FOREWARNED IS FOREARMED. “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” Revelation 3:10-11
I continue to hear the Spirit speak this word to me, “HOLD FAST”. When my kids were little, we often took them to Disneyland. If you know anything about Disneyland in summer, it is very crowded. So when the kids were small and we were walking through a crowd, I held them so closely and tightly to myself as to not let them slip or be pulled away in the crowd.
Whatever is precious to you, you hold fast. The “crown” mentioned above is a victor’s crown from Greek and Roman games. The one who was victorious over their race and endured until the end, beating out all other opponents. The Spirit is crying out, “Have ears to hear and hold fast!” Yes, it’s true that no man or devil can technically “steal” your victor’s crown when you are awake and alert, but you can be seduced by the enemy and tempted to stop running your race because you did not consider it dear and precious to you.
You can cast off all restraint and return to the pig slop- as a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly. You can fail to discipline your flesh, let a root of bitterness enter, stop fellowship with the brethren and spurn the gathering of the church, grieve the Holy Spirit and put out His fire. Because of fear, your love can grow cold and your heart will fail you.
You can believe the lies of the enemy over the truth of God’s Word. The truth taught here by our Lord is that by negligence or unfaithfulness in duty we may be deprived of the glory which we might have obtained if we had been faithful to our Lord and Savior. ““I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” Revelation 3:8
Yes, God requires loyalty to Him, to keep His Word and to not deny His name. No king would have disloyal subjects. We serve the King of kings and Lord of all lords. Should His kingdom be one of disobedience and disloyalty? How much more should we be loyal to the One who set us free by His own blood?
We need to be on our constant guard, that, in a world of temptation, where the enemies of truth abound, we may not be robbed of the crown that we might have worn forever. Hold fast to truth and keep His Word. Hold fast the tenets of the faith that was delivered to the saints. Hold fast your allegiance to Jesus and do not deny His name by your words nor your actions. Hold fast to courage and boldness. Hold fast your confidence firmly to the end and profession of faith without wavering. #runyourrace
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page
