1 Kings 1-11 - summary

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

  

I kings 1 through 11 takes us from David's death, Solomon coming to the throne and taking rule over all Israel.  This is in chapter 1-David was cold, a woman Abishag came to keep David warm and care for him (no sexual relations).  Adonijah made himself king, Bathsheba speaks to David, then Solomon was made king.

  Chapter 2-David dies, Solomon's throne established. David and his descendants would rule the house and be on the throne and there would be the LORD's peace forever, as long as they followed God.

   Chapter 3 - Solomon has alliance with Pharaoh and married his daughter.  Solomon showed love for LORD by following God's instructions given to him by his father David.  The first of his wisdom - 2 women fighting over 1 child.

   Chapter 4 - King Solomon ruled over Israel with 12 districts and 12 coordinators who provided supplies, 1 each month for Solomon.  People of Judah and Israel were happy and living in peace. Solomon had 4,000 stalls for chariot horses and 12,000 horses.  His wisdom was great.

  Chapter 5 - Solomon makes preparations for building the temple.  Has cedar of Lebanon cut by Hiram, and Solomon kept Hiram in food supplies.  There were 70,000 carriers, 80,000 stonecutters and 3300 formen - all forced labors.  Then men worked 1 month on and 2 months at home.

   Chapter 6 - In his 4th year of reign started building the temple.  60 cubits x 20 cubits wide and 30 cubits high.  Blocks were dressed at quarry and no tool was heard at the temple.  The Cherubim were 10 cubits high and the temple took 7 years to build.

   Chapter 7 - Soloman builds his palace and garners furnishings for the temple.

   Chapter 8 - the Ark was brought from Zion to the city of David.  The sacrifices were too numerous to count or record.  A cloud filled the temple and all had to leave as it was the LORD filling the temple.  From v. 22-52 is Solomon's  prayer of dedication of the temple asking God to hear the prayers of his people.  V.53-61 Solomon blesses the assembly and the dedication of the temple at v. 62.

  Chapter 9 - LORD appears to Solomon and tells him no idols or they would be cut off.  Solomon goes about other activities.

  Chapter 10- Queen of Sheba visits Solomon, she was over whelmed and gave 120 talents of god, large quantities of spices and precious stones to Solomon.  He received yearly 666 talents of gold and silver was not of great value - as common as stones.

   Chapter 11 - the OOPS of Solomon.  Solomon takes wives - mostly of foreign women.  700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines.  The wives brought in their gods and led Solomon astray.   Solomon did evil in the eyes of the LORD.  v. 26 Jeroboam rebels against Solomon and v. 31 Solomon's kingdom is split - Jeroboam get 10 tribes, then we see Solomon's death.

   Take time to go to : www.biblegateway.com and click on I Kings and the speaker icon and you can listen to these stories.  It is well worth the time and you will gain a wealth of knowledge.

  Whew!  These 11 chapters are not covered thoroughly, but give you a glimpse of what is going on.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

1 & 2 Kings - Old Testament, then Chronicles

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!  Thank you LORD for the rain!

   Solomon served after his father, King David, and ruled over the same territory that King David had brought into Israel's kingdom.  He reigned in peace mainly due to what King David did.

  Once Solomon died Israel broke up into 2 kingdoms - the Northern Kingdom of ten tribes and the Southern Kingdom which was Judah and Benjamin (called Judah).

   The Northern Kingdom fell in 722 BC; but Judah did not fall until 136 years later and fell to Babylon.

   It is thought that Jeremiah wrote the books of Kings, and Jewish tradition gives him credit for doing so.  Here is a quick summary of 1 & 2 Kings before we go deeper into them.

   Through the annals of Solomon, Israel, and Judah we have a history of the events.of the Northern and Southern kingdoms until their fall.

   It is pointed out the wickedness of the northern kings in continuing their golden-calf worship set up by Jeroboam and this is why the Northern Kingdom fell so quickly.

    This shows the judgment of God on the sins of the nations.  Israel and Judah fell because they rebelled against God.  They turned from God to follow the ways of the world and worship other gods.  God's judgment came through the neighboring kingdoms  who came and conquered Israel and Judah.

  Chronicles roughly parallels Samuel and Kings.  These next few weeks I hope to be able to convey clearly some about Kings and Chronicles so we will better understand some of the history of the Bible. Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Your reflections--man(woman) in the mirror or water reflection

Good morning all OR God morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Wow!  What a blessing to be a child of God.  And,----being a child of God what do you reflect?

   When you look in a mirror, or in still waters - what do you see?  You see the reflection of you and your actions.  If you smile, the face in the mirror (water) smiles back; if you frown then you see frowning from the face in the mirror(water) as well.

   What we hand out, dish out, or portray is what we will gain in return.  Let's look at Galatians 6:7-10.  First Galatians 6:5 "For every man shall bear his own burden." You, I, we are responsible for the works we do, and will shoulder that burden when judgement comes.  Now on to verse 6 "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things."

      Our pastors, elders, deacons, lay-leaders should teach us and help us to understand the word.  In return, we should honor them by doing what we can to help them.  This could be by devoted time, money, works, or whatever.

  Galatians 6: ⁷ Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.  We have to be on guard to not be deceived or make fun of God.  Why?  Because God knows all, is omnipresent and if we choose to walk with evil in the eyes of the LORD, we will be found out. What we plant will be unearthed and we will be found out - whether it be good or bad. Sow good seeds and enjoy the harvest.

  Verse 8 should strike a resounding gong for us all: -
⁸ Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

    If I live and strive to have fleshly things or materials things in the end I will find only destruction.  However, if I sows seeds of the Spirit, then my harvest will be plenty and the end result will be eternal life.  What a blessing!
   ⁹ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

   We must not grow tired of doing God's work.  Yes, it may wear on you, you may feel burdened and overloaded, but God is your strength and will help you through it. If God leads you to it; God will lead you through it.  Do not give up and then you will enjoy a bountiful harvest.

   Now for the final statement or command: 
¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

 As the opportunity arises do what?  Yes, DO GOOD TO ALL PEOPLE.  Remember the verse I was naked and you clothed me, hungry and you fed me? Then God knows all.  It is easy to miss the opportunity to do good because we are:  too busy, in a hurry, don't care, or maybe feel that is not our calling (from God).  We should do good to ALL people,and WHAT-------especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

   YES, we must support one another.  The evil one is a serpent. Serpents move by twisting, and he will twist things around to try to get you to believe a lie rather than the truth, therefore, it is very important we feed one another, encourage one another, support one another, even correct one another so that we may do God's will and reap a bountiful harvest.

   Go look in the mirror today.  See if you like the person you see.  If not, how and what would you change?  If you do like that person can you tell him/her that you love him/her?  God is love; Jesus is love; if we are children of God we should love - - number 1 God; number 2 self; then the rest will come naturally and easily.

   Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Shamayim vs aretz OR Infinite vs finite

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

   I am reading a book that has a daily devotional, 365 different devotionals to read throughout the year.  However, once I start reading I do not want to stop at just one.

  Today I was reading one about shamayim.   Shamayim is the dwelling place of God and other heavenly beings, erets is the home of the living, and sheol is the realm of the dead.

   Some texts say aretz is the word for earth.  But, in Hebrew when a word ends in "im" it's a sign that word is plural.  So, shamayim, heaven, is plural and of course meaning more than one.

  Aretz is earth and indicating only 1 so it is finite.  Shamayim is infinite.  So, us living on earth are all finite, we live in the physical world and will one day be gone.  It is just the opposite for the things of heaven, shamayim, which are infinite. They will live on infinitely or forever and ever.

   We must remember we live IN the physical realm, but we don't have to be OF the physical or earthly realm.  Instead of filling our hearts with things of this world we should be filling our hearts with things of the spiritual realm.  Shamayim has no limitations; Aretz or earthly things do have limitations.   We should set our sights on all which is heavenly which is unlimited.

  Today, see how much of your earthly (aretz) possessions you can just let go of and see if you can fill up your day with spiritual and heavenly things.  When something happens, look up and thank God rather than look down and grieve. Love you all.  Here are some scriptures.  Read Philippians again until you understand it.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

My Midbar, my Holy Ground, the Desert!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Wow! What a great blessing to be alive in Jesus Christ and have hope for the here and now.

   Do you ever go to the Holy place? The midbar: desert. Original Word: מִדְבָּר in Hebrew.  When you go to the desert what do you see?

   Usually you see a dry, barren, hot, severe, hard and forbidding place.  Why is a desert important.  God had Moses lead the children of Israel through the desert.  God took Moses to a burning bush in the Midbar.  Why would this be?  Because God wants to visit with them, with us, to allow them (us) to know Him, and to experience His presence.

  But why a desert?  Because in a desert there are no distractions.  It is open, wide open, with no distractions, a Holy Place where we can be in tune and communication with God.  Deuteronomy 8:2-16

   You, I, we all have multiple distractions in the place we are at this time.  That is why we need to go to the desert, a Holy place to seek, listen, and commune with God. If you have ever seen the movie the War Room, then that may be your midbar, your desert.  An isolated place to listen to God, to be with God, to commune with God.

   Sometimes we may hit hard times, when things happen, and suddenly we feel as if we have hit the bottom.  We may feel alone, abandoned, abused, and isolated.  When we do, it is time to STOP!  Be STILL!  and know the great I AM!! YHVH! (Hebrew name for God).  Look at  Psalm 46:10.

  When we are in our wilderness place, desert, or Midbar, all distractions are gone, God took them away and now rather than be angry or despise where we are we should embrace it.  Draw closer to YHVH, God, and listen to what His is saying.  SEEK,  yes, SEEK to hear God's voice and YOU WILL HEAR HIM! Jeremiah 29:12-13

   Remember the wilderness, the desert, the midbar in our life is not just a wilderness, but it is HOLY GROUND - a place where we can hear God's voice.

    Today, put away the distractions, those things that keep you from hearing and listening to God.  Go into your midbar Luke 3:2 and seek to listen to God.

    I AM is the great I AM, and I am because of I AM!  Don't forget God brought you into existence and you are a gem to God. You are valuable, important, and God is not finished with you yet. Go to your Midbar to seek and listen to God. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Conviction and truth!

Hello fellow Christians!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!

    Conviction and truth - how many of us really have this?  Conviction - a firmly held belief or opinion.  Truth - a fact or belief that is accepted as true.  How much TRUTH do we have CONVICTION of?

   You know the saying, 'well, google says ............'; and yes, Virginia, the internet is always truthful and correct.  Yeah, right!!  I am guilty of what I am about to say and I'll wager you are also.  Often I take what I hear to be true without, yes, without investigating further.  The ole gossip circle - 'I just heard on the radio that.......'; yep, there it goes.

   Just like letting Sunday School and Church teach us and our children about the Bible.  That just ain't right!!  Why do you say that?  For instance, how many wisemen came to see Jesus?  Most people (and I WAS one of them) say 3.  Why 3 - because of the 3 gifts and the song- We Three Kings.  It is a lie - there were "kings" - plural - meaning 2 or more but you won't find out how many in the Bible.  It just says kings or maji.

    Nativity scenes show the shepherds AND the kings together. Another lie, the kings were not in Bethlehem, but came to see Jesus when he was a toddler.

   Now a question for you that actually read this.  What were the 3 gifts the kings brought and why was each one so significant?  Hmmmm!  Research time.

    And there are more "ERRORS" in our beliefs from the Bible.  Take a moment and stop and think about it.

   Conviction - how strong is your conviction?  Will you stand up for your convictions or beliefs OR just try to ignore and go on?  If a group is together, cursing and telling dirty jokes do you join in or remove yourself from the temptation?  In high school I was a convicted athlete - strict about staying in shape, and I did not drink at parties as many of my buddies did; I was the peace keeper.  THEN, I went to the service, the peer pressure was great to do as other swabbies (sailors) do - drink alcohol.  And yes, my conviction was not strong enough and I fell victim.  I was enjoying the world at that time and had not developed a relationship with Jesus Christ at that time, even though I grew up in the church.

    We must stand up for our convictions and truth; yet show compassion as Christ showed compassion on all, even his torturers.

    Matthew 10: ³² Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.     ³³ But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

   Now, my question to you is this:  Do you have enough conviction in Christ and truth of the scriptures to stand up for Jesus Christ? 
   

Psalm 25:5  Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

   

John 14:6   Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

           Food for thought. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

p.s.   M.E.D.I.A. (Most Effective Devil In America)

Psalm 31

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

  During my sleep I kept hearing Matthew 31 and could not figure this out, AND, in my dream I could not recite it.  There is good reason, that is because there is not a Matthew 31st chapter.  I began looking at the 31st verses of many chapters and did not understand the meaning of how they would all come together. However, I am still searching and if you have an idea or knowledge please let me know.  Then came the thought, "What about Psalm 31"?

   As I migrated to the Psalms I began to wonder, how many books in the Bible have 31 or more chapters.  Well, there is Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, 1 Samuel, 2 Chronicles, Job, Psalm, Proverbs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, all in the Old Testament.  Proverbs 31 is a great chapter and there is a woman's ministry called Proverbs 31 - the president is Lysa TerKeurst. Click on the previous link if you wish to know more.

   I looked at each chapter and then came back to Psalm 31.  This must have been a time when Saul was pursuing David with the intent to kill. Let's look at the chapter.
           First,  David professes his cheerful confidence in God, and, in that confidence, prays for deliverance out of his present troubles (v. 1-8).
                  Next,He complains of the very deplorable condition he was in, and, in the sense of his calamities, still prays that God would graciously appear for him against his persecutors (v. 9-18).
                      And finally, He concludes the psalm with praise and triumph, giving glory to God, and encouraging himself and others to trust in him (v. 19-24).

  We must, as did David, have complete and total faith in God.  Let God rule in our lives and give HIM praise and glory for all that happens in our lives whether it be good or bad.  Take a moment to read all of Psalm 31 and the Proverbs 31- specially verses 10-31.  How a woman is beneficial is an excellent for us all.

   Thank you for reading today. I do hope all this makes some sense to you. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

I AM & Holy Spirit (Wind)

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  My computer tells me that another computer has my same IP address.  If you receive something from me that looks a little suspicious DON'T OPEN IT and then let me know.  Most of you will only receive my morning study so if anything else shows up - BEWARE!

    I am reading a book my sister-in-law and brother-in-law gave me that is wonderful and great reading.  It definitely stimulates thought on who I am, what I am doing and my spiritual life.

   Today I read about who is God, what is his name.  His name in Hebrew is YHVH which in English is "I AM".  In this it points out that when asked who you are we say "I am ............(your name)" .  Pointing out that we say his name when saying our name - I AM!   I AM is the sacred name of God.

  So, we all say HIS name when saying our name.  Why do you think this is? Our existence comes from HIS existence.  We, you and I, exist only because HE exists.  Our life, our everything comes from HIM - the great I AM! 

    His existence is first, then comes our existence.  So, we SHOULD put God, I AM, first before us and let everything we do come from this.  The secret of life is not to live life, but to live life for HIM, the great I AM!  Acts 17:28

   The Holy Spirit (Holy Wind in Hebrew)  This is a simple analogy.  If the wind is blowing strong today and you begin walking against that wind what happens?  It is as if you have an anchor impeding your progress.  Let's say the wind is blowing 15-20 mph (or 32 kilometers), then as you travel forward you are having to exert more effort, lean into the wind, and struggle.  Once you finally reach your destination you are worn and tired. 

    Now, it is time to return.  As you walk, stride, maybe glide with the wind to your back, once you return you are not tired, worn out, and the trip or mission was easy.  We are not fighting the force, but moving with the force (wind).

   This is how our life is with the Holy Spirit (Wind).  If we constantly go against the Holy Spirit we encounter many struggles and set backs.  However, if we let the Holy Spirit empower us, we will move forward and all we do will become easier.  Remember, if we walk in the Spirit, the Wind is at our back.  Today, see what part of your life is against the Spirit (Wind), turn it around and begin walking with the Wind (Spirit) at your back.  Click here to see 3 great scriptures, Acts 2:2; John 3:8; and Galatians 5:16-17.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Clay pot: closed, open, or broken!

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

   Just a quick note, the "riots of rage" in the Middle East over the moving of the US Embassy to Jerusalem is mostly young people and women (as reported by i24 news).  My question, as in the USA is, who is supporting or paying these people to demonstrate?  Do they actually know what they are demonstrating against?  Or, are they just believing what the extremists tell them.

    A man on i24 news said Jerusalem was the capital of Judea. When King David first took over Judea (for 7 1/2 years) the capital was Hebron; then he moved it to Jerusalem.  Verify in your Bible. This is fact if you believe the Bible is the true word of God.  Ok, enough of this.

   In  my devotional today it talked about a clay pot.  How much can you put into a clay pot?  Only what will fit and then put the lid on.  However, the point is that by opening yourself up you can come to know that which you don't already know.  An open vessel has no limitations; whereas a closed pot can only take in so much and then is closed off to anything else.

  A clay pot that is little cannot contain big; that which is finite cannot contain that which is infinite.  However, if we open the pot, take the lid off we can contain much.  What we don't know is far greater than what we know.  We have a choice, to be a clay pot with a lid; OR, to open up our clay pot (no lid) and contain that which is greater than ourself.

  In Jeremiah 33:2-3 God speaks:  "
² Thus saith the Lord the maker thereof, the Lord that formed it, to establish it; the Lord is his name;
³ Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
In 2 Corinthians 4:
⁶ For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
⁷ But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Meditate on these scriptures, open your vessel, and listen.  Go to the desert place and commune with the LORD!  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Day of Infamy!!

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

   Wow!  So much in the news.  On this day 76 years ago devastation came upon the Navy's Pacific Fleet - the Day of Infamy.  They were bombed and many sunk when Japan attacked Pearly Harbor.  This was a black day for the American Navy, President Roosevelt, and the American people.  We had been in a depression and now, to make matters worse - we are in a war that we did not wish to be in.  Japan attacked us, but would we end up fighting the Germans also?

   Many good men were lost that day along with lots of military protection.  This rallied America to come together and fight the enemy.  America did!

   Today, as then, we are in a war - however our war is much more difficult as we are in a spiritual war.  Satan has been successful in planting seeds, starting riots, and creating unrest in America as well as the world.  Oh, we can blame the liberals for their relaxed beliefs,the atheists for their non-belief, the democrats and republicans for not doing the right thing in the eyes of the LORD.  However, a lot of this blame lies on your shoulders, my shoulders, and every Christians shoulders.

  Huh?  Why?   We talk about it but do we do anything?  But I am only one, what can I do?  We can pray -- and pray with earnest belief in what we pray.  Do you ever pray and then doubt?  Quit it!  Pray and believe!

     Sept. 11th, 2001 the American people rallied, more churches were filled then than they are now.  Why?  Fear!  Fear gripped a lot of people and they came to band together. In desperation looking for help, something.  But once the smoke cleared, politicians gave their idle rhetoric, the fear seemed to dissipate, people slid back to their old ways.

   Satan is the great deceiver.  He brings us presents or packages in appealing disguises just to lure us in.  Let us look at what Jesus says in:
 John 8: ⁴⁰ But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
⁴¹ Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
⁴² Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
⁴³ Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
⁴⁴ Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
⁴⁵ And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

Con artists abound in this evil world, not just in the financial realm, but also in the spiritual realm.  Look at 2 Corinthians 11:
¹³ For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. ¹⁵ It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
  Today reminds us of the Day of Infamy of WW II, let's remember this also as the day you take a bold stand against the evil in the world and STAND UP FOR CHRIST!!  It is PRAYER TIME my friend.  Let us all be in prayer conintualy and daily for not just America or the world, but for the CHRISTIANS everywhere AND for salvation to come to many!!
   I do pray you understand the message I am wishing to convey; we ARE AT WAR, arm yourselves with the shield of God.  Love you all.
In Christ's love and grace
Johnny

Jerusalem

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

   President Trump moving US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.  People act as if this is something new and that Trump - trumped up. (excuse the pun)  However, this is the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, a law passed by our congressional leaders.  What has happened is every 6 months for the past 2 plus decades the president in office at that time signed a waiver.   The move could be put off for six months at a time as long as the President “determines and reports to Congress in advance that such suspension is necessary to protect the national security interests of the United States.”

     Trump did not declare Jerusalem the capital of Israel; this was done 3,000 years ago by a man named King David (he moved the capital from Hebron to Jerusalem). Senate majority leader Bob Dole led the push to have this enacted, which may have been politically motivated as he was planning to run for President.

   There is an embassy in Jerusalem as well as Tel Aviv, so it would appear to me that they just have to switch signs and transfer people.  I am certain there is more to it than that, but it definitely has created a ruckus.

     Is it that we are coming closer to the end of times when Jesus shall return?  Jerusalem being declared to be the capital will cause a fuss among the Islamic crowd.  Here is the thought for the day:
  
2 Peter 3:10 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

   We may be close; have enough oil for your lambs so when the bridegroom comes you will be ready.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Faith,

Johnny

Why are you a Christian?

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

   This morning this thought came to me - why are you a Christian?  and then Can you tell why you are a Christian to a non-believer? To a Muslim?  To an athiest? To a Catholic? To a Jew?  How would you approach any of these different sects?

   Billy Graham tells us to identify our mission field.  We ALL HAVE A MISSION, however, some of us just don't know because we aren't looking or refuse to acknowledge our mission.  Look at Psalm 96:3- it tells us to “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” Keep your eyes open for people you can talk to and ways you can connect the conversation with Christ.

   Next, Billy says to FOCUS ON THE GOSPEL!  Here are some suggestions:

• Live a consistent, Christ-centered life.
• Be a friend and a good listener.
• The Holy Spirit gives us power to share the Gospel (Acts 1:8). Pray He will give you opportunities to share your faith.
• Avoid arrogance and preachiness.

YOU MAY BE THE ONLY BIBLE SOME SEE!
And last we should share true stories of God's power.  Most people will only give you a few minutes to get your point across, don’t ramble on and on, try writing down your story—focusing on a few key points.
  If you have 60 seconds to share Jesus Christ with someone what would you say?

Please remember: “Prayer is crucial in evangelism!"  We should all ask and be led by the Holy Spirit.  Walk not in our own strength but in the strength of the Holy Spirit.

John 3:16-17 is a good place to start. We are all sinners, not one worthy of the glory of God except through the blood of Jesus Christ.  Jesus came to save the world, not condemn it!  

   Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace,

Johnny

Interesting Bible study/information- years between Old & New Testament

Good day friends!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

   Did you know Jerusalem has been the most fought over city in all history?  It has been pillaged, destroyed, and burned over 27 times in its history.  How crazy is that?

   Also, there were 2 lines of "political" figures, aka priests during the 400 years (some say 500 years) between the Old Testament and the New Testament. There were the Pharisees - a more conservative bunch who tried to follow the Mosaic Law (yet adding some to it).  And then there were the Sadducees -a more liberal bunch. They turned away from the strict interpretation of the law and became the rationalists of their day, ceasing to believe in the supernatural in any way.
   Antiochus Epiphanes, became one of the most vicious and violent persecutors of the Jews ever known.  He has been called the AntiChrist of the Old Testament. What is funny is some of his people evidently agreed more with the prophecies of Daniel, and they changed two letters in his title. from Epiphanes to Epipames, which means "the mad man."How appropriate.

   Around 171 B.C., Antiochus came upon Jerusalem with great vengeance.  The people heard he had been killed, (a false report) and revolted overthrowing  Menelaus, the pseudo-priest.  Then Antiochus intruded into the very Holy of Holies in the temple itself. Some 40,000 people were slain in three days of fighting during this terrible time.
        When he forced his way into the Holy of Holies, he destroyed the scrolls of the law and, to the absolute horror of the Jews, took a sow and offered it upon the sacred altar. Then with a broth made from the flesh of this unclean animal, he sprinkled everything in the temple, thus completely defiling and violating the sanctuary.
   To the Jews, this was simply appalling, that anything like this could ever happen to their sacred temple.In Daniel 8:14 it was defiled for 2300 days or 6 1/2 years.
   It was cleansed under the leadership of a man now famous in Jewish history, Judas Maccabaeus.  He and his small army overthrew the Syrian kings, captured Jerusalem, and cleansed the temple.  The day they cleansed the temple was named the Day of Dedication, and it occurred on the 25th day of December.  The Feast of Dedication is still celebrated by the Jews on the 25th Day of December.  The Maccabees were the revolution army to take Jerusalem back until another conflict, at which time Rome took power and Jerusalem

  A battle for the area ensued until Pompey, the Roman general, was offered the most money, took Jerusalem and  now it came under Roman rule. And you might recall, a man called Herod the Great became ruler over Judea.  If you don't remember him read the Christmas story. 

  Anyway, this is a kind of quick run from the Old Testament to the New Testament.  I do hope you found it as interesting as did I.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Recap of 2 Samuel and then Kings

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

  The books of Kings and Chronicles show how each decision in Israel's history had a corresponding affect on the nation.  They . will show how God blessed th nation of Israel, they sinned, and then the nation's destruction

  During this study we will see the kings - Solomon, the Divided Kingdom, and Judah. In Chronicles we will see the genealogies, David, Solomon and Judah.

  Let's recap 2 Samuel a moment before starting Kings on Monday.
 First, David gets the report that Saul and his son Jonathan were killed in battle.

Second, David and his men mourn Saul's death and David is appointed as king over Judah; Abner (army commander) makes Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, King over Israel.

   Judah's capital city is Hebron, where David is, then David has six sons by six wives.

  Abner and Ishbosheth are killed, David mourns, then Israel reunites, making David king over all Israel.  He was King of Judah 7 1/2 years, then king over all Israel for another 33 years.

   David then moves the capital city to Jerusalem, where the church began.  Israel at war, defeats the Philistines. David begins to move the ark from Kirjath-jearim to Jerusalem. However, David not allowed to build a house for Jehovah, they had many wars.

   In the war against Ribbah, David remained at the palace and David seduces Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, the Hittite. Then he tries to cover up his sin.

   There comes conflict, misery and heartache in the family because of David's sin with Bathsheba.  His son, Abasolom conspires to take his father's kingdom,  there was dissension among the tribes, famine, more battles, and David's return to God.  It is a very interesting and wonderful read if you have time.  Start at chapter 12 and continue forward to read about the above brief review.  May God be in your every thought and action today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny