Are you ready for the day of the LORD? 2 Peter 3: 1-10

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

  How often do you stop and think about GOD?  How often do you pray?  When in church are you looking and listening with a critical mind?  OR, are you there in total awe of our ALMIGHT GOD, JEHOVAH! ?

   So often we see who is there, what they are wearing, or analyzing what the preacher says when we should be there in humble reverence to the Holy God whom we serve.

  See what you glean from the words in 2 Peter 3: 1-10

 

The Day of the Lord

3 Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2 I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.

3 Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

Are you ready?  When the day of the LORD comes as a thief, meaning we know not when, but need to have extra oil for our lamps.  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Rejoice, I say Rejoice -- Philippians 4:4-8

 Good chilly morning to all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. YES, YOU ARE BLESSED!!

  Well, we do not understand everything and we are not supposed to.  Our job as children of God is to spread the word, be humble, and PRAISE GOD IN ALL THINGS!

  When you have 4 or more inches of snow on the ground, it is below freezing, and no electricity it is hard to thank God.  There is a reason, yet we know not why, but, there is a reason.

  Sometimes we have to be humbled to appreciate the good.  Snow, freezing temperatures, and no electricity makes us really appreciate the times we have power and good weather.  How many will say "I won't complain about the hot temperatures this summer", BUT, when summer hits will they feel the same way.

   We should rejoice in all that God has given us.  Take a look at Philippians 4: 4-8 about rejoicing.  Philippians 4: 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

  This tells us to REJOICE, and BE ANXIOUS ABOUT NOTHING, but, in every situation what????????  Prayer and petition with thanksgiving and present your requests to GOD. 

   That is all for today.  You are blessed because you are a child of GOD.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Happy Valentine's Day!

 Good morning and may your Valentine's Day be wonderful and safe. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

   There are several stories about how valentine's day began.  Some say it is a pagan celebration, but, it seems, most believe in the story of St. Valentine, who under Claudius II continued to perform marriages, even though Claudius II had made marriages illegal.  Why would this Roman emperor make marriages illegal?  Because he believed that single men made better soldiers than married men.

   St. Valentine, who was performing marriages secretly, was found out and placed in prison.  Claudius had ordered Valentine be put to death. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl—possibly his jailor’s daughter—who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today.

  So, it is not a pagan celebration, but one from a Catholic Priest.  So, today, celebrate valentine's day with your loved ones and remember Jesus' commandment to "LOVE ONE ANOTHER"!

Thanks for reading. Love you all and happy valentine's day.  

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Life-thought about it? MISSION - what is your mission in life?

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

  Yes, LIFE is WORTH LIVING!  Now, what is your mission?  Well, I am a teacher, a doctor, a lawyer, a welder, a plumber, a mechanic, a police officer, a business owner, and we could continue on with an exhausting list.  BUT,

      WHAT IS YOUR MISSION?

Well, as the cliche' goes: WWJS ! (changed Do to Say)     What Would Jesus Say?

  Well, first of all the professions mentioned above are not to be considered 'missions' but rather careers. And  Jesus DID tell us in Matthew 28: 19-20  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

  We need to stand up for Jesus where we are, in our careers, at home, or at play, and share the Good News.  Jesus said in John 20:21  As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.

  Once we are sent out, or out there, in the world, in our careers we should boldly tell about Jesus.  When? I may get fired!  When the spirit moves you and opens the door, whether it be at break, lunch, after work, or maybe even while working. 1 Chronicles 16:24  Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 

  This may just be a quick spoken word, it may be one of your actions, but there will be a time and place provided by the Holy Spirit to 'declare HIS glory' with others.  Look at  Acts 1:8  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

  Who is saved? Everyone who calls on HIS name. They, the people of the world cannot hear HIS name UNLESS we, HIS people share the Good News with them. Read the last line. 

Romans 10:13-15  For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

  Isaiah 52:7  How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

  We need to be as in Isaiah 6:8  Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

  Have you been sharing the gospel?  If so, yea!! If not, why not??  It is our mission, mine and yours, to share the gospel with whomever the LORD sends our way.  The Holy Spirit will open the door or window, all you have to do is let the Holy Spirit lead.  Again, In your career, your daily life, your rest time, wherever you are - He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”Mark 16:15

 To verify these scriptures here is the link to Bible Gateway. I would like to thank you for reading. Pray for me and all who may read this that we are truly STRONG DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

p.s. Here is a song that has been resonating through my mind all week - LORD, I need you!  Please take time to listen.

Life - what is it about? Is all this worth it?

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

  L I F E - a four letter word that can be good or it can be bad.  How or what is it in your life?

  Have you ever thought the world would be better off if you were not here?  Have you ever had thoughts of doing away with yourself?  I am certain most of us have had these thoughts in our past.

  A pessimist may say that we live, we die, it is over and we cease to exist. Whereas  an optimist may say there is more than just life here on earth.  A Christian would say our time on earth is pre-eternal life where we live on in eternity.  Where are you sitting right now? 

  Well, let me tell you - LIFE IS WORTH LIVING THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOR!!  Here are some scriptures to encourage you.

  So what must we do first?

  Proverbs 3: 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;6 in all your ways submit to him,  and he will make your paths straight

    TRUST in the LORD - this may be step one. And once we do this what? 

 Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.

  We are blessed by the living GOD. Okay, and......., you are saying GOD knew me before I came and what I would do? 

     Romans 8:29 For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.

   So, GOD knew me before I came and began working in me?  Right?  

  Philippians 1:6 I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. So, what happens now?

  I have accepted Jesus as my Savior and HE has begun work in me.  

2 Peter 3:18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen. Alright then, I need to grow in Jesus Christ who is my savior.  This means to not just open my Bible or say a quick prayer when in need, but to show growth in the WORD & SHARE the word.  Now, being a child of GOD you definitely have an obligation. 

  Colossians 2:6-7 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.        Because you have accepted Jesus as your Savior does not mean there will be smooth sailing forever and a day. There will be trials and tribulations. 

 James 1:2-4 Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. Carry on so you one day hear the words well done my good and faithful servant. Do not fear the valleys and do not be prideful when on the peaks.

  Romans 5:3-5 Not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Now this hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.  We should not walk or run in fear as we know that Jesus, nailed to the cross, took all our sins and conquered death.

 John 16:33 I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” Because you are a child of GOD, you should rejoice and remember Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  I just pray that you were able to follow my train and the track I was moving down today.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Colossians 2:13-15

 Hello friends.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  YOU ARE BLESSED, A CHILD OF THE LIVING GOD!!!!

   Well, if you remember I have often said the devil throws "doubt darts" at Christians constantly.  This is so true.  The Holy Spirit may tell us something, then in our mind we start thinking:  Hmmm, was that God or was that just one of my thoughts.  Well, I won't act on it now and if God wants me to he will send it again. HUH???

  We have to remember that GOD is in control and through HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST, we have no sins remaining; they are FORGIVEN.  Let's look at Colossians 2: 13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross 

 Think about these verses.  You and I were dead in sins, we will die and be no more, BUT, God made us alive. How?  Through the sacrifice of HIS son JESUS on the cross.  This is what verse 15 is saying, by dying on the cross Jesus triumphed over satan and we are set free IF we accept Jesus as LORD and Savior.

  Take time to read these verses and really let them sink in. Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Woe to those who call good evil and evil good - Isaiah 5:20

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

  ISAIAH 5:20-25 is definitely a warning to America and all the world.  Isaiah issues a warning to take heed, however, this often falls upon deaf ears.  Many people believe GOD or JESUS or the HOLY SPIRIT is a vending machine that we can pick and choose from it as we wish.  Ah, let's see, a B-3 looks good today. NO!! It does not work this way!!

  We have begun to corrupt many of GOD's words to mean what "I WANT THEM TO MEAN"!  This does not work.  Salvation comes only through JESUS CHRIST and no other way. We must follow the Holy Word sent to us from GOD!  Some will say, " Well, he/she was a really nice and good person.  Don't tell me they are going to hell".  If they did not accept Jesus, then they have made their choice.  I cannot save anyone; you cannot save anyone; only JESUS is the savior.  We have to turn from our "make the Bible work for me" attitude and follow the true word.

  Here is what Isaiah says.  Please read and meditate briefly on this.

 20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. 22 Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks, 23 who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice to the innocent.  24 Therefore, as tongues of fire lick up straw and as dry grass sinks down in the flames, so their roots will decay and their flowers blow away like dust; for they have rejected the law of the Lord Almighty and spurned the word of the Holy One of Israel. 25 Therefore the Lord’s anger burns against his people; his hand is raised and he strikes them down. The mountains shake, and the dead bodies are like refuse in the streets. Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised.

   We, as Christians must go forth and stand up boldly, yet humbly before the peoples of the world and share the gospel.

   Remember, GOD is not a vending machine where we can pick what we want to use for our convenience.  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

America - Topsy turvy??? 2 Timothy 3:1-9!

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  BELIEVE--BELIEVE AND PRAISE GOD FOR ALL THINGS!!!

    Where are we today?  In life, in America, in the world??

But most importantly, where are you in your spiritual journey?  This is the most important question.

   Today, in our world it is what Dr. Suess would say is "topsy turvy".  Bad is Good , evil is good, Sodom and Gomorah has arrived in the United States of America, once called "ONE NATION UNDER GOD"!!

   We need to take heed of what is going on.  The new administration does not oppose many attitudes and actions that are contrary to God's word. One example is sacrificing children which we call abortion.  Take a look at what Paul sent toTimothy for the church in Ephesus.

2 Timothy 3:  But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. 6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.

   Just a quick note:  Jannes and Jambres were the Pharaoh's magicians who performed some of the same magic as did Moses. What is interesting is that the magicians could do the same plagues or tricks Moses did only 3 times and when the plague of the gnats (lice) came they had no power.  :) Do you think God was playing with them??  Maybe, maybe not.

  Why didn't the first miracle, turning a rod into a snake cause Pharaoh to release the Hebrews?  My opinion is that if Pharaoh did, then Moses would be the one getting the glory, and we should be certain God gets the glory, thus, more plagues (miracles).

   Also, women and knowledge is mentioned in the above verses.  This is not a slap to the women, but a warning about being taken in by false teachers.  And knowledge -- because someone has a lot of knowledge, has a doctoral label or possible several doctorates does not mean they are wise in the ways of the LORD.  They know not the real TRUTH!!

    Knowledge comes from the LORD, HE alone allows us to gain the knowledge necessary, albeit often this is through our own experiences - good or bad.

   Re-read the scriptures above and think about today's world and the direction we are moving in America.  I welcome your feedback.  Thank you for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grae

Johnny

If you could turn back the hands of time ----- WOULD YOU????

 

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

  Sometimes, or maybe often we reminisce about our past and may utter the words "IF I could turn back time I would ..........."; but would you want to, really???

   Hezekiah, the king of Judah was ill and GOD did turn back the hours of time, but just a short time.  From what I can tell this time is 10 degrees or 10 steps and some believe it is 40 minutes.  Can time be turned backwards or just stand still.  Weeellllllll, if you truly trust God, have faith, and believe yes.  With Joshua GOD even stopped time.

   So, is anything impossible for GOD?  Nothing is impossible for GOD.  I digress, let us move forward; if you could turn back time think about how far back and  the ramifications it would have.  My childhood dream was to be a professional baseball player; well, it didn't happen.  IF I turned back time and changed things to become a professional baseball player my whole life would be different.

  I would not have the 3 daughters and 1 step daughter, nor would I have the 8 grandchildren or my 4 son in laws.  Would I give this up?  NO WAY!!  My life has been a roller-coaster with some pretty strong turns and drops, but GOD has made my errant steps ones that led to other open doors.  God takes care of us, even when we mess everything up. GOD takes care of the stupid, I am living proof. :) (many may say the same thing)

  Hezekiah's life turned around AFTER he prayed, wept, and asked GOD for healing and life.  Yes, GOD took him from death's door to another 15 years of life.  Can GOD do this?  Of course HE can, HE is almighty, all powerful, and in control.

  We don't need to ask GOD to turn back the hands of time, but to help us advance forward in time, honoring GOD in all we do, actions, deeds, and in our speech.  What does the Bible say about our past or turning back time?

Isaiah 43:18 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

  Here are some scriptures that encourage us to move forward.  The Bible tells us to move forward.  Graffiti on a wall tells us this as well. It said: Look not back with regret, nor be anxious about the future, but look around with awareness.

  Even the bathroom scribe shows some wisdom.  If he can, think how much greater is the wisdom of GOD! 

  I do hope you understand my rambling and the point trying to be made. Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Emotionalism & Feelings- How we tend to be led by them!

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. YOU ARE BLESSED, A CHILD OF GOD--SO, ACT LIKE IT!!

   How often are we led by our emotions or how we feel?  Here, try this drug, it really makes you feel good.  Let's get a case of beer and get a buzz.  Man, I like the way strong alcohol makes me feel. Or some other emotional feeling; cigarettes, cutting down others, make rude comments to others, telling inappropriate jokes.  Why do we do these things?  Because it make us FEEL GOOD. 

  God does not look at our emotions; HE looks at our heart.  What is in the HEART comes out of the LIPS!!  We can party with alcohol, drugs, or just plain foolishness, BUT we do not have the conviction to attend church, go to a Bible study, read our Bible, or just pray and talk to GOD.

  WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE!!  PROVERBS 12: 15 The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.

   God gave us our feelings and emotions for a reason. Living by faith doesn't mean we ignore them. They are not evil by themselves, but what we allow our thoughts to dwell on may be negative and causing an unhealthy overload of negative emotions.

  SO,where are you today?  Living by your emotions - you know - IF IT FEELS GOOD JUST DO IT!  OR, are you living by your LOVE FOR GOD?  

  Take a moment to read Proverbs 12 and see the contrast between the righteous and the evil doer. Well, my friend, how are you led? By emotions or by your Godly heart?  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny