Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Revelation 2:13-17

I know where you live-where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city-where Satan lives.

Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.

Mighty One with the sharp double-edged sword,
You are armed and dangerous, and know exactly where to find me - at Satan's throne, in Sin City where a slew of spiritually sick people have been successfully seduced by his sly schemes. Starving for a cure, the Master of Shams has gladly supplied us with some sweet sounding solutions to assuage the cravings of our hearts.

In an era of empowerment, he has us believing that we are in control of our destiny, and able to overcome any and all obstacles to achieve success. Surreptitiously, he suggests if we'd just work harder we'd feel less guilty and be more prosperous. Desperately looking for quick answers to complex problems, he's effectively enticed us to spend billions of dollars on shallow self-help programs that are simply clever semantics that redefine ancient ails. On every corner there is a fabricated substitute for genuine love and compassion. Keeping us pre-occupied and self-centered is his grand plan.

You know it's a daily battle to remain strong and healthy in a world where spiritual sickness is epidemic. The pressure to compromise our faith is paramount and often leads us to unwittingly make concessions. In the church Your Word has been distorted, diluted, and denied. The truth has been forsaken for a pack of sweet sounding lies. O Mighty One, You are the only helper and healer of this strain of heart disease. Help me develop a strong sense of discernment so that I will follow the inerrant remedy prescribed in the Book of Life for healthy living in a sin sick society.

When You come, and it could be soon, the war will be won with the words from Your mouth. Inflicting vengeance on the swindlers, You'll swiftly divide the healthy from the dying. Those who are strong can expect to receive the Bread of Life and a brand new name because of Jesus. Blessed assurance! Amen.


If you have an ear on the side of your head bend it toward your heart and listen to Jesus. He knows you live in Sin City where a slew of spiritually sick people are being successfully seduced by Satan's smooth sounding lies. He knows how hard it is to survive and remain strong in faith when the truth has been distorted, diluted, and denied. Yet if you follow His prescription for living in a sin sick society, He promises you hidden manna, the Bread of Life, and a brand new name in heaven.

What will your name be? I hope mine is Gloria Joy.

Are you looking for a shortcut or solution that's easier than surrendering to Jesus? Most people are, but He is the only One who can help and heal ailing hearts. His way is never easy and never short, but it's always right and always leads to a rich reward.

Listen to the Lord and be blessed!

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