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To the Church in Smyrna

8 “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9 I know your affections and your poverty. - yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you; the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. 11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.

 

When reading these verses and having to recap in two words I would resounded say HAVE FAITH! The words state to us to stay strong and remember the promises we have been given as believers.

In all of our lives, we continue to be challenged in our daily walk. From these words we receive encouragement to all who listen to what the Holy Spirit says to the churched. We not only READ the promise and accept it into our hearts, but we try desperately to HEED the words and take it and act upon it!

James 1:25 states it well “being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”

May we all challenge ourselves today to heed the call of Jesus to know the promise is forever and act on it in all we do. May we find strength when we are facing daily acts of challenge.

Dear Lord, We pray Lord for our hearts to stay strong in your promise and know that we are filled with your blessing even in times of despair. We thank you each day for allowing us all to know we are rich in your presence and know the promise of life with your forever. Amen

Linda Saddler sadd4@aol.com