Part of the body or just a fragment?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    Think about these scriptures:  first in KJV and then NIV.
³ Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
⁴ There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
⁵ One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
⁶ One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
    
³ Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
  Read these verses and think about them:  UNITY     PEACE    ONE BODY     ONE SPIRIT  ONE HOPE    ONE LORD     ONE FAITH     ONE BAPTISM     ONE GOD & FATHER OF ALL   
and what about that Father????
   WHO IS OVER ALL AND THROUGH ALL AND IN ALL!!!

  We are all under one body, Christ is the head.  Each of us has our own God given abilities that can strengthen the whole body.  ARE YOU USING YOURS?
   Your special ability may seem large or small, it matters not, as you are in the service of God.  Just stop and ask God to help you use your abilities in contributing and furthering the strength and body of Christ we call believers.
   So, ask yourself the question - Am I working for GOD or for satan?  Meaning - are you using the abilities God gave you for the kingdom?  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny
 

A prisoner -- that is what we are!! Prisoners of __ __ __!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    Yesterday church was wonderful. Pastor came out of Ephesians 4 and 5 and many (almost all) of the verse spoke to me and that is what I plan to share until God changes my direction.
   Look at Ephesians 4:1(KJV) I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
  (NIV)  As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
   A prisoner of the LORD - what does this mean to you?  Not a prisoner as in shackles and chains, but a representative of the LORD here on earth.  Think of this, you are a representative of JESUS CHRIST- others will see you, view you, and yes, they will judge you to see if you are truly a representative of JESUS CHRIST!
   Bad attitudes, mean spirited, evil mindedness will all show through and do you want GOD to call you up on these accounts?  Not me, I pray that God leads my each and every step so others may truly see Jesus in me.  That  I do represent my saviour - Jesus!!!
   Look at verse (NJV): ² With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;  (NIV) ² Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
       Wow!! How many of us need to memorize verse 2 - completely humble and gentle, patient,  what???  bearing with one another in love.   WOW!!!!
   At our church, Church Under A Bridge, we help people as we can and when possible.  It is peculiar to me that when we help some people, there are other people who are quick to throw water on what is being done.  This is God's money and we do our best to listen to God's spirit talking to us, and then help others in need.  Someone will be mad or upset because this person was helped instead of that person.  Why??
   Be in the spirit first; then be humble, gentle, patient, and BEARING WITH ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE!!!!
   That says a lot and should give us all cause to look in the mirror and see ourselves as God sees us - without excuses, rationale, casting blame, but truly as God sees us.  It may be time for a face lift and attitude change.  I know I can use one----how about you?  Love you all!!!
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

You have the greatest gift of all!!!!

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   Work!  Work! Work!  All our lives we are taught if you want something you have to work for it.  So, the ones of us who have drive start working to acquire what we "want", not necessarily what we need, but WHAT WE WANT!
   Then along comes our birthday or Christmas and we are excited!  Why?  Because we will be given "GIFTS" to enjoy.  Yes, gifts.  Presents!  Free items! Yea!  Then we either remember what we received and appreciate the gift, OR, we travel on forgetting what we received, continue in our work routine and don't look back.  Hmmm!  Think about this for a moment.
   Now, relate this to your Christian life.  Do you "expect" a gift and don't really appreciate it as you should?  Or.........
      Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
 So, we are taught to work, work, work to get what you want.  BUT, we do receive gifts and graciously accept them with no strings attached.  Well -  why is it with salvation we want to work for it when the Bible clearly says it is a "GIFT OF GOD, NOT OF WORKS"?
  When accepting Jesus as our Lord and Saviour we want to work for it. No, No, No!   
Romans 10:9-10 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

  Just believe, confess with the mouth, and the gift is yours.  Hmmm!  Could this be one reason many people have trouble with salvation?  Why is salvation so easy?  Second Corinthians 5:21 “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

   God saw us as stubborn, wicked, evil, THEN He sent Jesus, we repented, and through Jesus we became righteous to God as is Jesus.

  Salvation is a gift:  Acts 16:30b-31 “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

   So simple, yet so difficult for some to accept.  Do you doubt your salvation?  Why?  It is a gift from God!  Rejoice and let others see Jesus in you!!!!  Love you all.

    In Christ's Love and Grace

           Johnny

Do the right thing!!

Good morning all, God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    James 4:17 ESV   So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
 Colossians 3:17 ESV   And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
 Galatians 6:7-16 ESV  Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.  
      As we travel the world via media, we see the travesties and desperation all over the world.  How can we help?   The people we place in office to tend to the affairs of our nation is how we can help. If you are strict republican you will vote republican; if you are strict democrat you will vote democratic; if you are tea-party you will vote for who you are told; however, if you are Christian - you should cast all these party lines aside and vote for the man with the most integrity.
    A man with integrity will do what he/she honestly feels is best for the nation.  A person with decisive party lines will vote for their party - right or wrong - stick with the party.  Galatians says we reap what we sow.  Look around, we really are reaping what we have sowed, AND, what their are tares among our crops.  How will you vote in November - party lines or Christian lines?
    If we know what is right, yet, do the opposite it is sin.  Whatever we do we should do as if unto the LORD, our Father in Heaven.  Do you?  Love you all!! 
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

What the world needs is love!!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    As a song of the past by Diana Ross says-- All the world needs is love .  Think about the troubles today, ISIS, pornography, turning away from the church, etc. and read these words:  
"What The World Needs Now Is Love"

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No not just for some but for everyone

Lord we don't need another mountain
There are mountains and hillsides
Enough to climb
There are oceans and rivers
Enough to cross. enough to last
'Till the end of time

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No not just for some but for everyone

Lord we don't need another meadow
There are corn fields and wheat fields
Enough to grow
There are sun beams and moon beams
Enough to shine
Oh listen Lord if you want to know

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No not just for some but for everyone

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
What the world needs now...

As a part of that great rock - Jesus - I.........

Hello dear friends!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    James 4:14 ".........life is but a vapour....."   I have talked about this before, but would like to revisit the thought.  A 96 year old man is losing blood - what to do?  An 88 year old man is struggling with memory - what to do?   A 22 year old man suddenly becomes ill - what to do?  An 11 year old child is locked in a closet, starved, and dies - what to do?  News reporters are beheaded by ISIS - what to do?
    Life is but a vapour - how long is your vapour?  How much longer will it last?  Hmmm.  
Do you ever look at nature and just stop and observe? A rock is torn apart by the weather, wind-rain-cold, heat - and it becomes a mere pebble or dust particle - blown here and yon - then it lands - collects with other particles and becomes a rock, a ledge, farm land, silt in a body of water.  Are we as such?
   As you pass through your life, you, as a minute piece of that  great rock (Jesus), touch other people through your actions, looks, words, and what is to come of it all?  What do others observe as they experience you?  What persona do you came cast forth?  Is it one of Jesus?  Is it one of indifference, apathy? Is it one of evil?  Life is but a vapour - is your vapour refreshing as the fallen rain?  Or, the smog (ugliness) from pollution?
  I pray that as a piece of that  great rock (Jesus), I will, through God's grace, be a rock others can build from; a ledge to sit and commune with God on, farm land that is fertile and helps others grow in Christ, silt as a habitat for creatures of the sea (giving them protection).  May my vapour be always in the flavor of what God wishes me to be!
    What will your vapour be like?  What will the "dash" on your tombstone say?  Just food for thought on this enjoyable, relaxing afternoon.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Birthpangs of the world! Jesus' return!!! Matthew 24:8

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   How close are the end times?  Closer than they were yesterday.  Jesus' disciples expected the end at any time; my parents generation expected the end at any time; and now, generations away from Jesus' time we are still looking for the end times.  Are they close?  Yes, here is a list of 26 end times if you wish to view them.  Each one is backed by scripture.
    Jesus said in Matthew 24 verse ⁸ All these are the beginning of sorrows.  This follows the verses that speak of wars, rumors of war, nation against nation, etc.  Take the word "sorrows" in the original language.   In the original text the word sorrow means "birth pangs" and Jesus said this was the "beginning" of sorrows.
   So!? What are we saying here?  When a woman comes into labor the birth pangs happen every once in a while.  Then as time continues and time hastens closer to the actual birth, the pangs become more frequent and stronger and many time lasts longer.
    If you look around at our world, note the "birth pangs" of the world, of the returning of Jesus.  Yes, more things are happening, closer together, lasting longer, and the "birth" or "return of Jesus" is closer.  Will we see it in our lifetime?   Don't know!  But our spirit, we do know will see Jesus and spend eternity with Him.
   Need we worry and fret?  No, we should hasten to tell of Jesus and the path of salvation.  We need to be as the farmer on fallow ground, casting seeds forth so they may germinate and grow.  Pray and tell others of Jesus!  Be not intimidated and know that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny 
 

Are you HATED? Do you SHOVEL SMOKE??!! Hmmmm

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    OH, man!  Just look around and see what is going on.  Evil abounds around each corner, in every nook and cranny; all over the earth.  We are killing children, sacrificing them--huh?  Abortion!  There are nations against nations, earthquakes, pestilences, false prophets, and Jesus says this is just the beginning of sorrows.  Read Matthew 24 for the full story.  
   So much is happening in this world that it does make me sorrowful, yet I can delight in it as well.  But what can I (you) do?  I will answer that in a minute.  The evil that abounds - just look around and BEWARE!!  It will remain.  TV has a new show Annabelle - a horror movie and when advertised last night my wife and I both got cold chills and could feel the evil.
   Yes, children are being sacrificed in the name of abortion for the selfishness of an individual or individuals. (Abortion is not a form of birth control).  There are fires, flooding, earthquakes, diseases, and then the war on terror.  People don't believe in God (Atheist who protested the Rowlett city council), someone "out of state" who files suit against a school district for having Christian plaques displayed on their campus.
       Matthew 24:9 "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake" told the apostles by Jesus.  Wow, is this a touch of reality?
   Now, you can read about the end times and worry, worry, worry.  However, as I once said, and my wife reminds me often - worry is like shoveling smoke (stirs it around but does no good).  So, to answer my question above ' but what can I do'?  Very simple:  (1) Pray (daily, continually); (2) plant the seed of salvation in each breath you take with those around you; (3) Walk with God (each moment, letting others see Jesus in you); (4) Give GOD the praise and glory, seeking none of yourself; and (5) continually seek the Kingdom of God.
   Pretty simple.  Will we do it?  I would say this depends on how closely you are walking with God. So, how close are you?  Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Yep, ya gotta love the HELL out of people!! John 13:34

Hello All!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   At Church Under a Bridge we had a picnic last Saturday and it went great.  We have T-shirts that has the scripture Matthew 25:31-46 on the front. which is where the Lord will separate the "sheep" from the "goats"; the sheep will go to eternal life and the goats to into everlasting punishment.  If you will take time to read this, (about 30 seconds), Matthew 25:31-46 you will read about being a servant of the LORD GOD and your reward.
    On the back of our shirts is John 13:34-35  King James Version (KJV)  --paraphrased

³⁴ A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
³⁵ By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another
is the verse.  The paraphrase says 'we will love the hell out of our people' - which, is another sense is what Jesus is saying:  "that ye love one another, as I (Jesus) have loved you ....."
   If love did abound what a wonderful world this would be.  Do not be deceived my friend, evil abounds, but that does not mean you don't help your neighbor, a stranger, a family member.  Reach out, touch someone, you may be the only Bible someone reads, you may be the only example someone sees of a Christian, this and this alone may be the act that alters their life - moving them from the world to Christ.
   Just like the song of old - "all the world needs is love...."    Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Does your tongue "flap" at both ends? Proverbs 15:1-4

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    I ended the week talking about footprints.  The footprints Christ left and what will your footprints be.
I prayed and asked for words to share today, nothing came, I sat at my computer to start, nothing came, I stopped a moment, tried to get in tune with the Lord, and then came this:   (KJV)

Proverbs 15- A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

² The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
³ The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
⁴ A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

    I read this and then think about what happens in my personal life, my America, and then the world. Reflect back on these words and pray for a wholesome tongue. In the NIV verse ⁴ The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
 How many time have you, I, crushed a spirit with words?  IT IS TIME TO BE MORE LIKE JESUS!!!
Have a wonderful day my friends, enjoy the word of God, your family, and then your job.  That is the order of importance.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

My footprints lead to ........

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    Food for thought!  What will your FOOT=PRINT leave behind?

Jesus' footprint has touched millions of people over the years.  Plus, Jesus left the earth over 2000 years ago, and His footprint remains.  What will your footprint leave?

Footprints for others to follow?  OR, footprints leading to devastation?

In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

You ARE a SLAVE, but the bonds may be broken!!!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    How are you, today, oh servant of the Most High God?  What do you think when you hear the word "servant"?  Someone lowly, caring for others, a butler, a maid, a housekeeper, lawnman, someone who is low in education, someone who has committed an offense and can do nothing but a lowly servant job?
   Look at Leviticus 26: King James Version (KJV)  ¹³ I am the Lord your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright.
   New International Version (NIV)  ¹³ I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high.
   God is talking to His people.  Imagine being a slave and then set free.  What joy!! God tells them "I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD" and He took them out of a bitter slavery, gave them freedom and dignity.
   God broke the bonds of slavery - which He can do in each of us.  You are a slave to something, you just have to acknowledge where you are a slave.  It may be drugs, alcohol, anger, hypocrisy, attitude, lust, envy, lying, cheating, stealing, or whatever.  We all are a slave to something.
    We do not need to be bogged down in shame over our past or present sins, we can walk with dignity because God has forgiven s and forgotten them.  The problem lies in the fact we don't walk to leave our sins at God's feet, we pick them up again and carry them.  God says "no mas"  "no more" just let go.
   Israel still walked in the danger of returning to a slave mentality, we do also and we need to shed ourselves of this just by giving it all over to God and forgetting about it.
    Beware of the temptation to return to our former slave, former sinful ways, and remain in constant prayer, giving everything over to God.
   Be alert, look around, listen to God and prosper, O ye, child of God.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

As the world turns - turns back to God then.......

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   God has laid on my heart today PRAYER!!! Yesterday I shared Leviticus 26: 1-6 with you about setting up idols and having other things before God.  In these 6 verses God is upset, mad, angry because of the evil of the people.  However, if the people, you and I, will turn away from the evil ways, pray for God's wisdom and guidance -- things will change.  Well, America, will we do this?  If we do, look what will happen!!!!
  Leviticus 26:7-12King James Version (KJV)

      ⁷ And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword.
      ⁸ And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and    your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.
      ⁹ For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you.
     ¹⁰ And ye shall eat old store, and bring forth the old because of the new.
     ¹¹ And I set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you.
     ¹² And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.
 If we, you, me, America, will turn back to God, pray, look what will happen---

•     Our enemies will fall before us
•     5 will chase 100;   100 will chase 10,000; and they shall fall
•     God will respect us, we will be fruitful, multiply, and fulfill His covenant (relationship) with us
•     We will have a surplus of crops, we will need to clear out the old for the new harvest
•     God will live among us, and He will not despise us
•     God will walk with us; He will be our God and we His people.

The problem today is satan knows the time is drawing neigh and he is pouring out evil as fast as he can. We develop false gods, i.e. money, looks, success, reputation, security - these tend to be our idols.  These false gods promise us our reward here and here only.  God promises us the reward of eternal life.

   What have you chosen?  Are you Gods?  Are you 1/2 Gods, 1/2 world?  Or, all world?  The choice is yours, the choice is mine, we are free agents and God has given us the book of instructions -- will you follow His instructions or pick and choose?  Hmmmm.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

    Johnny

Have we P.O.ed God! Think he is mad?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   WOW!!  Things happening all over the world, nature, evil, disasters, and people are saying various things.  Like, the climate really seems to be changing; or the terrorists are wreaking havoc, or can you believe the earthquake, etc.   It really boils down to one thing:  God and our disobedience.  Huh?  Well, read your Bible, all the answers and instructions are there.  Do you take time to read?  NO!  Why not?  Well, uh, you know.   NO, I DON'T KNOW.  
   We all have time to trade frivolities with others, go out to eat, have a beer, take a nap, go fishing, boating or golfing, yet we don't have time to READ OUR BIBLES????  What is wrong with this picture here.
   Wake up America!  We are going down the tubes and everyone stands by thinking someone else will do something.  Evil in the East, terrorist killing reporters and what?? Obama is playing golf?  Who is minding the store?!?!?
   Just take a gander at these verses, and if you don't think the Old Testament relates to us today - uh - well, I would ask you pray about that. If we are obedient to God look what He says in Leviticus: 
Leviticus 26 King James Version (KJV)

26 Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the Lord your God.

² Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord.
³ If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them;  (look at the results of obedience)
⁴ Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. (we shall prosper)
⁵ And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely. (if obedient- not be hungry and will be safe, and then what?)
⁶ And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land
    Okay, friends, read and heed!!!  In all we are doing in America, we are PO-ing God; and you know what-----GOD DON'T PLAY!!!  Think about this.  No, I am not radical, just very concerned. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny
 p.s. when you last read your Bible?
  

Prayer Challenge - a 10/1/7 - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Good morning friends!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Did you worship God yesterday?  No, you did not have to be at a church - the question is did you worship God yesterday?  Did you take time to pray, time to read (not scan) the scriptures.  What is more important than your salvation and eternal life?  Nothing.
   Oh, but my job - you are just a paycheck collector.  If something happened to you, there would be a replacement and the work would continue.
   It is time for a reality check.  What is most important to you?  Eternal life or the here and now.  Most people will think the here and now.  God does not want us to quit our jobs, going into a meditation room and hibernate, He wants us to do our jobs, but as our Father in Heaven he also wants us to think about Him.   
   This you can do, in you mind, at anytime, anywhere, in any situation.  Try it for 1 week (7 days).  Each hour take 1 minute, aka 60 seconds, to visit with God, ask guidance, ask for wisdom and knowledge and see where this leads you by the end of the week.
  Here is my challenge, a 10/1/7 . During a 10 hour day, take 1 minute to talk to God over the next 7 days.  Then let me know how this has affected you.  
        1 Thessalonians 5: 16Rejoice always; 17pray without ceasing; 18in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.…
    Take time for the Father. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

What the HELL - oh, for HEAVENS sakes!!!!!

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Okay, today, just some things banging on me, and I pray Spirit led.  Look at the news headlines - "Nation mourns loss of great comedian"  talking about the acid tongued Joan Rivers;  Kim Kardashian book of selfies named "Selfish" is all over the news (can't wait to get my copy----NOT!)  Obama administration is not openly upset that 2 news reporters have been beheaded by ISIS.  ISIS is an organized killer gang of the world and what are we doing.  Obama calls them junior varsity??  Huh?  Is he seeing what is happening?
   BUT --------B  U  T  ----- don't let the words Jesus, God, Holy Spirit or prayer come even close to a public place.  Take down that cross it may offend someone. Speech must always be PC (politically correct).  We must consider other peoples feelings (even if they stomp on our rights and feelings).
            What is going on America?  Are we just puppets or pawns to be moved and manipulated?  Only 1 of 4 Christians bother to vote and then we complain about what is happening.
   Man, are we messed up!!!!  Are you afraid to tell others of Jesus?  You could say, what in the HELL is going on,  AND,  that is exactly what is going on -- HELL -- satan is loose and his demons are having a hayday creating havoc.   Mayhem was created by the devil, not the auto insurance commercial.
   ISIS is on our borders, planted in cells across the USA, and what are we doing?  Nothing, absolutely nothing!!
    Brother, sister, make certain your family knows Jesus and is not afraid of death.  Time is drawing nigh and we need to be prepared.  Read the Harbinger by Hahn if you would like a glimpse of how we are paralleling ancient Israel (732 BC).  It is an eye-opener.
   This is not doom and gloom, but reality and we need to wake up America.  I am tired of it and ain't gonna take it any more - let this be the battle cry of the Saints.  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Guilty ------ A Life sentence for Cain!!!!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
   Okay, yesterday when we finished the Lord called Cain on the carpet about killing his brother.  Cain had nowhere to turn, he was guilty.  The Lord pronounced the sentence: the Lord said, "And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive they brothers blood from thy hand; when thou tillest the ground it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth."
   What a sentence, the earth that bore good fruit before will no longer bear good fruit, he won't get the best of the land, AND, he will wander the earth.  So what does Cain say?
   "........My punishment is greater than I can bear."  Then Cain goes on to say he would wander and people would want to kill him.  God put a mark on Cain so he would not be slain, but he still had to endure his punishment.
   How often is our fellow man reacting the same as Cain.  First - I don't know what happened. Then - when presented the evidence we try to crawfish out of it. And finally we believe our punishment to be too much.  Hmm!!
   God is a just God; fair in what He does.  God does not entertain evil and there will be results for the evil you, I, and others do.  Have you repented, cast yourself on the mercy of God through the blood of Jesus?  If so, you are cleansed, if not -- well -- what are you waiting for?
   Cain received a life sentence...........of torment.  I received a life sentence...........in eternity with God, with Jesus.  What is your life sentence?  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Murder in the first ----Guilty!

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
    Okay, yesterday the text ended when Cain's offering was not accepted by God and Cain and the Lord had a conversation.  If you will look carefully at the text, study it rather than just "read" it, Cain was mad that the Lord did not accept his offering and he harbored this anger for a time.  The Lord even told him if you do well you will be accepted; yet, this fell on Cain's deaf ears.
   Then as this anger festered Cain talked his brother Abel into going into the field with him.  Cain anger was aimed toward Abel, when it was he who did wrong but would not accept responsibility.  Sound familiar - not taking responsibility for their actions.
   Then Cain killed Abel and the Lord came to him and asked him where his brother was.  Cain replied saying how would he know, he is not his brother's keeper.   God gave Cain an opportunity to be truthful about what had happened.  Cain lied.   Then the Lord held Cain's feet to the fire when he said:
   "What hast thous done?  the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground."
    How oft do we choose to lie rather than take responsibility?  Reflect back in your life.  Have you done this?  Truthfully?
   Then look what happened to Cain.  Just as we do with our children, or as your were told - tell the truth, yes, you will still be corrected, but the correction will be worse if you lie.  Why, oh why do we, humans, think we can weasel out of what we did; blame it on someone else; deny; lie!
   The Lord told Cain when he tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth..  So, the earth will bear fruit but it will not be good as it was before and he will be a nomad, wandering throughout the earth.  Hmmm!  And what does Cain say?  Tune in tomorrow.  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

CAIN YOU? ARE YOU ABEL?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!!
     Soooo, I trust your weekend was wonderful and pleasant, safe and relaxing, and now ready for the workweek.
     So often we become lodged in the New Testament because that is the information about Jesus.  Many lessons from God are in the Old Testament as well.   And then we tend to get a Bible that is "easy to read" which is simply someones else's translation of the King James Version.  The KJV is closer to the original text and some of the new translations wording may be slightly skewed.
   Going with today's title "Cain you?  Are you Abel? takes us to the Old Testament in Genesis.  Cain, the first born (anywhere on earth), and Abel, his younger brother (the second born) are the sons of Adam and Eve.
   Cain was a tiller of the ground and Abel a tender of sheep.  Which has the greater status?  I would say neither.  Then, you might ask, why did Cain kill Abel.  This, my friend, creates lots of controversy, however, I will share with you what I have studied.
    First, both boys were born out of sin (since Adam and Eve sinned) and we don't really know if God made Eden for just Adam and Eve to live forever or another plan was in place.  Anyway, as they grew Cain was a farmer and Abel was a shepherd.  As time came to pass, Cain brought an offering to God, and Abel brought an offering to God.  God accepted Abel's and rejected Cain's.  Why?  What do you think?
   The Bible says Cain brought an offering - period.  Abel brought "the firstlings of his flock and the fat thereof" leading us to think best, unblemished.   Cain brought an offering leads us to think it may have just been something he "had to do" and did not bring his best to God.  Look in the KJV for a better understanding, the other translations skim right over this.
    Well, when God rejected Cain's offering he became "wroth" or angry.  The Lord spoke to him and asked why his countenance fallen.  Countenance means the facial expression, the face, approval, support.  So, you could tell from Cain's face he was angry.  And notice, God was speaking to Cain.  However, the KJV says "the Lord" which opens another door.  Was God speaking to  , or was this Jesus speaking to him?  Another can of worms, huh?
    The Lord said, in verse 7, "⁷ If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him."
   If you do well!!!  Wow!!!  Okay, please stop and think about this as we will continue on tomorrow.  When you go to work, are you working as if working for the LORD and giving your best?  Cain you?  Are you Abel? Pretty heavy information here, huh?  Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

   

Give God the credit He deserves!

Good morning friends!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   Do you consider your relationship with God?  Do you seriously consider your relationship?  There are a lot of great people in the Bible who have performed various acts and gave God the credit.  Sometimes, they performed the act or deed God gave them and failed to give God the credit.  What happens then?  Well, only God knows unless it is recorded.  When the Israelites were complaining about water, God told Moses to strike a rock for water to come forth.
    If you will look carefully at this miraculous act, what happened to Moses.  Okay, a little back ground here.  God took His children out of Egypt and headed to the promised land. They complained of food. He gave manna. Daily, manna from heaven (except on the Sabbath).  They complained of no meat. God sent a covey of quail. They ate meat.  Then they complained of no water.
    Moses and God, both tired of the complaining, had a conference.  God told Moses to strike a rock, a rock which was out in the open, not near water, in a stream, or in a lake,-just a rock in the wilderness.
   Moses, tired of the whining and griping struck the rock twice as God told him, (Numbers 20) ¹⁰ And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?
 Water came pouring out, but what was wrong with what Moses did?  Notice, he said "must WE fetch you water" and he did not give the glory to God.  This was from God and in frustration, Moses said "must we" thereby taking the glory for this act. Sooo??  Well, Moses was not allowed to enter the promised land and did die in the wilderness because he took the glory rather than give it to God.
   How oft doth we do such things in our lives?  Just a slip here or there when we are witnessing for God could cause one to not accept Jesus Christ as his/her saviour.  Always be in prayer my friend, you can talk to God audibly or in your mind, HE HEARS,  HE RESPONDS!  Take time my friend to fellowship with God, giving Him the glory.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny