THANKSGIVING, A TIME TO BE MORE THANKFUL.

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
     Today, and this week we need to ask for more and be thankful, but be more thankful for all we have.
Tomorrow is thanksgiving and if the opportunity avails itself today or tomorrow, please remember the ones less fortunate.
    Our ministry, Church Under A Bridge, works with people who are homeless or have less than most.  It is at this time of year I would ask if you have anything you can donate or wish to donate a night in a hotel, or donate a meal, anything to please contact me and I will meet you with you precious gift.  Yesterday some of us took survival blankets, firewood, clothing and blankets to our people in tent city and it unbelieveable how much they appreciate the acts of good will.
     No scripture today, I shared it yesterday in Matthew 17, I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me water, etc............
    If you can assist just let me know. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Is it your belief or your unbelief? Matthew 17:14-21

Good morning friends!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
  Did you think about the verse yesterday?  I was hungry-you fed me; I was thirsty-you gave me water; I was a stranger-you took me in; I was naked-you clothed me?  How open is your charity?  Is it only open at your convenience?  Or is it open always, each day?
   Maybe you are in your own storm and you are looking at the clouds, the waves, the violent nature of the storm; yet, where should your trust be placed?  In Jesus' hands.  When Jesus walked with the disciples and they asked why they could not cast demons out as Jesus did, what was Jesus' answer?
   Matthew 17:14-21
¹⁹ Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”
²⁰ So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
  Our unbelief is what holds us back.  When we hit a storm we doubt!  When our life gets bumpy we try to solve it rather than believing God can fix it.  How much faith do you have?  Do you believe you can heal a person with true prayer to God?  Do you believe you can do all things through God?  Or does your unbelief hold you back?
    Unbelief does not mean you don't believe in Jesus - just as the disciples were told by Jesus - you don't believe you have the power that Jesus had on earth.  You do!  You can heal, you can go forth boldly!  Believe, man, just believe!  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny
(for more thoughts go to Thoughts by.....)  

Matthew 25:34-36 Will you?

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   What does this phrase mean to you?  "LITTLE   LITTLE   LATE   LATE"
I had a strong concern yesterday and it lingers yet with me this morning.  When I woke, my thoughts went to the people, men and women, who we have that are living on the streets with a freezing cold front here and getting colder.
   Some will say, it is their choice and they get what they deserve.  Well, yes, partly, some are suffering from decisions made in their past that linger and continue to haunt them.  Possibly, a moment of stupidity 10 years ago, yet, the courts and our society have not been forgiving and they are between a rock and a hard spot.
    One man readily admits he made a stupid decision many years ago to have a couple of beers while helping a friend move.  He was stopped because the light on his trailer was out, the officer smelled alcohol, took him in and, yes, dwi.  The problem here is, the man worked construction and his pickup was impounded with his tools and now he owes the state $2000.00 to get his drivers license back.  He wants to work yet has no transportation, owes 2k and no way to pay.  Yes, he will tell you it was his decisions, allbeit a poor decision, but now he takes work where he can, is homeless, and struggles daily.
     His attitude is I am okay, I am doing alright, there are others here who need more help than me.  What is this man's worst vice today?  He smokes a pipe and occasionally has a beer.  What are his biggest concerns? Staying warm and eating.  He is in a Catch 22 situation.
     Matthew 25:34-36 New King James Version (NKJV) ³⁴ Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: ³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; ³⁶ I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
  If you live where there are homeless, take time, go to Walmart, Target, Academy, Gander Mountain, any store of this sort and buy some survival blankets.  They are usually in a small pack in the camping area and keep the rain and cold out, yet retains 90% of ones body heat.  This will help some to survive. They simply put this survival blanket in their sleeping bag, crawl in, zip it up and they will stay warm.  What will it cost you?  About 3-6 bucks and a little bit of time.
    Just stop and think how blessed you are at this time!  If cold, just turn the heat up; some cannot do this as they live outside.  If hungry, go to the cupboard or frig; some cannot do this as they have no food.  This is on my heart, and if I bored you with details, sorry. However, just a reminder, this world is not, nor does it revolve around YOU!  Oh, the phrase above:  Too little, too late!  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny
(continuation of my thoughts go to Christianity - Thoughts by Johnny)


    

HURRY! NO!!!- slow down-take time James 1:19

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   H U R R Y !  As I traverse the hills and valleys of life my understanding tends to become less and less. The more I learn, it seems, the less I know.  BUT, this I do know and believe--one nasty and vicious word is HURRY!
    If you look up the definition of hurry you will find that as a verb it means move or act with haste, rush; then as a noun it means great haste.  This is what we, as Americans, do constantly.  If we HURRY, then we don't stop and take time.  The old expression: "Stop and smell the roses!"  Can you say guilty?!?  Of course you are, just as am I!
    Sometimes we twist this around so instead of HURRY, we simply say that - "we don't have time!"  And to this I answer BUNK!!  YOU HAVE TIME!  It is you just don't wish to take time, you don't want to slow down, you are in a hurry.
    After my mother had her stroke, I did not "have time" to go to Colorado to see her until Christmas.  I was teaching/coaching and exactly 1 week before I would see her she quietly passed away.  Because I did not "TAKE TIME" to go home, the next time I saw my mom was in a casket. Don't HURRY, take time!
    Old people are lonely; what takes away some of the pain of loneliness?  People in a hospital ill, what helps with their pain and loneliness?   People everywhere in life, what helps with their struggles? Taking time to visit, don't hurry, slow down and take time.  Your mom, dad, brother, sister, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, friends, people appreciate your time.  What is the rush?  Yes, there are times to hurry, you hurry to avoid any peril that may harm you.  But hurry just to hurry?  Why?
   James 1: ¹⁹ So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;"
    Don't HURRY, take time, practice your LISTENING with someone today, tomorrow, in the future.  James 1:19 tells us how to respond to the trials of life.  To read more on this please go to Christianity- Thoughts by Johnny.   Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

    

Tares vs good seed - Matthew 13:24-30

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   For several days now I have been sharing about faith brings about good deeds or works.  Allow me to extend this a tadbit further.  If Jesus is truly in your heart you will want to do good deeds for others. It will not bring strife, but jubilation in your soul, your heart, to assist others.  We should, and need to build relationships with others.
    Matthew 13:24-30 Talks about planting good seed and then the enemy comes and plants weeds in among the seed.  As the good seed grows, so doth the weeds.  The servants asked the owner do you want us to go and pull the weeds.  The owner says no, the good seeds are too young and if you pull the weeds it will uproot them.
    The tares are among the good and they grow together.  Is this not like we are in the world today?  The good seeds here (Christians) are living with the tares (non-Christian).  When the scripture says the enemy plants weeds, this relates to satan, coming and placing the "tares" or non-Christians in our lives.
    Then the question becomes, will the tares choke out the good seed, or will the good seed prevail?  We must live, work, eat, and exist side by side with non-believers or false prophets (anti-Christs).  This goes back to faith with works - if they, non-believers, watch us and see Jesus in our daily walk they, too, have the opportunity to convert from a tare to wheat or good seed.
    Often we want to be Bible-thumpers or Jesus freaks--telling them they are going to hell if they do not convert and become Christians.  You know this goes against our human nature; to be TOLD what you must do.  Resentment tends to build and then they are lost.  Some do not go to church because of the Christians.  The holy-roller or holier than thou attitude comes through and turns them (non-believer) away.
    Visit with others, somewhere their will be a common bond: jogging, children, sports, books, hobbies. Then just build on this common bond. Let the non-believer see you as you walk your walk with Jesus.  This will build the relationship, as they see what you have (Jesus in you) they will become inquisitive and want to know more.  Sure, invite them to church.  Just don't tie them up, thump your Bible in front of them and threaten them.  I would run away also.
    At my church, Church Under A Bridge, a church without walls, a come as you are church, many feel comfortable simply because they do not feel judged.  They don't feel out of place or looked down on.  This type of church is not for everyone, but if someone is hurting from drugs, alcohol, experiencing some failures in their personal life, any type of hurts, habits, or hang-ups (CR slogan)- they come and feel comfortable with others battling the same struggles.  Then, they build relationships and see Jesus in many people.  
   Whether you are in a brick and mortar church, a church with no walls, or wherever you worship, just build relationships through the love of Jesus, who is in your heart.  Like the field of dreams: instead of build it and they will come; share the love of Jesus and they will come.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny
(more at Christianity-Thoughts by Johnny)

I see your faith by your works! James 2:18

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
     Yesterday the topic was faith without works.  Did you understand what James is saying, and then it was reinforced in Matthew?  Let us look at James 2:18 today.

James 2:18  King James Version (KJV)    ¹⁸ Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

   So, what is James saying here?  Do we HAVE to have works?   That is not at all what he is saying. What James is saying is if we do have faith - and what is faith.  Faith means we have accepted Jesus Christ as our saviour, that he died on the cross, shed his blood for us, and he lives in our heart.  Well, if we have faith (Jesus in our heart) then we will want to do deeds for others, we will be as Jesus and help out others WILLINGLY!  The works will come if we are like Jesus!

    True faith involves a commitment of your whole self to God.  Do you have this, a commitment of your whole self? 

   Talk is cheap - actions speak!  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

    Johnny

(to read more go to Christianity - Thoughts by Johnny)

Deeds of faith or selfishness? James 2:17

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   I trust God was part of your weekend and I do hope you took time to praise HIM about all that is going on in your life.  Were you able to do any works for God?
    You know I can serve and obey God, yet not be saved.  I am talking about works!!  Look at James 2:17 in 3 different versions of the Bible:
James 2:17 New King James Version (NKJV) ¹⁷ Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James 2:17 New International Version (NIV) ¹⁷ In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
James 2:17 King James Version (KJV) ¹⁷ Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 

 Our actions, serving and obeying God, show our commitment to God is real.  Deeds of loving service are not a substitute for our faith in Christ, but rather a verification of our faith. 
     If we say we believe, but there are no works, what we do is out of selfishness. If we truly believe in and have salvation through Jesus Christ, our works and deeds will show forth, as we are walking not selfishly, but with the love of Christ. 
      Is your Christian walk for show?  Or do you have mo (more)?  Where are you today friend?  What is your motive? Selfishness or love of Christ? Love you all. 

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
 to study more go to Christianity- Thoughts by Johnny

 

 

James 2:14-16 Faith without works?

Good morning all. God is good, all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
  So, did you show mercy where mercy was needed yesterday?  Today has some mercy, but we will talk about faith. James 2:14-16  ¹⁴ What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
 We all have faith, albeit, that faith may be in many different things.  Here we are talking about having faith in God, a believer.  This verse is talking about the difference of head knowledge and heart knowledge.  Many can claim to have faith and what he/she may have is intellectual knowledge - agreeing with a set of Christian teachings.  If so, then this would be an incomplete faith.
   True faith changes our conduct as well as our thoughts.  If our life remains unchanged, we don't truly believe the truths we claim to believe.  Do you see a change in your life now as compared to before you accepted Christ? 
¹⁵ If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
¹⁶ And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
   Look at these verses.  Think of it this way - you are hungry, no place to live while I have all the food I can gather and a nice warm, comfortable house.  I see you and bid you: have a good evening, stay warm and eat well.   Did this really help you?  What should I do?  You tell me - what would you do if you were me?  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny
To read more go to: Christianity- Thoughts by Johnny
  

Lawbreaker? Merciful? James 2:10-13

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   This morning let us look at James 2:8-13 and consider what James is saying. ¹⁰ For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.   We, as Christians, cannot use this verse as an excuse to continue sinning. Hm, who could keep the law?  If you break one law, then you are a lawbreaker and are guilty. So, then if this is true how do we measure up?  We measure up through Jesus Christ, who died for our sins; now is the time to ask for forgiveness, renew you faith, and begin again.  When we are talking about the law - is this the 10 commandments?  Or the commandments Jesus gave us: 1-to love the Lord our God with all our mind, soul, and strength and, 2-love your neighbor as yourself?
   ¹¹ For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.”^]If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.     We are all lawbreakers, but Jesus stands with us in court and helps give us a "not guilty" verdict.  
  ¹² Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, ¹³ because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.     
       Fellow Christian, we are saved by God's free gift (grace) through faith, not by keeping the law. We are, however, obliged to obey Christ.  Paul taught that we will all stand before Christ to be judged (2 Corinthians 5:10) for our conduct.
    God's grace does not cancel out our duty to obey him, the law is no longer some rules that bind you, but it is a law that sets you free.  We should joyfully and willingly carry out these laws, why?  Because we love God and have the power of his Holy Spirit.  We are free in Christ.  This freedom now allows us to obey God.  
    For further study of these verses please go to: Christianity- Thoughts by Johnny  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

 

Are you keeping the royal law? James 2: 8,9 (part 1)

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Well?  Did you think about favoritism, aka discrimination? Do you favor someone whose appearance is more appealing than once whose appearance is not so appealing?  Hmm! Thoughts to ponder!
   James 2: 8,9 today goes back to the law. ⁸ If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,”^[a] you are doing right.  ⁹ But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.
     The "royal law" was given by our great King Jesus Christ, who said, "love each other in the same way that I have loved you" John 15:12.  You can also find this law, from God, in Leviticus 19:18   This is how people should relate to one another.  Jesus reinforces this in Matthew 22:37-40.
   We must treat all people as we would want to be treated.  We should not ignore the rich, because then we would be with holding our love.  But we must not favor them for what they can do for us, while ignoring the poor who can offer us so little in return (we think).
    Take time to think about who you are, where you are, how you act, and if others see Jesus Christ in you.  You have the power of God, given through Jesus Christ, dwelling in you as the Holy Spirit.  Now, go do the right thing.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny
go dig further into these thoughts go to Christianity- Thoughts by Johnny

Are the poor in the world, rich in faith? James 2:5-7 (part 1)

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   James 2:5-7  (listen to scripture) 
⁵ Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? ⁶ But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? ⁷ Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
   My dear brothers and sisters, how many times does this happened?  Not just in the world, but in your life as well?  Others, who are thought to have money, are treated differently than those who are considered poor.
   James speaks about the poor, he is talking about those who have no money and also about those whose simple values are despised by much of our affluent society.  Perhaps the "poor" people prefer serving  to managing, human relationship to financial security, peace to power.  This does not mean that the poor will automatically go to heaven and the rich to hell.  Poor people, however, are usually more aware of their powerlessness.  Thus, it is often easier for them to acknowledge their need for salvation.  
   One of the greatest barriers to salvation for the rich is pride.  For the poor, bitterness can often bar the way to acceptance of salvation. (commentary from Life App Bible).  If you would like more indepth study of this passage (part 2) go to: Christianity - Thoughts by Johnny   Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
 

Favoritism - James 2

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    Wow!  Is God good or is God good?!?  Have you ever looked at something and did not see; yet you saw?  Then suddenly what you saw just hit you right between the eyes!  This happened to me, once again, while reading my Bible.  You may say, aw, that's old hat; I have known that for ages.  If so, GREAT!  However, for me it was another revelation God has so generously opened to my eyes, mind, and heart.
   James 2, click here to read it all.  This will be my topic this week, and the first 8 verses talk about discrimination.  Anyone here familiar with this?  Yep! We all are.  James 2, verse 1: 2 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Okay,read this once again, specially the last 4 words - MUST NOT SHOW FAVORITISM.
   In our society this favoritism or discrimination continues, and has been existence since the beginning of time as we know it.  The first slaves, as a people, we know about were the Israelites, the Jews.  Then as time progressed people enslaved their own and others.  Why?  Because of their power, their position  at that time, their discrimination.
   Another version of the Bible says, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?  James, here, is condemning acts of favoritism.  You know this happens today.  A well dressed individual and a lesser dressed individual walk into a store, a car dealership, most businesses where salesmen are there to assist and make a living; who do you think they will assist first?  Why?  Because they figure the odds of the sale are greater, discrimination?  Yes.
   Sometimes, we would rather associate with someone who appears to have status than one with no status.  Why?  It gives off the aire of being successful.  James tells us, and we must remember that these "successful" people may have become so at our expense, and, they are getting their glory, their reward now, here on earth.  Do you wish your reward to be here and now, or later on in heaven?
   How do you show favoritism?  How do you discriminate?  Oh, yes you do!  We all do!  We have to let Jesus be in our heart and be our guide so as to eliminate this trait. The difference is, a non-believer may revile in his/her discrimination; whereas the believer, the Christian will recognize this short coming and ask forgiveness.  If you wish to read more on this go to Christianity- Thoughts by Johnny.
   Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny
 

What inheritance will you leave behind?

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
  The word of God, how important is it, really?  Food for thought: You, today, are probably well known in your family - but think about this.  My children know who I am; my grandchildren know who I am. Then comes my great-grandchildren.  Will they know me? Do the math. If I have a child at 20, that child has a (grand) child at 20, making me 40, then that child has a (great-grand) child at 20 making me 60, there is a possibility this child (great-grand) will have some memories of me.  However, the odds are that child will only have faded memories which has become alive by the stories told about me.  Then as we go further on down the genealogy line I become lost in time. Q: do you know who your great-grand parents are?  By name?  A: I don't, and guess you probably don't either.
   So, what am I getting to here?  The stories, the words spoken to that great grandchild are the strongest in his/her memories, but no real personal experience remains.  So, what can I leave my future heirs that is worth knowing, something priceless?  Just stories of a mortal man you say.  Yes, these stories are good and possibly priceless, but what if I want to leave something more.  Okay, well then what would that be?
    My devotion to God.  The example of my actions and the word of God.  Teach my children the word of God by actions and through the Bible; let my grand-children see the word of God by my actions and from the Bible.  Yeah, right, so what does this do?  This provides a personal experience. This is leaving a priceless inheritance which can be passed from generation to generation.  I need not be a speaker of the word only, but a doer of the word as well!  This personal experience is with the Lord Jesus Christ.  This is the inheritance I wish to leave my family as I fade in the history of time.
   Here are some scriptures that may aid you in what I am saying. Today's scripture is Ephesians 6:17; Corinthians 2:17; and James 1:22.   To read more on today's thoughts go to:  www.johnnybdaily2.blogspot.com.   Thank you for reading and have a wonderful weekend. Love you all.

   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

 

Can you be a Tsunami for Christ? John 3:8

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    Well, it is great to be back.  Enjoyed 2 weeks vacation and was able to walk where Paul walked, sat in the seats where others heard Paul at Ephesus.  It was awesome.  While visiting the ruins of the ancient world a friend asked, "wonder why the generations did not maintain the structures?"  I responded, "I don't know, you would think they would."  Then, today in my prayer time some words came to me, THEY TURNED AWAY FROM GOD!  How simple an answer, yet so complex.  Think about America!
    Have you ever thought of your role as a Christian as a single drop of water. You, one drop of water will only spread a little way.  You only create a little ripple in the vast ocean around you.  But, if you join with another drop you make a bigger ripple in the way around.  As you join with more drops of water you become a small wave, then a larger wave, and if continuing, a Tsunami. 
      Billy Graham was only a little single drop of water, but as he continued look at the wave of Christianity he created - a Tsunami!  You can do the same thing.  He grew, a large wave grows because of the constant, steady movement that continues to build and build.  Can you create a Tsunami where you are?  GOD wants to make a wave of an impact through you! 
    We have to allow the spirit to move through us.  This spirit is as the wind: John 3:8

New International Version (NIV) ⁸ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

    (to hear John 3 click here)

    As a little drop of water you do not move far, but as you connect with other drops of water the energy is transferred on and on until the power and impact of your little drop is huge, a powerful wave. Be the beginning of a wave, be as the wind, knowing not what your impact will be; where it comes from or where it is going, but be that drop of water that starts a Tsunami!  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

p.s. to read more go to johnnybdaily2.blogspot.com