Saint Matthew's
Episcopal Church
To know and share God's love
Front of the St. Matthew's building with cross on a spring day
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Sunday Service Times
8:00 am Rite I Eucharist with no music
9:15 am Contemporary Eucharist
10:30 am Rite II Eucharist
with Choir and Sunday School
A nursery is provided at all three services
Saturday Service Times
5:00 pm Rite II Eucharist with no music

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions by parishioners of St. Matthew's. Currently following the lectionary found here.

Revelation 12:1-12

Wednesday, November 04, 2009
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In today's reading I particularly like verse 11. Verse 11 speaks to me. I find it extremely powerful and motivating.

"They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." (Revelation 12:11)

Verse 11 points out to all of us that the critical blow for Satan came when the Lamb, Jesus Christ, shed His blood for our sins. This means that the ultimate victory was won and continues to be won by sacrifice - Christ's death in our place to pay the penalty for our sins, and the sacrifices we are obligated to make when we are faithful followers of Christ.

I believe Satan is real and exists in the world today. Satan presents temptations to us and encourages us to act upon those temptations. As we face the battle with Satan we should not fear it but we should follow the example of Christ. Jesus Christ provides us the power to resist Satan's temptations. By resisting Satan, our testimony can be inspirational to others. Our actions can influence the actions of others, and this can help draw others into a relationship with Christ.

The final item I wish to point out about verse 11 is the last part - the part after the semicolon. Christ's followers should not love their own lives so much that they are unwilling to die for Him. This verse tells me that those who are true followers of Jesus Christ must dedicate themselves wholly to His service. This means that no task is too great or too small if done in His service. There is no price too high to pay to be in His glory.

This verse inspires me. It helps me to remember all the Jesus has done for you and me. Remembering what Jesus did for us inspires me to offer my life to Him. After all, compared to all eternity, these 100 years we spend on this earth is no time at all.

Wishing you much success in your walk with Christ,
Richard Leach

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201 East Frederick Drive, Sterling, VA 20164
Phone | (703) 430-2121 Fax | (703) 430-2638
Office Manager | Miriam Turner Rector | Rob Merola