Christian Commentary Encouraging Devotions

Seven churches received messages in the Book of Revelation...

1) You walked away from your first love.

Turn back! Recover your dear early love. No time to waste.

2) Don't quit, even if it costs you your life. Stay there believing.

3) Why do you indulge that Balaam crowd?

Don't you remember that Balaam was an enemy agent, seducing Balak and sabotaging Israel's holy pilgrimage by throwing unholy parties?

And why do you put up with the Nicolaitans, who do the same thing?

4) Why do you let that Jezebel who calls herself a prophet mislead my dear servants into Cross-denying, self-indulging religion?

Know that appearances don't impress me. I x-ray every motive and make sure you get what's coming to you. 

5) I see right through your work.

You have a reputation for vigor and zest, but you're dead, stone-dead.

Up on your feet! Take a deep breath!

Maybe there's life in you yet.

But I wouldn't know it by looking at your busywork; nothing of God's work has been completed.

Your condition is desperate.

Think of the gift you once had in your hands, the Message you heard with your ears—grasp it again and turn back to God.

You still have a few followers of Jesus in Sardis who haven't ruined themselves wallowing in the muck of the world's ways.

They'll walk with me on parade! They've proved their worth!

6) I've opened a door before you that no one can slam shut.

You don't have much strength, I know that; you used what you had to keep my Word.

You didn't deny me when times were rough.

And watch as I take those who call themselves true believers but are nothing of the kind, pretenders whose true membership is in the club of Satan—watch as I strip off their pretensions and they're forced to acknowledge it's you that I've loved.

Because you kept my Word in passionate patience, I'll keep you safe in the time of testing that will be here soon, and all over the earth, every man, woman, and child put to the test.

I'm on my way; I'll be there soon.

Keep a tight grip on what you have so no one distracts you and steals your crown.

7) You're not cold, you're not hot—far better to be either cold or hot!

You're stale. You're stagnant. You make me want to vomit.

You brag, 'I'm rich, I've got it made, I need nothing from anyone,' oblivious that in fact you're a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless.

Here's what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that's been through the refiner's fire.

Then you'll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven.

You've gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see.

The people I love, I call to account—prod and correct and guide so that they'll live at their best.

Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God!

Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I'll come right in and sit down to supper with you.

Conquerors will sit alongside me at the head table, just as I, having conquered, took the place of honor at the side of my Father.

That's my gift to the conquerors!

Revelation 2,3