1 to 10 - where is your love, faith, and service?

Good morning everyone!! Another great day to be alive in JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!

Remember, when John talks to the 'angel of the church' he is talking to the leaders of the church.

Revelation 2:18 "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, "These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass:""
Thyatira was a working person's town with many trade guilds for cloth making, dyeing and pottery. It was located halfway between Pergamos and Sardis and had been under Roman rule for nearly three centuries. Since the city was situated in a long valley that swept forty miles to Pergamos, it had no natural defenses and had a long history of being destroyed and rebuilt.

Lydia, Paul's first convert in Philippi, was a merchant from Thyatira. The city was basically secular, with no focus on any particular religion.

Revelation 2:19 "I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first."
The believers in Thyatira were commended for growing in good deeds. We should not only take comfort in gathering for worship or rejoice when people give their lives to Christ in our church. We should also seek to grow in love, faith, and acts of service. Because the times are critical, we must spend our days wisely and faithfully.

Are you growing in faith? Is your love, faith, acts of service growing? Or is it stagnant? Or is it diminishing? Food for thought. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Good morning everyone!! Another great day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST!! Our pastor had a great sermon on WORRY yesterday. It would be good for all to hear. God is good all the time all the time God is good.

Revelation 2:17 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."

The "manna that has been hidden away in heaven" suggest the spiritual nourishment that the faithful believers will receive. As the Israelites traveled toward the Promised Land. God provided manna from heaven for their physical nourishment. Jesus, as the bread of life provides spiritual nourishment that satisfies our deepest hunger.

White sonte - When an athlete won in the games, he was often given as part of his prize a white stone, which was an admission pass to the winner's celebration afterwards. This may depict the moment when the overcomer will receive his ticket to the eternal victory celebration in heaven.

Also, the stones are important because each will bear the new name of every person who truly believes in Christ. They are the evidenve that a person has been accepted by God and declared worthy to receive eternal life. A person's name represented his or her character. God will give us a new name and a new heart.

Are you ready? Does God have your stone with your new name for your new life? If so, REJOICE!!! If not, what are you waiting for? Now is the time? Just ask God to accept you, that you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, that He died for your sins. Take it!!! It, salvation, is free - Jesus has paid it all! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

The Eagle

Good morning! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!

Deuteronomy 32:11-12 "As an eagle stirs up its nest, Hovers over its young, spreading out its wings, taking them up, carrying them on its wings, so the LORD alone led him, and there was no foreign god with him."
The ideas of strength and protection, both inherent in the image of an eagle's wings, are combined in Deut. 32:11. The eagle displays strength and subtlety in the way it stays aloft in the wind. Secondly, wings were a traditional symbol of protection and refuge. Ancient Egyptian sculptures often have the wings of a falcon protecting a ruler or prince.

v 12 - the LORD alone guided them and they did not follow other gods.

Where is your strength? Where is your protection? Who do you follow? Or, as they say today, "who's your daddy?" A great answer is GOD!!!

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Whose doctrine do you follow?

Good morning everyone!! Wow!! Another great day to be alive in Jesus! You think yesterday was hot........try hell! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Revelation 2:15-16 "Thus you also have those wo hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. (16) Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth."

v 15 - The teaching of the Nicolatians led to the same behavior as Balaam's schemes.

v 16 - The church was called upon to exercise its disciplie. This sword is God's judgment against rebellious nations and all forms of sin. Just as the Romans used their swords for authority and judgment, Jesus' sharp two edged sword represents God's ultimate authority and judgment. It may also represent God's future separation of believers from unbelievers. Unbelievers canno experience the eternal rewards of living in God's kingdom.

Where are you today? Where are we today? Where is our church today? Are we compromising and falling to the level Balaam desired? Are we reaching out, telling others of the word of Jesus Christ, the Truth, the Way? Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Sandals

Good morning! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. I will try to share some of the interesting tidbits from the Bible. This first one comes from Deut. 25:5-10, so pleas take time to read it so you will understand the following.

The countries of the Bible are warm and dry much of the year. Although shoes, covering the entire foot, are sometimes depicted in ancient pictures, sandals were the natural and more common foot covering for that climate. The simple act of removing a sandla carried symbolic meaning for ancient people.

Sandals were such personal items that they symbolically represented their owner in some legal transactions. In one type of business transaction, removal of the sandal confirmed an exchange of buying and selling. Such an exchange could even include the acquisition of a wife (Ruth 4:7-10). Yet a different legal transaction involved the breakdown of family and social obligations. A woman had a right to bear children to her deceased husband. If her brother in law refused her that right she could publicly humiliate him, indicating such by rmoving his sandal (Deut.25:7-10)

Sandals were also removed to symbolize the presence of holy ground. Because shoes tread through dust and dirt, they are symbolically dirty to Muslims; thus, they are taken off before entering holy places like mosques. This Muslim custom reflects the attitude that shoes, dirty as they are, should not desecrate holy places.

This same attitude appears in the Old Testament. Both Moses before the burning bush and Joshua before the "Commander of the LORD's army" were instructed to remove their sandals, for they stood on "holy ground."

Thank you for reading. Excerpts from, SO THAT'S WHY BIBLE. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Balak or Jesus?

Good morning everyone! Yes it is. Another great day to be alive and worship Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Yesterday we were in Revelation 2:13; talking about compromise and satan's throne. That Pergamos was the center of four idoltrous cults.

Revelation 2:14 "But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality."
We can have differences of opinions as Christians in some areas, but there is no room for heresy and moral impurity.Balak was king of Moab, and he feared the large number of Israelites traveling through his country, so he hired Balaam to pronounce a curse on them.

Balaam refused at first to do it, but an offer of money made him willing. Later Balaam influenced the Israelites to turn to idol worship. Here Christ rebuked the church for tolerating those who, like Balaam, lead people away from God.

Where are you today? what do your actions say? Are you Balak and don't realize it? Are you taking steps for Christ? My prayer for you today is that with each step, each syllable utter from your mouth would be pleasing and acceptable unto the Lord God Almighty. Thank you Jesus. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

To compromise or not to compromise...that's the ?

Good morning everyone!! Another great day to be alive in the Lord JESUS CHRIST!! GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME, ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD!!

Okay, then. John just wrote to the angel of the church in Pergamos in verse 12. Now listen to verse 13.

Revelation 2:13 "I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is; and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth."
where Satan's seat or throne is - this talks of Satan's usurped world power. He is identified in Scripture as the prince of this world (Mt. 4:8-9; II Cor 4:4) Pergamos was the headquarters of satanic opposition and a Gentile base for false religions.

holdest fast my name - this may refer to the Arian controversy, which lasted for over a century and was finally settled in A.D. 325 by the Council of Nicaca. They did not deny Christ's name.

Antipas - probably the pastor of the church. Nothing is known about Antipas except that he did not compromise. He was faithful, and he died for his faith.

Some in the church were tolerating those who taught or practiced what Christ opposed. Compromise can be defined as a blending of the qualities of two different things, or a concession of principles. We can cooperate with people as much as possible, but avoid any alliance, partnership, or participation that could lead to immoral practices.

faithful martyr - tradition says Antipas was burned to death inside a brass bull. Martyr, a transliteration of the Greek word, means "witness." Because so many of the witnesses faithful to Christ were put to death, the word martyr developed its current definition.

Are you faithful to Jesus Christ, the Word, or faithful to the world around you? Strong question, stronger internal struggle, which way will you turn? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Humble birth - great departure!

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!

Moses was born and taken into Pharaoh's household, 1526 b.c.

Moses' mother hides her baby to save him from Pharaoh's command that all Hebrew baby boys should be killed. Pharaoh's daughter finds Moses and raises him as her own. Moses was floating in a wicker basket and was found, helpless in the water. A very humble beginning.

Then Moses fled from Egypt for 40 years and when he returned Moses was at God's command to free his people from slavery. Pharaoh refuses, God sends plagues on the Egyptians, and the Israelites leave Egypt.

God parts the Red Sea for them and they enter the Sinai Peninsula in 1446 B.C.

How many times has God had to send you "plagues" because you could not see the way. Then suddenly you were able to see your "RED SEA" and what God did for you? Do not leave God out of your plans. An humble beginning to a great finish. That is Moses, that is you! You, a physical person on earth - then a saint with the Trinity for eternity. Rejoice! Praise!

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Cults? Cults! Judgment comes!

Good morning everyone!! Another great day to be alive in JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR!!!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!!

Today, in Revelation 2:12 the city of Pergamos is our topic. Pergamos comes from the Greek pergos (poor'-gos), a primary word which means a tower or castle.

Revelation 2;12 "And to the "angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges:"

The city of Pergamum was built on a hill 1,000 feet above the surrounding countryside, creating a natural fortress. It was a sophisticated city, a center of Greek culture and education, with a 200,000 volume library.

But, it was also the center of four cults; Athena, Asklepios, Dionysus (or Bacchus, the god of drunkennes), and Zeus. It rivaled Ephesus in its worship of idols. The cit's chief god was Asclepius, whose symbol was a serpent and who was considered the god of healing. People came to Pergamum from all over the world to seek healing from this god. Pergamos was the first city in Asia to build a temple to Caesar and became the capital of the cult of Caesar worship.

Just as the Romans used their swords for authority and judgment, Jesus' sharp two-edged sword represents God's ultimate authority and judgment. It may also represent God's future separation of believers from unbelievers. Unbelievers cannot experience the eternal rewards of living in God's Kingdom.

Here are four questions to consider on the verses we have read thus far.
1) What commendations did Christ have for the church at Ephesus? For what sin did he rebuke them?
2) What situation did the church at Smyrna face? What did God promise them? How do these facts square with the expectations of most Western Christians?
3)What was the great sin of the church of Pergamos?
4) Summarize Christ's message for the church at Thyatira.

Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Miracle, today?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! Do you see miracles each day as you set forth on your journeys? If yes, Praise God! If not, WHY NOT?

In Daniel, chapter 6, King Darius was tricked and had to throw Daniel to the lions. It would up that Daniel was the guest of honor at the Lions' Club and was treated as such.

When Darius came to check on Daniel the next day, Daniel did not have a scratch mark on him. Daniel was cast in the den as he did not deny his God or religious conviction. Have you?

May you openly show your love and conviction to JESUS CHRIST through every step you take, every thought you have, every action you take. If you have doubts, Stop, Drop, and Pray! Thank you for reading. Look for miracles - they are all around! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Listen, overcome!

Good morning everyone!! Another great day to be in the service of JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD!! Write down 1, just 1 thing you WILL do for JESUS today. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Revelation 2:11 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death."

He that hath an ear - that is you, me and others who have heard, are hearing, and will hear the word of God. Who is speaking to you? the SPIRIT!!

He that overcometh - this is talking about every Christian.

The second death - the first death is only physical, the second is spiritual and eternal. Eternal - this means forever, FOREVER!!!

Eternal life with God, wow, how great and wonderful that will be. But, do not sit back for the unbelievers will be resurrected to be punished with a second death, ETERNAL SEPARATION FROM GOD!!

Not only will these unbelievers be sent to hell, where it is hot, where they burn, BUT now they will burn forever. The worse part of this, according to Pastor Sharp, is not the burning, but the eternal separation - knowing they could have accepted God.

Just like the song, No turning back. Which way are you headed? What will you do for Christ today? Think of some friends or acquaintences, do they know the LORD? Have YOU shared with them? With anyone? Are you working for God or just sitting back?

Thank you for reading with me today! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Are your eyes on Christ?

Good morning everyone!! Another great day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Revelation 2:10 Application Bible "Don't be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life."

devil - The Greek name for God's archenemy means "accuser."
tribulation or suffer for ten days- their imprisonment will be brief.
crown of life - it is the crown which is life, or the reward which is life, not an actual crown to adorn the head. "Crown" here does not refer to the kind royalty wear, but to the wreath awarded to winning athletes.

The message to the Smyrna church was to remain faithful during suffering because God is in control and his promises are reliable. Jesus never says that by being faithful to him we will avoid troubles, suffering, and persecution. Rather, we must be faithful to him in our sufferings.

Only then will our faith prove to be genuine. We remain faithful by keeping our eyes on Christ and on what he promises us now and in the future.

Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

HE over I

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!!!!!

Think about our discipline, your discipline. Does your lack of discipline affect your witness?

Proverbs 15:10 "Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die."

If I profess to be a Christian, but, due to lack of discipline I live another life.... what am I truly saying to the world....AND....to myself. I am a Christian on Sunday, oh yes, a wonderful Christian on Sunday but I can live like the devil during the week. Is this the image you cast forth?

For our witness to become greater with less tarnish we must remember this.

HE must increase......I must decrease!

Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

But you are rich

Good morning to all! Yes, God made another day for us to be alive and an example for him. God is good all the time all the time God is good.

Revelation 2:8-9 "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, 'These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: "I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.""

Smyrna means "myrrh," the substance used for perfume and often for anointing a dead body for aromatic purposes. The city of Smyrna was about 25 miles north of Ephesus. It was nicknamed "Port of Asia" because it had an excellent harbor on the Aegean Sea. The church in this city struggled against two hostile forces: a Jewish population strongly opposed to Christianity, and a non-Jewish population that was loyal to Rome and supported emperor worship. This is the current day Izmir, Turkey. Persecution and suffering were inevitable in an environment like this.

v.9 about know you works but you are rich - believers need not fear death, because it will only result in their receiving the crown of life. Satan may harm their earthly bodies but cannot touch their spiritual bodies.

v9 who say they are jews - although they were jews physically, they were spiritual pagans who aligned themselves with other pagans in killing Christians.

v.9 synagogue of Satan - this means the Jews were serving Satan's purposes, not God's. They rejected the Messiah and Judaism becomes as much a tool of Satan as emperor worship.

Thank you for reading with me today. Are you allowing pagan ideas the opportunity to taint you Christian walk? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Going to a new land?

Are you going to a new land?

Jun 16th, 2009 by buford Edit |

Good morning! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. What a great day to be alive in Jesus Christ, our LORD!

God’s grace is truly amazing. Amazing Grace, the song, think about what it says. In Genesis 12:1-2, God told Abram to leave all he knew, family, land, relatives, and go to a new land. God told Abram he would make him a great nation and bless him. What greater blessing can come than from God.

Are you continuing to live in the land of good and evil, the land of sin? OR, are you stepping out and moving to a new land, a land of belief, a land of love and grace, a belief in JESUS CHRIST? If we step out, move to a new land, we will be blessed.

This new land may be a renewed dedication to God; a true tithe (not left over money); a Bible study; a filling of the Holy Spirit; a true and strong belief in JESUS CHRIST. Will you legacy be he/she was a good person or he/she was a good, spirit filled Christian?

Thought for the day: We give 10% to God; and we tip 15% or more. Who gives you more? Really? Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all!

In Christ’s Love and Grace

Johnny

Tree of life? TREE OF LIFE!!

Good morning everyone!! I hope you have a great day in the LORD JESUS CHRIST!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Revelation 2:7 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God."

Two trees had been in the Garden of Eden- the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Eating from the tree of life brought eternal life with God; eating from the tree of Knowledge brought realization of good and evil.

When Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge, they disobeyed God's command. So they were excluded from Eden and barred from eating from the tree of life. Eventually, evil will be destroyed and believers will be brought into a restored paradise. In the new earth, everyone will eat from the tree of life and live forever.

Which tree do you return to for nourishment? Tree of knowledge or Tree of life? Will you be barred from paradise or welcome in?
Thank you for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Hate the deed, LOVE the people

Good morning everyone!! Another great day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Revelation 2:6 "But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate."
Wow! Such strong words. Nicolas means "one who conquers the people," and he was a deacon, but a false believer who later became apostate. He led the believers astray, as in v. 14-15 similar to the teaching of Balaam.

The Nicolaitans were believers who compromised their faith in order to enjoy some of the sinful practices of Ephesian society. When we want to take part in an activity that we know is wrong, we may make excuses to justify our behavior, saying that it isn't as bad as it seems or that it won't hurt our faith. Christ has strong workds for those who look for excuses to sin.

Through John, Jesus commended the church at Ephesus for hating the wicked practices of the Nicolaitans, but that they didn't hate the people, just their sinful actions. We should accept and love allpeople but refuse to tolerate any evil. God cannot tolerate sin, and he expects us to stand against it. the world needs Christians who will stand for God's truth and point people toward right living.

Where do you stand? One foot in Christ, the other in the world? Or are you firmly planted with both feet in Christ? Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Let Not your hearts be troubled!

Good morning! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! Let not your hearts be troubled.

John 14: 1-4 “Let not your hearts be roubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be alos. And you know the way where I am going.”

The time had almost come. Jesus knew that soon they would kill him. but he still had so much that he needed to teach. He had tried to prepare his disciples for the approaching trauma. they sensed that he was preparing to leave them, but they could not understand why. They had begun to protest. Why couldn’t they go with him? they could, he assured them; but first he had to go to prepare a place for them, and they knew the way.

Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ’s Love and Grace

Johnny

Are you a light-bearing witness?

Good morning everyone! Another wonderful day to be alive in the Lord Jesus Christ! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!

There is so much information in Revelation and each verse it is difficult to do multiple verses or chapters via blogging. So please, do bear with the study and hopefully this will be worthwhile. Also, to review you can go to www.johnnybdaily.blogspot.com and look at all the daily studies we have done to this point.

Revelations 2:5 "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."The church is commanded to repent or suffer removal. For Jesus to "remove you lampstand from its place" would mean the church would cease to be an effective church.
Just as the seven branched candlestick in the Temple gave light for the priests to see, the churches were to give light to their surrounding communities.
But Jesus warned them that their lights could go out. In fact, Jesus himself would extinguish any light that did not fulfill its purpose.
The church needed to repent of its sins. God's judgment could end the church. How is YOUR church, talking about you, as a temple. Are you spreading your light? Are you spreading light to the ones around you? Thank you for reading today. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Is your zeal for Christ?

Good morning everyone!! Another great day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!

Revelations 2:4 "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love." Application Bible: "But I have this complaint against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first."

To be a Christian is to love the Lord Jesus Christ. But the Ephesians' passion and fervor for Christ had become cold, mechanical orthodoxy. Their doctrinal and moral purity, their undiminished zeal for the truth, and their disciplined service were no substitute for the love for Christ they had forsaken.

Paul, once, had commended the church at Ephesus for its love for God and others, but many of the church founders had died, and the second generation believers had lost their zeal for Christ. They were a busy church, members doing much to benefit themselves and the community,but they were acting out of the wrong motives.

Work for God must be motivated by love for God, or it would not last.

Reflect on this. Sounds a lot like us, in America today. Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Your needs or your wants?

Good morning everyone! Super day! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

You say: “I can’t manage.” God says: “I will supply all your needs.” Philippians 4:19

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

We can trust that God will always meet our needs. Whatever we need on earth he will always supply, even if it is the courage to face death as Paul did.

Whatever we need in heaven he will supply. We must remember, however, the difference between our wants and our needs.

Most people want to feel good and avoid discomfort or pain. We may not get all that we want. By trusting in Christ, our attitudes and appetites can change from wanting everything to accepting his provision and power to live for him.

Are you trusting Christ for your needs, or fussing because you don’t get your wants? Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ’s Love and Grace

Johnny

Do not become weary

Good morning everyone! Okay! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. We are in Revelations and the message is to the church in Ephesus.

Revelations 2:2-3 "I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don't tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. You have patiently suffered for me without quitting."

The church in Ephesus had steadfastly refused to tolerate sin among its members. This was not easy in a city noted for immoral sexual practices associated with the worship of the goddess Artemis.

Today, we live in time of widespread sin and sexual immorality. It is popular to be "open minded" toward many types of sin, calling them personal choices or alternative life styles. But, when the body of believers begin to tolerate sin in the church, it is lowering the standards and compromising the church's witness. God's approval is far more important than the world's.

v.2 who say they are apostles - The Ephesian church exercised spiritual discernment. It knew how to evaluate them who claimed spiritual leadership, judging them by their doctrine and behavior.

v3 KJV "......and have not become weary." For over forty years, since its founding, this church had remained faithful to the Word and the Lord. Through difficulty and persecution, the members had endured, always driven by the right motive, Christ's name and reputation.

The church at Ephesus: 1) worked hard; 2) patiently endured; 3) did not tolerate evil people; 4) critically examined the claims of false apostles; and 5) suffered without quitting. Every church should have these characteristics. These good efforts should come forth from our love for Jesus Christ.

Prolonged conflict can weaken or destroy our patience and affection. In defending the faith, guard against any structure or rigidity that weakens love. Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

What are you looking forward to?

Good morning and God morning to all! GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME, ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD!

What does it mean to you that Christ, the Alpha and Omega, the King of kings, loves you and washed away yours sins with His blood?

How would your life be different, practically and specifically, if you lived each day with a continual expectancy of Christ’s return?

Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega - the beginning and the end, says the Lord God. I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come-the Almighty One.”
Are these just words? When you read it do you really believe what you read? Is this just a clique phrase from a good history book?

If you don’t stand up for what you believe, your silence will condemn you! Food for thought. Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.

In Christ’s Love and Grace

Johnny

And Jesus said.....

Good morning everyone! Another super day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST! GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME, ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD!

We are moving into Revelations 2. In the history of the church, this congregation speaks of the apostolic period. Ephesus was the main center of Grecian culture and heathen idolatry. Here was located the temple of the Goddess Artemis (Diana), adorned and ornamented by all of Asia, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Aquila, Priscilla, and Apollos labored in this city; and Paul preached here for three years at one time. In Ephesus John, having left his home in Jerusalem, ministered for thirty years.

Revelations 2:1 "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;"

angel - the elder or pastor from the church. The ephesian church exercised spiritual discernment. It knew how to evaluate men who claimed spiritual leadership, judging them by their doctrine and behavior.

The one who "walks among the seven gold lampstands" (7 churches) is Jesus. He holds the seven stars in his right hand, messengers of the churches, indicating his power and authority over the churches and their leaders. Christ is seen here in His proper place of guiding, controlling, and ruling over all. His servants are secure, since He holds them firmly in His right hand. Outwardly, everything appears to be in proper order.

Ephesus had become a large, proud church, and Jesus' message would remind them that he alone is the head of the body of believers.

If Jesus were to send a message to your local church, what things might He commend your church for? Rebuke you for? How would you define the term "Christian?"

Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

How do you walk?

Good morning! Another great day to be alive in Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour! God is good all the time, all the time, God is good! How is your walk today? Fleshly or Spiritually?

You say: “I can’t forgive myself!” God says: “I Forgive you!” 1 John 1:9 & romans 8:1

Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”If you heard, “Not guilty; let him go free.” What would these words mean to you if your were on death row? Fact is, we, the human race, are on death row, justly condemned for repeatedly breaking God’s holy law. Without Jesus we would have no hope at all. But thank GOD! He has declared us not guilty and has offered us freedom from sin and power to do His will.

We are not guilty because of Christ’s death. We need to confess our sins to God and receive Christ’s cleansing. By doing so we: 1)are agreeing with God that our sins truly is sin and that we are willing to turn from it, and 2) are ensuring that we don’t conceal our sins from Him and consequently from ourselves, and 3) are recognizing our tendency to sin and relying on His power to overcome it.

Fleshly or Spiritually? Death or Life? What is your choice? Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ’s Love and Grace

Johnny

Who is Jesus Christ?

Good morning everyone!! All right! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! Was God first in all you did yesterday? Hey, let's look a little deeper and gain more insight about Jesus. Philippians 2:5-11

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God
7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
9 Therefore God also has higly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of God the Father.
Okay, here are some questions to ponder, print this out for later if need be.

1) What do you learn here about Jesus' identity? How is this identity affirmed in Revelation 1?
2) What does Philippians 2 say about Christ's past humiliation and its relationship to His present and future exaltation?
3) Read Matthew 24:29-30 and 25:31. What do these passages add to your understanding of the second coming of Christ?
4) Read John 11:25 and 14:6. What do these verses say about Christ being "He who lives" (Rev. 1:18)?

Truth for Today! Jesus came the first time in humiliation; He will return in exaltation. He came the first time to die; He will return to judge His enemies. He came the first time to serve; He will return to be served. He came the first time as the suffering servant; He will return as the conquering king. The challenge the book of Revelation makes to every person is to be ready for His return.

Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all. Tomorrow we will do reflections and personal responses prior to going on to chapter 2.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

All things work together.......

Good morning everyone! A great day to worship Jesus Christ in all our thoughts and deeds. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

You say: “It’s not worth it” . . . God says: “It will be worth it.” Romans 8:28

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose.”

God works in everything - not just isolated incidents- for our good. This does not mean that all that happens to us is good. Evil is prevalent in our fallen world, but God is able to turn every circumstance around for our long-range good.

Note that God is not working to make us happy but to fulfill his purpose. Also, this promise is not for everybody. It can be claimed only by those who love God and are called by him, that is, those whom the Holy Spirit convinces to receive Christ.

Such people have a new persepctive, a new mind-set. They trust in God, not in worldly treasures; their security is in heaven, not on earth. Their faith in God does not waver in pain and persecution because they know God is with them.

Let Go! Let God! Trust God! Love God! Thank you for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ’s Love and Grace

Johnny

The command to write

Good morning!! Can you believe, the first week of June is already gone? What a great day to be alive in Jesus Christ! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! Let us look at the end of Revelations chapter one.

The command to write, vs. 19-20 "Write the thing which thou has seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand and the seven golden candlesticks. the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches; and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches."
Verse 19 is the key verse of the book; it indicates the threefold plan of the prophecy and it is the only safe guide to its correct interpretation. Write about: thou hast seen...which are...which shall be hereafter.

Verse 20 the angels of the seven churches....are not literal angels, nor believers in general; but are pastors as will be shown in chapters 2-3. These pastors or ministers, of the local churches, are in places of authority and responsibility. Local congregations are likened to seven candlesticks in order to convey their function of testimony and to spread the light of the gospel.

Questions to ponder:
1) What did John mean when he wrote "the time is near?" (Matt 24:36-39; 2 Pet 3:3-4
2) How did John describe the future second coming of Christ?
3) How will unbelievers (Jews and Gentiles) respond to the return of Christ? Zech 12:10
4) Describe the amazing appearance of the Son of Man in this vision (v13-18). What do these images convey about Christ?
5) What effect did this vision of the risen Christ have on John? (Vs. Gen 17:3; Num. 16:22; Isa. 6:108; Ezek 1:28; Acts 9:4)
6) Why is Revelation 1:19 SUCH A SIGNIFICANT VERSE IN RELATION TO OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THIS BOOK?

Thank you for reading with me today. May God bless your path. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Seek God first

Good morning! A great day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!

II Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:”

You say: “I am not able” God says “I am able”

Paul’s logic is identical to that of our Lord in Matthew 6:33. When the tmporal concerns of life are placed first, God is usually excluded. But when the kingdom of God is placed first, God sees to it that the temporal needs are included.

Giving is a grace that has reciprocal benefits.

Matthew 6:33 “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live rightously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ’s Love and Grace Johnny

Jesus is the answer

Good morning all! Yes, here we are again, looking into God's word. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Remember, now, John heard a voice, not clear as a trumpet, but like the crashing of the surf against the rocks of the island. A voice of authority. John fell to the ground as if dead.

Revelations 1:16-18 "And he had in his right hand seven stqrs: and out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword: and his coutenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, "Fear not; I am the first and the last; I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.""

seven stars - these are the messengers who represent the seven churches. Christ holds them in His hand, which means that He controls the church and its leaders.

a sharp two-edged sword - the large, two edged broad sword signifies judgment on those who attack His people and destroy His church.

fell at His feet - a common response to seeing the awesome glory of the LORD.

First and the Last - Jesus Christ applies this Old Testament name for Yahweh to Himself, clearly claiming to be God. Idols will come and go. He was before them, and He will remain after them.

keys of Hades and of Death- theses are synonymous terms, but death is the condition and Hades, equivalent to the Old Testament Sheol, the place of the dead. Christ decides who lives, who dies, and when.

Our sins have convicted and sentenced us, but Jesus holds the keys of death and the grave. He alone can free us from eternal bondage to Satan. He alone has the power and authority to set us free from sin's control. Believers don't have to fear death or the grave because Christ holds the keys to both. All we must do is turn from sin and turn to him in faith.
When we attempt to control our lives and disregard God, we set a course that leads directly to hell. But when we place our life in Christ's hands, he restores us now and resurrects us later to an eternal, peaceful relationship with him.

Thank you for reading. We will finish chapter 1 tomorrow, then have some questions, and begin chapter 2 on Monday. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

You can DO IT!!

Good morning! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!

You say: “I can’t do it!”

God says: “You CAN do all things!” Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Can we really do everything? The power we receive in union with Christ is sufficient to do his will and to face the challenges that arise from our commitment to doing it.

He does not grant us superhuman ability to accomplish anything we can imagine without regard to his interests.

As we contend for the faith, we will face troubles, pressures, and trials. As they come, ask Christ to strengthen you.

Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.

In Christ’s Love and Grace

Johnny

Is that you Jesus, Messiah?

Good morning everyone! Another super day to be alive in Jesus Christ our LORD! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. LET GO - LET GOD!

Okay, John heard a loud voice and now he is turning to see who spoke to him. Let us begin at Revelations 1:12-15 KJV "And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters."
Seven is the number of completeness. The seven gold lampstands are the seven churches in Asia, and Jesus stands among them. No matter what the churches face, Jesus protects them with his all-encompassing love and reassuring power. Through his Spirit, Jesus Christ is still among the churches today. When a church faces persecution, it should remember Christ's deep love and compassion. When a church is troubled by internal strife and conflict, it should remember Christ's concern for purity and his intolerance of sin.

Son of Man is how Jesus most often refered to Himself while on earth. Garment refers to the garment of the high priest. The golden sash across His chest completes the picture of Christ serving in His priestly role. John recognized Jesus because he lived with Him for three years and had seen him as the Galilean preacher and as the glorified Son of God at the Transfiguration.

His white hair indicates his wisdom and divine nature; his bright eyes symbolize judgment of all evil; the gold sash across his chest reveal him as the High Priest, who goes into God's presence to obtain forgiveness of sin for those who have believed in Him.

Revelations will challenge you mental picture of Jesus Christ! How do you picture Jesus? Probably not with snow white hair and fiery eyes and feet that glow like bronze.
Think of Jesus speaking to you! Is it a loud thunder, roaring as the ocean; or is it soft and gentle. As we study, you image of Jesus Christ may change to show His strength and His image may change your life - for the better. Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Who do you trust totally - GOD?

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!



You say: “I can’t figure things out!”



God says: “I will direct your steps!” Proverbs 3:3-6



“Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD and you will gain knowledge of God. For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”


Wisdom comes in two ways: It is a God-given gift and also the result of an energetic search. Wisdom’s starting point is God and his revealed Word, the source of “knowledge and understanding” In that sense, wisdom is God’s gift to us. but he gives it only to those who earnestly seek it. But because God’s wisdom is hedden frm the rebellious and foolish, it takes effort to find it and use it.



The pathway to wisdom is strenuous. When we are on the path, we discover that true wisdom is God’s and that he will guide us and reward our sincere and persistent search. In verse 5 - wisdom - this is a plea for the entire commitment of all that one is or ever hopes to be to unconditional directing and provisioning of Yahweh. All reliance on our own understanding must be forever relinquished and replaced by a total trust in his ability to make a straight and profitable path for our feet.



Do you totally trust God….IN ALL THINGS?



Thank you for reading. Love you all



In Christ’s Love and Grace



Johnny

Persecution - can you take it?

Good morning all! Another great day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Please know, I am only studying resources I have. If you have other info please share.

Revelations 1:9-11
"I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, saying, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last," and, "What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.""

v9- tribulation and kingdom and patience -four characteristics that John and his believing readers share are: 1) persecution for their faith; 2) membership in the redeemed community over which Christ serves as Lord and King; 3) eager anticipation of the glory of His coming millennial reign on earth; and 4) endurance and perseverance in spite of difficult times.

v10 - in the Spirit - This was not a dream. John was supernaturally transported out of the material world while awake - not sleeping- to an experience beyond the normal senses. The Holly Spirit empowered his senses to perceive revelation from God.

v10 - Lord's Day - This phrase could mean only the Day of the Lord, referred to so many times in the Old Testament and elaborated on in the Revelation. The majority of expositors are surely correct in understanding the reference to be the first day of the week, Sunday.

v 10 - loud voice - this is the voice of Christ (v15) and is likened to a trumpet sound to indicate that the message was a matter of great public importance. Throughout Revelation, a loud sound or voice indicates the solemnity of what God is about to reveal.

Take time, think about what John went through. Today, right now, would you stand and be persecuted for your belief in Christ, or would you deny as did Peter? Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Ripples of Truth

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! Yesterday, while riding on our boat I observed the water and its reaction to an outside disturbance.

When we cast a stone into the water, small waves or ripples begin. These ripples go out 360 degrees, a full circle. This first wave travels until it dies out, and there is another wave behind it, following, moving to extinction.

However, where we cast the stone into the water, the epicenter, waves seem to come forth for a while. Once all is still, then the water will once again be peaceful until we cast another stone into the water, once again causing ripples or waves.

Coult this be like our Christian life. Christ being the epicenter, and we go to be renewed, then spread the word. For some of us this is Sunday, Christ is our stone cast into the water and we are the ripples carrying the word. But, unfortunately, our ripples die out by night fall.

For others, when our ripple starts to die out, or be no longer, we go back to the epicenter, Jesus Christ, and renew. Another stone is cast, new ripples and we constantly spread the news.

The Holy Spirit gives spiritual life; without the word of the Holy Spirit, we cannot even see our need for new life. All spiritual renewal begins and ends with God. He reveals truth to us, lives within us, and then enables us to respond to that truth. John 6:63-65

Thank you for reading today. When does your ripple die out? Or do you return to the word for renewal? Love you all.

In Christ’s Love and Grace

Johnny

Alpha and Omega

Good morning everyone! Another great day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST! Wow! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!

Revelations 1:8 "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty."

Alpha and Omega - these are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. An alphabet is an ingenious way to store and communicate knowledge. The twenty-six letters in the English alphabet, arranged in almost endless combinations, can hold and convey all knowledge. Christ is the supremem, sovereign alphabet; there is nothing outside His knowledge, so there are no unknown factors that can sabotage His second coming (Col 2:3).

The Lord God is the beginning and the end. God the Father is the eternal LORD and Ruler of the past, present, and future. (Isaiah 44:6; 48:12-15). Without Him you have nothing that is eternal, nothing that can change your life, nothing that can save you from sin.

Is the LORD your reason for living, "The Alpha and the Omega" of your life? Honor the one who is the beginning and the end of all existence, wisdom, and power.

the Almighty - "Almighty God" occurs eight times in Revelation, underscoring that God's power is supreme over all the cataclysmic events it records (4:8; 11:17; 15:3; 16:7, 14' 19:15; 21:22). He exercises sovereign control over every person, object, and event, and not one molecule in the universe is outside that dominion.

To me, these are very strong words. If there is no god there is no eternity. If there is our God, then we can look forward to eternity. Sad, some do believe we live each day to simply die and exist no more. Take time to think about God, think about your relationship with God, and what you can do to further His kingdom.

Thank you for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny