I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Rev 2:9

How can people be rich when they suffer trials and tribulation and live in poverty? Oftentimes we struggle with this mindset when circumstances change, or situations become difficult. However, the riches of the world are not the riches of God. The scripture passage encouraged the early church and now encourages us when we face difficulties and hardships in our walk of faith. The ancient church at Smyrna faced more adversity, suffering and lived in greater poverty than any other first-century church. Yet their love for Christ and devotion to the gospel was unceasing and were a notable example to other churches. Though they were impoverished and troubled for their faith, they remained steadfast in the works of righteousness and pure “in obeying the truth through the Spirit, in sincere love of the brethren” (1 Pet 1:22) to minister the gospel that souls would be saved. They richly ministered the peace of God in the midst of conflict, “joy inexpressible” (1 Pet 1:8) in the midst of sorrow, contentment (Phil 4:11) in the midst of poverty, righteousness in the midst of lawlessness and evil, love in the midst of hatred, and forgiveness when subjected to offense and pain. Their works and living conditions did not go unnoticed, for Christ took notice and said to them “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty (but thou are rich).” Dear friend, the abundance of money or possessions does not elevate you in God’s sight. In fact, it only increases your obligation to be a generous steward of that wealth. “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Lk 2:48). My friend, “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Col 3:16) and focus on spreading the Father’s riches that His peace, joy, righteousness, love, and forgiveness reign in your heart and flow to others. For “thou art rich” and rich in the kingdom of heaven. Father thank You for Your love and the abundance of Your goodness and riches through Your Son, Jesus. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. John 15:15

It was good to be in the house of the Lord on the Lord’s Day. I pray that you had a wonderful worship and gathering with the saints at your church on the Lord’s Day. There is something special and comforting about a friend relationship. It is especially encouraging and strengthening to gather with a dear friend who knows you like no other. The scripture passage speaks to us about the friendship of Christ. Those who had faithfully followed Jesus, who had grown closest to Him, and willing to serve His every request, He now says “I have called you friends.” As friends, He made known to them “all things I have heard of the Father I have made known to you.” He involved them in the kingdom agenda in His earthy ministry and now assured them of His faithfulness while departed. In Jesus’ travels throughout His ministry, quite often people met Him with service and even at times, with worship. Yet, many of those who would serve Him did so out of intelligence, rather than intimacy. The reputation of Jesus proceeded Him throughout the countryside and the region. Some experienced His miracles, received His healing, or even heard His teaching. Many others heard of His greatness and His great works, though they had yet to met Him. At times some became so moved and “were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?” (Mt 12:23). They became inquisitive and inquired of Him, even believed His miracles, but were not willing to see their own need for a Savior (Jn 2:23-25). Dear friend, Jesus came into the world as a Friend to all men, that all might be saved and come to the Father through Him. For those who would draw near to Jesus and would know His friendship, first must need His salvation, and receive Him as Savior. The child of God is a friend of Christ so that “all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.” Those who trust Him as Savior, may come to know Him as a faithful Friend (Jn 15:13), “very present Help in trouble” (Ps 46:1), and One for whom “we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16). Friendship with Jesus is to all who receive Him as Savior, love Him as Almighty God, serve Him as Lord, and look to Him as soon coming King. My friend, do you know His nearness? Have you received the intimacy of His salvation? Does He call you friend? Father thank You for Your love and Your friendship through Your Son, Jesus. Let His love constrain me to delight in Him, desire Your ways, and live to His glory. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Phil 2:5

When you think of others, what flows through your mind? What are your thoughts? Are your thoughts about “What others might think of you” or do your thoughts focus on the state of others? “What are their needs?” “What are they going through and how would God have me to help or minister to them in this situation?” The natural mindset is to consider oneself first and above consideration for others. This mindset exists in the world that creates divisions, categories, and separation among people. So often we seek to sustain ourselves rather than submit and sacrifice for the well-being of others. The scripture passage introduces us to mind and attitude that the children of God are to share for one another. For all who have received salvation through Jesus Christ and have tasted the goodness of God, all are encouraged to “let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” The mind of Christ starts with faith in Christ through hearing the Word of God and believing the gospel for the salvation of one’s soul. At the moment of salvation, the child of God is “made alive” (Col 2:13) in Christ and “created in Christ for good works” (Eph 2:10). He gives us new life and a new purpose. We begin to know and understand His purpose for our lives through the guidance and teaching of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides the child of God in the Word of God to “be transform by the renewing of your mind” (Rom 12:2) to conform our thinking and our attitude to the thinking and attitude of Christ. The mind of Christ was to glorify the Father (Jn 17:4), to humble Himself before the Father (Phil 2:8), and to serve the Father’s will (Lk 22:42). Jesus and the Father are One (Jn 10:30) and His desire for us is to be one with He and the Father ((Jn 17:22). Dear friend, if we want the mind of Christ to dwell richly within us, we too must submit and obey the will of the Father through Jesus Christ. Begin anew and afresh each day in the word of God. Give yourself to abide in His word and “walk in Spirit, and…not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Gal 5:16). Soon, the mind “which was also in Christ Jesus” will “be in you” so that you love the Father, live to serve Him, and to love the brethren. My friend, do you desire for your life to reflect the mind of Christ living in you? Come to the Father and “set your mind on things above” (Col 3:2) where Christ is, and you will see Him do great and mighty things in your faith, your love for others, and your fellowship with His church. Father thank You for Your love and the transforming power of Your word. Lead me to walk in the light as You are in the light, to have fellowship with You and unity with other believers (1 Jn 1:7). In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.