Welcome to our new project, the Daily Bible Devotional. The goal is to help you understand and apply

scripture as you go through a New Testament Bible read five days a week, Monday through Friday,

as we move from Matthew straight through to Revelation. In under four minutes each morning, we will recap the chapter,

make some application, present thought questions for the day, and offer a prayer together.

I'm excited about exploring God's word with you, so let's get started.

Hello again, it's great to be with you as we continue our early portion of the book of

Revelation. Today we're in chapter 2. Jesus sends messages to the first four churches in Asia,

Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thiatira. To Ephesus, he praises their hard work and endurance,

but warns them that they've lost their first love,

and urges them to return to it. To Smyrna, he encourages them to stay faithful, despite sufferings,

and promises the crown of life. To Pergamum, he acknowledges their loyalty, but rebukes their

tolerance of false teachings, and cause them to repentance. To Thyatira, he commends their love and

service, but condemns their love and service,

but condemns their acceptance of corrupt and immoral influences within the church.

Each message includes spiritual and eternal promises to those who overcome.

The Son of God reveals that he sees every action, knows every heart,

and calls his people to holiness, truth, and perseverance through

trials. It's interesting here. These are his people, and he has challenges for them, assessment

that they need to continue to do. Jesus knows our actions, struggles, and hearts as individuals

and as local churches.

He sees both our strengths and weaknesses.

We are called to remain faithful during trials, to hold on to the truth,

...