HE IS RISEN

Good morning everyone!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Today is Good Friday, although it was a bad day in ancient times, it was a good day for all mankind.  Jesus Christ died for your sins; to make you whole; to give you life everlasting.  Praise God for His mercy.
    Please remember easter this weekend. To some it is just another weekend; to others it is a 3 day holiday; and to Christians it should be a weekend of rejoicing, when satan's evil and satan's hold were beaten- He arose!

   I woke this morning with this song in my head and I just pray it means as much to you as it does to me.

    HE IS RISEN

Sunday morning the women came

To the grave of the crucified Jesus

The stone is rolled away

They hear the angels say

He is risen hallelujah

He is risen hallelujah

Peter hurry Peter run

To the grave of the crucified Jesus
Strips of linen empty tomb
But Peter you will see Him soon because
He is risen hallelujah

He is risen hallelujah
Two brothers walking the Emmaus Road
Talking to the crucified Jesus
When He broke bread they knew
All Jesus said was true because
He is risen hallelujah

He is risen hallelujah
Brothers sisters raise your voice
In praise of the glorified Jesus
He crucified our sin
And we will rise like Him
He is risen hallelujah

He is risen hallelujah

Love you all. In Christ's Love and Grace

   Johnny

Resurrection! Truth & Life John 11:25-26

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Resurrection!  What is resurrection?  Do you know?  Have you really thought about it?  Did you know resurrection is in the Bible 41 times, and all in the New Testament?  Jesus spoke of the resurrection 8 of the 41 times.  In the Hebrew/Aramaic resurrection is "ethan" (ay-thawn') which means to continue, permanent.
      Jesus lived, died, and resurrected under the Roman rule.  The Romans were very cruel people; and the Jewish leaders were hypocrites and false leaders (at this time).  Jesus was tried, convicted, and cruicified at the hands of the Jewish leaders and Roman leaders.  The Passion of Christ was graphic, but real of the times back then.  Watch it again if you possibly can.
    John 11:25-26 Jesus states He is the resurrection and the life.  Anyone who believes in Jesus will live, even after dying.  Jesus has power over life and death, as well as power to forgive sins.  Jesus, who is life can resotre life.
    JESUS DIED FOR YOU, SO YOU WILL HAVE LIFE EVERLASTING IN HEAVEN!
 Some food for thought.....Why was the rock rolled away at the tomb?  Jesus could now transcend through rocks, walls, anything in his new body.  Yet, with this new body He could eat and be touched.  The rock was rolled away for all to see! For you and I to see - see what?  The RESURRECTION!!!  Then what?  BELIEVE IN JESUS!!!!
    Jesus suddenly appeared to people, why?  He is able to be wherever, whenever, at any time.  His appearance to ones of ancient times was significant and He instructed them to go and make disciples in the world.  Are you doing that now?  Making disciples?  Jesus asked Martha, and I ask you: "Do you believe that everyone who lives in me (Jesus) and believes in me (Jesus) will never ever die?
  Ask yourself these same questions. Thank you for reading. Take Jesus seriously, He takes you seriously. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Good Friday Luke 23:44-46

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   What is Good Friday - definition - good fri·day
The Friday before Easter Sunday, on which the Crucifixion of Christ is commemorated in the Christian Church.
     Good Friday isn’t a happy day, but its name is a reminder that humans can only be considered good because of what happened on that day.  Good Friday is a day of mourning and sorrow over the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ and a reminder that the sins of all people made it necessary for him to die in the first place. It’s also a day of gratitude for the supreme sacrifice that he made.

     In America, many see it as a holiday, not considering what it represents.  Where are you? What do you think about Good Friday?  A holiday?  OR, the day your saviour gave HIS life for YOURS?
    Jesus died on the cross for you, for me, for all mankind - so we would be saved and experience life eternal.  When the darkest hour came Jesus gave it all back to God. Please read Luke 23:44-46.
   Let us not forget what JESUS CHRIST did for us.  Good Friday is not a happy day, yet it is a happy day. This is when my life, your life was spared.  Love you all.  Keep the reason for the holiday - Good Friday - in mind.  Next, Easter. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Serveth God? Malachi 3:17-18

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Discernment!  Have you thought any more about discernment?  In Malachi 3, the last 3 verses, Malachi is talking about the LORD's promise of mercy.  Here it is.
    Malachi 3:17-18 "And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.  Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not."
  Once again, the word discern is used, but it will be God who does the discerning.  God's special treasure are those faithful to him.  This fulfills the promise he made in the covenant to his people in Exodus 19:5.
   According to 1 Peter 2-9, believers are God's very own possession.  GOD will discern between righteous and the wicked - where are you?  Have YOU committed YOUR LIFE to GOD for safekeeping?
   Love you all. Stay thirsty my friend, for the living water.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Discernment, discern - what is it? Matthew 16:2-3/ Luke 12:56

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Sooooo, what is happening in your world?  How is your spiritual life? How is your decision making coming along?  My problem lies in "discernment."  And just what is discernment?
   According to Webster's New World Dictionary - dis = apart + cernere - to perceive or recognize clearly.  To be discerning is to have good judgment.; being astute.  Hmmm, the Bible has discern listed 17 times, discerned 4 times, discerner and discerneth listed 1 time and discerning listed twice.  Of discern, Jesus mentioned it 4 times of the 17.  So, let's look at it further.
  In Greek the word is "diakrino" (dee-ak-ree'-no) to separate thoroughly, to withdraw from, or oppose.
   The Pharisees and Sadducees were taunting and tempting Jesus to show them a sign of miracles. Jesus' reply in Matthew 16:2-3 "......When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather; for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather today: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? "
    These people did not discern or see Jesus as who he was, is, and will always be --- The Messiah.  All they could see was what is earthly.  In our church, when dealing with others, it becomes quite difficult for me to discern the spirits of the "takers", the "needy" and the ones who are earnest and do need help.
   Doing God's work on the surface is easy peasy.  Just show up, say the right words, pat backs, hug necks, and kiss babies. (sounds more politician than Christian).  I pray about this constantly, discernment, to really help and do God's work - not, as the song says - 'just going through the motions'.
    Luke 12:56 Jesus says again, "Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?"  The people of the times were farmers and depended on the weather; Jesus was annoncing an earthshaking event that would be much more important than the year's crops - the coming of God's Kingdom.  We see signs in the clouds, yet the signs of the times and of the Kingdom to come is being ignored.
    We - you and I - need to be of prayer and dilligent in discerning the spiritual signs and the signs of the times.  Yes, Virginia, Jesus is coming back again and we need to be ready.  Not with cookies and milk, but with salvation and spreading the word to all corners of the world.  Shout out the Good News of JESUS!
    Thank you for reading today.  I would apologize for being so long, however, I am studying what I believe God lays on my heart and if it touches you not - then touch delete and continue on with your day of Glorifying God in all you do.  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny
Jesus offers warning through Luke 12 - to hear just click here

Do your words reflect GOD? 1 Peter 4:11

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    1 Peter 4:11 " If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."
   How is God glorified when we use our abilities?  When we use them as HE directs, to hlep others, they will see JESUS in us and glorify HIM for the help they have received.
   Do you think Peter may have been reflecting on Jesus' words - "Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."  Matthew 5:16
   May you have a wonderful day and weekend.  Remember, this Sunday is Palm Sunday.  Have a super time remembering what happened over 2000 years ago. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

What is your gift? 1 Peter 4:10

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Scripture to think and ponder on:  1 Peter 4:10 "God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another."
   Do you know what your gifts are?  Have you searched out and tried to find what your gifts are? When you do, those gifts should be used in serving others, not for our own exclusive enjoyment.
   When you discover your gifts from God, then we must do as God calls and use those gifts to honor and bring glory to HIS kingdom.  We all have gifts, Paul tells us this.  If you don't know yours, take time to search out the LORD and HIS guidance in discovering what your gifts are.
    Stand tall my friend, you are standing on the shoulders of giants before you, fighters for Christ. Bring honor and glory to God in all you do; share your gifts with others.  Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny
 

Pray and love one another. 1 Peter 4:7-9

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    If you have not stopped and really read 1 Peter, please take time one day to do so.  We will move on into 1 Peter 4:7-9 "The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay."
   We should live daily expecting Jesus to come.  How do we continually get ready?  We prepare by growing in love for God and for others.
   It is important to pray regularly and to reach out to needy people.  Your material items, your status, and your power will mean nothing in God's kingdom, but you will spend eternity with other people rejoicing and praising God.
   Invest your time.....invest your talents where they will make an eternal difference.  Romans 12:2 "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think."
  Romans 12:11,12 tells us "Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the LORD enthusiastically.  Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying."  Thank you for reading with me today. God bless and may you have a wonderful day. Love you all.
    In Christ's Love and Grace
       Johnny

Living forever? 1 Peter 4:6

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Yesterday the study was 1 Peter 4:3-5.  Please remember what was said there - the basis of salvation is our belief in Jesus Christ (Act 16:31), but the basis for judgment is how we have lived. ALL PEOPLE will be judged, believers for their rewards and unbelievers for their punishment.  Keep this in mind as we move on to 1 Peter 4:6 .
    The life app Bible 1 Peter 4:6 "That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead - so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit."
    Many people in the early church had concerns about life after death. In Thessalonica, Christians worried that loved ones who died before Christ's return might never see Christ.  Peter reminded them that the dead, all-the faithful and the oppressors-would be judged.  God's judgment is fair and just.
    Jesus' Good News was made known when Jesus preached on the earth, but it has been operating since before the creation of the world -- Ephesians 1:4 -- and it affects all people, the quick and the dead.
    This -- Christian -- is your mission should you choose to accept it -- to spread and share the gospel with the world.  Every step you take, every moment you breathe, people are watching, people are making decisions, let YOU be the BIBLE they see. Adults and children alike are watching what you do.  Take time to view this 3:42 minute video - A child is watching. 
     Food for thought in closing:  44% of the children who see their favorite actors/actress' smoking on t.v., movies, or dvd end up smoking.   What about violent video games - - killing?  Again, food for thought.  Love you all.  Drink up my friend, of the living water - Jesus.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Living from past to present to future 1 Peter 4:3-5

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    Yesterday the topic was about suffering for Christ and arming ourselves with the proper attitude. Today, we are going to 1 Peter 4:3-5 (take time to click on this and read the scripture).
    These verses tell us that in the past we did "evil"(ungodly)  things that people who do not know Jesus enjoyed. We enjoy immorality, lust, feasting, drunkenness and wild parties, and we worshiped idols.  Any time we hold something above God, it becomes our idol; therefore, living for the items above, in effect, make them our idol.  Most of us have all been there.
   Suddenly, you accept Jesus Christ as your LORD and Saviour and the old friends start to turn away.  Now why would that be? Probably, because you are now going a different direction and your new direction, your new attitude convicts them of their sinful activities.  It is our job, as mature Christians, to help the lost, the new Christians turn away from their sinful ways and to experience the salvation and joy of JESUS!!
   Encourage them to develop new habits, a new attitude, a new spiritual life that leads to life eternal.
   Verse 5 hits home hard - KJV "Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead."   The basis of salvation is our belief in Jesus but the basis for judgment is how we have lived.  ALL PEOPLE will be judged; believers for the rewards they will receive; unbelievers for punishment.  All will give an account to God, so we must be ready, AND help prepare those around us for the final accounting.
   Are you ready to give account to God?   Are your family and friends ready to give account to God?  Stay thirsty my friend, for the living water - JESUS!!  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Suffer for Christ? Breaking from sin? 1 Peter 4:1-2

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    Do you, or have you suffered for Christ?  Evangelists and Missionaries around the world have and are suffering for Christ.  Why?  Because the evil one is the prince of the earth and is loost to roam.  The closer you get to God, the harder satan and his demons work on you.  Look at 1 Peter 4:1-2. (to hear)
   "For as much then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; (2) That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God."
  Suffering helps us be more like Christ, but we don't want to suffer or experience pain.  This weekend I tried to move a table with my lip, it moved, I experienced pain.  Yes, it hurt, it bled, BUT, it was no pain at all compared to those who have suffered for Christ. 
    We need to arm ourselves and be prepared to suffer for our belief if necessary.  How can we overcome sin? Very simple - FOCUS ON CHRIST and what he wants us to do.  Pain and danger show our true character; will you suffer for Christ and continually pick up the cross and continue on?  Will you faithfully obey?  Will you make a clean break from sin?  How do we break from sin? By being faithful and obeying the word of God.  Remember, Christ said to love one another as yourself; we should love each other as Christ loves us and the church.  When you break from sin, you will no longer chase the desires of the heart, but long to do the will of God.  Where are you today my friend?  Stay thristy my friend, for the living water - JESUS CHRIST!  To hear 1 Peter 4 click hear.  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

One another? Love one another? Hmm! John 13:34-35

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
  Yesterday we visited about "The church is life and death" and I noted we would talk about "one another" in todays venture.  Did you think about "the church" and what it is?  Did you share the gospel with at least one (1) person?  Have you tried, as was mentioned Monday, to exercise some of the traits like mercy, humility, kindness, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness?
   Today let's talk about "one another."  Who or what is one another?  If you check the Bible, in the New Testament, you will find 21 places that talk about love one another.  But let's start with this one.
   John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I  give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
  This is Jesus talking.  Our Christlike love will show we are disciples of Jesus.  If you refer to the references of "one another"you will find we are told to be kindly affectionate, owe nothing but to love one another, serve one another, stir up love through our good works, love one another as brothers, tenderhearted and courteous.  Love covers a multitude of sins.
   We should not bicker, be jealous, or have division in our church or among churches.  If we are truly Jesus' followers, then by our love for one another, we will work for the truth and the light, and put all bickering aside.  Bickering, jealously, division; these are all tools satan uses to break up the church.
   Love is more than, "love ya, see ya" and having no thought or deep set feelings.  Love is an attitude that reveals itself in action  How can we love others as Jesus love us?  By helping when it is not convenient; giving when it hurts; devoting energy to others' welfare rather than our own; absorbing hurts from others without coplaining or fighting back.  This kind of love is hard to do. 
 THAT, MY FRIEND, is why people notice when you do it and know you are empowereed by a supernatural source.  THEY SEE JESUS IN YOU!!  To know more about love read 1 Corinthians 13.
   Christ came and gave a commandment that was revolutionary.  To love one others was not a new commandment (Leviticus 19:18) but TO LOVE OTHERS AS CHRIST LOVED OTHERS was new.  We are to love others based on Jesus' love for you, for me, for others!!!
    Jesus was a living example of God's love and we are to be living examples of Jesus' love.  Are you? Love you all, no, really, I do love you all.
    In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

The Church is life and death! Acts 16:5

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 little world?  Did you, or have you thought about Jesus Christ, God, or the Holy Spirit since we last visited?  Should this not be a continual thing?  Talking, visiting, and thinking about our creator?
    In my Bible study this week a couple of items jumped out at me that I want to share and would covet your feedback.  First - "The church is life and death."  Then the second is several "one anothers" such as love one another, pray for one another, encourage one another, etc.
    The church is life and death - What is the church?  Is it that beautiful architectural structure that people admire?  Is it that wood pier and beam building that is old but in good shape?  Is it any building that is open for worship?  I firmly believe that the church is you, me, and all the other Christians.  The building is just where we gather to worship.  Some gather in homes, some in woods, some under a bridge.  These later ones are as much, if not more church as the ones in buildings.  And why do I say this?  Read on.
    What made up the first church of Christians - Jesus, disciples, and the followers!  Where was their building?  Huh?  Exactly, they had no building, but doing as Jesus commanded, going forth and spreading the word.  Sometimes we defile God's church by letting it be a social club, a tight knit group, doing their own thing.  The church is life and death -  without Christ there is death; with Christ there is eternal life.  Where are you today - One who goes to church?  OR, are you part of the church, sharing the gospel to others? I am not against church, just for spreading the gospel.
    You, my brothers and sisters, are Christian missionaries and must carry the word. Paul found Timothy, and along with Silas began a far reaching ministry.  Acts 16:5 "And so were the churches strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.
   Is what you are doing strengthening the church and helping it to increase in number?  Tomorrow, the "one another" venture.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Is your life honor and glory to God? Colossians 3:17

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Colossians 3:17 " And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the LORD Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
   Read this slowly - whatsoever ye do in WORD or DEED - this is talking about your every movement, what you say, everything - all I do I am being watched. 
      So, then what?  do all in the name of the LORD Jesus - as a representative of Jesus all I do should bring honor to Christ in every aspect and activity of daily living.  Can you honestly say people watching me will see Jesus Christ in me?
    What impression do people have of Christ when they see you; talk with you; or observe you?  What changes would you make in your life to HONOR JESUS - HONOR GOD?!?
   I CORINTHIANS 10:31 "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
  Love you all. Thanks for reading.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Does Christ's word dwell richly in you? Colossians 3:16

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

Yesterday I mentioned sins versus love.  Have you thought about the sins to really pray about leaving you and the sign of love to concentrate on?  Or, are these just empty words passing through a vacuum to not be heard?  Think about this for a moment: "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).

      You once was on death row, then you were pardoned and given eternal life by Jesus Christ.  What are you doing to show your appreciation to God? To Jesus?  Nothing or something?
   Colossians 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the LORD."
     Now look at these words and understand.  Where does the word of Christ dwell?  IN YOU!  The early Christians had the Old Testament only, and memorized the stories and teachings of Christ; passing them on by story from person to person; or put to song and music for easier recall and memory.
    Thankful people can worship wholeheartedly.  Gratitude opens our hearts to God's peace and enables us to put on love.  Discontented people find problems in everything.  Which side of the fence do you sit on?
   Take time to see all you have.  Do a checklist of things to be thankful for.  Imbed these items in your daily prayer of praise and gratitude.  Yesterday I asked you to apply the signs of love to each day: mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness.  That is 6 days worth.  Well, for the 7th day, the Sabbath, Sunday, before worship quit rushing around and take time to reflect on reasons for thanks. Ephesians 5:19,20
    Let Sunday be your thanks, faith, and hope day; celebrate God's goodness to you and share, in prayer, your needs for the week ahead.  Not wants---but NEEDS.  Thank you all for reading. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grce
    Johnny

Clothe yourself in LOVE! Colossians 3:14-15

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

    Colossians 3:14-15 "AND ABOVE ALL THESE THINGS PUT ON CHARITY WHICH IS THE BOND OF PERFECTNESS. (15) AND LET THE PEACE OF GOD RULE IN YOUR HEARTS, TO THE WHICH ALSO YE ARE CALLED IN ONE BODY: AND BE YE THANKFUL."
  We should clothe ourselves with love - this is the glue that holds us together.  As Christians we should live in peace.  Living in peace does not mean everyone suddenly agrees with you on everything, but it does require that loving Christians work together despite their differences.
   Clothe your self with LOVE.  We become wrapped up in our own little world about "ME" and not about any one else.  We have road rage, we worry about many material things that will rot or deteriorate, we are frustrated because people are not doing as we think they should.
   Love is the glue that holds all the things Paul tells us to put on together.  We should be able to, through Jesus Christ, put away sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, greed, anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, dirty language, lying and put on the signs of love: mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness.
   There are six signs of love; pick one to emphasize each day, then when Sunday comes, reflect back and see how that worked for you.  There are 10 sins listed above, put away or place 2 a day in the hands of God - let him rid you of these while adding 1 sign of love each day.  Anything done without love only creates confusion and distortion.
   Paul tells us that we must decide between conflicting elements by using the rule of peace.  What will promote peace in your soul, in your body of believers?  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

God chose you; how are you clothed? Colossians 3:12,13

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED! (to listen to click Colossians 3)
   So, what is happening in you world today?  Have you thought about what you are building---bridges or walls?
   Colossians 3:12,13 "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."
   Paul is telling us to the virtues we must clothe ourselves in. This all deals with a heart of compassion; being thoughtful, unselfish and a pleasant/sweet disposition.
    We are giving an ourward display of our inner attitude. Humility or be humble means putting ourself last, not the big "I".  But the hard one here is "patience"  or being able to bear injury and insult without retaliation.  Accepting wrong without complaint; long-suffering is an attribute of God (Romans 2:4) and a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
    v 13 "Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Rembmer, the LORD forgave you, so you must forrgive others." 
    We are called to put up with things we dislike and get along with those who disagree. We, as Christians, can disagree without being disagreeable.  The key to forgiving others is remembering how much God has forgiven you.  God infinite love and forgiveness can help us love and forgive others. Do not live in bitter feuding, be in live renewed in love and joy.
   God has forgiven you for so much, sent His son to die for you; is it too much for you to forgive someone who has done so little to you?  You are chosen, you are one of God's Holy People, so do the right thing!!!
Stay thirsty my friend, for the living water!! Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Have any barriers? Looking for unity? Colossians 3:11

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Have you ever had one of those days when things just seems strange or weird?  I am experiencing that now, so I ask for your prayers.
    Colossians 3:11 "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all and in all." KJV
     The Christian Church, (you, me, other believers=church), should have no barriers of nationality, race, educational level, socail standing, wealth, gender, religion, or power.  christ breaks down all barriers and accepts all people who come to Him.  Nothing should keep us from telling others about Christ or accepting into our fellowship any and all believers. (Ephesians 2:14,15)  Christians should be building bridges, not walls.
    Do you see others in a neutral eye?  Or, is your eye tainted?  Do you talk to others about Christ just from the surface, OR, do you dig deeper for better understanding for all?  Do you put up walls instead of bridges?  The Berlin wall separated good from evil ---is this what you are doing?  Are you accepting of others, with God's discernment, and reaching out to help?
   Christ was here, died for you, for me, for us all, uniting us all; are you here for others?  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Put on the new man, the image of Christ Colossians 3:10

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  (click to listen to Colossians 3)
   Colossians 3:¹⁰ And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
     Look at this verse, what does "put on the new man" mean to you?  Take a moment to ponder this!
Then, renewed in knowledge - what does this mean to you?   Think about what is being said in the Bible.
Finally, "after the image of him that created him" - are you in the image?
     Once we accept Christ as our LORD and Saviour, then we become a work in progress.  You, I, we are a continuing education program in Christianity.  To follow the LORD, is to be devoted, to be like the teacher, Jesus Christ.  We can imitate, just as I can say the right words, giving lip service; but we need to be LIKE JESUS!  When we follow, or become disciples of Jesus, we follow His teachings, and we become like our teacher, we will never be the teacher, but we become like our teacher.
    We must never stop learning and obeying; continue to search for the rich treasures of growing in Christ.  Have you put on the new man?  Accepting Jesus is not about lip service, but actions.  As I have said before, standing in a garage does not make you a car; sitting in church does not make you a Christian.  The fruits of your labors will show where you are in Christ.
    It is all simple: rid yourself of all evil practices and immorality; commit yourself to what Christ teaches! Do you have a commitment to Christ?  Are you true to that commitment? Is your conduct matching your faith? Here is a scripture for thought: Ephesians 2:10 "FOR WE ARE GOD'S MASTERPIECE. HE HAS CREATED US ANEW IN CHRIST JESUS, SO WE CAN DO THE GOOD THINGS HE PLANNED FOR US LONG AGO."   God's masterpiece - do you treat yourself with the respect of a masterpiece OR with the respect of inferior work?  HE is in me. HE is in you. Live accordingly. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

Liar, liar, pants on fire? Colossians 3:9

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Yesterday I asked if evil, earthly things are lurking within you.  You can tell me any story you wish me to believe, however, God knows!
     Colossians 3:9 "Don't lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds." ( click to listen to Colossians 3)
    Lying to one another disrupts and destroys trust and unity.  Relationships will be torn down and serious conflicts may occur, whether in personal relationships or in church.  Do not exaggerate facts nor leave out facts; do not gossip or spread rumors; do not say things to build yourself up while tearing down someone else.  Being committed to Jesus Christ means being committed to being truthful.
   Jesus wants you, Jesus wants me, to clean up our lives of verbal sin, of sexual/lustful sins.  There is no place in the church (church meaning the people-not a building) for gossip, rage, talking about others, sexual sins, lustful sins, covetness. You, as a child of God, a follower of Jesus Christ, are to be a beacon to others.
   You, I, should be as a lighthouse on a stormy night - displaying love, faith, and hope to others.  Do others see the light in you?  How bright is your lighthouse?  A glimmer of light or a bright beam of light?
   Love you all.  Lie not and stay thirsty for the living water my friend.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Are sinful, earthly things lurking within you? Colossians 3:1-8

Good morning everyone!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   Wow!  An awesome day at church yesterday.  Then last night, on the History channel they have the Bible.  They say they are keeping it close to the script and it is very close.  A few details are wrong, but basically it is correct.
    Now, have you thought about where our society as a whole is?  America, S. America, Europe, Baltic Countries, Arab Nations - where have we gone morally? Yesterday on America's funniest videos everyone is laughing and think it is funny and okay for a 3 year old little girl to run around, repeatedly saying "I farted!"  My mother would cringe, and I was not exactly happy.  AND, this is considered a funny clip.  I get onto my grandchildren if they say this.
    So you say what is wrong with that, which is what everyone says that now.  Yes, I know; just another slip in our slide back to the world of Sodom and Gomorrah.  My mother jumped all over me around 1959 or 60 for saying "crap" when I dropped my school books.  She told me my grandfather would have wore me out for saying that.  Just stop a moment and consider the language we, you & I use, that is acceptable by society standards.  Let me go back a few years: in a family way compared to knocked up;  songs with curse words in them; phuie (foo-ey) to friggin;  cranky to bitchin; when good was good and bad was bad.  Where have we gone?  Is this pleasing to our Lord and Saviour?
   First, look at Colossians 3:1-4 click on link, read this, then come back.  Now, look at Colossians 3:5 & 8 where Paul tells us to put to death sinful earthly things LURKING within you. Yes, we all have secrets, but not from God.  Verse 8 tells us to rid ourselves of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. We do this by committing ourselves to Jesus Christ, and remaining committed to Jesus.  Can you say your are committed to Jesus?  If so, alleluia; if not-what are you going to do about it? 
    We cannot clean up the whole world, but we can clean up where we live and help those around us. Enjoy your feedback. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
        Johnny
       Johnny

Does a fool ever learn or listen? Proverbs 1:7

Good morning everyone!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
  Wow!  You may know something, have thought about it, then suddenly it comes to life.  I used to tell substitute teachers not to engage in word battles or mental games with students; why?  You cannot match wits with an idiot!  Not saying the students were idiots, but from their way of thinking they know it all.  Listen to Proverbs.
    Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
    One of the most annoying types of people is a know-it-all, a person who has his opinion about everything, is closed to anything new, resents discipline, and refuses to learn.  Solomon calls this type of person a fool.
   Bank tellers and cashiers who are trained and sharp eyed can spot a counterfeit bill immediately.  Can you identify a counterfeit Christian?  No, you are not judging him/her - you are following the Bible and looking at their fruits.  Do they offer good lip service as the pharisees but their walk is not of their lip service?
    If the highway collapsed, a sink hole, a 100 foot drop to certain death, would you tell someone?  Would you try to stop them from going on?  Of course.  We will be foolish and make mistakes, but we have God to turn to, ask forgiveness, correct and continue on. 
     What about the lost - whom I will refer to as foolish.  They are leaping into a crevice filled with flames and death from fire will be slow, filled with torture, agony, and nashing of teeth.  Don't you want to share the word of eternal life, salvation?  Pray first, let God lead you and let your tongue roll out the words organized, created, and designed by God to penetrate the heart of the person (fool) you are sharing with.
    You cannot save that person.  You job is only to pray and plant the seed. God will water, nuture, and sprout the seed you have cast forth.  Keep seeding my friend, stay thristy for the living water. Love you all.
    In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny
p.s. Proverbs 1:10 "My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them!"