Zechariah 3:1-4

 Hello Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

   God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  BLESSED INDEED, YES I SAY BLESSED!

  Have you read Zechariah 3?  Here is God, the high priest  and Satan.  Read this and understand what it says.

   3 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. 2 The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” 3 Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. 4 The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.”

  Please notice the high priest and Satan standing there being an accuser.

Notice, the LORD rebukes Satan.  Joshua the high priest is clothed in filthy clothes and this is relating to his sin; then the LORD says take those clothes and put fine garments on him.  This is showing that the sin (filthy clothes) is taken away and the fine garments relating to our salvation.

   Tell me what you think about these verses.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Older than Methuselah; where does this come from? Genesis 5

 God Morning.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. YOU ARE INDEED BLESSED TODAY!!!

   So, the expression Older than Methuselah means you are old.  Did it come from the Bible?  Yes, most assuredly.  Methuselah's lineage shows long life and he is of the lineage of Adam. This is all recorded in Genesis 5.  Methuselah's father, Enoch, only live 300 years and THEN HE WAS NO MORE.  So, Enoch did not die, but was taken up.

  If you will read Genesis 5 you will see that Methuselah was 7 generations from Adam and the generations before him all lived to around 900 years or more.  Methuselah was 969, out living his grandfather, Jared by 7 years.

   It does not take long to read Genesis 5 (the link above) and is quite interesting.  Just food for thought and something to add to your knowledge. Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Expressions we use; are they Biblical?

 God morning all!   God is good all the time, all the time God is good!!!!!

   Do you ever wonder where some of our expressions come from?  Some are folk lore and some or from the Bible.  I am going to talk about 2 that are from the Bible.  First, she is a real Jezebel,  and the second, he is older than Methuselah. 

  According to the Book of Kings, Jezebel was a Phoenician princess who married Ahab, the seventh king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and ruled as his queen around the mid-ninth century BCE. Her father was King Ethbaal of Sidon, according to the Hebrew Bible. Jezebel worshiped the Canaanite storm god Ba'al and converted her husband to Ba'alism as well. Most of the story of Jezebel is focused on her treachery and worship of Ba'al in opposition to the Israelite god Yahweh and his prophets.

  Interestingly, names are of significance in the Bible. What does Jezebel mean? Jezebel's name literally means ''exalted of Ba'al'' or ''where is my Prince?'' with ''bel'' meaning ''Ba'al,'' which in turn means ''Prince'' or ''Lord.'' Jezebel's name would have been Phoenician, which might have been spelled as ''Jezebul'' or ''Jezebaal.'' However, the author of Kings spells it with the root ''zebel'' instead, which means ''dung'' or ''trash'' in Hebrew.

    You can read about her in 1 Kings 16 through 2 Kings 9.  There are 4 parts to her story:   

• her marriage to King Ahab
• her persecution of the prophets of Yahweh
• her deception that results in the death of Naboth
• her own punishment and death

  Here is the quick link to read about Jezebel's story.  Don't be a Jezebel!

Tomorrow I will talk about "Older than Methuselah.  Thank you for reading. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Just random thoughts to ponder with scripture.

 Good morning all.  We should be saying "GOD MORNING" as HE is the one who made the mornings, the noons, the evenings, and all.  GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME, ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD!!!

   I am going to throw out some random thoughts and would enjoy your feedback. 

FIRST:  Religion is spelled DO;  whereas Christianity is spelled DONE!

Now why would we say this?  Do is defined as an action or actions.  In the process of doing something.  Often in "religion" people "work" or "do" things to get their "christian" work completed believing this is the way to heaven.  The more I do the better my place in heaven will be.  Huh???  Is this what the Bible says?   Salvation by works appeals to man's sinful nature. Look at Proverbs 14:: 12 There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.   So, if we believe we can work our way into heaven we are wrong. 

  John 14: 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

  This, my friend, is Christianity and spelled DONE!  Through Jesus to the Father! 

     Often I hear, you hear, we hear I don't go to church because they are hypocrites,  they talk about you and don't show the love of Jesus.  To this I would say this is partly true, but also, so often how we perceive something is the only side we see and since we see it this way it is real to us.  Example:  If I think someone does not like me, then I will respond to that person as my belief leads me; whereas, if I thought that person liked me I would respond differently in an accepting way.   So, when you go to church, or some other gathering, do you go with the attitude they like you or are back-biters?  

  How about some soul searching for a moment.  Are you really true to what you say and you are not hypocritical yourself. Uh, do you talk about others?  Hmmm!

Food for thought!    Matthew 7:5 - Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

  For more verses about hypocrites go to this site: BIBLE VERSES ABOUT HYPOCRISY (kingjamesbibleonline.org)

   A quick saying to close:  PEOPLE DON'T CARE HOW MUCH YOU KNOW, UNTIL, THEY KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE!

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

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

p.s. Proverbs 14- great words of wisdom

Some songs and words of old. Take time to meditate and listen!!

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Today is a blessed day and you should revel in the fact you are a child of GOD!!!!!

  Today is a little longer with the audio of each song.  When you have time, just sit back and listen to each of these.  You may wish to spend about 15-20 minutes to read and listen.

  When we are down, frustrated, feel like if anything could go wrong it will go wrong with you we still need to remember we have someone who walks with us.

   Here are some older hymns that have verses that touch me and I hope they touch you as well.

Just a closer walk with thee (author unknown) (audio/video) https://youtu.be/iPmJemdLGf8

1 I am weak but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I'll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Chorus:
Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

What a friend we have in Jesus. Lyrics by Joseph M. Scriven (video/audio with Alan Jackson:  https://youtu.be/znWu2HCJ92c

1. What a friend we have in Jesus,
   All our sins and griefs to bear!
   What a privilege to carry
   Everything to God in prayer!
   Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
   Oh, what needless pain we bear,
   All because we do not carry
   Everything to God in prayer!
2. Have we trials and temptations?
   Is there trouble anywhere?
   We should never be discouraged—
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Can we find a friend so faithful,
   Who will all our sorrows share?
   Jesus knows our every weakness;
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3. Are we weak and heavy-laden,
   Cumbered with a load of care?
   Precious Savior, still our refuge—
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
   Take it to the Lord in prayer!
   In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
   Thou wilt find a solace there.
4. Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
   Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
   May we ever, Lord, be bringing
   All to Thee in earnest prayer.
   Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
   There will be no need for prayer—
   Rapture, praise, and endless worship
   Will be our sweet portion there.
5. IT IS NO SECRET WHAT GOD CAN DO--Stuart Hamblen (audio link: https://youtu.be/twPRAZNg3lo )
6. [Verse 1]
   The chimes of time ring out the news, another day is through
   Someone slipped and fell, was that someone you?
   You may have longed for added strength, your courage to renew
   Do not be disheartened, I have news for you
   
   [Chorus]
   It is no secret what God can do
   What He's done for others He'll do for you
   With arms wide open He'll pardon you
   It is no secret what God can do
7. [Verse 2]
   There is no night for in His light, you never walk alone
   Always feel at home, wherever you may roam
   There is no power can conquer you, while God is on your side
   Take Him at His promise, don't run away and hide
8. Thank you for your time and patience. Love you all.
9. In Christ's love and grace
10. Johnny
11. 
    

Partnership with God; He knew us before! Jeremiah 1:5

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

   Well, I mentioned last time that we are in a partnership with God.  We are his tools, his vessel to complete His project.  We can do all things through God who strengthens us; but remember, we are only the instrument, God does the supernatural.

   God knows us and knows us well.  Look at Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations".

  Okay, you say you are not a prophet!  Why would you believe God did not call you for the occasions you will encounter.  You may not predict the future and tell us when Jesus will return; however, you can share the gospel with others in your daily travels and life.

   We are to spread the Good News; can't you look at this as being a prophet and sharing the word.  Different things work for different people.  I have visited with people who give out crosses, pamphlets, etc. to people.  One man carries small metal crosses and leaves them different places such as sidewalks, counters, public restrooms, benches, and if he sees a person reach to pick it up he takes the opportunity to share.

   God knows you. What does he ask you to do to share HIS word with others.  Time for a soul search, move out of your comfort zone and go to work for God. 

  Thanks for reading. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny