What is in a painting? What is in a Bible?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   So whachathinkin bout today?   That is East Texan for what are your thoughts for the day?  Last night, at the end of Bible study a man walked in, call him Jeff P., and was looking at the paintings on the wall. Now, please understand that our church, Church Under A Bridge, has no building so we use a building close to a movie thearte and our local mall.
    Jeff walked in, was looking at the paintings, and we engaged in conversation.  When people look at different paintings different thoughts rush through their minds.  Example, a painting of a tree to one person may bring to mind a child hood memory; whereas, another may think of a vacation.
   When looking at an abstract painting different people see different meanings.  So, whether it be a simple painting, complex or abstract painting, people see and take away different things from that single object.
   How often do we do this with the Bible!  I may pick and choose verses that support my need, what "I" believe, that help ease my conscience.  The Bible is not a painting, where we can pick and choose different meanings.  21st century Christians water down God's word.  We allow other religions beliefs to taint our true word of God.  
   What do you see when you look at your Bible?  An old book, written by chauvinist men of ancient times that is not relevant to us today?  OR, a Bible, a guide book for life, not just life but everlasting life?
   Look at Ephesians 2:8-10

⁸ God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. ⁹ Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 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.
    Please read this scripture again, slowly, and think about what is being said.  Now back to Jeff P. and the paintings.  He admired the paintings, I introduced myself and our church, and asked about his church.  His response: "I am not a religious man." He views the world and life as we view paintings - different meanings.  My response was that we would pray for him and God would be on his heart. I ask that you pray for Jeff, pray for us all, that we follow God's word and do not just make them paintings where we can pick and choose our meaning.  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny
 

IMITATE WHAT IS GOOD!! 3 John 11

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   3 JOHN is short but carried an impact to me this morning. To hear 3 John click here.
3 John 11 from the New King James says, "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God."
  Take time to read this, absorb this verse, and think deeply about it.  God’s children should do good things. By our good deeds, we show that we know God.

            Nothing that is bad comes from God. When we live with God, we cannot do evil things. The person who does evil things does not know God. We,  Christians are not perfect yet, God is making us perfect. Before we were Christians, we often wanted to do evil things. But now we want to do good things, so that God is pleased with us.

  When you tread the highways and byways of this world today, see how much good you can spread. Let others see JESUS CHRIST in YOU!  Then PRAISE GOD for allowing you to do so.  A kind word, a helping hand, a simple thank you or I appreciate you can make a difference.

    Tell others about your church, you are a Christian, your church comes from Jesus Christ!  TELL SOMEONE!  GOD REIGNS!  Imitate what is good, today, JUST DO IT!! Love you all.

  In Christ's Love and Grace

    Johnny

 

Power by humbly submitting to God's authority

Well, hello again my friend.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
  Okay, please read these verses with me.  May they make the impact on you they did on me.  What authority and power you have, I have, by being humble to God's authority.
   Read 3 translations of Matthew 10:7-8 

⁷ And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
⁸ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
  
 Okay, let's break this down.  First, go and what?  PREACH!! And what do we say "THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND."  So, are you a preacher----you bet your boots you are, you were told, by the Bible, to go preach.
  Okay, then what?  THEN WHAT???  Read, man, read!  Heal the sick----cleanse the lepers----raise the dead-----cast out devils.  This is what you are to do.  Huh?  But, but......how??
   You were freely given and freely did you receive the authority to do this from G O D !!! Quote from a book I am reading called Needless causalities of war:  "Therefore, we have been given authority to aggressively plunder Satan's kingdom.  Jesus has given us divine power to carry on His ministry and build His Kingdom.  Victorious living in our battles with Satan and his demonic kingdom is accomplished to the degree that we submit to Jesus' Lordship.  The more we submit every area of our life to Jesus, the greater the victories we will see.  It is yielding to His Lordship and remaining faithful to His Lordship that brings not only great but also consistent victories.  To be given spiritual authority requires that we humbly submit to God's authority."
    Caution --- do not go out thinking "I" can do this because God is on my side.  It is not you, or the dreaded "I", but God, Jesus' power freely given to you that can make a difference. Please do not step into the realm of thinking "I" can do this.  Moses was frustrated with the people because they were whining about getting water.  He struck a rock with his staff, twice, in Numbers 20:10-11 and said here we (Moses and Aaron) give you water.  Moses did not give God credit and Moses did not live to enter the promised land.  
    Once again, when you do God's work, do not take the credit, praise God and give all credit to God. When you do "humbly submit to God's Lordship" you will see and experience wonderful things. Again, caution, do not take credit, your pride will become a downfall.  Praise God for all He has given us.
   Thanks be to God for all possessions given unto us. God bless you all. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Feel surrounded, trapped, take the Elisha approach! 2 Kings 6:8-20

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Have you ever felt trapped?  Locked in where you can't get out?  Whether it be a room, a building, your career, your life, ever feel this way?
   Many of us have.  If you will view 2 King 6:8-19, you will find Elisha was trapped by the Arameans. You know what Elisha did?  Well, probably you and I would have thought, oops, this is it; the end is near.  There is no way out.  I am doomed.  Not Elisha, but his servant did.  You know what happened next?  Unless you just read this chapter and verse, the answer is no.  Well, first look at verse ¹⁵ When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.
   Elisha's servant was afraid, probably as you and I would be. Then Elisha told his servant not to be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them.  Huh?  There is just the 2 of them.
  Elisha prayed to open his servants eyes; when he did the servant looked "saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."  God had sent them to protect Elisha and his servant. 
     This is where we all need to be, as Elisha, realizing the horses and chariots of fire are all about us and we are not trapped.  We have God on our side.  Through Johnny Holcomb all seems impossible, but through God, our Lord and Savior - ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.  Remember this and walk proud yet humbly in the LORD and give HIM all the praise and honor.  Here, read about Elisha with this link. 
  Love you all. Let God be your first thought today.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny
 

What beam? Whose eye? Luke 6:41, 42

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
  Q1. Do you actually realize how easy it is to be a Christian?  It is the reverse of everything else we do.  Usually we study, then take a test; with Christianity we take the test first (accept Jesus as our saviour), then we study (the Bible).  The easiest thing in life to do, yet the hardest step for many people to take.
    Do you ever look around at others and note their faults?  Glad you are not like them? Well, look at Luke 6:41 & 42.  ⁴¹ And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
  Wow, does this tell you something?  Oh, no, not at all.  Jesus tells us we should not be so worried about others' sins that we overlook our own.  We often rationalize our sins by pointing out the same mistakes in others.
   What kinds of specks or mote in others' eyes are the easiest for you to criticize?  Remember your own beams or logs when you feel like criticizing, and you may find that you have less to say.
   Verse 42 sums it up quite well:  "⁴² Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye."
  Check out your own mote (beam), take a Jesus pill, and call me in the morning. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny
 

Following the blind, or leading like the master? Luke 6:39,40

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!  To hear Luke 6 click here.
  Yesterday was don't judge, and receiving your gift pressed down, shaken, to receive more.  Let us delve into the next verses, 39 and 40.  Here goes:  Luke 6:39,40  First Jesus spoke a parable unto them.  
"³⁹ And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?"
  Jesus is talking about following here.  Would you follow a blind man? Probably not, you would want to lead that man - but the point here is: "are you following who you should follow?"  Where does your guidance come from?  Does your GPS work. That is God's Positioning System.  The BIBLE!!!
Verse 40 speaks volumes of how you should live! 
   ⁴⁰ "The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master."
 You are not above your master, Jesus, but all that are perfect shall be like the master.  Whoa! You say! I am not perfect. No, here on earth you are not, however, once you accepted Jesus Christ as your LORD and saviour you became perfect through HIM.
    Now, my question is this to you----YES, I TALKING TO YOU--Do others see JESUS in you? We are made perfect through Jesus, so ARE YOU LIKE THE MASTER?  If not why?  Pride, anger, lust, filthy speech, what?  It is time to give it all up to and for God.  Once you do you will see the burdens drift away and joy will once again captive and overflow in your heart.  Who are you following? Are you like the master?  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

 

Judge not, and ye.......... Luke 6:37-38

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Today, please look at Luke 37 & 38 "37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:  38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."

   This comes from the sermon on the mount. Going back several presidents - Bush, Clinton, Bush, Obama and then prior to that many of you may not remember the Reagan era, Nixon, Carter, etc. When each comes to power they have their own agenda and set forth to carry it out.  but if you will go back into history and watch, you will notice the fall from Christianity since about the Korean War. This means satan is alive, well, and roaming the earth.
    We, as Chrsitians are on a steady decline.  Luke 6 verses 27-38 are the Golden Rule.  Look again at 37 & 38 - A forgiving spirit demonstrates that a person has received God's forgiveness.  How far we stray from Christianity is up to us.  How strong are you in your love of Jesus.  Jesus said, judge not and ye shall not be judged - BUT - he does want us to test the spirit so we will know if it is from God.
    Testing the spirit by God's word, the Bible is not judging.  Forgiving:-- if you don't forgive, this is the abatross you carry around YOUR NECK, and until you forgive you won't experience true love and freedom in Christ.
   Verse 38 - Jesus is talking about grain, and the measuring of it in his day.  If you just pour grain in a basket it will fill and you are through.  HOWEVER, if you shake the basket a little the grain will compress and more can be added.  This is how we should love our fellow man. 
   And what does the end of verse 38 say?  The same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.  What does this mean?  If we treat others generously, graciously, and compassionately, these qualities will come back to us in full measure. 
     WE ARE TO LOVE OTHERS, NOT JUDGE THEM.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Let sadness be turned to joy.

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Just some general thoughts and observations for you today.  We never know how much we love someone until something happens.  The old term "stop and smell the roses" is so very true.
   A friend, Kristi Faulkner, had a still born baby girl and in her sorrow sat and penned this poem/note.
         IF ONLY YOU COULD SEE
I know you are feeling sad today...
                                      because I had to go
I know you have so many things....
                                      that remind you of me so
And though you cry....
                             as you recall the short time spent with me
I know your pain would turn to joy...
                                                   if only you could see
I'm in Heaven with Jesus now.....
                                            we laugh, we sing, we play
He holds me gently in His arms....
                                           I know no pain today
And, though we are apart a little while....
                                                    Jesus has promised me
Someday, He will bring you here with me....
                                                   where we will live for eternity.
Love you and miss you so very much....
                                                just remember I will be okay
So be strong until Jesus reunites us together.......again.
                                                                 by Kristi Faulkner  '13

We have all experienced some loss or pain in our life. Take time to pen it, give it over to God, and be set free.  Jesus paid his life, with crimson stains, so you would clean and be set free.  Take it - its yours---FREE!
Love you all. 
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Praise God in all times! Psalm 34:1

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Well, with tragedies happening all around us we have to remember what David says.  Accidents with injuries, accidents with deaths, tornadoes, winds, rains, and on and on.  When things happen we have two choices: 1) to be angry, despaired, upset; or, 2) to praise God for the good things when it appears bad.
This is what David said in Psalm 34:1 "I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips."        
  We have to remember what God has done and will do for us.  When something unfortunate or bad happens do as the preacher and his friend who was robbed at gun point.  As the robber fled, the preacher raised his hands and said "oh thank you Lord for all you have given me."  The man with him asked how could you praise God when you were just robbed?  The preacher replied, the robber took my watch, my money, but left me alive.  I am grateful to God for this and prasie his name.
    Can you say this when things happen?  Thank you God for the good.  A tornado went through Granbury, Tx last night, killing 14, but leaving thousands alive.  Yes, we weep for the lost, yet praise for the alive.   May your day be one where you LOOK UP AND PRAISE GOD!!  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

 

To live is to be like Christ! Galatians 2:20

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    I trust your day is off to a great start and enjoyable venture.  Galatians 2:20 "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." To hear Galatians 2 click here.
    The focus of Christianity is on living.  Because we have been crucified with Christ, we have also been raised with him (romans 6:5).  Legally, we have been reconciled with God (2 Corinthians 5:19) and are free to grow into christ's likeness (Romans 8:29).  In our daily life, we have christ's resurrection power as we continue to fight sin (ephesians 1:19,20). 
   We are no longer alone, for CHRIST lives in us - he is our power for living and our hope for the future (Colossians 1:27).  You are living my friend, living for and with Christ. You are a child of the King of Kings - so go forth and share the good news with others. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

Wine or whine? Where are you headed? Ecclesiastes 2:2,3

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    Ecclesiastes 2:2 & 3  Solomon said what good is laughter? What good does it do to seek pleasure?  Verse 3, please read it, and does this not sound like people today?  "After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness.  In this way, I tried to experience the ony happiness most people find during their brief life in this world."
  Read that again, then can you say WOW in all caps!?!?!  Is this not what our world is becoming like today?  Physical and emotional pleasure - at all costs.  Alcohol, drugs, physical pleasures - that is the life! Life is short, enjoy it however you want.  HUH?  I don't believe that is what God says, and that is not what Solomon is telling us.
     So often we are as a dog chasing its tail - round and round.  And, if the dog does catch his tail - what does this availeth him .....NOTHING!   Where is your life?  Chasing your tail, going in circles, moving nowhere; OR, are you walking the path of JESUS, and spreading seeds all along as you go?
    If you listen to the world - Wine, Women and Song is the way to go.  Yes, a path straight to hell. However, God-Obedience-Jesus' Sacrifice and following Jesus's steps is a path straight to eternal life.
    So, what in heavens name are you doing for the Kingdom of God?  Put away the worldly things, for they will pass away, go spiritual, it lasts forever.  The only way to live is in a life of Christ.  Do others see Christ in you?  Love you all.
    In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

Life's meaning? Ecclesiastes 2:1

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    What do you stand for?  What will the "dash" in your life say?  The "dash" is on the head stone, and will say:    Johnny Holcomb  1948 - 2030......What will my "-"  say?  Ecclesiastes 2:1 "I said to myself, "Come on, let's try pleasure Let's look for the 'good things' in life"  But I found that this, too, was meaningless."
   Solomon conducted his search for life's meaning as an experiment.  He first tried pursuing pleasure. He took on great projects, bought more slaves, herds, and flocks, gained much wealth, acquired singers, added many concubines to his harem, and became the greatest person in Jerusalem. And???????
   And......none of this gave him satisfaction.  He realized it was all meaningless, just as chasing the wind. Of all the earthly things he obtained and acquired, nothing really was worthwhile.  He had to look beyond what he had and go deeper.....SPIRITUALLY!  He realized that without GOD, nothing is important. God gave meaning to Solomon.  What gives meaning to you and your life?  If the answer is GOD, you are on the right track.  If it is "things of the world" take time to be alone with God and solemnly and sincerely ask for his wisdom, knowledge and guidance.  Love you all. JOHN 12:21 "Sir, we want to see Jesus!"
    In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Ecclesiastes 1:8

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
  Well, did you listen to Ecclesiastes 1? Click here to hear, it is short. This is Solomon's personal experience as he reflects back.  You could very well put your name in there and say this is my, ______, experience.
    What kind of creature are you, really?  Do you believe the Bible?  Do you trust in the LORD?  How would you respond if someone asked  how do you know you are a Christian?  Would Jesus Christ be the first words out of your mouth?  Would those words come out as reference or in the form of cursing?
    Look at Ecclesiastes 1 verse 8.  ⁸ Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content.  
   Many people, and I may be talking to you, feel restless and dissatisfied.  They wonder if they are in God's will - if so why am I tired, unfulfilled, struggling?  What is the real meaning of life? Why am I here? When I reflect on my life will I be happy with what I have done?  Why do I feel burned out? Just what is going on here? Where am I headed?
    King Solomon tests our faith and challenges us to find true and lasting meaning in GOD alone. My friend, where are you on this path of life?  Have you trusted in the LORD?  Have you TOTALLY TRUSTED IN GOD?  Be honest, or are you as I have done for years: here Lord you take over and do it, after a short time I would pick it back up because God was not doing it right. Right?  Yes, not in my way or my time frame.  Can you say, "UH DUH?"  
   When we turn it over to God, we have to have faith and trust it will be done. Leave it.....LEAVE it......LEAVE IT!!!!!   God has the eternal perspective and solution. Leave it alone-have faith and trust GOD!  So, buck up bucko- let it be a God thing and get out of the way. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny
 

Satisfied? Which world are you walking in? Ecclesiastes 1

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   So, what is happening in your life now?  Did you think about the premium?  Have you paid your premium?  Just asking Jesus to come into your heart?
   Please take a moment to listen to Ecclesiastes 1:1-18 (only 2:21 minutes) as you read the scriptures of Ecclesiastes 1.  Here, you will find the author, Solomon, referred to himself as the teacher, or leader of the assembly. He was gathering people to hear a message and gathering wise sayings (proverbs).
     Solomon, one person in the Bible who had everything (wisdom, power, riches, honor, reputation, God's favor), is the one who discussed the ultimate emptiness of all that this world has to offer.  His purpose in this book is to make people realize that their confidence in their own efforts, abilities, and righteousness was meaningless.  Instead, their commitment to God is the only reason for living.
    Solomon was nearing the end of his life and was reflecting back on all he had done.  Solomon saw all  he had achieved, and realized that in this world we will never be satisfied, all we pursue will become meaningless.  What meaning is there is our accomplishments apart from God?
   The wisdom and knowledge we get from God will grant us peace and give us meaning.  Apart from God what are we?  Apart from God we are only creatures bound for an eternal hell.  Where are you today friend?  One foot in the world and one foot in God's kingdom.  You cannot serve two masters.
     As Solomon states in verse seven, "rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns to the rivers and flows out again to the sea."  Do you ever feel this way?  It is time, my friend, to take a big drink of the "living water" and walk as the teacher, Jesus. Turn it all over, get both feet in the spiritual world with Jesus. Life eternal. Love you all.
    In Christ's Love and Grace
       Johnny

Premiums - is yours paid?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   So what is happening in your little finite world today?  Have you paid your premium to live today?  Huh? Premium?
    It seems everything costs some type of premium.  Insurance always requires a premium.  Do you have eternal insurance and have you paid the premium?  What?  I don't have to pay to be a Christian!  No, you don't have to pay money, but there is a premium, and you do have to be part of that premium.
   All that we have has a premium. The definition of  pre·mi·um[ prmee əm ]   

1. cost of insurance: the sum of money paid, usually at regular intervals, for an insurance policy
2. additional sum: a sum of money paid in addition to a normal wage, rate, price, or other amount
3. prize: an award or prize given, e.g. to the winner of a competition                               Normally in our life we pay for what we have: car insurance, house insurance, life insurance, annuity premiums, drivers license renewal, car registration, and on and on.  Everything in this world requires a premium.                                                                                                       Have you paid the premium for being a Christian?  Well, please note number 3 - PRIZE - your premium was paid for you - JESUS CHRIST ON THE CROSS!!!   HE paid the premium, now all we have to do is reach out and take the PRIZE!!         And what is the prize?  SALVATION.........EVERLASTING LIFE.........ETERNITY WITH GOD!!    Come on man, what else could you ask for.  My part of the premium is all I have to do is ASK and then TAKE my salvation through FAITH!!                                                                                                            We have always heard we only have to do 2 things in life: pay taxes and die!  Well, I am here to say in the world we have to pay - in the spiritual world we have to pray!  Take your PRIZE, the PREMIUM has already been paid.  Rejoice my friend, you are a child of GOD! Rejoice I say! Love you all.  Read Ecclesiastes 1 for tomorrow.
4.    In Christ's love and grace
5.       Johnny

Focused? On God or the world? Numbers 11:4-6

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    Numbers 11:4-6 ⁴ The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! ⁵ We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. ⁶ But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!” (to hear Numbers 11 click here)
    Dissatisfaction comes when our attention shifts from what we have to what we don't have.  The people of Israel had GOD, but they listened to others, the rabble (non-Israelites) and started complaining.  How often do you find your self doing this very thing?  Taking your eyes off God!
    This is like a spouse or close friend that fails to see what you are doing for them, but what you are not doing for them.  You get tired of hearing the complaints.  So doth the LORD, our GOD.  He does so much for us, yet we forget or fail to acknowledge this and begin comlaining.
   The Israelites forgot the brutal whip of the Egyptians and longed for the food they were given (v. 5) How short was their memory; how short is your memory?  Are you grateful for what GOD has given you or are you always thinking about what you would like to have?
    God has given you life, family, friends, food, health, work--are you not satisfied?  What occupies your mind the most?  God, and his bounties to you; OR, what you don't have?  Stay focused my friend!! Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Patience, let her have her perfect work James 1:3,4

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    How is your day so far?  Are you looking up?  Praising God? Praising God for all you have, have had, and will have?  James 1:3,4  "Knowing this, that the trying of your fiath worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
    We should rejoice in trials.  Huh? You are outta your mind.  Trials brings about patience.  I never used to understand my mom, when something would happen she would say something like, well, let's look at this for a moment, or let's just sleep on it and it will look better in the morning.
  Why was she not upset as was I?  PLUS, I wanted someone to be upset with me.  Well, as I get older I see more clearly now of where mom came from.  Trials work patience.  Patience is the ability to wait calmly and in joy for that glad day when God shall wipe away all tears.  Mom came through the depression, going from a young child to adulthood, then world war 2, the cold war, not to mention all the tough and struggling times just trying to make a living.  Patience endureth; wrath brings sorrow.
    Patience works perfection.  We are simply poor sinners, working here on earth for God's kingdom, but one day we will be perfect like Him (I John 3:2).  Be patient my friend; it is not as big a deal as you make it and one day you will be set free and made perfect through Jesus Christ. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Speaking of the Holy Spirit - 1 Corinthians 12:3

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   May your day be Jesus filled.  Yesterday we talked about wanting a gift. Let's look at 1 Corinthians 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.  
    In New Testament times word did not get around like it does in the modern world. The apostles were few and the means of transportation and communication were slow.  Because of this, many times it was like the gossip circle at a party.  Form a circle, whisper in someones ear, they pass it on, and see what comes out at the last person.  So many times it is completely different than what was originally said.
   This too was happening in the apostles time, many false teachers were popping up in the churches.  Why?  They did not hear correctly, added their part to it and then began spreading and believing what they thought they heard.  The first line says we do not call Jesus accursed; accursed means under a curse or damnable.  The second part of this sentence says no man can say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost.  This is allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us.
   Because there were no written records for facts in the early church and because there were false teachers - Paul needed to clean some things up - i.e. spiritual gifts.  The first was the gift of tongues, as the apostles did on the day of Pentecost.  This gift became popular with the Corinthians, they all wanted it, and if a brother spoke in tongues in a meeting they felt this was evidence he was under direct control of the Holy Spirit.  Well, guess what?
   Yep, they began looking up to the people who spoke in tongues and then these people began going to church for the honor they could get out of it for themselves.  So, why were they speaking in tongues? To edify the church or to boost their status?  Yep!  You know it!  So, now I ask you, why do you come to church?  To be seen?  To dress in fine clothing?  To show what a good church worker you are?  OR, are you there for Jesus and your love of him.
   God gives us gifts -  wisdom, knowledge, faith, healings, miracles, prophecy, tongues, interpreting of tongues, but what is most important?  BELIEF IN JESUS CHRIST AS SAVIOUR!!  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

  

Want a gift? Ask God! 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    Have you thought of yourself as a very unique individual?  Each one of us has a different role in the kingdom of God.  We all serve one God, must love one another, and spread the word throughout the regions, yet each of us is special.
   1 Corinthians 12:4-7 -⁴ There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. ⁵ There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. ⁶ God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.⁷ A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
   God is completely involved in the giving, using and empowering of gifts.  Specific gifts, places of service, and activities vary, they they all have their best effects when they build up the body of Christ - the church - you and me.
     There are different spiritual gifts but we received them all from the Holy Spirit.  There are different ways to serve, but we serve the same LORD.  We each have our own designed role in serving God. Do you know what your role is?
     As you mature do you think you will be given more gifts?  As a child I did not drive, but as an adult I do; might this be the same with the spiritual gifts the LORD gives us?  Many times in the Bible knowledge and wisdom are spoke of.  These are the gifts I pray for daily.  I want the knowledge so when I speak it is from God and the wisdom to be able to know when to speak up and when to be silent.
    What is your spiritual gift?   Ask God to reveal it if you don't know; then use that gift for the glory of God.  But always remember, there is only one way - Jesus Christ - who shed His blood, died, and rose again so that you may live. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace  
     Johnny