November 11
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LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN SMYRNA
A poem by ILMA
This letter is addressed to the angel of the church of Smyrna
It comes from the Lord, the First and the Last, who was dead but now alive
The Lord knows about your pain, suffering and your poverty
Your church is assured that despite all of these trials, you are really wealthy
Your church recognizes those who claim they are Jews but are from Satan
Do not be afraid when blasphemy of those against you are constant
The devil is about to throw some of you in jail to test you
You will suffer for ten days, but don’t worry, it won’t last long
Stay on guard and remain faithful, don’t give up
You will receive the crown of life if you are faithful
Anyone with wisdom must listen to God’s Spirit
Whoever is victorious won’t be harmed by the devil.
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MEMORY VERSE
Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life. – Revelation 2:8
Read: Revelation 2:8-11
The church of Smyrna is one of the seven churches in the book of Revelation whom God favored. There were only two churches among the seven that pleased the Lord. The church of Smyrna was singled out to be one of these two churches that the Lord approved. Because of their longsuffering and wisdom to discern those who are counterfeits, the Lord promised them the crown of life if they continue to be faithful.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think longsuffering is something that the Lord wants for all his people to have?
• What is the promise of God to those who remain faithful even when facing death and all kinds of suffering for him?
• What’s the condition present day churches compared to the church of Smyrna?