Run from evil 2 Timothy 2:22

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

Take a moment and reflect on your life. Do you spend too much time on the unnecessary - like is a zebra white with black stripes or black with white stripes. Does it make a difference? A lot of life is the "Seinfeld" scene; take a small item and blow it up out of proportion. What does our Bible teach?

2 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."

Run from....running away may be considered cowardly. Wise people realize that removing themselves physically from temptation often can be the most courageous action to take.

Timothy, a young man, was warned to run from anything that produced evil thoughts. Do you have a recurring temptation you find difficult to resist?

Remove yourself physically from any situation that stimulates your desire to sin. Knowing when to run is as important in spiritual battle as knowing when and how to fight.
Read 1 Timothy 6:11-16. Copy & paste- http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy%206:11-16&version=NKJV

Have a beautiful and wonderful day in the LORD! Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Zebra- black with white stripes? Hmm! 2 Timothy 2:20-21

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

Today I have two things on my heart that I would like to share. How often is it we discuss or argue over worthless things, you know, the who cares thing. For instance, is a zebra white with black stripes or black with white stripes? When all is said and done, a zebra is black and white. Can you say geez-us? Now spell it J - E - S - U - S ! This is what our life is about, JESUS!

Prayer! Prayer is important. Elijah prayed, went to Ahab and confronted him about the spiritual adultery that was happening. Why did Elijah confront this bad king and his wife? Because God told him to and he obeyed.

2 Timothy 2:20-21 "But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work."

House. The believer is now part of the great house of God being paralleled here.
Vessels of gold...also of wood. Every family has their special and valued dishes as well as everyday inexpensive ones.
In God's house if a man purge himself from the vessels of dishonor; he shall be a vessel unto honor. God doesn't play favorites, but HE is holy and cannot use unholy vessels. God is constantly on a talent search for ones whose heart is perfect toward him.
MEET means usable or fit for His use. Master speaking of the LORD, and prepared means equipped.

Okay, summary, 1) JESUS; 2) pray; 3)be equipped {the Word} 4) honor God. So, how hard is this, zebra style - black and white: Accept JESUS, pray, study the Word and bring honor to God. Now go forth my friend and do the right thing. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Are you at the base or summit of your salvation? 2 Timothy 2:19

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

I do trust and pray that you and your family had a safe, enjoyable and relaxing Memorial Holiday.

2 Timothy 2:19 KJV "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal. The LORD knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of christ depart from iniquity."

2 Timothy 2:19 Life App "But God's truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: "The LORD knows those who are his," and "All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil.""

False teachers continue to spread lies. Some distort the truth, some dilute it, and some simply delete it by saying that God's truth no longer applies. Well, you know, the Bible was written by old men who were male chauvinists. Huh? Okay, wait just a moment.

The Bible is the inspired word of God, written by men, but inspired by God. People will follow liars. Why? God only knows. Have you ever noticed that the God things that are done in the church go unnoticed by most; but start a lie about the preacher, deacon, a member of the church and it spreads like wild fire. Why? WHY?

God's truth and foundation never changes, is never shaken, and will never fade. When we follow God's truth, we will live God's way.

On May 29, 1953, Mount Everest was conquered as Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and sherpa Tenzing Norgay of Nepal became the first climbers to reach the summit.
Are you climbing and trying to reach the summit of your Christian beliefs? We must depart from iniquity and climb to the summit of our salvation. Memorial weekend, men gave lives for freedom; JESUS CHRIST gave HIS LIFE for your FREEDOM, which we call SALVATION.
You are a child of God, a child of the King, not go act like it. Reach the summit and shout about your salvation. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Miss the Mark? 2 Timothy 2:18

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

Well? How is your canker, your gangrene? Is it in the blood, or have you had the transfusion, the transfusion from Christ's blood to cleanse you?

2 Timothy 2:18 "Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some."

Erred - Greek astocheo - means to deviate or miss the mark. We get bogged down debating such vain babblings to the point it only harms and pollutes. This must be avoided.

Sometimes we are so 'heavenly minded' that we are 'no earthly good.' Why DO we miss the mark? Satan is really good at what he does. Sometime read C.S. Lewis' the Screwtape Letters for a different perspective.

Anyway, Satan does a good job of getting us to worry about the type of music we have in church, if it should be just piano and organ or a 'band.' We argue about baptism - dunking or sprinkling; speaking in tongues - alive today or died at pentecost. And we could go on and on. Who really cares? Our focus should be just 5 letters - J E S U S .

A new Christian, a veteran Christian coming back into the flock what do they need? They need to be nurtured in the Word of God, not arguments and pushed into picking sides. They need, first, J E S U S; then they need to study the Word! Do your part, don't deviate, but share the Word with someone, anyone today; wife, child, neighbor, worker, homeless, or study for yourself. As Nike would say, "Just do it!" Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Gangrene in your blood? 2 Timothy 2:17

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

Well, yesterday were you the tower of babble or the tower of bubble - sharing God's word. 5/6 th of my day was good; 1/6 th I fell into the tower of babble. I just have to pray and ask your prayers that I be stronger through Jesus Christ.

This next verse, 17, follows the false and empty talk, tower of babble I spoke about yesterday.

2 Timothy 2:17 "And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;"

Canker - Greek ganggraina or English gangrene! Gangrene, according to Webster is: a decay of body tissue when the blood supply is obstructed. Wow, WOw, WOW!

Okay, think about this for a moment.......decay of body tissue.... why? WHY? When the blood supply.....what is our blood supply? Jesus Christ - He shed HIS BLOOD on the cross for you. And what??? Blood supply is obstructed! OBSTRUCTED! Listen to those words, double whammy WOW! When our blood supply is obstructed, cut off, we decay.

When we leave Jesus (Jesus is the same always), we lose our blood supply. We fall to empty talk, ugly talk, inappropriate talk and why? Because the blood in our heart is not Jesus - we have allowed the dark side, the evil to invade. Wow!

May you today be a vile of fresh blood from the Lamb, from Jesus, and the only thing that splays forth from you today bring glory to God. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
p.s. Hymenaeus and Philetus are included among persons whose profane and vain babblings will increase towards more ungodliness, and whose teaching "will spread as a cancer." (2 Tim 2:17, NLT). The apostle declares that Hymenaeus and Philetus are examples of those just described, and he adds that those two persons "concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some."

Are you the tower of babble, or worthless talk? Be strong in the word! 2 Timothy 2:16

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

WOW! Have you ever opened the Bible to the Word you have seen before and suddenly it leaps out at you with GREAT MEANING? I did today, which I will share later.

Yesterday we talked about spoudazo` meaning give diligence and orthotomeo` meaning to cut a straight course or correctly interpret. Today, what about our talk?

2 Timothy 2:16 "Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior."
and the Gideons Bible "But shun profane and idle babble, for they will increase to more ungodliness."

What is being said here, that we cannot just visit about the weather, the day, sports, news, entertainment? Not at all, here we are talking about, if you will gossip and bickering. We become "stuck" in our views and it is that way or the highway. How did the preacher move the piano? One inch at a time. BUT, was this an important event in the church? What did it do for the Kingdom of God?

In important areas of Christian teaching, we must carefully work through our disagreements. But when we bicker long hours over words and ideas that are not important to the Christian faith and life, we only provoke anger and hurt feelings.

Even if foolish talk reaches a resolution, it gains little ground for the Kingdom of God. Learning and discussing is not bad, unless, it keeps us from focusing on God and following false doctrine or unfaithful trivialities. Don't let anything keep you from your work for God, nor deter your service to God.

Moses went up on the mountain, Aaron fell to the pleasures of the people and build a golden calf. It all started with foolish talk and mushroomed into false doctrine and action. Aaron was weak, you and I must be strong! Let not idle chatter take you away from the one true and living God. "SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS!"

Please take time to go to the KJV and read Romans 10:8-13. This suddenly came to light for me, I know this, have accepted Jesus as my saviour, but these words hit me hard. It was at this time when I realized I am not doing all I can for the Kingdom of God. Copy and paste: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ROMANS%2010:8-13&version=KJV
Love you all. Babble not, want not, search fully the word of God.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Spoudazo - orthotomeo - Ephesians 2:15

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

Ephesians 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed."

Study - Greek - spoudazo` - is a word used of a workman meaning "give diligence," "endeavor," or "exert oneself." A workman is to give diligence or endeavor to show himself approved unto God. Approval means one has been put to the test and measures up, thus winning the approval of the person testing him.

Because God will examine what kind of workers we have been for him, we should build our lives on his Word and build his Word into our lives. It alone tells us how to live for him and serve him. Believers who ignore the Bible will certainly be ashamed at the judgment.

The workman here is one who is handling the Word of God and thus the conclusion of studying. It certainly takes diligent study of the Word to "Rightly divide it" - Greek - orthotomeo` - meaning to "cut a straight course," or "lay out a road" or "correctly interpret." All of the Word of God is true.

There are no contradictions when rightly laid out. You cannot add to or take away any of it. (Rev. 22:19) Consistent and diligent study of God's Word is vital; otherwise we will be lulled into neglecting God and our true purpose for living.

Are you giving due diligence and cutting a straight course for God? If so, yea, carry on. If not, you know what to do. Prayer, the Word, and God's leadership will get you there.

Remember: "Sir, we would see Jesus!" Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

One Hope Ephesians 4:4

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

Soooo? What is going on in your life? Life, as we mere mortals know it, is constantly full of distractions. We have a ball game to go to, a movie to see, yard or house work to be done, fishing, golfing, just plain ole goofing off. But do we take time for what is really important? SALVATION - ETERNAL LIFE?

In Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called IN ONE HOPE OF YOUR CALLING."

This one hope is a real thing, a glorious reality for both Jews and gentile.
Ephesians 2:18 "Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us."

A child of 24 inches walks ahead, will attempt anything, has no fear of anything or anyone. A child of 24 inches has a child like mind and is not full of the experiences we have. A child of 24 inches will leap into your arms, having no fear they will be dropped or hurt.

We, people of 60 inches or more, who have more experiences, need to regain the child like faith and leap into the arms of Jesus. A child's life is in the hands of the adult; the adult life is in the hands of either Jesus or Satan. God gives us this choice! Step forth in the faith of Jesus, eternal life, singing praises and a wonderful eternity.

This is our HOPE, the reality of being with Christ after death. It is time, go forth with the word of God. Political correctness, diplomacy, bah, just speak the truth with love. Share the good word. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

The Spirit (in the clouds?) Ephesians 4:4

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

The posts for Wed. & Thursday were still in draft form and I failed to post them. I do apologize. They are up now.

Yesterday was asking how is your body? Today I ask how is your Spirit? Spirit according to Webster's is: the life principle, esp. in human beings b) SOUL; 2-life, will, thought, etc. regarded as separate from matter; 3- a supernatural being, as a ghost or angel; 4- an individual (a brave spirit); 5- disposition, mood; 6- vivacity, courage, etc.; 7- enthusiastic loyalty; 8-real meaning (the spirit) of the law; 9- a pervading animating principle or characteristic quality; 10- distilled alcoholic liquor.

SPIRIT - The Holy Spirit who is the life and breath of that body, who was instrumental in the regeneration of each member, and who now maintains a vital connection of each member with the other members and with the head.

When we are in the Spirit, are we seeing as God sees? Are we one with our Heavenly Father? In Revelations 21:10 John says, "And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that grat city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God."

Was John physically transported? Or was this, as we say today, an "out of body experience?" John was carried away in the spirit! Where was the first Spirit? Genesis 1:2 "And the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters."

In the Hebrew and Aramic Dictionary ruwach (roo' - akh) mind, spirit, wind. The Spirit brings the body, the church together. Without the Spirit, there is no life in the body. We need to take time to ask God to send the Holy Spirit to us and let it lead our spirit. This is part of our "LIFE LINE" to God - SPIRIT! The Spirit connects us as a body, which is connected to the Head, Jesus.

May your spirit shine, no glow, so that others will wonder and want what you have. I trust you understand and follow my path today, if not please respond with questions or comments. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

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

The church....just what is the church? According to Webster church is a noun, Greek kyriake (oikia) Lord's [house]. 1. a building for public worship, esp., Christian worship; 2. religious service; 3. all Christians or a particular Christian denomination; 4. a religious congregation; 5. ecclesiastical, as opposed to secular, government.

In Ephesians 5:25 ".....even as Christ loved the church" Huh? You mean Jesus Christ loved a building? So we are to love the church, a building? No, no, no. But, probably to many, we need to go to webster's church, a building. (So impersonal)

We all need to be part of church. BUT, church being the body of Christ. Do I have to be in a building? NO! Do I have to go to a certain place for church? NO! Okay, I am not totally understanding here. Okay, let me explain further.

In Ephesians 4:4 "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;" The church is a living organism composed only of living members, blood-bought, born-again, Bible believing saints. This one body has one Head and many members (1 Cor 12:12-13) You are a member! PTL!

Did you get the difference? As humans we want something concrete, something we understand so we have a 'church' or a building. But, as believers in Jesus Christ, the Head, we are a living, breathing organism. We are alive. "Where 2 or more are gathered, there also am I." So, you and I are members of the CHURCH, aka the body of Jesus Christ.

Webster is necessary but so impersonal, Our Church (the body of Jesus Christ) is so PERSONAL. We should be rejoicing and glad; sharing the good news. Invite someone to join your body of Christ today. The church, the body of Christ has room for many. Bring 'em! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

How is your body? Ephesians 4:4

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

The church....just what is the church? According to Webster church is a noun, Greek kyriake (oikia) Lord's [house]. 1. a building for public worship, esp., Christian worship; 2. religious service; 3. all Christians or a particular Christian denomination; 4. a religious congregation; 5. ecclesiastical, as opposed to secular, government.

In Ephesians 5:25 ".....even as Christ loved the church" Huh? You mean Jesus Christ loved a building? So we are to love the church, a building? No, no, no. But, probably to many, we need to go to webster's church, a building. (So impersonal)

We all need to be part of church. BUT, church being the body of Christ. Do I have to be in a building? NO! Do I have to go to a certain place for church? NO! Okay, I am not totally understanding here. Okay, let me explain further.

In Ephesians 4:4 "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;" The church is a living organism composed only of living members, blood-bought, born-again, Bible believing saints. This one body has one Head and many members (1 Cor 12:12-13) You are a member! PTL!

Did you get the difference? As humans we want something concrete, something we understand so we have a 'church' or a building. But, as believers in Jesus Christ, the Head, we are a living, breathing organism. We are alive. "Where 2 or more are gathered, there also am I." So, you and I are members of the CHURCH, aka the body of Jesus Christ.

Webster is necessary but so impersonal, Our Church (the body of Jesus Christ) is so PERSONAL. We should be rejoicing and glad; sharing the good news. Invite someone to join your body of Christ today. The church, the body of Christ has room for many. Bring 'em! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Band of Christians once again - Ephesians 4:3

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

Yesterday in Ephesians 4:3 in KJV the first word is "endeavoring" which means to give diligence to do your best in persistent effort, fixed determination, and heroic perseverance. Do you do this for Christ? Really do it? I have to say 'I do' with a tailing off of do - meaning I really do when it is convenient. Wow! The truth strikes hard, my covenant with you is I will do better.

Again in verse 3, KJV, "to keep the unity of the Spirit." This is internal spiritual unity which is not a rule from an organization or group, but it is produced and maintained by the Holy Spirit. Whoa! You mean I have to turn loose, completely, the Holy Spirit is in control? Yep! Can I do it? Can you do it?

And the last part, "in the bond of peace,". This is peace with God. Peace with one another. This is the unifying bond that holds us all together. Again, we need to be the "BAND OF CHRISTIAN" and go forth. Can we make a change?

Just as the old man on the sea shore walking among thousands of star fish and picking them up one at a time and casting them back into the ocean. A young man said, "old man, there are too many to throw back, it does not matter." The old man picked up a star fish, saying nothing, cast it into the ocean, then said, "IT MADE A DIFFERENCE FOR THAT ONE." Now go make a difference. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Band together oh band of Christians. Pray! Ephesians 4:1-3

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

Satan is alive and well and searching for disciples. We are in the army of GOD, have you tried to enlist anyone lately? Satan does not like anything about God; they are truly enemies. On this date in 1948 hours after declaring its independence, the new state of Israel was attacked by Transjordan, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon. An accident or premeditated?

Yesterday a man standing on the corner holding a sign that said "help please." When I was stopped at the light I rolled down my window and asked if he had gone to the Salvation Army. His reply was "I ain't gonna talk to them people." My next question, are you a Christian? His first response was, "huh?" I repeated and his next response was yes as he walked down the line to the next car. My question about being a Christian made him uncomfortable, so I do believe God is working on his heart.

Later, at the hotel nearby I find out this man had been "adopted" by a church. He had been clean shaven, bathed, and they gave him a car to drive. The man went forth, got into trouble with some tickets, went to jail, and now is back on the street with long hair and beard. What do you do? Continue to love him, pray for him, and trust he will see the light from the Son.

Ephesians 4:1,2,3 "Therefore, I, a prisoner for serving the LORD, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace."

Unity does not just happen; we have to work at it. Often differences among people can lead to division, but this should not be true in the church. (church being body of believers) We should concentrate on what unites us: one body, one Spirit, one future, one LORD, one faith, one baptism, one God. Have you learned to appreciate people who are different from you?

No one is ever going to be perfect here on earth, so we must accept and love other Christians in spite of their faults. If there is someone who really annoys you, don't dwell on his/her weaknesses, but rather be in pray for him/her. Build that bridge, not a wall. "SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS." Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Have you enlisted? Psalm 84:11-12

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

For all you mom's out there, happy belated Mother's Day. Dads and husbands it is never too late to tell your wife happy mother's day as well. You never know, it may spark a new chapter in your book of life. lol

You are in an army, you may not realize it, but you are. You are a member of the Heaven's Armies. God's Army. WE ARE AT WAR! Make no mistake, we Christians are at war. So, what do we do? We recruit, we arm ourselves, and we fight.

Psalm 84:11-12 "For the LORD GOD is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. (12) O LORD of Heaven's Armies, what joy for those who trust in you."

As in any army we need to be armed. You have the Bible - use it, study it, learn it, and go forth boldly with the WORD.

As in any army we recruit. Huh? How do I recruit? Tell others about Jesus, God, and if all fails use words. Let your example be a light, no, a beacon unto others. Share the word, invite people to study the word with you.

God is our sun and our shield; God does not promise to give us everything we think is good, but he will not withhold what is permanently good.

HE, GOD, will give us the means to walk along his paths, but we must do the walking. When we obey him, he will not hold anything back that will help us serve him. Now, my friend, is the time. You have 1440 minutes each day, use them wisely, your eternity may depend on it. Go forth gallant warrior and win people for JESUS. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Are we headed like Jerusalme? Peter says.... 1 Peter 3:8

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

If you look around today, see what is going on in real life, tv, and the whole world you will be able to see the decay of society in each region. What is going on? It is okay to openly talk about sex and body parts on tv, about homosexuality, use extremely bad language and/or "shady language."
How far have we turned away from "ONE NATION UNDER GOD" to one nation with many Gods? Do you think God takes this lightly? That God is our father who says that is okay son or daughter, you will do better later on?
Ezekiel 4:1-17 God has Ezekiel take a large clay brick and act out the coming siege and fall of Jerusalem before it happened. Ezekiel's actions portrayed the fate of Jerusalem. The fall, the captivity (slavery) of Israel. Look around us, what is happening?
The people in high places are able to say and do things that are not acceptable and what do we do? We sit back and grumble to each other. President Obama called for African-Americans for Obama, he endorsed the same sex marriage. When would you have ever expected things like this from the American president?
Obama fan or not! Bush fan or not! Romney fan or not! We, Christians, need to have a voice. Our voice is old, Billy Graham, and is not speaking out as before. Who will take up the torch? Christians need to stand on the BIBLE, and be bold about what God says. Not your opinion, but what does Gods word say.
1 Peter 3:8 "Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each others a brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude."
Peter lists 5 key elements that should characterize any group of believers: 1-one mind; 2-sympathy; 3-love; 4-tenderness; 5-humility. Are these part of you and your daily life? Maybe we need to stand up, CHRISTIANS FOR AMERICA, and be heard, going forth in God's way. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

The faithful few can do much with God! Isaiah 51:1,2

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

Wow! So what is going on in the world? We must remain faithful to the word, faithful to God's word, faithful to God. Love the sinner, hate the sin: this goes for all of us. Each one of us are sinners. We may be drinkers, lustful, cussers, liars, cheats, or gay. We must be faithful to God's word, love one another, but hate the sin. God can and will deliver us.

Isaiah 51:1,2 "Listen to me, all who hope for deliverance-all who seek the LORD! Consider the rock from which you were cut, the quarry from which you were mined. Yes, think about Abraham, your ancestor, and Sarah, who gave birth to your nation. Abraham was only one man when I called him. But when I blessed him, he became a nation."

We, the faithful few, may feel alone because we seem to be the minority, very few. God reminded the Israelites of their ancestors, their spiritual heritage source, Abraham and Sarah.

Abraham was only one person, but much came from his faithfulness. Did he wonder? Did he question God? Sure! But he remained faithful. If we, the few, the faithful remain faithful, even more can come from us. Just think what would happen if all the Christians remain faithful and what God could do through us.

Look strongly at our nation, the decline of its morality, and then the president of the USA came out in support of gay marriages. Does this not ring of past stories in the Bible? Nineveh or Sodam and Gomorrah? I don't care if your are republican, democrat, independent, tea party, or what. This is wrong. Pastor Tony Evans in Dallas came out and said this is wrong. Why you ask? Check your Bible. It is time, oh faithful few, that we get back to the basics of life, the B I B L E.

As with Abraham, what God could do through you if you remain faithful. It is time my friend. Prayer time. "SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS." Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Rely on God? Or yourself? Isaiah 50:10-11

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

Aren't you glad God takes care of us, even when we are foolish or stupid? Where does your trust lie?

Isaiah 50:10-11 "Who among you fears the LORD and obeys his servant? If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the LORD and rely on your God. (11) But watch out, you who live in your own light and warm yourselves by your own fires. This is the reward you will receive from me: You will soon fall down in great torment."

If we walk by our own light and reject God's, we become self-sufficient and the result of self-sufficiency is torment.
When we place confidence in our own intelligence, appearance, or accomplishments instead of in God, we risk torment later when these strengths fade.
When I opened my Bible this morning this was the verse that jumped out at me. I think of how often I walk in the darkness, forgetting to stop, listen, and follow Jesus. And as a man, many times we have the Tim Allen approach, uh, me man, me can do it. We need to let that pride fall and turn our thoughts and action toward following God. If we don't, as the word states, we will fall down in great torment.
Thank you for reading today. Love all you guys and gals.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Strength or wisdom? Ecclesiastes 10:10

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

Have you ever just stopped and thought about where you are, what you are doing, how you got here, and the why? Normally the position we are in is in direct correlation to our actions. Can you build a house with a pair of pliers and a screwdriver?

Ecclesiastes 10:10 "Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That's the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed."

Trying to do anything without the necessary skills or tools is like chopping wood with a dull ax. If your tool is dull you should sharpen it to do a better job.

Also, if you lack skills, you should sharpen them through training and practice. Sharpening the blade means recognizing where a problem exists, acquiring or honing the skills or tools to do the job better. Then, go out and do it.

Self evaluate and see where, in your life, skills need to be honed. Yes, you can build a house with pliers and a screwdriver.....but, it will take a loooong time. Use the proper tools, you have the Bible, you have Jesus, you have the tools, so now what are you going to do? Love you all!

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Time to Praise God! Psalm 144:1-2

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

It is Monday, we can look forward to today with great anxiety or we can look forward to today with eagerness-knowing God is our Father in Heaven and leading the way. It is time to praise God and be proud you are a child of the KING!

Psalm 144:1,2 "Praise the LORD, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle. He is my loving ally and my fortress, my tower of safety, my rescuer. He is my shield, and I take refuge in him. He makes the nations submit to me."

It is referenced that this Psalm was referring to David's victory over Goliath. Also,in II Samuel 5 when David becomes King of Israel at 30 years old. A young, innocent shepherd boy simply takes supplies to his brothers who are facing the Philistines, but, this innocent shepherd boy knows and believes that God is Almighty, is the leader of Israel, and is all powerful. In short - David truly BELIEVES!

Read the Psalm once more and thing about the words and phrases:
PRAISE THE LORD WHO IS MY ROCK
TRAINS MY HANDS GIVES FINGERS SKILL
MY LOVING ALLY MY FORTRESS TOWER OF SAFETY MY RESCUER
HE (GOD) IS MY SHIELD TAKE REFUGE IN HIM

Today is the first day of the rest of your life to PRAISE GOD! Start now! You are a child of the King - go act like it. Be thankful, submit, enjoy! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

People pleaser? 1 Samuel 15:30-31

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

Yesterday I brought up peer pressure and repent. Repent! Wow! Is it darn, I am caught? OR, is it I am truly sorry for what I have done and will not repeat the offense? We do this as well. I do it daily. I do believe I have a pipe line straight to heaven asking for forgiveness. But let's talk about peer pressure.

Have you ever said, or heard "but everyone else is doing it?" Because the masses do it does not mean it is right. Hitler executed 6 million Jews and 10 million Christians. Does this make it right? Does anyone stand up and make a statement? If we remain silent, we agree.

Well, Saul was more into pleasing the people and having them think good of him than of pleasing God. Yes, we need to do our job, but do it as unto the LORD and give HIM all the credit for the good things that happen.

1 Samuel 15:30-31 "Then Saul pleaded again, 'I know I have sinned. But please, at least honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel by coming back with me so that I may worship the LORD your God.' So Samuel finally agreed and went back with him, and Saul worshiped the LORD."

Saul was more concerned about what others would think of him than he was about the status of his relationship with God. He begged Samuel to go with him to worship as a public demonstration that Samuel still supported him. If Samuel had refused, the people probably would have lost all confidence in Saul.

If you read the last verses of this chapter, Samuel then left Saul but constantly mourned for him, AND, the LORD was sorry He made Saul king of Israel. Wow! Now that is truly falling from and failing the LORD. The rewards we store up on earth is all we will have, but the rewards we store in heaven will be eternal life. Question: Do you think Saul went to heaven? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Peer pressure? Repent? 1 Samuel 15:24-26

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

Today is National Day of Prayer. Take time, be alone with the LORD!

Do you fall to peer pressure? Say things you normally would not say because certain people are around? Flex your vocal chords, if you will. Saul fell to peer pressure. He was more afraid of the "people" than he was of the "LORD." So now what. You have Jesus Christ who intercedes for you. It is time to go to knee mail with the LORD, one on one.

1 Samuel 15:24-26 "Then Saul admitted to Samuel, "Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the LORD's command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded. But now, please forgive my sin and come back with me so that I may worship the LORD."
But Samuel replied, "I will not go back wit you! Since you have rejected the LORD's command, he has rejected you as king of Israel.""

Okay, first question - Do you think Saul recognized his sin and was truly sorry; or--did he recognize his sin and was sorry he was caught? Not really repentant, just caught in the act.
In the Bible we see repent numerous times; depending on the text and how it is translated repent can mean truly sorry and correct the errors of your way or sorry you got caught in the act.

Then the last verse (26) Saul's excuses had come to an end. It was the time of reckoning. God was not rejecting Saul as a person; the king could still seek forgiveness and restore his relationship with God, but it was too late to get his kingdom back. Have you ever heard of the little boy who called 'wolf' once too often? Hmmmm

If we, you and me, do not act responsibly with what God has entrusted to us, then we will run out of excuses as did Saul. I, you, will one day give account for our actions to the God Almighty. Are you ready?

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Obedience or Rebellion? Your choice! 1 Samuel 15:23

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

OBEdience. OBEDIENCE! What does God wish from us? O B E D I E N C E ! Very simple, but many times such a difficult chore. I use the word 'chore' because many of us make obedience a chore, hard work, not a labor of love but a labor of "gotta do." Now listen to what Samuel continues to say:

1 Samuel 15:23 "Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the LORD, he has rejected you as king."

Samuel is talking to Saul, but these words are talking to you, to me as well. Rebellion and stubbornness are serious sins. They involve more than being independent and strong-minded.
Scripture equates them with witchcraft and idolatry, sins worthy of death. (Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 20:6)
Please read Deuteronomy 13:12-15; no other gods or idols before us. What do we do? Saul became both rebellious and stubborn, so it is little wonder that God finally rejected him and took away his kingdom.
Rebellion against God is possibly the most serious sin of all because as long as a person rebels, he or she closes the door to forgiveness and restoration with God.
What rebellion and stubbornness do you secretly keep tucked away in your heart? Why don't you just pull it out, ask God to rip it from you hands, and cleanse you as you need to be cleansed. Witchcraft (rebellion) is considered a sin directly against God; so why do you rebel? Stubbornness is the same as worshiping idols; do you?
LORD, we just pray that we lift you, and only you up and ask that you clear our hearts of the rebellion and stubbornness. SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS! Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Obedient or ritual?!? 1 Samuel 15:22

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

Well, did you think about being a legend in your own mind? God wants us to be humble and truthful. Saul obeyed God, but obeyed God in the way he viewed it, not as God commanded.

1 Samuel 15: 22 "But Samuel replied, 'What is more pleasing to the LORD; your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams."

Was Samuel saying that sacrifice is unimportant? No, not at all, he was urging Saul to look at his reasons for making the sacrifice rather than at the sacrifice itself.

A sacrifice was a ritual transaction between a person and God that physically demonstrated a relationship between them. BUT, if the person's heart was not truly repentant or if he did not truly love God, the sacrifice was a hollow ritual.

Religious ceremonies or rituals are empty unless they are performed with an attitude of love and obedience. Being religious, i.e. going to church, serving on a committee, giving to charity, etc., is not emough if we do not act out of devotion and obedience to God.

Why do you go to church? To do your "duty" each week, or to go and really praise God? Do you listen to the preacher, watching the time and hoping it will be over soon? OR, do you listen and hear the word of God from a man of God? When do you do your Bible study? Are you a legend in your mind or a person of reality who truly LOVES GOD?!?! Are you Obedient or ritual?!?! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny