[In his revelation to John, Jesus said,] "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death."
—Revelation 2:11 NIV
I remember the old Wolf Brand Chili® commercials where we would see a steaming bowl of chili and a voice off-camera would say, "Neighbor, how long has it been since you had a big, thick, steaming bowl of Wolf Brand Chili®? Well, that's too long!"™ Let's apply that question differently: When was the last time you were part of a church that called all its members to fast, pray, and open Scripture and then ask God to help the church hear the message the Spirit has for them? "Well, that's too long!" Jesus challenges those who hear his message to listen intently — not just with their ears, but also with their hearts. Let's be God's people who hunger to hear what the Spirit is seeking to say to us through Scripture!
Father, forgive us — forgive me! We sometimes have not sought to hear your voice and your word and the message the Spirit has for us in that word. O God, give us a yearning to hear the message the Spirit has for our congregation so we will know how to overcome our challenges and take advantage of our opportunities. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2020 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
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—Revelation 2:11 NIV
Key Thought
I remember the old Wolf Brand Chili® commercials where we would see a steaming bowl of chili and a voice off-camera would say, "Neighbor, how long has it been since you had a big, thick, steaming bowl of Wolf Brand Chili®? Well, that's too long!"™ Let's apply that question differently: When was the last time you were part of a church that called all its members to fast, pray, and open Scripture and then ask God to help the church hear the message the Spirit has for them? "Well, that's too long!" Jesus challenges those who hear his message to listen intently — not just with their ears, but also with their hearts. Let's be God's people who hunger to hear what the Spirit is seeking to say to us through Scripture!
Today's Prayer
Father, forgive us — forgive me! We sometimes have not sought to hear your voice and your word and the message the Spirit has for us in that word. O God, give us a yearning to hear the message the Spirit has for our congregation so we will know how to overcome our challenges and take advantage of our opportunities. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2020 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Continue reading...
