I know where you live. That sounds like the creepy voice of a menace in a horror movie. But it's also what Jesus says to Christians in the third of the seven churches he writes to in Revelation. Jesus didn't intend for it to cause horror; he wanted it to bring comfort. He knew the difficulty of remaining faithful to him in a place like Pergamum—and a place like your town. He doesn't need Google Maps to find your address, and he doesn't need a newsfeed to tell him what's going on. He knows. He knows what it's like where you work, live, and go to school. He encourages us to remain faithful to his name and he offers repentance for the times we aren't faithful to his name and Word. Believe his promise …and get a white stone.
To receive 250-word devotions on Revelation this week, Monday – Friday,
go to st-andrew-online.org/devotions.
A paradox is a statement that seems to say two opposite things. Less is more. I'll say it again, I never repeat myself. If you're not here, raise your hand. Jesus' message to the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) is a paradox. Things are worse than they seem. Things are better than they seem. It's his message to you, too. But he's not just employing some clever literary device, he's telling the truth. We’re glad you’re here today to learn from Jesus' message to the second of the seven churches in Revelation. It's as real, powerful, and true for us as it was for them. Even if it is a paradox.
To receive 250-word devotions on Revelation this week, Monday – Friday,
go to st-andrew-online.org/devotions.
What happens when you do everything right, but you've lost your way? The work is the same, but your joy is missing. The people, the very people whom you've loved and worked alongside, you now find annoying and frustrating. You know what needs to happen, but you just don't have the energy and passion that you once had. Ever been there? Today we will learn from Jesus about how the Ephesians had lost their first love, and how Jesus lovingly calls them and us back to himself.
To receive 250-word devotions on Revelation this week, Monday – Friday,
go to st-andrew-online.org/devotions.
"Out of the depths, I cry to you O Lord." God knows your pits. He knows the darkness that resides deep within, the secrets no one else knows, and the guilt, fear, and shame that overwhelm. Psalm 130 acknowledges the darkness but points us to the one who rescues and redeems us from the very sins that have entangled. We see his forgiveness, his rescue, and his love! If sin has been holding you captive, and if doubt, fear, and shame have you covering up some sin, we’re glad you joined us to hear God's amazing freedom and love for you!
To receive 250-word devotions this week, Monday – Friday,
go to st-andrew-online.org/devotions.