DECEMBER 24 - PROPHECY TO THREE CHURCHES
READ Revelation 3
Jesus gives prophetic messages to three additional churches.
INSIGHT
To the church in Sardis, Jesus offers a strong rebuke. He calls them "dead" and warns them to recall their initial response to the Gospel and repent. However, He also commends those few who have not defiled themselves. The Lord also commends the church in Philadelphia for having kept His command to persevere. Because of that, He will keep them from the hour of trial that will come upon the whole world. Perhaps the most frightening message goes to the church at Laodicea. Because their works are "neither cold nor hot" but lukewarm, Jesus says He will spew them out of His mouth. Their wealth has made them complacent and Jesus urges them to repent.
PRAYER
Thank the Lord that He cares enough not to let us drift and praise Him for His correction:
The Lord is righteous in all his ways
And faithful in all his acts.
The Lord is near all who call out to him,
All who call out to him with integrity.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
He hears their cry for help and saves them.
My mouth will declare the Lord’s praise;
Let every living thing
Bless his holy name forever and ever
(Psalm 145:17-19, 21).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Now pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Let the arrogant be put to shame
For slandering me with lies;
I will meditate on your precepts.
Let those who fear you,
Those who know your decrees, turn to me.
May my heart be blameless regarding your statutes
So that I will not be put to shame
(Psalm 119:78-80).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation about Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept silent for long ages to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ — to him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 16:25, 27).
Jesus gives prophetic messages to three additional churches.
INSIGHT
To the church in Sardis, Jesus offers a strong rebuke. He calls them "dead" and warns them to recall their initial response to the Gospel and repent. However, He also commends those few who have not defiled themselves. The Lord also commends the church in Philadelphia for having kept His command to persevere. Because of that, He will keep them from the hour of trial that will come upon the whole world. Perhaps the most frightening message goes to the church at Laodicea. Because their works are "neither cold nor hot" but lukewarm, Jesus says He will spew them out of His mouth. Their wealth has made them complacent and Jesus urges them to repent.
PRAYER
Thank the Lord that He cares enough not to let us drift and praise Him for His correction:
The Lord is righteous in all his ways
And faithful in all his acts.
The Lord is near all who call out to him,
All who call out to him with integrity.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
He hears their cry for help and saves them.
My mouth will declare the Lord’s praise;
Let every living thing
Bless his holy name forever and ever
(Psalm 145:17-19, 21).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Now pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Let the arrogant be put to shame
For slandering me with lies;
I will meditate on your precepts.
Let those who fear you,
Those who know your decrees, turn to me.
May my heart be blameless regarding your statutes
So that I will not be put to shame
(Psalm 119:78-80).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
- Love for others
- Missionaries in New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific islands
- Your activities for the day
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation about Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept silent for long ages to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ — to him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 16:25, 27).
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