Daily Strength: Encouraging Devotional Thoughts

WEDNESDAY, 7 AUGUST 2024

TEXT: Revelation 3:14-22

14. “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:

15. “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.

16. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

17. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’-and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-

18. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

19. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

20. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

21. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

22. “He who has ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’”

(New King James Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: FOLLY OF PURSUING EARTHLY WEALTH WITHOUT CHRIST

Today, many Christians have been deceived into choosing the wealth of the world over the riches that can be gotten from Christ Jesus.

The Church in Laodicea was lukewarm about the things of the kingdom of God. The members prided themselves for their wealth, textile industry and other possessions.

Those things made them look down on Christ and uplifted themselves. Jesus rebuked them and encouraged them to come and get everything they needed from Him so that they could have a better life.

No matter what we gather for ourselves in this world, we will never experience any satisfaction except we are deeply rooted in Him.

We are, therefore, encouraged to hold loosely to the things of this world and tightly to the things of heaven as we live on this side of the divide.

QUESTION: How do you view your earthly possessions?

PRAYER: Help me, dear Lord, to realize that every effort I make to gain the things of this world will amount to nothing if You are not central in my life, in Jesus name. Amen.