Speaking the truth - let God lead - no sin goes without consequences 2 Samuel 12

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

  Often we commit a sin or sins and think it was just a tiny one, OR, we try to cover it up and think no one knows.  However, there is one person that is all knowing and HE sees and knows all we do -- GOD!

   David's eyes fell on Bathsheba, lust filled his body, but "no one knows" except him.  He, being king, in these days, could pretty much do as he pleased.  So, you know the story, he calls her to his palace, ends up sleeping with her, and then she becomes pregnant.  Yes, she is with child and not her husbands.  The husband is at war fighting for David; David should be with his warriors but is not.

   Then starts the scheming and deceitfulness.  Obviously at this time King David was more afraid of what people would say than standing in fear of God. We have to remember that during this time if a king exalted you to a high position - it was yours; but also in the same light - if he said you were to be  in prison or be killed it would happen.

   Well, after this little ordeal with Bathsheba God sends a man named Nathan, who just happened to be a prophet to speak to David.  I would imagine Nathan had a few reservations about going, but he feared God more than an earthly king, namely David.

  In 2 Samuel 12 Nathan tells David the story of the rich man who took the poor man's only sheep, slaughtered it and feasted with a traveler who just happened by.  David was filled with anger when hearing the story. Now comes the good part where Nathan stood with God on his side.

   Nathan tells David this is the story about him.  David had options, to reject, rebuke and send Nathan to prison or possibly have him put to death.  However, God was with Nathan and told him to deliver this message.  2 Samuel 12:
⁷ Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. ⁸ I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. ⁹ Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. ¹⁰ Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’
God would have given David more had he asked, but look at all God gave him from the beginning.  Then, this word is delivered to David from God via Nathan: 
¹¹ “This is what the Lord says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. ¹² You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’”
   Wow, read this and realize what tragedy will come upon David in the end.  In verse 13 David recognizes and admits his sin, not too late, but he will have to pay the consequences.  Continue reading if you want to see what tragedy awaits David.  No sin is hidden or a secret. God knows. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Is the LORD YOUR SHEPHERD? Psalm 23:1-3

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

   Yesterday I spoke of a river, and how life is like a river.  When a river runs through a valley, everything around us becomes easier, the waters grow calm, we become more open, fuller and more generous.

  But then, when we come to rocks in the river, the flow becomes tougher, more treacherous, more difficult.  There will also be holes, but once the holes fill with water - the going becomes smooth.  This we must remember as we traverse the course of life.

  We need to remember we always, yes, ALWAYS have God's protection. Psalm 23: 1-3 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

   The LORD, our God is our shepherd. What does a shepherd do?  A shepherd tends to his sheep and keeps them from harm.  If one strays he goes after that one, protects it, and brings it back to safety.  The shepherd, in our case GOD, is our armour as we travel through a world of deception, danger, and temptations.

² He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
  The green pastures are in the valley, where water runs smooth.  We can rest with the assurance we have the ultimate protector with us day and night.  He, God, is everywhere, with us where we have been, where we are now, and is already where we are headed.  We must take comfort in HIS protection.
³ He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.  
  The world offers no safety net, but God offers us a safety net, Jesus Christ.  He, who came into the world not to condemn, but to save.  If we listen, let the Holy Spirit fill us, we will definitely travel in the paths of righteousness and all for HIS GLORY!    God loves us so much He sent His Son to die for us; we can return the love by following and obeying His commandments and loving His Son.  We are given new strength through the HOLY SPIRIT!
   Have a wonderful and blessed day in the LORD!  Soli Deo Gloria!!!!  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Life like a river! John 7:38

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

    Have you ever stopped to think your life, my life, everyones lives are like a river.  A river does not begin strong, just as our life begins with a seed and sperm.  A river may generate from a simple spring and begin to flow.  This is the headwaters of the river.  As the river begins to flow it increases as other springs join it, these are called tributaries.

  Understand all rivers are different, you may have the mighty Mississippi River or the tiny Mud Creek; but they are still rivers.  Some rivers flow when it is the rainy season, some flow year round.

   A river never passes the same place twice.  Oh, yes, you may go back into your home you have had for years, but each time you enter it is a different time and all is not the same as it was before. You are older, the clock keeps ticking.

   A river takes the path of least resistance; so if a boulder is in the way, it goes around, it may splash off the boulder, but it is trying to go around.  Also, the path may change, the rivers banks do not remain the same; they do change.

  The banks of the river are fertile, growing vegetation.  It is rich soil and brings forth new life.  Then it comes to the mouth (not an end) and at the mouth of the river it flows out into a larger body of water, sharing its new fresh water.

    Think about your life in Christ, in God.  HE knew you before you were conceived -he was there at the headwaters.  You were but a spring, nothing but a mass of humanity.  Then you began to grow, taking in tributaries.  Gathering knowledge from around you.  This knowledge, or tributaries begin to create in you the person you are today.  Some rivers flood, go over their banks and cause devastation; some provide a source of life and joy.  The path of the river is determined by the effects of nature.  The path of your life is determined by the decisions you make.

   Some will be mighty rivers of God, i.e. Billy Graham; yet some will be rivers of devastation (satan), i.e. Madeline Murray O'Hare and be destructive, overflowing their banks.

   As we flow through life, we, as a river gain new sources (tributaries), our banks change, and all this brings fresh new ideas and understandings to us.  These tributaries also make us stronger as we go.  As we flow, our banks, which are fertile, should be shared with others and create a new life and joy for them. Again, our banks may change to reach out to others in need as we flow. These are the seeds of faith we share.

  Then at the end of our journey (mouth) we flow, or share the Good News of Jesus Christ with all around us (of course, as the Spirit leads).  The mouth of the river shares all it has with the greater masses; as should we as Christians.

   As we pass through life we never pass the same place twice.  In that journey we need to be certain we have shared the fertile word of God with all who come in contact with us. 

John 7:38 "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'"
Revelation 22:1  Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb,
Thank you for reading. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

The LORD's Prayer! Matthew 6:9-13

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

   How are you today?  Have you done anything that God prompted you to do lately? Take time and take stock of where you are in your spiritual life.  Remember - A.R.K. - an Act of Random Kindness.  Do something for someone simply because you have the love of God vested in you through and through.

  Okay, most of us can recite the LORD's prayer from memory without really thinking about it.  Often we do it just like walking, we usually just walk without thinking about each step/ often we recite the LORD's prayer and think not of WHO gave it to us; WHAT is really says; and WHY we should recite it.

   Let's look at the prayer, more in detail, and think about what it really means.

JESUS said to prayer after this manner:
  
⁹ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
First, we are speaking, having a dialogue with OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, and we need to be reverent and honor His, God's name. Names are important and God was referred to with different names according to the situation at hand and showing the particular character of God at that time.  Also, remember to honor God, His name is HOLY.  Holy is your name, God!  To know more about GOD'S NAMES click here.
¹⁰ Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
  We all are looking forward to when God's kingdom will come to us here on earth.  In God's kingdom there is not sorry, worry, pain, sickness, no negatives - only positives.  We need to pray that will come to us here.  If so, then God's will will be here on earth as it is in heaven.  Thy will be done - this is in accordance with following what God wants for us, to do what is right and holy in His sight.
¹¹ Give us this day our daily bread.
  Today is the day the LORD, GOD made just for you.  Not us, He wants a relationship with each of us individually and this is YOUR DAY.  Take care of the day, remember God, and just know this day is made for YOU!!!
¹² And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
  Oh, wow, this is a hard one for many people.  Yeah, I love 'em cuz God says to but I can't forgive them.  Whoa up there!  What does the Bible say? If we don't forgive, then we are not forgiven.  Just think of all the times you have "crossed" God, yet when you ask for forgiveness, HE forgives. You and I need to do likewise - FORGIVE!!!  If we hold hate and unforgiveness in our heart, then we do not maintain the LOVE of GOD!  We are trying to serve two passions and we can't do it - just as we cannot serve 2 masters.  FORGIVE!
¹³ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Temptation - that is the lion that lurks, aka satan and his demons.  They lay in wait, wanting to destroy our witness and then leave us wounded and bleeding on the side of the road.  We ask God to give us the wisdom and knowledge to not fall prey to the evil one.  We should strive to bring honor and glory to God.  Thine is the kingdom - everything is Gods.  HE has the power and we need to glorify HIM always and forever.   So be it (Amen).
    This is my feeble attempt to tell you what the LORD's prayer means to me.  I have not put my complete thoughts and what I believe totally in this as it would be far too long.  However, I would enjoy dialogue with any of you sometime on what the LORD's prayer means to you.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Prayer - Do you really do it? Matthew 6:5-8

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

  In my morning devotional today came up the LORD's prayer.  Hmmm! Interesting as I am doing an 8 hour study on the LORD's prayer. How God does work?

   If you look at Matthew 6 when Jesus is speaking about prayer he tells us 5 "do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others."

   This is all about self - look at me - see how I pray!  Then Jesus said,

" Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. " 

    So, if you do pray this way you are receiving your reward at that time.  The big " I " is in the way.   Here is what Jesus tells us next:
⁶ But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

   Do you have a special place to pray?  If not, then find or create a special place where it is just you and God.  No one else; God wishes to have a communication with you; a dialog, a relationship.  Are you ready to spend time, just you and God, visiting and sharing?

   Jesus continues with: ⁷ And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. ⁸ Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

   I take verse 7 to be saying do not give "lip" service to God; be real in your praising of Him, your visit.  You may be able to give a long and eloquent "talk" or "prayer" yet be unheard by God because it is just lip service or babble.  God knows what you need, just talk to Him, just as you would an earthly father, expressing your need, your praise, sharing it all with God.

   Today, at break, at lunch, after work, whenever, take time for God. He cares about you; show you honor and praise Him by taking time for Him.

  Tomorrow, we will delve into the Lord's prayer. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Have you thought about the tenants in the vineyard? Luke 20:9-16

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

   Just a thought and then comparison for you to ponder.  As I was listening to my Bible on CD this morning this came to me and I would like to believe it came from the Holy Spirit.

   The parable Jesus told of the vineyard owner and tenants.  Let's look at the verses and see if there is a comparison to other events in the Bible.

   Luke 20: (Jesus speaking) ^{9 ................}: “A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time.

   God created the garden of Eden and left Adam and Eve there, alone, for a time of which we do not know how long. The serpent came.
   ¹⁰ At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed.

    So God provided the Garden of Eden, went away, the serpent came and "tainted" what God had said. Adam and Eve violated the agreement with God. (see a slight comparison yet)
    ¹¹ He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed. ¹² He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out.

   The serpent left the scene and left Adam and Eve to fend for themselves with God.  Then God came, they (Adam/Eve) hid and were ashamed because of their nakedness. So, the fruits they were to reap, now were no longer.  The servants were not loyal to the owner; Adam & Eve were not loyal in following God's instructions; they were not obedient.  This is when they started the, if you will, life of sin, albeit through the deception of satan.  This curse went to the sons, when Cain killed Abel. We realize satan has his hand in all of this and helped to orchestrate it all.
   ¹³ “Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.’

   So the owner sends his son; just as God, after years of deception led by satan, had to send His Son.  So God sends Jesus to the vineyard, not to condemn, but to save the world.  They do not respect him, they see the son of the vineyard as a threat; just as the Jewish leaders saw Jesus as a threat.
¹⁴ “But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. ‘This is the heir,’ they said. ‘Let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ ¹⁵ So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

    Aww, another deception by satan.  The tenants thought if we kill the heir, this will all be ours.  Just like satan believes that eliminating Jesus would give him rule and ownership of the "vineyard". But we know the end of the story.
“What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? ¹⁶ He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.”

  Just as in the end, the ones who are tainted or swayed by satan, their lives will end in hell, whereas the new order of tenants in the vineyard (ones who accept salvation through Jesus Christ) will profit from the vineyard and enjoy the fruits of salvation.

  When I heard this today, I thought of how satan casts out his evil thoughts and ideas, trying to get us to follow him and how this paralleled the people turning away from God as they turned away from the vineyard owner who, in the beginning, provided for them.

  I do hope this makes sense to you and would definitely like some feedback.  Come on George, I know you have something to say. :)
Thank you for reading. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

In the beginning - Genesis 1:1-3

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

   Remember yesterday, Psalm 118 - this is the day the LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.  Well, let us step back in time a little further.

  Genesis 1: 1-3.  I will print that in a moment.  We are to rejoice and be glad about our day.  Sometimes the trouble is we get so busy in the world around us that we forget to stop, look, listen to the nature God created for you, for me to enjoy - not rush through as a freight train.

   Genesis 1: 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ² Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

³ And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

  First GOD CREATED - there was nothing. If the earth was formless and empty - then what was there - NOTHING.  And think about this - darkness was over the surface of the deep - what is "deep"?  For me, in my normal state of thinking I think water. But, it does not say this, it simply says "deep"; could this be speaking of the vast universe that God knows?

   The next line says the Spirit of God hoovers over the waters?  So, is this the oceans as we know it; or vast universe of waters as God knows it.  Everything is dark, only God can see and know what is there. THEN, God says let there be light, and there was light.  Now, we, the non-nocturnal creatures can see. Wow!

   Each morning the sun rises and displays a glorious world that was completely created by a living and loving God; showing His infinite power and love.  But, BUT, because of our focus on demands of our life we cruise on by not taking time to STOP,  LOOK, & LISTEN to what marvelous creation God made for YOU!!!!

  We fail to see the beauty around us because we are "TOO BUSY" to observe.  Today take time to observe the world around you, at lunch, at break, after work, just take time and then offer a prayer of thanksgiving to the one living God who created all this just for you.

  Every day can be a celebration of God's creation; and every day should be.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Celebrate the GIFT of LIFE - Psalm 118:24

Good morning fellow Christians.  What 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!

   Psalm 118: ²⁴ This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

  Read the words carefully in this Psalm.  Do you stop to realize, then actually remember God?

   This is the ?????what????? DAY!!  Okay this is a day, but not just any day. This is the day that what??????  the LORD made!!  Make it personal - God made this day for you----all the activities of the day are made for you.  Today is a present from God!

   Soooo, what should we do???????  rejoice and be glad in it.  But you don't understand what I will have to undertake today; you see first there is...............

  God is there, HE knows.  We should have a time of celebration and a time of prayer for this day God has given us.  But you don't know my schedule!  No, I don't--God does!  You will find time for the other "temptations" of the world; find time for prayer and celebration.

  What do you really expect ahead of you today?  If you look forward with apprehension then you are not expecting to receive the wonderful things God has in store for you.

  Today go forth with a smile on your face, a song in your heart, kind words from your lips, be open and free with praise and encouragement and see what happens. Now is the time worth having as it is the only time we have.  Yesterday is the tomb of time; tomorrow is the womb of time; NOW is the only time you have.

  Today is a wonderful one of a kind gift from GOD; treat it that way. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Temptations - 1 Peter 5: 8 Be alert and of sober mind.

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

   Temptations - they are all around.  Temptations does not mean an adulterous affair; a drunken binge; a drug fest; temptations means all the things, large or small, that take you away from a close relationship with God, our Father in Heaven.

   Peter warns us in 1 Peter 5: ⁸ Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

   It may be as simple as choosing to watch tv or play a video game instead of doing something to bring you closer to God.  The temptation to stray lies in wait, quietly and steadily watching for that weakness.

  Rick Warren tells us that it is easier to stay out of temptation than get out of it.  Think about this for a moment.

  Bill Bright tells us that most Christians do not realize that the adversary of our lives is satan, and that his main tool is our flesh, the old sin nature.

   I fall into this with the excuse, I am going to relax a few minutes and study in a bit.  That bit comes not as often as it should, UNLESS, I give it all over to God, get up, get my Bible and begin.

   There is always an excuse to "do something else" and not study or read in our Bible.  Because we live in a temptation filled world we must guard our eyes, thoughts, and heart -- all day, every day.

   What has tempted you lately and taken you away from prayer, from Bible study, from spending time in the presence of the LORD?

   Every day we will be tempted, we must guard our heart against the darkness and FOCUS ON THE LIGHT !!! JESUS CHRIST!

   From Billy Graham: "God proved His love on the cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world (YOU) -- I LOVE YOU."

   Thank you for reading. Pray for me please. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Wisdom/knowledge vs temptation Proverbs 5: 1-4

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Soooo, how is your day going thus far?

   God, our heavenly father takes care of us.  When I am obedient and follow God's lead it is amazing the doors HE opens in a variety of ways. GOD IS GOOD!

  Look at Proverbs 5: 1My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:   ² That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.

      If we look at this "attend unto my wisdom" - to me means do we take the time to ask God in the particular situation or do it in "our own wisdom"?  I do a lot of things because "I know" - yet had I waited, would seek God's wisdom things would have been different.

    And bow thine ear to my understanding - Just listen - follow.  But NO, the big "I" takes charge and " I " do it my way without truly understanding.

   It is important that we use discretion and knowledge when a situation confronts us.  Now, Solomon here is speaking, as I understand, to the young men, giving wisdom and knowledge so they do not stray.  He is saying listen, understand and be wise - don't go down the forbidden path.  Now look at v. 3:
   ³ For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:

    Wow! The lure of something different and exciting. Temptations! It may seem wonderful at the moment and all goes wells when one is in the moment --- but watch out!
    ⁴ But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.

 Wormwood - what is that? It is a woody shrub with a bitter aromatic taste; and it leaves a state or source of bitterness or grief.

  Think of it this way.  It would be like you seeing a can of your favorite drink, let's say a Coke, you pick it up, take a swig, and find out it is a foul tasting medicine.

   Yes it all looks good, what will it hurt, but in the end it is bitter.
Sharp as a two-edged sword?  This means it cut or hurts going in, cut both ways-side to side -causing more damage and inflicting a greater and more severe wound.

    The reason this resonated with me today is this week I have been more diligent in my prayer time and study of the word (which could be much better).  Trying to be obedient to God and what He wants me to do.  My prayer time has been much better and I have to give God the honor and glory for opening the doors of opportunity.  I have experienced that when 1 door closed with my job; another, possibly greater door opened; and it is only because God is in control. In saying this, I was booked heavy Monday through Friday; 2 doors canceled, but when the 1 canceled I receive a call to replace the cancellation, AND, this could lead to a more promising contact. WOW! Praise God and thank you Jesus. Hope this makes sense to you all.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
 

What defileth man? Mark 7

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

   Look at these verses in Mark 7: ²⁰ And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.      ²¹ For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, ²² Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:         ²³ All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

The headlines in the Dallas morning news: Doctor defrauds medicare/medicaid, drugs patients to have sex.  Then rape of a woman; man sets meeting with 13 year old to have sex;  man shot due to road rage; man charged for holding and threatening a driver with a gun; woman dies in car wreck of drug overdose.
  Who can stand so much "good news"?  Is satan moving more quickly and being more evident than ever before?  I believe so, as he (satan) knows time is drawing near to the end.
  What is most disturbing is this comes out of the hearts of men.  This is from Jesus after his disciples ate without washing their hands and the pharisees confronted him because they did so.  Jesus replied, "¹⁵ There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man."

   It is time for all Christians to spend time in truly earnest prayer, being led by the Holy Spirit.  America, the whole world is sprinting toward corruption and destruction.  Will you join me in prayer each morning upon your wake from sleep? Love you all.
In Christ's love and grace,
Johnny

Hmmmmm! Think about this in Luke 12

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

   As I was reading this morning I came across this verse in Luke 12: ¹⁰ And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.

  I have not checked any commentaries or researched this, but would like to have your input.  First Jesus says whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him -  Why did Jesus say this?  Is it because He knew they did not or would not realize who He really is?  Is that why on the cross He said "forgive them Father, for they know not what they do?"

  But then, He goes on to say "but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.  Okay, we know we have the Trinity, the 3 in 1; and if they call Jesus names, curse Him, spit on him, beat him, they can be forgiven.

   However, if they sin or blaspheme the Holy Ghost they will not be forgiven.  So, if someone denies or curses the Holy Ghost - then they are doomed for hell.  Correct?   I would love to hear your twist on this. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Be not discouraged! Joshua 1:9

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

   Have you heard about the uneducated men who thought they would tell others about something new to the world?  They were just blue collar workers, no formal education and they discovered something that would revolutionize the whole world.

   We should never be discouraged in our quest to spread God's word.  There is no requirement to have a masters or doctors degree, be of wealthy stock, and an academic intellectual.

   These men who revolutionized the world were simply fishermen who responded to a call.  These men were chosen of the only living God, who sent His son to save the world, not condemn it. And this son, Jesus, left us with a command to not only love our neighbor, but to spread the good news to all the world. We should be encouraged, not discouraged.  Look at Joshua 1: ⁹ Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

    Look at these words - I have read this time and again, and suddenly today they come to life and have a special meaning.  First, be strong and of good courage - DO NOT WALK AROUND MEEK AND IN FEAR!

   Next - be not afraid or dismayed - DO NOT WORRY ABOUT WHAT IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN, DO NOT "CRY IN YOUR BEER" - KEEP YOUR EYES ON GOD!

  And last - words that should lift you up and make you strong in mind, thought, and deed.  For the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest!!!

    Wow, and super WOW!  The more powerful spirit, force, creator in the whole universe is traveling with you.  Whereever you go, HE IS WITH YOU!

When you eat, shower, drive, work, curse, argue, even go to the restroom - GOD IS WITH YOU!  The Holy Spirit indwells in you; sent by God, all you have to do is quit squelching the Spirit, let him work, and you will be amazed.   Be not discouraged my friend - GOD IS WITH YOU!  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny
 

Do you believe? Do you share?

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

   There was a great conference at Green Acres Baptist Church this past weekend called Understanding the Times.  If you were unable to attend, or even if you did attend the sessions will be on youtube.  You would need to go to youtube and search "understanding the times Tyler" to get to them.  At this writing they are not available yet.

  Some clear things came to mind - first of all the LOVE of God. If we truly LOVE God we will be excited to share the good news of Christ returning and the end times.

In Mark 16:15 “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.'”

  Matthew 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

  As denominations, as individuals, we spend TOO MUCH TIME cutting down or belittle-ing, or even arguing about differences.  There should be no differences; it should all be about Jesus Christ, saviour and salvation and the coming of the end times.

  We should spend time encouraging each other no matter what your ministry call is; ENCOURAGE!  Yes, the end times are coming.  Just like the commercial "parents, it is 10 o'clock, do you know where your children are?"  We, as Christians should be saying "Christians, the end times are coming, does your family; do your friends or acquaintances know Jesus Christ?"

 Psalm 96:3 “Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.”

  Revelations 14: 6-7 “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.'”

   Wake up Christians of the world - the battle is being fought; are you armed and ready?  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Remember when? What has God done for you?

Good morning all, or possibly God's morning to all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

  Do you ever sit and wonder about things, seeing the immediate but not seeing the obvious?

   Do a remember when with the Israelite's for a moment. In the Israelite's case: REMEMBER WHEN:

    the angel of death swept through Egypt but the sons were  saved because of the lamb's blood on the doorpost?

   they needed food and it appeared like dew on the ground every morning?

   they needed water and it gushed right out of a hard rock?

Moses came down from the mountain and his face glowed from God's presence?

   the Israelite's made a gold calf idol and Moses was so angry he threw down the 10 Commandments tablets and broke them?

   they whined and complained and began to die of poisonous snake bites?

   they heard the spies report and were too scared to enter the land?

Now the Israelites had God traveling with them day and night - they could see HIS evidence by a fire or by a cloud - yet they would grumble.

   They were self absorbed, as are we today, it is all about me.  The evidence was before them, yet did they see?  Hungry, there is food each morning, yet were they thankful to God?

   Thirsty, water came from a rock - were they thankful or just focused on the water, forgetting that God gave it to them?

   Forgetting God and building golden calf's to worship.  Oh, yes, we can say that is just human, but if Christ lives in us and the Holy Spirit is indwelling - are we just "human" or a "Spirit filled human"?  To me there is a difference.

   How often do we see what is in front of us, but fail to see and recognize the obvious?  We may witness a miracle and go WOW! Yet not realizing how this happened and from whom it happened - forgetting that it is GOD!

  Just like Balaam in Numbers 22 - when his donkey started talking to him.  He is actually arguing with a donkey; does he not see the obvious that this beast of burden is actually talking.  No, he is mad because the donkey won't go.  It was about his travel, him, nothing else.

   How often do we not see the obvious?  That God is and was present in our lives in what we have or are doing.  Try a remember when about what God has done for you.  You may be surprised. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Born again? Huh?

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

   Born again?  Many people (who do not know Jesus) do not understand this - you cannot be born again.  Rest assured the Bible confirms we can be born again, but of a different birth.

  If we confess with our mouth the LORD JESUS and believe in your heart that God raised Him (Jesus) from the dead, you will be saved.  Romans 10:9-11 "whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."

    John 5: ²⁴ “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.

  Galatians 3: ²⁶ So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, ²⁷ for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. ²⁸ There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

   2 Corinthian 5:¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:^[a] The old has gone, the new is here!

  Matthew 10:³² “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 
³⁸ Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. ³⁹ Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

 and Galatians 2: ²⁰ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

   And there is much more concerning your deliverance, your re-birth through Jesus Christ.  Stay in tune with the Bible, let no doubt touch your mind or your heart. Satan is alive and well, trying to pollute the hearts of Christians; just take heart and know -
                                YOU A NEW IN CHRIST!

and simply tell satan to flee from you in the name of Jesus.  I just ask your prayers for all you receive this and for me.  It is easy to question our faith and many times I do.  Again, I ask that you hold me and others up in prayer. Love you all.

In Christ's love and grace

Johnny