Wednesday, May 7, 2014

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THYATIRA

Suggested Reading: Revelation 2:18-29

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

Some of the ruins of ancient Thyatira, located in the modern Turkish town of Akhisar.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: Revelation 2:28-29

…and I will give him the morning star.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

 

Jesus describes Himself as “The Bright and Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16). He is, Himself, the most precious Gift. He gives Himself to those who overcome and those who keep His works until the end (2:26). As we have noted throughout this entire two-year journey through the Bible, God uses repetition for strong emphasis! He says, “Hear what the Spirit says to the churches!” “Listen!” “Pay close attention!” All who are consistent in reading God’s Word daily, and who have spiritual ears, are indeed hearing “what the Spirit says.”

Jesus is described (2:18) as having “eyes like a flaming fire” (He sees into our innermost hearts and knows our thoughts), and “Feet like fine brass” (we walk with Him and together we crush Satan under our feet…Romans 16:17-20).

Jezebel (2:20-23), probably not her real name, is the big problem in the Thyatira church. Jesus chose to name her by the name of the most wicked woman in the Old Testament. She manipulated some of the believers by her domineering personality and her claims to be a prophetess (nothing wrong with being a prophetess as were the four daughters of Philip the Evangelist – Acts 21:8-9). Satan beguiled this woman and she gave out false and destructive teachings. Jesus said that she would “teach and beguile my people to commit sexual immorality and to eat things sacrificed to idols” (2:20b). The Angel (messenger or pastor) was not charged with any of Jezebel’s evil teachings and deeds, but for tolerating her and for failure to exercise his God-given authority. To be fair, Jezebel may not have been a member of the congregation which Jesus addressed. She may have been someone from the outside trying to draw the believers out of the church and into an independent group. The Apostle wrote to a young pastor some excellent teaching concerning all who are called of God to lead Jesus’ Church. This may be a good time to read again 1 Timothy chapters 3 & 4.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray for grace to “hold fast” (as in fastened securely), and as You said, Jesus, “Keep my works until the end.” I pray most earnestly for the gift of “discerning of Spirits” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). I believe that if this gift had been operating in the church in Thyatira, Jezebel could not have beguiled some believers, and the Pastor would not have tolerated her. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS

In the course of doing my best to help Canada retain the traditional meaning of the word “marriage,” I met a Bishop at a conference on marriage in Toronto. With tears in his eyes he told me that he had written letters to all the priests in his diocese, which they were to read, but most of them refused to read his letter to their parishioners. We wept together and I found myself praying in the Name of the One who said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” I put my arm around his shoulders and prayed for authority to be restored to the God-called leaders in Jesus’ Church. I think that if I had met the Pastor of the Thyatira church, I may have done the same. I believe that most congregations want pastors that are strong, wise, and who do not tolerate manipulative personalities who would try to draw people after themselves. I’ve not been a local church pastor since November, 1971. Since that time I’ve had the privilege of ministering in a great many churches of various denominations, and I have an observation I’d like to share. Church members thrive and feel safe when they are convinced that they have a pastor who genuinely cares about them, who exercises gentle authority, and who, himself, submits to the authorities God has placed in senior leadership.

Yours for the protection and guidance of a thorough study of God’s Word day after day, and with the wise guidance and knowledge of a pastor that God has called into ministry,

David

Remains of a portico (a covered walkway or porch) which once stood on the west side of a column-lined street in ancient Thyatira. I wonder if the one Jesus called a "Jezebel" walked here. Her mission from "Apollyon," meaning Satan the destroyer, is illustrated in these "ruins." Jesus' mission is the opposite. He said, "I will build My Church and the gates (rulership) of Hades (Hell) shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18b).

Intricate designs can be found amongst the ruins of Thyatira. In today's reading we are encouraged to have a life designed by the great Creator for His glory.

 

29 thoughts on “Wednesday, May 7, 2014”

  1. Wise teaching. David showing a gift of discernment. Help us Lord to build up the church and not tear it down. Amen!

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  3. As a stone sculptor by hobby, I am amazed at your photo’s, Reynold. The crafted stone is a true reflection of the skill and passion of the sculptor behind it. The tools used would be fascinating to see! Today’s reading is a stern warning not to be caught up in the wiles of those who would manipulate, coerce and deceive followers of Christ Jesus. May the Holy Spirit be our guide in such situations as these. Thank you Lord for your strength and peace this day!

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  4. In the ruins of ancient Thyatira, in the Turkish town of Akhisar, there is an “air” of impurity and evilness wafting through the broken remains. It is not a place I would ever want to be. The deception is evident in the ground. There are two sides of good and evil in the world, people, and everything. Thank heavens our God is supreme–the divine creator and ruler of all. Thank You, Jesus for having come to earth to save us and remain our omnipotent leader and immaculate healer. We honour, worship and adore You! Blessings dear saints!

    Here is ‘For The Cross’ by Kalley Heiligenthal and Brian Johnson, Bethel Music. HALLELUJAH, IT IS FINISHED, KING FOREVER, HOW WE THANK YOU FOR THE CROSS, JESUS!!!!!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abaSRwiDPZc&hd=1

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  7. As I was reading today’s study, I thought Jesus was refering to a ‘group’ of people when He refered to Jezebel. Thank you for your explanations DM. What a joy to be understanding the greatest words ever written.
    Blessings on us all this fine day.

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  8. 1 Timothy 4:1-4
    ”The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” May we never fall victims of deception in Jesus Name! AMEN

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  10. Are we not called to love our brother or sister who sins before God in our eyes? Don’t we all have friends who may be atheists or believers in a faith that does not believe in the Holy Trinity?

    Aren’t we to befriend the lost – in the hopes that through the Holy Spirit that lives within us he/she might come to the realization that what they have is false? As scripture teaches – we are not called to judge. Our Heavenly Father will do that. We are called to love one another in the name of our Heavenly Father, Christ Jesus, and the Holy Spirit… Amen!

    Have a truly blessed day everyone…

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    • That’s the absolute truth, David. God is the ultimate judge. He calls us to love one another–that is the essence of who He is. That doesn’t mean we stay around people or things that are evil; guarding ourselves falls into play. Bless you!

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      • Absolutely true David. Beverlee you are right as well, but if Christ worried about associating with sinners, He won’t have come to earth to die for our sins, because there was none like Him, not one. But He came anyways because His mission was to save , not to get Lost! Hallelujah … We just have to be prayerful but otherwise I really don’t see how we can save the lost if we shy away from them .

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      • I agree in areas of personal weakness… but there are circumstances where personal weakness isn’t a factor. For example; I have a gay brother, and I loathe what he stands for, but I love him…

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  11. I’m so pleased and thank the Lord for the ability to read after my surgeries. Without glasses I can see well. For reading I need a little help. I found a pair of my mother’s glasses that fit the bill just perfectly. It will be 6 weeks before I can be tested for new glasses so these ones are very helpful and I don’t have to miss any of the Revelation teaching. Praise God. I do hope to hear more about the Sunday night services that you mentioned David. I guess you will let us know when things are finalized. God bless all.

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  12. David I have been out of the blog for a while here with seeding and all on the farm ,,,, but Just touched down to re- connect . (About that letter that the Priests did not want to read , maybe we could post it on line some how , I’m under the thought, that more people go on line than go to church these days. Lets beet the (old devil) at his own game . The devil thinks he has the upper rights to the air ways ,but not so God is still in control. We could take the upper hand here and post all kinds of Godly Letters . Give me some feed back on this.

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  13. Thank you David for today’s teaching. What I knew in my head I now know in my heart. Jesus is the most precious gift. Amen.

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  14. Thank you David for including the various scriptures to enhance the teaching of the day!

    Our Shephards in all churches need our prayers…especially those who bring forth God’s word…satan is particularly ruthless to them

    I pray for God’s protection over you today…I pray for the pastors in my congregation today …In Jesus Mighty Name! Amen!

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