Devotion 
Home is where God is
David Jacobs 

The new city of Jerusalem serves as a metaphor for each and every one of us. Outside of ourselves, there is a world full of sin (similar to outside the city of Jerusalem), and it is through our belief and trust in Christ that we are able to combat the temptations around us. When I was younger, I found myself amongst the "dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie" (Revelation 22:15). It takes great strength and faith in God to turn to him in times of uncertainty and avoid the persuasions of sin.

In the Book of Revelation 22:13-21, we find that God repeats His promise that He is "Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last" (Revelation 22:13). These words are emphasized by appearing twice in the same passage. We should feel confident that God is all-powerful and that through Him, we can feel safe and free of temptation.

Prayer 

During times in my youth, I was not living my life in a way that would have allowed me to stay in the new city of Jerusalem. I was easily tempted and often found myself giving into things that I knew were wrong. It was only through the guidance of Christ that I was able to find my way back and live my life in a way that would allow me to find a place in the new city of Jerusalem. Instead of listening to those that were guiding me wrong, I turned to Revelation 22:17: "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." If we find ourselves thirsty, we need only to follow the word of Christ to quench it.