Where is your focus in life? Acts 17:17-21

Good day my Christian Friends. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Yes, TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN!!!!!!

   Focus! Focus?  Yes, focus.  What do we focus on in life?  Usually what is directly or indirectly affecting us, yet not able to look around.  Paul was focused on the salvation that comes through accepting Jesus Christ.

   Others, focus on idols that are man made.  However, sometimes people will look around in awareness and investigate other things going on in their lives.  Let us look at 

   ACTS 17: 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. 18 A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. 19 Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” 21 (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)

  Some background here. First, Paul was disturbed by the idolatry the city was engulfed in.  Paul went daily to the synagogue to preach to the Jew and to have a chance to minister to the Gentiles as well.

  Paul was invited to Mars Hill to explain his message in an open forum.  Here were the philosophers of the day; the Epicureans and Stoics.

  The Epicureans, founded by Epicurus about 300 B.C. believed in the existence of gods, but never their interference in the affairs of men.  Their philosophy of life was one of pleasure and freedom from fear of death.  Their motto was, "Eat, drink and be merry."

   The Stoics were founded by Zeno about the same time and believed in the brotherhood of all men and held to the high moral principles of a life of self-denial.  These men felt that Paul was definitely 'babbling' in his talk.

  Read verse 21 again and you will see why these men listened and were willing to hear Paul's words.  They tended to be much as our politicians today, sitting around talking and sharing ideas.  And where does all this get them? Well, Paul is getting ready to drop the WORD on these people and we will see how that goes on Monday. Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Will you share the truth with loved ones and others? ACTS 17:13-16

Good morning to everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Do you ever just stop-think- and wonder?  Do you sometimes look at things and over think them?  The what ifs?  The but's?  The questions we conjure up in our minds?

  Does your bias stop you from looking at the truth?  Does what you perceive taint reality?  Interesting questions.  Why do non-believers of Jesus Christ want FACTS, then when presented with them they try to explain them away?

  This happens in regular life!  In sports!  And especially in politics!  People see what they want to see, then either block the opposing view or completely explain or justify their stance. (Many becoming angry and sometimes to the point of violence)

  Last night I watched a movie on Netflix entitled "The Case for Christ".  A man, who is a reporter for a newspaper claims to be atheist yet his wife becomes a believer in Jesus Christ.  He is upset with his wife believing in Jesus and sets out to disprove there was ever a "JESUS" who was the son of GOD.  This becomes an obsession with him plus, he is also investigating a cop shooting by a black man - which lends another twist and moral to the story.  

  This movie definitely shows how many resist the truth, many resist something they see as a threat to their life or life style.  This movie very well could have been about Paul and the rebellious Jews of his day.

     Remember Paul was led out at night to Berea, where the people there were willing to hear his words.  They were a much more noble type of society than were the Thessalonicans.  Let's look at ACTS 17: 13 But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, some of them went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. 14 The believers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea. 15 Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.

  Here come the liberals, the radicals, the nay-sayers from Thessalonica to incite riots at Berea.  Why, yes WHY is it many will believe a LIE faster than the TRUTH?

   Fortunately, with God on his side, some of the believers, knowing what was happening, quickly moved Paul to Athens.  They returned to Berea with a message that Silas and Timothy should join him soon.

  So, all is going well, but wait, as Paul notices in Athens that (ACTS 27) 16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.

   The city has many false gods.  Wow and Whoa!  There is work to be done in this city.  So what happens next?

Tomorrow, tomorrow, is only a day away!  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Paul and Silas are whisked away to Berea Acts 17:10-12

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Remember, you are TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN!!!  You are a child of GOD!!!

   Well, in Thessalonica some riots were started against Paul and Silas. The rioting crowd could not find them so they took Jason and others - making them post bond.

  The believers now waited until dark and then helped Paul and Silas  quietly and unnoticed go to Berea. 

  ACT 17: 10 As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. 12 As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.

  Paul found these people to be open minded and they received the word with all readiness of mind.  Because of the positive reception they spend a considerable amount of time here teaching and establishing a church.  

  Again, what is interesting to me is that Luke mentions a number of prominent Greek women.  This is the second time Luke has mentioned prominent women.  Is this the beginning of active participation by women in the church?  In ancient days women were to be seen and not heard in a church as I understand it.

  Also, many prominent Greek men.  When Luke mentions Greek this is referring to the gentiles, to us.  We are now able to partake of the scriptures. Yea!!

  The gospel was spread, more churches were established, but, as success grows word spreads and we will see tomorrow what happens next. 

  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

 

Some Jews upset with Paul Acts 17:5-9

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

  Okay, back to Acts with Paul and Silas.  We left off where they spent 3 sabbaths sharing a dialogue in the synagogue.  He explained why Jesus had to come and suffer for our sins.  Many listened, many believed - Jews and Greeks alike.  Yet, there were some who were angered.

   Once Paul and Silas had finished in the synagogue they returned to Jason's house.  In the meantime some rebel rousers gathered together some people, and some thugs (ones who enjoyed violent actions), and created a turmoil within the city.  Let's look at 

ACTS 17: 5 But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. (they formed a mob, a scene we have seen in the USA) They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. (they have to blame someone for disrupting their comfortable position, taking nothing to heart, but planning violence) 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, 7 and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” 8 When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. (here you go, just as pastor preached on Sunday, it is always someone else who is at fault.  They need a scapegoat so Jason and other believers were now the target of their misguided anger) 9 Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go. (obviously no charges against Jason and the others, but their life was disturbed by the indignant instigators.)

   These people in Thessalonica were definitely not of noble and respectable stature.  Paul and Silas were hidden, Jason and others were drug before the authorities, yet they were honorable by not giving up Paul and Silas.

   We may think we have hard times.  Yes, the liberals think one way, the conservatives another way, and the radicals ---well---they think in mysterious ways.  The world would be so much better off if we all just PRAYED and looked to the WORD, following JESUS CHRIST, and acting like true brothers and sisters.  Well, thanks for reading.  Be bold my friend, stand up as did Paul and Silas. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Who is God? AND....can you really ask for ANYTHING and receive it?

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

  Who is Jesus?  He is the man God who was, is, and will be.  Philip, in John 14 spoke to Jesus saying, "Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us."

  When Philip said this, it was obvious he did not totally understand who Jesus was.  To Philip : "9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

  Jesus is both chastising Philip and explaining.  So, had Philip seen the Father, seen God? 

  In John 14 Jesus continues on to say: 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

  So Philip is being told who Jesus is, and that he speaks that which the Father gave Him to share.  Then Jesus goes on with a promise.  Let's see;  this is in John 14: 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

So, what do you garner from these verses?  Believeth on me (Jesus); take note of the works he (Jesus) does, and when Jesus goes to the Father, greater works shall be done.  And then what?

  No verse 13 - ask in my (Jesus') name and it will be given.  BUT, do not forget the last part -- THAT THE FATHER MAY BE GLORIFIED IN THE SON.

  Ask in his name and it will be done.  So often we get this and repeat that if we ask in Jesus' name it will be done - then angry with God if it is not.  We need not be angry as it says this needs to bring GLORY to God.

  We are children of God, saved by the blood of Jesus, and dwell within the Holy Spirit and we should strive constantly to bring HONOR and GLORY to GOD!  Do you?  I can honestly say I don't, the carnal evil man slides in, does or says something, then the Holy Spirit reprimands me.  How about you?

  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

  

Rejoice in all things 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Good morning all.  It is great to be back and sharing with you once again.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

   GRACE is enough, and we should be reminded constantly of all the disciples went through, yet they rejoiced in God's grace.

   Think about Paul. How many times was he thrown in prison?  Yet what did he do?  He rejoiced in the LORD.  We need to remember 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 King James Version (KJV)

16 Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

  Always rejoice in the LORD; continually PRAY, and then give thanks in all things.  God knows us from when we were not even conceived.  God knows us before, during and after.  We are but a mist in HIS world of infinity, yet HE cares for us.

  Witness from a lady said the company she worked for was re-structuring (cutting costs) and she had been moved from a supervisors position to a direct customer position. At first she was angry - at the company, at God, at all things because she was hurt by the move. She failed to praise God at first that she still had a job.

  Then, the division she HAD been working in lost funding and was closed.  She realized God's hand was still at work in her life, even though she was not praising HIM for the move.

    She remembered when they closed her old division that God was taking care of her and she still had a position in the company.

  It was then she praised GOD for what HE had done in her life and after that she received the promotion.  Her promotion moved her to another division where she is quite happy.

  God sees the BIG OVERALL picture, we see what is directly in front of us at the time.  We must remember to praise GOD in the good times and the bad times.  Yes, God knows, God takes care of us, we just have to quit trying to be in control, AND, as my wife reminds me--- LET GO, LET GOD!!

   May your day be joyful and full of the presence of the LORD today and in the future. Thank you for listening, uh, reading.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

God's grace is enough

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  When bad things happen we never know why or how to respond.  God's grace is enough

GOD’S GRACE

GRACE is powerful enough to erase your guilt.

GRACE is big enough to cover your shame.

GRACE is real enough to heal your relationships.

GRACE is sweet enough to cure your bitterness.

GRACE is satisfying enough to deal with your disappointment.

GRACE is beautiful enough to redeem your brokenness.

No matter what your are going through – GRACE is still greater.

Are you as Paul? Bold, going forth, bringing conversion to many? Acts 17:1-4

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Coming to you live via email from San Antonio, Tx.  Hey, will you be as bold as Paul?

  Okay, Paul and Silas went to Thessalonian and went to the synagogue, and, as the Bible states: "as was his custom".  Now Paul was bold in his conviction of Jesus Christ as the Messiah, and thus, went forth with that boldness.  DO YOU?

  

Coming to you from the Bible In Thessalonica

ACTS 17 When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

   Okay, reread this in a moment.  At Thessalonica, AS WAS HIS CUSTOM, for 3 Sabbath days aka 3 weeks, Paul went to the synagogue and 'debated' with them.  Who is them? I would imagine Jews and converted Greeks.  Anyway, he reasoned with them concerning the scriptures.

   Now remember Paul referred to himself as   "of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee".^{[Phil. 3:5]}

    Now, this is quite interesting to me as he continually debated with them about the scriptures and Jesus Christ.  So what happens next?

   Paul was in the synagogue constantly Acts 17 "3 explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said.

   Paul did not back down, was consistent and firm (no compromise) and talked with the people.  So, after 3 weeks of debate what happened?  Now, notice this next scripture and pay particular attention to the last 2 groups who were converted.

   Acts 17   4 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.

  Some Greeks and quite a few---what???? 

     PROMINENT WOMEN

Women have been mentioned before in the Bible, but they have been a minor mention.  But here, PROMINENT WOMEN really shows that the new "WAY" includes women as well as men in the moment.  

  Today, we see women as an extremely important role in the Christian movement.  Why do you believe this is so? What causes women to be more prevalent in the Christian world?  The church world?  Would entertain your thoughts. 

  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Clouds

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

I am paraphrasing this information about clouds.  When we see clouds we just look at them and go on.  Often we view the clouds to see if a storm is coming, however, we usually do not give any meaning to the reason for clouds.  In Hebrew the word for clouds means covering.  When the children of Israel left Egypt for the promised land they were led by a "CLOUD" .  

   A CLOUD by day, and FIRE by night.  The clouds come, bring us rain, and yes, sometimes violent storms.  All in all clouds are important to us as Christians.

     A bright cloud is the symbolical seat of the Divine presence (Ex.29:42,43; 1 Kings 8:10 ; 2 Chr5:14 ; Ezekiel 43:4 ), and was called the Shechinah 

   Jehovah came down upon Sinai in a cloud ( Exodus 19:9); and the cloud filled the court around the tabernacle in the wilderness so that Moses could not enter it ( Exodus 40:34 Exodus 40:35 ). 

     At the dedication of the temple also the cloud "filled the house of the Lord" ( 1 Kings 8:10 ). 

    Thus in like manner when Christ comes the second time he is described as coming "in the clouds" ( Matthew 17:5; 24:30 ; Acts 1:9 Acts 1:11 )

   I say all this to say to you, my friends, when you see clouds take a moment to stop and think about why God created them.  What is HE saying?  Think and ask is GOD watching me, us, now?  Are the clouds one way we can see GOD?  

   Don't let today's thoughts "cloud" your vision.  God's presence is always here with us.  Look up. Love you all. I just pray you understand where my thoughts are coming from today.

Love you all

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Does God work in mysterious ways? Acts 16:35-40

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

  Wow!  What a story in Acts 16.  Now Paul and Silas are in prison, they baptized the jailer and his family, their wounds cleaned, and now what?

  Acts 16: 35 When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” 36 The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.”

  Now these men are thrown in prison for casting a demon out of a woman, causing the owners of her to lose an income since she was fortune telling.  And now: the powers that be order Paul and Silas be released.

  The jailer tells Paul they are free and to go in peace. So does Paul jump at this chance?  No, he stands his ground boldly and strongly. So what happens next?

Acts 16: 37 But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.”

   Most of us if we were thrown in jail and then told the next day we were free we would be happy to be getting out of jail.  Probably angry for being thrown in, but rejoicing on our way out.

     Now Paul is not a wimp.  He is a strong convert since meeting Jesus on the road.  He is intelligent, knows the law, and stands firm on what he knows to be correct and proper.  

  He stands his ground - we did not get a trial, we are Roman citizens thrown in prison - they did all this publicly and now want us to leave QUIETLY?  In East Texas terms:  "It ain't gonna happen".

   Paul speaks up and tells them to have the magistrates come and escort us out.  Would you have done this?  With God's wisdom and strength - yes- but on my own no.

  Acts 16: 38 The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. 39 They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city.40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sistersand encouraged them. Then they left.

  Roman citizens could not be thrown in prison without a trial.  This is why Paul played his citizenship card.  Although he was thrown in prison numerous times, Paul saw this as an opportunity not a set back.  Here was a place he could speak to others about his LORD and MASTER - JESUS CHRIST.

   A lesson for all of us.  Stand up boldly on your principles, look not in despair at your situation, but see it as an opportunity to witness to others.  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

 

What must I do to be saved? Acts 16:31-34

Good morning to all my Christian friends.  I need to say that I do, indeed love you and cherish your friendship and faith.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

  Whew!  I am certainly glad the elections are over, however, their will be many doing with the elections as they do with sports.  Hash it over and over, getting no where fast and solving nothing.  The anger of some, the apathy of some, the confusion of some, and what does it gain us?  Nothing but idle chatter.  Thank God it is over for a while.  Okay, on to more exciting things.

   There was an earthquake, jail opened, shackles loosen, jailer about to take his life, Paul stops him and says we are all here.  Then the jailer wants to know how to be saved.  He obviously saw something in Paul and Silas that was different.  Here is the response in Acts 16:

   31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.

  The jailer's household is now saved, the jailer demonstrated the love of Christ as he washed their wounds, took them to his house and fed them.  He and his household were baptized and he was filled with the joy of Christ.

   Can you see the humility of Christ in this jailer; his attitude to serve (feeding them), and rejoicing in the LORD?  What a change.         

            Understand that the jailer of the city of Philippi was most likely a veteran and older soldier of the Roman army.  Probably one who commanded men and was suitable for a job as a jailer in his retirement years.  Here is a man who could face battle with strong convictions and aggression.  Now, older, is in charge of the jail as he has the requirements necessary.  Most likely a man who was loyal and knew the consequences of a job well done, AND a job poorly done - thus the reason he drew his sword to kill himself prior to Paul stopping him.

    This man, his household (meaning servants as well) were saved and baptized.  Wow!  What a change!  Now he is a committed man of Christ, as is his family.  This is where we all should be. Love you all.

In Christ's love and grace

Johnny

In Prison, earthquake, shackles are loosen, and.......

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

  Okay, Paul and Silas are in prison, there is an earthquake, the doors open, their shackles are loosen, and now what?  Today, some scripture:

Romans 8: 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

  2 Corinthians 12: 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 

  Nothing can separate us from the love of God; His grace is sufficient.  Rest and meditate on these scriptures.  Until tomorrow.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

In prison, now what? We need a miracle Acts 16:25-30

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO MANY BLESSINGS TO START COMPLAINING!

  Well, Paul and Silas cast a demon out of a fortune-teller.  Her owners were angry, incited a riot and had Paul and Silas thrown in prison.  Now, not just in prison, but in the inner prison with stocks on their angles.  Basically, they were chained up in the center of the prison where no one could get to them.

   Yes, no one, except --------------oh yeah, the one and only GOD!  Let's take a look.  We need to remember that when we have Jesus Christ in our hearts we should always be thankful, singing and giving praises to God.  No matter what the situation is, we must remember God is in control.

   Paul and Silas are in prison - sulking?   NO!  They are praying and singing praises to God.  YES,  SINGING PRAISES AND PRAYING!!!!  Would you if you were thrown in prison?

   ACTS 16: 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.

   Okay, can you imagine the fear and then chaos when this happened.  Praying and singing hymns, everyone listening, then an earthquake.  But not only an earthquake, but one that caused the doors to fly open.  Okay, we understand that could happen. BUT, everyone's chains came loose.

  This was not just an act of nature.  It is doubtful an earthquake would cause prisoners chains to come loose.  HOWEVER, THEY DID!  When God does something it will bring attention to HIM!  This is so we may give HIM the praise and glory.

  27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 

  During these times if a jailer would lose a prisoner, his career and destiny was not good, definitely in jeopardy, and he could be put to death.  The jailer is not going to await his punishment, time to end it all now.

  28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”

29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

  Paul callls to the jailer, he stops, calls for lights and everyone is still there. WHAT??  What is going on? This is when the jailer realizes the true living God. He goes to Paul and Silas and wants to receive salvation.  Another soul saved and will be working for Christ.

  He asks what to do to be saved.  This is something we need to be able to answer daily in our separate walks.  If a person asked you today, what do I need to do to be saved---would you be able to tell them?  Thank for reading. Tomorrow, what does Paul and Silas tell the jailer.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny