D E S I R E - Leads to downfall of man; yet can lead to salvation! Genesis 3:6; Romans 10:1-2

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  DESIRE - THE DOWN FALL OF MANKIND!  But, WE ARE BLESSED TO BE CHILDREN OF GOD!!!

  Desire - first, the downfall of man.  When GOD created the earth there was beautiful vegetation watered by a mist system from underground.  The earth was beautiful, but then out of man came woman = still the earth was beautiful and man and woman were naked and not ashamed.

  When Eve went into the Garden of Eden she saw (Genesis 3:6) .....a tree was good for food and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be DESIRED to make one wise..........."

  What about the tree?  One to be D E S I R E D !! Pleasant to the eyes (i.e. eye candy). Good to feed us.   This is when the trouble began.  This is where our trouble begins........with DESIRE!  Why?  We can call it desire, lust, greed, or whatever, but it still boils down to one thing - COVETNESS!

   However, DESIRE is not always bad.  It created problems for Adam and Eve and the rest of the world but it was pleasing to satan.  So, how can desire be not bad, okay, or good.  Let's go to Romans 10:1-2 - where Paul is speaking to the people of the time AND to us.  "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel (and us-you and me) is, that they (we) might be saved.2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

   We must have a ZEAL or DESIRE for GOD!  Notice, it says according to knowledge.  This means not according to the "LAW", but being the people (person) God wants me to be.

We must remember God's righteousness and how we are righteous in HIS eyes.    

So, how does sin come about (as with Eve)?  First she saw the tree was good for food/ we see something is good for (and we rationalize) us.

  Second, a tree to be desired / we see things we would desire - i.e. a man, woman, car, house, clothes, etc.

  Third, she acted on her desires / as we so often act on our desires and what then happens?  In debit over our heads, broken homes, charge cards maxed out, or a variety of things.

  Then we share desires with spouse or those around us and pull them into the trenches with us.  All this leads to is heart break.  Yes, we must follow our heart, BUT, our heart must be as in Romans 10 a desire and zeal for God as Paul had.

   When we have a desire for GOD in our heart, then the LOVE of CHRIST will show through and our lives will have been changed from eternal death to eternal life. Hallelujah!

   So, my friend, what are the DESIRES of your heart - that bigger, newer, nicer ??????? --- OR the DESIRE for JESUS CHRIST?  The choice is ours, yours and mine, and when the end comes we only have 1 choice.  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

CHRISTMAS IS HERE!!!!

 Yes, Merry Christmas to everyone one!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TODAY IS THE DAY TO REMEMBER THAT WE ARE BLESSED!!

   Well, here we are, a week away from moving into another year and what are we grateful for?  Number 1 should be for JESUS CHRIST, who came to save the world; then, 2, our spouse - the one we should cling to; 3rd - our family and then our friends.  This is part of God's plan, but loving HIM is definitely number 1.

  Many theologians have varying theories of where Jesus was born. Was it really a stable?  OR, was it a guest room?  A room such as when they had the last supper?  A lodging place to just lay down to sleep?

   And I say, WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?  We know that Jesus was born in an humble method, the shepherds had an encounter with angels, then went to pay homage to the new born Messiah--- JESUS!  Jesus - who came to save the world.

   Often we get hung up over different minor items that, really, what difference does it make.  FACT: JESUS CAME TO SAVE THE WORLD AND NOT CONDEMN IT!

   Remember this today and for the upcoming weeks that JESUS IS THE ANSWER FOR THE WORLD YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW!

  Thank you for reading.  Here is the Christmas story from Luke if you wish to read it.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Mary, Did You Know???

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

    Here is the song Mary, did you know?  Just lean back, close your eyes and listen to the words.  Such deep meaning to me and hopefully to you as well.  The words are listed below if you wish to just read.  Click here to listen!

Love you all. 

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has come to make you new?

This child that you delivered, will soon deliver you
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would calm the storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby
You kiss the face of God
Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know?

Mary, did you know? Did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb
Mary, did you know that your baby boy

Is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy
Is heaven's perfect Lamb?

That sleeping child you're
Holding is the great, I Am
Mary, did you know? (Mary, did you know?)
Mary, did you know? (Mary, did you know?)
Mary, did you know? Oh

Joseph, the father of Jesus Matthew 1: 18-25

 Merry Christmas to all my Christian Friends.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

  

Think about Joseph in this very unusual situation - Matthew 1:18-25.    

  So Joseph, a carpenter, was planning to marry this young beautiful female named Mary.  He is looking forward to the marriage and their life together.  Being a carpenter he definitely can provide a living and shelter for his new bride and the future family.

   Then suddenly, Mary becomes pregnant and Joseph knows  he was not the father.  Oh my goodness.  She cheated on him with another man!  This cannot happen and at this point he was quite upset.  Then, as the picture above depicts, when he decided to put her away privily an angel came to him in his sleep and explained the situation.  Mary was not unfaithful, she was chosen and conceived from the Holy Spirit and was going to have the Messiah.

   Now, this is a lot to take in if you were Joseph.  Suddenly this wonderful upcoming event, marriage, was turned upside down as Mary was unfaithful, then an angel tells him she was faithful, to take her as his wife.  Wow!  A lot to take in, understand, and go forth with. Whew!!

   So, Joseph did, he married Mary but the Bible says he knew her not meaning they did not have sexual relations UNTIL after Jesus was born.  For a newly married man this was probably difficult BUT, Joseph was obedient to the LORD.

   Then they have difficulties finding a place to stay so they stay in the stable, an humble beginning for the coming Messiah.  This is another lesson in itself.

   The Christ child is born, now they have a bouncing, bubbly baby boy.  They return home and Joseph is to continue his life's work as a carpenter.  To make a living for his new family and provide shelter.  They get settled in good when, oops, another encounter.  An angel comes to Joseph and tells them they must leave and go to Egypt.  Huh?  Are you serious?  They are just really getting started good with the carpentry business.  But, in obedience they pack and leave.

  Joseph, being the head of the house has been through a lot, yet he continues to be obedient to the LORD GOD and does as the angels instructed him.  Now, think about Joseph.  He is given the task, job, responsibility to raise the Christ child to be a good man.  What an obligation!!  He has held the Christ child, loved the Christ child, provided for the Christ child, and did GOD's bidding to make certain the Christ child was safe.

   Do you think Joseph went to heaven?  He was a Godly man, an obedient man, and I would presume he is in heaven.  By all accounts no one knows what happened to Joseph but speculation is that he died before Jesus started his ministry and/or was crucified.  Think about Joseph this Christmas as well as Mary and our savior JESUS CHRIST. 

  Thank you for reading my carrying on about Joseph. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Simon, son of Jonas to Peter, the Rock

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

   WOWSERS!!  So many thoughts ricocheting through my mind this morning.  One, Jesus asking Peter 3 times if he loved him; WHY??  Two, Jesus tells us he came down to do Gods will, not his own;  and thirdly, Is my character as Jesus would want it to be.

    I think I will do today with Jesus asking Peter about loving HIM.  This is in John 21.  Now Jesus appeared to the disciples several times after the crucifixion. When Jesus was gone, what did the disciples do?  They went back to what was comfortable to them--------FISHING.  The interesting thing here is they fished all night and caught nothing.  Why fish at night?  The water is cooler and it is a better time to fish.  How often do we go to what is comfortable.

    As they were coming in there is a man on the shore who calls to them and says cast your nets on the right side of the boat.  Now, here are some men who, prior to Jesus, had made their living fishing.  Don't you think that it is after dawn, the water is warming up, and there may have been questions if not conversation about this.  You know----we fished all night and nothing why would you think there is fish now.

   Anyway, they cast on the right side and their net was full.  It was at this point that they realized it was Jesus standing on the shore.  They came ashore and Jesus had a fire and cooking fish on it and fed the disciples.  This is the second time HE personally fed them.  The first time was the last supper; this time with nail scarred hands HE fed them again.

   Now, this will be long so I will get back to Jesus asking Peter if he loved him in a moment.  Peter was impulsive, jumping out of the boat and walking on water to Jesus UNTIL he took his eyes off Jesus; cutting off the ear of the guard; and then denying Jesus 3 times.  During the course of the 3 years Jesus changed Simon, son of Jonas' name to Peter meaning the rock.  This he proved, to a point, to be UNTIL the denial of Jesus 3 times.

  John 21:15-17. So Jesus asked Peter do you love me? Notice here Jesus did not call him Peter, but Simon, son of Jonas.  Obviously Peter had not, at this point, proven himself to be a "rock".

 Peter replied yes LORD I love you.  If you read in the original language Jesus asked Peter if he loved (agape) him. Agape is unconditional love.  Peter was probably still hurting from denying Christ and responded with you know I love you but used the word phileo, a Greek word meaning brotherly love, not agape. Jesus tells him to feed the lambs. Lambs?  Here can be another discussion for a later time.

   Then Jesus asks Peter again with the love word agape; once again Peter responds with the love word phileo, or brotherly love. Says yes and Jesus tells him to  feed my sheep (not lambs).

   Now, a third time (as many denials as Peter did) Jesus asks Peter if he loves him but Jesus uses the word Phileo or brotherly love.  This time Peter is probably frustrated and tells Jesus yes he loves him, again using the word phileo or brotherly love.

   Jesus had a reason for asking this way.  The third time seems to reflect Jesus asking, in a way and the number of denials, are you even my friend to show me affection or brotherly love.  Jesus always went to the heart of the matter.  Peter had to face his true feelings and motives now.

   How would you respond if Jesus asked you, "Do you love me?  Do you really love me?  Are you even my friend?  Good for thought. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny.  

Moral Benefits of Wisdom

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. BLESSED TO BE A CHILD OF THE SAVIOR!!!!

  Please take time to read these verses and take them to heart.  Thank you for reading with me. Love you all.

Proverbs 2 

My son, if you accept my words
    and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
    and applying your heart to understanding—
3 indeed, if you call out for insight
    and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds success in store for the upright,
    he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just
    and protects the way of his faithful ones.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  We are BLESSED because of JESUS CHRIST!!!

  Okay, often it is said "why did God let this happen", or, "why did God do this to ....me....my family.....my friends..... or".  Well, the truth of the matter is satan is the prince of this world.  Why did Jesus say the "prince of this world" rather than satan or the devil.  This statement was made to give emphasis to the disciples (and us) of who we will be dealing with.  To say satan or the devil would equate to my saying watch out for Billy Bob, not much meaning, just caution.

     HOWEVER, by saying prince of this world throws more meaning into what Jesus is saying?  WHY?  Who is a prince?  A prince is a person of power and authority and, for the most part, can do or command what he wants.  This is satan.

   Satan corrupts the minds of man, the master of deception, sin and disease.  He roams freely about the earth looking to pollute the minds of non-believers and create doubt in the minds of believers.  Yes, we have all been there:  "Am I really saved"?  Satan does like to throw doubt darts.  2 Corinthians 4: 4 The god of this age (satan) has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

  So what are we to do?  What does Jesus say about this?  John 14: 30 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me,

  Then in John 16: 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

   Jesus is telling the disciples and us that He (satan) has no hold over Jesus and is condemned.  This is encouraging news for the believer and should strengthen our belief.

  Okay, so what about the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?  This should be our triumphant yell or scream that Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords and will overcome the prince of this world.  Here are some verses that should make your heart jump for joy and let you know Jesus is our savior and has complete power over the prince. (remember a King is greater than a prince :) )

This first scripture refers to GOD!

1 Timothy 16: 15 which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords,

  These next scriptures refer to JESUS!

  Revelation 16: 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS!

  Revelations 17: 14 They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”

  Now, wait for it----wait for it---- and........

   Mark 13: 26 “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.

  We should rejoice and not stand in fear as we, the believers, know the ending of this great novel and book we call the BIBLE.  Thank you for reading. Love y'all!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Would you give up everything for Jesus? Truthfully?? Luke 18:18-23

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

  Where is your God?  What is your God?  Who is your God?  Is your God with a capital G or a little g?

   Questions to ponder.  Think about this; whether you live in a 1/2 million dollar home, 250K home, 50K home, or a tent in the woods---could you sell it all, give the financial gain to the poor and walk away?

   This is what Jesus told the rich young ruler.  Now, it is not bad to have the above mentioned homes, nice cars, clothes, and a comfortable living.  The point, in my opinion, that Jesus is making is WHAT/WHO IS YOUR GOD?

  Do you put more stock in what you have rather than in serving Jesus Christ?  If so, you are on the wrong track.  This young ruler thought you could do "works" to get in to heaven, have eternal life.  This young ruler is sensing something is missing in his spiritual life, but what is it?

  He is gracious when he comes to Jesus, but when Jesus replies, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”    The rich young ruler  became very sad, because he was very wealthy.  So, obviously he believed in eternal life, he knew something was missing with him spiritually, BUT when given the answer what became most important.

     18 A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’”21 “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said.22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”23 When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy.

  Where are you today?  You don't have to sell everything to follow Jesus, but, you do need to follow what the Good Book says and are you----spreading the good news, telling others about Jesus, being a living example of Jesus Christ, showing Christian love to all----yes, what are you doing for the kingdom?

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

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Love your neighbor - love the liberals Mark 12:31

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

  Mark 12:31 ....... ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

  This is often hard to do.  I will pull in other scriptures as well. Here is food for thought.  The liberals, BLM, Antifa, LBGT+, thiefs, murderers; these are people we, Christian conservatives, would tend to shun and/or verbally disagree with.  However, what we all do have in common is that we are someones brother or sister; a son or daughter; a father or mother; and we are placed here for a reason.

  Jesus tells us in John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

  Yes, we disagree with the mission and philosophy behind the groups mentioned above, BUT, we still need to show them love.  This does not mean they can run over us, we, as Christian conservatives need to stand boldly on the principles of GOD and be unbending; yet, still love our neighbors.

 Romans 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

   What can we do about the above mentioned?  We can pray!  God hears the prayers of a righteous man/woman.  Take time to go to a bended knee and pray.  Thank you for reading today.

Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

The book of life - Share the gospel to others - Mark 16:15-16; Luke 10:20; Daniel 12:1; Revelation 20:15/3:5

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

  I have written about "love our neighbors" and that this does not mean love as in a spouse, child, or relative.  It means to do for them as you would want to have done to you. 

   It is vitally important that we share the GOOD NEWS of salvation through JESUS CHRIST.  Why?  One, we need to share as told in the good book. Mark 16:15-16  And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe shall be damned".  And who said this?  JESUS said this.  

   And just why would we want to share the gospel with others?  So, they may be included in the "BOOK OF LIFE" which Daniel in the Old Testament mentions as well as this being mentioned in the New Testament.

    Luke 10:20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”   Daniel in the Old Testament wrote in 12:1 “Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued.

   Revelation 20:15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

  Revelation 3:5 He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

  So, is it necessary to share and spread the gospel with others?  Indeed!!!  If we do not share with friends, family, and strangers (aka neighbors) then in essence we are telling them they can go to hell.

   Do not ask anyone if they know God or Jesus.  Most people do.  The important question to ask is "do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ"?  Hindus, Muslims, African natives as well as other religions, all are aware of God or a god.  Share the good news, ask the relevant question, but so importantly LET THE HOLY SPIRIT LEAD YOU.  You cannot save anyone, but the Holy Spirit can open the door(s) and then just follow the lead the Spirit gives you. 

   So, is it important to share the gospel?  Yes, Jesus came not to condemn the world but to offer salvation to all.  This is done by sharing the Good News with others.

   Thank you for reading today.  May the LORD keep and bless you beyond your wildest dreams. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Faith -----Hebrews 13:8; Ephesians 2:8; Luke 8:43-48

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. BE BLESSED WITH GOD'S GRACE TODAY!!!

   Miracles -  many say that miracles are only for the prophets, old testament, and Jesus.  What???  Where is that in the Bible?

   Miracles happen daily -- you are a miracle -- your birth!  Some do believe that miracles are dead today and do not happen.  Well, my question would be where is your FAITH??  yes, where is your FAITH????!!!!

  When we start to exercise our faith satan comes in with his "doubt darts" and starts trying to infiltrate your mind with questions?  Is faith alive today?  Do I have enough faith to be healed or to pray for someone?  I am not worthy of...........!

   You have been there, I have been there, we all have.  But the faith is the most important and it is vital to cast any doubts set forth by satan out.  You have the power -- IN JESUS' NAME FLEE FROM ME!!

  FAITH -  Look at the faith this lady had - the lady who was suffering from bleeding - Luke 8: 44 (She) Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.

  Jesus asked who touched him and this lady was scared but came forth and said she was healed immediately upon touching Jesus' garment.  So what does Jesus do or say:  48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

  What?  Yes, FAITH healed her.  It is imperative that we remember this verse:  Hebrews 13: 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

   Ephesians 2: 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

  Faith will heal -- miracles are still alive and well -- we have hope through JESUS CHRIST --- and we are justified (just as if I never sinned) through JESUS CHRIST!!  Remember, you are a child of GOD!!  Love your neighbor, love your enemies, and walk boldly in FAITH!  Thanks for reading.  Here are the scriptures. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Love your neighbors

 Hello everyone.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!   Please pray for the covid-19 victims.  We have several in our family, in our church family, and all across America and the world.  Just take a moment to ask God's blessings on them and healing.

  Okay, so Jesus was saying "woe" to those whose "gods" are the material things of the world.  Well, do we look down upon them?  Ostracize them?  Ban them from our social groups?   Let us read on of what Jesus says in verses 27-31.

  27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

   What??? How can I love that no-good scroungy person?  Jesus was not talking about having affection for the enemies; he was talking about an act of the will.  Loving our enemies means acting in their best interests.  We can pray for them, and we can offer or think of ways to help them.  

  28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.

  Okay, these verses are really hard to digest as we are human and so often retaliation is what we desire.  Following Jesus is not the high easy road so many "false" preachers proclaim.  To follow Jesus means sacrifice and following Jesus' lead.

  Remember, God loves us all, the haters, the cursers, the liars, cheaters, adulterers, murderers, and on and on.  God loves us all.  So often the problem is me (you) and my (your) heart.  We don't have to love as in affection that we have for family, but love from the Greek was several ways.  One - poimeō kalos -- do good to those who hate you; proseuchomai -- to pray for, to intercede for; eulogeō -- to speak well of; and agapaō -- love your enemies.

   Now, you do not see agape love which is really a different category of love that the world hadn't seen in action until Jesus came along and infected his followers with it.    Followers like you and me!!

    We definitely need to have the heart of Jesus to deal with all this. Look at verse 31:  Do to others as you would have them do to you.

 This is where the love of Jesus in our heart, led by the Holy Spirit, will show our true character.  Are you a mouthpiece for Jesus yet walk in the world; OR, are you a true follower of Jesus, not a "false" prophet or teacher? Do you "love your enemies"?  The choice is ours so what do we do?  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Who should rejoice? Woe unto who? Luke 6:23-26

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. YOU ARE BLESSED!!!  Why?  Because of Jesus Christ taking your sins away!!!!

   Yesterday we ended with Luke 6: 22 when Jesus tells his disciples (and you and me) blessings will come when people hate you, exclude you, and mock you.  Now look at verse 23 - Jesus tells us:  23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

  Why rejoice?  Because, your reward, my reward is what?  GREAT IN HEAVEN!!  These words of Jesus we need to keep in our minds and in our hearts.   But then Jesus goes on to verse 24 - take note please:

  24 But woe unto you that are rich!  For ye have received your consolation. 25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger.  Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.  What is Jesus saying here?  Jesus is telling us that if we try to find fulfillment only through riches, wealth may be the only reward you will ever get, PLUS, it does not last.  Don't seek comfort from what we have here on earth at the expense of eternal life.

  26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.  What is Jesus referring to here?  Well, in the Old Testament times there were many false prophets.  Many kings and  people praised them (false prophets) for????  They predicted prosperity and victory in war and this is what the people and kings wanted to hear.

  You know, being popular may win you a cheerleader spot, political spot, or special place in church, at work, or in your community, BUT, the truth may not be there, AND, human flattery does not bring GOD's approval.  People who pursue people's favor do not realize that sadness, weeping, and destruction lies just around the corner.  The favor we need to seek is GOD's.

   We are to seek God's truth and push forward, being led by the Holy Spirit to do God's work.  Question:  If you had to give up everything right now to follow Jesus -- How would you react and feel?  Food for thought.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

    

Blessed are the poor? Huh? Some preachers preach we should prosper. Luke 6:20-22

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

  Okay, let us look at Luke 6: 20-21 for a moment.  This follows yesterdays study about just touching the hem of Jesus' garment being a healing power -- the spirit.

   20 Looking at his disciples, he said:“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.  21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.  Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.

   First, Jesus was looking at his disciples and this is not just the 12 apostles, but many disciples who are following Jesus at this time.  There is a multitude of people, but he is talking to his disciples.

   When Jesus says blessed are the poor - he is not necessarily referring to the earthly wealth only, but he is saying they gave up their secular positions to follow Him.  Sooooo, what does that mean?  The next part of the verse says: "yours is the kingdom of God".  

   These disciples have given up their secular, their worldly position to follow Jesus and will be in heaven, have eternal life.

   Again, in verses 21 and 22 Jesus is not saying you are going to starve to death or be sad always.  He is saying that the worldly things are but temporary and that one day there will be no hunger, no weeping, we will all be rejoicing in the LORD.

  Jesus is passing on eternal blessings to these disciples who gave up everything to follow HIM.  This is for you and me as well.  This does not mean go sell all your worldly possessions, live on the street, preach the word of God and beg for alms.  NO!  Jesus is saying our earthly possessions should be second, third, fourth, way on down the list; but the NUMBER 1 item should be salvation through Jesus Christ and spreading HIS word to others.

  So, now the question for you and for me is:  "IS GOD NUMBER 1 IN YOUR LIFE"?  If the answer is NO, then WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?  Thank you for reading. Love you all.  Think about Luke 6:

22 Blessed are you when people hate you,

    when they exclude you and insult you
    and reject your name as evil,
        because of the Son of Man.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Just the Spirit - Mark 5:30 - Luke 6:19

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

  Please pray for all the COVID victims; for their healing and comfort.  It is an awful disease to have.

   We are living in a physical world where we see, touch, smell, and work with things.  However, we always need to be aware of our spiritual realm and how powerful it is.  The Holy Spirit resides in you and within you are the gifts from God.  Often we do not realize the power we have as being a disciple of the savior Jesus Christ.

  When Jesus walked the earth people would like to just touch him to be healed. Luke 6: 19 and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.

   Jesus left us the Holy Spirit whereas we may do the same, IF, it brings glory to God.

   Others had the belief that if they just touched Jesus' garment as the lady who was bleeding. Mark 5: 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?

   Yes, if we could only touch his garment we would be healed.  WELL, we were saved and healed when Jesus went to the cross for our sins.  Now the Holy Spirit is here to help us in our times of need and times of jubilation.  

   You are in a spiritual war and need to keep your eyes on Jesus.  As Bill and Gloria Gather's song:  "Jesus is the answer, for the world today; above HIM there is no other, Jesus is the way!"

   Stay strong, stay in the spirit, and touch or be touched by others to strength the stand for Jesus.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Are you abiding in Christ? What does ABIDING in CHRIST really mean?

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

   Today, as I often wonder where I am in Christ I find John 15 with the first few verses that we will look at together.  The question:  Are you abiding in Christ?  What does ABIDING in CHRIST really mean?  Well, let's look at these verses now.

  “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.

Jesus is saying HE is the true vine, meaning the life line to any fruit that may come about.  my Father (GOD) is the gardener who cares for the vine and does prune it as necessary.

 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. Here Jesus is saying that a branch that is not bringing forth fruit is taking away from the branches that do produce fruit, therefore, they will be pruned or cut off.  These are people who appear to be disciples of Christ, yet bear no fruit. But, we pruned ones will do even more.

 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.  Here, you, me, - we are clean - the WORD is powerful and what Jesus gave us is powerful.  God spoke the universe into being---HE spoke it, did not create it with his hands, saw, materials---HE SPOKE IT!

4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.  If we are in Christ, then we are a branch that is bearing fruit; BUT , we cannot bear fruit by ourselves--we have to have the vine to give us the energy, the power, the supplements to produce fruit.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  The self made man is only kidding himself - it is God, Jesus, that makes us who we are.  If we remain in Christ the fruits of our labor will be seen.  I, myself, am nothing without Jesus Christ.

 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.  If a branch remains but does not remain in Jesus Christ then that branch will be severed from the vine, it will wither and then burned by fire. 

 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is a truth, however, many take if out of context. If HIS words remain in you, me, then when we ask it will be done.  This means what will be done?  Keep in mind the phrase "my words remain in you" and you will understand this means within God's will and also bring glory to God.  So, don't stand on the corner and say it is God's will you win the multi-million dollar lottery - it ain't gonna happen my friend.  

8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.  It is important that God receives the glory, by doing so we (you and I) will bear much fruit - show people the way to eternal life,- and we will be good disciples of Jesus Christ, of God, of our Father in Heaven.

  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny