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