Do we give praise to God enough? 1 Chronicles 29:11

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

  Let me begin by asking for your prayers for my family as some of us are experiencing the flu or flu like symptoms.  Thank you.

1 Chronicles 29: 11 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,

 for everything in heaven and earth is yours.  Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.

   David is at the end of his 40 year reign as king.  He gathers the people for a final goodbye.  He tells them that he has generously donated his personal fortune for the Temple of God, a temple that his son Solomon will build.  The people were excited and gave generously and joyfully.  Everyone was excited and rejoicing.

  David gave his final praise to God in 1 Chronicles 29:10-13.  Please take time to read it, click on the blue.

   True worshippers, Christians praise God. They have seen the glory of God and tasted the goodness of God.  You and I, as true Christian have felt the love of God and enjoy worshipping Him.

  True worshippers or Christians have burning hearts for God and can''t wait to worship Him weekly, daily, moment by moment.

  God takes care of us, even when we don't ask.  Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Words of encouragement for the you today!!

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

 

  We all need encouragement from time to time. Encouragement may come from many places, work, family, friends, community acknowledgment, church, or wherever you happen to be.

  However, we need to remember  the one who gives us everything is the best encourager, best listener, best guide in our lives.  And that is God.  Here are some verses of encouragement.

  John 16:33

"In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 34:4–5, 8

I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

Romans 8:28

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.

May you be encouraged today my friend.  Then tell someone what Jesus has done for you in your life. Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

1 Kings 19:11-12 Can you hear the whisper of God?

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

  If you recall Elijah challenged 450 priests of Baal and Asherah to the burnt offering duel to let their gods light the fire or his God to set the offering on fire.

  Well, the priests gods could not do it, but the Living God of Elijah and our living God did set the offering on fire. (1 Kings 18:38)

  After this battle with the priests at Carme,l Ahab, the king of Israel, who was married to a wicked woman, Jezebel, came and told her what had happened. She then sent a messenger to Elijah saying, "So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time." (1 Kings 19:2)

   Now Elijah had just defeated and slain 450 idol priests through the power of God and because of this woman ran in fear.

  Elijah flees 40 days into the wilderness to Horeb (aka Sinai). Sinai is the Mountain of God.  God meets Elijah here and see what happens:

  1 Kings 19:  11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: 12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

  God tells Elijah to go out and stand before the LORD and what happened? A strong wind, an earthquake, and then fire, but God did not speak to Elijah that way.  After the fire was a SMALL STILL VOICE!

   We, the peoples of America and even the world have some type of noise going on almost constantly.  The tv, radio, traffic, people talking, there tends to be noise constantly.  God does want to speak to us, so we must listen for that still small whisper.   

   That whisper is God speaking to our hearts and giving us advice, guidance, and assurance.  Do you have a quiet place to go to listen to God?  If not, why? 

   It is simple. Get up a little earlier than the rest of the household, or possibly stay up later.  Maybe in your car once you reach your destination.  It could be time alone almost anywhere, but stop, listen, and hear the voice of God.

  Many of us are not good at listening, but now is the time to hear the whisper of God.  Thank you for reading with me today. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

p.s. Elijah had the power of God on his side, so why did he run from Jezebel?

1 Kings 18::38 Elijah trusting the Living GOD

Hello everyone!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. HE IS GREATER THAN I !!!!

  Elijah was a prophet during the reign of Jezebel, a very very wicked woman.  The Israelite were not worshipping God as they should and Elijah was about to show that God is a true living God.  The other gods, Baal, Asherah, were not real. 

  1 Kings 18:  38 Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. 

  Now prior to this Elijah challenged the priests of the other gods.  Do  a sacrifice on an altar and let the gods light it up, aka set fire to it.

   The 450 priests called to their gods, cut them selves, and nothing happened.  Well, except that Elijah made fun of them by saying things like your god may be asleep, or not listening, doing other things, etc.

  Then is came Elijah's turn. Refer back to the scripture: 38 Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.

  At this point the people acknowledged the living God.  The message to the Israelites is the same today as it was then:  The LORD is GOD.  Only the LORD is GOD.  HE is all we need. We should worship GOD only, no other thing.  We have to trust God as He is bigger than we can imagine.  Let Go, Let GOD!!!

   Thank you for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

 

2 Samuel 6:14-15 Lets dance and be intoxicated (read on)

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  GOD IS GREATER THAN YOUR PROBLEMS TODAY - LET GO, LET GOD!!!

   Wow!  Should we dance?  Should we be intoxicated?  Hmmmm! Food for thought.

  2 Samuel 6: 14 And David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.

  So what did King David do?  He danced!!!  Where?  Before the LORD.  What is a linen ephod?  A linen apron which was associated with priestly rituals and oracular practices.

  Okay, King David, a man after God's own heart, DANCED and only had on a LINEN APRON.

  Why would he being doing this?  15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.

  David and the house of Israel were bringing the Ark of the LORD.  There was great rejoicing, dancing, and here people were becoming intoxicated.

  Not intoxicated as in alcohol, but intoxicated with God.  All dignity, self-centeredness goes away and it is all about the LORD GOD,  the LIVING GOD.

   This is how we should be, like King David, so passionate, unrestrained, even reckless in our worship.  It does not matter the people around us, we are doing this to God.

   What others think matters not for eternity; what matters is how we work for God and how he sees us.

   When you meet people on the street, driving, in a crowded store or at church, be not sour faced but rejoicing because you are a child of the Living God.  

   Let loose, dance for and before the LORD. Love you all. Thank you for reading today. Share the good news with just 1 person today.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Are you fighting a battle today?? Who's bigger God or your batte? Let go, let God!

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

   Who is the most dangerous man you know?  The most dangerous man is one who is more concerned about God's reputation than his own reputation.  Why?  Because this man will impact the kingdom of God, the people around him, the whole area he resides in, and then those impacted will reach nations of the world.

   This man will also have a childlike trust in the faithfulness of God.  God will deliver us as long as we are obedient, believe, and revere God as the most high.

   David was this man. He went up against a 9 foot plus giant that the armies of Israel were afraid to face or challenge.  And what did David say?

  1 Samuel 17:36  Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.

   David had not fear and trusted God to deliver him.  Do you?

 1 Samuel 17:47 And that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear.  For the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hand.

   God likes us to trust him in all things.  What is your problem?  Does it seem impossible?  Which do you think is bigger-- your problem or God?  What is God calling you to trust him for today?

   Put all your faith in God, he will deliver.  Our God makes our problems look miniscule in comparison.

   If you have not already, take the step, let God have your problems, pray, listen, and wait for Gods answer. Love y'all.  thank you for reading today and for the ones who responded to my test. Amen!!

In Christs Love and Grace

Johnny

1 Samuel 16:7 How do you look in the eyes of God????

 Good morning everyone!!   God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED1111

    As a young man or woman, or even older man or woman, being human we have a tendency to look at the outward appearance of mankind.  Wow!! He or she is really good looking.  However, lurking inside may be the worst horror story you could imagine.

   God sees the wonderful story inside as well as the horror story inside.  Satan tries to turn the wonderful story into a horror story, whereas God can take the horror story and make it a wonderful story.

  1 Samuel 16:  7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

    God rejected Saul because of his disobedience and sent Samuel, the prophet, to Jesse's house.  So what is the first thing Samuel thinks?  Here is the oldest son, Eliab, and Jesse,, because of Eliab''s outward appearance, really thinks this will be Saul's replacement.  But no.  

   We all tend to be as Samuel was at first and look at the body, the fitness, thinness, hair, tan, athletic gifted and just physically attractive.  We often tend to be this shallow person and fail to see the real good traits of an individual.

  So what does God want?  God wants people, men, women, boys, girls, whose hearts are turned to and cherish the living God.

    Where are you today?  Is the attractiveness of the world holding you captive, OR, are you trusting God in all things?

    Thank you for reading with me today.  Today, may you see people as God sees them. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

p.s. share God's word with one person today.

Ruth 1:17 Loyalty until death 1 Samuel 15:22 Obey (loyalty & obedience)

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

   Ruth told Naomi she would follow her, even unto death.  Naomi said no more and they went forth to the homeland. 17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

 

 In 1 Samuel 15:22  is obeying.  22 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

    You probably know that some people, maybe many, show up at church, put their time in, hear God's word, and think they are in God's favor.  But what does Samuel say when speaking to Saul?  

  Samuel asks does God delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices?  He says obeying is better than sacrifice;  follow God's word is better than the fat of rams.  This all boils down to O B E D I E N C E to the LORD's word.

   God does not want religious ceremony, or a church ritual, or sacrifice.  All our Heavenly Father wants from us is obedience to his word, to live his word, to be loyal to the word of God.

  Through our obedience we will find joy.  It may come at different costs, but in the end it will bring joy.

  Today, my prayer for me and you is that we will show unreserved, wholehearted, immediate obedience to God.  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Ruth 1:16 Loyalty, Love, Commitment

 Good morning all. Or could we say God's morning!!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  YOU ARE INDEED BLESSED TODAY!

  In Ruth we see a woman and her mother in law who have been devastated by the deaths of their husbands.  Naomi was Jewish and Ruth was a Moabitess.  After the passing of the men in their lives they chose to leave and return to Naomi's homeland.

   Naomi encouraged Ruth to return to her homeland, her family and not follow her.  Ruth had nothing materialistic nor did Naomi.  But Ruth carried something many in today's world do not have ----L O Y A L T Y !!!

   Naomi said go home; but Ruth said (in Ruth 1:16) 16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:

   Ruth is loyal, faithful, and has chosen to go with Naomi and accept her God.  Because of this, God honored Ruth's faith and loyalty.  How so?

   Boaz, a relative of Naomi took Ruth as his wife (read the whole love story in Ruth) and she gave him a son - Obed.

  Well, the story does not stop there, Obed had a son Jesse who had a son David.  Yes, King David.  So here you have a woman, Ruth, who is not even Jewish, chosen by God to be the great grandmother of Israel's King David.

  This is the royal line leading to the Messiah, Jesus.  God honored Ruth, a woman of faith who showed love and loyalty no matter what the cost.   How about you?

  Is God honoring you for your love of Jesus and loyalty to God?  Food for thought. Love you all, thanks for reading.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Joshua 1:9 Be strong and of good courage

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

   Each day we come face to face with reality.  Are you prepared to address it?  Please rememer this  Satan casts doubt darts constantly at our weak spots.

   Each day we face new challenges and how we face them depends on us.  Do we reach back into a bag of tricks:?  Do we reach back into past experiences?  Do we reach back into God's word for guidance and wisdom?

  When Moses died suddenly Joshua was cast into the leadership of all the people of Israel.  He faced many unknown challenges.  What would he do?  Where could he turn?  To God.  God gives Joshue this word which we need to take to heart as well.

  Joshua 2:: 9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. 

  First, God says to e strong and of good courage.  Do not e afraid or dismayed.  Why should we be this way?  BECAUSE God is with us wherever we go.  He is always present.  All we have to do is turn to Him.

  No matter what happens to you today, tomorrow, or the next tomorrows remember GOD IS WITH YOU.  

   Psalm 23 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.

   Thank you for reading with me today. Love y'all!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Joshua 1:8 God's word for success in life

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

  Joshua 1: 8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

   Joshua is facing a huge challenge at this time.  Moses had died and now HE, alone, was to lead God's people into the promised land.  This would not be a slam dunk.  It will take time and their will be hurdles or barriers to cross.

   How did Joshua feel?  Probably  felt alone and carrying a large burden, getting Gods people into the promised land. So what happens?

   God comes to Joshua and tells him he has the book of law of which he is to meditate or keep in his foremost thoughts day and night.

   If he does do what God commands then in all things he will succeed.  God will put his hand on him and he will have continued success in life.

    This also is God's message to us. If we want to succeed in the eyes of God, succeed in life and prosper then we are to fill our heart with God's word.  Every step I take should be by Gods word.

   If we follow Gods word our path may not be smooth as silk, but God's hand will be on us, our life, and we will experience success.

    There is no other way, but to trust in Jesus!  Thank you for reading with me today. Please pray for our nation, President Trump, Israel, and the days to come.  God bless 'y'all. Love y''all!!

'

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Deuteronomy 6:4, 5, 6, , 8, 9, SHEMA

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

   SHEMA!!!   This means to listen or hear. Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment in the law and he quotes verse 5 from this passage in Deuteronomy.

   I'll start with verse 4, which is the Jewish confession of faith.  They do this twice daily: 4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:

  Next comes the verses Jesus said was the greatest commandment:

5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

  And what is said about these words?  Look at verse 6:

6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

  We are to keep these words, remember them, and live them.  Once we have these firmly in our hearts and planted in our lives what do we do next?

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

  These are not just idle words or gossip, they are to be taught to our children, share them in the house of the LORD, and start your day with these words----loving God with all our hearts.

  8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

   We should have the word of God before us all the time, when we get up, during the day, and as we retire for the evening.  God should be in our foremost thoughts.  We are monotheism, or we recognize God's uniqueness and that he is the only one living God.

9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

  God's word should be in the forefront of our lives always now and forever.

   Do you live a Godly life?  Going to God in all things?  OR, just when you are in need and want to be bailed out?  Hmmm!!!  Food for thought.

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

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Today's verse: Ephesians 2:6-7 GRACE

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  GRACE!  A free gift from God.

  Ephesians 2: 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:  7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

  Let's sum this up easily and quickly.  What is a unique feature about Christianity?  God's GRACE!!!  God's love and acceptance comes free of charge and has no strings attached.

  Buddhist have an eight-fold path the Hindu doctrine of karma, the Jewish covenant, and the Muslim code of law -- each one is of works.

  With Christianity God's unconditional love gives us GRACE. What does this mean?  We are accepted completely (just as you are), forgiven forever and ever, and we are secure in God's love.  This is God's grace.  All you need to do is:

BELIEVE IT!     ENJOY IT!   CELEBRATE IT!!!

   Thank you for reading. Love you all.  Don't forget what Jesus said  (Matthew 16:15), go ye into all nations and share the good news.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Ephesians 24-5

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

   So, how are you feeling today?  Do you feel loved?  We all go through moments that we don't feel loved, don't feel appreciated, don't receive the love or recognition we would like, and how do we deal with it all?

  It is not a matter of how good I am; how I react to others; how clever or sincere I am.  It all begins with my spiritual life, looking up to the heavens where my heavenly father is.  Understanding that I (you) am (are) loved by the Almighty God, Yahweh!

  Ephesians 2:4-5  But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved. 

  God's love for us is outrageous, relentless, unfettered, gracious, personal and emotional.  We are loved more than we can ever imagine.  Think back to Romans 6:23 that God did not send Jesus into the world to condemn, but to offer salvation to all.

  God loves you and when we remain obedient to God's words, heed His calling and listen to His voice, all will be well.  Take your burdens not upon yourself, but give to God. 

  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Ephesians 2:1-3 Verses of the Day (Romans 6:23)

 Good morning, or God's morning to you. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED.

   Make your new years resolution something reasonable, spiritual, and healthy. THEN, stick to it. 

   Verses of the day:

Ephesians 2: 1-3  And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the powers of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience--among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh,, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were y nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

I would be almost certain that all of us were spiritually dead and separated from God and living in the world UNTIL we found the mediator, the intervention, the sacrifice of a Savior.  We call this Savior JESUS CHRIST,  Son of the Living God. Hallelujah!!!

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord!!!

 

Thank you for reading with me toay. Love you all, lessings for the New Year. and may your spiritual life growth greatly in 2025.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Mark 16:15

 Good and great Sunday to everyone.  Only a verse for the day:

   Mark 16:15  He said to them: "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation."

Love y'all

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny