Matthew 24:34 Are we in the generation now?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   Let me tread back to Matthew 24: verses 30-35.  When v 30 speak of deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth, this is referring to the unbelievers who will suddenly realize they chose the wrong side.  All they scoffed at --the believers and the beliefs - was real, happening, and it is too late for them.
   Now jump to verse ³⁴ Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
   As I listened to my Christian radio and as a man was speaking this thought came to mind.  In 34 "This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled" and we will see signs of the end times.
   People have been looking for the end for centuries and could this be, possibly be: the end time comes for us all at different times?  Meaning, suddenly someone young will die--we ask why?  They had such a long life to live.  Some live to be 100 or older, we ask why the young and not the old.
   Maybe, just maybe when my time is up, my personal generation, all these things will be fulfilled. 
I am not saying Christ will not return, but could "my generation" be fulfilled when I die?  I see the famines, earthquakes in diverse places, wars and rumors of war;  I SEE THESE NOW!
   So, what do you think?  Until Jesus does actually return, is this my generation and are these things be fulfilled for me, for you---NOW????  I am eager to hear your response. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

A trumpet blast, a gathering, when? Matthew 24:31-34

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
   The sunrise has been absolutely beautiful all this week.  I took pictures, but replicating what God creates naturally is just not the same.  Yesterday the sun and clouds mixed to make a cross and an "A" in the sky.  Fabulous, however the picture did not replicate it worthy of saving.  God's nature is beyond what we could ever imagine.
   So, back to Matthew, when will Jesus come?  What warning will we have?  How will we know?
Well, dear friend, we just left the scripture where the stars fell and the heavens were shaken. Then.....and then......and then.......
   

³¹ And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
³² Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
³³ So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
³⁴ Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
   The angels will come with warning via trumpet,  all the "elect" meaning the saved, the ones who have accepted Jesus as LORD and Saviour, will be gathered.
   Again, how will we know?  This is where Jesus gives the parable of the fig tree.  When the time is right, when all is ready it will put forth leaves; so be the Son of God returning--when the time is right.
  Verse 33 is easy to pass over, but look at its meaning.  So, YOU, stop-look-listen- and when you see these things be prepared for the end is at hand.  Think of this as a railroad crossing.  First you see the blinking red lights---warning!   Then you will hear the horn!  You sit behind the lights waiting for the coming.  You hear it, then suddenly there it is.  It appears and comes with a greatness and majesty.
   The difference is the train roars on pass, but with Christ we will be taken up, gathered in and with the Father, rejoicing.  
   Verse 34 tells us this generation shall not pass until all is fulfilled.  You tell me.....what is a generation to God the Father?  2000 years ago they awaited the return.  How long was it from when Adam and Eve sinned until Noah and the great flood.  Was this a generation to God; or, generations?
   Be ware; be prepared at all times; share the word and praise God for all you have. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Building walls or bridges!!???

A good friend sent this and may it touch you as it did me. Thank you George and Pamela!

The Carpenter

Once upon a time, two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict.  It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side-by-side, sharing machinery and trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch.
``
Then the long collaboration fell apart.  It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference and finally, it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.
``
One morning there was a knock on John's door.  He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox.  "I'm looking for a few days' work," he said.  "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with?  Could I help you?"
``
"Yes," said the older brother.  "I do have a job for you.  Look across the creek at that farm.  That's my neighbor.  In fact, it's my younger brother!  Last week there was a meadow between us.  He recently took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us.  Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll do him one better.  See that pile of lumber by the barn?  I want you to build me a fence an 8-foot fence -- so I won't need to see his place or his face anymore."
``
The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation.  Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you."
``
The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day.  The carpenter worked hard all that day -- measuring, sawing and nailing.  About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job.

The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all.

It was a bridge.  A bridge that stretched from one side of the creek to the other!  A fine piece of work, handrails and all!  And the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming toward them, his hand outstretched.
``
"You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done."

The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in middle, taking each other’s hand.

They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox onto his shoulder.

"No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother.

"I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, "but I have many more bridges to build.”

Remember This.

God won't ask what kind of car you drove, but He'll ask how many people you helped get where they needed to go.

God won't ask the square footage of your house, but He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet, but He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.

God won't ask how many friends you had, but He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.

God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived, but He'll ask how you treated your neighbors.

God won't ask about the color of your skin, but He'll ask about the content of your character.

God won't ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation, but He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in Heaven, and not to the gates of hell.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

What sign will Jesus give that he is returning? Matthew 24:29-30

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   Wow!  What an awesome morning for some; an awful morning for others.  The blizzard in the East will created gridlock and cancelled flights.  Here we have sunshine forecast with warmer temperatures.  Nature (God) is quite interesting and amazing.  As is Jesus in Matthew 24 when the disciples are asking when the sign of the end times will appear.
   Through Matthew 24 Jesus has told them when it will not appear.  Verses 23-26 tell us not to be deceived and things will be said to make one believe Jesus has returned.
   Jesus gives us the "sign" in verse 29-30.  Matthew 24:
²⁹ Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
³⁰ And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
    The sign of Jesus' coming is..........(drum roll) JESUS COMING!  No warning, no email or text giving us advance notice. Stars fall from heaven, our entire solar system will be shaken.  Then notice-- the sign of the Son of man in heaven and what.........?  ALL THE NATIONS SHALL MOURN!!!
   Why will they mourn?  Simply put, when the truth is presented you will know the truth---truth is....the nations have turned away from God and upon seeing Jesus they will think...then know...oh, hell is coming!  What a lost feeling that must be; devastating, knowing no hope. As a POW with no appeals, no hope, only death.  Oh, wow and ow!
 What is this telling you?  It is a simple and easy lesson.  We need to be as 5 of the 10 virgins and carry enough lamp oil to greet the bridegroom when he arrives.
   Unfortunately, there will be many like the 5 who did not take enough oil and were unprepared when the bridegroom arrived.  Where are you today?  Are you ready?  Is your storehouse full?  Is your heart with Jesus or the world?  Are you spreading the Word, the Good News to "lost" people?  Where your heart be burdened, there also shall ye go.  Thanks for reading. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Do the dead come back to life?

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
   I am certain you have dreams and when you wake up you don't remember.  Then, also, you have dreams and when you wake you wonder why did I have such crazy dreams.  Hmmmm!!

    During my slumber last night I did dream and did remember this A.M. when I awoke.  As I slowly transitioned from a sub-conscience state to a conscience state one song kept lingering in my mind and I found my self singing the words silently to my self (can't sing aloud, would wake sleeping beauty next to me).
   As I was singing these words a thought came to me.  Can the dead really be risen?  And, of course, my answer is YES!  Is that my final answer?  YES!   Explain.  When we are cavorting through life we live in the world; we live in a "dead" body that worships and recognizes the world; possibly making fun of the "Christians" who go to church on Sunday.
    Then one day something happens. OMG!!  What is this?  What is going on?  Suddenly (or maybe slowly over time) but at a given time we accept JESUS CHRIST as our LORD and SAVIOUR!  Okay, sounds good, but now what happens?
    We were dead in sin, but now alive in Christ.  In Matthew 22:32   Jesus tells what God said: "I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living."
    By accepting Jesus -- YOU HAVE BEEN RESURRECTED!
  The dead do come back to life.  You did, when you accepted Jesus Christ you were dead in sin; yet through Jesus you became live again.  You did come back to life.  Did you realize you are a miracle? You are chosen? You are special because of Jesus' resurrection.
   

Romans 6:11"Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord."

1 Corinthians 15:22 "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."

 

Read the words of the Newsboys: We believe in God the Father

We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He's given us new life
We believe in the crucifixion
We believe that He conquered death
We believe in the resurrection
And He's comin' back again, we believe

 Take time to read these words and absorb them.  Oh, the rest of my dream - it was crazy; docking a boat, teaching primary students, old friends who split now together, finding facilities to use -- it was crazy.  When you have time and wish to be slapped into the world of boredom I will tell you the whole dream. lol  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

   Johnny

Where are you walking? In the Spirit? OR, in the flesh?

  

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   This past week as I looked around at friends, family, acquaintances, and news in the world I thought about the devastation we bring on by seemingly simple small acts we do.
   For instance, how many families do you know that have been broken because 'he' found an interest outside the marriage?  Or 'she' found an interest outside the marriage?  Maybe working and traveling and decide on a 1 night fling that goes south.  Possibly we let our 'pride' move us in the wrong direction.  Maybe we deny the truth.  When we allow 'lust' or 'emotion' to be our guide -- look out... for trouble is ahead.
We need not be as the man standing on the side of the road with a sign saying, "the end is near" when his sign should say "the bridge ahead is out" or "cliff ahead"! We need to be clear in what we say and do.
  1 John 2:16

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 

   We, being human, tend to be very visual and look for the eye pleasing items.  Do we live for the Father, or to be pleasing of the world?  Lust of the flesh does not mean just sexual acts; it also relates to material items (i.e. cars, homes, niceties, etc). Now why am I rambling on about this?  I do not really know, but I do know that God put this on my heart.  Maybe I am preaching to myself, or maybe to you -- or to someone else; I don't really know.  However, it is disturbing to me of where our society has gone.  President Obama said we are not just a Christian nation, trying to say we are a melting pot of people with many different beliefs.  We are a Christian nation, much of our foundation and forefathers actually stated this at the beginning of what is now America.  But where have we tread?

    We are treading in the paths and ruts of the Assyrians, Babylonians, Romans, etc. and you see where their civilizations are today -- gone, kaput, nada, zero, history!  Sooooo........

   Where do we go from here and what do we do? 

Galatians 5:16

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

1 Peter 4:2

That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

   Where do we need to walk?  In the will of God; in the Spirit!!  As the man with the sign, the end is near -- do we as Christians not say exactly what God wants us to say.  When people are waist deep in the lust of the world do we, as Christians, say anything or do we just 'pass on by' and by ignoring it we think it will go away?   As the commercial says, 'stay thirsty my friend', but for you and me as Christians it should be 'stay thirsty my friend for the living water'.  Anyway, enough, may you garner the jest of my ramblings today.  Any comments would be appreciated.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

   Johnny

 

Beware! Be alert! You will know the return of the MESSIAH!!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   Well, run Forrest run -- did you read and did you heed?  Look at Matthew 24:23,24.  Beware!
Now Jesus is still talking and warning people.  Matthew 24:23 KJV ²³ Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
  In Life App Bible "Then if anyone tells you, 'Look, here is the Messiah,' or 'There he is,' don't believe it.
   What is happening here.  Jesus is warning against false teachers and we need to examine each situation closely.  Do you have a 'Messiah' in your life besides Jesus?  Some people look up to their preacher as if he is the only one who knows the truth.  If you are looking at your pastor as the answer - he is your false prophet.  Why?  The reason is you are looking to man.......not to God.  The pastor is the vessel which God uses--keep your eyes on God.
   KJV ²⁴ For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
 Life App Bible " For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God's chosen ones.  Then verse 25 See, I have warned you about this ahead of time."
   KJV ²⁵ Behold, I have told you before.
     But how do I know?  The message sounds good!  Yes, the message may sound good.  I have mentioned this before.  The message may be all pretty, you will prosper, God wants you to be rich, and on and on and on.  However, the key here is check the message with what the Bible says.  Ask for God's understanding of the passages you read.  Are they what you want them to be; OR, what does God really mean and what is He saying to you?
     I have been fortunate to have some great pastors in my life.  I do not go to church for my pastor.  He is God's vessel, as are you and I, and his job is to carry the message.  There are some things, from my studies, I do interpret differently than my pastors and that is okay.  One of us will be able to see the real truth eventually.  Which one?  God will reveal that.  We both may be wrong. lol  You never know.
    Notice verse 24, show great signs and wonders and what...........the very elect will be deceived.  What?  Naaa, what you talkin' 'bout Willis?  This is saying even some strong believers will be deceived by the false prophets. How do I avoid this?  You must be strong in your foundation by constant study of the Bible.  You must remember ONE (1) thing-----when Jesus returns there will be NO DOUBT WHO HE IS!  If people tell you the Messiah has returned-----well---then HE HAS NOT!
    All will know without a shadow of a doubt.  
²⁶ Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
²⁷ For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
²⁸ For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
   CHRIST'S COMING WILL BE OBVIOUS TO EVERYONE!!  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

 

Run Forrest Run!! Flee, return not!!!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    WOW!!   Did you read yesterday's study and understand?  It brings meaning to everything you are doing; to everything that is happening in the world - nary an event that does not add or build to the time of hell for some, and jubilation for you, me, and Christians throughout the world.  Look where Jesus is still speaking in Matthew 24:
  
¹⁶ Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
¹⁷ Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
¹⁸ Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
¹⁹ And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
²⁰ But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
²¹ For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
²² And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
  What does all this mean?  The warning to flee to the mountains is telling the first century Jews to run from the antiChrist.  To 'run Forrest run' running for your life.  Remember Antiochus Epiphane who sacrificed a pig on the temple altar and erected a statue to Zeus, which resembled him, and wanted all to worship him.  ANTI-CHRIST!  
    The Jews are to FLEE, to run, to return not, just get away.  And you say why must they flee?  To be devoid of the antichrist's influence.  It will be bad for the pregnant woman and for women with small babies.  Jesus is telling not just these people, but people in the future, people living until HIS return.
   Daniel 9:27 - the ruler will make a treaty with the people for 7 years; however at 3 1/2 years things change and he tries to force people to worship him.  Ooohhh, can you say ANTICHRIST?
     There will be great tribulation - and the Jews have experienced this for years. From Antiochus Epiphane all the way to Hitler, even to present day.  Yes the end time is coming and we must be prepared.  Wow!.........And as I was writing, suddenly the computer I was on went into shut down mode.  That computer is still shutting down.  Do you believe demons can do things and have power? Hmmm.

   Okay, be prepared, do not fear.  Read Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

² And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.  
    Yes, we must "pick sides" meaning follow Jesus or the antichrist.  Take time to really study Matthew 24 of what Jesus is saying and see what it says to you.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
 

Just pay attention - again I say - PAY ATTENTION (Matthew 24:15)

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    Friday I visited about "just spreadin' the news"; that we should be willing to share the good news with people we come in contact with.
    Today, a warning, beware, what is an abomination to God?!!
Matthew 24:¹⁵ When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand; or pay attention)
    What is happening here?  Jesus refers to Daniel the prophet. In Daniel 9:27, Daniel is speaking of the "abomination of desolation" when Antiochus Epiphanes sacrificed a pig to Zeus on the sacred Temple altar.  This is not just one event, specific object, or person; this is seen as a deliberate attempt to mock and deny the reality of God's presence.  
   Daniel 9:²⁷ And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. 
  Antiochus Epiphanes placed a statue of Zeus, (which resembled Antiochus) and sacrificed a pig on the altar, which was definitely an abomination to the Jewish people.  This happened in 164 b.c.   
   The people remembered Jesus' words in a.d. 70, then Titus placed an idol on the site of the burned Temple after destroying Jerusalem.  In the end times the Antichrist will set up an image of himself and order everyone to worship it.  These are all abominiations to God.
      In the end times the antichrist will set up an timage of himself and order everyone to wroship it. (2 Thess 2:4; Revelation 13:14,15).  These are all abominations to God.
 
    Stay tuned - tomorrow with be "Run Forrest, Run".  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny
 

The song, "Just spreadin' the news" should be our theme song. Matthew 24:14

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    Matthew 24:14 tells us that before Jesus returns, the Good News about the Kingdom, the message of salvation, would be preached throughout the world.
    This was the disciples mission.   This is your mission. To take the Good News to others worldwide.  Are you sharing the word with others?  How can you more effectively share the good news where ever you walk?  A man had lots of little small crosses and he would lay one on the sidewalk of businesses he  entered when the Spirit moved him.  He said he has yet to exit and the cross still be there -- YES, someone picked it up.  A great way to stir the curiosity and move people.  What way can you leave small subtle hints?  Hints to stir people and get them to thinking about Jesus, about salvation, about eternity after death.
    Your walk in life should be one way to share the gospel.  So others look and say what does he/she have that I don't have?  Hmmm!
  Jesus talked about the end times and final judgment to show his followers the urgency of spreading the Good News of salvation to everyone.
   Here is Jesus' words:  ¹⁴ And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
    May your day be filled with glory from our Father in Heaven. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny
 

Is your love cold? Is your love all about you? Matthew 24:12,13

Good morning fellow sinners saved by Jesus Christ!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
  Yesterday I visited with you about false prophets.  Do not get me wrong, many preachers on the radio and tv are good God fearing Bible teaching men; just be aware of the ones that are not.  Johnny, are you judging them.  No, but the Bible says to test them by the word.  Do this and see for yourself.
   Matthew 24:
¹² And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
     Jesus is telling us here that with false teachings and loose morals comes a very destructive element. What is this element?  LOVE that IS NO MORE!  Huh? Because of false teachings, or teaching about caring for yourself, that you will prosper and do well and loose morals we lose the love for God and the love for anything except SELF!!
   Look around, where is your focus?  Are you thinking only of yourself?  If so, you love is not for God first; then love neighbors and family.  Hmmm!  Something to think about.   If you are #1 then you cannot truly love.
¹³ But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
 However, with Jesus there is always hope.  If you endure, don't compromise your Christian beliefs, stay true to the one true living GOD, then you shall be saved.  These are Jesus' words.
   Come my friend, now, take time this very moment to pray, asking God to make you strong and a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. Love you all.
    In Christ's Love and Grace
       Johnny

Beware FALSE PROPHETS (tv evangelists or your preacher, huh?)

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    Good study today, and it may step on some peoples toes.  First, I would like to say if you think your pastor is good, great, super; and you go to church for him, then,  -- YOU ARE WRONG!
    We should be going to church because Jesus lives inside of you and you are in fellowship, studying, and praying because YOU LOVE JESUS!!
   Look at Matthew 24:11 (KJV)   ^"And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."
 This is Jesus talking to the disciples and to you.  The old testament frequently mentions false prophets. (2 King 3:13, Isaish 44:25, Jeremiah 23:16, Ezekiel 13:2,3, Micah 3:5, Zechariah 13:2).  
     False prophets claim to receive messages from God, but they tend to be more "health and wealth" messages.  When you stay home, watch the tv evangelists, put his words to the test.  Is he "health and wealth" or is he really preaching the only way to eternal life is through Jesus Christ?
  These false prophets will preach what the people want to hear. When the nation is not following God, the preaching will be soft and comfortable.  We should be hearing the truth.  Many people put all their belief in tv mega church preachers; send their money to these millionaires, just to hear them say, "It will be okay, God wants you to prosper, be healthy, and do well."  If you wish to send your money to someone who makes you feel better, let me know--I will gladly relieve you of this burden and tell you good news.(lol)   My church (Church Under A Bridge) would be happy to have the money to assist the homeless and less fortunate.
   Some preachers will tell you "God wants you to be rich"  or Do whatever your desires tell you"  or "There is no such thing as heaven or hell"--lies straight from satan himself. 
                                                       Beware FALSE PROPHETS!!!!
     Jesus said false teachers would come, and he warned his disciples, he warns us, that we should not listen to their dangerous words.  Have you been taken in?  Do you "idolize" some of these tv preachers? Or even your own preacher?  You are called to be as Jesus.  Jesus was a common man, walked the streets, and taught people the way to the kingdom of God.  You are called to do this very thing!!  Have you reached out to anyone in need lately?   Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny
Bible in a year to read

The beginning of sorrows, persecution - Matthew 24:8,9

Good morning fellow Christians!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    Okay, yesterday we talked about civil wars (nation against nation) and political wars (kingdom against kingdom), hunger, diseases, and earth tremors.   Well, buckle up, for today we will be talking about things you see around you this very day, year, this past year, and what is to come in the future.
           R-E-A-D-Y-??
   Matthew 24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
What you read about in the afore mentioned verses are just the beginning.  What is about to come, ooohhh, naw maw, it ain't good.
   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.
  Huh?   What?  Yes!!! In other words:  you will be arrested, you will be persecuted; you will be killed.  People all over the world will hate you because you are followers of Jesus.
  Waaa, uh, but.........Yes, my friend it is already happening.  Do you think radical Islam likes you or will tolerate you?  NO!   Do you think you can reason with ISIS?   NO!  
    Understand, this is Jesus talking and telling the disciples this information.  You, yes, YOU are a DISCIPLE of CHRIST.  Are you ready to die for what you believe?  Takes some soul searching!
   We, in America, experience persecution via the courts, lawyers, and extremists in America.  But, we in no way experience the persecution cast forth in other parts of the world.  The third world countries are going through a horrible persecution.  Would you deny God if you head was to be cut off? OR, would you proudly, yet humbly, proclaim Jesus as saviour of the world and lose you head?  Tough question, we all want to say I would stand firm on Jesus -- but until in that situation----therefore we need to continually grow in the word and our love for God, love for Jesus, love for the Spirit.
   Matthew 10:17 Jesus says, "But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils and they will scourge you in their synagogues;",  Jesus warns us over and over. 
   What are we to do?  First, love the LORD you God with all your heart, mind, and soul.  Then pray continually.  But I work.  Pray continually does not mean 24/7 every minute, every second. God can hear us through our thoughts; just short visits with God in your mind all throughout the day.  Try it!  You'll like it!!
   More to come tomorrow, stay tuned and we will carry on.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny
through the Bible in a year at 
Christianity - Thoughts by Johnny
 

Wars, famines, earthquakes, OH MY!!

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    Well, at church yesterday it was rainy, 35 degrees, we are outside under a bridge and we had 102 people at church.  It is amazing what God will do.  Wow!
   Matthew 24:5 was about many coming that will deceive you.  Just a warning to be cautious, there are many anti-Christ's out there and it is important we allow God's discernment to come into play to show us who they are.  This is not necessarily to expose them, but to be aware of them and their message.
    Matthew 24:
⁶ And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
⁷ For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
  Please understand, Jesus is still talking to his disciples at this time.  Wars---rumours of wars-----nation against nation------kingdom against kingdom-----famines-----pestilences-------earthquakes!
    You may look around and say, "well, these things are happening now!"   But, you know what^^^^? I would image the disciples said the same things we are saying.  They may have said Assryia or Babylon whereas we say the middle East, terrorist threats, ISIS, etc.
    Is Jesus saying 'arm yourself for war'; prepare for famines by gathering food; vaccinate for diseases; build an earthquake prove shelter?   No, he is not saying this.  He is telling us things are to come and we need to be prepared but not to go into panic mode.  When we hit panic mode it is either 'fight or flight' and this is not what Jesus wants.   Jesus wants us to stay calm, keep our wits about us, as the end is not yet.  Rumours- (akoé) is the common Greek word for sense of hearing or reports.  So they are getting reports of wars.
     Nation against nation is talking ethnic battles, people against people; such as when Yugoslavia split Whereas kingdom against kingdom is talking political battles, country against country or state against state; such as in the Gulf Wars.  Jesus is telling us wars will happen, it appears to be normal.
   Going along with this people will be starving, there will be diseases, and earthquakes happening where we did not expect them to happen.  Wow!   A lot of information in these two verses.  But never fear and don't worry.  I have read the book and we win in the end.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Will you be deceived? Matthew 24:5

Good morning all. God is good all the time,  all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    Sorry I have missed the last couple of days--Miss Fluenza and I have been fighting.  Okay, I stopped on the 6th at Matthew 24:4 - where Jesus tells His disciples to let no one mislead you.
   Review - how do we keep from being misled???   Focus on Jesus and stay focused.
Matthew 24:
^{4 "}And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
⁵ For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many."
 We read verse 4 last time, verse 5 tells us clearly  MANY SHALL COME IN MY(JESUS) NAME.  Have you seen this, here, in America?  Let me remind you if you don't remember.  Many come, yet they may not claim to be the "MESSIAH", yet there message and leadership, all be it unspoken, projects that image.
    What happens when we start believing in man rather than Jesus?  Jim Jones and his followers.  They followed HIM, to their death - they no longer put their trust in Jesus but Jim Jones.  How about Vernon Wayne Howell who changed his name to David Koresh, the Branch Davidians.  He believed he was the last, final prophet.   There are others, rather than list, please know that these people have a charismatic personality/nature and tend to attract followers.   The followers do believe they are something special from God.You are a special person to God; love thy neighbor as thyself but love the love thy God first, with all you heart, mind, and soul.
   Oh, I would never follow someone you say; many of these people said the same thing. There was a pastor in Dallas that convinced his followers to give "everything" to the church; this is what God wanted.  Many lost homes, vehicles, and eventually jobs and why????   They were following a MAN, not following "JESUS"!
    Will you be deceived?  Before you say absolutely not do a self check with God and see where you are standing right now, today.   Following God and listening to God; OR, doing your own thing rationalizing that this is what God wants you to do.
    Be not deceived my friend; there is only 1 Christ and you will know when HE returns.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
to read the Bible in a year

When is the end? What do we look for?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   Yesterday the study stopped at Jesus telling the disciples the temple would be thrown down and with a structure of that magnitude it was hard to imagine.  160 columns, over 500 yards long, wow---what a building.  But, Jesus did say it would be gone, kapish, no mas, kaput, outta there, you get the idea.
   So, then the disciples asked the same questions we would ask- when and how will we know.  But let's back up slightly.  Where were they when they were talking?  Why, Jesus was at the Mount of Olives.  Hmmm!  Look at Zechariah 14:4 "And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west..........."
    Zechariah wrote this approximately 480 years before the coming of Christ.  Hmm, and the Bible is just a big history book with many errors or mistakes?  I don't think so.  Okay, let's go on.
   Matthew 24: ³ And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
    Jesus is sitting at the very place the prophet Zachariah had predicted the Messiah would stand when he came to claim his kingdom. Again, Zach said this 480 years before Jesus entered the scene.  Jesus was more concerned with the disciples being PREPARED, rather than knowing when the end times were coming.  How do we prepare?  By living God's way consistently so that no matter when Jesus returns, we will be ready.  We need to be as the 5 virgins who carried extra oil for their lamps - prepared.
   In Matthew 24: ⁴ And Jesus answered and said unto them, "Take heed that no man deceive you."
Jesus' response indicates that if we are looking for 'signs' for His return, we could easily be deceived in to following or believing false teachers or doctrines.
   We need to stay focused on God, on Jesus, and be always prepared for the end to come, not focusing on end times as this (focusing on end times) may lead to our deception.  Stay focused on Jesus, son of God and be ready.  What else did Jesus say?  Oh, well, uh---tomorrow. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny
p.s.BIBLE IN A YEAR- to read the Bible is a daunting chore.  To read the Bible in a year you would need to read 2.75 chapters a day in the Old Testament and .75 chapters in the new testament daily.  I have a second blog - "Christianity - Thoughts by Johnny" where I will go through the Bible at a slow and comfortable rate, and the Bible will be read in a years time.  So, if you would like to take this trek with me, click on the link and bookmark it and follow along.  

Resolutions and preppers---in the same article?

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
    Well, the New Year is officially here, people make resolutions (with good intentions) which tend to fall by the wayside.  I decided to give up skydiving, bull fighting, and running with the bulls in Spain.  Since I have never even tried these things----it was easy to give up.  I narrowed my resolutions down to one - to live a more fulfilled and spirit filled life for Jesus Christ.  
   Yep, to some this sound hokie, however, I do know that on the other side of the rainbow is my heavenly father, waiting for me to come home.  My goals for 2015 is to: be a better Christian (keeping God first); a better family man (family second); and then let my career and life fall in after that.  I ask your prayers and encouragement in this as I, in turn, will pray daily for each of you.
   Okay,  I am relatively sure you have heard of the preppers or survivalists.  Preparing for the end times, gathering food, ammunition, all types of survival gear, and training for the end when we will have to fight for all we have.
   Jesus' disciples were concerned about when the end times would come.  Look at Matthew

24 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.

² And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
   Now this temple, the Jews and Herod had built was 1,562 feet (520 yards) long with 160 columns in its 921 foot width.  The disciples, looking at this massive structure could, not visualize it would be thrown down.  However, in 70 A.D. (40 years later) it was destroyed by the Romans.
   We sit, today, where the disciples do:  looking at America, seeing it in all its grandeur and strength and think--'could we fall?'  This will be the disciples next questions.
   Preppers and survivalists are preparing for the fall.  We, too, should prepare for the fall; all be it in another way.  We should be in tune with God;  listening to God; meditating on God's word; and willing to follow God's command.
  Today is the first day to set the stage; we will begin looking at the disciples questions and Jesus' response in Matthew 24 for the next few days.  Read it yourself and please respond as I covet your feedback.
   Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny

A New Year - Rejoice in the LORD always, REJOICE!!!

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
  J A N U A R Y   1 ,  2 0 1 5     A     N E W    Y E A R   !
      Graffiti on a wall:    " Look not to the past with regret,
                                          Nor to the future being anxious,
                                         Look at the present and be aware!"


From God:  Philippians 4: 
          ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 

          ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 
          ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition,        with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 
          ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
  
  Look in the book, the B - I - B - L - E  for answers and encouragement.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny