PHILADELPHIA
Suggested Reading: Revelation 3:7-13
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
There is not much to see from the ancient city of Philadelphia. The site is now covered over by the modern city of Alasehir ("city of Allah" or God), in Turkey. The only extant remains are the old acropolis, ruins of a 7th century AD church called St. John, an un-excavated theatre, and a length of the city walls and gate from the Byzantine era. In this photo, you can see the large piers (pillars) of a Byzantine basilica, the church of St. John.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Revelation 3:12
He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the Name of My God, and the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of Heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new Name.
“Pillar,” according to Webster’s dictionary, is “a person or thing regarded as reliably providing support for something.” Webster also uses the words, “stalwart,” “champion,” “mainstay,” and “tower of strength.” Remember Jesus says, “I will MAKE HIM A PILLAR in the temple of My God” (key verse). He also said, “Follow Me and I WILL MAKE YOU A FISHER OF MEN” (Matthew 4:19), and “Behold, I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW” (Revelation 21:5). GREAT!!! Jesus is the MAKER! We just follow Him! It’s amazing that He asks us to help from time to time. What is “the key of David”? It’s always wise to let Scripture interpret Scripture, thus bypassing interpretations based on opinions. Read Isaiah 22:20-22. The key that opens and closes doors is to be like David, whom God calls, “A man after My own heart” (read Acts 13:21-23). Again comparing Scripture with Scripture, read Psalm 37:3-5. The key is to delight oneself in the Lord! Then we want only what He wants. We line our desires up with His desires. “Delight yourself also in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart!!” (Psalm 37:4) Also, Psalm 40:8, “I desire to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart.” God’s Law, His Word, is being written in our hearts daily as we are faithful and consistent in reading every Word of the Bible. This is a good time to mention that, God willing, we’ll start our second read through the Bible on June 3rd, 2014. Let’s do it again with fresh bread coming out of the oven at 6 a.m. every morning.
Our key verse also tells us of names of honour that Jesus will put on the person who “overcomes” and who “perseveres.” The Lord says through the prophet, “Those who honour Me, I will honour” (1 Samuel 2:30). A smile on the face of Jesus would be more than we deserve, but this would be truly above and beyond, more than we could ask or even think!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, Your people in Philadelphia had “a little strength.” You said, “They kept My Word, and have not denied My Name!” I pray that, by Your grace alone, I will share such a commendation when I stand before Your throne in Heaven at the judgment of believers. Here’s my fervent prayer. May I recognize the “open door” (3:8a) that You have set before me. May I walk with purpose through that door into Your perfect will for the rest of my life. In Your Name I pray, Lord Jesus. Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’m looking forward to Sunday when we begin the next 19 mornings with the teachings of Rev. Jim and Kathy Cantelon. Recently I read over their commentaries on Revelation chapters 4 – 22, from the Day Unto Day series published in he mid-nineties by Crossroads, and they are so very good. Jim and Kathy are founders of a great congregation in Jerusalem called “King of Kings.” I encourage all readers to tell others about our guest commentators. Details of their current ministry, Visionledd, is online.
God willing, I’ll continue to do the 100 Personal Words each day, and then we’ll conclude our two-year journey with my challenge from the final words of all four Gospels. I shared this plan a few days ago, but I think there are new readers each day. My beloved daughter-in-love (-law), Ann, is typing Jim and Kathy’s words into the blog for me. She’s at least three times faster than I am, and she doesn’t make mistakes. Thank You, Ann. Ann often does a blog. Some of her work can be found here.
In my study Bible, all the messages for all seven churches are printed in red letters. They are “PERSONAL WORDS” from Jesus, not just to the seven churches of the end of the first century, but to the churches of every age. If I think I see churches around me that could possibly fit into some of the commendations or the condemnations of Jesus, I”ll pray hard and ask God to make me all I should be. I must remember that Jesus is the Judge, not me. For that I’m most thankful. My part in the process is clearly stated in Revelation 3:11b, “Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown!”
Yours for receiving more personal words from Jesus and walking through doors He opens,
David
Another view of pillars in ancient Philadelphia. They are still standing in spite of severe earthquakes that have toppled everything around them.
Thank you for such a great message and prayer, this morning, David Mainse! So looking forward to the future readings (God willing) and new doors opening with Him in our lives!
Blessings upon blessings flow,
Upon all saints today,
For our God loves us so!
~Beverlee Kay~
Come to Me, Jenn Johnson & Bethel Music RIGHT ON, RIGHT ON!!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rMNIDW8Vho&hd=1
Thank you David and your whole team that
has made these two years thru the Bible so
interesting and inspirational. I have thoroughly
enjoyed the journey. I like the use of the word
“DELIGHT”…I think of it’s meaning like this:
D…daily
E…everything
L…laid
I….in
G…God’s
H…hands
T….triumphantly
Blessings on all today!!!
Thank you David , Ann, Ron and Ronald for all your work in our blog
and the pictures are wonderful .
God bless you all
Liannerr
Opps my name has a blooper Lianne
Great idea to make use of the Cantelon’s commentary from years past. Why reinvent the wheel. I thought you had mentioned doing a daily Bible story blog for children once this 2 years is complete?
Reading selected scripture and your daily words David, have set such an enjoyable framework to follow, to learn, and grow from! The Book of Revelation has been such a mystery. It certainly helps a lot how you have broken this study down into smaller sections for us! I am comitted to following through over the next two years, as there are many challenges which face all of us. His strength and blessings, to all!
Amen!
How strong those pillars have been, even through earthquakes, BUT the Pillar we have is The Lord Jesus and I have so enjoyed and been filled with The Word these last two years, and can’t wait to begin a new journey with all of you. Thank you Pastor David and the Crossroads family for your guidance, prayers and love.
The pictures brought me right into the heart of our readings, thank you Reynold. Looking forward to the rest of Revelation.
Blessings to my fellow bloggers today.
Oh how I love Jesus!!
Psalm 37:3-5
Names of God Bible (NOG)
3 Trust Yahweh, and do good things.
Live in the land, and practice being faithful.
4 Be happy with Yahweh,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Entrust your ways to Yahweh.
Trust him, and he will act on your behalf.
May we all have a blessed day! Amen!
Concerning today’s reading, I constantly strive to be a pillar for Christianity and ‘a key of David’.
Also looking forward to the Cantelon input into our study.
Ann is certainly a wonderful help to you and us DM. Thank you Ann.
Sometimes being obstinate and stubborn can pay off. I will “hold fast what you (I) have, that no one may take your (my) crown.”
The pics of ancient Philadelphia are great.
Is 6:00 a.m. your time or my time?:-)
Have a joyful day in Jesus name dear fellow saints.
Look what is happening in Jerusalem these days. God works in wondrous ways.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/IfJemqkby_0?rel=0
I always wanted to be a doctor but being the youngest of a large family seemed to work against that so really enjoyed this video. Enjoy!
Thanks Lynda for posting this video… I just posted it on my facebook page. Praise God!
The message to the church by Jesus and your commentary are so inspiring, David. There is so much in store for those who overcome all through the messages to the churches so we musn’t give up. What rewards! Whar glory! Looking forward to another two years through the Word! Praise God! Thanks David and family!
Thank you David Mainse for your fresh bread every morning… I am also looking forward to the Cantelons word of knowledge on Revelations beginning Sunday.
“…walking through doors He opens”…
From the Crossroads book store, I’m reading “The Essential Guide to Healing” by Bill Johnson and Randy Clark. Though both are from different backgrounds, they have come together in a powerful, spirit-filled, miracle-filled, and wonderful guide equipping all Christians to pray for the sick…
May the gifts Jesus has promised us through the Holy Spirit fully develop within his true followers… Amen!
Have a wonderful blessed day bloggers…
Thank you DL for the recommended book. Always looking for a good book to read.
Thanks David for all that you and your family do. I am excited about your 2nd blog on June 3rd. I send the same all over to the world. — all my family here and the States, some of my cousins, our St. John Fisher Charismatic Catholic prayer group here in Bramalea and to several other groups that we belong to, including some friends in Bombay, India. You give us a wealth of knowledge, which money cannot buy.Amen Please pray for us. Love to your beautiful wife.
Thanks David for all that you and your family do. You are a blessing to all of us. I am excited about your new blog on June 3rd. In fact, I send your blogs to my own family here and in the States, cousins and groups that we belong to here including our St. John Fisher Catholic Charismatic p.g. in Bramalea and several friends in Bombay, India. Please pray for us and kindly convey our love to Norma-Jean.
Thanks for all that you do
Thank you David and your family for all you do to the Glory of God in the Name of Jesus Our Lord
Thank you Lord for the open door into which I can boldly walk in your NAME JESUS
What a Glorious Day it is to be alive in Jesus Amen
Wow! Hard to believe 2 yrs have gone by! Looking forward to a new beginning. Thank you and the family for all you do. God bless you all and Jim & Cathy in their amazing present work.