Reflection: Thyatira: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     When have you personally seen or experienced authority in the church misused?

2.     What did it do to your faith? To others around you?

3.     In what ways can honest love, faith, service, and patient endurance conquer false motives and teachings?

Share: What do you need to “hold fast” to today?

Thyatira: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Revelation 2: 18-28

“And all the churches will know that I am the one who searches minds and hearts…. hold fast to what you have until I come.”

Fire consumes but also purifies.

In California there are several places where forest fires have ravaged Redwood groves and yet still many of these giant trees survived, now bearing their scorched markings blended with new growth.

Jesus brings His fire into our hearts to reveal false teachings. Too often taught as a hidden agenda by those we assume have authority.

His fire also helps us to clarify our own motives for works. Does the desire to work come from true compassion, or to fulfill an obligation, or to look good to others? Sometimes real purpose gets swallowed up in reputation and competition for attention—both personally and publicly.

It takes courage for any worship community to seek clarity and change steps if necessary. It takes commitment to stand against lies that can infest and destroy truth. It requires a battle to conquer when evil is unmasked.

“Hold fast” Jesus says. He is coming—He will bring His authority into the circumstances. If we are willing to ask—to listen—to follow—to obey.

Lord, please keep all Your churches true to the works You choose for each to do. Give each Your words to purify our motives.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 27:13

“I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”

Walk: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Joshua 23

“..that not one thing has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you; all have come to pass for you, not one of them has failed..” Joshua 23:14

Joshua’s time of leadership has come to a close. He reminds Israel that everything they have achieved came because they walked with God and that He fought for them. He warned them to not ever consider, “turning aside from it neither to the right nor to the left….but hold fast to the Lord your God.”

The California coast abounds in hiking trails with breathtaking views for beginning hikers through to accomplished rough terrain trailblazers. And each trail is marked by maps and signs where to beware—where not to go—where the seemingly solid cliff could become treacherous and unstable.  And yet residents and visitors alike often take their chances and go off the solid trails into danger. Some times they succeed and then others follow their example with life threatening results.

Satan tried to lure Jesus to take a different path that promised power and riches and fulfillment. His reply, “Begone Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” Onlookers of Jesus’ ministry did not always see the promises behind His words. Even His disciples struggled to understand then and now.

Yet His promises never fail.

Lord, we need Your courage and strength to walk your path in faithfulness. And in seasons when we stumble and our hands begin to loosen our grip, please hold fast to us. Keep our sight fixed on You.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 143: 8

“Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning, for in you I put my trust.

Teach me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”