What now?

Posted on November 3, 2014 by awrkhakhaya16

How long have we been collectively napping, as a nation, as a faith, as individuals? Plodding along on that widely cut, well-lit boulevard, chattel headed to the drowning promises of abandon. Analyzing our apparent capacity to ignore the Holy Spirit’s prompting and prophesied, seasonal signals and wonders, we are left assuming that only crisis will wake us from slumber. Will the next great indicator be ignored as well? What will happen for Christians, who now seem willing to overlook; pestilence, war, self-idolatry, demon worship and eroding foundations? How will Christians handle the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple, soon to rise? Will the enemy provide adequate excuse for this major Biblical occurrence, most certainly he will?

Will it take Israel’s decimation of its enemies, the desolation of Damascus and Southern Iran? When will it become clear to Christians that the Bible is true, that it has always been and remains the inerrant word of Almighty God? The Muslims believe,. why don’t we? Just recently they assassinated the head of the Temple Rebuilding Group in Israel, for they understand that if the Temple is rebuilt this is an unavoidable sign of the Glorious Appearing. Where does this leave Christians? Do we continue on our march to self interest, refusing, denying and continually ignoring the Lord’s prompting to do the work while there is still remaining light? What will light the fire in our spirits, what circumstance would be of sufficient impact to prompt us that, “now is the time at which we can no longer ignore our duty to God”? Will it take nuclear conflict, global pandemic, one world government, one world currency, a horrific demonic figure adorned as a saint? These things are most certainly not far off. Or perhaps will it take a rapture of the faithful, leaving those who thought they believed at the mercy of the sudden realization that Jesus had been speaking to them when he said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Matthew 7:21-23.

I cry out to You, Oh Lord, my Holy God for those who are not yet convinced of Your Coming. Father, I was once in their position and You opened my eyes and my heart to the Truth of Your Word. Father, please wake them from slumber, call them to be washed in Your Word, so that they may enter the labor for harvest while light remains. Forgive me for my laziness in telling everyone about those things which certainly and shortly come to pass. I love You and I love them. Please awake their hearts. In Jesus’ Name.

Thinking, doing, reviewing

Posted on November 2, 2014 by awrkhakhaya16

Why did Jesus tell us to target the thought? Is there a sin or noble action that is free from the thought that sponsored it? If I am lustful, it is not the stimuli that sponsors the sinful action, it is the imagination of my mind which precedes any acknowledged or hidden sin. Equally, doing good for the Kingdom must first be contemplated before action ensues. This is a natural process of humanity, to think, then do and then review our actions and behaviors. If this process is inhibited at any point it instructs the resultant impacts. For example; if I capture an evil thought that originates from my flesh before it may be encouraged by powers and principalities of the air, uttering the name of Jesus, then I will prohibit the propensity/probability of some sinful action. I will in fact has saved myself, not only from the material sin but also eliminate the guilt which invariably follows. I have been set free from the power of sin and death, I no longer need to follow through with the action that follows the thought. That is truly free.

This natural process must also be projected upon our actions for the Kingdom. If we leave ourselves engaged in our own corrupted thinking, deviance or self worship, then we will never act on the prompting of the Holy Spirit when directed to accomplish the Lord’s Will. We must practice employing the bellows of our own internal fire, by heading the prompting of Spirit and following through with “action”. Just as in the sinful review this willful surrender to the promptings of the Holy Spirit will increase our remembered response to God’s direction. We will remember what it felt like to respond to God’s command, leading and advice, effectively preparing and training ourselves to respond in kind at the next opportunity. Whatever is fed will grow. If we feed healthy review of actions taken at behest of Spirit filled thinking, the growth will be unavoidable and recognizable as Truth. That simple reason is why we should be washing ourselves in the Word of God, for this showering grows faith which leads to right thinking, action and reflection. God’s word will never return void, it will always produce growth, life, learning and maturation. If you want to grow in God’s Will, then shower daily in the washing of God’s Holy Word.

We that believe are free. What we do with that freedom still falls under the parameters of “choice”. Will we embrace the surrender to Jesus by willingly complying with Spirit’s leading, guidance and reproof or will we accept redemption with a return to the compromised thinking of our previous lives? It all comes down to thinking, action and review. Whatever we commit to practice we will eventually master. Will I master following God’s Plan or encourage the poisonous actions of God’s enemies. There are only two positions in this journey, aligned with God or against God, which best describes your life?

Shaped

Posted on November 1, 2014 by awrkhakhaya16

Who am I? A spirit comprised of the building blocks from God’s created universe, resembling Him and to some extent every molecule around me? Is that me, the pure, man as I was originally intended? Or am I a compilation of all my experiences, the smells, tastes, repeated breaths and memories of this affected globe? If I were able to remain clean, untainted, shouldn’t I be able to select my memories? Don’t the things that I remember become a part of the whole, just as the bruise from a stone left beneath my foot for too long may cause a slight hitch in my giddyup? Am I free from the stimuli, pain and shock, or am I simply a conglomerate of the good things that happen along this roughshod road? If this were true then the new age thinkers would be somewhat correct, I would be able to cleanse myself of the filth of this world, eschewing bad energy for that which is fine and wholesome. But that is not what I am, my memories have become part of the whole, although sometimes I wish they could be extracted. I am encouraged or diminished by what my eyes sees, what my body feels and what my mind thinks or the stimuli which impact me in my wanderings.

I must be careful therefore, what falls before my eyes or the diet upon which I feed them. Yes, in Christ, sanctification follows redemption, I most certainly will be freed of these impurities by the Potter’s Hand, but not now. Honestly, I don’t know that I would want Him to remove everything I have suffered, learned or experienced. This world has effected me as the brutal trainer it remains. It is easier to love people having known my own weakness, having been subject to bullying, brutality, hunger, fear and sadness. My bruises give me a special kinship or understanding for those who have suffered equally. Perhaps this is meant to lead me to greater understanding of Christ, as I learn to rejoice in the sharing of His suffering. For isn’t it proof of faith to be seen by everyone else as a servant of the King to the point of being included in those who share the contempt of humanity. They cannot hurt Him anymore but we are often recipients of their hate, fear and mockery in transference. Do I want to escape this opportunity or share in His live being lived through me?

It may be God’s intention for me to be transformed into the spirit being I was originally intended, but what then was the purpose of my time spent in this crucible? Shall I become something more than when I entered, shaped by my experiences, my eyes and my memories or be stripped of every unwanted facet, revealing the pure intention? That seems logical. That somehow I will have been prepared for the next phase in my existence, the hereafter. If these things that I think, hear and see, truly become part of me, then I certainly want to manage my memories, selectively preparing my mind for eternity. If it will all be stripped away from me revealing the untainted, immutable center, then my life stimuli matters nil. Since God tells us in Philippians 4:8, ‘Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.‘, then we must assume that what we see, think and hear does have a greater, lasting impact on our soul. I may not be adept enough to escape the bumps and bruises, or am I certain that I would wish to, but there certainly are some experiences, stimuli and visuals that may be easily avoided by choice.

Lord give me the strength to forgo those things which do not edify my spirit. Teach me and direct me toward those things of good rapport that may strengthen my soul in preparation. Thank you so much for the experiences that are meant to educate me, hone me and shape me for Your intention. Praise You Lord in Jesus Holy Name.

This very day

Posted on October 31, 2014 by awrkhakhaya16

Retirement savings, leisure street, vacation to warm settings and rest. Planning for the welfare of my grand kids, such that every waking day is spent in performance, limiting prayer. What have I become that all the priorities, plans and initiatives of my home, church and personal time surround the bullet points, time lines and plateaus organized in my own strategic focus? What then of God’s Will, can I orchestrate service to the Lord into my list of priorities, when these must get done now in order to achieve our economic and social goals? How do I juggle the increasingly diminished moments I am given as the world becomes more complex and picks up speed? Can I slow it down or do I simply step back and forgo those plans of personal prosperity derived from my own toil? What would the result be if I gave it all to God and let the chips fall where they may, even forsaking the fear of growing old and having no fall back position? Do I believe.

Today I spent money on welfare for the homeless and it felt right, given from a joyous heart, yet it was money we did not have to give. Everyone around is pressuring to pull back on tithe and pennies freely given for the bills they must come first. Really? That isn’t the Gospel as I remember it. I have always been a bit envious of the widow and her two last mites. Do I believe this day that the Lord is Faithful, True, Reliable and Honest? Did He say that He would provide for “all” my needs according to His riches and Glory in Christ Jesus? What then should happen to me if I gave all my money for the Kingdom and my fears were proved out, leaving me destitute, my family disenfranchised, my security shattered? How should I then change my view of God, having walked in faith, counting sight unworthy? See folks, I have been there, homeless, worried, harried and alone. God never failed to show up, providing me exactly what I needed when I needed it, whether, food or friend or Shelter in His Word.

How then can I convince those around me that it is never solely upon me which they depend, for if that were so, they should certainly be left dissatisfied? I can provide a reasonable living but God owns the cattle on a thousand hills. I can love, comfort and encourage, but God knows every hair upon your head and knew your name in the womb. What then of my pride at failing those around me? I am sorry, but I am insufficient to your expectations. I will love you and do my darndest to assist, provide, prepare and follow through, but it is God who invariably brings the blessing. Even if it is by my hand that the work is done, providing coin, it is God who gave me breath, hand, talent and endurance. Without His provision we would certainly be lost and our collectives fear realized. But that is not the case, for even this day, I am surrounded by God’s Blessings of hope, heart and safety. I am thankful and happy to depend upon the Lord, for me, He is enough. If He does not provide for my needs then there certainly is a reason and an eventual blessing following that lesson.

Even this day, I will love Him for that is all that I have to give you is the love He first gave me. Jesus be praised.

No more, “Right Nows”

Posted on October 30, 2014 by awrkhakhaya16

That urge, the one that tells you that you must do something “right now” or the world is going to fall apart is not from God. God is love, love is patient, so likely the directions that include waiting on God are the only messages directly from the Lord. That is not to say that the Lord will not sent you urgent warnings to action or movement, but they will be specific and clearly meant for His glory and your protection. When you have that obsessive, I’ve got to do this thing right now feeling, it is important to remember the structure of the fleshly language and sin.

The flesh wants satisfaction, Now!. It does not embrace wisdom, Godliness, purity, patience and endurance, it consumes and looks for the next bite, plate, escape or passion. It will not give in to reason telling you that it is okay to wait, pray and think another day. It screams, NOW in every prompting. Understand the voice of God, practice listening to Him and His voice will become distinct in the crowd of noise and demands pulling upon your heart strings. Waiting produces a quality in humans that is absent in the sensory fulfillment range of understanding and action. It is difficult to wait, typically something that is waited for is better, more lasting and significantly more fulfilling than the instant gratification of fleshly wants and enemy promptings. Therefore God and His prophets continually counsel us in the Bible to Wait upon the Lord.

It is important to mention that in your waiting you must continue to make preparation for that moment when the Lord does direct action, so don’t just sit around waiting to hear the audible voice of God or His angels, prepare. Learn, walk, disciple, teach, stretch, study, pray, fast and Pray again for this is the preparedness of every Christian. In humility and knowledge of my relationship with God, I must wisely wait. For I can be guaranteed that if the enemy is using my fleshly obsessive components to get me to do something now it is meant to cause me to forgo God’s blessing upon which I was meant to wait in faith. This is how he steals, kills, destroys Christian blessings, by making sure that we are late, early or miss the Divine opportunity around the next bend.

Father, teach me again humility and understanding that often begins with waiting upon Your Will instead of pursuing my own. You know my dreams, especially those nearest my heart that coincide with resembling You. Let me achieve the best in life, preparing for the next. Let me only chase or wait upon those things You have prescribed for my blessing. Lead me, let me not lead myself into danger or disaster. I love You Lord, in Jesus Name.

Beyond valuation

Posted on October 29, 2014 by awrkhakhaya16

How precious you are. How precious are you? What a difference it makes to change the word order in these two short sentences. We live in a world that seeks, in human estimation, to put a dollar or monetary valuation to everything. How then may we as humans escape this pecuniary valuation assigned to the human life? The unfortunate answer is that we cannot when discussing these things without contemplating, discussing and integrating God’s perspective and understanding of humanity. This simple distinction may be the strongest influence in loss of life and under appreciation of human worth. What then is the difference in these two life perspectives? The enemy wants nothing more than to prohibit our conversation and review of these concepts, as asking these questions immediately points our hearts toward understanding and knowing God.

If you had to sum up the entire Bible in one sentence, you would inevitably be drawn to a single passage in the Book of John, 3:16. This verse encapsulates the foundation of our limited Sovereign understanding. Yet, just as in our review of the atom, we are left in awe regarding how complex such a tiny statement truly remains. “For God so loved the world”. Six words that seem at the outset innocuous, yet when contemplated, meditated and discussed are the basis of the root of humanity. Why did God love this world, it appears unworthy of such priceless estimation? That is exactly my point. We seek to see through our own eyes, tainted by this propensity to place a valuation of our own accounting upon everything living or material. We cannot understand God because we see things as worthy or unworthy, we have no understanding of the term, “unconditional”. We have no balance through which to justify, weigh or estimate “life”, except that which is provided through God. It has nothing to do with our worth as humans, it has to do with the characteristics of our AMAZING CREATOR.

He is capable of loving that which we find unlovable. He is faithful and true and will forgive the most awful sin just for the “price” of trust, repentance and belief. We cannot begin to comprehend this type of love, a love that would give a perfect child as ransom for all the other “unworthy” lot, to save them from their hopelessness. To look upon this type of valuation we must leave our humanity behind for a period of time, as continuing to place a value upon everything, prohibits the tools necessary to this contemplation. We cannot understand because we lack the requisite tools. It is the same in our evaluation of the sub atomic particles. Each time we have broken them down to their individual parts we realize that the argument has become “more complicated” as we begin to see that there are universes within universes, within strings, dimensions and forces beyond our reckoning. We so much want to bring things in to the light of our own human definition and in so doing lose the capacity to see the “forest through the trees”. Loving man has nothing to do with man’s worth or works. Just as in an atom, the sub-components are priceless because they reflect the complexity of God, they invite us to relationship.

The next time you feel depressed, unworthy or undervalued, remember that God’s economy is different than human limited understanding and estimation. He loves you because He loves you. Therefore, since you are priceless to God, you are priceless to me. He gave us the greatest gift that He could possibly give, the life of a perfect child, spent for the sole purpose of eliminating the barriers between sinful man and a Holy God. If you ever doubted how much you are worth and feel useless, unworthy or just another toothpick and a great big jar, take a moment and remember how much God loves you. Value is a human thing, life has estimable worth, to God it is worth “everything”. That is why He gave Jesus, the Christ as ransom to buy you back from your captors, sin and death. They can never touch you again, you belong to the King of Unconditional Love, the God of this universe and every universe. Be loved, be strong, be true.

http://youtu.be/W-pLRM0rgjE God is better from Francis Chan Jam

Heels dug in

Posted on October 28, 2014 by awrkhakhaya16

Lord help them. Let them see Your shining Glory, whether written in the stars, on faces of children, mountains high, waters deep or a simple Autumn day. This leaves too much to chance, this life, lived for my own satisfaction. My inadequacies are your strength, but there are so many Father, it is hard for me to see where I may be used for such Holy purposes. Yet here I stand, wrapped in courage, faith and knowledge that You shall win this war and if I do nothing but stand my ground, my victory’s assured. Their slander hurts, though it should have lost all sting, just like the death which the enemy promises to bring. Did you say that I would stop caring what they say or just that I would be set apart sanctified for Your Kingdom? I often have to stop and turn my eyes skyward, reminding myself that Your return will be just as Your passing. Oh that wonderful day, when this world sees Your Glorious arrival and we, the redeemed, sit behind You, waiting to take the day.

So much less than a mustard seed of faith, as I command mountains, ignoring they refuse. I will stand and fight Father, with Your Shield, breastplate, belt, shoes, helmet and Blessed Word, knowing it is not my breath that they fear but the Word of Almighty God. If You could grant my one desire, to know that they arrived Home, because I chose to obediently look them in the eye and proclaim the Gospel, unashamed and true, Like You. There is so little in this life I may call my own, but even the small Joy I carry as proof of citizenship on High makes me the wealthiest of many and the strongest of few. For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I love Your life Lord, not my own, may that day of our meeting come soon, but not so soon that I fail to see my loved one come to the cross in answer to my prayers. Lord Jesus, thank you.

One to ten

Posted on October 28, 2014 by awrkhakhaya16

What do you think Jesus wants? That is all that matters what you have in your own head and heart about your savior. We certainly do not wish to custom design God, in direct prohibition of the second commandment, but isn’t your relationship with God totally dependent upon what you believe about Him and yourself? For instance, do you believe that the Bible is the inerrant, correct, infallible Truth, that was Holy Spirit inspired given to over 40 different writers but penned at His instruction and direction? If not, what is the nature of your disbelief, can you remember the moment when you decided you didn’t believe? Or, are you like most people that have never really studied, meditated and prayed about God’s Word, choosing to instead be shaped by what someone told you or worse yet could it be an excuse so that you don’t have to do the study work? Did you suffer the poor, boring or inadequate teaching of someone without passion for Christ and His Gospel?

Let’s agree to be totally honest with each other and in so doing, I have to agree that having a relationship with Jesus without believing the Words He preached is definitely an obstacle. Do you have the courage to test your belief and disprove the Bible or know enough about it to make a decision based entirely on your own discernment? After all eternal salvation is between you and God, although I may encourage, assist, discuss, pray with you and for you, teach or preach about Jesus, you must invariably and inevitably make a decision for or against Christ by yourself.

I know the Lord, not that I fully understand Him, because He is so beyond my comprehension I cannot begin to express, but I know Him personally in my own walk. His Word has never been wrong when put to the test in my life or the thousands of people with whom I have interacted. He is faithful and true and never renegs or bails on His Promises. Therefore, and I know this also empirically that if you genuinely seek Him He will answer you. If you are like me at all, I thought I knew what was in the Bible, so I had an opinion based on some of my parents understanding, or misunderstanding, partly influenced by my friends, my laziness and a whole lot of disinformation from men and women desperately trying themselves to run away from God. This unfortunately was often mentors, school teaches, respected writers or commentators and the like. Honestly, I never took the time to read the book and find out for myself. When I did my entire world transformed and I could no longer avoid the questions God was asking me.

For my Christian Brothers and Sisters, how did the Lord wish for us to approach the Gospel. I find this passage from 2Timothy especially instructive in clarification; Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Can I be approved in any work, even my daily job if I am ashamed at my knowledge of the job and its requirements? Will others listen to me if I loosely handle my worldly job, never taking the time to investigate the specifics, techniques or unique directions incumbent to my labor? Am I doing my best if I have just taken the word of multiple people on what is involved in success at my career? How could I correctly teach another worker about my job if I did not know it well to be considered “approved”? How could my boss expect me to teach someone else if I was ashamed and unsure of the “correct” instructive wording? Worse yet, isn’t this what God wants us to do, shouldn’t that factor be enough to make us follow through?

That is what amazes me about folks who say that they don’t believe the Bible, yet they are unwilling to show me the inconsistencies that caused their disbelief. Aren’t we talking about eternity? If even the minutest possibility existed that I would be separated from God, my family and everyone I love for eternity, I assure you I would study that information seven ways from Sunday making sure I knew what was what, especially if I were looking for a way to deny it. How then can we, knowing clearly that He expects us to study to an approved level, so that we are neither ashamed nor are we fumbling to tell/explain the truth, continue in our naivete, ignorance or unstudied position? One word, sin. Our sin continues to lure us, capture us, misdirect us, leading into the snares of abandon and the enemy. Have you ever tried once to not do what you know you shouldn’t be doing. It gets easier to resist doesn’t it, as God strengthens us through His Spirit? Why then would we hold onto small pockets of rebellion? When will we give in and truly want to know “God’s Will” for our lives, when will each of us surrender and let God finish what He started in each us?

I know you say that you do want to know His Will. If you aren’t studying to show yourself approved, not being ashamed and rightly dividing the word of God then you certainly do not wish to know His will for your life. I cannot count the times, Christians have told me that just wish that they knew God’s Will for their lives. Yet, when I ask them what they believe God wants them to do they invariably tell me clearly what they think they should be doing, yet they haven’t taken any action. Look we cannot expect God to tell us the entire story in one sitting, we must remain obedient to the directions He gives and then wait on Him for further understanding, guidance, reproof and blessing. To these people I say that they do not wish to know God’s Will for their lives because then they would be faced with the overwhelming dilemma associated with being obedient to a Sovereign Authority. My advice if you want to know God and know His Will for your life then try doing what you already know He wants you to do and wait for further revelation. How about studying the Bible so that you aren’t ashamed and can show yourself approved to handle His Truth.

Praise You Lord for the Word that may instruct, grow, foster, nurture and support all who believe. In Jesus Name.

Trust and Truth

Posted on October 27, 2014 by awrkhakhaya16

They play with our trust as it is a bust upon the mantle place, moved about in whim or Feng shui. What is the truth in public life? Are we certain that we have all the information, winnowing out the deception, hyperbole and disinformation? Aren’t we left at the mercy of the most convincing thespian in the absence of substantiated fact and ideals? Could that be where we find ourselves currently stand, a point where the gifted speaker becomes the foundation of right and wrong? What does this public inclination and practice do to the power in our pulpits? Is the Word of God transformed into just words losing the Holy Spirit’s influence? Are we then left at the mercy of our own individual capacity to discern truth from fiction or deception? How then would this affect our children, are they in greater danger? What would be the outcome of leaving our education system in the hands of those who choose an alternate explanation for the origin or history of man? Is it possible that we would end up with the current disarray and ethical waffling as a result of this informative capitulation? How do we put the “power” of the Kingdom of God back into the Body of Christ? Is it even possible to re-invite Christ into a backsliden or apostate Church?

I hate the deeds of wicked men. It matters not to which group they call themselves member. Truth is truth and is not some variable for alchemical transformation. It is easy to love people, it is altogether difficult to review their behavior, actions and the worse yet, their words and find peace in your review. God does not waffle, mince, monkey or vacillate. Where we as men, desperately need to flexibility of the “gray area” in order to self-justify our actions, the truth of God stands immovable. You cannot banter with Truth and Trust or the entire fabric of civilization begins to crumble, as real common people begin to struggle with what their senses tell them and what rumor proclaims. It may not make me happy that people hate me for what I believe, but I rejoice in the fact that they know what I believe and do not have to guess at my allegiance, trustworthiness or truth. Standing upon the only dependable truth in this world, The Almighty Word of God, is the only position from which to maintain absolute clarity, transparency and trust. Every man knows the truth that is God, to ignore it is peril and leaves one scrambling to create an alternate explanation for my works. Worse yet once I have ignored the truth and convinced myself of the lie then I will feel oddly compelled to modify the beliefs of everyone around me to protect my fantasy and fragile persona.

Father forgive them for their eyes have been blinded to the Truth. Remove the veil from our eyes Lord so that their is nothing left to reveal but the foundation of Your Sovereignty. I pray these things in the Name of Jesus Christ the Ruler of Creation, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

Warning?

Posted on October 26, 2014 by awrkhakhaya16

Characteristic Names for Jesus in Revelation 2 & 3 when He is speaking to all the Christian Churches –

The Words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven lamp stands, The First and The Last, He died and came to life, The words of Him who has the sharp double-edge sword, The Son of God, Whose eyes are like blazing fire and feet are like burnished bronze, The words of Him who holds the seven stars, The words of Him who is Holy and True, who holds the key of David, What He opens no one can shut what He shuts no one can open, These are the words of The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Ruler of God’s Creation.

What He sees and knows of the Churches –

He knows the Church in Ephesus deeds, their hard work and perseverance, their inability to tolerate wicked men, that they have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not and have found them false, they have persevered and have endured hardships for His name and have not grown weary.
He knows the Church in Smyrna’s affliction and poverty–yet they remain rich, He knows the slander of those who say they are Jews but are not and are of the synagogue of Satan.
He knows where the Church in Pergamum lives, where Satan has his throne, He knows that they remain true to His Name, that they did not renounce their faith in Him even in the days of Antipas His faithful witness, who was put to death in their city.
He knows the deeds of the Church in Thyatira, their love and faith, their service and perseverance and that they are now doing more than they did at first.
He knows the deeds of the Church in Sardis, their reputation of being alive but they are dead.
He knows the deeds of the Church in Philadephia that they are of little strength, yet they have kept His Word and have not denied His name
He knows the deeds of the Church in Laodicea, that they are neither hot nor cold. He wishes that they were either one or the other.

His critical commands and promises for the Churches –

Ephesus – He holds this against them: They have forsaken their first love. They are to remember the height from which they have fallen! They are to repent and do the things that they did at first. If they do not repent, He will come and remove their lamp stand from its place. They have this going for them that they hate the practice of the Nicolaitans, which He also hates.
Smyrna – Do not be afraid of what they must suffer, that the Devil will put some of them in prison to test them, and that they will suffer persectution for ten days. He tells them to be faithful, even to the point of death and He will give them the crown of life.
Pergamum – He has a few things against them, they have people there who hold to the teachings of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israeltistes to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. They also have people who hold to the teachings of the Nicolaitans. They are Repent therefore! Otherwise, He will come to them and will fight against them with the sword of the mouth.
Thyatira – He has this against them: that they tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads His servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. He has given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So He will cast her on a bed of suffering, and He will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. He will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that He is the one who searches hearts and minds and He will repay each of them according to the their deeds. Now He says to the rest in Thyatira, to those who do not hold to her teaching, and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets (He will not impose any burden on them): He says only to hold on to what they have until He comes.
Sardis – Wake up! They are to strengthen what remains and is about to die, for He has not found their deeds complete in the sight of His God. They are to remember therefore, what they have received and heard; obey it and repent. If they do not wake up, he will come like a thief, and they will not know at what time He will come to them. Yet, they have a few people who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with Him dressed in white, for they are worthy. Those who overcome will, like them, be dressed in white. He will never blot out their names from the Book of Life, and He will acknowledge them before the Father and His angels.
Philadelphia – He will make those who claim that they are Jews but are really from the synagogue of Satan come and fall down at their feet and acknowledge that He has loved them. Since they have kept His command to endure patiently, He will also keep them from the hour of trial what is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. He is coming soon. He wants them to hold on to what they have so that no one will take their crown. To him that overcomes He will make a pillar in the temple of His God. Never again will He leave it. He will write on them the name of His God and the name of the city of His God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from His God.
Laodicea – Because they are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, He will spit them out of His mouth. They say that they are rich and have acquired wealth and do not need anything. But they do not realize that they are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. He counsels them to buy from Him gold refined in the fire, so that they can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so they can cover their shameful nakedness; and salve to put in their eyes, so they can see. Those whom He loves He rebukes and disciplines. So He says they should be earnest and repent. Here I am!, He says. He stands at the door and knocks. If anyone hears His voice and opens the door, He will come in and eat with them and them with Him.

Each of these churches was promised a reward for those that overcome. Many were also promised that they would suffer specific judgment for not heeding His direction. Every Christian should feel the urge to study Revelation 1-3, fully understanding what the “Spirit says to the churches”. Praise You Lord. I thank you so much for showing us what must certainly swiftly soon come to pass.

There are so many things we can personally and collectively understand and reflect upon in our review of Your Church evaluation. How do Your words of encouragement or warning apply directly to my walk of faith or to those actions and inactions of the Churches in our city? Was this meant to prepare us for the days to come? Do all of these historic Churches resemble the behavior of Churches in modern day? Do we all have a bit of characteristics of each of these Churches to which You have spoken? Lord, I pray that if these warnings are meant to sound the alarm to all Churches, that we in fact pay close attention and follow Your direction, repenting and renewing our walk as Your Church body and bride. Oh that all of us who call ourselves by Your name would demonstrate our love for You by doing just as You have commanded. Thank You for the warning Lord Jesus.