WIN THE MORNING!!!

Good morning,

   I just wanted to share my last Bible study of take every thought captive.  Our thoughts are like the rudder of a ship. Small, quietly moving along, yet so powerful in all we do and also how our day may start.

Our first thoughts of the day set the course or determine how our day may progress

We can prime our day with positive, intentional, and good thoughts, OR we can take the negative approach that everything bad is going to happen. IE well, it is another Monday.

What is the first thing we reach for once out of bed?  The Bible, a devotional, or the phone to see who called, text,  or what is going on in the world?

Remember we G E T  to be with God daily, it is not a have to situation.  If it becomes a HAVE TO situation, we probably need to reexamine our relationship with God.

Jesus used to go off by himself to be alone and RE-CHARGE.  We are the same way, our phone do not auto re-charge, nor do we.  Take time to be with God--in the Bible, daily devotion, or just quiet a& alone.

Take time to think of yourself as the master gardener of the GARDENER OF WORDS,  the more positive the prettier the flowers; the more negative the more the weeds, which will choke out the flowers.

I am not preaching, just had this and with the beginning of school I am guessing you get a lot of calls.  Just WIN THE MORNING!!

Thank you for reading. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

 

What is the strong hold of your mind?

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  BREAK THAT STRONGHOLD OF LIES WITH LOVE, FAITH AND GRACE!!!

   In psychology the Law of Cognition says what you think about determines who you are.

   The Rule of Exposure says whatever we are exposed to the most shapes our thoughts.

   Have you ever thought about this?  So often as Christians we attend church on Sunday morning, sermon and possibly Bible study.  Then maybe on Wednesday if nothing else comes up, and we think:  I'M GOOD!

  Really?  The person who looks at pornography daily and then goes to church on Sunday.  Is he good, really?

   The person who drinks too much or does drugs then goes to church on Sunday.  Is he good, really?

  Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

  Proverbs 4:23 Be careful how you think, you life is shaped by your thoughts.

Lies that are reinforced changes our lives.  How I perceive something makes it real to me.  Soooo, if I think I can do the things of this world, then go to church on Sunday I'm okay.  Well, in my mind I may be, but what does God's word say about this?

  If you hear or tell a lie enough, then it becomes real.  When I was in the military there was a young man who claimed he had been in Viet Nam, won war medals, even wore them and bragged about what he had done to the point he believed it himself.  Truth was, he had never been out of the United States and was living a lie.  Yet, he told it so much he believed it.  

    What lie are you telling yourself? (self-reflection)

   Do we as Christians tell ourselves we are okay so much that we do whatever we want, fall into the patterns of the world, and then believe we are truly godly?

  Fear and pride fight the truth.  Love, faith, and grace destroy the stronghold of lies.

  Where are you today my friend?  How are your perceptions affecting your life? Stay in the Bible, study the word, don't just read it, but study it.  Do this for 21 days and see how it affects your thoughts and actions, and the effect it will have on the ones around you. Hmmmm?

  May God bless you, keep you, and let your mind be transformed to HIS ways. Love y'all. Thank you for reading.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

What is IT worth? What are you worth?

 Hello Friends,

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

   Well, football season is upon us.  Often they call it the "pig-skin" and it is odd shaped.  You can purchase "footballs" of all sizes and shapes. From nerf to solid pro balls.  Just what do you want and what is your purpose?

  Well, if I am coaching a high school, college, or pro team I definitely do not want a nerf football.  I want the real "pig-skin" to play with.  To hike, pass, throw, and kick.

   That football sitting on the shelf is only worth the price tag on it.  However, put it in the hands of, oh, say Patrick Mahommes and now it becomes much more valuable.

   You and I are like the football on the shelf, only worth our price tag.  What is our price tag.  We are saved because we called upon Jesus Christ as our savior.  As long as we sit on that shelf we have salvation,, BUT, what have we done for the kingdom of God?

  Nothing, we are just sitting there.  Maybe we are a nerf ball which is soft and pliable.  So do we just agree with what everyone says and don't raise questions? Don't mention the great present we have of salvation?  Is this you or me?

  OR, am I, are You the football that came off the shelf and became a strong disciple of Jesus Christ.  Not in the hands of a pro quarterback, but in the HANDS of JESUS, GOD, & HOLY SPIRIT.

   Are we taking the WORD of GOD and spreading the news, or in football language scoring touchdowns?  Are we running with the WORD?  Or, are we fumbling before the goal line.

   While reading a book by Emmitt Smith I came across this idea of how much is a football really worth and then thought how much am I doing for the kingdom of God.  When Emmitt had the football and scored people cheered. When we share the word, I feel sure the angels cheer and the opposing team boo's and changes their strategies.

   I do hope you understand my attempt at an analogy of our worth. YOU, MY FRIEND, ARE VALUABLE AND WORTH MORE THAN A PRO FOOTBALL.

   YOU HAVE SCORED ETERNAL LIFE!   Love y'all. Thank you for reading.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Justification, Sanctification, Glorification with God

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

What is salvation?  Salvation comes to us by grace, the grace of God.

Salvation is a free gift to sinners received through faith alone from God. Justification is just as if we never sinned. Reborn, saved.

Salvation is not just about going to heaven.  It is about knowing and enjoying God now and partnering with God to reconcile the world back to him.  This is where sanctification comes in. We are to spread the news.

   BUT, do we need sanctification?  Is it essential to our salvation?  NO!

This comes after we accept Jesus as our savior.

Our final destination is glorification after accepting Jesus Christ as our personal savior.  Will it come immediately?  Maybe, maybe not!  For the thief on the cross he was justified and then glorified and with Jesus in heaven.

However, we, the living do have time for sanctification as we do what God has commanded us to do.  To go into the whole world and share the word of salvation.  Do we all have to be missionaries?  

     YES!  B U T, that does not mean going to another state or country.  My mission field and yours is all around us. Ask people if they know Jesus Christ as their personal savior.  

   If you are not certain how to ask, then use an opener such as giving a cross, a trac, mention the shirt they are wearing, anything that can open the communication with another soul.

  Acts 16: 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 

Just remember, discipleship is the response to salvation.

Thank you for reading today. May God bless you and your household. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Compromise - should we? What does the Bible say?

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

  How often do we look away from things we should confront?  If you see someone abusing a spouse, child, or just someone on the street -- what do you do?  Look the other way?  Avoid them? Or do you try to mediate and step in?

   Here is the deal.  If I want steak tonight and my wife wants shrimp, then we can come to a compromise. Maybe instead of eating at home we go to a restaurant when we can each get what we want. Or maybe one of us will agree to eat what the other wants.  Is this bad?  No!

   Say we are in Bible study and some of us want to do Luke and others want to do revelation. What do we do?  Discuss it and come to an agreement.  Maybe Revelation now, then Luke next.  It will bring about unity. We are all together agreeing on the solution. No problem whatsoever.

   What does the Bible say about sin and compromise?  The Bible strongly condemns compromising with sin, which is seen as disobedience to God and can lead to spiritual decline.

  We cannot compromise with false doctrine and follow the world.  We have to stay rooted in the Bible, which is GOD'S WORD!!!

   Compromising the Biblical truths can lead to deception, disstruction, and comes with eternal consequences. 

  Sin is sin.  We should hate sin, but love the sinner.  Well, she/he is gay and I just can't love them.  YES YOU CAN!  Love them, but not their sin.  Well, he/she is an alcoholic, I just can't love them for that.  YES YOU CAN!  Love them, but not their sin.

   Too often we don't separate the two. There is a difference between sin and the sinner.  You are a sinner. I am a sinner. I still love you no matter what.  It is the same with them.  HOWEVER, we do not compromise to the extent we are going against GOD'S WORD!

   Do I support you in your sin?  NO! But I will support you with my love.  That is God.  He loves us no matter what.  All day, all the time, 24/7-365, God loves you and me.

Bible verses to consider:

Exodus 34:12-16:

God warns against making covenants with the inhabitants of the Promised Land, highlighting the dangers of compromising with those who worship other gods.

Matthew 6:24:
Jesus states, "No one can serve two masters," illustrating the impossibility of serving both God and worldly desires. 

  Daniel 3:16-18:

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down to a golden image, demonstrating unwavering faith and refusal to compromise with idolatry

 

   Am I a sinner.  YES, but I have a savior who gave HIS life for me, and for that I will be eternally grateful.  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Encouraging others to fellowship Hebrews 10:24-25

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

   Often when I visit with people they will profess to be Christians but do not go to church.  Why?  They all have reasons: I don't need to be in church to worship; I do my own prayer time and study; I believe but don't care to be around all those people, and many more reasons or excuses.

   These all may be valid, however, we are told to fellowship with one another. Iron strengthens iron; the word and study with other like believers strengthens our witness.  Let us look at this scripture.

   Hebrews 10: 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

   We must show LOVE, COMPASSION, and HONEST COMMITMENT to others.  This will bring them around.  Being critical and judgmental can build a crevice and further divide them from fellowship.

   Please, just love on people, share the word, and encourage. Honey catches more than vinegar.  Which one are you? Honey or vinegar?

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

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

He paid the price! Galatians 3:13 Colossians 1:14

 Good morning everyone!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  THE PRICE HAS BEEN PAID!!!

   Once there was a college professor who gave his class a paper, yes, paper quiz.  The name of each student was on each test paper, each one folded in half with their name marked on the outside of the test in bright red ink.

   When told to all the students opened the test at the same time and what did they see?

   Their name was at the top, in bright red pen mark was the percentage of correct.  How could that be?  The percentage was 100%.  The students ALL looked up with a questioning look.

    The professor said, "I have taken the test for you and you all received a score of 100%." Some were happy, some mystified, and some wanted to complain that this was not fair as they had studied really hard for the test and they knew some did not.

    The point here is that the test was taken, the burden was laid on the shoulders of the professor and taken off the students.

    Jesus Christ took our test, we passed with 100% because we accepted Him as our Lord and Savior. As the song goes---Jesus paid it all.

   Now some will argue that the murderer who killed many is not entitled to this free gift.  Well, not one of us is entitled to this free gift.  However, God sent His Son in human form to take the test for us and by accepting this FREE GIFT, this FREE PRESENT, we passed.

  Galatians 3: -- 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

  Colossians 1: --13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

    Don't begrudge anyone accepting Christ. Rejoice with him/her, and offer the handshake and fellowship of Love to them. Welcome them into the body of Christ.

    Please continue to pray for our loved ones, friends and family for healing and bringing glory to God.  Thank you for reading. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

The power of words!! What did you just say?? Matthew 15:11

 Good morning everyone!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Choose your words carefully in case you have to eat them later.

  

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  But how? Genesis 1:3 "And God said,"    God said, he spoke, he said the word.  So, is there power in the world?  I would say, "Heavens yes!"

   I can't do that!  Of course not, you have already determined you are unable to perform that particular task.

   It is not possible.  Again, of course not, you have already made that determination.

   He/She is impossible, you can't talk to him/her.  No, not if you are not in the right place with God.

    We are going broke.  Yes, probably, because with that attitude you will most likely not be good stewards of finances and decisions.

 Matthew 15:11 NLT  It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.

   Matthew 12::37 The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.

   When we speak, we need to be aware of what we are saying, even in prayer.  I prayed for him/her, but I know it probably won't do any good.

  Mark 11:23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be removed and be cast into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 

  What we say defines us, shows our character, and shows our relationship with the God Almighty, Jehovah-Eli, El-Shaddai.

   Before we speak we should be thinking first of all, "will this bring glory to God?"  If not we may sound as a clanging gong or cymbal, just making noise.

  Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

   Next, we need to have the FAITH, and believe it will come to pass.

 Romans 10:17 - So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Okay, 3 things: Will it bring Glory to God; Do you have the faith; Will you speak words of power in true faith to honor God?

  Jesus cast demons out of people, healed people, and how did he do it?  By the power of words.  Can you do this? Yes, but remember the 3 items mentioned above.

  Remember where Jesus' disciples struggled to cast out demons, specifically in Matthew 17:14-21.  The disciples' failure is due to their lack of faith.  Jesus chastised His disciples for having such little faith.

So, friend, where are you today?  Are you high in God, or, struggling under stress, depression, doubts, all the things the world likes to cast forth to you? OR, do you have the faith that Jesus spoke of?

 Here is a bit of wisdom from the Bible:  1 Peter 3:10 NLT  If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.

  Bring glory to God by trusting God, having faith, and using prayer (your words), then let the Holy Spirit empower you.

   Thank you for reading today. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Forget not the LORD for all he has done for you! Psalm 103:1-4

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  YOU ARE BLESSED BY GOD, NOW ACT LIKE IT!

  Because of God you are who you are, I am who I am. Are we perfect?  NO!  A resounding NO!  BUT, as we strive to be more like Jesus, we become more perfect.  Will we ever be perfect?  Yes, one day,but not while we are in this earthly body.  

   In the mean time we must not forget what God has done for us and what HE will do for us in the future.  Our job is to love, be obedient, and share the word. Take a look at this Psalm.

  

Psalm 103           Of David.  

1 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.   

2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—

3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,

The gifts God has given you are numerous.  Take time and jot down some, then sit back and thank God for all He does in your life.

    That's all for today folks. Love y'all

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

The remedy for the blues Psalm 34

 Good morning everyone!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. YOU ARE SPECIAL, GOD LOVES YOU UNCONDITIONALLY AND HIS LOVE NEVER LEAVES.

  Do you ever wake up depressed?  During the day do you sometimes go think: " what am I doing/ why am I here feeling this way?  When will it all end?"

   Some people I know have overcome the "BLUES" through the power of God.  One friend successfully went through 3 major life changing situations through the knowledge of knowing that God was with them.

      Another friend underwent life changing situations of which one was with his wife, the other with him.

     Another lost both parents within a year. 

 WHY? WHY? HELP!!! they do cry out? 

  We have to remember who is large and in charge.  Psalm 34 begins with a vow to praise the LORD continually and invite others to join in.  God offers us deliverance and protection, God is near and we need to trust in God.

   But why does that old so and so who doesn't believe seem to cruise along, prospering and doing well?  Yet, I, who believes in and trusts the LORD, experience struggles?

   Well, as my mom would say, "One day they will get their come-uppens."  Verses 15-18 God's attentiveness to the righteous and his judgment against the wicked.

   Verses 19-22 the assurance that God delivers the righteous from all their troubles and protects their bones.  

  We just need to remember verses 1-3 when feeling down, frustrated, discouraged, depressed and just  all around blue.  Just reaffirm your commitment to God and praise Him in all things.

  Psalm 34: 1 I will extol the Lord at all times;

    his praise will always be on my lips.
2 I will glory in the Lord;
    let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the Lord with me;
    let us exalt his name together.

To hear all of Psalm 34 click here.  Thank you for reading. Life is good because GOD LOVES YOU UNCONDITIONALLY!  Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

In times of trouble - Psalm 91

 Hello everyone!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  IN TIMES OF TROUBLE - DO NOT DESPAIR FOR GOD IS NEAR!!!

    Troubles come to us in many different ways.  Health, finances, relationships, careers, and many other ways.  What do we do?  We can be down, despair, angry and hateful; or, we can look at the situation and stop to think "What may I learn from this situation?"  Also, never forget that God is not only near, but God is HERE, right where you are.  He does not move and he will carry you through the situation if only you will be patient and let Him.

  Psalm 91 (click here to listen)

Take care to stay in touch with God; share your troubles with Him. Short today, but hope this is what you need to read. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Sustaining faith when facing difficulty :Psalm 27:14

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. MAY YOUR DAY BE WONDERFULLY BLESSED!!!!

   I did not hear from any one about a 30 day challenge, but if you are doing it may the scriptures come alive to you with great meaning.

   Ever have that day when it seemed that every thing went wrong?  You flush the toilet and it leaks. Jump in car to go to town and batteries dead.  Get a call that something has happened to a loved one.  Or more, you just never know.

   We need to remember who is large and in charge, which is God.  We may not see the good that is to come, but it will.  Patience, hard to do.

  I have several friends that have had tragedy in their families.  Death, major surgery, being estranged from a loved one, financial, career related.  It hurts, it feels devastating and something that won''t heal.  But with our faith in God, our life in the hands of Jesus, it will turn out alright.

   Well, I have prayed for years and yet nothing.  Soooo, keep praying.  People pray for everything from finances, to having children, to a break through with a family member, and much more.  God is faithful and it all comes in HIS TIME!!

   Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD:  be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD!!

Thank you for reading with me today. Be of good courage, wait, God will answer.  Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace,

Johnny

 

Up to a 30 day challenge? Hmmm! Matthew 5:48 Perfection

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

   A question I asked my wife this morning:  "Can we be perfect?"  Matthew 5::48 tells us" You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

    Does this mean I'll sin no more?  I'll be free of sin as in thoughts, words and actions?  Will I be perfect for all to see?  Hmmmm!  Thoughts to ponder.

    Here is my opinion and what I believe to be true.  The closer I walk with Jesus, the better I follow God's commands, then the closer I come to perfect .  Already we are made perfect in Christ, yet we are not perfect.

    The day I will sin no more, be perfect, will be the day I am with the LORD.  To me that means physical death, but a large SPIRITUAL BIRTH!!

    Here is what a comment by Jamie Wilson says:  "When Jesus refers to being perfect like our heavenly Father, He is inviting us to reflect on God’s love, mercy, and righteousness. He sets the ultimate example for us to emulate in our daily lives. Throughout the Bible, God reveals Himself as merciful, just, and loving. By becoming more like Him, we can embody these traits ourselves. This means that instead of seeking perfection in a traditional sense, we should focus on cultivating a heart that seeks God’s righteousness and displays His attributes to the world around us."

   If we love like Jesus, show the world a Jesus attitude and type of personality then we will become closer to perfect.  What say you?

  Thank you for reading today.  Oh, a 30 day challenge.  If you would be interested in sharing scriptures for 30 days of June and put them on my blog please let me know. We can do this with just me and you, or a whole group of people.  Look forward to hearing from you. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Storms we go through!! Take heart - Deuteronomy 31:6 ; Nahum 1:7 ; Psalm 34:17-18

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

    

   Many have troubles, aka storms, then comes the good times, aka storm is gone.

We can call it peaks and valleys, or whatever you prefer.

    I have friends who have spouses, children, family and friends who are in dire need of prayer.  People with cancer, infections, separated from family loved ones, financial, jobs, or just life itself.  So often we feel like we are in the bottomless pit with no way out.

    Some take the wrong way out, but we must endure as we know that God is on our side. God is LARGE AND IN CHARGE!!!

   Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV) Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your GOD who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

     Nahum 1::7 (ESV) The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.

     Psalm 34:17-18 (ESV) When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.  The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

      Today it is raining, some say gloomy.  We can take what Winston Churchill once said:  The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity.  The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.

     So where do you sit today?  Do you see the difficulty or opportunity?  Thank you for reading today. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Psalm 103

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Thank you Jesus for all you do in our lives.

   Now is the time for prayer. Pray for your families, neighbors, friends, our President and his cabinet, America and the world.

  Why do bad things happen to good people?  The age old question.  If I knew I would share it, however, I do know that God answers prayers.  Not always how we, mortal men, want it. God sees the big picture and no one wants to hear that but it is true.

   I have a couple of friends that need your prayers desperately. There is illness that is threatening and we know God can heal. Please say a prayer for this unspoken request.

  I liked the follow Psalm, I hope you do as well.

Psalm 103

Of David.

1 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, my soul and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Thank you for loving God, your prayers, and faithfulness. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

What is going on in this world? Luke 20:9-19

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

The world is going topzy-curvy.  Common sense is out the door.  I say a cartoon that said:  I did not say your were stupid, but when I asked you to spell ORANGE and then you said the FRUIT or the COLOR.  I was really caught off guard.

Isn't this like what we are seeing in America.  Lack of just plain common sense. Bonhoffer in the 1930's in Germany said the people must stand up for the cross, for Jesus and not let politics take over.

WEll, it seems to me that the current president is trying to bring the corruption in government down.  Getting rid of the excess spending and cut out the deals being made under the table.  How could politicians go into office middle class or upper class and then in a few years come out as multi-millionaires?  Hmmm!

In Luke 20:9-19 you can read about the servants in the vineyard who thought they could take over from the owner, kill the son, and then inherit the whole vineyard.   Take time to read it.

It relates well to where we are today.  The Liberals, the woke, the corrupt are not wanting anything to be uncovered as it is lining their pockets.  It is time we stepped back and turned all our attention to what Jesus did for us on the cross. We need to get back to basics of life in our churches and as told in Matthew - go forth and spread the good news of salvation.

Thank you for reading my rant and concern. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

.

Holy Spirit Acts 1:4-5

 Good afternoon all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. HE IS RISEN INDEED!!!

  I thought I would touch on this a moment, the Holy Spirit.  It is always interesting to hear what people say about the Holy Spirit.

   I was confused about some of this as well.  The Holy Spirit was, is, and will be; just as we refer to God as being past, present, and future.

  In Genesis God said "let us make man in OUR image."  When God said our, I believe He is talking about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

  So the Holy Spirit has been around a long time.  But it is curious that when you talk to other Christians from other denominations their take on the Holy Spirit varies.  

  Some say you have to ask for the baptism of the Holy Spirit and it is separate from accepting Jesus as LORD and savior.

  Others say when you profess the name of Jesus and accept Jesus as your personal savior you receive the Holy Spirit at that time.

   There are yet others that believe you don't have the Holy  Spirit baptism unless you can speak in tongues.

   So who is right?  God is right and here is what Jesus in the Bible says;

 in Acts 1: 4 On one occasion, while he (Jesus) was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

  Then if you go on in Acts 2 the Bible says in verses 3  4;  the Holy Spirit coming on the disciples and they began speaking in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

   Some believe that tongues was only for Pentecost and it is no longer.  Hmmm!  Some food for thought.  I know what I believe to be true; let me hear from you.

  Thank you for reading today.  Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Three young Jewish men were thrown into a fire! Daniel 3

 Hello and good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

YOU ARE BLESSED TO BE A CHILD OF GOD!!!

  These 3 young men offended the leader.  Their names are Mishael, Hananiah, and Azariah.  They were to be cast into a fiery furnace and burned alive. 

Well, we know these young men as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 

       King Nebuchadnezzar said to them is it true you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I set up?.

    And they replied, "we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand O King".

  

  What was interesting is when they were thrown into the fiery furnace nothing happened to them.  What?  How could that happen?

   While in the fire the King, yes ,you know who I am talking about, King Nebuchadnezzar.  Suddenly he (the king) said didn't we throw 3 in the fire, I see 4 and they are what????  Just walking around.  (we know the fourth is Jesus)

  Then, of course, things changed and your can read more about this in Daniel chapter 3.

  The point here is that no matter the circumstances we are in, God is with us. Whether it be addiction, death, finances, marriage, children, job, church, a fiery furnace, wherever or whatever, all we have to do is STOP, be STILL, and LISTEN.

   God is large and in charge and if we will just let Him, he will take care of all our situations.  Our tendency is to take control ourselves and then ask God to bail us out.

  Please take time today to spend just 5 minutes alone with God. It may be in your car, lunch, bathroom, walking, or wherever.  Give God some time. He will take you out of the situation you are in!!

  Love y'all and thank you for being patient and reading with me.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

 

God is headmaster of missions! Matthew 28:19-20

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

  God is a missionary.  Yes, His chosen people were the Israelites, however, He sent Jesus into the world to be the salvation for mankind.  This means Jews and Gentiles alike.  

   God is God and we are to have no other images before us.  Whether it be an asherah pole (a sacred tree) or Baal, we are only to give GOD the glory and reverence.  (this includes letting our material things become gods)

   When Jesus came, he did wonders and was it to save people?  Partly, however, the purpose was to give GOD the GLORY!!

  When Jesus came he gave glory to God in several ways.  Openly giving God the credit for miracles such as feeding the large crowd with a few loaves of bread and fish.  But Jesus also gave credit to God through his obedience and teachings. 

   This is why I say God is a missionary; HE wants all people to be saved, Jews and Gentiles, and HE has commissioned us to be HIS missionaries in the field. God is the headmaster of missions, Jesus is the teacher, and as students we are to be obedient and share the good news.

   I pray that this all makes sense to you who are reading this.  May today, and each day going forth be your personal mission field and share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.

   Matthew 28:  19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

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

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Where are you in the storm right now? Isaiah 43:2 & James 1:6

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  DO NOT BE AFRAID IN THE STORM, GOD IS WITH YOU!!!

  The last post was "do you think God hears you"; well, He does.

Many of us are going through storms at this time, all kinds from family to career to our own personal faith.  Do you think God cares.  Of course HE does. But we hae to be of good and strong faith. When Jesus was asleep in the boat and the storm came up what happened?  He calmed the storm and then said o ye of little faith to the disciples with him.

   God is with us. No matter what storm, HE is with us. Be of good faith!!

 Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters,

    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.

Whether through the watery storms or fire God is with us.  We have to be strong in faith and truly believe.  God will heal me and carry me through this situation.  BUT, you must be strong in faith and must not waiver.

James 1:  6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

   God has this. Now you and I must just be patient, don't doubt, and wait for God's timing.  Often we push ahead and God may have to remind us HE is large and in charge.  

    Today, I know some of you are feeling stranded, alone on an island, and no ship in sight.  Hold on to your faith, the ship is coming and when it does, it will bring great things.

   It will bring greater things than you would have ever expected. Be strong my fellow brethren, God is coming and His ship is full of joy and relief.

   Thank you for reading with me today. Love y'all.  Happy Easter. Tomorrow is Good Friday.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Do you think God does not hear you? Psalm 86:1

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

Psalm 86:1 Hear me, Lord, and answer me,

    for I am poor and needy.

King David is reaching out to God.  Is he poor and needy?  World wise NO, however, he sees that his spirit with God is lacking or needing work.

  David feels that he has a spiritual poverty and is struggling.  Do you feel this way?

  David is saying "Lord, I need you, help me."  Have you or are you saying this?

  David feels like he needs to be saved from desperation. Oh, how often have you and I felt this way?

  We do need a spiritual revival in our souls. You do and I definitely need one.  A pastor from Uganda, Jackson Senyonga, who has seen revival in his country made this comment about America.

"You in America are not desperate enough.  You are addicted to a spirit of ease and comfort."

   How spot on he is.  We have the "Life of Riley" (for you older folks) and take a lot for granted.  If we were as hot for God as we are for football, basketball, golf, or whatever, wouldn't America be such a different place?  Wow!!

  That won't happen until you and I make the change and share Jesus with each person we encounter.  Today, steal another one from hell and share the gospel with them.

   Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny