2 Timothy 4:4 Are you twisting God's word?

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



Well, did you follow your own desires? OR, did you reject the world and follow God's word?

II Timothy 4:4 KJV "And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." Application Bible "They will reject the truth and chase after myths."

Turn away, Greek apostrepho, is in the Greek active voice and has the idea of deliberate action by themselves. Shall be turned, Greek ektrepo, means they are acted upon; it is a medical term meaning"to twist out of place."



Wow, okay, this means some are deliberately twisting out of place the word of God. Do you believe this? Well, yes, once again, how many "men of the cloth" don't believe in the Trinity, the resurrection, the inspired Word of God aka the Bible as the truth. The


Bible is our blueprint for life, but do we follow it? Just as a house blueprint we make changes and modifications. Is that good or bad? If it deters from the word of God it is bad. How do I know? Test it by the word. Search it out for yourself. Do not be as a sheep being led to slaughter, open your eyes, let your ears hear, and be silent, listening for the small still voice of God.



Thank you for reading. Love you all.



In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

2 Timothy 4:4 Are you twisting the word of God?

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

Well, did you follow your own desires? OR, did you reject the world and follow God's word?

II Timothy 4:4 KJV "And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." Application Bible "They will reject the truth and chase after myths."

Turn away, Greek apostrepho, is in the Greek active voice and has the idea of deliberate action by themselves. Shall be turned, Greek ektrepo, means they are acted upon; it is a medical term meaning"to twist out of place."

Wow, okay, this means some are deliberately twisting out of place the word of God. Do you believe this? Well, yes, once again, how many "men of the cloth" don't believe in the Trinity, the resurrection, the inspired Word of God aka the Bible as the truth. The


Bible is our blueprint for life, but do we follow it? Just as a house blueprint we make changes and modifications. Is that good or bad? If it deters from the word of God it is bad. How do I know? Test it by the word. Search it out for yourself. Do not be as a sheep being led to slaughter, open your eyes, let your ears hear, and be silent, listening for the small still voice of God.

Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

2 Timothy 4:3 Itching ears?

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

Good morning everyone! Preach the word - that is what we talked about yesterday. Did you have an opportunity to share the gospel with anyone yesterday? So, look around you today, look at what some men of the pulpit are sharing. Is it really the gospel? Or is it pleasing to the ears?

2 Timothy 4:3 "For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear."

The time will come - I firmly believe it is here now. What time? When people have 'itching ears.' Itching ears? KJ version "......but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;"

Preachers who do not preach the Bible. Preachers, pastors who bow to the wishes of ungodly congregations who only want to hear what pleases them. The "good and happy news," the news that "makes you feel good." The Bible is not about making you feel good, it is about doing God's will, following his word, therein lies the happiness.

There are preachers who fill the pulpit who: don't believe there is a hell; homosexuality is okay; don't believe the Bible needs to be followed; believe the Bible is a pick and use word; don't believe in the resurrection; and on and on. Ideas that walk hand in hand with the world. Where do you stand? On the Rock, JESUS CHRIST? Or on sinking sand? The decision is yours. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the Word? Me?!?!

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

Timothy did preach the Good News so that the Christian faith could spread throughout the world. We believe in Christ today because people like Timothy were faithful to their mission. Are you being faithful to your mission? Spreading the word?

2 Timothy 4:2 "Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching."We should be ready to serve God in any situation, whether or not it is convenient. Be sensitive to the opportunities God gives you. Have you ever been somewhere, felt like you should say something to someone, but did not? AND, the only real reason you did not was fear!

Working in a bakery is not always "sweet." Working in a bridal shop is not always "cheerful and happy." So, why would working for God, with satan loose and bounding about, be expected to be easy and without trials.

Paul told Timothy to "correct, rebuke, and encourage." It is difficult to accept correction, to be told we have to change. But no matter how much the truth hurts, we must be willing to listen to it so we can more fully obey God.

Can you accept correction? Can your spouse? Your children? Your preacher? People in your church? Probably not openly or willingly. What do you do if they don't listen, become angry, etc. Very simple, pray, pray for yourself first, then for them. Pray that God gives you the wisdom and knowledge to make this encounter. Stay the course. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

2 Timothy 3:17 Just talk the talk?

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

Yesterday in 2 Timothy 3:16 we talked about the Scriptures being the inspired word of God. Today, let us go 1 verse further and look at the 17th verse, "God uses it (scripture) to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."
We, in our zeal for the truth of Scripture, must not forget its purpose - to equip us to do good. We should study God's word so that we will know how to do Christ's work in the world, not just increase our knowledge or help us win arguments.

Our knowledge of God's Word is not useful unless it strengthens our faith and leads us to do good. Satan probably knows the Bible better than we do, however, he tries to use it to tear down; he is not strengthening his faith and doing good.

Which world are you walking in? The one to increase knowledge and help you win arguments or the one to strengthen your faith which leads you to do good? The choice is yours. Walk the walk AND talk the talk; OR just talk the talk? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

2 Timothy 3:16 Reading your road map?

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

"The Bible is a good history book but I don't believe everything in it."

Have you heard this before? I have, and how do you respond?

2 Timothy 3:16 "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right."

The Bible is not a collection of stories, fables, myths or just our human ideas about God. This is a book, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and revealed to people to write. That is why this is the inspired Word of God.

The writers wrote in their language and style so the people of the times could understand, but they wrote what God wanted them to write. Greek inspiration is 'theopneustos' which means "God breathed out."

The Scriptures are not only profitable for salvation but for sanctification and Christian growth as well. They serve as the road map to heaven and the road map of the Christian life. They are all we need for faith and doctrine.

Are you following your "road map," aka the Scriptures. Do you read daily? Let's get to it, time to prepare. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Are you as Saul? Justifiying what you do?

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

Have you thought about your stubbornness and obedience to God? Saul justified what he did as do we. If you read 1 Samuel chapters 13-15 Saul was to destroy the Amalekites; all men, women, children, goats, sheep, cattle. Destroy the Amalekite kingdom.

Saul brought back the livestock and King Agag. This was not what God told Saul to do. Saul justified not killing the animals as he brought them back to "sacrifice to God." This was Saul's justification, yet he was disobedient to what God commanded.

Take time to reflect and think about your obedience to God. Every step you take, every word you utter, every action should honor God. Whether at work, at home, on the lake, the golf course, in the mountains, it matters not we should honor God and be obedient.

We need to act responsibly with what God has entrusted to us and quit using excuses. Saul realized his mistakes, asked forgiveness, but then fell back into his old ways. God who is faithful and just, sees all that is happening and will judge all evil. Pray, as I say this, I think this should be our constant theme - PRAY! Prayer is communication with your heavenly father. Take time. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

1 Samuel 15:22-23 Oh stubborn and rebellious one--you....

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! Here is some reading for you. Go to 1 Samuel chapters 13, 14, & 15. Very good and take time to let the words sink in to what Samuel is saying, how Saul interprets, and what happens.

Today 1 Samuel 15:22-23 "But Samuel replied, 'What is more pleasing to the LORD; your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So, because you have rejected the command of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.'"

To really understand this read the above chapters mentioned. This is the first of many places in the Bible where the theme "obedience is better than sacrifice" is stated. Was Samuel saying that sacrifice is unimportant? No, he was urging Saul to look at his reasons for making the sacrifice rather than at the sacrifice itself.

A sacrifice was a ritual transaction between a person and God that physically demonstrated a relationship between them. BUT, if the person's heart was not truly repentant or if he did not truly love God, the sacrifice was a hollow ritual.

Religious ceremonies or rituals are empty unless they are performed with an attitude of love and obedience.

Being "religious", going to church, serving on a committee, giving to charity, volunteering, -is not enough if we do not act out of devotion and obedience to God.

Rebellion and stubbornness are serious sins. Scripture equates them with witchcraft and idolatry, sins worthy of death (Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 20:6; Deuteronomy 13:12-15; 18:10; Micah 5:10-14).

Saul became both rebellious and stubborn, which is possibly the most serious sin of all as he was closing the door to forgiveness and restoration with God. Where are you today oh fair one? Are you stubborn and rebellious? Oh, but you can justify it as Saul did. Take time, pray, ask for forgiveness, repent and walk with the LORD. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

1 Samuel 12:23 Are you praying? Really?!?!

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

1 Samuel 12:23 "As for me, I will certainly not sin against the LORD by ending my prayers for you. And I will continue to teach you what is good and right."

Is failing to pray for others a sin? Samuel's words seem to indicate that it is. His actions illustrate two of God's people's responsibilities: (1) They should pray consistently for others (Eph 6:18), and (2) they should teach others the right way to God (2 Timothy 2:2). Samuel disagreed with the Israelites' demand for a king, but he assured them that he would continue to pray for them and teach them.

We may disagree with others, but we should not stop praying for them. We should pray for our self first, asking forgiveness and guidance. This cleans the slate with you and God, then pray; pray in general, pray in specifics, pray for all around you.

How do you pray? Just talk to God. Tell Him what is on your heart. If you are angry get it out, if you are angry at God tell Him; He is a big boy and can take it. Just share, as if you were sharing with another friend. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

1 Samuel 12:24-25 Do you fear God, yet serve Him?

Good morning everyone! Another great day to praise God! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

1 Samuel 12:24-25 "But be sure to fear the LORD and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you. But if you continue to sin, you and your king will be swept away."

This is the second time in his farewell speech that Samuel reminded the people to take time to consider what great things God had done for them.

Taking time for reflection allows us to focus our attention upon God's goodness and strengthens our faith. Sometimes we are so progress and future oriented that we fail to take time to recall all that God has already done. Remember what God has done for you so that you may move ahead with gratitude.

Take time now to pray for yourself, forgiveness, then pray for others, pray for the ones receiving this study, and pray for God's wisdom and knowledge so you may walk in the footsteps of Christ.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Are you a new shoot, an alive root for Christ? Isaiah 11:1

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

Have you ever just stopped and thought about a root? The root of a little plant. What can a root do? We need to be as a root. Why, you ask. Well......

This past week while in the mountains of Colorado, walking various trails and looking at various sights, one in particular caught my eye. We went to view a waterfall that was nestled in the middle of huge rocks. The sign said that plants would find a small amount of soil, begin growing, and the roots would spread and break up the huge boulders.

Now think about a plant, its root system. It does not have only 1 root, but starts with one and multiplies to many. Here is something that can be crushed or torn out in a split second, yet it is powerful enough to break apart huge rocks which together form mountains. Wow! How powerful! That is what the word of God can do for you.

Isaiah 11:1 "Out of the stump of David's family will grow a shoot - yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root."

This is Jesus, the Messiah; from the stump, Judah, a new shoot would grow. He would be greater than the original tree and would bear much fruit. The Messiah is the fulfillment of God's promise that a descendant of David would rule forever.

In Matthew 17:20 Jesus tells us if we have the faith of a mustard seed we could say to the mountain move and it would move. Also, remember, the mustard seed is the smallest of seeds, but will grow to be a tree which will house birds.

From the seed or stump comes the new shoots (roots) which may grow and flourish. How are you doing as a new shoot, are you growing, breaking boulders for Christ, or letting your new shoot wither and die? Now is the time, go forth, grow and spread for the kingdom of God. Let's just pray that God will cleanse our hearts, make our body the temple of Christ, and let each word we say be part of the root system that flourishes for Jesus Christ, our LORD and saviour. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Psalm 101:6-8 Are your companions faithful, godly people?

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

Yesterday we visited about not associating with anything vile and vulgar, crooks, perverse ideas and staying away from evil, and will not slander your neighbors, be conceitful or prideful. Let’s look at Psalm 101:6-8.

“I will search for faithful people to be my companions.
Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me.
I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence.
My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked and free the city of the LORD from their grip.”

Verse 6, how do we become stronger in the word? By associating, sharing, and studying with other Christians. We should search for the faithful people to be our companions. Choose role models as friends who are godly and faithful. This is what David did.

Our friends and associates can have a vast influence on our lives. For your closest companions you should choose those who are faithful to God and His Word.

Verse 7 – don’t entertain those who are deceivers and liars. This does not mean don’t talk to them and plant the seed of salvation; but, let them not be your constant companion. As the cliché goes: “One bad apple can ruin the whole barrel.”

Verse 8 – daily task to ferret out the wicked and free the city of the LORD. Since we are not King David and rule a “city,” we can rule our personal temple, the temple of God, our bodies. We should rid ourselves of the wickedness we may have in our hearts and spread the good word of salvation.

Can you do it? Yes you can. Please pray for all on this list, but first pray for your own forgiveness and that God will lead you as you need to be led. Love you all.

In Christ’s Love and Grace

Johnny

Psalm 101:2-5 Are you blameless?

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

David prayed to walk a blameless path; to live with integrity we have to try and depends on God's help.

Psalm 101:2-5 "I will be careful to live a blameless life-when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly, I will have nothing to do with them. I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil. I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride."

David may have written this psalm early in his reign as king as he set down the standards he wanted to follow. David knew that to lead a blameless life he would need God's help. If you will look at the scripture above.

We can lead a blameless live if we avoid looking at wickedness.

We can lead a blameless live if we avoid evil thoughts.

We can lead a blameless live if we avoid slander.

We can lead a blameless live if we avoid pride.

We can lead a blameless live if we let God's word show us the standards by which to live.

Are you blameless? If not, what are you doing to become blameless? Do you pray for forgiveness, guidance, for God's lead and then do it your own way? Let go, let God! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

1 Samuel 16:7 How is your heart?

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Sorry for the delay yesterday as I was having internet connection difficulties.

At the end of the study yesterday, a thought kept permeating my mind: "Are you totally sold out to Jesus? OR, are you still holding some things back?"

If you have ever been to an auction, when the auctioneer goes to the house, business, farm, ranch, whatever, he always asks the owners, "what are you holding back?" Meaning what are you planning to not sell.

God wants a person who is sold out. Look at David and Goliath. David was sold out to God, he had no questions about what must be done and who should do it.

1 Samuel 16:7 "But the LORD said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.""

Saul was tall and handsome, he was an impressive looking man. Samuel may have been trying to find someone who looked like Saul to be Israel's next king, but God warned him against judging by appearance alone. When people judge by outward appearance, they may overlook quality individuals who lack the particular physical qualities society currently admires. Appearance doesn't reveal what people are really like or what their true value is.

Fortunately, God judges by faith and character, not appearances. And because only God can see on the inside, only he can accurately judge people. Most people spend hours each week maintaining their outward appearance. They should do even more to develop their inner character. While everyone can see your face, only you and God know what your heart really looks like. What steps are you taking to improve your heart's attitude? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

2 Corinthians 7:10 Okay to hate sin, evil!

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

Today’s lesson with Beth Moore is starting home. One scripture she referenced is Psalm 139. Please take time to read this.

In 2 Corinthians 7:10 “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”

Sorrow for our sins can result in changed behavior. Many people are sorry only for the effects of their sins or for being caught. Compare Peter’s remorse and repentance with Judas’s bitterness and act of suicide. Both denied Christ. One repented and was restored to faith and service; the other took his own life.

It is okay to talk to God. Talk openly, out loud, tell God you are angry at Him, tell Him your troubles, tell Him you hate the wickedness as David does in Psalm 139:19-22. David said get out of my life you murderers. He told God they blasphemed Him; then asked should not I hate those who hate you? Despise those who oppose you? Then David went on to say he hated them and told God that God’s enemies were his enemies.

This is where we are. God’s enemies are our enemies. Hate them as God would. Evil lurks all around you; sitting as a vulture waiting for its prey. You do not need to be prey, but you can pray and be strong through He who strengthens us. Put on the armor of God and fight off the evil. TALK TO GOD!

In Christ’s Love and Grace

Johnny

Isaiah 1:18 Are you clean or blood stained

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

Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, let's settle this," says the LORD. "Thopugh your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like cromson, I will make them white as wool. If you will only obey me, you will have plenty to eat. But if you turn away and refuse to listen, you will be devoured by the sword of your enemies. I, the LORD, have spoken!"

In Beth Moore's study she talked about "Had," your new name of "Had." Who is Had? Had is a person who has been deceived by satan, falls victim to satans snare, realizes he/she is caught in a trap, and, then, at this point calls out and reaches out to God.

The verse. Crimson was the color of a deep-red permanent dye, and its deepstain was virtually impossible to remove from clothing. The bloodstained hands of the murderers are probably in view here. (v.15,21) The stain of sin seems equally permanent, but God can remove sin's stain from our life as he promised to do for the Israelites. We don't have to go through life permanently soiled. God's Word assures us that if we are willing and obedient, Christ will forgive and remove our most indelible stains.

Will you ask him to make you clean? When you are caught in satan snare, the trap won't release just ask God to come get you; learn from this experience, remember and walk with Jesus. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Hebrews 12:1 Follow the steps God has in place for you

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

Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."

Today's lesson is beware of the WEB. Beth is talking about a web that is woven, such as a spider; we also have the web that is Internet. Both are woven, both are messy, and both will snare you, however, there is one saving grace.....JESUS!

Also, in Beth's study Matthew 24:4-5 beware of false Messiah's and 2 Corinthians 11:4-6 a different type of gospel will be taught, close to Christianity but more about man.

The Christian life involves hard work. It requires us to give up whatever endangers our relationship with God, to run with endurance, and to struggle against sin with the power of the HOLY SPIRIT. To live effectively, we must keep our eyes on Jesus. We will stumble if we look away from him to stare at ourselves or at the circumstances surrounding us. We should be running for Christ, not ourselves, and we must always keep him in sight.

Last night on the 700 Club they highlighted a young couple who has split and then reconciled. Why did they split? Pornography, prostitutes, other "exciting" sex partners. The man had begun looking at naked woman as a young man of 8 to 10 at his grandfather's house with the aid of Playboy magazine. As these pictures became more alluring to him, he, of course, wanted more.

Within days after his marriage he was off and meeting prostitutes to "live out his fantasies." His wife found the information in his home office computer and files of prostitutes, names, dirty talking, etc. She packed, left her wedding ring, and went to her mom's. When he came home he was upset and his world had crumbled.

Long story short, she went back to church. He started reading books, Christian books, about his problem; BUT, most of all they both turned to Jesus. He went to the basement, prayed, and said God, if you are real help me. They have reconciled and are living happily, yet very aware of the evil that lurks in the world.

Beth says to tell a reliable person your problems; this man had to talk to a reliable person, in this case his pastor and get all the evil, all the guilt out.
Put your faith in God, not man. Man will let you down, lead you astray; God will lift you up and lead you to heavenly joy.

Live out your fantasy; one of sitting at the foot of the throne of God. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Do you know GOD? Are messy thoughts affecting your actions?

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

Satan wants to be "like the Most High" Isa. 14:14. Satan wants to take you with him, he cannot stand it that he, who is unclean, cannot make us unclean; he will do everything he can to make us feel unclean. Also, he knows our unclean feelings can eventually cause us to act unclean.

We have the responsibility to form clean ties. What are clean ties? Here Beth is talking about close friendships, associations, and relationships when referring to ties. Clean is to receive the greatest amount of protection. She refers is clean as the opposite of messy.

Messy, by Webster is marked by confusion, disorder, or dirt...careless, slovenly...extremely unpleasant or trying. Have you ever had a "messy" relationship? Many Christians stereotype any kind of sexual sin as dirty, but we may find ourselves in a seductive mess that never gets physical.

Look at Proverbs 7:1-27; take time to read the chapter. v7 The person who has no purpose in life is naive; without aim or direction, an empty life is unstable, vulnerable to many temptations. The young man in this passage doesn't know where he is going, the immoral woman knows where she wants him. She has strategies.
She is dressed to allure men (v 10); her approach is bold (v 13); she invites him over to her place (16-18); she cunningly answers his every objection (19-20); SHE PERSUADES HIM WITH SMOOTH TALK (21); SHE TRAPS HIM (23). To combat temptation, make sure your life is full of God's Word and wisdom (v 4).

You can take definite steps to avoid sexual sins. First, guard your mind. Don't read books, look at pictures, or encourage fantasies that stimulate the wrong desires. Second, keep away from settings and friends that tempt you to sin. Third, don't think only of the moment - focus on the future. Today's thrill may lead to tomorrow's ruin.

Hosea 4:6 "My people are being destroyed because they don't know me." Are you one of these people. Thinking now but yet to act on the "messy" thoughts. Tell someone what is troubling you. Someone you can trust. Satan hates truth but loves secrets. If you find yourself in an unclean tie, the LORD says flee, FLEE! Use your Bible 1/10 you use your cell phone and you will be strong in the word of God. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Hebrews 4:12-16 The Word

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. In Beth Moore's study why Godly people do ungodly things, week 4 sanctified through and through, I do believe while studying this Hebrews 4:12-16 really nails it.

Hebrews 4:12-16 "For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable."
Wow! The Word of God is not simply a collection of words from God, it is living, life-changing, and dynamic as it works in us. God's word reveals who we are and what we are not, it penetrates the core of our moral and spiritual life. It discerns what is within us, both good and evil.

v13 Nothing can be hidden from God. God sees all we do and knows all we think. Even when we are unaware of his presence, He is there. No secrets from God.

v14 Christ is superior to the priests, and His priesthood is superior to their priesthood. Jesus, like the high priest, mediates between God and us, He intercedes for us before God. Jesus assures us of God's forgiveness, He is truly God and truly Man.

v15 Jesus is like us because he experienced a full range of temptations throughout his life as a human being. Jesus faced temptation and did not sin, and He shows us that we do not have to sin when facing the seductive lure of temptation. Jesus is the only perfect human being who has ever lived.

v16 Prayer is our approach to God and we are to come "boldly." Some pray meekly with heads hung low, others pray flippantly, but we must come with bold assurance because he is your Friend and Counselor.

Jesus Christ is always at God's right hand, interceding for us. He is always available to hear us when we pray. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

You're in the world - warm hearted or cold hearted?

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!

In Beth Moore's When Godly people do ungodly things, week four, she talks about warm heart, wise heads. There are 4 facts to keep in mind. 1. Seduction does not always involve personal relationship between people. For instance, people can be seduced by false doctrine, money, position, power, or any number of secret addictions to things.
2. By no means are all unhealthy relationships demonic seductions.
3. Not all relationships are breeding grounds for seductions. So don't get paranoid and start looking for a demon behind every fried.
4. Relational seduction certainly does not always involve physical or sexual impropriety.

Matthew 24:12 Christ says sin will be rampant everywhere and the love of many will grow cold. Take a moment to examine your own heart. Do you sense that you have a coldness of heart toward people in your life? Our job is to learn how to be healthy, sanctified connectors. A lot of needy and unhealthy folks are out there, ones who need ministry, people who Jesus loves, and lives He wants to redeem.

We are His physical body and we need to take His ministry to the world, but we can't do our jobs properly or safely if we are not spiritually and emotional healthy.

John 17:15-18 "I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world."

A follower of Christ becomes pure and holy through believing and obeying the Word of God (Heb. 4:12). He or she has already accepted forgiveness through Christ's sacrificial death. Daily application of God's Word has a purifying effect on our minds and hearts. Scripture points out sin, motivates us to confess, renews our relationship with Christ, and guides you back to the right path. What path are you on? Is your heart warm or cold? Are you obeying God's word or picking and choosing?

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Mark 12:29-31 Love God and love your neighbor

Good morning all! And a happy fourth of July weekend. God is good all the time, all the time God is good!

LOVE! Stop, look around, listen, feel, and sense God's love for you. Do you love back as well?

Mark 12:29-31 "Jesus replied, "the most important commandment is this: Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: Love you neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.""
God's laws are not burdensome. They can be reduced to two simple principles: Love God and love others. When you love God completely and care for others as you care for yourself, then you have fulfilled the intent of the Ten commandments and the other Old Testament laws. According to Jesus, these two commandments summarize all God's laws. Let them rule your thoughts, decisions, and actions. When you are uncertain about what to do, ask yourself which course of action best demonstrates love for God and love for others.

Take time to listen to God. If there was no God how do we get oceans, birds, the sweet smell of grass and flowers, and everything around. Take time, listen, feel, God is smiling and telling you to come, be with him, enjoy the love of God. There is no other feeling as this. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Where does your mind reside? Romans 8:5

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

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things."

The most secret chamber of our personal lives that we might consider outside the sacred could be the mind.
Read Esekiel 8:1-10
David, after his healong dive into a pit of sin, realized how much he needed "truth in the inner parts" and "wisdom in the inmost places."

The mind is the biggest battlefield we have on which our spiritual battles are fought. Even our feelings eventually bow down to our thoughts. If we change the way we think, before long our thoughts change the way we feel. All sin begins in the mind, and untold secret sin is allowed to flourish there. But not without effect sooner or later.

The apostle Paul said the serpent could get to those with wholehearted, sincere, and pure devotion to Christ. How? By seducing and corrupting their minds (2 Cor. 11:2-3) Let God sanctify us through and through - all the way to the inner court of our minds.

You cannot dimmish God's love with impure or negative thoughts, but you can dimmish your awareness and enjoyment of His love. Mark 12:28,30 Jesus said, "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."

Loving God with all my mind begins with trusting God to come into secret places where I may harbor or practice sin. Believers still claim "I don't feed the flesh." Meanwhile they still watch some inappropriate programming, occasional R-rate movies and engage in impure or unedifying conversation and humor.

Are you guilty? You bet you are!!! What are you going to do about it? I am going to do Romans 8:5 ".......,but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit." Thank you for reading.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

1 Corinthians 10:13 Building strong walls

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

The next section of Seduce Proofing talks about strong walls. We must have protective walls in place to protect our walk with the LORD. If we have a strong fence, no weak spots we can keep our "animals" in, and "other animals" out.

This is our relationship with God. We need to have a fence around us that houses the temple (our bodies) and within the temple resides the Holy Spirit. Once God deposits the Spirit of Christ into our bodies scripture teaches that we are sealed until we see Christ face-to-face and our redemption is completed in heaven.

Ephesians 1:13 Christ identified us as his own, in Biblical days He put His seal on us. A seal is a mark of ownership and nothing and no one on earth or in the heavenlies has the authority or power to break His seal. We are saved for Christ alone.

Ephesians 4:30 tells us not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God. How do we do this? By refusing the Holy Spirit authority over us, by choosing not to yield to Him. Satan knows the weak spot in your fence and you must be aware of this as well. If we allow evil to enter through this weakness we will grieve the Spirit. However, when we practice victorious lives and allow the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit to permeate every part of our life God, as a rule, limits satan to the outside of that wall.

Our fence is strong and can withstand as long as we maintain "self-control." Temptation and turmoil can cause us to lose self-control. If our self rejects the control of the Holy Spirit we may fall victim to such things as anger, bitterness, rage, lust, greed, ambition, and despair. COMPLETE SUBMISSION to the FULL AUTHORITY of JESUS CHRIST reigning over us and through us diffuses the power of the oppressor.

1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny