Fear is a liar - Follow God's lead = Acts. 14:21-25

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Fear is a mighty thing.  The difference between a hero and a coward, many times, is fear.  A hero believes it has to be done at any cost, whereas a coward will back off if it is too difficult and let someone else do it.

   Yes, there is a difference between being a hero and knowing your capabilities.  But so often the coward is looking for another way out.  Well, you cannot be a coward to live and work in God's army.  You have to move fear out of the way. Listen to the words of this song Fear is a Liar by Zack Williams.  Skip the ad and listen to the words, watch the video.

   Acts 14: 21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

  Now, they preached, taught, and returned to where Paul and Barnabas had been received with open arms by some, yet run out of town by the descending Jews who viewed them as a threat.  Even stoned as Paul was in Lystra.  Did fear hold them back?  Many would have said let us travel another way and avoid these cities.  Paul and Barnabas had new converts in these cities they visited and needed to help reinforce their beliefs, encouraging them to continue in "The Way", the belief in Jesus Christ as the Messiah and saviour.

22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.  

  This is the "follow up work" we all must do to encourage, restore, and push our brothers to remain in the faith.  They are now spiritual beings who will fight opposition yet we know the end result is the kingdom of God. Hallelujah!  

  P & B ordained elders, strong faith keepers, prayed and fasted and gave them over to the LORD.  How oft should we pray and fast about the many trials and tribulations we have in our life.  Yet, we are so blessed!  We do not experience the persecution as did the disciples; yes, we are persecuted in America for being Christians and we do need to fight back; however, our persecution is nothing like the disciples had or our brothers and sisters experience today in the third world countries and the anti-Christian countries.  Look at what Paul and Barnabas did:  23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

  These men were ruthless for Jesus Christ and went forth with boldness.  Can you say you stand up and go forth boldly for Jesus Christ?  Below is a map of their journey. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Acts 14:16-18 Paul speaks clearly, then is stoned- v. 19-20 & resurrected

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

   In Verses 16-18 Paul reminds the people that in the past God allowed them to go their own ways as they chose not to follow His ways, yet he did leave a witness.  The idea here is that He, God, revealed Himself through nature.  The main message of Paul's speech was to get the people to turn away honoring him and Barnabas as gods, and receive them as merely men sent by God.

   Paul and Barnabas viewed themselves simply as men who are doing what God had commissioned them to do.

  16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

  Now, if you recall, with P & B's preaching there arose a faction against them from Antioch and Iconium, even though this is not told in detail, it is surmised they raised a strong opposition in Lysttra to Paul and then Paul was stoned and left for dead.

   Can you image, even a little bit, people excited you are there and then the rebel rousers  get the people to raise up against you.  That is tough enough, BUT, being stoned!  This has got to be an awful way to die.  Just one agony after another as each stone makes its mark.  The bruises and the cuts must have been terrible.

   19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.  

   Paul, now, is lying in a heap and left for dead.  The Jews opposing him now are happy to have done their intended deed, the killing of Paul and his "awful" message, which was probably a threat to their life and life-style.

20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

  Now, at this point, can you even imagine, you, as a disciple, see your leader or pastor being stoned, thought dead, then suddenly, he rises up?  The surprise of the disciples, but the "shock" to the people of the city when Paul rose up, returned to the city and continued preaching.  Paul, then, left for Derbe the next day.

  Wow!  Super wow!  Stoned, left for dead, rose up, preached some more, then the next day left, probably walking, for Derbe.  That is not man power, but GOD POWER all the way.  The strength HAD to come from GOD. 

  Hey guys, keep praying and thanks for reading.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Acts 14:11-15 Do you have a living GOD!!??

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

   When you feel things are going bad just look around and you will see others who are in more turmoil, distress, and far worse off than you.  Like an old saying goes, "I complained about having no shoes until I met a man with no feet."

   If you have any prayer requests please let me know.  I ask prayers for all my family as we all are experiencing some type of turmoil in todays world. :)

  Well, Paul and Barnabas were preaching the gospel, were run out of town, went on and healed a man.  People saw what God had done, but their vision was not clear.  Read on and you will see.

  11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

 The man was healed by his faith, Paul and Barnabas were the instruments God used, BUT, yes --- BUT the people proclaimed that P & B were gods.  They saw the healing of a man who had never walked, but instead of giving God the glory they thought these two men were gods. Ooops!

     12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. (this comes from Greek Mythology)

  Whoops, this is not what is supposed to happen.  These people are out of control through emotional jubilation.  They have lost sight of the one true living GOD!  The people were going to honor P & B with sacrifices - 13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

  Was this exciting to Paul and Barnabas?  It caused frustration, anguish, and despair in these two men.  Why?  Because they were there for GOD, not for themselves, but to give God the glory.  So what happens now?  14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

  The tore their clothing and were extremely upset and they ran to the people asking them why they did this.  They were only men such as the peoples there and came only to turn them away from their sins and to go to the living God, the Creator, the One whom they, Paul and Barnabas represented.

  15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

  Paul is deliberate in pointing out what the living God has done and that HE, GOD, only should receive the honor and praise.  How oft do we turn out god into something more material before we are brought back to the reality that there is only ONE TRUE LIVING GOD!?!?!  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

   

Know when to hold 'em; know when to fold 'em! Acts 14:5-10

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

   Well, it is a great day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST!  If you recall at last setting some Debbie Downers were stirring up trouble against Paul and Barnabas and starting to riot.  Let's look in and see what happened?

  Acts 14: 5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,

  These "ugly's" came against the people who were accepting the gospel and wanting to punish them, even stone them.  Satin was definitely moving in the mob.

  Paul and Barnabas, being aware of this situation knew it was time to move on in preaching the gospel.  This missionary team then left and went into Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia. Here they once again preached the gospel.

  6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

7 And there they preached the gospel.

  Upon arriving at Lystra then encountered a man who had been crippled and had never, note NEVER WALKED.  So what happened here?  Well, God is leading these men and what is impossible for man is normal for God.  8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:

  Now there is about to be a miracle happen.  Have you noticed when miracles happen they come at a time which will bring GLORY TO GOD?  This is what we should be doing daily- doing something to bring glory to God!!!  This crippled man was hearing the word preached, but not only hearing the word but believing the word and having faith.  This is lacking in many of us - the lip service is good, but the faith is weak.  Look at Acts 14: 9 The same (crippled man) heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

  Okay, the Holy Spirit is speaking the Paul now and he perceives the crippled man has faith, so, what happens now?  Acts 14:10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. 

   Amazing for many, normal for God.  So when the people witnessed this and heard of this they were overjoyed.  But, Paul and Barnabas, were........well, let's get into this tomorrow.  Love you all. Thank you for reading.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Why do bad things happen to good (God) people? Acts 14:1-2

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  It is a GOD morning, for certain.

  Things usually don't just happen quickly.  It often takes time for the ugly Debbie Downers to get it all together.  Such it was in Paul's day as it is today.  Look at Acts 14: 1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

  Notice, they were in Iconium, which was the eastern district of Phrygia. Paul and Barnabas went to the synagogue and spoke.  When they did this what happened? Two things, first "a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks (gentiles) BELIEVED.  They what??   BELIEVED!  How awesome is that?!?!

  And then........and then......Acts 14: 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

  It took a while for the opposing segment to get their act together and during this "long time" Paul and Barnabas were able to speak in the synagogues, bringing the truth and salvation to many - multitudes!

   Eventually this group of Debbie Downers, Nay Sayers, or Evil Men got enough people to believe and they began to riot against these two gospel preaching men.   So, then what happens?   Look at verses 3 &4 before we continue------tomorrow!  :)  3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

   Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Acts 13: 43-45 The crowd wanted to hear, the Jews were against

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

  Today, a short lesson and then a 3 minute video to make you think about you, your church family, and how we all act.  Okay, here we go.

  Paul and Barnabas created quite a stir by preaching the truth, the forgiveness of sins, and Jesus Christ.  Acts 13: 43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

   Notice who followed Paul and Barnabas - yes, many Jews and religious proselytes, but why?  The excitement of this new message of forgiveness of sin and the receiving righteousness created a great deal of excitement and showed their willingness and that they were ready to receive the message.

  44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.

   Now, everyone is excited to hear this NEW GOOD NEWS about GOD!  Notice, almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of God.  This is a great thing, right, or is it?

  The word had spread of how great this service was from Paul and Barnabas.  People were curious and sincere about hearing this new word from God.  However, with it comes questioning. Look at Acts 13: 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

    Speaking of the Jews, this is most likely people in, around, and associated with the synagogues.  They are like our politicians today - don't rock the boat; they were comfortable and getting "fat" off the people.  They spoke against all that Paul and Barnabas were preaching, rightly so, because it went against all they had been taught in the synagogue and threatened their lifestyle.

   Why is it so hard to believe the truth, yet welcome the lies and believe they are true.  Where do you sit today my friend, in judgment of those who share the truth, or following the truth of Jesus Christ?  Here is a video that should hit home with you if you have ever been in a church with this same attitude.

  J U D G M E N T    Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Acts 13: 17-41 Paul speaks in the synagogue

Acts 13: 17-41 Paul speaks in the synagogue

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Prayers today for the Moorman family, the Hilman family, and a couple of others whom God knows their heartache.  Thank you.

   Well, Paul stood up to speak in the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch.  In his sermon he recounted the history of God's deliverance of the Jewish nation from Moses to the reign of David. He listed dates and times in his message.

  Paul identifies the line of God's promised Messiah through David.  Referring to John the Baptist preaching the baptism of repentance.  John's ministry was not that of initiating the church, but bringing to a conclusion the ministry of the Old Testament prophets.

  The resurrection of Christ is the central theme of victory in Paul's sermon.  The gospel centers in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ in his sermon.  The witnesses or messengers of God were declaring the glad tidings of the promise which God has made to their fathers and was now fulfilled.

   Paul mentions that King David died and did not rise again, whereas Christ rose from the dead literally and physically and he saw no corruption.  Because of His resurrection forgiveness of sins could now be offered to Paul's hearers and the hearers of the word today.  The key here is faith. 

  In verse 39 Paul speaks of justification. Justification involves the declaring of one righteous, this is the good news or glad tiding of the gospel.

  Click on this link to read the scripture.  Acts 13:17-41.

    Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Acts 13:13-16 Won the deputy; on to Perga

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Pray for the potential hurricane victims, friends, family, and fellow brethren on the East Coast.

  Well, Barnabas and Saul (Paul) silenced Elymas and the deputy was won over. Now, they are leaving the native land of Barnabas,Cyprus, and traveling to Pamphylia.  This is a district on the coast of Asia Minor which included the city of Perga, 20 miles inland.

   Acts 13:13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

  At this point John left the group and went back to Jerusalem.  Many speculations as to why, but Paul saw this as inexcusable disertion, as we will see in later chapters.

  14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

  There is discussion that Antioch is not in Pisidia, but near there.  Because it was near there it became known as Pisidian Antioch and much discussion surrounds this particular item.  But, on to Barnabas and Paul - as was their custom they went into the synagogue on the sabbath day and sat down.  At this synagogue the rulers were not clergy, but lay leaders who were given authority to invite anyone from the audience to give a word of exhortation. So.......

  15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

  Well, you know what is coming!  Paul cannot stay quiet about the LORD JESUS CHRIST!   This was Paul's opportunity to evangelize people of the Roman colonies. Paul stands, and then gestures with his hand, which does a man of authority who is presiding over an audience.

  16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

   Paul, with his voice and hand gesture basically says - L I S T E N !!!  Or maybe shut-up and listen.  Anyway, oh, well let's delve into his sermon tomorrow.  Thank you for reading.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

p.s. here is a link (after the 5 second commercial:  Jesus is the Answer

Luke 12:27-31 Lilies of the field

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

  Jesus spoke of the lilies of the field, how they grow, they don't toil nor spin, and even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

  What is Jesus saying.  He is telling us about the care and provision God gives to his children, comparing King Solomon in all his riches and glory to a wildflower.

  If God will take care of a lily this way, how much more will he do for his children?  Perfection is not based on our striving to do good works. Perfection is found as the lilies have found it, through the works of GOD.  

   We can spend our life producing works of righteousness and holiness and it will be for not.  However, a life focused on the works of God will be forcused on the source of those works which is of course - G O D !

  We must become the work of God, quite trying to do the work of God....start letting your life become the work of God.  Do others see Jesus in you??

  Last night in a discussion with friends we mentioned the recent loss of a person we knew of.  The question that came up - Was she a Christian?  We all agreed that when the day comes that we die, we hope they say He/She was a Christian!!

  Today, become the work of God!  Love you all.

Luke 12: 27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Acts 13:8-12 Believe it - the Holy Spirit has the power

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Remember, satan casts "doubt darts" and we must be vigilante in being aware of this.

   For the ones that know the Doug Morman family please be in prayer for their recent loss.

  Let us look at Acts 13 beginning with verse 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

  Elymas was an alternate name for Bar-Jesus whose original Aramaic name means "Son of Salvation" but he was really a "magician" and "false prophet".

  He was seeing that the governor was liking the message of Barnabas and Saul and was trying to turn them away.  It is interesting how the Holy Spirit moves, because verse  9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him.

  Saul is not intimidated and he, being in this Greek influenced territory uses the Semitic name Paul, which helps with the cultural identification with the people. Now, Paul looks at Elymas, realizes (by help of Holy Spirit) what he is trying to do and verse 10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

  Now Paul calls him a child of the devil and an enemy of righteousness.  Paul rebukes him and strikes him with temporary blindness.  The governor is totally amazed and in awe by the power of the servants of the LORD.

   11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

   12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

   Notice the deputy did what???     BELIEVED!!  He was in total amazement and awe of what the LORD's men could do.  However, we must remember this is all done through the leading and power of the Holy Spirit, not of man himself.  How has the LORD shown you a miracle lately?  If none, were you watching?  Miracles happen every day, childbirth is only one instance. Keep the faith, keep looking for the miracles in todays walk. Love you all

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

 

Acts 13:4-7 And your mission today, if you choose to accept.............

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

  We have to remember God is in control.  Subversives in the white house; earthquake in Japan, Wildfires on I-5 in California; Democrats and liberals disrupting hearing on Judge Kavanaugh's nomination.  All of these disruptions to take our attention away from God and what HE is doing.  Remember, satan likes to throw "doubt darts" to make us question or turn away from what is good, and lean toward the dark side.  Pray for America, the politicians, the world.  God does hear prayers.  Now for the GOOD NEWS:

  4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. 

Seleucia was the port of Antioch.  They, referring to Saul and Barnabas, boarded the boat and sailed to Cyprus.  Why?  Because the Holy Spirit sent them and this is a Holy Mission.

  5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

  Salamis was the Eastern port of Cyprus and the largest city.  They shared the word of God in the synagogues, plural, as there were several due to the size of the city.  Note the last line, they had also John to their minister.  This is John Mark, a cousin of Barnabas and the writer of the book of Mark.  John Mark was to minister or attend to the new converts and aid them in their growth as Christians.

  6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:  

  In these days Paphos was the capital of the province.  They came upon a sorcerer or false prophet, a Jew. Now the name Barjesus means son of Jesus or son of Joshua.  Jesus appears to have been a common name in these times.

  This Barjesus was a magician or astrologer who was part of governor Sergius Paulus' political entourage.  

  7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.

  He is described as an intelligent man, truth-seeking, eager for information from all sources within his reach.  He, the governor of the isle of Cyprus, was converted under the ministry of Paul, A. D. 48.  

  What a great mission trip.  This should be said for each of us, what a great mission trip we are on.  Can you say "I am doing God's work"?  Continually.  Hmmm!  A struggle for us all. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Acts 13:1-3 Saul and Barnabas called by the Holy Spirit

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

  Can you recognize God's call for you?  Are you in tune with what God wants you to do?  How often do we explain away what may be God's calling and we pass right on by?  My prayer for myself is that I will be totally in tune with the LORD JESUS CHRIST and the HOLY SPIRIT  to do God's calling. 

            HOW ARE YOU DOING?

  Acts 13: 1Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

  The first actual or official mission was by Saul (Paul) and Barnabas who were sent by the church in Antioch to Cyprus and the cities in the southern part of the Roman province of Galatia. (view the map below)  The church had many outstanding Christians and prophets and teachers.

   The commentary goes into Simeon that was called Niger.  The word Niger in latin means dark complexion or black, fuscus is a synonym which also means dark or black.  The reason for this is he was thought to be of African origin.  Some "experts" speculate that he may have been Simeon of Cyrene who carried Jesus' cross.

  Manaen who was brought up with Herod means he was a "foster brother".  This term was usually used of children who were brought up in the royal court and later the phrase was used as an actual title.

    2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

   Fasting and prayer was very prevalent in the early church.  Through their obedience, fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit came and directed them to send Barnabas and Saul out to preach to the gentiles.  Obviously these two were the most gifted to carry the message of salvation to others, specially the gentiles.

  3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 

  Notice, here there are no mission boards or mission organizations to "train" the people to go out and share salvation.  They FASTED, and they PRAYED, and then they LAID HANDS ON THEM, and at this point they went.  Why no training?  In my opinion, they were in tune with the Holy Spirit (through fasting and prayer) and knew what God wanted.  God will send you, even though you may not feel equipped to do HIS work, HE will equip you.  Take time to see their travels as they did their mission.

Thank you for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Weights of the Balance - Avanim

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  I do hope your Labor Day Holiday was safe and enjoyable.

   Weights of the Balance.   In one of my devotionals I came across weights of the balance.  I will paraphrase and not quotes from this devotional, The Book of Mysteries by Jonathan Cahn.

 The avanim: Jewish for stones, gems, or rocks.  These were used as the weights of the balance.  They weighed in different quantities.  Many times some of the merchants carried several bags of weights.  One would have the standard for the time and marked on each avanim or rock.  The other would be the counterfeit standard designed to "cheat" the consumer or seller.

  The altered weights looked just like the real standard weights, but were designed with one purpose by the merchant, to cheat the consumer.

   So, one was real and one was counterfeit.  This is also something we have to ask ourselves in our Christian walk. Today, Yesterday, tomorrow, with I be a counterfeit Christian or an honest Christian?

   When thinking about this we need to look into a third bag of rocks that has different labels also.  Their inscriptions would read like this:  Good, and the other side Evil;  Life, on the other side Death; Idol, and on the other side God; Male and Female;   Sacred and Profane; Marriage and not married; Child in the Womb and abortion.

  All of these altered weights are signs of corruption.  Yes, we have corrupt people who will cheat you out of your money, house, home, all material items they can get. They do as in Isaiah-call good evil and evil good. They will receive their just reward in the end (from God).

     However, let us return to self.  Where do you sit in all this in your Christian walk?  Are you tried and true on the balances?  Do you teeter between true and false?  Or have you so perverted the truth that you call your self Christian but carry no signs of a good weight on the balance?

  How do we get away from the altered weights?  We never bend the truth to fit our will;  BUT, bend your will to fit the truth.  Do not alter the Word of God or make "your god" conform to you and your ideas.  My ways should change to fit the Word of God and I should conform my life to the image of God.

  Proverbs 11:1 The Lord detests dishonest scales,

    but accurate weights find favor with him.

  Proverbs 16: 11 A just weight and balance are the Lord's: all the weights of the bag are his work.

  Isaiah 5: 20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

   Thank you for reading today my friend.  May today you conform you will to the truth and your ways to God's Word.  Stand strong on the balances of truth. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny