Zecharia 11

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  What is thirty pieces of silver?

   Have you ever stopped, read, and studied the book of Zecharia in the Bible.  He, too, tells of the coming of the Lord and the betrayal.

  Back in the ancient days the price of a slave was thirty pieces of silver..  Our Lord and Savior was sold (betrayed) for thirty pieces of silver.

  In Zecharia speaks of the bad shepherds, aka, false preachers and then in verses 12 & 13 of Chapter 11 he speaks of 30 pieces of silver.

  Then talks about that verse 13 says to cast it into the Potter.  When Judas betrayed Jesus, he realized his error (sin) and went to the priests and cast the 30 pieces on the floor.  They could not take the money as it was blood money  Deuteronomy 23:18    and could not go into the church treasury.  SO, they bought a field called the Potter's field.  It was also called "Akeldama" or Field of Blood.  After Judas killed himself, his body fell and burst open in the field, thus the "Field of Blood".

   Several books in the Bible point toward Jesus coming back and often it requires more study than I am used to doing.  However, it is quite eye opening.   On youtube, you can find Christian podcasts to listen to, to sleep by, and they are very informative.  However, this is from one groups version or interpretation so always check it out with the Bible to be certain they are on target.

   I just thought Zecharia was interesting, and the thirty pieces of silver I had known but did not know it was also in this book.  Study on my friend, Jesus is coming back for us. Oh what a day of rejoicing that will be.

  Thank you for reading with me today.  If you find any error in my study please let me know.  I do not want to be portrayed as a false teacher. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Let Go, Let GOD!! Matthew 11:28-30

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

   We all have had troubles or are going through troubles now.  It is easy to look at ourselves and say woe is me.  However, we have a savior that can carry those troubles for us.

   It becomes easy to take it all on our shoulders and try to 'FIX IT", when we should have enough faith to trust God and His wisdom.  In our men's meetings and prayer time a lot of "woes" come to mind.  We should pray about each one with expectations that they will be healed (1) in God's time, and (2) to bring glory to God.

   When life gets heavy just STOP, DROP, & PRAY!  Remember then the Bible

Matthew 11: 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

   May your load be light and your eyes toward heaven today. Love y'all. Thank you for reading with me today.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Psalm 4:6

 Good morning everyone. God is good all the time.........All the time God is good!

What do our dreams tell us?

    I had an unusual dream last night.  I was playing golf, and had played hole number one.  Then hole 2 was somewhat odd.  Had to go through a building, bathroom, and a small area to tee off from.  Then I was wearing a straw type hat with Psalm 4:6 written on it.

   A man asked me what 4:6 said and I did not know.  I don't know why that was the Psalm written on my hat and, of course, I was embarrassed.  I stated I did not know and had to tee off.  I looked at my "gray polyester pants" and there were 2 green spots on the left leg, one in the shape of a square.  Then a lady spoke to me and I hurried off to the second tee, only I couldn't find it.

  Strange huh?  Yep, I thought so also.  If you can interpret dreams let me know what you think.

   Psalm 4:6  Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”

    Let the light of your face shine on us.

As I study the "many" seems to be a mass of people who have not yet taken a side, whether to be with King David or not. He was running from his son Abaslom at this time.  People did not know which side to take, some confused and some grumbling.

  The Let the light of your (God's)face shine on us --seems to reflect back to what Aaron said in Numbers 6:24 "The LORD bless thee and keep thee."  This is thought to be an inspiration to the masses that are wavering.

  It was an interesting dream and this verse is very interesting as well.  If you have any insight or I am in error, please let me know.  I try to study and give true readings/interpretations; however, I am not perfect and may be half a bubble off.  Just let me know.

  Thank you for reading today. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

What is your Burning Bush experience?

 Good morning everyone.  God is good all the time..........All the time God is good............  Tell me about your "Burning Bush" experience.

  Do you remember your burning bush experience as did Moses?  Moses was tending sheep for his father-in-law Jethro when he saw this odd thing.  A bush was on fire, it was burning, but it was not burning up.  What is this?  He went closer to investigate and suddenly he heard a voice say, "Moses, Moses", to which he responded "Here I am."

  Moses was told not to come closer and take off his sandals as he was walking on holy ground.

  Okay, do you remember your "burning bush" moment and how close to the LORD you were at that time.  Question:  Are you still there?  Do you still have your first love - aka Jesus Christ?

   A good time to reflect and thing about our "BURNING BUSH" moment.  Did you wake today EXPECTING God to do something in your life?  Let's take time to take off our shoes, stand on Holy Ground and talk to God.

  Thank you for reading today. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

How do Jesus and Moses parallel?

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

What is 3 a.m. in the Bible?  It is the fourth watch, and many feel this is the best, or at least a good time to commune with God, alone, quiet, and listening.

   Have you ever thought about how Moses and Jesus were alive?  Me neither, UNTIL, I discovered it in my Bible.  There are 15 likenesses I have found and will share.  I do hope and pray you find this as interesting as did I.

1. Moses was born while Israel was ruled by a foreign nation, Egypt Ex 1:8-10

Jesus was born while Israel was ruled by a foreign nation,Rome LK 2:3-5

2. Moses was born when Pharaoh decreed that all newborn male children were to be killed.  EX 1:22

    Jesus's birth led to Herod's decree to kill all male children under the age of two. MT 2:16

3.  As an infant, Moses was hidden in Egypt to keep him safe from Pharaoh. EX 2:2

   As an infant, Jesus was hidden in Egypt to keep Him safe from Herod MT 2:13

4. Young Moses was made a prince in Egypt. EX 2:5-6

   Young Jesus was regarded as a king by wise men from the east. MT 2:11

5. Moes's true identity was hidden during his youth. EX 2:8-10

    Jesus's true identity was hidden during his youth and much of His earthly ministry. MT 16:20  JN 2:4

6. Moses was exiled from Egypt until PHaraoh died EX 2:23

   Jesus was exiled from Israel to Egypt until King Herod died MT 2:19-20

7. Moses's mission was to rescue Israel from slavery in Egypt  EX 14

   Jesus's mission was to deliver God's people from slavery of sin. JN 8:31 RM 6:6

8.  Moses delivered God's law on a mountain. EX 20; 34

   Jesus preached on a mountainside about fulfilling God's law MT 5-7

9.  Moses was often rejected by his own people  EX 2:11-15  AC 7:35

   Jesus was rejected by His own people  MT 13:54-58  JN 1:11 ; 12:37-43

10. Moses performed miracles, like turn water into blood EX 7:14-25

   Jesus perform miracles, like turning water into wine. JN 2:1-12

11. Moses walked through the Red Sea. EX 14:21-31

    Jesus walked on the Sea of Galilee  MT 14:22-33

12. Moses fed thousands with a miraculous supply of manna. EX 16

 Jesus fed thousands with a miraculous supply of bread.  MT 14:13-21; 15:32-39

13. Moses modeled for Israel how to pray.  EX 32:9-14  NM 6:22-27

   Jesus taught His followers how to pray.  MT 6:5-15

14. Moses lifted up a bronze serpent to heal the sick and dying.  NM 21:4-9

  Jesus was lifted up on a cross to heal the spiritually dead.  JN 3:14-17; 12:32

15. Moses died on a hill, communing with God.  DT 34:1-6

   Jesus died on a hill, communing with His Father (God) MT 27:32-50

I thought this was very interesting and I do hope you find it as interesting as well.  Thank you for tolerating me. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

  

JESUS - do you know HIM, really?

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  HE IS FAITHFUL,  ARE YOU?

   Wow!  I listen to Christian podcasts to go to sleep by and to wake by. This morning, early, the podcast was speaking to my belief, your belief, and faithfulness to Jesus Christ.

   It provokes a lot of thought.  What am I doing?  Do I have Bible knowledge, yet do nothing with it?  Am I as faithful as God is?  Do I really know Jesus Christ as my personal savior or just lip service?  Am I just informed?  Where am I standing with God?  with Jesus? in my Spiritual life?   Lots of food for thought.

   Jesus asked when a man was forgiven of 500 denarius and another man of 50 denarius, who would be more grateful?  Answer: the one forgiven of the 500.  So, I stop and think; which one am I?  The 500 or the 50?

   The alcoholic or druggie who accepts Christ and turns away sees a huge difference in his/her life; whereas the person who has been "good" or showed "good behavior" and never really done anything bad may not see the dramatic change as the above mentioned.

   Does that mean the latter is not saved?  NO!  It all narrows down to 18 inches.  The distance from the head to the heart.  Is it just head knowledge or heart knowledge?  Where does Jesus reside in your life, my life, just knowing about HIM, or truly having a relationship with JESUS CHRIST?!? 

   God is faithful and gave us a covenant.  

John 3: 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

  God gives us a gift, no strings attached.

  Ephesians 2: 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

  How hard is it to accept Jesus as LORD and Savior?

   Romans 10: 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

  Thank you for being with me today, reading, and trying to understand where my mind goes. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

A sinner, saved by GRACE!!

My Way is not God's Way

  Hello Friends.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  LOOK IN THE MIRROR, DO YOU SEE A PERSON YOU LOVE?

  I spoke the other day about MY WAY.  Too often people want it MY WAY, not thinking of others, just themselves.  But-----is this the RIGHT WAY?

   When we quit looking at self what happens?  Take Peter for example.  He saw Jesus walking to them on the water.  Peter stepped out and was "walking on water with Jesus."  Why?  Because he had his eyes on Jesus. Then what ?

   When Peter looked at "self", he realized he was doing something he could not do within himself, (he looked at himself), anxiety took over and he sank.

  Then what?  He called out for help to who???   Yes, help from Jesus and then he was saved, he was okay.

   So often we let anxiety, panic, fear take over our lives and things do not go well.  We look inside ourselves.    We freeze up, throw up, or give up.  Instead, we should LOOK UP!  Jesus will carry us through but only if you let him.

   

• Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
• 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV): "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Proverbs 18: 1 An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends

    and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.

Also, think about this: where are you in life?  Self and my desires, or, Jesus' attitude of loving our neighbor, looking outside of ourselves.

  I need to get MY WAY out of the way, and do it JESUS' WAY!!!

Also, I came across this quote from Max and thought I would share it.

"For the believer, earth is the closest thing to hell they will ever experience. For the unbeliever, earth is the closest thing to heaven they will ever experience."   Max Lucado

This is so true.  Thank you for reading with me today. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Who rules your life? Colossians 3:15

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  LAUGH, LOVE, AND BE STRESS FREE!!

   Who lives in you?  Really!!  What thoughts do you possess that control your life?

Some people let drugs control them Some people let alcohol control them. Some pornography, some envy, jealousy, hate, anger, ugly or evil thoughts, and so on.  

   We, as children of God, can overcome these for one reason and one reason only.  We accepted Jesus as our savior and He gave us the Holy Spirit to guide our lives.  It is important to remember that the Holy Spirit is a gentleman, and we have to invite Him in, follow His lead, and walk in the footsteps of Christ.

   Too often we blunder ahead in our own way, not listening to the Spirit, not praying for God's guidance, but just doing it MY WAY!

  Colossians 3: 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

  God is our ruling force once we accepted Jesus Christ as our savior.  So often we treat God's guidance, the Holy Spirit's leading as we did our parents growing up.  We may listen, we may hear, but we still are going to do it MY WAY!!  Just like one of my daughters told me years ago when I told her what she should do, she tried it HER WAY, found out my way worked.  Then she turned, looked at me and say, and I quote, "I hate it when you are right!"  

   She did not really hate it, but she so wanted to prove me wrong.  I believe, in my opinion, that we so often do this to the Holy Spirit, to God, and Jesus.  We want to be right, yet, God knows us from the womb to the tomb and sees what is best for us.

  We want to be right.  So, we do need to "LET THE PEACE OF GOD RULE IN OUR HEARTS", take pride out, listen, pray, and follow.  Thank you for reading today. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Words and scriptures of encouragement!

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. STRESS NOT FOR GOD IS IN YOUR CORNER!!

   Today we go to celebrate the life of a good friend and neighbor.  We consider them more of family than just neighbors.  When families get together there is usually a lot of fun, excitement, and all-around joy.  However, as I have seen in the past that often, in the celebration of life or the funeral of a loved one, there comes a chance for satan to wedge in and cause problems.

   Jealousy, envy, and anger often takes the forefront.  The big "I" comes up as "I want .......", "I will........" "If I ........" and so forth.

  We celebrate the life of a good man who was quite humble, soft spoken, full of wisdom, and thought before he spoke.  Easy going and would not kill anything, not spiders, not snakes, nothing, well, maybe a fly at the dinner table, but a very gentle man.

  Here are some verses I felt would be meaningful to all of us. Thank you for being patient and reading.

• 
  "Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."
  Romans 8:28 – "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..."

• “God’s call comes before your qualifications.”
  2 Timothy 1:9-“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.”

• “You can’t wear your old identity and walk in your new one.”
  2 Corinthians 5:17-“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

• "No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn’t trying."
  Philippians 3:13-14 "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

• "Making one person smile can change the world – maybe not the whole world, but their world."
  Proverbs 16:24 – "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

• "Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it."
  James 1:2-4 - 'Count it all joy... for the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.'

•    Thank you for reading with me today.  Love y'all.

• In Christ's Love and Grace

• Johnny

You are important! Never underestimate your worth!!!

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. YOU ARE IMPORTANT!!  YOU ARE SPECIAL!!!

   In the Bible God did not always use powerful people.  He used common people who may have had flaws, but still did God's work.

     Joseph, a young man who was dad's favorite and resented by his ten half-brothers.  Was he boastful when talking about his dreams or just naive? 

He became next in line to Pharaoh in Egypt, saved people from a famine, and was definitely a God fearing man.

   Then what about Moses, a Jew saved by the Pharaoh's daughter. Killed a man, fled Egypt, then later came and freed the Hebrews (Jews).

    Ruth, a Moabite woman married to a Jewish man, after the death of her father-in-law and her husband, she stayed with her mother-in-law and returned to Naomi's homeland. They were poor and Ruth gleaned the crops at the end of the day. She stayed true to Naomi and God and was the great great grandmother of King David.

    David, the illegitimate son who was only a poor sheepherder for his father. He took supplies to his brothers who were fighting for Israel, saw Goliath and knew God was on his (David's) side.  Went forth and slew the giant.

  These are just a few of the "rags to riches" stories in God.  There are more, however, the point it YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO GOD, JESUS, & the HOLY SPIRIT.  How do you work for God?

   How you spend your day and time is up to you, but ask yourself, will this benefit the kingdom of God?  Is God in the forefront of my thoughts?  You have 1440 minutes in a day, do you give God 10%, 5%, 1%. or nothing at all?

  Here are some scriptures to read and think about:

Proverbs 3:9

NIV

9 Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops;

Malachi 3:10

Niv  10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

2 Corinthians 9:7  NIV 

7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

And one of my favorites:  

Luke 6:38 New International Version 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Thank you for reading today. I do hope this makes sense to you. God bless and have a wonderful and safe day.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Are you walking in the LIGHT or DARKNESS? 1 John 1:5-7; 1 John 2:9-11

 Good mid-day to y'all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  WALK IN THE LIGHT AND STUMBLE NOT!!!

  In my Bible study this morning this was one verse that really stuck out to me so I thought I would share it with you.

  If we are in Jesus, we will walk in the light. Now I'll let the scriptures speak for themselves.

1 John 1: 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

1 John 2:9-11  9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

Take a moment to reflect and see where you are really walking. Don't let satan trick you into thinking you are a-ok if you are not.

Thank you for reading. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

God is in the miracle business, yesterday, today, and tomorrow - 2 Kings 2:11

    Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  LOOK FOR THE MIRACLE, EXPECT THE MIRACLE AND IT WILL HAPPEN!!!

   This is a story of a widow, a prophet's wife, who had debt, asked for help of God's prophet, Elisha, she believed, doubted not, and was able to pay off debt and more.  The story is below. Go to 2 Kings 2.

   After the prophet Elijah was taken to heaven his disciple and successor, Elisha, became the chief prophet in the northern kingdom of Israel. He faithfully continued the work of the Lord as Elijah had done. He travelled on his own throughout the countryside, probably on a donkey led by a servant. 

   2 Kings 2: 11 Elijah and Elisha were still walking and talking. Then a chariot and horses of fire appeared. The chariot and horses of fire separated Elijah from Elisha. Then Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.

   The prophet, Elijah, now gone or died, leaving debts his widow and two sons could not pay. The creditor decided to take the two sons as slaves to pay the debt. The boys were young, about 10 and 8, and they would have to work for 7 years to pay the debt.  Then the widow begged for Elisha's help.

 God’s servant, Elisha, told the woman to borrow all the empty jars from her neighbors that she could possibly get, close her doors, and begin pouring the oil from her jar into the borrowed jars. Her jar was not full, but as she poured her jar never emptied.  So, as she obeyed, the widow saw that God provided enough oil to fill all the jars.

 The Lord miraculously provided them with enough oil to sell and pay off the debt and sustain them for years to come.  When she filled the last jar, then the oil quit coming from her jar.

   When God offers a miracle, we need to believe and it will happen.  When we quit believing, it will quit happening. God is alive and well in the 21st century just as he was in the beginning.

   Where is your faith?  Do you truly believe or just give lip service?  Can you say you believe in miracles today?

  Take a few moments, think back, and remember the miracles you have witnessed or heard about.  Then give God the glory.

  Thank you for reading today. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Parable of the sower----which seed are you? Matthew 13:18-23

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

May you be proud of the work you do, the person you are, and, the difference you make!!!!!

I know you have read and heard the parable of the sower, but I do hope this comes from another perspective to stimulate thought from you.

  Let's look at each of these from a worldly perspective.

 Jesus speaks of the seeds sown on this earth. Look at Matthew 13:18-19,

18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.

   Okay, when a predator is attacking to kill and eat, does the predator attack the strong leader of the herd or pack?  No, the predator looks for the weaker or sickly one of the herd.  Why?        Because that one is easier to subdue.  Ask yourself where am I in this herd or pack.  Weak in God's word?  If so, the evil one, aka satan, comes to turn you away from God. This one is a READ ONLY Christian. Don't be the seed sown along the path. Get into the word of God.

  20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

  Next we come to the seed on rocky ground, or the one in the herd who is stronger, not the weakest, but gets separated from the herd.  Happy to be part of the herd, but fails to follow close enough to be protected.  This one starts out well, but then all the excitement or joy fades and doing its own thing becomes the main focus.  Do not be another READ ONLY Christian. Where is your focus?  On God, or on YOU???

  22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.

  Now we have the one who hears the word, is excited about the word, but the focus is not on Jesus Christ, but on the things happening in their life.  Thinking if I work a little longer, make more money, get the promotion, then all will be well. 

  You may have more wealth in the world, but the true wealth in Jesus Christ, God, and the Holy Spirit is lacking.  Nearly bankrupt spiritually!!  So where are you?  A read and study when it is convenient Christian? Looking for the wealth of the world, OR, the wealth in Christ?

   23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

   Now this seed in the one who may not be the leader of the herd or pack, but is in the thick of the herd, helping others, sharing and helping to develop the ones around him/her.

  This one is not a read only person.  This person is a READ, STUDY, and FOLLOW THE WORD Christian.  Sharing with others, growing in Christ.  This is where we all need to be.  In the herd or pack, leading a small group, talking to others, helping and thriving.  

   So, where are you today. Four groups you can belong to and the Choice is yours.  Be the weak and fall, the worldly one who falls to the temptation of the world, or the One who goes forth as Jesus did, sharing, helping; and by doing so, grows in the word.

    Thank you for tolerating me and reading this morning.

Love y'all. May your day be safe, enjoyable, and center around Jesus.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Pax Romana - Roman Peace

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  A GREAT DAY IN THE LORD TO BE A GREAT DAY IN THE LORD!!

  Today's study I learned something I had never heard of before.  This is the Pax Romana, and this was during Jesus' time on the earth.

  So, what is the Pax Romana?  I will quote this from my source.

PAX ROMANA- means Roman Peace.  A period of about 200 years of relative peace, stability, and prosperity in the Roman Empire, beginning with Emperor Augustus.  It was characterized by economic growth, the expansion of infrastructure, and the flourishing of arts and literature.  It was maintained through military strength and the brutal suppression of revolts in provinces.  This era saw the empire reach its greatest territorial extent and established a foundation for Roman law and governance.

   It started 27 BC to 180 AD.  They had relative internal peace, though the empire continued to expand and defend its borders.  Increased trade, a common currency, and a uniform rule of law stimulated economic growth.

  They constructed roads, aqueducts, and public buildings, all made possible by innovations like concrete.

   This also was a golden age for Roman arts, literature, and technology.

Jesus lived during this time and Stephen, the first Christian martyr was during this time also.  Stephen, one of the seven to share the gospel and care for the widows and orphans.  Saul of Tarsus was at the stoning of Stephen and held the coats of the men casting stones to kill Stephen.

  Anyway, I felt this was a very interesting study.  Thank you for reading. Love y'all. Have a super day, be safe, and remember Jesus first!!!!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

JOY - James 1:2-4

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

   So often things pop up that we never expected and then we wonder why?  What is going on?  What did I do to deserve this?  Why is this happening to me?

   Well, there is a reason, that reason may be far beyond our minds to understand, yet God knows.  We definitely go through TRIALS and TEMPTATIONS.  look at these verses and some the words in italic and underlined.

   JAMES 1: 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

    Then focus on verse 4 - perseverance (patience) will finish it's work so you and I can what???   Be mature and complete in our faith, lacking nothing.

    My neighbor was 91 and went to see Jesus yesterday. Yes, many tears at the loss of a loved one, BUT, also tears of joy to feel certain he ran the good race and God said, "well done my good and faithful servant."

  The selfish side wants him to be here.  The Biblical mature side sees him going to a better place.  It is not easy, it is not something we look forward to, but it is real and it will happen to all of us.  Take time today to tell someone you love them and also to share the good news of JESUS CHRIST, LORD and SAVIOR.

   Thank you for reading today. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Share the Gospel with love not fear!

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  ACCEPT THE PRESENT GOD OFFERS YOU THROUGH JESUS CHRIST---

     S A L V A T I O N ! !

    God offers us a present through His son Jesus Christ and all we have to do is accept it.  If you are given a gift that is wrapped nicely in a pretty paper do you take it to your room, office, or somewhere and leave it there?  Sitting, still wrapped and not opened?  If so then you have a gift that you never received.  Once you open it, then you have truly received the gift.

   This is the gospel of Jesus Christ.  If someone knows about the gift but never takes the next step to accept, then there lies a gift unwrapped.  So, what then? If you don't receive the gift of salvation from Jesus Christ then you are HELL bound!!

  Let me ask you----Do you share the gospel with others? If so, great; if not, why not?   So often people try to use fear as a tactic to get people to come to Jesus. Romans 6: 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

  Too often people use the first part of this verse, using fear.  The rest of the verse is, to me, the most important. The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our LORD.

  What about John 3:16 AND 17?  16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

  It is important we share both 16 and 17 out of John.  So often people recite only what they want just to scare or use the fear factor to bring people to salvation through Jesus Christ.

   Tell the truth when you share.  Oh, do you share the gospel - aka GOOD NEWS with others?  If you do not have an ice breaker please let me know.  I will send you 10 business cards that are printed on both sides.  

   The front has a cross and says:  "May you be proud of the work you do, the person you are, and, the difference you make!!

  Then on the back I have: Mark 16:15 He (Jesus) said, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation."

 Then under the verse in smaller print is "For prayer or questions call 903-(your number).

   If you like this and want another verse let me know and I'll change verses.  If this will give you an opening to share the gospel just let me know.  

   Thank you for reading today. Love Y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny