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Dana Rongione 22/01/2024 Dana Rongione 22/01/2024

Complacency Kills

The letter to the church in Sardis starts with Jesus introducing Himself as the one with the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars. This shows He's got it all—complete fullness of the Spirit and authority over the church. But unfortunately, the believers in Sardis didn't reflect those same characteristics. Despite having an excellent reputation among other churches, they were just faking it on the outside. In reality, Jesus called them out for being spiritually dead, much like he did with the religious leaders of Israel when he commented, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.” (Matthew 23:27)

Dana Rongione 18/01/2024 Dana Rongione 18/01/2024

Holding Fast

Jesus introduces His message to Thyatira with imagery of blazing eyes and burnished bronze feet, representing divine judgment. Despite this sobering opening, He commends them for their outstanding spiritual growth and abundant works of love, faith, and perseverance.

However, a severe problem threatened their progress. Jesus rebukes Thyatira for tolerating false teachings from a woman, “Jezebel”, who encouraged immorality and idolatry. Though she called herself a prophetess, her doctrines came straight from Satan. Tragically, her deception had corrupted some believers.

This grave spiritual and moral compromise stirred Jesus to warn of impending judgment striking Thyatira unless they repented. Those misled by this false prophetess had been given time to turn from her wickedness, confirming God's patience toward sinners. But they refused, and judgment inevitably follows unrepentant sin.

Dana Rongione 15/01/2024 Dana Rongione 15/01/2024

Taking Sin Seriously

Jesus introduces His message to Pergamos by reminding them of the sharp two-edged sword proceeding from His mouth. This symbolises the Word of God that will soon cut to their hearts concerning compromise in their midst.

The city of Pergamos was an epicentre of pagan idolatry and immorality. Yet Jesus commends the believers there for clinging to His name despite persecution. For the most part, they had resisted the rampant evil around them.

However, Jesus takes issue with Pergamos' tolerance of sin within its walls. Some members dabbled in idolatry and sexual immorality. These wayward sheep should have been confronted and corrected for their own good. But instead, they remained unchallenged as part of the flock, to its detriment.

Dana Rongione 11/01/2024 Dana Rongione 11/01/2024

True Riches in Christ

The letter to the church at Smyrna comes from Jesus, who declares Himself as "the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive." This description highlights Christ's eternal nature and affirms His sovereignty over life and death. Jesus holds the keys to Death and Hell, a comforting truth for the persecuted church at Smyrna.

The name Smyrna means "myrrh," an embalming spice, which seems prophetic as this church underwent immense suffering. Faith in Christ cost these believers their livelihoods and social standing. Poverty and imprisonment plagued them. Even so, Jesus calls them rich, for while poor in earthly goods, they overflowed in spiritual wealth and heavenly hope.

Dana Rongione 08/01/2024 Dana Rongione 08/01/2024

Leaving Our First Love

The letter to the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2 opens with a beautiful description of Jesus, who holds the seven stars and walks among the lampstands. This imagery reminds us that Christ is the centre of the church. He is the One we orbit around as we shine His light in the darkness.

Jesus commends the Ephesian church for their devotion to righteousness. They worked hard, persevered through trials, and maintained doctrinal purity by exposing false teachers. The Ephesians had a lot going for them. They seemed to be a model church.

Dana Rongione 05/01/2024 Dana Rongione 05/01/2024

Eternal Echoes: A Devotional Journey through the Seven Churches

The book of Revelation contains mysteries and prophecies that have confounded readers for centuries. But nestled among the apocalyptic visions are seven letters written directly to seven specific churches in Asia Minor during the first century A.D. On the surface, these letters from Jesus seem simple enough. However, a closer look reveals significant convicting messages for churches and believers today.

Over the next few weeks, I want us to explore these seven letters to the churches mentioned in Revelation 2-3. As we break down each one, I pray we’ll uncover powerful truths to apply to our walks with Christ. Though initially written to actual local churches, the instructions, encouragements, warnings, and promises Jesus gives to the seven churches speak volumes to us now.

Dana Rongione 02/01/2024 Dana Rongione 02/01/2024

Morning Time With the Master

Can you believe another new year has begun? Where did the time go? As the holiday hustle and bustle ramps up, it's hard to believe 2024 has arrived. Fortunately, with the new year comes many new opportunities.

As many of you know, I'm excited to launch my new line of monthly planners and journals accompanying my Optimize Your Day program! I designed them to be uplifting and practical, helping you organize your days while keeping your eyes on Jesus. I'll share more about them in a minute.

But today, I want to discuss an even more important topic than planners and journals—beginning each day with the Lord.

Dana Rongione 29/12/2023 Dana Rongione 29/12/2023

The Cost of Obeying God

When the angel Gabriel appeared unto Mary that fateful day, I doubt she had any clue how greatly her life was about to change. After all, his greeting troubled her, and she must have wondered what his words meant. But once he explained God's plan for her to bear the Messiah, she responded with humility and surrender: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word" (Luke 1:38).

With those words, Mary agreed to carry the very Son of God in her womb, knowing full well the cost that came with such an honor. She knew people would accuse her of impurity when they noticed her pregnant belly. After all, she was still a virgin espoused to Joseph.

Dana Rongione 26/12/2023 Dana Rongione 26/12/2023

Lessons From Abraham’s Relentless Prayer

Do you ever feel like you've asked too much of God? Does your prayer list consist of the same petitions over and over again? My health is a daily prayer, and I often wonder if God is tired of hearing me ask for the same thing day after day. Thankfully, the answer to that question can be found in the pages of Scripture.

In the age-old tale of Sodom and Gomorrah, a powerful moment takes place when Abraham converses with the Almighty. As God reveals his plan to destroy the sinful cities, Abraham begins a fervent prayer.

21/12/2023 21/12/2023

The Mirror of God's Word

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.- James 1:22-24

I don't like mirrors. Why? Because they reveal the truth. They remind me that I'm having a bad hair day. They inform me of my wrinkles, gray hair, and blemishes. They condemn me for the extra pounds gathering around my midsection. Mirrors. We need them, but that doesn't mean we have to like them.

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Dana Rongione