2nd Timothy 3:2-4 Lovers of self; Evil in society

Hello all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!
   Okay, a little soap box time here.  We think of religions that sacrifice people, children to their gods. How barbaric that does seem, however, this is done is America daily.  First, let me say, because of The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668-668c) of 1940, then modified in later years, if you disturb an eagles nest or eagle in any way shape or form you have violate the above law.  This holds a fine of up to $100,000 and up to 1 year imprisonment.
   Now, we are protecting the American symbol, the Eagle, with this law and unlawful to kill the eagle, its nest, or destroy an egg.  However, for only about $1,500 at Planned Parenthood (you pay) you can kill a baby.  How much sense does this make.  We sacrifice babies for someones selfish motives; oh, yes, sometimes it is necessary to save the mothers life, usually it is for selfish reasons.  Too young, it will affect ones career, don't want a family but enjoy sex (possibly with multiple partners), don't think it is affordable, want to enjoy young life and party.  All kinds of reasons to have an abortion, aka, sacrifice babies to personal gods (as mentioned above).
   Check out the planned parenthood web site. Check the sex and relationship section and see if you notice anything.  Here is the web address: Planned parenthood
   As Christians we should stand together against the evil in the world.  Pray together in earnest, honest, and sincere prayer; not just a drive by prayer.
   Some of you will have different views concerning this stand and that is okay.  You just have to ask yourself are you taking a Biblical stance or personal agenda stance.  Here are some verses to ponder:

Leviticus 24:17 “Whoever takes a human life shall surely be put to death.”

 “the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Gen 6:5).
                “because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold” (Matt 24:12),

“For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2nd Tim 3:2-4).  This scripture really nails society today.
   This idea of abortion being okay, the idea of planned parenthood "counseling" women, the greed and selfishness of the world-- it is the elephant in the room and no one wishes to address it.  I do not encourage protesting, holding signs, getting crazy to get publicity; I do encourage fellowship and prayer, bonded prayer with fellow Christians to help America become great again and return to its roots of One Nation Under God.  If I offended you, feel free to send a rebuttal, or, preferably a face to face conversation.
  I do love each one of you and care about you.  This burden lit upon me and I felt I needed to share. Have a wonderful and blessed day.
Soli Deo Gloria
Johnny

Listening to God, knowing and keeping the faith 1 Kings 18:41-46

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

    1 Kings 18:41-46  Ahab, who is king and is Jezebel's husband is with Elijah. Obviously he saw all that went on and was on good terms with the prophet.

   Verse 41 Elijah tells Ahab to go up to eat and drink - "for there is a sound of the rushing of rain."  Obviously, the area must have been in a drought.

   Now Elijah heard the sound of the rushing of rain, but not a single rain cloud was in sight, anywhere.  So, was he guessing?  Was he just hoping?  No, I do believe that God, in a small still voice, gave him the message of rain.  Now this is what is interesting. 

   Now  Elijah "bowed himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees" which was his particular prayer position.  So what is happening here?  Elijah maintains the faith.  He is not wavering! He is talking AND listening to God!
          Elijah sent his servant out to look for a cloud, yet he saw none.  He did this 5 more times and saw nothing.  On the 7th time (note the number 7) the servant said a little cloud like a man's hand is rising from the sea.  Do you see anything special about his report and description?  The cloud looked like a man's hand - hmm- could this have been the hand of God?

    Now, Elijah tells Ahab to get his chariot and go down to Jezreel before the rain.  Then the heaven grew black with clouds and wind and a great rain came.  Ahab rode his chariot and went to Jezreel.
      But notice verse 46- "And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah, and he gathered up his garment and ran before Ahab to the entrance to Jezreel."

 Then a sudden miraculous endowment of Elijah with the physical ability to run ahead of Ahab's chariot all the way to Jezreel.  Notice, the hand of the LORD was on Elijah.  When God's hand is upon you, you can do many miraculous things; he did, he ran ahead of a chariot pulled by a horse. Wow!

   Now what do you see in these verses?  Faith & belief!  First, Elijah heard the rushing of rain (no one else did and not a cloud in the sky).
     Second, Elijah bowed humbly before God and prayed!

     Third, belief in hearing the rushing of rain and sending servant to look for a cloud - aka FAITH!

     Fourth, with God's ability he ran ahead of the chariot.

All of this was through his total faith in God.  Wow!  For us to have this much faith and pray as he did would be amazing and we would see amazing things happen in this fallen world we live in.

    My brothers and sisters in Christ.  Keep God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit  1st in your life.  Believe and go forth sharing the gospel with many.  LORD, let us be as Elijah and have an unwavering faith.  Love you all.

 Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

How fickle we Christians are! Forgetting God! 1 Kings 18 & 19

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

   How fickle are we?  We are in a generation of all about me and I want it now. Get outta my way, I'm in a hurry.  No, I didn't listen to the preacher, I had other things on my mind.  How fickle are we?

    We spend 60 seconds reading our daily devotional, then on to life.  Huh?  What is life without Jesus Christ?  Without God?  How often we forget how great and powerful, let alone wonderful God is!!

  A prophet named Elijah went to the people, with full confidence of God and challenged 450 prophets of Baal.  You can read about this in 1 Kings 18 verse 20-40.

  Elijah speaks as we should speak:  He asked, and we should ask ourselves, then others: "How long are you going to waver between two opinions?” “If the Lord is God,follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!”

   The Elijah stands on his faith and you need to read the scriptures to see what happens.  In the end he proves God is God and Baal is phony. But then........and then......and then........

   Have you ever heard the expression, "she is a real Jezebel"?  Here is why.  Ahab, who witnessed the defeat of the Baal prophets by Elijah tells Jezebel what Elijah had done. (Jezebel is a Queen and is the wife of Ahab )  Jezebel says she wants the life of Elijah by tomorrow.  Now here is a man of God who challenged 450 prophets of Baal, defeated them, then killed them, and this one woman threatens his life - so what does Elijah do---yep ----

  RUN ELIJAH RUN!!!   He forgot the power of One God and fled.  Now, who is Elijah's god -  it is fear.  He runs.  The LORD comes to him in a cave and asks: "What are you doing here, Elijah?"  God knows, but Elijah needs to speak his fear.

   Then God told him to go stand by the mount before him.  He did, a great wind come but God was not in the wind; an earthquake came, but God was not in the earthquake, then came a fire,  but God was not in the fire.  After the fire came a low whisper.  This was God speaking to Elijah. 
          We need to listen.   God speaks to Elijah, tells him what to do; how often do you just stop and listen to what God wants you to do.  Now Elijah tried to justify his being in a cave; God knows already and we cannot talk our way out of a situation or justify the situation.

   Stop, kneel, and listen to the LORD.  So here you have a man who is strong and forthright in the LORD, then, this same man is afraid of a single woman, forgetting his strength in the LORD.  How often are you this way?  Me?  Frequently, unfortunately; however, the good news is I, and you, am a work in progress.  We need to stay in the word, fellowship, and remain in prayer to become stronger in the LORD.  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

Angry? Do it help, really?

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

   I say too blessed to be stressed, but, do I really believe it; do you really believe it? Hmm!  I see us (human race) traveling in all directions; hurrying here, hurrying there, it has got to be done NOW!  And I ask you, does it really matter.  If a large boulder is falling and I am positioned where it will land, then by all means, yes, hurry and move.

   People have red nose drives to raise money to help people in under privileged countries.  People go into the woods, tent cities, to give the homeless supplies. People rush home to work; work to ballgame; home to church; church to park; and on and on.  Then my question is:  "FOR WHAT?"  Why do we put ourselves in these stressful situations, then say 'too blessed to be stressed'?  Does it make sense to you?

   In all we do, are we really helping ourselves?  Others?  Needy?  People lash out at others for what good and logical reason?  Yesterday, at a gas station, a very wild looking lady, who has a cleaning service, came in to the store yelling that the clerk had cheated her out of her gas.  Nothing like that happened, however, this lady went on to berate the clerk, using exceedingly vulgar language, and using the N-word at the young man (she was black), creating a disturbance and uneasiness for the other clerk and the customers.  And for what?

    She paid for her gas with pennies and she appeared to have mental issues or was on a mind altering drug.  It was horrendous.  Did it help anyone for this situation to have occurred?  NO!
    Matthew 5:22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.   I am ashamed to say I stood there dumb founded and at a loss for words.  A quick prayer and asking for guidance from the Holy Spirit would have been helpful. But, no, again, I stood there dumbfounded, mystified that a person, a human, could be this belligerent, abusive, and degrading to another person. Did I help? NO!
  1 John 4:8  Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

   Was love shown here?  No, only anger, frustration and hate.  But, did I help? No, the positive element that arose here was that God has given me an insight as how to respond if a situation such as this arises again.

    What are you doing?  Are you really helping?  If so, helping .........?????  Please pray for Marquis, the young man who was berated and cursed so vehemently.  May your Memorial Weekend be safe and enjoyable. Please remember the fallen who helped may AMERICA GREAT!  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

Mark 12: 30-31 Love thy Neighbor

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

    Evil is moving - and moving quickly into places it has not yet broached.  What can we do?  Pray, and pray earnestly.  There seems to be tragedy where there was not before, unrest where there was not before - political, spiritual, and secular.  When it all comes right down to it we should all spend time in prayer daily, communicating with the LORD and pray about all the unrest.

   Trump is president, get behind him united as an American.  The Pope leads the Catholics and a big influence in Europe - get behind him unite as a Christian.  ISIS is dealing out terrorism all over the world - get behind all the armed forces here and abroad to crush the terrorism.

  Do we?  NO!  Everyone is too busy fighting for their OWN PERSONAL AGENDA! It is important that we stay in tune with God; listen (be still and know that I AM), and work together as Christians for the greater good and glory of GOD!

  From my minutiae, a small insignificant place, I see the outside that looks good but the inside not so good.  The old adage of you can't judge a book by the cover is so true in the world today.  It may have an appealing title, attractive cover, but when opened it is a horror story.

   You may have a beautiful "church"   (your body is a temple of the LORD) But when you open the doors, there is nothing but ugliness, arguing, backbiting, gossiping, fighting, etc.  When you come to where 2 roads fork then the choice is to go right or go left. What will your decision be?

  So, in all that I am saying let us show beauty on the outside AND on the inside.  The disagreeing, fighting, ways of the world should not be allowed or rewarded in a Christians life.  We have to stand for the greatness of God, the salvation of Jesus Christ, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

   So, it is time, do you have forgiveness in your heart or hatred; do you carry a yoke of evil or let Jesus lighten your load?  The choice is yours - which fork will you take.  
^{Mark 12: 30} And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
³¹ And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

 Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

Attitude vs Altitude

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

   Today is another great day to be alive in the LORD.  Attitude vs altitude!  Hmmm, have you thought of this.  I am sure you have, specially if you were in the world of education - it was a sign many teachers/coaches had in their classrooms.

    Sometimes we forget to do a self check.  Altitude - if you are flying in a plane your desire is to fly at the optimal altitude where you will get the best flight, least head wind, and best fuel useage.  You definitely do not wish to be flying low in cross winds as this will definitely be a rough and bumpy flight using more fuel.

   Well, sometimes we need to have an attitude check.  I know this from personal experience as my wife and I had a discussion last night about my attitude.  My attitude was not bad, just not good.  My attitude was flying into a head wind with some cross winds and causing my passengers to have a bumpy and less enjoyable ride.  Ever been there?  I need to be reminded:

Luke 10:27  And he answered, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND (love) YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."

Matthew 22:39  "The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.'

  

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

  I have to be reminded, unfortunately frequently, about my attitude.   However, fortunately, I have a wonderful, God fearing wife that keeps me in check.  For that I am grateful to God and to my wonderful wife.

   If I have offended anyone please let me know so that I may make amends.  Also, if you have offended anyone, make amends, ask forgiveness, and let the burden arise from your shoulders and your load be lighter and bearable.  Christ tells us to take up His yoke in Matthew: 

Come to Me,

all of you who are weary

and find life burdensome;

I will refresh you.

Take My yoke on your shoulders

and learn from Me,

for I am gentle and humble of Heart.

You shall find rest

because My yoke is easy

and My burden light.

-- Matthew 11:28-30

  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

Examine ourselves - 2 Corinthians 13:5

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

   Please pray for the Teresa & Donnie Jones family as they lost a son to a car wreck on May 18 (yesterday). 

   Examine ourselves----why?  If we don't do a spiritual self examination, then our ways may wander.  A  cabinet maker examines his work for flaws.    An account examines his work for accuracy.  A mechanic examines his work for errors.  And we could go on and on.  BUT, do we examine our ways and check our spiritual accuracy?  Probably not.

   When Christ had the last supper he said eat of his body, drink of his blood.  Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians if we don't examine ourselves and partake of the last supper (communion) unworthily we eateth and drinketh damnation to ourselves.

   So, is self examination necessary?  Yes!  However, we must not hang our heads but go forth in the word, in the spirit, knowing we are God's children.  2 Corinthians 13 Paul is telling the Corinthians, basically, to get right with God.  This is his third time to come to them and he says if he has to come (v2) "I will not spare" - meaning he will chastise them for their wrong doings in Christ.

   2 Corinthians 13:5 "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.  Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?"

  Wow!  Is this straight forward or what?  Obviously Paul is not a politician but speaks the truth.  The purpose of self examination is not to see if you have salvation; but to ensure you are following God's word.  That our actions, thoughts, and words are of acceptable standards to God.  Works are not assurances of salvation.  Works alone will gain you nothing; so, we need to be certain we are in the Spirit and totally acceptable to God.  How are we totally acceptable to God?  Through Jesus Christ, whom we accept as our saviour.  So, now the question is are you a reprobate or acceptable?  Then, with either answer, what are you going to do now, today?

    As I sit on the back porch I hear the wind whistle by, know God sent it; I look at the nature before me and know God created it.  I look at life itself and know that God created it from dirt and  breathed life into the nostrils of man.  Do I know God exists? YES, definitely.  Will I follow Him, yes, to the best of my ability; yet know I am forgiven of all my sins - past, present, and future.  Pray for many, pray for all, pray for Clayton Johnson. Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

p.s. pray for me as I pray for you!

Fear and propaganda or FAITH?

Good morning all!  First, I apologize for putting all the emails out on the "to" instead of the Bcc.  I try to keep your emails confidential and this email to only you.  Again, I do apologize.

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

If you stop and think about all the effects different people, men and women, have had on the world you may stand in awe!  Alexander III of Macedon, commonly known as Alexander the Great, was a king of the Ancient Greek kingdom of Macedo.  He never lost a battle in 15 years. That alone is pretty amazing.  He lived 356 before Christ.  He conquered with thousands upon thousands in his army.

   As we move on in history, there came a man who created massive fear and chaos in Europe - Hitler - who conquered many countries, again, with thousands upon thousands of troups.  Even young people were indoctrinated, aka brain washed, into Hitlers military youth.

   In 1938 a man came forth and created massive panic with just his voice, background voices of others, and just a single thing called radio airwaves.  Orsen Wells' broadcast of the War of the Worlds was heard by many, creating mass histeria and panic among the American population.

   It seems people can be intimidated by fear quite easily and this may provoke them to extreme measures, whether to fight or flight, to commit suicide, and just flee with no destination in sight.  It seems utterly amazing; but true.

   Today the media twists news to be what they wish it to be; create unrest among populations, ethnic groups, religious groups and anyone who will listen.  Our liberal media throws darts, daggers, and bullets at the conservative people.  Again, this is by using not just radio waves, but television broadcasts and satellite signals.

   Yet, there remains one who had no armies, had no airwaves, neither radio or television, who through the spoken word and just His breath has been able to make a difference in the world and still remains.  We see no Alexander the Great - he died!  We see no Hitler - he died or disappeared.  We do see the result of radio and television waves, yet those in charge change, are replaced, or die.

    The one who remains is JESUS CHRIST.  God breathed life in the nostrils of man. Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit on the disciples and disciples to come (you and me). Jesus Christ died, AND ROSE AGAIN - so we are serving a living God!!

1 Corinthians 15:  (Paul speaking)
³ For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, ⁴ that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

   Again, we serve a risen saviour.  We need not tread in fear of armies conquering; nor of the airwaves polluting our minds with propaganda, but REJOICE in the fact that we serve a living God.  Therein should lie all our faith.  I do hope this made sense to you all. Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

 Johnny

Rejoice in the LORD always - there is a time for everything

 Hello brothers and sisters in Christ.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

   Since we are indeed, children of God we should rejoice.

We should pray as Hannah did in I Samuel 2: 1 And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.

  I Chronicles 16: ¹⁰ Glory in his holy name;  let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

   Psalm 105: ³ Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.    Also, remember there is:

A Time for Everything as pointed out in Ecclesiastes 3:

1 There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

²     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
³     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
⁵     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
⁶     a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
⁷     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
⁸     a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.

May your day be marked with peace, joy, and the LORD continually all day.  May you know what season you are in as well. Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

Drive by sharing (of the Gospel) Luke 10:2 ; Isaiah 6:8

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

   We hear of drive by shootings that put people in hospitals; kill unsuspecting passersby or by standers and we don't see the sense in all this ignorance.  First, we live in an evil and sinful world.  The first case of lust was by a woman, Eve, who partook and shared the apple.  Satan, like a traveling salesman, got his foot in the door and has been prying to further open ever since.

   With drive by shootings we become concerned, yet know not what to do.  Well, what about DRIVE BY SHARING or DRIVE BY GOSPEL?  It does not take much, but a word here and there may be what a person needs.  A smile to someone, a compliment, or just an Act of Random Kindness (ARK) may be what that person or persons need to brighten there day; to see the SON light of the day.

   Luke 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, "The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he would send forth labourers into his harvest."

   Jesus spoke these words. Then he goes on to say: "Go your ways; behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves."

   As a Christian you know you are not among the majority; the world thinks worldly, not spiritually.  Remember, in John Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit unto and onto his apostles.  Well, if you and I will, the Holy Spirit will lead us to share the gospel - a drive by or walk by sharing.

   Isaiah 6:8 Also, I heard the voice of the LORD saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?  Then said I, Here am I; send me.

   A wonderful Christian man of whom I have had the pleasure to meet has tracts in English and Spanish concerning salvation.  He shares these everywhere. To people, in restrooms, on tables, anywhere, listen now, ANYWHERE THE SPIRIT TELLS HIM TO.   Just simple tracts, you may not even have to speak to someone, but just leave this tract - if speaking to someone then tell them your story of salvation.  We all have stories - share!!  Let's all do a DBS (drive by sharing) this week, at least one day - tell 7 people about Jesus Christ.

   HERE AM I; SEND ME!  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

What marks do you bear? Galatians 6: 17-18

What a beautiful new day and good morning from Garner State Park!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

    We have visited about the type of seeds we plant as we travel through this foreign land in which we live.  What a mystery many things are to us; yet we continue on.  We plant seeds for God, we are His husbandry; however, we have not endured the pain that His Son Jesus Christ went through while here on earth.

   Just think about the sacrifice the Son gave up for you and me.  He left a heavenly area where all is perfect to come to a forlorn and evil place wreaking in chaos to offer salvation to any who would partake.  Many do; many are deceived and don't!

   We may suffer for our beliefs as more groups seem to spring from the depths of the earth to oppose us, the Christians.  Galatians 6: ¹⁷ From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. ¹⁸ Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Here when Paul speaks of the "marks" of the Lord Jesus this is talking about being a servant or slave.  Back in these days many of the servant/slaves were marked or branded to show ownership to a particular person.  Paul is saying as the _slave_ of Jesus Christ, with his marks, he is known as belonging to our Lord and Saviour - JESUS CHRIST!!
   We should all proud and boastfully show our marks for Jesus Christ, not of ourselves, but of our God.  Do others see the mark or "brand" you have?  Or is it a "scar" you try to hide?  My prayer today is that all of us will boast proudly of our LORD, our GOD, our saviour JESUS CHRIST, and show our marks. Let others ask about our marks.
   Are you willing to die for Jesus?  This will tell you your relationship with Him!  Love you all.
Soli Deo Gloria
Johnny

Being a good husbandry Galatians 6

Wow!  What a beautiful new day and good morning!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

    What type of SEED did you sow yesterday?  Was it a good one?  I trust it was! 

  Galatians 6: ⁷ Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. ⁸ Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. ⁹ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

      Yesterday we talked about the SEEDS, re-read the verses from Paul here in Galatians.  Do we choose to reap destruction with the flesh; OR, eternal life with the SPIRIT?  We are man, we have free will, the choice is ours and we must pray for our fellow man that he/she makes the right choice which is Jesus Christ.

           Galatians 6: ¹¹ See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!
      Paul is writing this in his own hand.  It is thought that Paul suffered from ophthalia, a common disease in the East, to the point almost of total blindness.  This is why in verse 11 you will see he states he has written in large letters by his own hand. What was going on with the Galatians was of concern to Paul.

   There are some who are trying to lead people astray by implementing the old law and incorporating it with salvation which comes through Jesus Christ.  We will touch on that at a later date.  To hear all of Galatians 6 click here.

  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

the SEED!

Good morning to each and everyone of you. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

     The SEED!  Have you ever just stopped and thought about the seed?  The seed that is sowed each and every day of your life.  The SEED!!!

   the SEED of doubt - -   the SEED of greed -- the SEED of scorn

   the SEED of envy --  the SEED of acceptability -- the SEED of evil

   the SEED of love -- the SEED of encouragement -- the SEED of discouragement

   the SEED of diversity --  the SEED of unity --  the SEED of ondemnation

and we could go on and on with the SEEDS we sow daily in our lives.

   And I ask you---FOR WHAT?  Satisfaction to see someone fail; OR satisfaction in seeing someone succeed?

   When we live in the carnal state this prevents spiritual growth. Paul says we are fed with milk because we are not yet able to have meat.  Why?  Being carnal we have envying, strife, and divisions!  Who should we follow?  David Dykes?  Jabo Thomas? Tom Cruise? Any preacher or movie star?  NO!  When we do, we are carnal. We should follow only one-----JESUS CHRIST!

  In I Corinthians 3 Paul states: "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase."  We are labourers together with God; we are God's husbandry and God's building.  We have to build on the foundation that is laid, which is JESUS CHRIST!

    What seed are you planting? You are the temple of God. I Corinthians 3:17 "If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple are you?"

  Today's scripture:  I Corinthians 3  To listen click here. Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

Don't be fearful; God has breathed life in you; go forth and spread the good news! John 20

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

   I talked about slowing down in yesterdays thoughts.  Today, who am I that God would use me?  I am not anybody and besides, who would listen to me?  God uses us all in different ways.  We have to keep the faith, believe in Jesus, and continue on.

    In 1936 a group of rag-tag middle class and blue collar boys attended the University of Washington and formed a rowing team.  They were not considered varsity, even though they could beat the varsity team.  Rowing, then as now, was considered a sport for the elite, an Ivy League Sport.  But these young men mustered together, formed a team of rowers and did not let criticism or unbelief alter there efforts.

   They tried out for the Olympics and  won the right to represent the USA in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.  Now, track and field was dominated by America; however, out of 6 races on the water the Germans had won 5 golds and 1 silver.  Coming into this rowing event Italy and Germany were favored to take top honors.

   The team faced many adversities and coming into the 2000 meter remaining mark were in 5th place.  They increased their rowing stroke and when all was said and done they won by 1/2 second in front of Italy and 1 second ahead of Germany.  This rag-tag team from Washington University had succeeded to do what they set out to do:  WIN A GOLD MEDAL!

    We, you and I should do the same as we are facing a strong, dauntless foe who believes he can win the final race.  Remember what Jesus did after his crucifixion and burial when he returned to the disciples.  Read this a moment:

     John 20: ¹⁸ Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. ¹⁹ Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
²⁰ And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
²¹ Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
²² And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
    The disciples were "assembled for fear of the Jews" and Jesus came to them. Notice, and put your name in here. Jesus said:  Peace be unto you as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you, (name)Johnny.  Then,  listen, THEN HE BREATHED ON THEM AND SAID-----(put your name in here) Johnny, receive ye the Holy Ghost.
    Wow!  Just as the rowers, just as the disciples, we must not worry about what the world says and does, but go forth with the word of Jesus Christ, knowing the Holy Ghost is our constant companion.  HOW GREAT IS THAT!?!?
       Also, remember, God breathed life into the nostrils of man back in Genesis. How powerful is just the breath of God?  Wow!
    I do hope I tied this all together enough so that you can understand  the idea I am trying to convey.  Don't give up, Jesus, God, the Holy Ghost is on your side; better than having Nationwide on your side for sure. Love you all.
Soli Deo Gloria
Johnny

Bible verses about slowing down!! Will you slow down and enjoy?

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

   As I mentioned in an earlier email - God has been talking to me about the rush rush society we are in.  And for what?  Why?

   Just like the guy that passes you on a double yellow to be sitting at the stop light ahead just 1 car in front of you.  The person who is yelling at the kids, a scowl on their face, and rushing into Walmart or another store of frustration to get what?

   Matthew 11:28 "'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.'
"

     ^{1 John 2: 17} And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

     ^{1 Peter 5:7} Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
^{Psalm 46: 10} Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

      Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

    Unknown author:  Once she quit rushing through life,

                                  She was amazed how much more

                                  life she had time for.

Slow down my friend, enjoy God, enjoy spouse, enjoy family, enjoy the life God has given His life for you.  I pray this touches the hearts of many.  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

Slow Down - where are you going? -- Why the rush?

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

   Today, actually these past few days God has been speaking to me about people rushing here and there, always on a mission, hurry, hurry, hurry and for what?  Yesterday a friend stopped for a moment and said the work will be here, you have a nice place - enjoy it and don't worry about all you feel or think needs to be done.

  As I travel with my job I see people rushing  - on a mission - to go -----nowhere! Then my friend who is going to Colorado for 5 months sent this to me.  (I have another devotion that will follow in another email).  Here is what Jerry sent:
     Slow Dance This is a poem written by a teenager with cancer. She wants to see how many people get her poem. It is quite a poem, please pass it on. This poem was written by a terminally ill young girl in a New York Hospital. It was sent by a medical doctor
 THE POEM. SLOW DANCE
Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?
 Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
 Don't dance so fast. Time is short.
The music won't last.

Do you run through each day on the fly?
When you ask, “How are you?” Do you hear the reply?
 When the day is done, do you lie in your bed, with the next hundred chores running through your head?
You'd better slow down Don't dance so fast.
 Time is short The music won't last.

Ever told your child, We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste, Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time To call and say,'Hi'
 You'd better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short. The music won't last..

When you run so fast to get somewhere,
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
 It is like an unopened gift.... Thrown away.
Life is not a race. Do take it slower
Hear the music Before the song is over.

Take time now to stop, reflect, and think about what you are doing and where you are going with your life.  Love you all

Soli Deo Gloria
Johnny

Who may live on the Holy Mountain? Psalm 15

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

   Wow!  Did you absorb the thoughts that could have prevailed from yesterday?  Lucifer, not satan yet, was an anointed guardian cherub created by God.  Break this down and think about it.  If you had a million dollars just laying around at your home would you pick anyone to be in charge, the guardian of this money?  God had much more, but he did not just pick anyone - the "ANOINTED" Lucifer to be the one over his (God's) throne and all he had --- UNTIL -- wickness aka pride came upon him.

   If you had a million dollars at your house you would pick someone you had confidence in to guard it.  Then, how would you feel if that person betrayed you.

  Yes, wrath, and God has wrath as well, but not an impulse revenge, get even quick plan.  This is not a sprint - but a marathon - and in the end who will sit with God?

   Psalm 15 does a great job of explaining this. (NIV version)

   

A psalm of David.

1 Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
    Who may live on your holy mountain?

2 The one whose walk is blameless,
    who does what is righteous,
    who speaks the truth from their heart;
3 whose tongue utters no slander,
    who does no wrong to a neighbor,
    and casts no slur on others;
4 who despises a vile person
    but honors those who fear the Lord;
who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
    and does not change their mind;
5 who lends money to the poor without interest;
    who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

Whoever does these things    will never be shaken.

Take a moment and reread this Psalm; who will sit with God at the throne?  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

Ever played a choose up game and you were 1st one picked? Ezekiel 28:14-15

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 played in a choose up game and were the first one picked?  If you were, how did it make you feel?  Also, if you were the last one picked - how did that make you feel?

   If first picked we tend to feel really good, and some pride will seep in.  Some will know that they are good enough that they KNOW THEY WILL BE PICKED!  This is when pride starts to edge it ugly head in your life.  Look at this verse talking about Lucifer:

   Ezekiel 28: 14 You were anointed as a guardian cherub,

    for so I ordained you.
You were on the holy mount of God;
    you walked among the fiery stones.
15 You were blameless in your ways    from the day you were created
    till wickedness was found in you.

First, anointed as a guardian cherub - meaning he was associated with God's holiness and presence. Cherubs cover or guard the throne of God. Now, the throne he is set to guard and protect becomes his own desire.  He wants the throne for himself.

  God created all the angels of heaven and ordained or chose Lucifer to be in the position he had.  Walking among the fiery stones seems to represent the gems or stones as in the breast plate of the high priest, representing the twelve tribes.

  Looking at v. 15 - God created a perfect angel, Lucifer, blameless in his ways and all the time he was with God he was blameless, perfect...----UNTIL---!

UNTIL WHAT?  Wickedness was found in him.  In Ezekiel this all is in speaking to the king of Tyre and also in reference to the once Lucifer, now know as satan or the devil.  As the king, pride came in where he thought he was all that and a bag of chips and could do all - including protect his people through his own power - leaving God completely out of the equation.  When we begin to believe that we are IT; a fall is soon coming.  We can do all things -- what?   THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME!  Without God we are a mass of flesh that gains our glory on earth.  With God we have eternal life.

   When pride comes into play, our wisdom becomes tainted and remember:  pride goeth before a fall!!  Hope all this makes sense to you. Feedback welcome. Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

Ezekiel 28:13 - the jewels - the breastplate of the high priest

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

   Okay, this may be old hat to many of you, but I had never looked at this or studied it until last week while watching Hillsong TV channel with the Bible study they do as well as the singing.  So, let us look at Ezekiel 28:13-15. 

   God is speaking through Ezekiel with all this being to the king of Tyre-in reference to Lucifer; and at the first of verse 13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God;

  So, Lucifer (satan/devil) was in the garden of God, which God created AND Lucifer whom was created by God.  Here is my thought and I have not been able to find any references to such: Was Lucifer in the garden of God BEFORE he was cast from heaven?  I feel by this scripture he was.  Any clarification from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

   Next comes the description of how he (satan) was covered:  every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold:

  Interestingly enough, the breastplate of the high priest was: (Exodus 39:10-13) 10 And they set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this was the first row.11 And the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. 12 And the third row, a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.13 And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: they were inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings.

     I find this quite interesting that Lucifer, who was created in the perfect image of God had these jewels and then the high priest came along and also had these jewels. The difference is there are only 10 that Ezekiel mentions, whereas there were 12 stones in the high priests breastplate. (12 stones/12 tribes)

   Authorities say this may be because Ezekiel did not wish to portray the king of 'Tyre as a priest, but as of common man, yet a king.  

    The end of verse 13 in KJV:  the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. NIV: Your settings and mountings were made of gold;

    on the day you were created they were prepared.

All these gems were laid in gold mountings. Image, each jewel surrounded by gold.  And when did this happen?  The day he was created!!!  This should tell us something.  God created it all lest we forget.  Wow!  To me what a great history lesson and Bible lesson to know from whence came Lucifer whom we refer to as satan or the devil.  

   Hope you garnered something from this.  A couple more days and we will go on to another topic.  I would love to hear from some of you about what you would like to read or study about. Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny