Hello! I am Jon Paulien and I’m glad you came to this page to check out my work. I am a New Testament scholar and Professor of Religion at Loma Linda University. On this website you will find a collection of my articles, commentary on Revelation, and links to my blog, videos, and other resources. Make sure you check the articles link above regularly to see the latest postings. In my hand above is an exact replica of p52, the earliest extant New Testament manuscript fragment, containing portions of John, chapter 18. Centered above my head is a replica of ancient Greek pottery. At either end above are two sets of books from, and about, my favorite spiritual author, Ellen G. White. I hope you enjoy the site.

Daily Devotional For February 26, 2026

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And to the angel of the church in Thyatira, write: “These things says the son of God, the One whose eyes are like flaming fire, and whose feet are like polished brass. I know your works, even your love, your faith, your service, and your patience, and your latter works are greater than the former. Rev 2:18-19.

           When one thinks of vacation spots or places to see in North America, there are several places that come to mind. Among the major destinations are places like Orlando, Florida; New York City; Washington, DC; the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone Park. Most of these places are known around the world and people will go out of their way in order to visit them.¹
           There are many other destinations that are close to these in renown. Most of these involve bodies of water or mountains, places like Colorado and the California coast. It may surprise people to find out that my home state of Michigan has more boat registrations than any other state. Bordering on the three largest of the Great Lakes makes a great deal of water recreation possible. Water and mountains provide weary people from the city with a reason to make that long drive with the family in order to have a few moments of quiet recreation.
           One place that doesn’t seem to be on anyone’s vacation list is the state of Oklahoma. It was nearly ten years after I had visited my 49th state (Alaska) before I made Oklahoma the 50th and last state I had visited. Oklahoma is probably best known for the “dust bowl,” Will Rogers, and a Broadway musical of the same name. Possessing neither large bodies of water, mountains, nor a major theme park, Oklahoma is a vast plain that most travelers pass through hurriedly on their way to somewhere else.
           But if you chose to visit Oklahoma after all, you would find the place has a quiet beauty all its own. Breeze-filled plains rise up to meet an endless sky. And the people who live there exhibit a rugged work ethic that fills life in this unpretentious place with meaning and satisfaction. While the life there is simple and straightforward, the people are well-worth knowing, with a practical wisdom that transcends the studied wisdom of the American coasts.
           Like Oklahoma, Thyatira was like a neglected sister among the seven churches. The other six cities were major in economic and political importance. In ancient lists of the great cities of Asia Minor, the other six are near the head of the list, Thyatira is usually missing. But Jesus does not look at things the way we do. He sees value where others see dross. The simplest of Christians often have the most profound walk with God. If you sometimes feel like an “odd man out” in your local church community, God says to you, “Welcome to Thyatira (Oklahoma)!”

           Lord, thank you for Thyatira and Oklahoma, which remind me to respect those that are marginalized in today’s world and take courage in You when I feel left out myself.

¹ Thanks to Jim Park for the main idea behind this devotional, email, November 18, 2002.