Today’s Bible reading is Revelation chapter 2
(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)
The book of Revelation opens with a message from Jesus to seven churches in Asia Minor. The seven stars that John saw certainly must be the seven pastors. It is a great comfort as a pastor to know that the One who calls and cares for us holds us in His right hand. God gives pastors their ministry assignments, and He will provide what is needed for them to be useful. Pastors serve the church under God’s directives. God gives the message and the messenger to each congregation. John not only saw seven stars, but also he saw seven golden candlesticks. These represent the witness or effectiveness of the the seven churches. Jesus warned the church to repent and return or else He would remove its candlestick. The threat of the church losing its effective witness was the result of the church leaving its first love. Jesus accused them of not loving Him or loving each other the way they once did. When love goes cold in a church it will lose its power and witness.
Prayer: “Dear Father, revive our hearts and renew our love for You and for each other. May we a bright witness for Your glory. In Jesus name. Amen.”
Randy J. McPheron
T.H.E.M. 