WORD From The Woods
Revelation 3:7-13
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. “
The church is praised for its faithfulness despite having “little power.” While it’s not clear why this church was described as having little power, possibilities include that it was a young congregation of new believers or that it faced constant opposition from “those of the synagogue of Satan,” who falsely claimed to be followers of God. Whatever the case, this church is honored for remaining steadfast in faith and not denying Christ.
Relating to the Church in Philadelphia
I find this church deeply relatable. I’ve often felt that I, too, have “little power.” Whether it’s my struggle with self-discipline, my lack of knowledge or understanding of Scripture, or my poor application of biblical truth, I’ve fallen short time and again. Like this church, I’ve felt weak and inadequate.
Yet, this passage highlights the importance of “patient endurance.” What does that mean? For insight, we can turn to James 1:2-4:
“2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 and let steadfastness have its full effect, lacking in nothing.”
Here, “patient endurance” is equated with steadfastness through trials. These trials test our faith, strengthen us, and lead us toward spiritual maturity.
You might say, “But I have little power. I’ve failed my trials and fallen into temptation time and time again. What good is this to me?”
To you, my dear brother or sister, I say: do not lose heart! Even James 1 offers hope in its following verses:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let gim ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).
God’s Word reassures us of His willingness to give grace, strength, and wisdom. Consider Jesus’ words in John 15:7:
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
All of God’s promises are “yes” in Christ! (2 Corinthians 1:20).
I know life is challenging, especially in workplaces like the logging industry, where profanity, immorality, drunkenness, and other forms of wickedness are commonplace. Temptations abound.
But I encourage you: pray earnestly for the Holy Spirit to equip you with the patient endurance demonstrated by the church in Philadelphia. Pray not only for the strength to resist temptation and “not deny His name” but also for boldness to proclaim His name to the world.
Go forth and take dominion over the earth, as God has commanded, living faithfully in the places He has put you. Trust in His promise to supply your needs, and may His blessings be upon you this week.
God Bless and have a great week! -Ethan Harris-
Revelation 3:7-13
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. “
The church is praised for its faithfulness despite having “little power.” While it’s not clear why this church was described as having little power, possibilities include that it was a young congregation of new believers or that it faced constant opposition from “those of the synagogue of Satan,” who falsely claimed to be followers of God. Whatever the case, this church is honored for remaining steadfast in faith and not denying Christ.
Relating to the Church in Philadelphia
I find this church deeply relatable. I’ve often felt that I, too, have “little power.” Whether it’s my struggle with self-discipline, my lack of knowledge or understanding of Scripture, or my poor application of biblical truth, I’ve fallen short time and again. Like this church, I’ve felt weak and inadequate.
Yet, this passage highlights the importance of “patient endurance.” What does that mean? For insight, we can turn to James 1:2-4:
“2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 and let steadfastness have its full effect, lacking in nothing.”
Here, “patient endurance” is equated with steadfastness through trials. These trials test our faith, strengthen us, and lead us toward spiritual maturity.
You might say, “But I have little power. I’ve failed my trials and fallen into temptation time and time again. What good is this to me?”
To you, my dear brother or sister, I say: do not lose heart! Even James 1 offers hope in its following verses:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let gim ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).
God’s Word reassures us of His willingness to give grace, strength, and wisdom. Consider Jesus’ words in John 15:7:
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
All of God’s promises are “yes” in Christ! (2 Corinthians 1:20).
I know life is challenging, especially in workplaces like the logging industry, where profanity, immorality, drunkenness, and other forms of wickedness are commonplace. Temptations abound.
But I encourage you: pray earnestly for the Holy Spirit to equip you with the patient endurance demonstrated by the church in Philadelphia. Pray not only for the strength to resist temptation and “not deny His name” but also for boldness to proclaim His name to the world.
Go forth and take dominion over the earth, as God has commanded, living faithfully in the places He has put you. Trust in His promise to supply your needs, and may His blessings be upon you this week.
God Bless and have a great week! -Ethan Harris-