Is your tongue on fire?

Good morning!! If you don't believe the dead come back to life......be here at quitting time! lol God is good all the time, all the time God is good! How is your tongue today?

James 3:7-8 "People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison." WOW!! What a statement! So very true! Well, if we can't tame the tongue why try? We may not gain perfect control of our tongues, but the Holy Spirit will help us learn self-control. We just have to remember we are not fighting the tongue's fire in our own strength, but with the Holy Spirit.

Through the Holy Spirit our power to monitor and control what we say will increase. When we are offended, the Spirit will remind us of God's love, and we won't react in a hateful manner. When we are criticized, the Spirit will heal the hurt and help us to not lash out.

How tough is this? Being of human nature our reaction when hurt is to lash out, strike back. Hmmm! Time to Stop, Drop, and Pray. Who has your tongue hurt today, this week, this month? It is time for Knee Mail! Thank you for reading. Love you all.


In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

A spark can set a forest ablaze!!

Good morning!! Yes, another great day to be alive and working for the LORD Jesus Christ!! God is good, all the time! All the time, God is good!

James 3:5-6 "So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole boyd, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell."

The destruction of a large forest by a tiny fire illustrates the power of an uncontrolled tongue. In the world of purity concerns, something so small as a tongue can stain the whole body, the way yeast was thought to corrupt flour.

How many times have something come out of your mouth that you wish you could take back? The old expression, be sure your brain is loaded before you shoot off your mouth. In other words think before you speak. My middle daughter used to tell her younger sister something to the effect make sure your words are soft in case you have to eat them later.

The busy body lady in church once told a man William, I saw your pickup parked in front of the bar Friday afternoon and we know what was happening. William did not say a word, however, after church Sunday evening he parked his car in front of the busy body ladies house and walked home. William did not say anything, but a lot was said. Be careful how your tongue flaps. Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.


In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

How is your "rudder?"

Good morning all! Yes, another great day in the Lord Jesus Christ!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Yesterday we visited about the tongue. A small bit can direct a large horse.

James 3:4 "Or look at ships, they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs."

Once again we are talking about strong control of the mouth. The size of a ship and the size of the rudder. If they could physically fight the ship would win - but where they are and the position they truly have - the rudder is in total control.

If the rudder breaks the ship is adrift. Sometimes our "rudder" needs to break. Our tongue needs to be still. Many times we would be better off. Thanks for reading, tomorrow we will continue about the "tongue." Love you all.


In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Oh my tongue!!!

Hello everyone!! This week will be a most interesting study! Just remember, God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

James 3:2-3 "Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth." Okay, more to come Wednesday, but while we are here. What you say and what you don't say are both important. to use proper speech you must not only say the right words at the right time but also not say what you shouldn't. Examples of an untamed tongue include gossiping, putting others down, bragging, manipulating, false teaching, exaggerating, complaining, flattering, and lying. Before you speak, ask, is what I want to say true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?

Think before you speak. Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Are you ready?

Good morning everyone!! What a great day to be alive in the LORD Jesus Christ! Wow! If you look at all the tornadoes, fires, destruction nationwide and worldwide what do you think? I believe we are knocking on the threshold of the rapture or end times.

Have people been saying this for years? Yes, but the only thing is we have to re-evaluate ourselves and say: "Yes, God, I am ready to come home." If you are there, I do believe God will say well done my faithful and trusted servant.

James 2:2-3 "For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the LORD Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak?"
The message God delivered through angels refers to the teaching that angels, as messengers for God, had brought the law to Moses. A central theme of Hebrews is that Christ is infinitely greater than all other proposed ways to God. The author was saying that the faith of his Jewish readers was good, but faith must point to Christ. Just as Christ is greater than angels, so Christ's message is more important than theirs. No one will escape God's punishment if he or she is indifferent to the salvation offered by Christ.

Where are you? Ready? Thank you for reading! Love you all!!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

What are you teaching? The true word of God?

Good morning everyone! I trust this will be a great day in the LORD Jesus Christ for you! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

James 3:1 "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly."

What is this saying? Not many of us should presume to be teachers - question here - are we accountable for teaching our young? Yes! However, here we are talking about people who are delivering the word of God. Like who? Preachers, Sunday school teachers, evangelists, etc.

When we share the word of God from a position that we are employed or appointed we have the heavy burden of delivering the word correctly and forming the lives of others around Jesus Christ, Son of God, and God's Holy word.

So what if we make a mistake? We are only human! Yes, however, we need to stay in constant contact with God (prayer), and study diligently so we can deliver the word of God accurately and with God's blessing.

We need the interpretation from God so we do not lead people astray. Take time now to thank God for all you have, and that His word will either continue to be alive to you or come alive. Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Justified? JUSTIFIED!!!

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

Are you justified? How are we justified? James 2:24-26 "You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

Are not these hand in glove? If you have faith, then the works will come! If you say I believe, but you show no works for the LORD, what did you show? Rahab, a woman who was thought so lowly of was justified. Can't we be justified?

Verse 26 a body without spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. Where do you sit today? Dead or Alive? The decision is ours - do make the right decision. We cannot serve 2 masters. Thank you for reading. Love you all.


In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Christ lives in you...Can others see Him?

Good morning!! Do you need courage? If you do stop and take your Bible, turn to Daniel and read. Daniel had great courage....why? Because he had an love and doubtless belief in God! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Hebrews 3:6 "But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God's entire house. And we are God's house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ." Because Christ lives in us as believers, we can remain courageous and hopeful to the end. We are not saved by being steadfast and firm in our faith, but our courage and hope do reveal that our faith is real. Without this enduring faithfulness, we could easily be blown away by the winds of temptation, false teaching or persecution.

Hebrews 3:14 "For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ." To prevent having an unbelieving heart, stay in fellowship with other believers, talk daily about your mutual faith, be aware of the deceitfulness of sin (it attracts but also destroys), and encourage each other with love and concern.

We should go forth with the courage and knowledge that Christ abides in us in ALL that we do. Are you able to say Christ is leading me? Are Christ is leading me and I want acknowledgement? Which one is right in God's eyes? Where are you today? Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Do your love your neighbor as yourself

Hello everyone!! Another fabulous day in the LORD. For the ones of you that look at the time, yes, I am doing this Sunday night as I have to be on the road by 5 a.m. Monday. Taking care of God's business first.

James 2:8 "Yes, indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures. 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" The "royal law" was given by our great King Jesus Christ, who said, 'love each other in the same way that I have loved you' (John 15:12) This law, originally summarized in Leviticus 19:18 is the basis for all the laws of how people should relate to one another. Christ reinforced this truth in Matthew 22:37-40 and Paul taught it in Romans 13:8 and Galatians 5:14.

Leviticus 19:18 "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself, I am the LORD."

Don't bear grudges! This we all need to take to heart. Whether it be conflicts in the church, at work, at home, or just daily - do not bear grudges!!! Love your neighbor as yourself. How can we criticize ourselves when we love ourselves? We look at what we did and how we can improve it next time. We need to adapt this to our Christian life as well. Don't criticize someone - go to them in love, talk to them, clear the air, but don't hold a grudge. Also, how many of you will fuss, cuss, and yell at yourself? Well........,don't do it to your fellow Christian. Go to them - in love - talk to them and gather ALL the information.

Are you living a Christian life? Do your fruits show? Food for thought. Thank you for reading. Love you all. Remember, you can go to www.johnnybdaily.blogspot.com to view these as well.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

James 2:6

Good morning everyone! What another lovely day to be alive and proclaim "I am a child of God!" God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Our Father in heaven owns everything, all we have is His, do we give him praise?

James 2:6 "But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?"
Despised (Gr atimazo) involves not only attitudes but shameful treatment, as when Jesus was "dishonored" by the Jewish leaders.
Oppress refers to the arrogant flaunting of governmental authority over Christians, as tyrants over helpless peasants.

James has Jewish officials in mind when he says they "draw you before the judgment seats" (Gr kriteria) where Saul traveled to Damascus with officials letters to arrest Christians, testifies to the authority which Rome handed over to the Jews. The judgment seat speaks of the local court.

So, what does this say to you? Are you of the rich, arrogant, or of the poor who hold God in highest esteem.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Are you poor in the world, yet rich in faith?

Good morning everyone!! Yea! Another great day to be alive in the LORD! Yesterday it was raining hard, flash flood warnings, yet I gave it to the LORD and had some good appointments. Neither rain, nor hail, nor sleet, nor snow can stop God's will.

So far James is telling us not to judge by what they wear, how they look.
James 2:5 "Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn't God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren't they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?" When James speaks about the poor, he is talking about those who have no money AND also about those whose simple values are despised by much of our affluent society. Perhaps the 'poor' people prefer serving to managing, human relationships to financial security, peace to power. This does not mean that the poor will automatically go to heaven and the rich to hell.

Poor people, however,are usually more aware of their powerlessness. Thus, it is often easier for them to acknowledge their need for salvation. One of the greatest barriers to salvation for the rich is pride. For the poor, bitterness can often bar the way to acceptance of salvation.

Are you sitting in conflict today? If so, why? Are you "RICH" on earth? OR, "RICH" in heaven? Lord, let us come humbly and poor to you, so we will be acceptable in your sight. Let our rich and arrogant ways go by the wayside, let our eyes focus clearly on YOU! Thanks for reading. Love you all.


In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

How do you perceive and why?

GOOD MORNING!! Another great day in the Lord Jesus Christ!! Have you given God credit for all you are, all you have, all that makes up your life? Yesterday we talked about favoritism, let's continue today.

James 2:2 "For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes.If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, 'You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor' - well, doesn't this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?"
Why is it wrong to judge a person by his or her economic status? Wealth may indicate intelligence, wise decisions, and hard work. On the other hand, it may only mean that a person had the good fortune of being born into a wealthy family. Or it may be the sign of greed, dishonesty, or selfishness. By honoring someone just because he or she dresses well, we are making appearance more important than character.

We may do this because poverty makes us uncomfortable, we don't want to face our responsibilities to those who have less than we do; we want to be wealthy, too, and hope to use the rich person as a means to that end; or we want the rich person to join our church and help support it financially.

All these motives are selfish, stemming from the view that we are superior to the poor person. If we say that Christ is our LORD, then we must live as he requires, showing no favoritism and loving allpeople regardless of whether they are rich or poor.

Sometimes we mistake rich for God's blessings and approval. God does not promise us earthly rewards, Christ tells us to be ready to suffer for him and give up everything in order to hold on to eternal life. We will have untold riches in eternity if we are faithful in our present life. Thank you for reading today. A little long-but important. Love you all!


In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Favoritism? Good or Bad?

Good morning everyone!! Yes, another day and do not forget to look up, priase God, and give God the glory. Sometimes we forget, then huddles are cast before us and we may not have the ability to leap them without God's help. Look up, smile, know that God is in control!!1

James 2:1 "My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?" James condemns acts of favoritism. Often we treat a well-dressed impressive looking person better than someone who looks shabby. We do this because we would rather identify with successful people than with apparent failures.

Showing favoritism is wrong to show to the wealthy! Why? 1. It is inconsistent with Christ's teachings. Why? Stay tuned and we will talk about this tomorrow. Look at your day! Do you show favoritism? Why? Are you right in doing so? Thank you for reading. Love you all!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Are you corrupt? Or are you of God?

wELL, Good morning! I hope mothers day was wonderful for you and yours! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Are you a doer of the word?

James 2:27 "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." In the first century, orphans and widows had very little means of economic support. Unless a family member was willing to care for them, they were reduced to begging, selling themselves as slaves, or starving. By caring for these people, the church put God's Words into practice. When we give with no thought of receiving, we show what it means to truly serve others.

To keep ourselves from letting the world corrupt us, we need to commit ourselves to Christ's ethical and moral system, not the world's. We are not to adapt to the world's value system, which is based on money, power, and pleasure. True faith means nothing if we are contaminated with such values.

If you re-read James 1:14-26 the text talks about being doers and hearers of the word. One without the other gains you nothing. Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

How is your tongue??

Good morning everyone!! Yea!! A great day to be alive in JESUS!! Soooo, what is happening today? Well, a birthday for the oldest gorilla, who turns 55 today and a sink hole in deep east Texas. BUT, God is still in control.

James 1:26 "IF YOU CLAIM TO BE RELIGIOUS BUT DON'T CONTROL YOUR TONGUE, YOU ARE FOOLING YOURSELF, AND YOUR RELIGION IS WORTHLESS." Wow!! How strong is this? No matter how spiritual we may think we are, we all could control our speech more effectively.

The word "religious (threskos) means given to religious observances. What? You mean if I attend worship services, pray, almsgiving, fast, but don't control my tongue my religion is vain? Yes, this is what the good book says. Where do you sit?

Are you great in church for your hour, 2 hours, and then live life to the utmost, not controling your tongue and taking pride in the fact that you "say what is on your mind?" Think about this: you may be religious, but you may not be a Christian. Food for thought! Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

What is your reflection like?

Good morning everyone!! What a great day to be alive in Jesus!! As I mentioned yesterday, I was awakened and then saw the movie about living what we profess. This was for a reason, I shared it for a reason, and now let's look back at James. James 1:23-25 - from my study this morning. This is from angelfire Bible study. Please take time to read.

