Saul's envy and jealously causes him grief!

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

  1 Samuel 18:8 Saul begins to wonder. Remember, the women sang Saul killed thousands, but David tens of thousands.  Saul's envy, jealously, and eventually hate crept into Saul's mind.

   In verse 8 Saul is wondering what more David can get out of the kingdom. Now---worry sets in-- or as I like to call it---- satan's doubt darts.

  Saul began keeping a close eye on David, but, then, verse 10, an evil spirit came upon Saul. David was playing the harp to soothe Saul when Saul took a spear, threw it, and tried to pin David to the wall.  David avoided this calamity twice.

  Now at this point the LORD was with David and had departed from Saul.  So, Saul sent David away with troops, various campaigns of which he was successful and David became loved by all Israel and all over Judah. Verses 10-16.  So, Saul, being afraid of David gave his older daughter in marriage to David and then sent him to battle the Philistines.  Why would Saul do this?

   Saul is thinking I do not have to take care of David, as in kill him, but the Philistines will do the work for him.  David came to Saul saying he was not worthy to marry the older daughter, Merab, so she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah. Yes, who is Adriel of Meholah? He was a nobleman of ancient Israel and his name means "God's helper" or "Mans saver".

  But another daughter was in love with David------Micah (verse 20).  And more tomorrow. Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

David is beloved, then disliked by Saul????

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

  So, we have a young sprout of a man named David who plays a harp to soothe King Saul when evil comes upon him; he slays a fierce warrior named Goliath, so what is next?

   Saul had a son, Jonathan.  Jonathan and David became best friends, even to the point of loving each other as brothers.  They had a kinship and bonded.  David was an obedient servant of Saul; anything Saul sent David to do--he did and did it correctly!!!

  Sounds like a story with a truly happy ending and they all lived happily everafter. OOOOPPPPSSSS!   Not quite.  Saul and David were fierce warriors, BUT, the tide began to shift when, in 1 Samuel 18:6-7.   All the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine and the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with tambourines and lutes.

   As they danced they sang:   "Saul has slain his thousands and

                                                  David his tens of thousands."

   Aught-ohhhh!  This really PO-ed Saul and his thoughts were of jealously and gall.  He thinks what more can David get---my kingdom?  From here on Saul look at David with jealously.

   Jealous means resentful, suspicious of rivalry.  Here is a little bitty thing that we all have experienced - jealously.  Some may call it envy or lust, maybe even a bad attitude; however, it boils down to the fact that due to the jealously from the women singing Saul will grow to resent David.

   You may have experienced this in your life as well.  Are you sitting in a bath of jealously and resentment; OR, have you let it go and turned it all over to God?

   Tomorrow more about Saul and his dealing with David.  Thank you for reading. If you ever, yes if you find I have strayed from God's word please let me know.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

David "ROCKED" Goliath and then..................

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

   Okay, David has killed Goliath, cut his head off and taken the head to Jerusalem.  You will note in verse 55-58 Saul asks who is this man (David).  At this point Abner came to David, then took him to Saul.  David is still holding Goliath's head.  Saul asks him who he is.  He responds that he is the son of Jesse of Bethlehem.  Okay, all is well, but.....................................

   In 1 Samuel 16:14-23, if you remember, an evil spirit came upon Saul and they beckoned a harp play, David, son of Jesse, to play when this spirit came over Saul, yet he was allowed to continue to tend his fathers sheep when Saul did not need his harp playing.

   Now this tends to show either a contradiction in the Bible, OR, the 1 Samuel was not written Chronologically.  Possibly, Saul was a great warrior, but could be having difficulties with memory.  Hmmm!  I do not know, nor do the "expert theologians" so we may one day know when we get to heaven.

   Let me know your thoughts on this.  Look at the scriptures, reference your resources and shoot me an email.

  Thank you for reading as this is short today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace,

Johnny

David really "ROCKED" Goliath's world!!

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

  Well, in 1 Samuel we have reached the part where Goliath insulted David, and David threatened Goliath and challenged him for going against God's people.  Goliath approached the battle line, but David ran toward the battle line armed with only a sling and 5 smooth stones from the river.

   When I say David really 'rocked' Goliath he did.  He took only 1 stone out of his pouch, placed it in his sling, he then cast the stone forward and it sunk into Goliath's forehead.  The giant fell forward, facedown on the ground.  So, David, triumphed over the huge Philistine with only a sling, rock and no sword.

   At this time David ran to Goliath, stood over him, took the Philistines sword and cut off Goliath's head with his own sword.

   The Philistines saw that their "hero" was dead they turned and ran. Now the Israelites and Judah men, who were afraid (their faith was low) bravely chased after the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gate of Ekron.  At this point the Israelites and Judah's plundered the Philistines tents; David took Goliath's weapons in his tent and took his head to Jerusalem.  Then Saul beckons David.

  More later and I have to retrace and study.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Would you take a rock to a sword fight? David did!!!

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

   Okay, remember, Saul told David, "Go, and the LORD be with you."

Saul then, being a warrior, tried to dress David in his war armor. Saul was a large and strong man; David, a mere boy much smaller than Saul.  Nothing fit.

   David spoke saying I cannot wear this, took it off, took his staff, 5 smooth stones from the stream (put in his pouch) and with sling in hand approached the Philistine.  Now it gets real interesting.  Arrogance and conceit against God's chosen.  Watch closely and see what happens.

   Goliath (from Gath) looks at David (probably with disgust) and roars loudly, "Am I a dog that you come at me with sticks?"  Then the Philistine cursed David by his gods.  He speaks again saying, "Come here and I'll give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!"

   David, who has faith in God comes forth and says, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God f the armies of Israel, whom you have defiled.  This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head.  Today I will give the carcassees of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God is Israel.  All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves, for the battle is the LORD's and he will give all of you into our hands."

   Okay, now here is a young man who is taking a rock to a sword fight.  From the common sense philosophy this is not good and the sword is mightier than the rock, however, throw GOD in the equation and it is lopsided. The sword will not prevail.  Let's go on.

  The Philistine moved closed to the battle line and David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.  Then...........well.....it gets even more exciting after this. See you tomorrow with the next step. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Do you have faith? 1 Samuel 17

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

Question for today:  Do you walk in your own strength and of your self OR walk in the strength and faith in God?  Hmmm!

1 Samuel 17 starting at verse 17 - Jesse told David to take almost 6 gallons of roasted grain and bread to his brothers who were on the front lines facing the Philistines and Goliath.  Also, he took 10 cheeses to the commander of the unit.

  Please note in verse 16 that Goliath came and belittled, called down, and humiliated the Israelites for 40 DAYS!   Does 40 have significance in the Bible? It often appears in times of trouble or trials. Moses 40 years, flood 40 days, etc. However, when the Bible says 40 days IT MEANS 40 DAYS.  Okay, let's go on.

   David left in the early morning and when he arrived the Philistines and Israelites were drawing battle lines. He left the goods with the keeper of supplies and ran forth to his brothers.  About this time Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, came forth.  verse 24 - "When the Israelites saw the man, they all ran from him in great fear."

   The Israelites murmured among themselves that this man comes out and defies Israel. The king will give great wealth to the man who kills him.  Also, give his daughter in marriage and exempt his father's family from taxes in Israel.

  David speaks and says, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?"

  David older brother, Eliab, overheard David's conversation and became angry at David.  Eliab speaks to David: "Why did you come here? Where are the sheep and who is watching them? You are conceited and have a wicked heart, you only came down here to watch the battle."

   David says, "What have I done?  Can I not speak?"  Then he turned away and continued his conversation.  This was reported to Saul who called for David.  Saul looks at David and basically says, you are nothing but a runt of a boy, you cannot fight this man who has been a warrior since his youth.

   David's retort:  "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep.  When a lion or a bear came and carrie off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth.  When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it.  Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God.  The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."

  Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you."

     Well, let us stop here folks, for the next is quite interesting as well.  So, is David walking in his own strength, OR, walking in the strength and faith of the LORD?  Thanks for reading. Love you all. (picture of David, sheep, lion/bear below)

In Christ's Love and Grace,

Johnny

Do you have faith? Faith in God? Really???? 1 Samuel 17

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

  Questions to ponder:  1. Does the Bible teach we have to love everyone?  AND, 2. Just because we can't see it does it mean it is not real?  Hmmm! I am interested in replies to both questions.

  Okay, on to 1 Samuel 17.  What is happening here?  Here is the situation-- the Philistines gathered their forces for war and came together at Socoh in Judah.  The set up camp at Ephes Dammim, between Socoh and Azekah.

  Well, Saul and the Israelites set up camp in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines.  So, the Philistines sit on one hill, the Israelites on another hill, and the valley between them is where the battle should take place. (see map below

   Now there was a man from Gath named Goliath who stood about 9 feet 7 inches tall.  He was all decked out in his battle gear, which was very heavy.  He had a shield bearer who went ahead of him.  Goliath stood and shouted at the Israelites challenging them, even belittled them.  He issued a challenge, if you send someone out who defeats me we, the Philistines, will become your servants, BUT, if I defeat the one you send out YOU, the Israelites, will become servants of the Philistines.

   Well, brave ole Saul (a man chosen by God) and the Israelites were terrified,  Now to backtrack slightly, there was an old man named Jesse who had 8 sons.  The three oldest, Eliab, Abinadab, and Shammah, followed Saul to war.  David was the youngest of the bunch. 

   Now you remember that David was fetched to play the harp for Saul when he was distressed.  David went back and forth from Saul to Bethlehem to tend to his father's sheep.  So David is in the picture at this time, only as a harp player to sooth Saul when evil came upon him.

   Now, before we go further this is where I want you to stop and think about your faith.  Here are the Israelites, GOD's chosen people, and when challenged by a man, yes, a very large man, they are struck by satans DOUBT DARTS and become afraid and terrified.  What happened to their faith?

   Don't we do this so often?  We all are probably REALLY STRONG CHRISTIANS ON SUNDAY MORNINGS,  BUT,  when we leave the church or not around our church members is our faith as strong?  Do you really believe?  Do you share your belief with others?  Or, are you afraid as were the Israelites to step out in faith?  

   I really am trying to get anyone who reads this to understand the true stories in the Bible, not just the glorified version we so often hear in Sunday School as children.  Tomorrow, Davids actions and commitment.  LOVE YOU ALL.

In Christ's Love and Grace,

Johnny

Saul is troubled! Oh, what to do? 1 Samuel 16:15-23

   Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Today's prayer- Lord, please remove all iniquities and evil from my heart and mind and let me walk in your path and share blessings to others in your name.  Forgive me as I am a sinner, but redeemed through the blood of Jesus. Amen!

  Well, in 1 Samuel 16:15-23 we will find that Saul has a troubled spirit from God (as his servants said) and they are searching for a "cure".  They said let us find a cunning man who plays the harp so that you (Saul) may be comforted and well.

   Saul tells his servants to seek out such a person.  Then one of the servants said, "I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp.  He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man.  And the LORD is with him."

  Saul tells the messengers to go to Jesse and send David to him.  Upon this notification Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them with his son David to Saul.

  Saul liked him very much and David became one of Saul's armor-bearers.  A message was sent to Jesse saying his son, David, would remain in his service because he (Saul) was pleased with him.

  So, now, whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play, giving relief to Saul and the evil spirit would leave him.  Saul was exceedingly pleased.

   I have bounced around in the scriptures and will do my best to remain in 1 Samuel and work through it and 2 Samuel.  Different thoughts come forth and I tend to follow; but, I will do my best to stay on track through Samuel.

   Thank you for reading with me. May your day be wonderful and blessed.

Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny 

Feeling guilty? WHY???

Hello fellow Americans.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN!!

   Do you ever feel guilty when you don't-----

1. read your Bible daily
2. pray on a regular basis
3. don't do your Bible study
4. have sinful thoughts (lust, envy, jealousy, etc)
5. don't share the Good News with others
6. don't speak up when someone talks negative about God

If you are feeling this way-- STOP IT!!!  What does the Bible say?

  Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.   

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

  I Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

  Exodus 15:2 The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.

Deuteronomy 20:4 For the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

Thank you for reading with me today.  Keep your chin up, do not be discouraged or depressed. God is in control. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

King David & King Saul

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

  Was David any different than Saul?  Well,  Saul and David were both chosen by God to be kings.  Okay, that is good news, right?  Well, yes, but they both have stories to follow along with them.

   Saul listened to Samuel, did what God said he was to do, BUT, Saul went ahead of God and then had rationalizations for his actions, aka - excuses.  Saul did it his way all the time saying he did listen to Yahweh.  An example of this is when Samuel is told to take the Amalekites by thoroughly defeating them, yet he stopped short (1 Samuel 15:15).  Then he makes an excuse that the people spared the best sheep and oxen to make a sacrifice to Yahweh.  Ohhh, can you say LIE!  Or, maybe rationalize in Saul's case.   Then if you continue on in 1 Samuel 15 Saul shifts the blame, v. 15 And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.

  Now it is the peoples fault for not completely destroying the Amalekites.  Trying to slide out of it-- just like todays world - IT IS NOT MY FAULT!!

  Now David.  He was  quite the opposite of Saul. Saul was a man of great stature where as David was not of great height or muscle.  Here we must remember God sees us on the inside, not the outside physical version of us.  God showed Samuel that the next king would come from the tribe of Judah and family of Jesse.  Samuel looks at Jesse's seven sons, who happen to be tall and handsome, but he does not find the future king.  Samuel speaks to Jesse, who then retrieves David, a runt of the litter.  1 Samuel 16: 12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.

  God picked David from the lineage of Jesse to be the next king. What happens next is very interesting.  There is no fanfare, no celebration, no horns, lights, music or any great ceremony.  David is anointed quietly and simply in Jesse's house.  The spirit of God comes upon David and leaves Saul.  1 Samuel 16: 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.  

14 But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him.

  So, how are they different?  AND, how are they alike? More to come later.  Just for now, know that Jesus has the most written about HIM in the Bible, and next is David.

  It is fun to know more than the Sunday School versions of men in the Bible and see what is really going on. Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

 Johnny

Saul? Who is Saul? King of Israel?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN!!!!!
  A you read I want you to think of what Saul does.  He is like the kid who does wrong, tries to justify it, blame shifts, and when really caught says "I'm sorry", as if this makes it all better.
   

  So, why Saul?  Often we know OF the stories in the Bible, but DO NOT KNOW the stories in the Bible.  Let me make sense of this. It is just like our salvation - many many people (even Muslims & JW's) know OF JESUS, BUT, they DO NOT KNOW JESUS as their saviour.  This is what I am referring to about Saul.

  Samuel, the prophet, (whose boys strayed) was aware that the people of Israel were not following God as they should.  Again, when coming out of the wilderness the Israelites complained to the point Moses appointed judges to handle the situations that would arise.  This was not God's plan, but the sin from the people caused it to be.

  For over 200 years judges made decisions for the Israelites and "they had no leadership" because they took God out of their equation.  Now, highly influenced by the peoples around them they felt they should have a "king" like everyone else. Yes, forgetting that their one true KING is YAHWEH!  At first this distressed Samuel, but in a conversation with God, he was told that the people were rejecting Him, God, Yahweh-- not Samuel. 

  In 1 Samuel 8:4-5 the elders came to Samuel and said, "You are old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations."

WHAT??  Yes, we are of this world, but we are not to walk of this world.  Why have they forgotten Yahweh? 1 Samuel 8:7-9 is where God tells Samuel the people have rejected Him, God, Yahweh.

  Let's go on to Samuel's warning. 1 Samuel 8:11-22 Samuel warns the people of what will happen when he appoints a king over them. Please take time to read this and you will get an idea of what type of king is coming.

  So often we study that Saul was a good king, a king chosen by God.  If chosen by God he obviously had to be good, right?  Not at all.  Check back with the warnings that Samuel gave in his verses.

   Saul was not a good king or even a good man.  He was filled with lots of pride and stubbornness.  If you will read on in Samuel you will find times you are "yea" for Saul and other times you are "what was he thinking".  Yes, as you read Saul you may make connections between you and Saul.  Feel sorry for him at times and criticize him at times.  He made good decisions and poor decisions - just like you and I do.  Hmmm!  Maybe he was not that different than us today, except he was king.

   If you read in 1 Samuel chapters 13-15 you will view various situations he was in; some small, some big, and we can see his mistakes.  This also can be seen as a warning to you and me.  Saul was filled with self-deception and self-exaltation.  He thinks he knows better than anyone else, even God. The sadness in this is that Saul does not see his faults, NO, not one fault does he see as he knows best.  Arrogance abounds!!!

  Let us stop here as your eyes may be tired, OR, you have already deleted this study. LOL.  If you came this far, thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

The First Book of Samuel

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

  It is quite interesting to me as how the Israelites followed, and supposedly loved the LORD, then would turn away.  It does not happen all at once it is a process.  We can see this in America, the fore-fathers striking out for independence and FREEDOM OF RELIGION (not freedom from religion as many believe today). the constitution founded on the principles of God, and now we are turning away from where we began.

   So, Moses led the people out of Egypt, made Joshua leader, Moses died and the Israelites went into the promised land.  However, along the way there were conflicts and strife so judges were set in place.  The last GOOD JUDGE was Samuel, but his sons were not as upright as he.  You can read about the corruption of the people and Samuel's sons in Judges and the beginning of 1 Samuel. (Israel asks for a king 1 Samuel 8)

  Then, after many decades of poor leadership and with political and social complaints the people of Israel wanted a 'king'.  Now, God was who they believed in, but, it seems, only at their convenience.  Yahweh is the king but they turned away from Him often. Sooooo, Samuel, who is a good judge (however his sons are astray and corrupt), consults the LORD about a king.   You can read about this in First Samuel 8.  God tells Samuel that the people are not rejected Samuel, but rejecting GOD, YAHWEH!

  Now, that will lead us into Saul becoming king.  We will go forth with this tomorrow.  A lot of today's study is to jog our memories and look back at the USA and how we parallel with Israel.  Founded on the principles of God; make rules and changes to satisfy the social, conform to the "squeaky wheel" that is making a lot of noise and fall away from God's word.  Take a moment to read Judges chapters 17 to 21 about the confusion and civil unrest among the Israelites.

  Who is Saul?  Is he a good king?  What happens when jealously and envy take over ones thoughts?  As we venture through Saul we will find out.  Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Who is Nabal? Abigail?

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

  As we study the Bible things come to us that we may or may not have read; possibly heard but just passed us by.  This morning as I opened my Bible the pages before me were 1 Samuel chapter 25.  I glanced at it, then caught sight of a phrase that stimulated my curiosity: Abigail becomes David's wife.  Huh?? I don't remember this.

   So, going back and searching remember that David's first wife was Mikal, Saul's daughter given to him for killing Goliath.  It appears that next was Abigail, who was Nabal's wife.

  Okay, what happen here?  Adultery before Bathsheba? No.  Nabal, whose name means "fool" in Hebrew, was a Carmelite, very wealthy, a harsh and surly man, and a "man of Beliel".  Okay, a foolish man of Beliel.  What is Beliel?

  Beliel -- found 26 times in the Old Testament -- relates to wickedness or worthless.  In 2 Corinthians 66:15 Beliel is used for satan.  Beliel is used for satan, evil, the antiChrist.

   So now we have a man, Nabal, who is evil, harsh, surly and worthless.  David sent messengers to visit with Nabal. He rejected the messengers and insulted David.  At this point David took up arms to go forth against Nabal.

   Well, in the mean time some servants told Abigail, Nabal's wife, that these messengers were nice and did not harm but Nabal insulted them.  Abigail, whose name means 'her father's joy' or 'fountain of joy', loaded the donkeys with food and drink and went before David.  She was pleading mercy on behalf of her foolish husband Nabal.

   Then, 1 Samuel 25:36-38 Abigail came to Nabal, held a feast in his house. Nabal feasted, drank and was drunk but Abigail told him nothing of what she did in going to meet with David.  The next morning she told Nabal, and the Bible says: "that his heart died within him, and he became as a stone".

  Verse 38 "And it came to pass about ten days after, that the LORD smote Nabal, that he died".

   When David heard this he knew that the LORD returned Nabals wickedness back upon him.  This is when David sent and communed with Abigail to take her to him to wife. 

   Very interesting story that we often breeze right pass and think not about it.

Here is 1 Samuel 25 for you to read.  If you would like to listen to 1 Samuel 25 then click here. 

  Thank you for reading with me today. If you listen it is very interesting. Love you all. 
In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Is the Bible about God OR from God?

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

  Okay, note the title today.  This will be short and hopefully thought provoking. We study in history about the medieval times, Columbus, George Washington, the Constitution, Civil War, the Alamo, WW 1,  WW 2, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Computers, Space, and on and on.

   We read books ABOUT these things in the past.  But let me ask you this question:  When you read the Bible is it about things in the past, ABOUT God? OR do you read it as the actual word and warning FROM God?  

   If you are reading from the standpoint the Bible is about God, you may need to have a HEART TRANSPLANT.  Meaning, the Bible is not about God, it is from God and God's word is important for us to hold in our hearts. Yesterday was Blessings & Peace; Spurgeon said "bless the LORD  O my soul" and this is what we need to do.  BLESS THE LORD WITH ALL OUR SOUL.

  So, think about the question: Do you see the Bible as about God OR from God?  

   Thank you for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.

Blessings and Peace

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

  This morning I am going to try to bring 2 things together that weighed on me today --- Peace and Blessings.

   Shelia Walsh stimulated my thinking today.  She is on Life Today, the James and Betty Robison morning show.  PEACE!  We should not worry about anything, BUT pray about everything; tell GOD what you need and thank HIM for everything.    Psalm 103: Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits

   Here David is calling on his whole SOUL to bless the LORD.  David was not going for lip service, but for his whole soul to bless Yahweh.  This is what we should be doing -- blessing the LORD with all our soul.  Then.........

Once we have poured out blessings on Yahweh, we need to remember all that HE has given us, the benefits of our relationship with Jesus Christ.  What comes forth here are the blessings.

  What about PEACE?  As Christians we often fret and stew, worrying about things we need not do.  So, what do we do then?  We just want to go to our "safe" or "peaceful" place and relax.  Well, do you think this may be your prayer closet?  No, usually, it is to turn on music, lean back, and "chill"; or turn on TV and let whatever is on just blow right on past us; or it may be to just sitting still in silence (this comes closer to God-be still and know that I AM).

   Please remember this about peace and I borrow from Shelia Walsh as this is a phrase we should all remember:

PEACE IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF TROUBLE,    PEACE IS THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST!!!

  I will leave you with this quote from Charles Spurgeon - “Let others murmur, but do thou bless. Let others bless themselves and their idols, but do thou bless the Lord. Let others use only their tongues, but as for me I will cry, ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul.’”

 Thank you for reading today, May your day be safe, enjoyable, peaceful, and blessed. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

No Other Gospel - Galatians 1: 6-10

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

  In todays world we have to cling tightly to God's word.  So many distractions in our world of America.  We are told to be politically correct; be aware of OTHERS FEELINGS, LBGT,  Illegal immigrants, welfare, democrats, republicans, liberals, atheists, agnostics, Muslims, Sharia Law, no prayer in schools, and on and on.

  What we do need, to make America great again, is to come back to God. Paul does not mince words when he says this to us in Galatians. Before we go there you should know we are not to dislike or hate the above mentioned, we should love them and share the gospel.  Example: Too often Christians show hatred toward gays; gays say Christians hate them.  Well, on both side some do and some don't; BUT, we are called to love them but dislike or hate their sin.  When you sin, do you hate yourself?  NO!  We should love all our brothers and sisters in this world and turn them on to God.

   NOW, look at the scripture in Galatians 1: 6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!

10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I  would not be a servant of Christ.

  It cannot be any more clear than what Paul is telling us.  Soooo, who or whom are you trying to please? God or people? Thank you for reading.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Can death (change) be beautiful?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  The other day I reposted an article The Guest List.  When I stated "they" gave me permission I failed to mention the they is Time of Grace with Pastor Mark Jeske.  I receive Pastor Jeske's Time of Grace devotional daily and it is very inspiring.

  Okay, can DEATH be beautiful?  Let us stop and think about this for a moment.  Look at leaves in the fall/winter season having come from the spring/summer time.  What happens to leaves? 

    Because of changes in the length of daylight and changes in temperature, the leaves stop their food-making process. The chlorophyll breaks down, the green color disappears, and the yellow to orange colors become visible and give the leaves part of their fall splendor.

   How does this relate to us, human beings?  We begin in life as a simple 'bud' and then slowly grow into a beautiful miracle created by God. Just like leaves.  Just as chlorophyll breaks down and the color changes, so do we.  I started as a curly headed blond boy to a dirty blond haired man, to a gray and hair loss older man.

   Leaves life span is through a few seasons; human life span is through a few decades.  We turn. Plus, physically we went from crawling, to walking, to running, to being athletic, back to walking fast, to walking slow to walking with a walker to a wheel chair or immobile.

   Johnny, I don't understand the connection.  Okay, when a leaf buds out we watch as it becomes green as the cells containing chlorophyll gives the leaf its green color. Giving us beauty to enjoy.

   We begin (as an infant) and start to grow, giving our parents and family joy.  As our "chlorophyll" continues to grow in us we become this beauty God made as did HE leaves.

   As time continues the leaves become bold, green and full of life, feeding the tree.  Then comes the time the chlorophyll breaks down, the green color disappears, and the yellow to orange colors become visible and give the leaves part of their fall splendor.

  We, as humans, grow, blossom and bloom into this wonderful Child of God to offer joy and wisdom to others in our lives.  Then, as change comes, we become older, more frail, and then are no more.

   When the leaf changes color (dies) slowly the point where the stem of the leaf is attached to the tree, a special layer of cells develops and gradually severs the tissues that support the leaf. At the same time, the tree seals the cut, so that when the leaf is finally blown off by the wind or falls from its own weight, it leaves behind a leaf scar.

   We, as the leaf, are severed from our earthly family, leaving a scar (our absence) and we move on. The leaf dies and deteriorates. However, we, the believers in Jesus Christ, go to be reunited with family and friends who have gone before us in the heavenlies and fellowship with Jesus.

  The leaves have given us joy in their life, then their changing of colors.  We should give joy to our families and also share the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ with family and friends.

  Very long today and I do hope you understand the parallel that I have been trying to make. There is beauty in this world from plants to animals to humans and we get to share in that beauty by being part of it.  We must, should, bring beauty to this world and share the Word of God with everyone.  Thank you for reading with me today. If you did read this far please give me a thumbs up or down. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

The Guest List

Revelation benediction #4: You made the guest list
By Pastor Mark Jeske

Everybody in Los Angeles loves Hollywood parties. That’s where deals get hatched, that’s where the beautiful people go to be seen, and that’s where up-and-comers try to get noticed by people who make things happen in show business. But woe to you if you are a “B” trying to get into an A-list party. “I’m sorry, sir—your name does not appear to be on the guest list. Vinnie, would you escort this gentleman to the gate?” Here’s good news—the Bible delivers your invitation to the wedding supper of the Lamb of God, delivers it to you personally: “Then the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ And he added, ‘These are the true words of God’” (Revelation 19:9). You made it! You made the list! God actually wants you to join him and all the saints at the great feast. Your body will be restored from all ailments and aging. Your loved ones who died in the Lord are now alive in the Lord! There is no trace of Satan, sin, or sadness. You can finally see all the angels who have been helping and protecting and attending you your whole life. They are smiling, glad to see you. You finally actually get to see Jesus face-to-face, still in his human flesh, scars on hands and feet still visible. Oh—one thing. One very important thing. You need to RSVP. So—are you in?

"It is not yet my time"........Jesus Christ, son of God

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

   Today, in America we have Trump wanting to make America great again; Democrats wanting to impeach Trump; Liberals rallying with their own agenda; the LBGT fighting for their agenda; conservatives voicing opinions; and evangelical Christians are doing what????

     Oh, yes, then you have your sports fanatics with constant conversations and chatter about the same topics that really do not matter. 

     Are we, as Christians, getting involved in all this mayhem?  Yes, it is frustrating, makes one angry, and then frustration sets in because "what can we do?"

    Could this have been a similar rhetoric in Jesus' days? The Jews vs the Gentiles (Democrats vs Republicans); Pharisees & Saducees  vs Jesus ( Christians vs non-Christians).

  There is a time coming when we know what will happen.  The world, the WHOLE WORLD will abide by God's word; but, when will that happen?

  I do not remember the exact numbers, however, I do believe over 2/3 of the Prophets predictions of the ends times have occurred.  So when is the time?

  In Matthew 8:29 - Jesus cast out demons at Gadara and the demons spoke to Jesus and said: " What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?"

 In John 2:4 at the marriage at Cana, the first miracle Mary came to Jesus telling him the marriage ceremony is out of wine.  Jesus' reply:  Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.  

  At the feast of the tabernacles, John 7:6 some brethren urges Jesus to go into Judea so his disciples may see the works that he does. Jesus replied:  My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.    Now, in verse 7 the Jews wanted to take hold of Jesus and kill him. Yes, he was a threat to them; hatred did abound.  Jesus went to the tabernacle and was teaching.  Yep, this made them angry and they sought to do away with him. However, in John 7:30 Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.  

  If you will read Matthew 24:32-39 the parable of the fig tree is presented in a fashion relating to Jesus' time.  Matthew 24:36-37 you find: 36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

  We don't know when that time is, however, we should be constantly aware and be ready; speak to our families and make certain they are ready; speak to our friends and neighbors and make certain they are ready.  Ready for what?  THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST!!

Take action now; don't wait!!! Thank you for reading. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

John 6:16-24 DID YOU KNOW----??????

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

  Somethings just pass up by whether reading, watching, driving, or simply existing.  As I was reading the Bible this morning I noticed something.  A simple statement that so often we glaze over.  How many miracles did Jesus REALLY DO?  Yet, the disciples didn't get, we don't get, but Jesus did.

   Where am I rambling?  In the scriptures, John 6 Jesus fed 5,000 men with what?  Two fish and 5 barley loaves of bread.  We all know this story.  Then, right after that the disciples leave in a boat for the other side when a storm arises, Jesus walks on water, comes to the disciples and the raging water calms.

  But, read the scripture with me and note what I posted in blue.

John 6:  16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” 21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

  Note, another miracle.  It does not say the continued rowing and reached the other shore. The Bible says IMMEDIATELY the boat reached the shore.  Do you think the disciples thought about this?  Have you thought about this?  

   Think about this for a moment.  You are in the middle of the lake, Jesus climbs into your boat and BAM - you are at shore.  Wowsers!!  This struck me and let me know how it strikes you.  JESUS IS THE MAN!!! Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Matthew 24 - The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  BLESSED, yes, indeed, BLESSED!!!!

  There will be great signs in the heavens and fear across the nations - Rev. 6:12-17.   28 Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.29 “Immediately after the distress of those days

“‘the sun will be darkened,
    and the moon will not give its light;
the stars will fall from the sky,
    and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’

The preservation of the Tribes of Israel and fulfillment of the long promised salvation Rev. 7: 1-8   32 “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 33 Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it[e] is near, right at the door.

The Gospel going to the whole world and multitudes being saved. Rev 6:9-17.  24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

A time of intercessory prayer. Rev. 8:4  42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. 47 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.

The final woes Rev 8:7-9:21. WARNING:  15 “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—

The sign of the SON OF MAN- 30 “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth[c] will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.

The Post-tribulation - the gathering of the elect-  31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

  Thank you for reading today and I do hope and pray this has been enlightening to you as it was to me.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny