Just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ (2 Corinthians 1:5).
God’s grace abounds to us, especially when we suffer hurt.
I desire to dwell in the shelter of the Most High. I will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord: “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” Surely God will save me from the fowler’s snare, and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover me with His feathers, and under His wings I will find refuge. His faithfulness is my shield and rampart, my buckler wherever I go. I will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys in sunlight. A thousand may fall at my side, ten thousand at my right hand, but it will not come near me. I will only observe with my eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. Because I make the Most High my dwelling place — even the Lord, who is my refuge — no [deadly] harm will befall me. No [life-threatening] disaster will come near my dwelling. For the Lord will command His angels concerning me, to guard me in all my ways. They will lift me up in their hands so I will not strike my foot against a stone. I will tread upon the lion and the cobra; I will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because [he/she] loves Me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue [him/her]. I will set [him/her] securely on high, for [he/she] acknowledges My name. [He/She] will call upon Me and I will answer [him/her]. I will be with [him/her] in trouble. I will deliver [him/her] and honor [him/her]. With long life I will satisfy [him/her] and show [him/her] My salvation.” (Psalm 91:1-16)
Lord, You have said, “My grace is sufficient for you.” For Your strength is shown perfect in my weakness. So I will take pleasure gladly in my infirmities, pains, distresses — for Christ’s sake — so Christ’s power may rest on me (2 Corinthians 12:9). Therefore I count it all joy whenever I fall into various trials knowing that the testing of my faith produces patience. And I will let patience have its perfect work in me, so I may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing in my service to You, Lord (James 1:2-4). Dear God, help me to remain faithful in tests that have been granted for my gain, because I know that when my faith is tested, my endurance has a chance to grow.
Jesus has promised: “I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you” (John 14:18). Jesus, Your banner over me is love — how fortunate I am! My Lover is mine and I am His (Song of Songs 2:4, 16).
Since Christ suffered and underwent pain, we must have the same attitude He did (1 Peter 4:1). I must be ready to suffer too, for I remember that when my body suffers, sin loses it power (1 Peter 4:1 Phillips). I take my share of suffering as a good soldier in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:3). Father, You are able to make all grace abound to me so that in all things at all times, having all that I need, I will abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).
You have allotted me grace (Ephesians 4:7). You have redeemed me with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment (Exodus 6:6). You have taken me as Your own, and You are my God (Psalm 31:14). You are a Father to me (Ephesians 1:5). You have delivered me from the past that has held me in bondage, and translated me into the kingdom of love, peace, joy and righteousness (Colossians 1:13).
Father, You Yourself have told me: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I [the Almighty One] am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). So I will say of the Lord: “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”
Father, thank You for Jesus’ example of humility. I want to take His yoke upon me and learn from Him, for He is meek and lowly of heart and then I can find rest for my soul (Matthew 11:29).
It is more rewarding to serve than to be served.
It is humbling to me to realize You have adopted me as Your child (Ephesians 1:5); and like Jesus, I want always to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than myself (Philippians 2:3). Grant me the humble heart of a servant, Lord God, so I may be more like Jesus.
I know from Your Word that You esteem the humble and contrite in spirit (Isaiah 66:2). With humility comes wisdom (Proverbs 11:2), and humility always precedes honor (Proverbs 15:33). The humble will rejoice in You, Lord; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 29:19). For You have shown us what is good, and this is what You require of us: to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with You (Micah 6:8). Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what He commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps we will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger (Zephaniah 2:3). I willing serve the Lord with great humility and with tears (Acts 20:19).
For You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty (Psalm 18:27). You give grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34), crowning the humble with Your salvation (Psalm 149:4). Through Your grace I know I can handle every situation. You guide the humble in what is right and teach them Your ways (Psalm 25:9).
So I want to be completely humble and gentle; to be patient, bearing with others in love (Ephesians 4:2) to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men (Titus 3:2). I want to get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent around me, and humbly accept the word planted in me, which can save me and others (James 1:21). Please grant that I may display a good life by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom (James 3:13).
I humble myself before You, Lord, trusting You will lift me up (James 4:10). I will strive to live in harmony with others, to be sympathetic, to love everyone as brother and sister, to be compassionate and humble (1 Peter 3:8). Please teach me how to clothe myself with humility, to humbly submit myself under Your might hand, that You may lift me up in due time (1 Peter 5:5-6). I will never live a day that I am not in need of Your grace, so please help me maintain an attitude that welcomes it.
I cast the whole of my care – all my anxieties, all my worries, all my concerns for my future, once and for all – on You. For You care for me affectionately and care about me watchfully (1 Peter 5:7). Father, I humble myself and submit to Your Word that speaks – exposes, sifts, analyzes, and judges the very thoughts and purposes of my heart (Hebrews 4:12). Fill me with Your Spirit so I can test my own actions, so I might have appropriate self-esteem, without comparing myself to anyone else (Galatians 6:4). The security of Your guidance will allow me to carry my own load with energy and confidence (Galatians 6:5) that I may do Your will as You desire.
Humility and fear of You bring wealth and honor and life (Proverbs 22:4). As one of Your chosen people, holy and dearly loved, I long to clothe myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. I truly want to bear with others and forgive whatever grievances I may have against anyone; to forgive as You forgave me. And over all virtues, I pray to put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity (Colossians 3:12-14). I ask You please, to let the peace of Christ rule in my heart, and I am thankful for Your grace and the power of Your Holy Spirit (Colossians 3:15). Whatever I do, in word or in deed, I will do it all in the name of my Lord Jesus, giving thanks to You through Him (Colossians 3:17). Father, may Your Will be done on earth in my life as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
Ephesus was a rich and politically important city housing the Roman proconsul for Asia Minor. It also housed the temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Wealth, power, magic, and competing religions caused fireworks for the faithful here. This church had been commended for its love. Surrounded by symbols of how agreeable and interesting secular world can be, they were forced to keep a distance. They had tested false teachings and stayed dedicated to truth. But by resenting the secular world so they could stay away from it, the Christians grew cold. Yet whatever you do, if you lack love (1 Cor 13:1-3), you gain nothing. Ephesus was the new Christian center since Jews were tormenting Christians in Jerusalem and Israel. Which is why Jesus addresses them as the One who holds the churches in His hand (Rev 2:1) – He who knows and controls the churches. So, if they were removed from importance (Rev 2:5) it would be more than shocking to the whole of the Christian world. It is easy to grow active without loving; but then you lose your light. Never let the program replace the passion for the Lord.
Smyrna wanted to be first, ahead of Ephesus, but John makes a point to put Jesus first and last (Rev 2:8). The Christians there had almost nothing at all (Rev 2:9). The city was called “the Jewel of Asia” but the congregation of the church was mostly slaves or ex-slaves. It was the center of the Imperial Cult of Rome, and also had a large stronghold of traditional Jews who hated the Christian movement. And since the Christians were mostly converted Jews, much hatred and persecution with intense suffering left the Christians extremely poor. But they remained faithful. “Crown of Smyrna” was a local expression because of Smyrna’s many buildings. Jesus offered them a crown (Rev 2:10), not a diadem worn by a king to symbolize power, but a wreath awarded to the victor in games. Unfortunately they were to face even more persecution, but Jesus, the martyred and eternal Christ (Rev 2:8), guarantees they will receive the crown of new life. And though they may face death, Jesus promises they will escape the Second Death (Rev 2:11). God will not forsake any valiant saint! Therefore do not fear suffering, for the reward is great.
Pergamum boasted one of the finest libraries of antiquity, and had healing spas between two rivers. But had sordid surroundings that challenged their faith. The acropolis, a tall hill of the city, housed many temples. including one for Caesar Augustus (Rev 2:13). It was a political capital, and so a religious center for all Asia Minor, especially for Emperor worship. John pits Christ’s justice against Roman military law (Rev 2:12, 16), since martyrdom was well known in this city. It was one of the very few cities with the right to impose capital punishment. Jesus’ identity as a two-edged sword symbolizes His ability to separate believers from the world — the true Judge of God’s Word against false religion. The reference to Balaam (Rev 2:14) is as a stumbling block that causes weak Christians to fall into eating food sacrificed to idols. A little immorality here and there does hurt! A strong stance against false teaching and immoral practices must be kept. Jesus promises them manna, that He would supply and meet their needs, along with a white stone which signaled an easy life in a Roman court.
Thyatira was noted for its numerous trade guilds, especially bronze making (Rev 2:18). A small city with a small church, they were devoted to service, but with one “prophetess” gaining influence and teaching evil things to believers. Jezebel (Rev 2:20) was part of the church and thought by a few to be wise, but she lead people bit by bit into pagan worship. Christians knew idols were nothing, so food was just food. They had to share food to be sociable in the guild memberships. Paul warned them not to eat if weaker Christians were present, but John here flat out forbids it since Jezebel’s influence was so strong. “Satan’s deep secrets” (Rev 2:24) probably referred to the science of the day, since teachers said their “science” was from God whereas Jesus says it is from the devil instead. Blazing eyes and feet emphasize the indignation and righteous judgment of Jesus. His authority over the nations (Rev 2:26) is a reference to His coming judgment against anyone who misleads His loyal children. And the morning star (Rev 2:28) refers to His coming glory. They may have been weak, but they would rule the nations with Him.
Sardis was strong in the imperial cult, an ancient city that had risen in splendor but was in gradual decline ever since. The city sat between a river and mountains, and was rich in natural resources. They developed a good reputation as living the “good life”, but not “good” Christians. They were living on their past reputation; so what deeds they performed were for that reputation, not for Christ. The city had great wealth (making it irresponsible) and military might (making it overconfident), so it became soft and spoiled. Jesus is the holder of the spirits of God; spirit means “life giving” (Rev 3:1). Jesus wants them to understand they need to strengthen what faith remained among their flock as good shepherds, before it dies. Thief in the night (Rev 3:3) points out that Sardis had been taken captive twice at night before. Having your name in the Book of Life (Rev 3:5) declared you were a citizen of God’s kingdom, as opposed to the city records that guaranteed one’s citizenship only in that town. Only the kingdom citizens would be acknowledged before the Father (Rev 3:5). Our spiritual life must constantly be moving forward or it will move backward.
Philadelphia was a lesser city than the others, yet they had the power to keep the Word and Name holy. The city was situated at a narrow mountain pass, so it was a doorway to the East. But it was also a city of earthquakes, and a major highway, an imperial post road. There were many Jews in the city that opposed the Christian faith (Rev 3:9). The Key of David (Rev 3:7) symbolizes the power of the Messiah, holding the key to Israel’s future. John believed Christianity wasn’t a “new” religion, but the “true” religion of Abraham and Moses, a recovery back to their beliefs. Jesus says they had kept His Word, so He will keep them from the hour of trials. It is easy to be enthusiastic when we are winning, but often faith calls for us to simply to keep enduring. Christ promises the Christians who endure will be the pillars of God’s temple in reward for their stability (Rev 3:12). Jerusalem is the city of David, and has been promised to David in the future kingdom. So the New Jerusalem will honor the believers who endure, as military leaders were honored with pillars in their name. However weak we are, Jesus remains at the door for us.
Laodicea was one of the richest commercial cities under Roman rule. Jesus as the Ruler of God’s creation (Rev 3:14) is over and above this city that had so much wealth. They were complacent, but they lacked everything. Affluence caused them to close their eyes to their mediocrity(Rev 3:17): we may not be the best, but we are good and that’s good enough. No zeal, no conviction. Jesus wants His people to be fervent in spirit. Lukewarm (Rev 3:15) is a path for the devil, because God can use either hot or cold, but not “middle of the road”. Some Bible versions have “spit you out’ (Rev 3:16) but the Greek literally means “I will vomit you” – you make me nauseous! The Faithful and True Witness (Rev 3:14) was an effort to convince these believers that Jesus was ruler of God’s creation and His throne is the ultimate authority and dominion. John is saying, “Forget the glamour of wealth and re-find Christ” (Rev 3:18). Those who respond to the call will find chastisement true, but only in being made pure, and transformed into companions where Christ will gladly come and dine with them (Rev 3:20). Don’t let go of your commitment in order to grab the “good” life. Turn from spiritual pride and receive glory.
To what city do we belong?
To him who overcomes — To John, the combat between good and evil was relentless, and fills our days and our efforts. Each city was a cosmopolitan center welcoming people from all around and entertaining ideas from everywhere in the world. All housed important temples and surrounded Christians with temptations to average out religious commitments to any one religious faith.
The messages of these churches are the same for the churches of today. Ephesus was a message to remember to love. Smyrna was a message of keeping faithfulness. Pergamum was a message against compromise and fortifying against false doctrines. Thyatira was a message of holiness, of not being seduced away from the faith. Sardis was a message of progress: keep moving for fall to the side. Philadelphia was a message of obedience, and we will be commended for any obedience we display. Laodicea was a message of commitment.
As Jesus tells the church at Sardis, so too we should heed His words. We are to keep what we have and repent of what we haven’t done. If we will obey the truth we already know, we can return to the once-vibrant spirituality we had on first believing. Jesus stands at the door of our lives and knocks. This is not an evangelistic challenge, but a gentle offer. Jesus welcomes any distanced believer to reestablish a relationship with God. He is eager to come in.
Father, thank You for showing me that without Christ Jesus I can do nothing (John 15:5), yet through Christ Jesus I can do all things because He strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). Because of Him, I will watch and pray so that I will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak (Mark 14:38).
Only God can sustain us in this dry and wearying land.
Kindly Lord, continue to gird me with strength when I am weak, and make my way perfect (Psalm 18:32). Thank You for enabling me to stand on higher and higher grounds (Psalm 18:33). Father, You are my stronghold – my place to hide and fight from (Psalm 43:2). You are my refuge and my strength, and You are a very present help to me in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Please, loving Lord, do not forsake me when I feel like my strength is gone (Psalm 71:9). Your joy, kind Father, is the source of my strength (Nehemiah 8:10). You are my refuge in the storm and my shadow from the heat (Isaiah 25:4).
When I feel weak, I will say that I am strong because I know You are with me (Joel 3:10). I wait upon You, O Father, and I will be of good courage because all my hope is in You (Psalm 31:24). Thank You for strengthening me according to the promise of Your Word (Psalm 119:28). Your Word tells me: Do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). I love you, O Lord, my strength (Psalm 18:1).
Blessed is the one who has regard for others that are weak, for You, O Lord, will deliver him in times of trouble (Psalm 41:1). You will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. You will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death (Psalm 72:12-13). You promised to search for the lost and bring back the strays, to bind up the injured and strengthen the weak (Ezekiel 34:16). You, O gracious Father, give strength to the weary and You increase the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29).
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Christ Jesus was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by Your power. Likewise, we are weak in Him, yet by Your power we will live with Him to serve (2 Corinthians 13:3-4). The body that was sown in weakness is raised in power (1 Corinthians 15:43).
What the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, You corrected by sending Your own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering and so condemned sin (Romans 8:3). In the same way, Your Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express (Romans 8:26).
Therefore, if I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness (2 Corinthians 11:30). God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27), for the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength (1 Corinthians 1:25).
That is why for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). As I wait upon You, O Lord, my strength is being renewed and I am mounting up with wings like an eagle. I will run and not grow weary; I will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:31). Therefore I can count it all joy, all strength, when I encounter tests and trials of any sort (James 1:2) because I am strong in You, Lord, in Your might power (Ephesians 6:10).
Heavenly Father, I thank You that You are never too busy for me. In fact, You are my refuge and strength. You are my very present help in times of busy-ness and trouble (Psalm 46:1). Your Son, my Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, urges me to come unto Him when I labor and feel overburdened, because He will give me rest (Matthew 11:28). So I come, Lord Jesus, to find rest for my soul. For Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light (Matthew 11:29).
Staying busy is not of the Spirit’s leading.
Things seem to keep me very busy lately, too busy to enjoy Your peace and listen to Your leading. And I don’t like it. For the fool is busy with evil (Isaiah 32:6). I do not want to be busy with my house and forget about You, Lord God (Haggai 1:9). I want to let the peace of Christ rule in my heart, since as a member of His body I am called to peace (Colossians 3:15). For You are not a God of disorder but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33).
Lord, help me to keep my mind fixed on You at all times, because You promised to keep me in perfect peace when I keep my mind steadfast on You, because I trust You, Father (Isaiah 26:3). I seek Your guidance, Lord God, to help me arrange my priorities properly. You promised to instruct me and teach me in the way I should go, to counsel me and watch over me (Psalm 32:8). Please help me to think Your thoughts as I let the mind of Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 2:16) have its rightful authority in my life (Philippians 2:5). Your Word says the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:6). So I will not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of my mind (Romans 12:2). Because You are my God and Deliverer; I will not let my heart be either troubled or afraid. This is possible only because Jesus has given me His peace (John 14:27).
I praise You, Lord God, Father in Heaven, that You have ordained peace for me (Isaiah 26:12). Therefore during this time of busyness, I will not be anxious about anything. Instead I will let all my requests be made known to You through prayer, with thanksgiving. Even as I pray, Lord, I can sense that You are giving me Your great peace – a peace that surpasses all understanding. Thank You for guarding my heart and mind through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
I love Your Word Father, and this brings great peace to my soul. Because of Your Word I know nothing can make me stumble away from trusting You (Ps 119:165). Please Lord, teach me to approach all my responsibilities from a spiritual perspective rather than a carnal mind, and guide me to live by the Spirit and not gratify my sinful nature (Galatians 5:16).
May the Lord of peace Himself give me peace at all times and in every way (2 Thessalonians 3:16), and sanctify me through and through so my whole spirit, soul, and body are kept blameless at the coming of my Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23). For Christ Himself is my peace (Ephesians 2:14).
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
God's Word on That 