Study you Bible - Step 4 - Part C

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

   Memorize;  Look at Psalm 119:¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

   Here is a good scripture to memorize.  You have God's word in your heart so that you MIGHT NOT sin.

Meditate: Don't just read God's word and then say you have completed you mission, you read the word of God today.  Did you "word call" or did you really "READ?"

   JOSHUA 1:⁸ Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

    Meditate on God's word;  then you will be prosperous and successful.  Oh, I will be rich and live in a big nice house and drive a nice car?  No, prosperous - you will grow in God's word and bring others to salvation.  The rewards you receive on earth are but for a short time; the rewards you build for the kingdom of God are eternal.

    What are the four purposes of God's word?  

        God's word is profitable for: 1) doctrine; 2) point out a fault; 3) conviction of sin; 4) correction of error; 5) instruction in righteousness.

     Five ways to learn God's word - they will fit on a hand: H - hear; R - read; S - study; M-memorize; M-meditate.

    Find a good time each day you can spend in studying God's word and then be there consistently as was Daniel. Let Psalm 119:18 "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of they law."

   Love you all.

 In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Study your Bible -- Step 4 -- Part B

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!! 
   We have studied that God's word has specific purposes, has doctrine, and points out fault (convicts us) and today we will see that when we are convicted we are also corrected   Psalm 119 gives directions, but looking at verse 9 "How can a young man cleanse his way?  By taking heed according to Your word."   What is this verse telling us?
    How can you be cleansed?   Take heed to the Word, the Bible.  God's word helps us behave accordingly, to His word, and the Bible is our food spiritually.  We will not grow in Christ if we don't feed daily from the word.  Jeremiah 15:16 says, "Thy words were found, and I did eat them."  Did he eat them physically, no, but he did spiritually.
   We have to take hold of the Bible, hear it, study it, talk about it, meditate on it, and memorize or paraphrase (accurately) the Bible.
LISTEN:  Romans 10:¹⁷ So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.   Listen to sermons, listen to Bible studies, and take notes on what you hear.
READ:  1 Timothy 4:¹³ Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.  Read your Bible daily, even if it is just a verse or a daily devotional, but read the word.
STUDY: 2 Timothy 2:¹⁵ Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.    Study the word and apply it to your life.  Let the moral teachings of the Bible guide you in your steps.  You have to study, find stories that are interesting and as you read them, imagine them in your mind.
   Next study will be Memorize and Meditate, then review.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Study Your Bible - Step 4 - part A

Good morning everyone!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   God's desire is to have an intimate, personal relationship with you.  You are not just an acquaintance or distant relative - you are His child.  This relationship will be increased and become stronger by studying the Bible as more and more is revealed to you.
   Hebrews 4:12 says that God's word is quick and powerful.  This means the Bible is more than a book, more than words on a page.  It is more that words spoken in ancient times. The Bible is relevant; it addresses the needs of today.
   2 Timothy 3:¹⁶ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
  God's word has specific purpose as mentioned above.  Also, God's word is helps us in doctrine.
Jeremiah 31:³ The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
    Also Romans 5:⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
   God's word will point out our faults and convict us of sin and provide instructions on how to live.
 Ephesians 4:²⁶ “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold. ²⁸ Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
    Wow!  Does this hit us all right between the eyes!! Anger! Stealing! Work! Unwholesome talk! Speak of things that will benefit so we don't grieve the Holy Spirit.  Wow!  Powerful words.
   More to share tomorrow.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

  
 

Share Jesus with Others - Step 3 - part B

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Take time to reflect either on paper or out loud the following.
First - my life before Jesus was..........
Then, how I receive Jesus was........
Finally, Jesus makes my life more meaningful because......

The follow verses are good verses to help you explain to unbelievers the good news of eternal life.  You may want to pick up you Bible and underline or make notes of these verses.
Romans 15:¹³ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 1:¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
Romans 2:⁴ Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
Romans 3:²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 5:⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 6:²³ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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.
Romans 10:¹³ for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”      

Why should you share Jesus with others?
Whom do you know who needs to receive Jesus?
Share your testimony with someone this week.  

