Revelation Archives - Gracefully Truthful

The GT Weekend! ~ Shofar, Week 3

February 7, 2026 by Rebecca Adams Leave a Comment

The GT Weekend! ~ Shofar, Week 3

Rebecca Adams

February 7, 2026

Fellowship,Glory,Help,Relationship

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

His Words Before Ours

Revelation 3:14-22

“Write to the angel of the church in Laodicea: Thus says the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the originator of God’s creation: 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, ‘I’m rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,’ and you don’t realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I advise you to buy from me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be zealous and repent. 20 See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

21 “To the one who conquers I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.

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

Read More Of His Words

Praying #HisWordsBeforeOurs

After reading today's passage a few times, find one verse or a small section to use as your guide in praying His Words Before Ours back to God!

Pray aloud in shout or whisper, inside your mind, with tears, or pen and paper. Cling to #HisWordsBeforeOurs and pray honestly, letting His Spirit guide and instruct your heart!

May you be refreshed, dear sister, as you speak with, and listen to, the Almighty God!

Pray Scripture

Worship Through Song

What Do You See?

After reading the passage several times, summarize in your own words what is happening. Use pen and paper or talk it out as if describing it to someone younger than you. (this is harder than it may seem!)

What do you see if you step into the passage? Who is involved? What hits your senses? Do you know any other parts of Scripture, or cultural background that might help you understand this passage more?

It's a great time to do some research with trusted sources to help answer your questions, but please read the surrounding passages and cross-references first!

Monday & Tuesday

What Sparks Your Heart?

When we humbly and prayerfully read God’s Word, the Spirit is ready and eager to teach us, convict us, and help us grow deeper in Him!

As you read this passage, where do you sense the Spirit sparking your soul to pay attention? Pray over those portions as you read and re-read them, asking the Lord what He wants you to DO in real life.

Write down in your journal, or on a sticky note, (or on your arm in ink!) the actions the Lord is leading you to live out today. Tell a friend how the Lord is challenging you; following Jesus is meant to be lived in community!

Wednesday & Thursday

What Will You Sacrifice?

Lay out a sacrifice of praise, worship, and intercession for others through prayer. Praise Jesus for His work in You, for His Word, for His work in the world, and pray for those people the Spirit brings to your mind.

Don't leave God's Word unchanged and unchallenged, Sister! How will your life today reflect a Sacrifice for Christ? Whether it's praise, turning from sin, or following a prod to step into a faith action, sacrifice from your heart!

When we bring a sacrifice of praise through prayer and adoration, the Lord is glorified and made much of in our everyday lives while Kingdom work advances in the world through prayer! Be sure to write out your prayers; soon, you’ll have a log of sacrificial praise to look back on the reflected goodness of God in your life!

2-for-1 Friday

This Week's Journeys

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prayer,Revelation,scripture,worship

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Shofar Day 15 Listen For The King

February 6, 2026 by Gloria Ponman 1 Comment

Shofar Day 15 Listen For The King

Gloria Ponman

February 6, 2026

Captivating,Faith,Glory,Kingdom,Lord

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philippians 2:5-11
Revelation 4-5
Psalm 47

“Let anyone who has ears listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:22)

Have you ever become so familiar with a sound that you stopped noticing it?

An alarm clock. Church bells. Even a loved one’s voice calling your name. What once captured your attention can slowly fade into the background.

Could the same be true of our hearts?

Throughout Revelation 2–3, Jesus speaks to seven churches. Each letter carries the urgency of a shofar – a trumpet calling God’s people to pay attention. Some were called to repent, others to persevere, return to their first love, reject compromise, or wake from spiritual complacency.

Yet every letter ends with the same invitation:
“Let anyone who has ears listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:22)

This is more than a call to hear; it is a call to respond.

It’s possible to sit through sermons, read Scripture daily, and still remain unchanged. But Revelation reminds us God’s Word was never meant merely to inform us; it was meant to transform us. John begins his letter with a blessing, “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3) The blessing belongs not only to those who hear God’s Word but to those who keep it.

So, what will we do with what we’ve heard?

The seven churches were different, but the King’s heart was the same. He wasn’t impressed by reputation or outward activity. He was pursuing wholehearted devotion. Every warning was an invitation to return. Every rebuke reflected the heart of a Savior who delights in restoring His people.

That invitation reaches us today. The Spirit is still speaking. The King’s shofar is still sounding. Rather than asking, “Which of the seven churches am I most like?”, perhaps the better question is, “Lord, what are You saying to me?”

Maybe He is calling you to return to your first love. Maybe He is inviting you to repent of hidden compromise, persevere through suffering, or strengthen what remains. Whatever His call, don’t ignore His voice. The King who speaks knows exactly what His Church needs, and His words always lead to life.

As John’s letter continues, something remarkable happens.
The letters end, and heaven opens.

John writes, “After this I looked, and there in heaven was an open door. The first voice that I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.‘” (Revelation 4:1)

Did you notice whose voice it is?

The same voice that sounded like a trumpet now calls John into heaven. Before John sees judgments or the unfolding of history, he sees a throne.

Not chaos.
Not fear.
A throne.

“Immediately I was in the Spirit, and there was a throne in heaven and someone was seated on it.” (Revelation 4:2)

What comfort this brings! Our world may seem uncertain, but nothing has moved the King from His throne. He reigns now just as surely as He will forever.

Then John’s attention turns to a sealed scroll. No one is worthy to open it, and John weeps, but an elder says, “Do not weep. Look, the Lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered so that he is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” (Revelation 5:5)

John turns, expecting a Lion.
Instead, he sees “one like a slaughtered lamb[.]” (Revelation 5:6)

What a glorious King!

The One who sounds the shofar is the Lamb who gave His life to redeem sinners. Heaven erupts in worship:

“You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slaughtered,
and you purchased people
for God by your blood
from every tribe and language
and people and nation.”
(Revelation 5:9)

This is why responding to the King’s call matters. We do not obey to earn His love; we obey because the Lamb has already loved us, redeemed us, and now reigns on the throne. The shofar calls us to the feet of the One who is forever worthy of our worship.

So, what will we do now?

Will we return to business as usual, or will we allow the King’s voice to shape our worship, our choices, and our witness?

How we live now matters because the King reigns now. The Lamb is worthy now. One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Philippians 2:9–11) Until then, we have the privilege of responding to His voice today.

Can you still hear the shofar, my Friend?

The King is still calling His people to Himself.

Let’s not simply admire the sound of the trumpet. Let’s answer it with joyful obedience, unshakable trust, and wholehearted worship. The King who calls us is faithful, the Lamb who redeemed us is worthy, and the throne John saw is still occupied.

“Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!” (Revelation 3:22)

Tags :

Christ,King,Return,Revelation,shofar

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Recent Journeys

The GT Weekend! ~ Shofar, Week 3

February 7, 2026

Shofar Day 15 Listen For The King

February 6, 2026

Shofar Day 14 Dear Believers In Laodicea: Digging Deeper

February 5, 2026

Shofar, Day 15
Digging Deeper

After this I looked, and there in heaven was an open door. The first voice that I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”

2 Immediately I was in the Spirit, and there was a throne in heaven and someone was seated on it. 3 The one seatedA there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian stone. A rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald surrounded the throne.

Dig Deeper!

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Shofar Day 14 Dear Believers In Laodicea: Digging Deeper

February 5, 2026 by Lois Robbins Leave a Comment

Shofar Day 14 Dear Believers In Laodicea: Digging Deeper

Lois Robbins

February 5, 2026

Heart,Jesus,Mercy,Relationship

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

Read His Words Before Ours!

Revelation 3:14-20

“Write to the angel of the church in Laodicea: Thus says the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the originator of God’s creation: 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot.

16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, ‘I’m rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,’ and you don’t realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.

18 I advise you to buy from me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see.

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be zealous and repent. 20 See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) What does it mean to be “lukewarm” and how do believers avoid it? (verses 15-16)

Let’s begin with some historical insight as we unravel these verses and their application. In John’s day, Laodicea was a banking center which predisposed it to obvious wealth. Laodicea was also a manufacturing city, producing fine clothing while also boasting a distinguished medical school known for developing a healing eye salve. Having no water source of its own, Laodicea received water from a medicinal hot springs six miles to the south. By the time the water entered the city through a series of long aqueducts, it was neither hot nor cold but tepid (lukewarm), sediment-heavy, and distasteful.

Allusions to these local distinctives are detected in Christ’s choice of words in His letter. (verses 16-18) The state of the church in Laodicea was one of self-satisfaction, self-reliance, and apathetic complacency. The believers in Laodicea were accustomed to a high degree of comfort and prosperity, which factored into a diminished zeal for the things of God.

Laodicean believers are being addressed and confronted by Christ, who calls Himself the “Amen”. (verse 14) He is identifying Himself as the King who holds all authority and right to call them to account for, in Hebrew, “Amen” is a strong expression signifying kingly authority by stating “so be it.”. Christ’s judgment and accuracy of knowing their hearts is perfect and righteous.

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)

The Everyday Application

1) What does it mean to be “lukewarm” and how do believers avoid it? (verses 15-16)

Laodicean believers prided themselves on the magnificent garments they produced, but spiritually, they were shamefully naked. There is little point for us to adorn our bodies if we don’t have Christ’s righteousness adorning our souls. Possessing all the clothes in the world, or amassing wealth in large bank accounts, or owning many worldly goods has no power to beautify us if our souls are twisted by sin and our character is ugly before the Amen God.

It isn’t only the Laodiceans who are lulled into deception by finding identity in their accomplishments, apparel, and technological advances. Only the white raiment from Christ, given through faith because of His grace, is able to provide our cleansing from sin. (John 1:29)

Laodicea was blind to its poverty and nakedness, puffed up on arrogance and self-sufficiency, but aren’t we also blind to our sin? We require the Spirit of God to convict our hearts of sin! (John 16:8) Christ disciplines all those He loves, shaping us through fiery refinement to become more like Himself. (Hebrews 12:6-7, Romans 8:29) Yes, the refinement is painful as Christ separates us from our fleshly lusts, but “Lord, how happy is anyone you discipline and teach from your law!” (Psalm 94:12)

The rebuke of the Lord illuminates our sin and opens our eyes to see it and repent, keeping us soft towards Christ. When we walk in the Jesus Way, we can and will, avoid the pitfall of lukewarm apathy toward our Savior. Of course, we still sin, but the more we practice abiding with Jesus through His Word, the more we will hate our sin. It is harder to fall into Satan’s snares when we constantly turn to Jesus. The Jesus Life requires concerted, diligent practice, and perseverance every single day. Be totally sold out to Jesus!

The Original Intent

2) How can we know if our self-perception aligns with the truth of what God sees? (verses 17-18)

The concept of self-perception versus God’s vision of us is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. We naturally, in our sin nature, believe ourselves to be “basically good”, but as evidenced so plainly in the book of Judges, when humans will choose to love themselves most. (Judges 2:18-19) Despite envisioned ideals that we can create utopian societies and bring about world peace, pushing back darkness, we fail to see that we are the problem in our un-redeemed sin natures. Without following Jesus’ rule as King, we will always choose to do what is right in our own eyes. (Judges 21:25)

In a culture that values each one choosing their own “right way”, we are not far removed from the Old Testament Judges or the self-deceived Laodiceans. We each desire to do what is right “in our own eyes.”

In the end, however, the only vantage point that matters is Christ’s, for He alone is the Righteous Judge. Since it’s the King’s judgment that rules and holds the final verdict, we would be wise to consider both the Laodicean’s heart posture and God’s perspective on them.

The Laodicean believers saw themselves as self-sufficient, needing no one. They relied on their profits, their healing medicines, and their power; God was an afterthought and zeal for His ways was markedly missing. The general attitude of the church was, “I am rich, I have become wealthy and need nothing.” (verse 17)

Wealth isn’t bad when used under God’s rule, but it has a way of imparting a false sense of self-sufficiency, the very opposite of Jesus’ blessing upon those who are “poor in spirit”, realizing they have nothing without Christ. (Matthew 5:3) The Laodicean church, though materially affluent in their eyes and their culture, was “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” in God’s sight. (verse 17)

The Everyday Application

2) How can we know if our self-perception aligns with the truth of what God sees? (verses 17-18)

We are called to embrace God’s perspective and find our true identity and purpose in Him. Our personal areas of self-reliance are no secret to Christ! He desires to do the same for us as He did for the church in Laodicea, expose our deceit and steady us on truth and satisfaction in Jesus alone!

If we honestly reflect on our responses to God calling us out of Self Love and into His abundant life, we realize we often still love our ways more than His. When faced with stepping out of our Self Love Life and into zeal for God’s kingdom, generosity to those in need, talking to someone about Jesus, or something else, we can easily think of excuses why we shouldn’t.

Humanity isn’t short on excuses by a long shot, not even in the Bible!

Moses told the God who spoke to Him from a burning bush to send someone else to save the Israelites from slavery. Moses said he wasn’t good with words among other excuses! (Exodus 3-4)

Gideon told God he was too weak and young, not to mentioned scared, to save Israel from the powerful Midianite army. (Judges 6)

Jeremiah resisted God’s calling, citing his youthfulness and lack of speaking abilities. (Jeremiah 1:6)

Each of these men were right. They were incapable and lacking, but when they surrendered themselves to God, their stories of victory were recorded for generations! So too can we overcome the impossible when we place our identity where it belongs, inside of Christ. (Galatians 4:7)

The Laodiceans forgot about Christ’s ability when they trusted themselves; they put Jesus on the back burner. Let’s purpose to focus on Christ alone, boasting in our weakness and His sufficiency, and putting our full weight of trust in Him and not ourselves or the things of this world!

The Original Intent

3) How does the Lord love the lukewarm church and what is the church’s right response? (verses 19-20)

If the Laodiceans had never heard the gospel, they would have been COLD in a spiritual sense. We assume that the first-generation Christians in Laodicea accepted the gospel and were glowing with a spiritual fire and enthusiasm, but their fervor wasn’t passed along to new believers. Like the seeds in Jesus’ parable that fell among thorns (Matthew 13:22), the attractions of this world choked out their zeal, replacing it with lukewarm apathy.

These believers would rather drown out the sound of Christ’ voice to die to themselves than follow in obedience. It was easier to go through the motions and maintain the “image” of Christianity rather than actually follow Jesus. Living a life of service, sacrifice, preaching, and teaching the gospel paled in comparison to their fine clothing, cultural clout, and personal achievements. Although they possessed the truth of the Scriptures, they were apathetic, indifferent, and unconcerned with the things of the Lord.

It’s no wonder Jesus said, “I know your works” with the implication that there were none to know because they had grown so neutral to Kingdom Work. So, Jesus said, “because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you put of My mouth.” Christ has no interest in lukewarm faith because it is worthless, dragging the believer down and those around them. God can only work with the hearts and minds of those who are ready to die to self and live for Him!

The Laodiceans thought they could do without Christ and insulate themselves with just enough “religion”, so they shut the door and left him outside. As a result, the church became utterly ineffective.

The Everyday Application

3) How does the Lord love the lukewarm church and what is the church’s right response? (verses 19-20)

Jesus’ words to the Laodiceans should cause each of us to be stunned, reflect, and ask the Spirit of God to convict us! The tragedy of forgetting God, placing Him on the back shelf of our lives and leaning into self-reliance is far too easy! We don’t need to work hard to be negligent of spiritual disciplines like prayer or daily Scripture reading. Isn’t it always easy to find an excuse to leave Jesus behind and settle for tepid faith?

We don’t know how many Laodiceans read Jesus’ letter and decided to welcome His conviction, but we can make a choice for ourselves! Let’s accept God’s refinement and welcome His loving grace that offers us a way out of deceptively trusting ourselves! Let’s commit to renewing our minds by His Word and being transformed by His Spirit as we surrender to Him afresh! (Romans 12:2)

The Laodiceans received a merciful call from Christ to align themselves anew with God’s ways, and we have that same opportunity! We do this by continually placing ourselves under the authority of Scripture, praying, and seeking the Lord in authentic community with other believers. What Scripture teaches, we are to obey quickly and with growing faith. Christ is King, so we let Him rule in us!

Jesus wants every bit of our life, not just an hour on Sundays.

Christ knocked on the door of each believer in Laodicea, willing and desiring to come in and enjoy sweet fellowship, laughter, life, and joy. Many kept the door shut. What about us?
Will we fling the door wide, surrendering all access to Christ, or will we keep God on the outer edge of our lives, refusing renewal?

Without Christ the church is dead.
Without Christ, we are dead.

Tags :

church,King,repent,Revelation,shofar

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Recent Journeys

The GT Weekend! ~ Shofar, Week 3

February 7, 2026

Shofar Day 15 Listen For The King

February 6, 2026

Shofar Day 14 Dear Believers In Laodicea: Digging Deeper

February 5, 2026

Shofar, Day 13
Journey Study

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.

Join The Journey!

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!

Join a GT POD!

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 13 Dear Believers In Laodicea

February 4, 2026 by Marietta Taylor Leave a Comment

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.

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)
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.
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!
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!”

Tags :

church,glory,King,repent,Revelation

Share This :

Recent Journeys

The GT Weekend! ~ Shofar, Week 3

February 7, 2026

Shofar Day 15 Listen For The King

February 6, 2026

Shofar Day 14 Dear Believers In Laodicea: Digging Deeper

February 5, 2026

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)

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!

Join a GT POD!

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!

Join the GT Facebook Community!

Free Registration!

Share Your Story!

Shofar Day 12 Dear Believers In Philadelphia: Digging Deeper

February 3, 2026 by Rachel Jones Leave a Comment

Shofar Day 12 Dear Believers In Philadelphia: Digging Deeper

Rachel Jones

February 3, 2026

Power,Purpose,Relationship,Repent,Righteousness

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

Read His Words Before Ours!

Revelation 3:7-11

““Write to the angel of the church in Philadelphia: Thus says the Holy One, the true one, the one who has the key of David, who opens and no one will close, and who closes and no one opens 8 I know your works. Look, I have placed before you an open door that no one can close because you have but little power; yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

9 Note this: I will make those from the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews and are not, but are lying—I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept my command to endure, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come on the whole world to test those who live on the earth.

11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown.”

Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) What is the key of David and what does it do? (verse 7)

Jesus tells the church in Philadelphia, “Thus says the Holy One, the true one, the one who has the key of David, who opens and no one will close, and who closes and no one opens”. (Revelation 3:7) Dr. Bruce Hurt explains how the Greek term for key, kleis, “was used as a symbol of authority.” The term key of David is also used in Isaiah 22:22 to represent the governmental authority of King David as the key to David’s house is laid upon the shoulder of his representative so that ”what he opens, no one can close; what he closes, no one can open.”

This verse alludes to “Isaiah’s prophecy of the ultimate Davidic ruler in Isaiah 9:6-7, ‘For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders’.” (Preceptaustin.org) Jesus Himself is the Key of David, the promised heir of King David (Luke 1:32) who rules and reigns forever (Revelation 11:15). It is Jesus who holds the keys, or the authority, over all things in Heaven and on Earth. (Matthew 28:18)

Robert H. Mounce notes that this includes the “undisputed authority to admit or exclude from the New Jerusalem (heaven).” As the Key of David, Jesus unlocks the door to Heaven as invites all to enter. Greg Morse suggests the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross “unbolts heaven for all who believe upon Him. . . Jesus came to turn the knob of salvation and fling wide the door that all who would may enter and never be cast out.” We can rejoice that Jesus made a way for us to reach God by becoming the Way Himself. (John 14:6) When we trust Him through faith, we enter Christ, the Door of Life!

The Everyday Application

1) What is the key of David and what does it do? (verse 7)

When I turned 13, my Dad took me to a “fancy” dinner and gave me a special, key shaped necklace. He said it represented the key to my heart, something I shouldn’t give away to just anyone. As my parents, he and my mom were the keepers of the key until I was older, and I should come to them when I was sure I was ready to give the key away. It was a special moment 12 years later, when I wore that key necklace at my wedding while my Dad walked me down the aisle and, as our pastor, performed part of our ceremony. That key had symbolized love, respect, and honor to me throughout my adolescence, and I was delighted to make it part of my wedding celebration.

In Revelation 3:7, a key was also used symbolically. Here, the key of David represented the power and authority of King Jesus. Bob Sorge asserts that Jesus “is the King who has inherited the throne of His [physical] ancestor, David, and He has the right to administrate and rule over all the affairs of this eternal kingdom. That authority is represented by the key of David which He gained at His resurrection.” Because Jesus is the promised King eternal (1 Timothy 1:17), He holds the keys to death and Hell (Revelation 1:18).

Patti Sauls declares, “Jesus, the key of David, unlocked the shackles of sin and death. He faced and fought death—and won. . . As His people, Jesus frees us from the prison of sin and sorrow and delivers us from brokenness and death itself.” Because Jesus defeated death and covered our sins, we have the joy of eternal life with Him! (1 John 5:11)

The Original Intent

2) What is the hour of testing for all who live on the earth? (verse 10)

Jesus told the church in Philadelphia, “Because you have kept my command to endure, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come on the whole world to test those who live on the earth”. (Revelation 3:10) According to David Guzik, “Most Bible scholars see this hour of trial as a prophetic reference to the Messianic woes, the Great Tribulation, which precede Jesus’ earthly kingdom. Jesus promised to keep these Christians from that hour of trial.”

The Great Tribulation is described in Daniel 12:1, Matthew 24:21 and throughout the book of Revelation as a time of unprecedented suffering. Most scholars also agree that those who live on the earth is a term “used to describe a group of people who are often in opposition to God and His purposes, particularly in the context of the end times.” (Biblehub.com)

Other scholars believe the church will be here on earth during this Great Tribulation, while some believe Jesus will come back for the church before this time. Scholars on all sides of the issue use many of the same Bible verses to support their theories, making a conclusive stance more difficult. It can be helpful to take the approach of author Kandima Awendila, who acknowledges, “I may not have all the answers or be fully knowledgeable in this area, but I still trust that God is sovereign and will do as He says He will. In any case, only God is all-knowing. My hope is not in total understanding, but in Jesus Christ.”

No matter where Christians find themselves when the Great Tribulation occurs, believers can be confident in the hope found in Christ alone! (Romans 5:3-5)

The Everyday Application

2) What is the hour of testing for all who live on the earth? (verse 10)

As a ten-year-old child, the extent of my eschatological knowledge was that Jesus would return some day to take Christians to Heaven. That was, until I walked into chapel service at my small Christian school one day, where we were shown a film about end times and tribulation called A Thief in the Night. I walked out of that room with a lot of fear about what the future might hold and how many people I knew might get beheaded for their faith.

I prayed constantly for my little sister, afraid she would accidentally take the mark of the beast because she didn’t understand the meaning. I also avoided the book of Revelation because, if that movie came out of that book, I didn’t want to read it. I was relieved when I finally realized that the book of Revelation produces much more hope than fear! An example is Revelation 3:10, where Jesus promised, “Because you have kept my command to endure, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come on the whole world to test those who live on the earth.”

Even though theologians interpret these verses in different ways regarding how the end times will impact Christians, I find it comforting that Jesus prepares the Church for the trials that will come in daily life (John 16:33) and during the Great Tribulation. Scripture is very clear, no matter what we face on earth, we never face it alone. (Joshua 1:9) In every situation, God is our Strength and our Shelter. (Psalm 46:1-2)

The Original Intent

3) What does Jesus mean by saying, “Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown”? (verse 11)

In Revelation 3:11 Jesus admonishes the church in Philadelphia to “Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown.” Earlier, Jesus commends them for being obedient, faithful, and perseverant. He urges them to hold on to this active, fruitful faith in God. (John 15:8) Hampton Keathley suggests, “The warning reminds us to live in the light of His coming, to hold fast to Him in faith and service. . . or we will live carelessly, indifferently to our calling and purpose as believers. When that happens we lose our crowns, rewards for faithful service.”

Jesus encourages us to hang on to the crown that is ours for living our lives for Him and following His path of righteousness. This crown is referenced in other places in Scripture. James 1:12 says the crown of life belongs to those who love God and who endure trials. 2 Timothy 4:8 describes the crown of righteousness for those who love God. Even Isaiah 35:10 references a time when God’s people will be crowned with unending joy.

Derek Prime asserts that God’s promise of a crown “is a picture of eternal life.” The crown is the promise of victory in Jesus for those who follow in the faith. (1 Corinthians 15:57) David Platt argues that Jesus promises to come in all His glory “to consummate [His] kingdom on this earth. But it’s not just [His] glory, it’s your glory that’s coming. Your crown, your inheritance.” We can anticipate receiving the crown of life if we faithfully hold fast to Christ, the One who holds onto us.

The Everyday Application

3) What does Jesus mean by saying, “Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown”? (verse 11)

A recent viral video showed a race competitor slow down and pump her fist, believing she would cross the finish line in 3^rd place, only to be overtaken by another competitor in the last few feet of the race. Had she continued her current pace and effort, she would have won the bronze medal. Instead she let up, and her award was given to someone else.

Jesus warns of something similar in Revelation 3:11, when he exhorts the church in Philadelphia, “Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown.” Jesus was pleased with the active faith of the church in Philadelphia and He wanted them to continue pursuing Him with faithfulness and intensity. He promised them a good reward for their faithful service, a crown of life! (1 Corinthians 9:25)

David Guzik asserts, “This was a crown of victory. Jesus encouraged His saints to finish their course with victory, to ‘play the second half’ just as strongly as they ‘played the first half.’” It is difficult to endure hardships and keep our focus on God, but He is where we find help in our times of trouble. (Psalm 121:1) God gives us strength (Isaiah 40:29) and grace to endure and to overcome (Hebrews 4:16). When we do, He rewards us with the crown of life!

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church,King,Revelation,shofar

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This shofar call is to hold fast. Do not depart from the solid foundation on which the church of Philadelphia is built, for Jesus is returning soon.

Like the church at Philadelphia, we are also told to hold fast to our firm foundation, Christ alone. Do not grow weary, sisters, knowing our strength comes from Christ and He covers our ministry opportunities with His power and authority.

There will be trials, but Jesus will keep us.

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Shofar Day 11 Dear Believers In Philadelphia

February 2, 2026 by Rhonda Darville Leave a Comment

Shofar Day 11 Dear Believers In Philadelphia

Rhonda Darville

February 2, 2026

Alive,Called,church,Grace,Holiness

Read His Words Before Ours!

Revelation 3:7-11
Isaiah 22:15-25
Matthew 25:14-30
Psalm 23
2 Timothy 4:7-8

Letters written in the past invite us into an exciting journey of discovery! Even better, letters contained in the Bible serve as important sources of revelation of God, both to their original readers and to us today.

In the biblical book of Revelation, we find 7 letters written to 7 different churches. Today, we’ll dig into the letter written to the church at Philadelphia. (Revelation 3:7-11)

This beautiful letter is significant in multiple ways. As an amateur linguist, I love words and their meanings! Let’s begin by looking at the meaning of the church’s name. Philadelphia means brotherly love or the one who loves as a brother; today, we’ll see how believers in Philadelphia hold fast to their love for God! Philadelphia was also the youngest of the seven churches and was placed for missionary work to counter the Hellenistic culture in ancient Greece.

The writer of the letter is called “the Holy One, the true one, the one who has the key of David, who opens and no one will close, who closes and no one will open.” (Revelation 3:7)

Upon further examination, we learn these letters contain the words of Jesus; here, He is describing His character. His title of the “Holy One, the true one,” (Revelation 3:7) speaks to the very essence of who He is, not just what He does. (Hebrews 7:26-28, John 14:5-7) Furthermore, holiness and truth are aspects of the Holy Trinity and we are reminded that Jesus was the Word (Greek: logos) made flesh. (John 1:1-5) Jesus is God, come to earth for a time in human form.

The “one who has the key of David” reinforces this idea, speaking to Jesus’ earthly identity from the line of King David. (Revelation 3:7) This moniker reveals Jesus’ divine and messianic authority. Also, the language of Revelation 3:7 is foreshadowed in Isaiah 22:15-25, when God transfers authority to a righteous leader, transcending human authority or power. Jesus’ heavenly authority and sovereignty are supreme, encompassing the power to govern and rule without interference.

This may be hard for us to grasp in our world of self-appointed leaders and governmental power that seems limitless. As a missionary, I have needed to apply to countries such as the USA, Africa, Italy, and Malta for visas. I had to follow the guidelines provided, or my visa would be denied or revoked.

Even within the Church, powers of welcome or exclusion seem to be held by fallible humans; yet in this passage, we see Jesus possessing the ultimate authority to His kingdom. I can personally attest, from the last thirty plus years of serving Christ in ministry, that this has proven true. Wow!!

Daughters of God, sit up and take notice because that same authority works on our behalf! As we faithfully follow Him, He works on our behalf, opening and closing doors for His honor and glory and our good. We, like the church at Philadelphia, have unhindered access to every evangelistic opportunity God has ordained for us.

Next, the church in Philadelphia is described as possessing little power but great faithfulness. (Revelation 3:8) This speaks to their reliance on God. When we are weak, He is strong (2 Corinthians 2:9-10); it is an acknowledgement we can do nothing apart from the Almighty.

The letter to Philadelphia continues with Jesus promising protection for the believers, both from hypocritical enemies within the church and larger societal upheaval. (Revelation 3:9-10)

I am reminded of Psalm 23:5:
“You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.”

Jesus, in His ultimate and righteous authority, would deal with their enemies.

Finally, Jesus exhorts believers in Philadelphia, “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown.” (Revelation 3:11)

This shofar call is to hold fast. Do not depart from the solid foundation on which the church of Philadelphia is built, for Jesus is returning soon.

Like the church at Philadelphia, we are also told to hold fast to our firm foundation, Christ alone. Do not grow weary, sisters, knowing our strength comes from Christ and He covers our ministry opportunities with His power and authority. There will be trials, but Jesus will keep us. If we hold fast to the anchor that is Jesus Christ, we will be crowned with victory. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Like the church at Philadelphia, we must daily renew our love of and obedience to the Scripture and the example of Jesus Christ. Our actions must be in accordance with the Word of God. As we seek to honor the shofar call, may we hold fast to our love for God and one another, enduring the trials we face with full assurance His strength will carry us through. This is my prayer for myself and for you, dear friend. Amen!

“Let anyone who has ears listen to what the Spirit says to the churches[!]”
(Revelation 3:13)

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Jesus,King,obey,Revelation,shofar

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Even though theologians interpret these verses in different ways regarding how the end times will impact Christians, I find it comforting that Jesus prepares the Church for the trials that will come in daily life (John 16:33) and during the Great Tribulation.

Scripture is very clear, no matter what we face on earth, we never face it alone. (Joshua 1:9) In every situation, God is our Strength and our Shelter. (Psalm 46:1-2)

Dig Deeper!

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Shofar Day 10 Dear Believers In Sardis: Digging Deeper

January 30, 2026 by Marietta Taylor Leave a Comment

Shofar Day 10 Dear Believers In Sardis: Digging Deeper

Marietta Taylor

January 30, 2026

Confession,Courage,Faith,Fruitfulness,Grace,Hope

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

Read His Words Before Ours!

Revelation 3:1-4

“Write to the angel of the church in Sardis: Thus says the one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: I know your works; you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead.

2 Be alert and strengthen what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before my God. 3 Remember, then, what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent. If you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come upon you.

4 But you have a few people in Sardis who have not defiled their clothes, and they will walk with me in white, because they are worthy.

Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) How could the church be “alive” but actually dead? (verse 1)

Sardis was the capital of the kingdom of Lydia, located 30 miles from Thyatira, whose church also received a letter from Jesus. “Sardis […] exerted regional influence in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) throughout the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.” (Bible Odyssey) Worship of Caesar, the goddess of fertility, Artemis, and Cybele goddess of protection and fertility, was active. According to Got Questions, “The church at Sardis was surrounded by paganism and idolatry but failed to stand out amidst the darkness.”

Christ’s indictment of the church as having a reputation for being alive but being dead is reminiscent of His condemnation of the scribes and Pharisees. In Matthew 23:27, Jesus called the religious leaders whitewashed tombs. “Whitewashed tombs means […] tombs or mausoleums that have been covered with white paint, so they ‘look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean’ (Matthew 23:27). This speaks to the spiritual condition of the scribes and Pharisees. Outwardly, they were holy and clean, but inside they were spiritually dead.” (Got Questions)

A church surrounded by paganism should have been a light to believers in their city, but as Enduring Word says, “Being dead, the church in Sardis presented no significant threat to Satan’s domain.” They were darkness instead of light. Though they probably still gathered to read the Word and worship God, in reality, they didn’t labor for the Lord like the church at Ephesus. (Revelation 2:2) Neither were they faithful to the point of death like the church at Smyrna (Revelation 2:9-10). They did not hold onto Christ’s name and affirm their faith in Him like the church at Pergamum (Revelation 2:13). They were not full of love, service and endurance like the church at Thyatira (Revelation 2:19). They were a facade of life while death permeated their body.

The Everyday Application

1) How could the church be “alive” but actually dead? (verse 1)

W.M. Ramsay, a Scottish New Testament scholar and archeologist, noted this about Sardis and its church, “Smyrna was dead and yet lived, Sardis lived, and yet was dead…the letter to the Sardian church breathes the spirit of death, of appearance without reality, promise without performance, outward show of strength betrayed by want of watchfulness and careless confidence”. (Lineage Journey) What a scathing commentary on the actual state of this church! Ray Stedman says the church was full of “Zombies”, corpses that are alive, walking about as though alive, but actually are dead. As we read this letter, we are looking at the First Zombie Church of Sardis!

In the same way, some churches today are also “zombie churches”. How do we know if we are attending a zombie church? Consider some questions to ask in determining if there is more death than life in our church.
1) Are we more about programming or teaching the Word?
2) How faithfully is the staff and congregation adhering to the Word?
3) Are we misinterpreting the Word to fit what feels good or right to us?
4) Is there evidence of following false gospels or embracing false doctrine like “your own truth”?
5) Are people becoming more spiritually mature or is everyone stagnant?

What about ourselves? Are we Zombie Believers?
1) Are you attending a local church sporadically, but not engaged enough to serve or be missed?
2) Are you lacking passion for Christ and love for His church?
(Imago Dei Church Raleigh)

I will ask these questions of my own church and myself while you do the same. I pray our answers show more life than death in our churches and ourselves!

The Original Intent

2) How would the commands in verses 2-3 make the church alive?

Be alert, strengthen, remember, keep, repent. In the original language “be alert” is present imperative, meaning carry it out in the present and keep doing it. So, become and remain aware of the death taking over your body. Then, what life remains, strengthen it and keep going so you don’t die as a church body.

Sardian believers were to remember the glorious Word they heard, keep it and repent. Paul wrote of remembering and keeping the Word in 1 Thessalonians 2:13, “This is why we constantly thank God, because when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you welcomed it not as a human message, but as it truly is, the word of God, which also works effectively in you who believe.” This awe of the Word, “… breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16) was necessary for them to become a church that was alive and “…complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:17)

Repent.

According to Verse By Verse Commentary:
“While the emphasis in English is on sorrow, remorse, or contrition, the Greek word carries the idea of a total change in thinking and behavior. Whether the focus is on attitude or behavior depends on the context. Jesus wanted the Christians at Sardis to completely change their thinking and orientation about their indifference to the gospel.”

If they did not become an alert church, Jesus promised, “I will come like a thief” echoing His words in Matthew 24:43, where He speaks of His return like a thief in the night. If this church did not become, and remain, alert to their sin, Christ would return unexpectedly and judge them based on being a dead church instead of a church alive with God’s Spirit.

The Everyday Application

2) How would the commands in verses 2-3 make the church alive?

Be alert, strengthen, remember, keep, repent. These commands were for Sardis, but are also for us and our respective local churches. What is most wonderful about Jesus’ Shofar call to Sardis is that He gave them a plan, which means He had not given up on them. He hasn’t given up on us either! If the shofar call hits home for your heart, be alert, strengthen, remember, keep, repent!

“Great believers are not believers who never fail. They are believers who know how to get back on track. David failed miserably by committing adultery and murder, yet he returned to a dynamic fellowship with the Lord. (2 Samuel 11, 12, Psalm 32, Psalm 38, Psalm 51) That is what made him great.” (Verse by Verse Commentary) While David did not have this blueprint for reviving his faith and relationship with the Lord, we do. Like David, we can return to, and restore, a vibrant fellowship with the Lord.

Leaning again on Imago Dei Church Raleigh, here are some practical things we can do:

Encourage the weak by Word, example, and prayer.
Receive the gospel gladly – over and over again.
Keep treasuring it; keep being thankful for it; keep guarding it; keep proclaiming it (the gospel)
Repent of your cowardice, secularism, and your lack of commitment to the Great Commission.

Another good place to find practical applications of these commands is right here at Gracefully Truthful. I suggest the following Journey Themes: Devoted, Surrender, Kneel, Training, and Follow.

The Original Intent

3) What makes the “few” mentioned in verse 4 worthy to walk with Christ?

The few. As we read this, we should think remnant or “A small group of people who remain faithful to God, despite widespread unbelief or faithlessness around them. God preserves a remnant in order to ensure a renewed and restored people in the future.” (BibleGateway) The few were those in the church of Sardis who remained in fellowship with Jesus and were not part of the “walking dead” in the church. Ellicott’s Commentary says it like this: “Their praise is that, in the deathlike, self-complacent lethargy around, they had kept earnest in the pursuit of holiness, and had not forgotten Him who could cleanse and revive.”

According to Enduring Word, walking with God “…is the greatest reward Jesus can give His followers. The Christians in Sardis who forsook the sinful compromise of their city would be rewarded with a closer, more intimate walk with Jesus. This reward is ultimately a better motivator than the fear of punishment or ruin from our sin.”

For those in Sardis who held fast to the Word and did not become complacent or rebellious, they gained sweet fellowship with Jesus in the present. We must note how this reward is only possible because of the finished work of the cross. Jesus’ work makes worthiness possible and by staying aligned with the Word, believers are rewarded.

The Everyday Application

3) What makes the “few” mentioned in verse 4 worthy to walk with Christ?

Whenever I hear the word worthy I think of Ephesians 4:1-3, which not only urges us “to walk worthy of the calling you have received” but then tells us how to do just that. There is also Colossians 1:9-12 instructing us to “walk worthy of the Lord” we are “fully pleasing to Him: bearing fruit in every good work, and growing in the knowledge of God”. (verse 10)

Got Questions fleshes this idea of “worth” out in this way:
“The word worthy has the idea of “matching up”: our actions should match our words, and our outward presentation should match our inward convictions. To “walk worthy” of our calling means to live up to that calling, to live in such a way as to honor God as we complete His course of action for us.”

In other words, what is on the outside should match what’s inside and vice versa. In the writing community, it’s equivalent to showing the reader, don’t just tell them.

Lest anyone think this idea of worthiness hinges solely on them, reflect on this from Got Questions, “The command to walk worthy of our calling does not mean that we are to somehow merit or earn our position. Rather, […] believers [are] to live their lives so as to prove they belong to Christ. They are to maintain a fidelity to Christ and live with integrity.”

This is what Jesus, through John, was promising. Believe in My work, rest in My work, remain in Me and you will be rewarded. Aren’t we so glad it does not depend on us but on the Lord Himself? Praise Him!

Tags :

Christ,church,death,King,life,Revelation,righteousness

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Journey Study

“Write to the angel of the church in Sardis: Thus says the one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: I know your works; you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead.

Be alert and strengthen what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before my God.

Remember, then, what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent. If you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come upon you.

Join The Journey!

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Study the GT Focus Journey Theme in book format!

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Shofar Day 10 Dear Believers In Sardis

January 30, 2026 by Candy Trosper Leave a Comment

Shofar Day 10 Dear Believers In Sardis

Candy Trosper

January 30, 2026

Broken,Confession,Courage,Fervent,Follow,Healing

Read His Words Before Ours!

Revelation 3:1-4
Matthew 24:36-44
Matthew 26:36-41
Daniel 7:13-14
1 Timothy 6:20-21

As we begin to read Revelation 3, Jesus calls Himself, “the One who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars[.]” (Revelation 3:1) Earlier in Revelation, we learned these names reference both the perfect work of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ life, as well as His ultimate authority over angels and the Church. (Isaiah 11:2, Revelation 1:20)

Sardis was a powerful society, playing a prominent role in the ancient world as the capital city of Lydia. They are credited with pioneering coined money. The technological, economical, and cultural innovations developed in this town influenced everything around them.

So, it would have shocked the ancient world for Jesus to call them out! Sardis was thriving culturally and looked alive and vibrant; however, they were dead spiritually and Jesus was calling them into life.

Jesus’ call to repentance demonstrated both His wise, all-knowing insight into their true spiritual condition and His deep care for the people. In loving kindness, He was pointing out their sin so they could return to Him. (Romans 2:4) Overflowing with mercy and grace, God wasn’t executing immediate judgement but offering a chance to repent and surrender themselves and their ways to the King.

“Be alert and strengthen what remains,” their Savior urges. “Remember, then, what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent. If you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come upon you.” (Revelation 3:2-3)

The idea of active watchfulness in anticipation of Jesus’ return is woven throughout the New Testament. For example, early Church apostle and preacher Paul tells his fellow Gospel worker, Timothy, to guard what was committed to his trust: the Gospel of Jesus. (1 Timothy 6:20-21) Paul warned Timothy to be mindful of what he was allowing to influence him.

Value fidelity to the Gospel, Paul encouraged his friend, above the empty praise of people and the siren songs of wealth and status. (1 Timothy 6:17-19) Such temptations would be especially hard to overcome for the inhabitants of Sardis, a city renowned for accomplishment and affluence.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus Himself instructed His followers to watch and pray so we don’t fall into temptation and so we can be ready for His return. (Matthew 24:36-44, Matthew 26:36-41)

When He comes, He will bring judgement to those who have rejected Him; the opportunity to repent and follow Him will no longer exist.

However, we still have time right now!!

In order to heed the call to watch, we must first heed the call to surrender our lives to Him.

We do this by believing He came to earth from heaven to die on the cross, taking onto Himself the punishment our sins deserved. As a result, He gifts us His righteousness so we may be reconciled to our Father. (2 Corinthians 5:20-21)

The story gets even better; several days after His death, His disciples discovered His empty tomb! (Matthew 28) In recent years, some have suggested that even the way His burial linens were arranged in the empty tomb point to His intended return. Soon after, the resurrected Jesus appeared to many of His followers before ascending into heaven. Friends, He is alive and coming back!

Jesus won victory over the powers of sin and death, and now we have the privilege to walk with Him in victory when we confess with our mouth and believe in our hearts He is the Son of the living God! (Romans 10:9) We then need to repent (turn away from our sin), ask His forgiveness, and actively follow Him.

When we do this, we are adopted into the family of Christ! This makes YOU a child of the living God! Once we are His, we can heed the call to watch for His return and guard our hearts. I encourage you to spend time with Him. We have the privilege to participate in a deep and intimate relationship with the One Who was dead and is now alive!

As I read God’s words to the church in Sardis, I was reminded of a friend who appeared to be spiritually alive, doing “all the right things.” However, my interactions with this friend revealed a heart depending on works, rather than faith in Jesus. I don’t want this for my life, or for yours, sisters! I want us to live secure in our salvation by grace through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9), so we can heed His call to guard our hearts as we actively await His return!

“Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!”
(Revelation 3:6)

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church,death,Good Works,life,Revelation,righteous

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Christ’s indictment of the church as having a reputation for being alive but being dead is reminiscent of His condemnation of the scribes and Pharisees. In Matthew 23:27, Jesus called the religious leaders whitewashed tombs.

“Whitewashed tombs means […] tombs or mausoleums that have been covered with white paint, so they ‘look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean’ (Matthew 23:27).

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Shofar Day 9 Dear Believers In Thyatira: Digging Deeper

January 29, 2026 by Melodye Reeves Leave a Comment

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!

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)

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idolatry,King,Revelation,worship

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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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