Dead Sea or Sea of Galilee? Where would you be? (cont) Luke 11:28

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
     I do hope you had time to thing about the "BOLT" and your purpose and meaning in life to God.  Here is something else I would like you to think about.
    What happens when it rains or water pours into an area and the water just sits?  No place to go, no fresh water coming in, what happens to the water?  The water becomes stagnant.  The water comes in, sits until more rain comes, or until it evaporates.  The water, the H2O does nothing.  Oh, wait, it does do something, it draws mosquitoes and other unwanted elements.  It brings about zero or negative progress.
    This is the Dead Sea.  It takes in water, keeps the water, and the salinity level is so great a person can float as if on a raft.  The body of water remains inactive and the area around it is barren, producing no fruit.   So, what purpose is the dead sea?
    When water pours into an area, then leaves, the water retains a freshness that will help prosper the area.  This is the Sea of Galilee.  This body of water remains active and the area around it is fertile and brings forth fruits. So, why the difference between the two?
   Both bodies of water are fed by the Jordan River - one is dead, the other alive.  Is this not like the Christian lives; you, I, the people around us?  Some go to church on Sunday morning, receive 1 hour of preaching, and then the next 167 hours do nothing with the Bible teaching they did acquire - Dead Sea Christians.
    Then, there are others who are Sea of Galilee's; taking the information, going forth and spreading the Good News of Jesus, and bringing forth fruits for God.  They may actually give back their 10% of time (16.8 hours a week) to God.  Maybe only 5% (8.4 hours), but this is still being a tributary from the Sea of Galilee, being alive, sharing the Good News, instead of being of the Dead Sea.

  Luke 11:28  New King James Version (NKJV)  ²⁸ But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” 

  Here is a picture of the Sea of Galilee    :       This shows the fertile area around.

    Now a picture of the Dead Sea,     This shows masses of salt and not vegetation growth. 

      So, where would you put yourself today?  Sea of Galilee or Dead Sea?  This is strictly between you and God.  For more on this go to Christianity - Thoughts by Johnny.   Love you all

In Christ's Love and Grace

  Johnny

I am the bolt, HE is the master!

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
      Last night was quite interesting with visions dancing, no not sugar plums, in my mind.  All of a sudden, this came to me and I do believe it was of God.  I struggle all the time with my heart, my mind, and to be Christ like in what I do. Well......here is what came to me early this morning.
     I am like a bolt (or screw), which can do nothing in and of itself, without the help of the master. (master being the one using the bolt)  Now this bolt has threads on it and can attach to anything that has like threads.  But, what was this bolt made for?
    This bolt, when picked up by the master (who knows what the bolt is made or designed for), can be placed in the area that has the threads.  This bolt will not just jump into place, but has to be picked and placed, then with a slight twist to the right (usually) take hold and is ready to be tightened.
    God has picked us (the bolt) and placed us where HE wants us (opened our heart to salvation-Jesus).  With a slight turn to the right we begin our journey.
    Now, a bolt is not just put in, cranked on and tightened with no thought.  This bolt has a specific purpose, and what is that purpose?  It may be to hold something in place so all will work correctly or for all to see.  As the bolt is continually turned it begins to tighten, but it is not tight.
   This is how we are spiritually.  We, the bolt, are picked by the master, placed in the right position, and slowly taught more about Jesus, salvation, God, and the Word (aka Bible).  At first we are loose and understand a little, but a lot more to learn.  As the bolt, we have to be tightened, and we are not just a bolt to be a bolt, but, as mentioned before we have a specific purpose.  Let us say it (the purpose) is to hold something in place. 
    The threaded area is the Bible, and the deeper we go, the more we learn.  Just as the deeper a bolt goes the tighter it becomes. The master, God, can tighten us by hand to a point.  Then, when He has us prepared for the final journey, He uses a wrench to completely tighten us, holding in place what we were designed to hold for others to see.  Now, what others should see is what I am holding in place.  This is planting of seeds.  When others see what I am holding in place, and they admire it, they do not say, "Wow, what a wonderful bolt that is", but they give praise to the master for the masterpiece HE has created.
   To me,  this is what our life is like,  I need to be the bolt (or the screw) that holds in place what God has designed me to do.  I know my journey, here on earth, is drawing to an end.  I want to hold in place as many things as possible (plant seeds) so when I finish my journey and rejoice in paradise with God, I will be able to hear Him say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."  
    I pray this makes sense to you all.  I would enjoy your comment or phone call about this journey I took in my mind during my sleep and relaxation with God at the helm.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Hmm! Sex or life with Christ? That is the question. Colossians 3:4-5

