Devotional for Wednesday February 23, 2022
Morning Revelation 3:1-6
Noon Psalm 2
Evening 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
The church at Sardis had a good image. To those from the outside, Sardis was the perfect church. Its name was heard from afar, and it was set as an example for the rest of the Christian communities. Possibly, many wanted to visit Sardis to be part of this ideal church. But Christ, who knows all things and whose eyes are like flashes of light that search even the deepest darkness, knew the truth about that church: "I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead". In our time, image is very important. Many people in important positions invest thousands of dollars in procuring an artificial image in line with their pretensions to power. Just as today, infected by the world around us, we tend to be guided by appearances and the fame of one church or another or different pastors or preachers. Many go from one congregation to another as if they were coffee shops, looking for the latest ecclesiastical attraction, without realizing that what counts is not what others think of us, nor what we think of ourselves, but what Christ thinks of us. The Lord has the last word and He will show the truth; may it be in time to rectify and turn to Him, only in this way we will reach eternal life.
Written by Antonio Corrales
Translated by C.D.R. Sunza
Morning Revelation 3:1-6
1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Noon Psalm 2
1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision.
5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
Evening 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Prayer Guide: [México-Xalapa] and [Colombia-Corozal]
February's challenge: Show love, not only with words but with deeds, to your relatives, to your spiritual brothers and the neighbors. Give them flowers, make a donation when needed, write something special to them, help the needy, feed the hungry, etc. Pray for this daily.
Annual Bible reading: Deuteronomy 23, 24, 25
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