David faced Goliath--What is the giant in your life?

Hello Christian Friends.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN!!!!

  David came forth knowing the living GOD was on his side while the army of Israel stood by, did nothing because of this giant who challenged them. Their fear of the giant was greater than their belief in God.  Hmmmm!  Strike a nerve?

    So, what is the giant in your life that is keeping you from totally committing to God?  Anger, unforgiveness, jealousy, envy, lust, alcohol, drugs, gossip, or any other giant that is holding you back?

   There are peaks and valleys, but we need not reside in the valley.  You and I are a child of the LIVING GOD and should walk boldly about sharing the good news with others.  Question:  If you don't tell someone about Jesus and salvation, with your silence, is that the same as telling them they can go to HELL?

  Could that be the "giant" in your life?  David stayed the course; Daniel stayed the course; Joseph stayed the course and they will hear the words: "Well done good and faithful servant."  Will you?  Will I?

   I plan to pray daily about the "giant" in my life!  Will you join me?  I need not know your giant unless you feel you need to confess it.  May you be blessed as we begin a new June of 2019.  thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Does jealously ever control you? I Samuel 18

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

Please do not forget to thank God for all you have, the little things to the big things.  If ever in doubt of what to pray, just break down the LORD's prayer and savor the words as you say them.

   David was a boy among men with whom GOD walked, making him a giant in his country and to the people.  Saul was sooo happy. Saul's son, Jonathan became almost soul mates with David and they loved each other as if brothers.

   When Saul sent David out, he obeyed willingly and then they would return triumphantly home.  However, in 1 Samuel 18:6-7 when Saul returned the women met them in the streets singing Saul had slain thousands and David ten thousands. Whoops!!  Saul heard this and now this you boy, aka man, who saved the kingdom now because a target of Saul.  Why???  J E A L O U S L Y ! !

   Jealously is closely related to greed; Saul wanted ALL the attention and accolades.  This was HIS kingdom (forgetting God put him there) and he tried twice to kill David but was unsuccessful.  Why?  Because God's hand was on David. Saul's daughter loved David. Since David was a poor man he said he had no dowry, so Saul said he wanted a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.

   David was happy to hear this, Saul was happy because he thought David would fall in the battle.  Wrong!  David complied; married Michal, Saul's daughter, BUT, Saul became even more afraid of David, and, in verse 29 ".........and Saul became David's enemy continually."

      1 Samuel 19 Saul tells Jonathan and the servants that David must be killed, hmmm, a third attempt.  Jonathan spoke with his father, King Saul, however, evil was coming down on Saul.  This jealously has now turned to hatred and is evil. As you read chapter 19 Saul tried to smite David with a javelin, he missed. David went home, his wife Michal told him to flee, let him down through a window then deceived the kings servants when they came to slay David.

  As you read on you can see God's hand upon David to protect him from this evil.   David was on the mountain top, now in the valley, dealing with strife, turmoil, and struggling to understand.  David was a man after God's own heart and struggled;  don't you believe that we, you and I, will experience the same things?  We must not cast our eyes to the ground, but to the heavens which is our salvation and relief.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

David faces Goliath and........1 Samuel 17

Good morning all. Happy Veterans day to all the military veterans out there. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  BLESSED!!!!

   Well, today is the tomorrow I promised 2 days ago.  Sometimes it is like the song about "tomorrow never comes"--anyway back to David, Saul, Goliath.

   David took supplies to the captain and his brothers. He was chastised for coming and asking questions.  BUT, David says he will go against, not the giant Goliath, but the ones opposing GOD's people.  David's view was totally different than the rest of the army AND Saul.  Again, religion or faith??

   David goes before Saul, tells him he has slain a lion and a bear that took one of his sheep and that he will take this man, Goliath, as he did the lion and bear.

   So, the old traditions come forth in Saul when he wants David to wear his (Saul's) armor.  David said no as he had not PROVED the armor.  Proved here means David had not used the armor, was not used to it and how to fight in it, therefore, it would be a hindrance to him. (1 Samuel 17:39)

   Notice verse 40:  40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.

  First, why did David choose 5 smooth stones?  Why just a sling?

Now the fun begins.  As David drew near the Philistine, Goliath, looked and could not believe his eyes.  He probably was filled with rage as they, the Israelites, sent a mere youth to fight him.  Let us settle in and see the words that come forth. First Goliath speaks: 43 And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.

44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field

Oops, Goliath curse David by whose gods, Goliaths, the Philistines, not the living God.  Then he threatens the youth David.  He said I'll cut you up and feed you to the birds and beasts.  So, was David intimidated??  Read on---  45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

David showed no fear and challenged the Philistine.  You come with weapons, but I come how???  In the name of the LORD of hosts, the GOD of the armies of Israel----and what else?? WHOM THOU HAS DEFIED - obviously they, the Philistines,  do not believe in the living God and turned to other gods.  This, we know, is a no-no!   David does not stop, he continues and repeats to Goliath what Goliath had spoken to him.  46 This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

David comes back with his threat, wait, no, this is a promise from David.  He will defeat Goliath and what???? ALL THE EARTH MAY KNOW THAT THERE IS A GOD IN ISRAEL!!!

  David continues his speech saying that he came not with sword, spear and shield, but armed with only GOD. This is GOD's battle and the Philistines will be turned over to the Israelites.  Now don't you imagine Goliath and all the army laughed greatly at this.  Here is a youth with a sling and a staff.  Hmmm, what fools!  Oh, but wait.

   Now the fun begins.  A thought to remember, all will bow before the living God.  Okay, the Philistine rises and moves toward David.  What does David do?  He runs, yes runs!  But where does he run?  Verse 48: David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine

  Yes, David ran toward Goliath. And then what?  Running, 49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead

  The stone sunk into Goliath's forehead.  I don't know if this killed Goliath or just knocked him unconscious, whatever it did it is of no matter. Usually when struck by something one would fall back.   See what happens next:and he fell upon his face to the earth.

  Goliath fell not back, but upon his face to the earth.  All shall bow before the LORD GOD, and when we bow we go forward.  Goliath fell before the LORD GOD.

  Then what continues to happen?  Do the Philistine armies attack?  David won the battle, ran forth to Goliath and since David did not have a sword, he took Goliath's sword and cut his head off.  Wow!  This youth stood strong in the faith of the LIVING GOD!  Will you?  Do you?

  This mere youth gave the Israelite army the courage they should have had all along, but this was God's will.  They chased the Philistines, came back and took the spoils of their tents.  David went back to Saul with the head of Goliath.  King Saul, until this time, knew nothing of David, his brothers, or who his father is.

  A big change is now coming in the life of David.  Notice though, the army of Israel were living in RELIGION, and sitting in their "pews" doing nothing.  David was living the FAITH, and went forth knowing GOD was with him.  He killed Goliath, whose last action was to fall on his face before the Lord.

  David talked the talk and walked the walk. Will you?  Love you all. 

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

    

Freedom from R E L I G I O N

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

   Many of us went to Sunday School as children, learned stories from the Bible that were to give a lesson, yet entertain young ones.  Many of us began to learn more about the Bible in our adulthood, whether we went to Sunday School and church or not.

   Along with all this comes many misconceptions.  One example is "we three kings of orient"; there were not "3" kings.  Magi came and it is plural meaning 2 or more. We get 3 from the gifts.  And we could go on, but will spare you more misinformation.

    We all need to be as David, the little shepherd boy - - FAITH - - Faith beyond what we have now.  David, this mere little shepherd boy, the least of his family, was sent by his father to take supplies to his brothers who were on the front line in a fight against the Philistines.

   When David arrived he really could not understand why the Israelites did not fight against the Philistines and defeat them.  Okay, let us look at this all carefully and let it relate to you, me, all of us today.  

    The soldiers called themselves Israelites, children of God; we call ourselves Christians, children of God.

    Fear held them back, they saw Goliath and were afraid with fear they could not overcome.  Fear holds us back, we see other objects and don't believe we can overcome. 

    They called themselves Children of God, yet did nothing.  Today, we call ourselves Children of God, sit in pews and do nothing.

    To simplify the above statement, the Israelites had religion; we have religion. So, the Israelites were sitting around waiting for something to happen; today, Christians sit around waiting for something to happen.  RELIGION!

   We don't need RELIGION, we need Jesus Christ, we need faith, we need to believe in the one true Living GOD.

   Well, David came, saw, and was probably amazed by the lack of faith, the RELIGION, of the soldiers of Israelites.  To read about David, the hero, go to     1 Samuel 17.   As you read, you will notice both sides were camped on a mountain with a valley below.  Often, when we fight for God we have to get into the valley (and out of our pews).

  The Philistines had a champion, Goliath, who taunted the Israelites and challenged them.  The Israelites remained in their pews; walking in their own strength, not from the strength of GOD.

  Now numbers are important to God.  Jesus went into the desert "40" days; the children of Israel wandered the wilderness "40" years.  Notice in verse 16 the Philistine presented himself to the Israelites "40" days. (we'll talk about numbers another day)

  Okay, I don't mean to linger, but feel this is all important.  David took the supplies to his three brothers and the captain, then he heard of this Goliath who challenged the Israelites. King Saul offered a great reward for the Israelite who would slay the giant Goliath.  David inquired about this, which angered his brother Eliab, who chastised David and basically told him to go home and tend to the sheep. David responds to his brother: 29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

Saul heard what David had said and sent for him. David was not hung up on "RELIGION" as were the soldiers and Saul; David had faith in GOD.  32 And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.

David's brothers, King Saul all believed David could not go out against the giant, Goliath.  See what David says: 34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:

35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.

36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.

37 David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee.

    David's F A I T H carried him forward.  What I am driving at is this: do you see the difference between RELIGION and FAITH?  The Israelites had religion and called themselves children of God; yet they did not walk in the faith.  David had FAITH and walked with the Spirit of God on his side.

   We can learn a lot about our faith if we study David more.  Tomorrow, David faces Goliath; with what?  why? what happened?  The TRUTH!

   Thank you for reading. Love you all.  Are you sitting in your pew or walking in faith?

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

T R U T H ! !

Good afternoon friends!  Well, God has been dealing with me the last few days about TRUTH!  It sounds so simple, so easy, but do we always tell the truth?

   So often our pride gets in the way and we will refuse to say what is on our mind or bothering us.  We either do not respond or respond with 'nothing is wrong'. Either of which is a lie or not the truth!

    Fear also gets in the way of truth.  I cannot tell for fear of what others may think, or, fear of what may happen to me.  Now is when you need a badge that says: IT IS ALL ABOUT ME!

    Secrets, too, get in the way of truth.  Example: In a book I just finished reading a little girl drowned.  The mom felt guilty and the sister felt guilty.  Why?  The mom sent the little girl to get her sister who was by the river.  The sister felt guilty because she was jealous.  Neither told anyone until the end.  When the truth came out they were set free of the guilty; but, while the truth was hid guilty and shame was upon them.

  A Psalm from David:

   Psalm 15: 1 Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?

2 The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart;3 whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others;4 who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind;5 who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.   Whoever does these things  will never be shaken.
In John 8 Jesus says to the Jews and his disciples, (which also means you and me) 31 ........................, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Many things in this world can get in the way of truth, distort truth, and cause us to waiver in our stand for Jesus.  We must be vigilant, stand boldly and speak up for the LORD JESUS CHRIST.     All we way must be in truth.  May you be led by Jesus today and the truth flow forth from every pore in your body. (Yes, be loving and humble) Love you all.In Christ's Love and GraceJohnny

Wisdom's rebuke - Proverbs 1:20-27

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

  Yesterday I said we would talk about wisdom.  Let's see what happens when we do not heed knowledge and advice, then:

Wisdom’s Rebuke

²⁰ Out in the open wisdom calls aloud,
    she raises her voice in the public square;
²¹ on top of the wall she cries out,
    at the city gate she makes her speech:  (wisdom or common sense is calling out in America but many do not see. It is all political - abortion, voting, LBGT bathrooms, etc. When will wisdom return to America?)

²² “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways?
    How long will mockers delight in mockery
    and fools hate knowledge? (We, Americans, allow common sense to go away. We, Christians, are slowly being persecuted by our own elected officials and outsiders here in OUR COUNTRY!)
²³ Repent at my rebuke!
    Then I will pour out my thoughts to you,
    I will make known to you my teachings. (will we or is it too late in America to turn back to God?)
²⁴ But since you refuse to listen when I call
    and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand,
²⁵ since you disregard all my advice
    and do not accept my rebuke,
²⁶ I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you;
    I will mock when calamity overtakes you—
²⁷ when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
    when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind,
    when distress and trouble overwhelm you. (This is slowly happening here in America, disasters {flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes} all overcoming us and yet what do we do?  NOTHING!

  We, as Christians, need to wake up, take a stand for what the Bible stands for and go forth with determination and God's Good News in hand.  Enough of the liberalism and back to the fundamentals of God's word.

  Our prayer should be for all people to come to God in repentance and with loyalty.  People seem to no longer fear God, but taunt God.  Good news is in the Bible and we need to rejoice in all God has done, is doing, and will do for us.

   Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Listen to the wisdom of your father and mother

Hello all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. BLESSED!!! 

  In Proverbs we are given guidance.  This is not for people who choose not to work, feel entitled, or are criminals.  We all need to read and heed!

PROVERBS 1:

⁸ Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction
    and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
⁹ They are a garland to grace your head
    and a chain to adorn your neck.

¹⁰ My son, if sinful men entice you,
    do not give in to them.
¹¹ If they say, “Come along with us;
    let’s lie in wait for innocent blood,
    let’s ambush some harmless soul;
¹² let’s swallow them alive, like the grave,
    and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
¹³ we will get all sorts of valuable things
    and fill our houses with plunder;
¹⁴ cast lots with us;
    we will all share the loot”—
¹⁵ my son, do not go along with them,
    do not set foot on their paths;
¹⁶ for their feet rush into evil,
    they are swift to shed blood.
¹⁷ How useless to spread a net
    where every bird can see it!
¹⁸ These men lie in wait for their own blood;
    they ambush only themselves!
¹⁹ Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain;
    it takes away the life of those who get it.

We are to go about doing our "daily jobs" while also spreading the "good news" of Jesus Christ.   It is important to be aware of the pitfalls that lay out there via the evil or deceiving words of secular people.  Beware the sinful man and follow not their paths.  

   Tomorrow we will talk about wisdom. Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Jesus left us something the world has not!

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

  So, the last 2 days I have been on about is Jesus enough.  I do hope you understand what I am driving at.  Just because we accept Jesus or lead others to Jesus our mission is not complete.  We must love, help, and encourage one another.  

    We must grow in the word, else we be as the vine that produces no fruit.  Jesus was crucified, dead, buried, and rose again.  He is with us today, but he made a promise that he would send the comforter or Holy Spirit.  Let's look at John 14: 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

This is what Jesus said to the disciples and is relevant to us today.  The Comforter (Holy Spirit) abides in us forever.

The world does not receive the Comforter but we do and HE dwells in us.

  Jesus knows HE is going to be crucified and tells them the world will not see HIM, but you will.  WHY?  Because HE LIVES!   Because Jesus lives, we live also.  We know that one day the whole world will see Jesus and bow before HIM.

   So, today, do the right thing, share the good news, and rejoice in the fact that the Holy Spirit resides in you and that you are a child of God because of Jesus Christ.

  Love you all. Read the Bible, it is good for the soul. 

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Is Jesus Christ enough?

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

  Did you think about this yesterday?  Jesus said HE would send the comforter, the Holy Spirit, to be with us.  We must love one another, help one another, encourage one another and pray.

   When we pray we should let the Holy Spirit guide us.  Look at these verses about the Holy Spirit, meditate on them, and let them come to life in you life!

 

The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you. (John 14:26)

Do not restrain the Holy Spirit; (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

“I am telling you the truth,” replied Jesus, “that no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. A person is born physically of human parents, but is born spiritually of the Spirit. (John 3:5-6) {born of water is our physical birth, Spirit is our salvation}

When they finished praying, the place where they were meeting was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to proclaim God’s message with boldness. (Acts 4:31){we need to be shaken and then boldly proclaim God's message}

God poured out the Holy Spirit abundantly on us through Jesus Christ our Savior (Titus 3:6) {If you accepted Jesus as Saviour, you have the Holy Spirit}

The Spirit’s presence is shown in some way in each person for the good of all. (1 Corinthians 12:7) {Do you recognize the Spirit's presence in you?}

But you, my friends, keep on building yourselves up on your most sacred faith. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20) {Prayer is very important}

In the same way the Spirit also comes to help us, weak as we are. For we do not know how we ought to pray; the Spirit himself pleads with God for us in groans that words cannot express. (Romans 8:26) {The spirit will intercede for us}

Jesus drew near and said to them, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20) {A command from Jesus}

I do hope you took time with each verse to meditate on it briefly and let it resonate with your heart.  Jesus' salvation is our first step, but we MUST NOT SIT BACK and think all will be well. 
   Once we accept the salvation of Jesus Christ, then, satan places a target on you and the temptations shall come mightily.  They will hit you in your weak spots, where you are most vulnerable.  Stay focused and beware.   Jesus is the way; HIS teachings are the continuance of your salvation.  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Is Jesus enough? John 15:16

Hello fellow believers in Jesus Christ. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

  Is Jesus enough?  When someone accepts Jesus as their saviour we usually remark with something like Jesus is enough.  But is that enough?  Really?

   First, we have to understand that we did not choose Jesus - HE chose us first!! Look at what Jesus says in John 15: 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

  Let us break this down.  Jesus chose me (you).  Jesus "ORDAINED YOU"!  What is ordained?  According to the dictionary ordained means to make (someone) a priest or minister; confer holy orders on!!

 Ordained to do what?  Look next -- BRING FORTH FRUIT!  Okay, this does not mean to just lead someone to Jesus Christ, then tell them the Holy Spirit will lead them and be on your merry way.  It means to discipleship that person or persons.

   Why should I do this?  Because Jesus told us to bring forth fruit  and that your fruit should remain:   Yes, the fruit remain.  Do not lead someone to Christ and then abandon them. 

  We need to love them first: 1 Peter 4:8: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." John 15:12: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." 1 Corinthians 13:13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

  Then what?  We must encourage one another. Take a look:

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up…

Hebrews 10:24-25  And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Think about this!  Is Jesus enough?  Jesus is our salvation, so we are saved and have eternal life.  However, HE does not stop there; we must encourage one another; love one another; and go forth bringing good fruit to the table.  Are you?  If so how will you continue?  If not, what will you change?  

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

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Colossians 2:6 Ye walk where?

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Where do you walk  Colossians 2 verse 6 tells us that since we received Jesus Christ we walk in HIM.

   Think about this.  How many of us would have liked our parents to have "walked with us" during our teen and post-teen years.  Probably very few.  Nope, I would have acted differently had my mom or dad been with me.

   Well, what about now?  As a grown adult, I would not have wanted my parents to see the trail I blazed when straying off the beaten path.  Is not this what we do with God?  With our salvation in Jesus?  We don't think of the Spirit, God, or Jesus being next to us so we do some "little" things that may be funny or enjoyable at the time; BUT, if we stopped and thought Jesus was watching would you----------?

   Colossian 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the LORD, so walk ye in him;  

   Then go on to verse 7 - ROOTED and BUILT UP IN HIM, and STABLISHED IN THE FAITH, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

   Wow!  Pastor spoke on this yesterday and really stepped on my toes and I am certain many others.  If I am a child of GOD I need to act like I am.

   Need more be said?  Stop!  Think! and Meditate on the WORD!  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Obstruction of God's work Matthew 24:11-12; Romans 16:17

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

  Watch out for the wolves in sheep clothing.  We are warned of this in the Bible. When evil is called good and good evil.  If you look at Isaiah 5 and read the scriptures leading up to verse 18 you can see the United States in this making.

   I am not going Democrat or Republican; liberal or conservative; I am going with the Bible.  When you go to the polls do you look to see who ALIGNS BEST with the Christian values?  Or do you vote your biased beliefs?

  When you go to church do you just believe in blind faith what the pastor, reverend, rabbi, priest, deacon, teacher, or leader is saying?  Do you check it out later in the Bible?

  Look at Isaiah 5: 18 Woe to those who draw sin along with cords of deceit, and wickedness as with cart ropes,

19 to those who say, “Let God hurry; let him hasten his work so we may see it. The plan of the Holy One of Israel— let it approach, let it come into view, so we may know it.”

20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.

21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.
Read the first part of Isaiah about a man who works his vineyard only to reap bad grapes.  In America are we not reaping bad grapes?  The fighting among politicians, religious denominations, ethnic groups?  We should be aware of the lies and false prophets share the "news" with us.  We hear what they want us to hear.  Beware of false prophets: Matthew 24: 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,Romans 16: 17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.
Where are you today?  Right now? Democrat, Republican, liberal, conservation, anti or pro abortion, anti LBGT, pro LBGT, Methodist, Baptist, Episcopalian, Non-Denominational, or other?  Why can we not just say we are CHRISTIANS?We are new creatures in CHRIST and we need to follow HIS teachings and commandments.  So, today, is good bad and bad good to you?  If so, what will you do?  I need to pray and pray more.  Won't you join me in prayer?  Love you all.In Christ's Love and GraceJohnny

Put on you new nature - Ephesians 4:21-24

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  How blessed are you?  So blessed that you no longer walk with evil, but have a new nature in Jesus Christ.  Let us go to scripture.

  Ephesians 4:  21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

 Look at the verses - start with 21 - you heard about Christ and were taught about him. What more can be said there?

  Our old way of life before Jesus is in the past, leave it alone and move on.  When we accept Jesus as our saviour, our present, our gift of salvation, we need to consider this as a daily conscious effort to commitment to how HE wishes us to live.

  Do not be driven by our emotions desires and sudden impulses; but put on the new nature and live for Christ.  Proceed with a new attitude.  Remember, you attitude determines your altitude.

   Be in tune with the Holy Spirit and follow HIS lead.  Yes, you can do it!  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Ministry gifts of Christ to his body

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Yes, we are blessed!  Why?  Number one- - we live in the United States of America; this gives us freedom of religion.  We are so fortunate - clean drinking water, toilets inside, food to eat, opportunities for good hygiene and work.  

   Want to see oppression, depression, just watch i24 news which gives "real news" not screened and false news. If you are interested here is the link: https://www.i24news.tv

  Okay, Ephesians 4:7-11, we are given gifts the first of which is grace. 7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.

The next scriptures are difficult and hard to understand. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.    First about ascended up on high.  You have to come down before you can go up; so Jesus descended from heaven to earth. Okay, He, Jesus ascended up on high and the next we have to understand that in these days when someone was conquered, the captives were led by the conqueror and then gifts were given to the people. In this case satan, evil, and sin were conquered and our gifts, as I understand, are gifts of the spirit.

   9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

  These 2 verses are difficult for a layman such as me. The part about descended first into the lower parts of the earth - one authority says this is the resting place of souls between death and resurrection. Now they rose with Christ who came to retrieve them.

  Verse 10, I believe, refers to Christ, who is Lord of the whole universe, past, present and future.  The LORD of all came here, to earth, faced death for what?  To rescue all people.

  So Christ came, led us out of captivity, but what gifts. Look at the next scriptures: 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

  Our being one in Christ lets us be who we are but with special gifts. These gifts are designed to build up the church unity.  What gifts? apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.  You may say I don't have any, not one of these gifts. Oh, but you do. If nothing else evangelist or teachers.  We are to spread the word and by doing so we have the opportunity to evangelize or teach.

   Are you spiritually mature?  Are you exercising the gifts God has given you?  It may just be a conversation with someone about Jesus, God, the Bible, but, that is teaching or evangelizing.  

  My prayer for you and for me is that we will use our gifts to strengthen and encourage the church and others.  I do hope this makes sense to you today.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny