Daily Devotionals

Saturday January 1

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Revelation 3:20

Christmas was one week ago. What was the best gift you received? What was the best gift you gave? As we think about the gifts we gave and received, it is a good opportunity for us to take a moment to pause and remember the greatest gift we have and ever will receive: eternal life from Jesus Christ. But, we also have to remember that receiving a gift demands a response.

John records words from Jesus in Revelation 2. Specifically addressing a church in Laodicea, Jesus spoke against the fact that they were living lives that were not set apart solely for Him. Instead, they were living in a lukewarm way. They were trying to live for Him while still trying to hold on to the world. They were not truly making room for Jesus in their lives. Amidst this teaching, Jesus taught them that He was disciplining them because He loved them. He reminded them that they could always turn back to Him. He said, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends” (verse 20). Jesus reminded them that He offers life and relationship to all who come to Him. He is at the door, waiting for it to be opened. He has offered this gift, and we have to receive it.

Jesus clarifies that the gift of life and relationship can be found in Him. He offers it freely. We have to take the gift and accept it. We have to accept His gift and make room for Him. The question we have to answer today is, “Have we accepted it?” Have we made room for Him? There is no better time than right now to commit to following Him and making room for Him for the rest of our lives.

Moving Toward Action

Think about your own life. If you have never accepted God’s gift of Salvation, today is the day. If you want to accept Jesus’ gift of salvation, go to this link for more information and steps to turn to Him. Maybe you are a follower of Jesus, but like the church in Laodicea, you have been living more lukewarm than you would like. Make a plan to turn back to Jesus and make full room for Him in your life. Finally, reach out to a friend today to share the good news of life offered in Jesus. Invite them to church with you this weekend. We can’t wait to see you then!

Going Deeper

Revelation 3:14-22 (NLT)

“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation:

“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.

“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”