Month: March 2017

Fade Away

jonmbarnesLeave a comment

pasque-flower-323221_1920

Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“Evil may appear to look good, yet it’s nasty smell and beauty of imagery quickly fades away, leaving truth and love to stand alone with time in it’s hands.” ~ Jon Barnes

Beauty

Your beauty cannot be copied, given, or altered, but it is the image of the source, which is given to each of us, by God.  The time you spend doing good works of faith paints images of your beauty inside the heart of God, creating music excepts and compositions in Heaven. God’s precious gifts are not for sale.

Crown

From the crown on your head lie an invisible glow of honor, respect, and focus to execute Beauty in love with your words and works, because God gave you the authority to represent Him honestly in ways that are wonderfully pure, simply to the point. The shadow of the All-Mighty covers and protects your beautiful soul, from the crown of your head to the soul of your feet.

Jewels

The many precious jewels God has given us from the fruit of the Spirit shoot rays of light in all directions, like a twinkling star in the night.  The devil wants to steal them from you with lies, distractions, divergence, and fake disasters. But God’s true believers have protection about them, with their prayers of faith, rich in action, shooting at the devil daily, instantly, consistently. This nonstop prayer, praise, and purpose are the New Testament of Love in our hearts that connects us to God and covers us with the Blood of Christ with redemption, repentance, and recompense that never fades away.
Today’s Question
Are you soul(ed) out of God’s Beauty, because you are looking in the mirror of pride, make-up, and fake beauty?
Enjoy Today’s Reading

2 Peter 1

1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:
2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

Confirming One’s Calling and Election

3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters,[a] make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Prophecy of Scripture

12 So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. 13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, 14 because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.
16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”[b] 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit
 
Love,
Jonathan

The Good Hurt

jonmbarnesLeave a comment
adult-1846050_1920

Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Change is a daily activity that hurts, as it is not easy to do such good work.” ~ Jon Barnes

 

Comfort

 
We get comfortable doing the easy exercises in life while ignoring the real work we need to do for good growth and healthy maintenance. Setting up good new goals will mean we need to learn something new from God’s wisdom. The bible is old yet the information is still new to our daily behaviors and habits.
 

Habit

 
Dropping old habits and learning good new habits can be a challenge for us, as God blesses. Recognizing a turn of the page in your family, career, and mindset is the beginning of improved focus, direction, and purpose. The improved new habits become more helpful, full of life, and action when we allow God to develop our new talents of service for people.
 

Hurts

 
It hurts to see people stuck in the past, living life as if it will last forever in that rut. Forgive and move on so that God’s new blessings and good work shine as a new dawn.  In your life, make the new things right, by dumping out the old stuff, cleaning old wounds, and healing your heart. The sight of success begins with happiness, working with God in our faithfulness. Hurt converts into conviction and heavenly progress.
 
Today’s Question
 
Did you welcome the family flight plight of politely piloting your way through negative feelings to communicate God’s new plans with better life experiences to this new generation?

Enjoy Today’s Reading

1 Peter 5

To the Elders and the Flock

5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”[a]
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

12 With the help of Silas,[b] whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.
13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
 
Love,
Jonathan

Perish

jonmbarnesLeave a comment

hydrangea-1607110_1920

Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“People perish from laziness, resulting from lack of knowledge, kindness, skill set, work ethic, discipline, and honest love for the truth.”  ~  Jon Barnes

Meaning

Even though we know the meaning of honest truth does not give us the will or power to execute the honest work required.  By choice, your knowledge is still lacking because you refuse to change to obey, honest information from God’s plans, pretending to know what you are doing. Challenge your motives. Make yourself, do good.

Understanding

We play dumb as if we don’t understand, faking love and good work ethics to play around by avoiding the straight line of reality from God’s perspective. When I stop distorting the truth, like the devil, I began to see and understand how God wants me to work and inspire others to do more, with less. Enjoy being content, focused, and on point.

Proof

When I look back on the new quality of work that I am trying to accomplish by faith, I am humbled by the effectiveness and efficiency of how the little miracles from God, work in my life. Since I’m thankful for the little miracle from God, He begins to bless me with bigger miracles by faith, with His Proof. I just receive the blessings in awe, as an obedient, simple, humble and loving, servant. Don’t throw the food of God and His blessing back in His face, with your disobedience and waste.
Today’s Question

Will you perish by playing and participating in the devil’s workshop or will you play the childlike part of faith, love, and good labor for God?

Enjoy Today’s Reading

1 Peter 4

Living for God

4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Suffering for Being a Christian

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household;and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a]
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
 
Love,
Jonathan

Relationships

jonmbarnesLeave a comment

couple-260899_1920

Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“Most of us are bad at relationships and friendships so, we need to practice with God to improve our “A” game, be friendly, take time, listen and learn how to love.”

The Trap

You are the trap that attracts poop to your situation. True friends are helpful and they learn from each other all of the time. They practice love to understand and know how to balance charity, hope, and faith. Your trap is not wanting to learn, grow, or obey God’s lifestyle of love.

People Grow

People grow up when they are helped and held accountable to someone, as they improve and work on issues honestly.  Good people have a nature to embrace change for the better, with a balanced give and take exchange, within friendships and relationships. You must accept the pain of doing good and stay the course.

Fundamentals

Each person helps to pull up the next person to the higher steps of honesty, love, commitment, time, education, development, and work ethic.  This practice, like learning an instrument takes years of practice. No one person knows it all or does it all on the team.  It is truly a group effort, as the pro in each situation takes the lead. Each person is a pro at some things the other is not!
Today’s Question
Are you making the right choices in developing your relationships, within the parameters of God’s lifestyle?
Enjoy Today’s Reading

1 Peter 3

3 Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

Suffering for Doing Good

8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For,
“Whoever would love life
    and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
    and their lips from deceitful speech.
11 They must turn from evil and do good;
    they must seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
    and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”[a]
13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats[b]; do not be frightened.”[c] 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 19 After being made alive,[d] he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.[e] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.
Love,
Jonathan

Your Job

jonmbarnesLeave a comment

electrician-1080554_1920

Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“In any job, work like it is your last day, your last check, and your last chance to show people your character, integrity, wit, love, sensitivity, toughness, fairness, and quality you bring to the table each day, which positively affected the lives of everyone around you; Don’t be a lazy liar.” ~ Jon Barnes

It Is

It is your job to show everyone what you are made of and your humility will push you forward and up to God’s ladder of personal success, access, and achievement.  Simply doing a great job is good enough to reap what you have sown. Keep doing your good jobs and deeds, especially when people mistreat you. God will fix the rest. Do your part and be faithful as a good steward.

It Is Not

It is not possible to do two jobs at once, so you cannot do someone else’s job and expect to complete your level of quality work as well.  Know your box and over-deliver with quality and set the standard of excellence in your life, along with the people around you.  They are watching you and so is God. I don’t have time to judge the quality of work from other people. The work is judgment unto itself.

“A” Note

People will copy, the quality standards that you set, if you stay committed to your job. A simple note is to practice and play what you preach.  Make sure you are getting credit for practicing God’s lifestyle of love and responsibility in your job each day, by finishing well and completing your assignments. The prosperity that is not earned has no value or added benefit to a soul that is lost and bound for hell.
Today’s question
Did you complete your job as if God was standing over you to approve each step, with a smile and a nod of acceptance?
Enjoy Today’s Reading

1 Peter 2

2 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

The Living Stone and a Chosen People

4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house[a] to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
    a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
    will never be put to shame.”[b]
7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,
“The stone the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone,”[c]
8 and,
“A stone that causes people to stumble
    and a rock that makes them fall.”[d]
They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Living Godly Lives in a Pagan Society

11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires,which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22 “He committed no sin,
    and no deceit was found in his mouth.”[e]
23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,”[f] but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
 
Love,
 
Jonathan

Peace

jonmbarnesLeave a comment
book-1421097_1920
Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“It is difficult to sow in peace in a world of sin and war. Stand down and stay your ground of love, wisdom, and humility.” ~ Jon Barnes

Schemes

Your ways are not God’s ways, so allow room to execute God’s ways and lifestyle so that your plans can make sense and work. Schemes are man-made, systematic plans of action designed to empower and place your own ideas into effect, omitting God’s ideas and protocols. Disobedience is a scheme that is mainstream, which is ramped and wrapped in our culture.

Motives

Collectively on a large scale, our macro minds are full of malicious plans that are devious, conniving, and unrealistic, devoid of love.  Efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and good management do not mean slave wages and conditions should rule the working class. Our micro minds must connect to God’s unlimited, ultimate, macro mind so that we can do the Will of our Father.  Otherwise, your motives are maneuvers of injustice and contempt.

Results

Visualize the results you will get when you conspire against God almighty. Remember Sodom and Gomorrah? Your legacy is not stored here down on earth, but up in heaven or hell where your soul will prosper and thrive, forever. Now that is your legacy. Your results will reflect the cup of tea that you drink from and God will judge you honestly. Talk to God about your test results, today and live in peace!
Today’s Question
Are you at peace with your test results from God and did you ask for a copy to study from Him?
Enjoy Today’s Reading

1 Peter 1

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

Praise to God for a Living Hope

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

Be Holy

13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedientchildren, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”[a]
17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.[b] 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For,
“All people are like grass,
    and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
25     but the word of the Lord endures forever.”[c]
And this is the word that was preached to you.

Love,

Jonathan

The Look

jonmbarnesLeave a comment
european-eagle-owl-2010346_1920
Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“News Flash, we all look, act, and live alike, LOL. Do you get what I’m saying? Look at reality, stop, think, learn, and grow from your mistakes” ~ Jon Barnes

Favoritism

 
God hates favoritism and how we all use looks, colors, talents, intelligence, and the likes as weapons of mass destruction with our tongues. We don’t love each other. We use the love of evil and power to falsely shine as true love; in order to camouflage God’s likeness and image on the face of every person. We all look like God and must treat each other with the love God has given us.
 

Deflecting

 
We are all acting with our actions of love, tolerance, and hate with all of the people we know, see, and relate to. This new weapon of distraction is not new at all, because your pride comes before your fall. Did you get up yet–  why are you still laying down on the job? The look of your laziness with God’s love in your life is a fraud and it does not look like God at all. Absorb the sunlight of God’s Grace, Love, and Mercy upon your life and reflect it back onto others like the diamond that you are.
 

The Cut

 
God is shaping you into a perfect Diamond to shine, share, and become the authentic image He has created for you. The various colors, shapes, sizes, types, qualities, and talents within each diamond are the same, yet your experience with God shapes your emotions of love qualities that sparkle and remain. Did you lose your personal sparkle? Ask God to fix your cuts, scrapes, scratches, and war wounds from this life, so that your diamond has heavenly value.
 
Today’s Question
Does your soul have the look of Hell, to be unimaginably heated and recycled for eternity?

James 4

Submit Yourselves to God

4 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
4 You adulterous people,[a] don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us[b]? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”[c]
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister[d] or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

Boasting About Tomorrow

13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
Love,
Jonathan

My Mistakes

jonmbarnesLeave a comment
frustrated-961707_1920

Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Funny, we are all alike, yet still different enough to think differently. Our wrong is never right, as we all look and act the same.” Jon Barnes

Misinterpret

My actions and judgments are misguided and wrong when I do not communicate effectively with God, family, and people. It is my responsibility to engage and master the tools of life with all that I have.  Our laziness prevents us from digging deeper past the amount of work that it takes to simply make a true statement, phone call, or write a love letter explaining our position.

Misunderstand

We encourage mistakes by not allowing ourselves time to check, re-read, re-focus, and recalculate our ability and effectiveness to love each other. The proof is in your own writing, works, words, charity, dreams, and reality, based on your love for God and His good work of faith in your life; or the lack of love and faith. I have learned to blame myself for my own misinterpretations of the obvious, truth of simplicity. We are all dumb! Wise up.

Miscalculation

I can’t miscalculate the truth of how frail humanity is and I refuse to understate God’s infinite Grace, Glory, Power, and Mercy. I will not slip in my thinking by omitting God’s 10 commandments from my lifestyle of love to share with everyone. Your daily blunders and oversights will not change the outcomes of God’s Infinite Wisdom, Understanding, and Facts of things to come. Recycle your junk, mistakes, evil, sin, and trash by giving it back to God through repentance, so that He can recycle your blunders and credit your soul with a heavenly slot and plot of land.
Today’s Question
Did you miscalculate how to land your soul’s rocket launch to Heaven, through the pearly gates or did you buy the wrong rocket fuel for take-off?
Enjoy Today’s Reading

James 3

Taming the Tongue

3 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Two Kinds of Wisdom

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving,considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Love,
Jonathan

Wasteful

jonmbarnesLeave a comment

disposal-1846033_1920

Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“I am ashamed at how much time, resources, money, food, stuff, and energy I have wasted over the years, like storing my personal trash and possessions, as if they were more important than God, my family, and the people around me.”  ~  Jon Barnes

Never Again

Never again will I allow my stuff to control my heart, body, and soul. Yet, let God control your movements and manage your assets from a heavenly perspective. Many things will get accomplished when you get out of the way and allow God to deliver you from your self-righteous control over your wasteful, hoarding lifestyle.

Closed 

We become closed-minded to think that we are always right, refusing to be counseled.  I will not lie to myself any longer.  It is ok to make a mistake and be wrong occasionally.  However, it is not ok to hear the truth constantly and ignore the message of God! This constant sin and disobedience will meet and greet you in hell when you don’t repent and change. Refuse to be a hypocrite, walking in pride, and carrying a bible.

Instructions

 When you receive God’s instructions and helpful hints from your loved ones, stop taking the defense. Love is here to help you.  Listen and adjust to properly change your attitude and outlook so that you may live longer to finish your assignments.  Get out of your own way. My children have taught me how to do this and I’m so thankful! Communicate your transparent actions so that God can give you the traction to climb the mountain of love. A double mind is a waste since you only need one Godly Mind!
Today’s Question
Why do you hold yourself in high esteem, full of wastefulness, lacking humility and honor in God? 

James 2

Favoritism Forbidden

2 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,”4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,”[a] you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,”[b] also said, “You shall not murder.”[c] If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Faith and Deeds

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[d]?21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,”[e] and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.
25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
Love,
Jonathan

Responsibilities

jonmbarnesLeave a comment

lost-places-1730892_1920

Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote
“Take notice and become inspired by good people who take care of themselves, committing to their personal responsibilities to God, and proper treatment of others. They are living examples of love’s possibilities.” ~ Jon Barnes

Treatment

I have learned to ignore what people say and focus on what they have done, what they are doing, and what they will possibly do, based on their character and obvious treatment of others. People who exercise their faith in practicing self-improvement will change a little each day, showing great subtle progress. The eyes of God can see and measure this progress because you can feel, observe, and follow the growth and harvest of true love being delivered in the lifestyle of responsible people.

Home improvement

These good people constantly work on their family home improvement projects like, staying positive, adjusting bad attitudes, keeping motivated, finding good solutions, asking great questions, listening to sound wisdom, and working with God’s solutions to balance home life. Your home life follows you to work, church, functions, schools down the street, and around the world. Your home improvement projects are quite public and noticeable to everyone.

Daily Focus

Balance your daily focus on hitting each target project you have selected to work on.  Find four things you want God to help you improve on and fix them at home first.  The results will become clear when you practice what you have learned at work, school, and in public places. People know and accurately talk about who you are, even though they may lie and covet your great qualities. Give them and God something to talk about. The completion of your personal home improvement projects, paints a clear picture of how much you love God and others and the level of personal responsibility you place on getting the good job done!
Today’s Question
How would you measure your level of responsibility to God, your family, yourself, friends, and enemies– does it reach the standard God demands from us?

James 1

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.

Trials and Temptations

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. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.

Listening and Doing

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Love,
Jonathan