Father, I am grateful that I have You in my life. You are loving, correcting, forgiving, supporting, patient, and kind. That list could go on and on. You are there for me in absolutely every aspect of my life. I never have to seek You out for You are always with me. I am truly blessed!
Revelation 2:12-16 (<<click green)
This passage, Lord, has a timely message for all believers not just when it was written but throughout every age. The world offers so many enticements and we are tempted to experience every one of them. Those around us, who are of the world, go on and on about how wonderful and fulfilling they all are but…it is a lie.
The Apostle John states in 1 John 2:15-17,
Do not love this world nor the things it offers you… For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
Lord, You said that the city of Pergamum was a “city where Satan has his throne.” The city was the center of worship for not just one but four “gods” and was full of all kinds of enticements. Like our world, one could probably not turn a single corner without finding some kind of lure that would lead them away from You, Lord.
You have called us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39) but that does not mean we are to do what they do. We are to love them in spite of their actions…the same as You do for us.
Lord, help me to stand up against the enticements that this world offers and to see them for what they are…empty…and deadly – for they just want to drive a wedge between You and me. Enable me to remain faithful to You. Only with Your help can I succeed. Amen.
July 9th, Sun, 6:23 am
