Posts with the category “daily-devotionals”

"Let anyone who has ears listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name is inscribed that no one knows except the one who receives it." - Revelation 2:17   In Revelation 2:17, Jesus speaks to the churches, offering promises to those who conquer through repentance and fait...  Read More

"So repent! Otherwise, I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth." - Revelation 2:16   When we hear the word "repent," it can sound stern and daunting, as if God is issuing a harsh command. However, repentance is not just a requirement; it's a profound gift from God Himself. Imagine being offered the opportunity to turn away from wrongdoing and embrace what ...  Read More

"And he who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it." - Revelation 2:16   In today's world, spiritual compromise often sneaks into our lives unnoticed. It's not always about outrightly rejecting...  Read More

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." - Psalm 119:105  If you want to live a life where your behaviors agree with your beliefs, then it starts with what we have discussed over the last couple of days. That means immersing yourself in God’s Word and choosing Godly influences. But it doesn’t stop there. You must also live a life that aligns with God’s standards.  Living according to...  Read More

"Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." - Proverbs 13:20   One of the most influential factors in our spiritual journey is the company we keep. Proverbs 13:20 wisely advises, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." This timeless wisdom underscores the profound impact that our relationships and associations can have on our li...  Read More

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." - Romans 12:2   Yesterday, we talked about apostasy. It is important that we guard ourselves against apostasy, and that begins with immersing ourselves in God's Word. The Bible is not just a collection of ancient texts; it is a living and active guide that shapes our beliefs and transforms our lives. When we dedic...  Read More

"But I have a few things against you: You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam." - Revelation 2:14   Are you holding fast to the Word of God and living a life that aligns with your professed faith? This is something Jesus addresses in Revelation when talking to the church at Pergamum. He says, “You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam.” Balaam, an Old Testament prophet,...  Read More

"But I have a few things against you: You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam." - Revelation 2:14   In Revelation 2:14, Jesus addresses the church at Pergamum, critiquing them on two fronts: their belief and their behavior. Despite their commendable faith in the face of persecution, Jesus points out significant issues that need correction. This is important for us as believers, to u...  Read More

"Yet you are holding on to my name and did not deny your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness who was put to death among you, where Satan lives." - Revelation 2:13   In Revelation 2:13, Jesus extends a powerful compliment to the church at Pergamum. Despite living in a place described as “where Satan’s throne is,” they held on to His name and did not deny their faith. This ...  Read More

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death." - Romans 8:1-2   Romans 8:1-2 brings us an important truth: it is through the promises of God and the message of salvation that we are liberated from the chains of sin. This echoes the message in Hebrews 4:12, which describes the...  Read More

"For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword…" - Hebrews 4:12   Jesus writes a letter to the church at Pergamum through His messenger John, saying, “Write to the angel of the church in Pergamum: Thus says the one who has the sharp, double-edged sword”  (Revelation 2:12).  This message is directed to the pastor of the church, and it highlights an important as...  Read More

“Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” - Revelation 2:10   In Revelation 2:10, Jesus promises the crown of life to those who are faithful until death. This crown symbolizes eternal life, a promise echoed in James 1:12: “Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who ...  Read More

“Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last.” - Revelation 1:17   In Revelation 1:17, Jesus repeats a crucial command: “Don’t be afraid.” He reassures us, saying, “I am the First and the Last.” For the early Christians facing intense persecution, these words were a powerful reminder of His eternal nature and His presence with them through every trial. When we love Jesus, follow Him, and trust Hi...  Read More

“Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer.” - Revelation 2:10)   Jesus never promised that following Him would make life easier. In fact, He explicitly warned of the opposite. In John 16:33, He said, “You will have suffering in this world.” This is a reality that the early Christians in Smyrna knew all too well. They were persecuted, beaten, and under immense pressure. Jesus acknowledged th...  Read More

“I know your affliction and poverty—yet you are rich.” Revelation 2:9   In the city of Smyrna, the early Christians faced unimaginable challenges. They were afflicted, enduring persecution and slander. They lived in poverty, often unsure of where their next meal would come from. Yet, Jesus looked upon them and declared, “You are rich because of your faith in me.” It’s a paradox that challenges our...  Read More

“I know your affliction and poverty—yet you are rich!” - Revelation 2:9   Following Jesus isn’t always easy—it comes with pressures to conform, compromise, and even abandon our faith. The early Christians in Smyrna faced intense opposition. They were pressured to renounce their beliefs, conform to the world’s standards, and return to their old way of life. Yet, amidst these challenges, Jesus reass...  Read More

“I know your affliction and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” - Revelation 2:9   Have you ever faced hardship because of your faith in Jesus? For many of us, it might mean being mocked, called names, or excluded from social circles. These challenges can sting, but they pale in comparison to the sufferi...  Read More

“Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.” - Revelation 2:11   In today’s church environment, it’s easy to get caught up in programs, traditions, and meetings—important elements in their own right, but not substitutes for the transformative power of God. Jesus’s message to the persecuted church in Smyrna reminds us of what truly matters: the power of God at w...  Read More

“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” - Revelation 2:10   Polycarp, a disciple of the apostle John, stood as a shining example of unwavering faithfulness to Christ amidst severe persecution. His story echoes through history, challenging believers to consider their own commitment to Jesus in the face of adversity. Sentenced to death for refusing...  Read More

“I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victo...  Read More

“Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” - Revelation 2:5   Having remembered the times when we were closest to God and repented of the ways we’ve drifted, the next step is to return to Him wholeheartedly. This process of remembering, repenting, and returning is not just a spiritual exercise but a pathway to experiencing the abundant life God desires for us. R...  Read More

“Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” - Revelation 2:5   After reflecting on the times when we were closest to God, we often realize that something changed along the way. It wasn’t God who moved; it was us. Sin entered our lives, whether through deliberate actions, neglect, or distractions, and our relationship with God began to suffer. The passion and inti...  Read More

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” - Revelation 2:4   Jesus’ message to the church at Ephesus is an important reminder of the importance of remembering our first love. When we first encountered God’s love, it transformed us. There was a time when our hearts burned with passion for Jesus, and His presence was the center of our lives.  Think back to those ear...  Read More

“But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first.” - Revelation 2:4   We have spent the last few days discussing the church in Ephesus, a church that was once devoted to love. John, the ‘beloved disciple,’ was their pastor. Thirty years before John wrote his Revelation on the island of Patmos, Paul commended this church in his letter to the Ephesians, saying he had heard ...  Read More

“But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first.” - Revelation 2:4   Do you remember what it was like when you first fell in love? The fire, the passion, those sleepless nights talking on the phone until dawn. “I’m not going to hang up… you hang up.” You were giddy, consumed by their beauty and charm, and couldn’t wait to see them again. Just thinking about that person d...  Read More

“I know that you have persevered and endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.” - Revelation 2:3   In His letter to the church at Ephesus, Jesus acknowledges the church’s perseverance through hardships. He sees their steadfastness and commends them for enduring trials without growing weary.  Life is filled with challenges and hardships. We face trials in our personal lives, work, re...  Read More

“I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.” - Revelation 2:2   In the letter to the church at Ephesus, Jesus acknowledges their unwavering commitment to the truth. This was a church that held a deep passion for sound doctrine. They opened their B...  Read More

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” - Revelation 2:4   As we dive into Jesus’ messages to the seven churches in Revelation, one striking aspect stands out: Jesus doesn’t just praise these churches or merely criticize them. Instead, He offers a balanced perspective, pointing out both their strengths and their weaknesses. This approach is something we can lear...  Read More

“Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.” - Revelation 1:19   In the book of Revelation, we find letters addressed to seven literal churches. These messages aren't just for those churches; they reveal seven types of church members, too. As we dive into these letters over the next few days, let’s set the stage by understanding a bit more about the author, J...  Read More

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." - Hebrews 11:6   In our journey with God, faith serves as the cornerstone on which our relationship is built. It's not merely a component; it's the very essence of our connection to Him. Our faith manifests in various dimensions: in what ...  Read More

"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus." - Ephesians 2:4-7   D...  Read More

"And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also." - Eph...  Read More

"And you were dead in your trespasses and sins." — Ephesians 2:1   I experienced the need for salvation for the very first time as a young boy—not in a spiritual sense, but in a physical sense. One summer Saturday in Texas, my family was enjoying some time at our local lake when I was probably 9 or 10 years old. I'll never forget the scene that day. There was a beach where people would hang out, a...  Read More

"In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory." — Ephesians 1:13-14   Over the past couple of weeks, we have been looking at who we are in Christ. Paul’s words in Ephesians 1 ar...  Read More

"He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ as a plan for the right time—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him." — Ephesians 1:9-10   In Old Testament times, God's plans and goals weren’t as clear as they are today. We have clarity now regarding God’s purpose and the “mystery of His will”...  Read More

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." — Ephesians 1:7   One significant spiritual blessing we experience "in Christ" is our redemption. The concept of being redeemed refers to the act of buying something out of the market, and in biblical terms, it paints the picture of a slave market. Because of the sins in our live...  Read More

"He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will." — Ephesians 1:5   The Bible tells us that when we are saved, we immediately become part of the family of God. This adoption into God's family is not something we earn; it happens instantly upon salvation. As children of the King, we receive the same rights as Jesus Himself. In th...  Read More

"For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him." — Ephesians 1:4   Have you ever wondered about your purpose in life? According to Paul, if you are "in Christ," you have been set apart for a specific purpose: to reflect the holiness and goodness of God to the world around you.  This concept of being "set apart" is deeply significant. Paul t...  Read More

"Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ." — Ephesians 1:3   When you think about being blessed, what comes to mind? Many of us might envision receiving something unexpected or wonderful, something that makes us feel special or lucky. But what if we misunderstand what it truly means to be blessed by God? Ofte...  Read More

"Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ." - Ephesians 1:3    Being blessed is receiving something you didn’t earn. Think about your paycheck. When you receive it after two weeks of work, do you ever exclaim, “Wow! This is such a blessing!”? Probably not. That paycheck is compensation for your labor, somethin...  Read More