Today’s Podcast
Today’s Scriptures
Today’s Bible reading plans include:
Ready – Revelation 3:7-22
Set – Ezekiel 5; Revelation 3
Go! – Ezekiel 4-7; Revelation 3
Revelation 3:7-22
7 Write down My words, and send them to the messenger of the church in Philadelphia. “These are the words of the holy One, the true One, and the One who possesses the key of David, which opens the possibilities so that no one can shut them. The One who closes all options so that no one can open:
8 “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut. I have done this because you have limited strength, yet you have obeyed My word and have not denied My name. 9 Watch, and I will make those of the congregation of Satan—those who call themselves ‘Jews’ but are not because they lie—come before you penitent, falling at your feet. Then they will know how much I have loved you. 10 Because you have obeyed My instructions to endure and be patient, I will protect you from the time of trial which will come upon the whole earth and put everyone in it to the test. 11 I will soon return. Hold tight to what you have so that no one can take away your victor’s wreath.
12 “As for the one who conquers through faithfulness even unto death, I will plant that person as a pillar in the temple of My God, and that person will never have to leave the presence of God. Moreover, I will inscribe this person with the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, New Jerusalem—which descends out of heaven from My God—and My own new name.
13 “Let the person who is able to hear, listen to and follow what the Spirit proclaims to all the churches.”
Letter to Laodicea
14 Write down My words, and send them to the messenger of the church in Laodicea. “These are the words of the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of God’s creation:
15 “I know your works. You are neither cold with apathy nor hot with passion. It would be better if you were one or the other, but you are neither. 16 So because you are lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 You claim, ‘I am rich, I have accumulated riches, and I need nothing’; but you do not realize that you are miserable, pathetic, poor, blind, and naked. 18 So here is what I suggest you do: buy true gold from Me (gold refined by fire so that you can be truly rich), white garments (to cover you so that you can keep the shame of your nakedness from showing), and eye ointment (to treat your eyes so that you may see clearly).
19 “Those I love I also correct and discipline. Therefore, be shamelessly committed to Me, and turn back. 20 Now pay attention; I am standing at the door and knocking. If any of you hear My voice and open the door, then I will come in to visit with you and to share a meal at your table, and you will be with Me.
21 “The one who conquers through faithfulness even unto death I will place next to Me on My throne, just as I Myself conquered and took a place of honor with My Father on His throne.
22 “Let the person who is able to hear, listen to and follow what the Spirit proclaims to all the churches.”
Today’s Devotional
From today’s background scripture God might say:
The two letters, one to Philadephia and one to Laodicea, provide contrasts in the churches and in the choices you can make. The letters also give the two different outcomes for the choices you make. Those in Philadelphia chose to obey My commands and were commended for their faithfulness. Consequently, they will find themselves protected from the trials to come to all humanity at My final coming. They will escape the wrath I will bring on the world. They will find themselves transported to My temple in heaven to be in My presence forever.
The other choice looks like the church in Laodicea. You can, like them, choose a lukewarm life. Not quite the cold of apathy or the heat of passion, but just hanging around playing church. Attending. Pretending to love Me by saying the right words. Giving of a little of your time and treasure, but never so much at it would inconvenience you. Pretending to know Me, but only knowing about Me. Those I will spew out of My mouth. Those will have no part in My kingdom.
You can make those around you think everything is alright between us, but you and I know the real state of our relationship. Which choice have you made? Do you obey like those in Philadelphia or are you lukewarm like those in the church at Laodicea? You choose your path, your path determines your destiny. Two letters, two paths, two destinies. Make the right choice.
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