I READ: Revelation 2: 8 – 11
Today we will learn what the Lord Jesus said to the church in Smyrna. This church experienced much suffering while in attendance. They were persecuted because they preached the Gospel. They were also despised and slandered by false teachers and their followers as they stood in Christ’s truth. The Lord strengthened them and told this church that if they stay faithful to the Lord in all of their sufferings then the Lord will give them a great reward, which is the crown of life. As the church of God, these days we are also experiencing “suffering” because of the Gospel and our faith in Jesus Christ. Perhaps our friends or our family who do not know the Lord yet cannot accept that we are followers of Christ. Perhaps followers of other teachings, which are not according to the Word of God do not like us and excommunicate with us. Matthew 5: 10-12 says that blessed are those who are persecuted, reviled, and said evil against because of righteousness they will be blessed by God and they will rejoice and inherit the Kingdom of heaven in their lives in this world. The Kingdom of heaven speaks of the Lord’s power (1 Cor 4:20) and peace (Rom 14: 17). When people denounce, slander and attack us, the Lord’s power will defend our lives and His peace will comfort us.
I DECLARE: Isaiah 41: 10: Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
I DO: Today I will strengthen my faith again by praying and asking the Holy Spirit to give me new strength and by meditating and declaring God’s Word.
I PRAY: I will pray for my VIP prayer list (list of people who do not know the Lord) faithfully until their lives are touched and saved by the Lord.