No GRACE fatigue

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

  Today, in one of my devotionals from Time of Grace, Jason Nelson said this so well I wanted to pass it on.

There is no grace fatigue By Jason Nelson

Sometimes consuming religious material is like eating a bowl of Wheat flakes. You know it’s good for you, but there is no snap, crackle, or pop. You know how it’s going to taste before eating the first spoonful.  Overexposure to things, even if they are good for us, can leave us weary of them. The almighty God got tired of his own people going through the motions of their religion because their hearts and minds weren’t in it. He said, “They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them” (Isaiah 1:14). That’s a danger with our religious habits too. Familiarity with churchy stuff may not breed contempt, but it can lead to apathy. We reduce power to our attention span because we know how it’s going to go down. The formula is predictable. Sinner repent. Turn to Jesus. Have a nice day. Then we all sing another slow song.  Wheat flakes have become a victim of their bland consistency. I stopped buying them. So have a lot of other people. I don’t want that to happen in my spiritual life or yours. My life isn’t predictable. I need to mull things over. I crave some contemporaneous coaching on how to be a Christian adult. And every day I love hearing how much God loves me. That never gets old. There is no grace fatigue in my life. “No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved” (Acts 15:11).

Mind control aka brainwashing - not of God!!

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

  What is mind control or brainwashing?  The definition of brainwashing is a forcible indoctrination to induce someone to give up basic political, social, or religious beliefs and attitudes and to accept contrasting regimented ideas. 2 : persuasion by propaganda or salesmanship.

  Let us take the first definition - forcible indoctrination.  This is what Islam does with its young people.  They are indoctrinated to the point of accepting no one else's position or opinion.  The Islamic religion does a better job of teaching (indoctrinating) their children than do we Christians.  We take our children to church, read the Bible with them, or pray and think the church will do all that needs to be done.  WRONG!  I am here to say this is in error.

   I once thought the Sunday School and church would teach my children.  They learned some stories growing up in the church, but basically, they are not knowledgeable of the full content of what God is telling us.  Sometimes they think it is just me and my generations way of thinking.  NO! No! No!  It comes from the Bible.

  The constant bombardment of information is what changes the religious, social, and political views of individuals.  Speaking of this let us move to the second definition: persuasion by propaganda or salesmanship.    

   We are living this now.  If you watch television you are bombarded with living ways of life that are contrary to the Bible.  Also, propaganda and salesmanship - we are constantly bombarded with social distancing, and cover your mouth and wash your hands.      

   WAIT!!!  Teachers have been saying this for years; cover your mouth when coughing, wash your hands, and keep your hands to yourself.  AND THIS IS A NEW IDEA BECAUSE OF COVID-19?

  My fellow Christian, we are experiencing mind control or brainwashing at the very hands of our own government, the liberals, the politicians.  It is time to step out in faith (with common sense) and do what is right in God's own eye.  Here are some scriptures that may help.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

2 Corinthians 10:5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

   I ask you, my fellow Christians, to not be timid, but to speak up boldly with love against this tirade of brainwashing we are engulfed in via media and politicians.  Again, we are to follow the law of the land UNLESS it is contrary to God's word.  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Memorial Day - Honor those who gave their lives

Good memorial morning to all who walk in the faith.  Also, those who don't; and may they come to know Jesus, our LORD and SAVIOUR!!  

  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED (especially from the corona virus).

  What is memorial day?  As a young man, growing up after WW II and in a town where all the adults were involved in the war one way or another, there was a sincere dedication to Memorial Day.  It was for those who had fought and those who fought and died.

  In my home town in Colorado there would be a parade from the town to the cemetery, approximately a mile out of town.  People would gather to decorate the graves, honor those who had fallen, and have a rifle salute to the unknown soldiers grave.  It was a solemn, yet respectful and wonderful celebration.

   Today, what do we do.  Buy fireworks, BBQ, eat/drink and be merry; forgetting all that has happened for our freedom.  Our fight for freedom, our religious freedom did not start in America; it started many years ago, in the Bible with Abel - who died for offering worthy gifts to God; killed at the hands of his brother.

   There are many heroes such as Enoch, Noah, Abraham and Sara, Isaac and Jacob, Joseph, Moses and his parents, Joshua and Israel, and even a harlot like Rahab. (you can read about these people in Hebrews 11).

   Then there are the many unnamed heroes who kept the faith.  If you read Hebrews 11; then focus on Hebrews 11:32-40. (Listen)

  How does this relate to us today?  In the 1600's the Pilgrims came to America for what?  To seek religious freedom.  In the first group to land in America were 35 members of a radical Puritan religious group.  They first went to Holland in 1607, but in 1620 headed for America.  If you wish to read about it you can find information on the History channel.

   Our forefathers did not have an easy trek to fight for religious freedom.  All these people have been instrumental in the freedom of America and our celebrating Memorial Day.  American freedom began in 1776 when England was, if you will, crushing the Americans with taxes.  A rebellion began, plus, a new way of fighting began. (You can look up how they used to fight and how the Americans changed that).  These courageous men, led by George Washington, fought for our freedom.  If you will follow the history of wars of the USA you will find we have been fighting and are still fighting today for our religious freedom as well as personal freedom.  America has been in no less than 12 wars since the America Revolution (timeline) .

  We are in a war today for our religious freedom and for our American freedom.  We have been held captive in Socialist America now for over 2 months with shelter in place.  Being told where we can go, who is essential, who can open and businesses that are to be closed by the government.

  Today is a day to remember our heroes of the past who paid dearly for the freedoms we have enjoyed.  Stand up and be proud of America. Be counted and stand up for JESUS, who is giving us the ultimate freedom.

  Well, thank you for enduring this little rant/rave from me.  May you, your family and friends be blessed on this glorious day in America.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

God gives us not the spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:

Good morning everyone.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
  Sometimes with this pandemic hanging around many people say good mourning because we can't see past what the officials and media are telling us.
  We have been exposed to socialist/communist America for 3 months now.  Told what can be open, where we can go, and to stay in shelter.  I would like to say to the people who support socialism, "how do you like it"?
   Fear takes over and satan loves it.  I was in Academy Sports last week and as I was walking in a lady was coming out with a mask on.  As she was leaving we had to pass by each other.  She turned her back to me, walked close to the aisle away from me and hurried out.   I am thinking first, if you are that fearful -- stay home.  Then, two, where do you place your trust.  In man or GOD?
  In 2 Timothy 1: 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 
  What does your spirit tell you?  Yes, we should use common sense, but we should not walk in a spirit of fear.  We don't stand on the edge of a cliff and challenge God, but we make common sense decisions and move forward with a sense of security in the LIVING GOD!
   1 Peter 5: 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
  Zach Williams really says it well in his song: Fear is a Liar.  Click to listen.
  I would encourage you, my Christian friends, to walk upright, humbly but with courage and the knowledge that God is your salvation and nothing, no NOTHING that take that away. Walk not in fear, but in the strength of the LORD. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

A Father's Love

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

What about a Father's love?  Can you tell me.  Here are the lyrics and if you click THIS LINK you will hear George Strait sing the song.

Love Without End by George Strait

I got sent home from school one day with a shiner on my eye
Fightin' was against the rules and it didn't matter why
When dad got home I told that story just like I'd rehearsed
Then stood there on those tremblin' knees and waitin' for the worst

And he said

Let me tell you a secret about a father's love
A secret that my daddy said was just between us
He said daddies don't just love their children every now and then
It's a love without end, amen
It's a love without end, amen

When I became a father in the spring of '81
There was no doubt that stubborn boy was just like my father's son
And when I thought my patience had been tested to the end
I took my daddy's secret and passed it on to him

I said

Let me tell you a secret about a father's love

  A secret that my daddy said was just between us
He said daddies don't just love their children every now and then
It's a love without end, amen
It's a love without end, amen 

Isn't this our GOD??  He loves us above all and without end. Amen. Thanks for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

 

Can the dead be brought back to life by man?2 Kings 6--8

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

  In 2 Kings you can read about a famine that hit,  two ladies made an agreement concerning the child each had. They would eat one child one day and the other child the next day.  So they agreed. They ate the one child, then the next day the other lady hid her child and the first woman was grieved.  She spoke to the king who was distressed upon hearing this.

   And the story goes, then, Elisha restored the child to the lady and told her to flee as the famine would last 7 years. She did so.  Elisha did everything and prophesied everything that would bring glory to God.  Yes, he brought back to life a child who had been killed and eaten, he predicted the death of the guard at the gate, he prayed for eyes to be opened.

  Can we stand as strong and as confirmed in our faith as Elisha?  I would want to say YES, without a doubt; however, I have to revert to what the man said in the Bible: The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

  Only through God's strength and our faith in the LORD can we be strong and endure the temptations of the world.  Love you all.

In Chirst's Love and Grace

Johnny

Open the eye of my heart! 2 Kings 6

Good morning everyone!  A great day to be alive in the LORD!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Open the Eyes of my Heart LORD is my theme for today and click if you wish to listen or watch it.

  How often do we travel in pure blindness and darkness?  As the saying goes, can't see the forest for the trees!  In verse 15 of 2 Kings 6 the servant sees the city is surrounded and afraid.    What does Elisha do?  First, he tells his servant - 16 “Don’t be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

  What? Can you imagine what the servant is thinking?  The servant saw the enemy all around and was afraid.  Then Elisha prayed that the LORD would open the eyes of the servant. 

  When his eyes were opened, the servant saw the reality that he could not see before. He saw that there really were more with him and Elisha than those assembled against them.

  Then Elisha prayed again to the LORD that he strike the enemy blind.  The LORD did and then Elisha said,  “This is not the road and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you are looking for.” And he led them to Samaria.

  They Syrian army could not see the spiritual army that surrounded Elisha.  How often do we not see or are not aware of the spiritual army that is protecting us?

  To me, this is a lesson that I need to keep my eyes open to the LORD and what he has instore for me. Are your eyes open and are you following the LORD? My prayer for me and you is that GOD will open the eyes of my heart, mind, and soul to see what he wants me to do.  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Nathan? David? Are you one or both?

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

   We all have our ups and downs.  Some more seriously than others, yet we still go through the experience.  Do you sin "a little" and sometimes  "a lot"; or do you just feel righteous all the time?

   Are you strong enough in God and being moved by the Holy Spirit to tell people the truth in love and from the heart as led by the Holy Spirit?

   We may have what we think are little things like:  Wow, did you see that babe? Oops, where did the mind go?  OR, look at that, he does not deserve to have that car and that house!  Oops, where did the mind go? And with examples we could go on and on.

   The fact is, we need to be HONEST as was Nathan in the Bible with David.  However, remember, he was led by God.  He confronted the KING and told him of his iniquity with a married woman.  Now, David could have denied this, called him a liar, threw him in prison, or had him killed.

   The point here is Nathan, being God fearing, came and shared the truth with someone who had sinned.   Shouldn't we do this as well.  Not in our own recognizance but led by the Holy Spirit?

  Then David, who could have gone on a rant and rave, had horrible things done to Nathan, did what?  Psalm 51 He repented, yes, he recognized his sin, asked forgiveness of the LORD for his indiscretions.  (Psalm 51 audio)

  We need to be Nathan AND David!  We need to be honest and share the gospel with others, correction with LOVE when they are in contrast to the WORD, even though we may experience rejection or ridicule.

   Then we need to be David in recognizing our sin(s) and ask forgiveness of the living GOD, proclaiming our love through JESUS CHRIST.

   Being a Christian is not easy.  Even moreso today with the ridicule of the Evangelical movement and the constant reminder that satan (sin) is roaming our streets, communities, nation and world, seeking to devour whomever they may.

   Stay in constant prayer and remain true to the LORD in all circumstances.  This hit me today about standing tall as did Nathan, and then recognizing our sins as David did.  Thanks for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Psalm 31:24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

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

  Has the COVID-19 got you stressed, standing in fear, being held captive.  It is not for us to fear or worry about.  As a believer if you get the virus and, LORD forbid, die - it is a win/win for you.  You know where your final resting place is - with the LORD in heaven.  

  The sadness is for the family as they experience a lose/win situation.  The "lose" in the fact that you are no longer with them physically, BUT, a win in they know where you are - In HEAVEN with the LIVING GOD!

   We have just spent, roughly, 2 months living in socialist America. Being told who can work, where we must stay, what we must do, and on and on.  It is not an enjoyable feeling.  Specially if you are one of the "NON-ESSENTIAL" workers.

  Just remember Psalm 31 - click on the link to read click here to hear Psalm 31  Take this Psalm to heart.  But we must take heart in Psalm 31:24 Be strong and take heart,

    all you who hope in the Lord.

  Take heart my friend, GOD IS IN CONTROL. Thank your for reading with me today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Matthew 10:28 Share the word to save the soul

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

  So, yesterdays scripture was about turning away from your evil ways.  What we must know is that satan is alive and well and roaming the earth seeking those he can destroy.  

  Satan is in a battle that he cannot win, yet he is like the man who thinks he can and rallies all he can to support his cause.  Our life can be taken AND our soul can be lost.  Of this we must beware, vigilante, and stand strong.

  Our salvation comes from the LORD, and we must build our house upon the rock so as not to sink.  In Matthew 10: 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

  Some of the powerful people (money people) in the world will and are advocating we do things contrary to the Bible.  Many people in the East are losing their lives because of their belief in Jesus Christ.  However, this is a grave situation, BUT, they are not losing their souls to hades or hell.  They are going to be with Jesus Christ in glory.

  I would encourage you to stand strong on your belief, share the word with others so they may experience the joy of heaven.  If we do not tell others about salvation through Jesus Christ we are leaving open the door for satan or his demons to steal their soul and take them to the depths of hell.

  Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross. Love you all. In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Turn from your evil ways - Jeremiah 25: 3-7

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

   Many things are happening in this world - some we understand; some we don't understand; and some through nothing more than just evil.

  Jeremiah, (and other prophets as well) came with warning to the people yet they failed to heed the warnings.  The people were not turning to God, but turning to their own understanding and doing.  

   Oh, how this resonates with us in the USA and others around the world today.  It makes me remember the old commercial of years back when the child says, "Mother, please, I would rather do it myself".  Ouch, this is so true today. We will take care of it, and to too many - 'the government will take care of it' - oh how we have strayed away from the LORD our GOD.  Putting our trust in man rather than GOD is a huge mistake.

  In Jeremiah chapter 25 starting with verse 3 -".........the word of the LORD hath come unto me, and I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye have not hearkened. (v.4) And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear.  

   God has sent us warning after warning, yet we fail to hear, we fail to listen, we tend to continue on in our own destructive way and leaving GOD outside our decisions.  Let us continue on with verses 5-7.

   5 They said, “Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and your evil practices, and you can stay in the land the Lord gave to you and your ancestors for ever and ever. 6 Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them; do not arouse my anger with what your hands have made. Then I will not harm you.”

7 “But you did not listen to me,” declares the Lord, “and you have aroused my anger with what your hands have made, and you have brought harm to yourselves.”

   Jeremiah had been telling the people to turn from their evil ways for years.  So it is in America as well.  Everyone was upset by 9/11 and the churches were full for a short season.  Then, everyone felt they were enough in themselves and stopped attending church. As is said in the Bible, we worship what we have made ourselves. Yes, this angers God and watch out.  When disaster hits, people run for help and for many that is the church and their "faith" of the moment.

   Destruction is imminent (God's wrath), whether now or when Jesus Christ returns, but destruction is coming.   So often we read in the Bible of the men, Biblical men, when in trouble where do they turn?  Yes, to the LORD our GOD and at this point they ask forgiveness of their ways and pray.  Is this not a good enough example for us?

   Have you had your knee-mail today?  Take time to pray for President Trump, VP Pence as well as the cabinet, house and senate - that they all will turn to Christ in their decisions and do what is right in the eyes of the LORD.  May you, my friend, do the right thing before the LORD.  Love you all. Thanks for reading.

In Christ's Love an Grace

Johnny

Stand up Christian America - exercise your First Amendment

Good morning fellow Christians.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. BLESSED!!
  It is time to stand up for our rights.  The First Amendment says: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion; or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the pres; or the right of the people peaceable assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
   As a nation we are being oppressed to do what the government casts upon us, yet we have the FREEDOM, but fail to exercise it.
   If you go back in time the Hebrews were oppressed by Egypt and Moses rescued them.  
   America was oppressed by England thereby causing an uprising and the American people revolted.  Hence our First Amendment.
   In the 30's, the Fire in the Reichstag brought about the Reichstag Fire Decree - curtailing the freedom of expression of the German people.  Also, Hitler established a Minstry of Propaganda, Joseph Goebbles, who controlled the media.
   Now, in America (and around the world) we have "Shelter in place" meaning our freedoms to move about are restricted.  Only "essential" business' can remain open.  A working man or woman IS ESSENTIAL to their families for support, food, shelter, and existence.
   Oh, you may say that in Romans 13:1-7 we are to follow the laws of the land.  Yes, it does say that; read on further to Acts 5:27-29.  The apostles were brought before the Sandhedrin and told NOT TO SPREAD THE WORD (Gospel) ANYMORE.  Peter and the other apostles replied that they must "OBEY GOD'S LAW RATHER THAN MAN'S".  
  They knew they would be punished (laws of the land), yet they did so and rejoiced that they were flogged for the glory of God.
   Christian America - we are being oppressed. Shelter in place - cannot work unless ESSENTIAL (who determines essential - the authorities).  As in the 30's/40's propaganda via the news media - controlling what they want us to see.  We need to pray - then STAND UP FOR OUR FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS.
  H1N1 (swine flu) infected over 1 billion people and the Ebola death rate was 50% of infected people and over 11,000 people died.  Did we have "shelter in place"? NO!
   We have been told since infants cover your cough, wash your hands.  This all makes good sense and now the government is giving us this constant reminder - cover your cough, wash your hands - WHAT?  Wow, a novel idea!
  And the propaganda from the media keeps people in fear.  We should fear God.  We should not fear the goings on of people trained to taint our views. Listen and believe all the news and I also will sell you some ocean front property in Arizona. Baaa!
  Stand up my fellow Christian for what is duly right. Spend time in prayer and fellowshiping with God.  Thanks for reading my tirade.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

If my people, who are called by my name........

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

  One of the more hurtful things one person can say to another is something to the effect of:  "and you call yourself a Christian".  This does two things; one, it shows that person is passing judgment on you, and, two, it cuts deep into your heart and mind.

   The old expression of: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me" is not a realistic expression.  If words are useless why do we have the WORD of GOD?  Yes, we can forgive one who utters a negative toward your Christian belief, but the wound is still there and only time, lots of time will it heal.  I believe the Bible when it says what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart.

  WORDS!  Are they that worth while, really?  I would say YES!  And why?  GOD SPOKE the universe, man, creatures, everything into existence.  HE SPOKE!  Words are definitely valuable.

  In 2 Chronicles 7: 14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land."

  You and I--CHRISTIANS-- need to humble ourselves!   PRAY!  Seek God's face, and turn away from evil.  So we do this and what happens?

   God will hear us, forgive our sin, and heal our land!!!  The LORD knows we need this at this time in America and around the world.  Next Thursday, May 7, is National Prayer Day.  Let us all knee in our prayer closet and pray for forgiveness and healing of our land.  If we do, God says in 2 Chronicles 7: 15"Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place."

   Let's make a difference, pray daily and especially on May 7 when all Americans need to pray for healing. Thanks for reading. Love you all. 

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny