Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Listen to “Thoughts in Worship 01.30.2018” on Spreaker.
This is devotional thought number 65 in our devotional series, God’s Promises are Sure!
“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” (Revelation 3:21).
In the River. On the Bank.
Living an “in the river, on the bank” lifestyle is nauseating to God. In the same way lukewarm water turns most people’s stomach when drunk first thing in the morning, a lack of full commitment nauseates God’s spiritual sensibilities.
God can work with those who hate Him. He came to save those who were hostile toward Him. Jesus, in due season, died for the ungodly. God can work with those who love Him and keep His commandments. These people have been transferred from the kingdom of hatred and darkness to the kingdom of love and light.
However, some people halt between two (spiritual) opinions or lifestyles. They who are comfortable with a form of godliness instead of surrendering all, make it difficult for God to work with them. Pride characterizes their thoughts and deportment. They do just enough to feel connected to Godlike things, but do not go all in.
When You Have No Zeal
For these folks during the Laodicean church era, Jesus provided the following antidote: “Therefore I counsel you to purchase from Me gold refined and tested by fire, that you may be [truly] wealthy, and white clothes to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nudity from being seen, and salve to put on your eyes, that you may see. Those whom I [dearly and tenderly] love, I tell their faults and convict and convince and reprove and chasten [I discipline and instruct them]. So be enthusiastic and in earnest and burning with zeal and repent [changing your mind and attitude]. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me.” (Revelation 3:18–20, AMP).
God wanted to give His people faith that worked by love and purified the soul (like fire), the righteousness of Christ, and spiritual eyesight/discernment. Further, He wanted to give them a relationship with Himself. If they would simply heed His entreaties to repent and allow Him into every aspect of their lives, He would dwell in them and feed them the Bread of Life continually.
Empowered
Overcomers are special to God, because it was for this purpose Jesus gave His life. He came to find the lost and save us. Jesus came to show us the right example so we could follow in His footsteps. He came to empower all to live above sin by simply taking hold of His strength and serving Him according to all He commanded.
Those who overcome pride, self, doubt, and sin will soon function in the fullness of their authority. Jesus promised a position in His future throne of glory in the same way He now occupies His position in His Father’s throne. It does not get any better than this!
God is preparing a place for all who will trust Him in all things. We are now a kingdom of royals and priests before God, but then the manifestation will be known. He will give us everlasting vigor, judgment, and authority. We will have crowns and new names written in our foreheads. He will give us final rest. As I said, overcomers are special to God, because it was for this purpose Jesus gave His life. The mouth of the Lord has spoken.
