Judges 11:4-11

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good!!!
  Okay, Jephthah is meeting with the leaders of Israel about being their leader in this conflict or battle against the Ammonites.
  They said come, be our leader. Jephthah remembers back when and replies: "Didn't you hate me and drive me from my father's house?  Why do you come to me now, when you're in trouble"?
   The leaders basically said, oh, whatever, that was in the past, but now we are turning to you and want you to come fight the Ammonites, be our leader, and be the head over all who live in Gilead.
   Jephthah is skeptical and responds: "Suppose you take me back to fight the Ammonites and the LORD gives them to me-will I really be your head"?
   The elders reply with, "The LORD is our witness; we will certainly do as you say."   Jephthah went with them, they made him head and commander over them.  Then he repeated all his words before the LORD in Mizpah.  As near as I can find this last sentence simply means Jephthah took an oath before the LORD, or with the LORD as his witness.
   Then we come to the conflict with Jephthah and the king of the Ammonites.  Verse 12--29 on Monday; then disturbing verses for Jephthah verses 30-40 on Tuesday. Thanks for reading Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Judges 11 - Jephthah

Good morning all. God is good all the time!!
   JUDGES 11 - Jephthah, son of Gilead, son of a prostitute.  Gilead's wife also bore him sons.  Now here comes the rivalry. The sons came to Jephthah and told him he was basically worthless, and was worthy of no inheritance because he was the son of another woman (a prostitute).  
    They drove Jephthah away so he fled and settled in the land of Tob, where a group of adventurers gathered around him and followed him.  As I understand "adventurers" here means a person(s) who enjoys taking risks.
   Soooo, now Jephthah is the leader of this band of men when the Ammonites made war on Israel.  Now the leaders of Gilead need a great leader, a great warrior, so they travel to the land of Tob to visit with Jephthah.
   Hmmm!  How someone so disliked, hated, and drove away can become someone we need.  Does this sound a lot like what we do in the world today?
   Here is a map to view:

  More about Jephthah, the Israelites, and the Ammonites tomorrow.
Thank you for reading. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Alienation until we need their help - Jephthah - Judges 11

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

   Who is Jephthah?  This is a man who was a mighty warrior.  His father was Gilead and his mother was a prostitute.  Before we go on, let us back up to Judges 10 starting at verse 6.

   The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD.  They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines.   God was angry, cut them off and sold them into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites for eighteen years.

   All Israelites on the east side of the Jordan in Gilead, the land of the Amorites were oppressed.  Israel was in great distress so what do they do?

    They don't call out, but the CRY OUT TO GOD, admitting they had sinned, forsaking God and serving Baal. At this point God is not happy, no, he is angry, well, he is POed at the Israelites.  He says did not I help you (to paraphrase) in other times of oppression?  Why don't you go now and call out to all the foreign gods you worshipped before?  Go on! Scat! Get out of here, cry for help elsewhere.

   The people came back and admitted they had sinned; they said do with us what you want but PLEASE RESCUE US!  They (Israelites) got rid of the foreign gods that were among them and served the LORD.

  Then in Judges 10:16b "And he could bear Israel's misery no longer". The Ammonites were called to arms and camped in Gilead, the Israelites gathered and camped at Mizpah,  The leaders of the peoples of Gilead asked among themselves who would lead the attack against the Ammonites and be the head of all those living in Gilead.  Well...........the name Jephthah comes up.  And..........we will continue this tomorrow.  Thanks for reading thus far. Love you all. Stay tuned for Jephthah.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Forgiveness! Have you forgiven YOURSELF???

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

  Forgiveness-- Often we say I forgive you; sometimes we mean it - sometimes we don't.  But I believe the hardest part of forgiveness is to forgive yourself.

   In my opinion, we need to be able to look in the mirror and speak to that person with these words- YOU are a sinner; You are FORGIVEN, and most of all I LOVE YOU!

  So oft it is easy to say I forgive you; but we tend to be our own most critical critic.  We see and know what we have done and tend to hang on to it-----living in unforgiveness to self.

  Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the LORD forgave you.

  Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men  their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.  Words from Jesus 

  So how often do we need to forgive and ask forgiveness?  Matthew 18:21,22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "LORD, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"  22) Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven times." 

    FORGIVENESS!  We are not worthy, no, not I; however, because of JESUS CHRIST offering us salvation and forgiveness of our sins we become RIGHTEOUS! Hallelujah!  Hallelujah!

   You, my friend, are worthy of righteous. Now is the time to go forth; walking, talking and acting as you should----a child of GOD!!  Be the B-I-B-L-E others see. Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Pro-Choice----Pro-abortion----Anti-abortion - what shall it be?

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

  Isaiah 5:20 "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!"

   Look around you and see if this is not the case today in America, in the world.  I used to be pro-choice thinking the woman should be able to decide to keep the baby, abort the baby or give the baby to adoption.  HOWEVER, as my study in God's Word became stronger I could see that this was in error.  Why?  Hold on, I'll come to that.

  Pro-abortion is good in many peoples eyes.  Then the woman or man can eliminate a "mistake" they made.  Abortion is not an alternative for birth control--it is killing.  Ancient times they would sacrifice babies to their gods; we are doing this in America today with abortion.  You may say they are not sacrificing to gods, but, OH, I BELIEVE YOU ARE WRONG!  Why?  Killing is one of the commandments we are not to do-yet we do in the name of abortion.  Oh, but it is just a mass of tissue the "experts" say - yet scientific evidence shows that "mass of tissue" has feelings.  Also, we call it a fetus to move ourselves away from the fact it is a HUMAN BABY.   If it was not human, a person, just a mass of tissue, then why do they want to harvest parts and organs? 

   Anti-abortion is my stand. As the country western song goes: "That's my story and I'm stickin' to it" - where do you stand?  If a person wanted to go Pro-choice I would say there are 2 choices----have the baby and raise the baby, OR, put the baby up for adoption.

   Some will say why would you want to give the baby up for adoption?  Those reasons are too vast to investigate at this time, but people have reasons.  In our family we have an adoption.  This child coming into our family has brought joy to many and touched countless number of lives.  Had this child been aborted many, yes many, would have missed the joy this child, now an adult has brought.

    When I stood on the pro-choice wagon I thought there were reasons.  There are, but just not the same as I envisioned in my younger days.  Today, my idea of Pro-Choice would be: 1) abstention, 2) condoms (if you do engage), 3) adoption (again, if you do engage); but definitely not abortion.

  Isaiah goes on to say in chapter 5: 21) Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!  22) Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink! 23) Which justify the wicked for reward and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! 24) Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have ast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

   Verse 25 tells us the anger of the LORD is kindled against the people.  All I can say is look out America. Look around, see what is happening, look at the upcoming election and see who aligns most closely with GOD's values, not yours or mine, but GOD's!!  We are coming to Armageddon quickly.  Thanks for reading. Love y'all!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Hope!!! Romans 15:13

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. BLESSED!  You are definitely BLESSED, as you are a child of GOD!!!!

   Hope - Just what is HOPE?  It is a strong and confident  expectation.  This is what we should have in the LORD!

  Psalm 146:5 "Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God."

  Our Hope is in the LORD and we should be happy and rejoice.  We can rest assured that God is in control and we need not be dismayed.

  Romans 15:13 " Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost."

    This was part of Paul's prayer to the Christians in Rome and is very powerful.  We can have hope in man, spouse, children, leaders, yet all will let us down.  The only TRUE HOPE is in the LORD GOD, who is our redeemer and saving grace.

  If you read this carefully you will see GOD OF HOPE FILL YOU WITH ALL JOY AND PEACE!!  This is, or should be a strong encouragement to all Christians.

  HOPE IS GOD-----GOD IS HOPE!!!  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

We are all held captive!!! But by what???????????????

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

  How often are we held captive and don't realize we are!?  Take Jonah for instance.  Here is a man of God, a prophet, who was to deliver God's word.  God gave him guidance and direction yet he refused.  Refused what?  To go to Ninevah!  Why?

   Because he believed they were an evil city in the Assyrian empire and deserved to be destroyed.  Was this what God told him?  NO!  This was HIS BELIEF!

   Jonah was being held captive by hate.  Because of his hate, he could not see past it and could not see what God was offering to Ninevah, a second chance.

      To read the story go to Jonah chapters 1-4.  Jonah went through a storm on the sea, swallowed by a great fish, yet during this time he did pray.  Then he went to Ninevah and preached that in 40 days Ninevah would be overthrown.  The people of Ninevah believed God, by decree of the king they turned from their evil ways, wore sackcloth and repented.  God saw this, but..........

      The hatred in Jonah's heart was great.  After going through the trials and struggles he created for himself by refusing to do God's wishes, he went to Ninevah.  Ninevah repented!!  Time for rejoicing???

   Not to Jonah, he was angry, yes angry, pouting, and depressed because Ninevah repented and God did not destroy them.  Jonah was held captive by HATRED!

   Jonah, still being held captive by hatred was displeased. God, in chapter 4, has a conversation with Jonah and chastises him for his attitude.  How often do we need to realize our attitude, ask forgiveness, and turn from our "evil" attitude/way.?

  My attitude adjustment usually comes in the form of a human, my spouse.  She is a godly woman and does hold my feet to the fire.  How about you?  Where are you today?  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

What is holding you captive?

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

  What does being held captive mean?  It means to be taken prisoner, OR, to be obliged to listen.  So often we, the human race, do not listen well, BUT, we end up being taken prisoner or held captive by many things. Our own thoughts, depression, sexuality, bulemia, non-obedience, death, feelings of acceptance, being a people pleaser, abuse (physical and mental), money or material things.

   So often we are not good listeners nor doers.  We 'hear' Gods word but do not apply; we read about how the Israelites went in and out of favor of the most high God, yet they continued this path.  We do as well.  

   What ever is holding you captive is not letting you enjoy the fruits of God's love.  You have to CAST IT AT THE FEET OF JESUS and then,  AND THEN  LEAVE IT ALONE!

  If you give it to God, then give it - don't be as they used to call us in my childhood "an indian giver", meaning give and take back.

   Satan knows your weakness and will pursue it.  Words of the Bible to ponder:  2 Corinthians 10:4-6:  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; (5) asting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ' (6) And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled."

   Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Valentine's Day -- a day we are to express LOVE for those special people

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TO BE LOVED IS A GREAT FEELING!

  Today is the day many companies make a lot of money.  Why?   L-O-V-E--valentines, candy, presents, dinner, card, etc.

    The history of Valentine's Day is not totally clear, however, most accounts stem from Claudis II who executed two men named Valentine or Valentinus in February but in different years.

   One account says that Claudis II thought that single men made better soldiers (warriors) and therefore outlawed marriage for young men.  Valentinus saw the injustice of this decree and, as a priest continued to marry young people in secret.  When this was found out Claudis II took action and had him jailed, then killed.

   One theory is that while Valentinus was in prison he fell in love with the jailers daughter who came to visit him and before his death he sent her a letter and signed it "From your Valentinus" or 'from your Valentine'; which makes a great love story.

  How great a love we much have for our spouse, family, friends, and neighbors.  It has been said  'no greater love than for a man to give his life for another'; which leads me to john 3:16 and Romans 5:8.

   Romans 5:8 "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

  And of course, John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

  Valentine's Day, a time for a heart review or possibly a "heart" transplant.  Take time today to tell someone how much you love them and that God loves them even more, giving his own Son just for you, me, everyone!!!  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

 

John 14:16-18 The Holy Spirit - HE is in YOU!!

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Are you blessed?  YES, YOU ARE BLESSED!  Why?  Read on.

   John 14:16-18 "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him.  You know him, for HE dwells with you and will be in you.  I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."

   You and I, as believers in Jesus Christ, have the "helper" aka the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit dwells within us and we only need to be still, listen, and know the Spirit is speaking to us.  So often we want to blame God for our mishaps; yet God gives us free will, BUT, sent us a HELPER.

   The problem that lies herein is the fact so often our pride wants to override and we will tend to ignore the Holy Spirit's nudging and continue doing 'what we want' to do.  Take time today to go to a quiet place, closet, car, room away from others, or wherever you can and listen.  If nothing else set a timer and spend 2 minutes, 120 seconds in quiet reflection, saying nothing, thinking nothing, just listening to the Spirit.

   My prayer for you today is that you will hear the Spirit speak to you, you will be safe and secure both physically and spiritually.  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

We believe --- WE BELIEVE!!!! John 3:16

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

  This morning I woke to the song "We Believe" and it continues to resonate in my mind.  Take time to view the words and see how well they fit with you, me, America, the world today----right now!

In this time of desperation,    When all we know is doubt and fear,

There is only one foundation,    We believe We believe

In this broken generation When all is dark, You help us see

There is only one salvation ---- We believe  WE BELIEVE

We believe in GOD THE FATHER ------

We believe in JESUS CHRIST ------

We believe in the HOLY SPIRIT-----

And He' given us NEW LIFE ------

We believe in the CRUCIFIXION----

We believe that HE CONQUERED DEATH-----

We believe in the RESURRECTION------

And HE IS COMING BACK AGAIN, We believe

So, let our faith be more than anthems,

Greater than the songs we sing,

And in our weakness and temptations

We believe, We believe

Let the lost be found and the dead be raised in the here and now,

Let love invade-let the church live -love our God will see

We believe, we believe

And the gates of hell will not prevail for the power of God has torn the vail

Now we know Your love will never fail, We believe, we believe.

The chorus just continues to resonate and if that is all we can share with someone----- it is okay.  Tell them God IS the Father, you believe in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.  And because of Jesus YOU HAVE NEW LIFE.  

   There was a crucifixion an Jesus' blood shed for our sins, THEN----Yes, THEN JESUS CHRIST CONQUERED DEATH through His RESURRECTION.

  Jesus is coming back again for you and for me.  We know because the Bible tells us so and WE BELIEVE-------yes yes yes -----  WE BELIEVE!!

   JOHN 3:16 "For God so loved the world that HE gave HIS only SON, that whosoever believes on HIM shall not perish, but  have eternal life."

   May your day be blessed and remember -- YOU BELIEVE -- Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

John 6 verses 25-59 Jesus-Bread of Life; 60-71 Many disciples desert Jesus

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

  Jesus had fed the 5,000 +, in John 6; next he walked on the water when his disciples were in the boat, a storm arose, and Jesus walked on water.  This all comes from John 6:1-24.  So, now to the next "meat" of John 6.

   The people were looking for Jesus and then found him on the other side of the lake and asked Rabbi (teacher) when did you get here?

    Jesus criticized the people who followed him only for the physical (food) and temporary benefits and not for the satisfying of their spiritual hunger.  Many people used (and still use) religion to gain social status, prestige, or political positions.  However, true believers follow Jesus simply because they know he is the truth, the way, and life to everlasting eternity.

  These people whom are referred to as disciples are a large body of people, following Jesus and listening to what he has to say.  The 12 are also with him.   When Jesus makes the statement in verse 35 that he is "the bread of life, whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."  Then he goes on to say:  "But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe."

   Jesus continues to say He came down from heaven not to do His will, but to do the will of the one who sent Him (God) so that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."

  Hmmm!  After saying this the Jews began to grumble about him because of what he said.  Some of these Jews did not accept Jesus' claim of divinity.  Why, he is only a carpenters son and is from Mary and Joseph; He is not special plus claiming to be the bread of life.  Then in later verses 53-59 Jesus tells them unles the "eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you."

  What?  This crazy man is speaking of cannibalism.  Also, the law forbides this in Leviticus 17:10-11.  Jesus was not talking about literal blood He was saying his life had to become their own. They had to accept Him as the Son of Man.  This was a concept that was foreign to them and, they expected their Messiah to come in a way of glory.

  Jesus asks (verse 61) Does this offend you?  What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before!  The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. Yet there are some of who who do not believe.  this is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him."

   This next verse is interesting - John 6:66 From this time many of his isciples turned back and no longer followed him.

  Then (verse 67) Jesus turned to the 12 chosen and asked, "You do not want to leave too, do you?

  Simon Peter spoke saying "LORD, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."

   Jesus said, "Have I not chosen you the twelve? Yet, one of you is a devil!"

Many of the "disciples" deserted Jesus because he was not going to be the conquering Messiah-King they expected; He refused to give in to their self-centereed requests, He emphasized faith rather than deeds, His teachings were difficult to understand and offensive to some in that day.

   As we grow in our faith we have 2 responses:  1--to give up and turn away from Jesus because we think it is too hard; OR 2- ask God to show you what the teaching mean and how you may apply them to your life. Go forth with the courage to act on God's truth.

   Thank you for reading today. Rather lengthy, but a good lesson. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Matthew 8 - a man with Leprosy

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

   Things happen and we wonder WHY?  My kids act up, my spouse doesn't understand me, my job, my friends, and on and on.  We need to remember Jesus when all is going right, AND, when things go askew. Yes, It is JESUS we need to call on, both in the good times and the bad.  God wants to hear from you and bless you.

   Matthew 8 Jesus was coming down from the mountainside when suddenly a man with leprosy approached him an knelt before him.  Now understand, leprosy was a term for a variety of similar diseases and these people were thought to be unlean and sent to a community to live until they either were healed or died.

  This man says to Jesus: "Lord, if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean."

   Please note the faith of this man - speaking to Jesus and says IF YOU ARE WILLING!  This is JESUS, he is willing all the time, BUT, do you; do I have enough faith to truly believe?  We have an incurable disease that we will die with UNLESS Jesus takes it away and that is SIN!!!

   You and I have to have enough faith to believe Jesus can take away our sin. Once accepting Jesus as our saviour, we are in the heavenly book and will experience eternal life.  Okay, the leper asked if Jesus was willing.

   Jesus replies, "I am willing, be healed!  Don't tell anyone about this, insead go  to the priest and let him examine you.  Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy.  This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed."

  This is Jesus---He is always willing to heal us. We ask "if you are willing" when our real statement should be "LORD, I know you are willing, I have faith in your healing."

   The law required a healed  leer to be examined by the priest (Leviticus 14) Jesus wanted this man to give his story firsthand to the priest to prove that his leprosy was completely gone so he could return to his community.

   Have you reached out, asked Jesus, been healed of your "leprosy" aka sin?  If not it is time!  If you have rejoice, thank God, and keep the faith.  Jesus is willing- ARE YOU?  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Matthew 7:13-14 Two Ways to travel; 15 False Prophets

Good morning to each and every one of you.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!

  As I grow older and as I look around, I see more and more people who have done as I have done.  Raised their children in church, BUT, were not the REAL SPIRITUAL LEADERS of their household.

   My expectation was that Sunday School and Church would teach my children what they need to know.  WRONG!!  My children know of Jesus Christ and have professed salvation through him, however, my children do not know the Bible and the truths therein.  Whose fault is this?  MINE!!  Now, as they are grown and have children of their own I can only pray that they will lead their children, spouses, extended family members in going to the Bible and praying continually.  Also, my position as a role model needs to be as Jesus would desire me to be.

   In saying this, look at the word of JESUS CHRIST.  Let us look at Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  (14) But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

   What is Jesus saying here?  To me, Jesus is saying a lot of people will "say"; "act"; or "profess" to be Christians when in reality they only have head knowledge and parrot the words they have been taught to say.  

   The gate that leads to eternal life is "narrow."  This is not saying it is difficult to become a Christian, but it is saying there is only one way to eternal life with GOD,   AND------only a few decide to walk that roa.

   Living a Christian life, one after Jesus, may not be popular, but it is true and right.   We have to pray,  do Bible study by self or with others, and strengthen our faith in God.   Now, this leads into verse 15----

  Matthew 7:15 "Watch out for false prophets.  They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."

  These are words directly from Jesus.  In ancient times the 'false prophets' would prophesy only what the king and the people wanted to hear, claiming it was God's message.  Much as our politicians do today except they do not claim it is God's message.

   Jesus is telling us to be ware of the one who sound religious or scriptural but are motivated by money, fame, power, or more.  When you hear them all they do is more about them and society acceptance than the teaching of Jesus.

  I plead with you---read your Bible, study the word, do not fall prey to what the world and society thinks is okay.  Only God's word is right. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Jesus gave you authority over the enemy Luke 10:19

Good day to everyone.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  BLESSED TODAY!!!

   My brother in law shared a book with me about us having the authority over satan, the demons, and the world.  The one greater than our authority is the one who gives it -- GOD!!

  The information about you, me, all of us Christians having authority over satan and his demons is very interesting.  We have that power, BUT, do we invoke it?

  Luke 10:19 Jesus said, "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.  

   Then verse 20 Jesus goes on to say, :Nor withstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you. 

   Wow!  A double victory- not only do we have authority, power over the enemy BUT our name is written in heaven.  YEA!

   Now let us talk about authority for a moment.  We have it, yet DO WE USE IT!?!?!   We sing praises, claim we have the power, and when praise and worship is over we go out into the world as Melba Milk Toast and do nothing.

   Here is the example the book gave.  What if you came home, saw someone robbing your home, you call the police, hoards of police officers rush to the scene, then they all stand on the walk way around the house and just watch.  Now they have the authority to stop this, yet they just watch.  Isn't this what we do so many times?  We are bold in church, sing loud, Amen to the preacher, then we leave and NOTHING!!!!

   In Luke 9:1 Jesus called the disciples together and gave them this authority. What did they do with it?  Hide and run away?  NO, they went forth boldly with the authority Jesus gave to them; as should we!!!

     Matthew 28:18 Jesus says, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth, (19)Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; (20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

   Wowsers!!  I challenge you as my brother in law always challenges me - step out in authority.  You have the authority over the powers of the earth; be bold and stand firm on Jesus.  Never forget, when in the face of evil simple say "FLEE FROM ME SATAN IN THE NAME OF JESUS."

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

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

1 Peter 5:8-9

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

  Okay, many people watched the Super Bowl on Sunday with a lot of East Texans (and others) routing for KC Chiefs and Patrick.  It was a good game all the way through.  However, a quick comment on the half time show this year and in the past.  But first, let us look at 1 Peter 5:8-9 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  (9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world."

   Lions attack sick, young, or straggling animals; they choose victims who are alone or not alert.  Peter warns us to watch out for satan when we are suffering or being persecuted.

  Satan attacks us when we are alone, feeling helpless, weak, focused on our troubles or living of the world instead of in the world.  Okay, is saying all this we, as Christians, must realize that satan comes as a ray of light, something that will look good to you from your weak side.  Satan likes to send a lot of "eye candy" to both men and women.

  Okay, the half time show Sunday was very offensive to me.  Why?  Because I do not want my children, grandchildren, your children or grandchildren to think it is okay to wear clothes that is not pleasing to the LORD, and to dance in seductive ways.  This is not part of the moral code of God.  And if you can prove me wrong with scripture I will listen.

  I do not care how old, young, or beautiful that person if; male or female; if it is now something I could enjoy in church then there is a good chance it is out of bounds.  What has happened to the moral character of the USA?

  Oh, yes, we have taken prayer out of schools, God out of the USA, and let liberals lead America down a path of eventual destruction

   What are your moral guidelines?  Where do you stand?  On the Bible or In The World?  We are IN the world, but we do not have to be OF the world. 

  Satan will grab you at your weak spot; whether it is gambling, lust, envy, jealously, lying, stealing, alcohol, drugs, or whatever-- just know satan and his demons are there waiting to devour as does the lion.  Check your mindset: the WORLD or...........the WORD!!!!  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Faith

Johnny