John 8:12 Who lights up your life?

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

John 8:12 "Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, 'I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.'"

Jesus was speaking in the Treasury - the part of the Temple where the offerings were put and where candles burned to symbolize the pillar of fire that led the people of Israel through the wilderness. In this context, Jesus called himself the light of the world. The pillar of fire represented God's presence, protection and guidance. Likewise, Jesus brings God's presence, protection and guidance.

This verse relates back to John 1:4,5 "The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it."

The darkness can never extinguish it means the darkness of evil never has and never will overcome God's light. Jesus Christ is the Creator of life, and his life brings light to humankind. When we follow Jesus, the true Light, we can avoid walking blindly and falling into sin. He lights the path ahead of us so we can see how to live. He removes the darkness of sin from our lives.

We should follow Christ as a soldier does his captain; a slave his master; as you would a trusted counselor. Is Jesus the light of your world? How have you allowed the light of Christ to shine into your life? Let Christ guide your life, and you'll never need to stumble in darkness. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Jean Valjean & Bishop Myriel

Who is Jean Valjean? This is about a man who stole bread for his sister and her family, caught, sentenced to 5 years in prison, but extended his stay to 19 years due to attempted excapes.
when he got out, he ends of at the house of the benevolent Bishop Myriel, who offered him lodging. In the middle of the night, Jean stole the silver from the house, then police caught him and ..........benevolence is shown by Bishop Myriel.
How? Here is where you can find out -Les Miserables

How benevolent the Bishop was. I wonder if I would be as benevolent. Things of this life come and go, but salvation is forever.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

John 8:1-11 You without sin

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

Did you take time to read John 8:1-11? Okay, everyone that did please raise you hand! Exactly what did these verses reveal? Please take time to read it and absorb the information therein.

John 8:1-11 a paraphrase. The Jewish leaders were trying to trap Jesus into violating Moses' law and brought forth a woman who was caught in the act of adultery, of which the penalty is death.

First, the Jewish leaders violate the law by arresting the woman without the man. The law required both parties to adultery to be stoned. Does this have the smell of a set up by the Jewish leaders? Yes should be your answer.

This was a trick against Jesus. Why? Because if Jesus said the woman should not be stoned, they could accuse him of violating Moses' law. If he urged them to execute her, they would report him to the Romans, who did not permit the Jews to carry out their own executions. So what happened?

First of all note in verse 6, Jesus stooped and with his finger wrote in the dust. The Jewish leaders were demanding an answer, Jesus stopped, stood up and said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone." Wow!

The Jesus stooped down and began writing in the dust again. Upon hearing this, the leaders quietly slipped away, from the oldest to the youngest. Probably, the older men were more aware of their sins than the younger. Now, there is another assumption some theologians consider.

This would be only the second time God had written anything. The first was the Ten Commandments, and then Jesus, God, writing in the dust. Some theologians consider this writing to be of importance for various reasons. The one I think makes logical sense is that Jesus was writing the mens names and their sins in the dust. Each man seeing this had second thoughts.

Also, once written in dust, it would soon be trampled underfoot, and erased to be seen no more.

When the men left, Jesus said to the woman, "go and sin no more." Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Hebrews 10:25 Let us fellowship together

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

Today the fourth of the responses of what Christ has done for us. Just a recap: 1) go directly into presence of God; 2) hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm; 3) motivate one another to acts of love and good works; and now, number four - do not neglect our meeting together, encourage one another.

Hebrews 10:25 "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near."

To neglect Christian meetings is to give up the encouragement and help of other Christians. We gather together to share our faith and to strengthen one another in the LORD.

As we get closer to the day when Christ will return, we will face many spiritual struggles, and even times of persecution. Anti-Christian forces will grow in strength.

Let me say this again; ANTI-CHRISTIAN FORCES WILL GROW IN STRENGTH!

Difficulties should never be excuses for missing church services. Rather, as difficulties arise, we should make an even greater effort to be faithful in attendance.

Satan knows where you are weak, he will use difficulties, excuses of all sorts to keep you from church and fellowshipping with one another. Oh, I was out of town all week and just want to stay home. I need to clean house. The lawn needs mowing. The boat needs work. I am tired. STOP!! Remember who gives you the strength to endure and carry on. GOD! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Hebrews 10:24 Encourage, acts of love and good works

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

Hebrews 10:22-25, talking about 4 responses. First is personal access to God; second is hold tightly without wavering to the hope God offers; and now for the third response.

Hebrews 10:24 "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works."

Do you encourage, motive other Christians?

Do you show acts of love?

Do you show acts of good works?

Are you a saint on Sunday and forget you are the only walking BIBLE some people see the rest of the week?

Call, visit with, email, text, or whatever someone (another Christian) today and the rest of the week and tell them what you appreciate about he/she and the work he/she does for God. Can you do that? I can tell you I appreciate you reading this and giving me feedback - complimentary or constructive criticism.

As Christians how do we become stronger? You sharpen steel with steel. Should we encourage, visit with, and show acts of love to our brethren? Thank you for reading. I do look forward to hearing back from you. Love you.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Hebrews 10:23 Hold tightly without wavering

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

Yesterday we talked about the first response we should have toward God for all He has done for us. The first, draw near and we have personal access to God; no priest, no offerings, just straight access.

Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise."

We may grow in faith, overcome doubts and questions and deepen our relationship with God. God is ever faithful and will keep his promise. You can safely say, "It is I who is weak, who wanders, but who has hope; hope in God."

Take time now, with your open access to God to pray. Ask God to help you hold tight to the hope He offers. To be thankful for Jesus on the cross, and to walk as God wants you to walk. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Hebrews 10:22 Draw near to God

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

We have been looking at Hebrews 10 and reading for understanding. Let's look at Hebrews 10:22, 23, 24,& 25 about what this text tells us to do.

Hebrews 10:22 KJV "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled form an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."We can go directly into the presence of God. Why? Because of Jesus Christ. We can come close to God without having to offer sacrifices and go through a daily ritual. Christ was the final sacrifice for you!

Prior to Jesus, there was a curtain covering the Holy of Holies. This curtain was 4 inches thick, 60 feet tall and weighed between 4 and 6 tons. It took 300 priests to carry it in and put it into place. When Jesus died on the cross, this 4 inch curtain was rent from the TOP, indicating God did it.

If man was to "tear" it, man would have started from the bottom, God started from the top and tore the curtain, taking away the Holy of Holies, where only a priest who was clean could come; now we all have access to the one and only LIVING GOD!!

So, there is only the curtain of sin IF you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour. For Christians there is no curtain; let us draw near; let us pray and talk to God daily. Your sins are forgiven; your sins are forgotten by God - you do the same. Forgive yourself, forget the sins, and draw nearer to God. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Joshua 3:9 Are you listening to God?

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

Did you think about yesterdays topic? Do you choose life or death? It is very simple, however, for many people they choose their life now and they are "GOOD PEOPLE." Well, GOOD people don't get into heaven. Only people who put their trust in Jesus, accept His death for them in faith, will walk the streets of heaven.

Look around, who do you know that really needs Jesus. They may be a spouse, aunt, uncle, child, friend, colleague; they may be really nice, BUT, they don't know Jesus. Oh, yeah, they may be able to quote the Bible- satan can quote the Bible. Head knowledge is only part of it. Does Jesus rest in their heart? Do you listen to God?

Joshua 3:9 "So Joshua told the Israelites, "Come and listen to what the LORD your God says."

Just before crossing over into the Promised Land, Joshua gathered the people to hear the words of the LORD. Their excitement was high. No doubt they wanted to rush on, but Joshua made them stop and listen.

We live in a fast-paced age where everyone rushes just to keep up. It is easy to get caught up in our tasks, becoming too busy for what God says is most important-listening to His words.

Before making your schedule, take time to focus on what God wants from all your activities. Knowing what God has said before you rush into your day can help you avoid foolish mistakes.

Stop, drop, and pray! God is listening. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 Life or Death

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

Yesterday, on my drive for business, I listened to a preacher that stimulated this thought. Am I committed? And what am I committed to? Think about this for a moment. Now let's look at Deuteronomy 30:19-20 when Moses is talking to the people of Israel.

KJV "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may life: That thou mayest love the LORD they GOD and that thou mayest obey His voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for He is thy life, and the length of they days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them."

Moses is saying he is giving them a choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now, make your choice! If you choose life, your descendants will live.

Moses challenged Israel to choose life, to obey God and therefore to continue to experience His blessings. God doesn't force His will on anyone. He lets us decide whether to follow him or reject him.

This decision is a life-or-death matter. God wants us to realize this, for he would like us all to choose life. Daily, in each new situation, we must affirm and reinforce this commitment.

Are you committed to God? Are you committed to doing God's work? Daily?!? Do you treat God as a step-father or truly your father in heaven? I plan to be committed to God first, and then doing His work as my second commitment. I just pray that God helps me to see the opportunity to witness, evangelize, help, that God may show through me by my example; bringing all the glory to HIM. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Hebrews 10:22-23 Endurance in Christ

Good morning everyone! A great day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Let's review Hebrews 10:22 briefly, make sure we touched the necessary points. 10:22 ".......having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."

As the sprinkling of blood and the washing with sacrificial ashes ceremonially cleansed those under the old system, so Christ's sacrifice has sprinkled us in regard to our hearts and washed us in regard to our bodies.

10:23 "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised."

This is an exhortation for endurance. First come, now stay. Why? The reason, God is faithful in regard to His promise. We should have an unwavering confession of faith in the living Christ. And I ask, do you? Are you unwavering? Or are you teetering? It is time, my friend, to be strong in the LORD. Go forth. Tell 1 person about Jesus Christ today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Hebrews 10:21-22 Going boldly to God

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

HEBREWS 10:21-22 " And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."

How is it possible for us to go right into the presence of God? When we come with pure, individual, and sincere worship. We can know if we have 'sincere' hearts if we evaluate our thoughts and motives according to His Word (see 4:12).

Christians can approach God boldly, free from our guilty consciences and in full assurance because of the work of Jesus Christ. We can go to God without doubting, knowing that he will hear and answer us. Under the new covenant, our hearts and consciences are cleansed completely, not partially or temporarily.

Our clean consciences allow us to enter God's presence with boldness. Finally, the imagery of our bodies having been "washed with pure water" actually pictures an inward cleansing. Just as baptism is an outward sign that represents the purification that Christ does inside us, so this washing speaks of an internal cleansing from sin. Once cleansed, we can appraoch God.

Go forth, talk to God with boldness. He will listen. If you are not clean, stop and ask forgiveness and then approach God. God is OUR GOD, and is there for us. Go to HIM. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Hebrews 10:19-20 New access to God

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

What is the Faith Life? The life of faith must first be understood. If a teacher finds that the believers' faith is weak, then he must speak much of an assured faith that makes strong, confident believers.

This assurance is founded upon the eternal guarantee that Christ has entered into the sanctuary and into the presence of God, making it possible also for every believer to enter into the sanctuary and into God's presence.

If this is the privilege of believers, and it is, then believers should take every advantage of the privilege. They should exercise the prerogative of drawing near, because Christ, the Son over God's house and the high priest in Eternal generation, has made this possible.

Look at Hebrews 10:19-25. Let's start today with verse 19.

Hebrews 10:19-20 "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;"

Boldness: because of all that the LORD Jesus Christ has done, we have boldness. This is free access by the blood of Jesus, the way is already open. The Most Holy Place in the Temple was sealed from view by a curtain. Only the high priest could enter this holy room, and he did so only once a year on the Day of Atonement, when he offered the sacrifice for the nation's sins.

Jesus' death removed the curtain, and all believers may walk into God's presence at any time. Wow! Have you really thought about what Jesus did for YOU!?!?! The expression, "No pain, no gain." Well, Jesus' pain was our gain; our gain to salvation and eternal life. Take time today to pray, step out in boldness, step out in the name of Jesus!

Please remember, you may be the only Bible someone sees today. Will they like the book you are displaying? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Luke 10:24-37 Who is your neighbour? How do you treat your neighbour?

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

A young lawyer asked Jesus what he must do to enter heaven. Jesus replied by asking the lawyer what is written in the law? how readest thou?

The young lawyer answered, "Thous shalt love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy min; and thy neighbour as thyself."

Then he asked who is my neighbour. At this Jesus gave the example of the Samaritan who took care of the man who had been robbed and beaten by thieves. Jesus asked which of these was a neighbour to the man. The young lawyer stated the one that showed mercy. Then Jesus said unto him, "GO, AND DO THOU LIKEWISE."

Are you a good neighbour? Do you show mercy? Or do you have a reason NOT to show mercy? You know what Jesus said, the ball is in your court, shoot, pass, or throw it away. Sometimes we need to self evaluate. I do and I am. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Luke 10:17-20 You have power, you should rejoice

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

Listen a moment to what Jesus said to the 70 and 2 disciples he sent out. Take time to internalize what he is saying and what this means to YOU!

Luke 10:17-20 KJV "Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, 'Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.' And He said to them 'I saw satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you."

v 20 "Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because YOUR NAMES ARE WRITTEN IN HEAVEN.'"

What all is being said here? First, we have the power, in the name of Jesus, to cast out demons.
Then Jesus says, "I saw satan fall like lightning from heaven." What does this mean? It means Jesus was with God, is God, and has been here since the beginning. Jesus was, is, and is to come.
We, Christians, with the power of Jesus, have authority or power over the enemy and can't be hurt. But, be mindful of putting on the full armour of God.
Aw, now the really good 'stuff.' Why should we rejoice? Because YOUR NAME is written where? In HEAVEN!! IN HEAVEN!!
If that does not excite you, you may need an attitude adjustment so your attitude will allow you the altitude. Altitude? Yes, to be in heaven with Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit!! It don't get no good'r dan dat!!!(East Tx talk)

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

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

2 Timothy 1:13 Is Jesus your model?

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

On the media now, with the shooting in San Antonio talk goes around how do we protect our government officials, extra security, etc. Then comes the talk of who is responsible for this young man's actions. Well, who do you think.

2 Timothy 1:13 Follow the example of the correct teaching I gave you, and let the faith and love of Christ Jesus be your model.

Follow what? The correct teaching. And let what? The faith and love of Jesus.
Do what? Be your model.

Paul taught the Philippian Christians to follow his example in order to lead GOD-HONORING lives. These people saw Paul in the midst of humble circumstances - in prison and being beaten. Yet what did they see from Paul? An act of revenge? Hate, anger, a vowel to get even? NO!

Paul was dependent on God and praised God in the midst of all that was going on in his life. Who is to blame? The young man is to blame. Oh, but his parents, teachers, friends, school community, someone had to trigger him.

Again - NO! God gave us a free will; we get to choose. He chose, he was wrong, he is to blame and he should pay. Yea, let's stone him, give him the death sentence.

He has stoned himself and given himself the death sentence. This young man will burn in the depths of hell......unless......he accepts Jesus, repents, and let's Christ reign in his life. We need to pray for him and everyone there, the senator, judge, little girl who died, their family and friends. Take time now to pray for all these victims and pray for America. Thank you. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Luke 10:12 What happens if you reject the Messiah

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

What is going on in your life that is keeping you from seeking and talking to God? Stop, look, and then listen to what God is trying to tell you. Stop It!!! Listen!!!

Last week we were talking about Jesus sending the disciples off, accepting hospitality, and spreading the good news. If a town did not accept them then leave, knock the dust off their feet and continue on. Now here is what Jesus says about a town that rejects the disciples of God.

Luke 10:12 "I assure you, even wicked Sodom will be better off than such a town on judgment day."

Wow! Strong? No, S T R O N G ! in all caps. Sodom was an evil city that God had destroyed because of its great sinfulness (Genesis 19). The city's name is often used to symbolize wickedness and immorality. Sodom will suffer on judgment day, but cities who saw the Messiah and rejected him will suffer even more.

Can you image? Seeing Jesus, rejecting Him. Satan would definitely play a part in this. This goes back to Ephesians 6:10, putting on the armour of God. Today is a new day; today is the beginning of the rest of your life; today is the present; so, what are you going to do TODAY for GOD?!?!

Here is a great video, many of you have seen it before. This one is very well done and thank you cousin Sandy for sending it. Copy and paste: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=h60r2HPsiuM&feature=youtube_gdata_player Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Luke 10:8-11 Heaven or Hell? The choice is yours!

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

Well? Did you think about it? Are you a Jonah, Moses, or Abraham? I do hope we all reach the Abraham stage without having to go through the troubles Moses and Jonah did.

Luke 10:8,9 "If you enter a town and it welcomes you, eat whatever is set before you. Heal the sick and tell them, 'The Kingdom of God is near you now.'"

Jesus gave two rules for the disciples to follow as they traveled. They were to eat what was set before them, or to accept hospitality without being picky; they were to heal the sick. Because of the healings, people would be will to listen to the Good News. Wow! This is great! But what if they don't listen?

Luke 10:10,11 "But if a town refuses to welcome you, go out into its streets and say, 'We wipe even the dust of your town from our feet to show that we have abandoned you to your fate. And know this - the Kingdom of God is near!'"

Wow! No, WOW (in all caps)! In ancient days there is a reason they shake the dust from their feet which we can visit later. But look at what is being said. By wiping the dust from the feet we are leaving you (the town) to its own destiny. What could that be?

Without Jesus it is certain death or hell. They are in control of their fate! Can they save themselves? That is Jesus' position in our world. So, this is telling us that if you turn away from God, as the Kingdom is near, then you are your own god. Oh, wow, here comes Ophrah Winfrey! And we are in control of our destiny. Which in basic literal, easy to understand terms, we are going to hell.

So, in conclusion, are you going into the towns, accepting the hospitality and healing the sick or are you going to hell? The choice is plain, simple and yours.
Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Who are you? Abraham - Moses - or Jonah?

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

Romans 12:4-6 "For as we have many member in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, ......."

Think for a moment about your gifts from God and what you do with them. Are you obedient? Do you argue with God? Do you try to run from God? Let me tell you about 3 men, what they did, and the outcome.

Jonah - He did not want to do what God called him to do. He ran away, suffered consequences, then he DID DO GOD'S WILL. Now he still was not too happy, but he did follow what God wanted him to do.

Then Moses - He argued with God. Man, I can't do this, I stutter, I have problems, God gave him assistance, his brother Aaron, and they did God's will.

And Abraham - He was obedient, took his son Isaac to offered for sacrifice as God had told him, and when he raised the knife God called out: "Abraham, Abraham!" He was obedient in doing God's will.

Where are you today? Are you Jonah-running from God; Moses-arguing and giving excuses; or Abraham-obedient?

In the end you will do God's will my friend, so, why fight it. Take some time for knee mail, talk to God, follow His will. As Christ said, no my will but thine. Have a wonderful day. May I call you Abraham, oh obedient one?

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Luke 10:5-7 Who do you support?

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

Luke 10:5-7 "And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it; if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give; for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house."

The son of peace, a Hebrew idiom, meaning a peaceful man. So of was frequently employed with a noun to emphasize a characteristic. John and James were called "sons of thunder" because of their violent disposition.

Jesus' direction to stay in one house did several things. First it avoided certain problems that shifting from house to house could offend the families who first took them in; Jesus wanted his disciple to be messengers, not beggars. They were not to wander about looking for the most comfortable quarters and the most congenial company.

Also, by staying in one location they (disciples) could focus on their appointed task. Jesus told his disciples to accept hospitality graciously because their work entitled them to it. Ministers of the Good News deserve to be supported, and our responsibility is to make sure they have what they NEED.

Our people who serve in the church need to be supported emotionally, express appreciation; and lift their spirits with special surprises from time to time. Our ministers need to know we are giving to them cheerfully and generously.

How do you give of your time, talents, and resources to the church? Are you faithful or faulty? Good preachers, meaning a man of God is constantly attacked by satan. Why? Because he/she is a constant threat. Be in prayer for our church leaders.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Luke 10:3-4 Doing our fathers work

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

Luke 10:3 "Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves."

Jesus said he was sending his disciples out "as lambs among wolves."
They would have to be careful because they would surely meet with opposition. We, too, are sent into the world like lambs among wolves. Be alert, and remember to face your enemies, not with aggression but with love and gentleness. A dangerous mission requires sincere commitment.

Luke 10:4 "Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes; and salute no man by the way."
The trip was to be brief, and its urgency demanded haste. They were forbidden to encumber themselves with needless baggage. Salute no man does not mean to be unfriendly, but the Eastern salutations were so elaborate that they might have wasted a great deal of time in ceremony.

Why did Jesus push them to go so quickly? Jesus knew, but these people did not know that Jesus only had about 4 or 5 months more to live before they crucified Him. Do you go forth in urgency? Do you know when the end is coming? May 10th, 2011? August 1, 2011? No, we have no idea! Therefore, we should go about our fathers work with urgency. A person you pass without sharing an act of kindness, a word about God, or just a smile may allow them to continue the road to hell.
Let's all go about our fathers business with urgency, with dedication, with determination. We are laying the foundation for life eternally. Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Luke 10:1-2 Disciples went forth

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

It is good to be back, however, the mission trip to Mexico was fabulous. I drug my feet about going and was not thrilled about going to Mexico. Well, the media has done a good job of exploiting the places that do have violence. Is there violence there? Yes, definitely, but when using common sense and checking, there are many places to go in Mexico that are just fine. I was truly blessed by going.

What does Jesus say about sending out disciples? Let's look at Luke 10 and work our way through this.

Luke 10:1-2 "After these things the LORD appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before this face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, 'The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the LORD of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.'"

There were James and John and seventy for a total of 72 people here Jesus designated to prepare a number of towns for his later visit. These disciples were not unique in their qualifications.

They were not better educated, more capable, or of higher status that Jesus' other follower. What prepared them for this mission was that they had been equipped with Jesus' power and a vision to reach all the people. THIS IS WHAT YOU HAVE IF ONLY YOU WILL ASK FOR IT - JESUS' POWER AND A VISION.

It is important to dedicate our skills to God's Kingdom, but we must also be equipped with his power and have a clear vision of what he wants us to do.

Christian service has no unemployment. God has work enough for everyone. Jesus encouraged the disciples not just to do the work but also to pray for workers. Part of every missionary's job is to pray for new workers and to help newcomers learn the ropes.

Whatever your role in God's work, pray today for more helpers. Believers are not always to work alone. God wants them to pray, recruit, and equip others to join them as they explore opportunities to serve Jesus. Some people, as soon as they understand the gospel, want to go to convert people immediately. Jesus gave a different approach: begin by mobilizing people to pray. And before praying for unsaved people, pray that other concerned disciples will join you in reaching out to them. God will lead you to an important responsibility but prayer comes first.

Thank you for taking time to read. May each and every one of you be on fire for God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit. The mission trip was my IV and transfusion. Put on all your armor of God and go forth, take no prisioners, but save many. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny