But People Loved the Darkness

Today’s Reading: Revelation 8 – 11; Psalm 74

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 confess 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

Where is Dan?

Today’s Reading: Revelation 7; Psalm 47

Then I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds so they did not blow on the earth or the sea, or even on any tree. And I saw another angel coming up from the east, carrying the seal of the living God. And he shouted to those four angels, who had been given power to harm land and sea, “Wait! Don’t harm the land or the sea or the trees until we have placed the seal of God on the foreheads of his servants.” – Revelation 7:1-3

As John’s vision continued, heard that 144,000 from the tribes of Israel were marked with the seal, but there was a tribe missing. Where is the tribe of Dan? In this I find significance as I sip on my morning coffee. Where are you, people of Dan, and what was so valuable in your life that it was worth missing this amazing moment?

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

As the tribe of Dan 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).

“That is why they stand in front of God’s throne
and serve him day and night in his Temple.
And he who sits on the throne
will give them shelter.
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. 7:15-17

I find a stark contrast as I read the seventh chapter of Revelation 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. They could have experienced all of this, but they chose what was false, what was fake and what was temporary over what was eternal.

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.

And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God. They sang,
“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor
and power and strength belong to our God
forever and ever! Amen.”
– Revelation 7:11-12

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 without fully surrendering to God, as if He is not on the throne, I will miss out on His life-giving water. Yes, God is loving — He is compassionate, merciful and full of grace! But God is also just, and He will apply justice as promised.

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 the man who walked on water, a leader who cleared the Temple, and a preacher who taught about hell. Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, and fed the multitudes. The Christ Child 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).

Wrath of the Lamb

Today’s Reading: Revelation 6; Psalm 78

“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 one fourth 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 is 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 (6:12-15).

And they cried to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of 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?” – Revelation 6:16-17

So often our focus is on the sacrifice of the Lamb, and how the blood was shed for our transgression. Beautiful poems have been penned and songs have been written to draw our attention to the salvation made possible because Christ the Lamb was willing to pay the price for our sins. But what do we do with the wrath of the Lamb? What do we do with scripture like Revelation 6?

There will be a day when every person will be held accountable for their choices made. For those who choose to believe and then boldly confess that Jesus is their Lord, there will be an eternal reward. But for those who reject the gift of salvation and who refuse to place their faith in God, there will be eternal separation and pain. Better to experience the scorn and bullying of this world as they reject the One in whom we place our faith than to experience everlasting shame and torture. Better to experience the love and grace extended by the Lamb than the wrath of the Lamb unleashed on all who have rejected his gift of salvation.

Then the Lord rose up as though waking from sleep,
like a warrior aroused from a drunken stupor.
He routed his enemies
and sent them to eternal shame.
– Psalm 78:65-66

Who is Worthy?

Today’s Reading: Revelation 5; Psalm 18

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.

I love you, Lord;
you are my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
and my place of safety.
I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and he saved me from my enemies.
– Psalm 18:1-3

The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock!
May the God of my salvation be exalted!
– Psalm 18:46

God is Worthy

Today’s Reading: Revelation 4:3-11; Psalm 96

“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 yet 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 today. The door is open. Are we looking? Are we listening? 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.

Sing a new song to the Lord!
Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!
Sing to the Lord; praise his name.
Each day proclaim the good news that he saves
Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.
Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.
Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!
– Psalm 96:1-4a

Ushered into His Presence

Today’s Reading: Revelation 4:1-2; Psalm 77

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

WHEN WE KEEP ON SEEKING, WE WILL FIND GOD.

Keep on asking. Keep on seeking. Keep on knocking. Let’s not miss the persistence with which we are commanded to seek God and make our requests known to Him. God is calling us to a level of tenacity that demonstrates faith as we wait for Him to answer. And He will. You see this strong determination is mirrored in God’s action towards us. We are not the only ones 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, He faithfully stands at the door knocking. Even when we are in a season when we are not seeking God, 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.

I cry out to God; yes, I shout.
Oh, that God would listen to me!
When I was in deep trouble,
I searched for the Lord.
All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven,
but my soul was not comforted.
– Psalm 77:1-2

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.

“Grace” Written in Red

Today’s Reading: Revelation 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. Soak in the written word of God and allow His Spirit to speak through the scriptures.

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 and to be a student of His Word. It is in these times of authentic surrender 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 guidance. 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.

The Overly Tolerant Church

Today’s Reading: Revelation 2:12-29; Psalm 5

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

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 while opening our hearts to the truth as revealed by your Spirit. Amen.

Pergamum is the COMPROMISING CHURCH. Jesus 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.

“Repent of your sin, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” – Revelation 2:16

JESUS CALLED THE CHURCH’S TOLERANCE SIN.

The church had 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. Even if they did not endorse it, they allowed it, and Jesus called their tolerance sin.

The heart of Jesus is revealed here in these verses, showing that his desire was for them to repent of their sin so that they could experience everything He had for them. He was sending this message to the Church in Pergamum, knowing that believers would be reading his words for generations to come. Just as the warning is for us today, so is the promise of victory! But let’s not miss that not only is the promise for us, so is the warning.

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 the Son of Man 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 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. Leaders are looking the other way, allowing a spirit of compromise and tolerance in the church, while other leaders have begun to endorse what scriptures have defined as sin.

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.

To those believers who were not following the false teaching being allowed in the church, Jesus said — “I will ask nothing more of you except that you hold tightly to what you have until I come.” (Revelation 2:24-25). It seems to me that Jesus is saying to hold on to the truth; do not grow weary and let go of the foundation of truth on which your salvation was built. Do not run after the newest idea or fall prey to the false teaching that has made its way into the church. Hold tightly to what you have until Jesus comes again.

Father God, forgive us for getting off track. We pray for revival to sweep through our nation, starting with the Church. Show us how to respond in love to the world around us without watering down the message of salvation. 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, not as judgmental. May your grace and love be evident in all that we say and do. Amen.

Positioned to Hear from God

[note: The posts got out of order. I apologize for sending yesterday’s before today’s.]
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 21-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 worshiping 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 worshiping 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 season of life that you are the most likely to be POSITIONED TO HEAR FROM GOD. Does God have your attention? The Alpha and Omega has something to say to each of us in the coming us. May we have ears to hear and understand what He is saying to us through His Word.

“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.

The Lampstands

Today’s Reading: Revelation 2:1-11; Psalm 3

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.

“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God.” – Revelation 2:7b

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 – I know about your suffering and your poverty. I know the blasphemy of those who oppose you. 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).

THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES HAD THE POTENTIAL TO DRAW THEM CLOSER TO GOD.

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

Can you relate to either of these churches? Both of these lampstands were being called to persevere — both were patiently suffering. Do you see Jesus in these messages? Do you hear the encouragement that he has for you? I know all the things…I know about your suffering…I see how your love for me is fading due to the distractions within the church and the suffering caused by those who say they belong to God. Stay in relationship with me. Let me fill you with my love and my strength for what is ahead. Remain faithful and do not be afraid.

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

But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
I cried out to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy mountain.
– Psalm 3:3-4