Thank You Jesus for making us rich in our works, tribulations, and poverty.

Today’s Scripture: Revelations 2:9, NKJV- “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.”

Revelation 2:10 does promise we are about to suffer. The good news is that Jesus knows us in our sufferings and in our sufferings is where we come to know Jesus, up close and personal.

Whether our tribulations are short or generational we are encouraged to stay faithful even until our deaths. Yet in the middle of our works, tribulations, and poverty is where we come to know the riches of Christ.

The treasures found in the Word of God lead us to the true riches of life. The salvation given to us through Jesus and the life we live in the Spirit are rich indeed. Revelation 2:11 does state “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.”

In my prayers and in Revelation 2 this morning, I was reminded of Romans 8:26. “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (NKJV)

We are given ears and spirits to hear the Spirit. We are blessed to experience Romans 8:16, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (NIV) We find hope and life in the Spirit of God. Now that is rich!

Regardless of what we face today we can hang onto the fact of Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” What is happening now in our works, tribulations, and poverty will work out for the good of those who love Him.

Although we cannot choose all things, we can choose to love God. As Romans 8:31 reminds us, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Also, Romans 8:32 promises, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (NIV) That sounds pretty rich to me.

We can relax in prayer, trust that the Holy Spirit is communicating with God and shaping our spirits, hearts, and minds to live out His predestination for us. As Romans 8:34 assures us that Christ Jesus is interceding for us. (NIV) Do you feel rich when you consider that Jesus is interceding for you?

Romans 8:39 assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. How could we be any richer than that?

In Revelation 2:7 we are told “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”

We must only choose to love God first. We can persevere and endure hardships trusting that God is preparing and sending us into His goodness and paradise.

Today’s Prayer: Jesus, You are the first and the last. Thank You Lord for leaving us with the Spirit of life. Thank You Holy Spirit for communing with God in words we cannot understand yet we can know it is You. Shape us LORD. Change us to serve You and Your people. Thank You LORD for your riches of love. Please help us to share your wealth with those You intend today. In the name of Jesus Christ we do pray, amen.