Who's in charge? Godly or wicked? Proverbs 28:12-13

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED! 
   Dear Friend,
      I would ask that you look around you at home, in your community, state, and nation; see what is happening.  I would suggest, one, that our sinning against God is starting to reap its harvest.  A school bus driver shot, killed, and a child taken hostage in Alabama; an office building shooting in Phoenix; armed gunmen doing all kinds of evil deeds all across America. (and the world)
    Have you noticed we are a reactive society rather than a pro-active society.  Leave me alone and when something happens I will deal with it then.  HUH?  It that really how we should feel?
   Proverbs 28:12 "When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding."
   Wow! Read that again!  When the godly succeed.... (have we succeeded?).....everyone is glad...(are they really?).  Or do they consider us zealous radical Christians, trying to force Christianity on the unwilling?
    Continue on.....when the wicked take charge......(our elected officials, terrorists, bullies)  .....people go into hiding....(we don't stand up for our true beliefs - maybe we aren't convicted in our beliefs)
     Abortions, don't kill the doctors & nurses that do this, pray for them.  Same sex marriages, don't hate them, but pray for them.   But remember, we are in a spiritual warfare and you have to be armed with God's word.  The wicked are taking charge. When I say wicked, I am talking about mouthpiece Christians, who say one thing and react the opposite way.
    Proverbs 28:13 "People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy."
   Pray, brothers and sisters in the LORD, pray!  Arm yourselves with the word of God.  Love you all!

In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Rich? In money or in character? Proverbs 28:11

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Have you ever lived in a small town where the bank was the center of what went on.  Let me explain.  The largest business in town, besides the school, is the bank.  And how do many people obtain their status - by their wealth.  If a man arrived in a small town, put a large amount of capital in the local bank,  guess what?  Suddenly people will listen to all he says.  Why?  Well, he must know something, look at his bank account.  Have you ever experienced this?
   Because you have money, suddenly you are wise, a consultant to anyone who will listen.  Your money may have come from wrongful doings, but that is passed off.
   Proverbs 28:11 "Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them."
   Rich people often think they are wonderful, depending on no one, and taking credit for all they do. However, do not be jealous of the rich; money may be all they will ever have.
   Through dependence on God in our struggles, we become closer to God, wiser in our decisions, and we will maintain our character.  Would you rather have a God like nature or be rich only?  Something to think about.  Remember money is not the root of all evil; LOVE of money is the root of all evil. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Does God hear YOUR prayers? Proverbs 28:9

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED! 
   Wow! God is really great! Aren't you glad you have a living God?  Awesome!!!
Proverbs 28:9 "God detested the prayers of a person who ignores the law."

   Does God listen to our prayers if we intend to go back to sinning as soon as we get off our knees? A good question to ponder.  God knows our intentions and hears those as clearly as he hears our prayers.  If I rob, then I pray for God to help me quit robbing others, but all the while I am thinking about my next robbery, do you think God hears me and forgives me of my sin?

   God listens to us, no matter how bad our sin is, murder, adultery, theft, liars, cheaters, or whatever, He hears.  But God also knows the heart!  So what are we to do.  We were born into sin.  Jesus covers our sin and we have to forsake our sin and follow Jesus.  By doing so we become closer to God and our walk is more like Jesus' walk than the walk of the world.

   Is there a secret part of you hiding, not wanting others to see?  God sees!  Give it all to God and be amazed at the results. Love you all.

   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Stability or decay? Which one? Proverbs 28:2

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

    Proverbs 28:2 "When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability."
    To thrive, we must have wise, informed leaders, which are hard to find.  Each person's selfishness affects others.  This starts from the top - president of the USA to the local leaders in your city government.
   A selfish employee who steals from his company decreases its productivity.
   A selfish spouse who has an affair often breaks up several families with no or little concern for others.
   A selfish politician will push his agenda and rebels when others oppose and wishes not to compromise.
   A selfish person who lives only for his/her self  + caring not how their actions affect others = a moral rot contaminating the entire community, state, or nation.  Where are you today?  Part of the problem or part of the solution?  Do you vote your party, or vote for ones who stand firm on their religion beliefs?  Do you stand firm on the promises of God, voting accordingly?
    Here are two examples; one of disobedience - 1 Kings 16:8-28 - and one of obedience - 1 Kings 15:8-15.  Read them when you have time.  Are you part of the moral decay?  Or part moral integrity? Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Snow in summer - is that you? Proverbs 25

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

   Take time to read Proverbs 25, which are from Hezekiah's advisors.  King Hezekiah's father, Ahaz, was not a godly man, he even nailed the Temple door shut.  Hezekiah restored the Temple, destroyed idol worship centers, and earned the respect of surrounding nations, many of whom brought gifts to God because of him.
    Hezekiah had these proverbs copied and read, for  "in all that he did in the service of the Temple of God and in his efforts to follow God's laws and commands, Hezekiah sought his God wholeheartedly.  As a result, he was very successful." (2 Chronicles 31:21)
    Here is a verse to take into the weekend with you.  Proverbs 25:13 "Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer. They revive the spirit of their employer." 
   It is often difficult to find people you can really trust.  Faithful employees (trustworthy messengers) are punctual, responsible, honest and hardworking.  Such people are invaluable as they help take some of the pressure off their employer.  Find out what your employer needs from you to make his or her job easier, and do it.
    Also, remember, you are "under the employee of Jesus Christ."  Relate this to working for God.  Are you refreshing, or the dreaded cloud that creates concern but yields nothing?  Today is your summer snow day - now go and share it with someone. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Be joyful, follow God's commandments! Psalm 119:1-8

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Yesterday, when we ended I asked, "do you really know God?"  Did you soul search? What was your conclusion?
   Did you know Psalm 119 is a Hebrew acrostic poem?  There are twenty-two stanzas, one for each successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Also, Psalm 119 is the longest psalm and the longest chapter in the Bible.
    Look at Psalm 119: 1-8 "Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD.     2  Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.
3  They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.
4  You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.
5  Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!
6  Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands.
7  As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!
8  I will obey your decrees. Please don't give up on me!

Read those once again, read with meaning. Then for 3 other translations click on Psalm 119:1-8 .
You are charged to keep God's commandments and be joyful, be not ashamed, obeying the LORD and be obedient.  How does that make you feel?  You are a child of the King, God!  Tell someone today!  You may be the only Bible someone sees. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Do you walk in childlike faith? Do you know God? Matt 11:25-26

Good morning from Texas.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
  Did you share Jesus with someone yesterday, or did you allow them to continue on their path? Is their path a path of eternity or the roadway to hell?
   In Matthew 11:25-26 "At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike.  Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way!""
  Jesus mentioned two kinds of people in his prayer:  the wise and clever - who are arrogant in their own knowledge.  Then the childlike - ones who humbly open to receive the truth of God's Word.  
   Here is a question - Are you wise in your own eyes, or do you seek the truth in childlike faith, realizing that only God holds all the answers?
   In Ephesians 1:16-18 Paul prayed for the believers to know God better.  How do you get to know someone better?  By reading about them, studying their life, or spending time with them?  Paul prayed that their hearts would be flooded with light so they can understand the confident hope He (God) has given to those He called - His Holy people who are His rich and glorious inheritance.
   We serve a LIVING GOD, not a piece of concrete, piece of wood, an iron statue, or any other inanimate object.  Sooo, talk to your God, visit with Him, read your Bible, spend time in devotion, learn who your God is, become closer to Him.\
   Here is the question - Do you really know God, or do you just know about him?  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

What in heavens name are YOU doing? Matthew 11:21-24

Good monring all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   In Matthew 11:21-24 (click to read) Jesus talks about Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom - being ancient cities with a long standing reputation for wickedness.  Each was destroyed by God for its evil.
    The people of Bethsaida, Chorazin, and Capernaum saw Jesus first hand, and yet stubbornly refused to repent of their sins and believe in Him.
   Jesus said that if some of the wickedest cities in the world had seen him, they would have repented.  Because  Bethsaida, Chorazin, and Capernaum saw Jesus and didn't believe, they would suffer even greater punishment than would the wicked cities that did not see Him.
   So what is this telling us?  It is telling us that countries and cities that have many churches, one on every corner, Bibles in the homes, all - will have no excuse on judgment day if they do not repent and believe.
   Well, then you are saying I have to be in church to go to heaven?  No!  Not at all, where 2 or more are gathered, there am I said the Lord.  BUT, do your actions represent God, Jesus?  Are you a carrier of the Good News or continue walking in the ways of the world?  Have you repented? Do you believe? Have you shared the gospel, the Holy Word with anyone?  Or are you better at telling dirty stories?  Cussing, acting of the world to be accepted by your peers?  Your peers, if they are not of Christ, will lead you straight to hell!  Now, go do the right thing - tell someone about Jesus and life in eternity. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

What is your attitude? Matthew 11:16-19

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED! 
   Today, listen to what Jesus says in Matthew 11:16-19. (click link) Jesus lays it out well here.  Jesus condemned the attitude of his generation.  No matter what he said or did, they took the opposite view. 
    He says they, and we are like children,  we complain - sooo- they play the flute we don't dance; they mourned and we don't lament.  John the Baptist neither drank or ate as they did and they said he had a devil; Jesus ate and drank and they accused him of be a glutton and win-bibber; a friend of tax collectors and sinners.
   All these people were skeptical and cynical of Jesus because he challenged their comfort, security, and self-centered lives.
   How often do you justify your inconsistencies because listening to God may require us to change the way we live?   Getting ready for the super bowl - the 49 ers and the Ravens all have their playbook.  You are preparing for the superbowl of eternity and you playbook has been written for years; it is a best seller; yet do you read it?  Do you follow it?  Or, are you going through the motions?  Because you sit in church does not mean you are a Christian; just as sitting in a garage does not make you a car.  So what are you going to do about your playbook for eternity?  If it is worn, it is used; if it is dusty, it is abused! Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Kingdom of God under attack? Matthew 11:12

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
     Yesterday in Matthew and Malachi we saw where the least will be the greatest; but now comes a warning.  Look at the next verse.
    Matthew 11:12 "And from the time John The Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing and violent people are attacking it."
   This goes along with Luke 16:16 "Until John the Baptist, the law of Moses and the messages of the prophets were your guides. But now the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get in."
  Look at the first verse - the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing - here we are talking about you, me, being disciples and going forth with the word.  Then - violent people are attacking it - do you see this all around?  The Christians rights become diminished as other religions rights become more prominent.  We are under attack and we need to arm ourselves with the Word of God, to be able to go forth and counter any movements against Christ and the church. (church meaning the people, not a building)
    John the Baptist's ministry was the dividing line between the Old and New Testament. When Jesus arrived, there came the realization of all the prophets' hopes.  Jesus emphasized his Kingdom fulfilled the law, it did not cancel it.
    What are you doing to advance the Kingdom of God?  Tell one, NO - TWO people about Jesus today.  Do you know of any miracles that came from God?  Share them. Go forth, armed with the word of God, be bold and SHARE.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Least is greater than John the Baptist! Huh? Matt 11:10 Malachi 3:1

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    Okay, Jesus asked the people if they were looking for a prophet - meaning John the Baptist. Jesus told the people that JtB was more than a prophet and is referred to in the scriptures. Matt 11:10 "....Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you."  Malachi 3:1 "Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me.  Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple.  The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming," says the Lord of Heaven's Armies.""
   This verse, in Malachi, is speaking of two messengers; John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.
Then Jesus goes on to tell them John the Baptist is greater than any who have lived, BUT, the least person in heaven will be greater than JtB.  John fulfilled his God-given purpose better than any, yet, you and I will have a greater position in heaven.  Why?
    Because we, you and I, have the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of the risen Christ, Christ's work on the cross is finished, and we will have a more privileged position than the greatest of the Old Testament Prophets.
  Wow!  Does that not blow your socks off?!?  Does this not bring to light the awesome responsibility you and I have in working for the kingdom?  What will you do for Christ today? Share the Good News?  Help someone? Mention Christ?  Or nothing?  The choice is yours, now go and do the right thing. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Weak reed, swayed or strong and sturdy? Matthew 11:7-9

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  
   So, what is happening in your world?  Anything exciting yesterday, the day before, today??
Yesterday Jesus told his disciples to go and tell John, I failed to tell you that this was John the Baptist, not John the disciple who was in prison.  However, later on John, the disciple, ended up in prison. 
   After Jesus told his disciples to go to John and they were leaving He, Jesus, turned to the crowd and spoke.  (Yesterday I said John 11, sorry - Matthew 11) Jesus: "What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see?  Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind?  Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes?  No, people with expensive clothes live in palaces.  Were you looking for a prophet?  Yes, and he is more than a prophet."
   If you heard about a man in wilderness what would you expect?  Someone who looked as the images we get of John the Baptist, who dressed crudely and ate honey and locust?  AND, would you go listen to him?  Would you think he was a crack-pot?
   Then Jesus asked the question we need to ask of ourselves - was he a week reed, swayed by every breath of wind.  JtB stood strong in his faith and could not be altered from his path.  How do you stand?    Where does YOUR conviction lie?  Are you a fair weather Christian, there- praising God, doing work when all is well?  OR, are you an anytime Christian - going forth, spreading the good news any time any where in any condition?!?!
   Jesus said John the Baptist is more than a prophet.  If you were looking for a prophet - you would profit (pun intended) but JtB was more.  John's father, Zachariah knew he would be more, but had no idea how much more.
    Stand strong in your faith my friend, be not swayed, but straight and strong for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny
 

Doubting - your salvation? Jesus as Messiah? John 11:4-6

Good morning!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Did you get up this morning and say "good Lord its morning" OR "GOOD MORNING LORD!"
    Yesterday I shared about needs and wants and being able to share.  If you travel on in John to the 11th chapter, John begins to doubt Jesus as the Messiah.  John had been put in prison by Herod, but why?  Herod married his own sister-in-law and John publicly rebuked Herod's sin.  So, John is sitting in prison, lots of time on his hands, lots of time to think, and a great time for satan to cast doubt at someone, namely John.
    The doubt comes when John thinks if Jesus is really the Messiah, then why am I in prison and not out preaching and teaching others about Jesus?  If Jesus were really the Messiah, then he could get me released and I could prepare more hearts for eternity.  As they say today - what's up with that?!?
    John 11:4-6  "Jesus told them, 'Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen-the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.  And tell him, God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.'"
   Jesus answered John's doubts by pointing to the acts he had done.  With this much evidence it was obvious who Jesus was.  You and I will have doubts, doubts about our salvation -- am I really saved?  Well, when those doubts creep in -- remember -- don't turn away from Christ, but TURN TO JESUS!!
   Satan is the master of doubt, 
    but Jesus has the clout, 
    let us not turn about, 
    but LORD help us to stay stout.
Love you all. In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

Share---can you say S H A R E !? Matthew 10:42

Good morning!   And a chilly morning at that.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
  Do you ever stop and think where you are?  Do you REALLY STOP and THINK about where you are?  My family is involved with Church Under a Bridge in Tyler and we work with homeless and needy people.  My wife and I, all our children, live in homes with heat and a/c; have jobs, and make a comfortable living.  It is easy to become complacent and self absorbed.  Then.......yes, then......I receive prayer requests from the people we teach and preach to each week.
    What are their prayers?  Very simple, easy,  and basic.  Their prayers are for a place to sleep and stay warm; food; a job; to be reunited with their family; safety; or even a warm coat.  Think about your troubles and your needs; what level would you place them on----wants   or    needs??!!??
    Matthew 10:42 "And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded."
  How you given ANYTHING?  How much we love God can be measured by how well we treat others.  Jesus' example of giving a cup of cold water to a thirsty child is a good model of unselfish service.  A child usually can't or won't return a favor.  God notices every good deed we do or don't do as if he were the one receiving it.
   Is there something unselfish you can do for someone else today?  If no one else notices, God will notice.  Also, if you are interested in helping homeless and needy in Tyler go to www.cubtyler.org.
   Share something you have with another and reap the blessing. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

How do you see life? Philippians 4:12,13

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    What is going on in your life today?  Have you taken time to pray, be quiet, and listen to the LORD?  God desires our company and visitations, yet many times we only come to our Father in Heaven with our wants and needs.  Take time now, if only for a minute, and talk to God, thank Him for all He has done in your life.  I'll wait  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .
   Okay, yesterday in Phil 4:11 we talked about content.  If we could only put ourselves in the place Paul was spiritually.  Philippians 4:12-13 "I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything.  I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. (13) For I can do everything through Christ, who give me strength."
     Philippians 4:12,13 in 3 translations listed and they all have the same meaning.   Paul could get along happily because he could see life from God's point of view.  Paul focuse on what he was called to do, not what he felt he should do.
    Paul had his priorities straight-----do you?  Paul was grateful for everything God had given him --- are you?  Now listen to this next part......
    Paul had detached himself from the NONESSENTIALS so that he could concentrate on the ETERNAL!!
    Many times the desire for better possessions is a longing to fill an empty place in a person's life.  Why do you feel empty?  How can you find true contentment?  The answer lies in your perspective; the answer lies in your priorities; the answer lies in your choice of power!
    So what is the answer!  The answer is the Trinity: God the father, Jesus the son, and the Holy Spirit as comforter.  May your heart be filled with things out of this world - namely JESUS!
    As the song goes---Jesus is the answer for the world today; Above Him there's no other,
Jesus is the way. (andrae_crouch)  May you have a Jesus filled day!!!!
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Are you content? Phil 4:11

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    Sorry I missed you yesterday.  My new grandson was born and we had to be present.  A great joy indeed!
    Let me share 2 things with you today. Philippians 4:11 tells us to be content with whatever I have. Wow!  Is this a mouthful or what?!?  As humans, we strive for more constantly.  Paul is not saying not to strive for more, be keep it all in balance and in check.  Do not let your goals, your wants, your aspirations become your gods.
   You have needs and you have wants.  Are you dissatisfied because you do not have what you WANT???  It is important to rely on God's promises and Christ's power to help you be content.  We need to ask God to teach us how to be satisfied in every circumstance.  HE will supply all your needs, but, yes but, in a way that HE knows is best for you.
   Titus 3:3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other."
    This passage deals with our wants; wants of a life of pleasure and giving into every sensual desire -- this leads to slavery.  Some think freedom is doing whatever you want; freedom is in CHRIST, and being content with our salvation and the state we are in currently.
   Think about this today my friend.  Are you content, or is your god a worldly god, not a god of salvation.  Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Be thankful and share Philippians 4:10

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    Be thankful for what you receive.  Paul was thankful for what the Philippian Church gave him.  Paul did not preach to get money, he preached the Word of Salvation.  In 1 Corinthians 9:11-18 you can read this.  Paul wanted the people to know he preached the word of salvation to everyone, the ploughman, the thrasher, the Jew, the gentile, the poor man, to everyone.
   Paul also wants the church at Philipi to know he appreciated their help in his quest to share the word of salvation to all.  Philippians 4:10 "But I rejoiced in the LORD greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity."
   Paul also wanted the Philippians to know he appreciated their gifts.  Paul maintained and taught that it was a church's responsibility to support God's ministers.  Do you and/or your church support your minister's of the word?  In what ways do you share what God has given you?  With monetary support?  In time? In prayer? In devotion?  In sharing with others the word?  I know people who are just glad to have anything at all, just a candle to keep them warm in their tent- as they live in the woods.  They ask for nothing, but are thankful for anything. 
   May God open our hearts to be thankful for all, and to share the prosperity we have with others. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Are you putting the Word to practice? Phil 4:9

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
KJV Phil 4:9 "Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Life App Phil 4:9 "Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me - everything you heard from me and saw me doing.  Then the God of peace will be with you."
      For 3 translations click on read Phil 4:9.
   What is being said here?  What is being said is it is not enough to hear or read the Word of God or even to know it well.  We must also put it into practice.  How easy it is to listen to a sermon and forget what the preacher said. 
    How easy it is to read the Bible and not think about how to live differently.  How easy it is to debate what a passage means and not live out that meaning.
   Exposure to God's Word is not enough it must lead to obedience.  Are you obedient?  What do you sit today?  In church yesterday, it was a nice sermon, good to see people I know, now; today is another day and I'm doing my own thing.  IS THIS YOU?   REALLY????
     Hot, Cold, or Lukewarm?  What are you?!?!?  Love you all!
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

What's on your mind? Is it good? Phil 4:8

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!!  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    Philippians 4:8 KJV " Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
  Life App "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true,and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.  Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
   Read Philippians 4:8 in 3 translations and think about it a moment.  Think about the words!!  what we put into our mind determines what comes out in our words and actions.
   Paul tells us to program our mind with thoughts that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise.  Do YOU have problems with IMPURE THOUGHTS and DAYDREAMS?
    Examine what you are putting into your mind through television, internet, books, conversations, movies, and magazines.
   Replace harmful input with wholesome material. BUT, most of all, read GOD'S WORD, and PRAY.  Ask God to help you focus your mind on what is good and pure.
   Just like the piano, it takes practice, but it can be done.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny

Peace as Jesus gives - Phil 4:7

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
  Well, what is happening in your world of wonderment?  Are you thinking about what happened in the past, what will be happening in the new year to come, or just plain worried?  Remember, yesterday in Phil 4:6 it tells us don't worry about anything, but instead pray about everything and thank God for what he has done.
   Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." KJV
   Philippians 4:7 "Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Life App
   To read 3 translations click Phil 4:7 or to hear Phil 4:7 
God's peace is different from the world's peace (John 14:27)  Jesus tells us he leaves peace with us and to not be troubled.  True peace is not found in positive thinking.  In absence of conflict, or in good feelings.  True peaces comes from knowing that God is in control.
    Our citizenship in Christ's Kingdom is sure, our destiny is set, and we can have victory over sin.  Let God's peace guard your heart against anxiety. If you start to doubt, read John 14:27 again, it is Jesus speaking to YOU!  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Don't worry - be prayful! Phil 4:7

Good morning all! God is good all the tiime, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   It is the New Year, and the study began this week with rejoice, again I say rejoice.  The be considerate and remember the LORD is coming soon.  Today, let us talk about worry. Huh?  Yes, WORRY!
    Philippians 4:6 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." KJV
    Philippians 4:6 Life App  "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done."
  To read this in 3 translations click read Philippians 4:6  to hear it click hear Philippians 4 .
        Imagine never worrying aout anything!  It seems like an impossibility; we all have worries on the job, in our home, at school, everywhere.  But Paul's advice is to turn our worries into prayers.  Do you want to worry less?  Then pray more!  Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray!!
   Easy to say, tough to do.  However, look at the example given before us------JESUS!  Jesus went away many times, by himself and did what?  Yes, he prayed!   Jesus, our LORD and saviour, talked the talk AND walked the walk.  That is what he calls us to do.  A good new year's resolution - to pray more!
   Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Phil 4:5 Fairminded? Charitable? The LORD is at hand

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
  Well, welcome to the first day of 2013.  Take a moment, stop, reflect back to age 10......did the year 2013 look like a reality or some day in the far distant future?  Did you think you would live to see this day?  Being born in the late 40's, my friends and I thought if we lived just to the year 2000 we would be old.  Because of modern science and technology, here, today, in 2013 old is 20 or more years down the road for me and my friends.
   Philippians 4:4 tells us to rejoice.  Right behind 4 comes 5, imagine that! Phil 4:5 "Let your moderation be known unto all men.  The LORD is at hand."  Philippians 4:5 in three translations.
   Ultimate joy comes from Christ dwelling within us.  Christ is near, and at his second coming we will fully realize the ultimate joyl  He who live within us will fulfill his final purposes for us.
   We are to be considerate; that is reasonable, fair minded and charitable, to those outside the church, and not just to fellow believers.  This means we are not to seek revenge against those who treat us unfairly, nor are we to be overly vocal about our personal rights.
   The last part of this verse strikes a chord with me: "THE LORD IS AT HAND."  What does that really mean to you?  Do you even think about this?  The LORD is at hand ----Do you live each moment as if the next moment will be with Jesus?
   One last question --- CAN OTHERS SEE CHRIST WITHIN YOU?      ALWAYS???  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Take Time - Jesus did!