How trustworthy are you? Luke 16:10-12

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

     "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own" (Luke 16:10-12)?

    Stop and think about this for a moment. YOU are GIVEN LIFE!  By whom?  GOD!  And what has God entrusted you with?  You have 86,400 precious seconds or 1440 precious minutes in each day. You cannot save this time, you can't hoard, so did you spend the time wisely?

   God gives you a little knowledge to take and share; once you prove reliable in this little bit of knowledge HE gives you more.  Are you trustworthy with God's knowledge?  If each minute was a dollar - how would you spend it daily?  Wisely or foolishly?

    Are spending the time (money) for your own comfort, your own pleasures, selfishly?  If you have knowledge of God; if you have experienced salvation through Jesus Christ, you are not to "hoard" this information.  You are to share the word with the world.   Look at some of the words we have.  If you get the "L" out of world - you have WORD!  If you take the "O" out of good you have - O God!

    Quite hoarding!  If you don't take the 'word' unto the 'world' you will be saying "oh me" instead of "Amen".  You have 1440 precious minutes a day - use them wisely my friend.  God has entrusted you with the WORD, good news of JESUS CHRIST, sooooo----what are you going to do?

    Study your Bible, look at the upcoming elections - presidential to local - do they support the principles and word of God!  There should be no such thing as party lines - there should only be Christian values - which develop character, integrity, eternal life. Go my friend - be a lover of God and spread the good news in the next 86,400 seconds, 1440 minutes, 24 hours!

   Final thought. Every successful business depends on leadership development. Isn't it interesting that God is also so intensely interested in leadership development? How are you coming along?  Love you all.

   In Christ's Love and Grace

     Johnny

Be wise, be courteous, spend the time. Colossians 4:5,6

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Colossians 4:5,6 KJV "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.  Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."
    Wow!  Double WOW!  We should be wise when we are in contact with non-believers, AND, we should make the most of the opportunity to tell them the Good News of salvation, Jesus!
   When we talk to them and tell them about Christ, it is important to always be gracious in what we say.  Be courteous, strong in the LORD, but courteous.  If we are respectful to others, then they, in turn, will be respectful to us, and they will listen.
   Have you mentioned Jesus to anyone this week?  Take time out to offer salvation to someone, anyone and share the good news of Jesus Christ.  When you talk to someone, know their name, and if you don't know how to start, how about asking them if they believe in Easter?
    Share stories, share interesting information that comes from the Bible.  Don't water down the word of salvation, be truthful, but be respectful. I want to know you are interested in and concerned about
"ME!"  Make it personal, don't let the person you are visiting with be "You, in the back!" Let them be you, Johnny or Bob or Sally or whomever. Be personal, be courteous, share the good news.  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

Pray that God will open a door for you today. Colossians 4:3,4

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Yesterday I shared with the about praying, being alert, devoting yourself, and to do so with a thankful heart.  Today, let us go one step futher.
   Colossians 4:3,4 KJV "Meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains. (4) That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak."
   The "mystery" is Christ's Good News of salvation.  The whole focus of Paul's life was to tell others about Christ, explaining and preaching this wonderful mystery.  Are you sharing this Good News to others daily?  Why not?  Are you scared to speak up?  Afraid you may offend someone? God willing, and with opportunities set before me, my goal is to tell at least one, yes 1 person about God, about Jesus, about salvation.  Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit with a Muslim about Jesus, and, he also believes in the return of Jesus.  I shared information and invited a man to our church.  I say this, my friend, to encourage you to visit with someone, anyone about Jesus.
   Paul asked for prayer that he could proclaim the  Good news about Christ clearly, and we can request prayer to do the same.  No matter what approach to evangelism we use, whether emphasizing life-style and example or whether building relationships, we should never hide or not tell the message of salvation - the GOOD NEWS - Jesus Christ.
    Above I mention my goal, to tell at least one person about Jesus Christ.  This is MY GOAL, however, I would challenge you to set a goal to share, to reach out, to teach people about Jesus Christ on a daily basis.  It does a heart good. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Prayer - devotion and be alert! colossians 4:2

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Colossians 4:2 KJV "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;"  Life App "Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart."

    Do you struggle with your prayer life?  Have trouble praying for someone or something?  We are to continue or devote ourselves to prayer.  Remember, God invented the prayer long before cell phones and texting - why?  Because he wishes to communicate with us.
   Paul tells us to devote ourselves to prayer and also to "be alert".  Our persistence in prayer is not a redundant, boring thing, - it shows an expression of our faith.  Some will say if you pray over and over then you don't have faith.  To this I respond - BUNK!  Growing up did you tell your father of a problem only once, then you  forgot it, ignored it, and it would be solved?  No!  If you had a big problem you talked about it over and over and why go to your father (or mother) ? Because you believed they could give you insight and help with the situation.
    This is God. God is always present.  God is always listening. God is always answering.  He may not answer in the way you desire, but he will answer as he knows best. But why am I allowed to wander out here in the wilderness, the briars, the elements, the rough untreaded path?  Experience, which was your decision and it will make you stronger.  But remember, HE is leading you back.  Devote yourself, be alert, go forth with your prayer.  Get a prayer accountability partner. Love you all.
    In Christ's Love and Grace
        Johnny

An audit today - how would you fair? Luke 16:1,2

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

     Well!? What is happening in your world today?  Are you a good Christian? A good steward of what God has provided for you?  How would you stand up under an audit?  A job performance evaluation of what you have done for God?  Are you faithful, dedicated, and 100% christian on Sunday morning?  Does this carry over in the afternoon? On Monday? Tuesday? Wednesday? Daily?

   Luke 16:1,2 "Jesus told this story to his disciples: "There was a certain rich man who had a manager handling his affairs.  One day a report came that the manager was wasting his employer's money.  So the employer called him in and said, 'What's this I hear about you?  Get your report in order, because you are going to be fired.""

   So often we read this and relate it to money only.  I borrowed this excerpt from Pastor Mark Jeske, as I believe he says it quite well.  --Jesus is telling you this story to encourage you to see yourself as a manager, not an owner. All your stuff is really God's, and he seems to think that you are accountable to him for the way in which you accumulate it and spend it. Is he Lord of your checkbook? Your portfolio? Your real estate? If he audited you today to analyze how you are managing his property, would you be proud or terrified?
         Are you truly a good manager of all that God has given you?  Take time today to sit, even if just for 120 seconds, listen and tune in to God.  Take time to reflect on all God has given you.  How fortunate you are!  One thing God has given you that you can share is His grace, His salvation, His love.  Be a mouthpiece, speak to at least one person for the sole purpose of sharing God's word. Do this daily. A challenge.
      I share the word and invite people to church daily!  Do they come?  Most don't, but you know what?  I have planted the seed that God wants me to plant - now God can nurture and water that seed until it sprouts and blossums into a beautiful flower.  Go forth!  Take time!  Jesus did!
     Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

When the LORD speaks - do you listen or are you angered? 2 Chronicles 18

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

     Well, what is happening in your world?  Did you stand up for Jesus at least once yesterday?  Did you share the good news with anyone. As the expression goes - Rome wasn't built in a day - well the world will not be saved in a day.  But one person, one voice at a time builds a pyramid.  If I share with a 100 people and 10 accept; they share with 100 people and 10 accept, and on and on - can you image the impact this would have on our community, our state, our nation, the world?  Only six levels deep and over a million people have been touched.
    How often do we not wish to hear the truth spoken from God.  If you will read 2 Chronicles 18 you will find Jehoshaphat became very powerful.  He went to visit Ahab, King of Israel.  As they were feasting Ahab asked Jehoshaphat to join him in battle against Ramoth-gilead.  Jehoshaphat said he would join with him but wanted to hear what the prophets said first. Ahab's prophet said yes, go to war and defeat Ramoth-gilead for the LORD would be with them.
   However, Jehoshaphat wanted to hear from a prophet of the LORD; he as Ahab if there was one.  Ahab responded that there was one, Micaiah, but he hated him because he never prophesied anything but trouble for him.  Micaiah came and proclaimed the truth, that Ahab's phophets, 400 of them, would fortell lies about going to war and that Micaiah would be killed.
    This angered Ahab and he had Micaiah cast into prison, given only bread and water until he returned safely.  How often do we want to have answers that only satisfy us.  We become frustrated or angry when we don't "get things our way".  How often is the truth spoken to us; yet we fail to heed and carry on "in God's name" when in fact, it was in our own name.  We are doing what we had planned to do in the beginning.
    To finish the story, Ahab and Jehoshaphat went into battle; Ahab disguised himself and jehoshaphat wore the royal colors.  Then when the battle raged, well, oh you can read it - go to 2 Chronicles 18 .
   Listen to God, do God's will; follow the word of God.  Love you all.
    In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

2 Chronicles 17:12 Turning back to God - the benefits

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

We have been visiting about Jehoshaphat, who destroyed the false gods, the idols, and sent people forth to share the good news of God.  The people of Judah were biblically illerate, he realized this, and wanted the people to take time to listen and discuss God's law and understand how it could change them.  Are we different today?
      Jehoshaphat realized that knowing God's commands was the first step to getting people to live as they should.  That is why he sent the teachers out nationwide to provide a religious education for the people. His father, Asa, did not put God first and he saw the decline of the people.
    What Jehoshaphat did was put God first in the minds of the people and instilling a sense of commitment and mission.  Because of this action, the nation began to follow God.  Churches and Christians schools today need solid Christian education programs. Exposure to good Bible teaching through Sunday school, church, Bible study, and personal and family devotions is essential for living as God intended.
    Look at America today, where are we?  We are in a moral decline, God is taken out of anything the liberals and ACLU can fight.  We must not vote party lines, we must not vote for popular, we, as Christians, must vote for those who we believe will be our modern day Jehoshaphat, and lead the nation back to God.  Look where we are today in America!  Stand up for your Christian beliefs!  Be strong!
    What would make your God proud?  Think before you act or speak - is this from heaven or is this from hell. 2 Chronicles 17:12 "So Jehoshaphat became more and more powerful and built fortresses and storage cities throughout Judah."  This was because he had turned back to God.  Where are you going?
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Take the word - go forth! 2 Chronicles 17:9.10

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

   We teach Jesus is love and kind and we need to be kind to others and act in love.  While this is true, many times we tend to act like Melba Milktoast and not stand up for Jesus, God, and take ridicule in the name of  "love and kindness."  Bunk!  Did Jesus ever become angry?  You bet he did!  Did he go into the temple and quietly whisper to the sellers, asking them to leave?  No, he was angry!  Why?  Because they did to the temple what we have done to Christmas - making it a capital venture.  Is this right?

   2 Chronicles 17 what did Jehoshaphat do?  He eliminated the false gods and sent people out to share the word of God.  Verses 9, 10 "So they taught in Judah, and had the Book of the Law of the LORD with them; they went throughout all the cities of Judah and taught the people.  And the fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat."

   Don't you think this is what God wants us to do?  We need to take a stand.  Jesus did not eat in the houses of the rich, sleep and travel in the best of situations and conditions.  Jesus went out to the people, delivering the truth to all who would listen and follow.   Jesus became angry at sin!  So, is it okay for you to become angry?  God becomes angry!  How do you think God, Jesus feel about what you are doing for HIM in today's world.  Would your work bring an "Amen" or an "Oh me"?

    I cannot convey strong enough what I feel God has laid on my heart about going forth boldly and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.   Accepting not the things that are against Gods word or are watered down, aka 'politically correct' but stand up for Christ. JESUS DIED FOR YOU! WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

    Be not lukewarm, but be hot for the LORD.  We are in a time of crisis as I have never seen in my short little 64 years; it is time to stand for something or you will fall for anything.  So, together, let us stand up strongly and boldly for the LORD.  Love you all.

   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Teach in the cities; teach the word! 2 Chronicles 17:7

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

  Yesterday I visited with you about Jehoshaphat, and how he removed the idols and false gods from the land in 2 Chronicles 17 verse 6.  The theme here is commitment!  Are you committed?  Do you have the commitment to God?  Did you think about this?  How committed are you gauging from cold to lukewarm to hot?  Where does your meter sit?
    2 Chronicles 17 :7 "Also in the third year of his reign he sent his leaders, Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah."
  Do you go out into the city to teach?  Or, do you treat you salvation as a secret?  Something that is yours and you don't share?  That is not what God commands; that is not what Jehoshaphat did; they sent people out in the world to share the good news.
   If you,  if I, don't tell someone about Jesus Christ when the spirit moves us, then we may be  condemning them to hell.  When the spirit moves us, we should be obedient and follow.  Where is our dedication? Are we just closet Christians?  Keeping to ourselves and sharing with no one?  Commitment!!
    When people say well we all believe in a god, and that is okay as long as we believe.  Bunk! A lie out of hell.  A good strategy move from satan.  It is not okay to believe in "a god''; Jesus shed His blood for us and we need to stand up strong.  It is okay to believe in God, who sent his Son Jesus to die and shed His blood for your salvation.  Tell it people - tell it!!!
   I will no longer be a meek mouthed patsy and speak in political correct terms so I don't offend anyone.  Man hung my saviour on a cross, taunted him, tortured him, and killed him.  And then for us to apologize for speaking the truth.  I don't think so.  I AM MAD AT HELL AND I AM GOING TO SHARE SALVATION WITH AS MANY AS POSSIBLE BEFORE I DIE!   What are you going to do? Stand up and be counted.  Love you all!
   In Christ's Love and Grace
       Johnny

Committed? One God? 2 Chronicles 17:6 Be committed!

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

Commitment!  Do you have it?  Are you committed to something? Anything?  In 2 Chronicles we find Jehoshaphat, a good king, one realizing the religious decline of the people.

2 Chronicles 17:6 "He was deeply committed to the ways of the LORD. He removed the pagan shrines and Asherah poles from Judah."

Are you deeply committed to the LORD and His ways?  We tend to "water down" every thing so it "won't hurt anyones feelings" yet we don't stand up for God, for Jesus! We, as Christians, have to be careful about being politically correct and be sensitive to their feelings.  Bah, hum bug.  Why do these same people not have to be careful and sensitive to us?  To our needs?  To what we believe?

How many times do you hear someone say as long as they believe in God, or a god - we are all going to the same place and believe basically the same . What?  WHAT?  Jehoshaphat removed the 'gods' of the pagans, to worship the only one and true God.  To tell someone as long as they believe in A GOD is wrong.  There is only 1 GOD.  There is only one way - SALVATION THROUGH JESUS CHRIST!

Yesterday evening my wife and I went to see "Last Ounce of Courage".  An excellent movie, depicting freedom in the USA and religious freedom in the USA.  This man, the mayor, was challenged by his grandson and brought Christmas back to their town.  Not 'winter break', not 'holiday season',  not 'season celebration', but CHRISTMAS.  It was a fight, he was fired as mayor, but he brought Christmas back and his last act was replacing the "JESUS SAVES" cross on the homeless shelter.

I ask you today, ARE YOU COMMITTED?  Will you tell people JESUS SAVES!  Or will you water down your message with the wimpy we all must believe in a god. You are lukewarm if you do. Bah, hum bug. JESUS SAVES!  ONE GOD!  ONE SAVIOR! ONE HOLY SPIRIT! Commit, one way or the other - COMMIT!  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
       Johnny

It's all about you - Jesus! 1 Timothy 1:5,6

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

Why do we agrue about minute (my - nute) details?

1 Timothy 1:5,6  "The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that come from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.  But some people have missed this whole point. they have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions."
Arguing about details of the Bible can send us off on interesting but irrelevant tangents and cause us to miss the intent of God's message.  The false teachers at Ephesus constructed vast speculative systems and then argued about the minor details of their imaginary ideas.  Think about the different denominations about their man made beliefs.  For example: we can dance, we can't dance; Baptism - can sprinkle or only by immersion; have a glass of wine - no alcohol at all; speaking in tongues - forbidden to speak in tongues; and on and on.            We are picking apart small details, but the main idea should be 5 letters: J E S U S!!!!

We should allow nothing to distract us from the Good News of salvation in JESUS CHRIST, the main point of Scripture.  We should know what the Bible says, apply it to our lives daily, and teach it to others.  When we do this, we will be able to evaluate all teachings in light of the central truth about Jesus.
Are you stuck in the minor details or are you focused on the whole - JESUS?  Thoughts for the weekend! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Content or discontent? Why? 1 Timothy 6:6

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    Well, how is your day going thus far?  I do hope your started the day with you and God in prayer.  If not, may your prayers be strong, genuine, and may you receive an answer for what you pray.  Ever have those moments of discontent?  Don't like yourself?  Your job? Your house? Where you live?  The money you make? And on and on.  Well, we must be content in our salvation, take the camera off ourselves (the big "I") and focus where we should focus, on Jesus Christ, and go forth to further His name with honor and glory.
    1 Timothy 6:6 "Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth."  This statement is the key to spiritual growth and personal fulfillment.  We should honor God and center our desires on Him and we should be content with what God is doing  in our lives.
    Hebrews 13:5 we are told to be satisfied with what we have and not to love money. God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you."  We have to live on what we have, resist the temptation to buy more of what we want, only what we need.  We will become satisfied when we realize God's is sufficient and material things will pass away.  We have to trust God for our NEEDS not wants but NEEDS!
   Tomorrow, yes, tomorrow we will look at 1 Timothy 1:5-6.  Be content in God and all HE does for us.  We may not know the why or the how come......but HE does and HE provides. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Ask in HIS name! John 14:13

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    So, what is in your melting pot today?  We all have perils.....what is yours?  Your job? Children? Spouse?  Mom or Dad? Step-mom or dad? Co-workers?  Budget? Or ??????

   John 14:13 "Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."

  Note this verse, many times we repeat these words but the short phrase "in My name" tends to go unnoticed.  Then we quote that whatever we ask-He will do.  The "in My name" is very important here.  We are doing this according to God's character and will.  Let me tell you a short story about a little boy at Christmas.
   The little boy, call him Johnny, really wanted a stagecoach for Christmas and while out with his mother he saw a 6 inch long stagecoach, pretty wheels, cool dark brown horses pulling it, and he was smitten.  He begged his mother for this stagecoach and, of course, mom said to wait and see what Christmas brings.
    Christmas morn Johnny was up early, excited, when the whole family got up it was time to open presents.  Oh, joy, yea!!!!  Johnny was sure he had received the stagecoach for Christmas and when he opened his present - but what did he see - the exact stagecoach he had begged for.  He was excited, overjoyed, that is until his brother told him.............
    His brother told him that their mother had bought him a bigger stagecoach than this 6 inch one, but because he begged soooo much, mom took it back and exchanged it for this smaller one that HE REALLY WANTED.
   Does this sound like you when you talk to God?  You beg and pray and plead for something that may not be exactly what God had planned to give you, but we want to tell Him how He should answer OUR PRAYER!  God may give us exactly what we want, as long as it is not contrary to his nature or will, but had we waited.....He may have had something better in mind!
   I, personally, had prayed for ten years and wanted to tell God how to do it.  When I finally LET GO & LET GOD my prayer was answer.   This struggling little dandelion turned into a beautiful rose, but it was God who did it.......not me.  A hard lesson.  We have to trust in His perfect way and know that is is "YOUR WILL BE DONE, NOT MINE!"  
    We have woes, sorrows, joys and happiness.  But most of all we have GOD and we need to let go.  Don't place it on the altar Sunday morning or daily during prayer time --- then pick it up again as you leave the altar or finish the prayer time.  Ask in His name, and if it is in His nature or will - it will be done!
   Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Anger, a cancer within! Ephesians 4:26-27

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED! 
    The last time in Ephesians 4 and 25 the topic was lying to each other and how this disrupts unity by causing conflicts and destroying trust.  Today, let us visit about anger.
    Ephesians 4:26-27 "And don't sin by letting anger control you. Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger give a foothold to the devil."
     The Bible does not tell us that we should not feel angry, but it points out that it is important to handle our anger properly.  If we vent our anger thoughtlessly it can hurt others and destroy relationships.  If bottled up inside, it can cause us to become bitter and destroy us from within.
    Paul tells us to deal with our anger immediately in a way that builds relationships rather than destroys them.  If we sit and dwell on our anger, the devil uses this as a tool against us and will soon divide us.
   Are you angry at someone right now?  What can you do to resolve your differences?  Do not let the day end without trying to mend your relationship.  Nothing is avoiding, not solving.  Anger is an itty bitty virus that eats us up internally and destroys many good things.  Anger is an internal cancer that only you and God can cure.  
    Take time to think about this. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Today, 9/11, be in prayer, remember who wins! Psalm 2:2-4

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

Today is 9/11/ of 2012!  Where were you on 9/11 of 2001?  Do you remember that day as do those when president Kennedy was shot?  Or past generations when President McKinley was shot?  Or Lincoln was shot? Why such tragedies?  Why do bad things happen to good people?  What is happening?
    Psalm 2:2,3 "The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the LORD and against his anointed one. Let us break their chains, they cry, and free ourselves from slavery to God."
   Some people believe if they can get away from God they will be free.  However, we all serve someone or something.  Maybe a human king or president, an organization, or our own selfish desires, but we do serve someone.
    A fish out of water is not free, a tree out of soil is not free, in the same way, without the LORD we are not free.  We must travel the road to freedom by serving God the Creator in our entirety. God will set us free and then we can be the person HE created us to be.
    So, why do these bad and terrible things happen to good, God fearing people?  The ruler of the earth, the prince of the world has a name, Satan.  He was cast from heaven but roams the earth looking for souls to steal.  Can he?  Will he?  Yes!  And he does!
    If we allow people to ridicule God and say nothing, it will affect our thoughts and attitudes, then, we separate ourselves from our source of nourishment, God!  We must have contact with unbelievers and witness to them, but we must not join in or imitate their sinful behavior.  
    Never go unarmed, always take the word of God with you to battle. Share the Good News with the unbeliever and your belief must be stronger than their unbelief so you will not be swayed.  To be free, it must be God we see; to be bound, it is satan one has found.  God knows who rules; it is HE!
    Psalm 2:4 "But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The LORD scoffs at them.  Then in anger he rebukes them, terrifying them with his fierce fury."
    We know who wins!  Share the good news with others!  Remember our innocent lives lost on this day, the day some cowardly people sought and took the lives of innocent people.  We must take back our world with the good news of Jesus Christ. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

   

Lie to each other? No, No, No! Ephesians4:25

Good morning all! A great day to be alive in Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE SAVED!

The way the verses I am studying fell, it starts the week with a great verse and today will be short.
      Ephesians 4:25 "So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neightbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body."
     Lying to each other disrupts unity, creates conflicts, and destroys trust. Lying tears down relationships and leads to open warfare with others in our church (church=body of Christ), the Christians.
    Zechariah 8:16 " But this is what you must do: 'Tell the truth to each otther. Render verdicts in your courts that are just and that lead to peace."
    God will be faithful, but we also have responsibilities: to tell the truth, exercise justice, and live peacefully.  If we expect God to do His part, we must do ours.
    Many of our lawyers, judges, courts, and politicians need to live by these verses as well.  God promises us rich rewards, but we must do our part.  When will we get our rich rewards?  When it is time, God's time.
  Let me close with this:  Colossians 3:8-9 "But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander and dirty language.  Don't lie to each other, for you have striped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds."
    We must rid ourselves of any and all evil practices and immorality.  commit ourselves to what Christ teaches, and remain true to our confession of faith.  Think on this today. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Put on your new nature Ephesians 4:24

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

So, we have been visiting about being one body, that each one of us is important to the body, and that we are new in Christ and must cast aside the old nature.   Yes, we will still sin, but let us not forget our saving grace, which is Jesus Christ, LORD and savior.

    Ephesians 4:24 “Put on your new nature, created to be like God-truly righteous and holy.”

Our old way, before we believed in Christ is all in the past.  We should put it behind us like old clothes to be thrown away.  When we accepted Christ’s gift of salvation it was a one time decision, AND should be a daily, conscious commitment.

        We are not to be driven by desire and impulse; but put on the new nature, head in the right direction, and have the new way of thinking that the Holy Spirit gives.

     2 Corinthians 5:16-17 “So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! (17)This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone, a new life has begun!”

    Christians are brand new people on the inside. The Holy Spirit gives us new life, and we are not the same anymore.  We are not reformed, rehabilitated, or re-educated—we are re-created, new creations, living in union with Christ. (Colossians 2:6,7)

     Go forth my friend, in your new nature, share the good news of JESUS CHRIST, LORD & SAVIOR! Love you all.

In Christ’s Love and Grace

   Johnny

See a difference? Ephesians 4:18-22

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

Yesterday I talked about intellectual confusion, trying to reason and understand instead of walking in faith.  Today, let's look at verses 18-22.  This is talking about the gentiles of old, or the lost. Please keep that in mind as your eyes and mind traverse these scriptures.

Ephesians 4:18-22 "Their minds are full of darkness, they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame.  They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.  But that isn't what you learned about Christ.  Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that come from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception."

   People should be able to see a difference between Christians and non-Christians because of the way Christians live.  Ephesians 5:8 we are children of light and our light should shine.  Paul told the Ephesians, which relates to you and me as well, leave behind the old life of sin since they were followers of Christ.

   Living the Christian life is a process.  Because you accepted Jesus Christ as your LORD and savior does not mean we automatically think all good thoughts and have all the right attitudes.  So, what do we do?  We keep listening to God, we study, we pray, and we will be in a constant state of change.  As you reflect back over the last year, the year before, even back to when you first accepted Jesus, you should see a change.  It may be slow as we all mature at different levels in Christ, but you will move from milk and honey to the meat of the word.
      You can change you, but it is only temporary; God can change you permanently, letting your new nature shine forth as the child of light you should be. 
     Check out Romans 6:6 "Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with HIM, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin."  The power of sin over us died with Christ on the cross.  Through faith in Christ we stand righteous before God.  Hallelujah !!  Praise God!  Think about this today; is your life growing in Christ?  Is it different today than from years gone by?  If so....yea; if not what are you going to do about it?  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

Intellectually confused? Quite thinking-follow the Good News Ephesians 4:17

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

Ephesians 4:17 "With the LORD's authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused."

  What is this saying to us today?  We, as human beings, tend to think our way away from God.  When we do this creates confusion.  Intellectual pride comes in. ' There are no super powers, no God, we evolved through time'.  Now, does one really believe this?  To honestly believe we evolved from a single cell amoeba?  Oh, please, how can someone believe this?  People do!  Why?
    Intellectual pride and superiority trying to understand.  As humans we tend to want an explanation for what happened.  How did Moses explain the burning bush that did not burn up?  No logic there, only God.  How did the Israelites cross the Red Sea?  Some say there was a risen area the people could have walked on.  Huh?  Then how did Pharaoh's army and Pharaoh die in the sea?  Did they just ride head long into the sea?  God!
   How did Gideon and only 300 men win a battle?  Trickery, superior fighting skills? No, once again GOD!!
   God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit will always seem foolish to those who forsake faith and rely on their own understanding.  Pray for the people who try to understand and rationalize everything.  Pray that through your love, friendship, and prayer that their hearts will be open to the Good News.  What is the Good News, Jesus defeated death and we can have life everlasting!  Yea!!
   Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

As part of the body, are you doing your part? Ephesians 4:16

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

So, it is back to work on the alternative Monday after labor day called Tuesday. lol  The good news is this is only a 4 day work week for most.  We have been talking about the unity of the body of Christ. Just like my body, your body, if one member is missing we are not whole and don't work as well as if all member are there.
    Yes, we can adapt; however, God does not want us to adapt or compromise.  He wants us to be united in one body for HIS glory and kingdom.  
    Ephesians 4:16 "He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love."
   Do you ever wonder why someone who is a non-Christian seems to have stronger character than you or some of your Christian friends?  We can see our weaknesses and wonder why am I weak, yet these non-Christians profit?  They seem to do better!  I want to be strong, stronger in character like Christ! 
   What do I have to do?  We reach out, sometimes plead, help me Lord!  Well, Christ forms us into a body - one body- into a group of individuals who are united in their purpose and in their love for one another and the LORD.
     If an individual stumbles, the rest of us should be there to pick that person up and help him or her walk with God again.  If a person sins, he or she can find restoration through the church (Galatians 6:1) even as the rest of the body continues to witness to God's truth.
      As part of Christ's body, do you reflect part of Christ's character and carry out your special role in his work?  No Christian is ever totally independent and does not need help from others and no one is excused from helping others.  Do you need help?  Do you know someone who needs help?  Humbly and gently, with love, reach out either to help or be helped.  We are in this together for the kingdom of God! Let's work together as one family!  Love you all.
    In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

Speak truthfully with the love of Christ, Ephesians 4:15

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

Well, Happy Labor Day All!  May your day be happy, free of stress, free of work, and courteous to others who are around you or help you.  A great day to be alive in Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 4:15 "Instead, we speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church."

Friday I title the devotion "Oh, grow up," as Christ wishes us to grow spiritually.  I will pick up here in verse 15.  When talking about the mature Christian, Paul says that one of the marks is the ability to "speak the truth in love."  This sounds simple and we may think 'oh, I do.'  However, it is hard for us to do.  Some of us will speak the truth but forget to do so lovingly.  We take pride is saying things like I speak my mind, or I just tell it like it is.

Some of us are quite loving, but just don't have it in us to tell someone and be truthful with them. It is painful for us to do so at the time. However, I can tell you from experience, this will create problems later on.  

The instructions here is to do both; tell the truth, but tell the truth lovingly, with the love of Christ.  This would spare us of trouble later on if we followed this practice, especially when dealing the other members of the body we call the church.

When we have a problem with someone, another member of the body of Christ, we should go to them. But, I would warn you to pray about it diligently first, and then let the Spirit lead you as you go.  Have a good mature conversation with that person with love and not with rude, cutty, and sharp comments but with loving words in truth.

Because you are "tuff" and tell it like it is does not make it right.  Because you are "loving" and hold it in does not make it right.  Take EVERYTHING to GOD in PRAYER.  Love you all. Now go forth and do the right thing.

In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny