Text: Revelation 2:10

Further Reading: Revelation 2:8-11

Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Revelation 2:10 NKJV

MESSAGE

Can the present modern church endure persecution? Are we prepared for what is coming against the Christian faith worldwide? The Bible while describing the mad rage of the devil in this end time says:

Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”
Revelation 12:12 NKJV

Revival is now for the church or else, many will deny their faith in Christ. Don’t you see how the enemy is systemically targeting every godly family? He began by separating families, sending fathers to the gutters and streets, convincing people they could be of any sexual orientation, and now declares that anybody can be what they call themselves even though it’s not true.

Unfortunately, many churches in the West are accepting these ideas because the church is fast asleep while the enemy is camped right within our congregation. The truth is that apart from the softballs that satan is throwing now, more physically damaging persecution is coming, and only a living and vibrant church can survive.

God must send us revival so that we can be holy again, the church must be clean of its messes, and the people of God must be washed anew and transformed by the power in the blood of Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. Nothing below this will help now or ever.

To better understand what is coming to the church, take a look at our reading of the day. You will see the troubles that came to the Smyrna church. But because this church was a living and faithful church that did not bend even in the face of the greatest persecutions. Jesus promised to give the crown of life to the overcomers.

Notice that the early revived church was only able to survive the ferocious attack of the devil because the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. Even in the face of death, Holy Ghost-filled brothers like Stephen were faithful till the end.

This is a time to ask God for a fresh baptism with fire. The Spirit of God must brood again on the church and bring to life dead Biblical doctrines and values. Never forget that God is willing to give His Holy Spirit to those who thirst and hunger for Him.

REFLECTION

For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring.

Isaiah 44:3 NKJV

Meditate on this promise and pray!

PRAYER

Father, please send your revival fire upon me and Your church today.