Shake the dust from the past year! Matthew 10:14

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

Matthew 10:14 "If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave."

Jesus told his disciples to shake the dust off their feet if a city or home did not welcome them. When leaving Gentile cities, Jews often shook the dust from their feet to show their separation from Gentile prctices. This showed a separation from the Jews who rejected the Messiah.

Well, we are coming to the close of 2011, and whether it was a good year or a bad year - I would encourage you to "shake the dust from your feet" of all the past year and begin anew.

Here are some words from Pastor Mark Jeske:
Today's Grace Moment:
God's Stars See the Finish Line


Ever think, "What am I doing here?" Maybe you're a
husband trapped in a long afternoon of shopping with your wife. Maybe you're a wife trapped in a long evening of drinking and sports television at someone else's home. Maybe you're a teenager trapped in a visit to relatives where no one is your age.

You know what's worse? Wondering what you are doing on earth in the first place. A distressingly high percentage of people I've met have no clue that their life has - or should have - any purpose. They drift through life and wonder why nothing satisfies in the long run.

There's a better way. Do you know where you are going? Do you see the finish line? St. Paul has some words of inspiration for you: "One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14).

The purpose of my life is not to get rich, get famous, or get pleasure. The purpose of my life is to get close to my Savior Jesus and give him glory. What finish line are you heading for?

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Bla-bla-bla...promises-promises-promises

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

This week we have talked about promises to God, cheap grace, idols. Well, we know if you talk the talk you need to walk the walk. Also, are you oppressed? Probably, do you enjoy all the government rules, regs, and taxes? Or do you just trip along is la-la land where every thing is hunky dory?
First, promises - Solomon warns us about making foolish promises. Ecclesiastes 5:7 "Talk is cheap, like daydreams and other useless activities. Fear God instead."
I am a billionaire. There, I said it - but does it make it true? Well, I am only about a billion short. No! What is said by humans is not always true. Check it out.
Cheap grace. Could this be compared with the wealthy who have as their god more wealth? If I tithe more than you, profess to be saved by Jesus Christ, am I greater than you in the church? Some may think so - the real question is: are you experiencing "cheap grace" or "true grace?"
You say what is the difference? The difference is 'cheap grace' says the sinners prayer and continues life as before. No seeds sowed, no harvest to come. Then 'true grace' says the sinners prayer, life changes, and life becomes a living testimony for God.
Going into the new year I ask you to look back, reflect, is your talk cheap or real? Do you show cheap grace or true grace? Some signs say "Jesus is the hope for the new year." I disagree, Jesus is the hope for each moment. Don't pray and wait for the new year. Get up, go out, spread the word, pray constantly, share the wealth - the wealth of salvation.....J E S U S ! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Foreign gods? Is it okay? Deuteronomy 32:16

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

Deuteronomy 32:16 "They stirred up his jealousy by worshiping foreign gods; they provoked his fury with detestable deeds."

Who stirred up jealousy? The People! Whose jealousy did they stir? God's! How? By worshiping foreign gods! What did they do? They provoked God's fury!
Worshiping foreign gods was detestable to God. Are you in this category? If so, beware!

Dietrich Bonhoeffer warns us of the "cheap grace" that promotes belief without obedience. Have you thought about this? How do you become a Christian? Oh, just say the sinners pray. Is that all there is to it? And we usually respond - well, yes, it is that easy.

We forget obedience! After accepting the call of Jesus, we have to been obedient. We are called to obey his words, to live by what Jesus said, to show our allegiance to the kingdom of God.

Wow! What a radical idea! Something we so often miss in the twentieth and twenty-first century churches. Obedience! I heard a young man comment on a movie about the cursing and sex - "well, this is the 21st century." And so?

Because of the time we live in do we tolerate what is wrong, or the opposite of what the Bible teaches? A resounding NO! A friend was outraged and upset when departing a business he observed some people of another faith standing in a diamond shape and praying aloud, going down on their knees, praying. This is in public - in view of others - what do you think?

I would be upset, but what would I do? To disagree with something and to say nothing is to agree. The Bible speaks about men in ancient times who prayed openly on street corners - Jesus says they are receiving their reward at that time.

"Christianity without the living Christ is inevitable Christianity without discipleship, and Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ. It remains an abstract idea, a myth." Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Where are you today? Are you religious? Or, are you a Christian? Do your deeds reflect your so-called belief or your true belief? Bonhoeffer gave his life for Christianity; he lived what he believed consequently dying by hanging in Nazi Germany. He was hanged as he was a conspirator in the assassination of Adolf Hitler. Will you stand solid for Jesus and live or die for Jesus?

Thanks for reading. I welcome your feedback. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Promises! To God or to self! Ecclesiastes 5:2-5

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

We are coming to a time when we will make "promises" or new years resolutions to ourself, others, and God. Also, on the horizon is the forthcoming promises of politicians as we enter the last lap and home stretch of the 2012 elections.

Ecclesiastes 5:2-5 "And don't make rash promises to God, for He is in heaven, and you are only here on earth.So let your words be few. So when you make a promise to God, don't delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to him. It is better to say nothing than to promise something that ou don't follow through on."

Whether in the house of God, at home, at work, anywhere, we should have the attitude of being open and ready to listen to God, not to dictate to Him what we think He should do.

Solomon warns his readers about making foolish promises to God. In Israelite culture, making vows was a serious matter. In America, a man's word used to be his honor. But today???

All of us, and specially the politicians at this time, need to remember it is foolish to make a vow you cannot keep or to play games with God by only partially fulfilling your vow.

As we approach the new year, 2012, don't make promises you can't keep. Look at you politicians - don't vote party lines - vote for the BEST candidate who you feel is most godly.

Food for thought - Is voting party lines because you are a democrat or republican sound judgment? Is this not the same as the Methodist saying the only true church and way to heaven is to be a Methodist? I think both are wrong. Being knowledgeable of candidates is wise; knowing Jesus Christ as LORD and saviour IS the ONLY way to HEAVEN! May your new year be wonderful, bright, and filled with Jesus Christ. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

To serve or be served! Mark 10:45

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

Mark 10:45 "For even I, the son of man, came here not to be served, but to serve others."

The biblical model for us to lead is servant-hood. Worldly leaders use power to get things done for themselves, but godly people, godly leaders use power to serve those they are called to lead and care for. Worldly leaders want to be served, godly leaders want to serve.

Where do you fall in this area - to serve or to be served. What we do for God we should do to the best of our ability, expecting no praise, but bring glory to God.

The question here is how do you lead? In Christ, or in the world? Think about this as the new year approaches. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Real God or idols? Psalm 96:5

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

So, Christmas has come and gone. My question to you is did you keep Jesus at the center of your Christmas?

We should sing praises, tell others about Him, worship Him, give Him glory, bring offerings to Him and live holy lives. This is what David did and if you look at Psalm 96 (David was believed to be the author) you will find he does this.

Look at Psalm 96:5 and see if it says all gods are equal and our God is good. NO! It does not say this at all. vs 5 "The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the LORD made the heavens."

Gods of other nations are mere idols - how does this affect the "politically correct" people. Kwanzaa is now beginning. What is Kwanzaa? It is a "holiday" created by a professor in California in the mid 1960's to reflect the history of the past year. To some it is considered a time of learning for the younger people. Some people rate Kwanzaa higher than Christmas. If Christmas is only for children and receiving presents for you - then you have missed the true meaning of Christmas.

Jesus is the center of Christmas; Kwanzaa is man created. Something created by man is merely an "idol" and not from our true LIVING GOD! Let us ramble for a minute. You get a piece of wood, carve a figure out of this wood, put it on a pedestal and then pray to it. Huh? Yep! And this is there god? Come on - get a grip!

You want to teach the young from the past? Pick up the Bible - it teaches good living, how to be a moral and outstanding citizen, but most of all it provides salvation aka eternal life through Jesus Christ our LORD and savior.

Well, ranting, God has chose to use you to "publish his glorious deeds among the nations." So, how are you living? For God? How is your walk? Feedback please. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Angles sang, shepherds came! Wow! Luke 2:14-20

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

Yesterday we talked about the birth announcement and the host of angels and armies of heaven who praised God and said.....well, Luke 2:14 tells us - "Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased." You probably have heard this as peace on earth and good will to men.

The angels' song, sometimes called the Gloria after its first word in the Latin translation, is the basis for many modern choral works, traditional Christmas carols, and ancient liturgical chants. The story of Jesus' birth is announced by angels, and the angelic choir sings. WOW! If that does not stir you - well, it is your problem and I'll pray for you. lol

Let's finish out Luke2:15-20 "When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this thing that has happened, which the LORD has told us about." They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them."

Everyone in this Christmas story was obedient to God! Are you? Is Christmas a big party time or a time to fellowship with God? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Note to angels: "The Savior is born in Bethlehem!" Luke 2:11-13

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

The birth announcement was yesterday. Sending angels to let the shepherds know. Why shepherds? What do you think? Possibly because they were humble, they were lower on the social ladder, and they served. They took care of and tended to the sheep. This is what Jesus wants us to do - tend to His flock as he did. I will send another text about this later. Let's go on to Luke 2:11-13.
"The Savior - yes, the Messiah, the LORD - has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize Him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger. Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others - the armies of heaven - praising God and saying,......."
In ancient times some of the Jews were waiting for a savior to deliver them from Roman rule; others hope the Christ (Messiah) would deliver them from physical ailments. Jesus did heal their illnesses and established a spiritual Kingdom and delivered them from sin.
They (Jews) were still under the Roman rule, but Jesus' work was far more reaching than anyone could imagine.
Christ paid the price for sin and opened the way to peace with God. He offers us more than temorary political or physical changes - he offers us new hearts that will last for eternity. Wow! What a gift! Today we now know this is your Christmas gift.
Just a couple of notes. "Mas" in Spanish is more - so Christ more! If you flip the 'm' in 'Christmas love'- you get - CHRIST WAS LOVE!
Tomorrow - what were the angels praising God and saying? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

A Birth announcement! Luke 2:8-10

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

What kind of birth announcement would you send out about a new baby in your family? You would probably pick out on that is nice, attractive, and proudly announces the birth. So, did God do this as well. Let's look.

Luke 2:8-10 "That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the LORD appeared among them, and the radiance of the LORD's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people."

God announced the birth of Jesus with "ANGELS" and this announcement was given to shepherd of the field. How appropriate, note the word 'shepherd' here, as Jesus is our shepherd.

The greatest event in history to ever happen was announced to shepherds. The Messiah, the one the Jews had been waiting for for years has come. Jesus' arrival, birth announcement, came to all, including the plain and the ordinary. He comes to anyone with a heart humble enough to accept Him.

Jesus comes to you, He comes to me, He will come to anyone - rich, poor; social status or not; politician or pauper; Jesus accepts you as you are.
Yes, you - me - broken vessels walking in sin -Jesus accepts us and now we are no longer broken and He took away our sin. Hallelu! God is good!!

Celebrate the birth of Jesus! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Wrapped in cloth, born in a cave? Luke 2:7

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

Well, traveling with a pregnant woman and looking for a place to spend the night. That alone is challenging. Remember in verse 6 it tells us the time came for her baby to be born. So, let us move on with the Christmas story.

Luke 2:7 "She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them."

When a birth happens what do we want? First, is the baby alright-breathing, heart beating, etc.? Next, keep the baby warm. Well, just coming out of the womb strips of cloth were used to keep a baby warm and give him a sense of security. These cloths were believed to protect his internal organs and is still practiced in some mid-eastern countries today.

Then she laid her baby in a manger. Now, this is not the really nice manger we see in nativity scenes. It is believed Jesus was born in a stable and in ancient days, many times the stables were caves with feeding troughs (mangers) carved into the rock walls.

No matter what we believe via church plays or Christmas cards, Jesus was most likely born in dark, dirty, and humble surroundings. Now, this is not how the Jews thought their Messiah would come to them. They thought their Messiah would be born in royal surroundings. He was not. Why?

Jesus, the tiny baby, came to us a helpless baby and then went on to have an amazing life. Jesus came to earth, grew to a man in human form, died for us - died for YOU, ascended to heaven, and will return to earth as King of kings one day.

Jesus Christ will rule the world and judge all people according to their decisions about him. Do you still picture Jesus as a baby in a manger - or is He your LORD? Let Jesus grow in your life! May you have eternal life through Jesus Christ! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Because I follow God my life is...... Luke 2:4-6

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

December 24th, being Christmas Eve is also National Egg Nog Day. FYI!

Okay, back to the Christmas story. Sometimes things happen to us and we wonder why? Why me God? God I am doing what you tell me to, I do what I study, why are things so rocky now? Did I misread what you were saying. Things are inconvenient or uncomfortable - is this really what you planned for me? Come on God, did you make a mistake?

Luke 2:4-6 "And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancee, who was now obviously pregnant. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born."

Well, God does not make mistakes. In Micah it was prophesied of Jesus being born in Bethlehem. Through this journey, God strengthened Joseph. Joseph and Mary did not have a luxurious inn; or even a "nice" stable. Jesus was born into the world in humble surroundings.

When we do God's will, we are not guaranteed comfort and convenience. We are promised that everything, even discomfort and inconvenience has meaning in God's plan. He, God, will guide you and provide all you need. Like Joseph, live each day by faith, trusting that God IS IN CHARGE! How are you living today?

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Jesus, His birth! Is the exact date important? Luke 2:1-5

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

We are in the Christmas season. My grandson asked me this question - 'some boys at school said Dec. 25 is not Jesus Christ's birthday. Is this true?' My response was what do you believe? He responded with I believe it is. I responded with then that is when it is.

People for years have been quibbling about Dec. 25-some say it is not Christ's real birthday - others say it is. My question to you is - "Is this really important?"

Is this just another diversion tactic of satan to get us derailed and not focused on Jesus Christ - our LORD and Saviour? I am sure if we went to the court house in Bethlehem and asked for a copy of the birth record from 2011 years ago they could jump right up and produce it.

The first thing about Jesus' birth is obedience. Joseph and Mary were obedient. This first stated when Mary became pregnant and both had visitors telling them what to do (angels). Now, the Romans controlled the civilized world at the time. Joseph, even though he did not wish to do so, complied with the Roman order to pay his taxes and made the long trip with his fiancee, Mary, who was about to give birth. They traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

Joseph had obeyed God concerning Mary; now he was obeying the law of the land. The trip was important of where Jesus was prophesied to be born. Micah 5:2 "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you."

Of course, this ruler is Jesus, and Micah predicted this hundreds of years prior to the birth of Jesus. Micah's ministry ended 687 B.C. So what am I telling you? Back to my grandson's question - Does it matter the exact day Jesus was born? Or does it matter that Jesus WAS BORN? Jesus Christ is the saviour of the world. DO YOU BELIEVE IN JESUS? That, now my friend, is my question to you! Love you all. More on the Christmas story tomorrow and all this week.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

The Lone Ranger? Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

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

Does God sleep on Saturday? Does God not work on Saturday? This is what my nephew, Brad, asked. His point being, why is there not a devotional on Saturday. Well, I meet with a men's group Saturday morning and that covered ME. Oops - who? Yeah, me. So, I will be more diligent in doing a Saturday devotional. Sunday it is between you and God. LOL

Why do leaders, lay members, or anyone need partners? It is called accountability. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 "Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble."

I have some accountability partners and I do appreciate them. Thank you Doug for keeping me in my prayer time each morning. Thank all of you for keeping me based in the word daily. Thank the men on Saturday morning for keeping me faithful in fellowship.

Sometimes we are tempted to be lone rangers and this may be because we don't want to be bothered with the demands of involving others. Lone rangers are vulnerable, a duo is better. (Why do you think the lone ranger kept tonto?)

A partner will provide mutual support, wisdom, accountability and companionship. A partner will be able to correct you when you are wrong. (No, that is not why God invented wives). They will correct you in love not out of anger or hatred. If you don't have a partner, accountability partner, find one. God bless and Merry Christmas. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

A prayer of praise Jude 24,25

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

Jude ends his letter with a prayer of praise. We should always end our visit with God, our visit with friends, or just various times during the day with a prayer of praise to our Father in Heaven. We are because HE IS!

Jude 24,25 "Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our LORD. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen."

Jude starts his letter with assurance and ends with assurance. God keeps us, believers, from falling prey to false teachers. We just need to trust God and stay rooted and ground in HIM.

vs 24 when we see Jesus face to face we will be sinless, new bodies, we will be Christ like. Yea!

Remember, the people Jude wrote to were vulnerable to temptations toward immoral living. Has that changed? Jude encouraged the people, and I encourage you to remain strong, deep rooted, trust with strong belief in God's promises for your future.

We have people of the "cloth" who teach with false doctrine, we are tempted by sin, false teachings all around, but, don't be afraid and despair for God can keep us from falling.

God's guarantee: we remain faithful and He will bring us into His presence and give us everlasting joy and life. Enough said. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Show mercy! Hate the sin! Love the sinner! Jude 22,23

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

Well, today and tomorrow we will finish Jude. Who was Jude? Yes, Jesus' half brother and James full brother. Yesterday we talking about building each other up, praying to the Holy Spirit, and looking forward to eternal life. Today let's talk about saving people from God's judgment of eternal damnation.

Jude 22,23 "And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives."

If your faith is wavering, and you know this, find an accountability partners that will show you mercy and keep you true to the word.

We can rescue others, bring them to God, keep them from the judgment of damnation or hell for eternity. We must, repeat MUST HATE THE SIN - NOT THE SINNER. If we hate the sinner, we in turn would hate ourselves as we all sin - just hate the sin.

We should witness to others what God has done for us. We should witness to others what the Bible says. We should witness to others and lead them to salvation. Witnessing and standing up for God should not be taken lightly. To not speak up is to agree. To not witness and lead others to Christ is to lead them to hell. You are accountable to God. God loves you.

God keeps believers from falling prey to false teachers. We don't have to be afraid if we trust God and are rooted and grounded in HIM! Love you all.

God knows your heart - now - go do the right thing.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Jude 20-21 Build up, pray, look up!

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

Well, we have been talking about false teachers being in our midst, perverting the word of God, and leading some astray. Soooo, what is a person to do? Here is what Jude tells us:
20-21 "But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love."

This is the positive part of the letter. We should guard or reserve ourselves to keep from being dragged off into a life that is different from what God wants for us. How do we keep ourselves from being pulled away, dragged in another direction? I am so glad you asked.

First, we must build ourselves up in the faith. And this means what? This means learning more about the faith, growing in the grace and knowledge of the LORD and Saviour. Okay, let's do this. What next?

We, you and I must pray in the Holy Spirit. This may come in various ways such as worshiping God as led by the Holy Spirit rather than listening to the false teacher who do not have the Spirit. Great! Anything else?

One more thing - looking for the mercy of our LORD JESUS CHRIST unto eternal life. This means to anticipate - looking forward to the return of JESUS CHRIST. This is our blessed hope - the return of Jesus Christ!

So, in summary build each other up in the faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and cast your eyes toward the heavens eagerly awaiting the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Satisfying godly or ungodly desires? Jude 17-19

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

How great is your God? How GREAT is your God? My God is awesome! Simply awesome. My wife reminded me the other day of one of my expressions when we were worrying about an item - "Worry is like shoveling smoke!" How GREAT is GOD? Now, turn this around - "GOD is GREAT!"

Jude 17-19 But you, my dear friends must remember what the apostles of our LORD Jesus Christ said. They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God's Spirit in them."

It is Christmas time and what is FIRST in your mind? Jesus Christ? Other apostles warned of false teachers. Is Jesus first or is SHOPPING to purchase something YOU LIKE for someone first? Are there false teachers out there. You bet - if you don't purchase something special for your loved ones then you are not following the Christmas spirit. Huh? Could these ads be cast forth from false teachers? Why not? Do they make you think of Jesus first?

Acts 20:29 "I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock." Words from Paul.

1 Timothy 4:1,2 "Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars and their consciences are dead." Paul again speaking.

We live in the last times - this is from Jesus' first coming until His second coming. Yes, beware, don't be paranoid, but look around and be aware. If you are going in debt, or spending far too much for Christmas - re-evaluate. Look at Matthew concerning what material items we have here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them and thieves break in and steal. (Matthew 6:19)

Yes, we give lip service to Jesus is the reason for the season - but then we continue on in our earthly, natural instinct ways of putting Jesus on the back burner and what we want on the front burner. Guilty! How about you! I pray that God will help me refocus on Him. I love you LORD! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Murmurer? Complainer? You? Jude 16

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

Okay, who is Jude? Jesus' half brother and brother of James. Good. Jude has been warning about false teachers. We ended last Friday talking about Enoch, who walked with God; and about the judgment to come. The LORD will be returning with thousands of angels for this day of judgment. Where have we heard this before? Revelations maybe?

Jude 16 "These people are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want."

King James "These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage."

First, go look in the mirror once again - are you a grumbler? A murmurer? A complainer? Is the number 1 in your life YOU?!? Do you agree or flatter just to get what you want?

Stand up man! Stand up woman! Be an Enoch and walk with God! When you hear wrongs or murmurers against our LORD - remember - TO SAY NOTHING IS TO AGREE!

Jude wrote this 66 years after Jesus' death and it applied. We are almost 2012 years after Jesus' death and it applies today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Enoch told us! Jude 14-15

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

Jude 14-15 talks about Enoch. Who? Enoch was Methuselah's father. The following information is from the King James Bible Commentary. In Genesis 5:21-24 Enoch "walked with God." The verb stem used signifies to walk about or to live and have intimacy, fellowship with God.

Jude 14-15 "And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these saying, Behold, the LORD cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him."

Enoch, during this time, was probably severely persecuted as he "walked with God" as the content of his message was very pointed and powerful in his condemnation of evil.

His experience probably involved special revelation received from God and then proclaimed. Then "he was not for God took him." God took him, Enoch, he, too, was as Elijah (2 Kings 2:3-5) and was taken directly into heaven without dying. This was a sign that reconciliation with God includes victory over death.

Wow! Do you have the faith, the courage, the devotion to go forth as Enoch and proclaim the truth? I don't, but I pray daily God will guide me and lead me to be strong. May our prayer now be we walk with God as did Enoch. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Riding the waves- seeing only darkness? Jude 13

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

So, did you do a reflection? Are you doubly dead with no fruit and no roots or doubly ALIVE with JESUS - bearing fruit and deep seated roots?

In verse 13, talking about the doubly dead tree Jude says, "raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame. Wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever."

Please read this once again. Raging waves foaming out of their own shame- what does this really say to you? Does this mean bantering and carrying on with idle (or idol) words, raving about something and producing nothing?

What about wandering stars where blackness of darkness is reserved - a wandering star indicating it has no home. In the blackness of darkness - does this mean no sign of hope, nothing but despair?

Are you as a raging wave, being vocal and spitting out nothing of substance? Are you wandering about with no goal and see no light at the end of the tunnel?

Many thoughts cavort through my finite mind and many visions appear concerning this verse. Please offer feedback and clarity if you have it. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Gluttony & drunkenness- LORD's Supper? Jude 12

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

So, did you check yourself out? Are you a Cain, Balaam, or Korah - meaning are you jealous, greedy, lust for power, or disobeying God's will?

Where is the chink in your armour? I know where mine is - do you know where yours is? So what am I doing about mine? I am praying fervently!!

Jude 12 "When these people eat with you in your fellowship meals commemorating the LORD's love, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves. They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving any rain. They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots."

In the days of the early church they would eat a full meal and then take part in Communion with the sharing of bread and wine. The meal was a fellowship meal, a meal to prepare the heart and was sacred. Well, then what happened? Okay!

Some of the churches let the meal turn into a time of gluttony and drunkenness. Allowing people to come in and gobble up the food while others went hungry. As in Corinth - 1 Corinthians 11:20-22 Paul addresses this issue with the Corinthians who did not demonstrate the unity and love that should characterize the church. And, once again, it was not a time of Communion but of gluttony and drunkenness.

How short sightenness and forgetful we become. We have to be careful not to be the trees who are doubly dead - no fruit and pulled up by the roots. Take time to reflect - what fruit have you beared this season? Are you roots firmly planted in Christ? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Cain, Balaam, Korah - are you any of these? Jude 11

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

Did you know they discovered another planet beyond our solar system that they believe life could exist on? What do you think? God is the god of the universe so how big is it? Could there be other "worlds" scattered throughout the universe that God is watching? In our little finite minds are we to believe we are the one and only ones God created? Give me your thoughts!

Okay, who is Jude? Correct - Jesus' half brother also a brother of James.

Yesterday Jude told us about acting as a wild animal, following instincts and it will lead to destruction. Look at verse 11 and the examples he gives.

Jude 11 "What sorrow awaits them! For they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they deceive people for money, and like Korah, they perish in their rebellion."

Cain killed his brother out of what? Jealously! Yes, jealously! (Gen4:1-16) Balaam, a sorcerer who placed curses for money, aka greed, (however, the LORD did speak to Balaam, Numbers 22-24),and Korah, who rebelled against God's divinely appointed leaders, wanting the power for himself. (Numbers 16:1-35)

These are the attitudes and actions that are typical of false teachesr - pride, selfishness, jealously, greed, lust for power, and disregard of God's will. Who are you today? Cain, Balaam, Korah, or God's chosen? Let God be our first thought, continual thought, and last thought of the day. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Are you following instincts? Beware! Jude 10

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

Jude, the half brother to Jesus, has given us ideas about: how to defend the faith by knowing the truth, our relationship is important between doctrine and true faith, being able to recognize false teachers or worms in our midst, and taunting or challenging supernatural beings.

Jude 10 tells us about the false teachers and how they claim to possess secret knowledge that gave them authority. They were given knowledge beyond what we, the average human, can understand. Beware!

Jude 10 "But these people scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so they bring about their own destruction."

Have you ever noticed a wild animal that is startled or scared. What do they do? They run wildly until either they are exhausted or meet their demise. Why do wild deer, raccoons, amardillos, etc. lie dead on the highway? Because they were suicidal? No! As this verse says, they were "unthinking animals and followed their instincts."

How do we avoid this? God has chosen to reveal himself to us in His word and ultimately through Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior.

We must seek the knowledge God has cast out, even if we don't completely understand what God is sharing with us in our finite minds. Be cautious as you travel about of those who have all the answers and/or scoff at what they do not understand. If you read me daily - are you taking what I say as the truth, the whole truth? OR, are you searching out what I have said? I ask God to lead me, however, we may be at different stages in our Christian development and what speaks to me may or maynot speak to you.

Check it out. Thought for today: "Wikipedia has ALL THE ANSWERS." What do you think? Love you all. Stay in God's word.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Encouragement for you! Yes, you! Mark 16:7

Hello again. I just read from Max Lucado about Mark 16. Please look at this and read Mark 16:5-7.

The angel made special mention of Peter to show that , in spite of Peter's denials, Jesus had not disowned or deserted him. Jesus had great responsibilities for Peter to fulfill in the church that was not yet in existence.

Mark 16:7 "Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died."

Our God is a god of second chances. Do you feel down, depressed, discouraged - then LOOK UP. Put your name in here. "Now go and tell the disciples, including Johnny, that Jesus is going ahead of you...."

Wow! This should be of great encouragement to all. You have a second chance and Jesus went ahead of you. Jesus is waiting. Awesome! I hope this touched you as it did me. Thank you Jesus.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Complacent & ineffective? Me? Well.......uh Jude 1:8

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

Yesterday we talked about false teachers, immorality, Sodom and Gomorrah, being filled with evil. Today let us look at Jude 1:8. The question to ponder is: Are you complacent and ineffective or active and effective in your Christian walk?

"In the same way, these people-who claim authority from their dreams-live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings."

The supernatural beings here are probably evil angels. The men of Sodom insulted the angels that came to Lot (Genesis 19) and it resulted in the demise of Sodom and all the cities of the plains. Don't scoff at the supernatural beings.

2 Peter 2:10-12 talks about scoffing at supernatural beings - whether God's angels or fallen angels. The false teachers slandered the spiritual realities they did not understand, taking satan's power lightly and claiming to have the ability to judge evil.

Many in our world today mock the supernatural. They deny the reality of the spiritual world and claim that only what can be seen and felt is real. Do not take satan and his supernatural powers of evil lightly. Yes, satan will be defeated and completely destroyed, BUT, until then he is hard at work trying to get Christians to be complacent and ineffective. Sinners who don't seek forgiveness from God will face eternal separation from Him.

Are you complacent and ineffective or active and effective? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

How pure is your water - your teachings? Jude 1:5-7

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

We have been talking about "worms" or ungodly false teachers getting into our church, our life, and polluting the word of God. Yeah, but does a little bit really hurt? If I gave you a glass with a teaspoon of poison in it would you drink it? Of course not. What if I poured 1/2 out and refilled? Then repeated this process for a total of ten times. The fact is-the poison is still in the water - it may be dilluted down but it is still there.

God does not give you a glass with anything bad in it - he gives you pure living water - sip or gulp - it won't hurt you. Take as much as you want. But what happens if I drink of polluted water? Let's look.

Jude 1:5-7 "So I want to remind you, though you already know these things, that Jesus first rescued the nation of Israel from Egypt, but later he destroyed those who did not remain faithful. And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment. And don't forget Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire, and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God's judgment."

Wow! Read this again, slowly, and absorb the words. Jude give three examples. First, the nation of Israel, delivered from Egypt but refused to trust God and enter the promised land. Next the angels who joined satan to rebel against God; and finally the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah - the people were full of sin to the max and God wiped them off the face of the earth.

If God did this to the people, angels, and cities - what do you thing he will do to the false teachers? They will be judged and severely punished. Some want to say "my God would not do this, my God is a loving god." The scripture clearly teaches God does sentence people to the "eternal fire" for rejecting him. Jude warns all who rebel against, ignore, or reject God.

How pure is your water - your teachings? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny