He will not extinguish Isaiah 42:3

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

ISAIAH 42:3 "A bruised reed He will not break and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish."

It is important to understand God's character when dealing with the fragile, bulnerable issues of your life. How easy would it be to finish breaking a reed that is bent in two? Or to put out a wick that is only smoldering? Most would not think twice about it.

God is gentle and kind - he would never hit you where it hurts. Rather he will tenderly nurse your fragile issues so that you can be healed. God will not crush the contrite sinner, or extinguish the feeble testimony of the weakest believer. He would have a ministry to all nations, bringing them to judgment.

Remember this when dealing with others. Do not be quick to crush or extinguish; lift that person up and help them become a witness for the Kingdom of God. Love you all. Pray for us as we leave at 6 a.m. today for the mission trip in Mexico. One week and I will be back, writing to you once again.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Matthew 2:18-23 Coming Home

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

TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Matthew 2:19-23 The Return to Nazareth
19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”
21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.
Exodus 4:19 "Before Moses left Midian, the LORD said to him, "Return to Egypt, for all those who wanted to kill you have died."

Just as Moses left fled Egypt, he returned to do God's work. Joseph had fled with the baby Jesus, and now was returning.

When Herod the Great died in 4 B.C. he divided his kingdom into three parts, one for each son. Herod Antipas received Galiliee and Perea; Herod Philip II received Traconitis. Archelaus, a violent man who began his reign by slaughtering 3,000 influential people and was later banned was given Judea, Samaria, and Idumea. God did not want Joseph's family to go into the region of this evil ruler.

Matthew painted the picture of Jesus as the true Messiah announced by God through the prophets; and he makes the point that Jesus, the Messiah, had unexpectedly humble beginnings, just as the Old Testament had predicted. Micah 5:2

"But you, O Bethelehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past."

God is with us from these humble beginnings. Take time to think about God, who He sent to take away your sins, He who died for you. Let Christmas be "more (mas) Christ." Love you all. I will be on a mission trip next week with no communication. See you in 10 days.
In Christ's love and grace
Johnny

Matthew 2:13-16 Do you follow God's lead?

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

Okay, remember, the Magi went by Herod's and told him of their journey.Herod wanted to know where the baby was to come worship him, and then..........

Matthew 2:13-16 The Escape to Egypt
13 When they Magi's) had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”[a]

16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.

This was Joseph's second vision or dream. The first about Mary and being with child.
Now this time to flee. Joseph had a receptive heart for the LORD, and followed God's commands in all that deals with the pregnancy and birth of Joseph's LEGAL son.

V. 14-15 going to Egypt was not unusual as there were colonies of Jews in the Egyptian country. These colonies had developed during the great captivity. The interesting parallel here is that Israel, as an infant nation went to Egypt, as did Jesus. God led Israel out (Hosea 11:1); God brought Jesus back. Both events show God working to save his people.

If you had a dream from God, would you heed the call? Or would you just believe it was "just a dream" and continue on your merry way? God wants us to be as in tune to him as Joseph was. The next verse tells of Herod's anger. Do you see anger toward Christians today in the world? How strong a Christian are you? Can you stand on the word, follow God's wishes and not falter? I will tell you I can; however, I need to stay strong in the word, knee deep in prayer, and be still and listen to what God wishes me to do. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Matthew 2:9-12 Isaiah 60:6 Bring your gifts to the King

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

Okay, yesterday, Herod wanted the wise men to return and tell him where the baby is so the he, Herod, may "come and worship him." Herod was jealous, angry, and out for blood.

Matthew 2:9-12 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Isaiah 60:6 Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah.
And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the LORD.

Okay, recap. Herod did not want to worship Christ. This was a trick to get the wise men to return to him and tell the whereabouts of the newborn king. Herod's plan was to kill Jesus.

Jesus was probably one or two years old when the wise men found him. By this time Mary and Joseph were married, living in a house and intending to stay in Bethlehem for a while. The wise men gave these expensive gifts as worthy acknowledgment for a future king. God was a gift for royalty; frankincense was a gift for deity; and myrrh was a spice used to anoint a body for burial. These gifts may have provided the financial resources for the trip to Egypt and back.

The wise men brought gifts and worshiped Jesus for who he was. This is the essence of true worship - honoring Christ for who he is and being willing to give him what is valuable to you.

Worship God because he is the perfect, just and almighty Creator of the universe, worthy of the best you have to give.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Matthew 2:16-18 Herod was mad

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

Jeremiah 31:15: This is what the Lord says: 'A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are no more.'

Matthew 2:16-18: When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 'A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.'

Christ was persecuted at birth; ridiculed through out his life; then whipped by the Romans, put on a cross to die. BUT, He rose in three days. Just think about these verses. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Micah 5:2 Matthew 2:1 A coincidence?

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

Thought of the day: "Don't tell God how big your storm is, tell the storm how big your God is."

Did you take time to read the words of Mary, did you know? Imagine, kissing the face of God. Imagine, coming from humble means and your son doing great miracles in the world. Imagine, your son is the savior of the world. Wow! Hard to wrap ones mind around it, but it is awesome.

Let's look at the Bible. Micah 5:2: But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.
Matthew 2:1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem.

Bethlehem of Judea was also called Ephrath. Wise men, magoi, originally denoted the priestly caste among the Persians and Babylonians. Matthew uses the term to designate honorable men from an Eastern religion.

The land of Israel was divided into four political districts. Jerusalem was in Judea and was the seat of government for Herod the Great. Bethlehem of Judea had been prophesied as the Messiah's birthplace.

Not a lot is know about these "wise men." How did they know that the star represented the Messiah? The could have been Jews who remained in Babylon after the Exile and knew the Old Testament predictions of the Messiah's coming. They could have been eastern astrologers who studied ancient manuscripts from around the world and had copies of the Old Testament. They may have had a special message from God directing them to the Messiah.

These men from faraway lands recognized Jesus as the Messiah when most of God's chosen people in Israel did not. Matthew pictures Jesus as the King over the whole world, not just Judea.

Now, if you have read this far you are saying, this is not interesting or good. But wait, look at what is being portrayed right here before you. Jesus came from humble beginnings, land of Judah, a lesser land. What do you expect from poor folk in a poor land? When he was born, who came to see Him? Who knew who He was or would be?
Just a lucky coincidence! Huh? We call them coincidences, but with God....is it ever a coincidence? If you take time and study this instead of a fleeting moment you can see much much more. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

The Christmas Story Matthew 1:22-23

Good morning. Let's look at the Christmas story and ancient Bible prophecies. We will go a day at a time. We will just go slow and take 5 or 6 days.

Ancient Bible Prophecies
Fulfilled in The Birth of Christ

Isaiah 7:14: Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

The word for 'virgin' here is carefully chosen. 'Alma', in actual usage in the Hebrew scriptures refers to a maiden chaste and unmarried.

Matthew 1:22-23: All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel'--which means, 'God with us.'
When the angel declared to Joseph that Mary's child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and would be a son. This reveals an important truth about Jesus - he is both God and Human.
Jesus means "the LORD saves." Jesus came to earth to save us because we can't save ourselves from sin and its consequences.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Mary, Did you know?

Good morning everyone! Sorry to have missed you yesterday. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Several things have been laid on me this morning and I would like to share them with you. First, the song, Mary, did you know? The lyrics are below, please take a moment to read them, think about them, and think about this being you. The one lyric that really touched me was, "When you kissed your little baby you kissed the face of God." WOW! Can you imagine. Here are the lyrics with credit to the author.

CLAY AIKEN LYRICS "Mary Did You Know"

[Originally written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene]

Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?
Mary did you know.. Ooo Ooo Ooo

The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.

Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.

Go to this link for Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd singing the song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN70R-3ao0U


Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Ephesians 6:23,24 Can you say...I am sincere

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

S T O P !! Take time now to ask forgiveness, then thank God for all HE has given you; your employment, home, auto, family, health, everything. Have peace knowing this is all from God.

Ephesians 6:23,24 "Peace be to the brethren and love with faith, from God the Father and the LORD Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our LORD Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen."

Peace is Christ's gift. Brethren=in the LORD and in the LORD's work. Love with faith= Love of the saints and faith in Christ. God gives us these qualities.

verse 24 Paul highlights the supremacy of Christ, gives information on both the nature of the church and on how church members should live, and stresses the unity of all believers-male, female, parent, child, master, slave - regardless of sex, nationality, or social rank.

The home and the church are difficult places to live the Christian life, because our real self comes through to those who know us well. Close relationships between imperfect people can lead to trouble-or to increased faith and deepened dependence on God.

We can build unity in our churches through willing submission to Christ's leadership and humble service to one another.

Are you a true, sincere Christian? What are the fruits of your labor? Can you look into the eyes of a stranger and tell him you are a Christian and love the LORD JESUS CHRIST? Love you all!

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Ephesians 6:21,22 Be Encouraged

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

Ephesians 6:21,22 "but that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the LORD, shall make known to you all things: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts."

Not a lot in these two verses, but yes, they are there for a reason and it is short and to the point.

First, Tychicus,who is the bearer of the message sent from Paul. This is all I could find on Tychicus. The character and career of Tychicus are such as show him altogether affectionate, faithful and worthy of the confidence reposed in him by Paul, who, as already seen, sent him again and again on important work, which could be performed only by a man of ability and of high Christian worth and experience. Thus, all that is known regarding Tychicus fully bears out the description of his character given by the apostle himself, that he was a beloved brother, a faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord.

Paul is sending a letter to tell the Philippians how he is and to find out how they are doing and encourage them to stay the course. The question here is, are you faithful as Tychicus? Are you a man of ability and of high Christian worth and experience? Are you a faithful minister and fellow-servant of the LORD?

Tomorrow we will finish up Ephesians 6 but please remember to take on the armour of God daily. This is not a convenient thing that we do when we feel like it. We are definitely in the end times and when someone is desperate they will do desperate things and go to extremes. That is where satan is today - desperate! Beware- clothe thyself with the full armour of God. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

2 Thessalonians 3:11 None of your business

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
I received this from my friend's wife, Kim, and it really resonated with me. May it do likewise with you.

Disorderly

2 Thessalonians 3:11 “For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.”

Is there a way of life that is Christian? What does that look like? Does that fit our culture? This verse, if it were truly followed, would revolutionize the church. Sometimes I think we should rename our church, “The Church of the Endless Gossip.” Is it not amazing that we condemn others for their moral flaws while we constantly talk about each other and pass on “information” that, even if it is true (it often is not), is not any of our business. Take a few minutes and read Romans 14. You will notice that the entire chapter deals with who is Lord (God) and the fact that we are all fellow-servants.



If we are really honest with ourselves, we have so much to work on in our own personal lives that we should not have time to stick our noses in other people’s problems. How about if we all agree to follow a few simple rules:

1. We will not listen to any negative comment about someone else outside of their presence.

2. If we have something negative to say, we will say it directly to that person.

3. We will let God be God (vengeance is mine) and we will love each other.

4. We will assume the best in others and the worst in ourselves.



Prayer for Today: “Lord Jesus, we thank You that You died for us while we were still sinners. May we love others today the way that You love us.”

Love you all!
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Ephesians 6:19-20 Speak boldly about Christ!

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

Yesterday we talked about praying always. You can do it. Now, as Paul asked, and I ask each of you - pray for me as I pray for you.

Ephesians 6:19 "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.(20) For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."

Paul requests prayer for himself. "That utterance." Freedom of speech. Paul was not trusting in education or experience. "Make known," with clear fullness and boldness.

The mystery of the gospel - the divine meaning of the gospel in its universal application to all races on equal terms and conditions. Paul had a message from God, and desired the means to deliver that message.

"An ambassador in bonds," as Paul was in chains in prison. We need to take note of Paul. In prison and in chains he was neither discouraged or defeated. Paul wrote powerful letters of encouragement from prison. Paul did not ask the Ephesians to pray that his chains would be removed, but that he would continue to speak fearlessly for Christ in spite of them.

God can use us in any circumstance to do his will. Even as we pray for a change in our circumstances, we should also pray that God will accomplish his plan through us right where we are. Knowing God's eternal purpose for us will help us through the difficult times. Pray for me as I for you! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Ephesians 6:18 Prayers - a warriors weapon

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

We have been talking about putting on the armour of God when encountering the enemy. Today we will talk about the warrior's resource.

Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"

Praying always? I have a job, I can't do this. Oh, but you can, one way is to make quick, brief prayers your habitual response to every situation you meet throughout the day. This just takes a moment, and remember the Bible tells us to be slow to speak and slower to anger.

Also, you may construct your life around God's desires and teachings so that your very life becomes a prayer. You don't have to isolate yourself from other people and from daily work in order to pray constantly.

You can make prayer your life and your life a prayer while living in a world that needs God's powerful influence. We also should pray for all believers in Christ; so pray for the Christians you know and for the church around the world.

A quick prayer is easy to do throughout the day. We do need to do as Jesus, and take time - ALONE - for a dedicated prayer time, deep in the spirit with God. No greater weapon hath you than God on your side. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Ephesians 6:17 Ready for Battle?

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

Ephesians 6:17 "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Wow! If nothing else remember this verse; it is so strong. "And take the helmet of salvation" - take means receive or accept it from God. It is the assurance of salvation.

Look at 1 John 5:11-13 "and this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."

SALVATION is a present possession. The helmet protects the head, the citadel of intelligence, from false teachings and gives confidence and boldness in the conflict.

"And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

This sword is the sharp one used in hand to hand conflict. It is the only offensive weapon. It is provided by the Spirit. When the church, or the Christian, used the the rotten sticks of culture, science, theories, traditions, or commands of men, defeat is inevitable.

God has promised to bless His Word. Our LORD used this powerful source in the wilderness and met the devil with, "It is written". the sword must be unsheathed: the Bible MUST NOT LIE IDLE.

Jesus resisted and defeated satan in the desert by knowing the Bible. Jesus' counter, "It is written......" to defeat satan twisted and misleading words. Can you stand, as did Jesus, and say it is written; or would you have to stand in frustration and confusion, searching for what to say? The ball is in your court; are you going to score or create a turnover? STAY IN THE WORD, THE BIBLE. Love ya'll.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Ephesians 6:15,16 Stand firm, take your shield, have faith

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

To go forth into battle we need to be prepared and we have been talking about putting on the armour of God. Let's move to verse 15.

Ephesians 6:15 "And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;"

Your having firm footing, for sure steps, and for protection. Preparation indicates readiness; prepared to see duty, prepared to do God's will, and prepared to proclaim the gospel of peace.

Ephesians 6:16 "Above all taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."

The shield is the large oblong shield for full protection. This is to be taken with you. Faith is utter dependence on God, upon His presence and His power. Faith puts God between you and the enemy.

The fire-tipped darts are the arrows dipped in combustible material and set on fire in Satan's malignant efforts to destroy you. The shield will quench every one of them without exception. It will stop the missiles and put out the fire.

Just remember, as you go forth you will need firm footing. stand your ground; you will need the shield of faith - God is standing in for you and will defeat the foe. Stand firm, carry your shield, and have faith. Trying times lie ahead, satan lays a snare for you, just remember to take your armour and trust in the LORD. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Ephesians 6:14 Stand- prepare yourself with......

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

Yesterday we talked about taking up the breastplate of the armour of God and standing your ground. Let's look at verse 14.

Ephesians 6:14 (King James Version)

14 "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;"

Once again, stand your ground, determined for victory. (the reverse is don't retreat) having your loins girt about with truth - this means belted around your thighs is the military band of true integrity and sincerity. This band holds the tunic in place and the scabbard. This is not an ornament, BUT an armament!

The truth is the word of God, which is light and dispenses darkness. The only reason there is "darkness" is because there is a void of "LIGHT!"

Having on the breastplate of righteousness - this is talking about our character and our conduct. The breastplate protects the vital organs in the area from an assault by the enemy. Without it we would be vulnerable, disgraced, and defeated.

Can Godly people fall? Yes, we see it all the time. Why? For maybe just an instant or moment we don't stand the ground, keep the breastplate on, walk with the truth. Does this make us ungodly? No. Today check and see if you had ugly thoughts about something. What does the Bible say about our thoughts? You may think ugly things or call someone a name in your head when driving; see the opposite sex and...; let fly with a verbal piece of your dignity; or just be angry at work. Are you sinning? Are you forgiven? We are at war. Let me say this again.

WE ARE AT WAR! TAKE UP YOUR ARMOUR! STAND FIRM! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Ephesians 6:13 Stand firm on the armour of God!

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

TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!



Put on God's armour, the devil strikes where we are weak, wrestling with principalities; this is what we have talked about thus far in Ephesians 6:10-12.



Ephesians 6:13 "Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."



Even though we believe to Christ, satan and his troops try every device to turn us away from him and back to sin. Even though we will be victorious we must engage in the struggle until Christ returns. Satan is constantly battling against all who are on the LORD's side. We need supernatural power to defeat satan, and God has provided this by giving us His Holy Spirit within us and His armour surrounding us.



Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God - this is His Holy Spirit within us. However, there is no time to lose. We need the full supply of God which HE gives us freely.



From 'withstand........stand' - to hold our ground firmly, completely, gloriously, and victoriously. This is what the armour of God will do. WE NEED TO STAND FIRMLY, GIRDED WITH THE ARMOUR OF GOD!!!



Evil lurks around every corner - we may see it in different light. Just a little bit won't hurt. Again, a reminder, do not engage in the questionable as it is a step back and losing ground. As I said before, if I made perfect brownies but just a "little, itsy bitsy amount of manure" was mixed in - would you eat it? That is what is happening in our world. Wake up Christians! We're made at satan and ain't gonna take it no more! Love you all.



In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Ephesians 6:13 Take up the whole armour-STAND YOUR GROUND!

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

Put on God's armour, the devil strikes where we are weak, wrestling with principalities; this is what we have talked about thus far in Ephesians 6:10-12.

Ephesians 6:13 "Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

Even though we believe to Christ, satan and his troops try every device to turn us away from him and back to sin. Even though we will be victorious we must engage in the struggle until Christ returns. Satan is constantly battling against all who are on the LORD's side. We need supernatural power to defeat satan, and God has provided this by giving us His Holy Spirit within us and His armour surrounding us.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God - this is His Holy Spirit within us. However, there is no time to lose. We need the full supply of God which HE gives us freely.

From 'withstand........stand' - to hold our ground firmly, completely, gloriously, and victoriously. This is what the armour of God will do. WE NEED TO STAND FIRMLY, GIRDED WITH THE ARMOUR OF GOD!!!

Evil lurks around every corner - we may see it in different light. Just a little bit won't hurt. Again, a reminder, do not engage in the questionable as it is a step back and losing ground. As I said before, if I made perfect brownies but just a "little, itsy bitsy amount of manure" was mixed in - would you eat it? That is what is happening in our world. Wake up Christians! We're made at satan and ain't gonna take it no more! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Ephesians 6:12 Who are you fighting?

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

Okay, we have been talking about putting on the armour of God. Why do we need the armour of God? Is it really necessary? Well, let's look.

Ephesians 6:12 "FOR WE WRESTLE NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD ENEMIES, BUT AGAINST EVIL RULERS AND AUTHORITIES OF THE UNSEENS WORLD, AGAINST MIGHTY POWERS IN THIS DARK WORLD, AND AGAINST SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACES."

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood - We are not engaged in a human, physical warfare. Wrestle means to throw or swing. It is a contest between two opponents that continues until one hurls the other one down and holds him down.

The word against presents the idea of a personal foe, face-to-face and hand-to-hand conflict to the finish, a life and death struggle. Paul is telling us we are not going on a Sunday school picnic, but a REAL WAR.

But against principalities - refers to the high ranking hierarchy of demonic authority. Powers-means authority. Rulers of the darkness of this world- this is about the world rulers who revolt against God and are limited to this "darkness" here on earth.

Spiritual wickedness - the army of invisible wicked spirits. In high places - the sphere of this conflict is in the heavenlies where life in Christ is lived. So, do we need the armour of God? Not just Yes, but a resounding YES!

If someone breaks into my home I have the opportunity to protect myself, my family, and can go hand to hand or use a weapon. Well, daily, we are walking into an ambush, we are going up dry gulch and think the bad men are hidden all about. The problem we don't realize is they are all about us. Good looking people of the opposite sex, having fun with alcohol, adult book stores, night clubs, "shady" language on tv and in movies. The enemy has sent spies that win our hearts, slowly deteriorate our morals, and tear down the family unity. Do we need weapons? Do we need the word of God? You tell me!

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny