Tuesday – April 16th – Final wrap-up      -----    

We have reached a milestone today on what has been a seven-year-four-and-a-half-month journey. The SunRise Daily Scripture blog first began in 2017 as a blog companion for those reading through the Bible-in-a-year using the Daily Walk Bible. Then in 2018 the daily blog transitioned to what was intended to showcase 365 of my favorite Bible verses. Somewhere early in that first month I realized it was impossible to pick just 365 verses for 2018, so it was expanded to pick out favorite verses as we worked our way through the Old Testament. At some point in 2019 when we arrived at the Gospel of Matthew another transition expanded it to a verse-by-verse exposition of the entire New Testament. In March of 2020, the blog made a slight revision to include greetings with the day of the week, mainly because COVID had thrown off any sense of normalcy to calendar awareness. Then in April of 2023 we arrived at the book of Revelation, and as was accomplished yesterday it took us a year to make our way carefully and slowly through one of the most challenging, mystifying, and yet victorious  books of the Bible. In the end the bottom line, of both Revelation and the Bible, is that we win, and the devil loses. Go Team!!!

I remember about six months into the first I year I came to the staggering realization that “daily blog” meant each day, every day, 365 five days a year. Over the course of this journey there were a few pauses from the “daily” part, occurring when time zones or internet access made it impossible to post around the typical 6:30am timeslot. A couple of computer glitches and viruses have wiped out the totality of every blog still being accessible, so I have no idea how many pages of writing seven and a half years (roughly 2880 days) amounts to or even how many words that may total.

I know that some of you have been around since day one of this seven plus year journey, others of you have joined along the way, and a few others of you have joined at various points during the Revelation portion of the daily blog. And for each one of you I am forever thankful and extremely grateful for your ongoing support, your encouraging comments, your theological questions, and/or your many “likes” and shares on social media.

With all that being said, as this fantastic voyage comes to an end, I have decided to take a sabbatical from writing a daily blog. To give it, you, and me time to rest as I discern what God has next on our journey together. For now, stay strong in reading God’s word, diligent in prayer, and watch for the occasional blog when something big or noteworthy is happening at SunRise Church.

Blessings and peace
   Pastor Jim

Monday – April 15th – Revelation 22:20-21     -----     
 
22:20) He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
21) May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people.
 
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
     NEVER TRY TO MAKE YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER ANOTHER YOU; ONE IS ENOUGH.*

     Happy Monday to you and happy (?) Tax Day as well. It seems sarcastically appropriate that on this Tax Day I want to remind you of our upcoming SunRise blood drive on Monday April 29th from 3:30pm -7:30pm. On of the best, and for many people on of the easiest ways, to be “in mission” is to be a blood donor. The best definition of “missions” is using what God has gifted us with to bless other people. You can sign up to give by going to the SunRise website or app and locate the “events” page. Thank you for making a difference in someone’s life.

     In our pick verses today, John concludes the book of Revelation with both a warning in verse twenty and then what could be considered a fitting epistle-like benediction in verse twenty-one. The ultimate reason for John’s writing is that He who testifies to these things is not himself but the Lord Jesus Christ. The final truth that Christ speaks, as recorded in all of scripture, is that “yes, I am coming soon”. John’s warning to whomever and whenever this verse is read, is that we must be prepared for the sudden and unannounced return of Jesus. What can we not afford to put off until tomorrow if there is no tomorrow? In almost a litany response John speaks for all believers by prayerfully requesting; “Amen, Come Lord Jesus”. To all who arrive at the last words of Revelation and the last words of Scripture, John grants the blessings of God’s grace (undeserved favor bestowed upon us by the generosity of God) upon those who have said yes to Him. This is the peace of God that passes all human understanding regardless of our situations or circumstances. With such peace in our lives, we can patiently wait for what God has next for each of us.

Blessings
  Pastor Jim
Tuesday – April 16th – Final wrap-up

*The Daily Walk Bible NLT: Explore God's Path to Life (p. 1426). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Sunday – April 14th – Revelation 22:18-19     -----    
 
18 And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book.
19 And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book.
 
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
     TRUE PRAYER IS A WAY OF LIFE, NOT JUST AN EMERGENCY DETOUR.*

     Good Sunday to you, my friends!  Attention all of those who are or have college attending students. The application process for the SunRise Scholarship in Honor of Troy S. Biernbaum is now open through June 30th.  If you are interested in who is eligible, the application process, and the reason behind the prestigious scholarship you can find all of that on the SunRise “events” page through either the church website or app.

     In our pick verses today, John gives a stern warning to future readers as to the seriousness of this end-time prophecy. This warning is for everyone who hears - first those who are in the seven churches who will have this read to them, and then by extension all hearers or readers down through the ages until the end of time. John’s warning is that those who intentionally attempt to “add” or “subtract” from this prophecy are thusly distorting God’s intended message of Revelation, will receive the full wrath of the Almighty. Specifically, any person who adds their motive or personal agenda to this book will receive the fullness of the plagues recorded in this book. Likewise, those who, for the purpose to benefit themselves by take away from God’s Holy word as written this book will have their share in the tree of life taken from them. I think it is safe to assume that John’s warnings can accurately be extended to the whole of scripture. To intentionally tamper with the Word of God is a sign of unbelief and is a dangerous matter to ever consider no matter the reason or justification behind it.

Blessings
   Pastor Jim
Monday – April 15th – Revelation 22:20-21
 
*The Daily Walk Bible NLT: Explore God's Path to Life (p. 1418). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Saturday – April 13th – Revelation 22:17     -----     
 
22:17) The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.
 
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
     THE DEGREE OF OUR SPIRITUAL VIGOR HAS MUCH TO DO WITH HOW MUCH TIME WE SPEND IN GOD’S WORD.*

     Welcome to Saturday! This middle weekend of April marks the second week of our new series and all church study – “That’s Good News”. The focus of our study is to help install confidence and excitement in our personal and individual stories of faith sharing. This week we will look at the necessary step of learning both process and patience in planting seeds for the Kingdom of Heaven. You don’t have to have a farming or gardening background to be effective in planting a seed of faith in the lives of other people. Join us on Sunday in-building at either 8am or 9:45am, or online for our live-stream of the 9:45am service. You can make a difference by simply living your life for the glory of God.

     In our pick verse today, John begins the final section of the epilogue that concludes the book of Revelation by including his closing remarks. Today’s verse is without question the most evangelistic text in the entire book. The four invitations contained within this verse are addressed directly to the unsaved world, and not the churches themselves. The Holy Spirit and the Bride (the church) collectively joins together in offering God’s grace and peace to a hurting, broken, sinful, and lost world. Please note my friends, that this verse, saved until the very end of the revelation received by John, puts a direct ownness on believers to fulfil the Great Commission. Yes, God still desires each of us to share our faith in Christ through our actions, interactions, reactions, and words when necessary. We are all an important part of God’s perfect plan to redeem the world through Jesus Christ.

Blessings
   Pastor Jim
Sunday – April 14th – Revelation 22:18-19

*The Daily Walk Bible NLT: Explore God's Path to Life (p. 1404). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Friday – April 12th – Revelation 22:16     -----    

22:16)  “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne. I am the bright morning star.”
 
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
      PEOPLE MAY SPURN YOUR APPEALS, REJECT YOUR MESSAGES, AND OPPOSE YOUR ARGUMENTS, BUT THEY ARE HELPLESS AGAINST YOUR PRAYERS.*

     Hello Friday! Yesterday I had us look ahead to the month of June, so today I will continue stretching your calendar options. The 2024 edition of SunRise Vacation Bible School is scheduled for the week of June 10th through June 14th from 9am -12 noon each day. This year the theme will by “Scuba – Diving Into Friendship With God”. VBS is a great opportunity for the whole family to be involved and to learn about God’s unparalleled love for us. Kids from 3 years old to 5th grade can register for $20 per child, youth volunteers register for $10, and adult volunteers are free. Friends, it takes a whole church family to make VBS an exciting and eventful time, which means there is a place for you to serve. To be part of the week of fun and activities go to the SunRise website or app “events” page and click on the VBS graphic. If you are unable to be here that week, don’t worry, we have a window (McClure hallway) full of supplies available for donation. Thanks!!

     In our pick verse today, John records the final words of Jesus confirming the authority of John to record and share this vision of end times. Here is the only time in scripture that the emphatic form “I, Jesus” appears. He confirms that the messenger of the vision was “my angel” and that it is the “testimony for the churches” given to John. In His final words, Jesus uses two terms that speak to His connection as being both fully human and fully divine. Frist, the “root of the offspring of David” states the fulfillment of the promised messianic descendant of David sitting on the throne forever. Second, “the bright Morning Star” appears only when night is almost over. Thus, the fulfillment of the divine work of God is now at hand. For the readers of John’s prophecy, both then, and through every generation since, the fulfillment of God’s promise stands as a symbol of hope for all who have placed their trust in Him.

Blessings
   Pastor Jim
Saturday – April 13th – Revelation 22:17

*The Daily Walk Bible NLT: Explore God's Path to Life (p. 1386). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Thursday – April 11th – Revelation 22:15     -----    

22:15) Outside the city are the dogs—the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idol worshipers, and all who love to live a lie.
 
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
     THE POWER OF MAN CAN NEVER REVERSE THE SENTENCE OF GOD.*

     Happy Thursday to you! Yes, I know we are still in the first half of the month of April, but June is coming quickly. The adult mission trip to Eastern Kentucky is the week of June 24-29th and we would love for you to be part of our team this year. We will be serving in and around the community of Jackson, Ky one of the areas hardest hit in the July floods of 2022. The cost for this trip is $600 which includes lodging, meals, and transportation. If you would like more information, you can contact me at jdblue@sunrisefamily.org. If you are ready to sign up, go the “events” page on either the SunRise app or website, and click on the adult mission trip graphic.

     In our pick verse today, John now restates Jesus’ words about those who fail to accept God’s invitation to join Him in eternity. As we have mentioned before, there are two eternal destinations, heaven and hell. The account of the judgment before the great white throne portrayed these designations as names either being written in the Lambs Book of Life, or as names of the rebellious being thrown into the lake of burning fire. This verse states the image of eternity as the blessed of God will enter the gates of Heaven, and those cursed (by their own choice) will exist outside the splendor and glory of being in the presence of God. Banishment from the presence of a king was standard punishment in the ancient world of John, this understanding of being on the outside constitutes his vision, as described by Jesus, of the new order. We all have the final choice of where and which eternity we will experience.

Blessings
   Pastor Jim
Friday – April 12th – Revelation 22:16

*The Daily Walk Bible NLT: Explore God's Path to Life (p. 1367). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Wednesday – April 10th – Revelation 22:14    -----     
 
22:14) Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life.
 
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
      GET ON FIRE FOR GOD, AND PEOPLE WILL WATCH YOU BURN.*

    Good Wednesday to you! Last call reminder for those interested in knowing more about SunRise Church and about what it means to be a member of this church family. This Saturday, April 13th, we will be hosting our spring Membership Pathway class beginning at 9am. Come and learn about our SunRise history, Wesleyan based beliefs, our organizational structure, and the many ministries that makes SunRise one of the best places in the world to belong. You can register for the class by going to the SunRise website or app and click on the “events” page.

     In our pick verse today, John continues to record the words of Jesus as the final insights of what is to come following the end of the world as we know it. One of the designations for those martyrs who stood their ground for Christ during the tribulation is that they will be in white robes that were washed clean by the blood of the Lamb. The eternal reward for their commitment to Christ is that they have free and unhindered access to the entirety of New Jerusalem and will be able to enter through the gates of the city without hesitation. Citizenship in Heaven for all earthly believers is often described as an “already but not yet” state of existence. We become citizens of Heaven when we give our lives to Christ. In spite of all the challenges in life, we can enjoy the rights of citizenship while still in our human bodies. Another way of stating this is that we believers are resident aliens here on earth.

Blessings
  Pastor Jim
Thursday – April 11th – Revelation 22:15

*The Daily Walk Bible NLT: Explore God's Path to Life (p. 1351). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Tuesday – April 9th – Revelation 22:13     -----    

22:13) I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
 
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
     IT IS NOT THE DARKNESS THAT BLOCKS YOUR VISION SO MUCH AS WHAT IS BETWEEN YOU AND GOD.*

     Happy, happy Tuesday to you! On this post-solar eclipse day, what a perfect inspirational thought for us to consider. The darkness we experienced yesterday in the middle of the day was short-lived compared to all the hype. After only a handful of minutes the sun made its reappearance and the day continued as normal. I find great comfort in knowing that when our lives trend into the darkness of this world, it can/will/should be for only a brief period of time. In the midst of our spiritual darkness, we can hold to the truth of the gospel that God is still be there for us. If you are in a time of darkness right now, God is ready to move whatever is blocking your way to Him.

     In our pick verse today, John records the words of Jesus which states His complete authority to allow the righteous to enter the New Jerusalem. Introduced by the now familiar God identifier, “I Am”, each of these three titles has appeared as a divine name earlier in Revelation, but here is the only time all three occur together. They are close synonyms and show that Jesus transcends all times and all places. He is the source of all and the goal of all; therefore, giving Him the power and authority to judge all people. The Alpha and the Omega is found in both 1:8 and 21:6. The First and the Last occur in 1:7 and 2:8. The Beginning and the End title is found in 21:6. These titles serve to punctuate the supremacy of Christ from prior to Genesis 1:1 past the conclusion of Revelation 22:21.

Blessings
   Pastor Jim
Wednesday – April 10th – Revelation 22:14

*The Daily Walk Bible NLT: Explore God's Path to Life (p. 1331). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Monday – April 8th – Revelation 22:12    -----     
 
22:12) “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.
 
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
     THOUGH YOU MAY ASK GOD TO DO SOMETHING FOR YOU, HE GENERALLY WANTS TO DO SOMETHING IN YOU.*

     Good Monday to you! And Good Solar Eclipse Day to you. Yesterday we had a great kick-off to our new sermon series that is also a church wide study. I hope that you have taken the opportunity to join a small group for the next five weeks or have chosen the option to do the study on your own. Books are available at the church office for $5. If you are still looking for a group head to the SunRise “events’ page through either the app or the website and grab a spot. If you want to join my Wednesday night 6pm group at SunRise you can either sign up or send me an email to let me know your intentions.

     In our pick verse today, John’s angel guide has completed his task, and now the voice of Jesus takes center stage for John’s hearing. The now familiar words of Jesus, “I am coming soon”, are expanded through his promise that He will “reward” all people according to their deeds. You have probably picked up on the some of the sequencing of events in this chapter are re-statements of events that have already occurred prior to chapter twenty-one. The only other specific mention of “reward” in Revelation was in 11:18. Judgment here is a dual edged sword, first blessings for those who worshipped and honored God with their thoughts, words, and deeds. Second, curses and punishment for the wicked who constantly rebelled against the goodness, generosity, and grace of God. When Jesus judges all people, He will give to everyone according to what they have done. The righteous will be rewarded citizenship in New Jerusalem, and the wicked will be denied entrance to the presence of God forever existing in a place of wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Blessings
   Pastor Jim
Tuesday – April 9th – Revelation 22:13

*The Daily Walk Bible NLT: Explore God's Path to Life (p. 1320). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Sunday – April 7th – Revelation 22:10-11    -----     
 
22:10) Then he instructed me, “Do not seal up the prophetic words in this book, for the time is near.
11) Let the one who is doing harm continue to do harm; let the one who is vile continue to be vile; let the one who is righteous continue to live righteously; let the one who is holy continue to be holy.”
 
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
      THE INCONSISTENT CHRISTIAN IS ONE OF THE DEVIL’S BEST WORKERS.*

     Welcome to Sunday! I couldn’t think of a more appropriate inspirational thought for the first Sunday after Easter than the one we have today. What is even more God designed is that the inspirational thoughts are assigned to the same day each year, regardless of when rolling holidays may occur. So, aligning on the Sunday after Easter is that much more of a God sighting. I know I am preaching to the choir in this blog, so it is probably safe to assume that this is not intended for any of us, but instead probably someone we know in our lives that falls into the “inconsistent” category. I will let you in on God’s secret weapon on our helping moving someone from inconsistent to consistent – pray for them and ask others to pray for them. The Bible tells us that the prayer of a righteous person avails much fruit for the Kingdom of Heaven.

     In our pick verses today, John records another series of final instructions for the readers of Revelation. Readers of scripture throughout the ages find significant blessings and encouragement for their daily walk while standing on the promise of eternal life in God’s presence. Even with the opportunity to be changed by the words of scripture, the angel guide is clear that evil people will have hardened themselves to God’s truth. and that they will refuse to change their thoughts, attitudes, character, or behaviors. The God who gave us the gift of freewill, freely allows those who chose to sin to do so until the end of the ages. The unchangeable destiny of all people will be determined by their character as demonstrated by their deeds. God allows us to choose where we will spend eternity.

Blessings
   Pastor Jim
Monday – April 8th – Revelation 22:13

*The Daily Walk Bible NLT: Explore God's Path to Life (p. 1313). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Saturday – April 6th – Revelation 22:8-9     -----     
 
22:8) I, John, am the one who heard and saw all these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me.
9) But he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this book. Worship only God!”
 
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
     A PERSON BECOMES WISE BY OBSERVING WHAT HAPPENS WHEN HE OR SHE ISN’T.*

     Hello Saturday! The first full weekend in April has arrived for our enjoyment and pleasure. Tomorrow also marks the first Sunday after Easter, and it will usher in a great new sermon series – “That’s Good News”. Over the next six weeks we will explore the biblical foundations for Jesus’ instructions to go and make disciples for the Kingdom of Heaven. This first week we will look at some of the challenges we face in being an effective witness for Jesus. You are invited to join us at either 8am or 9:45am in the SunRise building, or you can join us for our live-stream broadcast at 9:45am. On-demand options begin immediately (and forever) at approximately 10:50am.

     In our pick verses today, John continues what is to be the epilogue of his revelation from God. John’s words here are a stern reminder that the book of Revelation is no clever human invention, but rather an inspired written report of what he heard and saw as revealed to him by God. It is safe to assume in all that God revealed to John there is much more that remained hidden by God’s design. The overwhelming magnitude of John’s visions caused him to erroneously attempt to honor his angel guide by worshiping him. But the angel’s message was clear that only God is worthy of our worship. This is an important reminder to John’s readers that the worship of any idol, item, or person other than God is what has been the tripping point for countless generations of humanity. Even though the New Jerusalem will not be inhabited with any temptation or evil, yet as we wait for our time in eternity, we must guard against the temptation to worship anything other than God.  

Blessings
   Pastor Jim
Sunday – April 7th – Revelation 22:10-11
 
*The Daily Walk Bible NLT: Explore God's Path to Life (p. 1298). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Friday – April 5th – Revelation 22:7     -----    

22:7) “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book.”
 
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
     TO HATCH DESPAIR, JUST BROOD OVER YOUR TROUBLES.*

     Happy Friday to you! I am sure you have probably already dusted off your lawn mower and have even completed a couple of laps around your yard. If you still need to fulfil the craving for powerful machines and have a desire to create artful yard patterns, then I have a deal for you. There are just a few spots left on the SunRise mowing team for this summer. You can be on a once-a-month rotation with training provided. Enjoy the great outdoors while meeting some other SunRise grass enthusiast. Go to the SunRise “events” page on either the website or app to join the team!

      In our pick verse today, the voice John hears today shifts from the angel to the very voice of Jesus. This will be the first of three times in this concluding section that Jesus announces His return. Once again, we experience the intentional non-chronological positioning of these announcements because they occur after Jesus’ triumphant return and victory of the devil. The three-fold repetition serves to emphasize to John’s readers, the solemn urgency of Jesus’ promise. This pronouncement is then followed by the sixth blessing found in Revelation. Blessed are those who keep the words of the prophecy in this book. No matter how or where we land on interpreting the deeper aspects of this book, at the heart of Revelation are important God given instructions for every believer to keep.

Blessings
   Pastor Jim
Saturday – April 6th – Revelation 22:8-9

*The Daily Walk Bible NLT: Explore God's Path to Life (p. 1285). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Thursday – April 4th – Revelation 22:6    -----     
 
22:6) Then the angel said to me, “Everything you have heard and seen is trustworthy and true. The Lord God, who inspires his prophets, has sent his angel to tell his servants what will happen soon.”
 
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
     OTHERS WILL FOLLOW YOUR FOOTSTEPS MORE EASILY THAN THEY WILL FOLLOW YOUR ADVICE.*

     Good Thursday to you!  We are just a little over a week away from our first SunRise Church new member class for 2024. If you have never been a member of SunRise or have not been through a new member class at SunRise in either 2022 or 2023 then you are invited to join us on Saturday morning April 13th beginning at 9am. Come and learn about the history of SunRise, our beliefs, our missions, our ministries, and our organizational structure. You can signup through either the SunRise website or app under the “Events” section.

     Our pick verse today moves on from John’s vision of things to come, and places him back on the island of Patmos for a series of different voices that will cover the next major section of this chapter. The first voice John hears is the angel guide from the fourth vision. The angel instructs John to write down everything he has seen and heard because its truth is based on the direct words and actions of God. This revelation is as trustworthy and divinely appointed as were the prophets God used throughout the Old Testament. God spoke to His prophets in a variety of ways, yet for the present vision, God’s vocal agent was John’s angel guide. While this verse states that these things will happen “soon”, we must remind ourselves that God’s perspective of time is vastly different than our human understanding. We simply need to be ready and yet still engaged in sharing the gospel as best we can.

Blessings
   Pastor Jim
Friday – April 5th – Revelation 22:7

*The Daily Walk Bible NLT: Explore God's Path to Life (p. 1266). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Wednesday – April 3rd – Revelation 22:5     -----     
 
22:5) And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.
 
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
      THE HIGHEST REWARD FOR A PERSON’S TOIL IS NOT WHAT HE OR SHE GETS FOR IT BUT RATHER WHAT HE OR SHE BECOMES BY IT.*

     Good Wednesday to you! It is not to late too sign up your little ones for the SunRise Holy Communion Class that begins this coming Sunday morning (4/7) at 9:45am. This four-week class, open to 2nd-4th grade students, will help to spiritually prepare their heart for sharing in the sacrament of Holy Communion. The class will culminate on Sunday April 28th as the children will celebrate Holy Communion as part of the 9:45am worship service. You can register your child through the SunRise “Events” page on either the website or app.

     In our pick verse today John’s ongoing description of New Jerusalem now includes a rather challenging concept for us to imagine from within our current limited earth-based human perspective. In this brief passing statement, John identifies that New Jerusalem with be void of nighttime. No more night emphatically indicates the complete end of all darkness that sin and evil brought into the world. This can only happen because of the direct personal presence of the Lord God who will give the city divine light. Just as Jesus is the “light of the world” during this present age, so in eternity He is the everlasting light. The conclusion of this verse is a reminder that the citizens of Heaven will rule with Christ – through and by our shared inheritance of the Kingdom – for ever and ever. The concept of this new order of things goes way beyond human logic of what we can easily embrace or comprehend. We must trust that God has the perfect plan in mind – both for us now and in eternity.

Blessings
   Pastor Jim
Thursday – April 4th – Revelation 22:6

*The Daily Walk Bible NLT: Explore God's Path to Life (p. 1253). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Tuesday – April 2nd – Revelation 22:4     -----     
 
22:4) And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads.
 
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
     PRAYER AT ITS BEST EMPLOYS FOUR STATEMENTS: THANK YOU; I’M SORRY; TEACH ME; GO WITH ME.*

     Welcome to Tuesday! What a great inspirational thought for today. As I looked over those four components of a power-filled prayer, I must ask myself how they rank in importance to me. In fact, if I am honest, I have added my own personal components into my typical prayers. I am pretty good at telling God what I want, when I want it, and how I want God to deliver on my “demands”. Unfortunately, many of my prayers are absent of one or all of these basics to pray. How about you? Maybe now is a great time to make some adjustments and “reword” the words of our prayers.

     In our pick verse today, we continue to explore the major blessings available for believers in eternity. Connected to the end of yesterday’s pick verse, the inhabitants of New Jerusalem will function as beings blessed to serve and worship the creator for all eternity. One of the marked differences from our human existence is the blessing of being able to see God’s face. Throughout the rest of scripture, the penalty for a face-to-face with God was instant death. To further acknowledge our eternal security in God’s presence believers will carry the name of God on their forehead. That which was only seen by the angels in chapter seven, and in direct contradiction to the mark of the beast in chapter thirteen, God’s name is the visible mark of our eternal reward and inheritance in the Kingdom of God.

Blessings
   Pastor Jim
Wednesday – April 3rd – Revelation 22:5

*The Daily Walk Bible NLT: Explore God's Path to Life (p. 1234). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Monday – April 1st – Revelation 22:3      -----     
 
22:3) No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him.
 
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
     WISE MEN TALK BECAUSE THEY HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY; FOOLS, BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO SAY SOMETHING.*

     Hello Monday, hello April fool’s day, and hello first day of a new month. Yes, friends the “winter” is behind us, and the spring warm-up is coming our way. Lots of new things will begin happening around us. Here at SunRise, we are ready for a great spring season across all ministry areas. Let’s start with one of the biggest spring events on our calendar. Beginning next week we start a church-wide study focused on helping all of us to become more comfortable and confident in inviting folks to church. We are forming several small groups for this study, available on almost every day of the week. To join a group, go to the “Events” page at either the SunRise App or Webpage.

     In our pick verse today, John continues his very detailed description of his revelation vision of New Jerusalem. While the Garden of Eden contained both river and tree, what it did not contain was the throne of God and the Lamb. For this very reason, New Jerusalem far surpasses the original place of human paradise. John also notes that in this new creation there will no longer be any more curses. This completes the list of the seven things that will no longer be in existence in eternity. Chapter twenty-one listed the absence of sea, death, mourning, crying, pain, and night, now added to this list is the banishment of curses – only blessings exist in eternity.

Blessings
   Pastor Jim
Tuesday – April 2nd – Revelation 22:4

*The Daily Walk Bible NLT: Explore God's Path to Life (p. 1215). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Easter Sunday – March 31st – Revelation 22:2     -----     
 
22:2) It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations.
 
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
     A MAN CAN BE NO BIGGER THAN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE FOR WHOM.*

     Happy Easter Sunday! Yes, today is the day we celebrate the risen Lord. That which seemed impossible – being raised from the dead, Jesus made look simple. The great thing about Jesus’ resurrection is that it was not only for Him, but for all those who believe in Him. Yes, what we celebrate today is God’s promise of our future and eventual resurrection from death. We can live today knowing that our eternity is in the hands of God. Death is not to be feared, the grave is no longer our prison, the devil’s hold over us is broken. We are more than conquerors, more than victorious. It sure is fun playing the game of life for the winning side when you already know the outcome. Happy Easter!

     In our pick verse today, John’s angel guide points out to him the river of life flowing through the main street of New Jerusalem. The Tree of Life (also in the Garden of Eden) is the only vegetation specifically mentioned as part of this eternal city of God. Like the Garden of Eden, this Tree of Life bears crops upon crops of produce because there is no climate season in Heaven. Yet unlike Eden, there is no longer a restriction about eating the fruit from the Tree of Life. This symbolizes God’s blessings upon and relationship with the inhabitants of New Jerusalem. Additionally, the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. This is another way of saying what John recorded in chapter twenty-one that in eternity there will be no sickness or disease which means all who are present will enjoy full, wholesome, robust health. You can see why there will be no sadness or sorrow in Heaven. You can also see why the resurrection we celebrate today opens our way to Heaven.

Blessings
   Pastor Jim
Monday – April 1st – Revelation 22:3
 
*The Daily Walk Bible NLT: Explore God's Path to Life (p. 1194). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Saturday – March 30th – Revelation 22:1     -----     
 
22:1) Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
 
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
     THERE IS A VAST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PUTTING YOUR NOSE IN OTHER PEOPLE’S BUSINESS AND PUTTING YOUR HEART IN OTHER PEOPLE’S PROBLEMS.*

     Hello Saturday! Tis’ Easter eve and all through the world we wait in eager anticipation of once again discovering an empty tomb. As we complete our Lenten journey tomorrow, we have also reached the last weekend of our current series “A Jesus Shaped Life”. Over the last six weeks we have committed ourselves to being shaped to be more like Jesus in our thoughts, words, and actions. Our last addition to our list (although not an exhaustive list) is to discover how we can share in the “Miracle of Jesus”. Join us in-building tomorrow at 8am, 9:45am, or 11am to worship God in songs, prayer, and scripture. If you are unable to be here in person we will begin live-streaming at 9:45am.

     Today we have arrived at the last chapter in the book of Revelation, as well as, the last chapter in the Bible. This is also the final vision John will receive as he closes out this whirlwind experience of the last days of humanity. His angel guide now shows John that at the heart of New Jerusalem is a river that carries the water of life. The origin of this river is no doubt flowing from the spring of life that beings at the throne of God. In the beginning, in Eden, a life-giving river nourished the garden, now, in the new beginning, a life-giving river nourishes New Jerusalem. The river, flowing from God’s throne, points out that eternal life is entirely due to God’s gracious gift that provides us an abundant existence in His presence.

Blessings
    Pastor Jim
Easter Sunday – March 31st – Revelation 22:2

*The Daily Walk Bible NLT: Explore God's Path to Life (p. 1184). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Friday – March 29th – Revelation 21:27     -----    

21:27) Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
 
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
      THE ALTERNATIVE TO DISCIPLINE IS DISASTER.*

      Good Friday to you – yes, the actual Good Friday. Since last week I have been curious as to what the inspirational thought would be for today. The Daily Walk Bible is written without taking into consideration what day of the year Good Friday and/or Easter Sunday might fall on since it is different for each year. When I saw it this morning, I was taken back by its appropriateness for the day we remember God defeating evil by removing our sin through His death on the cross. The devil would meet complete disaster, as we have been reading in Revelation, because of his rebellion to being disciplined by the word of God. Good Friday is good for believers and bad for those who embrace evil. When we allow ourselves to come under the discipline of God, we receive eternal life while avoiding eternal disaster. That is why today is Good!

     In our pick verse today, John inserts an important reminder to his readers, that the glorious picture he is describing of the Kingdom of Heaven does have citizenship requirements. Every ancient earthly city had its outsiders, those unclean and unworthy to enter through its gates. Although John has already described the wicked as being cast into eternal fire, now he describes the wicked by another sad picture: they are denied entry to the heavenly city. The city of God is spotless so that nothing impure will ever enter inside. From this verse we can deduce that the eternal separation of Heaven and Hell, while being inaccessible from either side, could easily be in plain view for those who were denied entry into Heaven. What could make hell even worse is for those tormented souls to see exactly what they chose not to accept as a gift from God. The true citizenship of Heaven is defined by those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Is your name written in there?

Blessings
   Pastor Jim
Saturday – March 30th – Revelation 22:1

*The Daily Walk Bible NLT: Explore God's Path to Life (p. 1169). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Thursday – March 28th – Revelation 21:26    -----     
 
21:26) And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city.

The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
     THERE ARE TIMES WHEN GOD ASKS NOTHING OF HIS CHILDREN EXCEPT SILENCE, PATIENCE, AND TEARS.*

     Happy Thursday to you!  As we come to the eve of Good Friday, today’s inspirational thought is especially appropriate in our personal contemplation of the events of Holy Week. The last two days of Jesus earthly life record the agony and anguish He experienced on our behalf. Books have been written, sermons preached, songs sung, and discussions debated about those last forty-eight hours. However, when it is all said and done the most important thing, we can do, is to spend some time in complete and utter silence as we reflect on God’s amazing love for each of us. In preparation for Good Friday, today needs to be wrapped in silence in honor of God’s working of grace, love, and peace.

     In our pick verse today, John’s vision of New Jerusalem records the first true incident of worshiping God in the new order. The glory and honor brought by the nations suggests all things that are lofty and noble of humankind’s cumulative achievements are to be an offering to God. Although the evil city of Babylon corrupted the nations, there are some human accomplishments that are a worthy reflection of our creator. All the God inspired accomplishments from the arts and science, all learning and wisdom from the Holy Spirit, will be lifted up as a way to praise and worship God. This verse reminds us that in Heaven the saints will be engaged in an endless praise to God by offering up to Him the best of our earthly efforts. And yet, we will know that anything and everything is a gift from God and not created or achieved without Him.

Blessings
   Pastor Jim
Friday – March 29th – Revelation 21:27

*The Daily Walk Bible NLT: Explore God's Path to Life (p. 1166). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Wednesday – March 27th – Revelation 21:24-25    ------     
 
21:24) The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory.
25) Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there.
 
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
     ONE TEST OF A PERSON’S STRENGTH IS THAT PERSON’S KNOWLEDGE OF HIS OR HER WEAKNESS.*

     Welcome Wednesday! Wow, what an insightful inspirational thought for today. During this last week of Lent, this is a perfect self-reflective point for us to ponder. How well do we look at the person in the mirror in an attempt to discern our own weaknesses. If you are like me, it is a whole lot easier, and much more fun, to gaze out the window to observe other people’s weaknesses. What I have realized as I have aged, is that I can do nothing about another person’s weakness. What I do have control over is addressing my own weaknesses, especially when I allow God to sort them out and show me the way to make strong that which is weak.

     In our pick verses today, John records what many biblical scholars express are two of the more challenging verses to interpret in John’s vision of New Jerusalem. Without going into great details on the various interpretations of this part of the vision, the most creditable suggestion is that John is drawing a contrast between the harlot city of Babylon and his vison of the new city of God. Such a contrast of good and evil could/would be easily understood by his first/second century readers. If Babylon could successfully seduce nations and kings by her evil spell, New Jerusalem will have these once warring nations walking side by side in its light. Instead of entering an alliance with evil, the kings are portrayed as bringing splendor into it. Of course, these verses are to be taken as symbolic, for in New Jerusalem there will be an absence of the need for rulers or nations, as all will stand equally before God in Heaven.

Blessings
  Pastor Jim
Thursday – March 28th – Revelation 21:26

*The Daily Walk Bible NLT: Explore God's Path to Life (p. 1151). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.