Ephesians 6:11 Put on your armour!

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

The warrior's armour----Your armour! Satan will attack you where you are weak. God supplies us the armour and He expects the Christian warrior to put it on.

"That ye may be able to stand" - you will be able to stand your ground and not retreat or fall in the struggle.

"Against the wiles of the devil." The devil's wiles are attractive, deceptive, and ensnaring. Satan is a personal enemy, a great adversary, a slanderous accuser, and a malignant foe.

He uses clever and crafty methods to deceive. Men picture is of a devil that is a hidous, horned, and hoofed monster who haunts the vice dens of the world. God says he fashions himself into an angel of light and fashions his ministers as ministers of righteousness. (II Cor 11:14-15). He is the champion of liberalism, ritualism, rationalism, and every other "ism" that seeks to displace Christ.

His aim is to substitute something else and something different for the grace and truth of Christ. Never underestimate the enemy. Be careful, that new car, pretty woman, fancy clothes, big house, running with the wealthy,--is this where you should be? Take time now, what is your weakness? Pray about it daily and ask God to ensure you have His armour and can with stand the temptations of evil. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Ephesians 6:10 Be strong in the LORD

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

This week and maybe next we will talk about the warfare of Spirit-filled believers. We are talking about the conflict of the church.

Ephesians 6:10 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the LORD, and in the power of his might."

"Finally." Paul has already spoken of the church's heavenly calling and her earthly conduct, now he is revealing her spiritual conflict.

"Be strong in the LORD." Be continuously empowered in union with Him. He is the source of spiritual power. Spiritual battles require spiritual strength. We have to stay strong in the WORD, let the WORD be our strength.

1 Peter 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."

Lions attack sick, young, or straggling animals; they choose victims who are alone or not alert. Peter warns us to watch out for Satan when we are suffering or being persecuted. If you are feeling alone, weak, helpless, and cut off from other believers, or if you are so focused on your troubles that you forget to watch for danger, those are the times when you are especially vulnerable to Satan's attacks.

During times of suffering seek other Christians for support. Keep your eyes on Christ, and resist the devil. Then, says James, "he (satan) will flee from you. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Thanksgiving- be thankful

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Thanksgiving day! What are you thankful for? Take a moment to think about exactly what you are thankful for and then share it with your family.

I am thankful for the salvation that Jesus Christ offered and I accepted.
I am thankful for my spouse and family.

And from here I could continue on and on. It took me many years to actually realize that everything I have God gave me. Once my salvation became more mature, my understanding of the word went from milk and honey to more meat; the word of God started coming alive and I no longer used just lip service but work at walking the walk.

I am thankful for you and the time you take to view the daily devotionals. You help keep me in the word. Thank you. Love you. Have a great THANKSGIVING.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

p.s. The turkeys say eat more beef.
Cows say eat more chicken.
And chickens are just dumb clucks. lol

Psalm 26:6,7 Psalm 28:7 Thanksgiving

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Okay, tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. Jesus, after surrounded, followed, and dealing with crowds would take time to go off by himself. Why? To be alone with God, to meditate and listen to what God wishes. Don't you think He had praises of thanksgiving to His father, God?

We should have praises of thanksgiving. We live in the USA, we are free, we are able to come and go as we please in safety, we basically, have no major problems. Oh, you retort, I do have prblems; you just don't know.

When the universe is focused on YOU, then you do have problems; when you focus and let God be the epicenter of your universe you are heaven bound.

Psalm 26:6,7 "I wash my hands to declare my innocence. I come t your altar, O LORD, singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders."
Psalm 28:7 "The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."

Count your thanksgivings, your first 3: God, Jesus, Holy Spirit. Now take in your family - have problems - try forgiveness and mend; heal with true forgiveness. So it took hours to prepare the meal and minutes to devour. Soooo? This is not about the meal, it is about relationships, about forgiveness, about being thankful for what you have. God has blessed you. Revele in it this holiday. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Matthew 15:19,20 What defiles you?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Jesus just told us the things that come out of the mouth is what defiles us. Let's go on.

Matthew 15:19,20 "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man."

As a Christian, we should be clean on the inside and the outside. Many times we tend to become overweight, but that is okay. We share stories or jokes that are just a little "shady," but not really dirty. We babble words of the Bible, but don't live them. Are these things really okay?

Our bodies should be the temple of God. It is important we follow God's word and strive to do God's will. Last night after work I over indulged, now I need to workout extra to overcome the calories. How many times do we over indulge? How many times do thoughts of the above mentioned leap to the forefront of our minds?

I should pray for good thoughts, no one is killed, all are faithful in marriage, not to take what is not ours, not to lie or talk about others. My prayer is to be the example God wants me to be. To walk the walk and talk the talk with God's guidance. We can eat without washing our hands; but watch the mouth. The tongue lies in a wet place and may slip. Thank you for reading. May God bless you.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Matthew 15: 15-20 Pretty body - ugly mouth?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

We ended last week when the disciples told Jesus he had offended the Pharisees. Was Jesus denying authority? No, he was simply telling the truth, and tell of a higher authority. The pharisees felt the disciples were unclean as they did not wash their hands prior to eating. Let us continue on.

Matthew 15:15-20 "then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable. And Jesus said, 'Are ye also yet without understanding? Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man; but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.'"

We work hard to keep our outward appearance attractive, but what is deep down in our heart, where others can't see, is more important to God. What are you like inside?

When people become Christians, God makes them different on the inside. He will continue the process of change inside them if they only ask. God wants us to have healthy thoughts and motives, not just healthy bodies. Do you have trouble with your thoughts? Anger, lust, covet, envy, controlling, and on and on? Then take time to talk to God and give it all to Him. He, God, can take it and cleanse you. Ask your Heavenly Father daily for things that will help you walk and talk as an earthly example for God. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Matthew 15:12-14 Political correctness in Jesus' day?

Good morning fellow Americans! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Was there political correctness in Jesus' day? What do you think? Listen to this.

Matthew 15:12 "Then the disciples came to him and asked, "Do you realize you offended the Pharisees by what you just said?""

Now don't you know Jesus jumped right up, ran to the Pharisees and apologized. NOT! The Pharisees were men of position. They had power, they could do things to you, so be careful what you do and say around them. Yeah, right! Don't we tend to act different around people of "authority?" What happen then?

Matthew 15:13-14 "Jesus replied, 'Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be uprooted, so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind, and if one blind person guides another, they will both fall into a ditch.'"

Jesus was saying the Pharisees were blind to God's truth. Anyone listening to their teaching would risk spiritual blindness as well. This sounds a lot like what we are doing in America and the world today - following the blind. Today Christianity is being slowly, and sometimes forcibly pushed out of our society-schools, courts, military, anything government affiliated. Well, for heavens sake, are we going to continue to take this? TO BE SILENT IS TO BE IN THE AFFIRMATIVE!

Will you stand up for Jesus today? Tomorrow? The next day and the next? Peter denied Christ 3 times, then he became strong - the Rock. So let us be Peter's and ROCK the world with our belief. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Matthew 15:10-11 What spews from your mouth?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Thus far we have looked at the religious leaders and Pharisees and their man-made commandments, some of which supersede God's law. We know this is a no-no. But let's look at what Jesus says next. Remember, the Pharisees confronted Jesus about the disciples eating without washing their hands.

Matthew 15:10-11 KJB "And he called the multitude and said unto them, "Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.""

Jesus is trying to get the people (and religious leaders) to understand that what you say and think makes you unclean. This statement offended the Pharisees as they were very concerned about what people ate and drank. The idea of Judaism was that to eat the wrong sort of food deprived a man of holiness and, in the end, of acceptance with God. Jesus went against their teachings and they were quite offended.

Take a quick inventory. Check your mouth. We meet people all the time that spew ugly words or comments constantly. Does this bleed over into you, where when around them you fall prey to the same thing? Be strong in your belief and let your words be words guided by God. The tongue is in a dark moist place and it is prone to slip. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Matthew 15:7,8,9 Lip service? Me?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!

Now, Jesus has been talking to the religious teachers and the Pharisees about traditions or man made laws that are superceeding God's law. Let's listen in and see what more He said.

First, He called them "hypocrites!" Then stated that what Isaiah did prophesy correctly about them. Isaiah prophesied these words, (Matt 15:8,9) "These people honor me with their kips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God."

wow.... no ....WOW! Does this sound like someone viewing America and our Christianity today? If you say no, then I would ask you take your head out of the sand, get some Q-tips and clean out your ears and eyes. I have spent the majority of my years in this earthly form "BEING A HYPOCRITE!" I had the head knowledge but the heart was not there.

Now I realize what a waste of time when I could have been head AND HEART for the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Horace Man was quoted as saying, "Unfaithfulness in the keeping of an appointment is an act of clear dishonesty. You may as well borrow a person's moneys as his time."

Isaiah 29:13 "And so the LORD says, 'These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote.'"

Where are you today? Have you been unfaithful in keeping the appointment with God? Take time, right now, just bow your head and ask God to let you have not only the head knowledge, but let it come from the heart as well. Let your handshake be heart-felt and your relationship with God heart-felt as well. Love you all. Tomorrow - your mouth.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Matthew 15:5,6 Honor parents with what God gave you!!

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!

Matthew 15:5,6 KJV "But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, 'it is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;' And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition."

This was the practice of Corban, which literally means offering. Please notice, Jesus interprets the command to honor our parents in a practical sense. Our LORD condemns this common practice based on tradition.

In ancient times, anyone making a Corban vow was required to dedicate money to God's Temple that otherwise would have gone to support his parents. Even though giving money to God seemed worthy and no doubt gave prestige on the giver, many people who took the Corban vow were disregarding God's command to care for needy parents.

These religious leaders were ignoring God's clear command to honor their parents. Corban had become a religiously acceptable way to neglect parents. eliminating the child's responsibility to them. Think about this for a moment.

How many times do we take action or perform acts in "the name of Christianity," only to satisfy our own needs? Maybe "small" things. Well, I tithe off my net 'cause that is all I take home. Wrong, bucko! We tithe off the gross. Really now, I cannot afford to give my whole tithe, I have bills, you don't understand. Wrong again bucko! You cannot out give God. Be responsible in all things. not just tithe. Everything you have was given to you by God. This is a hard concept for many.

I worked hard and saved my money to get this. Through the loving grace of God we have our job, home, family, but most important salvation through Jesus Christ. Don't squander all that God gave you. Use your talents for the glory of God. Love ya'll.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Matthew 15:3,4 Caught up in traditions?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Last Friday we ended with Matthew 15:1,2, when the Pharisees and religious teachers confronted Jesus about His disciples washing their hands prior to eating. Today we will get Jesus' reply.

Matthew 15:3,4 "But he answered and said unto them, 'Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death."

Now, the Pharisees and teachers of religious law came from Jerusalem, the center of Jewish authority, to scrutinize Jesus' activities. Over the centuries since the Jews' return from Babylonian captivity, hundreds of religious traditions had been added to God's laws.

The Pharisees and religious teachers of law considered them all equally important. Many traditions are not bad in themselves. Certain religious traditions can add richness and meaning to life. But we must not assume that because our traditions have been practiced for years, they should be elevated to a sacred standing.

God's principals never change, and his law doesn't need additions. Traditions should help us understand God's laws better, not become laws themselves.

When speaking of 'honour they father and mother' in this text, the fifth commandment, this means as a child to obey - as an adult to take care of our parents or support them. During this time it was possible for a Jew to dedicate his property to the Temple, avoiding the necessity of supporting his parents, yet he could continue to enjoy the proceeds himself. Where are you today? Caught up in all the religious traditions that we, man, think important; meanwhile putting our Bible and God's word on the back shelf? Think about this. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Matthew 15:1,2 Following God or tradition?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Wow! Is God great?!?! YES HE IS!! Yesterday we talked about many people seek Jesus for the physical healing only; we need to seek Him for the spiritual healing as well.

