Written BIBLE - by chauvinistic men or inspired word of God

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
Q U E S T I O N S  to  P O N D E R - - - 
   Is the Bible simply a book written by chauvinistic men of days of old?  OR----
Is the Bible the inspired word of God written by men led by God?
  If you believe the first question, a good history book, the Bible, written by chauvinistic men which is a good guideline for living but does not apply today; then, do you believe there is a God?
  If you believe in "God" but believe the Bible is not relevant to us today, then is there a "God?"

I believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, placed before us to study, gaining wisdom and knowledge.  Where do you stand, really?  Are you hot, cold, or lukewarm.  If you are not hot for God----what is your problem.

If you don't believe in God----then right and wrong only exist in your mind.  God wants people who are in love with Him, with Jesus.  Let me end with Revelations 3:
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.

   Reflect my friend----R E F L E C T !!!  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

GOD'S NOT DEAD!!!!

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
  Well, sorry I missed you yesterday.  My wife and I had the opportunity to experience the movie "God's not dead", which is based on actual lawsuits from many colleges throughout America. UT Austin, University of Houston, LSU, and more in the South.
   The strength and conviction of the young man in the movie causes one to reflect and self evaluate.  He was actually experiencing "persecution" for his beliefs.  Even by those around him who claimed to be Christians.  Many times, how shallow is our faith, or so called faith.
   In 1 Corinthians 1: ¹⁸ For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
  NIV ¹⁸ For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
    Take time to really read this scripture and let the words penetrate your heart.  So often a Christian is turned away from the church or other Christians because of the "CHRISTIANS!"
   What does the cross really mean to you?  Have you turned away from your ugly speech?  Have you turned away from your ugly thoughts?  Have you turned away from you non-Christian actions?
   Is the cross foolishness to you, OR, is it a message of salvation?  Go to the movie, take a non-believer, GOD IS NOT DEAD!  As the newsboys say, he is alive, roaring like a lion! Wow!  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Do you present your body to God as holy and acceptable? Romans 12:1-2

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

Romans 12:1-2 King James Version (KJV) 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  

 God wants us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to Him. This is a powerful appeal. We need to be holy and acceptable to God. Are you?  We receive from the Lord every day the fruits of his mercy. Let us render ourselves; all we are, all we have, all we can do: and after all, how can we repay the richness we have received? It is acceptable to God: a reasonable service, which we are able and ready to give a reason for, and which we understand.  

² And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

   The great enemy to righteousness is conformity to this world.  We should not  walk in the lusts of the flesh, and mind earthly things. The work of the Holy Spirit first begins in the understanding, and is carried on to the will, affections, and conversation, till there is a change of the whole man into the likeness of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness. Reread this: a CHANGE in the WHOLE MAN!  Ever been around someone who professes being a Christian and uses language of, and talks of the world throughout the week?  Don't judge, just look at the fruits and pray.

  Think about this:  to be Godly is to give ourselves up, totally, to God! Have you? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

A living sacrifice, not conforming to this world - Romans 12:1,2,

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    I do hope you enjoyed and learned a little about Samson.  He was God's man, yet he had his faults.  Sound familiar.
   Romans 12:1   I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 
² And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
   Now read this in the NIV and just take time to think about it and absorb what it is saying.  More about it tomorrow.
  12:1 NIV
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
  ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
    Our pastor preached on this yesterday and it definitely had an impact on me.  Further discussion on the morrow after reading, praying, and studying this scripture.  Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny
 

Samson, pillars, return of God, death to the Philistines Judges 16:21-31

Good morning dear friend!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   Well, yes, today we will end Samson's saga.  I have been studying people in the Bible and find it quite interesting and hope this has not been boring unto you.  I am learning the real story, not just the highlighted details we get in Sunday School.  To finish out the scripture click here - Judges 16:21-31.
   In cliff note style:  Samson's hair was cut, Delilah yelled the Philistines were coming, Samson jumped up to cast them off but "THE LORD HAD DEPARTED FROM HIM" so he was captured.
   Now, the Philistines stood in fear of Samson as they had never been able to conquer him.  Being able to capture him they were delighted.  Just to make sure he could not do any more damage if his strength would come back they gouged out his eyes.  So, now Samson was blind.  AND, what to do with Samson, what to do?
   Why not put him in the mill where "dumb" animals just walk in a circle all day grinding grain.  Oh, yes, he was in prison AND in shackles.  They had conquered him, yet still feared his strength would return.
  Well, in their rejoicing, and probably mocking of him they failed to note his hair was growing back.  And don't forget, the Philistines praised "their god" for giving them the glory over Samson.  The Philistines were rejoicing and drinking, or, as the Bible says,  " when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison house; and he made them sport: and they set him between the pillars."
   Here is someone who used to kill them and they could not touch him, now he looks as a beggar would and they laughed and made fun of him. Now Samson asked the lad who led him in to place him between 2 pillars to "rest".  He did. 
  Samson realized his situation and called upon the LORD "and said, O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes."
    Samson also told God to let him die with the Philistines.  He pushed, the pillars collapsed, and in his death he killed more Philistines than he had killed in his life.  His brothers and his father's household came, took his body, and buried it in his father's tomb.  This is the beginning of the battle against the Philistines.  If you read on through Judges you will come to Samuel, and then along came who?    Who?   SAUL AND DAVID.  The old testament is filled with adventure.  Read it for back ground and knowledge and read the New Testament concerning the fulfilling of the law and being saved by Grace.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

  

Delilah afflicts Samson - Judges 16:17-21

Good morning my dear friends.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   WELL, today and tomorrow we will finish Samson.  It has taken 3 weeks to end, however, I wanted you to understand the full story, not just the Bible Sunday School verse, leaving out a lot of details.
   Judges 16:17-21 is the demise of Samson----at this time!  Verse 17 Delilah nagged him, he told his secret; verse 18 Delilah called to the rulers of the Philistines and said I have the key (what bribes will do).  Verse ¹⁹ And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him.
  Okay, SHE called for a man to shave the seven locks----but look at the next phrase and think about this---SHE BEGAN TO AFFLICT HIM.  Wow, what does this mean to you?  Do you think this may mean Samson was being humbled?  Brought lowly, taken off his pedestal as a strong and mighty man? Hmmm! Very interesting.
     Verse ²⁰ And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the Lord was departed from him.
  Samson, unaware of the events during his slumber, jumps up and knows what he will do.  Just as he had before- shake them off.  Look at the last sentence. ".........the LORD was departed from him."  Wow!!  Verse ²¹ But the Philistines took him............."
   This is something we need to be aware of constantly - has the LORD departed from YOU???  I know I am a sinner, and when I stray I definitely know it, have to ask forgiveness, and come back to the path God prefers me to track on. If I don't--where do the "Philistines of today" take me? What about you?  Is God with you---or has HE departed?  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Delilah the nagger! Samson tells the truth! Judges 16:15-18

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
 Well, now we are at the place where Delilah has asked Samson 3 times about his strength.  Let us move on-----Judges 16:15-18 and listen to the words.  Delilah told Samson he had made a fool of her by not telling her the truth. Huh?  The fool seemed to be Samson, 3 times he fooled her, 3 times the Philistines came to capture him.  Listen to verse 16:  ¹⁶ And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death;    SHE PRESSED HIM  aka  SHE NAGGED HIM - to the point he was tired of hearing it and he gave in.  Hmmm, sounds like life today also, huh? My Friend?  Yep!  Can you say-been there, done that?!?!?
   So, verse 17 Samson gives in, tells Delilah the truth -  "......There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man."     This is all Delilah needed for what?   Yep, 1,100 pieces of silver, a lot of money back then.  And yes, you know what happened then.
  
¹⁸ When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, “Come back once more; he has told me everything.” So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands. ¹⁹ After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him.^[c] And his strength left him.
    How sad but true.  How many times are we betrayed by our emotions when failing to follow God's way, God's word, God's path for us.  Pride and lust brought Samson down.  What is your weakness?  Where do you need to ask for strength from God?  Love you all.
    In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Judges 16:4-14 Samson falls for Delilah

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   Yesterday Samson visited a lady of the night, tore the gates off, and placed them on a hill near Hebron. 
Judges16:4-14 -- Well, as time passed Samson fell in love with a woman named Delilah, who lived in the valley of Sorek.  Now the rulers of the Philistines said they would give her 1100 pieces of silver to find out Samson's secret to his strength.
   At this time the Philistines were ruled by 5 rulers.  Each ruled a different city, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, Gath, or Gaza.  Each city was important to the trade and commerce.  These rich and powerful men "seduced" Delilah with pieces of silver.
   If you have noticed, Samson is a man of God, yet still sins, and his two biggest faults as I see it are women and anger.  A pretty woman turns his head quickly, and when betrayed or angered he killed Philistines for revenge.  Now God is using Samson to set up their fall, but it is just not seen at this time; we know because we have read the book.
   Delilah used her beauty and charm to find out Samson's secret.  3 times she asked, 3 times he played with her and did not tell the secret.  Now, think about this, is the lure of having a beautiful woman with you making your logic and brain functions diminish?  She has Philistines, not once, not twice, but three times hidden and wakes Samson saying they are coming to get him.  As the country western song goes and apply it to Samson: "What was I thinking?"
    Samson wanted to believe Delilah's lies and his burning lust for her clouded his vision of who she really was.  This applies to us in our lives today as well.  We must see the person for who they are, not from clouded vision or tinsel shaded glasses.  We can apply this to our spouses, friends, family, and associates.  We must be patient as time and observation often reveals what is beneath the pleasant appearance and attentive nature.  So, what happens next?  You know the story, but we will start here tomorrow. Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Samson goes to town, a little fun, and goes home. Judges 16:1-3

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   Wow!  What God does for us we take for granted many times.  Have you thanked God for all you have lately?  Take time to do so today.
    Let's finish up this week with Samson.  He was hated by the Philistines and they would really enjoy capturing and killing him. 

Judges 16  King James Version (KJV)

1 Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in unto her. ² And it was told the Gazites, saying, Samson is come hither. And they compassed him in, and laid wait for him all night in the gate of the city, and were quiet all the night, saying, In the morning, when it is day, we shall kill him.

³ And Samson lay till midnight, and arose at midnight, and took the doors of the gate of the city, and the two posts, and went away with them, bar and all, and put them upon his shoulders, and carried them up to the top of an hill that is before Hebron.

 This is pretty self explanatory, Samson went and spent the night with a lady of the night, the Philistines heard he was in town and planned to kill him.  Oops, Samson came, had his fun, and left at midnight.  But he did not just leave, he ripped the doors of the town gate, with the posts, and carried them to the top of a hill close to Hebron.
   Now if you don't know how strong Samson was, these are the TOWN GATES and POSTS.  This would normally take several men to put in place or take out-----Samson did it solo.  His strength was unimaginable. Wow!  
   Anyway, the men of the city of Gaza did not catch nor kill him.  So what comes next?  Well, as most young and healthy men---he falls in love------again----and not with an Israelite woman.  So for tomorrow---along came a woman.......oohhhh  weee......and then.....and then.......?
Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Self focused or God focused? Judges 15:18-20

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
  We left when Samson killed 1,000 Philistines with a jawbone and now he was thristy.  
Judges 15:¹⁸ Because he was very thirsty, he cried out to the Lord, “You have given your servant this great victory. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?” ¹⁹ Then God opened up the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. When Samson drank, his strength returned and he revived.  So the spring was called En Hakkore, and it is still there in Lehi.
²⁰ Samson led Israel for twenty years in the days of the Philistines.
   Samson was physically and emotionally exhausted.  After a great personal victory, his attitude declined quickly into self pity.  "Must I die of thirst?"  Emotionally, we are most vulnerable after a great effort or when faced with real physical needs.
   Sometimes depression follows great achievements, so when you experience this type of feeling do not be surprised.
    We may tend to think that God owes us something--oops--wrong! God was the one with you in your quest and gave you the strength to persevere.  Samson was thinking about himself.  We must remember to keep focused on God, where our strength really comes from.  So, today think about this-- are you self focused or God focused?  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

A jawbone + Samson + 1000 Philistines = Death Judges 15:14-17

Good morning dear friends!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   A great day to be alive in Christ!!  Okay, Samson tied foxes together, they ran about destroying things by fire; then Samson went into a cave, the Philistines came to fight Judah, then 3000 men from Judah went to ask Samson to give himself up to the Philistines.
  Judges 15:14-17  Samson is tied with "new cords (ropes)" and taken into Lehi.  Please understand that the cave in Etam was south of Bethlehem and well east of Timnah.  Lehi is east of Timnah, so they have quite a journey to return to Lehi. Click here to see the map by Bible Hub.
  Judges 15: ¹⁴ And when he came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him: and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands.
¹⁵ And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith.
¹⁶ And Samson said, With the jawbone of an ass, heaps upon heaps, with the jaw of an ass have I slain a thousand men.
¹⁷ And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking, that he cast away the jawbone out of his hand, and called that place Ramathlehi.
   Lehi means hill.  So this pretty much tells the story about killing 1,000 Philistines with the jawbone of an ass or donkey.  The ropes, as described above, he just snapped or popped off, easily.  Now the name Ramathlehi- Lehi  means "the hill" or "height of Lehi" so in our translation this place is Jawbone Hill.
  Samson was proud and boasted only of his own strength.   Pride can cause us to take credit for work we've done only because of God's Strength. Where are you today?  Taking credit for God's work in you or crediting God for the work?  It is hard to be humble and takes constant awareness and Holy Spirit intervention.  Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny
  

Can you really hide in a cave? Judges 15:7-13

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   Wow!  What an adventure if you will just let go and let God.  I am writing to you from New Orleans today and enjoying the sights and it is raining.  To follow my adventure in N.O. you can go to Christianity - Thoughts by Johnny.
   To recap briefly, Samson caught 300 foxes, tied their tails together in pairs, attached torches to the tails, and as they ran they burned the fields and vineyards.  The Philistines took Samson's father in law from Timnah and his wife and burned them and their house.
   Now, let us begin in Judges 15, verse  ⁷ Samson said to them, “Since you’ve acted like this, I swear that I won’t stop until I get my revenge on you.” ⁸ He attacked them viciously and slaughtered many of them. Then he went down and stayed in a cave in the rock of Etam.
  Do you see the picture unraveling here?  Anger and threats create constantly a "get even" attitude. Samson heard what happened to father in law and wife so he killed many.  Then he went to live in a cave in the rock of Etam.  Now what?  
      ⁹ The Philistines went up and camped in Judah, spreading out near Lehi. ¹⁰ The people of Judah asked, “Why have you come to fight us?”
“We have come to take Samson prisoner,” they answered, “to do to him as he did to us.”
    So now the Philistines took revenge against Judah because of Samson.  This revenge cycle is continuing.  Sounds like a modern day soap opera.  Everybody is mad at somebody and for what? Where did this start? With the 30 young Philistine men and Samson's riddle.
    The people of Judah don't wish to fight so what did they do? 
       ¹¹ Then three thousand men from Judah went down to the cave in the rock of Etam and said to Samson, “Don’t you realize that the Philistines are rulers over us? What have you done to us?”
He answered, “I merely did to them what they did to me.”
¹² They said to him, “We’ve come to tie you up and hand you over to the Philistines.”
Samson said, “Swear to me that you won’t kill me yourselves.”
¹³ “Agreed,” they answered. “We will only tie you up and hand you over to them. We will not kill you.” So they bound him with two new ropes and led him up from the rock.
      Notice, 3,000 men went to face Samson.  Do you think they may have had a little fear in their hearts?  Hmmm!  So, they made a deal with Samson.  They tied him up with 2 new ropes.  Any significance in "new ropes?"  Probably, so the new ropes would hold him.  Obviously, they knew of his strength.
    It seems a disturbing trends here is Samson's pride, then he does not see it as "his fault" but what someone else did.  Does this sound a lot like America today?  Stand strong and stay in check my friend.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny


  

Somethings burning! What could it be? Judges 14:19-15:6

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
    Okay, remember, the 30 young men came back and had solved the riddle.  Samson was not happy and said, "If you hadn't plowed with my heifer, you wouldn't have solved my riddle!"
   Now in verse 19 it says the spirit of the LORD came powerfully over him,  remember, he was using God's gift selfishly; went-killed 30 men, took their wares, gave to the 30 men and returned to his father's house.
   When Samson went to his father, Manoah's house, the father of the bridge gave her to another in marriage who was Samson's best man.
   Judges 15 Samson returns with a goat as a present to his wife.  He said I am going to my wife's room to sleep with her.  Her father stopped him and said I thought you hated her so I gave her in marriage to your best man; but look, her younger sister is even more beautiful - marry her instead.
   Okay, once again, Samson is angry, mad, mad, mad!!!  He said he could not be blamed for what he was going to do to the Philistines.  Revenge is boiling to great heights in Samson, it is becoming an uncontrollable monster.  There appears to be no forgiveness in Samson's heart at this time
  Sooooo, he goes out, catches 300 foxes, tied their tails together in pairs, Judges 15: 4......  " and put a firebrand in the midst between two tails.⁵ And when he had set the brands on fire, he let them go into the standing corn of the Philistines, and burnt up both the shocks, and also the standing corn, with the vineyards and olives."
  Oh, yeah, now he has angered the Philistines.  They wanted to know who did this.  The reply was Samson.......but it did not stop there..... it was said -6....." And they answered, Samson, the son in law of the Timnite, because he had taken his wife, and given her to his companion. And the Philistines came up, and burnt her and her father with fire. "   
    One act of revenge created another act of revenge.  Does it cease?  Only forgiveness can halt revenge - which is a terrible animal that can destroy us all.  Wow!  What is going to happen next?  Samson and the Philistines are at war.  Stay tuned!  See you tomorrow. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny
 

Betrayed! What would you do? Judges 14:18-19

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
    Remember we stopped Friday where the 30 young men threatened Samsons wife to be if she did not get the answer to the riddle.  Yes, she nagged at Samson until............well here is some more of the story.
    Samsons wife (as said in the Bible) cried telling him he must not love her because he did not tell her the answer to the riddle.  So, Samson relented, gave in, and shared the answer with his wife.
   The young men came to Samson before sunset the seventh day and gave the answer: Judges 14:18 What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion?
 This angered Samson and his reply: 18  If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle.
  Huh? Did they plow the field?  NO, this means they manipulated his wife to find the answer.  Now, Samson was PO-ed.  Really in a big way. M A D !!  Now the next verse is interesting.  On the surface you would think why did God do this?  God did not.....I will explain in a moment.....¹⁹ And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house.
        The spirit of the LORD came upon him --- this is not God doing this,  but Samson using God's gift in a selfish manner.  Samson was to use his gift from God to help build up the body of the church, instead, he used it selfishly because he had been deceived and was angry.  He went and killed 30 men, gave their garments to the 30 young men.
    At this point he left and went to his father's house.  Nope, he did not finish the marriage at this time.  Stay tuned.  Remember, God gives us gifts that we are to use to build up the body of Christ.  If we use these abilities selfishly we rob the church and our fellow believers of strength.  Use your gift to help others, plant the seed or continue to nourish others in God's word.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Can you with stand a woman's nagging? Did Samson? Judges 14:15-16

Good morning everyone!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
    Thank you God for the rain and for letting the violent storms pass.  Alright then, Samson gave the riddle to the 30 young men.  Well, after a few days, 3, they could not figure it out so they went to the bride and "talked" with her.  Actually, in Judges 14, these young men being of noble character went to Samson's 'wife' and: ¹⁵ On the fourth^[a] day, they said to Samson’s wife, “Coax your husband into explaining the riddle for us, or we will burn you and your father’s household to death. Did you invite us here to steal our property?”
   Would you consider this a threat?  Yep, I think so.  Now put yourself in her shoes, what would you do.  Out of fear for your family and yourself. ¹⁶ Then Samson’s wife threw herself on him, sobbing, “You hate me! You don’t really love me. You’ve given my people a riddle, but you haven’t told me the answer.”
 Samson told her I have not told even my parents, why should I tell you?  She cried, pleaded, and worn Samson down.  Finally, on the seventh day Samson told her.  She in turn, reported this to the 30 young "noble character" men.  Then they went to Samson and.......Oh, goodness, let us see his reaction next time.  Is he angry or does he take it in stride?  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny
 

Judges 14 - a riddle to be solved

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Okay, Samson's riddle.  First, let us talk about Samson for a moment.  Yes, he was a man of God, BUT, he was also a man of the world many times.  Therefore, many times he sinned against God.  Samson, the strongest man in the world, ever, was very sensual.  He was judge over Israel 40 years and, as the Bible says, was to begin the deliverance of the Israelites.  Okay, being sensual, he went to Timnah, saw  a Philistine woman and, ooo-la la - she caught his eye.
   When he returned home he told his father and mother he wanted to marry her. Requested his father set up the marriage.  God is working in Samson at this time, even though his sensual nature is leading.
  His parents objected asking if he could find an Israelite woman, one of their own kind. Samson insisted. Well, even though this was against God's law (Exodus 34:15-17; Deuteronomy 7:1-4) and the Philistines were the Israelites greatest enemies they followed through.  One the way to Timnah Samson was attacked by a lion which he killed just as if it were a goat.  Remember, Samson, a man of God, was of great strength.
   He did not tell his parents.  Samson went on to Timnah preparing for the marriage and threw one fine bachelor party that would last for 7 days, as was the custom.  When the bride's parents saw him they selected 30 young men from the town to be his companions.  Feeling at the top of his game Samson cast forth a riddle to the 30 young men.  Placed upon this riddle was a wager -30 fine linen robes and 30 sets of festive clothing if they could solve it; if not this is what they owed Samson.
   The young men took the riddle wager. The riddle Judges 14:¹⁴ And he said unto them, Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness. And they could not in three days expound the riddle.
    Notice, they had 7 days of the marriage festivities to solve this and after 3 days did not have the answer yet.  Oh, what to do?  A great concern has now come over the young men. What to do, what to do!! And then.......and then........well, tomorrow we will see if they solved the riddle.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny

Manoah, the wife, the angel and a burnt offering- Judges 13:20-23

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   Soooo, did you look at the scriptures and the requirements told to Manoah and his wife concerning their forthcoming son, Samson?  Sometime what we see or experience is not what we really understand until that aha moment. Read on-
  First, she would conceive and bear a son. No rasor shall come on his head. He shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb. He will begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.
     So, he will be a long-haired God freak and start the movement of freeing the Israelites.  Question 1: Why are the Israelites enslaved to the Philistines?  Easy answer - they turned away from God and either combined worship of a pagan culture or turned completely to the pagan gods.  They brought this upon themselves, yet they don't take responsibility for it and call to God for help.  Sounds like todays world!
   The wife had requirements also, of which she was obedient; taking no strong drink or wine, on't eat any unclean thing as the child will be a Nazirite.  A Nazirite is a person who takes a vow to be set apart for God's service.  Samson's parents made the vow for him.  A Nazirite vow may be for a period-short or long; or it may be for a life time.  For Samson it was for life.
    The angel appeared again, the wife beckoned Manoah, and a "kid" (goat) was prepared as a burnt offering to the Lord.  Manoah did not realize this 'man' was an angel, however, during the burnt offering in Judges 13:20 "For it came to pass, when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar, that the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar.  And Manoah and his wife looked on it, and fell on their faces to the ground."
    Why?  Because they then knew they had been in the presence of an angel sent by the Holy One - God!  Manoah thought they had seen God and would die, the wife said no, verse 23 "......If the LORD were pleased to kill us, he would not have received a burnt offering and a meat offering at our hands, neither would he have shewed us all these things, nor would as at this time have told us such things as these."
   The wife bore the son whom they named Samson and the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.  This movement was intentional by the LORD as Samson's tribe, Dan, wandered in their inherited land.  Samson's visits to the tribal army camp stirred his heart, and God's Spirit began preparing him for his role as judge and leader against the Philistines.
   Next - hey diddle diddle, can you solve this riddle.  Then see what happens! Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

After Jephthah-- then what? Samson? Judges 13

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
  Remember yesterday, when Jephthah's rash vow caused him grief as he made a covenant with God that who ever came first out of his house would be sacrificed.  It was his daughter.  Think before you speak or react!!
  Jephthah judged Israel for 6 years.  Then he was followed by 3 more judges - Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon - who were all wealthy.  So, what comes next.  The man of the hour is SAMSON!
   The rest of this week let us learn about Samson.  A man of God?  Well, sometimes!  Huh?  That is not what we learn in Sunday School.  Okay, then, let's look.
   There was a man and woman from the tribe of Dan living in Zorah and had no children.  The Bible tells us there names are "Manoah" and "his wife".  They were Israelites, living in oppression by the Philistines, who ruled this land, Israel, for 40 years.  Well, an angel of God appeared to "his wife" and spoke telling her, "Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive and bear a son.  Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink and eat not any unclean thing:  For, Lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no rasor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines."
   His wife shared this news with Manoah, who asked the Lord to let the man come again and teach them what they should do with the child that was to be born.
    The angel returned to his wife in the field, she ran and returned with Manoah who asked, "How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him?
    The angel said what he told the woman they would do, Manoah asked him to stay while they prepared a kid or goat.  The angel said he would stay, but would not partake of the food, but they could offer it as a burnt offering to God.  The angel remained, all the time Manoah thinking this was just a man, not necessarily an angel.
   Manoah asked the angel his name and the angel replied, "Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?" Well, secret is not the angel's name, however, it does express the character of His (God) name and shows the special aspect of His nature.  Name is not important, but knowing this angel belongs to God who is absolute and supremely wonderful is important.
  So, now you are getting an idea of where Samson comes from.  See if you can find the particulars laid out for Samson in what the angel said.  So, tomorrow, we will see how Manoah realized this "man" was actually an angel from God.  Love you all.
   Give someone a hug today, tell them you love them and God loves them.  OR, at least share a smile!!!!:)
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Promise to God OR Obedience to God??? Judges 11

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Promises, aka, covenants.  Have you ever said or committed a rash act?  Say or do something you wish you could take back?  Yes sir, I would say all of us have at one time or another.  Then, many times pride will cause us to go back on our word, or we just pass it off as something trivial.
    Judges 11 - When we talk to God, we need to be real in what we say, promise, or make a covenant with Him.  In Judges, Jephthah, son of Gilead whose mother was a prostitute was run out of this homeland by his half brothers. (Gilead's wife's sons).  He was a great warrior.  He left the land of Tob and developed a  band of "vain men" or reckless and empty whom many see as worthless band of thieves.  
   Well, the Ammonites declared was against Israel, and when they attacked the elders sent of Jephthah to be ruler and lead them into battle.  Of course, Jephthah chastised them some saying, hmm, aren't you the same people who drove me from this land?
  Well, the elders told Jephthah something to the effect, that as the LORD is our witness they would do whatever you say.  So, what has happened here?  Jephthah was run out of town, created a band of worthless robbers, is a great warrior and well known in the area, and the elders need help. Hmmm! Interesting---very interesting!
   The elders pledged to him with God as their witness.  Be careful what you promise to God. HE WILL COLLECT!
   Jephthah took the position, tried to conference with the Ammonites, no luck, went into battle with the Ammonites, saying let the LORD, who is judge, decide today who the land belongs to - Israel or Ammon.
  The Jephthah made a vow to God and said, "If you give me victory over the Ammonites, I will give to the LORD whatever comes our of my house to meet me when I return in triumph.  I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering."   BE CARE WHAT YOU PROMISE GOD!!
   Jephthah did not just defeat the Ammonites, but he crushed them, devastating about twenty towns from Aroer to an area near Minnith.  When Jephthah returned home to Mizpah, his daughter came out to meet him, playing a tambourine and dancing for joy.  She was his only child.  At this he tore his clothes in anguish because he remember the vow he had made to the LORD.
   Okay, the point here is when we make rash vow's they may bring us unspeakable grief.  Sometimes in the heat of emotion or personal turmoil it is easy to make foolish promises to God.  They may sound good when we make them, but making "spiritual deals" only brings disappointment and possibly grief.
    God does not want promises; God desires only our obedience.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Pig or Cow

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    Just a short note today about GIVING!  Some will save, ugh, but this is GIVING in the CHRISTIAN way.  When you hear of giving you think of $$$$.  This is part, a small part of what Christ wants us to give.  We should desire and want to give of OURSELVES.  Take time to read this:
    A rich man asked his minister, "Why is it that everybody calls me stingy when everyone know that when I die I'm leaving everything I have to the church?
   The ministers response: "Let me tell you a story of the pig and the cow.  The pig ws unpopular and the cow was beloved.  This puzzled the pig.  The Pig said to the cow, 'People speak warmly of your gentle nature and your soulful eyes.  They think you're generous because each day you give them milk and cream.  But what about me?  I give them everything I have.  I give bacon and ham.  I provide bristles for brushes.  They even pickle my feet.  Yet no one like me.  Why is that?'"
   The minister continued:  "Do you know what the cow answered?  She said, 'Perhaps it is because I give while I'm still living."
    We have a choice today to be a pig or a cow.  I hope you will give of yourself for the kingdom of God.   Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

May 1st, 2014 -- National Day of Prayer

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
  Today, May 1st, the National Day of Prayer.  It is a great thing to come together collectively or individually to pray for our country, our world.  God knows us all, sees us all, and wants us to prosper, but how can we if we are out of God's will?
   National Day of Prayer ---- please stop,  STOP! Stop doing whatever you deem important and take time to talk with your father in heaven.  What can be more important than talking to the one who has a mansion for you to eternally reside in? 
   Ever wonder.......hmm, am I really saved or will the day come when God says yes, you did many things in my name but I never knew you?
   Romans 8:9  Bible App "But our are not controlled by your sinful nature.  You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you."
  Romans 8:9 "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness."
  Mark 14:38  
    Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
Luke 6:12 
    And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Luke 18:1

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

 

YOU have the Spirit of God within, Pray as Jesus did, without ceasing, lay it all out before God. Take time my friend.  Love you all.

   In Christ's Love and Grace

     Johnny