Story of the Tin Soldier and the Ballerina

 Hello Friends.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!

  As a child growing up I heard the story by Hans Christen Anderson about the Tin Soldier and the Ballerina.

   I always enjoyed this story.  The ending seems sad at first, yet it ends well with  the soldier and the ballerina.  Look at it as a love story with a couple of twists.

   Have a great week and remember GOD IS IN CONTROL!!!!

  Click this link to read the story about the Tin Soldier and the Ballerina.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

p.s. Please notice the credit of who published the story

Is it More Christ or More Presents at Christmas time?

 Good morning fellow Christians!!!!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good!!!

   Well, CHRISTMAS begins with CHRIST.  And, if you are aware of the spanish word "mas" it means more.  So, we want MORE CHRIST!  Not a bad thought at all.

   This time of year, we begin to think, or, having been thinking and buying gifts for family and friends.  We tend to want it all to be equal for each of our children or grandchildren.  So, I will spend $XXXX on each one.

   Here is the question. Does it really matter?  What they get will it last and be something they will really need and cherish?  By giving it only makes us, you and me, feel better.  "Oh, I was fair to all my family"!  

   Really, the only really fair and genuine present to offer our family and friends is an invitation to accept and follow Jesus.  Then follow this with a Bible or daily prayer pamphlet. 

  Oh, yes, I am speaking mainly to myself here, but it is worth giving you a thought-provoking idea.  What does the Bible say about things here on earth?

   Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

  Matthew 6:19-20 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;

  A thought to remember: 2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

  John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

  So, with all this hula-ba-loo we go through, what is the real truth?  Are you spending way too much time on gifts, spending too much money, and not teaching about what is really important at Christmas.

   I am guilty, and I'm betting you are right there beside me.  Maybe MORE CHRIST and less mess.  Thanks for reading my thoughts for the day. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

As the wind blows! James 1:5-8

 Hello Friends of Jesus Christ whom I may call brother and sister.  Thank you for tuning in today.  GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME, ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD!!

  James tells us in verse 5 that if we lack wisdom just ask God and HE will generously give it to you.  But, yes, there is a but.  And that but is that YOU MUST BELIEVE!

  If we don't believe and we doubt we will be as a wave that is tossed and blown by the wind.

  Hmmm?  What does this mean?  Today as I was sitting at a stop light I noticed a plastic sack in the middle of the busy intersection and watched it.  The wind was blowing slightly and, of course, wind from passing vehicles was blowing the sack.

   As I sat there I thought about our relationship with the LORD.  That sack would be blown forward, then backward, then forward and sideways, then back, then up, down, and various directions.

  How often is our witness and relationship with the LORD like the sack being blown by the wind and by man (in vehicles).  We move away from the LORD, then we come back, then we slide one way or another, then we come back and the process repeats again.

  Verse 7 says such a man (doubting and being blown hither and yon) should not think he will receive anything from the LORD; he is a double minded man, unstable in all he does.

  James 1: 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

  I do hope you understand my analogy I tried to share.  How oft are we tossed about in our minds about our faith, how oft do we fail to witness for Jesus; how oft do we remain silent which silence is in fact agreeing with what is being said or going on.

   If nothing else, hand out crosses, pamphlets, or just let words roll off your tongue as you reach out to people. Watch their reaction and it opens the door to witness.

  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Christmas, birth, and a cross!

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

  Yes, Jesus is the Reason for the Season!!  As I have said before, some (many) will say this is not Jesus' birth.  Well, look at your own family, do you always celebrate someone's birthday on the actual day?  OR, do you celebrate it on the weekend closest to the birthday?  Soooooo, does it really matter?  Anyway-------

     Please notice the cross below:

    

                                    

                                       

   Our Savior, JESUS CHRIST, was hung on a wooden cross.  It was not attractive like the many crosses we have today, just old wooden boards, crossed at a certain place and designed to hang or crucify people on.

    I just ask that when you see a wooden cross, first you think of your savior who was hung on that cross.  His name is Emmanuel, Jesus Christ. 

         Then there is usually a chain or some type of rope or thread holding it.  This represents the fact (to me) that we are all "chained" or "tied" to our savior once we accept HIS present of salvation.

        And because that chain, leather, rope, or thread makes a continual circle shows that we are linked to our savior for eternity.  Forever and ever and ever.

    The cross is more than just jewelry; it has meaning and if you don't share what that cross means to you, you may be missing an opportunity to offer someone the great gift you have------the gift of salvation!!!

   I ask that you pray for the Johnson and Bickel families.  My oldest cousin, Marteal Bickel Johnson passed away yesterday.  She was a strong Christian, but now is with her savior and living in paradise. She was 95 years young.  Thank you for your prayers, reading, and being a faithful servant of GOD.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Did you know? Isaiah 45 and later events.

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Enjoy God's blessings this time of year. YES, God is in control.

    This is an expression Christians use all the time, "God is in control", yet we often do not realize or recognize HIS control.

   Sometimes we say:  "If God is in control why did this or that happen"?  Simple, we are looking from a different lens, God has the correct lens and knows the long range effects.

  Well, if God is in control then why did the current administration come in and support so many social pressures that go against the Bible.  It is really very simple- ---WE, The People of God, must turn from our wicked and evil ways and come back to our God and his ways.

   Interesting note here. If you will go to Isaiah 45 and read you will find that God raised a ruler who was not a man of God, yet he conquered Babylonia and freed the Jews, allowing them, under his rule, to return to Jerusalem and worship in their own ways.     

      Interestingly enough, Donald Trump (even if you don't like him) came in as the 45th president and moved the embassy to Jerusalem.  The Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 was to move the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and not one of the U.S. Presidents from 1995 until Trump had enough stamina and determination to move the embassy. Trump did. He also gave value to religious freedom.

    After Cyrus came another king, his son, Cambyses II (who married his sister). Cambyses II was not a good leader and made efforts to stop the religious freedoms and privileges people had under Cyrus.  In other words, he was not a good ruler.  This is where we are now, with a ruler (U.S.A.) who strides alongside the ones trying to restrict religious freedom and force non-Biblical laws upon us.

   After Cambyses II came Darius I, who was a good ruler. Darius I was Cambyses' personal spear bearer.  (Supposedly Cambyses II's brother, Bardiya revolted against him, however, Cambyses II had his brother killed and this "revolt" was led by an imposter who claimed to be Bardiya {according to historical experts}).

   So, in saying all this, if you follow the Bible and believe the history of old is also the history to the present you can see where we, the peoples of the U.S.A., are headed.

   We have a leader who is allowing things to happen that are not Biblical, BUT, the next ruler should be one who helps us come once again to  One Nation Under God.

  Thank you for reading.  If you would like to dig further into current events please visit Lance Wallnau and read his Q & A's. The link is highlighted. May your day, weekend and Christmas Holidays be wonderful, safe, and filled with the LOVE of JESUS!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Wide the gate of destruction; narrow is the road to life-Matthew 7:13-14

 Good morning friends, neighbors and family.  Hmmm, guess we are all family, in the family of GOD.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. BE BLESSED AND SHARE YOUR BLESSING!!

  I am not trying to be a person of doom and destruction; beware, run, save yourself.  Just looking at reality and be aware of what is going on.  In Matthew 6 starting at verse 25 he addresses worry (if you are interested).

  Let us look at Matthew 7 verses 13 and 14.

  13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in through it:

   Okay, we see the gate, it is wide, stands tall, and is quite appealing to the eye.  This is all fine and good, EXCEPT the eye leads to an emotional or pleasure seeking venture.  It looks good, is eye candy, yet once partaken of it leads to destruction.

   What kind of destruction?  Spiritual destruction.  Physically we may reap the fruits and believe we are enjoying this fabulous thing; but, we cannot see further the destruction that will follow.

 A simple example.  You go and have a beer once or twice a week with the crowd.  Then it becomes more frequent and this does damage in several ways.  It takes money from the household, it can create problems with the spouse, can have an effect on other family members, and all in all is not healthy- physically or spiritually.  This is a short term pleasure that is reaped physically here on earth. But what about eternal life?

14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

   This verse is not saying that you cannot get to heaven, eternal life; but, saying that many will enjoy the pleasures of the world more than the pleasures of Jesus Christ being their savior, and their spiritual being living eternally.     Life throws us many challenges and we just have to know how to deal with each one as it comes.  The best way I know is through Jesus Christ, prayer, and knowing the Holy Spirit will lead you.  GOD IS IN CONTROL!!

  Thank you for putting up with my bantering. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

What does the Bible say about genders? Only 2?

 Sorry, I hit the wrong key and sent prior to completion.Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

   Just a side note---many will tell you that Dec. 25 is not Jesus' birthday.  Let me tell you, in my opinion, it does not matter when we celebrate his actual birthday, but we should be celebrating HIS birth daily.  Okay, enough there.

   Next, what about genders.  If you look at healthline.com it will tell you many say there are only 2 genders but that is not true.  Huh????  A healthline saying more than one gender?  They say that gender and sex are two different things.  Soooo, I went to the authority on words, aka Webster's Dictionary.  Here is what it says:

    Gender-in grammar the classification of how words are grouped masculine, femine or neuter; 2) the fact of being a male or female human being, esp. as it affects a person's self-image, social relationships, etc.

    Sex-1)either of two divisions, male or female, into which persons, animals, or plants are divided; 2) the character of being male or female; 3) the attraction between the sexes; 4) sexual intercourse..

   I am just going to quote some scriptures from the Bible below.  I would really like to have your feedback here.

Deuteronomy 22:5 ESV 

“A woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman's cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God.

Genesis 1:27 ESV 

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Galatians 3:28 ESV 

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Leviticus 20:13 ESV 

If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.

1 Corinthians 11:12 ESV 

For as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God.

Matthew 19:4 ESV 

He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female,

Leviticus 18:22 ESV 

You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.

Society, aka the world tells us that there are either 81 genders or 64 genders, according to which expert you choose to believe.  How about you?  Is there a difference between gender and sex?  Can we be any gender we wish, but there are only 2 sexs, male and female?

   Evil lurks in the world, Satan is very busy with his demons to try and turn the whole world against the only living supreme being - aka GOD!  Do we need to be tolerant?  Yes, BUT, we need not cower down and say nothing.  We need to respond strong and stand firm with the word of God, yet doing so with love.

 Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all. Please respond and share your views.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Do you have your WORRY ON, or your WORSHIP ON today?

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

   Matthew says this all so well about worry. Matthew 6: 25 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more important than food and the body more important than clothes?  2 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?  27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

  Matthew tells us a lot.  Can you add minutes, hours, or days to your life by worry? Great words and food for thought.

  So, what about worship.  Yes we need to get our worship on.  Here are some scriptures.  

  1 Chronicles 16::29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;

    bring an offering and come before him.
Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

    Psalm 95:6 Come, let us bow down in worship,

    let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;

         Matthew 2: (the shepherds) 2  asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

     John 4: 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

      Romans 12: 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

     Worry brings us down, put us in a state of depression, we see the bleak and gloomy side of things. And, the antonym of this is WORSHIP.  Where we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, when we talk to our Father in Heaven, things will get better.

   Many have come through trials and struggles and their witness is that if it were not for God they don't know how they would have made it through.

   Keep the faith my friend.  The Bible is the inspired word of God and is our map and guideline for eternal life.

   Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace,

Johnny

1 CORINTHIANS 11:23-25 Giving Thanks

 Greetings my fellow Christians.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

We live in America and indeed, WE ARE BLESSED!!!!

  Okay, this coming Thursday, the 24th, we celebrate Thanksgiving.  A lot of thanksgiving needs to be shared and we need to be aware of.

  We can give thanks for our family, our friends, our neighbors (near and far), and most of all for one true and living GOD.

   The night Jesus was betrayed what did he do first?  The very first thing HE did was to take bread, break it and GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOR IT.  This should be the first thing we do each day, and specially on Thursday-----give thanks to GOD for what we have- food, health, home, family, and the country we live in where we are free to worship.

   With Moses and the passover the blood was to save the people and deliver them from slavery.  Jesus broke the bread and said, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me".  Because of Jesus' blood we are delivered from slavery called sin by Christ's death.

    Then in the same way HE took the cup of wine after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant between God and his people-an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as oft as you drink it. 

       Jesus says this is the new covenant--what is a covenant?  A covenant is an agreement or promise.  So, Jesus, with God's blessing is offering a new promise to his people.  Who are his people.  At this time it was primarily the Jews, but was spread to the gentiles, aka you and me.  How is the covenant or promised guaranteed?  It is by Jesus' blood.  Jesus laid down his life, his blood just so you and I can be freed from slavery which we know as sin.

   You may ask what is the difference between the old covenant and the new covenant.  With the old covenant, people could approach God only through the priests and the sacrificial system.

    Jesus' death on the cross brought in a new covenant whereby all people, you and me, can personally approach God and communicate with him.

   So, in all this I ask that each time you eat, and specially at thanksgiving, that you give thanks not just for food, family and friends, but that JESUS CHRIST came and shed his blood just so you can have a personal relationship with Him and God.  Each time you eat and drink you are announcing the LORD's death until he comes again.   Praise the LORD.  Hallelujah!

   Thank you for reading.  HAPPY THANKSGIVING. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

p.s. next post after Thanksgiving

Are you worried, anxious, concerned about America? Family? The world? - Psalm 83

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

  America is reaching the point of trying to implode.  We are not fighting outside sources as we did in the Cold War of past years.  We are facing the enemies from within;; the moles in American politics, convincing many of the people this is the way to go.  The root of all this evil and misguidance is the devil --satan.  People are being tricked with twisted talk just as was Adam and Eve. The Bible tells us in Isaiah, years and years ago, that one day we will call evil good-good evil; exchange darkness for light.    Take heed!  Be ware!!

   It is here.  Just look around.  Full term abortions; sex transformations of our youth; turning away from all that has made America great --- GOD!!

   Please read and absorb the beginning of Psalm 83 (A psalm of  Asaph,who was a singer and musician for King David and was in a time of crisis).

  1-O God, do not keep silent; be not quiet, O God, be not still.  2See how your enemies are astir, how your foes rear their heads.  3With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish.  4"Come". they say, "let us destroy them as a nation, that the name of Israel (America) be remembered no more. 5With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against you---

  So, you say, I can't do anything.  I am only 1 person with no political power, not famous, who will listen to me.  To this I respond, "Only 1 person will listen and that person you know personally and have a relationship with --- JESUS CHRIST".

   So, take a knee, sit in a chair, close your eyes, cast you eyes toward heaven, whatever you do in reverence to the LORD and PRAY, PRAY, PRAY,

   Ladies and Gentlemen, we are in a state of crisis and should align our allegiance not with a political party, but with the BIBLICAL STANDARDS that GOD has given us.  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Battle Hymn of the Republic

 Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. YOU ARE INDEED BLESSED TO BE A CHILD OF THE KING!

    I woke this morning with this tune resonating over and over in my mind. I take it to mean God is speaking to me in a way that I should share.  Please look at the words as you listen to the singing and think about what these lyrics are saying about God.  I highlighted some areas that stand out to me.  

  Hope you enjoy. Love you all. Thanks for reading.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Here is the link to the Battle Hymn of the Republic!

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword;
His truth is marching on. 

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.

I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps;
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps,
His day is marching on.

I have read His fiery gospel writ in rows of burnished steel!
"As ye deal with my contemners, so with you My grace shall deal!
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel,"
Since God is marching on.

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat;
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him; be jubilant, my feet!
Our God is marching on.

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me;
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free!
While God is marching on.

Psalm 81 -- Wild honey from the Rock

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Worried about the elections?  America? Life in General?  Just remember GOD IS IN CONTROL!!!

  To read all of Psalm 81 click here.  Psalm 81 begins with joy and jubilation for the LORD and what HE has done. Sing, shout, strike the tambourine, harp, and lyre; music is brought into worshipping GOD. (verses 1-4) A time of feasting and joy.

  Verses 5-10 tells us what GOD has done for the people.  Took their burden, set hands free, rescued in times of distress and then warned them to have no other gods.  Verse 10 - a reminder "I am the LORD your GOD, who brought you up out of Egypt.  Open wide your mouth and I will fill it".  God is reminding this stubborn and disobedient people of what he has done and that HE will take care of them

   Now, back to the meat!  13 “If my people would only listen to me,

    if Israel would only follow my ways, (God wants the people to listen and obey; not be disobedient)
14 how quickly I would subdue their enemies
    and turn my hand against their foes! (Reminding God can take care of the forces that come against them).
15 Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him,
    and their punishment would last forever. (Now this is heavy; ones who hate the LORD will spend eternity regretting their decision and burning in hell).
16 But you would be fed with the finest of wheat;
    with wild honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”  Now, here is where we know God will take care of the Israelites AND US!  

   The finest of wheat refers to the fat of the wheat, the best which we make the best bread and other baked goods from.  Then wild honey which adds zest to the taste of the bread.  The honey adds delight to eating the healthy bread.

   This is GOD!  God can add zeal and zest to our lives.  Our GOD wants us to live a rich and joyful life.  Will there be ups and downs?  YES!  But, if we remain obedient to GOD we may have to give up some of our ways; yet losing these things will give us gain with GOD.  In order to do this we must seek the LORD and follow HIS ways.

   Do you need to do better?  I definitely need to improve my relationship with the LORD; to be obedient, humble, and loving of my neighbors.  So GOD is our honey in the rock.  Take heed and enjoy God's blessings.  Thanks for reading.

Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Spread the news; Matthew 28:18-20

 Hello All.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!

  Where are we in America?  Spiritually?  Where are you spiritually today, right now, this very moment?  We have to think about this as we go forth in our daily walk.  Speaking of daily walk, are you walking in the world or in the spirit?  Food for thought!!

  In Matthew Jesus gives his disciples and us the great commission.  This is something we all need to heed.  What is your service, aka job, as a born-again Christian?   It is to spread the word of Jesus Christ before it is too late.

   Matthew 28: 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 

  18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

   So, what must we do?  We must go forth and spread the good news of Jesus Christ as LORD and savior.  This we must share with our children, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, neighbors and everyone.  

   Does your spouse, son or daughter, mom, dad, and others close to you know Jesus Christ as their LORD and SAVIOR?   If not, what is holding you back?  FEAR?  Let the Holy Spirit lead you in this quest.  We don't need to think we have time and be as the cartoon of the dinosaurs and say:  (as the Ark is leaving, Oh, was that today?)

                                      

  We need to lead and be helping people get on the "ARK" or accept  "SALVATION" today, right now. This moment, say a prayer, and when you are out and about, speak to people, and if they need prayer---pray with them.  The Holy Spirit will lead you.

   I, personally, am concerned that ALL MY FAMILY knows Jesus, has a personal relationship with Jesus, AND spreads the word of salvation.  Will you do the same?  Salvation begins with a simple word -- JESUS!

   Thank you for reading.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

What foothold have you opened for satan?

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

   Okay, soooo, Johnny, why do you think I have an open spot for satan?  Well, here is something to think about.  Disobedience is how satans' footholds begin.  Huh?  What do you mean?  Okay, let's look at this.  The people said to Jesus-- "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone.  How can you say that we shall be set free"?

   John 8:34 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. (35) Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. (36) So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed".

   So, I am human, how can I be without sin?  It happens everyday.  We sin with our anger, our lust, our covetousness, our envy, our gluttony, our bad thoughts, and more.  So what can I do?  Great question.

  A seed of doubt or dissatisfaction just opens the door.  When this happens a demon moves in, then once comfortable, invites more demons in to reside in this open door.  Now please understand when I say foothold it can refer to a spot, place, location, room, home, position, tract, occasion, opportunity, locality, region, or condition. 

  Paul says..."though we live in the world we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

      A foothold is based upon lies one believes that lead him/her into sin for which he/she remains unrepentant.  Continuing to function in that sin gives Satan a place from which to advance against us—to gain more ground in our lives. As in John "the Son (Jesus) has set us free".

   So, at this point we must recognize our sin, ask forgiveness of that sin, and turn away from that sin.  Forgiveness takes courage and does reflect the grace and mercy of Christ.

  My biggest sin is...............(list it here); then take time to confess to God; ask forgiveness, then turn away from that sin.  As Jesus told the lady at the well, go and sin no more.  Eliminate that sin from your life.   Will there be others?  Yes, but you will know how to resolve them. The SON has set you FREE! 

   I do hope this makes sense to y'all.  I have many sins I need to be rid of and I need to heed the advice given above.  Love y'all, thanks for reading.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

A rant today, 1 day after elections

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

  Here is my rant.  I am so tired of the blame game, calling names, being narcissistic and arrogant. 

  The elections for America, a republic decided by a democratic vote, should go back to the basics of ONE NATION UNDER GOD.

   Ronald Reagan said it well: "If we ever forget this is one nation under God,   we will be a nation gone under".

  God is good; God is in control; and we must continually keep our faith in the Most High LORD!!!

   . We are aligned along party lines, we should be aligned along BIBLICAL LINES!!

Thanks for reading today.

 IN CHRIST'S LOVE AND GRACE

JOHNNY

Lamentations 3:40-48

 Hello All!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  THIS IS A TIME TO BE DILIGENT AND FOLLOW THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

   Elections are in process, early voting is over and the polls open tomorrow. Nov. 8 early and will stay late.  It is time for all Christian Americans to vote along the lines of the Bible. Christians, YOU ARE NOT DEMOCRAT,  REPUBLICAN, LIBERAL, OR INDEPENDENT!

You are a CHRISTIAN and should vote along the Biblical lines. 

  Jeremiah was distressed with the way people were acting in his time as well.  Take a gander at Lamentations 3:40-48 - take time to really READ each scripture and not just scan.

  V. 40 Instead, let us test and examine our ways. Let us turn back to the LORD. 

  V. 41 Let us lift our hearts and hands to God in heaven and say,

               v. 42 "We have sinned and rebelled and you have not forgiven us. (43) You have engulfed us with your anger, chased us down, and slaughtered us without mercy. (44) You have hidden yourself in a cloud so our prayers cannot reach you.  (45) You have discarded us as scum and refuse among the nations. (46) All our enemies have spoken out against us.  (47) We are filled with fear, for we are trapped, devastated, and ruined. (48) Tears stream from my eyes because of the destruction of my people!

   This relates to many events happening in our world today. We can watch the news, listen to the liberal media and politicians promises and become discouraged, frustrated, and angry.  We have to remember one major thing--GOD IS, YES IS IN CONTROL.

      If you have not gone to the polls yet, please keep your Christian values in check and vote accordingly.

   Thank you for reading with me today.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Lamentations 3:31-39

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

   Here we are, in America, and coming to another election which is fast approaching.  So, what do we do.  We should all want the election to be for the ones who love the LORD, not along party lines.  The only party line we should be voting is the Christian party line, led and guided by God's Holy Word---the BIBLE!!  

   Yet, there are many "Christians" who will ignore God's Holy Word and "do their own thing".  Jeremiah was feeling as many of us are at this time, in America, seeing all that is going on and the fight against Christian values that the liberal media, progressives, LBGTQ+, BLM, and other radical groups are pushing.

  Do we, as the church and as Christians stand up!  I say yes, not only yes but, FOR HEAVENS SAKE YES!!!!  90 years ago the church in Germany was told to stand up. Out of 12,000 pastors, 6,000 took a stand -- 3,000 for the Nazi regime and 3,000 against the Nazi regime, and 6,000 did nothing.  You see the outcome.  

  Many say the church should not be political, but to this we say bunk.  When Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s,” Jesus was drawing a sharp distinction between two kingdoms. There is a kingdom of this world, and Caesar (our government) holds power over it. But there is another kingdom, not of this world, and Jesus is King of that (John 18:36). You and I are part of both kingdoms, for now.  Under the government, we have certain obligations that involve material things. Under Christ, we have other obligations that involve things eternal. If the government demands money, we give, however, remember—it’s only riches, and can become an object of worship or greed. IMPORTANT to make sure you also give God what He demands.

    In all this I am saying we should not compromise our Christian values with the world.  As we go through the rest of what Jeremiah is saying you will see his frustrations and be able to relate those to your life as well.  Take time to read each verse and allow it time to sink in.

Lamentations 3: 31 For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever.

 32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.

33 For he does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow.

 34 To crush underfoot all prisoners in the land,  

35 if they deprive others of their rights in defiance of the Most High. 

36 If they twist justice in the courts-doesn't the LORD see all these things?  

37   Who can speak and have it happen without the Lord's permission?  

38 Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?  

39 Why should we, humans, complain when punished for our sins?

God sees all.  We muddle through life, some caring, some caring not, Some true Christians believing God's word, and some "Christians" who pick and chose parts of God's word. Where are you???

Are you standing with Jeremiah or the Herodians and Pharisees of Jesus' time?  Hope this all made sense to y'all.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace,

Johnny

Stories of the Bible! Giving, willingly and with a grateful heart back to Go!!

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

  So often we hear the stories of the Bible and they are "good stories" but don't relate to us.  Last time I spoke of Adam and Eve.  Now, let's look at their sons - Cain and Abel.  Here is what the Bible says:

  Genesis 4: 2 Later she gave birth to his brother Abel.Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 3 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

  So what is the problem here?  Notice Cain brought"some of the fruits" of the soil to offer, whereas Abel brought "fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock".

  Cain seemed to give as he should, but not of his best.  Able gave of his best in offering to the LORD.  If you continue to read Genesis 4 you will find Cain was now angry.  But why?  Because he did not willingly give back to the LORD. Now after a conversation with God, still not seeing that evil was upon him, he wanted to take his anger out on someone.  Well, we know the story from here.

  Relate this to you and your life.  When have you given freely and willingly to God as did Abel; then reflect to when you gave grudgingly back to God as did Cain.  

   Well, I went to church Sunday. I just wasn't moved.  I had other things I needed to do rather than sit in church.  Or, possibly, yep, I read my Bible this morning, I took 2 minutes before I went about my business and I can pray later.

   It could even be that you didn't want to, or running late because you hit the snooze too many times.

    We must give back to God in our discipline to Him and His word.  There are 1,440 minutes in a day (24 hours), Which means a tenth of that would be 144 minutes or 2.4 hours a day.  You say, I don't have that kind of time, I work.

   Yes, but this can be easily attained.  As we cruise through the course of the day we can pray as we are driving, read scripture before work, during lunch, at home while relaxing and at other opportunities.  

  Some will say I don't have time to read the Bible, oh, by the way, I just finished reading this great book about (you fill in the blank); you need to read it.  That book won't draw you closer in a relationship with the LORD like the Bible will.  So what is most important?

   While I am telling you this, I, as Paul, am the chief sinner about not getting into the Word as I should.  Am I pointing fingers at you? NO!  I am preaching to myself and you just happen to get in on it.  However, it is food for thought.

   I pray, and ask that you pray for me, you, and the world to get more involved in living for God.  Thank you and may your day be blessed.

In Christ's Love and Grace,

Johnny

Food for thought! The stories of the Bible!!

  Hello my fellow Christians,

  I do hope all is well with you. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!

   Okay, we hear the stories of the Bible, we read or listen to them, then go on about our business.  But, have you really thought about them?  Well, have you?

   Let's look first at Adam and Eve.  We won't talk about how they came to be, but when they were in the garden.

  Genesis 3, the sin in the garden of man and woman.  First, satan comes disguised as a serpent and speaks to Eve. Genesis 3: Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

  Okay, satan is being subtil, aka sneaky. And he speaks to Eve.  Well, we know what happens here.  Yes, the sensory attributes of humans take over and when Eve sees the tree - the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit .

   Yes, how often do we let our eyes do the talking for our logic?  Well, let's move on.  She eats of the apple and so does Adam and then what happened?

Now here is the catcher -- 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked;

They were naked before, no problem, but now what?  Have you ever done anything and then wished you had not?  Don't you imagine this is where Adam and Eve are now!

   Now God or Jesus (which many believe this to be), is  walking in the garden and he asks where they are.  Here is the response: 10 And he (Adam) said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

  Then God (Jesus) asks who told you that you were naked?  Then comes the blame game, Adam blames Eve for giving him a bite, and he blames God because he says God created woman. The woman blames the serpent.  Anyway you know how this goes.  So, let us think of this in another way.

    You are given a perfect and beautiful home in the perfect location you chose.  You were told it was yours to do with as you please, except, don't let strangers in and never invite strangers in.  Then, in a moment of  weakness, you see a person outside the fence and through the gate.  That person is asking for just a small handout or a morsel of food.  So, you decide I'll let him in, what could it hurt.

   Well, your agreement was NO STRANGERS at all.  You did not adhere to the agreement. So, suddenly you are out of this beautiful home and cast into the street to work hard for a living.  You, in a moment of weakness, gave in to temptation.

   This is Adam and Eve.  Their instructions were: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.  Since they violated God's word, they were cast out of the garden of Eden and had to toil for a living.  How would you react?  I can only imagine that Adam and Eve were terribly sad, probably cried, and then wondered how they could have done this.  And, yep, they probably blamed each other for a while and had major arguments.  

   Again, what had God told them:  3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

   What do you think?  Do you think they were distraught, angry, and frustrated that they disobeyed God? Did they wail and cry?  Just food for thought.  I thought you might enjoy thinking beyond just the story we get in Sunday School.

  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny