Matthew 25:35-40 Naked and you clothed me

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

   Well, sorry I was MIA for the last couple of days.  Got caught up in life itself and failed to go forth in total faith.  Well,  have you ever hear of Augusta Chiwy (chew- y), or Dr. John Prior, or even Renee Lemaire 

   Well, Augusta was a Belgian nurse who served as a volunteer during the siege of Bastogne  better know as the Battle of the Bulge.  What is interesting about her story is Augusta is a black Belgian nurse who was a volunteer - as a nurse - in a war zone.  And not just any war zone, but one of the most deadly in WW2.

   Here is a 4 foot 8 inch nurse who performed heroic deeds and was assistant in surgeries to U. S. Army Dr. John Prior.  She was the nurse who would do what it took to try to save lives during the war.  Renee Lemaire was a nurse as well, however, she was of the more compassionate and bedside manner type of nurse and struggled with major surgeries.  So, Augusta worked alongside Dr. Prior in many dangerous situations.  Why does this make me think of Matthew 25:35-40?

   It says: naked & clothed me; sick and visited me; in prison & came to me; hungry & fed me; thirsty & gave me drink.  This is what Augusta did. She helped to heal the sick or wounded, gave them clothing, fed them and cared for them asking nothing in return. 

   Take a moment to self evaluate and see if you have this type of love for your fellow man - as did Jesus.  Doing the little bit extra may change someones day. Just smiling and saying hello or have a blessed day. Maybe open a door for someone, help someone with a load, anything - and this could change a persons outlook and attitude.  Remember, our attitude affects our altitude.  May you have a wonderful and blessed day in the LORD.  Do something nice for someone, anyone, spouse, kids, friends, strangers, but let it make your day and theirs. Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

Once a person decides to follow Jesus, can they lose their salvation later on if they commit a major sin?

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

    In our Tuesday afternoon and Sunday morning Bible study we have been studying salvation and accepting Jesus Christ as our LORD and savior.

   Question comes up, can we lose our salvation for a major sin.  First question what is a major sin?  Second, can you lose your salvation?  While I was studying and researching I came across this from Billy Graham in 2012 and, yes, the address to his response is below.  He says it much better than I.  I would welcome comments. Love you all.   Soli Deo Gloria ---- Johnny



Can you lose your salvation for a major sin?

Are you a 5, 3, or 1? Matthew 25

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

   Let me digress slightly in my study and what I feel God has again put on my heart.  Remember the parable of the 5 talents, 3 talents, and 1 talent.  I heard Tony Evans give a new twist on it and feel that God has given me an even newer twist.

   It first is in Matthew 25: ¹⁴ “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. ¹⁵ And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.

   Okay, God has called us and given "his goods" to us.  What are "HIS GOODS" you may ask.  The goods God gave us is (1) Jesus Christ sacrificed for us; (2) Grace & forgiveness of sins.  So God sent his own son to die for my sins, your sins, the whole worlds sins.  We are HIS servants.

   Then, according to our ability he gave some 5 talents, some 3 and some only 1 talent.  Now think of this as you going to work.  Are you the 1 - ONE - talent who shows up every day, is there, yet that is all.  Just there, not really productive, but there at work.  We have a lot of so called Christians that do this.  The master is away, so they show up in church each Sunday, go to church, and are JUST THERE!  Not active in any church or Christian activities, JUST THERE!

    Then you have the three talent person.  This person is there, active in Sunday School, Church, Wednesday worship and is faithful in sharing his/her faith and giving to the church-whether time, work, or tithes.  This person is working for the kingdom and doing well.

   Last, you have the five talent person.  This person is just like the 3 talent person except he does just a little more for the kingdom, like he/she may lead a Bible study; share the gospel out in the world more.  Just doing more.

  When the master returns he says to the 5 & 3 talent person "well done good and faithful servant". 

