He Who Overcomes (Dec 27)

He who overcomes:

                              I will give the right to eat from the tree
                                    of life, which is in the paradise of 
                                    God,

                             Will not be hurt at all by the
                                   second death,

                             I will give some of the hidden manna. I
                                   will also give a white stone with a
                                   new name written on it, known only
                                   to him who receives it,

                            I will give authority over the nations,

                            Will be dressed in white.  I will never blot
                                  out his name from the book of life,
                                  but will acknowledge his name before
                                  my Father and his angels.

                           I will make a pillar in the temple of my
                                  God

                           I will give the right to sit with me on my
                                 throne
                                           From Revelation 2-3 NIV

The above promises in reference to the seven churches in Asia Minor, were given by God, to John, during a captivity on the Greek island of Patmos.  John loved Asia Minor, now Turkey, for he served as a missionary there.  The Greek island of Patmos allowed John to clearly see Asia Minor, however while he was captive, there was no way for him to reach that land he loved.

The promises were given to those who were able to overcome.  Some definitions of the word 'overcome' include; to defeat in competition or conflict, to prevail over by mental or moral effort, and to overpower as with emotion.

In our daily walk, we have so much to overcome.  The only hope we have in our effort to overcome is to look at the cross, to realize what Jesus has done for us on a moment by moment basis and to be encouraged, strengthened, and comforted as we follow the Spirit's guidance.

The seven churches of Revelation had good and bad features.  Two churches; Sardis and Laodicea, had no commendation.  These cities are now only ruins.  Two churches; Smyrna and Philadelphia, had no condemnation.  These cities are now bustling cities with different modern names.  Four churches, had both commendation and condemnation.  The examples of history from these churches show how important it is to follow the Lord's guidance closely.

Pray to see and folllow the Lord's will on a moment by moment basis.

In Christ,

David P