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

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Look at What I Do, Then Decide' (Jn. 10:22-25)
"It was now winter, and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication. He was in the Temple, walking through the section....."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Living with Character & Compassion'
"Dear Disciple, In his first letter to the Thessalonian Christians, Paul wrapped his teaching on My coming back in glory — which we will..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'You Alone are My Hope' (Ps. 71:5-6)
"O Lord, you alone are my hope. I've trusted you, O Lord, from childhood. Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother's womb you have cared....."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalm 119:30
"I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws."

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