   Think of this as you are the owner of a business.  These three people would probably be (1 talent) on the floor working and going through the motions. The 3 talent person would be a supervisor; and the 5 talent person is the manager.

   All of them are working for you, but who is really productive?  So, in saying this I would ask you in your relationship with Christ - are you 5, 3, or 1?

  In your relationship with your spouse are you 5, 3, or 1?

   At work are you a 5, 3, or 1?

When we stay at a hotel we prefer 5 stars, will take 3, but pass over 1.  Where are you in your relationships?  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

Character! Integrity!

Good morning everyone. Yes, tis another day to be thankful to our LORD and saviour that we are alive and can share the gospel with others. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  JESU JEVU!

   Character!  Integrity!  These two characteristics are not in many peoples vocabulary.  They just do not understand.  To me, character is what you do when no one else is watching.  An example would be dealing fairly in ALL situations.  Not just ones that will benefit you personally, but in ALL situations.  It may not come out as you wished, but it was fair.  Character is your moral strength.

   Integrity!  This is a completeness, honesty, sincerity.  This goes back to the old golden days when a mans word was his bond.  If he/she said it, then they would do it.  I feel that so often today, we say what the other person wants to hear, or, we say nothing to avoid any type of conflict. Here are some scriptures I have gone over and maybe they will give a clearness to character and integrity.

  Matthew 7: 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

  Romans 12: 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

   Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,

   Titus 2: ⁷ In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness ⁸ and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

   1 Peter 2: 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

    Too often we see the golden rule as "those who have the gold make the rules", yet we are men and women of character and integrity. 
May today be the day you go forth and demonstrate your love for God - and in doing so your character and integrity with be obvious.  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

Are you prepared? Good stewards? For Jesus to return?

Good morning all. Tis a wonderful day to be able to rejoice in the LORD and praise HIS name. God is good all the time, all the time God is good!  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesus Help Us All!

    Making foolish decisions?  Wrong choices?  What is the difference between character and integrity?  Anticipating and misjudging can be a common mistake, but with the proper planning it can be avoided.  In Matthew 25:1-13, the ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.  You know the story, 5 came with extra oil, 5 did not; when the bridegroom was delayed the 5 with extra oil were prepared.  The 5 without went to get extra oil and at that time the bridegroom came; when they returned, went to the door and said, "Lord, lord, open to us."  But he answered, "Truly, I say to you, I do not know you."

   The next statement is quite important for us, Christians, to be aware of: ¹³ “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."  Have you prepared? Are you ready?

   Then in Matthew 25:14-30 is the story of the talents- these men were trusted with different amounts of talents (money if you will). Two invested and brought forth more than originally given; the third buried the talent and gave back only the 1 talent.  To the other 2 was said, "well done good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master."

    To the third he was called wicked, was cast into the outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  What are we, you and I, doing with our talents.  Will we hear the words "well done good and faithful servant" or..........................................???

    These are questions we should be asking ourselves daily - am I prepared for Christ's return?  Am I a good steward of what HE, GOD, has given me?  Food for thought.  Tomorrow, Character/integrity - the servant over the orchard.  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

Is the whole world worth your soul?

Good morning to all.  A great day it is. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

    Many people we encounter will say they believe in God, a god, or a supernatural power; yet not confessing Jesus Christ as their LORD and SAVIOUR!  I strongly feel that if I do not share the gospel with them I am conveying two things: (1) I may be ashamed to tell of Jesus Christ, and (2) by being silent I am in effect telling them they can GO TO HELL!

   Now think about this, if you do not share the Bible, what happens?  The world comes in to greet them and show them the "wonderful things" of the world; the "fun" you can have living in the world.  The Bible tells us if we claim our rewards here on earth (pride-look at me) then that is our reward.  This is like the lyrics from TobyMac's song:
  I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul
I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul

Lord forgive us when we get consumed
By the things of this world and fight for our love and our passion
As our eyes open wide on You, grant us the privilege of Your world
And may Your kingdom be what wakes us up and lays us down
Hallelujah, hallelujah

Look at Romans 10: ¹⁵ And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,^[h]Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

  May your feet be beautiful as you share glad tidings with patrons of the world so they may experience the joys of salvation. Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

A day to be blessed! Numbers 6:24-26

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

     A priestly blessing that God told Moses to tell Aaron and his sons, and now shared with us.

   Numbers 6:  ²⁴ “The Lord bless you and keep you;
                               ²⁵ The Lord make His face shine upon you,
                                     And be gracious to you;
                                ²⁶ The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
                                     And give you peace.”’

     This is my prayer for us all as well.  During these times of turmoil and persecution of the Christians in America, Europe, and especially in the ISIS controlled world.

    If God be with us, who can stand against us?  May your day be wonderful and blessed.  Love you all.

 Soli Deo Gloria
Johnny
 

Prison - what is your prison?

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

   What is prison to you?  A place of fences and razor wire on the top with concrete walls and steel bars on the windows and doors?  Probably, when we think of prison this probably what we think of.
     Webster defines it this way: 1.  a state of confinement or captive,  2. a place of confinement especially for lawbreakers; specifically :  an institution (as one under state jurisdiction) for confinement of persons convicted of serious crimes.

     Unfortunately many of us live in our own prisons, created by ourselves due to our actions. These prisons are not with walls, there may be some barricades, but no walls.  How is this?  Let us think about this for a moment. 

  We may allow our pride to take control, and we don't view our actions now, with the consequences to come later.  James 4:6 "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

    Prisons are places that serve to punish people — it’s always “other people” —  for crimes they’ve committed. However, there are many individuals whose behaviors and emotions have helped make their lives a continual, unhappy jail cell.
     Our personal prison may be anger, envy, lust, fear, depression, alcohol, drugs, competition, and on and on.  We have to be careful when we enter our prison and be aware of where we are and what we are doing.  Some people are at the church every time the door opens, yet fail to take care of their family with quality time.  Some may be at work early hours of the morning to late hours at night, providing financially for their family, yet failing to spend quality time with family.  It could be alcohol or drugs - which diverts time and money away from what God may want us to do, using mixed priorities.  Yes, it could be a variety of things.

  When we take pride in what we do, forgetting (1)God, (2) spouse, (3) family - as in James 4:6 God opposes us.  Are you in opposition to God?

 Psalm 66: ¹⁰ For You, O God, have tested us;
You have refined us as silver is refined.
¹¹ You brought us into the net;
You laid affliction on our backs.
¹² You have caused men to ride over our heads;
We went through fire and through water;But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.

   We have gone through the test, been tried and come through refined. We have been caught in nets, beaten down, run over, gone through the good and the bad, but when we are faithful what happens?  The last line - brought us out to rich fulfillment or abundance.

   When we go through these tests, God is always with us.  He never leaves us, but often we leave Him.  We create our own prisons, God is there with us, and once we come through it all we will have fulfillment or abundance.  Then, you ask, what is fulfillment- it is to gain wisdom and knowledge from the experience (prison).     You Aren't truly free until you understand your personal prison and understand who can deliver you from that personal prison.  First you, to understand your personal prison, and the GOD to deliver you from that personal prison.  Hope this makes sense to you all. It does to me and I do recognize my prison, and I have more prison cells to be freed from.  It is all in God's hands. Love you all.
Soli Deo Gloria
Johnny

Jesus Wept! Why? John 11 (35-Jesus Wept)

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

   Jesus wept!  This came up in Bible study last night and doth create valuable conversation.  The story is in John 11 about Jesus and the "death" of Lazarus, whose sisters are Martha and Mary.

    Now in John 11, there are many stories and areas we could visit about, but let us look at verse 35 - "JESUS WEPT".

    Speculation goes into all this and do I have the CORRECT answer?  I have an answer that pastor brought to light last night and hopefully I can convey it adequately.

   Why do you cry or weep?  From the dictionary we cry: to express grief, sorrow, or any overpowering emotion by shedding tears; shed tears; cry: to weep for joy; to weep with rage.

   OR - to weep for (someone or something); mourn with tears or other expression of sorrow:

   We may weep in self-pity; weep during a sad song or movie, there are many reasons to weep.  Jesus wept!  Why?

   Some say because he loved Lazarus; some because of the sadness of the sisters, but why did Jesus weep?

   In the book 90 minutes in heaven Don Piper experienced the glories of heaven, awed by its beauty and music. According to Piper, he went straight to Heaven and experienced things he describes as amazing and beautiful, including meeting family members such as his great-grandmother and joining a Heavenly Choir that proceeded into the Gates of Heaven.

   Another pastor came along after Piper was determined to be dead by the paramedics and a sheet was laid over him.  The pastor laid hands on the dead Piper and prayed until the medical examiner arrived. Miraculously they found a pulse and began work on him.

    When Piper was revived he was angry, he had been in heaven, saw its awesomeness, and wanted to stay.  However, he was brought back to speak to over 3,000 audiences and over 1.5 million people; ALL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!

   SOOOOOOO, in telling you this story did Jesus weep for Lazarus because he was a friend; or sorrow for the sisters; OR, was Jesus weeping because Lazarus was in heaven, where Jesus came from.  Jesus knew how wonderful heaven was, so was Jesus weeping because he knew he would be calling Lazarus back from a glorious place?  Yes, this revival of a dead man did bring glory to God, joy to family and friends, created new believers. However, Jesus knew where he had been and could have been sad to know that Lazarus would be returning to the world, a place ruled by the prince of darkness and no longer in the heavenly realms.

  Did Jesus weep because he knew Lazarus was leaving a place of "heavenly delight"?

   Tell me what you think.  I would invited more commentary concerning why Jesus wept.  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

Are you a good steward?

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

   Have you thought about being a good steward of what God has given you.  Oh, yeah, some will say God did not give this to me - I worked for it.  GOD IS IN CONTROL!  Yes, God gave it to you.

   But, are you being a good steward with what you have?  This is not just about money, but of our time, our devotion, Bible study/reading, our telling others about Christ and salvation, about helping others know about the kingdom of God.
    First Peter 4:10 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

  We each have a gift - do you know what your gift is?  Do you use your gift? Here Peter is talking about gifts of the spirit and using them to benefit the church, the kingdom of God.

     In Titus these verses are more in reference to the elders of the church, yet they are quite relevant to all of us - the followers of Jesus Christ:

   Titus 1: ⁷ Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. ⁸ Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. ⁹ He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

   An overseer is like the shepherd of a flock and watches over the flock.  The overseer is not resentful of his position, but does so with great integrity and character.

  The overseer must be blameless - meaning not going against God's word, not creating turmoil within, and how may this be accomplished? 

  By not being demanding (overbearing), slow to anger, sober not violent or being dishonest.  He/she must be hospitable, loving what is good (only God is good) show discipline and self control and carry the gospel honestly and earnestly to all. 

   Stand on the word of God and being strong when some come against the word of God - standing strong in the doctrine and word of God.  If we know it is wrong and say nothing, then by our silence we have agreed with the wrong.

   Be strong today and wait to hear the words:

Matthew 25: New King James Version  ²³ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

It is so simple, yet so hard! Why? We make it that way!!! Mark 10

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

   Do you ever wonder, just sit and wonder?  Think about things, think about God and the beauty He created, AND we have made a mess of?

Salvation - it is so difficult for so many people to understand; yet so simple to acquire.  It is a gift, a present, and all we need to do is accept it.

If we would just go to Christ Jesus simple and pure and accept.  It is so easy.  The disciples fussed at the people who brought the little children, yet Jesus stopped them and said, "Let the little children come to Me".  Don't stop them.  Let them come.
 

    Then Jesus says that "anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”  Now why would he say this?  Because a child has an unfailing and unwavering faith.  They have an open heart and truly believe; no strings attached, just total belief.

    Are we only able to accept Christ as a child?  NO!  But the child-like faith is how we should believe.  Never questioning, never wavering, never doubting, just believe.  Unfortunately as adults we tend to "THINK TOO MUCH" and try to figure out or analyze all things in our life.  Many times there is not a reasonable explanation why something happens - we just have to accept it on faith.  Like my friend in Colorado who has "terminal stomach cancer" and the doctor told him to go home sell everything, and enjoy his last few months.  Five (5) years later he was still kicking and the doctors really did not understand.  You and I should!

   Miracles are alive and well in the 21st Century, in "modern" America and the world.  When we do accept Christ, unconditionally as a child, look what happens next.  We will be in the arms of Christ and blessed------blessed by God.  Wow!  As they say in East Texas: "It don't get no gooder dan dis!"

Jesus Blesses Little Children (Mark 10)

¹³ Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. ¹⁴ But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁵ Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”. ¹⁶ And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.
Love you all. Soli Deo Gloria
Johnny

Cameo appearance - how is your acting?

God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!!   And a good morning to all.  It is a nice, comfortable and cool morning.

  Yesterday I spoke about us being part of a bigger story, the greatest story ever told and having a cameo appearance. We should remember this.  Most of you will remember Robin Williams, the comedian and actor.  One of the "problems" (if you will) he presented when acting is that he would improvise and ad lib many times.  Now, in the film industry, they could modify, redo, or cut scenes that they did not want.  In the making of Flubber in 1997 Robin Williams did a lot of ad libbing and the tech/animation guys had to create ways for the scene to match Robins actions (actions outside the original script).

   Hmmm.....sound familiar.  Jesus is the AUTHOR,  the PIONEER, and the FINISHER of our story.  Now, God allows us free will, or the opportunity to "ad lib" in our cameo appearance.  However, there is no retake, no cutting scenes, no "overs" in our appearance.  Once you appear, once you do, then it is said and done.  A little frightening if you really stop and think about all you have done in your life.

   However, with God, there are second chances.  We don't get to remake the story, we don't do a retake, the animators do not adjust, but God does allow us a second chance.  In the road to second chances we do have to suffer the consequences of our actions; then move on.

   God/Jesus (AUTHOR) wrote the story; then set it in motion. Later, Jesus, the PIONEER, came to die for us and share the good news (which some accept and some reject).  And finally, Jesus is the FINISHER.  When he died on the cross

Jesus spoke in Hebrew on the cross, and when He said, "It is finished," it was actually the Hebrew word nishlam, which means 'Paid in full.'"

  God is the AUTHOR; the PIONEERS are the supporting roles in the Bible (Adam, Moses, Noah, David, Joseph, etc) the cameo appearances are you and me, but the lead role and FINISHER is JESUS CHRIST.

   Jesus had no second chances or retakes; He did it right the first time.  We don't, but we do have second chances.We have the opportunity to do it right. Acts 28: ²⁷ For this people’s heart has become calloused;
    they hardly hear with their ears,
    and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
    hear with their ears,
    understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.

  Where are you today?  I pray you and I open our eyes and hear with our ears and be healed.  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

2 Corinthians 4:7 A Treasure in earthen vessels

Hello all,  Well, I seem to be back on track today. Thank you to all who called or emailed and prayed for me. God bless you.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

   2 Corinthians 4: ⁷ But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

    Okay, you may look around and say, "I have no treasure, what are you talking about?"  Oh, but we do.  Our treasure is the greatness and glory of the gospel through Jesus Christ, our saviour and salvation.  The glory of God is made obvious through the gospel.  God's glory in the face of Jesus Christ is the greatest treasure of all.

   This treasure in 'earthen vessels' and this means???? The earthenware were the every day dish in the ancient world.   This pottery was not strong like metal, nor reuseable like glass (which can be melted down again).   The pottery was useless if broken, cheap, and cast aside.  Well, God chose to put His light and glory in the everyday dishes, not in the fine china!

  You and I are the everyday dishes. Oh, yes, one day we will be fine china, however, in the meantime are are to continue on in God's work.

    Why would an almighty God put this power in such weak vessels, weak earthen vessels?  The reason is "GLORY FOR GOD"!  A perfect vessel has glory in itself, but an imperfect vessel does not.  Sometimes that vessel has to be broken before it becomes of use.

    We see many broken earthen vessels (men/women) whom God, through Jesus Christ, has swept up, made whole, and brought glory to Him, glory to GOD!

    In all we do, we should do for the glory of God.  Whether with family, friends, work, church, or wherever; it should all be for God's glory.  I hope this speaks to you, it is speaking volumes to me at this very moment. Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

Co-signing - a good or bad idea?

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

    Have you ever been asked by someone to loan you money?  Have you ever co-signed a note for someone?  Is this wise?  Should you do it or not? Hmm! Let's look and see.
   I am currently reading a book, "Grace Behind Bars" by Bo and Gari Mitchell.  Bo grew up with an extremely competitive spirit.  His dad was a Pro baseball player for the Dodgers and he was taught, through his dad you have to strive to be the best at whatever you do.  Thus, Bo did work hard at everything he did.

   Due to Bo's mother, he knew about church and because of others who entered his life, including his wife Gari, he accepted Jesus and was/is a Christian.  Along the way Bo became very successful in all that he did.  One of his accomplishments was in fund raising and starting churches in Colorado, which became Mega-churches.

   As all this is going on, a Christian and banker friend comes to him and tells him some "friends" needed a co-signer on 2 loans.  He put the papers down for Bo to sign, and, Bo knowing these men, only as acquaintances, but trusting his banker friend said sure and signed.  Now, for a moment take note of Proverbs 11:15:
 

    Proverbs 11:15 (NIV)¹⁵ Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.

 

   Well, a long story short, 7 years later, and the loan is repaid, the banker is jailed for fraudulent bank activities.  Then a knock on the door, and Bo gets to meet the FBI and Deputy U.S. Attorney who were doing the investigation.  Bo really did not do anything illegal as far as he knew; but the arm of justice was far reaching and found a small obscure law they could prosecute him on.

    Now, Bo was a God fearing man, driven, and did work too hard and spent too much time away from family.  Also, he was going 'THROUGH THE MOTIONS'  of being a Christian.  Oh, yes, he was a Christian, but too busy doing "CHRISTIAN" work to really be in the word.  I call this the "Mary/Martha syndrome".  Too busy doing the 'church' work to listen to God.

    It appears God needed to get his attention and so he did - FBI and US Attorney attention.  And the story goes on.  The point here is that we are told if we put up security for someone we do not know we will surely suffer, and Bo did.  However, it did get his attention to know where his loyalty and concentration should be.  To GOD!

   How often do we do this same type of thing. We want to be a "good Christian" and help by not saying no or not looking at the whole and complete picture.  Or, as Bo, trusting someone on their word in lieu of praying about it and asking for God's guidance.  GUILTY here!!!  May this touch someone reading out there and help you.  It makes me stop and ponder my life and what I am doing with what God gave me. Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny
 

Are you the same person today as yesterday?

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

   Have you just STOPPED and thought about your life?  Who you are? What you are doing?  Where you are going? And, most importantly, what are you doing for the kingdom of God?

   Gerald Cerda, a guide for Big Thicket Outfitters made this statement: "A man never steps in the same rive twice, because it's not the same river, and he isn't the same man."

  Think about these words for a moment.  If you are the same man/woman today as your were yesterday - have you grown or stagnated?

   You man enter the river at the exact same GPS location, but the river is always moving and always changing, it is different.  If you are the same person............well......let's look at it this way.

   Our quest in life or purpose is to live for God.  As the river changes, the banks widen, course changes, current is different, there is a force causing this change.  It may be a large rain storm, many days of rain, or rapid melting of the snow mass, but whatever it is the river is going to change.

   So should we, change, as children of God.  The cause for our change should be our love and devotion to God, our salvation through Jesus, and the Holy Spirit leading us.  This change should be called GROWTH!

   How have I grown-----SPIRITUALLY----yesterday, today, and  will I grow tomorrow?  Am I walking closer with God, or just at status quo (like everyone else).  Yeah, I grew up in the church, naw, I don't read my Bible but once in a while and if nothing else is planned I go to church.        WOW!
   This type of attitude is just like the difference between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea.  The Sea of Galilee is constantly changing because fresh water is coming in constantly and old water flowing out, sharing.   The Dead Sea is complacent with collecting the water, keeping it, and it grows stagnant.  The Sea of Galilee is fertile and productive; the Dead Sea produces 'salt' due to its stagnant features.

                             WHICH ONE IS THE SAME?   IS THAT YOU?  

   What I am asking you today is this - Are you the same person today who stepped into the water yesterday?  Are you the same person who collected "some" Bible knowledge growing up, and now are stagnant with what you know?  Not having grown Spiritually and coming closer and closer to God. "

   Are you "fertile" by studying and sharing the word of God, OR, stagnant with the little knowledge you gained in your youth?  Only you can answer, and this is a great time for self examination!
                                                  IS YOUR RIVER CHANGING?

Hosea 10:12 ESV Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.

Romans 12:1-2 ESV  I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, I ask that you pray for me as I pray for you.  Love you all.
Soli Deo Gloria
Johnny

1 Peter 5: 12-14 Final Greetings

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

  Peter is having Silvanus or Silas, writes as he dictates.  Peter is telling them we must stand firm in the true grace of God. We must understand what God's grace is and stand our ground.  He is writing the church in Babylon.  Some versions will say "She who is in Babylon" still referring to the church.  It is thought that Peter is writing from Babylon and this is one churches greeting to another.

    A salute or warm greeting as does Mark, whom many believe Peter was Mark's primary source of information for his gospel.We should all greet each other with God's love, one to another.  But most of all, peace in the fact that we are all in Christ Jesus.

¹² By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.
¹³ The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.
¹⁴ Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Thank you for reading.  I ask, selfishly, that you pray for me as I have encountered a hurdle that caused me to fall and skin my knees.  Thank you. Love you all.
Soli Deo Gloria
Johnny

1 Peter 5: 10-11 We are called by Christ Jesus

Good morning and a wonderful morning to you all. Please pray, today, one for another. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

  We are all called by God, but only some of us will heed the call. God is a god of grace and because of his son, Jesus Christ, we are saved and will spend eternity with Him, God!  Yes, we will suffered.  Each moment you spend on this earth, where the Prince of the World roams, we will suffer.  Christians will experience suffering here on earth, it may be small, it may be great, it does not matter.  What matters is that we stay true to God and in the end, God will make us perfect, will make us strong, firm and steadfast.

   This is a far greater gift than if we won the power ball lotto.  Why?  Because with the lotto you have your reward on earth; with God our rewards awaits us in heaven.  Oh, heavenly day.  What a great day that will be.

   I have so much to do before that day and I know I won't get it all done as I know not the day and time Christ will return just for ME; and for YOU!  We must be vigilant as the maidens waiting for the bride groom who were prepared and had enough oil and were ready and waiting.

   And verse 11 says a lot: TO HIM BE GLORY AND DOMINION FOR EVER AND EVER. AMEN.  Give God the glory; let the pride fall from our shoulders and the humbleness and humility in Christ rest strongly on our shoulders.  Let us be the Christ others see.  Love you all.¹⁰ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.        ¹¹ To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Soli Deo Gloria
Johnny