Month: July 2018

Moved

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Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
When you can’t seem to make things work where you live and work, move to a better location with the money you saved and live a better life!”  ~ Jon Barnes

Problems

Assess the problems that you are having and identify if you are the cause or the environment is unstable.  It is your job to see if you are being set up to fail, so find a better solution.  In the woods with nature, it is you against the environment and the animals.  You must master your environment to understand it and take care of your business and family.

Savings

Doing good works for God is like a savings bank in heaven and your faith is increased by your obedience to God.  This walking relationship with God is fun, interesting, honest, and should happen every day of your life.  The more you walk with The Creator, the richer you become!  The more you act wickedly, steal from people and cause trouble, the more you and your stuff will burn in hell.  People who are evil belong to the bank of hell, boh!  People who love God and prove it, belong to the Bank of Heaven, BOH.  Don’t get it confused.

Options

A resourceful person has options because their work ethic has taught them skills to survive, craftsmanship, loyalty, and quality of faith.  Disobedient people reject the responsibility to face the music, follow God’s directions, and to do quality work that benefits everyone.  Options become limited based on their faith, feeling, family, financial freedom, and fidelity lifestyle. You can not move on if you are not honest with yourself and God.  You can physically move locations, but your problems will always follow you!
Today’s Question
Will you remain confused all of your life, burning up about your mistakes for eternity, or will you move to finally listen and do the work of faith in God?
Enjoy The Reading
 

1 Chronicles

 

David Defeats the Ammonites

19 Some time after this, King Nahash of the Ammonites died, and his son Hanun[a] became king. 2 David said, “I am going to show loyalty to Hanun because his father, Nahash, was always loyal to me.” So David sent messengers to express sympathy to Hanun about his father’s death.
But when David’s ambassadors arrived in the land of Ammon, 3 the Ammonite commanders said to Hanun, “Do you really think these men are coming here to honor your father? No! David has sent them to spy out the land so they can come in and conquer it!” 4 So Hanun seized David’s ambassadors and shaved them, cut off their robes at the buttocks, and sent them back to David in shame.
5 When David heard what had happened to the men, he sent messengers to tell them, “Stay at Jericho until your beards grow out, and then come back.” For they felt deep shame because of their appearance.
6 When the people of Ammon realized how seriously they had angered David, Hanun and the Ammonites sent 75,000 pounds[b] of silver to hire chariots and charioteers from Aram-naharaim, Aram-maacah, and Zobah. 7 They also hired 32,000 chariots and secured the support of the king of Maacah and his army. These forces camped at Medeba, where they were joined by the Ammonite troops that Hanun had recruited from his own towns. 8 When David heard about this, he sent Joab and all his warriors to fight them. 9 The Ammonite troops came out and drew up their battle lines at the entrance of the city, while the other kings positioned themselves to fight in the open fields.
10 When Joab saw that he would have to fight on both the front and the rear, he chose some of Israel’s elite troops and placed them under his personal command to fight the Arameans in the fields. 11 He left the rest of the army under the command of his brother Abishai, who was to attack the Ammonites. 12 “If the Arameans are too strong for me, then come over and help me,” Joab told his brother. “And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, I will help you. 13 Be courageous! Let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. May the Lord’s will be done.”
14 When Joab and his troops attacked, the Arameans began to run away. 15 And when the Ammonites saw the Arameans running, they also ran from Abishai and retreated into the city. Then Joab returned to Jerusalem.
16 The Arameans now realized that they were no match for Israel, so they sent messengers and summoned additional Aramean troops from the other side of the Euphrates River.[c]These troops were under the command of Shobach,[d] the commander of Hadadezer’s forces.
17 When David heard what was happening, he mobilized all Israel, crossed the Jordan River, and positioned his troops in battle formation. Then David engaged the Arameans in battle, and they fought against him. 18 But again the Arameans fled from the Israelites. This time David’s forces killed 7,000 charioteers and 40,000 foot soldiers, including Shobach, the commander of their army. 19 When Hadadezer’s allies saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they surrendered to David and became his subjects. After that, the Arameans were no longer willing to help the Ammonites.
Love,
Jonathan

Bring Back

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Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“Bring back the Gospel of the Cross to move forward in the steps of your life and leave all of the stuff behind you that is weighing you down.”  ~ Jon Barnes

Fat Burner

The Bible is a fat burner to reduce the amount of sin you carry around your spiritual belly.  Do nothing and it will grow and take over your life and health.  I exercise more and eat less as I carry around the Gospel to share with others everywhere I go.  We find a way to talk about how cool God is to us with life, liberty, and freedom to work, eat, drink, think, and live.  Burn off the waste you are carrying around and manage your health as best as you can.  Improving your health is your responsibility, not the doctor’s job.

Calorie Intake

Many of my Great Aunts and Uncles are extremely healthy, with aunt Christina at 93 and sharp as a tack.  Their dad used to make them walk ten miles to church and back!  His picture is in The Gospel Movement section of the New Black Museum in DC.  His goal was to burn the fat calories of sin, train his 13 kids, and walk with them.  I can see that my family has a line of hard-working people, who took care of business and passed along a legacy of Godly common sense.  For those who have fallen, this is your wake up call to burn up the pile of sin before you burn up for eternity.

Embrus Barnes

My Great Grandfather would always tell me during family reunions to “Always remember that you are a Barnes and that means something!”  He was old, with a cane, and every word he said carried meaning, life, focus, and honest integrity. I received the baton from him personally, because I am the 1st Great Grand Son to walk in his shoes with love, respect, honor, dignity, purpose and I’m that next generation who will not compromise or abort the mission.  He did his best to teach his family how to bring back the Gospel of God into the home.  He was tough, but that is what it takes in love, to tell the truth! Not everyone listens, God will judge! 
Today’s Question
 Are your prepared to bring back the Gospel into your home, life, and daily space, to pass it onto the next generation, with God and His amazing Love or do you want your family to be remembered as druggies, thieves, liars, killers, or cultural barbarians?
Enjoy The Reading

1 Chronicles 18 

David’s Military Victories

18 After this, David defeated and subdued the Philistines by conquering Gath and its surrounding towns. 2 David also conquered the land of Moab, and the Moabites who were spared became David’s subjects and paid him tribute money.
3 David also destroyed the forces of Hadadezer, king of Zobah, as far as Hamath,[a] when Hadadezer marched out to strengthen his control along the Euphrates River. 4 David captured 1,000 chariots, 7,000 charioteers, and 20,000 foot soldiers. He crippled all the chariot horses except enough for 100 chariots.
5 When Arameans from Damascus arrived to help King Hadadezer, David killed 22,000 of them. 6 Then he placed several army garrisons[b] in Damascus, the Aramean capital, and the Arameans became David’s subjects and paid him tribute money. So the Lord made David victorious wherever he went.
7 David brought the gold shields of Hadadezer’s officers to Jerusalem, 8 along with a large amount of bronze from Hadadezer’s towns of Tebah[c] and Cun. Later Solomon melted the bronze and molded it into the great bronze basin called the Sea, the pillars, and the various bronze articles used at the Temple.
9 When King Toi[d] of Hamath heard that David had destroyed the entire army of King Hadadezer of Zobah, 10 he sent his son Joram[e] to congratulate King David for his successful campaign. Hadadezer and Toi had been enemies and were often at war. Joram presented David with many gifts of gold, silver, and bronze.
11 King David dedicated all these gifts to the Lord, along with the silver and gold he had taken from the other nations—from Edom, Moab, Ammon, Philistia, and Amalek.
12 Abishai son of Zeruiah destroyed 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 13 He placed army garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became David’s subjects. In fact, the Lord made David victorious wherever he went.
14 So David reigned over all Israel and did what was just and right for all his people. 15 Joab son of Zeruiah was commander of the army. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the royal historian. 16 Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech[f] son of Abiathar were the priests. Seraiah[g]was the court secretary. 17 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was captain of the king’s bodyguard.[h]And David’s sons served as the king’s chief assistants.
Love,
Jonathan

Interpretation

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Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“You don’t have to interpret the Bible, you just have to read it, again, and again, again, until you die and then you would have scratched the surface of what God was teaching you to pass through into the Pearly Gates or Hell!” ~ Jon Barnes

The Collective

Collect all of your thoughts and compare them to what you have read in the Bible and interpret your own life and where you think you fit into God’s plan.  If you are alive and breathing, you will fit one way or the other opposite way.  In God, nothing is wasted and it all belongs to Him, the good, the bad, the something, the nothing, the beautiful, and the ugly!

The Interpreter

God’s message is simple, but evil will try to change one word in the sentence to derail the true meaning of life, light, and love.  It is the job of darkness to hide, omit, or cover up the truth of love in God.  It is really not complicated at all.  You don’t need me and my stories to confirm your thoughts, feelings, and connection to God.  You need yourself to connect with God and interpret your relationship with HIM.  I’m just a humble, writing, musical, messenger in love with God, family, life, and you.

The Love

You can love people without lusting after their bodies, spouses, money, power, houses, positions, and stuff.  Learn to interpret how to enjoy the walk with God, the fun reading, and the work of faith with prayer, fasting, thanksgiving, and integrity.  Your interpretation of yourself and God will line up a lot easier if you follow the steps given by God, not my steps.  Don’t follow me.  
Today’s Question
Who’s interpretation are you following and does it make good sense to God, when you ask HIM about your faith activities?
Enjoy The Reading
 

1 Chronicles 17 

The Lord’s Covenant Promise to David

17 When David was settled in his palace, he summoned Nathan the prophet. “Look,” David said, “I am living in a beautiful cedar palace,[a] but the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant is out there under a tent!”
2 Nathan replied to David, “Do whatever you have in mind, for God is with you.”
3 But that same night God said to Nathan,
4 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord has declared: You are not the one to build a house for me to live in. 5 I have never lived in a house, from the day I brought the Israelites out of Egypt until this very day. My home has always been a tent, moving from one place to another in a Tabernacle. 6 Yet no matter where I have gone with the Israelites, I have never once complained to Israel’s leaders, the shepherds of my people. I have never asked them, “Why haven’t you built me a beautiful cedar house?”’
7 “Now go and say to my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has declared: I took you from tending sheep in the pasture and selected you to be the leader of my people Israel. 8 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before your eyes. Now I will make your name as famous as anyone who has ever lived on the earth! 9 And I will provide a homeland for my people Israel, planting them in a secure place where they will never be disturbed. Evil nations won’t oppress them as they’ve done in the past, 10 starting from the time I appointed judges to rule my people Israel. And I will defeat all your enemies.
“‘Furthermore, I declare that the Lord will build a house for you—a dynasty of kings! 11 For when you die and join your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, one of your sons, and I will make his kingdom strong. 12 He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for me. And I will secure his throne forever. 13 I will be his father, and he will be my son. I will never take my favor from him as I took it from the one who ruled before you. 14 I will confirm him as king over my house and my kingdom for all time, and his throne will be secure forever.’”
15 So Nathan went back to David and told him everything the Lord had said in this vision.

David’s Prayer of Thanks

16 Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and prayed,
“Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 17 And now, O God, in addition to everything else, you speak of giving your servant a lasting dynasty! You speak as though I were someone very great,[b] O Lord God!
18 “What more can I say to you about the way you have honored me? You know what your servant is really like. 19 For the sake of your servant, O Lord, and according to your will, you have done all these great things and have made them known.
20 “O Lord, there is no one like you. We have never even heard of another God like you!21 What other nation on earth is like your people Israel? What other nation, O God, have you redeemed from slavery to be your own people? You made a great name for yourself when you redeemed your people from Egypt. You performed awesome miracles and drove out the nations that stood in their way. 22 You chose Israel to be your very own people forever, and you, O Lord, became their God.
23 “And now, O Lord, I am your servant; do as you have promised concerning me and my family. May it be a promise that will last forever. 24 And may your name be established and honored forever so that everyone will say, ‘The Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, is Israel’s God!’ And may the house of your servant David continue before you forever.
25 “O my God, I have been bold enough to pray to you because you have revealed to your servant that you will build a house for him—a dynasty of kings! 26 For you are God, O Lord. And you have promised these good things to your servant. 27 And now, it has pleased you to bless the house of your servant, so that it will continue forever before you. For when you grant a blessing, O Lord, it is an eternal blessing!”
Love,
Jonathan

Edge

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living-on-the-edge-844873_1920Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“It seems silly that many people will believe a lot of things they see on TV, movies, friends, and family, but will not believe in God.”

Transitions

Train your mind to transition into the mind of God by knowing the information in the Bible.  Most people do not know much and will fake it like they really have something important to say.  This type of deception is on the edge of insanity, as it appears normal to most people.  Do your own homework to understand how your lifestyle should look.  Don’t take my word for it.  Transition into what God has for you.

Fear

People will make you afraid of the truth because they don’t want to obey either.  Fools will typically run in a pack to recruit many other people to influence and brainwash their subjects.  Fear God and not people.  It is your job to learn and know the truth, so read it, study it, think it, and live the truth.  God will set you free and keep you from dumb addictions, actions, attractions, and answers people love to share in their misery.

Passion

People who hold onto misery are very passionate about their demons.  Rightfully so, they both will burn in the same fire, with their buddies.  Now, this does not have to be your fate.  As a student of the Bible, you can use God’s love to cut the devil with each edge of every page you read for yourself.  The passion you have for God, truth, and justice will burn a hole in the heart of wicked people because your lifestyle speaks for itself.
Today’s Question
What does your lifestyle speak for?

1 Chronicles 16 

16 They brought the Ark of God and placed it inside the special tent David had prepared for it. And they presented burnt offerings and peace offerings to God. 2 When he had finished his sacrifices, David blessed the people in the name of the Lord. 3 Then he gave to every man and woman in all Israel a loaf of bread, a cake of dates,[a] and a cake of raisins.
4 David appointed the following Levites to lead the people in worship before the Ark of the Lord—to invoke his blessings, to give thanks, and to praise the Lord, the God of Israel.5 Asaph, the leader of this group, sounded the cymbals. Second to him was Zechariah, followed by Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel. They played the harps and lyres. 6 The priests, Benaiah and Jahaziel, played the trumpets regularly before the Ark of God’s Covenant.

David’s Song of Praise

7 On that day David gave to Asaph and his fellow Levites this song of thanksgiving to the Lord:
8 Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness.
    Let the whole world know what he has done.
9 Sing to him; yes, sing his praises.
    Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
10 Exult in his holy name;
    rejoice, you who worship the Lord.
11 Search for the Lord and for his strength;
    continually seek him.
12 Remember the wonders he has performed,
    his miracles, and the rulings he has given,
13 you children of his servant Israel,
    you descendants of Jacob, his chosen ones.
14 He is the Lord our God.
    His justice is seen throughout the land.
15 Remember his covenant forever—
    the commitment he made to a thousand generations.
16 This is the covenant he made with Abraham
    and the oath he swore to Isaac.
17 He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree,
    and to the people of Israel as a never-ending covenant:
18 “I will give you the land of Canaan
    as your special possession.”
19 He said this when you were few in number,
    a tiny group of strangers in Canaan.
20 They wandered from nation to nation,
    from one kingdom to another.
21 Yet he did not let anyone oppress them.
    He warned kings on their behalf:
22 “Do not touch my chosen people,
    and do not hurt my prophets.”
23 Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!
    Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.
24 Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.
    Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.
25 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!
    He is to be feared above all gods.
26 The gods of other nations are mere idols,
    but the Lord made the heavens!
27 Honor and majesty surround him;
    strength and joy fill his dwelling.
28 O nations of the world, recognize the Lord,
    recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong.
29 Give to the Lord the glory he deserves!
    Bring your offering and come into his presence.
Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor.
30     Let all the earth tremble before him.
    The world stands firm and cannot be shaken.
31 Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice!
    Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!”
32 Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
    Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy!
33 Let the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord,
    for he is coming to judge the earth.
34 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
    His faithful love endures forever.
35 Cry out, “Save us, O God of our salvation!
    Gather and rescue us from among the nations,
so we can thank your holy name
    and rejoice and praise you.”
36 Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
    who lives from everlasting to everlasting!
And all the people shouted “Amen!” and praised the Lord.

Worship at Jerusalem and Gibeon

37 David arranged for Asaph and his fellow Levites to serve regularly before the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, doing whatever needed to be done each day. 38 This group included Obed-edom (son of Jeduthun), Hosah, and sixty-eight other Levites as gatekeepers.
39 Meanwhile, David stationed Zadok the priest and his fellow priests at the Tabernacle of the Lord at the place of worship in Gibeon, where they continued to minister before the Lord.40 They sacrificed the regular burnt offerings to the Lord each morning and evening on the altar set aside for that purpose, obeying everything written in the Law of the Lord, as he had commanded Israel. 41 David also appointed Heman, Jeduthun, and the others chosen by name to give thanks to the Lord, for “his faithful love endures forever.” 42 They used their trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments to accompany their songs of praise to God.[b] And the sons of Jeduthun were appointed as gatekeepers.
43 Then all the people returned to their homes, and David turned and went home to bless his own family.
Love,
Jonathan

Sand Paper

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Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“God’s pattern for salvation is like sandpaper to the skin of evil people or buttermilk lotion to good people, who believe.” ~ Jon Barnes  

Perfect

Outside your front door is an opportunity to love someone you meet.  It is that simple. Many of us hate the person next to us and completely ignore people walking by us.  I am guilty of being unfriendly, unkind, too focused, and inhumane at times, as well.  But, the more I smile, greet, laugh, love, help, assist, and rest within God’s wisdom, the best experiences, conversations, and events happen.  People learn about the salvation of God from your lifestyle, not your empty words.  Your works of love are not sandpaper.

Imperfect

God helps us to find better ways to communicate, help and love people by staying connected to scriptures, stories, parables, and prayer.  Our imperfection is not the issue, it’s our love and forgiveness that is in question.  Don’t be so rigid in your thinking, giving, time, and ways.  Kindly enjoy the people right in front of you and don’t stop loving them.  You don’t have to become like them, but you strive to become like God!

Strive

Challenges will always come, like the rubbing of sandpaper onto the skin, but when you are clearly prepared, Healing Begins.  Let God heal you of your old problems and war wounds and strive to live a better lifestyle in Him without sandpaper.  Understanding comes from the heart and not your mind.  Your mind learns from what you believe and do, not from what you think or say.  Throw away the sandpaper thinking.
Today’s Question
Have you accepted the pattern of God’s Salvation or are you still holding onto your sandpaper?
Enjoy The Reading
 

1 Chronicles 15 

Preparing to Move the Ark

15 David now built several buildings for himself in the City of David. He also prepared a place for the Ark of God and set up a special tent for it. 2 Then he commanded, “No one except the Levites may carry the Ark of God. The Lord has chosen them to carry the Ark of the Lord and to serve him forever.”
3 Then David summoned all Israel to Jerusalem to bring the Ark of the Lord to the place he had prepared for it. 4 This is the number of the descendants of Aaron (the priests) and the Levites who were called together:
5 From the clan of Kohath, 120, with Uriel as their leader.
6 From the clan of Merari, 220, with Asaiah as their leader.
7 From the clan of Gershon,[a] 130, with Joel as their leader.
8 From the descendants of Elizaphan, 200, with Shemaiah as their leader.
9 From the descendants of Hebron, 80, with Eliel as their leader.
10 From the descendants of Uzziel, 112, with Amminadab as their leader.
11 Then David summoned the priests, Zadok and Abiathar, and these Levite leaders: Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab. 12 He said to them, “You are the leaders of the Levite families. You must purify yourselves and all your fellow Levites, so you can bring the Ark of the Lord, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it. 13 Because you Levites did not carry the Ark the first time, the anger of the Lord our God burst out against us. We failed to ask God how to move it properly.” 14 So the priests and the Levites purified themselves in order to bring the Ark of the Lord, the God of Israel, to Jerusalem. 15 Then the Levites carried the Ark of God on their shoulders with its carrying poles, just as the Lord had instructed Moses.
16 David also ordered the Levite leaders to appoint a choir of Levites who were singers and musicians to sing joyful songs to the accompaniment of harps, lyres, and cymbals. 17 So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel along with his fellow Levites: Asaph son of Berekiah, and Ethan son of Kushaiah from the clan of Merari. 18 The following men were chosen as their assistants: Zechariah, Jaaziel,[b] Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, and the gatekeepers—Obed-edom and Jeiel.
19 The musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were chosen to sound the bronze cymbals.20 Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were chosen to play the harps.[c] 21 Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were chosen to play the lyres.[d] 22 Kenaniah, the head Levite, was chosen as the choir leader because of his skill.
23 Berekiah and Elkanah were chosen to guard[e] the Ark. 24 Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer—all of whom were priests—were chosen to blow the trumpets as they marched in front of the Ark of God. Obed-edom and Jehiah were chosen to guard the Ark.

Moving the Ark to Jerusalem

25 Then David and the elders of Israel and the generals of the army[f] went to the house of Obed-edom to bring the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant up to Jerusalem with a great celebration.26 And because God was clearly helping the Levites as they carried the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams.
27 David was dressed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who carried the Ark, and also the singers, and Kenaniah the choir leader. David was also wearing a priestly garment.[g]28 So all Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant with shouts of joy, the blowing of rams’ horns and trumpets, the crashing of cymbals, and loud playing on harps and lyres.
29 But as the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David skipping about and laughing with joy, she was filled with contempt for him.
Love,
Jonathan

Sacrifice 

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Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“The sacrifice of being obedient to God and His Holy Word is the altar of sacrifice and gift from Christ for you to understand, learn, and follow from your personal perspective.” ~ Jon Barnes

Awareness

Be aware that you are imperfect and our daily repentance to God is like an altar of personal praise, respect, and movement into the will of God.  As a result and awareness of your obedience, God’s movements are made plain and simple to follow Him and for you to see. Many have closed their eyes to this fact. 

Responsible Tie

Evil and wickedness can not come between you and God when there is nothing between you haven’t discussed and worked out with God Himself with. The rest of us can tell if you have had that conversation or not.  We will all see the benefits of your sacrifice of silent praise and worship to God in your secret closet at home.  In public, you will be cool because you are prepared for the day.

Closet Time

Closet Time is like Christmas Time every day when you go before God, pray, listen, and ask questions.  As you follow the instructions, the miracles happen and you will be automatically included inside the miracles of joy to provide for someone else!  Yes, be the miracle and answer to a prayer for people so that the hand of God is on your life, connecting to others.  Sacrifice your time and energy for God to give this love to all the people you encounter and you will never miss out on your closet time with God or opportunities to naturally share the love with others. 
Today’s Question
Are you missing your closet time with The Lord of LOVE!

1 Chronicles 14 

David’s House and Family

14 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar logs, stonemasons and carpenters to build a palace for him. 2 And David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and that his kingdom had been highly exalted for the sake of his people Israel.
3 In Jerusalem David took more wives and became the father of more sons and daughters.4 These are the names of the children born to him there: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, 5 Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, 6 Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, 7 Elishama, Beeliada[a] and Eliphelet.

David Defeats the Philistines

8 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went out to meet them. 9 Now the Philistines had come and raided the Valley of Rephaim; 10 so David inquired of God: “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?”
The Lord answered him, “Go, I will deliver them into your hands.”
11 So David and his men went up to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them. He said, “As waters break out, God has broken out against my enemies by my hand.” So that place was called Baal Perazim.[b] 12 The Philistines had abandoned their gods there, and David gave orders to burn them in the fire.
13 Once more the Philistines raided the valley; 14 so David inquired of God again, and God answered him, “Do not go directly after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the poplar trees. 15 As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move out to battle, because that will mean God has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.” 16 So David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army, all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.
17 So David’s fame spread throughout every land, and the Lord made all the nations fear him.
Love,
 
Jonathan

My Watch

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Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“On your watch, it is your responsibility to protect, love, mentor, and keep your family safe, focused and well trained in the ways of God and Love with clear examples, ready for battle at any time!” — Jon Barnes

When

When I was young and in need, I wanted someone to help mentor me and spend some time each day to show, model, explain, re-teach, quiz, and make sure that I understood each message, lesson, and commandment about Love from God.  My parents, family, wife, kids, friends, and enemies could only do the best they could do.  Time is limited. But, when you learn to ask God to mentor you, then you become among the ones with the best answers in the room, for understanding.

Look Up

People will look up to you for solutions to copy and fix personal problems.  Your insight and management skills will train others to do better, when you accept what God is teaching you.  Lazy people who refuse to comply to God’s methods will live a lifestyle that says, danger, disaster, problems, roadblocks, greed, wast, and foolishness all over their face.  Look up and you will see these people coming, many from your own family.  Often times it is you who will be doing the wrong things until you ask God yourself!  Look up, seek, and pray!

Destination

In every culture from the beginning of time, someone introduced a wicked practice of disobedience, greed, hatred, envy, laziness, dishonor, lying, cheating, and enslaving others with their hunger for power and injustice. Many have followed this evil. The love of God does not do these things, but His Holy Spirit teaches us how to pray, play, work, and share what we are blessings.  Thought history, there are short periods of time in which we listen to God and this actually works well, before it all goes to hell again.
Today’s Question
Will you keep listening to God or will you become distracted with your own agendas of disobedience?
Enjoy The Reading
 

1 Chronicles 13

Bringing Back the Ark

13 David conferred with each of his officers, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. 2 He then said to the whole assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you and if it is the will of the Lord our God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our people throughout the territories of Israel, and also to the priests and Levites who are with them in their towns and pasturelands, to come and join us. 3 Let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we did not inquire of[a] it[b] during the reign of Saul.” 4 The whole assembly agreed to do this, because it seemed right to all the people.
5 So David assembled all Israel, from the Shihor River in Egypt to Lebo Hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath Jearim. 6 David and all Israel went to Baalah of Judah (Kiriath Jearim) to bring up from there the ark of God the Lord, who is enthroned between the cherubim—the ark that is called by the Name.
7 They moved the ark of God from Abinadab’s house on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding it. 8 David and all the Israelites were celebrating with all their might before God, with songs and with harps, lyres, timbrels, cymbals and trumpets.
9 When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled. 10 The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God.
11 Then David was angry because the Lord’s wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah.[c]
12 David was afraid of God that day and asked, “How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?”13 He did not take the ark to be with him in the City of David. Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. 14 The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house for three months, and the Lord blessed his household and everything he had.
Love,
Jonathan

Hurt

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Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“We hurt ourselves when quality time is not spent on doing our own homework, preparing our food, fixing problems, resting, reflecting, learning new things, and following the truth about God.”  ~  Jon Barnes

Rob

We rob God all of the time with our laziness, money, lack of quality, honesty, behavior, thoughts, and lack of prayers in doing the good work assigned to us.  When we are given instructions each day, your faith is activated by the amount of work you have completed and shared.  Otherwise, we can become trapped in the renters market mentality, being denied homeownership, personal buy-in, along with the scandalous economic banking business process.  The current system is designed for you not to own your own home or business unless you rise above the hurdles and challenges before you. God knows how!

Activation

Faith without your own “HOME” work is dead and empty.  Faith is like a credit card with an activation sticker and a phone number to call for action.  Unless you make the call to activate the card, it will not work. You must hear God say, “your card is activated for yourself.”  When you call on God, you are activating your faith with action, so that you may complete the work, hear His voice, and grow in love.  Your credit card is unlimited as long as you obey the rules and commandments that are stated in the Bible, your public policy book.  When you break the rules and operate your lifestyle in a negative way with poor cash flow, your daily actions compound your problems like the black hole.

Signature

Now, you must also put your name on God’s credit card to authenticate and seal the deal.  Stop hurting yourself.  Pick a pin number and begin shopping for your spiritual wisdom, knowledge, and gifts to help others.  Use the card to buy supplies needed to share the Gospel of Christ and God will teach you about the business of reaping and sowing.  Your quality work pays for your bills and the extra profit is for savings, investments in the kingdom, and management for future activities. Giving 10 percent back to God is like earning rewards points for the future budget.  The church is your friend, so take it with you everywhere you go!
Today’s Question
Will you continue to rob God of quality time, faith, work, and sincere effort?
Enjoy The Reading
 

1 Chronicles 12 

Warriors Join David

12 These were the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he was banished from the presence of Saul son of Kish (they were among the warriors who helped him in battle; 2 they were armed with bows and were able to shoot arrows or to sling stones right-handed or left-handed; they were relatives of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin):
3 Ahiezer their chief and Joash the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet the sons of Azmaveth; Berakah, Jehu the Anathothite, 4 and Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty warrior among the Thirty, who was a leader of the Thirty; Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, Jozabad the Gederathite,[a] 5 Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah and Shephatiah the Haruphite; 6 Elkanah, Ishiah, Azarel, Joezer and Jashobeam the Korahites; 7 and Joelah and Zebadiah the sons of Jeroham from Gedor.
8 Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle the shield and spear. Their faces were the faces of lions, and they were as swift as gazelles in the mountains.
9 Ezer was the chief,
Obadiah the second in command, Eliab the third,
10 Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth,
11 Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh,
12 Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth,
13 Jeremiah the tenth and Makbannai the eleventh.
14 These Gadites were army commanders; the least was a match for a hundred, and the greatest for a thousand. 15 It was they who crossed the Jordan in the first month when it was overflowing all its banks, and they put to flight everyone living in the valleys, to the east and to the west.
16 Other Benjamites and some men from Judah also came to David in his stronghold. 17 David went out to meet them and said to them, “If you have come to me in peace to help me, I am ready for you to join me. But if you have come to betray me to my enemies when my hands are free from violence, may the God of our ancestors see it and judge you.”
18 Then the Spirit came on Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said:
“We are yours, David!
    We are with you, son of Jesse!
Success, success to you,
    and success to those who help you,
        for your God will help you.”
So David received them and made them leaders of his raiding bands.
19 Some of the tribe of Manasseh defected to David when he went with the Philistines to fight against Saul. (He and his men did not help the Philistines because, after consultation, their rulers sent him away. They said, “It will cost us our heads if he deserts to his master Saul.”)20 When David went to Ziklag, these were the men of Manasseh who defected to him: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu and Zillethai, leaders of units of a thousand in Manasseh. 21 They helped David against raiding bands, for all of them were brave warriors, and they were commanders in his army. 22 Day after day men came to help David, until he had a great army, like the army of God.[b]

Others Join David at Hebron

23 These are the numbers of the men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron to turnSaul’s kingdom over to him, as the Lord had said:
24 from Judah, carrying shield and spear—6,800 armed for battle;
25 from Simeon, warriors ready for battle—7,100;
26 from Levi—4,600, 27 including Jehoiada, leader of the family of Aaron, with 3,700 men,28 and Zadok, a brave young warrior, with 22 officers from his family;
29 from Benjamin, Saul’s tribe—3,000, most of whom had remained loyal to Saul’s house until then;
30 from Ephraim, brave warriors, famous in their own clans—20,800;
31 from half the tribe of Manasseh, designated by name to come and make David king—18,000;
32 from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command;
33 from Zebulun, experienced soldiers prepared for battle with every type of weapon, to help David with undivided loyalty—50,000;
34 from Naphtali—1,000 officers, together with 37,000 men carrying shields and spears;
35 from Dan, ready for battle—28,600;
36 from Asher, experienced soldiers prepared for battle—40,000;
37 and from east of the Jordan, from Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, armed with every type of weapon—120,000.
38 All these were fighting men who volunteered to serve in the ranks. They came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. All the rest of the Israelites were also of one mind to make David king. 39 The men spent three days there with David, eating and drinking, for their families had supplied provisions for them. 40 Also, their neighbors from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun and Naphtali came bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules and oxen. There were plentiful supplies of flour, fig cakes, raisin cakes, wine, olive oil, cattle and sheep, for there was joy in Israel.
Love,
Jonathan

Light Years

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Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“Moving forward doesn’t always feel like it but by faith and obedience to God, you are light years ahead of the many people who ignore God.”  ~  Jon Barnes

The Clouds

Cloud movements declare the Glory of the Lord each day and all day, even on a clear day.  The beauty, shapes, textures, and thickness of these clouds are so breathtaking rich, magnificent, and artistic, you’ll notice that each are as different as a thumbprint. Their movements vary as the faces of mankind from the beginning of time and light years into the future. Since God doesn’t run out of time, it’s all in His Hands.

Hands Up

Your perception and usage of time become keener when God’s steps and plans are implemented because time stands still in pour love.  Time passes quickly when you are stuck in the moment with God and the focus of pure love and joy overflows into the next phase.  The zone is the place you should dwell in with God so that your time on earth is meaningful, satisfying, full of green pastures, wanting nothing.

The Zone

Zoom in and enjoy your zone time with God, traveling light years into the past and into the future each day, when you read each Bible story and apply them to your life with God’s blessings and guidance.  My zone is different from your zone, but we can zone out together with God’s agenda of pure love, not lust.  Honor God and obey His Commandments and your life will become light years ahead of itself.
Today’s Question
Are you behind the times in your love, thinking, praise, gratitude, commitment, focus, and understanding with God?
 
Enjoy The Reading
 

1 Chronicles 11 

David Becomes King Over Israel

11 All Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “We are your own flesh and blood.2 In the past, even while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the Lord your God said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.’”
3 When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, he made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel, as the Lord had promised through Samuel.

David Conquers Jerusalem

4 David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus). The Jebusites who lived there 5 said to David, “You will not get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion—which is the City of David.
6 David had said, “Whoever leads the attack on the Jebusites will become commander-in-chief.” Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and so he received the command.
7 David then took up residence in the fortress, and so it was called the City of David. 8 He built up the city around it, from the terraces[a] to the surrounding wall, while Joab restored the rest of the city. 9 And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord Almighty was with him.

David’s Mighty Warriors

10 These were the chiefs of David’s mighty warriors—they, together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the Lord had promised— 11 this is the list of David’s mighty warriors:
Jashobeam,[b] a Hakmonite, was chief of the officers[c]; he raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.
12 Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite, one of the three mighty warriors. 13 He was with David at Pas Dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place where there was a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. 14 But they took their stand in the middle of the field. They defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the Lord brought about a great victory.
15 Three of the thirty chiefs came down to David to the rock at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 16 At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. 17 David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!”18 So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the Lord. 19 “God forbid that I should do this!” he said. “Should I drink the blood of these men who went at the risk of their lives?” Because they risked their lives to bring it back, David would not drink it.
Such were the exploits of the three mighty warriors.
20 Abishai the brother of Joab was chief of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three. 21 He was doubly honored above the Three and became their commander, even though he was not included among them.
22 Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, performed great exploits. He struck down Moab’s two mightiest warriors. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. 23 And he struck down an Egyptian who was five cubits[d] tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver’s rod in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear. 24 Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty warriors. 25 He was held in greater honor than any of the Thirty, but he was not included among the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard.
26 The mighty warriors were:
Asahel the brother of Joab,
Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem,
27 Shammoth the Harorite,
Helez the Pelonite,
28 Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa,
Abiezer from Anathoth,
29 Sibbekai the Hushathite,
Ilai the Ahohite,
30 Maharai the Netophathite,
Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite,
31 Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin,
Benaiah the Pirathonite,
32 Hurai from the ravines of Gaash,
Abiel the Arbathite,
33 Azmaveth the Baharumite,
Eliahba the Shaalbonite,
34 the sons of Hashem the Gizonite,
Jonathan son of Shagee the Hararite,
35 Ahiam son of Sakar the Hararite,
Eliphal son of Ur,
36 Hepher the Mekerathite,
Ahijah the Pelonite,
37 Hezro the Carmelite,
Naarai son of Ezbai,
38 Joel the brother of Nathan,
Mibhar son of Hagri,
39 Zelek the Ammonite,
Naharai the Berothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah,
40 Ira the Ithrite,
Gareb the Ithrite,
41 Uriah the Hittite,
Zabad son of Ahlai,
42 Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, who was chief of the Reubenites, and the thirty with him,
43 Hanan son of Maakah,
Joshaphat the Mithnite,
44 Uzzia the Ashterathite,
Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite,
45 Jediael son of Shimri,
his brother Joha the Tizite,
46 Eliel the Mahavite,
Jeribai and Joshaviah the sons of Elnaam,
Ithmah the Moabite,
47 Eliel, Obed and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.
Love,
Jonathan

Contentment

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Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“Greed, waste, and laziness will make you lose more money than you can ever earn, but God can teach you how to be productive and content.” ~ Jon Barnes

Begin

Begin to look at everything God has done on this planet as a tourist and admire His creations to become inspired to learn, grow, share, care, and develop the talent He has given you.  You are never too old to learn new things to color, dance, sing, read, listen, and give back to your community. As a result, you will find and develop many talents because of your willingness to be obedient to God’s ways and open to learning.

Play Nice

Playing nicely on the playground, at work, home, church, and everywhere you go is like saving money and developing good friends.  Saving your money by not wasting products, goods, and services are the best tool for consumption with contentment, just as saving your time by being obedient with God from the beginning.  Nurturing family, friends, students, and people will leave a lasting impression of gratitude, faith, and integrity.

Channel

Turn the channel from negative points of view and see yourself fixing your own problems each day one step at a time.  Do what you say and check off things on your list.  Channel your energy, thoughts, and prayers into doing all things with the best intentions with simplicity, focus, and fulfillment of joy.
Today’s Question
Has money become your only motivation and not God? 
 
Enjoy The Reading
 

1 Chronicles 10 

Saul Takes His Life

10 Now the Philistines fought against Israel; the Israelites fled before them, and many fell dead on Mount Gilboa. 2 The Philistines were in hot pursuit of Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malki-Shua. 3 The fighting grew fierce around Saul, and when the archers overtook him, they wounded him.
4 Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and abuse me.”
But his armor-bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it. 5 When the armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died. 6 So Saul and his three sons died, and all his house died together.
7 When all the Israelites in the valley saw that the army had fled and that Saul and his sons had died, they abandoned their towns and fled. And the Philistines came and occupied them.
8 The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the dead, they found Saul and his sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. 9 They stripped him and took his head and his armor, and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to proclaim the news among their idols and their people. 10 They put his armor in the temple of their gods and hung up his head in the temple of Dagon.
11 When all the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, 12 all their valiant men went and took the bodies of Saul and his sons and brought them to Jabesh. Then they buried their bones under the great tree in Jabesh, and they fasted seven days.
13 Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, 14 and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.
Love,
Jonathan