Blessings to you, chosen and beloved of God.  My prayer for us this week is that we grow strong together, never getting too comfortable with where we are and always seeking to know and do His will.  Here’s what’s hot this week.

The big surprise last Sunday was getting to see Teresa.  It’s a bit of a challenge for her to come but she always brings her smile.  Priscilla was home sick.  Keep her and Kimi in your prayers.  Linda shared an inspiring Sunday school lesson based on the story of Charlotte Elliott, author of the well loved hymn, “Just as I Am.”  It shows us that we never know how God is going to use what we do.  Never think you have too little to offer or that your circumstances prevent you from contributing something big to God’s kingdom.  That was part of my message as well.  Give what you have, and you will not lose your reward.

That brings us to this Sunday’s topic.  Jesus’s message to the church at Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) is one of the better known of the seven that we have studied over the past few weeks because of its stark symbolism and its relevance to the culture in which we live.  I wouldn’t say we are particularly comfortable right now at BBT.  It has been a tough season.  However I believe better times are coming, and this passage serves as a warning.  Don’t get too comfortable.  Don’t get too proud.  When things are going well, it’s time to be all the more vigilant.  The temptation will be to relax and take it all in, thinking that somehow we deserve it.  Everything we have had, everything we have, and everything we will have is by His grace.  Let us never forget that.

Then He ends with another promise for the overcomer, and this may be the most amazing yet.  “‘He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (3:21)  That reads a little like something we’ve seen before, but on a whole new level.  What does He mean?  Let’s find out together!

Love y’all!

Larry