Daily Devotional – August 28-September 3
August 28 – Meditating on God’s Word
This devotional series offers less content but more opportunity for you to reflect, contemplate, and pray through the short Scriptures we offer. It is an opportunity to help us slow down and enjoy time in the presence of God. It is an exercise in listening with the intent of hearing from God through His Word and by His Spirit. Here is the passage for the week:
Revelation 3:11-13, I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. 13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Prayer: “Jesus, we are grateful for Your promise that You are coming back. Help me to have the mindset that Your coming is soon. May it motivate me to hold on to my faith so that I will be victorious in the end. I want to be in Your loving and holy presence for all eternity. You will stamp upon me the name of God, the name of my new address, and Your new name. That gives me full assurance that You want me and that I belong to You. Help me to hear what the Spirit is speaking to the church today so I will be obedient to the finish. Amen.”
August 29 – Meditating on God’s Word
Revelation 3:11, I am coming soon…
Write out the Scripture. (As it is or in your own words.)
“I am coming soon…”
Observe what it is saying. (Answer the who, what, when, where, why, and how questions)
These verses were spoken by Jesus through the Apostle John to the church at Philadelphia which was located in modern Turkey. It was a good church in the fact that Jesus did not have to speak any correction to them. Instead, he told them they had been faithful by keeping His word and not denying His name. He promised them they would not go through the coming tribulation. Instead, Jesus promised that He’s coming soon. God’s timing and our timing may be measured by different clocks. However, we hang on to this core belief and expectancy that Jesus is on His way to make all things right and good one day soon!
Relate it to your life. (Connect how this Scripture speaks into your life today.)
To live with the idea that Jesus is coming soon is to live with a sense of urgency in proclaiming the glorious kingdom message and refusing to allow this world to diminish my joy.
Do something. (Pray it. Live it. Act on it.)
“Jesus, thank You for Your promise that You are coming soon. I want to be ready. By the presence and power of Your Spirit, give me a receptive mind and a responsive heart that are prepared for You at a moment’s notice. Come Lord Jesus come! Amen.”
August 30 – Meditating on God’s Word
Revelation 3:11, … Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
Write out the Scripture.
“…Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
Observe what it is saying.
In light of the fact that we live with eager anticipation that Christ is coming soon, we want to hold tightly to our faith in Christ. We cannot let anyone or anything become more important than the very life we have in Christ. He alone provides the crown of eternal life that one day will be placed upon us as though we were royalty, which we are! We’re His royal priesthood of believers. Don’t settle for anything less than the fantastic value God has stamped on you.
Relate it to your life.
When I see myself through Christ’s eyes, then I won’t settle for anything less than His vision and plan for me.
Do something.
“Jesus, help me to hold on to You and to the remarkable vision of who I am in You. By the power of Your Spirit, I refuse to trade in the crown that You have won for me. Amen.”
August 31 – Meditating on God’s Word
Revelation 3:12, The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it…
Write out the Scripture.
“The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it…”
Observe what it is saying.
Pillars in a physical temple are strong and imposing to provide beneficial support to the whole structure. For those who hold on to their faith to the end will find themselves in the victory circle. They will be rewarded as one of the permanent features in God’s temple which is created by the presence of faithful believers who enjoy eternity in God’s glorious presence.
Relate it to your life.
I am being prepared here to be one of many pillars in the eternal temple of God.
Do something.
“Jesus, I choose to be faithful unto victory so that I can enjoy your beauty forever. Amen.”
September 1 – Meditating on God’s Word
Revelation 3:12, I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.
Write out the Scripture.
“I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.”
Observe what it is saying.
Following the devastating earthquake of 17 AD, Philadelphia was temporarily renamed Neocaesarea “Caesar’s new city”) out of gratitude for the emperor’s aid. Jesus promised these followers a new name, identity, and citizenship revealing that they unashamedly belong to Him.
Relate it to your life.
When I belong to Christ Jesus, I take on His name and identity and become a citizen of heaven.
Do something.
“Jesus, as I persevere in faith with you, I have Your name and the city to which I belong tatooed upon me. I joyfully belong to You, and I want the world to know it! Amen.”
September 2 – Meditating on God’s Word
Revelation 3:13, Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Write out the Scripture.
“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Observe what it is saying.
Jesus spoke these words to all seven churches in Revelation 2-3. He spoke similar words in His ministry to the crowds, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” In other words, whoever has a discerning spirit to understand and a willing heart to be obedient to His message. Christ’s message to these churches is still relevant today and must be heeded for us to be victorious.
Relate it to your life.
Obedience to Jesus isn’t an option if I take my discipleship seriously in preparing for my eternal destination.
Do something.
“Jesus, give me understanding and a willing heart that is obedient to You in every way. Amen.”