Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 2, 2015
Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me [Jesus], dressed in white, for they are worthy. Revelation 3:4
Three or four times a week Rita and I walk together in our hilly neighborhood. Our purpose is not to train for an Ironman, but to increase our heart rate and decrease our stress. On the level stretches or when we gingerly step downhill, we take turns talking about what we like the best and the least about our week. Our conversation tends to complement real hurts with hopeful healing. We discuss (sometimes debate!) topics like financial management and calendar coordination. We walk together so we can share and understand each other’s thoughts and feelings.
John, the Apostle of Love, compliments the few among the church in Sardis who have remained pure in the face of impure peer pressure. This remnant was just enough spiritual salt to preserve a dying body of believers. This local church was not persecuted because it was in a spiritual coma. Scripturally incoherent and void of prayer, these church attenders were not a threat to the enemy’s strategy to silence the church. But the few who really knew God, walked with Jesus. Though imperfect now—they looked forward to perfection in heaven. Purity makes us worthy of glory.
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
Is your walk with the Lord contingent on circumstances or does it transcend all situations? It’s not enough to just go to God when the going gets rough. Your spiritual health needs attention at all times. Consistently walk with Jesus on the level, less stressful stretches of life. Hold His hand on the downhill steps of success—then you are better prepared to persevere in prayer up the steep hills of adversity. During treacherous ascents—Christ, the experienced mountain climber—pulls you up by the secure ropes of radical trust. Perseverance requires one step of faith at a time.
You are God’s seasoning for the salvation of souls. Some within your church congregation are not saved. You are planted by the Holy Spirit to be a loving reminder as an authentic follower of Jesus. Your greatest mission field may be those you worship with on Sunday morning. Look for opportunities to initiate friendships. Invite acquaintances into a small group to study the Bible. Do life together, so when life happens you are available to help out. Life is preparation for the next life. Christ desires His bride, the church, to be adorned in a dress without blemish. As the sun reflects its brilliance off pure driven snow—your purified soul will one day reflect God’s glory!
“On the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed” (2 Thessalonians 1:10).
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I desire to walk with You through the ups, downs and level stretches of life.
Application: Who needs my life investment in preparation for the next life?
Related Readings: Genesis 5:24; Joshua 22:5; Luke 24:15; 2 Corinthians 12:18
Post/Tweet this today: You are God’s seasoning for the salvation of souls. #walkwithJesus #WisdomHunters
Worship Resource: 10 minute video- Jenn and Brian Johnson: You Can Have It All Lord
Check out Boyd’s most popular book a 365 day devotional Seeking Daily the Heart of God. Order now!
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision. Learn how to help.
Our free Apple app Our free Android app
© 2015 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
