Devotional for Thursday, February 3, 2022
Smyrna was once considered one of the most important cities in Asia. They called it "the crown of Asia" and it was indeed a charming city. But it was also a city where the Christian church suffered the cruelest persecution. So serious was the persecution, that the risen Christ, in his message to the believers in Smyrna, chose not to condemn anything but to give words of hope. Was there no sin in the church of Smyrna? Were its members, its doctrine, it’s Christian practice perfect? Of course not, but the Savior, in His all-compassionate love for our brothers, had a message of encouragement: “I know your works, and your tribulation, and your poverty.” During difficult times, the worst thing that can happen to a person is to feel alone. Christ is said to the church “You are not alone. I have a compassionate understanding of what you are going through; and still, you will have to go through a greater trial. But if you are faithful, if you remain firm in what you have believed until the end, then you will have eternal life and receive a crown of glory.”
Written by Antonio Corrales,
Translated by Maria Elena Cardona
Morning Revelation 2:8-11
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
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 1 Peter 4:12-19
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
Prayer Guide: [E.U. Diócesis Norte-Raleigh] and [Guatemala-Asunción Mita]
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: Leviticus 20, 21, 22
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