Hmm! Sex or life with Christ? That is the question. Colossians 3:4-5

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
  Curious--I thought yesterday would stir some controversy - Christian Atheist- - yet now one rebuttal.  I would like to know what you think, or, possibly, I hit you in a soft spot.  Let me know.
  Are you totally aware you are hidden in Christ?  And what does this mean -- hidden in Christ?  Your sins are now covered by the blood of Christ--- could this be what it means?  Hmmm!!
  Let us move forward to Colossians 3:4-5 

⁴ When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

⁵ Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
   Christ gives us the power to live for him now, and he gives us hope for the future--why?  Because HE WILL RETURN!!!  So, how should I act?
   The things mentioned in verse 5 we should put to death.  Huh? What do you mean?  This means we do not respond to our earthly nature such as sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires.  The caution here is not about no sex, but about sexual perversion. If you are married, look at someone of the opposite sex and have "daydream desires," make sexual explicit comments, or actually take action on your thoughts/daydreams, then this is sexual perversion.
    God created sexual intimacy for men and women as a part of true love.  When we deviate from this our heart turns from God, which drains our energy and moves us in the wrong direction.
    The very last phrase of verse 5 tells it all---"which is idolatry!"  We should hold God up on high, and remove ourselves from the things of the world lest we fall.  The way up to God takes faith and work; the fall is devastating.  Today, the single marriage family is the exception.  The norm tends to be families who are "blended."  Why are they blended?  I have my thoughts -- but I want your first, please.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Christian or Christian Atheist? That is the question! Colossians 3:1-3; 12-15

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   I do apologize for the last week of missed studies.  My life has been good, but moving from hither to yon and my whole schedule has been crazy.
   Yesterday I heard a preacher speaking about how many Christians are "Christian atheists" meaning, WE ARE SAVED, yet we do not live as a person in Christ, but a person of the world.  Wow!!  This really hit me and stimulated thought about me, you, us all, and our Christian walk.
   Sundays we walk and talk like a Christian, but Monday through Saturday we live in the world.  Is this the walk Christ did?  Is this the walk we want?  Let's look at scripture.
    Please look at this scripture carefully and read both versions please:

Colossians 3:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)  Not Carnality but Christ   3 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. ³ For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 

Look at Colossians 3:12 New King James Version (NKJV)   Character of the New Man¹² Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

   Setting our sights on the realities of heaven means striving to put heaven's priorities into daily practice.  Letting heaven fill our thoughts means concentrating on the eternal rather than on the temporal.

Colossians 3:15 says: "And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.  For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful."

  As a Christian you have died to this life which means you should put away the desires for the earthly things, the worldly pleasures.  This does not mean to not work to get ahead or acquire things, it means to get your priorities right.  If you become wealthy and self-centered this helps no one; but if you put to good use what God has given you, wealth, for God's good, then this helps all parts of the body, each member.

    We should view this life on earth from God's perspective and try to live accordingly.  We may have desires for things of this world, and that is okay and normal, but to fall victim to the things of this world is wrong.  You and I should be seeking what Christ desires, we have the power to break our obsession with pleasure and leisure activities.  But it also provides the antidote to empty religion.  

  Why?  Because following Christ means loving and serving in this world and view the world as God would view it.  This is when we live a "CHRISTIANS" and not as "CHRISTIAN ATHEISTS!"  You will live in harmony with God when you view the world around you as God does.

    Look at Colossians 3:12 - Paul offers a strategy to help us live for God day by day.  And how is this? First, imitate Christ's compassionate, forgiving attitude; then let love guide your life, let peace of Christ rule in your heart, always be thankful, keep God's Word in you at all times, and live as Jesus Christ's personal representative.  Can you do it? As Bob the Builder says: "Yes I can!!!"

   Where are your sights set:  Are you a "CHRISTIAN" and act like a "CHRISTIAN" or act like a "CHRISTIAN ATHEIST?"  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!  Please click on this link my cousin sent me about Christmas.  May you enjoy Christmas time, keeping CHRIST at the center of your celebration.  
   Daily devotionals will be back Dec. 26. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

What are your gifts? Are you obedient? 1 Corin 12:4-11; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-9

What are your gifts? Are you obedient? 1 Corin 12:4-11; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-9

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Today's scriptures are:  1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - long, so click to read.
We all have spiritual gifts and talents.  If you do not know yours, then you need to "BE STILL" and go to your quiet place and "LISTEN TO GOD."  So, then, what is your calling?
    John the Baptist obeyed God's call and went forth as the messenger who led people to repent and be baptized.  John the Baptist was obedient, even so unto his death for God by not backing down.  Are you as obedient and committed as John the Baptist.
   We should be bold in going forth, not for our glory, but for the GLORY OF GOD!  Don't back down, don't water the word down, don't share the word for personal gain, share the word and be bold in obedience to GOD.
   Last night at Bible study we talked about this in 1 Thessalonians 2:1-9 - click here to read the scripture. Paul tells the people they don't flatter, but tell the truth boldly and are not deceitful and are not sharing the word for personal gain.  God has "entrusted" HIS word with you; so what are you going to do with it?
   Be obedient, be bold, find your gift from the spirit, and share what God has entrusted you with--His word of salvation through Jesus Christ. Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

You are in God's favor--share!! Proverbs 8:34-35

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Do you ever read the sentences above?  GOD is GOOD......what?  ALL THE TIME!   Because God is good---then--you--I--we are blessed.  Blessed by whom?  GOD!!  So, should we be stressed?  Worry?  As I told my wife, who reminds me, worry is like shoveling smoke. Smoke is only stirred around, but it does absolutely no good to shovel smoke.
   Proverbs 8:34-35  "Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.  For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the LORD."
    As a young child most of us would listen (kinda) to our parents, and we would watch and wait for mom or dad to return home.  Why?  Because mom and dad loved us and favored us and we delighted in them.
   Should not this be the way we are with the LORD?  We are God's favored, He gave us a gift of which there is no greater -- HE sacrificed HIS SON for YOU!
   We have obtained favor from the LORD.  Just as you give favor to your family, friends, neighbors, strangers.  If someone needs help--you assist (give favor to).  As you look around, see the "favor" God has blessed you with--share this favor with others.  It may be assistance on the side of the road, a hearty "good job" or "atta boy"; maybe a meal or a 5, 10, or 20 dollar gift.  Most of all, be cognizant of an opportunity to share the greatest gift, the good news of salvation--JESUS CHRIST.
    During this wonderful CHRISTmas season, may you find ways to share your blessings with others. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

God with us!! MATTHEW 1:22-23

God with us!! MATTHEW 1:22-23

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    A great day to be alive in the Lord Jesus Christ! 

Matthew 1:22-23 King James Version (KJV) ²² Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, ²³ Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

SHE was favored;                        WE are blessed;

Mary yielded her life,      her dreams,     her very body --- and for what?

for the SOVEREIGN GOD and HIS plan for all humanity. 

Sooooo?????   SO, we will have everlasting life.    Huh? Whachamean?

Mary's child is Emmanuel- meaning "GOD with us!"  You, I, the wandering sheep-- sinful human beings-- receive HIS (Jesus, God) forgiveness and will be able to live with Him, now and for eternity.  Jesus came to bless us with His grace, to guide us, to protect us, to provide for us, to free us from our sinful ways and their consequences, and to show us and tell us that HE loves us.

    We need not be CEO's (Christmas, Easter Only), but give God more. He deserves more and look what HE did for us.  Think about CHRISTmas.  In Spanish "mas" is more.  Shouldn't we give MORE to CHRIST?  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

 Johnny

We have an unchanging GOD!!! Psalm 117:1-2; Psalm 113:2-4

We have an unchanging GOD!! Psalm 117:1-2; Psalm 113:2-4

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   TAKE TIME TO READ THESE SCRIPTURES:   

Psalm 17 A prayer of David.¹ Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.
² For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.

Praise the Lord.

Psalm 113:2-4  ² Let the name of the Lord be praised,  both now and forevermore.
³ From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.

⁴ The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.
We have traditions we celebrate at Christmas.  It may be aunt's apple strudel, the cookies by grandma, a certain breakfast, certain food at meal time, or whatever.  Then as the family grows, the tradition changes; maybe from one house to another; the food, something, anything.

Aren't we glad we have an unchanging God!  Our God is the same today as he was yesterday and will be tomorrow.  God is the same today as He was last generation, as He was in the old Testament. Jesus came to us as a baby in the manger and He remains with us today.  God is the same always; and if you are not close to God right now-----who moved? Hmmm! God did not move!  Let your praise run true and your walk be that of Jesus.  PRAISE THE LORD!!  GOD IS FAITH ALWAYS!  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

The Supremacy of the Son of God -- Colossians 1:15-18

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
  Colossians 1:15-18  You need to click on this link and read the scripture.  YES YOU DO!  The Son of God whom we call Jesus left a wonderful place where time is of no relevance and came to earth, lived in an area regulated by 24 hours in a day; by day and by night-the light and the darkness.
   Jesus did not just come to visit, see what is going on, then return to His Father's side.  Jesus already had a BIG SCREEN view of everything that was going on.  So, why did he come?
   Jesus left His Father's side, became flesh, dwelt among us for what?  He came to experience what we have experienced, our sins, then die for those sins in a horrible fashion that none of us could endure.
   Now, that night in Bethlehem was an ordinary night, yet the events proved it to be an extraordinary night.  The Messiah had arrived!  No horns blowing, no lights flashing, no media broadcast announcing the birth; just coming into the world humbly, as He would walk the earth, and then leave us.
   Through miracles, teaching, death and resurrection Jesus' identity was revealed.  Now we all know the story and many have read the book, but the big question is:  If Jesus came today---would you recognize Him?  If you lived in the old testament--would you have recognized Him?  It was predicted, talked about, yet many rejected!  Hmmmm--think about it my friend.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

A unique gift at Christmas John 1:1-5, 14

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    From the Book The Promise of Christmas is Jesus Christ.
John 1:1-5, 14 Did you ever get a gift that was special, a one of a kind gift, and you were so excited?  Well, the apostle John says in John 1: ¹⁴ And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.  In the Greek, the words in reds means "unique" or "one of a kind."  
    Why is this unique?  Look at the words above- word was made flesh and dwelt among us - Jesus was/is both fully God and fully man - this  is indeed unique and happened only once in the history of mankind.
   Jesus came, and as the Lamb of God, died on the cross on behalf of sinful man.  However, Jesus is not a gift to be hoarded, but to be shared.  How will you share your special, unique one of a kind gift?
   Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

God's Promise to Mary Luke 1:45-55

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   I will be continuing from the book "The Promise of Christmas is Jesus," by Jack Countryman.
Luke:1-45-55 "Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord. " And Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.  For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
  49-For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.  And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.
  51-He has shown strength with His arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly.
  53-He has fill the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.  He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever. (New King James Version)
   Mary appeared to be just another girl from a small town when this all was revealed we see she had character and tremendous faith in God, whom she had never seen.
   Mary did what we need to do, be obedient and give our life go God.  Mary risked the chance of being shamed and scorned, but she was willing and able to obediently follow God's plan.  Because of this we, and everyone, as celebrated what she brought forth for over 2,000 years.
   This was a unique gift given to us all from our Father.  This is a once in a life-time, one of a kind gift and we need to remember this and cherish this gift.  However, as most gifts are given to you, for you, and only for you, Jesus is a gift that was given to each of us to share and yet never lose.  How awesome is that?  And through Jesus we have the Living Word.  
       Here is a riddle that applies to God:  "Even if you give it to someone else, you still get to keep it. What is it?  the answer YOUR WORD.  God gave us HIS WORD!
   God gave you His most precious gift - how do you thank Him?  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

The Christmas Story Luke 2:1-14

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Now through Christmas my wife shared a book with me that I will be sharing stories with you.  The title of the book is: The Promise of Christmas is Jesus.
   Yes, I will copy and print and you can read or take as much of it as you wish. Thank you for the endurance.
It's a timless story-the account of Jesus' birth-with familiar details such as shepherds, a sar, wise men, and angels.  But perhaps the details, if not the story itself, are too familiar.  Are we any longer able to hear the wonder of this world changing, history altering story?
   God planned the birth of Jesus before them began, and throughout the Old Testament-thousand of years before a Baby was born in Bethlehem-God hinted about the coming of this Messiah, this King of kings, Lord of lords, Prince of Peace.
   Looking at these hints-these ancient prophecies-and their fulfillment in the New Testament accounts of Jesus' birth can help us recapture the wonder of the Christmas story and marvel at the gift of Jesus, a gift of sacrifice and love, of Immanuel, "God with us."
   May seeing the promises  of God and their fulfillment reignite in you the very hope of Christmas.
It came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone, to his own city.
    Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.  So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
   Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be the sign to you; You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."
    And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
             "Glory to God in the highest,
              And on earth peace, goodwill
                    toward men!"    Luke 2:1-14
Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny

Search for peace, bridle the tongue, DO YOU? Psalm 34:11-14 (continued)

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    I am guilty!  The following verses and preceding study on the tongue, being able to control the tongue, well, this slaps me in the face---hard many times.  How about you?  Do you think about what you are about to say or do you just spout it out?  Some take pride in telling us I just say what I think. What you see is what you get.  Hmmm.....this is not always good.
    My middle daughter used to tell her younger sister to think about her words carefully, she may have to eat them later.  What good advice.
    Psalm 34:11-14 (click to view) The Bible many times talks about the fear of God, which is the love and reverence for God, and then being obedient.  David is saying that a person who fears the LORD doesn't lie, turns from evil, does good and promotes peace.
    Reverence is much more than sitting quietly in church.  It includes obeying God in the way we speak and the way we treat others.
    Verse 14 - ¹⁴ Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.  Some may think that peace should come with no effort.  But David explained that we are to work hard at peace.
    My dear friend, just read these verses and think about each one:

¹¹ Come, you children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.  Come! Listen! Two things we don't do well, huh? Then reverence of the LORD. (fear)
¹² Who is the man who desires life,
And loves many days, that he may see good?  What do we all want? Yep, life, many days of good life, and how do we do this?
¹³ Keep your tongue from evil,
And your lips from speaking deceit.  Oh, wow, now this is a hard one to do. Your tongue and lips. Dude!  Basically, shut up!  Quit talking! Listen and think- which may be a new concept for you. (us all)
¹⁴ Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it.   Get away from evil, or let Jesus penetrate the depths of your heart; then what??   Yes, seek peace and pursue it.  Peace does not just come to the door, knock and ask to be let in.  We have to pursue it. Go after it! Get it!  

    So what are we saying here?  Come, listen, think!  Then action: shut up, encourage, seek peace, you have to git'r'dun!  Obedience to God is key after accepting Jesus as LORD and saviour! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

part 1 is at JohnnyBdaily

Fatherless? Widows? Do you care? James 1:27(continuation)

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

  Well, let us look at James 1:27 King James Version (KJV)²⁷ Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. 

Please remember, this verse follows talk about being able to bridle your tongue.

    Okay, read and read again the words in this verse.  PURE--UNDEFILED, and what is this?  If you have the religion (Jesus) and no other god before you (material things) you will WANT TO care for the fatherless and widows in their time of need.

     What do you believe? Here is a link to Psalm 146 - read it and think! 1 Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. 2 I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. 3 Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. 4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. 5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, 6 the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them-- the LORD, who remains faithful forever. 7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free, 8 the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. 9 The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. 10 The LORD reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the LORD.

   I want to focus on what is underlined above: do not put your trust in _____what??  And what happens to them when their spirit departs they return to what______??

   Put this on a political level and think about what is happening.  Do the politicians REALLY care about you, or about doing what will get them re-elected?

  Let's go a few steps further.  Everything is relevant to where you are.  People in America tend to think they are quite something because of their personal accomplishments.  Example: someone purchases a Mercedes or BMW - why - a good chance it is for status.  Well, in Greece and Italy the Mercedes are taxi's; and BMW's are police cars. Hmm.  Also, they use a lot of marble in these countries. Wow, that is expensive. No, it is natural there so it is cheap.  In America - yep it is expensive. 

    Are you really somebody?  And who really cares?  The questions when you stand before Jesus at the judgment are: Do you know me (Jesus)?  And: What have you done in my (Jesus) name?  And will Jesus say: Well done, my good and faithful servant?  Hmm

    God will take care of us, He watches over us. It's going to be alright.

   I do hope you see what was on my heart and understand.  If not, or if you disagree please let me know. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

    Johnny

more thoughts at Johnnybdaily

Small body part creates large problems - the tongue! James 1:26 (continue)

Good morning all!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    Okay, ladies and gentlemen, today I am going to meddle in your life a little bit.  Look at James 1:26 and it talks about the tongue.  We will talk some about it today, more tomorrow, and you can go to Johnnybdaily to read more on this topic.

     James 1:26  New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁶ If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 
   In this passage religion (Greek threskeia) deals with worship in the outward sense, a religious service. And an uncontrolled tongue brings forth a spiritual problem.  So what is this saying?  If you do not bridle your tongue - not talking, but viciously talking, gossiping, lying and what does this profit you?  Nothing - it profits you zero, zip, nada, nothing at all, BUT, it will cause damage.
   So, stop and reflect on what mama used to tell us growing up: "if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all."  There is some truth to this.
  Look at  Psalm 34:13-14 New King James Version (NKJV) ¹³ Keep your tongue from evil,

And your lips from speaking deceit. ¹⁴ Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

  Okay, keep you tongue from evil: sins of the tongue have been noted in the Psalms in numerous places.  So what do you think this is telling you?

  First, keep your tongue from evil - this simply means to go away from, leave, depart from evil. Avoid it like the plague.

   Secondly, after departing from evil you should what?   Do GOOD!  After this comes seek peace and pursue it - peace is not a magnet that pulls you in or comes to find you; it is like wool which is woven in the cloth and must constantly work together to maintain the integrity of that cloth.  Weaving a piece of material does not come easy, it takes lots of work, as does peace.

   Peace does not come with no effort.  David explains we are to work hard at peace.  Paul parroted  this thought in Romans 12:18.  A person who wants peace cannot be argumentative and contentious.  Peaceful relationships come from our efforts at peacemaking, work hard at living in peace with others each day.

In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Hearers of the word, doth it profit you? James 1:22 (continue)

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

   James 1:22 King James Version (KJV)  ²² But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

    Read this again slowly in another version, NIV, and see if it has any meaning to you: "²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

    Be ye doers of the word--- in this text the word "be" (Greek ginomai) is often translated "become". Since daily life is a struggle, BECOME DOERS OF THE WORD. 

   Hearing the word profits you, yet if you do nothing with the word, are not doers of the word, then what doth it profit you?  Let's put it this way, if I gave you a $1,000,000 and you took it home, put it in your safe, what good is that money?  1/2 percent in the bank is better than nothing; as is God's word.  To share with a few is better than keeping the words in your mind.

   Go to Romans 2:13

King James Version (KJV)"¹³ (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified."

   People are condemned not for what they don't know, but for what they do with what they know. If you keep the law, are a good person, but do nothing with what you know you are walking on the same plane as one who does not know the word.  Is it important to be doers?  Yes, DOERS OF THE WORD be ye!!!

   Now, if you don't believe this yet, go to Matthew 7:21 and hear what Jesus says: " ²¹ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

     You can talk about your great feats, your great achievements all day long; however, if we see no evidence then you are simply spouts empty words. You may "talk" a great game, but can you "walk" what you talk?

     Jesus is concerned about our walk.  What you do cannot be separated from what you believe. Look at the last part of this verse: "he that doeth the will of my Father" is a huge statement. In the Greek this present tense means you are continually living in obedience to the will of God as your normal course of life.  Yes, you may fall, but you general course if to obey the will of the Father.  

    May you be strong, hear the word,  be doers of the word, and share with others.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

    Johnny

 

Is your type of speech acceptable? James 1:21 (continued)

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    The first part of this study is at JohnnyBdaily. James 1:21 King James Version (KJV) ²¹ Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
    What does this say to you?   What James is advising us here is to get rid of all that is wrong in our lives and "humbly accept" the salvation message we have received, because it alone can save us.
   The command to "lay aside all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness" refers to expressions of coarseness rather than immorality.  We should not engage in vulgarity or wickedness.
    The engrafted word in Greek is "emphutos" meaning implanted - the implanted message of the gospel should be received by Christians without hesitation.
  "Able to save your souls" is talking about the effect the gospel has had on us once we accepted it.

    Another reference is 1 Peter 2:1  King James Version (KJV)

"Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,"

  "LAYING ASIDE" means to change (as in clothes) in ancient times, or putting off the old man and putting on the new man, just like a suit of clothes.  This refers to us as Christians taking off the ragged and filthy clothes of sin (malice, guile, hypocrisies, envies, evil speakings) and putting on the New Man in Jesus Christ.  One of love, compassion, and encouragement for our brethren. Put away the old!  Bring on the new, the salvation, the love of Jesus!!

    However, because you change clothes does not mean you are instantly "new", but you will have to grow in the Spirit.  Will you falter and fall?  Yes, but Jesus is standing there with His hand out to help you up as He did Peter when he walked to Christ from the boat. (on the water)

     May your day be filled with the love of Christ and may you go forth with the strength God gives us. Love you all. 

In Christ's Love and Grace

   Johnny