The Daily Dose

Worthy to receive

Saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” Revelation 5:12

We started the beginning of Revelation chapter five last week that introduced a scroll with seven seals that no one in heaven or earth was able to open until the Lamb of God came on the scene.  The apostle John was so eager to hear the message in the scroll that he wept because no one was able to open it and reveal the message.

The second part of this chapter is once again a celebration and worship service starting with the four creatures and elders immediately in front of the throne.  This time the passage says that these that are before the throne have a harp and golden bowls full of incense that contain the prayers of the saints.  Because these prayers are right at the feet of the eternal One, I believe the answer to these prayers will be revealed as the scroll is opened.

The part of the passage that I want to focus on today is the new song that the congregation at the throne of God sang at that time.  This song’s lyrics look similar to the words spoken at the throne in chapter 4, but now those words have been turned into a melody.

As I read the words of the song, I imagine the beauty of what this song most sounded like to John.  It is his first exposure to heavenly music, but he recognizes it right away and knows that it is something new.  The words are what I find really interesting. “You are worthy to take the scroll,” We know Jesus is the only One worthy and the song tells us it is because He was killed and redeemed us back to God by His blood and He did it for all people in the earth.  Then the announcement that we will reign on earth with Him comes.  Glory to God.  But the next part is what jumped out to me as I read it again today.  It says: “Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain . . . to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing.”  There is no question that He is worthy to receive these attributes, but the passage ends with again the assembly singing: “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne and the Lamb forever.

We often sing these same words in worship services in the world today, but I have never wondered where the power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing that He is worthy to receive comes from.  I just thought it came from Him, and it does.  However, when we are singing or saying, “You are worthy oh Lord to receive our honor, our glory, our power and our blessings.” We are offering to Him all the honor, glory, power and blessing that He has placed within us.  We cannot offer Him anything that we do not have and all that we do have came from Him.

So clearly, I want to say, when we worship God, we are giving Him our blessings, honor, glory and power to the degree of our heart that we are worshiping Him with.  I know this sounds a little confusing, so I want to unpack it briefly to try to get this picture into your mind and heart.

I am going to bring this down to earth so we can begin to see what this will look like even in this heavenly gathering. When I worship God today while I am alive in this world.  I lift my heart and life to Him and hopefully when I do that, I am giving Him everything that is within me to honor Him, to bring glory to Him with all the strength that I have and with all the power and authority that He has given me.  I have to admit that there are times in a worship services that I have just gone through the motions and not taken to heart exactly what that worship time was for.  Now I am seeing that when I give God all that is in me, all the blessings that have been poured out on my life, all the honor, respect, reverence and awe of His goodness that He has shown me, all the glory and power/authority that He has put in my life, I am giving Him the open door to come into my life and be Lord of it.  He has created me with the boundary of choice.  I must choose to call on Him and I must choose to surrender all to Him to invite Him into my circumstances whatever they may be.  I give Him back all and He pours out all on my life as I do.  This can happen as I am going through a struggle or even when things are calm in life.  When I am in trouble, instead of going to Him with the problem, rehearsing to Him what is the matter and how it is crushing me and I do not know what to do, I go to Him blessing Him, with honor of Who He is and what the difference I know He can make in the situation.  I give Him all the strength and power in me to follow any direction He puts in my heart to lead me away from trouble.

When things are going well and it looks like bright skies on the horizon, I again give Him entrance to my life by giving Him blessings, honor, glory and power.  He enters my life through my worship that He is worthy to receive so that He can pour out more blessings into my life.  I don’t just go to Him when I am in trouble.  More importantly is when I go to Him when I am not in trouble.  That is the time that He will lead me forward in life instead of picking me up after I have fallen down. 

Each time, no matter if I am in trouble or not, giving Him all that is within me is the way to hear His voice on the inside of my heart and it’s the way to know His direction.  Continual worship allows me to keep moving forward in the path of righteousness without falling into the traps that the enemy has set up for me.

Today, I want to encourage you to give Him all your worship!  Praise Him with everything that is inside of you.  You don’t have to wait until the weekend service or a special event and you don’t have to wait until you are going through tough times.  You can stop right where you are any time of any day.  Sing to Him a new song and pour out all the blessings, honor, glory, strength and power that is in your life to open the way for Him to pour out His wisdom, direction and lead you to the blessings that He has prepared for you before you were even born.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 5:8-14

8 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 

9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,

10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.”

11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, 

12 saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

13 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!”

14 Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.

Have mercy!

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.  Matthew 5:7

Ooo!  This is a tough one.  We live in probably the most unmerciful world of all time.  There is very little grace to be seen these days in our society.  People are angry, hurt and unforgiving and will fight for the right to be that way.  Grace, compassion and empathy are seldom seen when you look around.  Seriously, next time you are out in a public place, just stop and listen to the conversations going on around you.  People are proud of who they got the best of, who the were able to put in their place and even more pleased when they stood up to an authority figure.  The popular thing today is to fight for the right to be right and then make sure everyone knows about how right you were.

You are thought to be weak or backward if you forgive others when they were obviously wrong, to love others when they are unlovable or to give to someone who has made, in your opinion, bad choices.  However, Jesus said you are blessed/happy and satisfied in life when you show mercy.

So what exactly is mercy?  Mercy can be defined as compassionate, or kindness shown toward an offender, enemy or undesirable.  It is also said that mercy is not giving someone what they deserve such as punishment or judgement.  Hmm, this sounds like what God does for all people including myself.  He doesn’t punish me when I sin, and He doesn’t condemn me when I deserve His judgement.  On the other hand, He does give me grace that I don’t deserve.  He is kind to me and never holds my mistakes and intentional deception against me.  He is merciful!  Scripture tells us that even when we were still sinners, Jesus died for us.  Jesus didn’t die for saved, born again people, He died for filthy, sin-stained sinners!  You can’t get any more merciful than that!

Now we understand why Jesus told His disciples that those who are merciful are the blessed ones, not those who are right and not those who are proud.  God’s compassion reaches to those who are compassionate, and His mercy is only given to those who show mercy. (see Matthew 18)

Today I want to encourage you to be merciful to all people.  Jesus said in verse 44 of this chapter to love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who use and persecute you.  That is a great description of being merciful.  Then you will be shown mercy when you do not quite get it right.  No matter how hard you try or how much effort you put in, you will always come up short sometimes.  Put yourself in the position to receive His mercy by being merciful to others every chance you get!

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 5:3-12

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.

12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

What are you Hungry for?

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

As I have recently been reading through the book of Matthew, chapter five is one of my personal favorites in this book.  Verse five has always been my favorite verse in the chapter.   This makes me ask the questions: What am I hungering for? What am I pursuing that my life depends on?  What am I so thirsty for that my soul craves it?  Is it things I can buy in the world?  Is it pleasures and experiences that make me happy for a moment?  Maybe it is attention from important people, popularity and fame?

In this verse, Jesus says you are blessed or at perfect peace when you hunger and thirst for His righteousness, then and only then will you be fully satisfied in life.  He was not talking about doing good works or acting super spiritual and He wasn’t talking about craving certain foods or drink.  He was talking about being made righteous in Him.  Walking in a right relationship with the Father in heaven through Jesus’ payment for all sin.  Because we live in a sinful world, and not the sinless world God created for us, He made the provision to save us from being consumed by the evilness of this world.  He didn’t take us out of the world, but He sent His Son to rescue us here and then keeps us here to display His love for all the world to see.  This is true righteousness and what Jesus told us we are to hunger and thirst after.

He concluded this statement with a promise to fill those who are hungry.  We are filled up with what we are pursuing.  When you hunger and thirst for your relationship with your heavenly Father to be in right standing with Him and not separated, you are giving time and attention to that relationship.  Not just any time, but you are giving that relationship priority in your life and that starts by spending time with Him on a daily basis.  You are so hungry to be filled up with His goodness in your life that you run to Him first thing each morning to receive His renewed mercies and love to start your day.  You don’t wait until the end of the day when you have been filled up with all the sin and evil around you.  You don’t fill your heart and eyes with the passions and pleasures of the world and then right before you go to sleep each night read a quick scripture and give a short prayer.  That is not hungering and thirsting for His righteousness.  To hunger and thirst for your relationship with Him means that you begin talking with and thinking about Him the moment you wake up, you desire His presence throughout the day, and you take refuge in Him in the evening, then you will see His goodness show up everywhere you go.  Psalms 34:8 says Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.  When you taste the goodness that you have hungered and thirsted for, then you will experience His blessing no matter what comes against you in life.

Lastly, the promise of chasing after His righteousness is, you will be filled.  This not only means you will be filled with His Spirit and His fruit: Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, faith, patience.  You will also be filled with complete satisfaction and victory over every struggle you come up against.  Now that’s a promise worth running after.

So, now I am focusing all my thoughts and desires to hunger and thirst for His righteousness by hungering and thirsting for a closer relationship with my Father in heaven. People may think this is extreme, but I know it is the way to surrender to all the good plans He has for me.   I will not allow my heart to fill up with the cares, concerns and pleasures this world has to offer.  Instead, I will fill up with His goodness and learn of Him.  I will run to Him each morning to bask in His presence then take Him with me all day long by calling on Him throughout the day.  Join me in finding rest and accomplishments in our personal time with Him by filling up with His Word and His love for all people, then we will display that love and satisfaction to all those around us as we live our lives here in this world as His ministers of grace.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 5:3-12

1 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him.

2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.

12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Open the Book

So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. Revelation 5:4

I love God’s word!  My desire is to be consumed by it!  To fill up my life so completely with it that it flows from me like a river of love wherever I go.  I want my life and activities to reflect the goodness of God contained in it and to be a walking demonstration of all that God reveals to us from His word.

As we begin reading today in chapter 5 of Revelation, the apostle John continued to write about what he saw in heaven at the throne of God.  He saw a scroll in the hand of Him who sat on the throne.  Essentially, a scroll is like a book, it is a written document, but it is rolled up and this one is sealed with the seal of God signifying who the message on the scroll is from.  Later on in this chapter we will read that this scroll contains the answers to the prayers of God’s people on the earth. Our heavenly Father who is sitting on the throne is holding up the scroll and a very powerful angel asked the question of “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break the seals.  Everyone there recognized that they are not the person to open the scroll.  It became so evident that John started weeping, and not just a few tears, the passage says he wept much.  This was no doubt an ugly cry.  So ugly that the elders noticed him crying and give him hope that Jesus is coming to open the message from God.  John knew that the scroll was God’s message, God’s Word and he desired to have it opened and know it so much that when it seems like he couldn’t get to it, he cried uncontrollably.

What a picture this is of what our desire for God’s word should be like today.  That we would want to know God’s word to the degree that we hung on every word and looked forward to every opportunity to read, meditate and focus on it.  The access we have today to God’s word is greater than any other time in history.  Along with that comes the greatest responsibility to know what is in His Word.  The scroll that was in the hand of God in this heavenly scene had the answers on it to the prayers of God’s people that were suffering on the earth (see vs. 8). Likewise, His timeless book that we can hold in our hands and hearts every day has answers for us and what we are going through today.  Oh, that we would saturate our lives in it while we still time and that we would live our lives governed by this book of God and His kingdom principles that He gives in it. God’s ways are our owners manual for how things were designed to operate in this world. When you follow the manual, you will have no missing parts.

Today I want to encourage you to stir up your desire for God’s word and His message of hope for whatever you are facing in life.  Take time to read, meditate and dwell in His words that contain everything you need to be successful in your mission and purpose for Him.  Make any adjustments to your habits and attitudes that need to come into agreement with His kingdom principles and then your answers to the prayers you have been looking for will show up and you will give Him the glory that He is worthy to receive!

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 5:1-7

1 And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 

2 Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” 

3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it.

4 So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. 

5 But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”

6 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 

7 Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.

Fixed on Him

“You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.”  Revelation 4:11

I love the next part of Revelation chapter 4 that describes the four creatures in the midst of the throne of God.  I cannot not say that I fully understand the significance of their full description.  Things like they are full of eyes in front and back.  Each one has a different likeness and they have 3 sets of wings.  The part that I do love to read about is that all day and all night, never resting, they give glory, honor and thanks to the One Who sits on the throne.  They say Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!  The eternal One!

I have wondered in the past how they can continue to say these things and worship Him with such amazing zeal and tenacity.  How can they continue to worship Him so passionately for all eternity.  I always thought it was because they were heavenly creatures that were created for that purpose, and it was the only thing they could do.    Then one day I realized what their motivation was.  As they are ever before the throne of God, they have their eyes fixed on Him and His greatness.  As soon as they finish with one phrase of praising Him, they immediately see something new and wonderful about Him.  Continuously they are learning of every aspect, trait and personal expression of His character and because He is so wonderful, they burst into worship and praise all over again.  They never get tired of watching Him and learning from Him.  His beauty, wisdom and glory has no end.

As I think about that great scene of these creatures and elders falling down to worship Him, I consider how I have the opportunity to do the very same thing right here where I am today.  I can keep my eyes and my gaze fixed on Him and His goodness at all times and He will continue to show up and let me see His goodness and grace at work in new ways every minute of every day.  If I am honest with myself, I can say that He has truly shown me that this is true so far in my life and I have no reason to think it will end anytime soon.  He is the same glorious Father today as He was yesterday, and I am confident of seeing His greatness in all my tomorrows.  To which I will say: Holy, holy, holy Lord God almighty!  You are the One who is worthy to receive glory and honor and power!  For you created all things and by your will we all exist and were created!  Thank you my Father for showing us you goodness every minute of every day as we fix our gaze on you!!

Today I want to encourage you to consider this heavenly scene and what those creatures that are at the throne of God are experiencing.  Then consider fixing your eyes on Him too.  Keep your focus on His goodness and His grace and don’t let anything in this world distract you from His love and kindness.  When you do, I promise you, His mercy will be new every morning and His faithfulness to show up will be great! Then you can worship Him along with the rest who have the eyes fixed on Him. Even until the end of the age right into eternity.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 4:6-11

6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. 

7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. 

8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”

9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 

10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:

11 “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”

Come up Here

After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.”  Revelation 4:1

This is so exciting to me, a description of the things John saw in heaven during the visitation from Jesus.  At this point in the vision, Jesus turned His attention from the churches.  All through the rest of the book the church is not mentioned anymore.  This chapter started out with John seeing an open door to heaven.  Then he heard the trumpet sound, a voice calling him to “Come up” to see what is going to happen next.  Some day we will experience this same thing.  When Jesus comes back to get us, we will hear the shout of the arc angel and be called up to meet Him in the air!  A moment that I am truly looking forward to.  The very thought of it makes me smile!

As John walked through that door, he saw such splendor and majesty.  I am so thankful that he wrote it out the best he could, though I am sure it was beyond words or human comprehension.  John said the first thing he saw was the throne of God and One who sat on the throne.  He described colors and forms like jasper, sardius stone, rainbow, elders, robes, crowns, lighting and thundering.  The entire scene sounds like something none of us has ever experienced before.  Like being immediately in the presence of royalty and all the splendor of God’s greatness.  I can hardly wait until it is my turn to experience it.

It was almost 2 years ago when my mom went on to be there.  As I processed her passing, I became so overwhelmingly happy for her.  She served the Lord in ministry all her life and looked forward to the day when she would be with Him in all His glory.  Now that she has gone to be with Him, it makes my heart long for the time when I can be there too.  To see the grandeur of His majesty and to be in that place of complete love, peace and joy with no threat from the outside elements or forces. What a life that will be for all eternity.

One day we will all be together there, but until then, we are all together here and we have a job to do and a mission to complete.  So let’s join together and follow His lead to get our work here in this world done so that when the day we meet Him in the air comes, we are ready and watching for His appearance in the sky.

Today I want to encourage you as you read through this passage of John’s account, imagine what it will be like one day for you when you see this grand sight.  Consider what it will be like to be at home with Him and the beauty of His countenance.  Take time to talk with Him about it and ask the questions you have.  Then, make the decisions to complete, down to the last detail, every plan He has for you in this world and ask for His empowering grace to help you get your part done.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 4:1-5

1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.”

2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. 

3 And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. 

4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. 

5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

The Lukewarm Church

_{“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot.”  Revelation 3:15}

The lukewarm church. The church at Laodicea was neither on fire for Jesus or against Him.  They were just sort of “meh”.  This church had become so rich that they thought they didn’t need anything. Jesus told them it was time to make a choice . . . be cold or be hot.  Jesus had very strong feelings about this church.  In fact, He was so passionate about them that their lukewarm attitude had left a bad taste in His mouth. So much so that He wanted to spit them out.  As Jesus lists their issues, He started with the subject of their wealth and riches.  They were a wealthy church and thought they didn’t need anything from God.  They didn’t realize how spiritually ignorant and dead they were.  Jesus told them they needed to get their gold (resources) and white garment (protective covering) from Him so they would no longer be “naked” and vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks.  He wanted them to open their eyes and see what was going on instead of being blinded by the material world.  He ended His message to this church by letting them know they had the choice and the power to open the door to His presence. They had put Him outside the door to knock for an entrance. They needed to open the door to invite His presence in and to make Him Lord and the source of everything in their lives.

This is still Jesus’ heart today.  He wants us to be red hot for Him or don’t even claim to be a Christian.  He wants us to trust and rely on Him for our resources and protection (covering) in life.  He wants us to see the tricks and traps of the enemy so we don’t get caught in them and He will always give us the power and authority to choose to let His presence guide and direct our lives.  Mostly, He wants to hang out with us every day, everywhere we go.  He loves us and wants to be the light shining inside of us to guide, protect, and lead others to His great love and salvation.

Today I want to encourage you to not be like the Laodiceans.  Get on fire for Jesus and take His presence with you in the morning and keep His presence with you all day long.  Make Him your closest and dearest friend.  Be a blessing to the LORD by opening the door of every area of your life to Him so He can show you the right way to go.  Develop a lift style of putting Him first in all areas.  Start with a quiet time with Him each morning to commit your ways and day to Him and ask Him to lead you step by step.  Give Him the first part of your week by gathering with His body in weekend service at your local church.  Spend time getting to know His love and character through His word by meditating on it each day and encourage others everywhere you go.  Be an example of His faithfulness by having your best attitude and doing your best work at your job and everywhere you go.  Let the light that He put inside of you shine to show others the way to peace, joy and fulfillment.

Today’s scripture reading:  Revelation 3:14-22

14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 

15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 

16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 

17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 

18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 

20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 

21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ”

The Faithful Church

“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”    Revelation 3:8

The sixth church Jesus addressed was Philadelphia. They were the faithful church  So, what made them faithful?  Jesus said they had a little strength to keep His Word, and they didn’t deny His name.  He also said He had set an open door in front of them that no person could shut.  He exposed those in that church that have lied and were frauds. He promised those fakers would worship at the feet of the faithful ones to testify that they were the ones that Jesus loved.  They also kept His command to persevere.  He promised to keep them from the trial that is coming on the whole earth.  His encouragement to the church at Philadelphia was to hold on to what they have . . . their strength to keep God’s Word and the name of Jesus, so no one could take their crown or reward.

This message still relates to us today and it is up to us to hear and examine how we measure up in faithfulness?  The evidence is in our strength when trials come to keep His Word by knowing and doing it and boldly proclaim His name in word and deed. Then stay with it until the end of our days in this world or the end of the age.  We also have an open door set before us.  It is the door of purpose, the mission we have been put on this earth to accomplish.  The power to choose to walk through that door is completely in our hands.  We choose to walk through the door or walk right by it every day and never even realize it.  All the while missing the blessed path that God has planned for each of us to walk on because we are focused on the things in the world instead of the things of God.

We too have His promise of being kept from the trial that will come on the whole world to test all who dwell on the earth.  By holding fast to God’s Word and not denying His name, He will give us the strength to overcome this world’s ways and choose His path. He will provide an escape for us through the door He has opened for each one to walk through.

Today I want to encourage you to become one of the faithful ones.  Be strong in the LORD and in the power of His might.  Keep His ways and His Word and start by making a fresh effort to know and live in agreement with the realm of the kingdom of God that is written in His Word.  Be bold with the name of Jesus.  Use it with the authority He has given you and walk through the open door of your purpose that He has set before you!  Take the Holy Spirit with you and He will guide your every step until you finish your mission and receive your crown.

Today’s scripture reading:  Revelation 3:7-13

7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: 

8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 

9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 

10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 

11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 

12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.

13 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’

Meek not weak

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.  Matthew 5:5

Many people think that meek means weak, but it just isn’t the case.  A meek person honors other above themselves.  They recognize that all people are valuable and they add value to everyone that they come into contact with.  Meek people can see the big picture and recognize that what is going on around them is temporary and will soon fade away.  Philippians 2:3 says that we are to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vanity, but in humility value others above yourself.  This is a great description of meekness. 

Jesus was the meekest person to walk the face of Earth.  He was the ultimate example of putting others first.  He dedicated His life to serving others even unto the end.  At the last supper with His disciples, He demonstrated how they were to serve one another by washing their feet. (The lowest job of a servant in their day.)

There are some things you can do each day to live your life in an attitude of meekness.  First, have a repentant heart.  Each morning before your day begins, get along with your heavenly Father and surrender the intentions of your heart for the day.  Don’t keep anything hidden from Him and anything that is trying to stay in the dark places of your life, exposed them by keeping the light of His Word on them.  Be strong enough to say “Father, cleanse me from all unrighteousness.”

Next, keep your heart open for direction and instruction from the Holy Spirit.  Meekness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, so be sensitive to His leading you through it.  Lastly, after you know what the Spirit is leading you to, be responsive to the prompts He gives you.

Of course, the reward of living a meek life is an inheritance in the earth.  This doesn’t mean wealth and riches, although you may have those.  What that inheritance is in your life is security/protection, perspective and the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit of God.

Today I want to encourage you to walk out the rest of your days in this world with a meek and submitted heart.  Always be ready to add value to those around you.  Look for every opportunity to serve others and follow every leading of the Spirit of the living God.  Living a meek life means living a life fully surrendered to the Spirit of God and walking out the full plan He leads you through each day.  Meek is not weak, it is actually living the most powerful life possible.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 5:1-12

1 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 

2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 

12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

When you have a bad day

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4

This is a tough one.  Why would Jesus say those who mourn are blessed?  Obviously, they are mourning because of a loss or hurt of some kind.  How can we expect to be blessed or happy when we have a bad day?

The answer to these questions is in the second part of the verse.  We are comforted.  When we have bad days, and we all do at times, we are blessed because we know that we can take our grief and sorrow to our Savior, and He has promised to comfort us.  In the presence of His comfort, we can have peace and even contentment. 

In contrast with that, those who are without a Savior do not know where to turn when they are hurting.  They do not know that hope is available.  This reminds me of a scripture in     1 Thessalonians 4:13 that says we as children of the King do not sorrow as those who have no hope.  We have the hope of our salvation, and we have the hope of being comforted.

We also can know that later on, we will be able to help others who go through similar problems.  We can tell them about the comfort that we received when we were in that situation.  Ultimately, your suffering can result in bringing someone closer to God in their suffering. So, the next time you are having a bad day, don’t try to figure out where you went wrong, just turn to your Father and let Him comfort you with the comfort that only He can comfort with.

Today I want to encourage you no matter what you are up against.  Whether it is a loss of some kind or a betrayal or maybe something as simple as a missed opportunity, take it to your Savior and be comforted with the comfort that only He can give.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 5:1-12

1 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 

12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.