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"Listen Up!" by Thea Ardrey
Scripture: Revelation 2:18 “To the angel of the Messianic Community in Thyatira, write: ‘Here is the message from the Son of God, whose eyes are like a fiery flame and whose feet are like burnished brass: 19 I know what you are doing, your love, trust, service and perseverance. And I know that you are doing more now than before. 20 But I have this against you: you continue to tolerate that Izevel woman, the one who claims to be a prophet, but is teaching and deceiving my servants to commit sexual sin and eat food that has been sacrificed to idols. 21 I gave her time to turn from her sin, but she doesn’t want to repent of her immorality. 22 So I am throwing her into a sickbed; and those who commit adultery with her I am throwing into great trouble, unless they turn from the sins connected with what she does; 23 and I will strike her children dead! Then all the Messianic communities will know that I am the one who searches minds and hearts, and that I will give to each of you what your deeds deserve. 24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira, to those who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some people call the ‘deep things’ of the Adversary, I say this: I am not loading you up with another burden; 25 only hold fast to what you have until I come. 26 To him who wins the victory and does what I want until the goal is reached,
I will give him authority over the nations;
27 he will rule them with a staff of iron
and dash them to pieces like pottery,[Revelation 2:27 Psalm 2:8–9]
28 just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give him the morning star. 29 Those who have ears, let them hear what the Spirit is saying to the Messianic communities.”’
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Doctors said my bout of spinal meningitis would rob me of my hearing, but God had something else to say. When they tested it, it was above normal. Yet, just because our physical ears hear something doesn’t mean we’re really listening.
When we stop and really listen, it’s striking how many sounds are vying for our attention. In our neighborhoods, it may include cars, barking dogs, and lawn mowers. In our hearts, the noise might be worry and fear, hurtful words others have spoken, or lies we’ve convinced ourselves are true-or maybe, even seemingly great ideas which aren't God's best for us as individuals or His Church.
We often soak up words of praise from others, yet can find it difficult to accept criticism. Perhaps it would have been a similar challenge for the church in Thyatira as they heard Jesus’ words of praise coupled with ways in which they were falling short.
When we listen to God, really listen, we must be faithful to receive his entire message-the ways in which our course requires correction. And when He tests our hearing, we pray He finds it above normal.
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Hymn for Today: "Don't Turn Him Away" by Haldor Lillenas copyright 1925, Renewed 1953 by Lillenas Publishing Company All rights reserved.
1. Patiently, tenderly pleading,
Jesus is standing today.
At your heart's door He knocks as before;
O turn Him no longer away.
Refrain:
Don't turn Him away
Don't turn Him away
He has come back
To your heart again
Altho' you've gone astray
Oh how you'll need Him
To plead your cause
On that eternal day
Don't turn the Savior away
From your heart
Don't turn Him away
2. Gracious, compassionate mercy
Bro/t Him from mansions above-
Caused Him to wait just outside the gate.
O yield to His wonderful love.
Refrain:
Don't turn Him away
Don't turn Him away
He has come back
To your heart again
Altho' you've gone astray
Oh how you'll need Him
To plead your cause
On that eternal day
Don't turn the Savior away
From your heart
Don't turn Him away
3. Can you not now hear Him calling?
Do not ill-treat such a Friend.
Give up your sin; O let Him come in!
Lo! He will be true to the end.
Refrain:
Don't turn Him away
Don't turn Him away
He has come back
To your heart again
Altho' you've gone astray
Oh how you'll need Him
To plead your cause
On that eternal day
Don't turn the Savior away
From your heart
Don't turn Him away
4. Now is the time to receive Him;
Grant Him admission today.
Grieve Him no more, but open your door,
And turn Him no longer away.
Refrain:
Don't turn Him away
Don't turn Him away
He has come back
To your heart again
Altho' you've gone astray
Oh how you'll need Him
To plead your cause
On that eternal day
Don't turn the Savior away
From your heart
Don't turn Him away
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Thought of the Day: Luke 11:28 But he said, “Far more blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it!”
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Please Pray: For the development of Christian leaders in Sao Tome and Principi.
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Thought of the Day: Luke 11:28 But he said, “Far more blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it!”
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Please Pray: For the development of Christian leaders in Sao Tome and Principi.
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