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

Invisible? Really, am I invisible?

 Good day to all!  I do pray that this comes to you in good health.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!

  Okay, Invisible!  Exactly what am I talking about?  Just stop and think for a moment.  Have you ever been in a group or committee meeting and made a statement that went unheralded, then someone else said the same thing, and WOW, what a great statement.  You can't help but think, "I JUST SAID THAT, WHY DID NO ONE LISTEN"?   INVISIBLE?

   Or maybe you had been attending a Bible study group, or another type of gathering and due to circumstances had to miss for 2 or 3 times or weeks.  No one called to check on you, see how you are doing or if there is a problem.  INVISIBLE?

   Maybe working at a job, doing above and beyond and someone else gets credit for your work?  INVISIBLE!

  Well, you may be invisible to any of the above, however, take stock and rejoice that you are NOT INVISIBLE TO GOD!!  He has known you since the womb, even before and now, today, God knows who you are and that you are alive and well.  God wants to tell us "well done good and faithful servant", and that should be what keeps us looking up and praising God.

   You may be invisible to the ones around you, but those people are not who you are trying to please or be acknowledged by; working for God is the key!

  Matthew 16: 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.

  2 Samuel 22: 21 “The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness;

   You are not invisible, you will be rewarded according to your righteousness.  So, when being ignored, when trouble, when anything crosses your path you need to remember who is your Father and how HE has cared for you.

  TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Thank  you for reading with me today. Love y'all and wish and pray the best for you.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

My thoughts for the day!

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

  I thought I would share with you today something I penned many years ago. Hope you enjoy this tidbit.

   Quietly I sit, watch raindrops as they come down hitting the ground and racing forward.  Where are they going?

  No where....and no where fast!  They are as life, they begin as simple particles, slowly growing to maturity.  Once they reach maturity they are no longer tiny particles but become a complete drop of rain.

  They all vary in size and they make their descent.

  Some have a long way down, some short, as is life, to some life is short, others it is long.

  Then the raindrop hits the ground and breaks into many tiny particles, joining other drops and form a flow of water.  

   We are as raindrops, grow to maturity, join with family and friends, and "flow" our way.  However, unlike raindrops, we do not shatter and break apart.  We come to an end, yet we continue on, joining bands of angels praising God for eternity.

  God is good.  Thanks for reading. Love y'all. Hope this makes sense to you.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

How do you handle pressure? With or without God?

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

   Pressure-- when under pressure how do we respond?  Do we stand and fight, do we take flight, or do we shift the blame?

  In the Bible we see this through Adam and Saul, just to mention two that shifted the blame.

  When God asked Adam (after taking of the fruit) "Who told you you were naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat"?

  Adam, under pressure from God shifts the blame to God saying: "The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat"?

  So Adam is tossing Eve under the bus, but it was God's fault for giving him the woman.  PASS THE BLAME!

  With Saul, going into battle with the Amalekites was told to slay everyone including all the livestock.  Saul saved the livestock to present an "offering to God".  Samuel told Saul he did not obey. Saul then blamed it on the people saying, "but the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed to sacrifice unto the LORd thy God in Gilgal".   It's the peoples fault.  Passing the blame.

  Samuel tell Saul "rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry".

  Under pressure Saul fell, blamed others.  Hmmm!  Have you ever done this?

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

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

   How do you stand up under pressure?  Take it or pass the blame.  Don't be a politician, but be a MAN OF GOD!!!

    Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all, stay cool and God bless.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Proverb 16

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Are you committed to GOD?

  What is commitment?   Commitment is being willing to give your time and energy to something.

   Proverbs 16:3 Commit your works unto the LORD and your thoughts shall be established. 

  So often life gets in the way of commitment.  When we allow the "worldly" things to cause us to sway, our commitment to GOD is dimensioned. verse 7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

  Commitment comes from the heart. verse 9 A man's heart plans his way: but the LORD directs his steps.

   The question here is where is your commitment?  Is it with the LORD; or, only with the LORD on Sundays and maybe Wednesday night? 

   We are not perfect, yet we should strive to be a glowing image and likeness of JESUS, who was perfect.  Perfection will come one day, when we see God, until then we need to strive to let others see more of Jesus and less of ourselves.

  Let me leave you with this from verse 28 of Proverbs 16:  A perverse (contrary or wicked) man sows strife: and a whisperer (gossip) separates best friends.

   Where are you today my friend?  Committed to..........what?  The LORD, your job, your money, your "things", or just what?  Thoughts to meditate on. Love you all. Thank you for reading.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Way maker, miracle worker, light in the darkness, that is who GOD is!!!

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

  Do you wake up with a song in your heart?  Then wonder why you were singing that in your mind?

  I woke this morning with this song going through my mind and felt like I needed to share.  If you think about the words, meditate on the words, then I pray, the words will touch your heart.

   Way maker, Miracle worker, promise keeper

Light in the darkness,
That is who you are
Way maker, Miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness, my God...
That is who you are

  The whole song talks about God moving in our mist, is here with us. God is touching our hearts, turning our lives around, and healing every heart.   Jesus is the answer.

   God is working in even though we don't see him or feel him, HE IS WORKING IN OUR LIVES.

   Take time to listen or sing with the video below.  Thank you for reading today. Love you all.

https://youtu.be/29IxnsqOkmQ?t=30

In Christ's Love and Grace,

Johnny

Have you gone before the LORD and prayed?

 Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good!  Have you gone before the LORD and earnestly prayed this morning?

   In 1 Samuel, Hannah is hurting.  She is barren and Elkanah, her husband has another wife, Peninnah, who has children.  Because Hannah is barren she is treated harshly by Peninnah, and not given much by her husband.

  She is desperate and goes to the temple to pray.  Eli, the priest is there, thinks she is drunk and scolds her. She saids she is not drunk but her soul is in sorrow.  Eli tells her that the pray she cast forward will be answered.

  To shorten the story, yes, she became pregnant and dedicated her child, Samuel, to the LORD.

   What did she do in her desperate and hurting time?  She went before the LORD and asked GOD to take away her pain.  There was not an immediate answer, but an answer when God saw it to be.

   Do you, do I take the time to go before the LORD and ask for help in our time of desperation, time of need, time of hurt?  OR, do we try to solve it ourselves?

  How we respond to our fears, our weaknesses, our time of desolation determines the person we are or will become.  Where do you run first?  To God or yourself?

   Often I have the tendency to want to "fix" it myself.  But I am learning to lean on and depend on God more and more.  Just be patient, HE will answer.

Thank you for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

When/How often/ & where do you commune with God?

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Clean heart, clean mind, good Godly relationship.

   Today, in my Bible study the thoughts crossed my mind.  When and how do I communicate with my heavenly father?  Then I thought about my communicating with my mother in the past, and now my daughters currently.

  If you have children do you want to hear from them only when they have trouble?  Do you want to hear from them once a month or once a week?  No, we love our children and would really like to hear from them daily.  Why?  To know how their life is going; if they are okay; and just to talk to them.

   Well, God is the same way.  He doesn't want us to only call on Him when we have a problem, yet he will respond.  He doesn't want us to just sit in church once a week to "show" we are there. God is our Father in Heaven.

  He wants to hear from you daily, anytime, day or night.  God is there.

So often we are so busy in our lives that we forget the little things, the quiet times, a time when we can just sit, see God's wonders and talk to him. 

  Psalm 46;10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

God loves you and want to hear from you.  Your earthly father loves you and wants to hear from you.  Take time today and reach out.  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Do you have a hidden place for your quiet time?

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good!  Finish this sentence----my quiet time or hidden place is __________.

   Where is the quiet time for you?  What do you do in your quiet time? If you do have a place to spend your quiet time how well do you commune with God?  Do you stop and listen or just spend time telling God what you want, your needs, your demands?

   Seeds planted develop in their hidden or quiet place, they germinate.  Does your faith "germinate" during your quiet time?  OR, are you thinking I need to mow the lawn; check my email, check the latest news, check my phone to see if anyone is following my posts, have errands to run and go to......... , and this could to go on and on.

   The big question is can you persevere and WAIT ON GOD to answer or talk to you?  Are you so caught up in the world you don't have time to go to your quiet place and talk one on one to God?

THIS QUIET TIME PREPARES YOU FOR WHAT GOD HAS IN STORE FOR YOU!

  Romans 12: 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

After your quiet time do you have a Godly glow?  Do you feel like you have been in the presence of the LORD?  Take time today, please!  Let God in!  Thank you for reading with me. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Childlike excitement of Jesus!

 Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Today, may you have a childlike excitement to be alive in JESUS CHRIST!!!

  God's creation is all around us, yet do we appreciate it all.  Yes, we have been having more storms than we would prefer, yet you look out and see people helping people.  People being more Christ like.  Is there a reason for these storms?  Jesus can calm the storms, move them away, yet we have them.  Maybe we need to stop and see the beauty in the storms.

   Are the storms pulling more people together. Working alongside others we know not well?  Why the storms?  Only God knows.  We can complain about too much rain, trees falling and hitting people, cars, or houses; however, we know not the reason.

   Take time to visit with God.  Where is your quiet place, your quiet time?  Do you invite God in?  OR, are you just going through the motion?

   When children learn something new or see something new and different you can see the sparkle in their eye and the excitement in their face & voice.  Do we still have that when we read the Bible?

    As Christians we always hear about tithing 10%.  If you are on your phone 2 hours (120 minutes), do you spend 12 minutes in the Bible or with God.  If you do 4 hours on your phone-- i.e. games, facebook, instagram, tic tok, etc. then do you spend 24 minutes in the Bible or with God?  Food for thought!!

   Psalm 24:1 "The earth is the LORD's and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."

  Genesis 1:31 "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good......"

  We are God's!! Earth is God's!!  and You, Me, and everyone & thing are very good.  Take time to dwell on this!

    May you, today, go through the world as small children do and enjoy the wonders of God.  Let us all enjoy life through JESUS CHRIST!

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

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Where are you? Hiding from God?

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. As a child of GOD your ARE BLESSED!!

  Today, please pray for the storm victims from last night and the storms already passed.  God is there, HE is in control, our decisions make HIS job harder as we fail many times to consult HIM.

  Heb. 4:16 I am helped by God.   Romans 5:11 I am reconciled to God. and 2 Cor 5:20 I am Christ's ambassador.

  We should not put God in a position where he says (Genesis 3:9) 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

  We should always be where we can openly and freely visit with God.  Talk to God today; don't hide as Adam and Eve did when they sinned.

   Thank you for being here today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny 

Did you speak to God today?

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

  Question--Did you go to a quiet place and was still, and knew God; spoke to God; and had a conversation with God?

  I found my quiet place, knelt, and prayed.  After this study I am going to have a conversation with God---just me and God!

  We, you, I, may be in the car and we can pray; maybe walking and then pray; maybe just sitting still and pray.  Whatever the case you find yourself--put down the phone, tablet, ipad, ipod, or whatever and take time to just visit with God.  It is very refreshing AND relaxing.  

  As a child of God we have an inheritance. First, in John 1:12 know that you are a child of God.  Once we are a child of God (Roman 5:1) I have peace with God.  Because we have accepted Christ (1 Cor. 3:16) The Holy Spirit lives in you.  Since the Holy Spirit resides in you,me,--(Jas 1:5) We have access to God''s wisdom.

  So, just take time today--now, at noon, driving, this afternoon or evening to just stop, put down whatever "squirrels" you are chasing and spend time with God.  If you say you don't have time you are only lying to yourself.  We make time for what we want to do.

  Now, just a side note.  Share the gospel of eternal life with someone. An atheist, Penn Jilette (we know him as Penn & Teller from tv) once made this statement and to think an atheist would say this should cause us to reflect on our sharing the gospel.  To quote Penn, "How much do you have to hate someone to not share the gospel of eternal life."  Think about this statement from an atheist.

   Will you share the gospel today?  Love you all. 

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Where is God?

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

   Well, I have been quite remiss in my daily study and walk with the LORD. I just ask your prayers in this regard.

   In my devotional today talking about Be Still and Know that I am God, Psalm 46:10, really struck me.  How oft do we not because of:  tv, phone, computer, or just anything.  I am 100% guilty.  As my wife say I am going this way and then SQUIRREL!!  Off on another direction.

  In the beginning God would walk with Adam and Eve in the Garden. A special time with just the LORD GOD.  Then one day, this happened: Genesis 3: 8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

  How often do we hid from God, or just put God on the back burner because we are TOO BUSY!  When can you be too busy for your Father in heaven?

   I am guilty.  What about you?  It is time for me to quit "squirreling" and get right with God.  What about you?

   My friend it is time.  Thanks for listening to my woes. Prayer for me, America, Israel, and all mankind.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny