Titus 1:12 You "Cretan" is not a compliment

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Well, are you listening to the liars, the crooked, the manipulators?

Titus 1:12 KJV "One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.""

Life Application "Even one of their own men, a prophet from Crete, has said about them, "The people of Crete are all liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons."

A prophet of their own probably refers to the famed Cretan poet Epimenides, born around 600 B.C. Just as sodomy refers to an infamous sin of which Sodomites were guilty, so "CRETAN" became almost synonymous with a liar.

They were also SLOW BELLIES. The Greek here really means "idle gluttons." God says of this type, idle gluttons, Proverbs 23:1,2 "When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you; And put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite."

Wantonness of appetite should be bridled with the greatest sternness. A knife to thy throat is better than an appetite out of control. The dainties are deceitful meat when given by an insincere host. To enjoy them is to place oneself in serious danger.

So what are these passages saying? They are telling us we are letting the whole world revolve around us - you - me. The big "I" is in control. So what happens, disaster becomes the staple of the day. To lie, overeat, and doing evil is this way of life. Are you a Cretan or a Christian? How many of these do you violate? Do you lie? Overeat? Do evil? Go to knee mail and deliver it all to God and be cleansed. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 1:11 Gag 'em, don't listen!

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.

Paul has been writing to Titus with warnings about not following the word of God and being led astray. Also, about the traits or characteristics to look for in an elder. Verse 10 talked about deceivers of the word.Today we will begin with verse 11.

Titus 1:11 "Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake." (KJV)
Life Application "They must be silenced, because they are turning whole families away from the truth by their false teaching. And they do it only for money."

Greek: epistomizo- whose mouths must be stopped originally meant to put something in the mouth as a gag.

These false teachers attack the foundations of truth and integrity upon which the Christian faith is built. How can I recognize a false teacher. Here are a couple of ways to spot them:
1) They focus more attention on themselves than on Christ.
2) They ask you to do something that will compromise or dilute your faith.
3) They will de-emphasize the divine nature of Christ or the inspiration of the Bible.
4) They will urge believers to make decisions based more on human judgment than on prayer and biblical guidelines.
5) They taught for personal gain, money, which God's true servants must not do.

So, who do you listen to? The man of Money, OR, the man of God? They choice is yours, just make the right one. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 1:10 Shut up loud mouth!

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

Okay, let us talk about rebellion. Rebel against the establishment, rebel against parents, rebel against the government, rebel against our Christian upbringing. When do we stop and follow God's word?

Titus 1:10 "For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:"

If you look up unruly in Greek is anupotaktos (an-oo-pot-ak-tos) meaning insubordinate or disobedient, that is not put under. So the unruly will not submit to the authority.

Vain talker, Greek mataiologos (mat-ah-yol-og-os) an idle, senseless or mischievous talker, a wrangler.

Deceiver, Greek phrenapates (fren-ap-at-ace) meaning a mind-misleader, seducer, deceiver. and them of the circumsion meaning the Jews.

So, there are many insubordinate or disobedient who talk senseless or mischievous words to change or alter the mind of the believers. This was all done by the Jews who were holding on to the law.

Do these people exist today? In your church? Is this you? Are you insubordinate, want to change the mind of others to believe as you do, and don't just accept your salvation as a free gift from God?

Do you believe the Bible is the true inspired word of God? As I said a few weeks ago, if you are in the WORLD, you have to get the "L" out and back into the WORD! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 1:9 Are you up to it?

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

We are in Titus and talking about an elder. Some of the attributes of an elder have been mentioned and now as we continue.

Titus 1:9 KJV "Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers."

Life Application Titus 1:9 "He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong."

From the King James commentary: Holding fast or firmly to the word which is faithful and trustworthy. As he hath been taught - meaning according to the teaching of the LORD Himself and the inspired apostles. This is necessary in order to exhort, encourage, and help believers and convince or convict the 'gainsayers,' those who oppose or speak against as the Greek indicates, by means of sound doctrine.

Anytime we look to choose leaders in our church the requirements that are important we have talked about this week. Don't choose someone because they are your friend, have a special social status, run in the 'right' circles, have positions in a business.

It is important to have leaders who can effectively preach God's word. It is even more important to have those who can live out God's Word and be examples for others to follow.

Where are you? Could you be a leader in the church? If so, GREAT! If not, what are you doing about it? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 1:8 A gathering? At my house?!?

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

Yesterday we visited about some of the requirements for an elder, blameless, good reputation, faithful to his wife, not arrogant or quick tempered, not a heavy drinker, not violent or dishonest with money. My question to you was would you be a good elder?

Titus 1:8 "Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life."

Okay, in the early days Christian leaders, traveling evangelists and teachers were helped by Christians who housed and fed them. WE...you and me...would benefit from inviting people to eat with us - visitors, fellow church members, young people, those in need.

Giving hospitality is very important today because so many people struggle with loneliness. We live in a self-centered society - it is all about ME! WELL, IT IS NOT ALL ABOUT YOU! IT IS ALL ABOUT JESUS! We can show we have Jesus' caring and loving nature....one way is by being hospitable.

We are not to entertain false teachers (2John 1:10) but this does not apply to non-Christians. God wants us to be generous, courteous, and hospitable with non-Christians; through our friendship some may come to know Jesus.

Once again, could you be an elder? One who invites people into your home to feed, visit, and share the gospel with? Oh, I don't really enjoy.....that is not what I do...etc. Bah.....the gospel tells you, will you obey?

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 1:6-7 Steps to being an elder.

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

How do you live your life? Really? Do you live it for God one or two hours a week at church? Do you live it in your daily walk? We cannot be a good example if we are like the lady who accepted Jesus, put a fish symbol on her bumper, then in traffic uses hand signals at other vehicles and is very vocal.

Paul lists the qualities of an elder. Qualities we need to read and think about.

Titus 1:6-7 "An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don't have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. For an elder must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money."

Well??? Read that again and use this as a test for you. Could you be an elder? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 1:5 Doing God's work

Hello everyone! Wow! A fast morning. Started early, still catching up. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Titus 1:5 "I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you."

Paul left Titus at Crete, a small island in the Mediterranean Sea which had a large population of Jews. The work that needed completion refers to establishing correct teaching and appointing elders in every town. Paul appointed elders in the churches he left and since he could not be at each one he needed strong spiritual leadership.

The men chosen were to lead the churches by teaching sound doctrine, helping believers mature spiritually, and equipping them to live for Jesus Christ despite opposition.

Where are you? Are you taking steps to be a stong leader or are you just one of the flock, following and not questioning? God wants strong leaders, whether in the pulpit, in the pews, or working behind the scenes...God wants you working for the kingdom. Could you be an elder?

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 1:4 Leadership? Me?!?!

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

KJV Titus 1:4 "To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the LORD Jesus Christ our Saviour."

Life Application Titus 1:4 "I am writing to Titus, my true son in the faith that we share. May God the Father and Christ jesus our Savior give you grace and peace."
Gr: gnesios (own son) means "legitimate born." Titus was a Greek and one of Paul's most trusted and dependable co-workers, yet he considered him a son. Could we say born to the faith?

Paul left Titus in Crete to lead the new churches that were springing up on the island. Titus had leadership ability so Paul gave him leadership responsibility, urging him to use his abilities well.

Faith is shared by you, me, and all Christians. Grace, mercy and peace is added to Pastoral epistles. The word 'from' governs both God and Lord: together they constitute the one divine source of all blessings.

God gives you grace, mercy and peace to go forth and be a leader in his word. Are you doing so? When was the last time you "led" or "talked" to someone about Jesus? Are you using your God given gifts?

Going into the weekend may you have grace, mercy and peace and let you faith carry you to someone who thirsts for the word. Give them a sip of the living water. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus 1:3 Who is your Savior?

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

Titus 1:3 "And now at just the right time HE has revealed this message, which we announce to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been entrusted with this work for him."

God, who is our Savior, as is Jesus Christ, provided the plan of salvation for us all. Jesus Christ did the work of salvation for us by dying for our sins, and is our Savior.

HIS message is revealed at just the right time and then...... We announce to everyone - are you sharing your faith. Try this, for the next week begin by asking God for forgiveness and guidance; then ask at least1 person a day about their salvation or invite someone to church, but mention your Savior.

If you found a great product for skin, or weight loss, or whatever you would share. WELL, you have found the ideal retirement plan.....SHARE IT!

Father and Son - God and Jesus - sacrificed to save YOU from your sins. Share the GOOD NEWS. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Titus 1:2 Truth or Lie?

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.

What is going on now? Paul is writing to Titus in Crete and obviously one aspect of the Creteans life is to lie. Basically they are a group of lyers. You have met these people; when it is easier to tell the truth they still lie.

Titus 1:2 "This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God-who does not lie-promised them before the world began."

Paul is very clear: "GOD DOES NOT LIE." The foundation of our faith is trust in God's character. Because God is truth, HE is the source of all truth, and he cannot lie.

Believing in HIM, GOD, leads to living a God-honoring life-style. The eternal life that God has promised will be ours because he keeps His promises.

Build your faith on the foundation of a trustworthy God who never lies. Are you living a lie? Or are you living on God's promises? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Just what kinda ole boy are ya? Titus 1:1

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

Well? Are you going to church for the man or for God? The decision should be simple, only 1 man deserves our servitude - JESUS CHRIST!!

Titus 1:1 "This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives."


Paul wrote this letter between his first and second imprisonments in Rome to guide Titus in working with the churches on the island of Crete.

Paul calls himself "a slave of God" - that is, one who was committed to obeying God. This obedience led Paul to spend his life telling others about Christ. He also calls himself "an apostle." Paul was not one of the original 12, but he was specially called by God to bring the Good News to the Gentiles.

Apostle means messenger or missionary. Those God has chosen refers to God's choice of his people, the church. Paul wanted men and women to be mature in Jesus Christ. That was his ultimate objective by which he evaluated all he did.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: How would your church evaluate its ultimate objectives?
What specific goals, ministries,and service opportunities bring believers to faith, spiritual maturity, and godly living?
Do established members reflect good Christian conduct and desire for Christian service?
How would you describe your purpose in life? To what are you devoted?

Are you willing to share your faith, teach the truth, and live a godly life for all to see? If not........WHY? WHAT IS HOLDING YOU BACK?

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Titus

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.

Let's start a new study in Titus. Titus was written by Paul to Titus, a Greek who was probably converted to Christ through Paul's ministry. Titus was Paul's special representative at Crete.

Sometimes there is a vacuum when a strong leader leaves and then a movement, organization or institution loses focus and begins to flounder. People flocked to hear Paul's teaching. Paul was educated, articulate, motivated, and filled with the Holy Spirit. He proclaimed the Good News throughout the Roman Empire and lives were changed and churches were begun.

Titus was Paul's special ambassador to Crete whom Paul carefully trained and raised to be a mature Christian and responsible leader. Chapter 1 deals with the leadership in the church. Paul wants people to understand it is Jesus, all about Jesus, not about the man who is standing here on earth delivering the message. How many times do churches split or cease to exist because our trust is in man?

We will start tomorrow with verse 1, however, think about your church. Do you go because you really like the preacher? Or do you go to worship God? If you go for the man you are in for a fall; if you go for God you will have a fruitful experience. Love you all. Evaluate your church and why you go. Is it a God-thing?

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

2 Timothy 4:18 Death! Is this a threatening word?

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.

Today, August 13 is National Left-Handers Day. Congrats to you south paws.

Where are you today, right now? Are you ready for death? I don't mean your life insurance is paid, the cars are paid off, the house only has a few payments left. I mean, if you came face to face with death today, in an hour, in 1 minute; are you ready?

Paul was ready. He knew the end was near and he was confident in God's power. Paul could affirm his belief in eternal life after death. Can you? If not what are you waiting for. Stop, tell God you know Jesus came to die for you, a sinner, and ask Jesus into your heart. Salvation does not come any sooner than right now.

2 Timothy 4:18 "Yes, and the LORD will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever. Amen."

Psalm 121:7 "The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life."

Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

2 Timothy 4:16-17 As Bob the Builder says, "You can do it!"

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

2 Timothy 4:16-17 "The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the LORD stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death."

The first part, v. 16, does this reflect what Jesus went through. When He was brought before the authorities He was denied. Peter realized this when the cock crowed the third time. But Paul notes there was only the LORD with him.

God gives us the strength to do what he has commanded. This strength may not be evident, however, until we step out in faith and actually begin doing the task.

Paul may have been encouraging Timothy and telling him the LORD had called him to preach and the LORD would give him the courage to continue to do so.

Where are you today? Do you need encouraged? Are you ready to step out and carry the word? We can do all things through He who strengthens us. Don't forget. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

2 Timothy 4:13 What are you standing up for? Jesus?

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

Have you thought about yesterday's theme? Do you continue to hold on to what someone has done in the past, or do you look for growth and maturity in that person and help to nurture them along? Have you grown as well?

2 Timothy 4:13 "When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers.

Paul obviously was arrested, tried, and throw into prison very abruptly and quickly. In verses 14 & 15 he tells Timothy to beware of Alexander the coppersmith as he did Paul much harm. It sound like bearing false witness.

Paul wanted his coat as he was throw into a cold and damp prison. Paul was suffering for being a believer in Jesus Christ, our LORD and savior. Have you suffered for Jesus? Or have you suffered because you failed to follow Jesus?

Last week I mentioned two words: world & word. If you are walking in the WORLD, you need to get the "L" out and walk in the WORD. Take time to think about this. We will experience hardships, as did Paul when walking in the word. The difference is when walking in the word there is a bright shining light at the end of the tunnel. When walking in the world, there is no SON (sun) so there is no light.

Do you stand up for the WORD of GOD? If you don't......WHY? I enjoy being on the staff of Jesus Christ as I know the retirement is OUT OF THIS WORLD. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

2 Timothy 4:11-12 Can you forgive and move on?

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

2 Timothy 4:11-12 "Only Luke is me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus."

Luke, the author of Luke and Acts, traveled a lot with Paul. Tychicus had left for Ephesus and he was one of Paul's most trusted companions.

Paul asked Timothy to bring Mark makes us stop for a moment and reflect. Mark had left Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey and this upset Paul greatly. This cause a rift between Paul and Barnabas that was to the extent they parted company. Somewhere, in the course of time, Paul gave Mark a second chance and Mark had proved to be a worthy helper. What changed Paul's heart? We don't know, but Paul did realize people can change.

Here is the lesson we should take in. We must allow people to grow up and not hold them back from ministry or leadership for faults in the past that have now been corrected. When we encourage someone and open our minds to the possibility that he or she has changed and matured, we may be salvaging a significant ministry.

Mark went on not only to be Paul's good friend and a trusted Christian leader and he wrote the Gospel of Mark. If you were accountable and not forgiven for your past; where would you be? Billy Graham, as a young lad, was very mischievous; aren't we glad we didn't penalize him for past behaviors? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Matthew 27:51 What stands between you and God?

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

Matthew 27:51 "The veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split."

The veil in the temple blocked everyone's view of the Holy of Holies - the sacred place where God would meet with the high priest once a year.

Imagine, only one person-on only one day-had the astounding privilege of meeting face to face with God.

When Jesus was crucified the veil of the temple was torn in two; symbolizing the rending of everything that stood between you and God. Now, you can meet God every minute of every day of every month of every year.

Jesus cleared the path; opened the way; gave you a "hotline" to God. The question now is, do you use it? Do you thank God for the little things as well as the big? Do you thank God when in peril as well as when in praise?

Jesus is the answer, for the world today! Do you call on HIM, or ignore HIM? The choice is yours; make the right choice. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

2 Timothy 4:9-10 Do you love worldly things or heavenly things?

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

2 Timothy 4:9-10 "Timothy, please come as soon as you can. Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia."

Paul was alone and probably lonely. No one came to speak on his defense at his trial, but perhaps, what bothered him the most was that Demas left the faith.

These are people who lived in Jesus' time, seeing all that has happened, yet Demas left the faith because he loved the "things of this life." God loves the earth, as He made it, free of sin. When we love the earth, leave the faith, we want life as it is....sin, evil and all.

Demas loved worldly values and worldly pleasures. Where do you stand? Right now, today? Do you love what the world has to offer-wealth, power, pleasure-even if gaining it means hurting people and neglecting the work God has given you to do? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

You have a crown coming! 2 Timothy 4:8

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

2 Timothy 4:8 "And now the prize awaits me-the crown of righteousness, which the LORD, the righteous judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing."

Yesterday we talked about fighting the good fight and finishing the race yet remaining faithful. In the Roman era the athletic games were highly regarded and to the winner a laurel wreath was given. This is what Paul is talking about in lay terms so all, at that time, would understand.

Paul, however, is talking about a "crown of righteousness" which we will receive in heaven. We may not receive an earthly reward but we will be rewarded in heaven. Whatever we face, discouragement, persecution, or death, we know we will receive reward with Christ in heaven.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body."

Eternal life is a free gift by God's grace; each of us will still be judged by Christ. He will reward us for how we have lived. God's gracious gift of salvation does not free us from the requirement of faithful obedience. All Christians must give account on the day of judgment of how they have lived.

Are you living in the word? Or in the world? If in the world, then get the "l" out and get back to the word. (notice difference between word and world is the l). Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

What kind of Christian are you now, really? 2 Timothy 4:6-7

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

2 Timothy 4:6-7 "As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race and I have remained faithful."

Paul is saying his life has been poured out as an offering to God. Just what does that mean? An offering to God? Paul pulled no stops, he was sold out, lock, stock, and barrel to God. One of the first original "Jesus freaks."

Are you sold out to God? Is God, Jesus, church just a "convenient" item. Show up, praise God, go out live the world.

Paul says I have fought the good fight and finished the race AND remained faithful. Can you say this? Is Jesus Christ number one in your life? A pastor once said when you hear the words "JESUS CHRIST" do you think of your savior or do you hear curse words? This may be an indicator as where you are in your Christian life.

Would you wear a shirt that had "JESUS RECRUITER" on it. Would you wear a that said "Staff of Jesus Christ?" Are you sold out? Are you running a good race? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Random thoughts from Johnny B.

Good evening! I went to a movie tonight and saw "Salt." It was a good movie, lots of action, no bad cussing, however, God's name was taken a few times (not good).

Also was listening to Christian radio today, so here are some thoughts.

First of all - what do you do in your church? Do you complain and criticize or do you contribute? You need to go hard whichever way you go. God does not want you lukewarm; so go complain and tear down your church, OR go hard and be a contributor to build up your church. God tells us to be hot or cold, not lukewarm.

A Muslim mosque has been approved by NYC to be built across from Ground Zero. Why? You may tout religious freedom! Get your head out of the sand! The Muslim's are pushing this down our throats. 15 of the 19 killed in the 9/11 attacks were from Saudi Arabia, supported by Saudi Arabia, and most of the mosque's in America are built by the money from Saudi Arabia. Wake up America!

Bleeding hearts! Be fair! Ask any of our veterans who were POW's if their enemies were "fair" and "kind" to them. Russia once said, during the cold war, that America would be taken over and there would not be any shots fired. Look around liberal America. See what is happening.

We are ONE NATION UNDER GOD! And we need to stand up for America and what she stands for. Now the Methodist church is undergoing a change concerning homosexuals. Plus, the Christian Radio labeled the Methodist Church as becoming very liberal. What happened to our Bible.

And I could go on and on. Enough for now. If you wish to converse about any of these items just feel free to respond. We all have opinions.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

2 Timothy 4:3 Itching Ears

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

I just cannot leave "itching ears" just yet. There are people who claim to have a bit more enlightenment than what the dusty Bible has to say. People claiming to improve on God's words. These people have a few common attributes. So here we go.

1. THEY DO NOT TOLERATE THE TRUTH. They have no interest or respect for absolute truth or any standard for judgment.

2. THEY REJECT TRUTH FOR SENSATIONALISM. They want truth that fits their situation and makes sense for them. What they feel, what works for them, what seems compelling-that is their truth and they claim an absolute right to it. No one should even attempt to tell them differently.

3. THEY GATHER VIEWPOINTS TO SUIT THEIR SELFISH DESIRES. Although they profess objectivity, their only defense for their viewpoints is that those viewpoints suit their desires.

Such teachers have a following because they are telling people "whatever their itching ears want to hear." These people are following myths. Be careful. False teaching can be found in many places-even inside the doors of some churches. Like Timothy, you must keep a clear mind in every situation and seek God's Word for the truth. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

2 Timothy 4:5 With a clear mind I can.........

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! Sorry to have missed you yesterday, but we are back today.

Last week in 2 Timothy we talked about Paul's charge to Timothy, to preach the word of God; to correct, rebuke and encourage the people with good teaching.

2 Timothy 4:5 "But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the LORD. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you."

What is this saying? To keep cool when you are jarred and jolted by people or circumstances, don't react quickly. In any work of ministry that you undertake, keeping a clear mind in every situation makes you morally alert to temptation, resistant to pressure, and vigilant when facing heavy responsibility.

Here, in America, we have not had to suffer for the LORD, as we have the right of freedom of religion. How strong are you? Could you withstand persecution? We are fortunate, yet we need to pray for strength, wisdom and knowledge so we may continue the work of the LORD. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny