Is it okay to lie......or is the truth better.....or maybe another alternative Proverbs 6:16-20

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

  Okay, here is my question to you: Is it okay to lie sometimes, OR, is the truth the better option?

   If you read in Proverbs 6:16-20 it starts out with - ¹⁶ These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
¹⁷ A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
   So, the LORD hates a lying tongue.  I heard 2 sermons yesterday about this-- one spoke of how we should not lie, even to the point of how are you today, and we respond "fine" when we really are NOT feeling "fine".  The other was about being totally truthful to the point of (example) how does my hair look?  It looks like a dead racoon is on your head; or do you like the article I wrote? answer: I have seen better writing on cereal boxes.  Both of these are hurtful and possibly hateful but truthful.

   Now, the Bible says God hates a lying tongue AND hands that shed innocent blood. Sooooo.........

   Here is the question I pose to you.  Let us step back in time.  1942, you are in Germany living, possibly a German, maybe not, nonetheless, you live there.  You have seen the violent and terrible treatment of the Jews and want to help.  In your home, under the kitchen table and rug is a trap door leading to a cellar where you are hiding and protecting some Jews from persecution.

   The Gestapo come to your door, force themselves into your home and ask: "Are you protecting anyone?  Are you hiding some Jews here?" 

    What do you say?  If yes, you are sending innocent people to death; if no then you are lying to the Gestapo/government.  What will you do?

  Hmmmm -- lie - tell the truth - or..............  Food for thought. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Character Luke 6:27-38; Matthew 7:1-2

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

   What happens to us all?  Life gets in the way and we become consumed with what is in the world around us; what is happening to us in this world; then many times forget that GOD IS IN CONTROL!

   You have heard Luke 6:38 numerous times, " Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”

    Often we take this as if we do something then we will be rewarded more. But wait, this whole verse reflects back to verse 27 and talks about how we should treat others.  First, verse 38 - if I give to you, expecting my blessings to be more - am I truly giving in the attitude of what God wants me to?  Not only no, but NO!

   As you read the verses above in Luke, you will find we are being told how we should relate to others, the basis of our character.  Verse 31 should slap many of us in the face:   " And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise".  Or NIV " ³¹ Do to others as you would have them do to you".

   In Matthew 7 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. ² For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you".

  In the King James version it says "mete" rather than measure. So what you deal out, how you treat others will return home to you.  To some this is OKAY, to others it is scary when they reflect on how they have treated others.

  Now the Bible is not a "tool" to be used indiscriminately as we choose. It is the Word of GOD, meaning this is God speaking to you, to me, to the whole world. Again, not a tool, but your Heavenly Father speaking directly to you.

  In doing so, HE is telling us how to treat others, fairly, humbly, with open heart and expecting no gain.  DO YOU??

    We are called to walk in love and forgiveness and leave judgment to God. In Luke 6:²⁷ But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,²⁸ Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

  In the following scriptures down to 38 basically it tells us that it is easy to love those who love us just as sinners love those who love them. (you can discuss "sinners" that we are sinners, but read the verse and argue with God).  So this is saying if I loan to you, my brother/sister in Christ I expect to be repaid; the people outside of Christ (sinners) expect the same as well.

   To what gain does this do you, me?  Believers are to increase by diligently applying themselves to what God has them to do in life. Then, the blessings will pour in.  Well, please take time to shuffle through, decipher the afore mentioned scriptures and let them rest upon your heart.  May your day be pressed down, shaken together, and running over.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny
 

Let your light shine- Ephesians 5:11-18

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  What is life?  Life is but a glimpse in time in God's world.  We are only here but a whisper, a short season, then gone.

   We may look back with regret, or forward with anxiety, but, instead, we need to look around in full awareness.  Awareness of God and what our mission is for Him, the Most Holy One, Yahweh.

   If you read and follow news you will find darkness or evil all around you. What to do?  Here is a scripture I hope you enjoy and find enlightening.   
            Ephesians 5:11-18 New International Version (NIV) ¹¹ Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. ¹² It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ¹³ But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. ¹⁴ This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.”

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. ¹⁸ Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,

   May this scripture touch your heart and may you be wise, understand the LORD's will in your life, and be filled with the Spirit. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Parkland a tragedy- Put on the full Armor of God

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

   Have you counted your blessings?  Have you thanked God for all He has done for you?  Or, do you use God as request and suggestion box?  Hmmm!

   How do you pray?  Read the LORD's prayer and begin anew!

 The Parkland High School shooting was a definite tragedy.  When something like this happens people tend to be reactionary rather than pro-active.  This tragedy will bring many closer to God; and for others the question of why did God let this happen. 
        God did not let this happen!  Society let this happen.  As the sheriff said in a news report, when in high school we carried guns in our gun rack in our cars and hunted animals, "critters", after school.  We did not think of shooting someone. Guns have not changed, but society has changed.

    God has been taken out of many places, specially schools!  People will react to this like 911 - when more churches than ever were filled.............for a while!  Then people drifted back into their old way of life.  This, too, will happen in Parkland. As Christians we need to pray earnestly for families of the victims, for Nicholas Cruz- the shooter, and for the community.

    Now is the time to be pro-active. Read and hold to this scripture:

Ephesians 6:10-18--The Armor of God

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Please stop now, pray for the community of Parkland Florida and for the USA as well as the world.  Thank you and God bless. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Are you blessed?

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

  Did you think about where you are in your Spiritual Walk with God?  Sometimes it is scary to think about and know.

   We are truly BLESSED, each who receives this message lives in the United States of America.  Not one of us when checking our ancestry is from America, unless you are 100% American Indian.

    A couple of things about being blessed. Look at Psalm 40:4   Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.

I       Psalm 41:1 Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble. 

Matthew 5:6  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Matthew 5:7  Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Matthew 5:8  Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

   Yes, we are truly blessed.  When you think about what the world casts before you many times we will question what is happening and feel sorry for ourselves. Let us take a look; if you are reading this then probably you have:

a. internet    b. a home    c. a bed you slept in   d. indoor plumbing  e. warmth     f. clothes     g. shoes       h. a job        i. transportation    j. food    k. health         l. utilities     m. family       n. a safe place to worship    o. CLEAN water

   Why would you have all this?  Oh, because I worked for it, I did....... and I did..... so that I could ...........  Really?  REALLY?  Is it all about you?

   No, it is not all about you and your above "Baals", because as in 1st Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

   Today is Valentine's day, some say is a pagan holiday. However, Emperor Claudius II executed 2 men named Valentine on Feb. 14 of different years and their martyrdom was honored by the Catholic Church with the celebration of St. Valentine's Day.

    Soooo, let us one, honor the LORD, our greatest love, and then two, honor our spouse and loved ones in family and in the family of God.  Are you blessed?

You are drinking clean water, eating, and living in America. YES, YOU ARE BLESSED!!  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Reflections - Where are you in your walk with Jesus?

  Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!  Can you say this, Really?!?!?

    In your spiritual search let me ask you this:  WHERE ARE YOU?  This is what God asked Adam and Eve after they sinned and hid themselves. So, once again, in your spiritual walk WHERE ARE YOU? (Exodus 3:9)

   When you repeat something that is "Biblical" the next question you have to ask is:  WHO TOLD YOU THAT?  (Exodus 3:11)  Did your wife, husband, preacher, friend?  OR, did you search it out for yourself in the BIBLE?

  Next question:  WHAT ARE YOU DOING?  For the kingdom of God, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?  In Joshua 7:10 the LORD tells Joshua, get up, what are you doing down on your face?  So, again, to you, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?  This is referring spiritually to what are you doing.

  Then, WHY?  This is a strong question where are you, who told you that, what are you doing, now WHY?  Is what you are doing spiritually helping the kingdom of God?  Psalm 42:5 says: "Why, o my soul, are you downcast"?  Instead of being downcast, we should remember Psalm 31:24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.  WHY are you doing what you are doing?  Is it helping to build the kingdom of God?

   And finally, HOW?  Spiritually HOW are you growing?  We should have daily reading of the BIBLE, not a sidebar book that suffices, but the real book labeled B-I-B-L-E !  How are you growing daily?  I try to study each day, pray each day and be closer spiritually to GOD.  Do I?  Unfortunately I fall short many times, but this is my quest - to become stronger daily in my WALK WITH JESUS!

   I do hope all this makes sense to you.  Have a wonderful and glorious day in the LORD. Love you all.
  Just so you know, I am really speaking to myself with a loud speaker.  This is for me and I thought it might help someone else.

Oh, as a p.s. tomorrow is Valentines day AND Ash Wednesday.  Don't forget the LORD or your spouse (special person).

In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Tamid- Exodus 29:38-39 Mark 15:25-37 The continual sacrifice- Jesus Christ

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Yesterday was a great day as one of my family members was baptized.  Praise God!

   In Exodus 29 the Bible starts out with the consecration of the priests, Aarons lineage.  Then when we get to verse 38 it tells what they must do.  The interesting thing about this is they were told:  ³⁸ “This is what you are to offer on the altar regularly each day: two lambs a year old. ³⁹ Offer one in the morning and the other at twilight.

  They offered one lamb in the morning and one at twilight.  What is so interesting is the morning lamb was offered up at the third hour of the day or 9 a.m.. With its death the trumpets would sound and the Temple gates would be opened.

   Then at the 9th hour the evening sacrifice would be slain and offered on the altar and all the scarifices would be finished.  The 9th hour is 3 p.m..  Now inbetween these hours the other sacrifices would come and be given.

   Now, here is the interesting part or correlation.  When was the Messiah crucified?  The third hour; if you will look at Mark 15:25-37   ²⁵ It was nine in the morning when they crucified him.  Hmmm, the same at the lamb in Exodus.  What about the other lamb at 3 pm.?  Mark 15:  ³⁴ And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) ........... ³⁷ With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.

    Hmmmm, again, the same as the last lamb.  Jesus is the Lamb of God, covering our ALL IN ALL!  this covers every need, sin, problem, answer, and moment, for Jesus is our Tamid Lamb (tamid means continual).

   Have you noticed the Old Testament was given a sacrificial lamb for the sins of the people; AND in the New Testament a sacrificial lamb was given for the people - this is JESUS CHRIST!  Again, TAMID means continual, daily, perpetual, always, and forever. Isn't this Jesus?  Then, the great thing about Jesus coming to our salvation is living in the presence of GOD - F O R E V E R !!  Amen and Amen. 
   Read this scripture: REvelation 7:9-17     Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

What about the number 12? What is it in the Bible?

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

   Today, and I do not understand, but when listening to Luke 6 Jesus went to the mountain side and prayed all night.  When morning came He called all His disciples to him and choose 12 of them.  Luke 6: ¹² One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. ¹³ When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:

  Sometimes we may use disciple and apostle synonymous; however disciple means a follower whereas apostle means one sent on a mission, one of authoritative power.  So, here Jesus had many disciples following Him, an He chose 12.  For some reason this came to mind, I have read it many times, but did not pick up on it.  Also, Jesus prayed ALL NIGHT, which makes me believe the Word of God (aka Holy Spirit for us) was in Him to chose the apostles.  Prayer is definitely essential, ernest Prayer.

   Upon researching it, the number 12 is mentioned 187 times in the Bible and the number 12 is the number of perfection and authority.  Jacob (which means 

“supplanter” which means “to supersede by force or treachery” which is what Jacob did when he took Esau’s birthright for a bowl of stew).  Jacob repented of his wrong doing and God dealt with him differently and called him Israel (which in the Hebrew is “Yisra’el” and means “God prevails”). Jacob had 12 sons which became the 12 tribes. Here are a few facts about 12:

   Jesus chose 12 apostles;  New Jerusalem has 12 gates with 12 angels guarding each gate and each gate is named after each tribe of Israel.

  In Revelations 12 thousand of the 12 tribes will have salvation;  the walls of New Jerusalem is 144 cubits (12 x 12); the New City is 12,000 furlongs squared; the high priests breast plate had 12 stones; JESUS FIRST SPOKE IN THE SYNAGOGUE AT AGE 12; 12 minor prophets in the Old Testament; 12 books of history  - Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Ester.  12 spies sent into Canaan, and we could go on and on.

    The number 7 means completion and perfection.  So 7 is important also, but not today.  7 is mention in the Bible 465 time, with derivatives like seventh it is 654 times mentioned.

   The main item that jumped out at me was in Luke 6 when Jesus chose 12 of the disciples to be apostles.  I guess this is more of a history lesson on 12 than a Bible study, but which researching it I found it to be quite intriguing. I do hope you found it interesting as well. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Are you wading in shallow water, OR, swimming in deep water? Luke 5:4-11

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

   Have you ever thought about where you are in your spiritual life, I mean REALLY THOUGHT?

  How oft do we do as the song by Matthew West of Going through the motions?  Just playing Christian, not living the Christian life.  This is the people in the shallow water.  Are you in shallow waters?  If you go fishing you don't cast you line out in shallow water and hope to catch a large fish.  You cast your line or your net into deeper waters where the larger fish are.  How does this deal with us as Christians?

    When we wade in shallow waters we will not receive the blessings as our faith is shallow.  But when we go to deeper water we will catch larger fish, aka more blessings.  What makes me believe this?     

   Many people will say I am a Christian and be proud of that fact, but yet they will stay in the shallow waters. Maybe pray when it is convenient, or a quick prayer while driving, eating, or just sitting.  Maybe look at A verse in the Bible and have a "that is good for today" attitude.  This person may not fully leave the old ways, the life of the world, so they are doing the shallow water or surface actions to LOOK like a Christian.

   Yes, they may believe, but have shallow faith, never see miracles, never feel the Holy Spirit, never really be "in tune" with God.

   If we want blessings from God we need to move to the deep waters, where there are no distractions, move away from the old way and life, the familiar and comfortable.  Then, moving into the deep waters of faith, the deep water of His word, the deep water of His worship, His joy, His voice, His Spirit and the deep water of His heart - this is where the blessings will be found with miracles large enough to break your net.

Let us look at Luke 5: 4-11 ⁴ When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
⁵ Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
⁶ When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. ⁷ So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
⁸ When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” ⁹ For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, ¹⁰ and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.
Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” ¹¹ So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Sooooo, will you put your nets up, move to deeper waters, and let your net be broke with His blessings?  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

The sixth day - is it important?

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

   Okay, short again today.  Interesting in the book I am reading.  When was Jesus crucified?  Let me ask this - when is the Jewish sabbath?  It is on the sixth day - it begins at sunset on Thursday and ends at sunset on Friday.  Now some will say no, no, no - it is just Friday.  Well, yes, but the Hebrew day begins at sundown the night before.  I know, go check it out; that is good, we all need to dig into our Bible more.

     Now at sundown on Thursday night, at the time of the Last Supper, the Passover, Jesus met with all the disciples.  Then He went out to the Garden of Gethsemane where they arrested Him and brought Him to the priests.  They then put him on trial and condemned Him to death.  When morning came they rushed Him off to Pontius Pilate.  And remember in an earlier devotional I talked about the High Priests would bring 2 unblemished lambs - one let go the other sacrificed for the sins of the people?  Well, this is what happened here with Jesus - Barabbas was freed and Jesus was sacrificed for our sins.  Jesus was beaten, mocked, scourged, and led through the streets of Jerusalem and nailed on a cross. When it was all over He said "it is finished" and died (for our sins).

   They took His body, laid it in a tomb at the end of the day and as the prophets predicted - no bones were broken.  This ended the sixth day.  Is the sixth day of any importance? Well let us look at Genesis 1:26-31 (please click and read) now verse 31: ³¹ And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

   Have you ever taken note that God made man the sixth day and THE EVENING and the MORNING were the SIXTH DAY?  So, God created man on the sixth day; Jesus died for all men on the sixth day.  Coincidence?  NOT WITH GOD - INTENTIONAL!!

   So, what is the point here?  The life of man is given on the sixth day;  then sin came in and death was imminent but then God sent His son Jesus who gave US LIFE on the sixth day through His sacrifice.  My creation, your creation we are made new in the sixth day of Messiah.  Rejoice!

  Mark 15:⁴² And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,  ⁴³ Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

    Ephesians 1: ⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

    You are a new creature in Christ - let the whole world see you, a changed person!  Love you all.

 In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Follow GOD - prosper; follow Baal - wither! Read 2 Chronicles

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

   Okay, short and sweet today after my Bible study this morning. If you will read in Chronicles, particularly 2 Chronicles, you will find a division between Israel and Judah.  Israel being the 10 tribes who tend to worship Baal and Judah who tends to follow GOD.

   However, as you read you will find that when Judah does right in the eyes of the LORD, they prosper, conquer, and do live in peace many times.  Then, when they fall away, they lose the battle, Baal comes to pollute their beliefs.

   When they are following GOD, they are a nation, a tiny nation, that all the other countries fear.  When they do evil in GOD's eyes they falter.  Now, compare this to America as we look at what is going on in our political, judicial, and moral thinking and actions.  We have been a great nation, under GOD, either feared by others or very cautious of by other nations.

   Today, the moral, political and judicial decay of our society makes us vulnerable to other nations who would like to destroy us.  What can we do?  Well, we can write letters, protest, and do all types of physical things, however, the most powerful of all is for all Christians to band together and PRAY - PRAY - PRAY for America to once again be ONE NATION UNDER GOD!!!

   This is not a political campaign, this is a Christian campaign that we should have no lines drawn - republican, democrat, teaparty, libertarians, or Christian lines as to denominations.  We should all be in one accord, going to GOD, and praying for HIS hand to once again be upon us.

  If you want to read about the rise and fall continually of GOD's people read this (or click to have it read) 2 Chronicles. Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Turn aside, be bitter, or follow with dedication?

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

   If you read chapter 1 of Ruth, you will see where Naomi and Elimelech and 2 sons went from Bethlehem-judah to Moab because of a famine.   While there Elimelech, Naomi's husband died.  There she was with her 2 sons. Then the sons took wives, Orpah and Ruth. They lived there around 10 years but no offspring at this time.  Then the sons, Mahlon and Chilion died, now Naomi had lost her husband and her sons. 

  At this point Naomi decided to return from Moab to where they were from, Beth-lehem.  Now on this journey three things reach out to me.  Watch and see.  As Naomi began the journey with her 2 daughters-in-laws she said to them - "Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead and me".  After tears and crying Orpah left to return to her mothers house. 

   Ruth did not and spoke to Naomi saying, "Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: they people shall be my people, and thy God my God:".

    They then journeyed on, Orpah returning home and Ruth with Naomi.  Upon arriving in Beth-lehem the people gathered around saying, "Is this Naomi?";  she responded saying do not call me Naomi for the Almighty has afflicted me, call me Mara for the Almight hath dealt very bitterly with me.

   One, with Orpah leaving to return to her mothers house I see turning aside and not looking for or expecting blessings to come because of past circumstances. How often do we do this?  Become discouraged due to things that have happened that may be beyond our control?

   Second, a discouraged woman, who may be a little bitter after losing her husband and 2 sons.  Call me Mara, which in Hebrew means "bitter"; so she was not a happy person.  How oft do we do this as well when things do not work out our way - we have bitterness, frustration, anger toward whatever or whoever caused things to work against what we thought they should?

   Third, we have dedication, a woman, Ruth, who said I will be with you. There is a song that says this: where you go I go, where you stay I stay, your people are my people and your God is my God.  Here is dedication!

   So, we see three things here: 1) a turning away; 2) bitterness; and 3) dedication.  Where do you stand in your walk with God today?  A dedication means taking time, spending time alone with the LORD.  Have you thought about your 29 minutes a day for God mentioned weeks ago?  If not, now is the time. Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.  Ruth 1:

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

May the rains of the Holy Spirit come upon you! Be prepared!

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

   Rains come and rains go.  What is it about rain.  If we get rain for a period of time we complain that it is too much.  If it does not rain we complain that there needs to be rain.  What does rain do?

   Well, before Noah, there was no rain.  But once God opened the heavens to rain it has come ever since.  Rain comes to a dry, barren land and then things spout up and come to life.  A good soaking rain is great for our gardens, flowers, grass and makes everything bright and cheery.

   Of course, lack of rain causes the opposite, gardens, flowers, and grass tend to wilt or burn and every thing tends to look hum-drum and arid.

   So, in the course of life is our spiritual life.  When we are in Gods words, studying, and staying close to God asking for the Spirit to lead us - all tends to go better.  If we are following God and walking in His footprints, the darkness gives way to the light. The flowers in our life bloom, the graden grows and the grass is green.  Is spiritual rain coming upon you? Take a look at these verses: Joel 2:

²³ Be glad, people of Zion,
    rejoice in the Lord your God,
for he has given you the autumn rains
    because he is faithful.
He sends you abundant showers,
    both autumn and spring rains, as before.
²⁴ The threshing floors will be filled with grain;
    the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.

   Notice this tells us God is faithful and we WILL prosper (maybe not as you wish, but you will).  Floors filled with grain and vats overflow with new wine and oil. That is prosperity.  Take time in your prayer to thank God for being Holy, Faithful, and to fill you will the raining of the Holy Spirit.  What are you waiting for? Look what comes next -

Joel 2: ²⁸ “And afterward,
    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
    your old men will dream dreams,
    your young men will see visions.
²⁹ Even on my servants, both men and women,
    I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

 As the rain fills the ground and new life springs forth, so doeth God's Spirit when He pours it out on us.

   Isaiah 44:³ For I will pour water on the thirsty land,    and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring,
and my blessing on your descendants.
⁴ They will spring up like grass in a meadow,
  like poplar trees by flowing streams.

Acts 2: ¹⁷ “‘In the last days, God says,
    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
    your young men will see visions,
    your old men will dream dreams.
¹⁸ Even on my servants, both men and women,
    I will pour out my Spirit in those days,    and they will prophesy.

   Read, look, compare, the scripture tells us we will have a "raining" of the Spirit; look forward to it, ask for it, and rejoice.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Are you multiplying your blessings? Matthew 14:14-21

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  YES --- TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!  
Matthew 14:  ¹⁴ When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. ¹⁵ As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”
¹⁶ Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
¹⁷ “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
¹⁸ “Bring them here to me,” he said. ¹⁹ And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. ²⁰ They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. ²¹ The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
What is going on here?  There is a large crowd waiting for Jesus.  The disciples see the situation with true world eyes - a remote place, the people will be hungry - send them away.  And what does Jesus say?

   Jesus says don't send them away give them something to eat.  Now, at this point the disciples probably thought Jesus had too much sun in the boat and is probably nauseous from the sea and not thinking straight. Oh, but NO - Jesus knows exactly what He is going.

   Next the disciples say we only have --- YES -- only have 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish.  Jesus says feed them.  Now, if you were in this situation what would you be thinking?  The disciples believed in Jesus but did not fully understand totally who Jesus is and the power He has (until the resurrection).

   As you read the rest of the scripture we are not told how they fed this multitude with so sparse of food, BUT, we do know, in verse 19, that He took the bread and fish and then what?  LOOKED UP TO HEAVEN - GAVE THANKS - AND broke the bread.

  Giving thanks is the key to miracles. Giving thanks is crucial to a life of fullness and blessing.  Jesus did not become distressed because of the large crowd and the small amount of food.  He knew God would take care of the needs of the people. No panic, no anger, no frustration, Jesus just gave thanks and the food multiplied. (How many baskets of left overs were there from 5 loaves & 2 fish?)

  In all we have, whether large or small, if we give thanks to God what we have will be multiplied.  You have to lift it up to the LORD, give thanks, and your blessings will be multiplied.  Today, do not live in the realm of "not enough" but in the realm of "thank you LORD for all I have".  See what a difference it will make.

   1 Thessalonians 5: ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny