Stress Test Devotional April 20
April 20, 2024
REVELATION 2:5b
“If not, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.”
The Christ who walks among his churches is vigilant and will not tolerate communities that become unloving. Everyone can contribute to the personality of VPC. Faith communities do have general personalities, atmospheres that are noticeable and real. Each of us, in the way we treat one another, and in the way we greet visitors, helps to shape our communities’ prevailing character.
Sadly, the church at Ephesus did not heed the warning! Early on it had zeal and love, as Paul remarks in Ephesians 1:15 and 5:3-17. But the Ephesian church did lose its lampstand—both church and city have vanished from history. Many churches today are also disappearing, failing either in zeal or in love.
PRAYER
Gracious God, help me to contribute, in small and real ways, to the loving atmosphere of my church. Grant me a character that is non-judgmental, patient, and forgiving. Let me encourage others toward truth and faith. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