Matthew 15:1,2 KJV "Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, "Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.""

Now as we look at this, see if you can see a relationship from ancient times, 2000 years ago, to now. The Pharisees and teachers of religious law came from Jerusalem, the center of Jewish authority and they were watching, no scrutinizing Jesus' activities.

Over the centuries, since the Jews' came out of captivity, hundreds of religious traditions had been added to God's laws. Oh, does this ring of today? We, the church, working for one cause, salvation, and we have all kinds of different "religious traditions."

The Pharisees and teachers of religious law considered all laws equal, church tradition and God's laws. Some religious traditions can add richness and meaning to life, but we must not assume that because our traditions have been practiced for years, they should be elevated to a sacred standing.

God's principles never change and his law doesn't need additions. Traditions should help us understand God's law better, not become laws themselves.

We, the church, will argue amongst ourselves about our traditions; baptism-sprinkling or dunking; speaking in tongues-yea or nay; dancing-sinful or okay; and on and on. Have we lost sight of the Holy One - Jesus? No, but we have given satan a foothold to divert our attention to "other things."

When Mary and Joseph could not find the boy Jesus, they went back and found him, what did Jesus say? Why do you worry, don't you know I would be about my father's business? Can you say this, that you are about your Father's business? My prayer for you and me today is that we would be involved in the work our Father has for us. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Matthew 14:34-36 What kind of healing do you want?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Yesterday we talked about Peter, keeping focused on Jesus. Let us look at Matthew 14:34-36 "And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. And when the men of that place had knowledge of Him (Jesus), they sent out into all that country round about,and brought unto Him all that were diseased; And besought Him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole."

These people recognized Jesus as a great healer, but did they really understand who He really was? They came to Jesus for physical healing, but did they come for spiritual healing?

These people came to get well, to extend their physical life, but not to seek eternal life. If we seek Jesus to find relief from pain, physical pain, are we missing the mark?

Jesus came not only to heal the physical suffering, but also the spiritual suffering. How often do we do this? Oh, LORD, please heal me as I hurt, but then forget about our eternity. Do you, do I really understand why Jesus came. Not to heal the sick or wounded physical, but to heal the wounded and sick spirituality and give them eternal life. As Peter on the water, look up to Jesus, let Him be your redeemer and spend eternity singing praises to God. Wow! Take time, think about Jesus and you.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Matthew 14:22-32 Can you walk on water?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time all the time God is good!
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

In Matthew 14:22-32 we read about the account where Jesus walked on water. Peter, aggressive Peter walked on water as well, but was not as successful.

Jesus had just finished talking to 5,000 men (probably 10-15 thousand with women and children) and he fed them with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. When this was finished Jesus sent the people away, the disciples on the boat to go to the other side, and He went up alone to PRAY!

When the disciples were crossing, during the fourth watch, about 3:00 a.m. strong winds and heavy waves were putting the disciples in peril. Well, they were scared, then one said look, they saw someone - something coming to them on the water. Was it a ghost?

Jesus spoke and told them (14:27) "Don't be afraid. Take courage, I am here!" Now Peter could have said anything, but he yelled back, "Lord, if it is really you tell me to come to you, walking on the water."

Jesus replied, "Yes, come!" Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on water. This is where we are my friend. Waiting for Jesus to tell us to come, then we walk with great confidence. But then what happens?

Peter was walking on the water to Lord Jesus Christ, then his focus left Jesus and he saw the strong wind, the waves, and he became afraid, started to sink and cried, "Lord save me."

Jesus immediately stretched forth His hand and pulled Peter to safety saying, "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"
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We may start out with good intentions, sometimes our faith falters. This does not necessarily mean we have failed. When Peter's faith faltered, he reached out to Christ, the only one who could help. He was afraid, but he still looked to Christ. When you are apprehensive about the troubles around you and doubt Christ's presence or ability to help, remember that He is always with you and is the only one who can really help. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Micah 6:8 Just doing "religious deeds?"

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Why do we come to crossroads in life? A decision to travel left or right. Maybe a decision to do right or wrong. What do we do. Okay, let's look at Micah.

Micah 6:8 "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

God wants us to be living sacrifices, not just doing religious deeds, but living rightly. It is impossible to follow God consistently without His transforming love in our hearts.

"O man," is to remind us we are human, finite, there will be an end to us on earth.

Jehovah requires us to move in three directions: outward, inward, and upward.

Outwardly - "to do justly" is dealing righteously with one's fellow man.

Inwardly - "to love mercy" is having the inward commitment to God's revelation that will develop itself in a right relationship towards man and God.

Upward - "to walk humbly with thy God" means having a right attitude towards God and a determination to walk in continuous fellowship with Him.

The outward is tied to the internal, the inward and upward. How one walks is relation to his fellow man is indicative of his inward character and relationship to God. How do you relate to your fellow man? YOU may be the ONLY BIBLE some people read----is it a horror story or a story of love, mercy and salvation? It is all up to you, make the right choice and do the right thing. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Isaiah 6 Is it Lord, send me OR not me Lord?

Good morning everone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Yesterday our preacher talked about Isaiah, Chapter 6. This stirred my soul and some thought. Isaiah 6:1-4 gives us the background of what is happening here at this time.

Then we move to verses 5-7, a time of confession, cleansing and sanctification. Isaiah says he has unclean lips and dwells amongst people of unclean lips. God's redeeming grace hastened to meet the needs of Isaiah, applying to his lips a coal from the incense altar. Isaiah was cleansed and equipped for praise, intercessory prayer and the proclamation of God's word.

Now this brings us to Isaiah 6:8 "Also I heard the voice of the LORD, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then said I, "Here am I; send me."

Every believer is saved to serve, we are ipso facto from the time of conversion a witness for God. God can use only willing, loving service. Do you serve from the head or from the heart?

Isaiah was commissioned to preach God's message faithfully and fearlessly, even though his ministry would result in rejection and apparent failure. Isaiah was to "keep on keepin' on."

How often do we say, here I am LORD, I'll do it; yet unspoken is "if it is convenient and not hard?" Oh, I want to be a faithful servant of God, but in my time at my convenience, with little or no resistance. This is not about us, this is about serving our omnipotent and wonderful God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

As you continue to read, a tenth of the people returned, to be the holy seed to spring forth. Like an oak that drops its seeds, some with spring forth and grow. Where are you today? Can you stand up and say I am in the tenth which will come forth, grow, and spread the word? Or wither from lack of nourishment?

May our prayer today be that God uses us to be an Isaiah, cleanse our lips, and carry the word to the world. LORD, here am I, send me! Let this be your daily cry. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Proverbs 13:21 Do good, follow God, the reward is great!

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

KJV Proverbs 13:21 "Evil pursues sinners, but to the righteous, good shall be repaid."

Bible App Proverbs 13:21 "Trouble chases sinners, while blessings reward the righteous."


The man who desires to stay on the plain path would do well to consult with men of spiritual experience. With many counselors the right way will be clearly discerned. Wisdom of many is always preferred to wisdom of one. As the saying goes, "two heads are better than one." Counseling with many increases the possibility of success for individuals and for communities.

Sometimes we see ungodly prosper and do well; however, many times we see the down trodden being beat deeper and deeper down. If we look closer we will find they either have turned their backs on God or don't know God. Could this be a field for ministry for us? When you see people that look like they are on bad times do you turn away or offer encouragement? Offer assistance? Sometimes it is easier to just ostrich by putting our head into the sand.

Don't jump into situations - let the Holy Spirit lead you and go forth boldly for Jesus Christ. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Proverbs 13:20 Wisdom or foolish

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Proverbs 13:20 "Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble." Bible App

Proverbs 13:20 KJV "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed."

This goes with the saying, "a rotten apple spoils the whole barrel." Our friends and associates affect us and our decisions. Be careful whom you choose as your closest friends. Spend time with people you want to be like because you and your friends will surely grow to resemble each other.

When most people need advice they go to their friends; people who will accept them and agree with them. We should go to older and wiser people; wise people have experienced a lot in life and have succeeded. They are not afraid to tell the truth. Who are the wise, godly people who can warn you of the pitfalls ahead?

Jump to Proverbs 15:20 KJV "A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother."

A father's heart will be gladdened when his son chooses to walk in the ways of wisdom. It is a foolish man who considers himself superior to his mother and ignores her loving advice. Such a man will soon lose the path and fall to fascination with folly.

Where are you today? Do you KNOW IT ALL? Or, do you....will you willingly accept advice or criticism from the wise? Oh, how many times as a young man I failed to listen to my mother. Looking back I can see how I fell to fascination with folly. Let our prayer today be that God gives us the wisdom and knowledge we need. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Proverbs 13:18-19 Criticism - can you take it?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Proverbs 13:18-19 "If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored. It is pleasant to
see dreams come true, but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them."

Men may feel it beneath their dignity to bow to instruction, but lasting honor will only come to those who humble themselves and receive instructions from those who are in possession of true knowledge. Poverty and shame will be the portion of all who think themselves above such instruction.

A dream that comes true is good or bad, depending on the nature of the dream or desire. It is pleasant to achieve worthwhile goals, but not all goals are worth pursuing. When you set your heart on something, you may lose your ability to assess it objectively. With your desire blinding your judgment, you may proceed with an unwise relationship, a wasteful purchase, or a poorly conceived plan. Faithfulness is a virtue, but stubbornness is not.

Where are you today? Do you dream of good, enjoyable, and godly things? Do you accept criticism in proper perspective and evaluate it? As humans, we tend to want to be right all the time. As is said in East Texas, "it ain't gonna happen." Be open, let God be first and funnel everything through His eyes. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Proverbs 13:16-17 Be wise- use wisdom

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Proverbs 13:16 KJV "Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly." Bible App "Wise people think before they act; fools don't - and even brag about their foolishness."

The prudent move cautiously ahead, pondering the counsel of wisdom and realizing that their character is fully demonstrated by words spoken and deeds performed. The fool exposes his lack of knowledge to all by his evident lack of discernment.

Proverbs 13:17 KJV "A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health." Bible App "An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble, but a reliable messenger brings healing."

In ancient days, kings depended on the messengers for information. These messengers had to be reliabe and trustworthy; inaccurage information could lead to blookshed.

This is still important today. Good communication is so important. If the message received is different from the message sent then marriages, businesses, diplomats and politicians relations break down.

It is important to choose your words well and to avoid reacting until you clearly understand what the other person means. Choose carefully my friend, today is a voting day. Choose the person and what they stand for - not the party. Put Christian leaders in place and let America not forget God in the process. Love ya'll.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Proverbs 13:13-15 Instruction for man

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Today, when I opened to the scripture I was led to Proverbs 13:13-15 "Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard."


With the upcoming election, take time to be in God's word. To vote straight party is like saying only Methodists, or only Baptist, Lutheran, etc. will go to heaven. This is wrong. As Christians we believe in one man, JESUS. As Christians we should vote for the man; democrat, republican, tea party, independent, or whatever, that follows and lives along the lives God's words tells us. Here is the commentary from King James by many authors.

"The man who despises the word of instruction will bring certain ruin upon himself. The awesome power of Yahweh to bring reward or destruction is in view in this passage. To despise Yahweh's commandments is to expose oneself to shame and destruction. He that feareth the commandments will not experience the sorrows of the transgressor and will inherit the promised reward.

The righteous, by the performance of his duty, brings life and healing to his neighbors. he is a tree of life and healing to his neighbors. He is a tree of life who attracts men to himself and induces them to follow him away from the snares of death. Such good understnding brings favor with God and men. The way of the transgressor, in contrast, is rough and barren. He leads others ony to the sadness and barrenness of life that is his daily lot."

It makes sense to listen to God's instructions and do what he says. The Bible is like a cars owners manual to us, if you obey God's instructions you will "run right" and if not, you will have breakdowns, accidents and failures. Do the right thing!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny