Revelation 2 - 6.25.24

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation 2:17  "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.  To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna.  I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.  To the one who is victorious and does My will to the end, I will give authority over the nations - that one will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery - just as I have received authority from My Father, I will also give that one the morning star.  Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.  

OBSERVATION:  Chapter 2 in the book of Revelation is filled with divine warnings that were sent to the seven churches by John.  The vision he received by God instructed him to write to the seven churches, and to include God's words of encouragement to them regarding their strengths, as well as God's warning to them regarding their flaws.  

The first message was written to the Church in Ephesus:  They were commended for the way they had persevered against false apostles, but they needed to be reproved for the way they had lost their first love. They had become a large proud church, and they needed to be reminded that Jesus is the head of the body of believers.  They were encouraged to repent and devote themselves to God so they wouldn't lose their place in His kingdom.  (verses 1-7).

The message to the church in Smyrna brought comfort during their time of tribulation.  They were encouraged to remain faithful even to the point of death, and to the over-comers, they were promised not to be harmed by the second death.  ( verses 8-11).

The church in Pergamum was acknowledged for their steadfastness, and for the way they had held fast to Jesus' name in the midst of a city where Satan dwelt, but they needed to be corrected for the way they had followed the teachings which lead believers into idolatry and immorality stemming from the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans.  They were called to repent, and a promise was given;  hidden manna and a white stone would be given to the overcomers.  ( verses 18-29).

The message to Thyatira:  They received praise for their love, service, and patience, and yet they were admonished for tolerating sexual immorality and eating food that was sacrificed to idols.  Jesus promised to give authority over nations and the morning star to the overcomers.  

APPLICATION:  The book of Revelation reveals the full identity of Jesus, and it gives warnings AND hope to all Christ- followers.  Each letter that John wrote was directed to a church that was in existence back then, but it also speaks to the conditions of the Church throughout history and to His followers today.   

PRAYER:  I praise You Lord that You are sovereign, and no other leader throughout history can compare with You!  You are all-wise, all-knowing, and are always for us.  Thank You for how You have spoken to us through Your servant, John, and for the encouragement as well as the corrections You gave that have been written down to help us overcome evil temptations, and also for helping us to endure the struggles we will face in this world.  I praise You for being all-powerful, and thank You that as we tap into Your strength, we are able to be over-comers as we fight against the temptations to be loveless, immoral, lazy, apathetic, proud, arrogant, and lovers of self.  I pray we will be solely devoted to You, and that our light will shine brightly for You Jesus, and that it will never go out!  May we be more like You by loving and accepting all people, and refusing to tolerate all evil.  Jesus,  I pray You will use us to shine Your light wherever we go in this dark world.  

- Robin Orefice

Proverbs 19 - 6.24.24

Scripture

Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT

“People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.”

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Observation

In this proverb of King Solomon, he writes how people’s foolishness gets them into trouble, and even ruins their lives. Yet instead of holding themselves accountable for their own actions, they like to point the finger and blame God for the mess they are in.

Application

Take responsibility for your actions!

Isn’t it odd that some people say they have no use for God. They choose not to listen to God or follow His ways. Yet they suddenly want to blame Him and shake their fist at Him as soon as problems come into their lives. What’s up with that?!

Apparently this has been going on for awhile now. Even King Solomon writes about it in this proverb. King Solomon’s proverbs teach us about people’s foolishness. How foolish people prefer a good time (no matter the cost), rather than wanting wisdom or understanding. Foolish people are quick tempered, lack sense, and are deceitful. Foolish people are naive and often repeat the same mistakes over and over again. So you can easily see why foolish people usually end up ruining their lives. Because when you live and make decisions contrary to the Word of God, you wind up making a mess of your life.

How can we break the cycle? Simply by looking into the mirror and taking responsibility for our bad decisions and foolish choices. The next step is to change course. Instead of rejecting God’s ways of doing things, how about accepting that His ways are righteous and perfect. Instead of raising our fists and pointing the finger at God for our ruined life, how about admitting that we need God’s help, and reach out to Him with our arms wide open seeking His wisdom and help. Take advice from one of the wisest men who ever lived in King Solomon, and know that:

“The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” -‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭23‬ ‭

Prayer

Father God, I pray that You bless me with the strength and discipline to walk the path you have paved for me. May I seek Your wisdom and guidance in everything that I do. Keep me away from foolish behavior. And may I be blessed all the days of my life because of it. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽

-Moses Gaddi

Jude 1 - 6.21.2024

Scripture - Pick one verse that stood out to you.

Jude 1:22-23
Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

Observation - What about this verse stands out to you?

Be merciful to those who doubt?
Half-check mark.

Save others by snatching them from the fire?
Quarter-checkmark.

To others show mercy mixed with fear?
No-check mark.

Verses 22 to 23 of Jude 1 is guidance, given by Jude, for believers on how to deal with non-believers. What stood out to me was this request to show “mercy mixed with fear”. 

Application - How will you apply this to your life?

I am hoping that today I will be given an opportunity or several to show God’s mercy to others. I am not sure what situations may present itself but my hope is that in showing a form of mercy to others I will learn a little more about this concept of mercy-mixed-with-fear from God. 

Prayer - Write out a prayer.

What a powerful thing the concept of God’s mercy appears to be. I think I could spend an entire lifetime mining the depths, and the wisdom of that one concept alone. Thank you for sharing Your wisdom with me this morning, Lord. It is so amazing to me that as you showed me a glimpse of how to deal with others, showed me how to deal with the non-others. Be merciful. Be compassionate. Be against sin. 

Thank you Holy Spirit for what you have imparted to me. Thank you Father for your revelation. Thank you Jesus, my Savior, my Lord.

In the name of Jesus do I pray, amen.

-kenneth lee