James 1:23-25 He who merely hears the word, rapidly forgets it; only he who acts according to the word will be blessed in all that he does. The Word of GOD is the perfect law, that of liberty. It doesn't submit us to the bonds of legalism, but frees us to keep its precepts by internal compulsion.
KINGDOM DYNAMICS
James 1:23-25 The Word of GOD: Purifier of the holy life, THE WORD OF GOD. To aspire to a pure life isn't to seek perfection, but rather freedom from those things that could reduce the fulness of a powerful life. This text shows the Word of GOD as a means of reflection, a mirror in which we should look at and see ourselves as we are. The calling is not only to pay attention to what we see and accept the Bible's teachings and correction, but if offers us an unwritten lesson. We must avoid the temptation to identify (and judge) others in the Word, analyzing what they should have done, instead of what we need to do. In II Cor. 3:18 the Word of GOD is also compared to a mirror, but the image that's projected is none other than the LORD Jesus himself. The sum of both texts: 1) The Bible shows us the image of Christ, so that 2) we can measure our conduct and character in light of His image, and allow GOD to conform us to Christ's likeness (Rom. 8:29). Other promises to reach purity through the Word of GOD are: Jeremiah 20:9, that speaks to us of the "fire" in the Word, which can cleanse the same one it is burning; and Psalm 119:9, which contains a special promise for he who wants a pure life of holy power. GOD's Word is a powerful agent, that cleanses and liberates. (John 14:21/Is. 55:10,11)


In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Are you TRUE? Or, are you FALSE?

Good morning everyone!! Yes, this is a great day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST!! You never know when and where God will work in your life. This morning, early, very early, my arm and shoulder hurt enough to wake me. I couldn't sleep so I turned on t.v. and just scanned until I got off paid programming. I did not care what it was, as long as it was not paid programming.
Then I stopped at tbn and found a movie about a car dealer, Jay Austin, who charged people more for their cars than he should have. Then he started turning everything over to God. Boy, what a radical change. He began selling cars as fast as he could get them, went back and gave money back to people he had overcharged. His wife helped him stay faithful to God. This wonderful story in a nut shell - you cannot out give God. He prospered, gained free publicity, and continued to give to God and be faithful.
Exodus 23:1-2 "Do not spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man by being a malicious witness. Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd....."
It may be time for you, it is for me, to get on my knees, thank God for all I have. My life, my wife, my children, my auto, my home, my job, and on and on are all God given. Take time-Give back to God your time, talents, money, and faithfulness. For good Christian films go to: www.christianfilms.com
Thank you for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Stay the course...............

Well hello everyone! Yes, another day and time to be alive in our Alive-On Time God! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. I will be on the road at 5:45 a.m. on Tuesday for business so here is my study tonight.

How often is it difficult to stay the course? Many temptations spring up along the road most traveled. So, when you come to a fork in the road do you just blunder ahead or take time to be still and listen to God?

1 Timothy 4:16 "Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right."
Many roads lead away from God! Take time to examine what God has taught you, and make sure you have not been diverted from what is right by any side issues. Persevere on your journey of truth because it leads to great understanding that you wouldn't want to miss. God is grand! Thank you for reading. Take time to pray that God will keep you from being waylaid by side issues - that you stay true to what is right. Love you all.


In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Just Be STILL

Good morning everyone! Another great day in the Lord Jesus Christ! Are you doing what you should do as a Christian? Are you as bold as Paul? Do you listen to what God is saying?

Exodus 14:14 "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."When Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, the were walking of course. Then Pharaoh came after them with chariots and horses. Their way was blocked by the Red Sea. So...death seemed to be obvious.

God stepped in, the Israelites did not have to fight the Egyptians or risk drowning. They only had to OBEY whatever God said.

Today, pressures around you may be building up, and your way may appear obstructed. Do not panic and don't do anything reckless. Just, be still, Listen to God and wait for the instructions.

Thank you for reading and love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Mirror image ? ! ? ! ?

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

Okay, yesterday - doers or hearers of the word. What did you decide? Today, James 1:23-24 "For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like."
WOW!! This is talking about irrational thinking - we see what we look like and then go our own way. We see our selves, the flaws, but when we go about we forget what we saw. What we saw was only momentarily - then we have instant amnesia - we go on doing whatever we had been doing not remembering what we saw in our viewing.

How arrogant we are! Where is our humility? We are what we are because of God, and only God. We need to remember what we are, where we came from, how we are perceived, and act not as a pharisee, but as a Christian (Christ in us). Thank you for reading. Love you all.


In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny