Don't work be joyful, prayful & thankful 1 Thess 5:16-18

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    I woke early, went to the gym, worked out, and was thinking and praying about what message God had for me today.  I thought God wants me to talk about do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult.  Yeah, that's it.  Well, I got home and guess what.  HE was waiting for me and shared something else.
    God does have a sense of humor, just look at all the people. lol  Anyway, God led me to Paul's advice to the Thessalonian Christians.  Here goes:  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
   WOW!!!!  Can you say WOW!  Be joyful...........pray continually...............give thanks!!!!!!!!
These things should not change with our situation or feelings. "Well, I just can't help it!"  No, you don't want to help it.  You forget GOD IS IN CONTROL!  Doing these three things may go against our nature many times.  We need to stop and make a conscious decision to do what God says.  Then, only then, will we begin to see people and circumstances in a new perspective.
   When we do God's will we will find it easier to be joyful, thankful, and prayful.  Comments please. Love you all.
    In Christ's Love and Grace
       Johnny

Born again? Why? John 3:3

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
  Question for you today.  This is personal, and as many may say in East Texas, "you be meddlin'".  First, do you read your Bible?  Second, do you really read your Bible (as in absorb what it says)?  Third, do you study your Bible? (Or just read the footnotes and comments from someone else?)
     How can you understand salvation if you don't read and study your Bible?  How do you know what is God's word or what some man paraphrased, twisted, and used his way?
    I ask you these questions, not to aggravate or irrate you, but to stimulate you.  We all know John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that.........."  Yes, you do know this.  What about John 3:3 when Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God."
   What does this mean to you?  Jesus was talking with Nicodemus, who knew the Bible, but did he understand what Jesus was saying?  Do you understand what I am saying and where I am headed?
    Nicodemus' question was how can one be born again, to go back into his mother's womb.  Before we travel on to verse 5,  I would like to have feedback of what verse 3 means to you.  Are you born again?  How do you know?  Where is the kingdom of God?  Glance back at John 1:10-14.  Thank you for reading.  I do look forward to your reply. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Who do you say Jesus is? Luke 9:18-20

Good morning all!   God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Prayer......do you take the time?  This is your communication with God, your Father in Heaven, why not communicate with Him daily, hourly?  In Luke 9:18 Jesus left the crowds to pray alone.  Notice - "pray alone" - which is important.  Why?  Hiding something?  Not at all, but this is a time to be alone with the only being that gives you life on earth and promises eternal life  with Him.  It is a time of quiet, private and intimate conversation with your maker.
   In Luke 9:18-20 Jesus was with His disciples and prayed alone, then asked them who people say he is.  Then He asked who do you say I am, Peter responded that he was the Messiah, the one sent from God.  So, who do YOU SAY JESUS IS?
   As Christians, our faith goes beyond knowing what others believe.  We have to have our own beliefs.  Who do you say Jesus is?  Have you had a personal experience with Jesus?  Are you ready for the end, for death without fear because you know definitely your final destination?
   I questioned my salvation many times over many years.  One night I woke in the middle of the night, around 1 or 2 a.m. with a jolt, and then felt this warmness that if I died then, or when I do die I will see Jesus!  Satan will come in and cast doubt, don't be taken in by his trickery, stand strong for God.  Who do you say JESUS is?  What is your relationship with JESUS?  Take time now to visit with your saviour.  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

Total Forgiveness Colossians 2:13-15

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

    Do you think about where you are?  What you are doing?  Where you are going?  How you got here?  What about your sins?  Do you think about old sins?  Do you continually pick up the "sin cross" and bear the burden day after day?  First of all, as a Christian, a believer in Jesus Christ, you are totally forgiven and you know your final destination.  You must remember that we were dead in our sins, but Christ paid the penalty for those sins, thus, you are totally forgiven.
    The hardest thing for us, humans, to do, is to accept TOTAL FORGIVENESS!  All our lives we have had to work for what we wanted or needed.  Because of Jesus Christ, all sins are forgiven.  Many sins are painful and we tend to reach back and grasp them again.  LET GO!  LET GOD!  Regret, sorrow, sadness over forgiven sin is wasted energy and unnecessary pain.  Accept God's forgiveness and live in Christ.  Live free from the burden of guilt!  Jesus died for ALL YOUR SINS!  Accept it, let it go, and work for the kingdom of God, not only in word, but in thought and deed.
   Click on this verse, Colossians 2:13-15 to read today's scripture.  Let your prayer today praise God first, then ask forgiveness, then accept full forgiveness. 
           SIR, BUT WE SEE JESUS!  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Your strength or God's? Be a David! 1 Samuel 17:32-37

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   How many times do you try to do things "YOURSELF", asking for help from no one, thinking you can do it?  Probably many times.  I have never been a fighter by fists, but I have encountered many other fights.  Fights in my LIFE!  Work, marriage, children, neighbors, co-workers, and on and on.  Each fight I faced seemed to be a giant, specially the IRS!  How easy and human it is to pick up the tools you need for the fight and go forth, thinking you are ready for battle.
    When things tend to come on us, we also tend to forget God, and go forth in our own strength.  In my opinion, the man who beats his chest and spouts he is a self made man and doesn't need help from anyone is a fool!  GOD IS IN CONTROL!
    David, as a young lad, killed a lion, a bear, and then a giant Philistine.  How did he do this?  He did it in God's strength.  Was David stronger than any of these?  NO!  But, GOD IS!
    In 1 Samuel 17:32-37  (click to read scripture) you will find David talking to Saul.  David trusts in God, and David does not understand why the men in God's army were afraid to fight this Philistine; they had God on their side.  God knows our needs, God knows our weaknesses, God is the strength that will take us through.  Are you letting God be your strength?  OR, are you taking matters into your own hands?
    When facing challenges; go to where your strength lies------GOD!  Take time now to share with God and let HIM lift you up and through the rough times. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

3 Jews promoted, God in Babylon Daniel 3:30

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    To recap, Nebuchadnezzar had proclaimed to all that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were saved the their God, and no one would speak bad about God.
    To end the chapter - verse 30 "Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego in the province of Babylon."
    Ole king Neb saw what God can do, was amazed, and reacted with emotion for the 3 Jews and God.  Was he sincere!  Well, he meant what he said and the decree he set forth; however, he was not necessarily a believer.  He just marveled at what God could do.
     In the long term, the men who wanted the 3 Jews gone and plotted against them, now, had to be distressed because the king promoted them to an even higher position.  Wow!  God took these 4 men; the 3 Jews and Daniel (who the king called Bel-te-shazzar) and placed them in positions of status.
    Was this their plan?  No, but after being taken from their homeland, God made provisions and did much to bring glory to Himself, God.  These people could see the works of God, marvel, then forget and turn away.  Much as America is doing now.  Please pray for America. Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

A day of THANKSGIVING

Good morning to you!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    Today is a great day of thanksgiving in America.....or is it?  Are we forgetting God in what we do, in all our activities, in our daily walk.
    Here are some verses, Thanksgiving that help to remind us not to forget God in all we do.  Take time today to thank God you live in America, a country of freedom.

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

Ole Neb saw- would that change you? Daniel 3:28,29

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Remember, Daniel 3: 27 the 3 Jews came out of the fire and had no smell of fire, no singed hair, only the ropes burned.
    Daniel 3:28  "Then Nebuchadnezzar said, Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego!  He sent his angel to rescue this servants who trusted in him.  They defied the king's command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God."
    Daniel 3:29 "Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble.  There is no other god who can rescue like this."
   Neb was not making a commitment to serve the Hebrews' God alone.  Instead, he was acknowledging that God is powerful, and he commanded his people not to speak against God.  Nebuchadnezzar didn't tell the people to throw away all the other gods, but to add this one to the list.
   To see what God did for these three would be amazing.  But,  things just like this happen today, in today's world to 21st century people.  Look around, observe, BELIEVE!
    Be as the 3 Jews - FAITH!!!!!  HAVE FAITH!!!  God is in control!  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Smoke, fire, no harm - really? Daniel 3:25-27

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Okay, remember, the king, Ole Neb, gave a command for all to stop and worship his golden images when they heard the musical instruments.  The 3 Jews, Meshach, Shadrach, and Abed-nego did not do so.  The other men of authority observed, told their king and then they were commanded to be thrown in the fiery furnace.  The fire was hotter than normal because of Ole Neb's rage.  So, some mighty men of the kings (who lost their lives) threw the 3 into the fire.
    Ole Neb saw not 3, but 4 walking around in the furnace. What? Click on Daniel 3:25-27 to read the scriptures.  Nebuchadnezzar saw 4 walking around, he went as close to the fire as he darn and called for the 3 Jews to come forth.  But when he called them, he also said, "servants of the most high God." God's preserving these men was a victory for God and the Jews.  When they came forth the king and all his people came to check them out.
    Now, this next is amazing.  If you have ever been around a fire, just a short time, or lit a fire that flashed back and burned some hair on arms, face or head, you will know God was with them.  When they, Neb's people, checked them out the fire had not touched their clothing, their hair, heads, and they did not smell of smoke. The rope that bound them was burned and gone, but they remained unharmed in any way.  Wow!  Wow to the umphed power. AMAZING!!  Is God alive and active!
   Take a moment to think about this, what God had done, and next we will see what it did to Nebuchadnezzar.  Where are you in your life?  Are you feeling as if you will be the one in the fiery furnace but will not escape?  Then, please take time to visit with God!  There is no problem greater than God;  Jesus is the way, the truth, the life.  Give it all to Jesus!   A note from John 6:29 "Jesus told them, "This is the only work God want from you; Believe in the one he has sent."
    Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

4 Men in the fire? Walking around? Daniel 3:25

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
     Well, the 3 Jews who were faithful to God and did not stop at the sound of musical instruments and worship the golden images of ole Neb had really built a fire in Neb.  Actually, they caused Neb to build a fire just for them.  Remember when we finished yesterday, Nebuchadnezzar was astonished, looked into the fire, and asked his counselors if they cast 3 into the fire.  They asked him with true, o king.
    Why was ole Neb astonished?  Look at Daniel 3:25 KJV "He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God."
   The Life Application Bible also says, "And the fourth looks like a god!"  It was obvious to everyone watching there was something different about this fourth person, supernatural.  We cannot be certain of who the fourth person was, an angel, Christ, a reincarnate of God, we just don't know.  But what we do know is that God sent a heavenly visitor to accompnay these faithful men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, during this time of trial.  What happens next?
   Well, think about you and what would happen if you RAN through just 30 feet of fire.  What would happen to you, your skin, your hair, your clothes, shoes, and anything else?  Oh, yeah, and what would you smell like? Whew!  Think about this and talk to you on Monday. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Come on and light my fire! Daniel 3:22-24

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Remember where we left off?  Nebuchadnezzar's favortie tune was "come on & light my fire" since he was enraged with anger toward the 3 Jews, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego.  How mad was he?
   He was so mad, so angry, in a fit of rage he demanded the furnace being exceeding hot NOW!  So, let us venture on.
  In Daniel 3:22-24 (click on link) the furnace was sooo hot that when the kings mighty men took the 3 Jews up to cast them in, they were killed by the extreme heat. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego fell into the midst of the fire.  Remember, they were bound and cast in.  How hot was the furnace.  It was so hot the men who came close enough to cast the 3 in burned, death almost instantly.  But what about the 3? Huh?
    What about the 3!  In verse 24 Nebuchadnezzar, pleased with himself for punishing these disobedient Jews, looked into the furnace.  Then suddenly he rose, amazed, and spoke.  He asked his counselors if he was correct in the fact they bound three men and cast them into the midst of the fire.  They answered him with "True, O king."
    At this point ole Neb cannot believe his eyes.  Do you know what he saw?  Love you all. See you on Monday.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

3 Jews, angry king, and a hot time Daniel 3:19-21

Good morning my friend! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.   TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
     Okay, remember Shadrach, Mechach, and Abed-nego, in verse 18, had just told ole Neb that they would not worship his golden image.
    Whoa! Nebuchadnezzar was beside himself with rage. How mad was he?  The Bible says "his viage was changed" which means his face was changed, distorted, filled with anger.   Now, that is mad!! So what is he to do?  Punish them by golly, punish them.
   So how is he to do this?  BBQ, yep, start the fiery furnace and we will watch 'em burn.  The song "Burn baby burn" comes to mind.  Plus, he ordered the furnace to be seven times, yes, 7 times hotter than it normally is.  Could you say Ole Neb was hot with rage?
   Here are the verses: Daniel 3:19-21 (click to read) KJV "Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his viage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.  And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.  Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace."
     So now, Neb has his strongest and mighty men tie up these 3 Jews.  All they wore, turbins, robes, coats, sandals, everything was all tied up with them.  They were "bound for the fiery furnace."
     Now these three were taken and cast into the fiery furnace.  Wow!  They could have "justified" following the kings order in many ways, much as we do today.   a) well it really does not matter, God will understand, or b) we are in a foreign land and God will excuse us for following their customs, or c) we are not hurting anyone, and on and on.  BUT NO!!!!  These 3 stood strong, stood up for, and were faith to God!!  That is my calling my friend, that is yours as well -- be faithful to God.
   Okay, so they were bound, taken up, and cast into the fiery furnace.  Then what?  Well......later my friend.  See you tomorrow.  Love you all.
    In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

Talking back to the king - hmm Daniel 3:16-18

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    Well??  Did you share Jesus yesterday with anyone?  Were you so caught up in the things of the world you "forgot"?  God should be, and is the most important factor in our lives.  God #1, spouse #2, family #3 and then career.  How often is this reversed?
    Please look at Daniel 3:16-18 (click on to read) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king."  "But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which your have set up."
     Wow!  What devotion these friends had.  Can you image going before a man, a king, who can have you killed in an instant and telling him - Oh, we don't answer to you. We answer to God.  Yep, that would do it.  Image going in to your boss and saying I don't answer to you.
     Well, these 3 friends in Babylon were loyal to GOD!  Can you say that in your life?  LOYAL TO GOD!!  Say it again - LOYAL TO GOD!  Now, Nebuchadnezzar was not just angry, he was PO-ed.  He probably slobbered and slung snot he was so mad.  Sooo, let us add to the fire (pun intended) the 3 friends in Babylon said,  "God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace."
    Can't you just see ole Neb's face.  Wow!!  They went on to say, they would be delivered from the kings hand.  Then, Neb was told they did not serve the gold images he had set up.  Wow!  I bet the king was huffin, puffin, slingin snot, stutterin, and anymore -in's you can think of.
   These 3 had a close friendship, but their faith was in God.  Whether they walked in and out of the fire or were consumed by the fire, their faith was and is in God.  This is where we need to be--faithful to God.   The key word here is FAITHFUL!  We can be true to the word, meaning following what it says as in ritualistic.  Or, maybe this is better, we go through the motions.  Going through the motions of being a Christian will not get you there, being faithful and following the footsteps of Jesus is where we need to tread.  Being faithful to God is where our eternal reward lies, and is worth any suffering we may encounter.  Thank you for reading today. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

3 Jews & an angry King - Daniel 3:13-15

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    How wonderful it is to be obedient to God.  And if we are not, He will help us get back on track.  In the course of getting back on track we may have to eat a few pieces of humble pie.  Well, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did not have to have humble pie, but what about Nebuchadnezzar?
     Here is Daniel 3:13-15 (click on) 13 - Then Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage and ordered that Shadrach, Meshac, and Abednego be brought before him. (14) Nebuchadnezzar said to them, "Is it true, Shardrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up?  (15) I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace.  And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?"
    Nebuchadnezzar was mad, angry, red face raged to think these three would dare disobey him, the supreme ruler of Babylon.  He demanded and expected complete obedience to him and his authority.  His (Nebuchadnezzar) pride had moved him to this point.  He over reacted, therefore the rage.  However, if you will click on the link above and then the sound, you will find some came to him to tell him the three did not follow his command.  They resented the three and their positions, thereby "ratting" them out would offer them the opportunity to take their positions. Does this happen today?
       If you, in your walk, find yourself frustrated or angry when people don't follow your directions; ask yourself why you are reacting this way.  Is your ego overly involved with your position of authority?  Who are your advisers?  What is their motive?  Who is your God?  What is your motive?
    The 3 Jews chose to "serve only God" in their stand!  Would you do the same?  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

3 Jews - Daniel 3:8-12

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

  How strong is your faith?  Are you ready, right now, today, to die for Jesus the Christ?  What would you sacrifice for God?  For eternal life?

   Daniel 3:8-12 (click on link for scripture) the Chaldeans accussed the 3 Jews, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego of not following the kings orders and they should be thrown in the fiery furnace.  The golden images, idols, gods, were throught to be the reason for the success of  Nebuchadnezzar in this day and time.
   The king gave the order (prompted by the Chaldeans) that whenever they heard the sounds of the musical instruments, all were to bow down and worship the golden image.
   Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would rather be disobedient to King Nebuchadnezzar than be disobedient to God.  These men were committed to the Mosaic Law and death would  release them from bondage; it would be freedom to worship and praise God.
    The Chaldeans reported the 3 Jews did not conform. So, then, what did Nebuchadnezzar do?  We will visit more on that later.  My question to you at this time is: If you were faced with certain death by not obeying the rulers command, which goes against God, would you choose death over conformity?
   How strong do you stand in the faith?  Or do you just stand, and bow to pressures? These 3 did not bow, they stood humbly bold and maintained their integrity.  There character did shine through.  What is your character?  Is your character pure or tainted?
   May we all take time to be in reference and obedience to God. LORD, I just pray you give me, daily, the strength, commitment, courage, and obedience as did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego show. Thank you for saving me, a lowly sinner treking through the perils of life.  May my every step, breath, and word be for your glory. Amen. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

What type of questions? II Timothy 2:23

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

   II Timothy 2:23 "But foolish and unleanred questions avoid, knowthat they do gender strifes."

Paul, here, is warning Timothy about foolish questions.  Why?  Because they lead to strife."
 
foolish - Hebrew "yashar (yaw-shar') a prim root, to be straight or even; to be right, pleasant, properous
unlearned--Greek, "undisciplined"; not tending to promote the discipline of faith and morals
strifes - Hebrew/Aramaic  -  b la    or belah  (bel-aw')  to wear out, decay, wax old, become old, consume, waste.

So, foolish, or deceptive and undisciplined questions we should avoid, stay away from.  They become old, wearing on us, they consume us and for what.  These are definitely tools of satan.  Have you ever been in a meeting where someone or a few always ask "off the wall" questions.  You think, where have they been, why are they asking these silly or stupid questions?  This is what Paul is talking about.  Remember, some of these people tried to weave into Christianity some of the old testament rules.  The pharisee and saducees tried to trip up Jesus.  These are the type of things we need to be aware of.
  Beware of questions that are not straight or pleasant and disrupts the discipline of faith and morals.  What do we do?  Pray, time alone with God, be still and listen.
   May this touch someone who needs this.  I know I do.  Love you all.
 In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Amazing Grace - Saved

Good morning everyone!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    As I slumbered and began to wake, I felt a song coming over me and as I woke these words came to me.  You will recognize them as they were written by John Newton who went to be with Jesus in 1807.  As I looked at these words, the words of yesterday, 2 Timothy 2:22 came to mind.

The 6th stanza has an unknown author, but you will recognize it:  Amazing Grace Lyrics

John Newton (1725-1807)
Stanza 6 anon.

Take time to read and absorb each word!!!
     Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

May these words fill your heart; may your relationship with the LORD be renewed; may you realize the truth and flee from evil; may your walk with God be full of praise. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

Flee - be of pure heart 2 Timothy 2:22

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

     2 Timothy 2:22  (click to see 22-26) will be our focus scripture today.  However, we are going to begin with v. 22 only.  2 Timothy 2:22 "Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the LORD out of a pure heart."

    What is Paul telling Timothy?  He is telling him to run, scamper, flee, get away.  But why would you run from something as does a coward?  Paul is not telling Timothy to be afraid, to be cowardly, he is saying wise people realize that removing themselves physically from temptation often can be the most courageous action to take.

     Timothy was a young man and Paul warned him to run from anything that brought about evil thoughts.  Do you have something in your life that continually tempts you?  It is difficult to resist! Remove your self from that situation physically and avoid falling into that trap of sin.  We must know when to run in our spiritual battles as well as when to stand and fight. 

     We need to stand strong for GOD!  Many people stood strong in the current election, friendships were lost due to elections, and for what?  Yet will we stand strong for JESUS?  Will you stand up in a group and declare Jesus as your LORD and Saviour?  You may lose friends in standing for Jesus, but you have planted the seed.  God will nurture, water, and harvest.  Stand strong my friend - flee when necessary, and remember Jesus is calling!  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Imitators of Christ - Ephesians 5:1,2

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    Ephesians 5:1,2  "IMITATE GOD, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.  Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.  He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God."
     (to listen to Ephesians 5 click on listen)
      Just as children imitate their parents, we should follow God's example. His great love for us led him to sacrifice himself so that we might live.  Our love for others should be of the same kind--- a love that goes beyond affection to self-sacrificing service.
     Stop!  STOP!! Think about this:  YOU are HIS dear CHILDREN!     A live FILLED with LOVE!  following the EXAMPLE of CHRIST!!   What did he do for you?  HE OFFERED HIMSELF as a SACRIFICE!!   Would you do likewise??
     Are you going through the motions???   Are you walking the walk, so you may talk the talk??  
Today is election day, go to the polls letting God leave you, not your own WANTS - your DESIRES - but the direction God leads you.  Is God number 1 in all you do?
    SHOE BOX CHRISTIMAS?!? (tomorrow)
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny
      Answers to yesterdays prophets quiz:


1. jeremiah (Jer. 9:1)         f. Weeping prophet                                 
2. Hosea (Hos. 3:1)             j. Prophet of love                              
3. Elijah (2 Kings 1:8)       h. Hairy prophet                            
4. John the Baptist (Matt. 3:3-4)     a. Cride in the wilderness                  
5. Jesus (Luke 24:6-9)       g. Mighty prophet                        
6. Jonah (Jonah 1:3)          c. Rebellious prophet                              
7. Daniel (Dan. 1:1, 3-6)    k. Prophet in captivity                       
8. Isaiah (Isa. 9:6-7)           i. Messianic prophet                              
9. bar-jesus (acts 13:6)      d. False prophet                              
10. Amos (Amos 7:14)        b. dresser of sycamores                           
11. Haggai (Hag. 1:13)        e. The LORD's messenger                            

Can God hide? Jeremiah 23:24

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

   Election is tomorrow and for you ones who are strong supporters on either side, just remember this one thing.....GOD IS IN CONTROL!  No matter the outcome, do not despair because GOD IS IN CONTROL!! ( I have to keep reminding myself of this)

 Jeremiah 23:24 "Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD.  Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD."

   Do not I fill heaven and earth? - in the Hebrew and Aramaic Dictionary fill is mala (with schwas over the a's) pronounced maw-lay and means to fill, fulfill, overflow, ordain, endow.  It can also mean "to fill up" in an exhaustive sense.  Meaning God is everywhere, heaven and earth.

  Man hides behind excuses and uses alternative substances (drugs, alcohol, etc) to avoid a confrontation with God.  Why?  When we are filled with God's love and the presence of the Holy Spirit - therein lies a feeling that is indescribable.  Here is the audio of Jeremiah 23 . (this is all of the chapter) {7 minutes}

Match each prophet with the title which more nearly describes him.

1. jeremiah (Jer. 9:1)                                          a. Cride in the wilderness
2. Hosea (Hos. 3:1)                                           b. dresser of sycamores
3. Elijah (2 Kings 1:8)                                        c. Rebellious prophet
4. John the Baptist (Matt. 3:3-4)                        d. False prophet
5. Jesus (Luke 24:6-9)                                      e. The LORD's messenger
6. Jonah (Jonah 1:3)                                          f. Weeping prophet
7. Daniel (Dan. 1:1, 3-6)                                   g. Mighty prophet
8. Isaiah (Isa. 9:6-7)                                          h. Hairy prophet
9. bar-jesus (acts 13:6)                                      i. Messianic prophet
10. Amos (Amos 7:14)                                     j. Prophet of love
11. Haggai (Hag. 1:13)                                     k. Prophet in captivity

If you do this, send me your results. Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Whom do you take counsel from? Jeremiah 23:22

Good morning my dear friends. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Just a quick political ad for all who have not voted.  Today, this weekend, Monday and then Tuesday, be in prayer that you vote and you feel God leads you.  This is your right and voice in this nation.  If you vote for who I am for or against who I am for it does not matter, but take that step.  Remember this one thing, whether Obama is re-elected or Romney is elected --- GOD IS IN CONTROL! 
   Jeremiah 23:22 "But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings."
   Let's break it down.
     "if they had stood in my counsel"  amad (aw-mad) is a prim. root meaning to stand.  This refers to ordained, being sent from, stand up or rise in front of---meaning God.
    "hear my words"  shama, (shaw-mah) to hear intelligently, hearken, obey, understand.
   "then they should have turned them from their evil way", shuwb (shoob) a prim. root meaning to turn back, to retreat, to return to where they left God and began the evil way.
    Okay, God said if He had sent these "prophets" they would have been ordained by Him, they would have heard and obeyed God's word, and then the people would have turned back to God and abandoned their evil ways.  Judge them by their fruits. The people did not hear the words of God, did not turn away from evil, therefore, these men were not prophets from God.
   Look around at America, the world.  Do you see evil lurks at every corner, or have your senses been dulled as the people Jeremiah had to deal with?  Take time today to follow God; share the gospel by your actions and deeds.  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Forked tongue or Godly tongue? Jeremiah 23:21

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Let us jump back to some verses prior to Jeremiah 23:28. Let us view them, think about them, and visit about them.  Take Jeremiah 23:21 KJV "I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied."  
     Life App Bible "I have not sent these prophets, yet they run around claiming to speak for me. I have given them no message, yet they go on prophesying."
   In Jeremiah's time those who claimed to speak for God often represented the local god, or Baal. The neighborhood god.  False prophets dreams are not from God, but from their own thinking.  They showed great diligence and zeal, and made haste to tell the people what the Lord had never said to them, but what were the warm imaginations of their own heads and hearts.
   How many times do we follow false gods or do things against God, yet try to give God the credit?  Beware false prophets as you venture out and open yourselves to the world today.  Constantly, throughout the day, be in tune to God and what He wants you to do.  Be not a false prophet, but a man (woman) who follows God and displays Jesus in his (her) daily walk and actions. 
   BE WARE!    GOT GOD?!?  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny