How great are you? Really? Serve or be served? Mark 10:40-45

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

Dietrich Bonhoeffer posed this question to a group of young men and I pose this question to you. "Is there such a thing as a necessary lie?"

As we have visited about James and John, wanting to sit on the right and left hand of Jesus. How humanly this is. Most of us want some type of status, to be recognized for what we do, just some acknowledgment. Well, what did Jesus say?

Mark 10:40-45 "But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or left. God has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen. When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. So Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Again, James and John wanted the highest positions in Jesus' Kingdom. The other disciples were upset they asked. Does this sound like us? Does this sound like things that happen in your church? The human element leaps forth, pushing the spiritual being back.

Jesus told them that true greatness comes in serving others. Peter expands this thought in 1 Peter 5:1-4. Peter witnessed Jesus' drinking of the cup (death) and his baptism (resurrection). Peter was a pillar of the Jerusalem church, be when writing to the elders he wrote as a fellow elder, not a superior and he asked them to CARE FOR THE FLOCK. Peter worked with the elders to care for the flock; this is a good example of Christian leadership, showing that authority is based on service, not power.

Are you serving OR waiting to be served? Peter says, "you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor" by serving. What better motivation for selfless service. What better motivation for keeping the faith in the face of suffering and temptation. Wow! Now, go serve ye follower of Jesus!
Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Drink of the cup; baptized with suffering Mark 10:38,39

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

So, what is on your agenda today? Well, are you thinking about sitting on the right hand or left hand of Jesus as did James and John?

Jesus asked James and John if they were willing to face any trial for Christ.

Mark 10:38,39 "But Jesus said the them, 'You don't know what your are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?" Oh, Yes, they replied, we are able! Then Jesus told them "You will indeed drink from my bitter cup and be baptized with my baptism of suffering."

Both, James and John did suffer; James died as a martyr (Acts 12:2) and John was forced to live in exile (Revelation 1:9).

It is easy to say we will endure anything for Christ, and yet most of us complain about the most minor problems. We may say that we are willing to suffer for Christ, but are we willing to suffer the minor irritations that sometimes come with serving others?

When Jesus spoke of the cup and the baptism he was speaking about the suffering he was about to endure. Jesus knew James and John were ignorant of exactly what they were asking. How easy it is to speak, how much more difficult it is to act.

May your day be filled with witnessing, and if necessary use words. God bless. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

The right hand man? Mark 10:35-37

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

Sooooo, are you listening AND hearing? Selective hearing, that is what many of us tend to have. We only hear what we want to hear. After Jesus explains this to his disciples, guess what? Well, let's look at the scripture.

Mark 10:35-37 "And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on they left hand, in thy glory."

Matthew 20:20 "Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshiping Him, and desiring a certain thing of him."

Wait, have they listened and heard what Jesus was saying. They are still expecting Jesus to have his kingdom right here, on earth. They were not seeing fully what Jesus was telling them. AND, they brought their mother to make the request for them. Why?

Why sit on the right hand and the left hand? Hence the expression, "this is my right hand man." The one on the right of the king was a place of honor and the left was the next one of importance.

Humility characterizes those who genuinely desire to serve Christ and His kingdom. A disciple should desire to be a servant, one who willingly attends to menial tasks and eagerly receives children without recognition or reward. Were James and John missing the point?

They did not understand the salvation which was about to be accomplished, nor its implication on their life-styles. Their desire is contrary to Jesus' recent discourse on humility (Mark 9:33-35) May today be the day you understand the humility in being a servant of Jesus Christ and may your actions bring glory and honor to God. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Hear & listen? Observe & see? Act & perform? Mark 10:32-34

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

Well, have you thought about it? About what!?!? Would you leave everything for Jesus Christ? Would you leave everything for eternal life? Or are you as the country western song, I want to go to heaven, I just don't want to go tonight? lol

Remember this, in the ancient days the people thought the more worldly possessions, the more wealth you had the more God blessed you. In the verses we have studied Jesus explained that in the world to come, the values of this world will be reversed. Those who seek status and importance here on earth will have none in heaven. Those who are humble here on earth will be great in heaven. Example: Billy Graham.

Many times we listen and fail to hear, we observe but fail to see, we act but fail to perform. Look at Mark 10:32-34 - Jesus tells the disciples what is about to happen. They listen but fail to hear. To listen & hear is to understand.

Mark 10:32-34 "They were now on the way up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were filled with awe, and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear. Taking the twelve disciples aside, Jesus once more began to describe everything that was about to happen to him. "Listen, we're going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die and hand him over to the Romans. they will mock him, spit on him, flog him with a whip, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again.""

Can you say " W O W !" Jesus is telling the disciples exactly what is about to take place. Jesus clearly explained what events were about to take place but did the disciples hear? Unfortunately, they did not really hear what Jesus was saying. Jesus said he was the Messiah, but they thought the Messiah would be a conquering king.

Jesus spoke words about resurrection and they only heard words about death. Jesus spoke often in parables, so the disciples may have thought his words on death and resurrection was another parable. Jesus' predictions of his death and resurrection show that these events were God's plan from the beginning and not accidents.

Food for thought! If you were in Jesus' place and knew you would be on trial, convicted, spit on, flogged, whipped, and killed.......how would you react?

We have a wonderful Messiah who made YOU sinless through HIS SACRIFICE! Praise God. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Did you leave everything? Are you prideful? Mark 10:28-31

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

So, do you REALLY BELIEVE that ALL things are POSSIBLE with GOD? Or do you just do lip service. You know, oh, yeah, God can do anything; and this is said with no thought or conviction. Well, let's go back to Mark and see what happens next.

Mark 10:28-31 "Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, there is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake and the gospel's, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions and in the world to come eternal life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last first."

First, notice the aggressive and prideful one to speak - Peter, of course. Peter claimed we have left all, which is true, but also prideful. Jesus responds with a promise.

A further break down of these verses. Verily introduces a statement of solemn assurance. "An hundredfold." The items listed here may be taken literally to refer to such things as the many homes which will be opened to God's servants and the many new relationships in the household of God.

OR, they may be taken as figuratively describing the manifold spiritual blessings which the LORD heaps upon those who follow him sacrificially.

The "world to come" is the coming age. It has reference to the eternal state to be ushered in by Messiah's second advent and the events connected with it, such as the Day of the LORD, cataclysmic judgments, the Millennium, and the final assize. Here the word assize means judgment or final judgment.

Whoever forsakes his life for the gospel will receive incomparable rewards. Since the relationships refer to spiritual ones in God's family, the things mentioned may speak of new homes opened in Christian hospitality as well as personal physical blessings.

Once again, it comes down to believing, following Jesus, and reap the rewards of eternal life. As Bob the Builder says, "Can you do it?" and we respond with a resounding "YES WE CAN!" May the force (God) be with you today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Who can be saved? Mark 10:26,27

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

A day without JESUS is like a day without sunshine. We have been talking about the young rich man who wanted to follow Jesus. He asked what he must do to inherit eternal life and Jesus told him. Sell all and follow me. The young rich man went away sad and disappointed.

Jesus went on to say to his disciples that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to get to heaven. Now after all this the disciples were astonished. Here goes:

Mark 10:26,27 "The disciples were astounded. "Then who in the world can be saved?" they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.""

From the disciples eyes wealth was a blessing from God, a reward for being good. This misconception is still common today. Many believers enjoy material prosperity while many others live in poverty. Wealth is not a sign of faith or of partiality on God's part.

The disciples were amazed, and, walking with Jesus they still did not get the full concept. To inherit eternal life one must be a child of God. To be a child of God we must accept Jesus as our LORD and Saviour.

Remember, accepting salvation, accepting Jesus, being saved is like being pregnant; either you ARE or you ARE NOT. There is not just a little bit. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

The eye of a needle? Mark 10:24,25

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

Well, last session we talked about the rich you man who was told to sell everything and follow Jesus. The young man was sad and left disappointed. Jesus told his disciples, v. 23 "how hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God."

Mark 10:24-25 "This amazed them. But Jesus said again, "Dear children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God. In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!""

Again, many who are rich believe they have everything and need nothing else. If told to get rid of the riches....well....they have a very difficult time doing so. Hence the camel through the eye of a needle.

The "experts" of the Bible has 3 different explanations about the eye of the camel. However, we must remember what the gest of Jesus' words are - that it is difficult for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God.

One theory is that at night the gates of the city were closed and there was a small gate that people could enter through. If they came after the main gates closed then to enter the small gate they would have to unload the camels of all they are carrying and then enter. Very difficult task and people probably unwilling to do freely.

Another theory is as they traveled overland a short-cut or quicker way to carry their goods was to go through the "eye of a camel" a narrow mountain pass of which it was difficult for a camel to go through. This is possible but there is not a pass with this name, maybe it has changed. The result was the same, the camels would have to be unloaded, then re-loaded - a burden.

The third theory is that in Aramaic the word for camel and rope was the same. It was difficult, yet not impossible for the rope (a part of it) to pass through the eye of the needle.

Or, it could have been a saying such as we have. There used to be a saying about if you could put salt on a birds tail you could catch it. Think about that, if you are close enough to salt a tail you are close enough to catch the bird.

What do these all really mean? They point in the same direction at the same object. The person who has everything on earth would be hard pressed to dispose of it all and follow Jesus, in essence, hold on to material possessions and miss eternal life with God.

Can your money save you? Your house save you? Your car save you? The only one and true salvation is Jesus Christ, Son of God! Again I ask, where are you? With Jesus or with the world (satan)? Go do the right thing. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Sell everything? Are you serious? Mark 10:22,23

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

As you read yesterday's devotional did you think about giving up your worldly possessions? Would you be able to walk away from all you have for JESUS, eternal life?

Mark 10:22,23 "At this the man's face fell, and he went away very sad, for he had many possessions. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, 'How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!'"

Remember, Jesus told the rich young man to sell everything, give the money to the poor, and to follow Him (Jesus). Jesus said it is hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God. Does this mean if you are comfortable or rich you won't go to heaven? Won't have eternal life? NO! That is not what Jesus is saying.

What Jesus is saying is that since they do have money, all their physical needs are met, they may become self-reliant. When they have that empty feeling they buy something new to try to fill the void that only God can fill.

Their abundance, their self-sufficiency actually becomes their deficiency. They may have all they need here on earth, but they are lacking what is the most important ..... eternal life!

Earlier this week I asked the questions of why do people go to XXX Adult stores, why are some people mean and ugly to others, why do people in the church fight and split. The answer is re-emphasized above .... they have that empty feeling so what can fill the void?.....God, and only God! In all that happens, do you consult your Father in Heaven? Or do you just plunder on in your own way, whether it is devastating to you and others or not?

STOP! Take time for GOD! Let GOD fill the empty spot in your life.
Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Who's your master? Jesus or ???? Mark 10:21

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

Did you think about your inheritance? Inheritance from God? Our inheritance here on earth is largely dependent upon our parents, how well they planned, how well they saved, and what they wished to leave behind for their heirs. Again, these things come and go, will rust, decay, be spent or lost. But what remains?

The biggest inheritance one can leave their heirs is an example of true faith in God, not being a mouth piece only, but living in a godly manner. The biggest inheritance I can leave for my daughters is a belief in God, that Jesus died for our sins, and Jesus is the only true way of salvation.

Their acceptance of this inheritance, Jesus - salvation, is my inheritance from them as well. What do we have to do for our inheritance? A rich young man asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Here is Jesus' response.

Mark 10:21 "Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him, "There is still one thing you haven't done," he told him. "Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

What does your money mean to you? Jesus is not saying you or I should go out and sell all our possessions. Jesus is saying that we should not let our possessions or money stop us from following Him.

Do an evaluation of yourself. If Jesus returned, came to just you and said, "sell you car and follow me," could you? If Jesus said "sell your house and follow me," could you? If Jesus said "give up your money and position in life and follow me," could you? A tough question.

This question may help you understand and know where your walk with Jesus is. Your attitude toward money or possessions will show whether it (money & possessions) is your servant, or......your master. Who's your master? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

What is your inheritance? Who provides your inheritance? Psalm 16:5,7,8

Well, well, once again good morning! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

You have problems? No, not really! Look around, when you think your troubles are bad you can find someone who has more. A lot of thoughts have been running through my head lately.

First, why do people frequent the XXX Adult Video businesses?
Second, why are some people mean and ugly to others?
Third, why do people in churches argue, get mad and either split or leave?

Well, here I am, a lowly ex-school teacher doing the best I can in this world but I will tell you a couple of things I do believe. Let me begin with the 3 questions above; to me there is one answer - J E S U S, He is not in their hearts. Personal wants and emotions are leading, not God.

Shake the dust of yesterday from your sandals as this is a new day in the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Let the troubles of yesterday be dealt with yesterday. Again, this is a new day.
As one of the Christian songs says over and over - "never let go, never let go." Never let go of what? Jesus never lets go of us so let us never let go of Jesus.

Psalm 16:5, 7,8 "LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine." "I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for HE is right beside me."
STOP! Read those verses again. What is being said here? inheritance, blessing, guard, guide, instruction, always with me, and look: I WILL NOT BE SHAKEN, FOR HE IS RIGHT BESIDE ME!
We should seek God's will first, not ours first, and then ask God to bless them. By constantly thinking about the LORD and His way of living, we will gain insights that will help us make right decisions and live the way God desires.
Communicating with God lets Him guide us and offer counsel and wisdom. Where are you today? Living for God? OR, living for the earthly things which will decay, rust and go away? You are a child of THE KING, now go out and act like it! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Have a legacy? Create one through Christ!

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

Yesterday, the info written was about King David and eye-candy (Bathsheba). We all fall prey to this type of temptation, some act, some don't. But let's go back into 2 Samuel 7:18, 19 - this is prior to Bathsheba, David speaks to God: "Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? (19) And now, Sovereign LORD, in addition to everything else, you speak of giving your servant a lasting dynasty! Do you deal with everyone this way, O Sovereign LORD?"

What is happening? David wanted to erect a building for the Ark. God spoke to Nathan, a prophet, who took God's words to David. These words told David not to build a building for the Ark, God said he did not want nor ask for a beautiful cedar house. But he did tell David more.

God, through Nathan, told David that: he took him from tending sheep to be leader of His people Israel; He destroyed the enemies before his eyes; God will make David's name as famous as anyone who ever lived on earth; give him rest from enemies; give him a dynasty of kings; and will raise up one of your descendants will make his kingdom strong and your house and kingdom will continue before me for all time. AND, your throne will be secure forever.

Check it out, Solomon came, a man of great wisdom, but who else came from David? Yep, you got it, Jesus Christ. Salvation comes through David's lineage by the birth of the Messiah. Now, can you boast of this type of adventure? No, but listen.

What you do is important! 1 Peter 2:21 "For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps."

We may suffer for many reasons. Some suffering is a direct result of our own sin and some is the result of living in a fallen world. Peter is writing about suffering that comes as a result of doing good. Christ never sinned, Christ suffered, Christ set us free! We, the followers of Christ, will suffer in one way or another and we must be prepared. Our goal should be to face suffering with patience, calmness, and confidence that God is in control of the future.

Where will your legacy lie, where will your dynasty be? It will be at the bema seat when God declares judgment on us and what we have done in HIS name will be revealed. This comes from the seeds you plant in your family, with friends, and with enemies. Wait no longer my friend, go forth and declare the truth, the word of God to any who will listen. At least invite someone to church---do something for the God who saved you! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Eye candy! Good for you? Ask David!

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

Soooo, how is your day going? Did you begin you week well? Starting each day with the LORD? Sometimes we look forward to days off, vacation, holidays, etc.. David, one of the greatest men in the Bible was at his pinnacle, the height of his career and what happened?

He became complacent, did not continue doing what he should have been doing? Saying this, David, the king, should have been at war with his troops, but no. What was he doing? He had idle time. Now, listen to me a moment, when we have IDLE time - many times it turns into IDOL time. Yep! What? Okay, here goes and hope you follow my train of thought. (without de-railing, lol)

David's IDLE time allowed him the opportunity to stroll around his roof top. Now this was not unusual, however, what was unusual was his army is at war and he is on the rooftop. Now, as he walked around he noted something that caught his eye, actually his eyes, his lust, his male desires. And what was this?

None other than Bathsheba. She was naked, she was beautiful, she was great eye-candy and David wanted a little bit of this eye-candy; and he did.

We all have desires of the heart, desires of the mind, desires of the flesh, but we need to listen to the desires of our LORD, our SAVIOR!!

Lately I have heard many radio preachers coming back to David and telling this story we have heard over and over. Why? There is a message there for you, a message for me, are you missing it? Am I missing it?

Things of this world will decay, rust, and go away. The beauty of a man or woman goes away with time. What remains with you now, yesterday, and tomorrow, and for all time? Your salvation through the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Now why am I telling you this? This was laid on my heart to share and my prayer is that the message is from God, and that it will touch deeply the person or persons it is meant for. Go to Sammuel and read about David. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Fuitful vine? Or pruned vine? John 15:1

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

JOHN 18:1-8 Jesus teaches about the vine and the branches. This is a beautiful piece of scripture and shows how we should grow, support, and spread the truth, the Word, God's word. The grapevine is a prolific plant; a single vine supports numerous branches and bears many grapes. In the old Testament grapes symbolized Israel's fruitfulness in doing God's work on earth.

Let's begin at the top. John 15:1 "I am the true grapevine and my Father is the gardener."

Christ is the vine, and God is the gardener who cares for the branches to make them fruitful. The branches are all those who claim to be followers of Christ.

The fruitful branches are true believers who, by their living union with Christ, produce much fruit. As Bonhoeffer said, "true grace."

But those who become unproductive - those who turn back from following Christ after making a superficial commitment - will be separated from the vine. Unproductive followers are as good as dead and will be cut off and tossed aside. Again, from Bonhoeffer, "cheap grace."

My question now to you my dear friend is, are you fruitful for Christ, or is your vine waning, withering, and about to be pruned? If you are fruitful, yea, to God be the glory; if you are waning - what are you going to do? Life is full of choices and this is the most important choice we have ever or will ever make! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Holiness, that is YOUR goal! 1 Corinthians 7:1

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

Paul wrote to the people in Corinthians warning them, encouraging them, and then telling them the positive action he noted. In 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Paul talks about the temple of the living God (you) and tells of the promise that we, you and I, will be sons and daughters of the LORD Almighty.

1 Corinthians 7:1 "Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God."

Separation from the world involves more than keeping our distance from sinful practices; it means staying close to God. It involves more than avoiding worldly entertainment; it extends to how we spend our time and money. There is no way to separate ourselves totally from all sinful influences. That being said, we, you and I, are to resist the sin around us, without either giving up or giving in.

When you know what God wants you to do, make a clean break with sinful practices. Cleansing has two meanings: turning away from sin, AND turning toward God. The Corinthians (put you name in here) is to have nothing to do with paganism. I (your name) will break from my past and give myself to God alone.

Working toward complete holiness means perfecting holiness or becoming mature and complete as a Christian. Paul is not saying we will have a sinless life, but that we, you and I, should work at maturing in our faith.

God has given us the resources and Christ's spirit will empower you to become Christlike (Roman 8:2). Go forth my friend, mature in Christ and lead others. Faith, not doubt, but FAITH! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

2 ears - 1 mouth = L I S T E N! pROVERBS 12:15 - 21:11

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

Have you ever just been slapped? No, not physically, but spiritually. Wow, yesterday evening I was slapped, turned the other cheek and slapped again. Sometimes it is as obvious as the nose on your face yet we fail to see. Yesterday while at my job I listened to people and what they were saying, then I opened the book I am reading "A year with Dietrich Bonhoeffer" and there it was again. L I S T E N ! !

Proverbs 12:15 "Fools think their own way if right, but the wise listen to others."
Proverbs 21:11 "If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise; if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser."
It is usually better to learn from the mistakes of others than from our own. We can do this by observing other people's lives and listening to their advice.
Listen, observe, learn! Now this is rather long and it comes from Bonhoeffer's daily meditations. Please endure, open you heart, your mind and L I S T E N !
from Life Together 98: Just as our love for God begins with listening to God's word, the beginning of love for other Christians is learning to listen to them. God's love for us is shown by the fact that God not only gives us God's Word, but also lends us God's ear. We do God's work for our brothers and sisters when we learn to listen to them.
So often Christians especially preachers, think that their only service is always to have to "offer" something when they are together with other people. They forget that listening can be a greater service than speaking.
Many people seek a sympathetic ear and do not find it among Christians, because these Christians are talking even when they should be listening. But Christians who can no longer listen to one another will soon no longer be listening to God either; they will always be talking even in the presence of God.
The death of the spiritual life starts here, and in the end there is nothing left but empty spiritual chatter and clerical condescension which chokes on pious words. Those who cannot listen long and patiently will always be talking past others, and finally no longer will even notice it. Those who think their time is too precious to spend listening will never really have time for God and others, but only for themselves and for their own words and plans.
We all know "be silent and know that I am." May these words, indeed, touch you as much as they did me. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

A quiet life - doing your job! 1 Thessalonians 4:11,12

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

1 Thessalonians, written by Paul, offers good instruction and guidance for us all. Whether you are in an established church, having the same pastor for years, or are experiencing change with a new pastor, Paul offers good instruction. Paul ends 1 Thessalonians 5:27,28 with a command for all Christians to hear his letter. He was answering questions and offering encouragement to these people. This is what we must offer to each other - encouragement; answer questions out of Christians love and concern.

As a Christian we must do more than love one another, this is only the beginning. We must be responsible in all areas of life. We should not develop a life style of idleness and depend on others for handouts or to do our work.

You will be effective in sharing your faith if you work hard and live quiet lives. Others, non-Christians will respect you for what you do and you must do it (work) faithfully and be a positive force in society. Live quiet lives does not mean being meek melba milk toast - but just not boasting.

1 Thessalonians 4:11,12 "Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others."

Remember, you are created by God to make a dent in the universe.God has a plan for your life and it is as unique as a fingerprint. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Pray and greet - Have faith! 1 Thessalonians 5:25,26

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

Yesterday, one thing Paul said was to abstain, (Greek apecho) from every possible kind of evil. Paul is calling for a balance and as Christians we should not be overcritical nor gullible.

1 Thessalonians 5:25,26 "Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss."

What is Paul asking? Pray for us. Prayer is our strength in our faith. Prayer without faith is simply empty words, idle rhetoric. When Paul said brethren, this is more intimate, a closeness, we are part of a family - the family of God.

Greet brethren with a holy kiss! What does this mean to you? To me, a holy kiss is one given in love, to encourage, to help one be more faithful and to go forth. A type of farewell-God be with you kiss-as we see in the movies many times. A departing gesture that says I am with you. Tell me what you think and feel about this.

I close with this, I ask you, my brothers & sisters in Christ, to pray for me as I will pray for you. We are close because of the word, the Bible, the love of Jesus, because we belong to HIM, GOD! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Hagiazo - sanctify - to be made Holy 1 Thessalonians 5:23

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

Okay, in 1 Thessalonians 5 Paul gave us strong advice and the option is ours - to either follow his advice or reject it. Rejecting it means going against God - really? Do you really want to do that?

Now Paul gives (us)a final greeting. 1 Thessalonians 5:23
"Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our LORD JESUS CHRIST comes again."

Wow! Can you say wow? The spirit, soul, and body refer to the entire being of a person, aka ALL OF YOU! This is Paul's way of saying that God must be involved in every aspect of life. It is wrong to think that we can separate the spiritual life from everything else, obeying God only in ways we choose or living for him only one day each week.

Christ must control ALL of US! ALL of YOU! not just a 'religious part' of you. In the KJV Bible it reads, "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely........." The word sanctify - Greek hagiazo- is related to the word 'holiness' and implies that God himself is the ultimate influence in changing a man's life.
Holiness is more than a set of rules; Holiness or sanctification is the work of God's Holy Spirit who indwells us. Paul did all he could to teach the Thessalonians to be holy and then commits them to God who alone can make them holy.
This is my desire for you and me, that we commit ourselves completely to God and be made holy. Shalom! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Are you sitting ON or IN the SPIRIT? 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22

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

SOooooo, what is the good word? Let us return to 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 and see:
"Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil."

We should not make fun of those who are called to speak for God (scoffing), but we should always 'test everything that is said,' checking their words against the Bible. Don't just walk in blind faith.

Remember earlier Dietrich Bonhoeffer talked about "cheap grace" as opposed to "true grace?" Do you listen and believe or do you search it out yourself to ensure the word you hear is the DEVINE WORD OF GOD?!?

We should never stiffle, quench, or suppress the Spirit. Are you standing IN the SPIRIT, or are you SITTING on the SPIRIT? If you are not in the Bible, studying, researching, or just reading - then shame on you!

Jude 2:1 "And God said just be as a lump of salt, be gullible, accept all things as truth and question not."
Now, if you know anything about the Bible you will know there is only one chapter in Jude and the phrase above is simply made up. If you did not know that, then CHECK IT OUT, READ, KNOW - for satan has many "angels of light" who are spreading false rumors and leading many astray.
If you are not following God's word and believe it is truly the inspired word of God then you are following evil. The choice is yours - step up - be a Christian - stand boldly in the Spirit. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Do not quench - 1 Thessalonians 5:19

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

Yesterday we talked about be joyful, continue praying, be thankful in all circumstances and this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Paul was teaching that we should thank God in everything. Evil does not come from God, so we should not thank him for it. But when evil strikes we can still be thankful for God's presence and for the good that he will accomplish through the distress.

A preacher man and member of his congregation were walking down the street and suddenly a thief jumped out, demanded their wallets and jewelery. They gave up their wallets, watches and rings. The thief had a gun and when he ran off the preacher said aloud, "Oh thank you LORD!" The member asked why he thanked God for being robbed. The preacher man stated, "I did not thank God for being robbed, I thank God he spared our lives and we only gave up material things." Could you have said this?

This goes back to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Look at verse 19 - "Do not quench the spirit."

What, exactly, does this mean to you? Do not quench the spirit? Quench in Greek is 'sbennymi' which means to suppress. Used in this text is a synonym of the word despise in verse 20. Paul is telling us that we should not ignore or toss aside the gifts or leading of the Holy Spirit.

Keep It Simple - Let the Holy Spirit work through you. You may need to just S T O P - and listen to what or where the Holy Spirit is leading you. Tune in to HS 101 (Holy Spirit 101) and listen. Listen as you do to your radio, your cell phone when it rings, your spouse or children when they call you. Use the old AT&T slogan: "We(Holy Spirit) will be in touch, so you be in touch."

Oh, wait, listen, do you hear that? Jesus is calling, calling to you and to me. He is saying come home, oh sinner, come home. Can you come home to Jesus? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Be joyful, thankful, and prayerful-you belong to Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18

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

Have you encouraged someone this week? Have you tried to help someone this week? How did that go?
Don't be disappointed about where you are, think optimistically about where you are going.
1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 "See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. 16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
Our joy, prayers, and thankfulness should not change with our circumstances or feelings. Obeying these three commands - be joyful, never stop praying, and be thankful-often goes against our natural inclinations.
When we may a conscious decision to do what God says, we will begin to see people in a new perspective. When we do God's will, we will find it easier to be joyful and thankful.
Praying! We cannot spend all our time on our knees, but it is possible to have a prayerful attitude at all times. We develop this attitude by acknowledging our dependence on God, realizing his presence within us and determined to obey him fully.
You may grow tired of praying for something or someone but Paul tells us believers should never stop praying. Your persistence in prayer is an expression of faith that God answers prayer. Your answer may not come quickly but God is working his will and we must remember HE is present, always listening, always answering.
Go forth my friend, thirsting not for the living water- but absorbing all you can. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Give me a home where there is an encouraging word - 1 Thessalonians 5:11

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

Encourage one another! You can listen to the cynics and doubters and believe that success is impossible or you can trust that with faith and an optimistic attitude all things are possible.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing."

As you come to the end of a long race, your legs ache, your throat burns, and your whole body screams at you to stop. This is when friends and fans are most valuable. Their encouragement helps you push through the pain to the finish line.

We, as Christians, must do this as well, encourage one another. Rather than a race, we are at war! At war with satan, whom we cannot defeat except for one way. That way is through Jesus Christ, our LORD and saviour. Look up, ask God for the strength and help; then look around-be sensitive to others' need for encouragement and offer supportive words or actions.

Can you do it? As Bob the Builder would say: "YES YOU CAN!" You never know what small act or word can do for someone. It may be the action that helps them move up, move on, and continue-giving them new hope. When you have time go to YouTube, Sharon Wright and look at "Change for a Dollar." It will touch your heart and shows how actions are encouraging to others.

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

Encourage one another. 1 Thessalonians 5:14

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

YOU are a LEADER in CHRIST! 1 Thessalonians 5:14 "Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men." KJV

Life Application Bible "Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone."

As a leader you can motivate more by encouragement than by embarrassment. Encouragement, positive encouragement usually inspires people to do their best. You say I am not a leader. Oh, but you are. If you profess to be a Christian, then people are watching you. People have different expectations from you, the Christian, than they do from the heathen.

We should not lay around with the lazy but warn them. We should not yell at the weak and timid, but encourage them. We need to be sensitive to the needs of others, discerning what the problem is and how you can encourage.

Don't misinterpret sensitive in Christ with sensitive to the world. We should not tolerate idolatry or total disobedience to Christ. However, we do not have to come down on those who are disobedient with an iron hammer. It may, in the long run, be essential to do so, but don't start out that way.

Do not misunderstand being tolerant with a believer is different than tolerant with sin. God hates sin, Jesus hates sin, you should hate sin. Encourage one another. If you have a problem share with a believer of whom you have confidence. You cannot help until you know the problem; just like you cannot just take medicine until you know the illness.

Be tolerant and encouraging to each other. If you send me your address I will send you a note of encouragement. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Be thankful in all circumstances 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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

Well, how was your new year? Mine was great! All my family is safe, Jesus is #1, and life continues on.

I am going to ponder on some thoughts for the new year and would enjoy you doing so as well. What does 1 Thessalonians 5:18 say? Yes, I am going to tell you:
"BE THANKFUL IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR THIS IS GOD'S WILL FOR YOU WHO BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS."

We should thank God in everything that happens to us. Some bad (evil) things may happen but we can still be thankful for God's presence and for the good that he will accomplish through this bad or evil.

I am thankful to God for all I have and I do thank God. However, have I ever thanked you for being in my life? Probably not. This new year I would like to tell you thank you and if you will send me your address I will send you a hand written note.

This year, as a child of God, a believer in Jesus Christ, and knowing you are in my life for a reason or a season, or both, I will acknowledge you and thank you more often.

Today's date is 1/2/12 (note the sequence)and it is an important date as this is when I will take time to acknowledge the presence of my LORD and saviour and appreciate all that HE has given me. I will "be thankful in all circumstances." Love you all. Look forward to hearing from you.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny