God's Holy Fire: 'I Know All the Things You Do'

Wednesday, October 28, 2026

[In his revelation to John, Jesus said,] "Write this letter to the angel of the church in Sardis. This is the message from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit of God and the seven stars: 'I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive — but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God.'"
— Revelation 3:1-2 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus knows us. He knows us personally. He knows our churches. He knows our strengths and our weaknesses. He knows our opportunities and our obstacles. The letters to the seven churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 are Jesus' way of saying that he knows us, loves us, and wants us to follow him faithfully. The Holy Spirit, in "sevenfold" perfection, is Jesus' presence in us and among us. The Spirit is a divine partner with Jesus knowing us, convicting us, being present in us, and empowering us to be all that God wants us to be. The Spirit works in us, through us, and for us. So let's be challenged to listen and respond with obedience to what Jesus says to us and what the Spirit makes clear to us so that we can truly live as Jesus' bodily presence in the world.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, I pray that you will wake up your people through the message of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit among us. In the name of the Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

To Sardis: 'I know the things you do.'
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Precious Friends, As pointed out yesterday, My words to some of the disciples in Thyatira were harsh. However, My strongest words were reserved...."
Can Jesus Survive Religion's Failures?
Article by Rubel Shelly
How has Jesus survived the messes his followers have made over the centuries? Jesus and the gospel message about Jesus continues to be more resilient than the failures, foibles, and fractures among his people.
Church Museums
Article by Steve Ridgell
How does a church end up as a museum? Church buildings may end up as museums, churches don't. God invites you to become part of a living,growing community.

Illustration

Illustration of Revelation 3:1-2 NLT — "Write this letter to the angel of the church in Sardis."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Rescues the Godly and Punishes the Wicked'
"Yes, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day. So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue...."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'We Must Not Make Things Difficult!'
"Everyone [at the Jerusalem meeting about whether Gentile Christians had to follow Jewish customs] listened quietly as Barnabas and Paul told about..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Your Awe-Inspiring Deeds!' (Ps. 145:5-7)
"I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Revelation 21:23
"Yonder in the better world, the inhabitants are independent of all creature comforts. They have no need of raiment; their white robes never wear out,...."

About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

More God's Holy Fire

Translations