God * brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name * is with us – we need not fear * is the Lord – apart from Him, there is no Savior.

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Revelation 3 records the letter dictated to John by Jesus to the church in Philadelphia. This church was the target of intense persecution, a tool used by those belonging to the enemy to bring harm to God’s people. Although the people of this church had “little strength,” they endured their circumstances patiently. The letter opened with beautiful descriptions of Jesus – “holy and true,” the One “Who holds the key of David,” the One Who “placed before (them) an open door that no one can shut.” Jesus knew that this weary church had kept His Word and hadn’t denied His Name. He encouraged them to “hold fast.” To know that Jesus knew of their situation and cared for them so deeply surely stirred their affections for Him and bolstered their resolve to remain faithful in their trials. Jesus knows your situation. He knows of your weariness. He also knows that in your exhaustion, you still cling to Him. He knows your faithfulness, and He promises rich rewards to you – just as He promised rich rewards to a worn, weak, but faithful church in Philadelphia. – TV

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Every follower of God is gifted with a unique personality and with specific traits intended by Him to be deployed for the good of His people. Moses was a rescuer. David was a warrior. Isaiah was a prophet. Ask the Lord to help you discover what your own gifts are, and ask Him to give you opportunities to use them for His glory and for the blessing of others. God’s Holy Spirit will equip and accompany you on the grand adventure of living for Christ! - TV

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As you consider Jesus, there comes a point of decision. Who will reign on the throne of your heart? You may choose to live as your own king, but choosing this path leads to idolatry. You may sit on the throne, but insecurity will ultimately rule. Control, self-autonomy, and a host of other issues will constantly attempt to usurp your “power.” Or you can choose the Jesus way. His way is peace, joy, hope, love, and grace. Respond to Jesus as Peter did: “Lord, to Whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68) Let the rightful King rule your life with grace and truth. – TV

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Creator God, I praise You today for equipping me to be physically aware of Your work and presence. The gift of my senses helps me to experience Your love and care for me in very real and tangible ways. I love that You delight to bring me delight! You bless me with good things so that I can “taste and see that (You are) good.” (Psalm 34:8a) I’m “the aroma of Christ among those being saved,” “the fragrance of life.” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16) My ears are sensitive to the leading of Your Spirit: “Whether (I) turn to the right or to the left, (my) ears will hear a voice behind me, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” (Isaiah 30:21) At the end of each day of creation, “(You) saw that it was good,” (Genesis 1), and You’ve given me the gift of sight to take in the grandeur of Your handiwork. Dearest and most precious to me is the sense of touch, for with the hands of a mere man, the resurrection of Jesus was confirmed. Thomas responded with obedience to Jesus’ instructions to touch Him, to see His hands, and to put his hand into the side of Jesus. The blessing He gave is one I receive with joy: “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:27-29) All of these sensory experiences give me a foretaste of heaven – dining at the marriage supper of the Lamb, breathing the fresh air of heaven, listening to angel choirs (and joining in the worship!), being awestruck at the radiance of the new heaven and the new earth, and feeling the welcoming embrace of my Savior! God, Your goodness overwhelms me! All I can do is praise You in the beautiful Name of Jesus! Amen.

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“I want to be a more serious-minded Christian, more detached from this world, more ready for heaven than I have ever been in my whole life. I want an ear that is sharp to know the voice of the enemy, whether it comes from religion, politics or philosophy…I would rather stand and have everybody my enemy than to go along with the crowd to destruction. Do you feel that way?” – A.W. Tozer

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“I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow My decrees and be careful to keep My laws. They will be My people, and I will be their God.” – Ezekiel 11:19-20