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

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. TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN!!  TRULY, can you say BLESSED in all honesty?

  Matthew 24 the disciples came to Jesus as he left the temple and mentioned its buildings.  Jesus replied: “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” 

  Jesus went to the Mount of Olives and the disciples asked when this would happen?  Jesus spoke and said: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people

  This relates to Revelations 6:1-2

7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains. 9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.  This is endurance of believers Rev 6:9-11  There will be warfare (not welfare) on earth, no peace for the people Rev 6:3-4   Matthew 24:10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other,  12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 

  There will be famine and death by wild beasts Rev 6:5-8.  7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

  Jesus said all this which is told in the Old Testament and then again in Revelations by John on the Island of Patmos.  Here is the full Matthew 24 where Jesus is speaking to his disciples who truly did not understand completely.  

  Tomorrow I will finish up Matthew 24 and then we will see what comes next.  May the Holy Spirit move you in ways you never suspected, then rejoice in the move and be of abundant joy.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

 

The Croods -- Animate Movie

Hello Everyone!  I watched The Croods with my grandsons the other night and was impressed with it and the thoughts that it stimulated.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

   The Croods were a prehistoric family who hunted food by day and huddled together in a cave by night to protect themselves.

  When another character shows up, Guy, who is about the daughters age troubles begin to brew.  The daughter was adventurous and did not follow "THE RULES" set forth by the father, Grug.  Grug felt like he was to shoulder all the responsibility of the families safety and would not venture out of his "comfort" zone.

   Sound familiar?  Many of us are this way.  When the daughter, Eep, runs into Guy and he meets the family a conflict between Guy and Grug comes to light.  Guy is following "THE LIGHT" and Grug is stuck in hunt for food by day; huddle in the cave by night mode.

   As the show continues, the family begins to listen to Guy and want Grug too as well.  Grug resists.  As the show goes on eventually Grug comes around.  Please note that Guy was following "THE LIGHT" -- which, in our Christian walk we should be doing as well -- following "THE LIGHT" aka JESUS.

   Many are resistant to change and cling to what is comfortable. Look at Acts 2:44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.

  Grug was living in what he understood. Proverbs 3:5  Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

  This is a lesson for us all.  We do need to TRUST in the LORD with ALL OUR HEART.

  What is your attitude today?  Are you reacting as Grug, OR, moving toward the light as was Guy?  The choice is yours and to spread the word sits in your hands.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Good morning everyone!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  God is an on-time God!
  Well, the first part of God's answer to Habakkuk was last time, let us see how far we travel this time.
  When we read Habakkuk it begins with gloom, Habakkuk is frustrated, distressed, and wonders what is going on with God.  Why are you, God, not doing anything?  The theme of Habakkuk is faith. He has been called the prophet of faith. The great statement of Habakkuk 2:4, “the just shall live by his faith,” has been quoted three times in the New Testament: Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; and Hebrews 10:38.
  As we move on in Habakkuk 2:6-20 you see God saying woe to those who steal, they take what is not rightfully theirs.  They plunder, kill, and take land unjustly, BUT, God says, woe to them who built their house with unjust means thinking they are above others and will ride high always.
  God says shame on those who do elicit, cruel, and ugly things to others. Getting them drunk, these verses say it better than I could ever paraphrase: verse 15 
“Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors,
    pouring it from the wineskin till they are drunk,
    so that he can gaze on their naked bodies!
16 16 You will be filled with shame instead of glory.
    Now it is your turn! Drink and let your nakedness be exposed[a]!
The cup from the Lord’s right hand is coming around to you,
    and disgrace will cover your glory.

The violence, destroying of animals, land and cities have been their purpose, and they believe in themselves, that they can do all.  God tells them they are fools to believe in carving they created, but in the end GOD does rule.  Let's close with the final verses.

  

18 “Of what value is an idol carved by a craftsman?
    Or an image that teaches lies?
For the one who makes it trusts in his own creation;
    he makes idols that cannot speak.
19 Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Come to life!’
    Or to lifeless stone, ‘Wake up!’
Can it give guidance?
    It is covered with gold and silver;    there is no breath in it.”

20 The Lord is in his holy temple;
    let all the earth be silent before him.

Habakkuk was asking God why he does not do something about evil.  This is God's answer and we also must trust the LORD is in his holy temple and HE is in control.  The theme here is faith, we must have faith and wait on the LORD.  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

God answers Habakkuk's second complaint (part 1)

Good morning everyone.  Sorry, I have not be attentive to my Bible study lesson in Habakkuk.  Still alive but being some what of a sloth.  I do apologize and will do better, God willing.

  Habakkuk complained that God was silent, not doing anything and yet the wicked seem to do well in all their ventures.  God's reply is rather long so we will do this in a couple of days.  Here is Habakkuk 2 - the end of his complaint, then the reply:

2 I will stand at my watch
    and station myself on the ramparts;
I will look to see what he will say to me,
    and what answer I am to give to this complaint. (this is Habakkuk speaking; now to God's reply)

The Lord’s Answer

2 Then the Lord replied:

“Write down the revelation
    and make it plain on tablets
    so that a herald may run with it.3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
    it speaks of the end
    and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
    it will certainly come    and will not delay.

4 “See, the enemy is puffed up;
    his desires are not upright—
    but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness—
5 indeed, wine betrays him;
    he is arrogant and never at rest.
Because he is as greedy as the grave
    and like death is never satisfied,
he gathers to himself all the nations and 

takes captive all the peoples. 

God tells Habakkuk to write this down, plainly, and let a messenger take it. V3 the divine truth awaits and it will come.  It may be a while but just wait on it.  The day will certainly come.

   V4 God says yes see the enemy, the evil ones, they are all about themselves and their motive are not of good but of evil. BUT, the righteous needs to continue by faith.

  V5.  Wine betrays him - ever notice how someone who has had too much alcohol, many times becomes arrogant and knows everything?  Well here it is.  They are not at rest, always searching for more; very greedy and notice the next phrase.  " like death is never satisfied" - Hmmm.  This is spoken of in Proverbs 27:20 (KJV) Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

  He wants to control the whole world.  Hmmm-does this sound like what we read and study concerning Revelations?  One ruler, one rule government, the prince of this world - satan - wishes to take over and win.

  Very interesting and will begin with verse 6 tomorrow.  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Habakkuk's second complaint

Hello Friends.  May the LORD bless you today.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
   So, Habakkuk is not happy and is questioning the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.  Here is what he is saying:      Habakkuk’s Second Complaint (my 2 bits in blue)
  Habakkuk 1:

12 Lord, are you not from everlasting?
    My God, my Holy One, you[c] will never die.  Aren't you the One who lives forever, the great one, creator of all.
You, Lord, have appointed them to execute judgment;
    you, my Rock, have ordained them to punish.
13 Your eyes are too pure to look on evil;
    you cannot tolerate wrongdoing.
Why then do you tolerate the treacherous?  You are letting these "people" judge and do evil.  What are you thinking? What are you doing?
    Why are you silent while the wicked
    swallow up those more righteous than themselves?
14 You have made people like the fish in the sea,
    like the sea creatures that have no ruler.
15 The wicked foe pulls all of them up with hooks,
    he catches them in his net,
he gathers them up in his dragnet;
    and so he rejoices and is glad.  You say nothing, do nothing, while this vile and ugly evils catches the people whom you have made.  This evil one catches your people like fishes from the sea. What are you doing?
16 Therefore he sacrifices to his net
    and burns incense to his dragnet,
for by his net he lives in luxury
    and enjoys the choicest food.  Then after 'his' judgment he worships his net and burns incense to his dragnet and even worse, HE LIVES IN LUXURY eating the finest food.
17 Is he to keep on emptying his net,
    destroying nations without mercy?  Are you going to continue to allow this?  He destroys nations with no feelings of regret. He does constant evil.  What is going on here?  You are the creator, why don't you slam dunk him and his junk?

   Please note, these are the words of mine, and not from any commentary, higher source, or from any great authority.  Comments welcome. Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny