February 3, 2026

View from the Top

I sometimes think Jesus views the Church much differently than we view the Church. In fact, there is a really alarming verse that points to this. It is Revelation 3:1,

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.”

WOW! That was written to a church that on the outside looked like they had it all together!

They had a reputation of being a living, vibrant church! People who saw them went to seminars to find out how they were doing it, and people applauded them for their success. But Jesus says, “You’re dead!”

The Knox Bible puts it this way, How thou dost pass for a living man and all the while art a corpse. The Living Bible says, I know your reputation as a live and active church, but you’re dead.

You see, activity is not synonymous with life. Sometimes people and churches that are decaying spiritually cover it up with activity. They are still “going through the motions,” but there is really a spiritual decay eating away inside.

People think they are doing great, but Jesus sees right to the heart of the matter, both in our individual lives and in the Church.

May God keep you and me from being so mislead. May we look to Him always for our daily bread, recognizing and acknowledging that every blessing we possess, every stride of progress we make, is the result of His goodness and His grace alone.

He is the One whose view really matters!

Read previous devotionals

August 7, 2026

A Matter of the Heart

God cares deeply about the motivations of our hearts. Yesterday, we saw that the heart is what matters most in giving. In Matthew 6:6, 17–18, we are shown just how...

August 6, 2026

Giving When No One Sees

Matthew 6:1–4 gives some important insight into giving, “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward...

August 5, 2026

What Has You?

In Mark 10:17–22, this is what we read, Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall...