Will you be a Nehemiah?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    Well, did you consider what the Israelites did?  6 hours of worship - 3 in the Word and 3 in meditation aka prayer!!  Can you do it?  Have you tried?
   If you continue on in Chapter 9 of Nehemiah you will find the great things God did for the Israelites is listed, also, the turning their backs on God, and how God accepted them back again, and again, and again, and........
   God loves us, just as your earthly parent loves you, when you did or do something bad they are heart broken, yet they do not lose their love for you.  When you return to do right they are happy, excited, overjoyed.  This is the way God is with us.
   Verse 16 says "our ancestors were proud and stubborn"!  Wow!  Unfortunately, today, many people take pride in "standing on THEIR principles" whether right or wrong, and refuse to submit to authorities.  God is our supreme authority and we should be striving, through the Holy Spirit, to submit to HIS authority.
   God keeps His covenant (promise) with us, it is us, you and I, who break the covenant with God.  We become rebellious and disobedient, yet He takes us back.  How patient is our God?  Nineveh was bad, repented, and then turned its back on God and it took God over 300 years in our time to punish them.  Man!!  Is that slow to anger or what?
   Well, to help us on through Nehemiah with a cliffnote type of summary.  The people agree to obey, they gave a vow, return to and occupy Jerusalem, then a history of the Priests and Levites, dedicated the Wall of Jerusalem, Nehemiah had to come and straighten out Eliashib the priest, who was not following God's rule and were being dishonest,  they were not honoring the Sabbath,  Nehemiah purged everything foreign and assign tasks to the priest and Levites, making certain that each knew his work.  They cleaned the temple to rid themselves of all unclean things that had gone on.
   Please read Nehemiah which has several main themes: Have a clear purpose and keep evaluating it in light of God's will; be straightforward and honest; live above reproach; and be a person of constant prayer.   Give GOD THE GLORY!!!   Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny

6 hours of worship? Huh? Nehemiah 9:1-3

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Reading Nehemiah helps me reflect on my own personal commitment to God.  Is my commitment to God stronger than the world, OR, does the world take the reins more often than I let God? Look at Nehemiah 9.
   1  Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them.
² And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and thne iniquities of their fathers.
   Fasting, wearing burlap, and sprinkling dust on the head were public signs of sorrow and repentance. How often do we really show our sorrow and repentance?  A time of humbleness, a time of reflecting, a time to come back into fellowship.  And then......
  
³ And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the Lord their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the Lord their God.
 Now look and listen to this, 1/4 part of the day, a day considered 12 hours is 3 hours.  Here is what the people did.  See if you could follow suit.  They remained standing in place for three hours while the Book of the Law of the Lord their God was read aloud to them.
   THEN, for three more hours they confessed their sins and worshiped the Lord their God.
??????  Could you see this happening with Christians in America?  Six hours AT CHURCH?  WHAT? We need to get home, eat lunch, watch sports or take our Sunday afternoon nap-----six hours at church?
   I say this all to bring attention to the fact that many, uh .. most of us live by our watches.  We, as Christians, criticize the Muslims; but oh, if we only had as much dedication to Jesus Christ as they do to Alla.  The world would change if Christians would truly dedicate them selves to the LORD.  
   Sooooo, why not let it start with you and me.  Try prayer time for more than 5 minutes and at least just read your Bible daily for 5 minutes.  This is a beginning.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

The wall is complete, now what? Nehemiah 7:73-13:31

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Nehemiah finished the Jerusalem wall in 52 days, however, the work was not finished.  Now, the wall is complete but how to protect.  He assigned each family a section of the wall next to their home to protect.  Many times after finishing a large task we choose to sit back, relax, and admire what we have done.  As Christians we may do this, look at what we have accomplished for God, then sit back and admire.  We must continue to serve and take care of what God has entrusted us with.
   As soon as we sit back, admire (letting some pride waltz in), we are letting satan get a foothold, no matter how small, he is taking the opportunity.  We must not rest on our laurels, but remain vigilant and continue to follow through on God's work.
    Remember what the newsboys sing in their song: 
My God's not dead
He's surely alive
He's living on the inside
Roaring like a lion

    Now, please understand, that Nehemiah not only found broken walls in Jerusalem, but lives broken, shattered, lives that needed to be rebuilt.  So, he has Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which God had given for Israel to obey.  Ezra began reading from early morning until noon, the people listened, lives were changed.  We need to listen carefully to every verse and ask the Holy Spirit to help us answer the question - How does this apply to my life?

   The people repented, changed their lives, but how easy is it to be "religious" on Sunday and then a "hell-yon" the rest of the week.  We need not be religious, but spirit filled, so we may walk the walk daily with the LORD.  Remember, God's not dead, he is surely alive, living on the inside, roaring like a lion!! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace,

Johnny

52 days - 2 1/2 miles, 39 feet high, 8 feet thick - Wall of Jerusalem

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
     So, did you think about what was said yesterday?  Nehemiah prayed, admitted his sins, and really prayed.  Should this not be part of our daily diet, our daily activities?  Ask and ye shall receive.
   Remember, Nehemiah was troubled about the wall of Jerusalem and rebuilding it.  This work has been in progress for 90 years when Nehemiah was called to go and work on it.
  Each area had different names and he started with the Sheep Gate and worked counterclockwise to complete the wall.  Understand there were gate names and tower names, and when Nehemiah began the work he lists who did each gate or tower.  This is the order as they went: Sheep Gate, Tower of the Hundred, Tower of Nananel, Fish Gate, Old City Gate, Broad Wall, Tower of the Ovens, Valley Gate, Dung Gate, Fountain Gate, Projecting Tower, Water Gate, Projecting Tower, Great Projecting Tower, Wall of Ophel, Horse Gate, East Gate, and finally Inspection Gate.
   If you will read in Nehemiah 3, he did not do this alone.  People came to his aid and many helped rebuild.  Nehemiah did this in just 52 days, but what is even more amazing is the wall is 2 1/2 miles long, 39 feet high, and 8 feet thick.  This was a huge task, meeting opposition, however, the one thing that could not be overcome-----GOD WAS INVOLVED!!
   Because Nehemiah was obedient to God, this huge wall, with all the volunteers and workers did get completed in record time.  It is amazing what you can do when you are obedient to God, follow faithfully, and go forth boldly in God's will.  When you have time, read Nehemiah 3-7.  It was not all roses and sunshine--enemies threatened, rich took advantage of the poor, discouraging remarks and attitudes, and some just plain negative anti-wall elements were present.
   So maybe Nehemiah was a bullfrog. A  Bullfrog is described as a large, aggressive frog - regardless of species.  Nehemiah was aggressive in his rebuilding the wall.  And large?  Well, he was because God was on his side and God is large and in charge.  May you have a wonderful and blessed day.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Pray as Nehemiah did! Nehemiah 1:5-11

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Earlier I mentioned that Nehemiah asked the kings permission to go and rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. Nehemiah did something we could all take away from his lessons and that is Nehemiah prayed, 8 times he prayed spontaneously, even while talking with others.  He knew God was in charge at all times, is always present, and hears and answers our prayers.
    Nehemiah prayer confidently throughout the day because he had established an intimate relationship with God during times of extended prayer. Chapter 1: 4-7.  Listen to his prayer (say it out loud and hear):
  v5-11.  "O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, listen to my prayer!  Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel.  I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned!  We have sinned terribly by not obeying the commands, decrees, and regulations that you gave us through your servant Moses.  Please remember that you told your servant Moses: 'If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations. But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them, then even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored.'  The people you rescued by your great power and strong hand are your servants. O Lord, please hear my prayer!  Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you.  Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me."
   Look carefully at this text and what Nehemiah said in his prayer.  First he praise God, then gave thanksgiving.  He repented, made specific requests and was committed.  This type of truly heartfelt prayers can help us see clearly any problem we may be facing, we can see God's great power to help us, and allow us to focus and see clearly the job we have to do. 
   When Nehemiah finished his prayer time he had direction, he knew what to do.  Do you, after your prayer time do you feel refreshed and refocused?  Major "problems" fall into perspective and we then know the action that needs to be taken.  Not action of self--but action directed by God.
   If you don't know at the end of your prayer time, better hit the knees again to get the answer.  My wish for you (and me) my friend is to be as Nehemiah and when we finish prayer time we are refreshed, focused, and walk with God.  Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Is your temple beautiful inside and out? Or is it in ruins? Nehemiah 2:3

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Wandering thoughts to share today and I do pray you are able to follow and return your thoughts as well.  Let's talk about prayer, spiritual life, our world.

•  How do you pray? 
•  Do you use those great orator words, smooth, silken, impressive, but with no meaning? 
•  Or, do you talk to God as you would a close friend, pouring out your heart, giving specific requests, praising him for what has and will happen, trusting God yet still take action to see God's will is in place?  
• When did you last have troubles and turned the matter over to God--- I mean really turned it over to God? 
•  How many of your actions today, yesterday, and tomorrow will be done with the purpose of pleasing God?

  We are the temple of Jesus Christ, but how often do we bring criticism upon this temple.  How often are we the image of a beautiful temple, but inside it is dirty, nasty, and very unclean?  We may build the temple, however, the work is not complete until our lives are rebuilt spiritually.  How do we do this?
   Just as Ezra did to the people, we take instruction in God's word, listen and hear, recognize the sin in our lives, admit it, and then take steps to remove it.
   To put this on a simple, everyday level, take the example of schools.  Some schools are built and have a beautiful appearance and are so impressive.  But, if you build a new school for better education it won't happen.  Why not?  If the administration and staff are mediocre at best, what do you have?  This is our spiritual life!!
    If we are mediocre at best, give good lip service, to what service are we of God?  We - you and I - as Christians need to stand strong, study the word of God, cleanse our inside, and then share the greatness of God as we traverse this world as the seconds of life tick away.  Time is drawing nigh and we need to do something now.
   Nehemiah was sad, it showed, and his king asked what was wrong. His reply, "Long live the king! How can I not be sad?  For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire." Nehemiah 2:3
    I, too, find the land where my ancestors are buried, America, is treading toward ruins and the moral fiber has been destroyed by liberal beliefs in lieu of Biblical beliefs.  It is time for prayer, and may the revival begin with you, with me, with our Christian friends.  Thank you for entertaining what was on my heart. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Isaiah 9:9-10

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Doom!  Gloom! Disasters!  Airlines went down and can't find it........a ferry capsized 109 feared dead-139 missing.....7.+ earthquake in Mexico City......mud slides burying many......floods......9/11..... does any of this make anyone stop and think? Think.... hmmm....maybe we are not in God's will.  Maybe we worship many gods, but not the living God.  Think about this and I would enjoy your view and comments.
    Isaiah 9:⁹ And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart,
¹⁰ The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars.
    9/11 the twin towers came down and some bricks were entangled in the iron debris.  Are we reliving the defiance of which Isaiah was talking about?
   Was this like 732 B.C. when Israel's enemies invaded the land and wreaked havoc? Is this the beginning of America's noticeable defiance against God?
   Was 9/11 our first warning from God?  Has our defense been breached?  What is happening my dear friend?  Wherefore doth we sit at this time?  One nation under God or one nation under gods?
   My intent is not to be down trodden, but to stimulate thought. What do YOU think? Believe?  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Easter's over, now what? John 11:25

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    Well, we have gone through lent; Maundy Thursday (last supper), Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday ----soooo, now what?
   If you truly went through all this, thought about what you were doing during lent, Maundy, Good Friday and then Sunday---you should have drawn closer to Jesus Christ, my--your--our savior and want to bring honor and glory to HIS name.
   Take time to read, think about, and absorb these words from John 11:

²⁴ Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
²⁵ Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
²⁶ And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
 What did Jesus say to Martha?  Do you understand "though he were dead, yet shall he live?"
   Who is the resurrection?  Who is the life?  What do you have to do?
Who shall never die? (v 26).
   It is time my dear friend to re-examine your life.  See where you are.....what you really worship.....and will you have life everlasting?   If you believe you will-----HOW?
   Easter is over; Jesus was resurrected, it is now time to carry the word to the streets, to the workplace, to the shopping center, to the world.   What are you doing for Christ's sake?   Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Good Friday

Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. On this day Christians commemorate the passion, or suffering, and death on the cross of the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Many Christians spend this day in fasting, prayer, repentance, and meditation on the agony and suffering of Christ on the cross. (For a more detailed explanation about Christ's death, see Why Did Jesus Have to Die?)
The biblical account of Jesus' death on the cross, or crucifixion, his burial and his resurrection, or raising from the dead, can be found in the following passages of Scripture: Matthew 27:27-28:8; Mark 15:16-16:19; Luke 23:26-24:35; and John 19:16-20:30. 
   Today, take time, remember what Christ did for you.  View the Passion of Christ and the Crucifixion to remember and weep for what Christ went through just for you.
   May God bless your day and the Easter weekend.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

MAUNDY THRUSDAY? Huh? What is that?

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    What Does "Maundy" Mean?
Derived from the Latin word mandatum, meaning "commandment," Maundy refers to the commands Jesus gave his disciples at the Last Supper: to love with humility by serving one another and to remember his sacrifice.   Jesus did 2 things during this time that is important.
    Before the Passover meal, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. By performing this lowly act of service, the Bible says in John 13:1 that Jesus "showed them the full extent of his love." By his example, Jesus demonstrated how Christians are to love one another through humble service. For this reason, many churches practice foot-washing ceremonies as a part of their Maundy Thursday services.
      During the Passover meal, Jesus took bread and wine and asked his Father to bless it. He broke the bread into pieces, giving it to his disciples and said, "This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." Then he took the cup of wine, shared it with his disciples and said, "This wine is the token of God's new covenant to save you--an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you." These events recorded in Luke 22:19-20 describe the Last Supper and form the biblical basis for the practice of Communion. For this reason, many churches hold special Communion services as a part of their Maundy Thursday celebrations. Likewise, many congregations observe a traditional Passover Seder meal.
   Is Maundy Thursday important?  That is between you, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God.  As I climb the ladder of age it does become more important to me and I have a better view of the significance. May God bless you and the reading of Jesus' events.  Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny
 

PAID IN FULL

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
  A special friend in Oklahoma sent this to me, you may have seen it before, but well worth the read.  Specially since we are in the Easter season.  Thanks Chuck.
                              FATHER, I WANTED A CAR, NOT A BIBLE

 A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealers showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.
 As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study, told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and how much he loved him. He handed him a beautifully wrapped gift box.
 Curious, but somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with his name embossed in gold. Angrily, he raised his voice to his father and said,"With all your money you give me a Bible?" He stormed out of the house, leaving the Bible behind.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old. He thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day. 
       But before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to him. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things. 
       When he arrived at his father's house, sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father's important documents and saw the Bible, new, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. His father had carefully underlined A verse,
       Matt 7:11, "And if ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father which is in Heaven, give to those who ask Him?" 
      As he read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealers name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words...                                    PAID IN FULL.
 How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?

It is Easter season, Jesus Christ has PAID IN FULL for all our sins.  I hope this touches you and you share it with others. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Nehemiah was a strong man, convicted to God's work. Ne 1:1-7:73

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Nehemiah!  No, he is not a bullfrog. He is a friend of the Jews. A man of action; someone who saw something needed to be done, listened to God's calling, and took action---HE DID IT!
   If you will read Nehemiah Chapter 1 through Chapter 7, verse 73 you will find Nehemiah had a burden which was to rebuild the walls and gates of Jerusalem..  Nehemiah asked King Artaxerxes for permission to go to Jerusalem to rebuild its fallen walls and was given approval.
   Nehemiah traveled to Jerusalem with royal letters and organized the people into groups and assigned them to specific sections of the wall as noted in chapter 3.  He did experience opposition and endured insults, ridicule, threats, and sabotage trying to stop the work.  Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the Ashdodites were all mad because Nehemiah was rebuilding.  Even to the point that Tobiah went a mile and a half away and built his own temple.  These people worked hard to sabotage Nehemiah and his work.
   How did Nehemiah counter this opposition?  By prayer, encouragement, guard duty and consolidation. (Chapter 4) As this opposition was countered another problem cropped up.  And it was internal in the fact that the rich Jews were profiteering off the plight of their working countrymen.  When Nehemiah hear of this he confronted the extortioners face to face (Chapter 5).  Now Nehemiah was not a Melvin Milktoast, but a strong "Samson" of a man and did not back down.
  Nehemiah rebuilt the walls in 52 days, but not until after another effort by Sanballat, Tobiah, and others to try one more time to halt the process.  Nothing thwarted the project and it was clear to all that God was involved in the rebuilding process.
    The wall is complete, but Nehemiah is not through.  (Chapter 7) After building the walls, Nehemiah continued to organize to people, taking a registration and appointing gatekeepers, Levites, and other officials.   
   Nehemiah is an example of leadership and organization.  He gave up a comfortable and wealthy position to return to his homeland, rally the people and rebuild Jerusalem's wall.  In the face of opposition he prayed, persevered, sacrificed, and did this all for God's kingdom.  How may you step out to further God's kingdom?  Maybe just a kind word to a co-worker, maybe a co-worker you don't get along with.  Thanking God at lunch or dinner--openly--in public even!  Go be a Nehemiah!! Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny

Are you a Nehemiah or a Not-a-mya-problem person?

Good morning fellow Christian!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    Who ARE the people in the Bible?  Do you know?  Do you really know?  This has been laid on my heart to look into different people of the Bible, with a quick description and what they did for the glory of God.  I will try to do this as succinct as possible, yet give you a good picture of who each one was and what they did for God.
    First let's begin here.  Do you ever hear people say things like: {What this church needs is.....} {I can't believe our government officials. If I were there I would.....} {Our schools are really not teaching. Someone should do something!}
     Oh how easy it is to be an armchair quarterback; to gripe, complain, analyze, scrutinize, and TALK about all the problems in the world.  But what are you doing, really, to help. Complain????
    We need to have more Nehemiah in us.  He saw a problem, was distressed, and he took action.  Nehemiah knew that God wanted him to motivate the Jews to rebuild Jerusalems' walls, so he left a good and responsible position to follow God and do the job God wanted him to do.
    Do you follow God?  Are you listening to God's calling?  Are you taking steps to do what God wants you to do........or doing what you "think" you should do?
    Interesting facts about Christianity show that Christians do not take seriously the work of God.  They do not study, commune daily with God, nor walk in God's ways.  However, the republicans can tell you what the democrats do wrong; the democrats can tell you what the republicans do wrong.  We can tell you how to solve so many things------yet we are doing anything about the moral decay going on in America. The falling away from God.  Did you know 12% of Christians think Joan of Ark was Noah's wife?  Funny, yet discouraging.  How many Christians think God should be happy with them giving Him 1, maybe 2 hours on Sunday morning.  There, did my duty -- went to church -- happy God?  Hmmm.  May we take on Nehemiah's attitude--no griping--take action.  Love you all. Pray for your family, friends, nations and world.  Make a difference.
In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny

Misconceptions of Christians

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
 Here are some misconceptions of Christians with scripture for you to ponder.  I copied part of this from Mary Fairchild's article about misconceptions.  To read it in its entirety go to: Misconceptions and you may read the complete explanation she gives.

   1 - Once you become a Christian, God will solve all of your problems.
                   1 Peter 4:12-13
   2 - Becoming a Christian means giving up all fun and following a life of rules
                   Romans 14:16-18     1 Corinthians 2:9
   3 - All Christians are loving, perfect people.
                   Colossians 3:13         Philippians 3:12-13
   4 - Bad things don't happen to truly godly Christians.
                2 Corinthians 11:24-26     1 Peter 1:6-7
    5 - Christian ministers and missionaries are more spiritual than other believers.
               1 Timothy 1:15-16
    6 - Christian churches are always safe places, where you can trust everyone.
               1 Peter 5:8       1 Peter 5:8
    7 - Christians should never say anything that might offend someone or hurt someone else's feelings
               Ephesians 4:14-15       Proverbs 27:6
     8 - As a Christian you should not associate with unbelievers.
               1 Corinthians 9:22-23
     9 - Christians should not enjoy any earthly pleasures.
               Job 1:21
     10 - Christians always feel close to God.
               Psalm 63:1      Psalm 42:1-3
 Love you all. 
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny
 

Noah - Gen 5:29- 9:29

 Good morning all!!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
  Well, the movie Noah is out, creating controversy with some, a great movie to others, and some don't even consider it.  My wife and I went to see the movie last night.  It is a "fun hollywood" movie; but if you are expecting it to be scriptural, well, parts of it are.
   It follows the Bible in the sense it is about Noah, God did speak to him, Noah built an ark, there was a flood.  Many things in the movie are not from the Bible and are created in the imagination of and to the pleasure of Hollywood to make a film that makes money.
  Some say there is only a few scriptures in the Bible dealing with Noah.  Try Genesis 5:29 - his birth - to chapter 9 when Noah, who became a husbandman and was drunk from his vineyard, and was covered by his sons.  Chapter 10 starts all the begats that came from Noah's sons.
   If you think about going to see it, remember, it is a Hollywood film, read the events about Noah in the Bible, and go to be entertained.
   Some Christians will be up in arms about this movie and the distortion of the Bible, yet they will not be upset if God's name is used in vain; they may go to see R rated movies, violence, cursing, and sex - and tell you how good this movie was.  Can you imagine the controversy when Charlton Heston was Moses in the Ten Commandments?  I would imagine many were upset when this came out.
   I read the Noah scriptures once again before and after the movie and do know the truth. If you go, please do the same.  Who was Noah's grandfather?  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Are you a threat to the devil? Revelations 3:14-22

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Today, a little straying from what we have been studying and some thoughts to stimulate your thoughts and possibly you -  spiritually.
   In Revelations this is a letter to Laodicea, a wealthy city named after Antiochus II's wife - Laodice.  It was a city of great size, trade and wealth, specializing in the manufacturing of wool.  In later years it was a Christian city of importance and was the residence of a bishop as well as the meeting place of church councils.
   Pride and self-satisfaction characterized the people and made their impression on the church as well.  The city was destroyed by the Muslims in the Middle Ages and today is only a mass of ruins. Now understand the church of Laodicea was filled with lukewarm "Christians" who think they are perfect, yet they have nothing to be commended about.   
         ¹⁵ I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
    ¹⁶ So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
   Wow!! Strong words from Jesus!! There is no zeal for God! None!   No fear of, nor respect for God!  In Laodicea they did many great works and projects in the name of humanitarians, but the saving grace of the gospel was never involved.  There is indifference toward Christ. Hot - Cold - Lukewarm.  When you choose a beverage to drink if your cold drink is lukewarm you may spit it out or throw it away; if your hot drink, say coffee, is not hot you may do the same.  This is what Christ is saying about you, me, us Christians.
    This is not a loss of salvation, but removal from a place of witness and left to endure the tribulations that may come its way.  This is the world of many Christians -- many are self-satisfied and self-complacent.  So, guess what, "da devil ain't worried about these people, cuz they ain't no threat to him".  
    Is this you?  Are you a threat to the devil?  Do you witness; share the saving grace of Jesus Christ?  Do you know that the trouble with Christianity is about 80% of the Christians ARE NOT A THREAT TO SATAN!!!!
    Lukewarm - that is the problem.  I challenge you today, right now, to do something for the LORD!  Pray, witness, share, carry a Bible, wear an outward sign of being a Christian, do something for GOD!  Are you lukewarm- only to be spewed from the mouth of the Lord?  Stand up Christian! Now, go do the right thing.  Thank you for reading.  Here is all the scripture for Rev 3:14-22.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Amos 1:13-15 Ammon destroyed

Good  morning friends!  Wow! What a rain storm we had in Texas yesterday.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   AMOS 1:13-15

¹³ This is what the Lord says:“For three sins of Ammon, even for four, I will not relent.

Because he ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead in order to extend his borders,
¹⁴ I will set fire to the walls of Rabbah  that will consume her fortresses amid war cries on the day of battle amid violent winds on a stormy day.
¹⁵ Her king will go into exile, he and his officials together,”says the Lord.
      Again, God is not happy, 3 fills, 4 offenses is overflowing.  Ammon's transgression against Judah was done primarily in the name of territorial expansion.  In doing so they committed terrible atrocities.  They destroyed the inhabitants of the land and destroyed life in the mother's womb; meaning women who were pregnant they killed them and the babies.  They were trying to eliminate the complete race of Jews. 
  God is not happy and God promises to visit Ammon with destruction that will be like a fire - meaning invincible and inescapable.  This came to be when Nebuchadnezzar subdued the Ammonites.  Rabbah was the capital city of Ammon; a strong city with a strong citidel.  No matter, God ain't happy and it would fall, which it did, and the king and princes all went into captivity leaving no one to help Ammon be a threat to anyone anywhere anymore.
    The moral of chapter 1 of Amos is if you commit and continue to commit atrocities against God you will regret the end.  Wake up America!!!  Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Edom - Amos 1:11,12

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Okay, continuing the string of places outlined in Amos where God's word again begins with 3 transgressions or offenses, then says no, 4, "I will not relent" or remove the punishment.
    Amos 1:¹¹ Thus saith the Lord; For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever:

¹² But I will send a fire upon Teman, which shall devour the palaces of Bozrah.
 The Edomites were related to the Israelites through their kinship to Essau. Even though "kin" Edom did, probably from jealousy pursued his brother (Israel) and sought to put him out of his God-given land. Not good.
  "did cast off all pity . . . did tear perpetually . .. kept his wrath....
     Edom came against his brother, AND, he sought to destroy any remnant, thus casting off all pity in his seeking to obliterate Judah from the face of the earth.  If you will, an ancient day Hitler, wanting to rid the world of the Jews, the Israelites.  Edom went forth with anger that had no bounds and was completely out of control.
    Teman was located about five miles from Petra, which later became a Roman garrison.  Bozrah, which means cuts off approach, was known from Gen 36:11,15; and was the seat of one of the elected kings who reigned over Edom in the days before Moses.
   God promises to "send a fire" upon Edom in retaliation for its treatment of his brother, Judah.  Wow!  The Jews, a small band of people, today a small nation, seem to be the focal point of hatred for so many.  They are attacked continually, the Jews follow God, God protects, Jews fall away, God punishes.  It seems to be a never ending circle.  Is there not a lesson to be learned here?  Love you all.
    In Christ's Love and Grace
       Johnny
 

Amos 1:9, 10 Tyrus (Phoenicia falls)

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Well, friend, we continue with the judgments as we look at Amos 1, verses 9 and 10.  Now as we go through these judgments you will see the theme of 3 transgressions, no, 4 transgressions running through each one.  3 - meaning the cup is full; 4 - meaning the cup is overflowing as is God's wrath for each of their transgressions.  Note, however, that each one was against God's people but in different ways.
Amos 1:

⁹ Thus saith the Lord; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant:
¹⁰ But I will send a fire on the wall of Tyrus, which shall devour the palaces thereof.
   In this judgment of Tyrus, (all of Phoenicia) their sin was the selling of captive (Israelites) into slavery to Edom and other nations.   Tyrus (Phoenicia) crime was worse because a covenant of friendship had been made between King Hiram of Tyre and David and Solomon.
   This covenant had long been in place (II Sam 5:11; I Kings 5:2-6, 15-18; 9:11-14) and no king of Israel or Judah ever made war upon Phoenicia.  Phoenicia did not honor their side of the treaty, so, this prophecy came to be when Nebuchadnezzar took the city after a thirteen-year seige.
   And on we go, tomorrow the Edomites. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Amos 1:6-8

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
  How is your world this morning?  After April 1st the jokes will subside.  Okay, let us look at Amos 1 verses 6-8 - the judgment upon Philistia.
     ⁶ Thus saith the Lord; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver them up to Edom:
   This begins as did verse 3 - remember 3 transgressions or offenses a cup is full; the fourth it overflows and judgment is coming and cannot be turned away.
   
⁷ But I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, which shall devour the palaces thereof:
⁸ And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon, and I will turn mine hand against Ekron: and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord God.
    This is addressed to Gaza, and the mention of Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, and the remnant of the Philistines lets us know that the prophecy is directed against Philistia as a whole.
    Their crime was the taking of a whole population captive and delivering it over to Edom. who in turn were sold to the Greeks.
     In Gen. 12:3 God promised Abraham he would curse those who curseth thee.  So, Philistia will be held responsible for its treatment of God's people.  This probably refers to Philistia's invasion of Judah during the reign of Jehoram.  Philistia devoured Judah's population, no, Philistia's population will be devoured by God in punishment for their crime.
    Shorter today, but worth the read I pray. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Amos-judgment 1 starting with Damascus

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   From Amos 1:3 to 2:16 is the judgment upon the Nations.  We will start with the judgment upon Syria, verses 3-5.  As Amos delivers the word of the judgments he begins from the north to south and then from east to west, then he focuses on the target.
    Damascus is the capital city of Syria and is to be especially stricken because of the cruelties Syria had visited upon Israel. 
³ This is what the Lord says:     “For three sins of Damascus,  even for four, I will not relent.
Because she threshed Gilead with sledges having iron teeth,       When Amos says three, no four transgressions this is his way of saying they are guilty of many offenses and judgment is coming.  If understood mathematically three transgressions fill the cup and the fourth one causes it to overflow; therefore, judgment (from God) must fall and once it is announced it cannot be revoked.
    Because she threshed Gilead  with sledges having iron teeth--this relates to the offense of Syria threshing the people of Gilead with iron threshing instruments.  A threshing machine beats the grain out of the husks, such is what they did to the people. Gilead was the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.  It was next to Syria on the north.
⁴ But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, which shall devour the palaces of Benhadad.
     The offenses were by Hazael and his son Benhadad and God would send a terrible judgment against them.  As in this case it is in the form of a consuming fire.
  ⁵ I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of Eden: and the people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir, saith the Lord.
   God will break down the gate of Damascus and the enemies will take the city.  The plain of Aven was a beautiful area between Damascus and lebanon and the area where they did sun worship and idolatry.  The people here were to be cut off or completely destroyed and the rest of the people of Syria will go into captivity. The king of Syria did give abuse to Israel.  Kir (Kur), located in Armenia near the River Kur is in the former Republic of Georgia of the former Soviet Union on the east coast of the Black Sea.
   This judgment was realized when the king of Assyria, Tiglath-pileser, came against Damascus and took the people captive.
   Okay, we are through the first judgment with only 8 more to go.  Hang in there with me and maybe we can learn something important about turning away from God. This is the first. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny