God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.

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.

“Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.6 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.

I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.

Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it. 5But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne,5:5 Greek the root of David. See Isa 11:10. has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 

Lord God my Father,

Open my ears to hear your message and give me courage and confidence to carry it well. Keep my heart strong in your will and protect me from compromise. Cleanse me from my past so I may rest with your plan today without distraction. Discipline me as you see the need and help me to accept it well. Allow me to trust in your plan even when I don’t see your hope and allow it to cause me to grow closer to you.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen