THYATIRA
Today’s 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.
Dear Marilyn, praying for you this morning. The Lord bless you in spirit, soul and body.
Dear Sah, Happy Belated Birthday! I hope yesterday was a special one for you.
The Lord bless each one of you today. Let us rejoice that He is our our Peace, our Joy, our Healer and Deliverer, our Savior, our Strength, our Rock, our Haven, and so much more!
Happy Belated Birthday Sah! Wishing you a wonderful year ahead. God bless you! 🎉🎂🎈
Amen Deanna
Great photos, history and scripture. We are victorious, doing God’s will to the end and overcoming the trials and temptations of life. We put Jesus first in our hearts. Our One and only Saviour, Messiah. We shall be His morning stars, shining brightly as lights in the world for others to come to know, praise, claim and worship Him. All for Your Glory, Jesus. Blessings fellow saints in the Lord.
For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.
Psalm 33:4 ESV
This was playing in my ears on my early morning walk.
Nicole C. Mullen – My Redeemer Lives (Lyrics)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRW-jr_PnbQ
Have been listening to Billy Graham’s greatest sermon “Who is Jesus?,” which he gave in Chicago, 1971. Nearly 40 years ago, it remains one of the most powerful sermons ever given. May it give extra strength to lift up those saints who are feeling low, this morning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjZLQY3TBd4
Thank you. Wonderful and may God bless you. I hope to forward Billy’s sermon. It covers everything anyone would wish to know about “JESUS”
Good morning everyone, hope you all had a peaceful nights sleep. I reread yesterday’s comments and I want to let Marilyn know I have just prayed for her. Jesus is the great healer, may He touch you with His healing power.
Sah, I hope you had a special day yesterday celebrating your birthday. It is difficult at the present time getting together with others.
We must keep strong in these days off uncertainty and remember that God is in control. God Bless each and everyone.
. https://youtu.be/vSxocnIaN0A
Thank You, Father, for this beautiful day. Spring is like the resurrection from the dead, so thank You for overcoming even what is impossible for us. We need You so! Lord God, You tell us of 3 important things: faith, hope, and love. Please increase our love for You and for others, so the things we do are done out of love. Please build Your church today, and help us all to hold fast to You. In Jesus’s name, amen
Amen
Amen
So thankful for God’s compassions which are new every morning. He does not treat us as we deserve , otherwise, where would we be?
I pray verse 25 in today’s reading. “ May we all hold tightly to what we have until He comes”
A belated happy birthday to you, Sah! 🎂💐. May the coming year be one of abundant blessings.
Have prayed for you, Marilyn and will continue to do so. May God touch you in a very tangible way leaving you rejoicing, as a result.
Blessings on each and everyone!
Happy Belated Birthday to you Sah! Trust you are feeling better today Marilyn.
I just finished reading all the comments that you precious Saints have left thank you for the encouragement thank you for this blog that when we have a need we can reach out to to our brothers and sisters in the Lord so thank you again from the as once again thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers and I would ask that you would continue to hold me up in prayer as for my skin condition I’m under the care of a neural a skin doctor dermatologist ask for my osteoarthritis I am under the care of a knee specialist and yeah so thank you very much from the bottom of my heart and God bless you all and Happy birthday Sah I pray you had a blessed birthday and blessings to all and I pray that everyone will have a great day once again thank you thank you thank you and amen amen and amen
Thank you Ger,Marilyn,Deanna,Beverlee Kay for the birthday wishes; I pray the Lord blesses each one of you with great health and overflowing love and happiness for all;
I have felt that this “virus” which is so small has brought the whole world to its knees; and I also felt that God is giving us time to make amends with those who we have had arguments with and our stubborn pride gets in the way; NOW IS TIME TO SAY WE ARE SORRY TO THE PERSON;PEOPLE; AND ASK THEM TO FORGIVE US;
THEY MAY NOT FORGIVE;OK; NO GOSSIPING;SAY YOU ARE SORRY AND MOVE ON IN JESUS NAME WE PRAY AMEN AMEN AMEN
Lord bring the right person to rent the back room; the money will go on my debts;thank you Lord amen amen amen