Judges 13-16 Samson

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Well, moving into Samson.  A certain man of Zorah, named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites and his wife were barren. No child.  Well, what brought this about was the fact that the Israelites did evil in the sight of God.  Again, we repeat the process of evil in God's eyes, repent and cry out, God sends a deliverer, Israel turns back to God.  Soooo.........

   An angel comes to Manoah's wife and tells her of her coming birth. She believed and told her husband, the husband wished to meet this man (angel).  Upon meeting the man (angel) they were told what to do.  In Judges 13: ⁵ You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines.”

   Samson went to Timnah and fell in love with a young woman. Then drama entails.  Please listen to Judges 13 to 16 to get the full story.  Well, Samson asks a riddle of the 30  men attending the wedding feast. They threaten the young woman he loved (wife), she gave the answer to the riddle - and at this point Samson became enraged and killed 30 men in Ashkelon.

   The saga continues and it would be good for you to read this compete story.  Samson's wife is killed because of his actions. He slays many Philistines because of this.  After this slaughter some men came to him, had a conversation, bound him and took him to Lehi. The Philistines shouted against him. The power of the LORD came over him, he broke the ropes and killed a thousand Philistines.
   Then he travels to Gaza, meets and sleeps with a prostitute, and left in the middle of the night, as the Philistines sought to slay him.

   Next comes his downfall, Delilah. Samson is a man of great strength who led Israel for twenty years, but he was not a saint.  Delilah's name is a Hebrew name, but it is not clear if she was a Philistine or Israelite woman.  She appears in the Bible after the harlot (prostitute) and some speculate she may have been a harlot as well.  However, whatever her background, Samson enjoyed her company in many ways and they were not married.  She betrayed Samson for eleven hundred pieces of silver from each of the lords who approached her for the betrayal.

   They shaved Samson's head, the LORD was departed from him, they captured him, put out his eyes and held him in prison.  When the Philistines had become merry (drinking) they wanted to have sport with Samson.  They brought him forth, he asked to feel the pillars so he could stand and lean against them.  There were about three thousand men and women who wished to make sport of Samson.  Here in Judges 16:25-31 is the final story of Samson, praying to God for strength once more to avenge the trickery and loss of his eyes. He supports himself on the center pillars, and with a last burst of strength (God's power) he kills these three thousand and himself. He led Israel 20 years.

   Samson was a man of little character and few principles.  He possessed enormous potential, but used his opportunities unwisely. God gave Samson the responsibility to lead Israel, but Samson was not a good leader.  Hope you enjoyed this information.  There is much more in detail and you will need to read it for yourself.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

The Book of Judges

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

  The book of Judges.  These are not judges as we think of them today.  These were leaders of Israel, there to deliver Israel from bondage.

   The exact date of the writing of Judges is not clear; however, what difference does it really make?

   The Judges served a certain tribe or in specific regions of the country.  Judges is classified as either major or minor judges.  Just as the prophets were major or minor.  What made a major judge was the information given; a minor judge did not have much information.  Sometimes only a few lines to tell what they did.

   First, the major judges - six of them - Othniel (3:7-11); Ehud (left-handed) (3:12-30); Deborah (4:1-5:31); Gideon (6:1-8:28); Jephthah (10:6-12:7); and Samson (13:1-16:31).

   Read the links so you will know first hand. It is all quite interesting. First look at Othniel - this is the same old story: the children of Israel did evil in the eyes of the LORD (they went into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim, to whom the Israelites were subject for eight years); they cried out for help; God heard and sent Othniel; and they were delivered.

   Next is Ehud (a left-handed mand) - and this story is very interesting. Here the Lord gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel for 18 years. Again, because of the evil of Israel they were enslaved. But the story here is very interesting and you have to read it. This is a fun yet sad story for Eglon; good for Israel.  Here it is: ¹⁶ Now Ehud had made a double-edged sword about a cubit long, which he strapped to his right thigh under his clothing. ¹⁷ He presented the tribute to Eglon king of Moab, who was a very fat man. ¹⁸ After Ehud had presented the tribute, he sent on their way those who had carried it. ¹⁹ But on reaching the stone images near Gilgal he himself went back to Eglon and said, “Your Majesty, I have a secret message for you.”  The king said to his attendants, “Leave us!” And they all left. ²⁰ Ehud then approached him while he was sitting alone in the upper room of his palace and said, “I have a message from God for you.” As the king rose from his seat, ²¹ Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh and plunged it into the king’s belly. ²² Even the handle sank in after the blade, and his bowels discharged. Ehud did not pull the sword out, and the fat closed in over it. ²³ Then Ehud went out to the porch^[f]; he shut the doors of the upper room behind him and locked them.
   Israel was once again delivered.  Then comes Deborah (4:1-5:31) And,
Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, so the Lord sold them into the hands of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. Sisera, the commander of his army, was based in Harosheth Haggoyim. He had nine hundred chariots fitted with iron and had cruelly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years, and again, Israel cried to the Lord for help.   Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. The story is quite interesting and I would ask you what relevance is a tent stake?  Let me know if you find out.  Judges 5 Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang a song. Take time to read it.
  Now it is time for Gideon.  The Angel of the LORD spoke to Gideon, who was skeptic.  Then Gideon tested the LORD with a piece of wool fleece, not once, but twice.  Gideon then did as God commanded, tearing down the Baal altar and cutting down the Asherah pole.  The people were angry and demanded Gideon come out. Gideon father said if Baal is a god let him contend with Gideon. The people then  gave him the name Jerub-Baal that day, saying, “Let Baal contend with him. Now you know the rest of the story, 32,000 men and God said you have too many men.  22,000 of the men who trembled with fear were released.  10,000 remained and God said too many men, go down to drink and sort them out.  The ones who went down on their knees to drink were let go; the ones who cupped their hands were kept - 300 men.  Then you know the rest of the story - yes, Gideon won because of God.
   Okay, you mind is probably completely saturated by this time.  I'll finish with Jephthah and Samson and the minor judges tomorrow.  Have a safe and blessed day and weekend. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

The 3 charges to Joshua from God

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

  Joshua's 3 charges were:

• tell what the LORD had done for Israel (vv 1-13)
• Fear God and serve Him (vv 14-23)
• The renewal of the covenant (vv 24-28)
• Then comes the death of Joshua at 110

   Joshua 24: Joshua called all the leaders, great or small, to come and share with what God had given him to say.  This message was from God.  He shared what happened when they came out of Egypt, killing the Egyptians who pursued them. Then about Balaam and Balak, about the different peoples they defeated.  Reminding them they were enjoying the vineyards and food from lands they conquered and did not plant, grow or cultivate.  God gave them a productive land and they should remember this.

  Joshua told the people they needed to be faithful to God, cast all idols some held aside and follow, serve and obey God.  At this time at Shechem Joshua said, “This stone will be a witness against us. It has heard all the words the Lord has said to us. It will be a witness against you if you are untrue to your God.”

The verses at the end tell us best of Joshua's death. 
²⁸ Then Joshua dismissed the people, each to their own inheritance.

Buried in the Promised Land

²⁹ After these things, Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of a hundred and ten. ³⁰ And they buried him in the land of his inheritance, at Timnath Serah^[c] in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash.
³¹ Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the Lord had done for Israel.
   Beginning in Judges with the next study. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

The Conquest (part 2) Joshua 10-12

Well, hello and blessings to you my friends. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  When I put links to scriptures it is beneficial for you to click on them and listen to the Bible.  If I put everything, each point and detail in I would just be rewriting the Bible.  If you listen you will pick up on the items too numerous to put in a morning devotional.
  The southern campaign, Joshua 10.  The southern campaign began when Adoni-Zedek, the king of Jerusalem, called four other kings to join him in attacking Gibeon.  Gibeon appealed to Joshua for help and Israel defended them because of the covenant they made through trickery.
    Joshua went to help and defeated the kings.  In verses 12-14 you will read about when the sun and the moon stayed still.  A great story to read and absorb.  Joshua defeated the 5 kings, took them, had the captains place their feet upon the necks of the kings, killed them, and placed them on 5 trees for all to see.  At sundown, they were taken down and cast into the cave where they had been hiding from the Israelites, laid great stones in the cave's mouth to seal it.  As you read you can see more conquests.
  Next comes the northern campaign (Joshua 11-12:24)  Now Jabin, King of Hazor heard about the Israelites and recruited many other kings so that their army was the sand that is upon the sea shore, with horses and chariots.  They met together and camped at the waters of Merom to fight Israel.
  The LORD reassured Joshua to not be afraid for He (God) would deliver these fighting men to Israel.  Then Israel was to hough their horses (hough means cut the hamstring or achilles tendeon to render them useless) and burn their chariots with fire.
  The LORD did give them to Joshua and the Isrealites pursued them as far as Sidon and killed them all, as God commanded.  This victory allowed Joshua control of the norther part of Canaan, as well as the central and southern areas.  The only fortified city taken was Hazor (11:13) and Joshua did not take the other cities which were built on mounds.  These cities were built on high places and over the centuries they continued to be elevated further by building on the rubble of former generations.  Then, the inhabitants built walls around the cities making them practically impossible to conquer.
  Now comes the division of the Land (Josh 13:8-21:30;  22-23:16 )   Now, the Levites owned no land because they were priests.   The whole congregation of the people of  Israel gathered at Shiloh and set up the Tent of Meeting.  Joshua 20 describes cities of refuge.  These cities were set apart to protect the persons who killed another accidentally.  Three cities of refuge were located west of the Jordan River and three east of the Jordan.  These were set up so that one who had hurt another without any malicious intent would be able to have a place of sanctuary.  Tomorrow we will go into Joshua's charge, one of his last acts and then into Judges. Love you all
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

The Conquest of Canaan (part 1)

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

    Joshua is leading Israel into the promised land. Remember, they crossed the Jordan during the harvest time, which was flood stage. When the priests carrying the Ark put their feet in the river, God blocked it and the people crossed to the west side.

  Now, there are 3 basic campaigns making up the conquest: a central campaign, southern campaign, and the northern campaign.

  If you will read Joshua 6 you will read about the conquest of Jericho when the walls came tumbling down. The attack of Jericho marked the beginning of the central campaign.  Jericho was a symbol of the strength of Canaan.  Jericho is one of the oldest cities and fortified to be not conquered and was strategically located.  When Joshua took Jericho this divided the land in half.

    If using logic and looking at the people of Israel and the strength of Jericho, Israel cannot win.  However, throw the variable of God into the situation and now the strength of Israel is stronger than anyone, but, only with God on their side.

  The Israelites were to take all the spoils of war for God.  Israel went up against Ai and was turned back. Joshua did not understand and was distraught. The confidence of Israel was shaked.

   Joshua fell on his knees and cried before the LORD. God told him to get up and they had a conversation. God had commanded that all silver, gold, and bronze be set aside for His (God's) treasury.  All other spoils were to be destroyed. Achan disregarded the command of God and hid some of the spoils of Jericho under his tent.  Achan planned to use for himself what God had set apart for Himself.  Achan's sin resulted in God's removing His protection from the people of Israel.         
     Achan and his family were stoned.  With the sin removed from the people of Israel, God directed Joshua to take Ai and Bethel.  Once they did, Joshua built an altar to the Lord at Mount Ebal.  The people worshiped the Lord with burnt offerings as Moses had commanded. 

   The kings in the west heard of all the Israelites had done, and waged war against him.    In Joshua 9, Joshua had been tricked into an alliance with Gibeon.  Joshua showed his human side and disobedience in following God, as we often do.  This may be a lesson for us to not compromise what God tells or directs us to do.  Next we will move into the southern campaign in Joshua 10.  Thank you for reading.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

The Book of Joshua

Good morning and hello to all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
    The book of Joshua starts a new time or generation for the Israelites.  For the first time in 40 years Moses is not their leader, he has died at age 120 and Joshua is appointed by God to lead the people.  He proved to be a capable and effective leader.
   The book of Joshua has three main divisions:  Chapter 1-12 the conquest of the land; Chapters 12-23 the division of the land; and Chapter 24 Joshua's charge to the people to remain faithful to God.
   The first 12 chapters tell us how the Israelite people, led by God and gave them the land of Canaan.  The faith and courage had to be shown to God so they would be able to conquer the land.  In chapter 1 verse 6-9 Joshua is told 3 times to be strong and courageous. V. 10-18 he tells the officers to prepare the people to move in three days.  The east bank of the Jordan was given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad and 1/2 the tribe of Manasseh since this land was well suited for herdsmen, of which they were.  However, there was a stipulation Joshua placed on them and that was the men of military or fighting age would help the other tribes take the land of Canaan.
   In Joshua 2:1-24 two spies were sent to spy on Jericho.  These men were hidden by Rahab, a prostitute of Jericho.  Because of this, when Israel captured Jericho, Rahab received protection from them and remembered as a heroine is the history of Israel. (please take time to read the story of Rahab).
   Joshual 3:1 to 4:9 (please read or listen to)   Joshua appointed 1 man from each of the 12 tribes, and when the priests of the Levi's stepped into the water with the Ark of the covenant; the water was held back and the Jordan riverbed was dry.  Each man from the tribes picked up a rock from the riverbed and then once across built a memorial to God.  These stones (memorial) was to remind the people of each following generations of what God had done for them (Israelites) when crossing the Jordan.
  This would remind the people of God's power, protection, and guidance.
   Chapter 5 tells of Joshua's circumcising all the men of Israel and the people's keeping the Passover in the plain of Jericho.  It was now that the people ate unleavened cakes and the manna ceased.  Now if you remember all were circumcised when God told Abraham to do so.  However, at this time they had traveled 40 years in the wilderness and the ones born during this period had not been circumcised.  Now was the time - in obedience to God.
  Whew!!  Tomorrow, the conquest of the land. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Moses' second speech - Deuteronomy 5

Hello and blessings on this day. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
   Moses began his second speech by restating the law and calling on the Israelites to obey the Law of God.
  Moses began the second speech by restating the law and calling on the Israelites to obey the law of God.  He repeats the ten commandments but there are 2 differences. In Exodus God completed His work in six days and rested on the seventh; in Deuteronomy instead of resting, Moses reminds the people to remember they were servants in Egypt and the LORD brought them out with His Mighty Hand.
   Deuteronomy 6:4 the word 'hear' is SHEMA (in Hebrew) which means: Listen to me!  Pay attention!  Now hear this!   So emphasis was placed on this. v4 - Hear, O Israel, or saying - "Israel, you need to pay attention and listen!!"
  In D 6:4-9 the emphasis is: The Lord our God is one LORD; Love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, might, and soul; we must teach our children the knowledge we have of God; and we need to be continually aware of God's law, His presence, and obeying Him.
   Moses explains that God loved Israel, not because they were a great nation (God made them great) but because they were the people He chose to love.  Because of His love He kept His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God was faithful to the covenant relationship.
   When all is going well we tend to forget God, but in times of trouble we turn quickly and ask God for help.  We need to be faithful constantly, daily, hourly, moment by moment - not just in violent waters but in calm waters as well.
   God provides a way for us to be blessed. Obedience brings about blessings of God; Disobedience removes the blessing and leaves a curse. This is all in Chapters 7-11.
  As we move to Chapter 12/13 God established a central sanctuary for worship and commanded the destruction of pagan idols and shrines.  Why do you think God ordered this destruction?
  Next, God established three feast days.  The Passover - this celebrates the death angel's passing over Israelites' home on the night that the firstborn of the Egyptians were killed.
  The Feast of Pentecost was celebrated fifty days or seven weeks after the Passover in May or June.  Also known as the Feast of Weeks or Feast of First Fruits (came after the first barley harvest).
  The Feast of Tabernacles or Booths reenacted the Israelites' journey in the wilderness.  The people made booths or shelters to commemorate their ancestors' living in the wilderness.  This was usually observed during October.  It is also known as Ingathering since it came at the end of the great harvest.
  The Book of Deuteronomy emphasizes faithfulness and obedience. God gave Canaan to Israel and made clear their security depended on obedience.  Moses spoke his last words on the plains of Moab and died at the age of 120, entering not into the promised land.
   By ending with Deuteronomy we have completed the Pentateuch or 5 Books which is the Torah and the Law. G E L N D - Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.  Thank you for reading. If you wish to hear Deuteronomy click here, then click on the speaker icon. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Deuteronomy 1 - 4 Obeying God

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  When we read about the Israelites, how they followed God, then turned away, then turned back to God we sometimes sit in judgment and think what is the matter with you people.  Are you stupid or something? THEN, we have to reflect back on our lives and so often it is a direct reflection of the Israelites and their interactions with God.  We tend to be no different, but it is easy to point out in the Word that was given to us.

  In Hebrew, Deuteronomy means "and these are the words".  Deuteronomy holds three addresses Moses spoke to the people of Israel in the land of Moab.  In his three addresses Moses reminded them of what God had done in the past and encouraged them to be faithful by keeping God's law.

  When we have the faith and walk with God we can conquer anything; but, when we try to get ahead of God and do it on our own tragedy usually occurs as it did for the Israelites.  If you read Deuteronomy 1:41-46 you will see where the people tried to go ahead of God, not listen to God, and were defeated.  God did not hear their cries. A lesson learned.

  Deuteronomy 2 we find the 36 years Israel spent in the wilderness after the people came to Kadesh-Barnea.  Moses recalled how that entire generation passed away and missed the wonderful opportunity of taking the promised land.  And why was this?  Yes, not listening to God and following as God commanded.

  In 2:14-15 there is defeat because they did not follow God. In 3:3-4 they were victorious because they followed God.  Big difference of which we need to remember.  Og was given to the people of Israel because God was with them.

   In Chapter 4 the people are told or instructed to obey God so they may receive the full blessings which God intended for them.  Moses cautioned the people about forgetting God and all that he had done for them and encouraged them to keep the Ten Commandments. (America needs to read this chapter)

   Look at Chapter 4 verses 1 and 2: 4 Now, Israel, hear the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. ² Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.

   Think about this in todays world as well. Mainly verse 2 - do not add or take away- we modify the ten commandments to suit our needs at the time; also, in America we add or take away from the constitution and how it was originally intended.  Do you really believe this is right?

   Often you will hear that the Bible is outdated, it was written by old chauvinistic men for people of old, the ancient world and that it does not apply today.  When you hear this, you will know that he/she who speaks is ignorant of the true living God and the salvation Jesus laid in place for us.   In Mark 7:1-23 you will see how things are added to the commandments of God. Click to read.

   Here are some things to meditate on: (He refers to God)

He is incomparable (Deut 4:32)

He reveals Himself to people (Deut 4:33)
The Lord is the only God (Deut 4:35,39)
He redeems His people (Deut 4:37)
He is the God of providential mercy (Deut 4:38)
He offers security for the days ahead (Deut 4:39-40)

Thank you for reading with me this morning. Have a wonderful and blessed day. If you wish to listen to Deuteronomy click here.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny 

God and the Land of Promise (Deuteronomy-Judges)

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

  As you read, you found that Balaam was a prophet, yet his heart was not right.  However, during his dealing with Balak and all the bribes offered, Balaam did reveal the word that God revealed to him. Yet it does not indicate he was given or took the bribes. Balaam is still a mystery to me.

   In Chapter 27 several main things happened.  Moses will not go into the promised land and Joshua was chosen as his successor, then told to go to Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him.

   The tribes of Reuben and Gad asked to settle on the East side of the Jordan with the stipulation they help the other tribes take their land.  The Tribe of Levi was the priestly tribe and had no land of inheritance; other tribes were to provide cities and land for them.

   Now, if you will read (or listen to) Numbers 28 & 29 you will really appreciate that Jesus came to atone for our sins.  Read all the offerings that were to be presented to the LORD.  Obviously by reading this, the tribe of Levi was busy all the time gathering what the LORD commanded to provide for the burnt offerings.  However, knowing the past history of the tribe of Israel, all these offerings would serve as a constant reminder that it was the LORD who brought them forth from slavery.  Without a constant reminder, they would stray. Hmmm!  Much as we do today in the modern world and America, AND in our own lives.

   Chapter 30 is one I wish we followed today. Here is Chapter 30, verses 1&2: Moses said to the heads of the tribes of Israel: “This is what the Lord commands: ² When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.

   Take a vow or oath and not break his word.  We need this in modern civilization, in our life and the life of our political figures.  The women and vows between a man and wife or father and young daughter still living at home (30:3-16)

   Chapter 31 is about going into battle; 32 Reuben and Gad settling. And if you continue reading there is much to learn about the tribes, cities of refuge, marriage of female heirs, then we come to Deuteronomy which means "second law", a retelling by Moses of the teachings and events of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. Also, Moses' farewell address to a new generation of Israelites as they prepare to take possession of the Promised Land. 

   Moses reminds them (the people) of God's faithfulness and love; but, also reminds them of God's wrath on the previous generation because of their rebellion.  Deuteronomy is a call to love and obey the one true God.  Deuteronomy ends with Joshua selected as Israel's new leader and Moses' death.

 Just a note for study. Deuteronomy is the account of Moses' preparing the people to enter the promised land.  JOSHUA is the account of military conquest.  The primary message is that God led the people and gave them the land of Canaan.

  JUDGES covers the difficult period when the people were trying to consolidate their holdings and establish themselves in the land of Canaan.  Tomorrow we will begin with Moses' 3 addresses to the people and then the final various topics from the last of Deuteronomy (ch. 27-32).

   There is a lot of information on these pages and I am basically just doing a lot of topical study.  I hope and pray you are enjoying this journey through the Old Testament and doing some reading on your own. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

The Book of Numbers

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

  Numbers begins with the people of Israel encamped at Sinai. God told Moses to take a census, then organize the nation  as to assign duties to different tribes and groups.  God gave regulations to help improve their lives, gave guidance, and the pillars of cloud and fire was to show He, God, was continually with them and guiding them on their journey.

  However, as many people do, they complain about where they were, (slaves) then,  now that they are freed  from slavery, they begin to complain about being in the wilderness.  Is this not so human nature?  But, then again, where and what we have been in the past often determines what we will be and do in the future.  We tend to be guided by our past experiences.  Like grandma cutting of the ends of the ham. (If you want to know that story email me separately).

   As God's covenant the people of Israel were many. They would multiply and be a great nation; and they were a huge population; in Exodus 12 it says 600,000 MEN!  Now these were men of military age who could fight; this does not include the women, children, and old men.  So, when they traveled I am sure they were as far as you could see from the East to the West.

  Now Balak, king of Moab, was fearful of this vast band of people and decided to do something about it.  So he called the prophet Balaam to curse Israel. Now, who is Balaam?  He was a wicked prophet who did hear from God but was not a false prophet.  His heart was not right with God and eventually he betrayed Israel.

  In Numbers 22-25 (click to listen)Balak called Balaam to come. Balak sent his princes to have Balaam to come and put a curse on the Israelites. Balaam listened to God and refused to go to Balak.  Balak sent more princes to request he come.  God came to Balaam and said to go with them and do only what God told him to do. 

  Balaam, the next morning, rose, saddled his donkey and went with the men. However, this angered the LORD. As they traveled the donkey saw the angel of the LORD in the path with a sword and turned away. Balaam did not see the Angel, until after the 3rd time the donkey refused to go. At this point the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey which spoke to Balaam.  Balaam was told to do what the LORD told him to say. (Yes, Balaam talked and argued with the donkey)

   Balak tried all he could; did all Balaam told him to do; planning to see the Israelites cursed.  But Balaam listened to God and did not curse Israel, but blessed them instead. Balak was not happy.

   As you read on the Israelites fell to immorality and idolatry.  Then Gods judgment fell on the people who fell to idolatry and immorality.  God told Moses to "take all the chiefs of the people and hang them (the immoral people) in the sun before the LORD, that the fierce anger of the LORD may turn away from Israel."

   Because of this immorality 24,000 died.  The curse or plague ended when one of the people of Israel brought a Midianite woman to his family and Phinehas, son of Aaron the priest, rose, took a spear and pierced both of them through their belly.

 The Midianite woman who was killed was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur, who was the tribal head of a father's house in Midian.  God spoke to Moses saying, "

Harass the Midianites and strike them down, for they have harassed you with their wiles, and which they beguiled you in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of the chief of Midian, their sister, who was killed on the day of the plague on account of Peor."

  Okay, your head may be spinning by now and we will continue tomorrow. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

The Tabernacle (Exodus 25-31 ; 35-40)

Hello all, God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  The Tabernacle - here is an attachment of what the tabernacle was to look like.  Here is a description of the tabernacle.

The Holy of holies (25:10-22; 26:1-37) The holy of holies contained the ark of the covenant, a box approximately 45 x 27 x 27 inches which came to be regarded as the throne of God.  Once a year on the day of atonement the high priest entered the most holy place to make atonement for the people's sins.

The holy place (26:1-37) The holy place was the second chamber of the tabernacle and contained the table, the lampstand, and the altar of incense.  Only the priest were permitted to enter the holy place, which they did each morning.

The table (25:23-30) The table for the bread of the Presence also held the utensils for drink and incense offerings.  The bread reminded the people that God was present with them and that He gave them the necessities of life.

The lampstand (25:31-40) The lampstand stoodin the hholy place as a reminder that the way to God always is lighted.  The New Testament describes Jesus as the light of the world.

Altar of incense (30:1-10) Smoke from the burning incense represented the eternal presence of God with His people.

The court was the enclosed outer area which the people could enter.  This area contained the bronze basin and the altar for burned offerings,.

Bronze basin(30:17-21) This  basin contained water the priest used for washing and signified the need for purity on the part of the person who comes to meet God.

Altar for burned offerings (27:1-8) This was used for burning animal sacrifices and signified the people's need for forgiveness.

   God's tabernacle was a sign of His continuous presence.  He wanted to be known  and for people to come to Him in obedience and faith.

  Exodus 32-34 records a breaking and renewal of the Covenant.  While Moses was away from the people, they showed their lack of faithfulness by rebelling against God and making an idol to worship.

   Here are some principles from Leviticus before we get into Numbers.

• We should take our sin problem to God because He is willing to forgive and accept the sinner into His presence (Lev. 1-7)
• Leaders among God's people are to live holy and devoted lives (Lev.8-9)
• God wants to be known to His people and He wants them to live in fellowship with Him (Lev. 11-15)
• All of life is significant to God. No area lies beyond His care and concern (Lev. 17-21)
• Our gratitude to God should lead us to worship and seek forgiveness and cleansing (Lev. 21-25)

Next comes the book of Numbers.  I hope you are gaining as much knowledge from this study as am I. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Ten Commandments (9 & 10) Exodus 20:16-17

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

   Well, thus far we have covered 8 commandments.  Can you name them? The first 4 deal with God; the next 6 are God's commands and also how we should live morally, whether one is a Christian or not.

   Verse 16 -¹⁶ “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

  Wow, this is a biggy!  False testimony - aka gossip.  Hey did you hear what the pastor did?  OR, you know my neighbor....well he.............

   We should, if we love our neighbor as ourself, care for others as much as we care for ourselves.  Hints, rumors, suggestions, slander, lies, half-truths or insinuations are false witness against someone else.  It also tears apart the integrity and honesty of the person bearing false witness as much as it damages the victim of the false allegations.

   Verse 17 - ¹⁷ “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

  Coveting - this includes everything.  What ever your neighbor has and you desire you are coveting.  Notice - wife - servant- transportation- anything - repeat ANYTHING!!!!

  Oh, how so many of us have been guilty of this.  Saying I wish I had that is not coveting.  But going after and taking or trying to take with a ferocious desire is coveting.

  Also, when we covet and it becomes our focus this may lead to stealing, murder, false witness, adultery, and dishonoring parents.  They all tend to be related.  Also, if we do not start with Commandment 1 - having no other god except the LORD our GOD, we are traveling the wrong fork in the road.

    From Exodus 20:22 to 23:33 is the Book of the Covenant.  The principles reflected in the book of the covenant are:

•    Religious and civil laws come from the Lord
• Human life is of supreme value
• Gross retaliation is prohibited
• Class distinction is prohibited
• Weaker member of society should be protected

Take time to read the above chapters or listen to then here.
Next will be the Tabernacle (Exodus 25-31 ; 35-40) Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

The Ten Commandments (next 4) Exodus 20:12-17

  Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  I do hope you thought about the first 4 commandments of the 10 yesterday.

  Exodus 20: ¹² “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

   When we truly love God, then we should show true love and care for our earthly parents.  This love and care for parents is the same love and care God has for us and it should be as genuine and real to us as it is to God.  This commandment was given to adults and is a promise from God.  This promise probably relates more to a society (as in USA, UK, Mexico, Libya, Iran, etc) than as an individual.  In doing so, a society without concern and care for the people will not endure.

   Exodus 20: ¹³ “You shall not murder.   Obviously Paddock and others either were not Christians or intentionally violated Gods fifth commandment.  It cannot be any more plain than this.  But what about the men in war who kill?  Thou shalt not murder, to me, relates to intentionally planning and desiring to take another persons life. War is defending yourself, your nation, and your freedom.  This is a whole and completely new discussion in itself.
       Matthew 5 : 13 & 14 - Jesus speaks to murder and adultery.  And of adultery this includes any type of sexual act.  Adultery is a great tool for satan to destroy a family.  Trust and respect are lost, families break up, and usually anger, hate, and bitterness remains for a while.  Sexual immorality destroys human society.  Look how powerful Rome was and then its demise through sexual deviancy. . Then, step back and see the moral decay of America.  In 1964 I heard a song with "damn" in it (I don't give a _ _ _ _ about a greenback dollar), then then next day the song came out and it was censured with a blank space for "damn"; today if that is all we heard on the media we would probably be happy.

   Commandment 8 (verse 15) no stealing.  Today we have stealing going on, but in various ways. Yes, some do come to homes or businesses, break in and steal. Now, consider this: How about the people who don't work and panhandle on the street; people on welfare being paid to not go to work; and then a big pet peeve of mine - disability - disability for mental problems?  When their mental problem is drugs.  I know some people who truly need disability and struggle to get it; then some claim mental problems and it is approved yippy ki oh ki ay!  The Bible says a man who does not work, does not eat.  TOO MANY FREDDY THE FREE LOADERS today in America. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

    Okay, I have kept you long enough.  Tomorrow we will do commandment 9 and 10 - can you name them now?  Love you all.  Keep God number 1 and think about HIS commandments are you traverse the perils of life today.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Ten Commandments (first 4)

Hello all, and here is the second post for today.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  We are going to talk about Exodus 20 and verses 1-11. So, here we go!

   First of all in the days of the Bible the numbers three, seven and ten indicated completion.  And..........how many commandments do we have? Awww, 10!!!!

   The first 4 commandments relate to our relationship with God.  The last six commandments relate to how we get along with other people.  If we understand the first 4, this will aid in our being able to relate better to other people.

   By looking at the Ten Commandments we realize that those commandment provide a high quality of human relationships because GOD is involved with us.

     Here is a diagram that may help:    GOD
                                                                            

                             OTHERS                                          YOU

In this diagram as peoples relationship with God draws closer, then a person's relationship to another person becomes closer also.

    Verse 2 tells us the LORD is GOD! Then verse 3 leaves no doubt -we shall not have any other gods before GOD!

   Verse 4-6 we shall not have graven images. The Bible says: ⁴ “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
This includes images, money, material items of all sorts. God is spirit and cannot be represented by things in the material world.  Engraved images create God in our image. We control what we create; but God created us.  No image can adequately represent God.

                Can you say you have no other gods before you?

  Verse 7  ⁷ “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

   This is anything that is offensive to God - profanity, taking God's name in vain, anything that will defame the character of God. Wow! Reflect on your behavior now and see!

    Verses 8-11 ---

⁸ “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. ⁹ Six days you shall labor and do all your work, ¹⁰ but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. ¹¹ For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

  The Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset on Friday and continues until sunset on Saturday.  Jewish Christians once worshiped in the synagogue on the Sabbath and then gathered again on Sunday to worship and celebrate Christ's resurrection.  When Jewish Christians were later excluded from the synagogue, they worshiped exclusively on Sunday.  Therefore, we continue this practice today.

   Exactly how we are to observe the LORD's day is not laid out in the Bible.  We can look back to the Old Testament and be guided by those guidelines.  However, in the Old Testament times along came a man named Jesus, which in turn, created the New Testament.  However, let us look at Jesus on the Sabbath.

  In Matthew 12: Jesus rebukes the priests about the disciples walking through a field, were hungry and eating heads of grain on the Sabbath;  Jesus healed on the Sabbath Day.  Read Matthew 12.

   Note John 5:1-17  Jesus healed on the Sabbath - a man on a mat. Was this good?  Not according to the priests. Click to read.

  Jesus went out of His way to do good works.  We should look at Jesus' teaching and practice as He did on the Sabbath.  Jesus worshiped on the Sabbath, so should we!  Jesus cared for the needs of people, so should we!  The LORD's Day is special and we should celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ each Sunday as an Easter Sunday mini-celebration.  All our works and activities on each day, specially Sunday, should be a pleasing aroma to God.  Thanks for reading.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

God and His Law (Exodus 19-Numbers) [this week]

Good morning all and a hallowed day to you. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  I missed posting yesterday so you will have 2 posts today.

  A Covenant - exactly what is a covenant.  Some say a contract, some think of it as a commitment, but why not think of it as a relationship.  When we make a "covenant" with God, why not call it a relationship with God?

   At Sinai God established a new covenant (relationship) between His people (Hebrews) and Himself.  God's love, Hebrew word chesed is a steadfast love that binds Him to His people.  It is a covenant love or a relationship love.

    First (Ex:19:4) God reminded the people that He brought them out of the land of Egypt, Exodus 19: ⁴ ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.

  Why did He say on 'eagles' wings'? This is like a protective powerful mother eagle carrying them to safety.

  Then God gave conditions for the covenant which was to obey His voice and to keep His covenant.  Sounds simple does it not?  Hmmm!  We'll see.

  And the third covenant are the promises of God. First to make the people His own treasured possession. Next to make the people of Israel a kingdom of priests, a responsibility to bring God and the people together.  To serve God as a nation.

   And last was to make the Israelites a holy nation.  To be holy means to be set apart for a specific purpose.  God called the people to obedience and faith,. They promised to obey and serve Him, which we know, of course, did not happen.

   In Exodus 20 the Ten Commandments are given which relates to Judaism and Christianity.  There are 10 commandments, of which the first 4 are controversial with the liberals and peoples of other faiths; yet we all maintain the last 6.

  What are the last six?  Do you know. Exodus 20:12-17  If you are not sure click on the link.  Verse 3 - to me is what we all violate daily.  ³ “You shall have no other gods before me.   Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Moses' excuses and the Plagues (Exodus 4:10 - 12:51)

Hello brothers and sisters in Christ.  I trust your week went well and you are looking forward to the weekend.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
   Last time I covered 3 of Moses' excuses - recap - I am not worthy; I don't know enough about God;  Nobody will believe me.   Now, if you do a self-reflection you probably can see yourself saying this exact same thing.
   Then Moses went on to say he could not speak well.  The Bible says he was heavy of mouth - probably some type of speech problem.  So God backed down and said okay; NO, here is what God said: Exodus 4: ^{12 "}Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say."
  God's answer should have been enough, however, Moses now shows that he really did not want to go.  So Moses' 4th and 5th excuses - I can't speak and I don't want to go.  Hmmm!  He did not consult God and should have listened.  Moses was aggressive in killing the Egyptian; now he is wanting to be passive.  He really does not see God's plan as we do since we have it all written out. lol
   In Exodus chapters 6 through 12 you can read about the plagues.  The Bible speaks of hardening Pharaoh's heart.  This may make it sound as if Pharaoh is God's puppet and God is hardening Pharaohs heart, however, Pharaoh probably had a hard heart to begin with.  He wanted the slaves so they could do his bidding to construct whatever he desired.  In saying God hardened Pharaohs heart, it more than likely means that God allowed Pharaoh to have his own way.  Pharaoh chose to rebel and to follow in his own stubborn ways.  Then he and the Egyptians suffered the consequences of his stubbornness.
 The plagues were real events God used to free His people from Egyptian oppression.  Some might argue that the plagues were just an occurrence of nature.  Nothing supernatural about it. Well, the frogs, locusts, stinging gnats, the boils and death of the livestock could uphold this argument.  However, I say again,  HOWEVER, this all affected ONLY THE EGYPTIANS  and the Hebrews were left unscathed by these plagues.  Hmmmm!  What do you think. I think God was involved!!!
   God was there also to prove that HE alone is I AM!!  In the Egyptian religious system you have to remember that:
    1-Pharaoh was a god
    2-The Nile made life possible
    3-The sun was viewed as a god
    4-Animals possessed religious significance.
The plagues attacked the Egyptian religion in all four of these area by bring destruction or defeat in these areas.  God showed, or proved to both the Hebrews and the Egyptians that HE alone is the LORD of the universe and greater than the false gods of Egypt.
   When the children of Israel, the Hebrews, left Egypt some scholars have discussions about when they left and exactly where they left or the route they took.  I ask you, does it matter?  If those were of grave importance, God would have given that information when HE inspired the men to write the Bible.  Here are some questions to think about:
   1. What is the purpose of the Book of Exodus?
   2. What was happening to the Hebrews when Moses was born?
   3. Why did Moses flee Egypt?
   4. What was Moses' profession when God called him?
   5. Whom did God provide to help Moses?
   6. Why did God send plagues on Egypt?
   7. How did the Hebrews finally escape the Egyptians?
This study is interesting and generates thoughts and open up information that may have been left out in Sunday School.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Moses call and excuses (Ex:6)

Well hello my fellow Christians. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
   Have you ever thought you were somewhat like Moses?  Well, we are - Moses made excuses of why he could not do what God called him to do.  These, of course, were to no avail - yet he did offer excuses. Today we will just talk about his first 3 excuses.
  When Moses was running ahead of God, killed the Egyptian and thought this was for his fellow Hebrews he was quite bold.  Now that he has an encounter with God and knew what God wanted him to do - this brave bold man becomes a coward of sort and has a line of excuses.
   First he says he is not worthy - Exodus 3:11 "And Moses said unto God, Who am I that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?"
  Well, in verse 12 God tells Moses that "Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee; When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain." (Mount Horeb)
  Sometimes we are uncertain about what God wants us to do, but then after our obedience we are confirmed, this is what God wanted.  God wants us to be people of faith, following His leading and doing what we understand to be His will.  When we have completed the task and look back over it, we can see God was leading us all the way as did Moses.  Well, 3 months after Moses led the people of of Egypt they came to Mount Horeb.   Okay, back to Moses.
    Moses' next excuse is "I don't know enough about God"; oh, have you heard this before?  Moses was complaining because he did not think he knew enough and in Exodus 3:14 God tells Moses to say "I AM WHO I AM" hath sent me.  This way the children of Israel will know he was sent from God.  Some theologians believe that in the phrase "I AM WHO I AM" the first word is pointing forward and the second word pointing backward indicating of God that He has been in the past and will be in the future FAITHFUL.
   The same God who protected Abraham, gave a miracle child of Isaac; wrestled with Jacob and changed his name to Israel is the same God that we can depend on.
   Now excuse 3 - Nobody will believe me (Exodus 4:1-9).  Can you imagine, by this time God is probably becoming irritated so he shows Moses 3 signs.
  1- God told Moses to cast down his rod; it turned into a snake; God said grab it by the tail - it returned to being a rod.
  Sign 2 - God told Moses to put his hand in his bosom, pull it out and it was leprous; but it back in, then pull out again - it was normal flesh again.
  Sign 3 - then verse 9 ".......:thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land."
   Don't you think this would be enough?  Moses still had "excuses" with 2 more to come.  We have to remember Moses used the excuse many of us use in that "I don't have a dynamic testimony; people will not believe that I have a message from God."
   Well, God has not given us the job of forcing others to believe.  He has called us to follow Him and to obey His leadership.  In the Bible all the signs had a purpose, and these signs would validate Moses' message from God.
   Food for thought: what may God be leading you to do?  Are you making excuses for not acting on HIS leadership, evaluate the validity of your reasoning.  Are you will for GOD to make you willing?
  May we all learn from Moses and put away our excuses. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Moses' growth from childhood to manhood & events (Ex: 2 & 3)

Good morning all. A beautiful sunrise this morning as well as a beautiful SONrise this morning.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  It is prayer time. Please take 60 seconds or more to pray for our nation, our president, our church leaders, and those around you.
  

The covenant - this is also quite interesting.  Moses, by divine providence received the best of Hebrew and Egyptian tradition and education.  He was nursed by his mother, living his early years in his mothers house and this is where he learned about God and heard stories of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.  He learned of the promise of God to give the Hebrews the land of Canaan and through this identified with his own people - the Hebrews.

   But, then, Moses got ahead of God.  In Exodus 2:11-12 he went from childhood to manhood and then things happened.  1-he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew.

2-He was angry and killed the Egyptian thinking no one saw. (& buried him in the sand)

3-He stopped two Hebrews from fighting and they asked if he was going to kill them as he did the Egyptian.

4- Pharaoh heard of this and sought to slay Moses

5-Moses fled to Midian

6-Moses helped Reuel's daughter water their sheep

7-In doing so Zipporah was given to Moses as his wife

8-Moses tended sheep and learned the ways of the wilderness

9-Moses encountered the burning bush of which was not consumed by the fire

10- He went to observe why this was happening here at Mount Horeb

11- God spoke and told him to remove his shoes he was on Holy Ground

   to be Holy means to be set apart for God's purpose.  Anytime you are in God's presence you are on Holy ground.  God used an extraordinary event to draw Moses' attention.  If you will read the Bible, you will find there is more to Moses' life than we were taught in Sunday School.  Exodus 2 & Exodus 3.  To listen click here.

  God has a purpose and a time for that purpose to be carried out.  Too often we are as Moses and get ahead of God.  Reflect back on your life and your efforts to serve God.  Did some of your efforts prove to be ineffective or fruitless because you went ahead of God?  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Deliverance Exodus 1:1 through Exodus 19

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  First order of prayer - so many disasters have happened in the last 2 months please pray for all the victims.  Houston, the East Coast and Mexico are rebounding.  Puerto Rico, Las Vegas, and others are still reeling from the disaster and causualities.  50+ killed in Las Vegas and 500 wounded.  More gun laws won't change things, the devil and his demons are scrambling to create as much choas and havic as they can because the end is drawing near.  Please pray.

   Second, I am doing a Bible study that I will share on the old Testament.  It is interesting to me and brings out some things I had not thought about before.

    This part is deliverance, the Israelites  are delivered from Egypt (Exodus 1:1-19:2)  Israel went into Egypt as a small family clan. Israel came out of Egypt as a great nation, all the family of Joseph.  Israel existed because of God and His blessing made the people a numerous and mighty people. Exodus 1:7 uses 4 phrases to describe God's blessing:  "the Israelites were fruitful and multiplied greatly and became exceedingly numerous, so that the land was filled with them."

  After a long period of time the people of Egypt became fearful of the Hebrews. A new king recognized the dangers with a subject people living in Egypt's most vulnerable area and decided to enslave and oppress the people.   Exodus 1:11; 16; & 22 tell how Pharaoh oppressed the people of Israel.  By afflicting them with heavy burdens; Hebrew boys born were to be killed; cast all the boys in the river.

   Then Exodus 2 show how God works in history and through people to achieve His purposes.  We see here Moses' birth. Facts:1) Moses' parents were of the tribe of Levi. 2) Moses' mother hid him amond the reeds, where the daughter of Pharaoh bathed; 3)Pharaohs daughter found Moses in the basket. 4) Moses' sister came and said she knew a Hebrew woman who could nurse (Moses' mother); 5)Moses' mother nursed him at home, then later he went to the palace.

    Moses received the best of education; first with the Levites, then in the palace with Egyptian scholars.

  Moses' mother conceived the plan of putting Moses in the basket in the Nile, where the Pharaohs daughter bathed and had Moses' sister near to offer a Hebrew woman to nurse.  The ironic thing here is that Pharaoh ordered the boy infants be cast into the river (Nile) and Moses' was saved by the Nile river. God does have a sense of humor.  The Nile now was the place of deliverance for Moses and the children of God (eventually).

   Interestingly enough names are not mentioned here as the emphasis here is on God and God's work.  The names of Moses parents however were mentioned in Chapter 6 - Amram and Jochebed - both of the Levi tribe.

   God worked and used humans to work to spare the life of Moses.  Hope you enjoyed this part.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Death! Does it strike fear in you? Take heart!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  We don't understand all that goes on in the world.  The mind of some, sure, you and I may disagree on diverse topics, but neither of us would don a weapon and try to eliminate the other.

   Some people minds stray crazily to the right or to the left.  Conservatives do not understand liberals; and, it seems, liberals do not understand nor are tolerant of conservatives. 

  However, the majority of the right or left don't have so much hate or anger in them that they wish to eliminate the other.  Because of this we do not understand the things that happen such as Harvey, Irma, earthquakes, wildfires, droughts, and now a senseless killing spree in Las Vegas.

   Something was missing in the killers heart called JESUS CHRIST!  How can you say that? You are judging?  No, I am looking at the fruits of his labor; and one of the 10 commandments is thou shall not kill.  He did!

   We have to remember that God, ultimately, is in control.  We don't understand nor should we pretend to understand; but rest our confidence in that GOD IS IN CONTROL!!!   Yes, I am saddened and my heart goes out for all the people who lost their lives and specially their families.

   As outsiders, our only consolation is that we pray they were all Christians.  Here are some verses that hopefully will be encouraging: 

Revelation 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Romans 14:8  For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.

Ecclesiastes 12:7  And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

Pray for the victims, their families, and for America.  Troubled times are here and more trouble ahead.  We can change it all - 1 prayer-2 knees at a time. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Reload, ready to shoot! 1 Corinthians 16:13 / 1 Peter 5:8

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

   Yesterday was entitled Committed, are you really committed?  During the night I was awaken by the thoughts of reloading a shotgun shell.  And you go 'how does this relate to anything spiritual.  Well, just read on and think.

   When you are committed to something you work at it.  When a person decides to reload shells, in my case, shotgun shells, you have to do a few things.  One, is to have the right equipment. Two, is to follow the instructions or instructor of how to reload.  Then, three make certain you do it as you are supposed to so nothing will go wrong.  Okay, how does this relate to scripture or spiritual wellness.

   First, you have an empty casing and you load the firing cap in to place. You have a place on your reloading machine to place the cap and then force the case over the cap.  Next you put in the right amount of gun powder (too much it could explode, too little and it sounds like a 'pop' gun). Then you put in the wad, which is the case that holds the BB's and propels them once fired.  Now the BB's; you decide the size of BB, depending on what you plan to hunt. Finally you crimp the top to a flat surface (place a light cover of wax if you desire). Now your reloading is finished and ready to use this shell.

  Okay, let's go back - Spiritually the right equipment is the Bible. Now if you follow the steps, you are the empty casing and need the 'cap'-which is accepting Jesus. The 'gun powder' you have is scripture and the 'wad' is your knowledge of the Bible/scriptures. The BB's would be the leading of the Holy Spirit. The size of BB, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit will lead you when you are talking to: druggies, atheists, alcoholics, are just non-believers. 

   If my shell is loaded correctly I can bring down my game or prey.  However, if I rushed or was distracted and failed to put in the BB's, then I will hear a "pop" instead of a "boom" and the wad will go flying through the air and do nothing. A dud!

   I say all this to say when we walk out into the playing field of humanity where evil lurks we need to be certain our shells are loaded correctly and ready to shoot.  Each day you leave your home, you are walking onto a playing field that is hostile to Christians with many distractions and deceptions lurking, waiting, ready to pounce.

  Whether your shell is a 410, 20 ga., 12 ga. or 10 ga. mag - be loaded and ready - with the Holy Spirit, scripture, and faith leading your way.  An incorrectly loaded shell gains you nothing; just as going out unprepared in scripture gains you nothing. Reload, be on the alert, ready to fire!

  1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

  1 Peter 5: 8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour

I would relish your retort concerning this simile.  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny