You stubborn OX! You broke the yoke......

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
    Wow!  Poor Jeremiah, he truly was a voice crying out in the wilderness and no one listening.
Jeremiah 2:²⁰ For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot.
    Let's break this down a little bit.  This verse portrays a stubborn ox, one who has sinned, and have broken God's law. i.e. broken thy yoke and burst thy bands.  And saying "I will not transgress" or in other words "I will not serve you."  
   Look at every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest - these are examples of idolatry.  Following false gods, worshiping false gods and yet had said I will not transgress.  This is a definite example of "doing in on your own" and forsaking God's help.
   Playing the harlot - whoa - how many times have you and I done this?  Harlot aka prostitute - just stop and think back - have you ever prostituted your Christian beliefs.  UH, NO, NOT ME!  Yeah, right!  What about the time you did not stand up for God, or stand firmly on the Christian principles of love your neighbor.  Said something against your neighbor (gossip)?  Think about this for a moment!  Huh?   
   ²¹ Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?
   This is easy to read and figure out.  Israel have become a degenerate vine.  If "weed" vines or seeds come into your good vines - they become cross bred or tainted.  Israel's sin has been so great that there is nothing they can do to cleanse it, to make it the pure vine it once was.
  ²² For though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord God.
   Nitre is an Egyptian alkali mineral and soap or potash used for washing.  The stain of sin is more than skin deep.  Israel had stains that could not be washed out, even with the strongest cleansers.
   Spiritual cleansing must reach deep into the heart; this is a job that God alone can do.  Do not ignore the effect of sin and just "hope" they will go away.  Your sin has caused a deep stain that only God can remove; you have to be willing to let God cleanse you.  Israel was not at this time.  America is not at this time.  Great food for thought.  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny
 

APOSTACY - Is this you?????

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
   Last weekend (Thurs.-Sat) I was at the U of D Ministries Conference in Dallas.  Wow!!  If you ever get a chance to go to a Christian Conference or retreat - don't miss the opportunity.  It was GREAT!!
   On Friday I wrote about a lady I met who has an amazing testimony, which is real, and you can honestly see the difference in her life. Whoa!!
   Well, in Jeremiah, he was telling the people of all their apostasies.  And some may say- what is an apostasy?  An apostasy is a turning away or abandoning what one has believed in.  This starts  in a slow, small calculated way.
    We are excited about going to church, worshiping the LORD, and enjoy the fellowship of one another.  Then we begin to put our faith in others rather than the LORD; suddenly they do something that disappoints us. Next we think a break from the church and fellowship for one week is okay; then we miss more, and along the way someone shows us some "things" that are "fun", yet not of the LORD.
   What happened?  We went from walking on the red carpet of God, to walking on 2 carpets-one of God and one of the world.  The next thing you know we are fully engaged in the world - "enjoying ourselves" and "having fun."
    So, it starts with satan being the "light" or "fun" we can have outside the church and it begins with 1 person, you, then it spreads to the family.  Slowly, but methodically it permeates to our friends, community, state and then nation.
    In Jeremiah 2 to 3:5  God takes his people, protects them, and leads them out of captivity, yet the would still turn to worthless idols.  God took them to a fruitful land to enjoy its bounty and goodness and they defiled his land, corrupting the possession God had promised.
   The priests, rulers and prophets turned against the word of God and spoke against God, worshiping, once again, worthless idols - Baal.
   God asks the people, through Jeremiah, why would you exchange worthless gods for new ones, even though they are not gods at all?  Jeremiah proclaimed God saying the people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols, worthless pieces of wood, stone, and steel.
  The people have abandoned God, and do not wish to be "a slave to God", yet they are slaves to the ways of evil, and, worse, they tend to enjoy the evil ways.  What have they gained through this constant disobedience?  They are gathering more condemnation from God, but they see it not and wish to heed not the words of Jeremiah.  Wow!! Read Jeremiah 2:1-19.  Tomorrow I will continue with 2:20. But I ask you to think about the children of God and where they went.
   Now, I ask you to think about your life, the life of your family, and where our nation is building its alliance----with Baal or with God?  Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Drugs, prostitute, pride, Can this person be saved?

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    Today, I will deviate from Jeremiah and pick back up next week.  I am at a University of Dallas Ministry Conference; a Catholic Church/School Conference.  I met a lady we will call Shelly, who is also a vendor at the conference.
   Her story is amazing and a beacon unto others as well.  Also, it brings to light something that we, as Christians, need to remember.  She was raised in a Christian family, attended church regularly, and did all the "churchy things" we are expected to do.
    She became hooked on drugs at age 20, then to support her habit she worked at a strip club and as a prostitute.  She spend several years in and out of jail.  All she could think about was getting out of jail, getting money, and getting a fix.
    Then she took a step further when she and a girl friend smuggled drugs into Turkey, was caught, thrown in prison, and sentenced to life.  It was in the Turkish prison she was given a Bible.  Now she had studied, uh-read the Bible growing up but never accepted Jesus.  While in this prison she started looking at the Bible, accepted Jesus, and her life began to change.  She did get out of the Turkish prison, came back to America, and began her life of ministry in the prisons.  She became a platform speaker, and was always excited to share her testimony to others.  However, her testimony began to be more about her, and the all present 'pride' took over.
   One day she could not get into the prison, her ID was flagged, and she had been going there for several years.  That day she was to be the platform speaker, but could not go in with the team.  She was crushed, pride hurt, and disappointed.  Through her testimony she met a lady who had a Strip Ministry - meaning she went into strip clubs and just let the Lord do his work.  This lady offered her the opportunity to join her in her ministry, yet she refused. Her ministry was in the prison.  When she was turned away this day she returned to the parking lot to her car.
    While sitting in her car the lady called and told her to come with her on the ministry at the strip clubs.  She went.  The girls at the club greeted her warmly, the lady did not preach but did carry her Bible.  Shelly's eyes were really opened when she asked how many she had turned to the Lord. The lady responded that she did not know.  Huh?  This shocked Shelly, who was doing God's work, yet keeping count of who turned their lives around.
   The lady said it is not a number game, scatter the seeds and let God take over.  How big is this?   Wow!!!  Our pride! The devil says, 'hey, how many have you saved' which brings our pride into play.  Then it becomes all about us.
   What did I learn from this lady?  Just cast the seeds of Jesus Christ forth, let God work with each seed and don't worry about "how many", just PRAY that many will take the seed, God will germinate them into a wonderful member of the family of God.  I just pray this touches you and you will continue to spread the seeds with vim and vigor, wanting to see others come into the family. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Are you called? Don't Baal out!

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    Do you ever just stop and think about where you are?  What you are doing? How important what you are doing actually is?  Why you are doing what you are doing?  But, most of all, are all your efforts helping build the kingdom of God?  Hmmm!!
   Jeremiah was called at age 13 to be a prophet for God.  He argued at first saying he was too young.  God told him he would give him words, protect him and to go forth.  When God says he will protect us, that does not necessarily mean the sailing will be smooth.  There will be adversities to face, problems, sorrow, frustration, etc., but, God will not let anything happen to you personally as in death.
    When Jeremiah first speaks listen to the words and then relate this to our great country of America in Chapter 2.  
   Jeremiah 2 - Please read this in the KJV and I have below the NIV: (Jeremiah 2:2-3)
     

“This is what the Lord says:

“‘I remember the devotion of your youth,
    how as a bride you loved me
and followed me through the wilderness,
    through a land not sown.
³ Israel was holy to the Lord,
    the firstfruits of his harvest;
all who devoured her were held guilty,
    and disaster overtook them,’”
declares the Lord.

   Look closely at this; relate this to America and to yourself.  'devotion of your youth, as a bride you loved me, you followed me.  You were holy to the LORD, who saw favor on you and anyone who messed with you were held guilty, conquered and defeated.

  America was built on the faith and love of the LORD.  Your belief is built on the faith and love of the LORD.  Is all you had, all that God gave you - faith - belief in Jesus Christ - as it was in the beginning?  Stronger or weaker?  

    God loved Israel, still loves Israel!  God loved America, still loves America!  God loved you, still loves you!  The question then is: Are you following the footsteps of America, who followed the footsteps of Israel, and turned to evil, worshiping Baal, false gods, forsaking the one true LIVING GOD???

    Where are you in your relationship with God right now, this very moment today?  Would God say well done my good and faithful servant, or .......................?  The choice is yours, make the right choice.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

   Johnny

    

Jeremiah, a weeping prophet

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   JEREMIAH, the weeping prophet, was told by God not to marry.  Why?  God knew what was in store for Judah and it was not a place to raise children and that generation would soon be wiped out.  Hmm.   Jeremiah listened to God, went to kings, delivered God's message and in return he spent a lot of time in prison.
    Jeremiah had a faithful friend, Baruch, who put all of Jeremiah's words from God on a scroll.  Jeremiah did not have a lot of friends as they saw him as Mister Doom and Gloom.  He was forecasting the fall of Judah to the Babylonians.
   People did not listen, they cast him aside as a wacko and heeded not his words from God.  Wow!  Does this seem to be a main theme through out the Bible?  Throughout time?  In America?  Hmm!
  Josiah, a king, was friendly toward Jeremiah, but when he went forth to confront the Egyptians he came to an untimely death.  Things were not pretty from here on out for Jeremiah.
    So, why did he continue and where did he gain the courage?  Jeremiah was in constant contact with God and received his words from God; received his courage and faithfulness from God.  God used Jeremiah, son of a high priest and a timid man to spread his word.  An unlikely candidate.
    That is you, that is me, unlikely candidates God will use for His purpose.  Jeremiah was obedient!  Are you obedient?  Jeremiah was faithful!  Are you faithful?  Jeremiah listened to God!  Do you listen to God?  Jeremiah in contact with God!  Are you in contact with God?  Good questions that only you and God can sort out.   More tomorrow.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny
 

Was Jeremiah a bullfrog? A friend of mine?

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
  Who is Jeremiah?  Jeremiah was a prophet.  To know more click this link: JEREMIAH this is give you an overview/outline of Jeremiah and his time here.
   Jeremiah was called the "Weeping Prophet", Jeremiah means "Yahweh throws" and he was a contemporary of Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Daniel and Ezekiel.   Also, Jeremiah was the only one of the prophets who was not allowed to marry.
   Jeremiah spent nearly 70 years warning the people, telling them to turn back to God--away from Baal, away from their false idols.
    Jeremiah was born of a priestly family, in the town of Anatoth in Benjamin. His father was the prophet and High-Priest Hilkiah.
     Jeremiah prophesied during the administrations of five of Judah’s kings:

1. Josiah (639-608 B.C.)—31 years
2. Jehoahaz (608 B.C.)—3 months
3. Jehoiakim (608-597 B.C.)—11 years
4. Johoiachin (597 B.C.)—3 months
5. Zedekiah (597-586 B.C.)—11 years

  Jeremiah was treated horribly as he prophesied to the children of Israel.  Many things happened to him and I will share more this week.  I just wanted to introduce him, Jeremiah, to you today and to help you remember-----JEREMIAH IS NOT A BULLFROG-----JEREMIAH WAS THE "WEEPING PROPHET" OF GOD!!!!   Stay tuned----more tomorrow.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Is it time for a COME TO JESUS MEETING?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
   Wow!  Yesterday was truly a blessing.  Being at church, worshiping with family and friends, and feeling close to God.  When we feel really close to God it is not He who moved, it is thee!  God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow; we are the ones who change.
   Ever think you are doing God's will and it is really your will?  Yep, we all probably have.  In Genesis 16/17 Abram had no heirs, so Sarai, his wife, gave Hagar-her hand maiden, to Abram to be a wife and bring forth an heir.  Now, was this what God wanted?  No! It was not.  Hagar conceived and then came more problems.  Sarai thought this was good; for Abram to have an heir-then afterwards regretted her decision.
   But, you know what?  God corrected the situation, He told Abram his wife Sarai would bear him a child.  Abram laughed as he was 99 years old and Sarai 90.  God went on to correct what Sarai did-giving her hand maiden to Abram.
   Hagar despised Sarai and Sarai treated Hagar horribly.  An angel came to Hagar and told her to stay with Sarai, endure, and name her child Ishmael.  Hagar did.  God talked to Abram, changed his name to Abraham and Sarai's name to Sara and they had a child who is to be named Isaac.
    Hagar's childs seed would be exceedingly great and become a nation, 1 large nation.  Sara's child would  produce exceedingly also and become many nations.  There is more to this story than I can tell at this time, however, Ishmael became the nation (1) of Islam and Isaace became many nations of the chosen people (Jews, and later Gentiles).
   Why did I ramble on and on.  I want you to know God knows who you are, what you are doing, your intentions, where you are headed, decisions you will make--yet HE allows us, creatures of free will, to do these things.  Whether it is for His glory or not; and even if our intentions are the best-though misguided, God will work it out.
   What is the difference between Islamic belief, Jewish belief, and Christian belief.  We, all three, believe in God--the same God, B U T - - the difference is JESUS!!
   Do you truly know JESUS?  Do you act like JESUS or like your old self?  If you claim to act like JESUS, yet still walk in the world and are not filled with the HOLY SPIRIT, you may need to have a "COME TO JESUS" meeting with the only true living God!  Come to Jesus my friend, and live!! Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

After Holy S_____, 2 other phrases that concern me!!!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
  Hmmmm!  Quite interesting what happened yesterday.  First, my computer was reacting slow and did not respond sometimes.  So, I did my bible devotional, sent it out, yet it never appeared ANYWHERE!
 Here is what was sent out yesterday:  Yesterday the title was Holy S______; and, I did this to get you thinking.  Well, today, I want you to think about the impact, the heaviness, the evil that is packed in two more expressions.
    Please think about these and I will elaborate more later today.  What are we really saying when we use these 2 expressions?   Is this within the Christian realm?  Spiritual realm?  Or, evil realm?
   Here are the expressions:
          God damn you!!           AND     Go to hell!!!                
What are these really saying spiritually?
     Well, they are on my blog, but to continue this, please indulge me here, I will look at the ramifications of using these expressions.  Okay, first, "God damn you!" 
  We know who God is, He is the one and only true living God;  damn -- to condemn to an unhappy fate, to condemn to hell, to condemn as bad or inferior.   Hmmm!  As a Christian we are to love the Lord God #1, and then what ???  To love our neighbor as our selves.  Is this doing so?  I don't see that in this expression.  As a Christian we should be concerned with spreading the gospel to others so they may be saved and experience life everlasting.  John 3:17 says Christ came not to condemn the world, but so the world may be saved.  This expression is, to me, a highly volatile expression used out of anger, fear, and with disregard to what it actually means.
   As Christians we should never "damn" someone because we are wishing them to hell or an unhappy fate.  Is this truly Christian Love?
    Then the next expression, "go to hell" which is essentially doing the same as the first phrase.  Do you really wish someone to spend eternity living in torment?  If you say yes, then you need to ask forgiveness from God and then set things straight, in a Christian way, between you and whom you would wish this on.  
  Why this came to mind?  I don't know.  All I know is the phrases were sitting there, looking at me, and I could not help but reflect how many times I have heard these phrases and when I have used them.  Yes, I stopped, prayed and asked forgiveness.  Wow!!  I would love your feedback.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace,
   Johnny

Carnal expressions or Christian ???

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   Yesterday the title was Holy S______; and, I did this to get you thinking.  Well, today, I want you to think about the impact, the heaviness, the evil that is packed in two more expressions.
    Please think about these and I will elaborate more later today.  What are we really saying when we use these 2 expressions?   Is this within the Christian realm?  Spiritual realm?  Or, evil realm?
   Here are the expressions:
          God damn you!!           AND     Go to hell!!!                What are these really saying spiritually?

See you later today!

In Christ's Love
   Johnny

HOLY S______!!!!

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   Look around my dear friend, evil lurks everywhere.  Are we, the world being cursed?  What is going on?   Well, dear Christian, we have to realize the end is drawing nigh and satan and his demons are working harder.   ISIS, unrest world wide, homicide-bombers, Ebola, HIV, earthquakes, floods, many things are happening and we need not put our heads in the sand and say it is okay Jesus is coming, nor do we need to panic and worry.   We need to live right and according to God's word. 
    When you saw the title what did you first think?  We will talk about this later.  Look at these verses: 
Ephesians 5:15-20 (KJV)
    ¹⁵ See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
 We must walk cautiously, carefully, not just blundering ahead as fools but be wise.  Don't run into a burning building to see if it is burning - that would be a fool.
   ¹⁶ Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
 Paul is telling us there is a sense of urgency here because our days are also difficult.  We must keep our standards high, act wisely and do good whenever we can.
  ¹⁷ Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
 To be 'not unwise' means to use wisdom and how do we get the wisdom we need?  By understanding what the will of the LORD is.  Have you stopped and asked God for guidance, to know His will in your life?  
¹⁸ And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
What Paul is saying here is that getting drunk with wine give you a 'temporary high', whereas being filled with the Holy Spirit gives you a lasting joy.  Also, getting drunk with wine refers to the old selfish life.  With Christ we enjoy a better joy, higher and longer lasting which can cure our depression, monotony or tension.  We should submit ourselves daily to the Spirit.  Look at this:  DO NOT BE CONCERNED WITH HOW MUCH HOLY SPIRIT YOU HAVE, BUT HOW MUCH OF YOU THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS.
    ¹⁹ Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
   There are three produces of the Holy Spirit's influence on us:  singing,   making music,  and giving thanks.  Paul is not saying the only time we speak to each other it is of religious matters; but, we should be saturated with an attitude of joy, thankfulness to God, and encouragement of others.  Quit whining and complaining---focus on the goodness of God and his mercies toward us.  How would others label you?  Hmmmmm!
 ²⁰ Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
  When you are feeling down you can take refuse in that God works all things to our good if we love him and are called by him (Romans 8:28).  Thank God for the strength he is building in you through the difficult experiences of your life.  God's perfect love will see you through.
   Okay, about Holy S_____ ;  if you did not think of Holy Spirit - then this may be an indication of where you are standing in relationship to God.  Years ago a pastor took the pulpit and said, "JESUS CHRIST", then he asked the congregation what they thought of--their saviour or a curse word!  He said this will tell you where you stand in your relationship with God.  Think about this.  Love you all!!
  In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny
 

Put up or shut up -- tough decision unless the Spirit leads

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good!!  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    This morning I woke at 3:30 a.m., not sleeping comfortably, knowing I must get up.  Why?  I asked God what He wanted of me this early a.m., the only thing I found was quiet.  A quiet time to stop, pray, spend time with the Lord.  This may have been all He wanted, to just visit with me, quietly, in my prayer room.  Do you ever feel this way?  You know you are supposed to be doing something, yet you are uncertain as to what you should be doing.  These words resonate with me: "BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM!"
    Ephesians 5:10-13 "Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.  and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.  For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.  But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light."
     First, find what is acceptable to God.  Once you find what is acceptable then do it.  Next, we are not to be part of the worthless deeds of evil but we should express our disapproval.  If we remain silent, then through our silence we agree with the deeds of evil.  It is disgraceful to God to agree with the vile and corrupt deeds of evil.  We cannot serve 2 masters, the world (darkness, evil) and the light (God, Jesus), so stand up, stand firm for Christ.
  You and I, as children and family of God need to speak up and take a stand for what is right; rebuking what is wrong.  Yet, we must speak the truth with love and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Just let the Spirit work through you and follow the guidance of the Spirit.  Are you making decisions made solely on your own bias or through discernment of the Spirit?  You will know!  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny

 

Going through the motions!? OR, standing strong on JESUS!!!???

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
   Do you every wake up, don't really know how you feel spiritually?  Yep!  Well, that is satan trying to play tricks on you.  I think of this song often as I visit with people either in church or out in the world.  My mind wonders and asks me: "are you for real or just treading time, treading water, and pretending to be!"   
     Read, from Matthew West,  the words below carefully and THINK about what they are saying:   "The Motions"

This might hurt, it's not safe
But I know that I've gotta make a change
I don't care if I break
At least I'll be feeling something

‘Cause just okay is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me

I don't wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything
Instead of going through the motions?

No regrets, not this time
I'm gonna let my heart defeat my mind
Let Your love make me whole
I think I'm finally feeling something

‘Cause just okay is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of this life

‘Cause I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
Without your all consuming passion inside of me

I don't wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything
Instead of going through the motions?

Take me all the way
(Take me all the way)
Take me all the way
(‘Cause I don't wanna go through the motions)

Take me all the way
(Lord, I'm finally feeling something real)
Take me all the way

I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me

I do hope you took the time to stop, think, and read about the words above.  Are you standing strong for Jesus Christ?   OR, are you just going through the motions?  I will pay my hour or maybe 2 tribute to God on Sunday.  Oh, ye hypocrite, ye shall reap what you sow!    If you are going through the motions now is the time to change. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Are you a DOVE or a VULTURE???

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
   Friday I visited with you about braided hair, excessive adorning of women to go to church.  Let me share this with you today.  Last night my wife and I watched the Dove Awards.   Huh? What are Dove Awards?   These are awards given to people who promote, expose and celebrate Christianity through the use of song and movies.  
    There was no "revealing" clothes worn by women, no outlandish attire worn by men, no styles that would shock, but all in good taste, good messages, revealing more the nature of Christ than of the world.
  This is the link to the Dove Awards and you can view the new artists, artists of old and just good wholesome music.  Also, on Oct. 16 you can view this on JUCE TV which is provided by cable, satellite, or via computer.  If you wish to view it on your computer go to:  : www.jctv.org and you will be in.
   Instead of listening to music with negative down beats try uplifting Christian music.  Let others see Jesus Christ in you.

Matthew 5:16 ESV /In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 

John 6:28-29 ESV /Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 

   I share this with you in such that you may take time to see there is "good" in the world.  People doing things for the LORD.  The DOVE Awards were uplifting, enjoyable, no vulgar language, no scantily clad people, just great inspiring music.

   Even Pat Boone and Bill Gaither were on, sang, and presented.  Take time to turn your thoughts to God.   We can become obsessed with Obama, IRS, ISIS, Israel, elections, and on and on to the point we forget about God.  My bashing any of these or giving my point of view just helps Satan keep my mind away from the LORD, the light, and focused on the dark or evil of the world.

   Don't you think it is time to take a stand for God??  Then do it!!!  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

 Johnny 

 

Braided hair, gold and jewelry -- at church -- is this appropriate?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   So, what is on the menu for today?  Vanity, Pride, Self-absorbed, Non-caring?  OR, humble, helpful, obedient caring servant of God?  Hmmm!  Think about YOU for a moment.  Who are you?  What do you do, really?  How do you dress and act?  Where is your heart? Why are you this way?  
   Now, think about churches, the people who attend, how they act, dress and behave.  Is it appropriate?
What does Paul say?  

         1 Timothy 2:King James Version (KJV)  ⁹ In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided (braided)hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

 First of all, Paul is speaking to the women and how they should come to church.  Broided or braided hair, in the first century would take hours to do.  It was not a simple braid, but hair was curled, braided together, and then curled again.  It was a long, pain-staking ordeal.  Then, once the hair was complete they would adorn (put on) the finest of jewelry for the visual appearance and either admiration or contempt from others.

    So, what was their main purpose in preparing for church?  God!??   No, not at all.  Their main purpose was to "look better than the woman next to her or in the next set of seats.  Now, remember, in these days the women sat in one area and were to be silent while the men sat in another area and were allowed to talk.  At the churches women were to be seen---not heard.  Hmmm!  Don't think that would fly today, do you?? lol  

1 Timothy 2:  (KJV)¹⁰ But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 

1 Timothy 2: (NIV)¹⁰ but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

   The women should come to church professing godliness; not a fashion show or statement.  This section deals with just the women and why?  Timothy was experiencing difficulties in his church which needed to be straightened out.  Paul already had to set Timothy straight about the crossing of Judism and Christianity with the men.

   If you will look around at church and see how many women and men dress appropriately and how many dress in-appropriately.  Women should not, in my opinion, come wearing clothing that is slightly revealing, causing mens mind to wander and go to the dark side.  Also, men should be aware of this temptation, and if the thought begins to enter rebuke satan and pray immediately for forgiveness and a cleansing of the heart.  Spaghetti straps with low cut front tops, to me, are not acceptable.  Cover, be modest, be godly in appearance and nature.  

      Satan is not a pitch-fork, horns, and a bright red face and has a tail.  Satan is that lady sitting there with revealing clothing, or the good-looking man making flattering, yet suggestive remarks.  Satan comes as a picture of light, yet inside----ugh!  Like a book - the outside may be beautiful--yet the inside is a horror story.   Food for thought today!  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

   Johnny

 

 

Overcoming Evil - part 2 ( and Doing the right thing)

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   Evil, we are surrounded by evil. Adult XXX stores, Playful (sex) toys, violence in life and movies, war group against group-nation against nation, and on and on.  Yes, we are surrounded by evil.  Again, the facebook, twitter, craigslist, pinterest - it can all be used for evil.  Just as I said yesterday a gun to hunt for food is good; a gun to hunt (kill) other humans is evil.
   The good news is that if you and I remain faithful to God we win in the end. 

Revelation 12:9 ESV /  And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 

Satan and his followers are thrown down to the earth.  By whom you may ask? The one and only true GOD!  What must we do?  Here is some advice, wisdom, straight from the Book of Life's Instructions called the BIBLE:

3 John 1:11 ESV / Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.

1 Peter 3:11 ESV / Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 

1 Peter 2:1 ESV / So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.

•  WOW!  Don't imitate evil - but imitate GOOD!

  • Good is from GOD

    Turn away from evil

    Seek peace and pursue it

    Put away all malice and all deceit

    Put away all hypocrisy and envy

    Put away all slander

    Ephesians 5:1,2 "Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.  Live a life filled withe LOVE, following the EXAMPLE OF CHRIST.  He love us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a PLEASING AROMA TO GOD!

     Now, go do the right thing.  If you wronged someone go to them; if you lied correct it; if you slandered apologize; if you lusted, envyed, coveted, or whatever ask God for forgiveness and then forgive yourself.  Start today a FRESH NEW DAY IN JESUS.

    Where does this verse come from?  "Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light."  Book, chapter and verse.  Let me know.  Love you all!!!

    In Christ's Love and Grace

    Johnny

        

Evil - you face evil each day and don't even realize it!!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
  FACES OF EVIL!!!  Exactly what are the faces of evil?   We think of evil as being satan. Who is satan? Lucifer, a once arch angel, who was by historical reference called - "Light Bearer." Also, the planet Venus in its appearance as the morning star.  So, something dealing with "light" or, we might possibly say something bright, shiny, and pleasing.
    Weeellllll,  that is the way he, lucifer, satan, comes - as something we that is pleasing to us.
ROMANS 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 
 Think about this--many things we have are created that can be good or evil - depending on how we use them.   A gun for instance- used to obtain game to eat is good; used to kill people is evil.  I will do more in a moment.
Romans 12:9  Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.
 We should love what is good, be genuine and hate evil.  Do we do this, or do we continue to hold on to that evil which feels good?   Example:  Drinking alcohol in modest stints is not evil, but in some forms can become evil by drinking too much and being out of control either physically, with the mouth, or mentally. What do you hold on to that mutates from good to evil?
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
 Do you really submit to God?  Do you really resist the devil?    Does he, in fact, flee from you?  Or do you keep him around because it "feels good"?
1 John 3:8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 
 Practice does make perfect.  Do you remain in the practice of sinning?   Let me throw some items out that may be either good or bad - depending on how you use them.
   Facebook - don't tell everything that happens on facebook - create a blog or journal for the more personal and private things.  Once in cyber space always in cyber space.
   Twitter - once it is cast out there, especially without thinking it through, it is there forever and you will reap what you have sown.
   Texting - what you say has no expression and can be taken various ways.  Call and talk or meet face to face, then you will develop a true relationship.
   All the other social media - bah hum bug - and I do like technology - but we can easily forget what God wants us to do - build relationships, plant seeds, and share the kingdom of God with all we come in contact with.  We tend to idolize the "THINGS OF THIS WORLD" rather than GOD THE FATHER!!
John 3:16,17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
   Put away the toys of the world for a moment, pick up your Bible and truly read, take time to pray.  Try praying for 60 seconds and reading your Bible for 4 minutes.  The "I don't have time" excuse is just that-- an excuse, a rationale for you to do "something of the world."  Am I trying to guilt you into turning back to God?  If you feel that way, the guilt is already on you and you are just now realizing it.
   Take time, spend time, be still and listen.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Anger - do you control it---or it control you??

Good morning friends!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   How are things going in your little world today?  Yesterday I did study instructions for Christian living; today, a continual study of living for Jesus.
   Ephesians 4:25 "So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body."
   Does this resonate with you?  If we don't tell the "whole truth" then we are lying.  Ask yourself, truthfully, do I lie?
   Ephesians 4:26  "And don't sin by letting anger control you.  Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil."
    Look at these words and digest them thoroughly.  ANGER!!!!  Don't let it control you.   Here comes the conversation - 'he made me so mad'  or 'I can't be around ole so-n-so because he/she upsets me'.
  Whoa up here little buddy.  The person may do things that are not right, or offend you, however, you are in control of yourself and.......now hear this......."YOU ALLOW YOURSELF TO BECOME ANGRY OR MAD"!!!!!!!
  When you allow someone else to upset you, then they now have control of your emotions. DON'T DO THIS-----DON'T GO THERE!!   WHY????   THEY REALLY MADE ME..............   STOP!!!
   Verse 27 "FOR ANGER GIVES A FOOTHOLD TO THE DEVIL"
      When you allow your feelings or emotions to be controlled by someone else, you become angry or mad, you have opened the door for the devil.   Once satan gets in he takes that foothold and begins to build a fortress.  Yes, a fortress, some place that is hard to penetrate.  Slowly, and ever so carefully, satan starts to callous your heart and he works to pull you away from the blessings of Christ and the family of God.
   Take stock of your life, your emotions, YOU TAKE CHARGE!!  Push satan back and bring forth Jesus Christ our saviour.  Think about these three verses, stop, pray that God will give you the strength to take control, give Him the glory, and squelch satans advance.   Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny
 

Instructions for Christian LivingG

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

  People should be able to see a difference between Christians and non-Christians because of the way Christians live.  We are to live full of light (5:8).  Paul told the Ephesians to leave behind the old life of sin, since they were followers of Christ.  Living the Christian life is a process although we have a new nature, we don't automatically think all good thoughts and express all right attitudes when we become new people in Christ.   So what do we do?

   We keep listening to God, we will be changing all the time.  If you will look back over the last year and see the changes you have made.  If you see no changes, where in does the problem lie?  Change may be gradual, but it is there.  Our old way of life , problems, attitude, etc. are the past, tread not backwards but continue forward in Christ.

    Our daily thoughts should be Christ oriented and we need to read the Bible daily.  But I don't have time.  THAT IS HOG WASH!  You have time to read the paper, a book, smoke, watch T.V., or whatever.  You just DON'T MAKE TIME!  Let not time be an excuse!!  Here are the verses, please read!!!  Ephesians 4:17-24

¹⁷ So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. ¹⁸ They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. ¹⁹ Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.
²⁰ That, however, is not the way of life you learned ²¹ when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. ²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

   For more verses you can go to:  Romans 1:21, 24; 6:6; 12:2 Eph 2:2   Col 3:5, 8-9, 10; James 1:21 or 2 Cor 5:17.

   May your day be one blessed with God's blessings and may you be content you are safe in His protection.  Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny
 

What came down (descended) did go up (ascended)!

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
   Wow!!  Ephesians 4:4-6 talked about unity through God.  Now look at verse 7-13 - if you have not stopped and studied this you will be amazed.  When Christ was crucified Paul says: 
⁷ But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. ⁸ This is why scripture says:
“When he ascended on high,
    he took many captives
    and gave gifts to his people.
This is also said in Psalms 68: 18 When you ascended on high,
    you took many captives;
    you received gifts from people,
    even from the rebellious—
    that you, Lord God, might dwell there.
 Paul uses this to teach that Christ, in his crucifixion and resurrection, was victorious over satan.  Also, when Christ ascended to heaven, he gave gifts to the church which we will look at in verses 11-13.
  Now these next 2 verses I would ask that you look at, study, and then let us talk about them next time. Take note of ascended and descended  as well as lower parts of the earth and far above all heavens.
⁹ (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
¹⁰ He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
    A lot in the Bible verses when you stop, read, and internalize.  Until then, you are only reading a great history book.  You read, you learn, some things your remember, yet you do not understand completely.  Take time to study and internalize.  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny
 
 

Are you "ONE" or in "oneness with the body of Christ"?

Good morning my fellow Christians.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    Do you just read the Bible?  Or, do you "study read" the Bible, looking for meaning to help you draw closer to God and to understand your purpose in His kingdom?
    Look at this scripture and take time to absorb, to meditate, and feel the word.
Ephesians 4:
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.

The oneness of all believers:
Body ----The fellowship of believers --the church
Spirit----The Holy Spirit, who activates the fellowship
Hope----That glorious future to which we are all called
Lord-----Christ, to whom we all belong
Faith-----Our singular commitment to Christ
Baptism--Baptism-the sign of entry into the church
God------God, who is our Father who keeps us for eternity

Many times we, as believers, are separated over minor differences in doctrine.  Why?  Paul tells us of these areas where we all must agree to walk in unity.  When believers have a unity of Spirit, small, insignificant and petty differences will not destroy that unity.
     Descenders will be able to pick apart different parts of these "7" items of unity.  Do not fall pray to breaking down what Paul said.  God is over all - "in all" and "living through all" shows He is active in the world and in our lives.
   If you disagree with verses 4, 5, or 6 then you disagree with God's word.  Let the world change begin with you and me.  Start today - a oneness in God.  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

Yep, you ain't nothing, you are but one, what can you do?

Good morning all!   God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
    Yesterday evening at Bible study several subjects caught me, stimulated thought (I know-hard to believe I think - lol), and makes me wonder and more curious.
   It is easy to sit here and complain about different things, not take responsibility for our actions (someone else's fault), and see nothing but negativity around us.  Why??
     As Pastor has said numerous times from the pulpit, let the change begin with you, with me, with just a few.  Where will change begin?  Yes, we can have our own radio show and complain about Obama, our senators/congressmen, the world, our life, and so one; but how do we change this?
   A FEW ARE CALLED!   When God gave Abram the promised land, God had Abram take 318 men from his own "family" of people and they defeated the four (or five) kings and thousands in their promised land.   God told Gideon to narrow his warriors from 30,000 down to . . . . 300 men, and they defeated thousands.  Do you not think God can take a few of His warriors (you, me, & others) to defeat the enemy here that lurks about?
   If God cannot defeat the evil about us, then God is dead.   However, I am here to tell you that:  GOD'S NOT DEAD, HE IS SURELY ALIVE, ROARING LIKE A LION!!   The problem lies within.....yes....within ourselves to truly believe.  It is okay, we can change this.
   David, a man of God committed numerous sins.  Samson, a man of God committed numerous sins.  Peter, a chosen disciple DENIED Christ not once, not twice, but three times.  What these men then did was realize their sins, asked FORGIVENESS, and did God's work.
    David's son - Solomon;  Samson killed over 3000 Philistines in his last work for God; Peter became a stronger and more determined disciple, changing lives.  Can we not become wise, defeat the enemy, and be a more determined and spirit led disciple of Christ?
    Jesus was one, and the most loved and hated man in the world today. JESUS MADE A DIFFERENCE!!  You ain't nothing, you are but one, YOU  C A N  MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
   I woke this early A.M. singing praises to God.  Here is a link to hear and think about. MY JESUS!
May your day be wonderful and alive in the Lord, Jesus Christ.  Love you all.
                       LORD, LET THE CHANGE BEGIN WITH ME!!!!
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny