“This is what you must write to the angel of the church in Smyrna: I am the first and the last. I died, but now I am alive! Listen to what I say. I know how much you suffer and how poor you are, but you are rich. I also know the cruel things being said about you by people who claim to be God’s people. But they are not really God’s people. They are a group that belongs to Satan. Don’t worry about what you will suffer. The devil will throw some of you into jail, and you will be tested and made to suffer for ten days. But if you are faithful until you die, I will reward you with a glorious life.”
Memory Verse: “I have fought well. I have finished the race, and I have been faithful.” 2 Timothy 4:7.
This church is quiet an interesting but unusual church. It’s not one of those attractive churches with fancy decorations and for a fact, one could look outwardly and almost assume that God could never dwell in such a congregation because they didn’t have anything physical to show for their faithful service to God. It looked more like a church focused on materiality over spirituality.
This church can be likened to that man spoken about in the book of John 9:2 whom the disciples asked why he was born blind? They naturally assumed the man or his parent had sinned and his blindness was a form of punishment, but just like the man, the church in Smyrna were for a fact commended for their consistency in genuine service and encouraged.
Do you think you may have aligned with this church? Is your life as a Christian consistency focused on the love of God and His people but yet it seems like the more your love the less you are loved? If this sounds like you then I urge you to move forward this year with the end time in mind.
I assure you that’s Jesus sees the hardship! He is aware of every single detail and wants you to be aware that the enemy; the devil will press even harder with the aim of derailing you because He sees the reward you stand to claim in the end.
If you have been faithful, then the risk to be aware of is that of sin which aims to derail you – “Don’t be tempted by sinners or listen” Proverbs 1:10.
The aim is not to act or look like a Christian but to live as a Christian! One worthy of the Glorious life ahead which will live forever in eternity.
PRAYERS
- Father I thank you for another wonderful year 2023
- Thank you for your purpose for me in this new year and for the grace to hear from you
- Father forgive my iniquities Lord, help me to live right before you and for you
- Let my life be full of your blessings, miracles and breakthrough this year,
- Help me to live in spiritual genuineness, worship you wholeheartedly and make my service worth of eternity
- Thank you Jesus! In Jesus mighty name I pray, Amen.
