Story of the boy who cried wolf (fools and their folly)

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

  Here we live in AMERICA, the greatest name on this planet, yet we don't appreciate it as we should.  We don't appreciate the vast beauty and wonder of the world created by none other than the living GOD.

   Today, we have in our government, the politics; in our pulpits, yes, in the churches many "boys who are crying wolf".   And what happens?  What happens when we are told mis-information, aka LIES?  One of Hitler's henchmen made the statement that if you tell the same lie loud enough and long enough then the people will believe. (Video of boy who cried wolf) 

   Our politicians share lies with us constantly and many believe; men of the clothe, men in the pulpits share lies with their congregations and many believe what they say is true.

  The moral of the boy who cried wolf is that there is no believing a liar, even when he tells the truth.  We need to be able to distinguish lies from truth as the living, breathing, walking church.  

  Proverbs 26:6/7   6 Sending a message by the hands of a fool

    is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison.7 Like the useless legs of one who is lame is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

  We, my friends, have to beware of the "boys" who cry wolf and stand on the promises of God.  Satan is as a wolf or lion on the prowl, looking for the best way to attack.  Seeking out your most vulnerable weakness. It may be greed, covetousness, lust, anger, hate, or whatever,  Stay in the word and beware of the fools who try to pull you in. 

  Thanks for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Proverbs 26:3-5.........and then a question: DO YOU KNOW GOD?

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

   I used to tell my substitutes to not try to match wits with some of the students. Why?  Because a fool understands not when he/she shows themselves as a fool.

  Proverbs 26:3-5 -- 3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

  Verse 3 - To keep a horse, a donkey or a fool in line you need to use a whip, a bridle or a rod.  What does this mean?  It means they need to be guided as they will not do well on their own.  They need direction.

    Verse 4 warns against arguing with a fool on his own terms, by doing so we stoop to his level and become as foolish as he is. Because he despises wisdom and correction, the fool will not listen to wise reason and will try to draw us into his type of argument, whether it is by using deceit, scoffing at our wisdom, or becoming angry and abusive.   

   The phrase “according to his folly” in verse 5, on the other hand, tells us that there are times when a fool has to be addressed so that his foolishness will not go unchallenged. In this sense answering him according to his folly means to expose the foolishness of his words, rebuking him on the basis of his folly so he will see the idiocy of his words and reasoning.   

   So, don't argue with fools unless you are totally prepared.  Now for a real question to see where you are.

   DO YOU KNOW GOD?    No, really, do you REALLY KNOW GOD?  Who is GOD to you?  Someone who you talk to when in trouble, when confused about something, when life seems bleak?  OR, is GOD a true friend of yours and do you visit with him daily?  Do you converse with GOD as you would your best friend, your spouse, your children?  If not, maybe a re-examination of the heart may be necessary.  Once again, -- DO YOU KNOW GOD?  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Coming of the fools! Proverbs 26:1,2

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

    Well, America, we are in a stressful situation at this time if we want it to be.  Everything that is going on takes us away from what is important - STUDYING THE BIBLE; KNOWING THE WORD!!

   The DNC & RNC having their 'virtual' conventions; the "peaceful" protests that are not peaceful; the defunding of Police; and politicians who don't and will not stand up for what is right.  All sides, Democrats, Republicans, Liberals, Independents, -----no one---- going forth with the strong WORD OF GOD!!

  Shame on all of us, and in saying this I am pointing all fingers in my direction.  Have I been in the word?  NO!  And I am ashamed.  Pastor preached Sunday about doing what is right with God; quit "faking it to make it" attitude; be honest with God, bend your knee ONLY to pray and stand proudly that you live in One Nation UNDER GOD!

  Proverbs does well in teaching us about our folly.  How foolish we become over politics, sports, money, life styles, material things like cars, clothes, boats, homes, and on and on.

  We need to stand in honor, in honor that we are children of the living GOD.  Look at Proverbs 26: 1 Honor is no more associated with fools than snow with summer or rain with harvest.

  Think about this verse for a moment.  Honor to fools- like snow with summer. We know it does not snow in the summer, that is stupid or foolish to think so. Yes, that is how honor is to fools.

   And, rain with harvest - we do not want rain at harvest time because the crop may ruin before we can get in to harvest.  Honor is to the fool as much as we want rain with the harvest - not a good thing.

  Proverbs 26: 2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse will not land on its intended victim.

   What is being said here?  An undeserved curse - one that is not justified, one that should not happen.  What about it?  It may be thrown at a particular person  BUT--- will not land on the person it planned to victimize.  If you have ever seen a sparrow or swallow, they dart here, there, and yonder, without hindrance.  

   This means that an "undeserved" curse will have no effect.  We need to remember this as we stay close to the word and closer to GOD.  The "curse" we view around us will have no effect.  Live in the word my friend, be real, don't play Christian - be a Christian.  How?  By loving God with all your heart, mind, and soul - and loving your neighbors.

   Tomorrow, more about the fool.  My prayer is that not one of us become the fool, but let God's wisdom show through us to bring glory to HIM!  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Acts 2:3-5 Speaking in other tongues

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

  Well, without further ado let us begin.  verse  3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

  Fire here is a representation of purification.  Sat upon them has the significance of complete preparation or of their permanent  condition to accept and do the following of the Holy Spirit.

 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

  There were filled with the Holy Spirit (Ghost) and spoke in other languages so others could fully understand.  The Spirit gave them utterance.  Now this will bring about many conversations and debates which we will not go into.  However, speaking through the Spirit gives a non-party line to God (in my opinion).  If you wish to comment I would enjoy the feedback.

  5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

  Devout men of every nation and now you can see why they began to speak with other tongues.  This allowed everyone there to be able to hear and receive the true word of God.

   I do hope this makes sense to you.  Wishing you a wonderful and blessed day with Jesus Christ as your center focal point. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

The Holy Sprit Comes, Acts 2:1,2

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. YOU ARE BLESSED INDEED!  A CHILD OF GOD!!!

   Acts 2 talks about Pentecost, which is also called the Festival of First Harvest.  It was one of three major annual festival (Deuteronomy 16:16)  This is a festival of thanksgiving for the harvested crops. 

   Passover was when the firstfruits of the barley crops were given to God.  Pentecost was when the first fruits of the wheat harvest were given to God. (FYI)  Pentecost also marked the day when the Law was given to Israel, sometimes called Joy of the Law.

  Pentecost came 50 days after passover.  Jesus was crucified at Passover time, he ascended 40 days after resurrection.  The Holy Spirit came 50 days after the Resurrection, or 10 days after Christ's ascension.

   2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 

  All the believers were here, gathered together.Acts 2: 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

  Now let's break this down. a sound from heaven---so it was not like any other normal sound, but very different.  The metaphor - a rushing mighty wind - this was how it was described.  And what did it do?  It filled all the house where they were sitting. 

    Who was sitting here?  All the believers.  Now the Pentecost festival brought Jews from all over, other nations and was the most attended. A lot of this was possible because this was the best time to travel in this area of the world.

  We will see later in verse 14 of when Peter's speech was given to an international audience and resulted in a worldwide harvest of new believers- the first converts to Christianity.

  However, before we move on to Peter's speech we will look at the next verses in the next post. 

  Think about the HOLY SPIRIT coming from HEAVEN as a MIGHTY WIND and what it can and will do.  This is not something of the world, but something OUT OF THIS WORLD.  Have you caught the Holy Spirit, is it captive in your heart.  When we speak of the Holy Spirit it should not be a profession by us; BUT, a possession by us.  We should have the Spirit dwelling deep within our heart, guiding our every movement, every thought, every action taken.

  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Begin at Acts 1:16-26

Begin at Acts 1:16-26

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

  The Bible is a hoax written by ordinary men many people will say.  The problem with this statement is that over 300 prophecies about Jesus in the old testament were fulfilled by Jesus.  Some say over 400 prophecies were written and fulfilled. Click on the link if you care to view them.  All through the old Testament comes the word of Jesus the Christ. Wow, I don't think this all came from a single cell amoeba, do you?  

  Peter is speaking to the followers in the upper room, about 120 (not just the chosen) and said  16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

  Speaking of the prophecy and it being fulfilled in this that Jesus would be betrayed by one of his disciples.  You can find this in Jeremiah and Zechariah.  Peter is speaking of this betrayal and goes on telling about the cost and what happened to Judas. 18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

     Peter gives us a vivid description of what happened to Judas and how the field where he fell to be named.  19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

    Okay, verse 20 says to let this field be desolate, no one living there. Then he goes on to say "his bishoprick let another take" which is simply saying they must pick someone else to take his, Judas', place.

  21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

The apostles had to choose a replacement for Judas Iscariot.  They outlined specific criteria for making the choice.  After some finalists were chosen, the apostles prayed, asking God to guide the selection process.    They chose Joseph called Barsabas (whose surname was Justus) and Matthias. This gives us a good example of how to proceed when we are making important decisions.  

26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. 

   So Matthias was chosen.  But who is Matthias? He was one of the 120 in the upper room after Christ ascended to heaven.  He was Baptized by John and had followed Jesus with the disciples all this time.  He was present and witnessed the ascension of Jesus.  However, he was not actually hand picked by Jesus, but by casting lots -- AFTER PRAYER AND MEDITATION.  

   So now we are back up to 12 apostles.  Remember, the apostles were terribly hurt when they found that one of their own, Judas, had betrayed Jesus and them.  Wow, good stuff in this Bible and in the book of Acts.  On to Chapter 2 next time. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny