each of you in your burdens, trials, praises, learning, and sharing! Who knew a mere website group could produce such a sisterhood in Christ…well, God knew! He has definitely blessed the SRT organization! Some of us have been here for more than a decade! Some and many, in the years since, but each has a story, whether shared or not, a purpose, and a testimony! As the year ends, I will keep each of you sisters in my thought and prayers, wishing you contentment, peace, joy, and hope for the New Year! He is carrying those who love Him in his hands, his embrace.
@Theresa praying for you, whatever has come about, know that God will walk you through it. Cry out to Him, trust and obey his direction for your family.
@Cassidy and dear friend @Kimberly Z, I know God already knows your husband. But it is for you to wait on His plan. In the waiting you are growing your own relationship with the Lord, there is nothing greater! Husbands are wonderful, but marriage is hard work. We beg to be married and have kids…and then we are overwhelmed with that reality when it comes! lol. It’s easier to preach it on the other side, but really use your time how God directs you! I was like—how will I ever find my special someone if I never go out looking for him, but it is when you turn your focus to God that your husband will show up in the most astonishing way! I’m sure we sisters could tell you many funny stories!
Praying for some of the She’s we have not seen in awhile—Hoping they are well!
Praying for marriages, relationships, mothers, dilemmas and valleys, the mountains in front of us, direction and wisdom, for all. Hallejuh we know how the story ends! What a balm for our soul, what happiness and peace it gives me!
Praying for your family in
Theresa,
I am praying for you and the decisions that you will need to make.
Theresa,
Beautiful devotion, Erin. May we always remember that Christ is indeed our forever King.
Praying for:
RHONDA J – your neighbor, baby and husband. Health, healing and especially salvation
KIMBERLY Z – for your heartache, for God’s comfort
DOROTHY – for Lynn and BIL
THERESA – wisdom and guidance for you and your husband with these decisions
LEHUA K – for a safe and rejuvenating trip, for the misunderstanding with husband to be sorted out
TAYLOR – encouragement through the weariness
INDIANA CHRISTINA – for continued improvement in marriage
CASSIDY – praying
❤️
Great devo! Rulers of the world will come and go, but Jesus’ reign is forever. When life is hard (or happy) I know who I can go to. I will seek His will for my life.
❤️
It’s silly, but it would mean so much to me if I could have prayer for engagement. My heart is aching and longing to be married and become one with my godly future husband.
♥️
This was the word I needed this morning! My family received some difficult news yesterday that left us reeling and wondering how we’re going to go on and what comes next. I tossed and turned most of last night trying to plan and solve my problems on my own. Waking up to read these words was a breath of fresh air. What a beautiful reminder today that despite our earthly circumstances, no matter how dark they may seem, Jesus is on the throne! He’s been on the throne and he will stay there forever. My deliverer! My conquering king! Provider and protector!!
Ladies, please keep my family in your prayers. My husband and I will need to make some very difficult decisions in the coming weeks and we need God’s wisdom, provision, and guidance. I’m weary but reminded this morning to lean on Jesus.
Grateful that the Lord is on the throne and provides a steadiness to turn to is this chaotic world we live in. Lord May I continually turn to you when I’m weary because you are the only rest that truly restores my soul.
Lord you know the weariness of the many hearts of the She’s who meet here everyday. You know their deep hurts and struggles. You know mine as well, so I ask Lord that you minister in each situation today for all the She’s so they can feel the rest they have as you are on the throne. Amen
Amen! Amen amen! What a beautiful advent study this has been! Thank you for what you do at SRT! God bless you !
Jesus, the Son of Man, will come in a cloud with power and great glory. He will complete our redemption and salvation. At that time, the last trumpet will sound and we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. The dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. Our corruptible bodies will be clothed with incorruptibility. Our mortal bodies will be clothed with immortality. We will have victory over Death through our Lord Jesus Christ. He will let us share in His eternal glory. We, who have died with Him, will live with Him. We, who have endured, will reign with Him. Even when we are faithless, He will remain faithful, becauseHe cannot deny Himself. We will all fall down before Jesus, the Lamb of God, and worship Him. We will declare that He receives all blessing and honor and glory and power forever and ever.
In 2023, I should be alert and ready for His coming. I should continue in prayer. I should continue to die to myself and endure. I should continue to worship and glorify the One seated on the throne and the Lamb of God.
“When our world feels unsteady, lift your eyes. Lift your arms. Lift your heart. Then rest your weary bones and know—the King is on His throne.”
What an amazing truth-we can rest because Jesus is in control. Nothing escapes His watchful eye. We can trust He will make all things right, bringing glory to the Father.
LEHUA K – praying God’s peace will prevail in your turmoil.
BRIANNA PARKER – how is your church brother’s recovery coming along? How is your son feeling?
ALEXANDRA FRITZLER – how are you feeling?
CHLOE – how is your baby?
PAM C – any movement on financial help for the new medication?
EMILY VAHLE – hope you have found a bit of joy in this advent journey
❤️❤️
@Lehua K lifting you, your husband, and your marriage up in prayer and praying you have a wonderful time with your parents!
Yesterday was a hard day at work. I finished the day mentally and physically exhausted. Then last night I also started having some thoughts that made me feel depressed and wanting to cry but I couldn’t. I really resonated with the last paragraph of this devotion because boy do I feel WEARY. What a great reminder to lift my eyes, lift my arms, lift my heart because my salvation is secured. Jesus is my hope, HE gives me joy and strength to keep walking in His ways. I wrote down 1 Corinthians 15:58 in my journal: “Therefore stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
I know and trust that this place, this season is where God has called me. I also wrote down 2 Timothy 1:7 (because I accidentally read 2 Timothy 1:8-13 lol) “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” Praying I can embrace this power, feel His love, and continue to enact self-discipline as I end this year.
I pray everyone has a wonderful and safe New Years! So thankful for this community <3
❤️
All hail King Jesus, the Saviour of all! Amen
Praying for your marriage. Keep your eyes lifted up to Him. His love for you endures forever. That is certain.
Praying for your marriage. Keep your eyes lifted up to Him. His love and mercy is
I’m so grateful for the reminder that Jesus reigns and He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. What a comfort.
I also wanted to thank you all for praying for my husband and our marriage. Things seem to be heading in the right direction again, and I’m hopeful.
Lehua K, I understand how things can get derailed by misunderstanding and being on different wavelengths. That happened with my husband and me on Christmas Eve. It made for a bittersweet couple of days indeed. Just know I’m praying for you, your husband, and your marriage and that God has His hand on everything. Love and hugs to you.
I am so grateful our politicians are indisposable. They offer nothing but regret and let down. However, God is great and having Him forever is all that matters.
Amen!
Oh @ERIN DAVIES, what truth you speak and share. I have tears! Your last paragraph…
Find your fortitude in this: the King of kings will reign forever. When our world feels unsteady, lift your eyes. Lift your arms. Lift your heart. Then rest your weary bones and know—the King is on His throne… is so beautiful a sentence it had my eyes water..
We can go round in circles, we can change this, change that, change whatever.. because..
BUT GOD..
FOREVER UNCHANGEABLE GOD..
He never.. will never.. forever the same today, tomorrow and forevermore..
The certainty we need. The certainty on which our hope is forever found!
Lifting my arms. Lifting my eyes. Lifting my heart. And for sure resting these weary bones, knowing the KING of kings is on His throne..
Just beautiful. Thank you God. Thank you.
AMEN..
Happy last Friday of 2022.. Sending love and hugs wrapped in prayers of peace and hope, love and joy, grace and good health, and all the good things our Gracious and Wonderful God, promises us..
Thank you All for walking together this outgoing year. For the encouragements, the love, the sisterhood along the way, It has been a year of growing and a joy to meet you here..
Thank you..❤❤❤
One thing I know for certain about this coming year, and every year until I take my final earthly breath, is that my salvation is assured and my future secure because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. I look at leaders of nations and I’m comforted by the fact that our God reigns over all. Leaders may be wise or foolish but our always good God, who is all Wisdom and has all power, relinquishes His throne to no one. He’s in charge. He’s in control. He is mine and I am His. I walk into the new year confident and calm for my hand is clasped by the very Prince of Peace Himself.
“Christmas morning was not Christ’s coronation, and His crucifixion was not a coup. He was King in the cradle and King on the cross. King as a crown of thorns pierced His royal brow and King as He burst from the grave with our freedom as His spoils. He is King today. He will be King forevermore.”
WOW! This was beautifully written, Erin. Thank you. I needed to read that even in such an unsteady world, we can be at peace knowing that Jesus is our King now and forevermore. We can hope in His promises. He was, is, and always will be in control.
Ladies, please keep me and my husband in prayer. I’m visiting my parents on another island tomorrow for the weekend (on my own) because I haven’t seen them in almost 3 years, and my husband and I just had a misunderstanding that took its turn for the worse. On top of that, I’m having a hormonal flare up (cramps and heavy period have returned) so I’m not in the best of moods and very stressed. I’m torn because what should feel like such a happy occasion suddenly is very mixed. I immediately turned to SRT and prayer for some strength and that’s why this message was so good. Things have shifted so quickly- just a few days ago I was singing praises for my husband’s openness to faith and setting goals, but now I feel totally stuck in a valley. Bowing my head in prayer to Jesus, not surrender to the enemy (as the enemy may think). I know Jesus is still in control. Thank you for your prayers.