Wearing your wadders? Believe in prayer? Hmmmm

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   MATTHEW 21:22  "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."
This verse is from the Bible and my question to you is:  DO YOU BELIEVE IT?
   If you truly believe God answers prayers then if you were in a drought, would you just go to the church to prayer, OR, would you wear your wadders to go pray for rain.  Saying it and believing it are two different things.
   Are you obedient to God.  Sometimes we may be doing something that seems foolish to accomplish God's will and be in his obedience.  Don't you think Noah thought, "build a what???"  What are you talking about God?  BUT, Noah, in obedience did what God called him to do.  I would guess that the people made fun of him, spending years building a what?  Ark!?!?
   How foolish was David, a mere boy, going up against a 10 foot tall giant with what???  A pebble and a sling shot.  Ya gotta be crazy!  No, he was following God, believing, and being obedient.
   Moses kept going back to Pharoah.  If I told ya once, I've told you.........  BUT, God was with Moses, Moses was obedient and believed.
   People say you need to go to church to seek God!  WHY?   W H Y ?  God is everywhere.  We should seek God daily, moment by moment, coming from our hearts and minds.  When someone is seeking God, let them see God in you.
   Do you wear wadders when praying for rain?  Do you do something foolish but are obedient to God? Do you seek God?  He lives in your heart!!  Just food for thought today my friends. 
   BELIEVE (what you pray for)  OBEDIENCE (do what God tells you to do)  GOD (living in you). Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny
 

FAKER -- OR -- FAITHFUL?

God morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
  Have you just sat down recently and examined yourself and your heart?  I mean-- really examined yourself.  Growing up I attended the Methodist Church in my hometown and went to Sunday School and church almost every Sunday.  I even received several perfect attendance awards for Sunday School.  I went because.......well.....because mom said we would and took us.  Easy peasy, no questions asked.
   I went to Sunday school all the time, church was not as consistent, but we were there every Sunday.  My mom and dad held a tight rein on me so I was a good boy growing up.  Never got into trouble, did what I was supposed to do, and kept my nose clean.  Upon entering 8th grade, at that time in our church, it was time for confirmation classes.  To learn about the church and become members.  
    Well, I went, and the main reason I went was because my girl friend went.  My sole purpose was to be close to her, sit by her, and be with her.  What did I learn in confirmation class?  Well, nothing really.  My heart was not there, nor my interest, nor anything except her.
   I continued through high school, going to church, being a good boy, never getting into trouble.  Oh, yes, mom and dad had to squash me many, uh, MANY times, but never anything outside the home. I graduated high school, planned to be, as most young men then, a professional baseball player. Well, that did not happen, but what did happen was the military.
   After spending 4 years in the military, still being "good" and not getting in trouble with the law, I returned home to work before going to college.  Hang on----I'm getting there.  That summer, the summer of 1971 or 1974 (not sure anymore) they were building a new Christian Church at the end of main street.  I stopped and started visiting with the contractor there.  One of his first questions to me was: "are you a Christian?"  My answer was no, I am a Methodist.  I knew what he was asking and knew I did not have Jesus in my heart.  But, you know, fake it to make it!
   He explained and asked again; I lied and said yes.  I really did not.  However, I was, or thought I was really good at "FAKING IT" for others to see.  You see, I could not or would not want to "fail" because of pride; so, I lied.
    In 1974-76 one of my best friends, Alan Combs, shared interesting things from the Bible, little tid-bits that would grab your attention.  He never preached to me, but we visited a lot about the Bible. Alan was, in the 70's considered a "born again Christian" and I was not.  I was a live and well Faker. With Bill and Glory Gaither on the 8 track in the car, coming across Arizona with Alan I accepted Jesus Christ as my LORD and SAVIOR.  
   The spring of 1976 I quit "faking it" and started living for Christ.  Oh, yes, I have been in God's favor and out over the years; but the good thing is-----GOD IS FAITHFUL.  Twelve years ago, at age 54 I rededicated my life to Christ.  I was a faker for 27 years, then walked in and out of favor with God for 27 years before fully realizing eternal life and true freedom---freedom in Christ.
   I say all this to stimulate you and your relationship with God.  I was good for 27 years, then knew Christ 27 years but wandered, and now I intend to live out my life for Christ.  I pray at the end he will say as they did in Matthew 25:23
"His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."
  May you find the way and follow it and help others to find the way.  Matthew 7:14  "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
   Thank you for being with me this morning. May God bless you richly.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny
 

Is your church GROWING or is it STAGNANT???? Acts 2:42-47

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   Please pray for the people of Oklahoma, Tulsa, Moore and surrounding communities as they were hit by a tornado.  Take just 30 seconds to pray and your prayer will be heard.  Thank you.
   Ever encounter someone who has a different twist on believing.  I encountered a young man who said he believed in God, but also believed there were different routes one could take to God.  I told him the Bible says only one way, to know and accept Jesus Christ in your heart.  He responded that was the way he was taught growing up, but believed differently now.  Hmmm!
  Where did we, as Christians, miss the mark?  Or did we?  The first Christians used to go to the synagogues and Temples for worship and instruction in the scriptures.  However, their belief in Jesus as the Messiah created friction with Jews who did not believe in Jesus.  So what happened?
   They ended up meeting in homes for prayer, communion, and teaching about Christ.  Many of these people were excommunicated from the church because of their belief.  If you will look at Acts 2:42-47 it talks about the first church:
      42) they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers; (staying in fellowship with one another)
      43)And fear (awe) came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles (miracles);
      44) And all that believed were together, and had all things common (there were in one accord, all believing the same);
      45) And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. (they sold all they had and helped others with what they could); 
      46) And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, (the first Christians met daily, believing the same, ate, and fellowshipped with each other--ALL BELIEVING THE SAME!  AND they were happy.
      47) Praising God, and having favour with all the people.  And the LORD added to the church daily such as should be saved.  (When people saw their zeal for worship and brotherly love it was as a contagious virus, running throughout, and others desired to be a part of what they had.
     A healthy, loving church will grow in numbers.  Is your church growing or is it stagnant?  Again, verse 47 says---and the LORD added to the church daily----will others feel your zeal, your commitment to Jesus, to God?  My pray for you and me is that others will, as the first Christians showed, others will want to have what we have- Jesus Christ!  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

SONG: I've got the love of Jesus---where? Down in my heart!

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
       I am studying in 1 John chapter 4.  This chapter warns us against false prophets and false doctrines.  However, when you reach verse 7-10 this tells us that God sent His Son into the world that we might live through him.
      Verse 9 tells us God showed us how much he loves us by sending his only Son into the world to that we might have eternal life through him. 
      Verse 10 "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
     Love explains: 1) God created us........because he loves and created people to love
                 2) God cares......because God loves us he will care for sinful people (me & you)
                 3)  Free will.......we can choose God or not, but God wants a loving response from us
                 4)  Christ's death.......this was God's solution to take away our sins, through HIS SON!
                 5)  Eternal life.......for us, (you & me) to believe in Jesus Christ our reward is eternal life.
   Love,  true love, is the antidote for evil.  If you truly love as Jesus did, there is no room for evil.  Yes, we love our families.  We care about our friends and neighbors----but do you really LOVE THEM?
     Love fills the heart----love is from Jesus----love others as yourself!  Do you truly understand this?  Or just do the bobble head shake and go on your way.
    L O V E !!!   Can you love that unclean, smelly person on the corner as well as your family?  It is tough, yes, but with Christ in your heart you can.  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Are you.....Can you become a CHRISTIAN SNIPER?!?!?!?

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   Read the Harbinger?  If not, take time to read and absorb the message in there.  This year, 2015, we need to be in DEEP PRAYER for all that is going on in the world.  God told the Jews to let their land lay dormant the 7th year.  However, the priests came up with a way around that.  God was not kidding and if you will look back just 14 years and see.  In 2001 the twin towers were taken down; in 2008 we had an economic downturn (depression) so 2015 is set up for something to happen.  Oil prices are going down........what else will happen?  Hmmm!  Food for thought!  Be in prayer my friends, be in prayer!
   In the movie the American Sniper, Chris Kyle stated several times there was evil out there and he was just protecting his people from the evil.  Boys and girls, ladies and gentlemen, today, there is evil out there and what are we doing to protect our family, friends, and neighbors from this evil.
   We need to become the "Christian Snipers" and go forth with prayer, armed with the word of God-- Bible, and be prepared to walk into battle with evil.  No!  Don't challenge satan or his demons, let God's angels take care of that; but, go forth and share the gospel with as many people as possible.  We can do this through Bible studies, our talk, our walk, and by sharing interesting tid-bits or events from the Bible.  Such as:

   Jericho- walking around 6 times and shouting; David and his pebbles to defeat a giant; Joshua, who replaced Moses and spread the waters; or other events ancient and modern.  Share the word, but first, upon going on your mission - you pray for guidance of the Holy Spirit.
   The Islams, ISIS, Skin-heads, Neo-Nazi's, Communists, and many others actively go forth recruiting for their "cause"; while we sit back and say, "Oh, I will pray about it" then forget.  Uh-huh!  You know!       
          Take up your cross! Go forth and touch someones life.  If only by touching one, you may start a snowslide.  In Romans 7:18-20 
¹⁸ For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
¹⁹ For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
²⁰ Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me      This is telling us that our flesh is weak, is sinful, we tend to want to do good, yet something turns us another way.  The sinful nature keeping calling us back, and this is another reason we need to realize we are in war.
   1 John 5:19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
  So, if we are of God, we need to let God lead, not get ahead of Him, and be ever faithful to His calling. Can you become a Christian Sniper, shooting holes in the false religions who are casting "doubt darts" at all your friends and neighbors as well as family?  Can you fight for God, or just trip along with the "status quo" attitude?  Holy Spirit I just pray you touch each of us, lead us to do God's work here on earth, and to give God all the praise and glory.  Amen. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

You are a MINISTER! Soo, do your job! Eph 3:7

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
    In the past few weeks I have visited with you about being ALL IN,  taking that FIRST STEP, moving forward in the word and doing works for Christ.  Let me share another point that has come to me and opened my eyes.  Yesterday I visited about FAITH, but let us go a few steps further.  WORKS!!
    Are you saved by works?  NO!  But without faith comes no works for the kingdom of God.
Ephesians 3:7 "Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power."
   You are not to be a spectator, watching others do the work of Jesus Christ; but YOU WERE MADE A MINISTER.  But how?  according to the gift of the grace of God!!! That is how!  And what else? Given to you by the working of HIS---who is HIS?---well GOD of course---HIS POWER.
    You may think of yourself as no one special, just someone who believes, goes to church, and tries to do what God wants you to do.   Maybe so!  However, you are a minister and what you do does have an effect.
    Ever throw a rock in water?  What happens?  A splash, then the remnants of the splash are ripples.  Jesus Christ jumped in this pond we call the world and made a big splash and His ripples are still moving, still affecting people world wide.  What about you?  You are a minister, you should make ripples as well.  Huh?  What do you mean?
   When you go forth, even when you don't feel well or even feel like doing so - you go forth, help someone in need, they go forth helping someone, and the ripple goes on and on.  Oh, yes, Billy Graham made a big ripple in the world, your ripple may not be as big or as world felt; nonetheless, your ripple will carry on.
   The Bible teaches us if we are faithful with a little then we will be given more. Luke 16:¹⁰ He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
  So, what I am saying here is, if you are ALL IN,  take that FIRST STEP,  have FAITH, and as a minister go forth you will create a ripple and things will happen for the kingdom of God.  You may not see it directly, but it will happen.  Christianity is not a spectator sport; what you do, what you say, all that you are reflects directly on Jesus Christ.  So, are you all in, jumping to make a splash and let the ripples travel and cover whomever, whereever?  It is time my friend, if you have not given it all, it is time.  Make a ripple; cause a stir; be different all for the cause of JESUS!  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny

F A I T H !

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Well, yesterday was quite a mystery.  The computers would not pull up my blog or email, my wife and I were both ill, and we were 8 1/2 hours from home.  Interesting scenario to say the least.  But, we are home now, safe and sound, feeling better but not well and the computer and blog are working!  ????
   FAITH!  What is faith.  Jesus had been ministering to the Jews, healing, forgiving, preaching.  But in Luke chapter 7 you will find a centurion, a Roman officer, who is not a believer in God, and one who is in charge of many men, has a valued servant who became deathly ill.
  This man, this Roman officer, who believes not in God, but has heard of Jesus and His miracles , he sends a request via some Jewish elders to heal his servant (slave) as he believed in the healing powers of Jesus.  This man has faith, more faith than many and he knows, without a doubt, that Jesus can heal his servant.  The centurion was very humble, and stated he was not worthy of Jesus doing this for him, but asked knowing if Jesus spoke his servant would be healed.  Do you have this type of faith?
   Now, in Matthew the recapture of this says the Roman officer visited Jesus himself, however, in either case, the point is his faith.  Please understand, back in ancient times dealing with a persons messengers was the same as dealing with the person.  So all this could have been simple interpretation. Nonetheless, Jesus was asked to heal his slave.
   Now, just as the centurion could tell the men under him go and they would go; do this and they do it.  In all this saying, he believed that Jesus could say be healed and the man would be healed and Jesus did not have to go directly to the man.  This Roman officer, this centurion, truly believed in the healing powers of Jesus.  Do you have this much faith?
   Jesus' response, "I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no not in Israel."
The officers faith was exceptional in the fact that he was a gentile who had not been brought up to know a loving God.  That is why Jesus made the comment.  This man had FAITH!  
   Our faith in God many times is tainted and weakened; yet we have great faith in other things.  We have faith that: the car will start, the light will come on when a switch is flipped, there will be water at the tap, gas at the station, food in the grocery, and on and on.  Yet when it comes to faith in God we tend to waiver.  WHY?
   The only thing that really matters in this whole wide world is God!  He has our retirement plan in place and He watches our every step; yet we tend not to step out in FAITH!  Many times we do as one of my daughters said to me when asked why she did not listen; her rebuttal was: 'Dad, sometimes you just have to experience it for yourself' and far too often we say this to God.  Love you all. Walk in true faith my friend.
In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny
 

Are ya listenin'? Are ya obedient? Huh?

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
    OBEDIENCE!  What does this mean to you?  In the movie A Christmas Carol, Scrooge saw his funeral and then he made a radical change.  I know you   are in obedience----but to what?   Yourself,  money, material things, and the things that "matter" to YOU!??!!?
    God wants our obedience.  When you feel his call and you don't respond, what happens?  You continue life as always, BUT..............   There is always a but, which eliminates the previous statement.
   I didn't speak to a group because............... There may have been just 1 soul lost because I disobeyed.
   I didn't stop and speak to the man/woman............They may have needed my words, yet without them committed suicide.
   I didn't help.................. Then tragedy occurred to the person or persons I failed to assist.
   He/She needed an encouraging word and I...............   They went another direction.
And we could go on and on.
   Romans 6:17 "But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you."
   To paraphrase we were slaves of sin, but now we are following Jesus with our heart, obeying his teaching, and we are free from our slavery to sin.  We now walk in righteousness, following God.
    Do we fall from grace?  NO!  Do we fall into sin?  YES!  So what are we to do?  Be Still-----know that "I AM", listen to God,  be obedient in following God. Then just watch and see what happens.
   Just as someone who does something daring, not in their normal nature---skydiving, cliff jumping, bungee jumping, or whatever.  The first step is hard-----but after the first step it is exciting and you want more of it.
   This is the way it is with God.  Take that first step, feel the rush of being a true child of God, and enjoy your salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ.
   Make a short list of 5 things:  1) how I worked for the kingdom of God, and
                                                   2) how I failed to work for the kingdom of God
OBEDIENCE -----LISTEN------REJOICE!    Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny
 

Haste make waste!! Proverbs 19:1-3

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
   How was your weekend?  Wow!  Mine was really great.  A couple of men came to church who have accepted Jesus, then choose to walk in the woods alone, then came back into fellowship.  It was awesome.  They renewed their relationship with the LORD, and are not in jail.  Two major and great steps.  Plus, they are working and productive.  YEA!!
   Proverbs 19: 1-3 today.  They are quite interesting. But first, if you have a burden on your heart, do not stop "praying" about it until you get an answer.  Some preachers will tell you pray once or twice and then leave it to God.  If you keep asking you are doubting.  I sorely disagree with this stand.  As I have mention earlier, Honi, a Jewish prophet, stood in the circle and prayed until God provided the proper rainfall.  If the children of God had only walked around Jericho 6 times, would there have been the same result?  NO!  Do you prayer life in obedience to God, just as you study your Bible, help people, etc. do this in obedience.
   Mothers pray for their children sometimes 40....50 years before the child may accept the LORD. Be diligent, be consistent, be obedient in prayer.
   Proverbs 19: Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.² Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.³ The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the Lord.
 The NIV provides an easy to understand version. Verse 1 ---
                       Better the poor whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse.
Be blameless than a fool whose lips what????????  Lie, twist the truth, contrary, disobedient---these things are perverse.  Are you perverse?
   Verse 2----  Desire without knowledge is not good— how much more will hasty feet miss the way!
Look at the first part----if I wish to be a great piano player, but don't have a piano, don't take lessons, nor ever play a piano how can I become a great piano player?  Sounds stupid huh?  Well, how many times do we fall into this trap where we desire (want) something, but don't learn about it first.
   The second part --cliche'----"haste makes waste".   We jump into something without knowledge, we just hastily do it.  Meet a girl or guy, they are charming, good looking, dress nice, and wow----let's get married.  Yet you know nothing about them, their life, they are just "eye candy" and you make a hasty decision.
   And now verse 3----A person’s own folly leads to their ruin,  yet their heart rages against the Lord. 
 You own folly-- folly is lack of sense, foolishness, foolish action, foolish undertaking that is expensive.  So, by my impulsiveness, my hastiness I will rush into things and .......the last part says we will blame God, the LORD, it is not our fault.
   So, what are we being told here?  We know not what the future holds so do your homework, ask the right questions, and be sure you are following God.  If you can't be true (to God) then you can be a fool.  The choice is yours---now make the right one.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny
 

Wise men say fools rush in! Proverbs 18:6-7

Good morning friends!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Fool!  Ever hear this word?  Certainly you have; we hear it all the time.  My mother, who was born in 1920, did not approve of the word 'fool' as it was a tremendous insult if someone called you a fool.  It was as if you had cursed them.  The word  fool  was not allowed in the house.  Sounds strange does it not, but from her generation to be called a fool was humiliating and embarrassing.
   In 1940 Johnny Mercer wrote a song: "When Fools Rush In"; which really became popular when Ricky Nelson sang it in 1963, hitting the charts at #12.  Others like Sinatra, Presley, Glenn Miller, Doris Day and many more also sang it.  It was in movies as a theme song.  Is this telling us something?
  Proverbs 18:6  "A fool's lips enter into contention and his mouth called for strokes."
Think about this for a moment.  Fool's lips cause problems is what the first part is saying; AND, the second part says "his mouth called for strokes".  Strokes, that means the fool needs to be beaten.  How many times do we shoot off our mouth and our brain is not loaded?  Your mouth can get you beaten. Hmmmm!
   Proverbs 18:7  "A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul."
The fool will trap himself by what he says, he will destroy relationships, deals, etc. with his foolish mouth.  His lips are the snare of his soul; His lips set his own trap for his own demise.  Wow!  How many times do we see this in our lives; whether it comes from us or someone we come into contact with?  Wow!!!
   The beginning lyrics are: "Wise men say, fools rush in,"......and it continues on.  In fact, the lyrics are such that you could change a couple of words and it would be a song to our LORD.
    Sooo,  are you wise?  OR.........are you the fool rushing in?  Let JESUS be your guide. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Need facts with your gossip? Proverbs 18:13

Good morning all!!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
   Okay, friend, I may step on your toes slightly, maybe a whole bunch here.  Do you....or do you know people who jump to quick conclusions before they get the facts??  Yep, I think we have all done this.  You hear something and then make a quick decision on what "little" you know.  Or, possibly you see something, jump to a conclusion, share these facts with someone else, and.......wah laa......you were wrong AND spreading gossip.  For instance you see a good friend in a nice restaurant dining with someone other than their spouse.  Yeah! And what thoughts rage through your mind?  Un huh!  What are the facts?  Just like Dragnet, just the facts ma'am, just the facts!
     Proverbs 18:13 "He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him."
Basically, one would be spouting off before listening to the facts.  This is shameful, harmful, and wrong.  You hear the old cliche` of there are two sides to every story.  We need to get the facts first, be open to possibilities, hear both sides, then pray for the wisdom of Solomon.
    Proverbs 18:14 "The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?"
Wow!  Think about this before you speak or share some "news" about someone.  Spending 34 years in public education I have experienced this.  Someone gets mad at you, don't have all the facts, then shares or "gossips" with others and when the news gets back to you, you are crushed.  It does crush the spirit, mainly because you know it is false and you don't understand why someone would say or do these things.
    Today, 21st Century, it is even worse.  People will put on facebook, tweet, or use some other form of social media, information that is hurtful and untrue.  And what recourse does one have?  We can rebuke it, but isn't it interesting how people will hear the first lie and believe it over the truth?  Hmmm!  Could this be man's evil nature  lunging through?
  Just remember:  Proverbs 18:17 "He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him."
  The first to speak sounds right, until the cross-examination begin.  So where do you sit today?  In the gossip section or the truth section?  Hearing part of the story is like reading the first part of a mystery; you just don't have enough facts to make a good decision.  Gather the facts, don't jump to conclusions, and avoid crushing someones spirit if possible.  Just food for thought.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny

Are you SAVED? R E A L L Y ? How do you know?

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
     Last night at Bible study pastor asked us some questions to query until next week.  This stimulated thought and will create our digging into the Bible for the answers.  Let me ask you this question:

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR ARE (SAVED) A CHRISTIAN?

   This is not one of pastors questions, but a question from me to you.  How do you know?  I have met people who lived radical lives, one of drugs, alcohol, sex, cursing, violence and then suddenly had an experience with Jesus Christ and left all that behind.  A 180 degree turn for their life.

   Growing up I was basically a 'good' person.  I would help people, friendly, a good neighbor and friend.  I was not mean and as a young adult I would imbibe in the barely ale (beer) and share a few curse words; but not vicious or mean.  When I met Jesus my life did not take a radical turn; no one like the afore mentioned.   Sooo, satan comes in and casts doubt on my mind as to whether I am saved or not.

   He still does this today, yet as I grow in the LORD, I am able to turn away that doubt easier.  I said easier, but it is not "easy" to cast that doubt.  Doubt comes in through our weaknesses.   Doubt comes in as: "if you were a Christian you wouldn't do  xyz,"  "if you were really a Christian you would abc", etc.  Yes, satan knows where you are weak and that will be his strong point to attack you.

  In Psalms 4:3-4 "But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.  Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah."

   Don't listen to satan; go to GOD, and what??????    BE  STILL!      To be set apart means God has His hand upon you for a specific purpose. 

 II Corinthians 6:17-18 "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the LORD and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the LORD Almighty."

  Set apart----separate:  we are to turn away from the old and begin anew and share this with the world.  Who will receive you?  I as in I AM!!!   How do you know you are saved? From my heart, but:  How do YOU KNOW you are SAVED?  I would enjoy hearing from you.  Have a wonderful and blessed day in the LORD JESUS CHRIST.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

  Johnny

BE STRONG IN THE LORD!!!!

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   So, do you wake up each morning asking what God has in store for you?  Or do you just wake, go about your routine and leave God on the shelf?  GOD is not a 'rescue' button we just press when in trouble.  However, many people use GOD that way.  They do their own thing, then when in trouble out comes the cry to GOD.
   Some people ask 'why' when others ask "why not"?  How would the world have been different if David has asked "why" when Goliath faced the Israelites?  If the prophets had asked "why" instead of following God.  Maybe the difference between heroism and cowardliness is the difference between why and why not.
    2015 years ago Jesus, our Lord and saviour said go.  We must go, not ask why?  But why not?  Peter saw Jesus and walked on water - focusing on Jesus.  There was no why here.  The 12 spies went and 10 came back with 'why', whereas 2 came back with WHY NOT?  You know the rest of the story.
    Our men who landed on the beaches in WWII did not tread the path of 'why' but 'why not'; they believed and they did.  Oh, yes, some were sacrificed for the why not, for the greater good, and that is happening today in this world.  ISIS is in the process of trying to eliminate all Christians.
   What can you do?  What can I do?  Honi had his prayer circle and prayed until the right rain came.  We can have our own prayer circle and pray for safety, salvation, and peace to come.  Will it help?  If you believe---YES!  If you doubt, then don't waste your time praying -- go on about your business. 
Galatians 5:1  It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
    I am reading a book that talks about rim huggers,  spectators, people who watch and do nothing.  Christianity IS NOT A SPECTATOR SPORT!!!!!   Christianity is an engaging, active sport or battle with the powers not seen and we can't just sit on the sidelines and ask 'why'; we need to be 'why not' and go forth with our weapon -- the Word of GOD.
     Ephesians 6:10-12 (KJV)

¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
¹¹ Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

    Thank you for reading today. Love you all.]
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Did you bring your alabaster box of ointment?

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
   Last week I mentioned ALL IN, are you ALL IN?  I asked if you would sell all you have and be all in with Jesus OR, as the rich young ruler and turn away sadly.  The missionaries around the turn of the 20th century were ONE WAY missionaries, packing all their belongings in a coffin and going to the mission field.
   Well, God has dealt with me more on this subject of ALL IN.  When you, I, or anyone else goes ALL IN it does not necessarily mean selling all you have and going into the mission field.  First, let me say you are in your mission field, each morning when you wake, your mission field is open; to your family, friends, co-workers, and public in general. The question here is are you all in with sharing Jesus either in action (as others see you) or in sharing the word with an individual or a group?
   In Luke 7, starting at verse 36 there is the story of Jesus being invited to a Pharisees house and "sat down to meat."  A certain woman heard of this and went to where Jesus was.  This woman was a sinner, a prostitute, one of whom the Pharisees would stone because of her sin.  She brought her  alabaster box of ointment, stood at Jesus' feet and began weeping and anointing Jesus' feet.  This ointment was what she did business with, being a prostitute, to entice men.
   She gave it all, her sins were forgiven, and she was ALL IN for Christ.  This is what I am saying to you and me; we don't have to sell everything, leave our homes and families to be all in with Christ. God is asking us to be 100% his. Love Jesus FIRST, before our spouse, our children, anything else.  Sell out to God.  Not 99% but 100%.  To me, the verse that is jumping out is v. 50 ".........Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace."  Jesus told the woman this. She was burning her past, which we need to do.  She was ALL IN for Jesus Christ, and the question now is are you.....am I.....ALL IN for JESUS CHRIST?
   No, you don't have to sell all you have, UNLESS, that is what God called you to do. Let go of the past and move forward in working for the kingdom. God calls us all to work in his ministry, but remember, each of us are members of the body.  The feet need legs, the legs need joints and upper torso, and so on.  Each member is important.  You may say.. well, I am only a tiny hair in the nose----well, if so---YOU HAVE PURPOSE!  Go forth, listen to God, and scatter the seeds where ever thou goeth.  Bring honor to God in all you do--thoughts or deeds.  Serving God is your part.  Take time to query this with God and see if you are or if you need some changes to occur. 
     Be a strong member of the body, whether a nose hair or a strong right arm, it matters not, just be a member of the body of Christ, go forth, and scatter the seeds of salvation. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

  

Pray as Honi the circle maker did-------BELIEVING!!!!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
  PRAYER!  Think about this.  Do Christians many times use prayer like people use love.  You know: I love to see musicals; I love living here; I love.......I love.....etc.  Do they really love or is it just an expression?
   Well, I believe, as Christians, we, many times, do the same thing with prayer.  Oh, so sorry, I will pray for you.  Let's just pray about this.  I am going to pray...........etc.  Why not pray at that very instant in time?
   Just stop what you are doing and pray for that situation or person!  What will it hurt?  NOTHING!  What will it help?  Possibly everything, AND, we are being obedient to God who tells us to come to him. 

Matthew 21:22

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Should we pray?   Should we pray for the same thing over and over?

Psalm 5:3

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

Psalm 6:9

The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.

Psalm 17:1

Hear the right, O Lord, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.
  Psalms speaks frequently of prayer and praying to the one true living God.
        Should we repeat the same prayer? The Lord hears our prayer the first time, yet He is not offended if we return to pray again.  We may not receive the answer the first time for one of two reasons: 1) we are not listening; OR 2) it is not time for God to reveal His answer.
   Did Jesus pray? 

Luke 6:12

And it came to pass in those days, that he (Jesus) went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
       The disciples would hear Jesus pray, and, I would think, they were in awe of His prayers.  The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, and in Matthew 6 you will find the Lord's prayer.  Now, we do repeat this prayer for two reasons: 1) it is part of our church ritual, or 2) we think about what Jesus is teaching us, taking it to heart, and not just reciting words.
  Should we pray for the same thing over and over?  Hmmm! Many pastors will tell you no, pray once, God has it, now move on.  Whoa!  What about Honi in the first century?  There was a drought, Honi is called Honi the circle maker. He drew a circle and told God he was not leaving the circle until rain came, and he prayed.  A few drops came, Honi told God this was not was he asked for, then rain came with a violence.  Honi prays to God again and says he prays for rains of goodwill, blessings, and graciousness.  This he and the people did receive.  God is faithful and true.  Honi was steadfast in his prayer.  Are you?
   Draw your circle, pray with committment, and let what you receive bring glory to God, not for your glory.  I believe if I pray the same pray with committment it will be granted; however, if I just pray the same prayer by rote memory, then I believe it is just empty words.
   Yesterday I talked about being ALL IN, and, I would say with prayer it is the same.  You have to be ALL IN, or you are casting empty words into a large chasm of hollow sounds, and echo chamber.  Okay, once again, is your "prayer" a hollow word cast forth or are you sincere when you pray?  I will pray for you and your family and as you read this I ask you pray for me and my family.   Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

   

ALL IN or Lukewarm?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   Where on earth are you today with your spiritual life?  Are you ALL IN, 3/4 in, 1/2 in, or just partly in,--in the life you should be living for Christ.  Are you willing to pack your coffin and go?
   There is a story about one way missionaries, one being A. W. Milne, born in 1785, who went to New Hebrides in the South Pacific to live among and preach to the headhunters.  He did not fear for his life as he died to self and was risen again as a child of God.  These one way missionaries packed all their belongings in a coffin and departed for various regions of the world.

                                       THEY WERE ALL IN!!!!

  Here is my question for you, friend: Are you willing to put in a coffin all you need and go forth to preach the word, plant the seeds of salvation to others here and abroad?

  Can you:  

• go to share the word of salvation
• give up all you have (material things)
• leave your family and go forth as a strong disciple of Christ (to where God calls you)
• sell all you have, give to poor and needy
• fear nothing, but walk in the strength of the Lord and follow Jesus

Are you all in?  The rich young ruler had everything, said he kept the commandments, and asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life.  He left ears drooped and depressed---why?  Luke 18: ¹⁸ And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
    Jesus said: Luke 18: ".............Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me."
   Then you know what happened?  Luke 18:
²³ And when he (ruler) heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
²⁴ And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
²⁵ For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
  Are you ALL IN?   Revelations 3:15-16 Jesus says: "I know thy works, that thou art neither old nor hot: I woul thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."
     ALL IN  or spued from eternal life?  The choice is yours.  Now, make the right decision. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

A lamb without blemish and it is not you! JESUS CHRIST!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    Are you blemished?  Of course you are.  Well, how could God take something blemished?  In Lev. 22:

¹⁹ Ye shall offer at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves (bulls), of the sheep, or of the goats.
²⁰ But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you.
 So, the people of old could not offer a sacrifice with blemish.  We cannot offer a sacrifice with blemish.  Wait, but I don't offer sacrifices anymore as was done in ancient times.
   That is so true, and why don't we offer sacrifices for our sins any more?    Look at 1 Peter 1 and please take time to read this.  We don't offer sacrifices for our sins any more because our FATHER IN HEAVEN provided the ultimate sacrifice for us in HIS SON --- JESUS CHRIST!!  
   We were corrupt with things of this world -
¹⁸ Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
  However, here is the best gift that could ever be given: 
¹⁹ But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
²⁰ Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
 Blood of Christ ----- a lamb without blemish or spot-----was planned and given just for YOU!!!
WOW!!! What a tremendous gift.  The Newsboys song goes:

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

Enough said!!  Do you believe?  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

   Johnny

What is your nature? Really, WHAT IS YOUR NATURE!?!?!

Good morning everyone!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   So, did you think about yesterday's study?  How is your flock?  Hmmm!  Proverbs has a lot to offer if we just take time to stop and read it.  There are 30 chapters in Proverbs, so read 1 a day and then the months that have 31 days take a break for a day.  A good Bible resource is:  biblegateway.com  This is a place you can look up scripture, topics or words.
    What is your nature?  What is the nature of God?  If we look in the old testament, many times, we get the wrong idea of God.  He just liked war, violence, taking over people.  This is so far from God's true nature.  The old testament had laws that governed the land to show the people their sin and their need for God.
    Jesus was the perfect representation of God (Heb. 1:3)   JESUS said if we have seen Him, we have seen the Father (John 14:9).  Jesus did what the Father did and showed us that God is love. (1 John 4:8) It says if you don't know love, you don't know God, for God is love.
    Jesus was constantly accused of breaking the law, which he did not.  Politics was as vicious in Jesus' day as it is today.  (John 8:1-11) Jesus forgave a woman accused of adultery and condemned to death; Jesus sat and dined with publicans and sinners (the Sadducee, and Pharisees would not)(Matt. 9:11); Jesus touched the untouchable, the lepers (Matt. 8:3); Jesus loved the unloveable (Luke 8:1-15).
   Then Jesus spoke in a parable about the sower.  Some seeds fall on rocky ground, some among thorns, some by the wayside, and some on fertile ground. Jesus explains some will see yet not see; some will listen yet not hear. Seeds by the wayside the devil will come and take; on rocky ground will rejoice, yet have no roots and will wither; the ones in the thorns are choked out with the pleasures of life; ¹⁵ But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
 What is your nature?  With love as God is love and ¹¹ Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
   What is your nature?  Can you or will you walk as Jesus did, among sinners showing LOVE and planting seeds?  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace,
   Johnny
 
   

How is your flock? Proverbs 27

Good morning to you!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    How is your flock?  Are you caring for what is important?  OR, what YOU want to care for?
Proverbs 27:23 "Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds."
Life App Bible "Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds."
   Life is uncertain.  We should be very diligent about caring for the future.  We are not promised next year, next month, next week, tomorrow, or even the next moment.  We need to be responsible stewards of God's word just as a farmer with his land and his herds.
   Proverbs 27:24-27
²⁴ For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
²⁵ The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.
²⁶ The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.
²⁷ And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.
   These verses continue telling us the things of this world are not forever. We must tend to what is necessary today.  When the hay is ready it needs to be harvested, otherwise, it will lay over and our livestock will not fare well.  Harvest the herbs when it is time, shear the lambs for clothing and by taking care of the goats some may be sold to purchase more land.  Yet, still, there will be goat's enough for all the family to have milk with their food.
    All in all, these verses are telling us to take care of our business; our livelihood, yet we should be constantly aware of God's word and mission for us.  This whole chapter offers warnings and instructions.  Take time to read PROVERBS 27.   Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace,
   Johnny