The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak - Matthew 26

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

   Have you ever thought about something you would like to do?  Maybe a hiking trip, quit or give up something, try something new - then it comes to mind that "my spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak"?

   In my mind I may want to run the Boston Marathon; this is my spirit wanting to do so.  Then I realize my flesh, my body is too weak and unable to do so.  Maybe I want to give up bread, soda, alcohol, fatty foods, sweets, or whatever and in my mind (spirit) I make a good case for it.  Then when that temptation comes around - yep - I fall for it.  I really like bread and sweets and if they are around it is extremely difficult to resist.

   Well, in Matthew 26 Jesus had taken his disciples up to Gethsemane to pray. Just prior to this Jesus quoted the old testament - Zechariah 13:7 "........“Strike the shepherd,

    and the sheep will be scattered,......"

Then Peter says if all fall away he never will.  Jesus then tells him he will deny Jesus 3 times before the cock crows. Peter says he would die before disowning Jesus. (We know what happens here).  Peter's spirit is willing, but.........flesh is weak.

  Jesus took Peter and two sons of Zebedee up with him and told them to stay at a certain spot and pray. Jesus' words were: "Stay here and keep watch with me".  

   Jesus went a little farther, fell on his face on the ground and prayed - “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

   Notice a couple of things here. Jesus asked that this cup or torture he is about to go through be taken away, HOWEVER, not his (Jesus') will, but God the Father's will be done.  This too should be our prayer.

   Jesus returned to the disciples and found them sleeping and asked could you not stay awake one hour?  In verse 41  41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

  Jesus goes away to pray twice more and each time he returns the disciples were asleep.  So often our mind is willing and able but our flesh is weak.  Where is your flesh weak?  What can you do to strengthen that weakness in the flesh?  Jesus prayed to the Father and the words we need to remember, thy will be done, not mine. 

   Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all. Stay strong spiritually and physically.

In Christ's Grace and Love

Johnny

Listening to God's word from your own mouth

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

  This morning early I was listening to a preacher who was talking about listening to God's Word---not from a preacher, teacher, or someone else; but from your very own tongue. 

   I started thinking about this and how often do we "listen" to the word from a preacher or teacher, yet fail to "hear" the word?  Hmmm!  This is a form of "GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS" of being a Christian.  Serve our time in church, pray (sometimes), open our Bible in Sunday School and Church -- only.

   He recommended that we take our Bible and read just 3 chapters a day - OUT LOUD - so you can hear your own voice saying the words from GOD.  I believe it to be a great suggestion.  If I am reading aloud to myself it tends to focus my mind on the matter at hand, which is scripture.  My mind will not wonder or drift and I can totally meditate on the Holy Word of God.

  Oh, yes, there are different Bible resources that will read the word for you, BUT, do you really listen or does your mind drift?  Well, my mind tends to drift.  So, I decided to start today and begin in Matthew 1 and read 3 chapters per day.  Will you take this challenge with me?  Decide where you plan to start, begin reading 3 chapters a day, log it somewhere, and see how much difference this will make in your life.

  Oh, yes, and by the way, at the end of his sermon he was using the prosperity gig of write a check for $1,000 and in a few days see the gift come back to you many fold over.  Yeah!  We won't go that far!  :)

    David in Psalm 119:105: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.  Think about this for a moment - lamp to my feet---light to my path. What path are you on?

  2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

   Wow!  Does this say a lot to us.  And two more scriptures:

Matthew 4:4 But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

  And finally: Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

   Thank you for reading with me today. Please read out loud and listen to the scriptures. Meditate and absorb.  Below is a link from Pastor Dale about meditation. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

MEDITATING

 

15th Psalm by Pastor Dale House

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. BE BLESSED TODAY, you are a child of GOD!!

   For levity here are some random thoughts:

    If your shirt is out over your pants, does this mean your pants are tucked into your shirt?

   Why do round pizzas come in square boxes?

  All marriages end up either in divorce or death! (think about that)

  When a dog chases a car, what does he do with it if he catches it?

  The only time the word  incorrectly is not spelled incorrectly, is when it is spelled incorrectly.

 If Cinderella's shoe fit perfectly, why did it fall off?

 Do you press 'clear' on your calculator many many times just to make sure?

Lazy People FACT #357986421077 --  YOU were too lazy to read that number!

Is something on fire, OR, is fire on something?

WRONG is always spelled WRONG in the dictionary.

Okay, I hope this may have brighten your day some.   Below is Coffee and the Word with Pastor Dale House from Los Fresnos. I thought you may enjoy. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

https://youtu.be/RWb7go5Q5yY

When GOD is on your side--Daniel 6:16-24

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  BLESSED TO BE A CHILD OF GOD!!!  HE is risen, HE is risen indeed!!!!

   Well, back to our story.  I do hope you are enjoying the recap of Daniel in these studies.  I like going back to the old Testament and re-read the stories and capture once again, the power and glory of God.

  We start in 16 just after the accusers held the king to his decree and now he has Daniel brought before him and cast into the den of lions. Down, this was in the evening because the king labored with this decision until the going down of the sun.

   The king, Darius, spoke to Daniel and said, "Thy God whom thou served continually, he will deliver thee".   Then a stone was brought, placed on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and the signet of his lords.  This is to ensure nothing will change just because it is Daniel.

   Darius was not happy about being tricked and having to carry out this sentence. He fasted during the night, had no music, and did not sleep.  He definitely was grieved because of the actions just taken.  

   The king did not know what would happen, however, he rose early and rushed to the den of lions.  Here you called out Daniels name, yet his voice was filled with sorrow and grief.  Here he called out,  “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?”

  Then Daniel replied, "O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee O king, have I done no hurt."

   At this point the king was elated and ordered Daniel be taken up out of the den.  Daniel was examined and found absolutely no injuries on him because he believed in his GOD. 

   Now, the king was pleased with Daniel, then angry because of what the accusers did.  He ordered the accusers be brought forth and cast into the den of lions.  Not just them, but children and their wives and as the Bible says: "the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den."

  Our God is an awesome God, HE reigns forever!! Amen & Amen!  When God is on our side, who can be against.  Today is a great day to do some praying and intermittent fasting.  Love you all. God bless.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Daniel, God's chosen - Daniel 5:6-15

God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  A great day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST!!

  Well, Daniel is over all the presidents and princes, and so often, when you are at the top people look to find fault with you, especially Daniel, as he was a man of God among pagan peoples.

   Starting with verse 6 the presidents and princes got together and came up with a plan to be rid of Daniel.  Why?  Because Daniel was basically, to coin a phrase, "the golden child" of Darius.

  So, what is the plan?  Well, let's call upon Darius' pride to bring David down.  So, how do we do this?  They told the king we want to establish a royal statue (of Darius), and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days,  save of thee, he shall be cast into the den of lions.

   Now why would they wish to do this?  Because they knew Daniel was obedient to God and would face the East and pray to the living GOD three times a day.  So, did this upset and shake up Daniel.

  Uh, no!  When Daniel knew the decree was signed he went into his house, the windows open in his chamber, turned toward Jerusalem, knelt down on his knees, prayed and gave thanks before his GOD, as he often did.

   Yea! Shouted the conspirators, now we have him.  They caught him in the act and ran quickly to the king.  At this point the conversation kinds of went like this:

  Say, king, we have some sad news, the kings decree was violated.  Darius: really, who would do such a thing.  Conspirators: Daniel, you know the captive of Judah, he did not pay regards to your decree and he continued his petitions to his GOD three times a day.

  Darius:  Are you certain?  This troubles me, why did this happen?  

Now, just so you know, Daniel was close to Darius and the king was displeased with himself for the decree he had put in place and wished he could deliver Daniel.  Darius was troubled all day concerning Daniel and when the sun went down the conspirators came and reminded the king that (verse 15) "No decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed". 

   Oh, woe is the king as he is in sorrow for what must be done.  Well, as you can see, when someone is at the top, doing well not just for himself, but for all others, peoples envy, jealousy, and greed come forth.  They want to do away with this person.  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

After Belshazzar comes Darius the Median and......Daniel 6

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  BLESSED!

   As we tread through our current world of uncertainty we do have (1) one constant in our lives.  That constant is GOD!  Yes, often our faith will waiver as the reeds of wheat in a field, yet we must remain strong in the word and let our faith continue to grow and glorify GOD.

    Remember Belshazzar was slain during the night and Darius the Median came to power.  In Daniel 6 verse 1 "It pleased Darius to set oer the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;

  Notice verse 2:  And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them and the king should have no damage.

  Who is the top man in this scenario?  Yes, Daniel.  So, all is great, right?

Verse 3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

   All seems well.  Daniel, an abductee from Judah in his youth is now a top dog in this Babylonian world.  Wow!  Coming from nowhere with only a belief in GOD and look at where GOD has blessed him and elevated him.  Yes, life if good. Oh, but wait-----

   Verse 4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

   So, they find no fault but are green with envy, hate, and evil is within their hearts.  Why?  Daniel is faithful to GOD, and by doing so GOD has elevated Daniel to a place of great authority.  Now remember, he is under Darius who ruled for 62 years and this could be a great time of prosperity.  Prosperity by having GOD's chosen in this position.  Oh, again, but wait....what is happening?

  It is in these times as it is today---hate and evil toward people believing in GOD!!  If we look around at these times we see this.  Example: In Mississippi a church had a drive in service.  The city issued a fine of $500 to each person attending.  Legal counsel stepped in, argued that drive in restaurants were not being fined for doing basically the same thing.  The city rescinded--the point is this is how our world is turning today.  B E W A R E !!!

   Okay, back to verse 5:  Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his GOD.

  Well, interestingly enough they knew Daniel did nothing, but the hate and evil in their hearts wanted him gone.   They know Daniel is a faithful man to GOD and if they can create something to cause Daniel to be at fault then they wanted to try.  The plot begins and they get their heads together.  How can we be rid of Daniel and let the king be the one who does it?  Hmm!  Suddenly, one has an idea, another adds to it and then.......and then.......

   Well, time is up.  Looking forward to being with you tomorrow. when we begin in Daniel 6:6.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

And now comes the ENDING! Daniel 5:24-31

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. GREAT TO BE BLESSED BY GOD!!!!

   Well, we are in Daniel chapter 5 and we see where Belshazzar, the king, has thrown a party for the "power people" of the time, thousands of them.  Then he took God's vessels of gold and silver to drink the wine from, and along came a "HAND" to write on the wall.

   No one can interpret it, oh, but wait, a man named Daniel, whom the kings wife remembered.  Daniel came, chastised the king and then told him what the inscription said.

  What was the inscription written by the hand? 

   MENE    MENE    TEKE   UPARSIN (kjv) [PARSIN by NIV]

Daniel goes on to explain what this means in verse 26:

    Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.

27 Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.

28 Peres: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”

Okay, Belshazzar's days are numbered; he has been tested or judged and found lacking; and his kingdom will be divided. Hmmmm!

  Belshazzar was so grateful for the interpretation that Daniel was clothed in purple, a gold chain was placed around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom.

  Wow! Then as you read on he (Belshazzar) was slain during the night and Darius the Median took reign of the kingdom for 62 years (3 score and 2 years).

   Who is Darius?  Not much is know about him except he was the king of Babylonia between Belshazzar and Cyrus the Great.  This tends to lead to more great reading and studying.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Da,niel 5:11b-23 Don't ask for the truth if you can't take it!

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Let's all say it together:  BLESSED TO BE A CHILD OF GOD!!!

  Well, we left when the king was having a feast, brought out the silver and gold vessels from the temple of Jerusalem that his father had taken, then,.......AND THEN-----the king sees a hand writing on the wall. His wife says I know a fellow--

   So she continues that his father, Nebuchadnezzar, had made this man master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers.  Why his name is.....is.... DANIEL!  Soooo, bring forth Daniel.  Now this is where it gets good.

  Remember, due to the hand on the wall Belshazzar did get the weak knee trembles.  BUT, now, here comes Daniel.

   The king says if Daniel can interpret the writing he will lavish him with gifts. Daniel says, nope, don't need any gifts (He has God). Daniel reminds Belt-y of his father, God gave him a kingdom, majesty, glory, and honour.  He was feared by many and he did what he wanted. Lift up or put down; slay or keep alive; he had the power.  And then........and then........

   When PRIDE took over, king Neb lost all this, he was driven out, and dwelled with the wild and ate grass like oxen.  He did this until he realized God was and is the authority.  So Daniel reminds Belt-y of his father.

   Now Daniel chastises Belshazzar.  Verse 22 he begins by telling him that he has not humbled his heart, and verse 23 cuts to the chase: 23 But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:

  Now Daniel has told him how he has become prideful and sinned against God.  Notice the part in verse 23 that says "and the God is whose hand they breath is, and whose are all they ways, hast thou not glorified.

  Wow!   Tomorrow we will see how this all ends.  You may know, but it is worth the read anyway. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

The writing on the wall! Daniel 5: 1-11

Good morning all, and GOD morning to you. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.   I AM WONDERFULLY BLESSED TODAY!!!!   Say that 3 times to yourself and believe it.

  Today, spontaneously I just opened my Bible to see where it would fall.  Daniel 5 - the Handwriting on the Wall.  Wow!  Could this really be a message for the whole world at this time.

   If you recall, Belshazzar was the king and had a great feast.  Now, if you will read the link I will put in you will see where his PRIDE really came in to play.  Okay, at this great feast for a thousand of his lords where he drank wine before his lords he makes a decision.

     As he was tasting his wine he decided to have the golden and silver vessels, which his father Nebuchadnezzar had take out of the temple in Jerusalem, brought forth so the king, his princes, his wives, and his concubines might drink out of them.

  Well, they did, and as they drank and praised who?  Not the Living God, but the gods (lower case) of gold, and of silver, of brass, or iron, of wood, and of stone. Oops, a big OOPS!!!

  Now in this same hour fingers of a man's hand came forth and wrote on the wall and the king saw part of the hand that wrote a message.  So what happened now?

   Daniel 5, verse 6 it says the kings countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.

   In other words, the king was terrified and had the weak knee trembles. He was SCARED!  What is he to do.  Verse 9 king Belshazzar was greatly trouble and his countenance was changed and his lords were astonied.  Astonied is an old word that means they were unable to move, to react, dazed, dismayed.

   Now the queen comes to the king, tells him not to be troubled as there is a man in the kingdom who can tell him what this writing means. (down to verse 11a).

   Okay, so what is happening here.  The king is high and mighty, invincible in his own eyes and very prideful.  He wants to make a big showing of his power and wealth and is living extremely worldly (vs Godly).  As East Texans would say he is showing out.

   BUT, when he sees the writing, fear becomes a major factor in his life.  What is he to do?  And, of course, the wife comes to the rescue  with reason and common sense. (I know guys we hate to admit it, but it does happen).

   She says, "I know a man" and that is where we will leave today.  King Belshazzar was pridefuly, sinning against God, and did not care.  He wanted all to know how great he is (at that time).  Hmmm!  Tomorrow Daniel comes to him and........well......you will see.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Are you just a big splash, or a pebble that sends out circles touching many

Good morning everyone.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. BLESSED TO BE A CHILD OF GOD!!!!

   As I was listening to some preachers this morning on tv and the computer the thought came to mind - - how do I (we) touch other peoples lives.

  Sometimes I think we may be as part of a glacier or huge rock hitting a huge body of water.  What happens.  It makes a big splash, then large waves roll away from it symmetrically.  But does it make a difference?  OR, is it just a rushing moment in time that soon subsides?  Hmmm!

   Then I think of the small pebble that is thrown in the middle of a small pond or small lake.  What happens?  Once it hits the water it does not make a huge splash, but a small splash, yet cylindrical ripples evolve from it.  Each ripple will go and continue on until it slowly reaches the sides.

   Think of our savior, Jesus Christ, there was not a great splash or explosion when HE arrived.  He came to a "small young poor woman" who was not of stature or status; His father was nothing more than a daily worker as a carpenter, yet HE was the small stone that hit the water and the ripple continues on and on.

  He made such an impact that the No. 1 best selling book year after year is the Bible, a story God gave us of our existence and salvation.  The mega churches, are they a huge splash causing a huge wave that just bypasses many?  Is the small church really touching lives as the pebble that creates a wave that reaches all the way out?

  Now, to be personal, are you the BIG SPLASH!  Just great on the outside but touching few lives,  OR --------

  Are you the small pebble that is rippling daily, touching lives, and showing Jesus' love to all?  Hmmm!   Definitely thoughts for me to ponder. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

What is your agenda? Jesus' way, OR, the World's way?

Good morning everyone.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. To be a child of GOD is to be BLESSED!  To be loved by GOD is to be BLESSED!  You are BLESSED today.

  My favorite channels on tv are the weather channel, quest with modern marvels, and the game show network.   WHY, you ask?  Be cause I do not see the violence being graphically played out; I do not see the homosexual agenda being played out; I do not see killing of people played out;  I do not see the power of the rich being played out; I see REAL news (weather), REAL things (modern marvels or how its made) and I get to relax, laugh and enjoy (game show network).

  Do you know why we have laws?  It is not for the righteous or law abiding citizens, it is for the unjust, the criminals.  Criminals does not mean those people from the wrong side of the tracks wearing a skull cap, mask and gloves and looking very seedy.  Criminals come in junky looks, blue collar looks, white collar looks and people of (wealth) power looks.  

   In 1 Corinthians 6 verses 9-11 it reveals you and me BEFORE we accepted JESUS CHRIST as our savior.  Read these verses and reflect: 

     9 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.  

   I do believe all of us would fall into 1 or more of the above categories prior to accepting CHRIST as savior.  Look at the colored and see the sins; then, from the mercy of God read the RED. 

   We have been washed and now God sees us as white as snow, sinless, and heaven bound.  Thank you JESUS for being my savior.

  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Is your heart and mind connected? Does your heart reflect your life?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO STRESS OVER ...........................

  Today my heart is torn in several directions in my study.  First, we are only 20 inches from mercy, from doing right, from believing as we should.  From the heart to the mind; Proverb 4.23 Above all else guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

   Wow, 20 inches apart from heart to mind --- what comes out of our mouths was in our hearts to start with.  This is scary and earth shattering for many.  Do we tell dirty stories, curse like a sailor, think lustful or envious thoughts. Hmm, things to ponder.

   Proverbs 27:19 As the water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart.

Where is your heart?  How is your life?  What must you do?

  Then comes the scary part of this.....Jeremiah 17: 9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.Who can understand it?             10 “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct according to what their deeds deserve.”

  God knows our heart.  Where is your heart today?  Then we can look at Job.  Job went through all kinds of torment, loss and grief, YET, he never turned away from the LORD.  If you read Job 42 start at verse 12 you will see the LORD blessed Job greater than before because he was faithful.  However, back up to verse 7 and the LORD directs his words to Job's 3 "friends" who came. 

   First HE speaks to Eliphaz the Temanite and says, "I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has."  Then Eliphaz, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite has to provide sacrifices and ask Job to pray for them.  

   We do not have to provide bulls, rams, or anything for sacrifice, but we do need to go to our knee-mail and ask forgiveness for our iniquities.  God hears us and all will be done according to his will.

   Thank you for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

The LORD is large and in charge - 2 Chronicles 14:8-15

Good morning to all my Christian friends.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. BLESSED  to be- 1. a Christian and 2. an American.  Praise God!!

   The COVID-19 has people in a state of awareness, caution, and an uproar.  The news media seems to thrive on the death frenzy, but fails to report the recovery of many, which is greater than the deaths.  Yes, death is tragic, specially if that person does not know Jesus as their saviour.

   What we need to remember is that God is large and in charge.  Yes, HE is in control and to many they will say, "then why is God letting this happen if HE is so great and good"?  That, I cannot answer, but I do know GOD sees the big picture.

   In 2 Chronicles 14 yesterday Asa the king, followed God, and had peace for many years. This you can read in verses 1-7.  Then beginning in verse 8 you can see the army Asa had. Three hundred thousand men from Judah and two hundred eighty thousand men from Benjamin.  Over half a million warriors at his command.

  Then Zerah the Cushite came out against him. Zerah had thousands upon thousands of men and 300 chariots.  Now here was a force to be reckoned with.  He marched out to Mareshah and Asa went to meet him.  Asa took up battle positions at the Valley of Zephathah, near Mareshah.

  Now what comes next is what we are expected to do.  Asa called on the LORD and listen to his prayer: "Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. Lord, you are our God; do not let mere mortals prevail against you."

  This is the prayer we all need to be saying in our modern times. Lord, help us, the powerless, we rely on you, and in your name we fight this virus.  Lord, your are our GOD, do not let satan spread more evil, help us, in your power, defeat this pandemic that has come against us. 

  God is good and in control. Yes, we must be cautious, but God has NEVER EVER lost a battle against evil!!!!  Stand strong my friends. Praise God for all things. Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

2 Chronicles 14:2-7 Land built on the LORD

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  BLESSED TO BE A CHILD OF GOD!!!

   I am going to lay out 2 Chronicles 14 verses 2 through 7 and ask that you read them with a reflection of how America was founded and started, where we are today, and how our current administration is trying to bring us back to where we should be.  Politically you may disagree with Donald Trump, however, he has accepted Jesus as LORD and saviour and his VP is truly a strong man of God.

   Please read, meditate, and look around you:

Asa, the King:

2 Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God. 3 He removed the foreign altars and the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles.[b] 4 He commanded Judah to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and to obey his laws and commands. 5 He removed the high places and incense altars in every town in Judah, and the kingdom was at peace under him. 6 He built up the fortified cities of Judah, since the land was at peace. No one was at war with him during those years, for the Lord gave him rest.

7 “Let us build up these towns,” he said to Judah, “and put walls around them, with towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours, because we have sought the Lord our God; we sought him and he has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.

Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Call upon the LORD - not just when the roof leaks!

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  HE IS RISEN!  HE IS RISEN INDEED!!!

  Easter was very different this year for all the Christians and CEO's (Christmas-Easter Only people).  No choir special, no major sermon, no taking of communion, no flowers, Easter egg hunts (at church), --- it was just different.

   Everyone was taking precautions as stated by the government.  The ones who do obey the law brings to mind Proverbs 27:12  The prudent see danger and take refuge; but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

   We must go with caution.  Many will say I am not wearing a stupid mask or gloves.  I don't need that.  I trust God.   Yes, so do I; however, I do have oven mitts to take things out of the hot oven; so, why not use what God has provided.  Oh, yes, then the argument that God did not provide the mask and gloves.  Where do you think all inventions come from?  They are put in the heart and mind of men by, none other than GOD.  Hmmm!  Thoughts to ponder.

   Sometimes I think we react like the man who has a leaky roof.   When the sun is shining bright, a gentle breeze blowing and the world looks wonderful - then all is well.  BUT, when the rain comes, and there is a leak in the roof, aught oh, we have a problem.  Put pots, pans, and towels down.  Then when the storm or rain goes away, so does the leak.  Well, will we fix the leak or forget about it?

   So often this is what we do with God.  When the weather is nice we tend to forget God; but when disaster comes, or maybe just a leaky roof, we call out to God to help.

   God is our father, abba, daddy, and HE longs for a relationship and conversation with us.  Don't run to Him only when trouble abounds; but, talk to him daily. Take time to visit and listen to God. We have time to watch movies, tell stories, take naps, drive, walk, exercise, or sit and do nothing.  These are times God would enjoy your visit - even if it is only for 5 minutes or less.  

   Psalm 55:16 As for me I call to GOD, and the LORD saves me.

  Don't be the leaky roof and only call on God when in need.  Set you timer and do just 1 minute now or sometime during the day.  Maybe when you go to the restroom or are driving -- just give it a try. God loves you and so do I.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

What is Good Friday? Why "good"?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Yes, WE ARE BLESSED!!!    Why??

  There is the story of the man who drove to visit a church and as he arrived early he parked close to the front door.  A man, as he drove by said, 'you parked in my place'.   Then he went inside to attend Sunday School, found a class and sat down. A lady came in and said 'you sat in my place'.

  Then, after Sunday School, he went to the sanctuary and sat down.  Then, yes, you guessed it, a man came by and said 'you are sitting in my place'.  In the middle of the sermon, the man stood up, took off his overcoat and then his hands showed nail holes, his hat turned to a crown of thorns, and as you looked down you could see nail holes in his feet through his sandals.

  He simply spoke and said, "I TOOK YOUR PLACE"! 

     Jesus Christ took OUR PLACE on the CROSS!!!  Did he have to?  Not at all, but the only way to save us from our sinful natures was to TAKE OUR PLACE on the CROSS.

   We have PASSOVER (which was Wednesday), then MAUNDY THURSDAY (which was yesterday) and then GOOD FRIDAY.  In Germany it is called "Sorrowful Friday", but for us it is GOOD Friday.  

   Many will say the cruel suffering Jesus went through why would we ever think this is 'good Friday'?  The simple fact is that if Jesus had not gone to the cross to stand in for and provide an avenue for our sins to be forgiven we would all be doomed to an eternity of agony.  

  Romans 6:23  FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH; BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD!

   We must walk humbly (as Maundy Thursday serving others) yet boldly share the WORD with others as we are disciples of Jesus Christ.  Yes, because of JESUS CHRIST, it is truly GOOD FRIDAY!  Thank you for reading.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

What is Maundy Thursday?

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TO BE A CHILD OF GOD IS TO BE BLESSED!!!

   What is Maundy Thursday?  Yesterday was Passover Wednesday and tomorrow if Good Friday.  Maundy Thursday is the memory of Jesus washing the disciples feet and the last supper.

   This does not seem like much, however, the washing of ones feet in ancient times was for the lowly servant and the cleaning of the masters feet.  This was an humbling act showing the heart of a servant.  This is our LORD and Savior JESUS CHRIST.

  Jesus did this for his disciples as an example of what they must do as they go forth.  No, not wash everyones feet, but show that we are to serve others humbly, yet boldly as stewards of the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

  Maundy is the shorten term of mandatum (Latin) which means 'command'.  In doing so Jesus gave the command from John 13:34 "A new command I give you; Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (35) By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another".

  Jesus calls on all of us to love everyone, even those who appear to not deserve our love.   We are speaking of all people, the homeless and destitute to the very wealthy and everyone in between.

   Do your part, let God lead you as you need to be lead.  The URL below is from my pastor when I am in the valley, Dale House.  It is about 8 and a half minutes long but very good.  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

https://youtu.be/GpnqMKRi2xA

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

So, how is your world today? And the future?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD AND BLESSED!!!!

  We look out at the world and wonder what is happening?  What will become of all this?  Will life be the same after COVID-19? 

  Well, the world is changing and definitely going more digital.  This too shall pass. And, NO, life will not be the same after COVID-19!!!!

  We worry, whine, cry, complain, and our mind wanders - envisioning many things. We believe we really have it bad. The poor students, teachers, seniors in high school/colleges won't have a regular graduation.  Parents losing jobs, parents teaching at home, and we could go on and on.

  Go back 80 years, Hitler was becoming more powerful and persecuting the Jews. Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and now we are at war.  Think of the fear parents had for their sons going off to battle.

  Then after WW II came Korea, same fear for parents.  The cold war was on, then came Viet Nam, Gulf War, War in Afghanistan which continues.  We have seen many wars and each one brings about a change in life for everyone.

  Some lose loved ones, some lose friends from war or disagreements about the politics of war, economy runs on a roller coaster.  And, I could go on with the doom and gloom, however, there is a bright side to all of this.

  The President, Cabinet, Congress, and Health facilities are doing the best they can to eradicate this COVID-19 virus from the world.

  Deuteronomy 31: 6  Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; HE will never leave you nor forsake you.

     Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your GOD. I will strengthen you and help you;  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

   Let us be encouraged, pray for yourself, your family, for one another.  We will come through this plague and we know where our final destination will be ---- with the LIVING GOD!!!  Thanks for reading.  Please pray that God puts the message to me daily as I feel I have fallen back.  Thank you. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

What's temporary and what's eternal by Pastor Mike Novotny of Time of Grace

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

  Today, while reading one of my devotionals from Time of Grace by Pastor Mike Novotny what he said I could not say any better.  He is doing a series and this is blessing number nine......I hope you absorb Mike's great message.

   

Teaching Us What’s Temporary and What’s Eternal By Pastor Mike Novotny

One of the dangers of living in 2020 America is the feeling of invincibility. In other times and places, people expected war to take some of their sons, childbirth to take some of their daughters, and disease to take many of their lives. They knew, way better than we do, that even the most precious blessings of this life are temporary. That’s easy for us to forget in a world of Wi-Fi, fancy coffee, and childhood vaccinations. In fact, before the coronavirus, we were tempted to think Isaiah was exaggerating when he warned, “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall” (Isaiah 40:6,7). Some stuff might be temporary, but surely not “all,” Isaiah! But the last few weeks have turned our staunch objections into humble admissions. Who would have thought that professional sports would ever just stop? That national borders would close? That international travel would be grounded? That church services would be suspended? That Disney’s magical gates would stay shut? Any and everything can be taken away. Our most reliable systems can’t always be relied upon. Everything is temporary. Everything, that is, except . . . God’s promises.  Isaiah contrasts, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:8). While we admit that everything earthly is temporary, we smile at the fact that God’s Word endures forever. No closing can close the book on his promises to us. You will never get an email from theholyone@gmail.com apologizing for a change in plans. Nothing can change God’s plans, no matter how much our plans change. This virus has taught us how temporary everything on earth is. And how wonderful it is to have a Word that endures forever. So as you read your Bible today, recall how nothing can stop Jesus’ promises from coming true. Nothing. If that’s the only blessing in these crazy times, it will prove, in one more way, that Christ > Corona. Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all. In Christ's Love and Grace Johnny