Final Restoration - Barbara Lynn Seibel

October 11, 2026October 10, 2026

Responding to Christ’s Review Part Six

Recently, as I approached the door to my office at work, I clicked the unlock button on the fob for my car.

A few years ago, I attempted to open an elevator door three times by waving my work fob in front of the buttons.

As you probably guessed, neither of these scenarios resulted in the outcome I had attempted to cause.

Thankfully, in the more recent scenario, I caught myself much quicker than in the older example.

What does this have to do with Revelation 3:7-13?

Christ promises I don’t need to concern myself regarding the door to heaven.

Why?

Because he has the key and has already opened the door.

Are you listening?

October 4, 2026October 4, 2026

Responding to Christ’s Review Part Five

Merriam-Webster.com defines reputation primarily as an overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general.

The second definition of reputation is recognition by other people of some characteristic or ability.

Third, a place in public esteem or regard: good name.

There’s even a bit of history on the link above sharing that this term received high favor in the 14th century. Its Latin verb root, reputare, means “to take into consideration” or “to think over.”

Our study today discusses the reputation of the Church in Sardis at the time John wrote Revelation.

September 27, 2026October 4, 2026

Responding to Christ’s Review | Part Four

Have you heard of the sandwich technique?

I’m not talking about how to build something we eat.

Rather, I’m referring to a constructive feedback tool often used during hard conversations.

This tool encourages combining positive reinforcement with constructive feedback.

Christ does exactly this in his review of the Church in Thyatira, our passage of study for today.

September 20, 2026

Responding to Christ’s Review | Part Three

What jumps to your mind when you hear the words cultural or social influence?

Where would you place yourself on a scale of cultural or social influence?

With the tools of social media and AI, influence is a rapidly and swiftly changing landscape today.

But even with all this technological innovation that is sweeping across our collective cultures, we still need to consider our personal interactions with people, whether physically or digitally. This makes us a culture maker, not just an influencer.

Today’s passage reveals that we can get things terribly wrong, but if we listen to Christ’s words and hold fast to Him, we can be conquerors for His glory in every area.

September 13, 2026September 14, 2026

Responding to Christ’s Review | Part Two

As a child, who encouraged you the most?

A parent? Sibling? Friend?

Why did you need their encouragement at the time?

How about as an adult?

Is there someone in your life who encourages you more than anyone else?

Why do you find that person so encouraging?

When do you find you need the most encouragement?

Today’s study passage shares Christ’s encouraging words to his followers in Smyrna (modern Izmir).

Christ’s words reveal his presence, God’s control, and a reminder of our eternal reward as His followers.

August 30, 2026September 12, 2026

Responding to Christ’s Review | Part One

Responding to Christ's Review A Study of Revelation 2:1-7

Have you ever heard of SMART goals?

Many workplaces use SMART goals to assist their employees in setting goals for the coming year and to assess the previous one.

Meeting these SMART goals often leads to a raise percentage following one’s annual review.

Here is what the acronym SMART stands for:

S = Specific
M = Measurable
A = Attainable
R = Realistic
T= Timely

As you study today’s passage, keep these goals in mind.

August 23, 2026September 12, 2026

Seeing Through John’s Vision

My home church currently has an art exhibit featuring the works of illustrator Tim Davis, who created over 600 images for the beloved Hidden Pictures feature in Highlights magazine from 1994 to 2014.

Some illustrations are quite complex in the imagery.

But it is fun for kids and adults alike to find the artist’s hidden images as one studies each work.

If you’re in the area, I encourage you to come by and see for yourself. The exhibit is up through September.

Our study passage today is also full of interesting imagery that brings great comfort and awe as one looks for the connections throughout the rest of scripture.

I pray you too will find great illumination from this study of Revelation 1:9-20.

August 16, 2026September 12, 2026

What God Chose to Reveal

Revelation.

When you hear that word, what comes immediately to mind?

Is it something positive or negative?

Does the word make you feel hopeful or skeptical?

In Christian circles, this word often recalls the Book of Revelation.

This book often stirs controversy, frustration, and even obsession with predicting the return of Christ.

But if we take time to study the first eight verses, I believe we learn God chose to reveal something other than controversy, frustration, or even obsession.

March 5, 2023March 5, 2023

Are You Gardening with God?

Spring has sprung where I live.

Aside from dealing with the allergens that tackle my respiratory system, I love getting my container gardening started each spring.

I used to only want to plant vegetables so that there would be a harvest to enjoy. But when my husband and I moved into our current abode, there was simply too much shade for vegetables.

This challenged me to research shade gardening and develop a greater appreciation of ornamental plants.

A couple of years ago, a tree was removed from the backyard, which has enabled more sun on our postage stamp of a yard.

This year a neighbor gifted us with her extra lettuce seedlings, and I already have some sugar snap peas poking up through the dirt. In addition, there is rosemary, sage, parsley, and some lavender that has held on since last year.

I also potted up some pansies and petunias for their joyful colors this growing season.

For the spot that still does not get enough sun for vegetables, I planted some ferns, astilbe, and dicentra.

What does all my gardening talk have to do with God?

December 11, 2022December 10, 2022

Taking Some Recovery Time

This past week has not gone as I had originally planned.

I got sick with a head cold while traveling back from visiting family.

And I am still in recovery.

Thus, I have not prepared my intended post for this date.

Instead, I have been taking care of my body by sleeping and drinking plenty of hot tea or brothy soups.

My pets have enjoyed getting to snuggle more with me than usual.

Each day I am making progress and anticipate resuming a more normal routine soon.

Meanwhile, as you prepare for the festivities of this Christmas season, please take some time to ponder the following prayer of Christ to God, found in the gospel of John.