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
 

New Believers - Step 3 - part A

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   You know we all enjoy sharing good things we learn or know.  Weddings, baby arrivals, a new product to help in everyday living, etc.  We will be excited about it and tell everyone we know.  WELL>>>>
    As a CHRISTIAN we have some exciting, very exciting, very very exciting news!  Oh, and what is that? We have life-changing news of eternal life.  We will want to share this information with others, uh, but how.  I don't want to be one of those obnoxious Bible thumpers.  You won't!  You are not the driver of your vessel anymore, the Holy Spirit is.
   God will open the doors, water the seed you cast forth, and guide your every step--all you have to do is let Him have the wheel.
    When Andrew met Jesus, his first inclination was to bring Simon, his brother to meet Jesus. John 1:
⁴⁰ One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. ⁴¹ He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). ⁴² And he brought him to Jesus.
Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah.^[a] You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone){or Peter}.
  For you and I as Christians, witnessing is not an option.  Jesus commanded His followers to witness, to tell others.  When we witness to others we need to share some of our personal testimony and share scripture.
    What is your personal testimony?  Don't make it a book -- tell it like it is to the point.  Your testimony should reflect your life before receiving Jesus; how you received Jesus; and the difference Jesus has made in your life (life is more meaningful).
     Paul's testimony - Acts 22:3-21 - turn in your Bibles and read this account (or click on link).
Take a moment to reflect on your life before receiving Jesus.  Write it down, read it, and rejoice that Jesus is in your life.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny

Publicly declare your faith - step 2 part c

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

  In the new testament new believers were baptized.  Let's look at Acts 2:37, 38, 41,48
³⁷ Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
³⁸ Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
⁴¹ Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
⁴⁷ Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
   Look at these verses. 37 the people are asking for direction. Their question, as should be ours -- 'what shall we do?'   Peter replied: repent and what?? be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for????  The remission of sins.  Then what?  Receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
  So, in obedience, these people were baptized, they praised God and added to the church. (church meaning the body of believers-not a building).
  Baptism expresses our love for Jesus. John 14:21 "Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me.  And because they love me, my Father will love them.  And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them." (Jesus speaking)  
   Baptism depicts two things: (1) What Jesus did for you--He died for your sins, was buried, and came back to life (1 Corinthians 15:3-4); and (2) You died to an old way of life and have been raised to live a new life in Jesus. (Romans 6:3-4)
  baptism involves 4 things: (1) the right person- a believer; (2) the right reasons-obedience and declaration of your new faith; (3) the right method; (4) the right authority (Acts 2:41-47)
  What does one need for baptism?  1. Believe in Jesus Christ for salvation; 2. make a public commitment; (3) request to be baptized.
   Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
 Johnny
 

Publicly declaring your faith - part B

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Last session we stopped when Jesus came out of the water and God said this is my son of whom I am well pleased.  Jesus had been baptized by John the Baptist.
   Matthew 28:¹⁹ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
  We are baptized in obedience to Jesus' command.  Baptism is not a requirement of being saved, it is in obedience to God.  Jesus was baptized in obedience to God--Matthew 3:

¹³ Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
¹⁴ But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
¹⁵ And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
¹⁶ And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
¹⁷ And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
    What is baptism all about?  Think about this, write down in your words what you believe and we will continue and discuss this further in the next session.
Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
 

Publicly declaring your faith - step 2 part A

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Let us continue on with step 2.  Jesus wants new believers to declare publicly their faith in Him. 
Matthew 10:   ³² Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

³³ But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
    
Jesus was a carpenter, and when carpenters do not want a nail to come out they clinch in by bending the tip of it over.  Then the nail won't come out.  Professing Jesus openly and publicly is like clinching a nail.  And how do you do this?  You can declare this before the whole church or before whomever you are with at the time of salvation.
   The more traditional way of doing this is by Baptism - this declares ones faith openly and publicly.  Plus, you are being obedient to God.  If we follow what Jesus said, John tells us in 1 John: ³ And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
   Why Baptism? Matthew 28:19-20  ¹⁹ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
   Jesus first set this example in Matthew 3: ¹³ Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. ¹⁴ But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
¹⁵ Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
¹⁶ As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. ¹⁷ And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

   If you will note, John the Baptist knew this was the Messiah and what did he say?  John said he needed to be Baptized by Jesus.  And Jesus' response?  Jesus basically said, no, John had to baptize Him to fulfill all righteousness.  John knew - Jesus was being obedient to the Father and when John baptized Jesus what happened?

   Just as Jesus came up out of the water - the heaven was opened, the Spirit of God came down as a dove and then what?  A voice from heaven says: "This is my Son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased."

   This is being in obedience with God, doing what HE asks, whether it be baptism or in our daily walk.

Tomorrow part 2 of publicly declaring our faith.

In Christ's Love and Grace

 Johnny

 

SALVATION - STEP 1- PART B

Your assurance is based on the Spirit of God.  To further assure you of your salvation. God has sent living, daily proof of your relationship.  As an official seal is placed on a contract between two individuals to guarantee the contract's validity, so God has given a seal (guarantee) of His promise to you.
      
Ephesians 1: ¹³ And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, ¹⁴ who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
    The seal given by God as a guarantee of His promise is what?  The Holy Spirit!
The Holy Spirit at work within you is indisputable proof of your salvation.  The Holy Spirit's work in your life will bring changes.  Some changes will be gradual; some will be instant.  The inward and outward changes that result are the final proof of your salvation.
    2 Corinthians 5: ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:^[a] The old has gone, the new is here!
   Questions:  What changes have you seen in your life since you committed it to Jesus Christ?
God back through parts A and B, your assurance is based on THE _________, ________, _______, ________ OF GOD. (what 4 things are your assurance) Word of God, Promises of God, Character of God, Spirit of God.
   Love you all.  Stay in the word.  Step 2 tomorrow.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny
  

Salvation Step 1 - A

God want us to be assured we have eternal life.  This is not a feeling thing, but a faith based fact.  The Bible states in 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.
   Also, look at 1 John 5:11-13

¹¹ And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
¹² He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
¹³ These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
    We are assured a place in heaven because of the character of God.  A promise is as reliable as the persons character that gives it--God give us reassurance of our salvation.
   Look at 1 Corinthians 1:9 ⁹ God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 ²⁴ Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
Hebrews 10:23 ²³ Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
   The Bible teaches that God is faithful, reliable, steadfast, trustworthy, and stable.  You can believe the promises because you know who promised.  God, your loving father, is absolutely faithful.
   Nothing can change His mind about your salvation; nothing will separate you from His love. YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST IS SECURE.
  What does God's Word say about the security of your salvation?  Romans 8: ³⁸ For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, ³⁹ Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
    Can any circumstance, can anything separate you from God?
Tomorrow, part 2 - your assurance is based on the Spirit of God.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny    

As the song goes: "Say a little prayer for me!" Ephesians 6:18

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Yesterday was an awesome day worshiping God.  Look at Ephesians 6: ¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.        
   Look at this verse, in other versions it says to pray at all times and you may think, hmmm, how?  One way is to make quick, brief prayers a habit for anything that happens throughout the day.  Now you do not need to drop on your knees, face the East, have a prayer rug, raise hands and bow down to do your prayer. If you want to okay, however, just a quick "thank you Jesus" in your mind when something happens.
   This says for all kinds of prayers and all kinds of request -- keep in mind not all that will happen is good.  Our minds do tend to wander, just do a little drill, set you watch or phone to silently beep every 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 or whatever; and each time it does find something somewhere around you to just say a quick prayer for.
    You may be golfing and make a putt - a quick thank you Jesus works.  You may be working and need to use the facility - thank you Jesus we have indoor plumbing.  Now, I am playing with you a little here, but want you to understand the point.  A quick prayer anytime, anywhere, in your mind and God hears.
    We are living in a world full of idols, things to get our minds off God; to walk fully in the world is constantly there as a temptation; then we find it too difficult to give God an hour or two on Sunday.  We should be giving back daily, continually!  Jesus gave it all for you - can't you give at least a little back?  Just 10 quick prayers today for a start.  Christians worldwide and non-Christians all need our prayers.  Will you do your part?  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

If you ain't the lead dog the scenery never changes (continue)

If you ain't the lead dog, the scenery never changes!

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
     Okay, today is, as many days, a little crazy -- thoughts are catapulting through my head, ricocheting all over, and with as hollow head as mine making quite the sounds. zing-bap-bang-bong
    Anyway, as we travel through live we have our ups and downs.  We keep focused on God, then we take our eyes off God and think I can do this; it is up to me, etc.  Well this past year I had 2 fortune cookies from Panda Express that I kept and thought how they related to our lives.
    First, I opened the cookie and it was written: "OOPS, WRONG COOKIE!"   How many times has this happened in our lives?  Look around at the world, could we say "oops, wrong God?"  We take our eyes off God, forget the breast plate of armor, and take on the world by ourselves.  What is wrong with this picture?
    The second cookie had written: "LIFE IS LIKE A DOGSLED TEAM. IF YOU AIN'T THE LEAD DOG, THE SCENERY NEVER CHANGES!"  Sometimes we call this a rut!  Get up at 6 a.m., get your morning beverage, shower, eat, go to work, come home, change clothes, do a little work at home, eat supper, watch t.v., go to bed, then get up at 6 a.m.  Where is the change of scenery?
    With both of these "cookies" we can look at Ephesians 6:10-18.  To hear Ephesians 6 click here.  Verse 11 tells us to put on the full armor of God.  Follow the instructions in Ephesians 6 (click here to read) and you will find what you are fighting.  We believe it is the world. Well, yes, but it is satan and his disciples that lurk and attack. So what do we do?
        Put on the full armor (word) of God.  First is the belt of truth buckled around your waist, and second, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and have your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  
   Okay, so what do we do next?  You take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  Okay, so I have my full armor on; anything else.  Yes--now go and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. You must be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
         If you look at verse 12, ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
      These are demons over whom the devil has control  They are not mere fantasies--they are very real.  We face a powerful army whose goal is to defeat Christ's church.  When we believe in Christ, these beings become our enemies, and they try every device to turn us away from him, and back to sin.  
     Although we are assured of victory, we must engage in the struggle until Christ returns, because satan is constantly battling against all who are on the Lord's side.  We need supernatural power to defeat satan, and God has provided this by giving us his Holy Spirit within us and His armor surrounding us.  If you feel discouraged, remember Jesus' words to Peter:  "Upon this rock I will build my church and all the power of hell will not conquer it.." Matthew 16:18
        So, now, what are you going to do?  Are you going to be the lead dog?  Keep eating the wrong cookie? In 1776 Thomas Paine wrote a pamphlet called "common sense."  Maybe this would help us all to realize who is in charge, and what direction we need to take.  Three little letters:  G  O  D (in charge), then J E S U S (direction to take). ! Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
 

Who is your higher power? Museum or hospital?

Who is your higher power? Museum or hospital?

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
     Have you ever just stopped and thought about the word we throw about freely - CHRISTIAN - and what it means?  Christian mean to be Christ-like or a Christ-follower.  How often is this word used today, or should I say misused today in America and the world?  Over 80% of America will say they are Christian.
   Unfortunately, to many, Christian means believing in a "higher power".  Why do we give credit to a "higher power" and not just reveal God.  Could it be because that person does not truly believe in the one sovereign God?  
    I don't believe in a higher power, I believe in GOD who sent HIS SON JESUS to die on the cross for my sins.  Oh......we cannot say God as we may offend someone.  Well, maybe I am offended because we don't say GOD!  Because we say "happy holidays" and not Merry Christmas.  Maybe I am offended because of the extreme abuse of separating church and state.  No prayer in school, public buildings, public meetings; yet, if you will look at our national monuments in Washington D.C. scripture is there for all to see.  Hmmmm.  Did our forefathers know we would go to this extreme?  NO! But our father in heaven did.
    People become pious. What is pious - seemingly virtuous - note the key word "seemingly"? And virtuous means of moral character.  So this would be "seems to be of moral character." Hmmm!
  Psalm 25:8   Good and upright is the Lord; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.
Psalm 51:13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You.

    We are sinners and do need the LORD GOD.  Some don't go to church because of the people inside - who they feel sit in judgment of them  -whether it be true or not.  Sometimes the judgment we feel from others is our own judgment of ourselves.  Because of my sin, I think all know, all care, and all are looking and judging.  Baaa!   I will leave you with this thought from a church sign:

                                  This church is a hospital for sinners,
                                  Not a museum of saints!
Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Encourage in heart? United in love? Colossians 2 (continued)

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
  How has your day begun?  Well, I hope, with prayer to start the day.  You know, as we traverse through this stormy world in our daily lives we may wonder-- why? Or what is the use?  Does my life really have a purpose and if so what is that purpose?
    Rick Warren wrote a book about purpose in our lives.  We are here for God; to bring glory to God and to plant seeds of salvation for others to take and grow with.  We should be here, ready to do God's work.  Sooo, in the process we should be Christlike--walk the walk and talk the talk.  Can you say you do? There are many anti-Christ's among us. We have to beware.  Please click on this link to hear Colossians 2 as you finish reading.
     Colossians 2: ² My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ⁴ I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.
  This letter was written to Laodicea, which was in close proximity to Colosse.  The church was probably founded by one of Paul's converts and started strong.  However, this church became lukewarm in its commitment and were criticized for this.
    False teaching began coming forth, some based on the old law, some were just man made laws.  What are these verses saying?  1. be encouraged in heart; 2. united in love.  Christ's 1st commandment love the Lord God with all ...........(you should be able to say this); and 2nd - love thy neighbor as........(what?) Yourself.  In order to do this we would need to be saved through Jesus, and united in love.
    Why did Paul say we needed these 2 things?  So we may have the full riches of complete understanding.   Understanding of what?  Of Christ and why He came!!
    If we understand this, our churches will stand against the anti-Christs who boldly come forth with false teachings and we will be committed to carry out Christ's work.
    Paul wants us to have the full riches of complete understanding, wisdom and knowledge, so no one with deceive us with fine-sounding arguments.
    False teachings were spreading there, just as they are here, in the world today.  This heresy, or teaching contrary to biblical doctrine undermines Christianity in several ways.  Ok, how?
   First, it insisted that important secret knowledge was hidden from most believers.  Paul states that Christ provides all the knowledge we need.
   Second, it taught that the body was evil, Paul ssaid that God himself lived in a body, or, he was embodied in Jesus Christ.
    Last, the heresy took the stand that Christ only seemed to be human but was not, Paul insisted that Jesus was fully human and fully God.
    Lots of mystery in the Bible, lots of misunderstandings in the Bible, and lots of man made interpretations which many insist are Biblical.  How do we combat this?  These people are determined to undermind all Christianity.  We go forth into this battle with God's Word, through personal study each day; with sound Bible teaching; and as we grow in the word our sword of truth becomes bigger, stronger each day.
   Do not travel on a narrow path, becoming isolated; do not travel on a wide, broad path where every idea sounds good; center yourself on Jesus Christ and ground yourself in the Word.  Sharing and talking with others, and let God lead you in the development of your Christian life. Pray for wisdom and understanding and God will reveal it to you when YOU are ready.  Just don't quit!  Don't quit!!
  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Who's responsible? Not ME!! Galatians 6:4,5 (you can't fix stupid)

Who's responsible? Not ME!! Galatians 6:4,5,

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
  Yesterday I talked about the sun appears brighter after a storm than after a cloudless day.  How true this is, and we need to remember we are all responsible for our actions.

    Galatians 6:4,5  New King James Version (NKJV) ⁴ But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. ⁵ For each one shall bear his own load. 

   Look at verse 4 - when you do your very best, you feel good about the results.  There is no need to compare yourself with others.  How often do we do this?  Sometimes it is called: "keeping up with the Jones."

   We all make comparisons for various reasons; it may be to point out flaws in others so we feel good about ourselves, or, it may just be reassurance we are doing well so we can feel better about ourselves.

   Don't compare, just do the job, whatever it be, as if you are doing it for Jesus Christ.  Let Jesus be your example and strive to walk in His footsteps.

    Verse 5 tells us we are all responsible for our own conduct.  If I am fat- it is probably because I eat too much; if I am an alcoholic it is because I drink too much; if I am a drug addict it is because I do drugs too much, and on and on.

    Our society wants to tell us our problems are because of someone else.  Too fat - McDonald's fault. Alcoholic - the liquor and beer stores fault.  Huh?  It is time to step up and be responsible for what you do and to follow God's teachings.

    On the news today a lady is suing the M & M factory about what the candied hard shell does to her child.  Can we say ridiculous???  Just like McDonald's (all fast foods) are making people fat.  I have never seen anyone with a weapon force anyone in to eat.  Have you?  We do it of our own free will and then want to blame others.

     Lady, if you think the hard candied shell affects your child----don't buy M & M's. If I am allergic to peanuts, then don't eat peanuts. How stupid can we be? Oh, there is no cure for stupid - it exists, we are surrounded by it, and it breeds. You just cannot fix stupid. Where are you Jesus?  Come on back now!!

   Step up, take responsibility.  It is your fault--be it good or bad.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

  

Sunshine after the storm is.......

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   How often do we just take things for granted?  Many, many times.  Just a couple of quick notes to prick your mind and hopefully create more of a "thank you God" attitude.
    Our church is under a bridge, no walls, no doors, and no judgement.  A lot of our congregation are people who live under bridges, in woods, anywhere they can be protected from the elements.  They are just happy to have a place to be out of the weather, stay comfortably warm, and live.
   I live in a home with my wife and when I woke this early a.m. my water had frozen.  Now, this was a problem for me, however, I was far better off than many of our church members -- I have a warm home.  Fortunately, as I tell my wife, God takes care of the stupid and I am living proof. (LOL) The insulation had blown off my pipes, and at 15 degrees the pipes had started to freeze.  I took a small heater, reinsulated the pipes, created a barrier so the heat would thaw the pipes, and, within 10 minutes our water was back on.  Did I have problems---I thought so.  But our problems are relative to our situation. I had a warm place to sleep, many of our people did not.  So, as my water came back on I thanked God for the minimal problem I had.  Here is a quote for you to read and think about.  It hit me when my water froze. This is by Doug Westmoreland.
  
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we never had a problem or a bad day? And yet the sunshine after a storm is often brighter and more pleasurable than the sunshine after a string of cloudless days. Happiness that follows a troubled time can be more intense or at least more appreciated than happiness in the midst of an easy time.

The water flowing was my sunshine after the storm.  All I can say is thank you Jesus for protecting us and caring for us.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

How do your thoughts affect you? Psalm 19:14 Proverbs 9:18

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    Here is a quote from Margret Thatcher--take time to read and absorb:

                    Watch your thoughts, because they become words,
                    Watch your words, because they become actions,
                    Watch your actions, because they become habits,
                    Watch your habits, because they become your character,
                    Watch your character, because it becomes your destiny.
                    What we THINK, we BECOME!
                                                            Margret Thatcher

    Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Proverbs 9:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

 You have heard the expression, "you are what you eat" well, we are what we believe and think.  Faith in Jesus as my LORD and saviour is my redemption.  I trust Him in my heart and that what I become is due to HIM.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Fruitful or fruitless? Mark 4

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Things of this world come and go; exist and pass away.  1935Bruno Hauptmann went on trial in Flemington, N.J., on charges of kidnapping and murdering the infant son of Charles and Anne Lindbergh. (He was found guilty and executed.)
           On Jan 2, 1960 John F. Kennedy declared his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination.     
        1965The New York Jets signed University of Alabama quarterback Joe Namath for a reported $400,000. (an amazing amount of money in 1965).
    These are things of the world that happened, were a major topic of discussion at that time, but do we still remember and talk about them.  No!! Only the historians.
    However, many do remember Jim Bakker, the TV evangelist now 74, who fell from grace for having an affair.  Why?  Why is this remembered by many?
    This all relates to the parable of the sower of the seeds. Mark 4:¹⁴ The sower sows the word. ¹⁵ And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.
    Some hear the word and it is as casting sounds on a deaf person. 
 Then you have the ones who receive the word, are excited, but then, being on stony ground, nothing takes root and the excitement, the rush all fades. ¹⁶ These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; ¹⁷ and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble. These are the hearers of the word, but product NO FRUITS!!
    Then you have the seeds that are sown on good, fertile ground that take root and become fruitful for the LORD.  ²⁰ But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”
   Now my question for you is this: Is your faith as the current news events--brought to light, discussed, then forgot?  OR, did your faith take root and you are bringing forth fruit for the glory of God?  Thirtyfold,  sixty, and maybe a hundred?  LOVE YOU ALL.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Dirty white curtain or cleaned daily? 1 Thessa 5:10-18

Dirty white curtain or cleaned daily? 1 Thessa 5:10-18

Good morning dear friends! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
  We travel through life, we travel through this world, and how often do we look around and really see.  Looking out the window this morning I saw the sun rise, slowly, dutifully, from below the horizon to take its position about the horizon, slowly continuing in an upward direction.  Did this "just happen" or was it created by a super power?  We know, from the Bible, that...."....in the beginning....".  
   But sometimes we get so caught up in the everyday goings on that we forget the beauty around us, we forget our purpose here on earth, and we jump back into the ruts where many has trod before us.
   If you will hang a clean bright white curtain outside, on a clothesline, between trees, or wherever and leave it for....oh...say a week, what happens?  Yes, the elements of the world collect on it, making it soiled and instead of clean white, it now takes on a dull white hue.  If we don't pay attention to it, it will appear to be as clean as the day we put it out.  It is not and needs to be cleaned.
    Is this not how our Christian life goes many times?  We are clean bright white from sins through the blood of Jesus; then we hang out in the world for a while and the dirty elements of the world collect. We find ourselves becoming further away from the clean bright white that Jesus made us through His sacrifice.  We enjoy dirty or "shady" jokes/stories; words are spewed from our mouth that are not clean, not encouraging, not Christlike.  So what do we need to do?
   It is time to be cleaned, renew the bright white hue cast forth for others to see.  And how do I do this? Very simple!  Just take it to God, this is the first day of the new year 2014 and we know not what is to come; we know not what to prepare for; but we need not look back in our rearview mirror and fret, but learn from past and create a better future.  Go forth, working together, rejoice always, pray without ceasing.  Here is the scripture.

   1 Thessalonians 5:10-18  New King James Version (NKJV)

^(Jesus)10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
¹¹ Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
¹² And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 
¹³ and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
¹⁴ Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. ¹⁵ See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
    Love you all.  
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny