What is your reflection? Try A.R.K.

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

   Food for thought for you today.

The moon is just a dark ugly rock! Providing nothing of its own except darkness.

The sun, through hydrogen gases, produces more energy in 1 hour than the world needs in a year. Only through its "light" does the moon light up.

The moon did not produce this light, but REFLECTED the vast amount of light from the sun.

This is you, just a dark "rock" spending time on the face of the earth.

This is Jesus, producing more light, more love in a moment than we can in a lifetime.
When looking at my reflection in a mirror I should not see me......but

the reflection of .  What do you see when looking in a mirror?

Do you spend your day being a dark rock on the face of the earth?  OR, are you working for Jesus, REFLECTING HIS LIGHT so that others may see the Jesus in you?  The choice is ours - to either be a light unto the world, glorifying Jesus or a dark lump of flesh sucking the life out of everything around.

Where are you today my friend?  May you see Jesus in me, and if you don't, PLEASE, STOP ME and TELL ME!  I long to be perfect one day as Christ, and it may be when I am in heaven - but it will come one day.

A.R.K. =  Act of Random Kindness

              Tell someone you DO NOT KNOW they have a nice smile, look nice, thank them for their work, something - anything - and see how it affects not just their day, BUT, your day.   Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

2 Timothy 3:16-17

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

   Today we finish up chapter 3 in 2nd Timothy.
      ¹⁶ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
   Okay, here is where you will get differences of opinion.  Look:  "all scripture is given by inspiration of God" - I once was told by a young lady, who appeared to be a strong Presbyterian - that the Bible was just things written by chauvinistic men in the ancient world and does not relate to us today.  Wow!  False prophet?  Straying away from the doctrine, the true word of God.  Whoa! Do you believe the scripture is inspired of God?   I do! I have no doubt this is the inspired word and works of God!
   Profitable - what is that - that simply means  to gain. Profitable for what?  Doctrine - principles of religion; reproof - to rebuke or disapprove; correction - a change that corrects a mistake; instruction in righteousness - how to act in a just, and upright manner, morally right or justifiable. 
   So what do you take away from this?  If we believe the scripture to truly be the inspired word of God we will be lead to do right, be corrected when we do wrong, and we will act justly and morally.  Remember, the moon is just an ugly dark rock - BUT - it reflects the light of the sun.   You and I are just a dark rocks and ugly inside - UNTIL we accept Jesus and reflect the light from the SON - aka Jesus!  Do you reflect the light of the SON?
  If you look at verse 17 - That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.       The man of God is you, is me, refers to all that believe in Jesus Christ and what will happen?  We may be perfect.  You are partially perfect now because you have some of Jesus in you.  If we are to be made perfect, then our good works will definitely show.  Wow!  A lot of good encouraging information in these 2 verses.  Love you all.
Soli Deo Gloria
Johnny

2 Timothy 3:14-15

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!! JESU JEVU!
   ¹⁴ But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

  Paul is talking to Timothy and telling him that what he has learned if correct.  It came straight from Paul, whom the Holy Spirit had inspired.  What is not being said is Timothy should not let others come in and try to change what Paul has given him.  Stick to the word, the way of salvation, through Christ Jesus.
   ¹⁵ And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

  Paul would not have mentioned this had it not been very important. That Timothy, as a child, through the efforts of his mother and grandmother, knew and studied the holy scriptures.  By doing so we gain insight to many things, thus making us wise; understanding the road to salvation is only through faith in Jesus Christ.

   How many of us miss the mark when it comes to teaching our children about God, what Jesus did for us, and to actually do a family Bible study?  The closer we walk with the LORD, the wiser we become.  Love you all.

Johnny

2 Timothy 2:12-13

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  JESU JEVU!
 ¹² Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

   At first glance or reading we see if we live godly in Christ Jesus then we are going to suffer persecution.  Whaaaaa?  Now, that just ain't right.  Well, let us go a little deeper.  First of all, if you truly know Jesus Christ as your LORD and saviour - then you will know you are living in a foreign land.  YOU ARE NOT HOME YET!  (Home is in heaven with Him)

   Second, we know who the ruler of this "foreign" land is.  Yes, unfortunately it is satan.   Next, you will know that if you have a personal relationship with Christ Jesus, then you are indeed a target for persecution.  Now what is persecution? 
This does not, in America, necessarily mean we are going to be executed by firing squad, guillotine, or hanging.  But it does mean that we may be persecuted by injury done to our feelings, our family, our reputation, our property, our liberty, our influence; it may be by depriving us of an office which he held, or preventing us from obtaining one to which we are eligible; it may be by subjecting us to fine or imprisonment, to banishment, torture, or death.

     Count this not as all bad; if these persecutions do come your way; then you are living for Christ and the world is definitely against you.  Use your weapons against this - PRAYER, fasting, the ARMOR of GOD! 

    However, look at verse 13:  ¹³ But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

Interesting! Evil men and seducers - we are talking about people who thrive on evil, that live in the darkness and enjoy this type of existence.  Seducers - not meaning sexually, but by conveying thoughts that are in direct contrast to the Bible, the True Word of God, and then convincing others it is right or acceptable.

    The dark side leads us to believe in what is not!  Look at the politics today - not just the presidential candidates, but the corruption in government, Federal, State, and Local, and even in the work place.  They tell us the same lies so much that eventually they believe their own lies and it becomes reality to them.  Where have we gone?  We want to believe lies that make us feel better.  Many wish Enron had continued their deception - financially they were better off (so they thought).  We need to step back to the truth. Share the WORD with many and any who will listen, even those who will not listen.  Some think a lot of what we older people believe is just our generations belief.

    I recently had a conversation with a young lady in her 40's about things going on in the world - homosexuality, transgender restrooms, etc. and just what is going on in the world.  Her comment to me was she thought this was just my generations way of thinking and beliefs.  I explained that no, this is in the Bible.  Now she grew up in the church, however her father did not push Bible studies nor did he "live" what his mouth said he believed.  Therefore, there is no proper education or study of the Bible.

   Because of this lack of spirituality leadership in the home, many of the worlds ideas can invade and overcome the true word.  I for one, took the family each Sunday to Sunday School and Church; however, did not push my children to seek after the word and grow in the word. I was naive enough to think just taking my children to church on Sundays was enough.  Would I do it differently today?  You betcha I would.  All my children has accepted Jesus but are not comfortable in their knowledge of the word.  Whose fault is this?  The spiritual leader of the household - ME!

  So, men and women of the WORD, what are we going to do about being persecuted, being led astray by deceptors?  What are YOU going to do? Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

2 Timothy 3:10-11

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED! JESU JEVU!
 
¹⁰ But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
   Paul begins by telling his student, Timothy, he has "fully known" my doctrine. In the original fully known refers to Timothy knowing everything about Paul, his sufferings and his good moments.  Timothy was not only a student of Paul's but a friend. Timothy is totally aware of Paul's life, words and works.  In saying this Paul is pulling at Timothy's memory to remember what Paul has gone through compared to the 'false teachers' that are trying to poison the word in Ephesus.  Also, hopefully, remembering all Paul has gone through will spur on Timothy to be like Paul, teaching the true word of Christ and knowing there may be suffering along the way.
   As we break out Paul's words - doctrine refers to his teachings; manner of life is the life of Christ he portrayed; purpose-remaining true to the gospel of Christ; faith- trust in God.  Longsuffering - he remained true with a love of Israel no matter what his adversaries did to him.  Charity - his love which helped him bear all things; patience - he cheerfully took the consequences of doing his master's work.
¹¹ Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
    Paul not only was persecuted but afflictions or bodily harm had come to him.  Meaning he would not just be thrown in prison but beat as well.  Why Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra? St Paul mentions these places and his sufferings there, because they were the first, in his first period of ministry, and they were well known to Timothy and may well have led him to cast in his lot with the Apostle.  So, this pulls Timothy back to what is happening, has happened, and possibly will happen.  To better understand read Acts 13  and Acts 14  
  Paul continues saying he endured some persecutions, however, out of all this GOD delivered him. Better said, Paul is saying
"You know what I have gone through, yet in all God was with me and has kept me safe. Be sure He will be with you too.”
   This must have been inspiring to Timothy. Wow - what Paul went through. Could you endure this same type of persecution and maintain the faith?  A challenging thought.  Love you all.
Soli Deo Gloria
Johnny

2 Timothy 3:8-9

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  JESU JEVU!
    ⁸ Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

  Who are Jannes and Jambres?  These were magicians or sorcerers under Pharaoh at the time.  They were also once instructors for Moses as a young man, but later became his enemies.  These men were sons of Balaam, who was a prophet. If you recall, Balaam rode his donkey and he (donkey) balked when he saw the angel standing before them. Also, God spoke to Balaam (through the donkey),  saving him from death. (click HERE to read the story) 

   So do these also resist the truth - meaning they, basically, are worldly and have no place for God, the living God.  Yes, they had powers, but they were occult powers (satanic powers) and very worldly.  We have to be careful not to fall victim to this type of empty shell leaders in our churches.

   Men of corrupt minds - men of corrupt minds are enemies to the truth, the way, and the life.  Enemies to the word of God - the Bible.  Reprobate concerning the faith - reprobate is unprincipled or depraved; depraved is morally bad or corrupt. So, could we say they were politicians (lol)?  Seriously, they would do whatever it took to maintain their position and to please the powers that be.  They stood on no principles.

   1 Timothy 6: 5and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.
    ⁹ But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their's also was.

Paul was stern in telling Timothy that the unprincipled teachings in the church at Ephesus was go on NO MORE!  Yet, he disciples Timothy and comforts him in the aspect that even though harm had been done in the church it would continue no more and they would come back to the right track.  The foes of Christianity were alive and well in the beginning of the church and are still alive and moving today in churches.  However, they are allowed to advance just so far when they are stopped.

  For their folly shall be manifest unto all men - these people cause havoc, dissension, and splits in churches. Then, as time progresses, people will see the folly or foolishness that had led them astray.  A liar needs to keep a notebook to know what lies where told when; false prophets are no different; they will be exposed.  Take time to look at yourself, your church, your church leaders, and evaluate to see if you are following God, or false teachings.  Love you all.

Johnny

2 Timothy 3:6-7

Hello all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  JESU JEVU!

   Okay, following the lead of verse 5 - another thought for you to think about.  Paul is talking about my church, your church, and maybe you, me, our pastors, our church leaders.  "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away.  Wow!  WOw!  WOW!

   Paul is talking about people in the church who are active, maybe teaching a Bible class, pastor, leaders - yet they are an empty shell.  Why?  They are denying the power of God.  They are just going through the motions.  We know people like this, and one of them may be ourself.  Think of this empty shell like this:  I have a car, tires, it is all together, looks good, BUT, no engine.  How many people would fall into this category that are our Christian leaders?
    ⁶ For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

   People of false religions will pray on ones emotional and spiritual needs.  Gangs are a good example of feeling a part of, being one of - yet their motives and vision is completely dark.  Silly women laden with sins.......divers lusts does not necessarily mean in the sexual sense; but by meeting a need for that person to make them "feel part of".  This may refer to women who are led more by their emotions than by reason and self-control.
  ⁷ Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Ever learning they are being taught or lead; BUT, they are not taught the knowledge of the truth - referring to Jesus Christ as the way to salvation.  In Paul's time, women were stuck at home and probably not highly educated. But if they followed the false teachers, they would know more than their husbands know. Often such false teachers gain a following by sensational claims, such as explaining prophecies in great detail.

   How easy it is to be "sensualized" into believing something is the truth or the way.   An example is what people "believe" when politicians, or people of authority say and claim it to be true or will happen.

    Where are you today?  Do you sit in an empty shell of a church?  Are you an empty shell?  Are you lead away by your emotions?  Have you come to know the truth?  Hmmm!  I do hope this stirs your mind and consider where you are today! Love you all.

Johnny

2 Timothy 3:5

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

  In verses 1-4 Paul is telling Timothy how man will become "selfish", of which we see today.  People taking selfies all the time whether it deem appropriate or nay.

   It is all about "SELF", but until we die to self, there is not room for JESUS! Please remember that.  In verse 5-6 (click to read)  we have just come from verse 4 which tells us these "people" are lovers of all the diverse things more than they love God.

   Five tells us there is a form of godliness, but people are turning away from the power of being godly.  Think of this in this manner. The Olympics just finished; the ones who competed, followed the rules (laws), came in first received the crown, aka gold medal.

   The same is with our spiritual warfare.  We are in a competition, a competition between satan and God.  Which crown are you competing for?  If we follow the rules set forth in the above verses we are playing for satans crown; however, if we compete for the LORD we will also receive a crown.  The difference is do you want a "gold" crown from God which will not be cast away or burned away; OR, do you compete for the bronze crown that satan will award you which will be tarnished.  This is spiritual warfare; whose side will you be on?

   I was going to go through verse 9; however, there is so much to know in these 4 verses (6-9) that I will continue this tomorrow.  Love you all.  God's speed in all you do. 

Johnny

2 Timothy 3:1-4 and in the last days

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED! JESU JEVU!
   Please read, meditate, absorb, and listen to what God is telling us.

2 Timothy 3:1-4King James Version (KJV)  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be:         lovers of their own selves,             covetous,                 boasters,               proud,         blasphemers, disobedient to parents,           unthankful,                unholy, 3 Without natural affection,                  trucebreakers,                  false accusers,               incontinent, fierce,               despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors,               heady,                        highminded,                                                                                lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; King James Version (KJV) Public Domain

2 Timothy 3:1-4New International Version (NIV)

3 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 

 ² People will be:             lovers of themselves,               lovers of money,                      boastful,              proud,                      abusive,                       disobedient to their parents,          ungrateful,              unholy,                      ³ without love,                unforgiving,                      slanderous, without self-control,                      brutal,                      not lovers of the good,             ⁴ treacherous,                rash,      conceited       lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—

 

New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

May God bless us all and His will be done.
Love you all.
Johnny

The Purpose of Testing James 1:1-6

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

  Well, good to be back.  I have been absent and only because I have allowed satan to toss road blocks, no, really hurdles that I could have jumped but did not in my path. I ask for your prayers in God making me a strong warrior for Him, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.   

 James 1:1-6

To listen to James 1 click here.   James starts out saying he is a servant of God AND of the Lord Jesus Christ.

   James tells us to "count it all joy"  when we have  temptations and why should we do this?  Because, James continues, "the trying of your faith worketh patience."

   Verse 4 James goes on to say: "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."  Wow!  What an encouragement to us all. But wait------there is more.

   If you lack wisdom, ask for wisdom from God that (read and absorb) "God giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not (upbraideth means rebuked or scorned); and it shall be given to him."  So God willingly gives us wisdom; but what do you have to do? Just ask for it.

   Verse 6 "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering."  What is faith? Faith, according to Webster's is unquestioning belief, complete trust or confidence. So then, what is belief? According to Webster's conviction that certain things are true, complete trust or confidence.

    So, we must ask, and know it will happen and will not question it (wisdom).

  Then James goes on to say in verse 6: "For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."

   And what does this mean?   It very simply means the sea will make waves in the direction the wind is blowing.  It is like a strong democrat comes to you and you go democrat; then a strong republican comes to you and you go republican; then along comes an independent and guess what - yes - you go their way.

  Wisdom - the quality of being wise or having good judgment - tells us we know what is right, we follow what is right, and we stand on the principles of correctness.

    Have you been tested lately?  Count it all blessings but don't stop - ask next for wisdom.  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny