In time of need--who do you turn to? 1 Thessalonians 5:24; Psalm 118:14

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

 IS FAITHFUL AND WILL CARRY US THROUGH.

How often do we think "what's the use"  or "it just does not matter" or maybe "why try, nothing goes right"?

  We, as humans, try to do it all OURSELVES, and either don't ask for help or just plain refuse help.  WHY???

  We have a faithful partner, brother, and caretaker who is always at our side. He is a gentleman, will not push himself on you, but all we have to do is ask.  But will we??

   I trust my wife, family and friends, however, at some time they will let me down as will I let them down.  There is one who is faithful always and will not let you or me down.  His name is Jesus.  So often we forget to call on his name, spend time letting Him show us the way, then we wonder why things went wrong. Hmm!!

1 Thessalonians 5: 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will continue to be faithful.

  When we feel we can't go on there is one who gives us the strength and will carry us through.  Who??  Yes, you know it -- JESUS!!!  Jesus is there to give us strength, protect us, and deliver us

.  Talk to someone who has had tragedy in their family and ask them how they got through it.  Talk to someone who has had an addiction and ask them how they were able to get through it.    Talk to someone who has struggled or is struggling and ask them how they were able to manage to get through it.  The answer will be the same most of the time -- JESUS!!

 

Psalm 118: 14 The LORD is my strength and protector, for he has become my deliverer.

   Remember friend, when things look down, just LOOK UP,  Jesus is there to help you, deliver you and He is always faithful.

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

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Worry, Anxiety - We should not, but........What does the Bible say?

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time.  DO NOT WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW, TODAY HAS ENOUGH WORRIES.

   Worry and anxiety do grip all of us at one time or another.  When things in this world happen, we should try to look at them from a neutral position.  When it happens to someone you are close to that is difficult.

  Recently, (yesterday) my wife had a "minor" eye surgery.  Nothing big, just something to correct a "minor" situation.  When we are coming home and then while at home she is having splitting headaches.

  Yes, I am more than concerned, yet there is nothing I can do except be there and support her if she needs something.  Did I worry?  YES!

  I told my daughters it was minor and they did pray. Told my insurance lady and she prayed, friends prayed, I prayed; this gives encouragement, yet the anxiety in me remained.  It is hard not to.  I had trouble going to sleep. Then I finally did and she was in the bedroom, dark, and resting.  Then up until early a.m..

   She left me a sweet note, and I checked on her at 4 a.m. to make certain she was okay.  She was in bed, breathing and asleep.  Whew!!! I feel better. Then I thought about what God tells us, after, yes, afterwards.  Here is what HE says:

Philippians 4: 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

   1 Peter 5: 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

   Matthew 6: 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

   I realize it is human nature to worry, but then I need to come back to the Bible to regain the encouragement.  How often I forget.  Thank you for listening to my story today. My wife is okay and I am relieved. Thank you Jesus.

   Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Is God talking to you and you are not listening?

 

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  DO YOU HEAR GOD SPEAKING TO YOU?

  You hear people say "God spoke to me"  or "God laid it on my heart" or "God gave me the vision" or many other things people say.  How do we know if God is speaking to us or is it our imagination, our own personal wants, or to gain us attention?

  We can hear God through various ways.  Prayer, scripture reading/study, or personal quiet meditation and talking with God.

   I am guilty of saying-- "God laid it on my heart".  How do I know?  Recently a situation came up and someone needed help.  I felt like I should do something (laid on my heart) so I called my pastor, explained the situation, he concurred and said follow through.  To me that was confirmation that this was God speaking to me and not just my want for acclamation or attention.

  Then when we assisted this person, they were very appreciative and I just felt (don't always go by emotion) it was God's hand.  However, by seeing the reaction I knew God was involved.

   I knew a lady once that said a man, a neighbor, told her that God told him they should get married.  Her response was don't you think if that were so God would have spoken to me also?  I thought this was a great response.

   Some people will tell us what God told them just to further themselves or put a feather in their cap.  Take time today to read some scripture, mediate, and talk to God. Listen to what God says and has in store for you.

     Thank you for reading today. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Commandment #4

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Today, do commandment #4

1 is no other Gods before God.

2 is no idols

3. is watch your words

4. is YOU ARE TO KEEP THE SABBATH DAY HOLY!!!!!

May this be the day you are able to relax and enjoy what the LORD has done for you and remember HIM in all you do.

   Thank you for reading today. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

1 Timothy 6:6-10 What is most important to you?

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

  So often we worry about where we are, what is going to happen, our finances, our lives, our children/grandchildren and tend to forget what is really important.

   So what is really important to you?  Money?  Auto?  Home? Children/family? or is GOD number 1?  Listen to what Timothy tells us.

  1 Timothy 6: 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

         Here are some questions to ponder and answer!

  What is great gain? __________  What did you bring into this world?________ What happens when we want to get rich?_____

Is this a trap?______  Where does it lead?______ What is the true root of evil?_______  When that ($$$) is our love this leads us to what?_____

   I heard this early in the A.M. and thought about us, Americans, and as a whole what is important to us as a nation!!  OR to you personally????

                    GOD  or STATUS ?????

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

 

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Be a servant to the Living God!! Learn the ten commandments with hand signs!!

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

  Okay, for the last "10" days I have been going through the 10 commandments. Click on this link to get a clue of how to remember the commandments.

   Today I was listening and studying about being a servant for the Living God. In Matthew 20:26-28 just  Jesus says: "......whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wa28nts to be first must be your -- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

   We can only serve one master.  Luke 16:13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

  So often in our society it is all materialistic, money, and status.

  If we do what God tells us to do, are obedient, pray, read and study our Bible, share the gospel then Jesus will say in

  John 15:15 "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."

   Today, be a servant to 1 person, or 2 or many. Share what God has done for you; OR, if nothing else share a smile or a positive word.  It is easy to say hello to someone, when they smile and respond just tell them they have a nice smile.  That little bit may give their day a positive direction.

   Be Jesus in the flesh today. Love y'all. Thanks for reading.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Commandment # 10 - Coveting

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

  Commandment # 10 is about coveting.  To covet, according to Webster, is to intensely want something that someone else has.  Deuteronomy 5: 21 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor’s house or land, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

   This is pretty clear about coveting.  Basically, I want what you have and I may do anything necessary to get it.   Your wife is better, your house and land are better, the servants are great--- I want it all.

   Also, to me, when this says his ox or donkey, they were the transportation and work horse of the ancient world.  I am guessing that would be like our automobiles and machinery today.

   Satan likes to tempt us by seeing what someone else has and then we start thinking. Hmmm, that would be nice to have.  Whoa up there turbo!  Be content with where you are and what you have. 

 Look at 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.

  We need to remember this.  Also, Paul tells us to be content is all circumstances, he has been in need and has had plenty- Philippians 4:11-12.

  Look around, are you content with where you are?  This is a great lesson for me today as the past 3 weeks many things have needed repaired or replaced at my home and it does cost money to repair/replace.  However, God has me in His hands and all is well.  

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

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Commandment #9 Do not bear false witness

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

GOD IS GOOD, GOD IS GREAT, GOD IS IN CONTROL!!!

   Here is the 9th Commandment.  “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

   What exactly does this mean?  The main meaning of this is about honesty, integrity, and being of good character.  Also, it deals with gossiping and not knowing the whole story.

   I once heard about a man who had a serious accident, then one of the neighbors said "he was probably drinking and under the influence of alcohol."  Huh?  Because the man might have an alcoholic beverage occasionally does not mean he had been drinking or under the influence.  This was an assumption or we can label it under GOSSIP!

   If you are not there, you don't see or know the complete story, then why repeat or assume something.  That is false witness.

   In law, if you see something, then you tell me, and I go to court and repeat what you told me it is considered "HEAR SAY" and not valid.  Think about that for a moment.  Well, I heard.........STOP..... do not repeat what you heard, know the facts before spouting off as if you know everything.  Food for thought.

 Thank you for reading today. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Commandment #8 Stealing

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  A WONDERFUL DAY TO BE ALIVE IN JESUS CHRIST!!!

   Stealing.  Text in Exodus and Deuteronomy. Often we don't think of different things as stealing.  If at a retail store and they ring up an item that was listed at, oh, say $20 and they ring it up as $5 and you notice.  Do you say something, or mark it up to the error of the cashier?

   If you give $10 for an item that cost $3.78 and they give you change for a $20---do you say something? (you get $16 back instead of $6)

   At work do you take things that are there for company use only or do you take some home for personal use?  Let's say a ream of paper, or markers for the white board.  Is this stealing?

   Here is the big one.  Do you spend hours surfing the internet or watching facebook, or creating a tik tok video instead of spending time with God?  Is that stealing?

  Food for thought for today.  Am I stealing time from God?  Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Commandment #7 Adultery

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

  As in Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18 "You are not to commit adultery."

And what does this mean? It means we are not to go to another for sex when you or they are married.   Proverbs 6:27-29 tells us not to "go into" another man's wife and if he does he will not go unpunished.

 Jesus coined more than just the act. 

 In Matthew 5: 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

  So, if a man sees a beautiful woman, or if a woman sees a handsome man, the thoughts that resonate with us should be "he/she is a beautiful person" and not a lustful thought.

   I heard a preacher one time talk about this and he had trouble with lust, prayed about it, then one day he felt that God told him it is okay to see the beauty, and he need not lust.  After that he commented that he could see a beautiful woman for her beauty and the lustful thoughts did not come.

   I feel this is where we all should be, seeing the beauty God has created, whether it be man, woman, earth, skies, or whatever, just see the beauty.  Thanks for reading today. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Commandment #6

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

  The 5th commandment is very clear.  "You shall not commit murder."  So some people say that the military who go to war commit murder.  This commandment is not referring to war; it refers to intentionally or even accidentally killing someone.

  This could be using a weapon, a blunt object, car, rock, or anything used to attack a person.  Exodus 20: 13 “You shall not murder.

  Deuteronomy 5:17 “You shall not murder.

Webster says murder is: the unlawful and malicious or premeditated killing of a person.  

  Jesus tells us that our thoughts, as in adultery, if we look at someone with lustful intent we have already committed adultery in our heart. Would this be the same for murder?  If I want someone "taken" out in my mind, am I committing murder, since it is in my heart?

  Just food for thought.  Do you remember the 7th commandment?  Coming tomorrow. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Commandment #6

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  WE ARE TRULY BLESSED WITH ETERNAL LIFE IN HEAVEN!!!!

   In today's world I hear of so many people who are estranged from family members.  Sons not speaking to dad's or mom's and vice versa. Daughters who have completely turned away from parents, siblings, and family.  Why?  What is going on?

   The 5th commandment says "Deuteronomy 5:16 You are to honor your father and your mother, just as the LORD your God commanded you, so that your life will be long and things will go well for you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." 

  The evil one is prowling and creating havoc where he can.  Telling lies or twisting the truth just as he did in the garden.  And why is it so easy to believe a lie faster than we believe the truth?

    Some people grew up in a "fairy tale world" where the parents never divorced, the children had what they needed, and all were in a safe, protected, Christian environment conducive to growing up to be healthy, productive adults.

   On the other hand, some people grew up in a world of constant chaos, arguing, fighting, bitterness, and not knowing God.  Alcohol, drugs, fighting was the norm and those grew up with the odds against them.  I know some who overcame the adverse world, and then some who continued with the same chaos as adults.

   Read that again: You are to honor your father and your mother, just as the LORD your God commanded you, so that your life will be long and things will go well for you
    It is sad that many many people do not adhere to the commandments God, our Father in heaven, has given us.  Food for thought: Did you honor your father and mother?  Do your children honor you?  If not, why?  And can it be rectified?  If your children do honor you, Hallelujah!

Hmmmm!  Thank you for reading with me today.  May these words be a stimulant to you in a positive way. If you know someone in need, offer them your hand but don't fall into the quagmire they are in. Just lift them up, give them hope.  Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Commandment #4

 Good morning everyone!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. PRAISE GOD, OUR LIVING GOD!!!

   Well, the 4th commandment is "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it Holy".

The first 4 commandments deal with how we relate to God.Today is that special day, July 12th, a SUNDAY, the day of which we, Christians, keep God's day special.

   Many will be mowing the lawn, fishing, golfing, driving, working at home or a job-- which is okay IF they know Jesus as their savior.

   However, some will say I commune with God when I am ..............!  I am not in a place to judge, but the Bible tells us where 2 or 3 are gathered IN MY NAME, there am I among them. Matthew 18: 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

   Also, in the new testament in Hebrews 10:25 we, as believers are to  

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.

  So, let's keep today Holy and worship God.  Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Graace

Johnny

Commandment #3

 Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. HE HAS RISEN, YES, INDEED, HE HAS RISEN!!!

  Deuteronomy 5:  11 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.  

  How often have you ever heard someone use God's name in part of a curse word?  How we use words and the intent behind it makes a huge difference.

   I can remember when I was in junior high and some of us boys, when it was just us, would say some words thinking that made us big or almost adult.  Never in front of an adult, just us boys thinking we were something.

   Then one Sunday our preacher stepped up in the pulpit and very loudly said, "JESUS CHRIST"!  Then he followed up with did you hear a curse word or your savior.  That gives you an idea where you stand in your salvation.

   I was shocked and ashamed because I thought he was cussing from the pulpit.  Then I realized he was calling the name of my Lord and Savior.  Where do you think you would have been or what you would have thought?

   Fortunately, God has forgiven me for my ill ways and is my Lord and savior.  Now, when I hear a person begin a statement of frustration with God ............, I cringe.  When appropriate or the opportunity comes I share my feelings on this.

   We may hear people exclaim things like, "Oh God" or "My God" or "For God's sake", or other expressions.

    Is this okay? How are these statements being used?  Have we let these expressions (and more) to become socially acceptable in our Christian walk?  Hmmm?

   Food for thought.  May you be blessed today, and may you use God's name only in your prayers or when talking to God.

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

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Commandment #2 - No Idols

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

  Commandment number two says we will have no other IDOLS before God.

We will see people who have a carved statue and pray or worship it and we think how ridiculous, praying to some you created or had created.  Sounds silly, right?

  But then what do we do? We take pride in many material things. My job, my car, my house, the money I made, the travels I take, and on and on.  Oh, but I go to church each Sunday and I usually go to Sunday School, and Wednesday nights.

  Yes, so often we "go through the motions".  Matthew West - The Motions . This song may relate to many of us - just going through the motions.  We need to quite 'pretending' to be the "good Christian" and be real with ourselves and with Jesus.

  So, what is your IDOL ?  Is Jesus your true LORD & SAVIOR?  Or do you have a carved image you pray to?

  The chorus lyrics of The Motion by Matthew West:

I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything
Instead of going through the motions?

  How often I feel like I am just going through the motions.  My prayer today is that each of us, especially me, will quit going through the motions and become as dedicated as the disciples or Paul were.  

NO IDOLS BEFORE OUR LIVING GOD!!!

Thank you for reading today. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Do you know the 10 commandments? Where they are?

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  WHO is your God, truly?  Is it the living God or ???????

   Moses came down with the 10 commandments and we tend to forget what they all are or even where they are in the Bible.  Yes, I am guilty as charged.  The first four commandments deal with our relationship with God. (Exodus 20:2-17/Deuteronomy 5:6-21)

1. "You shall have no other God before me."  Hmmmm!!

   Lip service is easy to say, "Yes, God is number 1 in my life.  Oh, hold on, I have a phone call."  Huh??? 

   How much time do we spend looking at our phone.  Checking reels, facebook, instagram, tic-tok, and on and on.  Or, maybe putting off reading the Bible because we want to "do something for myself."  We become selfish.  God wants a true relationship with you, with me, with all the world.

   The problem is we treat God like an unwanted child or step-child.  Just giving Him attention when we want to or feel we need to.  Or maybe when things don't go well in our lives we call out to God.  Why?  Why are you letting this happen to me?  Huh??

   God should be number 1, numero uno, top dog, the ultimate love of our life.  Do we treat Him that way?

   Priorities we do set, and so often God is not the top of our priorities.  I woke this morning with God giving me the words to say.  I got up, went to breakfast, then came back.  I should have gotten up and put into print what God was telling me.  I have done so now, but not as elegant and clear as when God woke me with the words HE wanted printed.

   I am making an attempt to put down what God told me, but not nearly as clear as the words HE gave me at 6 a.m. this morning.  All I am able to do now is ask forgiveness from God and renew my commitment to make God #1 in my life.

  Where are you my friend in your relationship with the living God, with Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit?

   Today, just stop, take a moment, and talk to God. Remember Him, and have no other Gods before you.  Thank you for reading with me today. I welcome you feedback. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Am I making an impact through my Christianity?

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. WILL I MAKE AN IMPACT ON SOMEONE TODAY????

  We go to church, sit in the pew, praise God, raise our hands, say Amen, and listen to the Sunday school teacher or preacher.  Yet, are we in our own little cocoon and plan to remain there or are we making an impact on others around us?

  Dorcas (Greek) or Tabitha (Arabic) in the Bible made an impact on others.  Her name means "gazelle".  She made clothes for widows and poor people.  When she died, got sick and died, the people around brought the clothing she made and showed what she did and they cried.  Peter came and prayed and she came back to life.

  It is a very touching story, yet makes me think: "Would people (not just family) come around, show or tell of the good I did for them as a Christian"?  Would they cry because a disciple of Jesus Christ had just died or just go on with life saying, "it is what it is"?  Hmmmmm?  Makes me wonder if all I do is as worthy as what Tabitha did.  Here is the Tabitha's scripture:  

Tabitha, disciple to the poor. 

  Thank you for reading with me today. May you touch people for Jesus Christ today. Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny