Rejoice, REJOICE I SAY Phil 4:4

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED! 
  We should be rejoicing in the Lord always!  Why?  Look at Philippians 4:4 " REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAY; AND AGAIN I SAY, REJOICE." KJV
   To view in 3 different translations click on read Phil 4:4   To hear all the text click on listen Phil 4:4 .

   These are words of encouragement from Paul. Think about this for a moment --- Paul was in prison and was telling the church to rejoice.  Paul's attitude teaches us an important lesson.  Our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our outward circumstances.  Paul, in prison, was full of joy because he knew that no matter what happened to him, Jesus Christ was with him.

   It is easy to get discouraged about unpleasant circumstances or take unimportant events too seriously. If you have not be joyful, if you have not rejoiced today, take a moment and either scream in you mind Hallelu or yell it out loud - Hallelu.  Take a moment and look at life as Paul did.  REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAY, AND AGAIN I SAY REJOICE!!!!!!

   Oh, just do it - yell out Hallelu to God!! Love you all.  Take this with you into the new year.  Make your new years resolution be as mine - to be more faithful and go forth boldly for the LORD. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
 Johnny

Mouths of laughter, tongues of joy Psalm 126:2

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   I woke early this morning with these words on my heart - love & laugh.  Why?  I don't really know, but I do know that there is a lot going on in America and we need to look at Psalm 126 for a moment. To hear it click on "hear Psalm 126" and to read it click on "read Psalm 126".
   The main verse here is Psalm 126:2 "Our mouths were filled with laughter,
    our tongues with songs of joy."
   It says we may sow with tears but reap with joy.  You have seen the signs that are hurdling forward with great speed.  America turning away from the values it was founded on.  Verse 1 says the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion.  Can we be as Zion?
  People are led by their selfish motives.  What do we want, who do we vote for, but most of all WHAT WILL IT DO FOR ME?   Our real motive should be WHAT WILL THIS DO FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD!?!?
   Where are you today my friend, loving and laughing with the LORD, or struggling in worldly circumstances??  Look up my friend.  Stay thirsty for the word of God.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Be joyful and rejoice - Psalm 35:9

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

 PSALM 35:9  "And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in his salvation."

We are coming to the end of 2012, looking at a fiscal cliff that the people WE ELECTED are not doing the job they have chosen to do.  These people made a choice to be leaders of the free world, America, and they are not.
   So what do we do?  We need to refocus our eyes on the LORD, be joyful in the LORD, and rejoice in his salvation.  When we stress and worry, we are taking control of the situation.  GOD IS IN CONTROL.
    We need to learn to do what we believe God wishes us to do, worry not, but be joyful and rejoice.  Are you happy in the LORD, but..........    When you add "BUT" you have just erased all prior statements.  
   As for me and my family, we will serve the LORD, be joyful and rejoice in his salvation.  Have a great weekend.

In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny
 

A New Year, A New Creature 2 Corinthians 5:17

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    WHO are YOU?  Really, WHO ARE YOU?  You may not be that personality on TV, in sports, in hollywood, in the news.....but, who are you?
    Your answer, my answer, should be 2 Corinthians 5:17 "I AM A NEW CREATURE IN CHRIST." This means the old man, the old way is gone AND I am made new. Because of what Christ has done, came to earth, sacrificed himself for me, for you, you and I are made new creatures in Christ. 
   This should be a time of rejoicing for us.  We are only 5 days away from a new calendar year.  People make new year resolutions, begin for a short season, then put those resolutions aside and continue on as they did in the year past.  Do not do this for God! Continue your quest for God, in Christ, led by the Holy Spirit.
    Repeat these words, "I AM A NEW CREATURE IN CHRIST," set them to heart, and remember God in all you do.  Click on this link, 2 Cor 5 oral to listen to all of chapter 5.  Just close you eyes, and take time to let it soak in, 3 minutes.  Do you have 3 minutes for God?  I thank God you are a new creature in Christ, and that I, also, am made new.  
   Make a new year resolution for God, keep it, and rejoice. YOU ARE A NEW CREATURE IN CHRIST!  Love you all.
    In Christ's Love and Grace
       Johnny

Walk right, inherit riches Proverbs 8:20-21

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   The love of God.  Let's look at Proverbs 8:20-22  
²⁰ I walk in the way of righteousness,
    along the paths of justice,
²¹ bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me
    and making their treasuries full.

Today, the day after Christ's day, Christmas, we should remember to LOVE our neighbor.  Many tragedies have happened in the month of December.  Mass killing in Ct., severe weather, tornadoes in Tx., La., Al., and Ms.  More severe weather in the East and Northeast.  Oh, what is happening?
   Look at verse 20 - I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice - say this slowly and with meaning.  Say it as if in ALL CAPS!  Now, can you say it with conviction?
  And what happens? What will God do for YOU?!?!?  God says I will bestow a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full.   Now, I ask you, are you experiencing the rich inheritance and are your treasuries full?  Does this mean money, property, wealth?  Or, is this talking about the riches you will have in heaven?
    For me, I envision my rich inheritance the Love of God, and making my treasury full, Jesus in my heart.  Do I display this all the time?  Unfortunately no, but God is there to constantly assist me in my quest of be more Jesus like.  And how do I accomplish this quest?  Through prayer, constant prayer and visiting with my Lord and Saviour.  Am I on my knees praying all the time?  Heavens no, but when I have moments that other activities are not keeping me engaged, I talk to the LORD silently through my mind.
    Remember, you are rich, you are a child of the KING, and you need to begin acting like a child of the King.  Walking humbly, speaking with love, yet sometimes sternly, and be the only Bible some may see.
   My prayer for you is to be as Solomon, a man of wisdom, not as Saul, crazed and grazing with the animals for years.  Take time to pray now, if nothing else, but for a minute, 60 seconds. Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

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

JESUS is the reason for the season!  Merry Christmas!!








In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Immoral woman or moral woman? Proverbs 8

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   As we in America listen to the call of the "immoral woman" aka materialist America; we must also listen to the call of wisdom.  Wisdom can be viewed as the moral woman who guides us, leading us to success.
   Who has great wisdom?  The Creator!  Who is the creator?  God!  Wisdom was present at the creation! (8:22-31)  God says that wisdom is primary and fundamental. It is the foundation on which all life is built.
      Proverbs 8:1 "Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?" KJV     Life App "Listen as Wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice!"
     God approves of those who listen to Wisdom's counsel (8:32-35).  Those who hate wisdom love death (8:36).  Wisdom should affect every aspect of one's life, from beginning to end. It is time my friend to open all corners of your life to God's direction and guidance.  Look at Proverbs 8:1 in 3 translations.
    To listen to click on this link, Proverbs 8.
Proverbs 8:13 "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. "   In Life App "All who fear the LORD will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech."
   The more a person fears and respects God, the more he or she will hate evil.  Love for God and love for sin cannot co-exist.  Harboring secret sins means that you are tolerating evil within yourself.  Make a clean break with sin and commit yourself completely to God.
    Food for thought, words from the Bible.  Where do you sit?   Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Prostituting yourself with the world? Proverbs 6:26

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   What is happening in your life at this time?  I would like to know what to pray for you; allowing you to release it and give it to God.  Just let me know.
   This is the time of the year when everyone gets along; becomes stressed, and enjoys the Christmas season.  What? Gets along and stressed?  Yep, the Christmas season puts most people in a happy jolly mood, but then stressed about what to buy each person for Christmas, not enough money, what to cook for Christmas dinner, etc.
   Proverbs 6:26 KJV "For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread" (a prostitute will bring you to poverty) "and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life." (but sleeping with another man's wife will cost you your life).
    Whoa big boy, I am not committing adultry!  We tend to view this as only sex.  I am asking you to view it from the standpoint of material possessions.  We will try to "keep up with the Joneses" or spend TOO MUCH on Christmas when we don't have it. A $2, $3, or $5 card, or even a homemade card saying we love you, funds are tight, but we wish you a Merry Christmas and remembering to keep Jesus as the center of attention.
    Are you prostituting yourself to the world?  Are you.......really???  We can't give God just a little bit, even 10%, but we can go out to eat and give the wait staff 15% or more. Huh?  We can eat out, go to movies, have beer, wine, new cars, etc. but no time for Jesus Christ, nothing to give in return.  What will be your excuse on judgment day?  THERE ARE NO DO-OVERS!!
    Where do you stand today?  In the secular world; or a world of Jesus with love and salvation for eternity?  Again, sorry for the doom and gloom....uh....no, not really.  This is something that is heavy on my heart and I ask you pray about it for and with me.  What can I pray for you?  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Proverbs 6:25 America lusting, being seduced!?!?

Good morning my fellow man! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   PROVERBS 6:25 KJV  "LUST NOT AFTER HER BEAUTY IN THINE HEART; NEITHER LET HER TAKE THEE WITH HER EYELIDS."
  LIFE APP "DON'T LUST FOR HER BEAUTY. DON'T LET HER COY GLANCES SEDUCE YOU."
   I have been relating this to America's adultery.  You may or may not agree, however, this is what is touching me at this time.  Please continue and share your comments please.  This is a warning sign of danger ahead. When you view this as America, what are we attracted to?  New car, jacked up pickup, special clothes, nice house, better lawn mower (zero turn), swimming pool, and on and on.
   America is in the state of survival at this point. Is it Obama's fault, partly, and Bush, and Clinton, and the senators, and the representatives, and yours! (Mine)  How many actually stood up for America, proclaiming we are ONE NATION UNDER GOD!?!?
   We have seen collapse of major companies, economy take nose dives, terrorist attacks, and what do we do?  Complain to one another, but do we voice our concerns to the elected officials?  No, usually not!
   We, America, lust for many things, but not for GOD!  If we all had the drive in our heart for God that we do for the things of the world, what a turning point that would be for America.  Want a glimpse of where I see America heading, click on and read Sodom and Gomorrah .  I don't mean to be doomsday Johnny; America seems to be cavorting in a downward spiral with nothing to stop it.  Nothing, except GOD! Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

An Adulterous American? Proverbs 6:23-24

  Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Do you believe in prayer?  NO! Do YOU REALLY BELIEVE IN PRAYER?  Or do you just say it, pray it, and take it up yourself?  Really!?!?  What do you do?  My blog site would not come up this morning, my prayer accountability partner, Doug, sent me a message saying he had prayed; suddenly I remembered I had not prayed this morning. After spending some time in prayer, AND, binding satan in the name of Jesus--my blog site came up.  Sooo?  You just did something wrong.  No, I didn't, it tried to load several times but would not; after the prayer it did.  Just a quick testimony and praise. Thank you Jesus!
   Proverbs 6:23-33 talks about adultery.  You say, well I have not committed adultery; therefore, this is not relevant.  Oh, but it is my friend.
   Verse 23 "For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life."
   God is our light (lamp), God gives us law to guide us; a lamp to our eyes for discovery, and so to our feet for direction. The word of God reveals to us truths of eternal certainty, and is built upon the highest reason. Scripture-light is the sure light.  Should we follow this word?  Certainly, but now relate this verse to America. Are we allowing God to be the lamp for us to follow.
   Verse 24 "To keep you from the evil woman, from the flattering tongue of a seductress."
   Once again, relate this not to you, your life, but to America.  Do you see the parallel?  keep from the evil woman----we turn to false gods -- evil woman.  And then what?  The flattering tongue of a seductress----we, and the leaders of America listen to the flattering tongue, aka, special interest groups who offer other appealing things in order to bring you to their side.
    Johnny, you are just on your soap box.  Maybe! But look at what is going on in America.  Just as Ancient Israel, we, America, are turning away from God, and searching for many gods.  Removing the 10 commandments from Federal properties; taking crosses down from Federal property; military chaplains cannot pray in Jesus' name; sanction same sex marriage; trying to do all in OUR STRENGTH!  We should be doing all we do in God's Name and in GOD'S STRENGTH!
   Wake up Christians, stand strong in God's Strength, giving God the glory, and shout the TRUTH from the rooftops, the mountain tops; there is only 1 God, our God! Go forth boldly my friend.  Help us to cease our adulterous relationship with the world and to turn back to GOD!!!!
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Listen, get the facts or jump on the bandwagon? Proverbs 18:13-17

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Ever wonder about the decisions you make, others make, and why were those decisions made?  Solomon was a wise king, yes, he did stumble a few times, but this is to be expected as he was human. Take a gander at Proverbs 18 and verses 13-17  "Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish. The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed, spirit?  Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge. Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people!  The first to speak in court sounds right -- until the cross-examination begins."
    To read this in KJV click on Proverbs 18:13-17 .  Verses 13, 15, 17 give three basic principles for making sound decisions: (1) Get the facts before answering; (2) be open to new ideas; (3) make sure you hear both sides of a story before judging.
    All three principles center around seeking additional information.  This is difficult work, but the only alternative is prejudice - judging before getting the facts.
    Why is it we are quick to believe a lie from a stranger than the truth from someone we know.  I ask, also, that you pray for the people in Connecticut as the media will do all they can to blame someone for allowing it to happen, point fingers, and wave this tragedy like a flag.  Just pray for the remaining members of the community, and especially for those who lost loved ones.  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Keeping up with the Joneses will get you..... Proverbs 17:19-20

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

  This week we have been talking about the tongue.  Such a small part of the body that can cut so very deep.  Couple the tongue with pride, and then you know there is coming a big fall, without doubt, a huge fall.
   Proverbs 17:19-20 Life App Bible "Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin; anyone who trusts in high walls invites disaster. The crooked heart will not prosper; the lying tongue tumbles into trouble."
    Have you or do you now know someone who enjoys stirring up trouble, being a rebel rouser?  At first they may seem to be humorous, but then it becomes wearisome.  You tire of hearing the conflict constantly.
   High walls invites disaster?  In ancient Israel, a person of means had a home with a wall or high walls around their home and the only entrance was through the gates.  Well, pride was alive and well in these days as well, you know, "keep up with the Joneses!"  Some would try to copy, build a wall around and it would lead to financial destruction.
     The crooked or evil heart will not prosper.  You look around today and see people prosper who are not of God.  What is the deal?  That, and their lying tongue will raise them to great heights, but then they will come tumbling down, fall, and break up worse than Humpety Dumpety.  All the kings men and government bailouts won't work.
     If you will reflect back to Enron, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Lehman Brothers, and on and on.  When they were lying to us, had crooked hearts all seemed well.  When it all came out --- financial, economic and social ruin.  To gain what? PRIDE -- GREED -- LYING TONGUES---and for what?
    Rejoice my friend, that God meets your needs.  If you gain more than your needs praise God for the gain.  Never forget to praise God.  If you don't give God His fair share, He will gain it one way or another.  People work hard, 2 steps forward, 3 backward, why?  Because they are not in step with God.  Are you in step with God?  Take time to reflect, see where you, your family is with God.  I am praying for you now, please pray for me as well. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

Stop gossip, stops fights! Proverbs 25:23; 26:20

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

   PROVERBS 25:23 "THE NORTH WIND DRIVETH AWAY RAIN: SO DOTH AN ANGRY COUNTENANCE A BACKBITING TONGUE."
    The Life Application Bible says, "As surely as a north wind brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger!"
   Relate this to Proverbs 26:20 "FIRE GOES OUT WITHOUT WOOD, AND QUARRELS DISAPPEAR WHEN GOSSIP STOPS,"
   Wow!!  Talking about every little irritation and piece of gossip only keeps the fires of anger going.  Refusing to discuss them cuts the fuel line and makes the fires die out.
   Have you ever heard, "I don't know this to be true, but the rumor is........."  WHY?  Why would we repeat it if we do not know it is true.  It hurts friendships, relationships, and causes undue grief and heartache.   Quarrels disappear when gossip stops.  How really BIG is this statement!?!?!
    Think today, a kind word, stiffle a questionable word or rumor.  Love you all.
In Christ's love and grace
    Johnny

Liar? Spiteful? Proverbs 17:4

Good morning my friend.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    PROVERBS 17:4 "An evildoer gives heed to false lips; a liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue."
Wow!!  I have talked about this before, but always a good reminder.  How many times will people believe a lie from a stranger about you, rather than the truth from you?
   In the NIV "A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue."

Just take a moment to think about this.  Have you spoken ill or bad about someone, repeating what YOU HEARD???!!!???  Why, yes, why do we give heed to the dark side when the truthful side would be so much easier?

   Earlier I mentioned that the truth never changes, but lies will deviate with time.  Go today, my friend, and once again encourage someone.  They may have had "evil" or "lies" told about them and need that encouraging word.  May your walk and encouragement be a light unto someones path today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

   Johnny

How is your tongue today? Proverbs 15:4

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    Yesterday, in Proverbs 6 we talked about a lying tongue.  Today, let us look at Proverbs 15:4 "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit." To listen click on Proverbs 15 Orally.

What is wholesome?  whole·some

Definition of : 

1. promoting health or well-being of mind or spirit    2.promoting health of body

3.sound in body, mind, or morals   b : having the simple health or vigor of normal domesticity

4: based on well-grounded fear

PERVERSE

1 a : turned away from what is right or good : corrupt  b : improper, incorrect

c : contrary to the evidence or the direction of the judge on a point of law

 

So, looking at Webster's definition could we say a healthy, good moral tongue brings health and vigor to you, me, us as Christians?  But, a perverseness or corruption breaks the spirit and we trek down the wrong, less traveled path?  

 

A wholesome tongue would build up, encourage, support and maintain a healthy life.  Why?  Simply by following what God commands us to do, love your neighbor, do not return evil with evil or insult with insult.   Whereas a perverse, corrupt, improper or incorrect tongue will lead people astray.  Think about this in your life.  When have you ever followed the advice of someone you knew in the deepest of your heart was wrong, yet you followed anyway, then, what was the outcome? 

     Make today a day you say something nice to someone!  Take a step further, say something nice to someone you would not ordinarily speak to or associate with!!  Your kind, encouraging words may be a turning point for him/her.  Let them see the LOVE OF GOD IN YOU!!!!!!!  Love you all.

   In Christ's Love and Grace

      Johnny

 

Proverbs 6:16-19 "...........a lying tongue........"

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    Solomon was a wise king.  He gave us many warnings; this week we will visit one of the smallest body parts, but one which hurts and cuts deepest - the tongue!
   Proverbs 6:16-19 "These things doth the LORD hate, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren."
   Proverbs 6 gives us warnings against folly.  If you would like to listen as you read, click on Proverbs 6 .   Let us focus on one item Solomon is telling us that God hates.  And that is????
Yes, "a lying tongue" which is something that will get us all into trouble.  How easy it is to lie, when telling the truth would be a must more viable answer.  Why do people lie?  Why do you lie?
    I believe, to be a good liar, you would have to keep a book to know who you told what lie to.  Wow!  Would this ever be a lot of work.  And you know the funny thing about the truth!?!?!  IT NEVER CHANGES!!
    A friend of mine and I were called to testify for/against a friend of ours at a hearing years ago.  The funny thing is, we told the truth, the truth does not change, yet some in the hearing thought we were lying to protect the friend.  We were not in there together, nor did we hear what each other had said, we told the same story, yet some doubted.  Why?   Is this satan? When heard again later, guess what?  Yes, the story was the same.  TRUTH DOES NOT CHANGE, lies waiver as a stalk of wheat in the wind; going this way and then that way.
    A lying tongue,  but let me leave you with this question my friend; Bonhoffer, a Bible professor in Germany during the 30's & 40's, asked his students: "Is there such a thing as a necessary lie?"  What do you think?  Love you all.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny
 

WHO is really FAITHFUL? 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
  1 Thessalonians 5:24 "FAITHFUL IS HE THAT CALLETH YOU, WHO ALSO WILL DO IT."
Life App "God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful."
     Reread this verse........what does it mean to you?  Faithful is He........who is faithful?  GOD
Who did God call?   You!     Who also will do it?   This simply means God will take care of it, He will make it happen, it is a done deal.
     Quite simply put, this verse is saying that it is God who saves, it is God who keeps, God called you in the first place and God will preserve you.
      Take time to key in on the word FAITHFUL!  This is God! You, I, our friends in Christ should rejoice in knowing that God called us.  Can you say that out loud.....God called (your name) and HE is faithful!
     Yesterday when I took a late lunch break I flipped on tv and the end of a show came on, "The Moment After" which is a religious movie.  I caught the last 30 minutes of it; it dealt with the rapture, being left, then realizing God is real, God is there, He is the truth. Produced in 1999, and then a sequel  "The Moment After 2", which is on netflix.
    All this stimulates thought.  Think, today, about your Creator - God!  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Sanctified wholly, or holes in you sanctification? 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    Take time today to think about and study this next passage of scripture.  It is quite powerful.
1 THESSALONIANS 5:23"AND THE VERY GOD OF PEACE SANCTIFY YOU WHOLLY; AND I PRAY GOD YOUR WHOLE SPIRIT AND SOUL AND BODY BE PRESERVED BLAMELESS UNTO THE COMING OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST."
    WOW!!  The spirit, soul, and body refer to the entire being of a person.  This expression is Paul's way of saying that God must be involved in every aspect of life.  It is wrong to think that we can separate the spiritual life from everything else, obeying God only in some things or living for him only one day each week (or possibly 1 hour a week).
    Christ must control ALL of us, not just a religious part, or a little part you want him to.  Is Christ in control of your life?  Do you pray about major things?  Do you pray about minor things?  Do you pray?
    The verses prior say to be joyful, thankful, and pray continually.  Where do you and Jesus stand today? Hand in hand or back to back?  Love you all.
    In Christ's Love and Grace
       Johnny

APECHO (Greek) for......... 1 Thessalonians 5:22

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   1 Thessalonians 5:22 "Abstain from all appearance of evil."
Evil here, in the Greek is poneros - which is connected with ponos and used of thoughts, of speech, of acts.  Poneros alone is used of Satan and of demons.  This word also denotes "labor, toil," and "evil that causes labor, pain, sorrow, malignant evil" being used with the meaning bad, worthless, in the physical sense, in the moral or ethical sense. evil, wicked; of persons.  Information via Strong's Exhaustive Concordance.
   This sentence relates back through verse 19 with the idea we should not hinder someone who is genuinely working for God, neither should we be gullible and accept anyone who claims to be religious or a Christian.  Paul reminds us to abstain, to be distant, to be afar(Greek - apecho).  The word (Gr) apechomai means to hold oneself off, refrain.  This word refers to abstaning from evil practices, moral and ceremonial.
   So, what does this tell you. Does this mean stay away from an off-color joke, wine or beer, bad language, drugs, violence, and on and on?  Abstain from all appearance of evil - I cannot help but think of the expressions, "You may be the only BIBLE someone sees," or, about your witness, "when all else fails use your Bible."
    What do you think?  I do receive a few feedbacks with good points. Let me hear from you. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Test all, keep the god. 1 Thessalonians 5:20,21

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Yesterday I asked about stifling or putting out the Spirit's fire.  I did receive a couple of feedbacks.  The Spirit is in you when you accept Jesus Christ as your saviour.  When we say stifle or put out the Spirit's fire, in essence, it means we are not listening to the Spriit.  Like mom, dad, or a spouse, you hear but choice to go another direction.  I just pray that you allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life and that you will see great things for the LORD and the kingdom to come.
 1 Thessalonians 5:20,21 "do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good."
  We should not make fun of, or berate those who are called to speak for God. (scoff at prophecies) However, we should test everything that is said, checking their words against the Bible.
   We are treading on thin ice if we laugh at a person who speaks the truth.  We should carefully check out what people say, accepting what is true and rejecting what is false.  AND, your "spell check" if you will, is the Bible.
   It is time to pray.  Pray continually, as verse 17 "never stop praying".  Can you repeat what you are saying?  Certainly, but don't become ritualistic about it, as many do the Lord's prayer.  Recite without thought.  Be genuine, be concerned, pray diligently and be committed in your prayers.  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
        Johnny

HOLY SPIRIT - stifled? Active? 1 Thessalonians 5:19

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Last Friday I was led to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 about being joyful, prayful, and thankful.  Let us look at verse 19 today.  KJV "Do not put out the Spirit's fire,"  Life app "Do not stifle the Holy Spirit."  What exactly does this mean to you?  To put out the Spirit's fire or stifle----what does this mean?
    Paul is issuing this warning, but exactly what is the meaning?    How do you stifle the Holy Spirit or put out the Spirit's fire?  Is this possible?  In ancient times the people did not like to hear the prophets with their prophetic words, they much more preferred mans word of the day.  Sounds a lot like today, huh?
   We have gifts from the Holy Spirit and we should not ignore these gifts.  Paul mentions prophecy and also speaking in tongues.  To some, the belief of tongues is not acceptable--I ask you is it?  If it is a gift from the Holy Spirit?  Some spiritual gifts are controversial and may cause division in the church.  Sometimes, as Christians, we would rather ignore or smother the problem than solve it.
    We should not stifle the Holy Spirit's work in anyone's life, but encourage the full expression of these gifts to benefit the whole body of Christ.  If you question a gift, go to the word, seek the word and guidance from God, then make a stand.
    Now, my question for you.  Are these gifts from the Holy Spirit only for ancient times and not relevant for us today?  Can people still give prophecies,  can people have a healing ministry, can people today still do works we read of in Jesus' day?  Let me hear from you please.  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny