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Shofar Day 13 Dear Believers In Laodicea

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Shofar Day 13 Dear Believers In Laodicea

Marietta Taylor

February 4, 2026

Christ,Discipline,Faith,Glory,God

Read His Words Before Ours!

Revelation 3:14-20
John 1:1-18
Revelation 22
Isaiah 48:12-15
Romans 1:16-32

In the last of the letters to the seven churches, we encounter the Laodicean believers. Knowing some details about Laodicea will help us better understand why the text indicates there was no good thing about this church.

Laodicea was located on the major trade routes, connecting it to some of the other churches, such as Ephesus, Smyrna and Sardis. Laodicea thrived on banking and textiles. In fact, “the city was adorned by an impressive amphitheater and other notable monuments.” (Got Questions) They were rich and they relished it. Hold these facts as we dive into the letter.

In verse 14, Jesus gives us three titles for himself, “the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the originator of God’s creation.” Let’s unpack these. The Hebrew word for amen comes from the root Aman which means to support, confirm, or be faithful. It also means “so be it” or “it is done”. Jesus, our Savior, is the last word. No government, amount of wealth or self-sufficiency can do what Jesus did. The saving of souls could, and was, only completed by the work of Jesus on the cross. Hence His last words as He gave up His soul to the Father, “It is finished”. (John 19:30) In other words, so be it and it is done. Amen.

Jesus is also the faithful and true witness. He tells us He is THE faithful one first (The Amen) and then adds that He is also the true witness. But witness to what? God the Father. And not just God, but also creation.

He says He is “the originator of God’s creation”. Genesis 1:26 informs, “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness’.” John 1:1-18 confirms who “us” is referencing. Verses 1-2 tell us The Word was with God in the beginning and the Word was God. Verse 3 says, “All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.”

Who is “The Word”?

Verse 14 reveals “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. Finally, verses 17-18 wrap it up and puts a bow on all three titles Jesus gave Himself,

“…grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side—He has revealed Him.”

The Faithful and true witness to truth and God the Father. The Word who created everything alongside God the Father but who is also God too (see this Journey Study on the Trinity). The final word on salvation and eternity. As stated in Isaiah 48:12, “ I am He; I am the first, I am also the last.”

The church in Laodicea did no such thing. There was no encouragement in Jesus’ letter because there was no behavior that warranted it. Instead, they had lukewarm faith. Just like their water supply which delivered lukewarm water, Jesus said they were like lukewarm water he wanted to vomit out. (Revelation 3:16) What a strong rebuke!

Slowly, the Laodicean believers began relying on their riches and status instead of faith in Jesus. They looked good on the outside with money and prestige, but inside was darkness. For myself, this really speaks to making sure what I show externally is an outpouring of where I am spiritually inside. Outward prosperity should not mask spiritual bankruptcy.

What is this Shofar Call?
Find true wealth in Jesus.

  1. Stand on your faith in Jesus for daily living, not human empires. A personal trust relationship begins with repenting of sin and believing Jesus is the only way to heaven through His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. This is the gospel. We must start and stay here. No institution can forgive your sins! “…we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time.” (Hebrews 10:10)

  2. Find your riches (gold) from Jesus, not your banking industry. Follow the advice in Matthew 6:25-34, which tells us to seek God first and He will provide what we need.

  3. Wear clothing (of righteousness) from Him, not your textile industry. Ephesians 4:17-24 instructs, “…put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.” Romans 1:16-32 warns against idolatry and ingratitude. “For though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or show gratitude.” (verse 21) If this has been you, wake up and repent!

  4. Finally, find true sight from Him, not your ophthalmologists known for their eye ointment. Heed Psalm 119:18, “Open my eyes so that I may contemplate wondrous things from your instruction.”

The Laodicean letter should be a clarion call to us! Just as they were led astray by the trappings of the world, we are equally, if not more, susceptible. We must trust Jesus as our Savior, walk worthy of our calling in Him (Ephesians 4:1), and He alone must be our Satisfier. Then, we must share Him with others, so they can spend eternity with Him in the new heaven and the new earth too! (Revelation 22)

“Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!”

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church,glory,King,repent,Revelation
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Shofar, Day 13
Digging Deeper

When Christ compares the Laodicean believers to the familiarity of their tepid waters, he describes them as blending in with the culture around them.

They are not zealous for Him and His Kingdom, they are bland and tasteless as they seek to find their identity in their wealth, their material products, and their standing as healers with eye ointment.

They were not anchored in Christ but in themselves; the only ones they were deceiving were themselves for The Amen cannot be mocked. (Galatians 6:7-8)
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Shofar Day 9 Dear Believers In Thyatira: Digging Deeper

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Shofar Day 9 Dear Believers In Thyatira: Digging Deeper

Melodye Reeves

January 29, 2026

Discipline,Focus,Grace,Justice,Kingdom,Mercy

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "Dear Believers In Thyatira"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Revelation 2:18-25

18 “Write to the angel of the church in Thyatira: Thus says the Son of God, the one whose eyes are like a fiery flame and whose feet are like fine bronze:

19 I know your works—your love, faithfulness, service, and endurance. I know that your last works are greater than the first. 20 But I have this against you: You tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and teaches and deceives my servants to commit sexual immorality and to eat meat sacrificed to idols. 21 I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to repent of her sexual immorality.

22 Look, I will throw her into a sickbed and those who commit adultery with her into great affliction. Unless they repent of her works, 23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am the one who examines minds and hearts, and I will give to each of you according to your works.

24 I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who haven’t known ‘the so-called secrets of Satan’ —as they say—I am not putting any other burden on you. 25 Only hold on to what you have until I come.”
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) What do verses 18-19 say about the character of Jesus and how He sees His church?

The Revelation of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:1-2) is the final book of the Bible. Written by the apostle John, it serves to encourage the loyal saints of God to unwaveringly resist the demands of wicked dominions. Even though a final showdown between God and Satan is imminent, the believers will be vindicated when Christ returns!

The truths of Revelation have sometimes been missed or misconstrued by those who have attempted to make it a book about times and symbols pointing to a very specific interpretation. Instead, it is a message that highlights Jesus, His divine nature, and supreme authority. An overall description of Jesus as King is found in Revelation 1:14-18, but Jesus specifically shares with seven churches some of His character qualities that are directly applicable to that church.

In verse 18, He identifies Himself to the church at Thyatira as “the Son of God.” This is the only use of this title in Revelation, emphasizing Jesus Christ’s deity and right to judge. This would be pertinent to the church since the main local god in Thyatira was Tyrimnas, who was dubbed ‘a son of the gods’ by his worshippers. They depicted him on their coins as a warrior riding a horse and wielding a double-edged battle axe in judgment. (biblehub.com)

In reality it is Jesus, the one with flame-like eyes (discerning and severe judgment) and  bronze feet (a warrior with protected feet) who is the One who sees and knows all; His judgment is perfectly perfect! (Revelation 1:16-18) With a gaze that penetrates any façade and pierces innermost thoughts, Jesus also knows the sincerity of those who claim to follow Him. In verse 19 the Lord Jesus encourages believers to remember that He sees their recently increasing love for God and one another. This encouragement precedes His severe warning.

The Everyday Application

1) What do verses 18-19 say about the character of Jesus and how He sees His church?

Jesus sees and knows it all. I wonder how this image of Jesus as all-knowing Judge compares to the common portrayals or expectations people have of Him. Sister, He is indeed great and good. These can never be separated. Amidst this reality, we don’t want to miss the importance of the Lord’s all-seeing eyes and all-knowing heart. It hopefully causes us to be confronted and comforted.

He knows our hearts’ desires to love Him. He also knows our weakness and sins. The beauty in having Jesus as our Savior is that, even when we do fall, He knows the deeper longing in our hearts to love Him. (Romans 8:26-27) He chose us and gifted us with faith to receive Him and love Him (Ephesians 2:9, 1 John 4:19), sealing us with His Spirit forever. (Ephesians 1:13-14) He guards us and keeps us from stumbling. (Jude 1:24)

The terror in knowing that Jesus is Judge is that He also knows those who are insincerely and deliberately claiming to know more about Him than others, puffing themselves up with pride. I am so thankful that my understanding of Jesus’ all-knowing character brings me peace. (Matthew 6:6-8)

I know that I know He is my Savior and Lord who is returning to take me to live with Him forever. (1 John 3:1-3) This changes how I live day-to-day because I know that I know that He is able to discern all my thoughts and deepest desires. (Hebrews 4:14-16) Because of the depth of His love, He will hold me fast. Sister, we rest in that great hold.

The Original Intent

2) Who or what is being confronted in verses 20-23?

In short, it’s false teaching. Even as Jesus sees and praises the church for its love, faithfulness, service, and endurance (verse 19), He also sees their tolerance of wickedness as a glaring red flag of spiritual and doctrinal laziness. (verse 20) It could be that Jesus’ mention of “Jezebel” was referring to someone specific in the church who was leading others astray through distorted teaching and sinful practices. It is more likely this is symbolic rather than literal.

Even so, understanding who this person represents is necessary to feel the weight of Jesus’ rebuke. In 1 Kings 16–21, we are introduced to the infamous Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab. She is portrayed as a powerful, manipulative queen who led Israel into idolatry and immorality. She actively promoted the worship of Baal, persecuted God’s prophets, and wielded her influence to corrupt both religious and civil life. (1 Kings 18:3-4, 1 Kings 19:1-2) In Jewish culture, her name became synonymous with spiritual seduction, false religion, and rebellion against God’s authority.

The symbolic use of Jezebel as a false teacher, or representative of false teaching, is echoed in other New Testament passages that include warnings regarding the corrupt influences within the church. The apostle Peter warned believers about them (2 Peter 2:1-3), as did Jude. Each of these reinforce the thought that “Jezebel” in Revelation is most likely representative of a dangerous influence.

Jesus is speaking to His church as the Judge when he calls them to repentance from their spiritual adultery in verses 22-23. It is HE “who examines minds and hearts, and … will give to each … according to [their] works.” The phrase “thrown into a sickbed” is not meant to be taken literally as a simple illness in a person, but rather as a symbolic representation of divine judgment and punishment for spiritual corruption and apostasy.

The Everyday Application

2) Who or what is being confronted in verses 20-23?

‘Jezebel’ symbolizes a recurring threat in the life of God’s people: the compromise of truth for the sake of power, pleasure, or acceptance. (biblehub.com) Christ’s words to Thyatira, then, are a timeless warning for believers to remain discerning and faithful to the truth. Unfortunately, it’s also a strong rebuke to those tolerating false teachers or teaching.

I realize there is a great tension between judgmentalism and enabling sin. We must be in the Word for this very reason. We want to know what God says is clearly sin in order to be truthful and wise. This means that sometimes we will be involved in hard conversations. We will need to speak out and speak up for the God we know. At GT, we are so aware of this tension, and our desire is to help you, Friend, to learn what the Bible says so we can grow in discernment and courage.

How thankful we are for a God who is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all good. This brings us peace because we know His judgments are always right. It also keeps us near Him, so we can discern what is true and what is false. Jesus will hold us if we are His. Through the Holy Spirit, the Lord will convict us when lies are being taught or preached. Also, we will be comforted by the Spirit as we obey the Word, knowing we are kept for the Day of Jesus’ return!

The author of Revelation wrote these words of Jesus in his gospel, “I will come again and take you to Myself.” (John 14:1-3) False teaching says this is too good to be true. Jesus says, “Hold on, Sister!”

The Original Intent

3) What type person is being compared and contrasted in verses 24-25?

Jesus knows the hearts of those impacted or not impacted by false teaching. He encourages those who have not succumbed to the negative influences around them to hold on to what they know to be true. He reassures them of what He’s said about Himself before, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:25-30)

The teachings of Jesus are not burdensome like that of false religious teachers. Since Jesus taught with authority and compassion, He called out those who missed the point because He wanted them to find real life instead of false substitutes. The false teacher(s) at Thyatira were claiming they had a deeper message than the apostles’ teaching from Jesus. It was instead dipping into the depths of Satanic doctrine and Gnosticism. The term “gnostic” comes from the Greek word gnosis, meaning “knowledge.” Gnosticism was an early heresy that threatened the Christian church during the first few centuries. At its core, Gnosticism taught that salvation came not through faith in Christ alone, but through acquiring secret spiritual knowledge.

Gnostics taught that the material world was evil, created by a lesser, flawed god, and that only the spiritual realm was good. This belief led to two dangerous extremes: asceticism, where people denied themselves physical pleasures to become more “pure,” or immorality, where people believed the body didn’t matter at all, thereby freeing them to indulge in sin without consequence.

The “Jezebel” teaching was in complete contrast to the teaching of scriptures about Who God is as Creator of all things good and the Sustainer and Source of help for of His people. Jesus, God-in-flesh, confronted the church at Thyatira with Himself! He was and is a merciful Judge for the repentant heart that seeks Him, and His hold is forever. (Matthew 24:11-14, Matthew 28:18-20) Any other message is a lie!

The Everyday Application

3) What type person is being compared and contrasted in verses 24-25?

These last verses are a call from our Lord Jesus to persevere despite temptation, pressure, or spiritual fatigue. Certainly, we find ourselves in a time of moral compromise and subtle mishandling of God’s word on all sides.

I know you already know this to be true, Friend. We all likely agree that holding onto truth is essential to make our way through the chaos and confusion. We are hopefully building habits and relationships which help us stay grounded in our walks with God.

Look at you, studying your Bible with us! We are thankful and encouraged by that. We believe that community, Scripture, prayer, and other disciplines play a role in keeping us tethered to Christ. Of course, we know that the promise of Jesus is that He hold us tighter than we hold Him.

Once we are in Him, He gives us the strength to hold on to Him. So, we encourage you to be part of the few who aren’t swayed by the voices around us. Rest assured that Jesus’ teachings don’t include silly laws you must keep or heavy burdens you must bear in order to come to the Father. Christ’s death sealed the deal for us. We simply believe and receive His gift of grace. His kindness is calling you today, sweet Friend. (Romans 2:1-11)

Tags :
idolatry,King,Revelation,worship
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Shofar, Day 8
Journey Study

We, too, stand out if we follow Jesus with devotion. Our idols may look different from ancient Israel’s, but their pull on our hearts is no less powerful. Today, as in the days of ancient Israel, one fruit of idolatry is sexual immorality.

Sisters, sex is God’s gift, meant to be a physical expression of a whole-life commitment.

When these elements are separated, we sacrifice the Imago Dei of another human on the altar of briefly appeasing an appetite: another person created in the image of God becomes an object we use to scratch an itch. Destruction inevitably follows.
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Jan 19, 2026 - Feb 6 - Journey Theme #141

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Shofar Day 8 Dear Believers In Thyatira

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Shofar Day 8 Dear Believers In Thyatira

Candy Trosper

January 28, 2026

Believe,Confession,Discipline,Friend

Read His Words Before Ours!

Revelation 2:18-25 
1 Corinthians 6:18-20
1 Peter 2:11-12
Ephesians 6:10-13
Deuteronomy 31:1-6

As we dive into the Shofar call to the church of Thyatira, we see Jesus refer to Himself as the “Son of God whose eyes are like a fiery flame and whose feet are like fine brass.” (Revelation 2:18) He focuses deep into our souls like a refining fire, purifying our hearts and cultivating holiness in us. Like fine brass, He is purifying us to reveal His reflection in us.

The Shofar call to this particular church was a call to forsake the way of Jezebel, abandon idolatry, and pursue sexual purity. (Revelation 2:18-25)

Jezebel was the wife of Israel’s king Ahab, who lived and ruled centuries before the apostle John’s vision of Revelation. Ahab’s choice to take a queen from Sidon was in defiance of God’s instructions, and Jezebel wasted no time influencing Ahab and all of Israel to worship false gods. (Deuteronomy 7:1-6; 1 Kings 16:29-34) This worship included widespread prostitution, sorcery, and child sacrifice, all practices that would destroy God’s beloved children. To call His people back to Him, God sent the prophet Elijah.

To call His people in Thyatira back to Him, God sent a vision to the apostle John. For Thyatira, this calling was very difficult. Thyatira was a wealthy town where business owners relied on false deities and unholy living in pursuit of success. Following the call of Jesus made His people stand out and would likely lead to financial loss. 

We, too, stand out if we follow Jesus with devotion. Our idols may look different from ancient Israel’s, but their pull on our hearts is no less powerful. Today, as in the days of ancient Israel, one fruit of idolatry is sexual immorality. 

Sisters, sex is God’s gift, meant to be a physical expression of a whole-life commitment. When these elements are separated, we sacrifice the Imago Dei of another human on the altar of briefly appeasing an appetite: another person created in the image of God becomes an object we use to scratch an itch. Destruction inevitably follows.

In a culture obsessed with sex, the call to sexual integrity is hard. In fact, we cannot heed a calling we cannot first understand or hear. Without pulling down the idols in our hearts and committing to following Jesus alone, we simply cannot heed the call to sexual purity. Pursuit of sexual purity is developed through a passionate love for Jesus.

In order to know Jesus’ voice and His call, we must first realize we are sinners Christ died to redeem. We come to know Him by placing our trust in Him, allowing Him to wash us clean, and build our true identities. Only then will we be able to heed the call to honor God in our sexual choices, and to cherish our bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)

Jesus wants our lives to be full of His power, blessings, and joy. Those things only come if we live His way and not our own. Because we reap what we sow, if we give in to fleshly temptations we will reap fleshly rewards. However, if we do the hard thing and walk in purity, we will reap joyful blessings we can’t even begin to imagine. 

This is often easier said than done due to the spiritual warfare Satan wages against us. (Ephesians 6:12) He wants to tempt us because he knows this calling is sacred. Our Papa God created us to have a deep covenant relationship with Him and to reflect Him to others. Jesus didn’t say following Him would be easy, but He did promise to always be near, helping us. For this, He graciously gave us His armor for the battle.

I watched a friend of mine live out this call to purity beautifully. She remained committed to sexual integrity until her wedding day, and while she struggled at times and people made fun of her choice, she kept her promise to God. 

I, meanwhile, have struggled in this area my entire life. I had not prioritized sexual purity prior to my marriage to a non-believer, and my marriage was full of heartache. We divorced, and the depression and anxiety I carried from that time was very hard to overcome. After my divorce, I was in an unhealthy relationship, which included sexual impurity, and I developed HPV as a result. Like the Israelites, like the community in Thyatira, my choices were destroying my life. 

When I was convicted of my sins and repented, I eventually turned it all over to my Papa and asked Him to help me live His way instead. I started really spending time with Him and dug deeply into my Bible to get to know Him more. I completely fell in love with Him and began to tear down the idols in my heart. 

God healed me of the HPV, and I’m now in a healthy relationship, with God in the center. Yes, we have our challenges. We fight the fleshly battle all the time. But my boyfriend consistently points me to Jesus, and we pray together in a way unlike anything I’ve experienced before.

I highly encourage you to heed Jesus’ calling to keep Him on the throne of your heart, and out of your love for Him and His people, pursue sexual integrity; it truly is so worth it!

“Let anyone who has ears to hear, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!”
(Revelation 2:29)

Tags :
conviction,King,Revelation,Ruler,shofar
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Shofar, Day 9
Digging Deeper

The truths of Revelation have sometimes been missed or misconstrued by those who have attempted to make it a book about times and symbols pointing to a very specific interpretation.

Instead, it is a message that highlights Jesus, His divine nature, and supreme authority.

An overall description of Jesus as King is found in Revelation 1:14-18, but Jesus specifically shares with seven churches some of His character qualities that are directly applicable to that church.
Dig Deeper!

Study Book Available!

Study the GT Focus Journey Theme in book format!

“Shofar” is available in the GT Bookstore!

This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
Jan 19, 2026 - Feb 6 - Journey Theme #141

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Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!

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Shofar Day 5 Dear Believers In Smyrna: Digging Deeper

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Shofar Day 5 Dear Believers In Smyrna: Digging Deeper

Merry Ohler

January 23, 2026

bride,Discipline,Faith,Heaven,Mighty,Perfect

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "Dear Believers In Smyrna"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Revelation 2:8-10

8 “Write to the angel of the church in Smyrna: Thus says the First and the Last, the one who was dead and came to life: 9 I know your affliction and poverty, but you are rich.

I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer.

Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will experience affliction for ten days. Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) What is the significance of Jesus calling Himself the “First and the Last?” (verse 8)

The church at Smyrna is only referenced twice in Scripture, both times in the book of Revelation. (Revelation 1:11, Revelation 2:8) While the Bible may be mostly silent about the city and says little about the early church there, Christ’s words about Himself and His exhortation to the church at Smyrna reveal much depth we can study. His opening words here identify Himself unequivocally as “the First and the Last, the one who was dead and came to life.”

As God, Jesus Christ is and was eternally present. From before the first description of creation’s beginning, Jesus was there. (Genesis 1:1-2) John’s written introduction to his gospel bears witness to Christ’s deity and divine nature in further support of this statement. (John 1:1-18) Unlike His created work of humanity, God alone is uncreated. He always has been, and always will be. (Psalm 90:2, Isaiah 40:28, 1 Timothy 1:17) He has no beginning and no end. (John 8:58, Genesis 21:33, 1 John 5:11-13)

Through the prophet Isaiah, God declared this to be true of Himself; Jesus’ words in Revelation echo the words of His Father, centuries before He uttered them to John. (Isaiah 44:6-8) Underscoring His initial statement to John and further asserting His divinity, Christ added, “the one who was dead and came to life.”

Some external sources and commentaries point to parallels that may have been significant for the church at Smyrna, but by staying within the pages of Scripture, we are assured of His deity through His own words, as evidenced by the incredible prophecies He fulfilled in accomplishing this one statement. (Psalm 22, Isaiah 53, Psalm 16, Acts 2:22-36) 

The Everyday Application

1) What is the significance of Jesus calling Himself the “First and the Last?” (verse 8)

When I consider the reality that Jesus is God, having no beginning or end, I am once again struck by how completely “other” He is to us. There is nothing else in our scope of existence comparable to Him, although all things point to Him. Everything has a beginning and an end. The sun, the moon, the stars, the planets. Every human, every creature. Every object. Humanity was originally crafted from dust, and to dust we will return. (Genesis 3:19, Psalm 90:3, Ecclesiastes 12:7)

This is not the case with Jesus. He was there at the beginning, because He had no beginning. After all things come to their end, He will remain, because He has no end. All was created by Him and through Him. I can rest in the comfort and knowledge that He alone is God. There is no other. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He testified about His divinity and identity Himself, and His words are true.

All of Scripture verifies His testimony and existence. The details of His virgin birth, sinless life, death, and resurrection fulfill over 300 prophecies made across thousands of years. All of this proof points me to the truth I can rest in: Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Son of God, the First and the Last.

He is my King, He is alive, and He cares for me. He has no beginning or end, but I do, and my beginning, middle, and end are in His sovereign hands. Because I have repented of trying to live life my own way and have turned to follow Christ, I am covered by His shed blood. My sins are forgiven; I have peace because I trust in Him. 

The Original Intent

2) Why did Jesus tell the church of Smyrna, suffering in affliction and poverty, that they were rich? (verse 9)

Having just asserted His authority and divinity with stunning clarity, King Jesus uttered His next words to John with compassion and intention, “I know…” The church at Smyrna was enduring great affliction and suffering. The words describe a church under incredible pressure and extreme poverty. More than simply getting by with little, this church consisted of truly destitute people; they had nothing.

In just a few words, the Creator, the One through whom all things were and are and will be, the First and the Last, again showed His incredible love for His people by showing them they were seen in a merciful act of true encouragement. I know your affliction and poverty, but you are rich.

The church at Smyrna wasn’t forgotten. Their struggles, circumstances, and persistence in faith were seen by the King of kings and Lord of lords. The One who was, and is, and will be bridged the gap between their perceived isolation and the temptation to feel forgotten, reminding them that He saw both their physical and spiritual state with equal clarity. Further, He encouraged them to remember that their physical state did not reflect their eternal reality. 

The Everyday Application

2) Why did Jesus tell the church of Smyrna, suffering in affliction and poverty, that they were rich? (verse 9)

When I think about the kind of affliction and poverty the church at Smyrna likely faced, my own struggles seem pale in comparison. Nonetheless, I can be encouraged by Christ’s words. The truth that earthly circumstances and situations do not define our eternal destiny or victory in Christ stands firm and is true for all believers. Regardless of what struggles and challenges we face, we know that Christ is working in the midst of those situations to sanctify us. (2 Thessalonians 2:13-17, 2 Timothy 2:20-26, Romans 5:3-5)

Whatever struggle I face, Jesus is also El Roi, the God Who sees. (Genesis 16:13, Psalm 139:1-4, Proverbs 15:3) He intimately knows every detail of the lives of all His people, and I am one of those people. He knows, He sees, He cares. He is pleased when He calls me to continue in faith, for His glory, and I respond to His call. (Hebrews 11:6, Romans 12:2, Matthew 5:14-16) Just as He demonstrated in His words to the church at Smyrna, He never forgets. He is glorified in our faithful following of His life and way. 

The Original Intent

3) What does Christ mean to be “faithful to the point of death”? (verse 10)

Jesus saw their present state and knew the church at Smyrna would soon face an increase in persecution; His word of encouragement and exhortation to remain faithful was issued at the perfect time. While Scripture doesn’t elaborate on the exact details of their situation, Christ’s acknowledgement of their physical and spiritual state implies they possessed a faithfulness worth commending.

His words weren’t mere blind encouragement or a careless call to achieve some unattainable goal. This was a rallying cry to weary and worn believers with battered hearts and minds, reminding them of their purpose, calling them to follow in their Savior’s footsteps faithfully. Who else could more genuinely encourage a brother or sister to be faithful to the point of death other than the One Who had first been faithful to the point of death, Himself?

Jesus knew the scorn, abandonment, persecution, and horrors of being faithful to the point of death. In His kindness, He reminded His faithful church at Smyrna that they were not alone, and if they persisted in faith, He would see them through to His promise of eternal life and victory. 

The Everyday Application

3) What does Christ mean to be “faithful to the point of death”? (verse 10)

When God called Jesus to walk the way of the cross, being faithful to the point of death, even death on a cross, Jesus obeyed fully. (Philippians 2:7-8) As a parent, I have often used the phrase, “Right away, all the way,” when teaching my children what obedience means and looks like. However, when I measure those words against Christ’s example, I see some things are lacking in my “go-to” phrase.

Yes, it is important to obey “all the way,” which we see referenced in Christ’s words admonishing the church at Smyrna to be “faithful to the point of death.” However, even Christ prayed and asked that the cup might be taken from Him. He has empathy for the one who is called to die to self and follow in His footsteps; we can be encouraged by His reminder that when we are faithful to the end, we will be crowned victorious for His glory. Praise God!

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“Thus says the First and the Last, the One who was dead and came to life:” (Revelation 2:8)

What a weighty way for Jesus to introduce Himself to the church in Smyrna! He doesn’t begin with comfort or promises; He begins with identity. He is “the First and the Last”—a title belonging to God alone. (Isaiah 44:6) He reminds the Church He holds eternity in His hands.

Then He adds, “The One who was dead and came to life.” (Revelation 2:8)

This isn’t just a statement of resurrection, it’s an anchor of hope. Jesus has passed through death itself and emerged victorious.
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Jan 19, 2026 - Feb 6 - Journey Theme #141

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King Day 4 Fit For A King: Digging Deeper

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King Day 4 Fit For A King: Digging Deeper

Rachel Jones

January 1, 2026

Discipline,Fear,Follow,Holiness,Lord

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
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This DD Connects With "Fit For A King"
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Read His Words Before Ours!

Revelation 1:10-13

I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard a loud voice behind me like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

12 Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was one like the Son of Man, dressed in a robe and with a golden sash wrapped around his chest.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) What is the meaning of the seven golden lampstands in John’s vision? (verse 13)

In a letter to seven churches in Asia that had sprung up after Jesus’ death and resurrection, John detailed the vision he had of the risen Jesus, standing in the midst of seven golden lampstands. (Revelation 1:13) In the Jewish tabernacle, there was one lampstand and seven lamps. (Exodus 25:31-37, Zechariah 4:2) In his prophetic vision, John sees not one but seven lampstands, indicating that each lampstand represents one of the churches John addressed in his letter. (Revelation 1:20)

The vision illustrates that each church should play the part a lampstand plays in making the light of the lamp more visible. Each church, and ultimately the global Church as a whole (1 Corinthians 12:27), plays a part in shining the Light of Christ before others. (John 8:12, Matthew 5:14-16)

Matthew Henry explains, “The churches receive their light from Christ and the gospel, and hold it forth to others. They are golden [lampstands] . . . their light should so shine before men, as to engage others to give glory to God.” The lampstands are not the light, but just the way to display the light.

The fact that in this vision Jesus stands amongst the seven churches was “an image of great comfort for the first readers of Revelation, many of whom were experiencing persecution. Jesus is not apart from His church, but He stands in its midst. He does not leave His people alone to make it on their own in this world, but He is with us”. (Learn.Ligonier.org )

This is a comfort to God’s church today as well to know that Jesus stands in the midst of His followers, promising to be with us always (Matthew 28:20) as we shine the Good News of His love for others to see. (Mark 16:15)

The Everyday Application

1) What is the meaning of the seven golden lampstands in John’s vision? (verse 13)

One of my favorite places to visit is the US state of Maine with its fragrant pine trees, colorful lupine, clear blue sea, and rocky coastline. The small state of Maine’s rugged seascape boasts sixty-five lighthouses, reflecting the importance of maritime travel and trade in the state.

The first time I saw a lighthouse up close, I thought about a Gospel hymn titled The Lighthouse that compares Jesus to a lighthouse who saves us from the rocks of sin. It is a powerful comparison when you see for yourself just how dangerous the rocky shore would be to a ship in the dark.

Encountering a lighthouse also made me consider how Jesus calls His followers to be a light themselves. (Matthew 5:14) In Revelation 1:13, John describes a vision from Jesus that represents seven churches as seven lampstands with the Son of Man standing among them. Dr. Tony Garland suggests, “The central shaft joining these seven lamps and providing the oil for their continued illumination is Christ Himself.”

Just as Jesus Himself is the Light (John 1:4-5), He calls His disciples to reflect His life and light to the world. (Ephesians 5:8) John saw Jesus standing amidst the seven lampstands, giving us a picture of Jesus standing with His Church (Romans 8:37-39) as His people make His name known among the world. (Matthew 5:16) Take courage, fellow believer, your Savior stands with you!

The Original Intent

2) What is the significance of the Son of Man wearing a robe? (verse 13)

When John describes the Son of Man standing among the seven golden lampstands, he notes that He wears a robe. (Revelation 1:13) A robe is not the same as a tunic or cloak that men would have worn for everyday tasks or even special occasions. The Greek word for this robe, according to Dr. Bruce Hurt, is poderes, which means “reaching to the feet”.

This suggests the priestly robes of the Old Testament. (Exodus 28:4) Besides priests, the Bible also describes royalty using this same word, poderes, for King Saul’s robe (1 Samuel 24:5) and in describing princely robes. (Ezekiel 26:16) John’s vision of the Son of Man clothed in a robe shows us Christ as our High Priest and King.

Charles Ellicott describes Jesus as “arrayed in the apparel of kingly and priestly dignity.” God shows us this picture of Jesus as our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14) because He took our sin upon Himself on the cross, doing away with the need for the priest to put people’s sin on a lamb and sacrifice the animal. Jesus paid for our sins in full by His sacrifice on the cross (Romans 5:8), once and for all atoning for the sins of the world. (1 John 2:2)

John’s vision also reinforces the truth of Jesus as our King (1 Timothy 6:15), enthroned on high, Whose train of His robe fills the temple. (Isaiah 6:1) John shows us Jesus as our Redeemer who will reign forever and ever. His portrait of our loving High Priest and King give us valuable insight into the character of our Savior and His faithful love toward us.

The Everyday Application

2) What is the significance of the Son of Man wearing a robe? (verse 13)

To me, our church’s large cache of Bible-time costumes are just a jumble of long coats, wide belts, and square scarves; when I design costumes, it is difficult to tell a wise man from a shepherd. We are blessed, however, to have an amazing volunteer with extensive theatre experience who takes those shapeless tunics and bits of fabric and transforms our little actors into priests, prodigals, angels and kings.

She can drape a head dress that won’t fall over a student’s eyes mid-production and expertly layers the precise garments to turn a restless 5th grader into a stately king!

When John describes Jesus as wearing a robe while standing amidst seven golden lampstands (Revelation 1:13), the significance may not be immediately obvious to us, which is why we must take the time to slow down and understand the first audience. Once we do, the fact that Jesus is wearing something only a priest (Exodus 28:31) or king (Revelation 19:16) would wear is of paramount importance!

Jesus isn’t wearing travel clothes or daily garments John was accustomed to seeing Jesus in when He walked the earth. He is wearing a long robe, clothing that set Him apart as someone dignified or important.

With his description of Jesus that played out literally in front of his eyes, John helps his readers grasp the reality of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross (1 Peter 2:24) and His sovereignty (Revelation 15:3) in their lives. Those seven churches would have taken seriously their obedience to the One true King and rested with great assurance because they had direct access to Him at all times for He was their perfect priest. This picture of reality is just as true for us as it was the believers who first read John’s letter! Let’s be intentional in living out these truths today!

The Original Intent

3) Of what importance is the golden sash around the Son of Man’s chest? (verse 13)

Jesus wears a robe “with a golden sash wrapped around His chest” in John’s vision in Revelation 1:13. Similar to the robe, the sash also indicates that Jesus is High Priest and King. Marvin Vincent describes the belt as “an Old Testament symbol of power, righteousness, truth. (Isaiah 22:21, Job 12:18, Isaiah 11:5)” Additionally, each of these strong ties to the Old Testament spoke volumes to the first audience that Jesus was indeed the long-awaited Messiah.

The fact that the belt is gold, argues C. H. Spurgeon is “to declare the superiority of His service, the royalty of His person, the dignity of His state, the glory of His reward.” The placement of the sash across the chest rather than around the waist indicates that Jesus holds the greatest authority. Dr. Thomas Constable explains that the belt “placed about the shoulders or breasts indicates a magisterial function. (John 13:2-5, Revelation 15:6)

The sash placement symbolizes Jesus’ reign as King of Kings; none holds higher authority than He. (Revelation 11:15) The Revelation vision of Jesus is similar to the vision found in Daniel 10:5-6 of a glowing figure dressed in a robe with a golden sash. Both Daniel and John had a vision of God’s glory that reinforced the truth that the God who serves and reigns was with them, strengthening them, and enlightening them. Imagine how emboldening this was for the first recipients of John’s letter!

The Everyday Application

3) Of what importance is the golden sash around the Son of Man’s chest? (verse 13)

When my daughter graduated from college, one of her university’s treasured traditions was a ceremonial walk down “the hill” toward the ceremony site in the stadium. Friends and family stood on either side of the walkway while students, dressed in their gowns and regalia, walked to their graduation ceremony.

While waiting for my daughter’s school of study to walk past my spot, I observed hundreds of black caps and gowns strolling by, some wearing cords from organizations and some wearing stoles to indicate military service or nationality. Scattered throughout the bachelor degree candidates were students receiving their Master’s Degrees. They were obvious because they wore academic hoods, around their necks that draped over their shoulders and down their backs in the colors of their academic discipline. One look at these hoods told onlookers that these students had completed a degree above those walking down the hill with cap and gown only.

When John saw Jesus in a vision in (Revelation 1:13), he knew that the glowing figure in the long robe and golden sash was Jesus just by what He was wearing. That golden sash indicated Jesus’ elevated position as High Priest (Hebrews 4:14) and King (John 18:36) without contest.

The gold sash “affirms His dual role as King and Priest, who reigns with all authority and intercedes with compassion. For believers, the golden sash is a symbol of hope and assurance, pointing to the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death.” (Biblehub.com)

We can rejoice knowing that Jesus reigns on High (Hebrews 1:3) and ever lives to make intercession for us as our Great High Priest. (Hebrews 5:7-10) Your life is not randomly maintained by a cosmic force or by your own abilities; it is held by the King of All who loves you with the richest compassion fathomable!

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During Jesus’ earthly lifetime, the people of Israel were desperately awaiting a Messiah to rescue them from Roman oppression.

They expected a conquering king; when Jesus came as the Son of Man, a humble servant who lovingly sacrificed Himself to bring rescue from sin and death, they refused to recognize Him as their Messiah.
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Run Day 15 Run For The Treasure: Digging Deeper

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Run Day 15 Run For The Treasure: Digging Deeper

Lois Robbins

March 21, 2025

Brave,Called,Discipline,Fear,Gospel

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "Run For The Treasure"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philippians 3:7-12

But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. 8 More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as dung, so that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ —the righteousness from God based on faith. 10 My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, 11 assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.

12 Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus.
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The Original Intent

1) Paul had an absolute confidence in his relationship with Jesus Christ….WHY? (verses 7-8)

Paul used his past to emphasize the magnitude of God’s grace in his life, and he started by pointing to what, from a human standpoint, made him appear to be the best of the best. His snapshot of his past achievements pointed to his prestigious Jewish birth, his education, his training as a Pharisee of the strictest sect, and his zeal for God’s Law. (Acts 22:1-5)

Paul’s zeal as a Pharisee led him to relentlessly persecute the Jesus-movement known as “The Way”. His burning zeal for God consumed him, but when Paul met Christ, he wrote off all his attributes as nothing but bad debt. Radical!

The very things he believed to be his glory were totally useless in his new life of following Jesus. Paul, formerly Saul, went from breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples to belonging to this same Lord! His former way of living life was meaningless in comparison.

Saul was persecuting Jesus’ followers (and thereby Jesus Himself) because he believed he was right. He was firmly persuaded that Jesus could not be the Messiah sent to rescue God’s people. But for all his confidence and zeal, Saul was sincerely wrong.

Radically, when Paul understood the truth and his blinded eyes were open to Jesus’ identity as the True Son of God, he shirked everything he had once claimed so confidently as his righteousness. Now, Paul staked his entire eternity on Christ alone. (1 Corinthians 2:2)

The Lord chose Saul to be His instrument to proclaim this gospel truth to all people. Saul was moved from darkness to light, and when he found solid footing, he understood how meaningless his life was without Christ. In Jesus, Paul found joy, peace, purpose, and a new identity rooted in the merciful grace of God in Jesus Christ.

The Everyday Application

1) Paul had an absolute confidence in his relationship with Jesus Christ….WHY? (verses 7-8)

Shame and honor are central concepts in many cultures today, even leading families to kill or disown those who shame the family. No one likes to be shamed and lose face with others.

Paul was a faithful, zealous servant of the Lord Jesus, who used his zeal in a way that honored Christ and his new identity as a Christ-follower. We too can learn much about living to please Jesus by studying his example and the source of his confidence. While no one wants to bear shame, we do desire to be confident.

In spite of much suffering for sharing the gospel, Paul remained devoted to Jesus after his transformation. So radical was the shift, Paul’s new identity grew dramatically in confidence. So great was the love of God to rescue him, a rebellious sinner, that he was unashamed to preach boldly that Christ was the only true Savior.

Paul wrote, “I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed…”. (2 Timothy 1:12) Despite all he had learned from boyhood, and was so confidently defending before he met Jesus, Paul now knew Jesus Himself. Knowing Jesus changed everything about Paul. He had not been convinced he was previously wrong through a scholarly debate, rather, Paul had simply come to know Christ. This confidence is why he preached Christ with every chance he had, despite persecution.

 
If Paul was not ashamed to suffer for Jesus, neither should we be ashamed in our walk with Christ today. If we find ourselves wavering in confidence, it should signal to us that we need to better know our Savior through His word and in community with other believers.

Authentic faith is not revealed in intellect of biblical doctrine alone, but in a true love for God Himself as revealed through His Word!

The Original Intent

2) Are there spiritual benefits for all who live in an authentic relationship with Jesus? (verse 9)

Paul’s conversion to Christ brought him suffering, pain, and eventually death, still, Paul faithfully lived out the call of Jesus even though it cost him everything. Paul was obedient to the cause of Christ because he had come to understand that Christ was worth all.

It was impossible for Paul to consider turning back to the worthless way he had once lived and try again to win the prize for which he had once fought so relentlessly. In fact, he called all these things dung compared to Christ!

“I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as dung, so that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:8)

To be convinced of discarding all he had worked a lifetime to acquire and live in a different direction, while being persecuted and threatened with death, the return on his investment must be immense! And so it is!

Once receiving Christ as our Savior by acknowledging our sinful nature and realizing we can do nothing without Him, the benefits the Lord gives are eternal. (Ephesians 1:3)

We are assured of eternal salvation, which is impossible to lose. (John 10:28-30)

We are free to enjoy Gods unconditional, eternal love for God chose us, loves us, and adopts us His children. (Ephesians 1:4-5) 

We have a new life as a new creation, which will be enjoyed forever. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

We have the privilege of prayer, an all-access door to God. We can confidently and freely talk to our Father about anything. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Paul experienced all of these and so much more. Though trials of this earthly life abound, the Lord God is near, only a prayer away.

The Everyday Application

2) Are there spiritual benefits for all who live in an authentic relationship with Jesus? (verse 9)

Peter once asked Jesus, “See, we have left everything and followed You. So what will there be for us?”. (Matthew 19:27) Today, we may say, “We’ve given up a lot to be Christians, is it worth it?!”

Maybe we’ve given up, careers, relationships, jobs, status, pride, or “pet sins”. Surrender can feel heavy, and it’s reasonable to wonder, “Is there a reward? If so, is it worth this sacrifice?”.

When we run into doubts and discouragement, rather than allow the enemy feed us lies, we can run to truth in Scripture. (Psalm 25:4-5) God’s Word assures us our labors for the Lord are not in vain. Our efforts will be rewarded if our motive was right when sacrificing for Jesus. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Jesus responded to Peter that everyone who has sacrificed for Him will inherit more. (Matthew 19:29) When you choose to reject gossip, when you give generously, when you love with patience, when you set yourself aside as Jesus did, you are sacrificing for Christ and not one bit is lost on Jesus. He sees it all and He will reward it all with more.

Those rewards, along with innumerable more we can’t begin to imagine, are yet to come in Glory (1 Corinthians 2:9), but He also provides spiritual benefits in this life. Peace, forgiveness, and constant access to God through prayer are only a few.

In Philippians 4:19, Paul encourages, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” 

Having our needs met by God may not look as we’d imagine, but remember, God’s ways are higher than ours. (Isaiah 55:8-9) Step out boldly and share the gospel, following Jesus is worth everything!

Yes, the road is guaranteed to be difficult (John 16:33), but it can be faced with the all-surpassing peace of Christ! (Philippians 4:7) 

The Original Intent

3) What is the ultimate treasure, the driving desire, to run the “race” set before us? (verses 10-12)

It wasn’t Paul’s aim to know about Christ, but rather to personally know Him as Savior, Lord, King, and Friend. To know Christ is to know the power of His resurrection that brings eternal life. (John 17:3)

Exploring the resurrection of Christ profoundly impacts at least three vital aspects of how we view life, death, and eternity:

First, because Christ rose from the dead with a physical body, and He intends to raise up our physical bodies, we understand the importance of our physical bodies now as God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) where He sanctifies us, and that we will have perfected physical bodies in Glory. (1 Corinthians 15:35-40) 

Second, Christ’s resurrection is the “firstfruit proof” that we, who die in Jesus by trusting Him for spiritual life while we physically live, will be raised to eternal life just as Christ was.  (1 Corinthians 15:20, Romans 8:11) Because He lives, we shall live also. His victory is our victory. (1 Corinthians 15:51-55)

Third, Christ’s resurrection is the evidence of our living Hope. Our safety in life or death is that the Author of Life is our Sovereign Lord. (Romans 14:7-9) Christ is our only hope, but He is also our Living Hope, providing us with the everlasting, constant presence of the Risen Savior for those who place their trust in Christ Jesus. (1 Peter 1:3-4) All who trust Jesus are held safe and secure with incorruptible Hope because Christ proved His power and authority over the grave once and for all!

The resurrection of Christ is the guarantee that this life is worth the living, death is NOT the end of life, and there is a world beyond; nothing in life or in death can separate us from Him. (Romans 8:31-39)

The Everyday Application

3) What is the ultimate treasure, the driving desire, to run the “race” set before us? (verses 10-12)

Just as Paul’s love and passion for Jesus Christ would carry him through earthly trials, sufferings, pain, persecution and death, we must follow his example of truly knowing Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Just as knowing Christ means knowing the power of His resurrection, Scripture also tells us that the gateway of knowing Christ is knowing the “fellowship of His sufferings”. (verse 10)

Paul declares that when a Christian suffers, he is sharing in the suffering of Christ. To suffer for Jesus is not a penalty, but rather a privilege! When we suffer, we are dying to ourselves and the old way of living. When we put to death our old patterns, we are waking up to resurrection life!

We share the way He walked when we love and follow Him. (John 14:15) We share the cross He bore when we daily commit to slaying the desires of the flesh and putting on Christ instead, even if that means suffering. (Colossians 3:5-10) We share the life He lives forevermore when, one day, our mortality will be exchanged for immortality and we will never die again! (1 Corinthians 15:53-54)

Jesus gave His life for us; Paul was willing to give his life for Jesus and others, so we, as those who wear Christ’s name, must do the same.

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, if anyone wants to follow after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24)

When saying yes to Jesus, we partner with Him, sharing God’s word to reach the lost. It truly is WORTH IT ALL. So, RUN ON, Sister, towards the goal of Christ that we may win the prize which God has called us to in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)

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Sometimes, what the world values as success actually hinders our spiritual growth.

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God’s Word reminds us that true fulfillment comes from aligning our desires with God's will.
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The GT Weekend! ~ Run, Week 2

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The GT Weekend! ~ Run, Week 2

Katelyn Palmer

March 15, 2025

Believe,Discipleship,Discipline,Gospel,Grace,Kingdom

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1 Peter 2:9-12

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy
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Reflective Prayer

Yahweh, You are the Most High God! (Psalm 83:18) Thank You for Your loving hand in my story and the story of each soul who walks this earth. Lord, as I write to You now, I hear the words of “Gratitude” by Hillside Recording and Eliza King,

“So I lift up my hands and praise You again and again cause all that I have is a hallelujah…
I’ve nothing else fit for a King except for a heart singing hallelujah.”

With a heart full of gratitude, I come to You, Lord, asking for a heart bent on forgiveness just as You have forgiven me. (Matthew 6:14) I ask for wisdom (James 1:5) regarding my prayer life and humbly request You shape my prayers to match Your heart and Your purpose.

I pray for the leadership within the global Church, that we may be turned wholeheartedly to You and Your Word so we might walk in Your truth. I pray for the leaders of nations around the world, for righteous justice, and for favor for those who follow Your ways. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Yahweh, I pray, today for chains to be broken that freedom and truth may ring in the ears of our lost world. Strengthen each of Your warriors as we set off on our races (1 Corinthians 9:24-27), ready to share the gospel, defend our hope, and inspire next generations. (Philippians 2:13-16) In Your Son’s name I pray, Amen.
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Reflection One

Prayer is a powerful spiritual tool that offers direct line access to God through Jesus Christ. Prayer encapsulates a living relationship with our Creator. Astoundingly, we speak with a living God who talks back.

When Jesus performed miracles, He prayed to God the Father who responded by granting Jesus’ requests. (John 11:38-44, Luke 9:29-36) When Jesus needed to recharge, He went to a quiet place and prayed to the Father. (Matthew 14:23, Luke 5:15-16) God responded by renewing His strength. When Jesus hung from the cross, He prayed for God to forgive us and through Christ’s resurrection, which the Father did. (Luke 23:34)

We, too, are called to utilize prayer as a spiritual weapon. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 instructs us to pray, petition, and intercede on behalf of everyone, including the governing body, just as Jesus is our intercessor. (verses 5-6)

A strong prayer life indicates a strong relationship with God. Jesus tells us He is the vine, we are His branches, and we can do nothing without Him, which should urge us all the more to come to Him in prayer. (John 6:35, John 15:1-8)

When we abide in prayer according to Scripture, we are positioning our hearts to align with God’s heart as we seek His wisdom, coming humbly before Him with worship. (Matthew 6:9-13, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
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Reflection Two

We are fighting a spiritual war (Ephesians 6:10-13) with only two sides: Jesus, the Truth (John 1:17,John 14:6), and sin, which encompasses the enemy, the world, and our flesh. This is life (1 John 5:11-12) or death (Romans 6:23), light or dark (John 1:1-9)

Every day we must wake up and choose whose Kingdom we will advance, Christ’s or the Enemy’s. Therefore, we must be proactive and gird ourselves with the belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14), preparing our defense of the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15) by studying God’s Word, praying constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19), staying vigilant (Ephesians 6:18), testing those things which we believe to be the Lord’s will, and avoiding every kind of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22)

This is how we run the race in such a way as to win the eternal prize. (1 Corinthians 9:24) In 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, Paul says he practices discipline and self-control so he won’t betray the message of the gospel he shares with others through his actions. Not only would many of us refuse to follow a teacher that does not practice what he preaches, but we wouldn’t want to miss out on the blessings God gives to those who obey Him! (Matthew 6:33) May we each run well!
Wednesday & Thursday

Reflection Three

“For freedom, Christ set us free. Stand firm, then, and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1) I love to imagine the imprisoned Paul, borrowed pen in hand, squinting with poor eyesight to make his letters legible, as fierce passion within him loosens his tongue to speak aloud what his pen paints.

Christ did not set us free, dying our death, and giving us righteousness for wretchedness so we would be comfortable, wallow in self-pity, grow puffed up with arrogance, or live day-in and day-out below our birthright as sons and daughters of the Most High God. No! Paul’s exuberance nearly leaps from the page! It is for freedom that Christ has set you free, so live inside that freedom!

Like too tight clothes and impossible standards, we are so halted by fear and insecurity that we readily relinquish the freedom we’ve been given so we can cling pathetically to fear and falsehood instead.

What are your chains of choice that you cling to while dropping the freedom Christ has afforded you by His death and conquering resurrection? Fear? What kind and in what area? Get specific and let the Spirit of the Lord reveal your dark places to you with the brilliance of His flame of freedom.

Grief? Perhaps loss deeper and more painful than you imagined possible. Those are hard hallways, but have you cornered yourself there only grasping at loneliness and releasing the very Presence of Christ?

Run to Jesus, Sister. It is for freedom He has set you free!

*written by Rebecca Adams
2-for-1 Friday

This Week's Journeys

Remade Day 15
The Remade Life

January 20, 2017 No Comments

We’ve talked a lot during this Journey Theme about what it means to live this redeemed life that Jesus has so richly given us, but what does the “box top” look like? What does my everyday look like as I’m chasing after this God who longs to continuously remake me

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Remade Day 14
The Law of Love: Digging Deeper

January 19, 2017 No Comments

The pharisees asked a lot of questions, but they didn’t truly want to know Jesus’s heart. When we study the Bible or look for answers to our questions, let’s not go looking for evidence to support our pre-determined ideas, rather let’s seek to understand the original intent of the Scriptures,

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Remade Day 13
The Law of Love

January 18, 2017 No Comments

If we really are living out and doing exactly what Jesus tells us are the two most important commandments, then everything else He tells us to do will fall into place… because, by living out these commandments, we are allowing transformation.
When our minds are transformed, then our actions

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Remade Day 12
No Going Back: Digging Deeper

January 17, 2017 No Comments

Are you stuck in the past, attached and grasping for things leading to death, or are you clinging onto and sinking into the things of life? God is a good God, even on days when our past stops us in our tracks or a situation cements our feet. Be reminded

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Remade Day 11
No Going Back

January 16, 2017 No Comments

As fun as it is to “remember when”, there’s danger there too. Either we can romanticize the past and wish for it all over again, or we begin to drown in its sorrows and become perpetually stuck in its cycle. God wants neither for us!

God told Lot’s family

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The GT Weekend – Remade Week Two

January 14, 2017 No Comments

Lord, You have provided perfectly for us. You have given us a means for relationship with You through Jesus. You’ve given the Holy Spirit to keep us walking in step with You, yet I still think I can hide the real me from Your face. Father, forgive me for putting

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She Day 4 With Purpose; For A Purpose: Digging Deeper

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She Day 4 With Purpose; For A Purpose: Digging Deeper

Melodye Reeves

November 2, 2023

Blessed,Called,Discipleship,Discipline,Faith

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "With Purpose; For A Purpose"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 John 4:6-8

6 We are from God. Anyone who knows God listens to us; anyone who is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) From this passage, how can we identify those who know God and how do they know Him? (verse 6)

In this letter, the apostle John characterizes a “child of God” (1 John 2:24-29) as one who remains consistent in his faithful obedience to God; those who actively and intentionally learn and apply God’s Word. He distinguishes “children of God” from those who are not being true to the word of God. (1 John 2:3-6)

As children of God (through faith in Christ Jesus), a believer is one who has been equipped with everything necessary to know God and to follow wholeheartedly after Christ. (Hebrews 13:20-21) The Spirit of God confirms this relationship a believer has with God. (John 14-16)

In verses 1-5, the apostle John wrote concerning the role of the Spirit of God in the life of the believer. The Holy Spirit, who permanently resides with the believer, is a witness to Christ’s presence in our lives. Because of Christ in us, true followers of Jesus have the power to refuse and refute false teaching. In contrast, those who believe and follow deceptive teaching are not of Christ. They instead derive their values from sources apart from God and His Word.

John reminded the believers of the Spirit’s work in them. He, the Holy Spirit of God, was the One who personally helped them “know” God intimately and respond confidently to the apostles’ teaching. Because John had deep love for the believers (2 John 1:1-3), he felt a responsibility to share with them the truth of who Jesus is (1 John 5:20).

The apostle took on a parental-like role as he guided believers into spiritual growth. The weight of this parenting role is evident in the writings of Paul and Peter, too. They wanted their spiritual offspring to know God so they could confidently reject deceptive teaching. (3 John 1:3-4, Galatians 4:19, 2 Peter 1:12-15, and 2 Peter 3:14-18)

The Everyday Application

1) From this passage, how can we identify those who know God and how do they know Him? (verse 6)

The Bible teaches us that we can know God through His word. “Long ago God spoke to our ancestors by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these last days, he has spoken to us by His Son.” (Hebrews 1:1-2)

When Jesus became a human and walked on the earth, He always spoke for God and as God! (God WITH us! John 1:10-18) After His resurrection, Jesus returned to His Father in Heaven, but because of His love and care for His followers, He gave the apostles the Spirit of God to be with them at all times.

Like the prophets in the Old Testament, the apostles had special revelation and authority (1 Corinthians 2:4-8) to help those who would become followers of Jesus understand the heart of God. It is also through the Spirit we are able to discern and understand their teaching (1 Corinthians 2:10-15).

My dear Sister, God has always wanted us to know Him! The Creator and Sustainer of the universe is a relational Father. The Spirit of God came to teach and guide the apostles just as Jesus promised. (John 16:12-15) We study what they wrote, pray for the Spirit’s wisdom, and meditate on what we glean from it. As we do, we grow in our understanding of Who God is.

Like a mother daily guides and cares for a young child, Jesus cares for us day to day through the Spirit. We are grateful for this because it is the Spirit who keeps us from error by drawing our hearts to what the Scriptures teach. The Spirit also confirms within our souls that God is our Father and we are His sons and daughters! (Romans 8:14-17)

The Original Intent

2) What is from God and reveals God? (verse 7)

The short but accurate answer is “LOVE”! The apostle made clear to the recipients the reason for his familial feelings. “You are from God.” (verse 4) “We are from God.” (verse 6) Together, they were children of God.

John was one with them, recognizing their brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ. With God as their Father, believers look alike as they look like God. Love is one of the most distinguishable characteristics of a member in God’s family. Our love for one another and Jesus demonstrates our connection to God.

To be a living picture of who God is, love is necessary in the believer’s life. The apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Corinthian church just how important love is in the believer’s life. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) He sets up love, not spiritual gifting or knowledge, as the litmus test for differentiating spiritual sincerity from insincerity.

Theologian J. I. Packer wrote in his book Knowing God, “… a right-minded concern for revival will express itself not in a hankering after tongues, but rather in a longing that the Spirit may shed God’s love abroad in our hearts with greater power.” If we have been born of God, that makes us children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. Just as a parent and child are physically linked, as believers we spiritually share in the nature of our Father.

Since God’s nature is love, we will exhibit His character and characteristics as His child. Demonstrating genuine Christlike love confirms the reality of God and our relationship to Him. Love has come to us from God.

The Everyday Application

2) What is from God and reveals God? (verse 7)

Love from God is a gift that never ends. As His children, we are continually receiving God’s love. It is a changeless flow, replete with the wisdom and peace it brings. But why?

What did we ever do to deserve such love from God? Friend, we have done nothing, and we will never need to do something to earn God’s love. This truth is glorious: God is never, ever going to withdraw or lessen His love from us at some point in the future.

The Lord said to the prophet Jeremiah that His love is based on His unchanging character, not us. (Jeremiah 31:1-3) “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” It seems too good to be true, but God is not going to get tired of you. He isn’t going to get fed up with me. Nothing you or I do will cause Him to withdraw His steadfast, faithful love.

It is this knowledge which gives us the strength to love others as we should. It is this love which provides us the strength to continually be able to love our neighbors, or friends, or husbands or children, or even our enemies.

The apostle Paul reminded his young friend Timothy of his love for him, but he also recognized that Timothy had first received God’s love from his mother and grandmother. (2 Timothy 1:2-5) The love of God moves through our lives because God’s love drenches us. We bask in the depths of His love by humbly recognizing how unworthy we are to receive such love into our lives.

Once we have been adopted into God’s family, His Spirit fills our heart with love and hope (Romans 5:1-5) that can’t be kept to ourselves (2 Corinthians 5:11-15).

The Original Intent

3) How does the unconditional love of God communicate His essence? (verse 8)

If we are still wondering how God reveals Himself, John clarifies for us in verse 8, “The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” John explains that love is not only from God (verse 7), but that God Himself is love.

According to John, the love of God is not a conditional trait that God happens to exhibit. This is a crucial doctrine in Scripture and must not be glossed over as a student of His Word. Since it is the very nature of God that is the source of all love, we must carefully examine what love tells us about Who God is! As learners, we want to carefully examine the Scriptures so as not to misunderstand God.

Knowing with certainty that love originates from God is essential to the Christian belief. It is this belief that speaks to us about the God of the universe in His very essence. Bible commentator F. F. Bruce defines the word love in this passage as “a consuming passion for the well-being of others, and this love has its wellspring in God.” (preceptaustin.org)

If we want to be like our Lord Jesus Christ, God who came in the flesh, we will care deeply about the well-being of others because … God is love.  Since it’s who He is, we understand that the by-product of getting to know God is that we will inevitably grow in our understanding of what love is. If we read John’s letter in its entirety, we discover why it’s so important to get this right.

It is God who initiates, generates and demonstrates love precisely because it’s in His nature. “LORD, you ARE a compassionate God.” (Psalm 86:15)

The Everyday Application

3) How does the unconditional love of God communicate His essence? (verse 8)

“Love came down.” We usually sing this sentiment at Christmas, although the wonders of His love should not be reserved for a certain season! John said in 1 John 3:1-2 for us to look and “see what great love the Father has given us.” Though no one has ever seen God, when we love each other, we are making visible the nature of God. (verses 12-13)

How might this reality change our motherhood, our sisterhood, our friendships?

I believe there is no greater realization than this: God is love, and in Him you and I are carriers of that love. Here’s where you lean in, my Friend, and bask in the wondrous love of God. Don’t miss this! We are loved by Love Himself! It’s not only love personified (Titus 3:4-7) or embodied (1 John 3:16) in Christ. It is love perfected (1 John 4:18-19) in and by the LORD God Almighty!

When I think about such love, I can’t help but sing my wonder. The hymn, “What Wonderous Love Is This” was written in the early 1800’s and was likely passed down orally from person to person. Even though the tune took on variations as it was sung through the years, the simple words remained the same. Whether sung as a haunting melody in a minor key or a more cheerful anthem, the truths in the hymn are unchanging.

When we reflect on and sing these words, we join with all who’ve gone before us in worship. When we recount the ways His love has been poured out, our hearts shout:
“What wondrous love is this, oh my soul, oh my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul;
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul?”
We are loved to love, Sister!

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She Day 3
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From the beginning of creation, from Eve to Rachel, Hannah to Mary, we see the instrumental hand of God within the portrait of a mother.

Whether a woman fills this role through biological or adoptive children, or through teaching, mentoring, or an extended familial relationship, she nurtures, teaches, and guides her children as they grow to see their God-given potential in His creative plan for their lives.
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The GT Weekend! ~ Surrender Week 2

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The GT Weekend! ~ Surrender Week 2

Rebecca Adams

February 4, 2023

Discipline,Equipped,Faithfulness,Fellowship,Giving,GT Weekend

Rest your soul through reflective journaling,
praying Scripture,
and worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

This Week's Journeys

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Friday's DD

Pray His Words Back To Him!

Psalm 16:7-8, 11

I will bless the Lord who counsels me— even at night when my thoughts trouble me. 8 I always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (…) 11 You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; at Your right hand are eternal pleasures.
Read More Of His Words

Prayer Journal Entry

I bless You, Lord God, for counseling me and holding out wisdom to me, whether day or night. Your wisdom is constantly available to me, not even for a moment am I left abandoned without access to You and the wisdom of Your ways. Lord, teach me to surrender my ways to Yours. May I find Your ways to be sweeter, more abundant, and flooded with the richest of joys than anything else I could imagine.

Every day teach me to become more aware of the wickedness of my ways and create an ever-increasing hunger to long for Your paths of righteousness. I long to honor You with my days, my nights, my words, motivations, and actions. I pray, Lord Jesus, that the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart would be pleasing to You. (Psalm 19:14) May I cast out all other idols and seek to love you first and most and best for all my days, Lord Jesus Christ.

Worship Through Song

Journal Prompts

JOURNAL ONE

“What if God sends me to Africa?” “What if God tells me to sell my car for a cheaper one?” “What if God wants me to give up my extra spending?”

If you haven’t asked these specific questions, you’ve likely wondered something similar. We understand that calling Christ “LORD” of our lives involves total surrender. Surrender is painful.

I’ve wrestled with these questions many times in my own faith walk, and I can confidently attest it is significantly more painful to resist the Lord than to lay ourselves down at the feet of His eternal goodness and grace. When we consider the cost of surrender, we easily forget the Lord to whom we surrender is gentle, tender, kind-hearted, and good. Christ does not call us to surrender our things, our time, and the treasures we love because He is greedy, rather, His call is motivated by His vast love.

He knows that until we tear down the idols we cherish, we cannot fully embrace Him who is infinitely greater than all other “lesser loves”. What is that “thing” the Lord keeps whispering to you to surrender? Choose today to give it over to His hands of Love!

JOURNAL TWO

On Wednesday, Deborah wrote, “The perverse dark world, blinded by its sin, shrieks at the light and beauty of Jesus.” Consider those you know who aren’t Christ-followers; how have you seen this truth played out? Where do they pull back harshly from the thought of Christ’s light exposing them?

Even harder, where do you feel your own soul run shrieking, begging to stay hidden in the dark so you don’t need to be conformed, often painfully, to the image of Jesus?

Sisters, I plead with you and with my own soul, these are the places we must bring to the Lord Jesus. The more we pull them back, the more painful it will be when the Lord has His way with us. His love for us is too vast to permit us to remain chained to our filthy patterns of self-love, self-protection, and sin.

Have you considered how rejecting full surrender to Christ is really a rejection of perfect love played out in your life? Spend time this weekend thinking about why you would rather choose to hide in the dark than bring your everything into the light of Christ, then talk with Him about it!

JOURNAL THREE

I have friends, and even more grievous to me, precious family members, who look at my consistent decisions to sacrifice worldly pleasures and they are repulsed. “Why don’t you like that tv show?” “Why don’t you enjoy this music?” “You don’t have a life-goal of a bigger house?”

Sara and Rachel’s words yesterday remind me of 1 Peter 4:4, “They are surprised that you don’t join them in the same flood of wild living—and they slander you.” When we choose Christ and choose to regularly surrender to His work in our lives, He changes our appetite toward worldly things; we begin to crave the holy instead of that which dishonors the Lord Jesus.

Take a few minutes and consider what has changed about your “appetite” in the last 12-18 months. How has Christ shaped your “hunger” to long for Him, His word, and His ways more than your own? Celebrate what He has done in you and ask Him to keep making you new! Then spend time praying for your friends and family who haven’t yet experienced the sweetness of Christ as their Lord. Ask Him to begin to change their heart-appetite toward the things of God that will last for eternity.
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Jan 23 - Feb 10, 2023 - Journey Theme #113
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