Complete in Him

by Tammy Phillips
September 30, 2021

“And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it.” (Revelation 5:3 NKJV)

Of course my inquisitive self wants to know what is in the book that “no one” could or can open.  More importantly,  I want to know the One who can open it.  

I have not always loved to write, but I have always loved to read.  I like books.  I love my Bible because it helps me to get to know the Worthy One.  I like photo albums, picture books, scrapbooks, cookbooks, journals, inspirational reads, devotional, self-help, and history books.  I even like empty books where wisdom, thoughts and personal histories can be recorded.  You can literally find books tucked away in many corners of our home because we have run out of shelf space. 

Books impart knowledge and provide escape. Books are meant to be opened and read. In ancient times a book was a scroll. The rolls of the scroll would be on the left and the right sides.  To open the scroll, it would be unrolled. In Revelation 5 Johns sees that there is one seven-sealed-book written in heaven that “no one in heaven nor on earth or under the earth was able to open,” and it made John sad.  He wrote:

“So, I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it.” (Revelation 5:4 NKJV)

No one was found worthy to open, read or to look at it.  This disheartens me.  What is in the book?  I do not know; nobody does accept God. The thought of what might be in the book just sent shivers over my body and made me very sad.  You and I are counted in that “no one” statement.  No one except Jesus was (and is) worthy to open it.

BUT GOD…He had a plan. 

There was One who was worthy. 
There was One who was resolute.
There was One who prevailed.
There was One who had overcome.
There was One who had conquered.
There was One who had won.
There was One who was victorious.

One of the twenty-four elders told John not to weep, there was One worthy (Rev.5:5).  His name was:

The Lion of the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:9-10)
The Root of David (Isaiah 11:10)
Jesus Christ, our Lord

John was looking for a lion in the middle of the throne, but saw, standing, “a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.”(Rev.5:6)    The One and Only, worthy, prevailing, resolute Jesus came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.” (Revelation 5: 7 NKJV)

Jesus has been sitting on the throne up to this point.  When Jesus stands, we best pay attention. He stands as “a Lamb as though it had been slain.”

“This is very remarkable; so important is the sacrificial offering of Christ in the sight of God that he is still represented as being in the very act of pouring out his blood for the offences of man.” -Clarke

What Jesus did by stepping out of heaven, shedding his blood, and dying on the cross as a sacrifice for us is still very fresh in the thoughts of God.  His blood is still overcoming today.  He alone is worthy.

I enCOURAGE you to open the one book that was written specifically for us.  It is alive.  In so many different ways the Word of God continues to reveal who Jesus was, is and will always be, chapter after chapter.  Open your Bible and read about the One, the only One, who is worthy to unseal the one book that has not been opened.  He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah.  He is the Root od David.  He is Jesus.  Glory to the Lamb that was slain for you and me.

 

by Tammy Phillips
September 29, 2021

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:11 KJV)

“What is my purpose?  Why am I here?”  How many times a day are those questions asked on planet earth?  How many times have we asked those questions in the course of our lives?  The. answer is in plain sight in the black and white writing of Revelation 4:11.   Drum roll!  Are you ready?  Our purpose is His pleasure. We are and were created for the pleasure of the Lord God.

Every breath we take, every move we make, everything we do and everything we do not do, everything we say and everything we pray should bring glory to our Heavenly Father. 

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV)

How do we fulfill our purpose in life?  As created beings, the children of God, we bring glory and honor and power to God who has created all things.  It is why we exist.  We can do all things through Him and nothing without Him.  Everything we have or have ever done is to the credit of God, our Father.  Anything and everything we have is because of Him.  He deserves all the glory.  Every victory and success, His. Until we give Him the glory that He is due, we are not fulfilling our created purpose.  Wonder why so many people are unhappy? 

I enCOURAGE you to fulfill your purpose.  Whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.  I know that easier said than done, but it is our mission here on earth and in heaven.  We created for His pleasure to bring glory to His name.  

by Tammy Phillips
September 28, 2021

“Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty–the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” (Revelation 4:8 NLT)

My perception is that worship has been made to be a “churchy” word.  It is not.  I hope to paint you a different picture.  

When John saw the four creatures around the throne of God, He describes them in the best way as he could.  They were not of this world for sure.  The King James version translates the Greek word zōon as beasts.   This word is a derivative of zaō which means to live, to breath, to enjoy real life.    The four beings described were covered with eyes everywhere and had six wings. Most importantly they were alive! They were living beings with one important job in heaven.  For eternity they would lead the worship in heaven, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, the one Who always was, Who is, and Who is still to come.”  They adored the LORD.  As parents how much do we treasure the love, hugs, kisses, and words of our children? 

When the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to Him (the LORD) who sits on the throne, to the LORD who lives forever and ever, to our Life giver, and eternal Father, the twenty-four elders fall down before the LORD and wordship Him with their whole being.  They say,

“You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” (Revelation 4:11 NKJV)

If this is a picture of what we are going to do for eternity, and I believe it is, isn’t the Lord God Almighty worthy of all our worship now?    Worship leads us into His presence where minds can be changed, revelation can be revealed, healing and freedom can manifest.  Worship is God’s plan and frankly, our job forever. It not a bad “gig.”

 “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” (John 4:23 NKJV)

Since worship is obviously a part of God’s eternal plan, what is worship?  Worship in not just good music or a good song. Worship is the Greek work proskuneo.  According to Strong’s Concordance, it means to fall on the ground toward someone and to kiss; to fawn; to crouch; prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to; adore). Worship is intimate. Worship is a picture of us kneeling our spirit, mind and/or body before God.  It is revering Him.  Worship is a picture of bowing and offering an adoring, loving kiss to the One who sits on the throne.  Worship is laying it all out before the LORD.  Worship is getting lost in our Heavenly Father…all He was, is and will always be!  The living beings worship Him day and night.  We can, too, anywhere, and anytime. He sends us winks all the time, the least we can do is throw our Dad loving kisses.

I enCOURAGE you to join me and spend more time worshipping our Lord who is worthy!   His presence, there is nothing like His presence.  Without worship there is no way to truly experience God and His presence.  Plus, worship now is training for eternity.  The Lord adores us and it is only fitting as His children that we return His favor.  Throw our Dad the loving kisses that He more than deserves! 

“I can safely say, on the authority of all that is revealed in the Word of God, that any man or woman on this earth who is bored and turned off by worship is not ready for heaven.” -A.W. Tozer

by Tammy Phillips
September 27, 2021

Revelations 4

Do you travel to your favorite places in your mind?  I often close my eyes and picture sitting on the beach, feeling the warmth of the sun and hearing the waves crashing in the background.  Let’s travel to heaven today with John and pictured what it looks like.

In Revelation 4, John has already written the first vision of the churches.  He is still looking for more.  He is seeking more. He receives a second vision.   He sees a door standing open in heaven.  Then He hears a voice like a trumpet that says, “Come up her and I will show you things which must take place after this.”(Revelation 4:1) John’s perception is changed. He is now up looking around and down.  What a picture is painted in the remaining chapters of Revelation!

The first thing He sees is the best thing he will see, the One, the Only, God sitting on the throne.    In his words he paints a picture of what he sees.

1. A THRONE set in heaven. (v.2) “The heaven is my throne and the earth my footstool.” (Isaiah 66:1.) The throne is the center of God’s power and Glory.
   
   
2. ONE was seated on the throne. (v.2) The One was God.
   
   
3. He describes His SPLENDOR AND GLORY “like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance.” (v.3) Jasper is described as crystal clear in Revelations 21:1. Sardius is a ruby red color. Interestingly enough, Sardius was the first stone, and the Jasper the last stone, on the breast plate of the high priest. Jesus, our High Priest is the first and the last.  Symbolically, He shed His precious, priceless red blood, first to wash us white as snow, without blemish, like the jasper stone.  Some biblical scholars believe the jasper to be our present-day diamond.   Only God could weave His glory to shine so brightly and to mean so much.
   
   
4.  “A RAINBOW around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.” (v.3) A rainbow is the sign of Noah’s covenant. It symbolizes His mercy, faithfulness, and salvation. Why would the rainbow be emerald? Because it is my favorite stone!  I think not.  Green in earth symbolizes, vibrant life, and air and breath.
   
   
5. THE ELDERS ” Around the throne [were] twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones, I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.” (Revelation 4:4 NKJV). I do not know who the Elders are. They could represent the whole church as we are joint heirs of Jesus.  They are a picture of what God promises the redeemed.  They could be the leaders of the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles.  All I know, John saw them.  They are there and we will find out when we get to heaven.
   
   
6. LIGHTNINGS and THUNDERINGS and VOICES out of the throne (v.5). I cannot imagine the center of power of the Universe being dark, quiet, and static.God is life, and light, and all powerful.  God is awesome.
   
   
7. SEVEN LAMPS OF FIRE BURNING before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.” (Revelation 4:5 KJV). I believe these to represent the completion and perfection of God in the Holy Spirit talked about in Isaiah 11:2… “2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.”
   
   
8. SEA OF GLASS before the throne. Is this a picture of the righteous redeemed, a sea of people before the throne or an actual sea of glass or a sea that looks like glass? I am sure would have a hard time describing heaven, too. The bottom line.  We will know what we need to know when we need to know it.
9. THE FOUR LIVING CREATURES with eyes all around. (v.6-8) Each had a different face: a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle. Each of them had six wings. They had a specific job. “They are guardians of the glory and declarer of His Holiness, and of His Name.” -Billye Brimm

I enCOURAGE you to try to visualize the picture of our God in heaven seated on the throne. He is High and lifted up.  He is Lord of All. This is not an earthly sight that is easy to comprehend.  Who can comprehend God in all His glory?  It is fun to try, and IT IS what we have to look forward to.

by Tammy Phillips
SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

“The LORD is my Protector; He is my strong fortress. My God is my protection, and with Him I am safe. He protects me like a shield; He defends me and keeps me safe. He is my Savior; He protects me and saves me from violence. I call to the LORD, and he saves me from my enemies. Praise the LORD! The waves of death were all round me; the waves of destruction rolled over me. The danger of death was round me, and the grave set its trap for me. In my trouble I called to the LORD; I called to my God for help. In his temple he heard my voice; he listened to my cry for help.”  (2 Samuel 22:2-7 GNBUK)

As many of you know, on Thursday, September 23, 2021, a gunman entered Kroger on New Byhalia Road in Collierville, Tennessee and opened fire.   He injured 14 and killed one woman.

We lived in Collierville from 2010 to 2016.  We lived one mile from this Kroger and shopped there way too often.  Our first concerns after hearing about the shooting is that our friends were safe and Bridgenetta. 

Bridgenetta was “our cashier” at Kroger.  Kris, my husband, did not really shop for groceries, but he knew who Bridgenetta was.  She was always so kind.  We laughed together and even prayed together a few times in line.  She was “good people,” salt of the earth. 

Almost as soon as we raised questions about her safety, a live video surfaced of her!  She was ok!  Praise God.  I listened to her bold eyewitness testimony (I have included a link below).  In the face of the enemy, she bravely led others to safety.  In the strength of her faith, she encouraged others:

“We gonna be ok. We gonna be ok.  God’s got us. He is covering us. We gonna be ok.”

I know from our past conversations that she has strong faith in God.  On September 23, the gunman took a life and injured many people, but Bridgenetta did not let him steal her faith in God.  She had the utmost confidence in God, her Protector, her Covering and her Salvation, as she ran to safety and led others with her as well. 

I know she was confident in the word of God, when He says that He is our protection and covering.  This world is crazy and gets crazier every second.  I pray that your eyes are opened to what is really happening in this world.  I pray that your confidence is in God alone.  I pray that no matter what you are going through that you can have the same confidence and courage as Bridgenetta.  Find strength in her words and know:

“We gonna be ok. We gonna be ok.  God’s got us. He is covering us. We gonna be ok.”

KNOW AND BELIEVE the word of God:

“The LORD is your protector;
The LORD is your shade on your right hand.
The LORD will protect you from all evil;
He will keep your soul.” (Psalm 121:5, 7 NASB20)

“The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV)

 “Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. ⁴ He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth [shall be your] shield and buckler. ⁵ You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, [Nor] of the arrow [that] flies by day,” (Psalm 91:2-5 NKJV)

I enCOURAGE you with some of the final words of Bridgenetta’s interview,  after bravely encountering the enemy gunman who was attempting to steal her life, she said, “I’m shaky, but I am ok.  I’ve got God on my side.  I’m ok.”    

God is on our side.  He is on our front side, back side, right and left sides.  Confidently, trust Him, no matter what you are going through.  Bridgenetta did and she came out safely on the other side.  She  stated in her interview that next week will mark her thirty third anniversary with Kroger.  I believe when the doors open back up to Kroger in Collierville, Bridgenetta will not be fearfully sitting at home, afraid to go back to work.  I can almost guarantee her brave, courageous self will be standing at her register with the same sweet face that always greeted each customer. Don’t be afraid to go back in and see her.  Pray for her, everyone that was in the store that day, and their families. 

“The LORD is your protector; The LORD is your shade on your right hand. … ⁷ The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.” (Psalm 121:5, 7 NASB20)

https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/watch-kroger-cashier-who-ushered-people-outside-recounts-what-she-witnessed-during-shooting/20bde2e6-400d-46d6-843c-f4262467540c/

by Tammy Phillips
September 25, 2021

The LORD has such a sense of humor.  As I was compiling the Names of Jesus in the list below from chapters 1-3 of Revelation, I envisioned the Savior.  He was standing with arms outstretched like an opera singer, singing a song, and holding the last note for a very long time.  I could hear Him sing, and boldly declare, “I am Jesus Christ. I am the First and the Last.  I am the Amennnnnnnnnnnnnn!”  Holy Spirit showed me that the book of Revelation is like a fermata that facilitates the cadenza, the brilliant, virtuosic display of Jesus Himself as King of kings, in the final paragraphs of our love letter from the Lord. 

No!  I did not know the word for “holding the last note of a song,” but I searched and found it.   Fermata is that word.  It is from the Italian word, fermare, which means to stay, stop, hold, or pause.

Can you see Jesus standing, magnificently holding the last note, and masterfully revealing His virtues to us, verse by verse?

Another name for a fermata is corona or Italian, for crown. Every king is crowned. Daniel 7:13-14 and Revelation 14:14 tells us Jesus will be crowned King of kings and then He will return to earth to rule and reign. Satan inspired men to mock Jesus in a fake ceremony where they crowned Him with thorns (John 19:2-5).  Satan is still trying to fulfill His plan to instill fear, to steal, kill and destroy with his own corona. He is getting a lot of press right now, BUT GOD!  Thank God, we know how the book ends.  Jesus won, Jesus wins and Jesus will always win!

Jesus is holding the note for a little while longer. He is still revealing His amazing self to us before His coronation and imminent return.   Can you hear Him in the first three books of Revelation (that is as far as I have gotten.  He says more in chapters 4-21.) ?

I AM…

Jesus Christ (1:1,2,5,9; 12:17; 22:21)
He Who is, and Who was, and Who is to come (1:4,8)
The Faithful Witness (1:5)
The First Begotten of the Dead (1:5)
The Prince of the Kings of the Earth (1:5)
The Alpha and Omega (1:8,11,13)
The First and The Last (1:8, 11, 17)
The Beginning and the Ending (1:8)
The Almighty (1:8)
The Son of Man (1:13)
He that lives and was dead (1:18)
He that holds the seven stars (2:1)
He who walks amidst the golden candlesticks (2:1)
He who has the sharp sword with two edges (2:12)
The Son of God (2:18)
He which searches the reins and hearts (2:23)
He that hath the seven Spirits of God (3: 1)
He that hath the seven stars (3:1)
He that is Holy and True (3:7)
He that has the key of David (3:7)
He that opens and no man shuts (3:7)
He that shuts and no man opens (3:7)
The Amen (3:14)
The Faithful and True Witness (3:14)
The Beginning of the creation of God (3:14)

I enCOURAGE you to hear the sweet melody of our precious Savior revealing Himself to you Name by Name.  Be encouraged.  He is the Champion.  He is the soon and coming King.  To God be the Glory! 

 

by Tammy Phillips
September 24, 2021

“Finally, all [of you be] of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, [be] tenderhearted, [be] courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9 NKJV)

Until Jesus set me straight a few years ago, my motto was like many others, “You do you, and I’ll do me.”   I had a very small group of friends.  I liked it that way and believed the small circle was all I needed.  I did not let people in because, in general, I did not trust people.   Jesus welcomed and loved all.  He provided me with a little, transformative, attitude adjustment.  He opened and expanded my circle with 1 Peter 3:8-9, we are called to:

• Be like minded and be together in understanding.
• Have compassion for one another and have a “fellow-feeling.”
• Love as brothers.  Be friendly, like a brother.
• Be tenderhearted.  Have a heart full of mercy and kindness.
• Be courteous.   Be humble minded and friendly of mind
• Don’t return evil for evil. 
• Be a blessing.  Give a good word.

These were learning points for my attitude alignment.  They are now my goals but not always achieved!   I am embracing this word from the Lord.  Now, I welcome new people into my world instead of having the “you do you and I’ll do me” attitude.

I have only known Kirsten Licari for six months, but because of our husband’s profession, our lives have often intertwined.  She exemplifies the person spoken of in 1 Peter 3:8-9.  Kris and I recently had dinner at the Licari’s home.  She not only had lemons on the table, but also perfectly cut wedges of lime.  I know you are thinking, so what?  I do not drink beer, wine, alcohol, nor sodas.  My drink of choice is ice, cold, refreshing water with lime.  At some point, Kirsten took note that I liked limes.  She chose to bless me with a simple gesture from her tender heart that spoke “good words” to me.    What did her blessing say to me?  “You are welcome here.  I am personally interested in what is important to you.  I hear you.  I paid attention.  I care.”  Yes, I heard all that from the small plate of lime wedges.  There are people who have been around me all my adult life that might not have recognized, nor cared about by affinity for limes.  She did and it blessed me.

Little things do mean a lot.  Small gestures can turn someone’s day around.   We never know what a smile, a hug, an opened door, a kind encouraging word, a listening ear, or a simple act of kindness will mean to the person on the receiving end. 

I enCOURAGE you to prepare “a small plate of lime wedges” for someone.  Be compassionate.  Have that “fellow-feeling” for someone who is hurting.  Share brotherly love.  Be tender hearted and courteous.  If someone is short with you, maybe do not be short back.  (I hate to even write those words because you know what is headed my way, a short person.)  Be kind.  Be a blessing!  Remember, we are called to be a blessing, so that we may also inherit a blessing.  Give someone a good word that needs a good word.  Share a lime! 

by Tammy Phillips
September 23, 2021

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. ¹⁹ “And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”” (Matthew 16:18-19 NKJV)

We have studied “the Church” in the Revelation letters for most of the last ten days.  I do not know why the Holy Spirit did not remind me to talk about what the church was, is, and is not.  Let’s chat about it now.

The word “church” or ekklesia, first appears in Matthew 16:18-19. Ekklesia is the Greek word used for church in the New Testament.  It is a compound of the Greek words ek and kaleo. The word ek carries the idea of out, an exit or a separation.  The word kaleo means to beckon, to call, to invite, or to summon. When these two words unite, we get, ekklesia, those who are called out and separated to a prestigious assembly.   According to Greek Bible scholar, Rick Renner, in book  “A Light in he Darkness,” the Ekklesia was/is:

“a called, separated, and prestigious assembly; used to denote a prestigious assembly of distinguished Athenian citizens who determined laws, debated public policy, formulated new policies, argued and ruled in judicial matters, elected the chief magistrate of the land, decided who should be banished.  To be selected from society and invited to join this assembly was a great honor; in the New Testament, it depicts  the body of believers who have been called out, called forth, separated, selected, and assembled to be God’s representatives in every town, city, state, or nation; it is a body called to make decisions that affect the atmosphere of a region.”

Ekklesia, the CALLED-OUT ONES, a word borrowed from the city of Athens. The Greeks and Romans were called out ones to rule in a region.  We are God’s privileged and honored people who are called out to assemble and rule in the spirit realm. When we follow Jesus, we become children of the Most High God. We have power in Him to make decisions that affect the atmosphere of our region.  How and why?  Because Jesus said so in Matthew 16:18-19.  As the Church, we are given the keys to the kingdom. 

“Keys lock and unlock, in order to close or open. Christ was declaring His church would have keys (authority) to lock the gates (government) of hell and open the gates (government) of heaven.” -Dutch Sheets

 We mistakenly believe that the Church was and is a building.  We do not go to church.  We are the Church.  The Church is people…who follow Jesus and are called out to affect the atmosphere of their local region.  The Church is the body of Christ worldwide, over which the Lord functions as head (Matthew. 16:18; Ephesians. 1:22).  The Church can be God’s people in a given region (Acts 9:31).

“God never intended for the local church to be simply a quiet, hidden body of believers. Rather, He intended for a church to be His voice and ruling power in each community — a special assembly comprised of people who have been called out to make decisions that will impact the atmosphere of their local environment for God and His purposes.” -Rick Renner

Peter said it this way:

“But you [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; ¹⁰ who once [were] not a people but [are] now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10 NKJV)

We should be honored to be God’s people called out and endued with power and authority to make the ruling decisions of the land.

“We are supernatural daughters and sons of the Most- High God, filled with His Spirit and anointed to represent Him. God has His family back and can now continue His plan, which included them managing and governing the earth.  We are to “invade” our culture, workplace, city, nation, etc., with the spiritual might of God’s kingdom, spreading His life, love, and rule everywhere. Jesus told us to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19) and to preach (declare) the good news of Him “to all creation” (Mark 16:15). The Acts church turned their world “upside-down” (17:6 AMP). They upset status quo everywhere they went – and we should also.” -Dutch Sheets (https://www.givehim15.com/post/april-13-2021)

I enCOURAGE you to meditate on what it means to be the true Church.  Have you found your place in the body of Christ, the Ekklesia? Are you occupying your territory and ruling in your spiritual regions through Jesus Christ our King?   As His child He has given you the keys to the kingdom, are you using them?   Let’s go turn this crazy world upside down or right side up!

” Let us hold fast the confession of [our] hope without wavering, for He who promised [is] faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ²⁵ not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as [is] the manner of some, but exhorting [one another], and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25 NKJV)

by Tammy Phillips
September 22, 21

 TO:                  The angel of the CHURCH OF LAODICEANS, the Lukewarm Church.  Laodicea was    a rich powerful, banking center.  They had a thriving textile industry and had a medical center that which developed an eye-salve to aid in eye problems.  It had a huge colosseum that sat about 60, 000.  It had four markets and about 4500 shops.  It was a hopping place. Laodicea was located in the Lycus river valley between Hierapolis, a military city, known for mineral hot springs and Colossae, a resort town that had a supply of cool refreshing water from the surrounding mountains.

CC:                   (Future Churches, Future Followers)

FROM:             “Jesus, the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God” (Revelation 3:14 NKJV) These are definitive names of Jesus!  They are who He is.

The AMEN (the Firm, the Faithful, the Most Assured, the Absolute Sure, the “So Be It” and the Final Word.). Jesus is the SO BE IT!  And…

The Faithful (Trustworthy, Believable, Sure, Reliable) and the True (Genuine, Real Deal) Witness (The Greek word martyr.  Look familiar? It should.  Witnesses were summoned to testify in a court of law.  They were only allowed to speak what was personally known to be true.  They had to be faithful to speak the truth to the point of suffering or death.) Jesus is THE Witness no one is more honest or upright.  He is the FAITHFUL ONE. He is the ONLY TRUTH! He is the REAL DEAL.  And…

The Beginning (the Starting Point, the Originator, the Commencement, the Chief, the First) of the creation (the act of creating, the original formation, all created things). John 1:3, Co. 1:16-17).

I LIKE THIS:      Sadly, In John’s letter to this church, this line was blank.  Jesus did not commend Laodicean Church on anything!   They thought they did not need Him.  We need Jesus every day.  It is when we are stubborn and try to do things on our own that we fail.  Take Jesus out of Church, country, or life, and watch it fall.

I DON’T LIKE:   “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. ¹⁶“So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. ¹⁷ “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’–and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked–” (Revelation 3:15-17 NKJV)

Hot water has healing, restorative properties.  Cold water refreshes.  How is lukewarm water useful?  Laodicea had built systems to bring hot water from nearby, Hierapolis, and cold water from Colossae.  When the water reached Laodicea, it was lukewarm and not satisfying.   It had lost its valuable properties and was not pleasing to the mouth.  Jesus was inferring to the Church, “You are not refreshingly cold nor restoratively hot.  You do not leave a good taste in My mouth, so I am going to spit you out of my mouth.” 

“Deep down, there is no one more miserable than the lukewarm Christian is. They have too much of the world to be happy in Jesus, but too much of Jesus to be happy in the world.” -David Gusik.   

To be lukewarm is a to be in “comfortable” place of in action in the world.  Toes are not in the hot nor the cold.  It is a place of riding the fence.  Jesus often takes us out of our comfort zone when we follow Him. 

Laodicea was known for its fabulous wealth, but Jesus saw the Church of the city as spiritually wretched, miserable, and poor.  Laodicea was famous for its optical medical center and healing eye salve, but He saw a blind Church.  Laodicea had the finest clothing, markets, and shops where they could buy their opulent clothes, but Jesus saw the Church as spiritually naked.    They were blinded by their prosperity.  They thought they did not need anything and that included Jesus.  Jesus was speaking to the Church here, not the lost.  Laodicea had left Jesus standing on the outside of the Church and He wanted back in.

DO THIS:         “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, [that] the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. ¹⁹ “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent.“  (Revelation 3:18-19 NKJV)

Jesus wanted to meet the needs of Lao’s.  He wanted them to have spiritual riches of gold refined in the fire.  He wanted to dress them in His righteousness.  He wanted to heal their spiritual blindness, but they had to open the door to a knocking Jesus.   He still loved them and corrected them.  He asked them to be zealous which means to burn, to boil, to strive after and pursue Him.  And, repent. Simply, turn back to Him.  

REWARD:        “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Revelation 3:18, 20-21 NKJV).  Jesus was on the outside seeking to come back in.  He was knocking.  Can we ignore the knock at a door?  He wanted the church to be hot and healing, cool and refreshing. Lukewarm just did not cut it. He loved the church and wanted the Laodiceans to get back on track. He promised them a seat with Him.  Wow.  What a reward.

I enCOURAGE you to open the door to Jesus. He wants to sit at the table and eat with you. He wants us, His Church body to be like freezing, cold, refreshing ice water or like boiling, hot, restorative, healing water.  Indifference and apathy in the church are compared to unwelcomed lukewarm water which is really of little value.  Be zealous and jealous for Him alone.   A Church on fire for Jesus will change the world, one person at a time.

By Tammy Phillips
September 21, 2021

TO:                 The angel (messenger, pastor) of the CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA (The Faithful Church) Philadelphia was established as a key city to further the culture and language of Greece.  It was a prosperous, beautiful city and had one of the greatest highways in the world at the time.  It went from Europe to the East. 

FROM:           Jesus, “He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens, and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens“ (Revelation 3:7 NKJV) from Is 22:22

Jesus alone was Holy and True.  He was not fake, but real and genuine.  Jesus was/is the keeper of the keys.  He could open doors and keep them open.  He could shut doors that could not be opened. By holding the keys, He had the power to lock and unlock.  He used Philadelphia as a church to further His kingdom and spread Christianity.

The Philadelphian Church followed Jesus’ footsteps.  They obviously were real and genuine.  They chose to step through open doors and opportunities that Jesus put before them in spreading His word.  They didn’t bow or enter into the pretense and fakeness of others in the area.  They stood strong.

 I LIKE THIS:           “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. … ¹⁰ “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” (Revelation 3:8-10 NKJV)

The Church of Philadelphia had little strength and power to faithfully stand.  Their little strength was their big faith in God.  They kept His word and did not deny His name.  They lived up to their name and who they were called to be in Him.  They persevered because they endured.  Jesus said He would keep them from the hour of trial, or Great Tribulation.   He tells us the same thing, “And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Mark 13:13 NKJV)

We must keep and guard His word.  To keep His word, we must know His word.  To know His word, we must study His word.  Joshua told us to meditate on it day and night.   Holy Spirit will illuminate the word to us.  However, it helps to use different translations of the Bible, various Bible Apps, concordances, and commentaries to learn as much as we can from His word.  As I study Revelation, I need all the help I can get.  I have five books, two Bible apps, a computer, and my phone, as tools to help me dig for the hidden treasures in God’s word.   

In your profession don’t you use the best tools at your disposal to excel?   Isn’t your network important for opening doors and helping you do the best you can do?   We can learn from Holy Spirit and His word alone, but I encourage you to use everything in your arsenal to learn more about God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.   His word is the power that helps us perservere and further His kingdom.

I DON’T LIKE:        Jesus did not mention one thing He had against this church!  How cool would it be to have this line blank in an email from Him? 

DO THIS:      “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” (Revelation 3:11 NKJV)

Jesus plainly told the Church to prepare.  He implied, HEY, LOOK, I AM COMING QUICKLY.  I am coming suddenly and unexpectantly.  Again, He says: “HOLD FAST…”  Hold on tight.  He adds…” that no one may take your crown.”  Can you hear Jesus cheering us on?  “Finish strong.  Stand.  Stand. Stand.  Don’t let anybody take the victory, the crown, from you! OVERCOME!”  

REWARD:    “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And [I will write on him] My new name.” (Revelation 3:12 NKJV)

I absolutely love the picture painted of this reward.  You have heard me say it many times.  BE RESOLUTE.  What will a resolute stand get you?  A pillar in the temple of God and a big-time endorsement deal.  Pillars are perfectly aligned, pictures of strength and support.  Pillars find rest on the foundation.  Jesus is our foundation.  What an endorsement deal!  When we are faithful, He endorses us.  He promises to write on us:  the name of God, the name of the city of God, and His new name.  This appears to be an eternal all-access pass and the endorsement deal of all time.

When I die, I do not need my name written on any earthly stadium, field nor building. I could care less if I even have a tombstone.  I want to be remembered as a faithful resolute pillar in Him with His endorsement and Name written all over me as many times and in as many places as He pleases. 

I enCOURAGE you to resolutely stand in Him, once again.  Keep His word.  Promote the Name above all names, Jesus. Endure. Be steadfast and constant.  Be resolute and wait for your reward.  Picture it. It will be so worth it.