Minute By Minute

Revelation 2:8-11


8 “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: 9 “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. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”’


In verse 9 Jesus says 'I know your works, tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich).' He then says that He knows the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. We must apply this to our life today and ask the question are there those around us that claim to be one thing yet their life reflects nothing of the sort. Better yet look inside, are there things you have in your life that are not reflective of the Kingdom of God? What I am asking you is what does your life read. A story of the saving grace of Jesus Christ and how it leads you to be different than you were before. This church faced a people who claimed to be children of God but were not. They claimed an inheritance that was not theirs, in fact the scripture tells us they were of Satan. That statement puts a whole new light on the idea of claiming one thing and doing another. They were of the synagogue of Satan! I do not want any part of that. We must understand that Jesus expects us to proclaim to the world and anyone who will listen that He is our Lord and Savior, but He also expects that with that proclamation, we walk the walk. We must be forever searching and forever reaching for Him. I encourage you speak and proclaim Jesus is Lord. But before after and during your testimony walk like He is your Lord. If I tell you today that I love Jesus and have served Him for x years and He has guided me and directed me...But yesterday you saw me at the package store and I had a T-Shirt on with profanity and I was not real kind to the person that would not let me by on my way to buying a case. Now tell me again what Jesus has done for me and how much I love Him. I have a better one for you, you tell me how awesome your church service was and that you met with Jesus Sunday morning in such a powerful way. That same afternoon we have an employee meeting and you really don't want to be there. You begin the meeting whispering how stupid these meetings are and how you cannot stand your boss. He is this, and he is that. You then start talking about how bad you hate your job and that a couple of people there just make you sick. Well the meeting is over, you haven't heard a word that was spoken and guess what, neither have I. Oh yes I almost forgot your service on Sunday was so powerful and uplifting totally changed your life and your outlook on somethings...REALLY? Guess the preacher didn't preach on doing all that you do heartily unto the Lord. He must not of spoke about gossip. He couldn't have mentioned causing your brother to stumble. He certainly must not have covered let no unwholesome word proceed from thy mouth. No way He discussed not that which enters the mouth defiles the man but that which proceeds from it. Not a message on loving your brother. Certainly couldn't have been on considering it joy as you endure various trials. Are you feeling me? One minute we proclaim how awesome Jesus is and how powerfully He is at work in, around and through our life and the next minute we are over our head in sin. I know what you are thinking, man you are one of those "works" preachers. Guilty as charged. I believe that what Jesus Christ did for me on the cross displayed a love that I cannot comprehend. I believe that there was no amount of works I could do to be worthy of that beautiful gift; however, I believe that because of my surrender He changed me, and I now have a desire and a need to please Him. Thus fruit will be present in my life. You will see the new creation that he says comes. You will see the passing away of the old things and when you don't, it should be a red flag. All I am saying to you is PROCLAIM IT, THEN WALK IT. 

RAK CHAZAK,

Brother Big Daddy

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