Have you taken stripes for your Savior - Jesus Christ? II Corinthians 11:23-29

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

This last statement, too blessed to be stressed. You may have troubles, worries, problems you think are insurmountable, but are they really. Have you ever suffered for Christ, I mean really suffered. Paul did and remained faithful; if you went through what Paul did - would you remain faithful?

Oh, yes I would. Really? Here is what Paul went through. II Corinthians 11:23-29 "Are they ministers of Christ? - I speak as a fool - I am more, in labors, more abundant in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in death often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep, in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness - besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?"
Paul was angry that the false teachers had impressed and deceived the Corinthians. He reestablished his credibility and authority by listing the trials he had endured in his service for Christ. When Paul wrote this letter his trials were not over. He would experience further difficulties and humiliation for the cause of Jesus Christ. Paul was sacrificing his life for the good news of Christ, something the false teachers would not do.
The trials and hurts we experience for Christ's sake build our character, demonstrates our faith, and prepares us for further service to the LORD. We have not experienced what Paul did; if you did would you continue to be a witness for Christ? Soul search time; deep faith commitment - do you have it? I would have to go to my knees and pray for strength. Just think about this for a moment. Love you all. I will not be here tomorrow as I will be on a Christian mens walk to Emaus. See you Monday.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

An angel of light --- satan II Corinthians 11:14,15

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

Does God ever talk to you? Or does God talk to you and you just don't listen or pass it off as oh, well, in a dream I had....... or a thought just entered my mind but......., etc.?

While talking to my nephew, who is playing satan in a church play, I teased him about wearing horns. He said he could not wear horns as satan, then we talked about how satan comes in pleasing and possibly beautiful packages.

II Corinthians 11:14,15 "But I am not surprised! Even satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve."

Paul was talking about false apostles and deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. Satan and his servants can deceive us by appearing to be attractive, good, and moral. Many unsuspecting people follow smooth-talking, Bible quoting leaders into cults that alienate them from their families and lead them into the practice of immorality and deceit.
Don't be fooled by external appearances. Our impressions alone are not an accurate indicator of who is or is not a true follower of Christ; so it helps to ask these questions: 1) Do the teachings confirm scripture (Acts 17:11)? 2) Does the teacher affirm and proclaim that Jesus Chrsit is God, who came into the world as a man to save people from their sins (1John 4:1-3)? and 3) Is the teacher's life-style consistent with biblical morality (Matthew 12:33-37)?
In verse 15 Paul reminds the Corinthians that the false teachers and hypocritical leaders will one day "get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve." The principle of judgment applies to all who speak on God's behalf. Yes, your preacher, your associate pastor, and .......YOU!
Last night in my dream, and it was like it was actually happening, all kinds of wonderful, fun things came up showing how easily it is to be distracted and go astray. I viewed big nice boats, four wheelers, houses, and on and on. The main theme that kept returning to me was....these are only here temporarily, they will pass away, and these are items satan uses to distract us from the REAL WORD OF GOD! God was talking to me, I am sharing, are you listening? Can you hear God? Well, sit down, be quiet and listen!!
What is your excuse for not doing more for the kingdom of God? I don't like corporate worship! I do my work for God on my own! I need some me time! I can't spend all my time at church or working for God! And the best (tongue in cheek).....I don't have time!
Try using the words - "I DON'T WANT TO MAKE TIME!" You have time, you just don't want to. Be honest, God knows the truth. You can find time to golf, fish, go out to a movie or to eat, to watch football----but no time for God? Bah....hum bug! Be careful- watch for the wolf in sheeps clothing. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

It's not my fault, you see.......Ezekiel 18:1-4

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

Are you being judged? For what and by whom?

Have you heard about sins of the father? We are who and what we are because of the sins of our ancestors. Let's look at Ezekiel 18:1-4 "Then another message come to me from the LORD. Why do you quote this proverb concerning the land of Israel: 'The parents have eaten sour grapes, but their children's mouths pucker at the taste'? As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, you will not quote this proverb anymore in Israel. For all people are mine to judge - both parents and children alike And this is my rule: The person who sins is the one who will die."

The people of Judah believed they were being punished for the sins of their ancestors, not their own. They thought this way because this was the teaching of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:5).
Instead, Ezekiel taught that the destruction of Jerusalem was due to the spiritual decay in previous generations. This belief in the corporate life of Israel led to fatalism and irresponsibility. Soooo, Ezekiel gave God's new policy because the people had misconstrued the old one.
God judges each person individually. We may suffer from the effects of sins committed by those who came before us, but God does not punish us for someone else's sins, and we can't use their mistakes as an excuse for our sins.
Some people of Judah used the corporate umbrella of God's blessing as an excuse for disobeying God. They thought that because of their righteous ancestors (18:5-9) they would live. God told them that they would not; they were the evil children of righteous parents and would die (18:10-13). However, anyone returned to God, he or she would live (18:14-18).
Where are you sitting today? Are you going to die for your sins? Or, have someone, Jesus, already paid the price? If Jesus paid the price, are you walking in a way that is honorable to Him? Take time today, to pray, spend time with God, be still and listen. Where does God want you to go? What does God want you to do? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

A vine or a tree? Ezekiel 15

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

Thought for today: A man's character and his garden both reflect the amount of weeding that was done during the growing season.

Ezekiel 15:1-8 "Then this message came to me from the LORD. "Son of man, how does a grapevine compare to a tree? Is a vine's wood as useful as the wood of a tree? Can its wood be used for making things, like pegs to hang up pots and pans? No, it can only be used for fuel and even as fuel, it burns to quickly. Vines are useless both before and after being put into the fire! And this is what the sovereign LORD say: The people of Jerusalem are like grapevines growing among the trees of the forest. Since they are useless. I have thrown them on the fire to be burned. And I will see to it that if they escape from the fire, they will fall into another. When I turn against them, you will know that I am the LORD. And I will make the land desolate because my people have been unfaithful to me. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken!""

The people of Jerusalem were worthless to God because of their wickedness and idolatry. Planted in the land to be a testimony to HIS name, they failed to produce the fruit God expected from them.

Check your U.Q. (Usefulness Quotient). Does God have free rein to produce the fruit of the Spirit in your life (Gal 5:22-23)? Fruit bearing is one of the reasons God has placed you on this planet (John 15:1-6). Is your spiritual life (garden) overgrown with weeds? Or, have you weeded it faithfully? We can be as a vine - useless; or as a tree - useful! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Truth or lie? Marathon or sprint? 1 Corinthians 9:27

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

Are things always as they appear? Are you as you appear? Are your words hollow? Do your words have a different meaning than what is portrayed? Think about these for a moment.

My aunt left home, forgot her drivers license, went the wrong way on a one way street, did not stop for pedistrians in the crosswalk, was observed by a police officer but was not given a ticket. Why?

A teenage lad was driving a motorcycle, speeding, and did not have a license. He was stopped by a police officer, given a ticket, then the officer paid the ticket. Why?

Things are not always as they seem. When you work out, do you do so just to be able to say I worked out. Or, do you go to burn calories, build strength, and get the body fit?

How do we make things real? 1 Corinthians 9:27 "I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified."

When Paul says he might be disqualified he does not mean that he could lose his salvation, but rather that he could lose his privilege of telling others about Christ.

It is easy to tell others how to live, then not take our own advice. We must be careful to practice what we preach. Are you real? Are you in training for God? God told Ezekiel that he was running a marathon not a sprint. This also is you. Are you training for your marathon? To complete a marathon we have to take one step at a time and push forward. Are you what you seem?

Oh, yes, my aunt was walking and the teenage lad was the policeman's son. Don't let others see you in the opposite of what you teach - LIVE IT!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

The law! For what purpose? Romans 3:19-20

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

Romans 3:19 "Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God."

The last time someone accused you of wrongdoing, what was your reaction? Denial, argument, defensiveness? The whole world will be silent before God. No excuses or arguments will remain. Have you reached the point with God where you are ready to hang up your defenses and await his decision?

If you haven't, stop now and admit your sin to Him. If you have, then you will understand the good news in verse 20 - "For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply show us how sinful we are." Faith is the hope, laws show sins, faith gives us life.

The law! Jesus came to save us - the law makes us aware of how unworthy we are. In Houston last night a woman in a Camry, driving drunk, struck and killed a man and woman. She is in jail charged with man slaughter. She violated a law, DUI. What are the results? She will be going to prison - leaving a loving family behind - why? Because she broke the law.

The man and woman who were killed leave a loving family behind and for what? Because a person broke the law. Why? For what purpose? Please pray for all these people - the DUI lady, the dead man and woman's family and friends. Could this happen to you? Yes, most assuredly it could. Things like this are happening daily all over the world. It is time now to go to our knees and pray, pray, pray. My hearts bleeds for all these involved. It does not affect only these 3, but many many more. This is called collateral damage, and for what? PRAY!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

TEMPTATION? Run......... run away to GOD!

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

Yesterday we talked about walking in the light, not falling, and if you do are you going to fall softly. Well, what about the fall? Can I avoid it altogether?

Well, you will fall, but in 1 Corinthians 10:13 we are told the temptations will remain, they will be no different that what others experience, and God, be ever so faithful will not allow us more temptation than we can stand. When you are tempted God will show you a way out, give you a light.

How can we resist temptation? God will help you or give you the light to know how to recognize those people and situations that give you trouble; when to run from anything you know is wrong; choose to do only what is right; pray for God's help; and seek friends who love God and can offer help when you are tempted.

Running from a tempting situation is your first step on the way to victory. II Timothy 2:22 "Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the LORD with pure hearts."

Are you running from temptation or wallering in temptation? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Taking a fall - land softly 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

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

Yesterday we talked about following instincts or following God and His Word. We all will fall, some harder than others. Paul warns us about falling in Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 10:12 "If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall." KJV "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."

We are people; we are going to make mistakes; we will fall. But when you fall do you want to land on asphalt, dirt, or foam? Our fall can be soften if we remember the past, take lessons from what God has taught us, apply those lessons - remember and let something positive come out of that fall. We learn and will be able to avoid a second fall like the first.

1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that ye may be able to bear it."

In a culture filled with moral corruption and sin-inducing pressures, Paul encourage the Corinthians about temptation. Paul tells us to remember temptations happen to everyone, so you are not singled out. Others have resisted temptation and so can you. Any temptation can be resisted because God will show you a way out. And how will God help me out of these situations? Well.......tune in tomorrow and we will talk about that.
Thought for today: When we walk in the LIGHT (Jesus), we won't stumble in the darkness. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Instincts or instruments in a storm? Psalm 32:8

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

INSTINCTS or is it "In stinks" that we put our faith in too many times. Ask a pilot who flys into a storm, what does he depend on - his instincts or his instruments? He will tell you his instruments. Why?

The instruments are calibrated to magnetic north, our instincts are not. By reading the instruments the pilot will know if he is going up or down, and he won't be disoriented.

Our instincts get too many stimuli and we don't know whether we are going up, down, in a spiral and we will be totally disoriented. We, right now, today, live in a storm. Naw, not me. Yes you! Whether it be a call from the doctor's office, people at work, a shattered dream or goal, a friend's betrayal, a member of the family not meeting YOUR expectations, we are flying in life's storm.

Well, then, what is a person to do? Check your instruments! What instruments? No more flying by the "seat of your pants" or "instincts", look up! Look up? Yes, to God, He wants to instruct you. God wants to guide you out of this storm and His Word, the BIBLE, is packed with wisdom and insights for living.

Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." Trust your "instrument" whom we refer to as God.
In Psalm 32:8 "The LORD says, 'I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.'"

Don't be blinded by life's disappointments and fly by instincts; turn to God, let Him be the instrument who calms life's storms, who brings light to darkness, the one who makes the water a walk way. Call out to Jesus, talk to God, take time for your prayer and let Yaweh lead! Love you all.

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!

Galatians 5:14 "For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another."

When we believers lose the motivation of love, we become critical of others. We stop looking for good in them and see only their faults. Soon we lose our unity. Have you talked behind someone's back? Have you focused on others' shortcomings instead of their strengths? Remind yourself of Jesus' command to love others as you love yourself (Mat 22:39).

When you begin to feel critical of someone, make a list of that person's positive qualities. When problems need to be addressed, confront in love rather than gossip. Guilty? I am - my pledge to you is I will do better with God's help. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Freedom to God - slave to sinful nature? Galatians 5:13

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

Galatians 5:13 "For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love."

Paul distinguished between freedom to sin and freedom to serve. Freedom or license to sin is no freedom at all. It enslaves you to satan, others, or your own sinful nature.

Christians, by contrast, should not be slaves to sin, because we are free to do right and to glorify God through loving service to others. Let our living for God produce the products Paul tells us about in Galatians 5:22,23. Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control. Let these be the virtues by which we live. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Galatians 5:11 Persecuted yet? Why not?

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

Look up, see Jesus, get a different view of life. Thought for today: LIFE IS LIKE A DOGSLED TEAM. IF YOU AIN'T THE HEAD DOG, THE SCENERY NEVER CHANGES!

In Galatians Paul tells us we will be persecuted for believing in Jesus Christ and staying true to the word.

Galatians 5:11 "Dear brothers and sisters, if I were still preaching that you must be circumcised - as some say I do - why am I still being persecuted? If I wee no longer preaching salvation through the cross of Christ, no one would be offended."

Persecution proved that Paul was preaching the true Good News. If he had taught what the false teachers were teaching, no one would be offended. Hmmm, does politically correct sound familiar? Can you really FREELY SPEAK UP FOR JESUS?

But because he was teaching the truth, he was persecuted by both Jews and Judaizers. Have you experienced rejection because you have taken a stand for Christ?

Jesus said not to be surprised if the world hates you, because it hated him (John 15:18,19). You and I should continue on as Paul, faithfully proclaim the message about Christ, you and I should continue doing the ministry God has given us - in spite of the obstacles others may put in your way.

Once again, what is heavens name are you doing? Got Jesus - Got LOVE. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

What does yeast do? Galatians 6:7-9

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

Sow what? Have you thought about what you sow? Are you on rocky ground, paths, thorns, or fertile soil? What did you do for heavens sake?

Galatians 5:7-9 "You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? It certainly isn't God, for He is the one who called you to freedom. THIS FALSE TEACHING IS LIKE A LITTLE YEAST THAT SPREADS THROUGH THE WHOLE BATCH OF DOUGH!"

A little yeast causes a whole lump of dough to rise. It only take one wrong person to infect all the others. Just like our saying of one rotten apple can ruin the whole barrel.

Why do we listen to someone whose teaching opposes the Bible. Maybe because it makes our conscience "FEEL BETTER" and it is more exciting or fun. There are people who believe the Bible was written by old men for ancient times and it does not apply to today. Okay? Then why do we believe in God? Why do we have Bible studies? There is no need if the Bible does not relate.

Wake up America! The Bible is alive and well, but words of the Bible are being twisted and misinterpreted by FALSE TEACHERS.

Verse 10 tells us to trust the LORD to keep you from going astray and that GOD WILL JUDGE THAT PERSON (false teacher) WHO HAS BEEN CONFUSING YOU. Go for GOLD - read your BIBLE! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

I spent enough time being churchy!

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

Quote for today by Harris - "Surer than autumn's harvests are harvest of thought and deed; Like those that our hands have planted, the yield will be like the seed."

We have always heard you reap what you sow. What does this mean really? We hear all the excuses. See if you have heard these - I just don't have time to come to church. Well, I am not going to spend every awake moment at the church. There is life outside the church. I don't have to go to church to be a Christian. No, I am not going to church, I need some time for myself. And we could go on and on.

Okay, if you spend 2 hours a week in church, don't pray regularly, you are dedicating your 2 hours to church (actually God). You have spent 1.1% of your week in church. You spend 24% of your time at work.

If you spend 2 hours Sunday and 2 hours Wednesday night, then you spend 2.2% of your week with God. God does not want all your time, just a fair portion.

If you pray for 2 hours each week (about 17 minutes per day) then you have given God 3.3% of your time and efforts. Yes, I am, and you are..... selfish. We find time to ride our 4 wheelers, go out on our boat, go to a movie, go to dinner, go shopping for what we don't need, and what does the Bible say about these things. Yes, correct, they will rust, wear away, be but a moment in your life. So, besides excuses, what are you doing for your eternal life?

Galatians 6:7 "Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." What, exactly are you sowing? Old people don't just suddenly grow old and irritable - they have been growing this way all their life.

Paul says in Galatians 6:8 "For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."

Again, what are you sowing and what do you expect to reap? Take time today to start spending more meaningful time with God. If you just prayed on and off during the day, witnessed to someone, share Jesus with someone, invited someone to church and all this only took an hour each day, can you image what might happen. That alone would be 4% of your week. Add 1% for your church going Sunday morning and you are at 5%.

God loves a cheerful giver, 10% of your income happily, what about 10% of your time. You can do it. Come do it with me. What in heavens name have you done today? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

FREEDOM - YOU ARE FREE! Romans 8:2

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

Romans 8:2 "The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death."

Freedom - freedom from what? Are you free? How do you know you are free? Have you been in bondage? Have you been a slave to someone or something?

We may not be able to enjoy and appreciate FREEDOM until we have been in bondage. New Zealand news cameraman Olaf Wiig was kidnapped and held hostage 13 days. When he was released his statement was, "I feel more alive now than I have in my entire life." Being FREED is more exhilarating than being free.

Ask an alcoholic how it feels to be free of the alcohol bondage.
Ask the drug addict how it feels to be free of the drugs.
Ask a prisoner of war how it feels to be free of prison camp.
Ask a wrongfully prisoned person how it feels to be free of prison.

So, you are free of sin because of Jesus Christ. Do you feel free? Do you realize what gift you have been given? Are you aware of how joyful you should feel knowing you have eternal life? FREEDOM!!

Freedom is not free. Someone paid the price for freedom. JESUS CHRIST PAID FOR YOUR FREEDOM! He died, but he rose again, hundreds witnessed Him after he rose and the tomb is empty. If you don't feel free, go to your knees, visit with God, get back on track. THANK GOD YOU ARE FREE AT LAST! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Jeremiah 36 Dangerous curves ahead!

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

Thoughts for the day:
No deception is more dangerous than self-deception.
God sees the giver as well as the gift; the heart as well as the hand.

We make our decisions, and then our decisions make us. When you are traveling you encounter a sign - "Dangerous Curve ahead." Now you have some choices: one - you can observe the warning and slow down; or, two, ignore the warning and maintain your rate of speed; or oppose the warning and speed up.

Whatever you do, it really does not affect the TRUTH of the sign which remains the same - dangerous curve ahead. The curve is dangerous so you can observe the sign or end your travel in peril - on the rocks.

Take time to read Jeremiah 36. Jeremiah dictated to Baruch what God wanted to tell the people of Judah and King Jehoiakim. Okay, back to the analogy - we have Jeremiah, Judah, and King Jehoiakim who all are aware of the warning signs and how do they react?

Jeremiah heeded the words (slowed down); Judah heard the words (continued at the same speed); and Jehoiakim accelerated (burned the scroll after hearing the words).

God told Jeremiah to dictate another scroll to Baruch and deliver to the king. This had the same information plus more. It told of what would happen to the king. Did the king heed the warning? You have the same choice. You have the BOOK, the BIBLE, do you read and heed? Or do you read and ignore (burn)? The choice is yours. Make the right choice! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Loyal to whom? The world or God? James 1:6

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

James 1:6 "But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind."

Not only must we believe in the existence of God, but also in his loving care. We must rely on God and expect that he will hear and answer when we pray. We must put away our critical attitude when we come to him. God does not grant every thoughtless or selfish request. We must have confidence that God will align our desires with his purposes.

A person with divided loyalty is not completely convinced that God's way is best. He treats God's Word like any human advice and retains the option to disobey. He switches loyalty between the world's ideas and God's commands. You can trust God. Be loyal by committing yourself wholeheartedly to God.

Thought to ponder: OUR WORKS AND WORDS SHOULD SAY THE SAME THING.
HE IS A FOOL WHO IGNORES GOD.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Wisdom - yep I need it! James 1:5

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

James 1:5 "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking."

Wisdom - James is talking about knowledge AND the ability to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances. Whenever we need wisdom, we can pray to God, and he will generously supply what we need.

The wisdom we should desire has three characteristics.
First, it is practical. This is wisdom in life even in trying times. This wisdom is the tool to help us overcome our trials. This is having the knowledge and then put that knowledge to work.
Next wisdom is divine. God's wisdom goes beyone common sense. This wisdom begins with respect for God, leads to living by God's direction, and results in the ability to tell right from wrong.
And the third characteristic is wisdom is Christlike. Asking for wisdom is ultimately asking to be like Christ. The Bible identifies Christ as the 'wisdom of God' in 1 Corinthians 1:24 & 2:1-7.

Do I need wisdom? Oh, yes, definitely - and lots of it. Let's take time to pray and ask God for the wisdom He shares. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Got troubles? Get GOD! James 1:2-3

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

James 1:2-3 "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow."

This is written by James, Jesus' brother. He does not say IF trouble comes your way, but WHEN it does. He assumes that we will have troubles and that it is possible to learn from them. The point is not to pretend to be happy when we face pain but to have a positive outlook - consider it an opportunity for great joy- because of what troubles can produce in our life.

James tells us to turn our hardships into times of learning. Tough times can teach us perseverance. Check out 2 Peter 1:2-9 - you are chosen for priesthood.

We can not really know the depth of our character until we see how we react under pressure. It is easy to be kind to others when everything is going well, but can we still be kind when others are treating us unfairly? God wants to make us mature and complete, not to keep us from all pain, instead of complaining about our struggles, we should see them as opportunities for growth.

Thank God for being with us in rough times. Ask him to help solve your problems or give you the strength to endure them. Then be patient. God will not leave you alone with your problems; he will stay close and help you grow.

May you have days filled with God. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Sins or Signs Colossians 3:5-13

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

Sins vs Sign (of love). Okay, here are three lists, look at them, read them, and then decide which ones should be put to death, which ones to rid ourselves of, and which ones are signs of love.

List 1 Sins of Sexual Attitude and Behavior, Sexual immorality, Impurity, Lust, Evil desires, Greed

List 2 Anger/Rage, Malicious behavior, Slander, Dirty language, Lying

List 3 Mercy, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, Patience, Forgiveness

Colossians 3:5 Paul tells us to put to death the items in list 1.
Colossians 3:8,9 Paul tells us to be rid of list 2.
Colossians 3:12,13 Paul tells us to clothe ourselves with the items in list 3.

List 1 is dangerous because of the destruction it can do to not only you, but any group or church.
List 2 talks about things that can break or destroy relationships, aka the sins of speech.
List 3 - the relationship builders, which we are to show as members of Christ's body.

Print these off on a card, carry them with you and see where you land most of the time. Now the question - Do you want the prizes hidden behind List 1, List 2, or List 3? Your choice. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Colossians 3:10 Be renewed- get off the gradual slope to hell

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

72 years ago today Nazi Germany invaded Poland. 42 years ago today a coup in Libya brought Moammar Gadhafi to power. 30 years ago Albert Speer, a close associate of Adolf Hitler who ran the Nazi war machine, died at a London hospital. Is evil in the world? Yes! How do you know? Read your Bible, see how we should live. Look, see, listen, hear, then tell me if Jesus or God would be happy with what events are happening in the world.

From C.S. Lewis's book THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS, I quote: "Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one-the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts."

Another quote: "As one of the humans has said, active habits are strengthened by repetition but passive ones are weakened. The more often he feels without acting, the less he will be able ever to act, and, in the long run, the less he will be able to feel,"

Colossians 3:10 "Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him."

The first quote - are we, in America, and the world just striding along the gentle slope as is stated? Our language is more permissive, marriage is not held in highest esteem (just live together), immorality, gay and lesbians in the pulpit, preachers not preaching the truth. Hmmmm?

Repetition - have we not been taught about habits? Aren't we, if not shouldn't we be taught to take action? Yeah, I need to read my Bible but just ran out of time. What?!?! I was going to pray, but did not have time. Again, What?!?!

Let's see......hmmmm....bet I have time to fish, golf, tell a joke (dirty or clean), have lunch, watch t.v., take a nap, drive around, etc. Let me ask you in East Texan language: "Ain't God worth your time?" "Are ya riding the black train to hell?" When is the time to wake up, taste a little bit of heaven? Bible verse? Just open to about anywhere, it will relate. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny