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Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. All of these churches have something that's not perfect in God's eyes. Goes to show us that nothing on this earth that's perfect. So if you're looking for a perfect church, you're not going to find it. We only become perfect when we get to heaven. Thank You Papa for loving us perfectly in our imperfection iJna.

This verse is repeated so often, I believe it would behoove us as believers to take heed to these words. We must listen closely to Him Who holds the seven stars in His right hand...; to Him Who is the First and the Last...; to Him Who has the sharp, double-edged sword...; to Him Whose eyes are like blazing fire...we must hear what the Spirit is saying to us and not dismiss it willy nilly. We learned about Jesus' life in the gospels, and then we were given detailed instructions regarding His church and how we are to conduct ourselves as "the Body of Christ." Now He's letting us know through His evaluation of the churches of Asia Minor, that many of the "local churches" are falling short. He/She who has ears to hear, let them hear what the Spirit is saying..."

O LORD please give us open ears to hear your command. In Jesus name. Amen

Everything written here are exactly what happen to the current churches, Like Ephesus, many have fallen away from their faith. Like Smyrna many are suffering for their faith, and will be persecuted even more harshly. Like Pergamum and Thyatira, some churches hold on to false teachings, not the gospel of truth that Jesus died to give us, but the teachings of Satan and lead the people to sexual immorality. Hear what the Spirit says and repent for God is faithful and forgive if we earnest seek Him. If we persevere until the end, we will receive what is promised: eat from the tree of life, not be hurt by the second death, hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written on it, and will have authority over nations, and more.

I pray that my eyes, ears and heart are open to the opportunities that you place before me Lord so that I may fulfill your will.

Pray that all our churches have ears to hear.

This chapter reveals the position of the Church today. How far are we removed from what the early Church represented? This message was given to John before he died, when the Church was still young. How far have we came from the Church Christ instituted in this age? Very far I'm afraid. Christ called his Church to be pure without blemish. Tolerance is now a by word, The Church is asked to compromise it's foundational beliefs to accommodate social desires. How can we continue to expect God's blessings when even His people have strayed so far. This chapter of Revelations is not an afterthought but a warning to our Churches today. God bless.

Jesus sends a commendations to the churches where they are on track but a harsh warning in the areas they fail in. I believe, as I've said before, that we need more preaching and teaching regarding the book of Revelation. It is a deep book and many seem to set it aside because is a warning to the church. There is much religiosity in the church today, things that are man made rituals and that were not laid out by God. Lord, I pray You will awaken the church, being all of us who profess Christ, to the things that damage us and many that are ritualistic habits that are of no real value, and often harmful to us. Help us, Lord, to seek after You and experience Your presence and a fresh infilling of Your Holy Spirit. Amen

How would Jesus evaluate me and my church today ... am I remaining strong in my faith and works or am I drifting and becoming weaker and need to repent?