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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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Shofar, Day 5
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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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King Day 15 The Magnificence, The Response, & The Assurance: Digging Deeper

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King Day 15 The Magnificence, The Response, & The Assurance: Digging Deeper

Lois Robbins

January 16, 2026

Adoring,Faith,Future,Heaven,Jesus,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 "The Magnificence, The Response, & The Assurance"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Revelation 1:9-18

I, John, your brother and partner in the affliction, kingdom, and endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 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.”

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. 14 The hair of his head was white as wool—white as snow—and his eyes like a fiery flame. 15 His feet were like fine bronze as it is fired in a furnace, and his voice like the sound of cascading waters. 16 He had seven stars in his right hand; a sharp double-edged sword came from his mouth, and his face was shining like the sun at full strength.

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last, 18 and the Living One. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) What was John commissioned to do with his encounter with Christ through a vision? (verses 10-12) 

John was exiled to Patmos, a Greek Island in the Aegean Sea. Patmos was a barren island and was used as a penal colony during Roman times. Patmos, with its rocky terrain and lack of natural resources, meant that basic survival was a daily struggle. John was sentenced to Patmos, because he refused to stop preaching the gospel of Jesus and was an unwavering witness to Christ. (Revelation 1:9)

While in exile on this island, John received a wondrous revelation that would be the final book of the New Testament. It’s interesting to note that, while it falls last in our Bibles, it was one of the earliest letters recorded and sent out to the surrounding churches. Imagine reading Revelation first! We might feel apprehension digging into this book, but for the first audience, they were emboldened in their faith and took courage from the message of Revelation. Jesus was indeed coming back, and He had already won!

To this end of encouragement and blessing for all who read (Revelation 1:3), John is commanded to write what he sees and send the seven letters to the seven churches named in the vision: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. (Revelation 1:11) Each letter, as proclaimed by Jesus and recorded by John the Apostle, declares the triumphs and failings of each church, warning the believers to repent from sin and hold fast for the coming victory.

The Everyday Application

1) What was John commissioned to do with his encounter with Christ through a vision? (verses 10-12)

John was to deliver this revelation to the church for all to hear. The revelation received by John from Christ Himself was not designed for the use of pastors or church leaders only, but for all servants of Jesus, the members of the church collectively as a whole. The letter would be read aloud to everyone, just as if we were to all listen in during a local church gathering to one of the Revelation letters. We should be “listening” to the Revelation teachings in the same way, mindful of our place among a collective whole of brothers and sisters in Jesus who are saved and rescued.

We, as followers of Jesus, are called today to use the Scriptures to read, understand, and SHARE the Good News of the gospel together. When we sit under the teaching of God’s Word, we are then equipped by the Holy Spirit to not only be transformed by His Word, but to participate as fellow messengers, carrying the truth of our rescue to all people! We are to share about the One who is, who was, and who is yet to come, not only to the unbelievers but also to our brothers and sisters in Christ (the church) as an encouragement of truth. (Revelation 1:4, 1 Thessalonians 4:18)

It is a privilege to enjoy God’s Word and a blessing to study the Scriptures, to read and hear them. (Revelation 1:3) Given this truth, let’s be people who are hungry and thirsty for God’s living and active Word! (Matthew 5:6, Hebrews 4:12) Let’s approach it with eager excitement to dive in and grow in His Grace!  

The Original Intent

2) What can we glean from the description of Christ’s physical appearance and the elements surrounding Him? (verses 13-16)

The Magnificence of Christ is spell binding, awe-inspiring, and deeply humbling; we can scarcely take it in. Let’s look at what John sees ….

John heard behind him a voice with clarity, volume, and the tone of a trumpet. He turned to see the speaker, and John saw seven golden lampstands, each having one base, a single vertical stem, and an oil burning lamp at the top. Amid the seven lampstands, was One like the Son of Man. There was nothing between Him and the lampstands (churches), no agency or middleman, just Christ, amidst His churches, knowing them, seeing them, sustaining them, directing them. Beautiful.

Christ’s outer garment was a long robe like that of a judge. The band around His chest symbolizes the righteousness and faithfulness in which He judges. (Isaiah 11:5) His head and hair were white like wool, depicting His eternality as the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9) as well as the wisdom and purity of His judgements. His eyes were like a flame of fire, which speak of perfect knowledge, infallible insight and inescapable scrutiny. His feet were like polished brass, as if refined in a furnace. His voice sounded like the waves of the sea, majestic and awesome. In His right hand were seven stars indicating possession, power, control, and honor. From His mouth was a two-edged sword, symbolizing the very WORD of GOD.  (Hebrews 4:12) His countenance was radiant as the sun at high noon, giving way to His dazzling splendor and transcending glory of His Deity.

HE is King, and there is none other.

The Everyday Application

2) What can we glean from the description of Christ’s physical appearance and the elements surrounding Him? (verses 13-16)

When we combine all the imagery the Apostle John wrote down as He watched Christ’s magnificent appearance play out before his eyes, we stand in awe at our Maker, the One who is, was and ALWAYS will be. We see Christ in His perfect glory as ONE supremely qualified to judge the churches then, believers today, and all people across all of time. Judgment must begin with the house of God. (1 Peter 4:17)

The Church (God’s chosen, rescued, justified adopted children, Ephesians 1:4-6) is judged for purification and reward while the world (unbelievers) is judged with punishment for their rebellion. They have used their lives to reject Christ, and in final judgment, He will rightly give them over to their desires.

As followers of Jesus, we are set apart from the world. We walk this earthly journey for God’s purpose, fulfilling the plans of the King and doing His work. How we act, what we say are to mirror our Savior, resplendent in glory. Our behavior reflects what we truly believe about our King and whether or not we have set Him as our Lord in our everyday lives.

Are we in alignment with King Jesus? Are we walking the walk as well as talking the talk? May we each heed Jude’s words as he looked forward to eternity with King Jesus,
“But you, dear friends, […] keep yourselves in the love of God, 
waiting expectantly for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life. 

Have mercy on those who waver; save others by snatching them from the fire;
have mercy on others but with fear, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.

Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, without blemish and with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time, now and forever. Amen. (Jude 1:20-25)

The Original Intent

3) How does Christ reassure John and all followers of Jesus? (verses 17-18)

The sight of Jesus as Judge and King in radiant glory caused John to fall at His feet as if dead, but Jesus revived him by a touch and a revelation of His identity. (verse 17)

How dare a King of such magnificence reach out a hand to touch a mere human? To offer reassurance? To bring revelation? Our King would dare such a humble act, for ours is the God who stoops low to rescue the rebellious!

After coming near and touching John, Jesus reassured John with familiar words, “Do not be afraid” (verse 17), and then revealed Himself as the first and the last, a title only given to Jehovah God. (Isaiah 44:6, Isaiah 48:12)

Undoubtedly, as John reflected on this exchange, the Spirit of God reminded him this wasn’t the first time John had fallen to the ground as though dead, been reassured by Jesus’ touch, and then given greater revelation about Jesus. Take a minute to read Matthew 17:1-12 and look for similarities between the two accounts!

Jesus’ plain revelation of His identity as “[…] the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (verses 17-18) was meant to comfort and reassure John. The One who held power over all things also held and protected John. With a touch of His hand, Jesus reminded John there is nothing to fear. This Jesus who has conquered death and holds the keys to eternal life has stooped low to touch us, to save those who trust Him.

The Everyday Application

3) How does Christ reassure John and all followers of Jesus? (verses 17-18)

Christ reassures us today just as He did with John. His nearness to John in the vision is ours through the Spirit. (John 16:13) Our response to the vision of King Jesus should be to trust in His already-won-victory, live with confidence because of our Hope, and know that HE is with us always even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)

Revelation 1:4-18 is the foundational doctrine of the Christian church. The message of Jesus as both King and humble servant, who gave His life in order to defeat death on our behalf is the message the Apostles took everywhere. (See the book of Acts!)

This message of glory is one every Christ Follower ought to hold dear to our hearts and share with our communities. It is the ultimate apologetic to our victorious statement, “JESUS IS ALIVE!”, for here is the record of Christ’s own revelation of His Kingship, glory, and eternal reign. Because our Savior lives, we have the assurance of eternity with the presence of our most Holy God.

In Revelation 1, John saw Jesus glorified. It wasn’t the scene of lowly Jesus in the manger, or suffering Jesus on the cross, John saw Jesus as triumphant King, fully alive and coming again!

Regardless of the situation we face or the fear, confusion, and uncertainty of our days, or the griefs of relationships gone awry, we are reassured by Jesus, “Don’t be afraid!”. The KING holds the key to your life and mine, today, tomorrow, for always. He is our all-knowing, always-loving God, who beckons us to come as we are that we might be held as His own.

Come! Believe! Be filled with His love, forgiven your sins, and be reassured that, no matter what, Death has no hold on us; the King is alive!

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King, Day 15
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I once heard this beautiful analogy: just as the moon effortlessly reflects the sun’s light, we can reflect God’s light. The sun is the source of light, brightening the darkness using the surface of the moon. When our hearts are dedicated to following Jesus, we too, reflect the light and power of God.

As we close our Journey Theme on the description of Jesus outlined in Revelation 1, we learn His face shines like the sun. (Revelation 1:16) In Scripture, Jesus is compared to the sun on several occasions.
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King Day 9 Indestructible Reign: Digging Deeper

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King Day 9 Indestructible Reign: Digging Deeper

Mandy Farmer

January 8, 2026

Adoring,Faith,Forgiven,Heaven,Jesus,Victorious

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 "Indestructible Reign"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Revelation 1:15 & Exodus 30:17-21

His feet were like fine bronze as it is fired in a furnace, and his voice like the sound of cascading waters.

17 The Lord spoke to Moses: 18 “Make a bronze basin for washing and a bronze stand for it. Set it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it. 19 Aaron and his sons must wash their hands and feet from the basin. 20 Whenever they enter the tent of meeting or approach the altar to minister by burning a food offering to the Lord, they must wash with water so that they will not die. 21 They must wash their hands and feet so that they will not die; this is to be a permanent statute for them, for Aaron and his descendants throughout their generations.”
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why would Jesus’ feet be as bronze instead of silver or gold? (Revelation 1:15)

Bronze is one of the strongest, most stable metals, representing strength and stamina. While some versions of Scripture use the word brass instead of bronze, both metals are very similar in makeup and have the highest strength of all metals. Their melting points (950 and 900 degrees Celsius) are so high they are unlikely to melt. The earliest adoption of bronze emerged around 3500 BC and lends its name to the Bronze Age (the time of Moses). Using brass was adopted about 500 BC, therefore, we can assume it was bronze that was originally used in the tabernacle. (World History Edu)

Jesus stood the test of fire to the Nth degree as He faced betrayal, unjust court rulings, whippings, and the worst kind of punishment: crucifixion. Through it all, He went willingly for you and me, taking on our sins, though He was guiltless.

If we look back into the Old Testament and the creation of the tabernacle, we find bronze being used in the sacrificial system. The bronze basin was one furnishing required by God in the outer courts of the tabernacle and temple. It stood between the temple and the altar, and it held water for washing. (Exodus 30:18)

Aaron and his sons (the priests) used the bronze basin to wash their hands and feet for purification before they approached the altar. If they were not pure, they would die in the presence of God. (Psalm 24:3-6)

The Everyday Application

1) Why would Jesus’ feet be as bronze instead of silver or gold? (Revelation 1:15)

Jesus’ bronze feet are significant because the bronze basin at the tabernacle/temple was the last object the priests encountered before entering God’s dwelling place. (Exodus 40:6-7) The priests needed to continually wash themselves before entering the presence of a Holy God, but, praise God, Jesus fulfilled all the law perfectly on our behalf! (Matthew 5:17)

We are just as unworthy as the priests were to enter the temple of the Lord, but the perfect blood of the Lamb washes us when we come to Him in faith! When Jesus died on the cross, we were cleansed for all time by the shedding of His blood. Jesus provided the purification we needed to enter the Holy of Holies. We are now chosen to be priests of God (1 Peter 2:9) and “we can approach the throne of grace with boldness!” (Hebrews 4:16) Praise the Lord!

The Original Intent

2) Where did the Israelites acquire bronze to make the basin? (Exodus 30:17-21)

Women who ministered at the temple donated their personal mirrors to the project. In those days, mirrors were made of hammered bronze. Commentator Morgan states, “It is in the beauty of holiness men must worship, and by the surrender of everything of the flesh.” (Enduring Word Bible Commentary)

The women not only sacrificed a treasured possession, but gave up the ability to look at themselves in a mirror. They were perhaps no longer concerned about their own looks, or, at minimum, were reminded each day that true beauty was defined by holiness.

The Everyday Application

2) Where did the Israelites acquire bronze to make the basin? (Exodus 30:17-21)

The New Testament perspective of the mirrors would say that believers are washed from sin by the Word (Ephesians 5:25-27) and the Word of God is like a mirror (James 1:22-25).

As we read the Word of God, we see a reflection of what God desires and, hopefully, we see the areas we need to work on if we are surrendering to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. This “mirror” shows us how much Jesus is being reflected in our everyday lives.

Have we surrendered our need for personal beauty to the Lord? Are we desiring outward beauty or inward beauty? You might ask, how am I being transformed into the likeness of Jesus? The answer is only by the Holy Spirit’s transforming work. We must surrender our whole lives to God.

Paul explains that when we look at ourselves, we don’t see the full picture. We must look deeper, not into our imperfect selves, but into the God of creation. We must behold His beauty. Transformation comes by the work of the Holy Spirit in and through us. When we surrender our entire lives to God, transformation is the amazing result. The more we know God and study His Word, the more our minds are renewed and restored to God’s original plan. (Romans 12:1-2)

The Original Intent

3) Are believers also “fired in a furnace”? (Revelation 1:15)

God does not test us to find out if our faith is strong; He tests us to show us how strong we can be through Him. A goldsmith tests gold in a fire to remove the impurities and create something pure and perfect. God tests us with fire because fire removes the impurities in our hearts, making us holy and ready to be used by Him. Fiery challenges are the ONLY way we become useful to the Father.


Consider, though, that God does not throw us in the fire and leave us to burn up. He stands near, watching as the fire does its work. Just as a metalworker knows when to pull the metal from the fire, God knows just when to pull us from the fire. (Psalm 66:10-12)


Job had it right when he stated, “Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will emerge as pure gold.” (Job 23:10) Job knew he needed this testing to stand before God without stain or wrinkle. He trusted God to bring him out of the fire at just the right time. Job trusted that God was making him pure and ready to stand before Him. He would one day see God and not perish.


“But I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the end he will stand on the dust.
 Even after my skin has been destroyed, yet I will see God in my flesh.
I will see him myself; my eyes will look at him, and not as a stranger.
My heart longs within me.” (Job 19:25-27)

The Everyday Application

3) Are believers also “fired in a furnace”? (Revelation 1:15)

We now live in the Covenant of Grace after Jesus’ sacrificial atonement for us on the cross, and we know we can approach the Throne of God with bold confidence. We are forgiven through the shed blood of Jesus as He paid our sin debt, and His Spirit is working in us daily to purify us through the fires of tribulations. These fires burn away all the chaff of sin in our lives and transform us into the likeness of Christ.

The Apostle Peter reminds us of this living hope, “We are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:5-7)

This is why James tells us to “Consider it all joy, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the test of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4)

Paul even says we can boast in our afflictions! (Romans 5:3-5) Yes, we can be proud that God is testing us because through the testing, we anchor steadfastly in hope! Paul knew what he was talking about. He had been through many fires of affliction, but God never left him alone to die. It produced so much character and hope within him. Wow!

I want that kind of faith. Don’t you?
So, I say, “Bring it on, Lord! Test me, try me, and make me pure.”

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King, Day 8
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The space between the outer courts and the altar was occupied by a single object, a wash basin constructed from bronze that had been so polished it shone and gleamed in the sun’s rays.

The water that filled its cavern added to the shine as it shimmered in the light. Why was the basin brimming with water standing as an obstacle to entering the presence of God?

Simple.
It’s not the basin standing in the way.
It’s sin.
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Dec 29, 2025 - Jan 16, 2026 - Journey Theme #140

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Slain Day 14 Rocio Pino: Digging Deeper

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Slain Day 14 Rocio Pino: Digging Deeper

Marietta Taylor

May 1, 2025

Alive,Anchored,Christ,Forgiven,Freedom,Heaven,Help,Peace,persecution

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 "Rocio Pino"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

John 16:16-24

“In a little while, you will no longer see me; again in a little while, you will see me.”

17 Then some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this he’s telling us: ‘In a little while, you will not see me; again a little while, you will see me,’ and, ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” 18 They said, “What is this he is saying, ‘In a little while’? We don’t know what he’s talking about.”

19 Jesus knew they wanted to ask him, and so he said to them, “Are you asking one another about what I said, ‘In a little while, you will not see me; again in a little while, you will see me’? 20 Truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice. You will become sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy. 21 When a woman is in labor, she has pain because her time has come. But when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the suffering because of the joy that a person has been born into the world. 22 So you also have sorrow now. But I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy from you.

23 “In that day you will not ask me anything. Truly I tell you, anything you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. 24 Until now you have asked for nothing in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.”
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why were Jesus’ words confusing to the disciples? (verses 16-18)

This conversation takes place at Passover Supper. After eating, Jesus had many parting things to say to His disciples. He spoke about having Christlike love (John 15:9-17) with His command to “Love one another” (John 15:17) while warning of impending persecution for the disciples just as Jesus had, and would, endure. (John 15:18-25) Not leaving them fearful of persecution or hopelessly grieving in the wake of His departure, Jesus spoke of the coming ministry of the Holy Spirit who would help them endure, whether persecution or sorrow. (John 16:1-15) Finally, Jesus spoke of how His friends wouldn’t see Him, and then seeing Him again shortly thereafter.

David Guzik of Enduring Word states it like this, “If Jesus wishes to found the Messianic kingdom, why go away? If He does not wish it, why return?” Because the disciples still didn’t understand what was about to happen to Jesus, His words confused them. They had no idea the meal they ate would one day be referred to as the “Last Supper”. Little did they know Judas was the prophesied one to betray Jesus in the next couple of hours. (Psalm 41:9 and Zechariah 11:12-13) Though Jesus had told them explicitly He would be crucified, die, and be raised, returning to them as Savior of the world, in their distress and bewilderment they hadn’t yet put all the pieces together. (Matthew 17:22-23)

Though Jesus had spoken of what was to come, “The notion of Christ’s secular kingdom was so deeply rooted in them that they could make no sense at all of those sayings of His which they knew not how to reconcile with that notion.” (Matthew Henry Commentary) Jesus was presenting the plain facts to them, but they were so caught up in what they thought was going to happen, they lost the ability to understand what they were being told.

The Everyday Application

1) Why were Jesus’ words confusing to the disciples? (verses 16-18)

While we have the privilege of hindsight for that night of the last Supper, the disciples did not so, what Jesus was saying to them made no sense based on what they knew. We suffer this same fate sometimes. God may ask us to do something that seems outlandish, and because we don’t know what He has planned, His instructions seem confusing. Think back to Joshua and the Israelites marching around Jericho. (Joshua 6:1-27) It seemed crazy to think fortified walls would tumble by marching and shouting, but didn’t God give them the victory by doing just that?!

Sometimes the Lord asks us to endure suffering, and quite frankly, most of us would rather not. But, unlike at the Last Supper, when He knew He would need to leave for a short while, we have the Holy Spirit with us always. So, when we are confused or frustrated about what is happening and the challenges we are enduring, we can ask the Spirit for comfort and help.

Jesus has completed the work of a perfect sacrifice in order to give us the constant assurance of the Spirit’s presence. We also have the assurance that, one day, there will be no more suffering because He will return for us. “He’s talking not only about the three days between his crucifixion and resurrection but also about the 2,000-plus years between his ascension and second coming. In other words, “a little while” is for us too.” (The Gospel Coalition)

If we hold onto Jesus’ promise of assurance, we can clear our confusion because God is good and He will never forsake us. (Isaiah 41:10)

The Original Intent

2) Why does Jesus link joy to sorrow? (verses 19-22)

The disciples didn’t understand the full weight of sorrow that awaited them in Jerusalem where Jesus would be crucified, die, and His dead body laid in a tomb. (Mark 15:20-47) They would grieve just as He said, “Truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn.” (John 16:20) Even more than that, they had no idea the great sorrow Jesus would endure from being forsaken by His Father.

Why would the Father forsake His one and only Son? Why would Jesus willingly die? Scripture tells us! “For the joy that lay before Him, He endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2) What was the joy laid before Him? The disciples, His followers, and over thousands of years, all believers. His joy was to love us enough to save us through His death and resurrection.

When the disciples saw the resurrected Jesus on the third day, their joy was greater than their sorrow had been. “The pain is intense, but relatively short-lived, and what comes after is a lasting and even-more-intense joy.” (BibleRef) According to Josh Butler, “Jesus says resurrection brings a joy so great we’ll “no longer remember” the anguish. (John 16:21) I don’t think this means we’ll forget but that our memories will be transformed, overwhelmed by joy.” (The Gospel Coalition)

Jesus was telling His disciples that every suffering or sorrow they endured, He would eventually turn to a joy so great it would surpass their grief. This was exactly the encouragement they needed for the path ahead.

The Everyday Application

2) Why does Jesus link joy to sorrow? (verses 19-22)

Charles Spurgeon said of Jesus’ suffering on the cross, “That he should suffer was cause for grief, but that he has now suffered all [for us] is equal cause for joy. When a champion returns from the wars bearing the scars of conflict by which he gained his honors, does anyone lament over his campaigns?”

The suffering of Christ allows us to have the joy of salvation. The two are inextricably linked. And what a blessing that is!

We can read Rocio’s story and feel great sorrow for her, but because she embraced her salvation and the work Jesus gave her to do, her death at the hands of those to which she was showing Christlike love, is joyful. Because of her story, we are convinced and convicted to be more committed to the cause of Christ in our own lives. We may suffer following Jesus, but the joy resulting from obedience will be so much sweeter than any loss. (Romans 8:18)

Gloria Ponman, one of our GT writers, said it so well, “No matter the sacrifices we make in this life as we run the race of endurance set before us, all suffering fades in comparison to the glory that awaits us in eternity, for Christ has purchased our unfading victory with His humble surrender to death.” (Run For The Treasure)

The Original Intent

3) What is the complete joy Jesus speaks of in verse 24?

In the last two verses in this passage, Jesus speaks of a post-resurrection reality. He had already told His disciples that the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, would come to them once He was gone. But here, He speaks of the full complement of what that means. It is the Trinity in action.

John Piper expresses it this way, “I will rise from the dead. I will verify this by looking you in the face. Then I will go to the Father. Then we will pour out my Spirit on you. And until I come again, my Spirit will make my glory so real to you that no one will take your joy from you.”

Though the disciples did not fully realize it while Jesus was saying it, their complete joy would be the result of direct access to God the Father through prayer, asking in Jesus’ name. (John 16:23) Part of the Holy Spirit’s ministry would be to remind the disciples, and all believers, that God could and would answer their prayers.

The disciples had nothing to fear, not even sorrow. They would never be lost or forsaken because of Jesus and the power and authority He gave to direct-access prayer.

The Everyday Application

3) What is the complete joy Jesus speaks of in verse 24?

Our complete joy is the presence of the Lord. Our Journey Study series, Surrender, has a description that captures this so well, “Following Jesus for life begins with a single step of surrender, followed by many more steps of giving Him our all. The more we surrender, the sweeter Jesus becomes!” We are able to experience joy because the Lord is with us. Read through the Psalms and you will see how it is the presence of the Lord that sustains our lives, turning our sorrow into joy.

One of my favorite Bible passages is Isaiah 61:1-3. I think it says best what complete joy is and its true source:

The Spirit of the Lord God is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of our God’s vengeance; to comfort all who mourn, to provide for those who mourn in Zion; to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair. And they will be called righteous trees, planted by the Lord to glorify him.

Friends, let us have the complete joy of being righteous trees planted by the Lord to glorify Him. May our beautiful righteousness be an invitation for others to join us.

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Easter,eternity,gospel,life,martyr,reward
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Slain, Day 13
Journey Study

Christian martyrs, when faced with death, choose death over recanting their faith because Christ is too precious to renounce.

As Christians living in the United States, we live in relative calm and peace without much threat of harm. But we must ask ourselves if we are willing, voluntarily, to suffer death if necessary rather than to deny Christ. (Matthew 10:39)

Would we be willing to face persecution with abiding faith and courage?
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April 14 - May 2, 2025 - Journey Theme #139

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Slain Day 6 Esther John

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Slain Day 6 Esther John

Brenda Earley

April 21, 2025

Alive,Christ,Heaven,Hope,persecution

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philippians 1:20-21
John 15:22-25
Luke 21:16-17
Galatians 2:19-20
Psalm 56

“For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” 
(Philippians 1:21)

On October 14, 1929, Qamar Zia, one of seven children, was born into a Muslim family. At 17, Qamar began attending a Christian school where she began to see a new, profound faith in the life and testimony of a teacher, which sparked an interest in Bible reading. Her favorite Scripture, Isaiah 53, further motivated her conversion to Christianity. 

Qamar’s family moved to Pakistan, and she was given a New Testament. While holding a flashlight under her blankets in the darkness of night, she read her Bible. As she learned more about her greatest love, Jesus, Qamar’s tender faith grew strong. 

Fearful of the prospect of marriage to a Muslim husband, she fled her parents’ home and began serving at a distant orphanage. At this time, she made her profession of faith and took the name “Esther John.” [Sister, let’s sit here for a minute. Doesn’t God give us a new name upon salvation? Redeemed. Chosen. We are His children and heirs to His Kingdom! (1 John 3:1)]

Still fearing Muslim marriage, Esther John headed north, settling in a mission hospital. She was interested in teaching and entered the United Bible Training Centre. Traveling by bicycle, Esther evangelized in the villages, taught women to read, and helped alongside them in the cotton fields. 

Because of her willingness to speak her faith, Esther John was found murdered on February 2, 1960. (2 Timothy 3:12) Upon investigation, a policeman reading through her journals noted her “true love” . . . someone named Jesus. (Christian Pakistani Post)

Esther John’s sacrifice, surrender, and suffering were not in vain. (Matthew 24:9-14) Commissioned by Jesus to share the Gospel, as all believers are, she is remembered as a true martyr. While her mission work was brief, Esther John was devoted to her first love, Jesus, and to the work He set before her “for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14)

While my own calling to follow Jesus hasn’t resulted in loss of life, I was bullied for my faith as a junior high and high school student. Considering me a “Miss Goody Two Shoes,” other students ridiculed me. While attending a Christian school, I was hated for my Christian stand. (Students can be cruel. If your child is being bullied at school, please talk to someone.)

At times, I spoke to my mom about how the other students treated me and she reminded me of Jesus’ words in John 15:18, “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me before it hated you.” 

It’s hard to turn the other cheek when we are persecuted, but we need to follow Jesus’ loving example. (1 Peter 3:8-9) It’s even harder to keep God first when we feel isolated as others hate and persecute us.  

But, sweet sisters, do you know what? It is worth it! Those painful experiences have taught me how to love others. (Matthew 5:44) When God is first in my heart, His presence is my comfort and every hurt will be for His glory! 

“I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
(Galatians 2:20)

We all have sinned, but through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we can all be redeemed! When we understand our need for Jesus, we can crucify our will and desires, and live for Christ, the Greatest Reward. Daily dying to self, we give God control of our hearts and lives! 

If God is living inside us, our lives will reflect Him all the more as we surrender! As we become more like Him, His love increases in our lives. To love like Jesus, Esther John understood others first. Her mission was “for the least of these.” (Matthew 25:40) We may not be called as overseas missionaries, but every believer is called to live surrendered to Christ.
This is our obedient sacrifice to God!   

Jesus’ sacrifice of dying on the cross for us should be what influences the surrender of our daily desires and plans. Christ’s surrender to the Father’s will should be our motivation to sacrifice and die to self. Our reward from sacrifice and surrender to Jesus is far greater than persecution or death!

Behold the Lamb.
Behold the Lamb!
Slain from the foundation of the world.
For sinners, crucified. 

O Holy Sacrifice!
Behold the Lamb of God. 
Behold the Lamb. 
(“Behold the Lamb” Dottie Rambo)

Friends, let’s not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ. (Romans 1:16) Regardless of your place in life, we are called to tell of Christ and set aside every weight that entangles us (Hebrews 12:1), to love others to Jesus. 

As Esther John once said, “Leave all ties. Jesus is calling.”

~

“Unashamed” Matthew West
“More Like Jesus” Passion/Kristian Stanfill
“His Life for Mine” Talley Trio
“Crucified With Christ” Phillips, Craig, and Dean

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death,Easter,eternity,hope,martyr,rescue,salvation
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Slain, Day 7
Digging Deeper

The religious elite and the sinful world had no reason to hate Jesus.

He taught the Word of God that the religious leaders purported to love (John 7:14-19), and He offered freedom and forgiveness to sinners (Luke 5:32).

Still, they still despised Him.

Surely, as His followers, we can expect the same, while knowing that our reward is guaranteed: Eternal Life!
Dig Deeper!

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April 14 - May 2, 2025 - Journey Theme #139

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Slain Day 4 Blandina: Digging Deeper

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Slain Day 4 Blandina: Digging Deeper

Rachel Jones

April 17, 2025

Captivating,Freedom,Heaven,Joy,Kingdom,persecution,Purpose

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 "Blandina"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Revelation 2:8-11

“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.

11 “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will never be harmed by the second death."
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why does the author say these poor and afflicted believers in Smyrna are rich? (verse 9)

In Revelation 2:9, Jesus tells the church in Smyrna, “I know your affliction and poverty, but you are rich.” The word used for poverty here is ptocheia, the Greek word for abject poverty or destitution. (preceptaustin.org) The church in Smyrna wasn’t just poor, they were impoverished.

William Barclay notes that “Smyrna was a great trade city. […] It had an especially rich trade in wines. [Smyrna] was a city of wealth and commercial greatness.” Despite the wealth of the city, Christ-followers in Smyrna were destitute, “because they were robbed and fired from jobs in persecution for the gospel.” (David Guzik) Because they followed Jesus, these Christians could not keep their jobs and were targeted for persecution.

In this letter, Jesus assured His followers that He knew about their suffering and still considered them rich because of the choices they made to honor and follow Him. (James 2:5). These choices would make them more like Jesus, providing them with spiritual blessings far greater than any material wealth. (Matthew 19:29)

Matthew Henry suggests the followers in Smyrna were “inwardly rich; rich in faith, in good works, rich in privileges, rich in gifts, rich in hope . . . when God’s people are made poor as to this life, for the sake of Christ and a good conscience, He makes all up to them in spiritual riches.”

When we suffer for the sake of Christ, it is nothing in comparison to the blessing in store for us as His followers! (Romans 8:18)

The Everyday Application

1) Why does the author say these poor and afflicted believers in Smyrna are rich? (verse 9)

In the story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, young Charlie is among 5 winners of a Golden Ticket to visit Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Charlie’s family is very poor, nearly starving, but, in spite of hardship, they are loyal, loving, and close-knit. The other winners are each from wealthy families, but they are all greedy in various ways and their parents don’t care much when their children encounter danger during their factory tour.

The wealthy families didn’t enjoy much happiness, whereas Charlie and his family found joy in being together despite their struggles. They were not monetarily rich, but they were rich in love. There is a similar message about being rich despite being poor in Revelation 2:9, where Jesus tells the church in Smyrna, “I know your affliction and poverty, but you are rich.”

According to David Guzik, Smyrna was a city “deeply committed to idolatry and the worship of the Roman Emperor.” Because of this, Christians in Smyrna were persecuted for practicing and sharing their faith in Christ. Even though they suffered poverty and oppression, Jesus regarded them as rich because of their faithfulness to Him. (2 Corinthians 6:10).

Charles Stanley asserts, “There was peculiar honor in being near and like Himself, who had nowhere to lay His head. I have learned this: Jesus is especially the partner of His poor servants.” Jesus, who came to earth as an infant, was born to a humble carpenter’s family (Luke 2:12), and slept under the stars during His years of ministry (Luke 21:37), assured His followers that they were choosing better by walking in His ways. (John 15:5)

Though they were not rich in material things, Jesus’ followers were rich in spiritual blessings. (Ephesians 1:3)

The Original Intent

2) What is the crown of life promised to those who suffer and are afflicted? (verse 10)

Jesus tells the church in Smyrna, “Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life”. (Revelation 2:10) The crown, or wreath, was a symbol of reward or victory in the ancient world, and the church of Smyrna would have recognized the language as denoting triumph.

David Guzik explains that the crown, or stephanos, “is given as a trophy to a winning athlete. Jesus looks at the Christians of Smyrna and says to them, ‘You are My winners. You deserve a trophy.’” Jesus acknowledged that following Him could bring persecution and even martyrdom, and He wanted His followers to know that the reward of eternal life awaited all who remained faithful to Him. (Matthew 5:11-12)

Jesus’ victory on the cross was a triumph for all His followers that granted them victory in Jesus and eternal life in Heaven. (1 Corinthians 15:56-57) Jesus wanted His followers to understand that, while there was a price to be paid for following Him, the reward far outweighed the cost. (Matthew 13:44-46) Matthew Henry asserts, “The life worn out in His service, or laid down in His cause, shall be rewarded with a much better life, which shall be eternal.”

There is no way to know exactly what the cost of serving Christ will be when we set out to follow, but God asks us to give Him everything. (Luke 14:33) One blessed assurance Christians have is knowing that this world, with all its troubles (John 16:33), is not their home, Heaven is! (Hebrews 13:14)

Alistair Begg describes the reward of the crown of life as “God welcoming us at the finish line and crowning us with honor, blessing, and life that is everlasting.” May we be able to claim with the Apostle Paul that nothing is worth as much to us as knowing Christ! (Philippians 3:8)

The Everyday Application

2) What is the crown of life promised to those who suffer and are afflicted? (verse 10)

In the Victorian British novel Jane Eyre, the novel’s young namesake is sent to a boarding school where she endures a harsh, embarrassing reprimand by the pompous and cruel minister who runs the establishment. When her punishment is over, the inconsolable Jane is comforted by her friend Helen Burns, who also receives constant criticism and punishment from her teachers but bears it with patience and tolerance.

Helen encourages Jane not to take her afflictions to heart, reminding her that “God waits only the separation of spirit from flesh to crown us with a full reward. Why, then, should we ever sink overwhelmed with distress, when life is so soon over, and death is so certain an entrance to happiness—to glory?”

Helen Burns understood what Jesus described to the church at Smyrna when he exhorted them to “Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life”. (Revelation 2:10) The crown of life represented the reward of life everlasting with Jesus, promised to those who love Jesus and endure the trials of this life. (James 1:12)

Andrew Murray suggests that this gift of eternal life “is the life that He has had in Himself from eternity and that has been visibly revealed in Christ. This life is now the inheritance of every child of God.”

Jesus is very clear that His followers will face hardships because of their faith. (2 Timothy 3:12). But He is also clear that the benefits of following Him are greater far than the trials. (Matthew 5:10-11)

The Original Intent

3) Why will the conqueror never be harmed by the second death? (verse 11)

Jesus’ words to the church at Smyrna end with His promise, “The one who conquers will never be harmed by the second death.” (Revelation 2:11) The followers had experienced much persecution for the faith, including martyrdom, and His promise was to encourage them in the face of such hardships.

While the faithful might die for their beliefs, they would gain eternal life! (1 John 2:17)

William Barclay explains, “The second death was a Jewish rabbinic expression for the total extinction of the utterly wicked.” Jesus promised the faithful at Smyrna that they would not face the second death of eternity in Hell apart from God (Matthew 25:46) because they would spend eternity with Jesus.

The Pulpit Commentary suggests, “This second death, or death of the soul, is absolute exclusion from God, who is the Source of eternal life.” Richard Trench describes the second death as “The death in life of the lost, as contrasted with the life in death of the saved.” Those who experience the second death are doomed to live eternally without God, while those who escape the second death will live forever with God. (1 John 5:11)

This eternal, second death is reserved for those who do not know Christ, while the great reward of the Christian is never living apart from God and His good, gracious presence of love and joy!

The Everyday Application

3) Why will the conqueror never be harmed by the second death? (verse 11)

A study of African American Spirituals reveals lyrics usually reference the Bible but often have a covert meaning as well. Many of these songs point to the freedom of going “home” to Heaven, but they also tie to the Underground Railroad or escaping to a free land. (negrospirituals.com)

Yolanda Y. Smith suggests, “The Spirituals were a means of coping with the deepest despair and disappointment. Yet, the biblical message embodied in these songs inspired a sense of hope and assurance that the enslaved Africans would one day be free. […] They viewed Jesus not only as a suffering servant and friend who understood oppression but also as a conquering king who, through the power of his resurrection, could overcome even the most oppressive structures.”

The singers of these hymns understood Jesus’ message to His followers that “The one who conquers will never be harmed by the second death”. (Revelation 2:11) No matter how dire the circumstances, Jesus promises that Christians will only die a physical death and not a spiritual one. “Although members of the church would experience martyrdom (the first death), they would be assured of avoiding the dreaded second death—the Lake of Fire.” (Preceptaustin.org)

We should all be warned, that those who don’t accept Jesus will pass away from earth and will live eternally apart from God (Revelation 21:8), while believers will live forever with God in Heaven. (1 John 2:25) What a blessing that no matter what we face on earth, True Believers have hope and assurance of life forever with Jesus!

Tags :
eternity,hope,life,purpose,rescue
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Slain, Day 3
Journey Study

Blandina is known today, not because she was one of the first martyrs or even one of the most politically significant ones. In fact, she was only a young slave girl, one characterized as “weak in body.” (The Gospel Coalition)

Yet, Blandina did not cower in the face of torture nor deny her Lord.

Rather, she endured torture beyond what anyone thought her body capable of handling.
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Slain Day 1 This Is How We Conquer

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Slain Day 1 This Is How We Conquer

Gloria Ponman

April 13, 2025

Anchored,Equipped,Faith,Heaven,Hope,Perfect,Rescue

Read His Words Before Ours!

John 15:1-11
Philippians 1:12-14
Luke 8:19-21
James 1:22-25
Psalm 46

This Is How We Conquer
Life without Christ is no life at all. For me, He is more than a Savior; He is my heartbeat, the core of my existence. Christ has guided me, drawn me closer when I strayed, and shaped me into the woman I am today. Without Him, my story would have been tragic; with Him, it is a testimony of grace and transformation.  

This Easter, we remember those who paid the ultimate price for their faith; martyrs who chose death rather than deny the One who first loved them. (1 John 4:19) Their stories are a mirror, reflecting the cost of following Christ. For some, the price was their lives; for us, it might be daily sacrifices declaring, “Christ is worth it all!”

A Story of Martyrdom: Polycarp of Smyrna  
Polycarp, a disciple of the Apostle John, was a bishop of Smyrna in the 2nd century. When persecution swept through the early church, Polycarp was arrested and commanded to renounce Christ. His response has echoed through history:

“Eighty-six years I have served Him,
and He has done me no wrong.
How can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?”

Despite threats and torture, he stood firm, declaring Christ’s worth even in the face of death. Polycarp was burned at the stake, his faith a light in the darkness of persecution.  

His life embodies Christ’s instruction, “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.” (John 15:5) 

After a lifetime of experiencing the sweetness of abiding in Christ, Polycarp knew “God is our refuge and strength, a friend who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore we will not be afraid [.]” (Psalm 46:1-2) 

Securely rooted in Christ, Polycarp’s faith withstood intense suffering unto death. Centuries later, his testimony continues to bear fruit and glorify God. (John 15:8) Christ laid down His life for us, and Polycarp followed in His footsteps. For Polycarp, as for us, the gain of Christ far outweighed the loss of life itself.  

Renouncing the World  
While I may not face martyrdom, I have been called to make decisions testifying to the worth of Christ. As a young woman, I ended a relationship with a man who could offer me worldly comfort but demanded what I could not give, a compromise on my purity. I have had every reason to stray, especially during seasons of lack and abandonment, but Christ held me steady. Knowing who I am in Him gave me the strength to resist the allure of fleeting pleasures.  

Like Polycarp, I have also faced the fire of surrender. God called me to marry a full-time pastor, a man without a salary or material wealth. People questioned how we would survive, but I chose to trust the One who provides. Through challenges and trials, Christ has remained faithful, showing me He alone is my source.  

Daily Crucifixion  
To be crucified with Christ daily means denying oneself for His sake. (Galatians 2:20, Matthew 16:24-26) In marriage, I’ve learned to prioritize the needs of my family above my own. There were seasons when I sacrificed personal desires, like new clothes or hair treatments, to ensure my children were cared for. As a pastor’s wife, I’ve given my time, finances, and energy to people in need, trusting God would refill what I poured out.  

One of the greatest sacrifices has been learning to forgive. I naturally hold on to offenses, meditating on them until they linger in my heart. But Christ has shown me that forgiveness is not optional, but is a reflection of His grace. Letting go of hurt has been one of the hardest yet most freeing aspects of my walk with Him.  

Sacrificial Living  
The call to follow Christ is a call to give, not just when it’s convenient but especially when it costs. As a mother and a pastor’s wife, I have found joy in sacrificial living. I’ve given my time to mentor young women, lead Bible studies, and pray for others. There have been moments when I wanted to give up, to close the WhatsApp group I run for women because I wasn’t receiving the encouragement I needed. Yet God reminded me this ministry isn’t about me, it’s about Him and His Kingdom.  

“This Is How We Conquer…”  
Polycarp’s story reminds us the cost of following Christ is worth it because the gain of Christ is eternal. While we may not all be called to die for our faith, we are all called to live for it, to daily crucify our flesh and bear the marks of Christ in our lives.  

For me, this means loosening the bonds of pride, unforgiveness, and selfishness. It means trusting God to provide when resources are tight, forgiving when I am hurt, and choosing obedience when it is inconvenient.  

Christ gave all for us. How can we give Him less? This Easter, let us remember the martyrs who laid down their lives for the One who laid down His. Let us join them, not necessarily in death but in daily surrender, carrying our cross and declaring with our lives, “Christ is worth it all.” 

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Slain, Day 2
Digging Deeper

The pruning by the Father, our Gardener, is the good work of making us spiritually beautiful, a sweet-smelling aroma that rises to God.

This becomes especially important as the trials come. As we develop into more mature believers, we grow in spiritual health that has been produced by the pruning.

That health gives way to courage that is contagious in the face of suffering.
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Run Day 7 Running On A Prayer: Digging Deeper

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Run Day 7 Running On A Prayer: Digging Deeper

Rachel Jones

March 11, 2025

Anchored,Faith,Heaven,Help,Prayer,Pursue,Relationship

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 "Running On A Prayer"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Timothy 2:1-4, 8

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

8 Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) How do petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving differ? (verse 1)

Paul urged Timothy that “petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone.” (1 Timothy 2:1) Some theologians argue that the difference in the terms is not greatly significant, like author Thomas Constable, who writes, “This is a Semitic literary device that groups synonyms to enhance the basic concept, namely, that Christians should pray all types of prayers for all people.”

However, others note the subtle nuances of each term used. Petitions are requests, asking for something from the Lord. (Philippians 4:6)

Prayer implies communication with God, pouring out our hearts to the Lord and waiting before Him in anticipation of His answer. (Psalm 62:8) Charles Bailey suggests prayer is “reverent devotion to God because of what He is capable of performing and providing. The root word suggests a meeting with God, one provided only for his obedient children.” (John 9:31, Proverbs 15:29, Proverbs 28:9)

Intercession is fervent, determined prayer on behalf of another. (James 5:16) Andrew Murray asserts, “The power of the Church truly to bless rests on intercession —asking and receiving heavenly gifts to carry to men.”

Prayers of thanksgiving offer gratitude for God’s blessings and gifts. (Psalm 92:1) C. S. Lewis wrote, “We ought to give thanks for all. If it is good, because it is good; if bad, because it works in us patience, humility . . . and the hope of [Heaven].”

What a blessing to have the privilege of prayer! Through prayer, not only can we communicate with God about our own needs and the needs of others, but we can also worship the Lord and draw closer to Him!

The Everyday Application

1) How do petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving differ? (verse 1)

I never appreciated birds until my children became interested in spotting them in our backyard. I could only recognize a few common types like blue jays and starlings, but through the eyes of my children, I discovered a more complex avian world. I worked to distinguish a mockingbird’s song from a cardinal’s trill, and I frequently grabbed my binoculars to identify what kind of woodpecker was hopping around the apricot tree. With delight, I identified a rose-breasted grosbeak and added it to our birding list.

I had known about birds in a general sense, but now I could identify and appreciate dozens of varieties because I am looking and listening for them. Just like discovering there is more to the birding world than sparrows and robins, so Paul’s admonition that “petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone” (1 Timothy 2:1) opened my eyes to understand that prayer is also multi-faceted.

While all prayer is some form of communicating with God, God calls us to pray in different ways at different times.

God invites us to petition Him, asking for what we need. (1 John 5:14) He also wants us to draw close to Him in prayer, spending time with Him to become more like Him and learn to discern His voice, sensing His friendship. (John 15:7) When God asks us to intercede, He wants us to pray fervently and persistently for others for their salvation or to receive His help. (Colossians 1:9-11) God also wants us to thank Him at all times for everything. (Ephesians 5:20)

Having gratitude, according to Ann Voskamp, means “we intentionally notice all the everyday things, and accept God’s grace, in all things, with thanks.” Lord, help us to pray at all times (1 Thessalonians 5:17) in all the ways you have provided.

The Original Intent

2) How does prayer lead us toward living tranquil and quiet lives in godliness and dignity? (verses 1-2)

Paul urged the early church that “petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) Paul promoted prayer for everyone, but particularly governing authorities, because those leaders controlled many aspects of their daily lives.

John Sartelle suggests “Paul was pressing the church to pray for the “Caesars” of this world, that the church might not live under the constant disruption and havoc of persecution.” Paul knew that praying for leaders could make a difference, and he wanted to ensure he had the freedom to carry out the work God had called him to do. (Acts 22:21)

Albert Barnes notes, “God has power to influence [leaders’] hearts, and to incline them to what is just and equal; and hence we should pray that a divine influence may descend upon them.”

Being tranquil and living a quiet life in godliness and dignity are not dependent upon having good neighbors or good leaders. God calls us to these things regardless of our circumstances (1 Peter 1:15) Still, livelihoods that aren’t restricted by government interventions and disputes with others allows Christians to focus on living like Jesus and sharing His love. It is no wonder, then, that Paul wrote with urgency and in detail about praying for everyone, especially our leaders.

The Everyday Application

2) How does prayer lead us toward living tranquil and quiet lives in godliness and dignity? (verses 1-2)

My friend taught at a local high school, and he struggled to follow his department chair’s leadership. She had a very different philosophy of education than he did, and they didn’t see eye to eye on anything. She refused compromise or collaboration, and she didn’t care if her lack of diplomacy ruffled feathers.

One day, my friend was praying about the conflict, asking God to change the situation, when he felt impressed by God to start praying for her instead of about her. The Lord told him, “Pray for her; you don’t know what she is going through.” My friend obediently started praying for her, and soon his perspective changed.

They never shared the same perspective about most issues, but he was able to see her in a different light and not allow her negativity to impact his teaching. He went from feeling combative towards her to feeling compassion for her, all because of prayer.

My friend learned an invaluable “why” behind Paul’s entreaty to believers to let “petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

God commands us to submit to leaders (Romans 13:1), but also to pray for them, because authorities have the power to enact laws and policies that affect our ability to carry out the will of the Lord, not necessarily our political agendas. Are we praying for our leaders with this mindset?

When we pray for our leaders, we acknowledge that God can direct their hearts wherever He chooses (Proverbs 21:1), and we petition Him to lead all authorities away from repression and persecution for Christians.

The Original Intent

3) Why does Paul exhort lifting hands in prayer without anger or argument? (verse 8)

Paul instructs Timothy to teach “the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.” (1 Timothy 2:8) Charles Ellicott explains, “It was the Jewish practice, not only in taking a solemn oath—or in blessing—but also in prayer, to lift up the hands.” Paul’s emphasis wasn’t necessarily on physically raising hands in order to pray, rather his instruction was meant to train them on what to do when they did raise their hands: pray.

Paul wanted them to lift up holy hands, reminding them that, for whatever cultural purpose they raised their hands, they were to remember to pray, but also to live holy. Adam Clarke notes, “holy hands refer to the Jewish custom of washing their hands before prayer; this was done to signify that they had put away all sin and purposed to live a holy life.”

Part of living a holy life means putting off anger or divisiveness when coming to pray. God warns that acting in anger and indulging rage will bring harm (Psalm 37:8) Charles Bailey states, “Either anger or doubting (disputing), when entertained in the heart, serves as a hindrance to a Christian’s prayer.”

God knows the intentions of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12), and He wants us to do away with our anger and arguing, coming instead with pure hearts ready to hear from Him and be changed by Him. (Psalm 24:3-4)

Charles Bailey further suggests, “When the Christian comes before God’s presence in prayer, he must figuratively cleanse himself by being in humble submission to the divine will.” When we ask God to remove anger and arguing from our hearts, we align with His will (Colossians 3:8) and prepare ourselves to encounter God in prayer (Jeremiah 33:3).

The Everyday Application

3) Why does Paul exhort lifting hands in prayer without anger or argument? (verse 8)

Once, when my husband and I were having a heated disagreement, he suggested we stop arguing and pray together. I folded my arms across my chest and huffed, “I know that is what we should do, but I don’t want to!” I was still angry and not ready to let go of my resentment. I didn’t want to do what Paul suggests and lift holy hands in prayer without anger or argument. (1 Timothy 2:8)

I found that I can’t lift my hands to the Lord when I am still clutching anger, hurt, bitterness or resentment because it erodes peace and connection with God. (Ephesians 4:26-27) I’m blocked in by my own sin, and I can’t lift my hands either to worship or receive from Him.  If I am willing to let the anger go, and come with humility, He will faithfully meet me in true communion. (James 1:19-20, James 4:10)

The Lord wants to answer us and give us good gifts, which is why He instructs us to set aside our anger when coming in prayer. (Matthew 6:33)

Because He knows how hard it is for me to release my grip on angry feelings, He offers me grace, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)

Not only does He sympathize with my weakness and invite me to seek His mercy, but Jesus actually intercedes for me. (Romans 8:34) When I remember His great love and mercy, it is easier to let go of my anger and seek Him in prayer.

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Run, Day 6
Journey Study

In running, there is a difference between a 50 yd dash, a 100-meter run, and a marathon. The 50 yd dash and 100-meter require speed immediately. The fastest runner wins.

Running a marathon requires a different mindset. You still want to win and, yes, in a traditional marathon speed is necessary, but so are pacing, stamina, and resilience.

It is the same in our journey with Christ. Ours is not a race of speed, but a race building endurance, stamina, and resilience.
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Come Day 11 Come To Be Fulfilled

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Come Day 11 Come To Be Fulfilled

Carol Graft

February 24, 2025

bride,Comfort,Community,Desperate,Faith,Fellowship,Groom,Heaven,Jealous,Mercy,Relationship,Seeking

Read His Words Before Ours!

Isaiah 9:2-3
Revelation 21:1-4
John 7:37-39
Revelation 22:17-21
Matthew 11:28-30

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away”. (Revelation 21:4)

Can you imagine?

If you are struggling right now, working through a painful diagnosis, heartbreak, grief over a loss, or just frustration over the ways of the world, one day sorrows will be erased in less than the blink of an eye. According to Revelation, all Christ-followers will experience this good news.

But what about here and now? 

Scripture speaks…
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

“‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘the One who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.’” (Revelation 1:8)

“Both the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ Let anyone who hears, say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who desires take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17)

“He who testifies about these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’” (Revelation 22:20)

What do you need from Jesus today?
This week? 
This season?

He simply says, “Come unto me.” 

Whatever you need, He is.

Come to Jesus,
The Bread of Life (John 6:25-40)  

This account takes place shortly after Jesus miraculously fed a large crowd. The disciples are still looking for more signs as to who He is, and He tells them to stop and instead look at Him.

He is offering more than food which fills a belly for a moment; He offers food to satiate and satisfy our souls forever. 

“‘I am the bread of life,’ Jesus told them. ‘No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry[.]’” (John 6:35)

When we try to fill ourselves with the things of this world, we will not be satisfied.

Come to Jesus,
The Light of the World (John 8:2-20) 

During the Feast of Tabernacles, great lamps were lit so the temple would be prepared for praise and worship. Jesus reveals Himself during this celebration as the Light of the World. 

Does it sometimes seem you are surrounded by dark news or continually met with dismay? Salvation in Christ means we no longer need to walk discouraged by darkness. (Isaiah 9:2) 

Come to Jesus,
The Door (John 10:1-10)

Jesus is the only true gatekeeper. Anyone else claiming to save and set people free is a liar. Jesus is the only one worthy of opening the door. (Revelation 5:3-6)

We want to be loved, known, and invited in and we can be easily deceived by someone who has less than honorable intentions. It is likewise easy to fall prey to someone who says we are not redeemable, even if that “someone” is our own feelings and thoughts.

Have we been listening to those voices? 

Come to Jesus,
The Good Shepherd (John 10:11-21)

A trustworthy shepherd looks after, protects, and is willing to lay down his life for his sheep. He knows each and every one, and the sheep also know their shepherd’s voice, picking it out from a crowd. 

So many voices clamor for our attention. Can we hear our Savior? 

Come to Jesus,
The Resurrection and the Life (John 11:17-27)

This scene convinced the Jewish authorities they must get rid of Jesus. They knew this miracle would only increase Jesus’ following and thereby potentially cause an uprising. 

Lazarus had been dead for four days. Jewish tradition stated the spirit of a dead person is still surrounding the person for three days, so four days would assure Lazarus was truly gone. Many questioned why Jesus had stayed away while Lazarus was sick. After all, healing would have happened had He been there; death would have been averted. 

Have you ever been distraught over the loss of a loved one, a chronic illness, or challenging diagnosis? Jesus wants to calm those heartaches and fears. 

Jesus can heal, either in this life or the next. 

Come to Jesus,
The Way, The Truth, and The Life (John 14:1-14)

Counter to popular belief, salvation is found only in Christ. Jesus is the Truth and Life, so He is the only Way.

Are we seeking Truth? Are we seeking Life? 

Come to Jesus,
The True Vine (John 15:1-8)

In order to live rightly, we must remain close to the vine. The fruit of righteousness, loving obedience, and justice are proof of our flourishing connection to Christ. When we stray, when we seek sources beyond the True Vine, our emptiness is displayed in our actions and is felt deep in our spirit. 

May we seek to prioritize our connection to the Vine and enjoy the good fruit He produces in us.

Come to Jesus.

Christ’s first-century invitation is the same today, for He never changes. (Hebrews 13:8)

“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.” (John 7:37)     

On that Day of Final Victory, we will see the splendor of the throne room and behold the majesty of God. (Isaiah 6:1-3, Revelation 4:1-11)

Sisters, He bids you come. 

Will you accept?

 

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Desperate,Fulfilled,hungry,Jesus,needy,satisfied
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Come, Day 12
Digging Deeper

Happiness is an outward expression identifiable by a smile or even laughter. It’s usually the result of some accomplishment or a favorable occurrence, so it fluctuates depending on the moment.

However, God promised joy through Jesus Christ, which comes from a person's inner spirit. It’s stable and enduring because the truths it holds dear, are precious and sure regardless of trouble or bliss.

Real, abiding joy does not ebb and flow due to circumstances or the type of day a person is experiencing.
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Feb 10 - Feb 28, 2025 - Journey Theme #136

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