Trivia for you today! ECCLESIASTICS 3:1-8

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

   You hear there is a season for everything thing or a time to do this and a time to do that.  Fill in the blanks below; if you don't know the answer go to Ecc 3:1-8
   There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

²     a time to be b___ and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to up______,
³     a time to kill and a time to h___,
    a time to tear down and a time to b______,
⁴     a time to w____ and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to d____,
⁵     a time to scatter stones and a time to g_______ them,
    a time to em__________ and a time to refrain from embracing,
⁶     a time to search and a time to g____ up,
    a time to keep and a time to t_______ away,
⁷     a time to tear and a time to m_____,
    a time to be silent and a time to s_______,
⁸     a time to _______ and a time to hate,
    a time for _____ and a time for peace.

Words that should make you think.  The holiday of celebration is upon us, be safe, be kind, love others and see you next week.  Love you all

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

1 Peter 1:6 Rejoice - in good times and in bad!

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

   Let me begin by asking for prayers for people just by letters or initials. No detail as God knows their needs.  Please pray for H; D; Ch; Co; Ja; Ji; Td; Tn; Ca; Tc; Kh; and forgiveness to us all.

    1 Peter 1: ⁶ Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

   We rejoice in God's power and willingness to help us, keep us.  Then it says 'for a season' meaning for a period of time; maybe a short period, maybe months or years, but for a season.

  'Heaviness through manifold temptations' - this is saying we will be grieved or saddened by the temptations set before us.  Manifold indicates there are numerous, more than one temptations cast before us.

    However, we need to remember that we rejoice and praise God in good times and in bad times.  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

Who are you? 1 Peter 1:2-5

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!!!

  Have you ever been at a loss?  A loss of what to study? Where to go? What to do?  Not sure of your direction in Christ?

     It seems I hit those crossroads often.  Why?  First, let's understand who we are!  1 Peter 1:
² Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. We are called the 'elect' and how are we elected? "Sanctification of the spirit; sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.
³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  God, Father of Jesus Christ, through his mercy has given us hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
⁴ To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,  We have an inheritance unlike the worlds. Ours is not corruptible, it is undefiled, and will not rust, rot or deteriorate.  AND, we have a place reserved in heaven. WOW!
⁵ Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 
  Are you ready for that day to come.  It will be simply amazing.  Re-read these verses and see what they mean to you.  They do touch me and give me cause to stop and meditate.  Love you all.
Soli Deo Gloria
Johnny

Run a good race; follow the truth Galatians 5

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

  How often do we fall to the "dark" side?  If a runner is running a hard race, whether cross-country or on a track; if he/she falls they usually get up and finish.  Paul is telling us something here.

   In Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

    Paul tells us we are free in Christ, to stand firm, and don't fall into the slavery of doing wrong.  Then, in verse ⁷ You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? ⁸ That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.

   We are running a good race and he asks what made you fall?  It does not come from God, our LORD.  It comes from the source of the world where the prince of the world roams, one whom we call satan.

   Paul is throwing out a caution sign and telling us to beware; look at verse ⁹ “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.”

   A little bit can create discourse throughout if it is allowed to grow.  If the seed is planted, even if it is false, people will fall prey to it.  An example would be: I heard your boss was having an affair with a lady from  XYZ Company.  Oops, the seed is planted and that element of doubt will seep in, then you will wonder, watch, and maybe even share this "news" with others.  What happens?  It spreads like wildfire and the world thrives on it.

  Don't let the leaven rise; continue to run the good race, and when in doubt look UP to the one to who gave you freedom.  Again, God is good all the time!!!  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

Spiritual leader of the household - the MAN!

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

   Fathers day has come and gone. Food for thought. What does it mean to be the spiritual head of the household?  This does not mean one rules with tyranny, my way or the highway.  It means to teach: -your children of the ways of God, -what it means to fear God, -what it means to love God, -what salvation is.

   I, for one, know that while my children were growing up we went to church and Sunday School consistently and most of the time.  I even taught high school boys Sunday School, BUT, yes BUT, I was not the spiritual leader of the house.

    I left the teaching of the Bible and their growth in Christ to the church. No, I was not the spiritual leader of the household.  Oh, yes, we prayed at meals, knew God, but I did not lead in the way God intended.

   Unfortunately this is the way the world is running now.  My son in laws are great providers and care greatly for their families, BUT, they, also, are not the spiritual leaders of the house.  As most homes, the woman, the mom, is the one taking the children to church and the man stays home to do.............whatever he wants, but worshiping God is not important to him.

   How sad it is for our society and world today.  In Ephesians 6:4  fathers are to not provoke children to anger AND instruct them in the ways of the LORD.

   Now, the real question for you to ask yourself is:  "Is this my family?"

For me, the answer is yes.  Did I and do I love my children?  Yes, with all my heart.  Do I have any regrets?  Yes, the fact that in my life I tried to serve 2 masters while my children were at home: the world and God. We can only serve 1 master. 

    It is too sad that so many of us males do not understand, nor do we heed Gods word.  Ephesians 6: ⁴ And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

   This verse says a lot.  If you are a male, think about this; if you are a female - maybe you should share this with your husband.  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

Who called you? When? For what? 2 Timothy 1:9

good morning all.  Coming to you live and well from Austin, Texas at a conference.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

   You, yes you, the one reading this at this time stop now and I want you to think about what is about to be (written) read by you.  No, don't skim over it, take time to read, then THINK, and consider what is being said.

   Paul was encouraging Timothy to stand boldly in the word and life of Jesus Christ and not let legalism and false doctrine invade the truth of the true church.  This I would encourage you to do as well.

  NOW - think about this verse talking about God to YOU:

2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.

   Who called you?

       What type of calling?

             According to what?

                  Who gave us this calling?

                        When was it given?

Yes, read the verse and absorb.  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

2 Timothy 1:8 Be not ashamed of the gospel

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

  2 Timothy 1: ⁸ Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

   Now Paul has just told Timothy in his letter in verse 7 to be bold.  When we go forth boldly we need to have the confidence of why we can stand boldly before men.

  Paul is telling Timothy that he needs to take the gift, the courage, that God gave him and go forth.  Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our LORD.  In todays world as well as ancient world to honor a condemned man would not set well with anyone.  However, in this case, the condemned was condemned not because of a crime, but of jealously and hatred.
   Paul knew that the plan of God in Jesus Christ seemed foolish to many; but he also knew it was the living, active, power of God to save souls and transform lives.  We cannot be ashamed of the gospel, nor of anyone who goes forth with the word of God, even tho he/she may be punished and called a criminal.

  We have to stand boldly in the word. If we are ridiculed, called names, considered a Jesus freak, we must not back down or be ashamed of Jesus Christ and the word of God.  Now, this does not mean go kick doors down; but go where the Holy Spirit leads you.

   So, my question today is can and will you go forth with the gospel and be not ashamed?  Or will you slink back and say nothing.  To be silent on something you disagree with is, then, to agree. We agree by being silent.  Be a Timothy today and go forth boldly. Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

Being BOLD in Christ with HIS POWER 2 Timothy 1:7

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

   Paul is writing to Timothy and begins with an Apostolic greeting.  In   this Paul refers to Timothy as his dearly beloved son.  Then he prays for mercy, grace, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our LORD.

   Paul remembers and reminds Timothy of the faith of his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice and that he sees this in Timothy as well.  Now the reason Paul is beginning this way is that the Asian church had not ceased to exist or call themselves Christians, but the doctrines of grace were beginning to be overshadowed by legalism.

   Paul mentioned the above to ensure he believes in Timothy's faith and exhorts him to be bold.  Also, to remind him this boldness comes from God the Father through faith in Jesus Christ.  The scripture from Paul would indicate that Timothy is a man of strong faith, yet does not like confrontation.  He would be a warm and loving man, but would side step confrontations if at all possible.

   Paul is telling him when they laid hands upon him, he was given a gift from God and that gift needed to be stirred.  Now, Paul is in prison and about to be martyred for Christ and urging Timothy to pick up the gift and go forth. (meaning to be not passive, but BOLD IN CHRIST)

   Verse 7: God has not given us a spirit of fear (Paul saw the timidity that was in Timothy)   But of power and of love and of a sound mind (the second step in dealing with such fears is understanding what God has given us).

  No not be taken in by the tempter telling us what God "has not given" us, but keep focused on what God HAS GIVEN US!

  Sometimes we let fear change our direction and step off of God's path.  When you come to this crossroads, stop, drop, and pray; see which road God wishes you to take.  Remember, God does not give us the spirit of fear, but the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

Psalm 103:11 God loves you and watches over you

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  JESU JEVU!

Psalm 103:11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is HIS steadfast love toward those who fear him.

   God is constantly watching us.  God gives us space and freedom to leave Him, but he continues to love us and never takes His eyes off us.  When we are desperate, God will rescue us from the prowling lion who seeks to devour us.

    Just as a mother bear watches over her cub; God watches over us.  Take time today to give God praise for all He has done for you.

  If you truly love and fear God He does watch over you.  If you could capture the scene when you are in a stressful situation, you would see behind you the outline of God standing over, watching over, and protecting you.

  Do you give Him thanks for all things, good or bad.  Start today praising God.

Soli Deo Gloria

Love you all

Johnny

Your are the temple of God, AND if you desecrate it-then?????? 1 Corinthians 3:17

June 8th and a great day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

  Yesterday we ended with verse 16 "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you."

  Today, look at verse 17 " ^{17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.}"

  So, what are you reading  here? Ye - YOU - are the temple of God.  This was important for the Corinthians as there were many factions and divisions within that were threatening to tear the congregation apart. Immorality was coming into play in this church in Corinth.

  If you look, first at yourself, then around at the world, then within your own church you will no doubt find this same type of activity playing out here, 2000 years later.  Do the words of old in the Bible apply today?  YES IT DOES!  It is as appropriate in the beginning of the church as it is today in our "modern day church."

   The modern day church (the people-you and me) are too liberal when interpreting the word of GOD!  We abuse the word "moderation" with malice.  Moderation turns out to be liberal.  It is okay to drink.........with moderation.  It is okay to cuss.....with moderation.  It is okay to talk about others(gossip).......with moderation (if it is the truth).  It is okay to.............and we could go on and on.

   Now, I am not saying you can't have a glass of wine or a beer, what I am saying is don't use it as a crutch.  If you drink and then justify it with "I only do it in moderation" then maybe, just maybe the Holy Spirit is telling you this is not what you should be doing. Not just drinking, but any aspect of your life.

    Sex outside of marriage, illegal drugs, violence, lies, lack of fellowship with brothers and sisters of the Spirit, cussing, not accepting responsibility for your actions, or just making excuses are not glorifying GOD.  And if you are not glorifying God, and you are the temple of God, then JUST WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

   Look at verse 17 again. If you defile the temple of God then what????? " him shall God destroy;"  and why????  "for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."    Wow, WOw, WOW!  If this does not rock you, I don't know what will.

  Study this on your own and do a self evaluation. Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

The "SPIRIT" mentioned in the Bible - 1 Corinthians 3:16 - The Temple of God

Good morning one and all this great day of June 6th. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

   In 1 Corinthians 3 listen and read how Paul begins:  Dear brothers, I have been talking to you as though you were still just babies in the Christian life who are not following the Lord but your own desires; I cannot talk to you as I would to healthy Christians who are filled with the Spirit.

   Is Paul speaking to you as well?  Just babies in the Christian life and not following the LORD, but your own desires.  Wow!  Paul does not pull any punches here.  Neither should we, but we should go forth with a loving heart and love for our brothers and sisters in Christ as did Paul.

    Here is the slap to reality, "I cannot talk to you as I would to healthy Christians who are filled with the Spirit."  A big wake up call here.  Think of it this way, one cannot speak to you about the pascal language with computers if all you do is turn it on and check email.  If that is your full knowledge you will not know how to program a computer.  This is what Paul is saying.  Now, let's skip down a few verses and share this with you.

  There are verses in between 1 and 16 you need to take in and read it here: 1 Corinthians 3 - but I want to jump to 16 now.
     ¹⁶ Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

  It was then, and is now important for us to realize we are the temple of God and the Spirit does reside within us.  Why was it important for Paul to tell the people of the time this information?  It is because during the Old Testament era the Lord’s presence dwelt in the Holy of holies of the tabernacle (and later in the Holy of holies of the temple). In this New Testament era the Lord, by His Holy Spirit, dwells in the midst of each congregation as well as personally in the heart of each individual believer.

   It is vitally important to understand this that Paul is telling us.  So, what does this have to do with me today?  Your query is important and we will take this up tomorrow.  But for today, please remember in all you actions and reactions:

KNOW YE ARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD!  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

What spiritual gifts do you have? Romans 12

This was posted yesterday, however, for some unknown reason it did not post.  This is for June 5, 2017: 

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

   Some people say spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophesying, miracles, dream or visions from God, etc. are all in the past, the Old Testament.  They are said to be no longer valid today.  Now, I do know Jesus came to fulfill the law and gave us grace, for all have sinned.  However, if spiritual gifts are dead, then I would believe that God is dead.  Since I serve a living God, then I believe the spiritual gifts are real and still here.  What do you think?

    Look at Romans 12: ⁴ For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:      ⁵ So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

     Okay, we all belong to the same body, but we don't all have the same office.  This is important to remember.  Now we all have "jobs" according to the grace that is given to us.  Listen, this is important.  If I have the grace and gift of healing it does not mean that I will heal everyone that I meet.  I will heal the ones God wishes me to heal in such a way as to bring glory to God.  Read the gifts below:⁶ Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
⁷ Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
⁸ Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
 You may have 1 gift or several, and, in my opinion, it depends on the level of maturity you are in the LORD.  You may only have 1 gift at a certain time; however, as you grow in the word, grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ, and let the Holy Spirit guide you, you may have several gifts.  Who is to say?  GOD, and GOD ONLY!  Do you know what your gift is?  Have you sought it out?  I do not believe God wants us to be pew sitters, go to Sunday School, listen to the preacher and then go on about our worldly business.  I firmly believe he wants us to grow in HIM, know your gifts, and go forth and use them.  If God is with you, then you have no excuse; be obedient and follow what and where God wants you to go.  Hmmm!  Think about this and I'll be back tomorrow. Love you all.
Soli Deo Gloria
Johnny

How would you feel? Jeremiah 36

Good afternoon and may the LORD bless you.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

    Take a gander at Jeremiah 36, read the whole chapter.  Now, put your self in the place of Jeremiah or Baruch.  First, you were given words by God to deliver. Second, you delivered them and read them.   Third, some feared the words spoken and given by God. Fourth, Jeremiah and Baruch were told to go hide.  Fifth, the secretary took the scroll and gave to the king's court to read.  Sixth, as each section was read the king cut the scroll and cast the words into the fire.  Seventh, none in the kings court or king showed any fear.

  Eighth, the king ordered the prophet, Jeremiah, and his scribe Baruch to be arrested.  Ninth, the LORD had hid them.  Tenth, the words were once again given to Jeremiah to dictate to Baruch to take down.  Baruch wrote the words again, and you will see at the end of Jeremiah "words were added."

   You will notice the punishment that is about to beset upon the king and his land.

If you had written all this down, in long hand, on a scroll, as done long ago would you not be angry that the king burned them.  I would.  However, the LORD knows all and any punishment I could give the LORD can give greater.  So it was.  Very interesting.  Please read the chapter and absorb what is being said, and the difference between obedience and flat denial and disobedience (the king).

Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

Do you have a crack in your caulk? Matthew 7:24-25

Hello all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!
  Well, I do hope yesterday's message stirred you to action, prayer action.  A man named Frankie relayed this story and as I read I found it quite revealing to me and should be to you as well.

   He was working at the church taking down walls and baseboards when they noticed there was some damage and rot by the AC ducts.  Well, before they could continue they would need to replace the damage.  But where was the damage coming from?

   Upon further investigation it was discovered that the caulk outside the building had dried and was allowing water to seep in and do damage.  If the leak was not fixed, then this same situation would arise once more.

  We are the same way when we have cracks in our armor, we leak and the things of the world can come in and begin to cause internal damage, even when we feel that we are firmly planted in Jesus as our rock.

   While we grow in the LORD we need to continue to turn our lives over to Him in all areas so that our temples are strong and whole without rot that can cause us to crumble.

    During our continual prayer time we need to ask the Holy Spirit to fill us, keep us filled so that when we are full and overflowing, the world can't get in.  If we do have injury or rot, just ask Jesus to fill you back up with the Holy Spirit and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the cracks in your armor so they may be repaired.  Seal them with repentance, forgiveness and the caulk of the word of God.

   This is a powerful and strong message. Matthew 7:
²⁴ “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
    Stand on the rock my friend. Love you all. Pray for America, the world, and Christians to become serious about their relationship with God.
Soli Deo Gloria
Johnny