DEVOTIONS
​
Monday: In 2023 it was estimated that 5,621 Christians were martyred for their faith. While most Christians we know will not necessarily face death for their faith…several folks who claim Jesus are not even wiling to witness to coworkers or friends in order to not be weird, awkward, offensive. Pray for us. Pray we step up and stand out in our faith. Pray we be willing to be faithful to the end. Good God Almighty, help me grow in my faith. Build me better than ever before. Help us lean on Your faithfulness and grow in our own faith in You. In Jesus, amen.
Tuesday: In Revelation 2 and 3 we are introduced to different churches who are commended and rebuked for their faithfulness or lack thereof. This coming Sunday we will specifically focus on the church of Smyrna. This body of believers were faithful in spite of suffering. We will spend time checking out their suffering and striving to understand their strength together. This group was suffering physically, economically, socially, emotionally. We, too, suffer in different ways at times. What must we do to grow in our faith and become stronger and even stay strong when challenges come? God, help us. You are our Rock. Help us grow in our faithfulness to You. In Jesus name, amen.
Wednesday: How could a church like Smyrna be strong in their faith? Notice their view of Jesus. This group was strong because they had the right view of Christ. They trusted Jesus as the #1 thing in their life. They knew Jesus could be trusted no matter their circumstances. How about your circumstances? Is there any where in your life right now where you aren’t quite sure Jesus can cover or help? Let’s talk with Him: Lord, cover me. Cover my struggles, cover my fears, cover my anxieties. I claim You and the peace You give. Fill me with Your goodness and help me not listen to the lies of the enemy. In Jesus, amen.
Thursday: Have you ever noticed how a child will run to someone they love or trust for help when they are scared or hurt? Why don’t we adults do the same thing? James 1:2-3 tells, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith developed perseverance.” In Psalm 119:71, king David proclaimed that it was good for him to be afflicted so that he might learn Gods decrees. It’s been said we learn best by losing. Maybe those tests and trials were given to draw you closer to The Answer. Lord, thank You for being the answer to all I need. In Jesus, amen.
Friday: “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for 10 days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life…He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death (Revelation 2:10-11).” Oh that we, like the followers in Smyrna, will be faithful to the point of death. God, help us. Strengthen us. Empower us. Build us. Use us. In Jesus, amen.
Saturday: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? (Lk. 9:23-25)” Father, help me get out of my own way. Lead me to be faithful to the very end. In Jesus, amen.
​