Today’s Reading: Revelation 10 – 13

Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.
Anyone who is destined for prison will be taken to prison.
Anyone destined to die by the sword will die by the sword.
This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful. – Revelation 13:10

What took place next during John’s Revelation is like something you would expect to see in a science fiction movie. I imagine it was hard for John to put down in writing all that took place. Perhaps this is why God commanded John to eat the scroll. By internalizing God’s message, John was able to communicate all that he saw.

Then I witnessed in heaven an event of great significance… – Rev. 12:1a

A pregnant woman with a crown of twelve stars on her head was crying out in labor pains and agony as she gave birth to a son who was to rule all nations with an iron rod. A large red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and with seven crowns on his head stood in front of her, ready to devour the baby as soon as it was born. But the child was snatched away and caught up to God and His throne.

Next a war broke out in heaven — Michael and his angels against the dragon and his angels. The dragon lost the battle and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. Satan’s attempts to destroy the child born out of Israel were unsuccessful as Jesus was resurrected from the dead and taken up to heaven. The one who was deceiving the whole world was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.

It has come at last – salvation and power
and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth –
the one who accuses them before our God day and night.
And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony.
And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.
Therefore, rejoice, O heavens!
And you who live in the heavens, rejoice!
But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time.” – Revelation 12:10-12

This explains why Satan pursues God’s people. He has lost the battle and now, in anger, seeks to destroy God’s people. He has waged war against the woman and against the rest of her children – all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus (12:17).

Next a hideous beast arose from the sea. The dragon gave the beast his own power, his own throne and great authority. The beast was allowed to speak great blasphemies against God and was given authority to do whatever he wanted for 42 months. The beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And all the people who belonged to the world worshiped the beast.

Then a second beast came up out of the earth performing miracles that deceived all the people who belong to this world. The beast commanded the people to make a statue of the first beast then commanded all the people to worship the statue, which had come to life and now had the ability to speak. The people were given a mark on their right hand or forehead – the mark of the beast (13:17).

Then John saw the lamb standing on Mount Zion with the 144,000 who had His name and His Father’s name on their foreheads. They had kept themselves pure and had been purchased as a special offering to God and to the Lamb. Then the angels proclaimed to all the people of the earth to fear God and worship Him only. They foretold the destruction of Babylon for forcing the nations to drink of her passionate immorality. Those who have the mark of the beast will drink of God’s anger and they will be tormented with fire and burning sulfur forever and ever (14:1-11).

This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently, obeying his commands and maintaining their faith in Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!” – Rev. 14:12-13

I look around at everything happening in the world and I ask how we got to this point. John’s Revelation holds the answer. For a time the defeated Satan is allowed to unleash his anger on God’s people. God cares for His people and provides escape for them at times (12:6,14), but we live with the understanding that we must endure persecution patiently, maintaining our faith in God at all times. And for this allegiance to Jesus, we will be blessed and there will be rest. And we hold this promise from God:

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

Today’s Reading: Revelation 8 – 9

In those days people will seek death but will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them. – Revelation 9:6

The next four chapters of Revelation describe seven judgments that will take place on the earth and in the sky. John wrote down what he saw. Each time one of the seven angels stood before God and blew their trumpet, another horrible event took place. Hail and fire fell down to the earth, burning trees and grass. A mountain of fire fell into the sea, killing one-third of all things living in the sea and destroying one-third of the ships. A great star fell on one-third of the rivers and the water turned bitter. One-third of the sun, moon and stars went dark and terror spread across the earth.

Locusts the size of horses prepared for battle, stinging all who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. The sixth trumpet blew and 200 million mounted troops were released to kill one-third of the people on the earth, breathing plagues of fire and smoke and burning sulfur.

But the people who did not die in these plagues STILL REFUSED TO REPENT of their evil deeds and turn to God. They continued to worship demons and idols made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood – idols that can neither see nor hear nor walk! And they did not repent of their murders or their witchcraft or their sexual immorality or their thefts. – Revelation 9:20-21

Just like we often see today, people experiencing difficulties and extremely hard times have a choice. They can run from God or run to Him. They can hide from Him or trust in Him. They can admit their sin or choose death. God has made it clear in His scriptures that sin is wrong and judgment is coming, yet so many people refuse to repent and accept God’s grace. Those who reject God’s grace will inevitably receive God’s judgment. In the meantime, God is waiting patiently for His people to repent. He continues to extend His grace and offer forgiveness for those who will accept it.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. – 2 Peter 3:9

Another mighty angel came down from heaven, surrounded by a cloud with a rainbow over his head – the symbol of God’s promise. He stood with his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land. He said, “There will be no more delay. When the seventh angel blows his trumpet, God’s mysterious plan will be fulfilled. It will happen just as He announced it to his servants the prophets.” – Rev. 10:6b-7

Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices shouting from heaven: “The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.”

The 24 elders sitting on their thrones before God fell with their faces to the ground and worshiped him. And they said,
“We give thanks to you, Lord God, the Almighty, the one who is and who always was,
for now you have assumed your great power and have begun to reign.
The nations were filled with wrath and now the time of your wrath has come.
It is time to judge the dead and reward your servants the prophets,
as well as your holy people, all who fear your name, from the least to the greatest.
It is time to destroy all who have caused destruction on the earth.”

Then, in heaven, the Temple of God was opened and the Ark of the Covenant could be seen inside the Temple. Lightning flashed, thunder crashed and roared, and there was an earthquake and a terrible hailstorm. – Revelation 11:15-19

There will be judgment and there will be reward. There is no need to fear the terror that is ahead when we are walking in the light of our salvation. Father God, we thank you for the peace you give us as we read about the judgment that is to come; we thank you for the assurance that our faith in you leads to the promise of salvation. May we always find the darkness of this world appalling and the light of Jesus Christ appealing. May others find their way to you because of the love we display and the faith we live by.

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

“There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” – John 3:16-21

Today’s Reading: Revelation 6 – 7

“Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.” – Revelation 5:5b

The Lamb breaks the first seal and one of the four living beings says with a voice like thunder, “Come!” Picture a white horse approaching the throne, its rider carrying a bow. A crown is placed on his head and he rides out to win many battles and gain the victory (6:1-2).

The Lamb breaks the second seal and the second living being also says, “Come!” A rider on a red horse approaches the throne carrying a mighty sword. He is given the authority to take peace from the earth and replace it with war and slaughter everywhere (6:3-4).

The Lamb breaks the third seal. “Come!” A rider on a black horse approaches carrying a pair of scales in his hand. A voice from among the four living beings says, “A loaf of wheat bread or three loaves of barley will cost a day’s pay. And don’t waste the olive oil and wine.” (6:5-6)

The Lamb breaks the fourth seal. The fourth living being says, “Come!” and a pale green horse approaches with Death and the Grave riding on its back. They are given authority of ¼ of the earth – authority to kill with the sword and famine and disease and wild animals (6:7-8).

The Lamb breaks the fifth seal and now John sees that under the altar stand those who have been martyred for the word of God and for being faithful to their testimony. They cry out for their blood to be avenged and they are told to rest a little longer. There are more martyrs joining them (6:9-11).

The Lamb breaks the sixth seal and there was a great earthquake. The sky is transformed as the sun turns black, the moon turns red and the stars fall from the sky. The sky is rolled up like a scroll and all of the mountains and islands are moved from their places. From the most powerful of leaders to slaves, everyone hides from the One who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive? (6:12-17)

Four angels stand at the corners of the earth and hold back the four winds as another angel approaches carrying the seal of the living God, which is to be placed on the foreheads of God’s servants. 144,000 from the tribes of Israel are marked with the seal, but there is a tribe missing and in this I find significance as I sip on my morning coffee. Where is the tribe of Dan?

THEY CHOSE A DIFFERENT PATH THAN WHAT GOD HAD FOR THEM (Judges 18).

As the tribe was trying to find a place to settle, they came to the peaceful town of Laish. They walked into the house of Micah, stealing his idols and encouraging his priest to be their priest. They then walked into the peaceful town of Laish and attacked with swords, burning the town to the ground. They rebuilt the town, set up the carved images and began a long history of idol worship.

THEY CHOSE A DIFFERENT GOD TO FOLLOW (1 Kings 12).

Dan became one of two places for people to travel to worship false gods and idols. In John’s vision, they are excluded from those marked with the seal of the living God. They made their choice and now they will suffer the consequences of their decision. To put anything above God in our lives is idol worship and there are consequences to making other items or people in our lives more important than God.

“Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!” – Revelation 7:10

This is the song of the redeemed, of those who choose to worship only God. Their robes have been washed in the blood of the Lamb – not leaving them with red stains but leaving them white (7:14). Now they have the privilege of standing in front of God’s throne and serving Him day and night.

“…And He who sits on the throne will give them shelter.
They will never again be hungry or thirsty; they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun.
For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd.
He will lead them to springs of life-giving water.
And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” – Rev. 7:16-17

I find a stark contrast as I read Revelation 6 & 7 this morning. Because they rejected God, the tribe of Dan is missing from the list of those marked with the seal of the living God. But those who look for salvation from God are standing before His throne. They will never be hungry or thirsty or scorched by the heat of the sun. They have kept the Lamb on the throne of their lives and He is now leading them to springs of life-giving water, wiping every tear from their eyes.

God is still on the throne, whether I choose to worship Him or worship all this world has to offer. But if I live my life as if God is not on the throne, I will miss out on His life-giving water. I think we are sometimes more comfortable with the baby in the manger and we choose to leave Him there, giving Him some thought during the Christmas season and then putting Him away with the decorations. But the baby born in a stable became a man who walked on water, and He became the sacrificial Lamb. When we follow this Lamb who is our Shepherd, He will lead us to springs of living water. And God will wipe every tear from our eyes.

The Lamb broke the seventh seal and there was silence for about a half an hour (8:1).

Today’s Reading: Revelation 5

Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the one who was sitting on the throne. There was writing on the inside and the outside of the scroll, and it was sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel, who shouted with a loud voice: “Who is worthy to break the seals on the scroll and open it?” But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll and read it.

Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it. – Revelation 5:1-4

John wept because he realized how great the loss was if no one was able to open the seal to reveal the contents of the scroll. Even those who surrounded the throne of God were unworthy to open the seals. There were seven seals on the revelation from God but John was unable to access the promises held inside the scroll because of his sin and unworthiness. The weight of this reality fell heavy on John and he wept bitterly.

There are times when the weight of our sins falls heavy on us. We consider our sinful attitudes, bad decisions and selfish ways knowing we are unworthy of anything God could offer us. We struggle to forgive ourselves and the shame of how we have messed up lays heavy on our shoulders. We have hurt others with our words, we have chosen our own desires over His, and we have made a mess of what God intended to be beautiful.

“Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.” – Revelation 5:5b

Don’t miss what takes place next because it represents the salvation we have access to because Jesus was willing to die for our sins. What happens next, as revealed by John, is a beautiful picture of what Christ has done for us. There is no need to carry the weight of our sins because He has already purchased them with His blood. There is no need to struggle with our past because He holds our future. TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE MESS and focus on the beauty of the Lamb, slaughtered in our place and now standing between us and the throne, interceding on our behalf.

Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit of God that is sent out into every part of the earth. He stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne. And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. And they sang a new song with these words:

“You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it.
For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God.
And they will reign on the earth.”

Then I looked again and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. And they sang in a mighty chorus:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered – to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.”

And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang:

“Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.”

And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb. – Revelation 5:6-14

Stop weeping and look: He has won the victory and that victory is ours!
Stop weeping and listen: Hear the song of salvation the angels are singing!
Stop weeping and worship: Join in the song of praise for we now have access to the throne through the perfect Lamb of God!

“Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” – John 1:29

This morning, we soak in the fullness of YOU, oh God! You are beyond amazing! We are overwhelmed by what you did for us when you sent your Son to be born in a manger. Knowing what was to come, you gave us the perfect Lamb of God in order that we might have access to your promises. The knowledge of your gift is almost overwhelming. Thank you for this gift of salvation. Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to you and to the Lamb forever and ever! Amen.

Today’s Reading: Revelation 4:3-11

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.” – Revelation 3:20-21

When we look to God and hear His voice calling us, we can be brought into His presence through the Spirit. When this happens, we are able to see all that He wants to show us. For John, this “meal” shared together opened up the opportunity to see an incredible moment before the throne in heaven – to see the beauty of a God worthy of Heaven’s praise. Our mind makes a feeble attempt to picture this heavenly moment and still it is beautiful.

It makes me wonder what kind of beauty God would like to reveal to us this morning. I wonder what revelation He has for us during this time of pandemic. The door is open. Are we looking? Are we willing to let the Spirit instantly take us into God’s presence this morning so that He can show us what He longs to reveal?

The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones – like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God. In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal.

In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty – the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”

Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the One sitting on the throne (the One who lives forever and ever), the twenty four elders fall down and worship the One sitting on the throne (the One who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,

“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power.
For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.” – Revelation 4:3-11

God is worthy of our praise this morning. Amen?! He is more powerful than anything we are facing, and the grace He extends to us is truly amazing. I needed to hear that this morning. I needed to enter into His presence and bow before Him, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty — the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” When we exalt Him on earth, He is exalted in Heaven, so let’s lift our voices to our Father and speak the name that is above every name — the name of Jesus.

Today’s Reading: Revelation 4

Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. – Revelation 4:1-2

We find a wonderful truth in these first two verses of chapter four. John looked and saw a door standing open in heaven. A voice said “Come” and INSTANTLY he was in the Spirit. In the moment when John was seeking and God was calling, John was ushered into the presence of God through the Spirit.

When John looked, he saw. There was an open door to the presence of God and all he had to do was look toward God to see the opportunity to enter into the glorious presence of His Creator. A door exists for us as well. Just as John looked toward God, we can seek God. We can respond to this ACCESS by “knocking” and the door will be opened.

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” – Matthew 7:7-8

But that’s not all. We are not the only one knocking on the door to a place where we can commune with God. Just as we knock in hopes of entering into the presence of the God who loves us — just as we seek Him out — He also draws us to Himself by knocking on the door.

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.” – Revelation 3:20-21

Even when we are distracted by life and in a place where we are not seeking God, He faithfully stands at the door knocking. His voice continues to say, “Come.” When we turn our hearts toward God, we find Him. He is ready to share a meal with us – a symbol of friendship and fellowship. He draws us into a covenant relationship with Him. All we have to do is respond to His invitation.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the invitation this morning to “Come” and enter into your presence. Thank you for giving us a door to walk through and a moment to just be still in the presence of your love and your magnificence! Lord, you are worthy of all glory and honor and power! What a privilege to linger in your presence and allow you to reveal yourself to us this morning. We love you, precious God! Amen.

Today’s Reading: Revelations 3

“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.” – Revelation 3:6

So far we have talked about the loyal church, the suffering church, the compromising church, and the overly tolerant church. If you have not seen yourself in any of these descriptions, perhaps God has a message for you today. There are three more messages to three more lampstand churches — the spiritually dead church, the obedient church, and the indifferent church.

The Church in Sardis had a reputation for being alive based on their actions, but God saw that their actions did not meet His requirements – they were the SPIRITUALLY DEAD CHURCH. They needed to go back to what they believed at first and hold to it firmly. Then they would wake up and be strengthened. They needed to be reminded that we are saved by faith and not by works; that works should be an outflow of our relationship with God, not a performance on which we place our identity.

When we place our confidence in our performance, we start giving ourselves permission to let evil creep in, as the Church in Sardis did. But there were some in the church who had not “soiled their clothes” and they would walk with God in white because they were worthy of this privilege. Their names would be written in the book of Life forever (3:1-6).

To the OBEDIENT CHURCH in Philadelphia: “I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me…Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown. All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God — the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God. And I will also write on them my new name.” – Revelation 3:8,10-12

We can be encouraged by the message to the Church in Philadelphia. When we obey the word of God and persevere through even the most difficult of struggles, God will respond in protection over us and lavishly reward us. Jesus will write the name of God on us, as well as His new name. We bear the name of Jesus now when we call ourselves Christian, but a day is coming when the names of our God and our Savior will be forever written on us.

The message to the Church in Laodicea is probably the one we are most familiar with. They are the LUKEWARM and INDIFFERENT CHURCH. They are not completely cold and dead, but neither are they on fire for God. They are like lukewarm water that God will spit out of His mouth. They are rich and think they have everything they need, but they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked.

To the lukewarm, God says, “I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.” – Revelation 3:19-21

So where did you find yourself among these church reviews? Do not be discouraged; there is hope! The difference between these 7 messages and job performance reviews is found at the end of each message: “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.” God is saying – I’m not asking you to perform based on your own abilities. I’m asking you to enter into my presence and allow my Spirit to fill you. Then listen to the Spirit and pray for understanding of how the Spirit is asking you to live. As we have discussed over and over again, we can daily position ourselves to hear from God by entering into His presence to worship Him. It is in these times that we hear from Him and receive strength from Him.

God, that is exactly where I want to be – positioned to hear from you. I want to be filled with Your Spirit so that I can respond minute by minute to your leading. Lord, I confess the areas in which I have been lacking and thank you that “GRACE” is written in red all over our performance review. Thank you for coming in and sharing this morning coffee together. Open my ears so I can listen to Your Spirit and understand what you are saying to me today. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Revelations 2:12-29

Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. – Revelation 2:17

There are five more messages to five more lampstand churches. Let’s look at two more this morning. Lord, show us if one of these “performance reviews” describes where we are at spiritually. Protect us from false guilt but open our hearts to the truth as revealed by your Spirit. Amen.

Pergamum is the COMPROMISING CHURCH. God recognized that they were living in a culture where sin was glorified. He described Perganum as “the city where Satan has his throne.” One of the believers had been killed for his faith, yet the church remained loyal to God during this difficult time of persecution. They continued to praise the name of Jesus, but they had also begun to tolerate false teaching in the church. They continued to call themselves Christ-followers, but they were compromising the standards of holiness by eating food offered to idols and by allowing sexual sin in the church.

They remained loyal during times of persecution but they had also become tolerant of false teaching. They had a choice set before them – repent of your sin or I will come and fight the false teaching myself with the sword of my mouth. Don’t miss that God called their tolerance sin. Don’t miss that his desire was for them to repent so that they could experience everything He had for them.

To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it. – Revelation 2:17b

The Church in Thyatira had a similar problem – they had been the OVERLY TOLERANT CHURCH. God had seen their love, faith, service and patient endurance. In the presence of constant improvement, they had unfortunately allowed teaching that permits sexual sin and the eating of food offered to idols. When given the opportunity to repent, they had chosen immorality over God’s plan. To this church God is saying – I know the thoughts and intentions of every person and I will give to each of you whatever you deserve. If you choose to obey me to the very end, you will be given victory and authority (2:18-29).

“To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God.” – Revelation 2:7b

I believe the church in America is at risk of making the same mistakes as the church in Pergamum and in Thyatira. We live in a culture that no longer appreciates our faith and no longer uses biblical teaching as a standard of morality. The truths found in scripture are now defined as hate speech, and our response has been tolerance on several different issues. We have forgotten how to extend grace and show love, while also speaking truth. We have softened our stance in order to fit into the culture of the day. We continue our routine of faith but we have watered down the word of God. In our efforts to show the love of Christ, we have instead become OVERLY TOLERANT of sin; we are a COMPROMISING CHURCH.

Father God, forgive us for getting off track. Show us how to respond in love to the world around us without watering down the gospel. Give us the right words to show others the plan you have for their life, offering them freedom from sin rather than freedom to sin. Give us the heart to authentically love them so that they see our concern for their future as genuine.

Today’s Reading: Revelations 2:1-11

John received seven messages for seven churches, each represented in his revelation by a lampstand. As we look at each one of these messages, you will hear what sounds a lot like a job performance review. You are doing these things really well, but here is where there is room for improvement and where your performance is lacking. This is what the consequence will be if you do not start doing things differently. This is the reward waiting for you if you do as I have asked you to do.

“I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. – Revelation 2:1-3

This first message was for the LOYAL CHURCH in Ephesus. They were intentionally trying to do the right thing, while also expecting authenticity from those who were claiming to be apostles. Even when standing for the truth was hard, they persevered and were consistent in their stance. Unfortunately, they were missing what God wanted most from them.

“But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. But this is in our favor: You hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans, just as I do.” – Revelation 2:4-6

Their faith walk was becoming more of a habit than a relationship. They had taken their eyes off of the Savior in order to critique the walk of others. This had caused their love for God to fade and their love for each other to diminish. They were missing the purpose of their relationship with God — to grow in their love for God in such a way that the natural result was a greater love for others.

If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

The church in Ephesus had been courageous in their protection of the truth, and they had stayed strong through all the persecution that came with their strong stance, but their passion for truth and justice had replaced their passion for God.

We have seen so many over the last few years fall victim to the same slide. Their voice for justice and truth has lost all evidence of grace and redemption. In their efforts to make sure everyone knows how right they are, they have fallen into the trap of arrogance and intolerance. They have missed the opportunity to be led by the Spirit and, in doing so, lost their influence.

The second message was for the church in Smyrna — the SUFFERING CHURCH. This church had suffered so much for God but they had done so in fear. God’s message to this church was kind and compassionate – Don’t be afraid of the suffering that is ahead of you. If you remain faithful through this difficult time, I will give you a crown of life (2:8-11).

“To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God.” – Revelation 2:7b

To both of these churches, God’s message speaks of relationship. Keep your eyes on me. Do not let the behavior of others distract you from my command to love one another. And do not let fear rob you of the joy I have for you and the peace I want to give you in abundance. I want more than just your loyalty, I want your love. I know you are hurting; remain faithful to me and trust me through this difficult time.

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. – Psalm 91:14

Today’s Reading: Revelation 1

Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. – Revelation 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22

This is the command given at the end of each of the messages for the seven churches. This is where I start as I begin my study of the book of Revelation and as I end this 16-month journey through the Bible. Now I find myself on my knees asking for ears to hear so that I can listen to what the Spirit wants to say to me through this final book in God’s word. I pray for understanding of what He is saying to the churches and what He is saying to me.

God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near. – Revelation 1:3

Lord, we are prepared to be blessed as we spend time in your presence studying this book of Revelation. Reveal to us your message. Reveal to us your heart. Reveal to us the good you see in us and reveal to us the areas in which we are lacking and need to make changes.

God gave Jesus a revelation, which he then sent to John through an angel. The words of this book are the words of God himself and the testimony of Jesus Christ, as written down by John while imprisoned on the island of Patmos. This letter was written to the seven churches in the province of Asia and still has a powerful message to believers today.

But before John reveals the seven messages to the seven churches, he gives us a better understanding of where the message is coming from. He wants his readers to clearly understand that these are not his thoughts; this is not his message. He is simply a fellow believer and brother in Christ who is patiently enduring what Jesus has called him to.

It was the Lord’s Day, and I was worshipping in the Spirit. Suddenly, I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet blast. It said, “Write in a book everything you see, and send it to the seven churches in the cities of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.” – Revelation 1:10-11

Let’s not miss that this moment in which John heard from God was while he was worshipping in the Spirit. He was in God’s presence, filled with the Spirit and focused on worship, when he experienced God like he had never experienced Him before. Because he was positioned to hear from God, he heard from God. The result was that God was able to use him to reveal His message to His people.

In 1996, I heard from God through a Nazarene pastor in Ohio, Rev. Daniel Witter. The message God sent me changed my life forever but I also walked away with a deep gratitude for a man who had positioned himself to hear from God. His faithfulness to spend time alone in God’s presence resulted in Dan hearing from God and receiving a promise for me. The promise gave me hope; the fulfillment of that promise changed my life. But the greatest impact was the realization that my faithfulness to enter into God’s presence daily could result in God communicating to someone else.

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look – I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.” – Revelation 1:17-18

When we enter into God’s presence, we position ourselves to hear from Jesus himself – the One who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his own blood for us. He then makes us a Kingdom of priests for the service of God the Father (1:5-6).

Perhaps it is during this time of pandemic that we are the most likely to be POSITIONED TO HEAR FROM GOD. God has our attention. The Alpha and Omega has something to say to each of us.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come – the Almighty One.” – Revelation 1:8

From A to Z there is nothing outside of God’s domain. When we come to Him and sit at His feet, we enter the presence of a God whose power and authority is all-encompassing. He is fully in control and nothing is beyond His knowledge or ability. This is the God I love, the God I serve, and the God with whom I daily look forward to sharing my morning coffee.