This morning after attending a Republican breakfast meeting, I headed to Denver for the annual “Colorado Gives Day” rally on the west steps of the Capitol. The rally to promote this event is something I started six years ago when the goal was to raise one million dollars in 24 hours for Colorado nonprofits. Last year over one million dollars was raised per hour in a 24 hour period. “Colorado Gives Day” is the “brainchild” of Community First Foundation and has been supported by First Bank and other sponsors and the local Denver media. Governor John Hickenlooper read a proclamation at the event. There were all kinds of nonprofits, including Teen Challenge, represented and even a choir singing holiday carols.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “People say that you are alive, but really you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what you have left before it dies completely. I have found that what you are doing is less than what my God wants. So do not forget what you have received and heard. Obey it, and change your hearts and lives. So you must wake up, or I will come like a thief, and you will not know when I will come to you.” Revelation 3:1-3 NCV

As the message comes to the Church in Sardis we see a stark contrast with other churches to this point. Each church so far has had commendable aspects, but was troubled by the presence of false teaching or practices. The Church in Sardis was living an illusion. They had a reputation, “people” had the impression that they were alive, but in the eyes of Him who holds the “seven spirits and seven stars” they were dead.

In the final analysis it doesn’t matter what others believe, it doesn’t matter what you believe about yourself, what matters is the Lord’s opinion? What does He see? What does He say? A friend of mine once told me he had found that working in the highest positions of major corporations, that ” It isn’t the “job you were doing” that matters. What mattered was “how your boss viewed, you were doing your job.” At times that could go both directions. The issue is, human judgment is often incomplete and inaccurate. But the Lord’s assessment is always true.

To this lazy and lethargic church; one that was resting on its reputation, the Lord says, “wake up!” This church did not need “new” revelation. They needed to just remember and apply what they had already received and heard. The danger they were in was having the Lord return when they were not ready. Just like the five foolish virgins in Jesus parable, or Jesus parable about the landowner; the “master” would return when they were not expecting it. They thought the would have time, but they did not.

As the Lord looks at this church He says, “…a few there in Sardis who have kept their clothes unstained, so they will walk with me and will wear white clothes, because they are worthy.” (Rev. 3:4 NCV) Instead of a few being the source of false teaching and sin, this church has only a few that have remained faithful. To these the Lord has special words of encouragement and promise.

“Those who win the victory will be dressed in white clothes like them. And I will not erase their names from the book of life, but I will say they belong to me before my Father and before his angels.”  (Revelation 3:5 NCV)

We can not “coast” our way into the “pearly gates.” We need to be focused and vigilant in our life and even more so as we see the last days approach. From time to time we need an evaluation. We need to look to the Lord and ask Him to search our hearts.

We read in scriptures, “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?..”I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives….” (Jeremiah 17:9-10 NLT)
John in his first letters said, “…we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.“ (1 John 3:20 NIV)

It takes courage but we need to allow the Lord to “search our hearts.” We need to be willing to hear the truth about our lives. For some your personal estimate may be less than the Lord’s. For others it may be better than what the Lord would say.

I found the words of a song that include this call,

Today has been an interesting day. I have been working on an online course on the Constitution and Declaration of Independence through Hillsdale College. I also worked on my lesson for tomorrow nights men’s group. I am also trying to monitor some periods and times of fatigue. This could be some residual symptom of the West Nile or some lingering affects of the Myasthenia Gravis. I am looking forward to an active week ahead. I have three trips to Denver on my calendar.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “You let that woman Jezebel spread false teachings…I have given her time to change her heart and turn away from her sin, but she does not want to change. So I will throw her on a bed of suffering. And all those who take part in adultery with her will suffer greatly if they do not turn away from the wrongs she does. I will also kill her followers. Then all the churches will know I am the One who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you for what you have done.” Revelation 2:20-23 NCV

As the message comes to the Church of Thyatira, the “eyes of fire” and “feet shining like bronze” of the resurrected Christ are the focus of attention. This is the God who sees what we don’t want Him to see and goes where we don’t want Him to go. His steps are sure and firm and His eyes penetrate the darkness of any situation or life.

This is a church of love, faith and patience. It is a church that continues to “do more” for the Lord. However, there is a toleration of false teaching and evil practices. The responsible party is referred to as “Jezebel.” Jezebel was the famed “Queen of Evil” during the days of the Old Testament kings. Her evil had an impact on her husband, King Ahab of Israel and on the nation of Judah as well.

Since the Church was not responding with correction, the Lord was preparing to “step in” and to judge those who were guilty. Perhaps the “love” and “patience” of these believers allowed them to be slow to judge and condemn. But as they coddled carnality, the Lord was prepared to take action they had failed to take.

What is interesting is with the metaphor of an Old Testament person of evil, we find an Old Testament outcome of God’s judgment. ” Then all the churches will know I am the One who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you for what you have done.” (Rev. 2:23 NCV) In the Old Testament prophets we see a repeated statement from the Lord, that as a result of His judgment the people would, “know that He is the Lord…”

Those who have been faithful are to continue in their service to the Lord. As a result of their faithfulness they are promised not just victory or the prospects of overcoming or receiving a reward, but the promise of ruling and reigning over nations with Christ.

The promise of Revelation  20:6 says, “Blessed and holy are those who share in this first raising of the dead. The second death has no power over them. They will be priests for God and for Christ and will rule with him for a thousand years.”

Just as false prophets were a plague to God’s people in the Old Testament, that threat will continue until the last days. It calls for God’s people to be continually on guard. It calls them to continue to be people of love, faith and patience. To continue to grow in their service while maintaining constant vigilance. In the words of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, “His truth is marching on.”  He is coming soon and His reward is with Him. (Rev. 22:12)

This morning I attended a town hall meeting with my local State Representative. The topic was on palliative care and hospice. However, it was interesting to see the questions and comments that focused on a bill to allow for “assisted suicide” in Colorado. I am thankful for those who “spoke up” for life in the face of some sneers and negative reaction. After my meeting Debbie and I took at tour of the new Morning Star assisted living facility. It was very nice and we looked at it for the possibility of serving the needs of my mother.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…You have some there who follow the teaching of Balaam. He taught Balak how to cause the people of Israel to sin by eating food offered to idols and by taking part in sexual sins. You also have some who follow the teaching of the Nicolaitans. So change your hearts and lives. If you do not, I will come to you quickly and fight against them with the sword that comes out of my mouth.”  Revelation 2:14-16 NCV

As the message of the resurrected Christ is communicated to the Church of Pergamum, the Lord appears as one with a sharp two-edged sword from His mouth. We read in the Book of Hebrews, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12 ESV)

As the Lord appears to this church, He is ready to perform spiritual surgery. There appeared to be an interesting mixture of believers in this church. First of all there were those who stood for their faith in Christ even when one of their members was martyred. They refused to deny the name of the Lord. But as the same time there were those whose lives did not match up to the proclamation of their faith.

Their actions are described as being like the children of Israel who were lead astray in the wilderness and began to mix worship of idols along with sexual immorality. Also, there were those who followed false teachings. It seems the Nicolaitans held to a teaching similar to that of the sin of Balaam. Instead, they held that it was part of their freedom in Christ. They viewed Christian grace and liberty as license to sin.

What is interesting is the Church of Pergamum was “where Satan has his throne.” It is important to be on guard. For those Satan cannot defeat, he will work to render ineffective. The confusion and compromise that comes from false teaching and compromise is as serious as defeat. In politics if someone who is opposed to you does not vote, that is a victory. Spiritually, these believers were holding strong to their faith, but compromised actions were neutralizing their corporate influence.

Jesus was calling those who were compromising to repent. If they did not act, He was preparing to act. They would be confronted with not just the truth but the One who is Truth. They would realize how important the truth they believe and profess is to their actions.

Paul spoke of Christ’s love for the church and said, “…Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.”  (Eph. 5:25-27 NLT) The Lord is looking for a pure and holy and fully devoted Church.

Those who repent and are true to Christ receive this promise, “I will give some of the hidden manna to everyone who wins the victory. I will also give to each one who wins the victory a white stone with a new name written on it.” (Rev. 2:17 NCV)

It appears that the “hidden manna” and “white stone” speak of insight and access. False teaching is often based on some “new revelation or insight.” Jesus is saying “If you want true revelation” stay close to me and my Word. A white stone was often used in Roman times to gain access to certain events. It was like a “ticket” that allowed entrance. It is possible that this is a picture of access and privilege into the Lord’s presence in fulfillment of being faithful to Him to the faith you proclaim and in the life you live.

What we see in this message is a church that must be on guard against compromise. That is why Paul admonished the Ephesian elders to,  ^“Be careful for yourselves and for all the people the Holy Spirit has given to you to oversee. You must be like shepherds to the church of God, which he bought with the death of his own son. I know that after I leave, some people will come like wild wolves and try to destroy the flock. Also, some from your own group will rise up and twist the truth and will lead away followers after them.” (Acts 20:28-30 NCV)

Just as political leaders take a pledge to “guard, protect and defend the constitution from all enemies foreign and domestic” the Church and its leaders must be on guard against threats that come from our spiritual enemy whether from the “outside or inside” the church.

I ended my week as I began it; a day without scheduled appointments. That provided me an opportunity to work on editing my book and some other projects. I did get to the fitness center for a late afternoon workout. Next week the schedule will be pretty full, so it was good to have this type of day.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “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 for ten days. But be faithful, even if you have to die, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10 NCV

In the letters to the churches, the Church of Smyrna stands out as the exception. The words to this church do not contain the condemnation of any action or attitude. Smyrna is the persecuted church. Those facing suffering for the cause of Christ need hope and encouragement and that is what we see in Christ’s words.

We see hope offered because of who Christ is. Christ addresses these saints as, “The One who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again…” (Rev. 2:8 NCV) These words come from the “highest” authority. Christ reminds those in Smyrna not only of his eternal nature, but also of His identification with their suffering and the one who has experienced resurrection. In Christ, they have the example of one who was faithful, endured and was raised to life.

These saints are known by Christ. He says, “I know your troubles and that you are poor, but really you are rich! …” (Rev. 2:9 NCV) The Lord allows these suffering saints to know that He is aware of what they are facing. He also knows what others don’t. To people they were “poor” but in Christ’s eyes they were “rich.”

Christ was aware of their suffering past, present and future. Jesus told his followers, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” (Matt. 5:11 NIV) He also warned them, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.“ (John 15:18 NIV)

The Lord warns them to be prepared for what is coming, “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 for ten days.” (Rev. 2:10 NCV) They had suffered and were to be prepared for more, but their time of suffering would one day come to an end. It would be limited.

A reward was waiting for those who endure. “….But be faithful, even if you have to die, and I will give you the crown of life. “Everyone who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. Those who win the victory will not be hurt by the second death.” (Rev. 2:10,11 NCV)

Those who suffer are encouraged and reminded to “be faithful.” There is a reward for the faithful. Even in the ultimate display of faithfulness, “being faithful unto death”, there is the promise of something better. Someone once observed, “You can’t kill a Christian, you can only change his address.”

Victory is determined by those who are “standing when the battle is over.” The final judgment people will face is at “The Great White Throne” judgment. (Rev. 22) Those who have died are raised to life to account for their deeds. Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life are cast into a lake of fire. The Lord gives the assurance to these suffering and faithful followers that this is not an event they need to be concerned about. They instead will find themselves “ruling and reigning with Christ.” (Rev. 20:4-6)

These words of Christ to this suffering church are a good model for us in responding to those who suffer. They don’t need correction or condemnation. Instead they need hope and encouragement. They need to know the Lord is with them, the He understands and the He will see them through as they are faithful in all that they are facing and will face.

After my morning conference call, I visited with some of the staff of Serve 6.8 about the upcoming, “Colorado Gives Day” event. Next Tuesday, is the annual emphasis for online giving for Colorado nonprofits. Serve 6.8 is the nonprofit based at Timberline Church that built my handicap ramp and did so much to support my recovery. If you would like to join me in a gift you can do so at https://www.coloradogives.org/Serve68/overview

I have enjoyed connecting with the Berthoud Chamber of Commerce in recent weeks. This is a great group of local business people. Today was their holiday lunch with an interesting, Christmas bazaar of gifts from local businesses.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But I have this against you: You have left the love you had in the beginning. So remember where you were before you fell. Change your hearts and do what you did at first.”  Revelation 2:4,5 NCV

The Book of Revelation is written to the seven churches of Asia Minor. In each  message is a commendation, a condemnation and a call to repentance with an accompanying reward.

The Church of Ephesus had great devotion. They did many good things, but in their doing, their love for the Lord had lost its edge. Deeds inspired by love, became routine and ritual. In calling them to renew their love, we find steps that are important for love to be renewed to any relationship.

Remember. Jesus called them to stop and reflect on what, “it was like at the beginning.” It seems just as some “fall out of love” with a mate, they had done so Jesus. They were to consider, what happened and when and why in their relationship with the Lord.

Repent. They were not just to be “sorry” for their state or to ask forgiveness, but to change their attitude and behavior. That is true repentance. Repentance leads the way to change.

Renew. The way back to your “first love” is to “do what you did in the beginning.” That may be more time with the Lord. Time in prayer, in His word, time in worship. There is a saying that I heard years ago that says, “you act your way into a better way of feeling.” In human relationships it is tricky because often “feelings of attraction” serve as the motivation to begin a relationship. But soon the calls, time together, gifts and other “acts of love” have a significant impact on the “feelings.” When a young mother gets up in the middle of the night to feed a newborn, she is not captivated by intense “feelings of love.” But as she feeds and cuddles the baby, it begins to respond and she begins to feel different.

How important is our love for the Lord? The warning for failure to change is this, “….If you do not change, I will come to you and will take away your lampstand from its place.” (Rev. 2:5 NCV) That’s pretty serious! But we need to remember that “religion” is about ritual; but being a Christ follower is about, “relationship.”

The promise to those who hear and respond is equally encouraging, “…To those who win the victory I will give the right to eat the fruit from the tree of life, which is in the garden of God.” (Rev. 2:6 NCV) Access, fellowship and privilege are the rewards and benefits of love. Our work for the Lord will one day come to an end, but our relationship with the Lord and the pleasure of His presence is what eternity is all about.

Broken relationships are painful. Restored relationships are fulfilling. We find here a key to our lives that can be applied to our relationship with the Lord and others. Remember, repent and renew.

After some work at home, I headed to Denver for some meetings near the Capitol. I then went to visit my mom. I’m glad I am able to ambulate more effectively than one year ago.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then another horse came out, a red one. Its rider was given power to take away peace from the earth and to make people kill each other, and he was given a big sword.” Revelation 6:4 NCV

As I heard the news of the today, another mass shooting in southern California, I couldn’t help but think of this verse from Revelation. In recent weeks we have seen the terrorists attacks in France, a shooting in Colorado Springs and then in a matter of days an horrific shooting in southern California. This is all in addition to what seem to be daily episodes in the large cities of our nation.

We are living in a day of fear and uncertainty. It seems to be a day when “peace is being taken from the earth.” It is difficult for us to know where are in the  precise timeline in relation to the events of Revelation. It is easy to read our own perspective into what we read. The “rider on the red horse” has typically be viewed as nation against nation more than people against people.

But as we see in our current day, that is not required for there to be a lack of peace in people’s lives and on the earth. The sources of unrest are many, from conflicts in the inner city to the threats of crime and terrorism. We see gun sales on the rise as gun control is touted as the answer to the evil in hearts and the distortions of the mind.

I recall having a difficult time believing the Columbine tragedy could be more than an isolated and one time type of event. But it seems that event opened a floor gate of violence that has taken place in an escalated manner with in recent years. This is in addition to growing concerns over worldwide terrorist attacks.

Jesus talked about nation against nation and earthquakes and famine and said, “All these are the beginning of birth pains.” (Matt. 24:8 NIV) Perhaps that is what we are experiencing at this time. But the events of our day should arrest our attention to what the Lord wants us to know and affirm in our lives.

I believe we need to remind ourselves that God is in control. He is not confused and from God’s perspective the world is not outside of His control. In the most challenging of times, we like Isaiah can see the Lord,

“….. sitting on a very high throne…Heavenly creatures of fire stood above him…Each creature was calling to the others: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord All-Powerful. His glory fills the whole earth.” (Isa. 6:2,3 NCV)

We need to remind ourselves that the Lord is our source of peace. Jesus reminded His disciples, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

We need to live our lives ready for whatever may happen. It is true, we don’t know what “tomorrow may bring.” Jesus told us, “don’t be anxious about tomorrow…” (Matt. 6:34)

I am thankful that when the world seems to be out of control, we can focus on the One who knows the beginning from the end. When peace is taken from the world, we can know the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Today ended up being the opposite of yesterday as far as activity. I attend my Tuesday morning prayer time at Everyday Joe’s and then return home to take care of some work. I then attended a Rotary meeting in Loveland followed by a meeting with former State Rep. Jim Welker. I then headed back to Everyday Joe’s for a “town hall” meeting with one of our City Councilors and the off to my Chiropractor appointment. I’m glad for no evening appointments.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The One on the throne said to me, “It is finished. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give free water from the spring of the water of life to anyone who is thirsty.”  Revelation 21:6 NCV

I like the parallels that we see in various concepts in scripture. Each of the phrases in the verse above have a connection to other Bible passages and are significant in God’s plan of redemption.

“Is it finished.” These three words are usually associated with Jesus’ final words uttered on the cross. They signaled the end of His life on earth and the culmination of the sacrifice that was need to make the forgiveness of sin available through God’s grace and faith in Christ. At the cross the demands of the Old Covenant were completed. God’s promise of salvation as finished.

With each “it is finished” is a beginning of that which is new. The cross was the transition point, the entry point from the old to the new. Now at the end of the age we see another declaration by God the Father that “it is finished.” What is finished? We see the judgment on the world is completed and God’s redemption of the world is complete. The old world is gone and the new heavens and new earth are coming down from God.

“I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.” These words describe the self identification of the resurrected Christ that was in John’s vision at the beginning of the Book of Revelation. It was a declaration of the God who always was and is and will always be. The beginning of the world took place at His command and the end of the human age takes place at His command. This declaration is found again at the end of the Book of Revelation. The beginning of the book and the end of the book find these powerful and important words to remind us of who God is, what He does.

“I will give free water from the spring of the water of life to anyone who is thirsty.” In a land of dry, arid conditions, nothing speaks of life like a “spring of water.” We see springs of water flowing from the rock in the wilderness.

Before those days, we see the wells dug by Abraham and the spring that provided refreshment to Hagar and Ishmael. In Isaiah we see the invitation, “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” (Isaiah 55:1 NIV)

We see Jesus words to the woman at the well in Samaria, “…whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 14:4 NIV) Now, at the culmination of all God’ work of redemption for all people and the world, is the promise of “water from the spring of the water of life…”

We then see the picture of the “river of life” flowing from God’s throne, even as Ezekiel saw water flowing from the Temple, the place of God’s presence. (Ezekiel 47)

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life. It was shining like crystal and was flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the street of the city. The tree of life was on each side of the river. It produces fruit twelve times a year, once each month. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of all the nations.” (Revelation 22:1,2 NCV)

The perfect “garden” of God’s creation is once again described. This time it is not just for Adam and Eve to enjoy, but for all “the offspring from Adam”- those of all nations and times who have committed their life to Jesus Christ. What a glorious picture, what a glorious future, what a wonderful savior!