What time of year is it now? December - Christmas and ........????

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Through grace are ye saved!  Hallelujah

  Ephesians 1:7-8a  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us.

  Tis that time of year when we hustle and bustle around to get gifts for our friends and family.  But do we really remember the reason we have Christmas?

  Oh, it is because of the big fat man in the red suit, Santa, who brings gifts to all the good little children.  Yes, we believe in the myth, but do we tell the real story of Christmas to our children??

  Oh, I would except I need to go shopping for ??????.  Then I have to get the house ready for the guests, plan a menu, decorate the last few missed items, and then it is Christmas and I really don't have time.

   Will God accept the truth when we get to the end?  Oh, I was a good person, but did not have time to think about let alone read the Bible.  Huh???  We have time for the things we choose to do, why not eternal salvation?

   God offers us a gift!!  The gift of salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ.  Do we put this gift on the shelf for later, OR, accept it now and then live the life God intended us to live.  

  Through the grace of God we are forgiven of our wrongs, our sins.  The grace God gave us is through the blood of Jesus Christ.  We need to remember, enjoy our salvation, and tell the story of Jesus Christ at Christmas (not just a play about the birth, but the whole story).

   Thank you for reading with me and MERRY CHRISTMAS,  Keep the Christ in Christmas!!!

In His Grace and Love

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood!

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

   The history of the world is filled with examples of many things. When a slave was sold in ancient times, he/she was purchased or redeemed by someone.  In the slave days of America a slave was purchased or redeemed through the exchange of money.

  Well, you and I were bought and paid for, aka redeemed by the Blood of JESUS CHRIST.  We were born with a sin nature and in order to receive redemption blood must be shed.  The Israelites did this through animal sacrifices, aka the sacrificial lamb.

  Jesus is the Lamb of God sent to shed His blood for us.  This act of love by God frees us from sin.  No money, no materials things, nothing can set our eternal soul free except through the blood of Jesus.  

  No matter how hard one tries, he/she cannot work his/her way to eternal life. Only through the FREE GIFT from God called believing in Jesus Christ.  All we have to do is accept the gift.

   Have you done so?  Have you shared the opportunity of this gift with others? Step up, accept, share, and rejoice in the saving grace of Jesus.

Love you all. Thank you for listening.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

 

Will God see your image when refined by fire? Malachi 3

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  FEAR NOT is in the Bible 365 times, so each day we should FEAR NOT! 

   Corrie Ten Boom quote concerning Malachi 3.  

Here is the scripture: Chapter 3---  I will send my messenger who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the LORD you are seeking will come to his temple: the messenger of the covenant whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty. 2But who can endure the day of his coming?  Who can stand when he appears?  For he will be like a refiners fire or a launderers soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold them like gold and silver.

     Corrie ten Boom explains it very well. It is a short read but extremely good.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/996246724284169/posts/1688596251715876/

   Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Who's your daddy? Ephesians 1:5

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  FEAR NOT! BE BLESSED TODAY!!

  Who is your Daddy?  Most of us all know our Father.  Some fathers are good, some mediocre, some bad, and some not even in the picture.  However, when we look at Ephesians 1:5 He predestined us for adoption as sons (daughters) through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.

  Now I may open some questions and get comments back about the rest of this study.

  1- predestined - knowing before hand what is to happen.  I believe God loves us all and wants us all to be His children. However, being all knowing of the past, present, and future, God knows who will and who won't accept His most worthy gift of salvation.

  Many people get hung up on the "predestination" situation and have questions like: why would a loving God send you to hell;  if He loves us all why do we need to accept Jesus:  why doesn't God eliminate evil and we all live peaceably?

  God does not want puppets  or robots to just do what they are told.  He gave us life, intellect, and the ability to be able to choose good over evil.  After Adam and Eve, committing sin, God provided us with a "GIFT OF HIS SON-JESUS CHRIST" and then we can choose to accept the gift or reject the gift.

  God is ABBA, Father, Daddy.  A good father loves his children, cares for them, corrects them when they are wrong, but never stops loving them.  Just as I did with my daughters.  I love them dearly, don't want them to have harm and always want the best for them, BUT, I am not there to make all their decisions and keep them as puppets.  Yes all my girls have gone against me various times, yet I still love and care for them and they are my family.

   This is how God, Abba, is with us.  He loves us, forgives us, and is always there for us.  We are part of the family of God.  We are children of the King, of the ruler over all the cattle of a thousand hills, we are royalty!  We should be proud of our salvation (which is a gift) and share this wonderful news with others.

  Thanks for reading today. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Ephesians 1:3 Spiritual Blessings

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

   I trust and pray that your Thanksgiving was safe, enjoyable, relaxing, and fun.

   Ephesians 1: 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

When we, you and I, became Christians God gave us every spiritual blessing through Christ Jesus.  We all have the same blessings.  Don't mistake this for gifts, but blessings.

  Because of Jesus we have eternal life, forgiveness, the presence of the Holy Spirit, righteousness, and we are ADOPTED AS GOD'S CHILD.

  You and I are complete in Christ and have what we need to walk with God.  As MLK said, "Thank God we are free, free at last"!

  But, we have to remember that we started out as a healthy new born baby.  We have all we need to be healthy, BUT, we have to grow.  We are complete as we have the basics of what we need, yet now is the time for growth.

   It is important that we grow and develop into the witness/disciple that God wants us to be.  But beware of the invasion of satan.  The stronger we grow the harder he works to tarnish, taint, or destroy our witness.

  Satan throws what I call "DOUBT DARTS" at us.  I am not good enough to be a Christian; I can't be forgiven due to my sin; I am no use to God; This is the way I am and I can't change; I was born a sinner and a sinner I will remain.

  These, and more, are lies or doubt darts satan and the demons will throw at you and me.  These is where we have a choice. Listen to the lies; OR, don't listen, pray and stand strong in the strength of Jesus Christ. 

  You are, I am, we are adopted children of God, fully forgiven and loved by God.  We have the power to overcome and live knowing we have the spiritual blessings of God our Father.

   Take a step back, go look in the mirror and see yourself as God sees you; white as snow and forgiven.  Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Galatians 6:14 Is it all about me? Really?

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

In today's world it seems to be all about ME.  Not you, but ME!!!  We want to take selfies of where we are; selfies of what we have done; selfies of who we are with; even selfies of what we are eating. Also know as SELFISHNESS!

  In other words we have to BOAST about who we are and what we are doing.  Really?  Here are some questions:

  How did you get here?

  Why are you where you are?

  What or who is your idol?

  Who or what do you put your faith in?

.

First I am here because of God, who knew me before I was in the womb.

I am where I am not through my own doing, but for the Grace of God.

My idol (who I worship) is not an athlete, movie star, but Jesus Christ.

My faith has to lie in God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

If I need to boast about anything, it is that I am a child of the living God. Jesus Christ took a beating, was hung, and shed His blood and died just for Me.  Just for YOU! 

Galatians 6:14  But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Please pray for my cousin Ronnie who had eye surgery, and my nephew Brad who is struggling with kidney stones.  Thank you for reading today. Love y'all!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Galatians 5:22-23 Fruits of the spirit

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

   Life is too short, Grudges are a waste of happiness.  Laugh when you can, apologize when you should, and let go of what you  can't change.  Love deeply and forgive quickly.  Life is too short to be unhappy.

   Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruits of the spirit.  22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Love is  at the top of the list.  This is the most important. This is love of God, of family, of other people.  It is not selfish but centered around other people.

Joy is contentment, feeling good about yourself in all situations.

Peace gives you freedom from worry, fear, guilt and shame.  No envy or jealousy from any thing that troubles you.

Patience - oh, we all need this.  We are not to be quick tempered, not easily irritated or difficult to live with.  We all really need this.

Kindness - encourage others with words, offering to help, or maybe just a smile or hello.

Goodness - this, as a book I'm reading says "love in action". A generous spirit and strive to help and bless people.

Faithfulness - we are there no matter what. Speak truth, keep promises, dependable, reliable, and do what we say we'll do.

Gentleness- don't respond with harsh or mean words, don't demand, are not arrogant, but being kind and patient.

Self-control - yes, You need this; I need this, we all do. We don't let things get out of control.  Our patience, money, food, drink, words, work, all should be in check. 

   Jesus modeled all these traits and we won't perfect them, however, we should strive to be more like Jesus and less like ourselves.  Demonstrating more of these modeled traits.

   Can you do it?  No, not on your own, but with God's help and the Holy Spirit leading you will come closer to perfection.

  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Yom Kippur - the sacrificial Lamb - Jesus

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

  What is Yom Kippur?  For the Jewish people this occurs in October and is when an unblemished lamb is sacrificed for their sins.

  First, in ancient times the priest would bring 2 unblemished or identical lambs up to be sacrificed, then lots were cast to see which one would be the sacrificial lamb or as some say the "scapegoat" to atone for the sins of the people.

   Well, let us look at Jesus.  What happened there?  He was brought before Pilot, accused and the high priest wanted Him crucified.  Then a strange thing happened.  Pilot says to the people do you want to sacrifice Jesus or Barabbas? One would be sacrificed and one let go.

  Well, you say, the Jewish priest would bring 2 identical lamb and cast lots.  It does not seem that Jesus and Barabbas were the same.  One the savior of the world, the other a murderer.  But, Jesus is the Son of the Father.  Well, the Name Barabbas in Aramic means :"son of the father".  So both were sons of the father, albeit they were 2 different fathers, yet both sons of the father.   As a side not in Aramic "bar" means son, "abba" means father. Hence the name BAR-ABBAs. So this is how they would be considered "identical".

 Just an FYI.

   Well the lots were cast (meaning the peoples choice) and the people, being encouraged by the priests, chose to sacrifice Jesus and free Barabbas.

   

   To read the scripture about Pilot, Jesus and Barabbas click here- Matthew 27.

So, in summation, there were 2 and 1 to be sacrificed, 1 to be slain for the sins of the people.  Both sons of the father, the crowd urged on by the priest chose to release the murderer and sacrifice the savior of the world - Jesus.

   When I studied and heard about this I thought it was very interesting and wanted to share.  May your day be wonderful and blessed.  Don't believe what I have printed, but research this yourself.  Never, never, never just believe what one says Biblically, but check to make certain it is scripturely sound.  Love y'all.

  Thanks for reading today.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Galatians 5:1 FREEDOM

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

   Do you really believe you have freedom??  No, not freedom in America, but freedom from sin?

  In Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

  So often in church, talking to other Christians, in a small group, and possibly other places we talk about being free, but do we, YOU, really believe it and live it?

  Christ set us free from sin.  We do not have to pay the penalty for sin and spend eternity separated from God.  Our slavery and bondage is gone.

   However, we must what?   STAND FIRM and DO NOT again go into slavery.  By Christ setting us free we are free of many things such as anger, not forgiving, fear, worry, religion (rule keeping), we are free from all this.

   Now the big question---Do you live your life knowing you are set free or do the above mentioned still keep you in bondage?  Time for soul searching.

   Thanks for reading with me today. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Galatians 2:20 Are you truly crucified with Christ?

 Good morning everyone.  God is good all the time all the time God is good. Say this out loud:  "I ive by faith in the Son of God, Jesus"!

Galatians 2:: 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

  Just how do you see yourself?  Do you feel that you no longer live your life, but you live by faith in Jesus?  If you did, indeed, trust Jesus Christ as your savior you know the old you died and the new you in Christ has arisen.

  Life is no longer just about you, you are not the hero, but the humble servant who serves a risen savior..  Jesus is your strength and power.  Prayer is your direct line to the one living God.

  Jesus gave his life for you, for me, for all mankind.  Jesus is a loving savior and His love should show through us as we live for Him.

  Can you go outside your protective walls and declare that Jesus is your LORD and savior and share the GOOD NEWS with others??

   Next, I will speak to the fact that Jesus was the sacrificial lamb or scapegoat for our salvation.  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Galatians 1:10 Whom do you strive to please? People or God?

 Good morning everyone. God  is good all the time, all the time God is good. Just remember: God is GREAT; People are CRAZY!

   As we begin our life here on earth we start out all about ourselves. As babies we cry to be fed, to change diapers, to go to sleep, when we wake up.  Then as we go from milk to meat we tend to want to please others.

  We do things to please our parents, our friends, our family, then teachers, boss, colleagues at work, and so on.  But whom should we really be trying to please?

  If we do everything as if working for GOD then we will just automatically please the above mentioned.  What does the Bible say?

   Galatians 1: 10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

  We are called to love God, serve Him in all we do, and in doing so we will love and please people.  However, our approval needs to come from God.  Why? So that when the end comes God/Jesus will say, "well done good and faithful servant".  This is our calling.

   If you and I live to please people only we are asking for trouble and failure; BUT, if we live for God our reward will be heavenly.

   When we love God and strive to be a servant unto the LORD, our love for others will come freely, it will be easy.  Just remember, the life serving the LORD is not a cakewalk, nor without rough bumps in the road, but it is well worth it.

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

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Okay, elections over, now what? 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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

  Well, the election is over.  Just like a sporting events - some fans are happy, some are mad and upset.  Well, that is life.  Things happen and not always the way one wants.

   Last night in Bible study in Luke the mention of Jonah going to Nineveh.  The people turned away from their wicked ways.  Yet, later on they returned to those ways and forgot God.

  We in America prayed for the outcome of the election and most see God's hand at work.  It looks like we may turn from our evil ways.  However, it is not over.  We must continue praying for America, our leaders, whether democrat or republican or other.  If we forget God we will be in the same boat as Nineveh.

  1 Thessalonians 5: 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

  Dear friend, please continue to pray. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Finally, the campaigns have stopped! 2 Chronicles 7:14

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

  Well, the good news is all the campaigning and character bashing is over for the most part.  However, if you are a Trump fan, you know the harassment and ugliness will continue.

  If you are a Harris fan, then do as the Trump.supporters did 4 years ago--accept the outcome and move on.  The riots and burning need not happen.  Let's all be adults and move on.

  Many Christians prayed and asked God to be in control.  God is in control, we just do not think in the same realm as God.  We did not know what was in store in the upcoming election but we needed to embrace the outcome, whether Harris or Trump.

  We just need to look back at the Bible and see how God used many different people, some good, some bad.  Take Joseph for example. He had several bad things happen to him, yet he kept the faith and it turned out good. Be cast into a well, sold as a slave, accused of rape, in prison, then just a simple thing as interpreting a dream and he is ruler next to Pharaoh.

   In keeping the faith, many Christians saw the devastating rules/laws passed these last 4 years and then went to 2 Chronicles 7: 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

So, now we must continue to pray for our president, fight evil in our prayers and continue on.  God is in control, no matter what we encounter, just keep the faith.

   Thank you for reading today.   Yes,  today is a day to rejoice in the LORD, rejoice I say.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD

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

    Well, the campaign trail is slowly coming to the trail head and will end soon. People on both sides experience hope, frustration, anxiety, and hold strongly to their beliefs.

   We, as Christians, must do our part.  Is that to demonstrate, scream, yell, be obnoxious and loudly vocal?  I don't think so.  We can show support, calmly express our views when opportunities arise, but most importantly, stand on the word of GOD.

   It is important we vote the closest to our Christian values and not be taken in by false propaganda.  We have to trust in GOD.

  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

  Do you  trust in the LORD with all your heart?  Or, do you try to take things into your own hands?  Submit!!!

   Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Jeremiah 31:9

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

   Are you worried about the upcoming election?  It is not our place to worry, only to vote.  We must vote our Christian values -  Not what Trump, Harris, or anyone else says, but search out the truth and vote for the one who you feel will "lessen the evil".   Some say voting for the lessen of 2 evils; NO, vote to LESSEN THE EVIL, a better attitude toward voting.

   Jeremiah 31: 9 They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.

  God is in control; this we must remember.  How HE works we know not, yet we must just keep the faith and let GOD do what GOD does.  Monday evening there is a call out for all Christians to pray at 6 p.m. in their time zone that God, who is in control, will show us how to vote (if not already) and to embrace the outcome, not with anxiety, but with hope.

  Jeremiah 31 is very good and you can listen to it all- click here. 

May your day be wonderful, safe, and great.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Riches, wealth, is it really worth it? 1 Timothy 6::17

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

  1 Timothy 6: 17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

  There is nothing wrong with having money.  Yes, it does keep the wolves away from the door; provides opportunities that are not available without money; BUT, we have to be careful where we put our trust.

  Timothy tells them not to be arrogant or haughty.  This is a danger as we then put our trust in money rather than GOD.  We trust all our assets, resources, income, home, investments and other "material" objects rather than GOD.  Strike one.

   Strike two is when we begin trusting wealth, we can find it is uncertain.  You may have invested $100,000 and when the market fell that 100k if only worth 50k. This, then, creates problems at home, work, and in general all over.

  However, before strike three comes, we turn our trust to GOD rather than wealth or material items here on earth.  Now,  in lieu of strike three, we get a home run.

   God give us things we can enjoy.  He is good and generous and we need to put all our trust in Him, God, Jesus Christ.  Let the Holy Spirit reign freely in your life. 

  Thanks for reading with me today. Love you all.

Verse of the day:  Proverbs 15:23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all things

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

   Do you give thanks in all things?  So often we thank God for the promotion, the extra bonus, coming through a health problem; BUT, do we thank Him went we are fired?  When we are ill?  When we lose money?  When the car breaks down?

   We could thank Him what we can now look for the job we really would like.  Our health cleared up.  We received unexpected money.  When the car runs well.

  In everything we should give thanks.  Yes, it is hard to do.  Why is God doing this to me?  Well, it usually is a result or consequence of our actions.  Failing to do a good job at work, not taking care of our health, poor impulse investments, forgetting car maintenance.  It could be anything.

  We circumstances around us so often provoke an emotional response, when we should STOP, BE STILL AND LISTEN.

  Giving thanks shows faith that God is bigger than your problem.  It also shows that we can trust God no matter what.

  1 Thessalonians 518  In everything give thanks for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

   Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Hiding from sin? Hiding from ourselves? Turn to God!!

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

  Genesis  3: 8-9 "And they heard the sound of the LORD GOD walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD GOD among the trees of the garden.  But the LORD GOD called to the man and said to him, "Where are you?""

  This is all very interesting since God is omniscience and does not need to inquire where they are, yet HE does.  Why?  Because GOD is a loving and kind GOD and is not going to just accuse and be ugly to us.  GOD seeks to have all of us come to know HIM.

  God asked Adam where are you?  Just as He asks us where are we?  Not because He does not know, but because we need to know several things.  First, God is seeking us, but second we need to ask ourselves "Where am I?"  Oh, not where we are physically, but, WHERE AM I SPIRITUALLY?

  So often we hide, yes we hide from God;; from being uncomfortable in God's presence; but we hide.  We may hide in various ways, but yet we hide.  We are afraid to admit the truth - I have sinned and don't want to face the consequences!

  We don't need to hide.  Humans tend to hide to conceal their sin.  A criminal commits a crime and goes into hiding.  We as Christians commit a sin and don't want to admit or be confronted, so we hide.  What are you hiding from today?

   God has the best strategy. We have to wait on the LORD and HE will resolve the issue in HIS time and HIS way.  As I go through my study, different topics pop up and thank you for staying with me. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Living by the flesh? Romans 8:5

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

  Today, in our world, the whole planet earth, people are living by the flesh.  Do we consult God on major decisions, OR, do we just go forth and justify our decision?

   Romans 8: 5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

 A. W. Tozer was born in 1897 and died in 1963.  He was a Christian pastor, author, and mentor.  Here is a quote from him that is still relevant today:

 "We may as well face it: the whole level of spirituality among us is low.  We have measured ourselves by ourselves until the incentives to seek higher plateaus in the things of the Spirit is all but gone...{We} have imitated the world, sought popular favor, manufactured delights to substitute for the joy of the LORD and produced a cheap and synthetic power to substitute for the power of the Holy Ghost".

  God tells us to set our minds not on the flesh, but on the Spirit.  This means we are focused wholly on Christ, and not ourselves.  We work to follow Christ's agenda rather than our own agenda.

   If we live for the world, our eternal life will be lived in agony; whereas, if we live for Christ we will spend eternity with God.  So, dear friend, what is your choice?  Smoking or Non-smoking;  Heaven or Hell?  The choice is ours and we must not be afraid to share the good news of Jesus Christ to the world.

  Thank you for reading. Love you all

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

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

   Dr. Stanley gave a great message this morning and I wanted to share parts of it that we all, at one time or another, tend to violate.

   He was talking about Christians and how we should react to one another and others outside the Christian circle.  With love, humility, and our countenance should reflect this.

  So often little things will upset us.  Like: Why is that car tailgating me? That just makes me mad, that idiot.   Well, yes, it may become a dangerous situation, BUT, we must maintain our integrity and not create a situation that was avoidable.

  If I could just speak to him/her I would give him/her a piece of my mind.  Hmmm!  Really?  Proverbs 13:3  "He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life; but, he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. KJV

  Proverbs 13:2  NIV  He who guard his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

Wow!  Does this hit home with you?  It does with me.  Once the words come out of the mouth there is no taking them back, no white out, no delete, it is there.  Oh, yes, I have said I am sorry and have been forgiven, but the words are still out there.  Just like cyberspace.  Once posted, it is there.

Then I want to move along with kind of a side bar to watching our tongue.  Romans 6:23   So often the first part of this scripture is quoted to "SCARE" people to the LORD.   FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH;  ----then we stop.  The rest of the scripture is so, so very important -- BUT, THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD!!    

Fear is a factor that often motivates us, but we cannot be "scared" into Christianity.  It is a FREE and OPEN gift from GOD.  All one has to do is ask Jesus into their life.  We don't need a wordy 2 or 3 minute talk, just a simple,  plain, "Jesus, I believe in you and ask you to come into my life".  DONE!!

Often we get emails, facebook, or other media with a post that tries to "shame" you into believing in Jesus.  You will get a post about Jesus and then at the end it says: "if you are not ashamed of Jesus repost this".  Huh?  I know Jesus as my personal savior and nowhere does it say I lose my salvation if I don't repost this picture/article' or other type of media.

Just trivia for you.  The most common phrase in the Bible is "FEAR NOT", and it is in the Bible 365 times. Once for each day of the year.  So FEAR NOT my friends, Jesus is gathering the troops, saddling up, and getting ready to return TRIUMPHANTLY!  

Moving forward- God has a plan!

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

  Now is a time to pray for all the hurricane victims on the East coast.  Two major storms back to back and then the 38 tornados at this count in Florida recking havoc in addition to the hurricane.  Over 3 million people without power.  

   Pray for the linemen, volunteers, and everyone that is joining the effort to help the victims of these mighty storms.  Also, pray for the families that are left homeless, stranded, or not knowing what has happened to their relatives.

   God is big and in control and we know not the reason why these things happen, but we have to continue on, helping one another in brotherly love.

   Psalm 37:23-24  23 The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;  24 though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

   Philippians 3:13-14  13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

   Scriptures to encourage us.  May your day be blessed and prosperous. Remember your knee-mail aka prayers for people in need. Thank you for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

 Johnny

Job? Again? When friends point finger!!

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

  Oh, how often are our "friends" or "family" quick to point out what they perceive as misgivings or mistakes.  Eliphaz the Temanite told Job it was his piety and wickedness that put him in this situation. He said Job gave no water to the weary, food to the hungry, stripped men of their clothing, sent widows away empty-handed and broke the strength of the fatherless. 

   He goes on to say that is why these perils terrifies him.  At the end of his rant Job replied.

   In Job 26 Job replied to his friends asking: have you helped the powerless, helped the feeble, why do you utter such words and what spirit spoke from your mouth?

  Then in Job 29 he says God's intimate friendship blessed his house, his children were around me, he sat in the public square young men stepped aside and old men rose to their feet.   He goes on to say whoever heard him spoke well of him. He made the widow's heart sing, was eyes to the blind, feet to the lame, father to the needy, cared for the stranger, and broke the fangs of the wicked.

   In saying all this Job was accused of things he had not done; he rebuffs them with his response.  This is real today.

   When we look at the elections that are forth coming.  Many are as Job's friends and see things in only their eyes, conjuring up partial truths or lies to be true and then expect us all to believe.

   We experience this in our own lives.  When someone accuses you of something, yet has no factual proof, only a partial piece of the story and creates the rest.

   We have to maintain our integrity in the LORD, use our knee-mail, stay in fervent prayer, and reverent to the Living God.

   All is not what it seems.  Why is that car speeding?  Either an idiot or an emergency - yet we do not know.  Take time to know and pray about our actions - go forward not in anger and control, but go forth in the spirit of the LORD.

   Thanks for taking my rant. I'll leave Job alone for a while.  If you have time to read it, it definitely is interesting and may cast some insight on the world today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Job - How do friends respond?

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

  Reading Job and his 3 "friend" who came to be with him.  The best they did was, at first, they were just silent and sat with Job.

  Then came the onslaught.  They are very good at pointing fingers and telling Job he must have done something wrong, something to anger God, he was not in God's will.

  Does this ever happen to you?  When a friend could come and just console you, sit with you, and be with you in support; then start taunting or pointing fingers at what they see as your iniquities?  

   Sometime a positive word would be helpful. But a constant barrage of finger pointing will wear on one and create anger and resentment.  This is what is happening to Job. His "friends" freely telling him he is wrong, he is not right with God, and on and on.

   WOW!  So often a soft word spoken in kindness will go a long way.  No, we are not perfect, but to be constantly told you are wrong, inferior, out of Gods will does nothing to help the situation.  Where, oh where is your compassion oh world.  Hate, anger, and control suffocates the planet.

   We, Christians, need to go into the world and share the joy and love of Jesus Christ and not be as Job's "friends".

   May your day be wonderful, bright, and may you say or do something to brighten someone's day.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Job - Faithful to the LORD

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

   I am reading the Bible in a chronological Bible.  At this point I am in Job.  He did so much right in the eyes of the Lord.  Yet, satan was allowed to try to turn him away from the LORD.  

  Through losing everything Job remained faithful to the LORD.  Did he understand?  No, definitely not.  Did anyone else?  No!  His wife told him to curse God and die.  His 3 ""friends" came, sat quietly for seven days before speaking, then basically they became accusers that Job had done something wrong in the eyes of the LORD.

   Job rebuked them, but they still maintained he had sinned and was reaping what he had sowed.

   How often in our world is this our plight as well?  People accusing you or assuming you are to blame for something that was, in fact, not valid at all.

   How quick we are to point fingers and not accept the blame ourselves.  Then once this happens our pride will not allow us to admit we were in error and go to the party offended and apologize??

   Words hurt, words last, words cut deeper than the sharpest sword.  The old saying when we were kids;  "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me" was basically to try to get people to forgive and forget.  We can forgive, but forgetting is near impossible as the words cut very deep.

  I am certain all of us have been on either end of this situation. or possibly both.  A hard pill to swallow and hard to admit I was wrong.  I have had to do this with my daughters and it is difficult, yet necessary.

   Where are you today?  As Job wondering why?  Or as his friends pointing fingers and accusing?  Read Job.  It will make you think.  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and grace

Johnny

UNCLEAN????

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

   What is unclean to you?  Exactly what does this mean?  Hands are dirty? Foul language from someone?  Clothes dirty?  OR............could it be......it might be..... .. it could be what comes from the inside of you....HMMMMM!

  In Mark 7:  14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:  15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. 16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

  You can give your heart to Jesus, and your heart is still with Jesus and you know you are saved.  Then why do I have these ugly and evil thoughts.  Our hearts are with Jesus, but our mind has to have a reset so we think and believe what comes out of us.  Jesus says what enters us does not defile or make us filthy, BUT, what comes out of us.

  Hey, did you hear about..............and continue with dirty words or a dirty joke, or possible gossip.  This comes from the mind, and until the mind is as pure as the heart you gave to Jesus, vile and ugly things may come out.

   Jesus is talking about the food that goes in,  goes to the stomach, and then out of the body. So Jesus declared all food clean.  Yet, what comes out of a man is what makes him unclean.  Our mind may have evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.  All these come from in side, our minds.

  Can they pollute our hearts?  Jesus says this evil comes out of men's hearts.

If you are struggling with any of these thoughts just take time, on bended knee, or arms held upward, however you pray, then give it all over to God and let HIM take the unwanted evil from you.  You have to proclaim it, stand on it, and KNOW THAT GOD WILL TAKE IT FROM YOU.

   I do hope you followed me today.  This message is more to me than anyone else.  Ugly thoughts pass through my head daily, I do ask forgiveness, yet as Paul, why do I do what I know not to do, and don't do what I know to do.

  Thank you for reading.  Your feedback is always appreciated.  Or just delete. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

A Pencil---which pencil are you? Sharpened or dull?

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  You are so blessed to be a child of the living GOD!!!

  This morning I really felt God woke me with this word.  Talking to me, yet available to share with family and friends.

  Are you like a pencil?  When you get a new pencil it is blunt on one end and has an eraser on the other end.  Between the blunt end and the eraser is simply wood and graphite.  What can you do with this object?  You can look at it; hold it in your hand; lay it down somewhere; yet it has no real purpose.  So what do you do?

  Well, often this is what we do with our Bible.  It sits on the shelf, you can hold it in your hand, look at it, dust it, put it out for display,and yet it serves no purpose.

   So, we sharpen the pencil.  Now what?  We can write with it; draw with it; and do many more things with a sharpened pencil.  It comes to a point and is just what we need.  This can be our relationship with Jesus.  We sharpen our knowledge, go to him in prayer, go out into the world sharing the good news,and can produce good in his name.

   Then, the more we use the pencil it becomes dull.  Sometimes this is our relationship with the LORD.  Our relationship is still there, but becomes dull. We don't have the prayer time we used to have; we don't do the Bible study like we used to, and our relationship is still there but dull and only "when we think about it".  What do we do?  Just like the dull pencil, we have to sharpen it, so we get back into our Bible study, prayer time, and become closer to the LORD.

   As we sharpen the pencil it becomes shorter and shorter.  Yes, this is as our lives.   Our live span becomes shorter and shorter.  Once the pencil has been used up it can serve no more.  As are we, once we have served our purpose for the LORD, HE will then say "Well done good and faithful servant" and then call us home.

  You say this is all well and good, but you have not mentioned the eraser.  Oh yes, the eraser.  Just what is the purpose of the eraser?  The eraser on a pencil is there for the sole purpose of me, you, making a mistake.  We then turn the pencil over, erase the misteak------uh----mistake and continue on as if it never happened.  This is God in our lives.  He forgives us our mistakes and brings us back into fellowship, continues on and we continue to serve HIM.  

   Is your Christian life as the new pencil, sitting on the counter and doing nothing?  OR, as the sharpened pencil that is in relationship with the LORD, working for HIS kingdom, reading, praying, and sharing the Good News?

  Please pray for me and others that our lives will reflect activity and production as would a sharpened pencil.  Thank you for reading. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

The final Pay day!

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

   Many thoughts are racing through my mind so I thought I would share some.  When is the final "PAYDAY"?  This is when we talk and walk with Jesus.  Okay, well......

   If I gave you a crisp $100 bill you would most likely take it and thank me for it.  But think about this, I am wearing my clothes where I just finished working on my car.  Grease and oil are splattered about on my clothes, my hands and arms are dirty and greasy.  Then you decide to come visit with me.

  When you show up, of course, I am greasy and dirty.  I am happy to see you and we fist bump so you won't get all dirty.  We sit and visit a few moments and then I say, "hey, I wanted to see you and I have something to give you".  

   Then I reach into my pocket and pull out a waded up, dirty $100 bill and offer it to you.  The bill is still worth $100, whether clean and crisp or dirty.  You take it and say thank  you.

   What you see is a $100 bill, whether it is crisp and new or dirty.  You still take the bill and thank me for it.

    Now, think of it this way:  That is the way Jesus sees you - you are worth something and He does not look at all the dirt in our lives.

   Everything we see, hear, and experience in life creates the creature we are. Whether it is clean and crisp or greasy and dirty, it fills our heart; yet, when we have Jesus as our savior He accepts us as we are.  However, if we are in a relationship with Jesus we will strive to be better in our daily lives and our hearts will grow in love for Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit.

    So, when the final payday does come Jesus will welcome us with open arms and we are with the savior of the world.  Praise God!

   Isn't GOD great!?!?    Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Content? Are you really? Hebrews 13:5

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

  Are you content?  In Hebrews we are told to be content. Hebrews 13:5 "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have because God has said, "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you."".

Quote from Benjamin Franklin:

So, where are you today my friend?  Striving for more and discontent. OR, are you a rich man in your contentment?  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Do you read and hear the words of the Bible?

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  BLESSED BECAUSE OF JESUS CHRIST!!

  How often do we read the Bible and then think, "Hmm, what did I just read"?  So often we see text, the written word, yet fail to absorb the meaning.

  In Revelation 1:3 John says:  "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of the prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein for the time is at hand".

  So, here is my question for you to meditate on.  What have you read in the Bible lately that stuck with you, you understood what you read, and were able to apply it to your life?

   Are you at a point in your Christian walk that God would say: "Well done my good and faithful servant"?  

  I, for one, am working on this.  I have the faith and my works need to demonstrate that faith.  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny