Letters from Jesus - 3/17/21

“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. 4 Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. 6 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Revelation 3:1-6

Questions for Reflection:

To get a letter like this would be both humbling and hopeful.. What words from letter are humbling for you?

Which words or phrases in the text are meant to inspire hope for the reader? Where is Jesus directing them to go for "hope"?

Pretend you are a member of the church in Sardis and you are hearing this letter read to the church for the first time. The leader asks each person (maybe 20 or 30 are present) to share what they think the church as a whole should do in response. When it's your turn what do you say?

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today! You the WAY, the TRUTH, the LIFE and no one comes to God the Father except through You. I thank and praise You for the passion, fervor and zeal with which you Seek me, Save me and Rescue me each day all while doing battle against evil, the evil one and all his cunning accomplices. All this you do out of love for me, for all people and for Your church. Thank you, Jesus, so very much! I praise you also for being adamant about Truth! You know that You are the only true means of Life now and forever for every person. Your way is the True way. Thank you for being a Warrior for Truth and I surrender to You! I confess honestly Jesus that I struggle at times with understanding and applying Your Truth especially when my own ego gets in the way - when I think I know what is better for me and others than You do. I need You Holy Spirt, the Spirit of Truth to lead me into all Truth. I also confess that I sometimes compromise Your Truth and Your Love in my thoughts, attitudes, convictions, actions and words as well as my moral choices and positions. Sometimes I have held on to sin and sins disregarding Your word to me. (Spend a moment confessing to Jesus specific things He is bringing to mind.) I am so very thankful, in this moment, that I can confidently ask for and authentically receive Your complete and total forgiveness solely based on Your grace towards me that You paid for all my sins. I do that now. Thank you for fighting for me even when I fight against You. Jesus, fill me afresh with Your Spirit so that I might live today, not out of my old sinful self but out of my new self, my new Life in Christ, that is in this moment of truth filled prayer being renewed and restored by Your Spirit. Today I get to trust You and live fully alive, with You as my WAY, my TRUTH and my LIFE! Amen!

Letters from Jesus - 3/16/21

“To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.’ To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’—just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give that one the morning star. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Revelation 2:18-29

Questions for Reflection:

The vivid description of Jesus in the opening line "with eyes like blazing fire and feet like burnished bronze" can be so intimidating we run from Him or so comforting we cling to Him. When Warrior Jesus is described like this does it evoke more of a sense of fear or security ... intimidation or relief? What does this tell you about your "go to" impression of Jesus?

Contemplate the idea that the image of "Warrior Jesus" instills fear in those He is fighting against but security in those He is fighting for! Where do you see yourself in your relationship with Him today? Where is He leading you to see yourself in relationship to Him?

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today! You the WAY, the TRUTH, the LIFE and no one comes to God the Father except through You. I thank and praise You for the passion, fervor and zeal with which you Seek me, Save me and Rescue me each day all while doing battle against evil, the evil one and all his cunning accomplices. All this you do out of love for me, for all people and for Your church. Thank you, Jesus, so very much! I praise you also for being adamant about Truth! You know that You are the only true means of Life now and forever for every person. Your way is the True way. Thank you for being a Warrior for Truth and I surrender to You! I confess honestly Jesus that I struggle at times with understanding and applying Your Truth especially when my own ego gets in the way - when I think I know what is better for me and others than You do. I need You Holy Spirt, the Spirit of Truth to lead me into all Truth. I also confess that I sometimes compromise Your Truth and Your Love in my thoughts, attitudes, convictions, actions and words as well as my moral choices and positions. Sometimes I have held on to sin and sins disregarding Your word to me. (Spend a moment confessing to Jesus specific things He is bringing to mind.) I am so very thankful, in this moment, that I can confidently ask for and authentically receive Your complete and total forgiveness solely based on Your grace towards me that You paid for all my sins. I do that now. Thank you for fighting for me even when I fight against You. Jesus, fill me afresh with Your Spirit so that I might live today, not out of my old sinful self but out of my new self, my new Life in Christ, that is in this moment of truth filled prayer being renewed and restored by Your Spirit. Today I get to trust You and live fully alive, with You as my WAY, my TRUTH and my LIFE! Amen!

Letters from Jesus - 3/15/21

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

John 14:1-7

Questions for Reflection:

Which one of those three descriptors (Jesus as Way, Truth, Life) is particularly relevant for you today? Why did you pick that one?

Jesus claims to be the exclusive way to the Father where real life is experienced forever. In what way does that challenge you come across to you as arrogant? In what way is it a comfort and a relief?

How does it feel that God was so gracious that He gave One way to Him and to Life and didn't give us a multitude of possibilities for us to decide or fight over?

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today! You the WAY, the TRUTH, the LIFE and no one comes to God the Father except through You. I thank and praise You for the passion, fervor and zeal with which you Seek me, Save me and Rescue me each day all while doing battle against evil, the evil one and all his cunning accomplices. All this you do out of love for me, for all people and for Your church. Thank you, Jesus, so very much! I praise you also for being adamant about Truth! You know that You are the only true means of Life now and forever for every person. Your way is the True way. Thank you for being a Warrior for Truth and I surrender to You! I confess honestly Jesus that I struggle at times with understanding and applying Your Truth especially when my own ego gets in the way - when I think I know what is better for me and others than You do. I need You Holy Spirt, the Spirit of Truth to lead me into all Truth. I also confess that I sometimes compromise Your Truth and Your Love in my thoughts, attitudes, convictions, actions and words as well as my moral choices and positions. Sometimes I have held on to sin and sins disregarding Your word to me. (Spend a moment confessing to Jesus specific things He is bringing to mind.) I am so very thankful, in this moment, that I can confidently ask for and authentically receive Your complete and total forgiveness solely based on Your grace towards me that You paid for all my sins. I do that now. Thank you for fighting for me even when I fight against You. Jesus, fill me afresh with Your Spirit so that I might live today, not out of my old sinful self but out of my new self, my new Life in Christ, that is in this moment of truth filled prayer being renewed and restored by Your Spirit. Today I get to trust You and live fully alive, with You as my WAY, my TRUTH and my LIFE! Amen!

Letters from Jesus - 3/13/21

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23

Questions for Reflection:

1. Name your enemies (focus less on people and instead on fears, challenges, etc)

2. What would it look like for God to set a table for you in the midst of your enemies?

3. What truth can you speak to your heart?

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today! You alone are Life and You have become my Life, My Hope, My Peace and My Love. I renounce all other gods and idols and ask You to take Your rightful place as the One and Only Lord of my life. Thank you for coming to rescue me from my sin, from my self, from the world and the devil. You are my Warrior King, the First and the Last, the One who died and came back to life. You are the source of all Truth! I surrender to You! I give You my “fear and fears” today! (Name and describe any fear you are dealing with.) I call forth the reign of Jesus over all my fear and trust that even if I were to lose all, including my life You still have victory in store for me – a crown of Life! I rejoice in the Life you have given me that nothing and no one can take away! Jesus, I turn to You in this moment and renounce any ways I have given in to compromise with regards to You, Your truth, our relationship and Your calling on my life. Lead me into a true and deep repentance trusting in Your forgiveness. Show me how you are working in my life and lead me into all truth especially where I am vulnerable to fear and compromise – to try to do it my way! I will follow You today – with my whole heart, soul, mind and strength. You are my victorious Savior and I am Yours! Amen.

Letters from Jesus - 3/12/21

10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom[a] you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God[b] may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:10-17

Questions for Reflection:

1. Am I okay with Jesus rebuking or correcting me?

2. What agreements about a Christian life have I made?

3. What follower of Jesus can I connect with to gain encouragement?

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today! You alone are Life and You have become my Life, My Hope, My Peace and My Love. I renounce all other gods and idols and ask You to take Your rightful place as the One and Only Lord of my life. Thank you for coming to rescue me from my sin, from my self, from the world and the devil. You are my Warrior King, the First and the Last, the One who died and came back to life. You are the source of all Truth! I surrender to You! I give You my “fear and fears” today! (Name and describe any fear you are dealing with.) I call forth the reign of Jesus over all my fear and trust that even if I were to lose all, including my life You still have victory in store for me – a crown of Life! I rejoice in the Life you have given me that nothing and no one can take away! Jesus, I turn to You in this moment and renounce any ways I have given in to compromise with regards to You, Your truth, our relationship and Your calling on my life. Lead me into a true and deep repentance trusting in Your forgiveness. Show me how you are working in my life and lead me into all truth especially where I am vulnerable to fear and compromise – to try to do it my way! I will follow You today – with my whole heart, soul, mind and strength. You are my victorious Savior and I am Yours! Amen.

Letters from Jesus - 3/11/21

2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons[a] of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:1-12

Questions for Reflection:

1. Notice how your heart feels when encountering "hard Jesus."

2. Notice how your heart feels when encountering "easy Jesus."

3. How is Jesus my Lover and my Lord? Make a list!

4. Study the list and review, is there something missing? Are there things that are more difficult than others?

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today! You alone are Life and You have become my Life, My Hope, My Peace and My Love. I renounce all other gods and idols and ask You to take Your rightful place as the One and Only Lord of my life. Thank you for coming to rescue me from my sin, from my self, from the world and the devil. You are my Warrior King, the First and the Last, the One who died and came back to life. You are the source of all Truth! I surrender to You! I give You my “fear and fears” today! (Name and describe any fear you are dealing with.) I call forth the reign of Jesus over all my fear and trust that even if I were to lose all, including my life You still have victory in store for me – a crown of Life! I rejoice in the Life you have given me that nothing and no one can take away! Jesus, I turn to You in this moment and renounce any ways I have given in to compromise with regards to You, Your truth, our relationship and Your calling on my life. Lead me into a true and deep repentance trusting in Your forgiveness. Show me how you are working in my life and lead me into all truth especially where I am vulnerable to fear and compromise – to try to do it my way! I will follow You today – with my whole heart, soul, mind and strength. You are my victorious Savior and I am Yours! Amen.

Letters from Jesus - 3/10/21

“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.

Revelation 2:12-17 NIV

Questions for Reflection:

How does the fact that Jesus "knows" us (and the reality of our situation) help us trust Him and obey Him in the middle of difficult circumstances?

Evidently Pergamum was a place of intense evil given Jesus describes it as a place where Satan has a throne. When you sense you are in a place of pervasive evil or intense spiritual warfare, in what way is the picture of Jesus described in these verses helpful?

Is Jesus as a formidable warrior your "go to" mental image for Him? Name a situation (physical, mental or emotional) you have been in lately where you needed this kind of Jesus to fight for you. How is this image of Jesus helpful?

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today! You alone are Life and You have become my Life, My Hope, My Peace and My Love. I renounce all other gods and idols and ask You to take Your rightful place as the One and Only Lord of my life. Thank you for coming to rescue me from my sin, from my self, from the world and the devil. You are my Warrior King, the First and the Last, the One who died and came back to life. You are the source of all Truth! I surrender to You! I give You my “fear and fears” today! (Name and describe any fear you are dealing with.) I call forth the reign of Jesus over all my fear and trust that even if I were to lose all, including my life You still have victory in store for me – a crown of Life! I rejoice in the Life you have given me that nothing and no one can take away! Jesus, I turn to You in this moment and renounce any ways I have given in to compromise with regards to You, Your truth, our relationship and Your calling on my life. Lead me into a true and deep repentance trusting in Your forgiveness. Show me how you are working in my life and lead me into all truth especially where I am vulnerable to fear and compromise – to try to do it my way! I will follow You today – with my whole heart, soul, mind and strength. You are my victorious Savior and I am Yours! Amen.

Letters from Jesus - 3/9/21

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:31-35,37-39

Questions for Reflection

What kind of situation or circumstance makes you vulnerable to feeling you have been abandoned by God ... separated from Christ and His love?

Try to name a time in your life when God did come through for you but in a way that was so different than you expected that you could only see it in hindsight. Was there frustration and disappointment even anger to deal with?

Looking back, in what way, if any, can you see now that God was there all along. What questions do you have for Him about that time?

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today! You alone are Life and You have become my Life, My Hope, My Peace and My Love. I renounce all other gods and idols and ask You to take Your rightful place as the One and Only Lord of my life. Thank you for coming to rescue me from my sin, from my self, from the world and the devil. You are my Warrior King, the First and the Last, the One who died and came back to life. You are the source of all Truth! I surrender to You! I give You my “fear and fears” today! (Name and describe any fear you are dealing with.) I call forth the reign of Jesus over all my fear and trust that even if I were to lose all, including my life You still have victory in store for me – a crown of Life! I rejoice in the Life you have given me that nothing and no one can take away! Jesus, I turn to You in this moment and renounce any ways I have "given in" to compromise with regards to You, Your truth, our relationship and Your calling on my life. Lead me into a true and deep repentance trusting in Your forgiveness. Show me how you are working in my life and lead me into all truth especially where I am vulnerable to fear and compromise – to trying to do it my way! I will follow You today – with my whole heart, soul, mind and strength. You are my victorious Savior and I am Yours! Amen.