Two Kinds of Wisdom

 Hello fellow Christians.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN!

 Well, life is interesting, an adventure, a trek never before taken by me or you and where is it leading us?   That is only known by YOU and the FATHER in Heaven. With all that is going on read the following scripture, read it again, and take it to heart.

   This scripture really hits home if you read it, absorb it, and then you can look around and see how it so relates to the events in America today, in 2020.

   Two kinds of wisdom come from James 3: 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

   Thank you for reading. Be wise, be understanding, live a good life by deeds completed in humility. Let your wisdom come from heaven. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Examine ME, O LORD!

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

  Okay, Psalm 26:2 ; 1 Corinthians 11:28 ; 2 Corinthians 13:1-14 are the verses we will visit about today.

  As we look around today we really need to examine ourselves AND the actions of others.  The world, specially America is going topsy-turvy.  We don't look at the facts, just what we want to hear or know and how we can complain about it.

   Look at COVID-19 ....where are all the TRUE facts?  Floyd, Blake, Taylor - were they accountable for their actions?  Then, people want to raise a ruckus before knowing all the facts!  Then, when the facts are presented they PICK ONLY the facts they want to listen to.  Well, GOD wants us each to be accountable for our actions, ME & MY ACTIONS; YOU & YOUR ACTIONS.

  Psalm 26:2 Examine me O LORD, and prove me; examine my heart and my mind.   NOW, what does this say to you?  What is in your heart passes through your mind and comes out your mouth.  Are your actions Godly actions?  Is your heart for JESUS?  Does your mind think the thoughts of a Godly person?  Or of evil?

   1 Corinthians 11:28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.

   Paul is speaking here of taking the LORD's supper, aka communion in the proper state of heart and mind.  If communion is taken as a ritual with no repentance or remorse then Paul says, in essence if we take communion in the wrong state, then we would be guilty of sinning against the blood and body of Christ. 

  Communion is meant to commemorate the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross; NOT to be a party of sorts or taken lightly.  Examine ME, O LORD!

  In 2 Corinthians 13 Paul is warning the Corinthians to examine themselves before he comes.   13 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.  Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates.

  Paul is saying to the Corinthians and I to you (and me) "Are you really a Christian"?  Can we see your fruits?   So often we are quick to criticize others, yet fail to examine ourselves.  Look at the world "IT IS NOT MY FAULT"  "I AM ENTITLED" type of attitudes are destroying the world, America, the Christian family.  We have to look at (examine) ourselves and see if Jesus Christ lives in us. We should carry the cross in our heart.  All Lives Matter is why Jesus hung on the cross.  Just say HIS name, believe on HIM, and let HIM live in your heart. J E S U S 

  SOOoooooooo, what are we going to do?  We need to Love our Neighbor, Pray, and be true to God's word, aka the BIBLE!!

   Today, examine yourself, look around, remember HE (Jesus) died for YOU. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

This world! LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR!!!

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

  Life is but a mist.  I have said this before.  We come, we live 40, 50, 60, 70 years or more, yet life is just a mist in what we will experience when in heaven.  Life -  healthy one day; sick the next; healed or death.

  People worry about the COVID-19 and taking the lives of just over 200,000 in the US.  However, we hear no talk about the 840,000 lives lost through abortion. Interesting fact.

  Also, if we obey the law, love one another, love our neighbor we won't have shooting deaths such as Breonna in Louisville, Ky.  And the real story.  A domestic situation where the police were called.  Upon arrival the boyfriend of Breonna had a weapon and opened fire on the police.  She was killed in the cross fire AND they want to make the police the bad guys.  Come on people, get real and use some common sense.  OH, wait, that does not exist with the liberals and crazies.

  If we all take responsibility for ourselves, do the right thing, then we will be able to get along with each other with less turmoil in our lives. The Bible states clearly that Jesus said we should LOVE THY NEIGHBOR.  And who is thy neighbor?  All we come in contact with and more.  I don't hate the BLM, Antifa, Q,- I just disagree with their philosophy and actions.  I don't hate Muslims, Budhists, Hindu's, Arabs, Europeans, or anyone else, however, I may disagree with their philosophies and actions.

  The Old Testament in Leviticus 19: 18 “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

   Matthew 22:39 And the second (commandment) is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.

  1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

  I ask that you pray for your family, friends, our nation, our president, the leaders of the world, but most of all be thankful to our Father in Heaven who has given us life and a means of salvation for eternal life.  Take time to say the LORD's Prayer with meaning. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Today's world--is it an abomination to GOD?

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

   What is an abomination to GOD?  Let's look at some things here.  Many people at this time of year are doing 2 things: 1-complaining about COVID-19, and 2- debating/arguing about the upcoming elections, specially the presidential election.

   Whether you like Donald Trump or Joe Biden, to me it really does not matter.  What matters as a Christian is who has a platform that more closely aligns with the Christian life, but more importantly what aligns with GOD.

  What are abominations to God.  Many things, but let us think about where we live in America.  To me let us start with abortions, the gay movement, the anti-Christian movement (this is against God), the looting (stealing), the killings (murder), and on and on.

  What I ask is that you look at what GOD hates, look around in America, and think about the events that are happening, that are taking our freedom, that are grooming us to be sheep for the slaughter. 

  Here are some scriptures:

Proverbs 17:15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.

 Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.

 Proverbs 6: 16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

  My prayer is that you, me, and all Christians go to the polls and vote CHRISTIAN, not ones biases.  Who, locally to nationally, will do more good for America? Love you all. In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Lip-service Christians-----baaa hum bug!!!

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

  When people go to a sporting event they are excited; when their team is doing well they yell, scream, jump up and down.  If the other team scores they become sad, mad, and do not like the outcome.

   When people go to concerts; whether hip-hop, R & B, country, Christian, or any genre of music they scream, holler, sing and jump up and down.

   When people take in a movie, play, or theatre group they become involved and laugh, clap, or show some type of emotion.

  When people come to church most of them sit down in their "regular" spot, and sing hum-drum style.  Just going through the motions.  Like singing "Jesus loves me this I know" in a monotone or semi-monotone, with no excitement at all.

  What is wrong with this picture.  That sporting event gets me what?  That music provides entertainment and what?  That movie or play provides what besides entertainment?  Jesus provides what?

  Jesus provides a retirement plan that is out of this world.  Living and singing praises to the almighty Living GOD for eternity.  How much better can that be?  Yet, we Go to church and SERVE OUR TIME.  What more do you want GOD?

    God wants us to be HOT for HIM; not lukewarm.  Why?  Because the Bible says if we are lukewarm we will be spewed from His mouth. Revelation 3: 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

  We should be happy, glad, celebrating, rejoicing because we are a child of GOD.  Philipians 4: 4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.  5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand

   We, as Christians. fail miserably at this. We should be rejoicing.  Go look in the mirror, tell that person you love them and want them to dedicate their life to GOD and be an humble servant.  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Have you thought about the here-after? After live on earth?

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

  What comes after our time on earth is complete?  Professing Christians may say I want to ask Jesus about..............; OR, I can't wait to see and talk to ............; AND then we feel we will have a reunion with...............!

   No one knows.  So often we refuse to speak about or think about death.  Yes, death!  It only comes ONCE in a lifetime and when it does- - - - then what?

  For Christians our life on earth is only a mist in God's universe.  What does that mean?  It means with time having no relevance to God, it is just a breath, a blink, a sneeze, it is just a very short existence.  BUT, the one thing that remains is that GOD loves us all, the true believers aka Christians, the professing Christians, the Muslims, Budhist, Hindu, atheist, ALL MANKIND.

   However, the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ, our LORD and Saviour.  Now, in saying this my heart became heavy with sorrow yesterday as I visited with a friend who lives, now, in the DFW area when he revealed to me that the doctors give him 6 months to live with the cancer he has.

   Now, here is a man, we'll call him Mr. T (because he has always been strong in the faith) who is looking and knowing the end is close.  We all know our lives are coming to an end but we don't have a clue when.  Mr. T has a timeline.  But, he also has GOD, and this gives reason to rejoice.  Why?  Because he will have no more pain, suffering, and he will have a perfect body.  This man I love, he has given me insight to many things, knows his Bible, and most importantly has a relationship with JESUS CHRIST!!!

  When in a time like this often scripture will help:  Psalm 23  The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

  Here in John, I changed genders to match my friend, but it is still relevant.  

   John 11: 25 Jesus said unto him, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

27  He saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

   I believe, He believes, and we know the next life will be glorious; yet, still, I ask your prayers for Mr. T in that he have comfort, love, peace of heart and mind, and that God will touch him in such a way he will rejoice.  Thank you for reading with me today. May God be will you and give you peace. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Time -- -- How seriously do you take it?

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

  Time, just what is time?  Is it a God thing?  No, certainly not.  Time was created for mankind as a guide to when, where, and what we do.  However, an important thing about time is we need to be certain to take time for GOD!

  We don't mind being late to church, BUT, we won't be late for work, the sporting event, the movie, and various other things.  SO, what will all the other gain you? Some enjoyment that is temporary. What will your time with GOD gain you? Eternal life, celebrating  forever and ever.  Now which is most important and logical?

   A great question to ask yourself is WHY AM I LATE TO CHURCH?  Do something extra around the house, just not wanting to get up and go, not get ready in time, doing something that is either emotionally or physically pleasurable for the moment?  Great excuses, yet, still excuses. Aren't you glad GOD offers forgiveness?  

   Now T I M E - - here are some scriptures I would ask you read, contemplate, and see how you receive them:

Ecclesiastes 3 There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens:  2  a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,  5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,  6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,  7  a time to tear and a time to mend,  a time to be silent and a time to speak,  8  a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

  Ephesians 5: 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

  James 4: 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

   2 Corinthians 6: For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

  Proverbs 16: 3 Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.

 Colossians 4: 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.

  Romans 13:  11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.  

  Galatians 6: 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

  1 John 2: 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

  When I read these scriptures I felt they related to time, me, and my work for the LORD.  May it also mean something to you. 

  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

 Johnny

Are you forgiven? Does God/Jesus forgive you?

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

   We all walk around with sin. Some sin we ignore as a "little" sin, and some are "big" sins.  Is there a difference?  NO!  A sin is a sin. 

   Sometimes we struggle with "Am I really a Christian, really saved"?  The answer, of course, is between you and God. However, I would say that if you really, truly, and honestly accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour then you are.  The trouble here is satan or his demons keep casting doubt darts.  

   What are doubt darts?  They are thoughts or ideas that come to you questioning your true salvation.  Doubting all you believe.  Making you check the Bible to see if it is true.  WELL, it is true, the true inspired written word of God!  Don't let satan, his demons, or ANYONE shake your belief.  But, if you do doubt remember this:

  Peter thought he was strong as said to Jesus before the trial, crucifixion in Matthew 26: 33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.

   Note the bold; then Jesus says to Peter: 34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.   Notice what Jesus tells him. Yes, you will deny me 3 times.

   Now Peter was "the ROCK"; he was strong and believed in Jesus Christ.  Here you can also see some pride and impulsiveness from Peter.  Can you see him - "No, I won't deny you, I'll be strong and stand against any and all".

   Now you know the story.  When Jesus was taken away and tried Peter was asked 3 times if he was with Jesus and he said what????   NO??? Yes, he denied.  BUT...........When Jesus came back and appeared to the disciples, in John 21:15-17, Jesus asked Peter 3 times if he loved him.  Each time Peter answered yes, LORD, I love you.

   It is interesting here to note that he was asked 3 times and after Peter replied Jesus said, "FEED MY SHEEP"!  It is  important to note that Jesus did not bring condemnation to Peter, but forgiveness and then told him to go forth and preach.  If you follow the Bible, after this Peter was "the Rock" and did go forth boldly.

   This is for you and for me.  We may sin once, twice, thrice, and many more, BUT, Jesus is our saviour, died on the cross for you, for me, and we are forgiven.  What must we do?  FEED HIS SHEEP!  We must go forth boldly.  

  Think of this. Have you ever denied Christ?  Yes, but probably not as Peter did.  There was the nudging of the Holy Spirit to speak to or pray with someone and you squelched the nudge.  Did you not deny?  There have been times I felt I needed to speak to or pray with someone and I did not follow up.  Yes, I denied Christ, not in the sense of Peter, but in the fact I was not obedient to the nudging of the Holy Spirit, sent by Christ.

  Here is a short video of why Jesus asks 3 times if Peter loved him.  Go forth my friend, carrying the word of God and be strong when meeting, confronting, and telling others of your saviour, JESUS CHRIST.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Pleasure - personal pleasure - A foothold for Satan

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

  PLEASURE!  We, today, in our modern and "civilized" world live by pleasure.  Whether it is pleasure of the tongue from that tantalizing steak or your favorite food seasoned just perfect to make your taste buds dance with joy, we like pleasure.

  It may be that new car, wearing our new clothes, and being sporty.  It may be that praise received from the people around you for doing something well, whether it be sports, music, speaking, or just the work you do; the praise brings about an emotional response.

  We take pleasure in what we do, and this is not all bad, UNLESS, you are constantly expecting that praise or moments of elation and live for it.

  Matthew 6:1  Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

  What is this saying to you? Yep, if you want reward here on earth you have received your just reward.  However, let's go on:

Matthew 6: 2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

  So, what do you see here? Do not be a hypocrite and let everyone know what you have done or are doing; WHY?  Because you will be getting your reward right there.

    However, when you do it in secret God will reward you openly. We may think--but look at all I have done and I see no reward.  Don't think this way; you are on God's timetable and it will come as HE plans; if you are wanting it right now you may need to do a self examination to see where your heart and mind really are.

  Pleasure - an excellent tool for Satan as it can become our achilles heel or weak spot and Satan will attack right there. Feed me your thoughts and may you be blessed.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny