What is your example? How is your Bible?

Good morning everyone!!! I hope this is another great day in the Lord for you. Yes, it will be as good as you expect it to be, SO, let's look forward to a great day in Jesus Christ our Lord. We may suffer some, but didn't our Lord and saviour suffer? Okay, let's look at this.
1 Peter 2:21 "FOR GOD CALLED YOU TO DO GOOD, EVEN IF IT MEANS SUFFERING, JUST AS CHRIST SUFFERED FOR YOU. HE IS YOUR EXAMPLE, AND YOU MUST FOLLOW IN HIS STEPS."
So? What is being said here? We may suffer for many reasons and a lot of how we act and react is where our eyes are. Are they cast forth to the heavens or are they cast to the ground, the earth, the land where satan roams? Some of our suffering may be a result of our sin, some may be because of foolishness, and some is because we live in a sinful world, a fallen world. Peter here is writing because we suffered from doing good. Christ never sinned, he suffered, but that is why we are set free, why we are saved, why we will have eternal life.
All of this is in God's big picture, his plan, Jesus came to save us; he suffered; we must be ready to do so also. When suffering comes, what type of example will you be? We should greet suffering with patience, calmness and confidence all the time knowing that God is in control. This is a great time for knee mail. Let your example be one where people see Jesus, and giving praise always to our Father......GOD!!!!
Hey, thanks for being with me this morning. Please pray for the Johnson family in their recent loss; for the Farris family in their new birth; and pray for each person on this list, in you address book, and that you know. It won't take but just a moment for you to bless them with prayer. Love you all. Have a Christ-like day (with little or no suffering).
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

What type of Bible are you?!?!?!?

Good morning everyone!! I hope this is a wonderful and glorious day in the Lord for you!!! Isn't it amazing how when we do try to walk in step with the Lord things seem to be easier. God is good all the time and all the time God is good. We cannot outgive God. Last night upon reaching my final destination, bed, I turned on the gospel music channel, easy to listen to, and woke up just after 4 a.m. fully rested and ready for the day. Isn't that amazing?!?!?! Okay, enough idle stuff. (better idle than idol, huh? lol)
I picked this up from a friend, thank you Joe. we were talking about people having Christian symbols on the back of their vehicle and then driving crazy. He said his dad used to say we may be the only Bible some people see!!! Now, stop and think about this!!! WOW!!! What an impact!! we may think only our pastors, elders, deacons, Sunday School teachers are accountable. If you are the only Bible someone may seen, what is your cover like??? What is the story inside????? What type of Bible are you??
Do we allow God the opportunity to show us areas in our life where we may be lacking? Yes, we will make mistakes, but don't be afraid to admit those mistakes. Our integrity is at stake, our personal integrity, but most of all our integrity in Christ. We need to realize that others look to us as a role model and take that responsibility seriously. We need to trust that God will help us as we strive to live a life of integrity.
Proverbs 10:9 "HE WHO WALKS WITH INTEGRITY WALKS SECURELY, BUT HE WHO PERVERTS HIS WAYS WILL BECOME KNOWN."
Proverbs 20:7 "THE RIGHTEOUS MAN WALKS IN HIS INTEGRITY; HIS CHILDREN ARE BLESSED AFTER HIM."
Proverbs 14:3 "THE INTEGRITY OF GOOD PEOPLE CREATES A SAFE PLACE FOR LIVING."
Integrity means choosing to consistently do the right thing in all situations, each day, following the ethics defined by Christ Himself. Don't shade the truth or cut corners because it is easier. A life of integrity is not to keep up appearances but must reflect the "Christ" which is on the inside. As a Christian you are in the public eye.... what type of Bible are you?
Thank you for reading today. Love you all. Keep you Bible clean and as pure as possible. WHAT TYPE OF BIBLE ARE YOU?!?!?!?!?!?
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Is your image tarnished?

Good morning everyone!! I hope this is a wonderful day for you all!!! The moisture has been great!!! We all get blessings one way or another!! We may not see it, but we do. Please pray for the Johnson family as they just lost a loved one, Paul. God is in control and all will be well, it is just difficult when it happens.
Well, I will not keep you long today....just something we have talked about before. Are we really true in our belief, or when we walk out of the church does everything change. What are you talking about? Okay, for example, some people are really nice, sweet people at church but after leaving their fangs and claws come out and they become mean people. Nothing good to say, nothing positive, all doom and gloom.
While driving into Tyler, once again, some vehicles do some questionable things, like switching lanes back and forth, turning in front of someone and causing the people behind to have to brake hard, etc. Yep, you guessed it, they had a Christian sticker on the back of their vehicle. I saw three, 1 was driving very nicely, a T.K.Gorman (catholic) sticker in the back; 1 was just a unireligion sticker, and the last was a Grace Church sticker.
I don't mean to be critical....however.....as Christians we get enough bad raps and not enough positive. Anyway, I guess you need the positive and negative to make the world turn. An optimist invents the airplane, a pessimist invents the parachute. Obviously this is a pet peeve of mine and I will try to maintain concerning the image we display.
I need to remember Ephesians 4:26 "In your anger do not sin! Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry."
Acts 24:16 "I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and everyone else." Now I am meddlin' with myself Proverbs 12:5 "A good man's mind is filed with honest thoughts; an evil man's mind is crammed with lies." I have to examine and say "where am I?" Thank you for reading have a wonderful day. Once again it is Friday and the dead do come back to life at quitting time. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Where is your relationship with God? Hosea 1

Good everyone!!! How are you this fine morning!!! We received some long waited for rain and it was wonderful!!!! God is good all the time and all the time God is good. God is there, God is consistent, God does not abandon us, God is faithful.
Well, what about our life. Studying the disciple lesson this week I can not help put compare our life (my life) and relationship with God as that of Hosea's wife Gomer. When Hosea married her, she may not have been a harlot, but she soon went that way. Hosea was faithful to Gomer, even though she was unfaithful to him.
I look at my life with God. He is always there when I need him. Even though I am not always faithful, God is there. Isn't it amazing how patient God is, we have our "Golden Calves" yet God will take us back. Well, I don't have a golden calf may be a response. Well......in what esteem do you hold your: house, car, property, big screen, etc. These, many times, become golden calves.
How many times have you turned away from God and when you returned He had his arms open wide, full of forgiveness, and waiting for you? The good news is that Jesus died for our sins, we are forgiven, and white as the pure driven snow in God's sight once we accept Jesus.
What a saviour we do have. GOD IS GREAT!!!! Thank you for reading and have a wonderful, God filled day. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Giving? Giving!!!!

Good morning everyone!!! I hope you have a wonderful day!! May God bless you in all ways!!! I am trying to get some feedback concerning the morning devotional. If you would like to not longer receive them please let me know. It does become annoying if sometime keeps coming and you have to hit the delete key. This is an instrument to keep me in fellowship with the Lord and if it helps you rejoice, if not let's just stop the mail.
GIVING?!!?? So, un huh, are you going to talk about giving to the church tithes, offerings, and gifts. NOPE!!!! I'll leave that to you pastor. Giving ..... giving.... of what? Giving of ones self. We cannot out give the Lord. There are 39 verses in the Bible that talk about giving... whether it be from you to God or God to you.
Have you given any of your time for Jesus lately? If nothing else to just pray? If so, good.....if not....WHY NOT? God asks so little of us yet we seem to be too busy to give back to God. CHALLENGE!!! Again? Yes, it seems we have to be challenged today to go forth and spread the good news of salvation and our Saviour.
We need not reject God who gives us His Holy Spirit to guide us, who gives us life, who gives us jobs, health, positions, all we have. Hannah gave Samuel to the Lord at 3 years of age (1 Sam 1:28). Are we able to give up to the Lord those items we hold precious, family, material items, our time? We need to have a ministry of giving...giving all to the Lord. Your faith, time, family, resources, etc. Read 2 Corinthians 8:3-9. God gave it all for you.....what have you given back to Him?
Thank you for reading. May you be blessed and bless others. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Where are you? Stop and Listen!! Psalm 46:10-11

Good morning everyone!!! I hope you have a super day in our saviour and Lord Jesus Christ!!!! Yesterday while driving the bus back from the Cross Country Track Meet many things crossed my mind. What stimulated this was a sign I saw on a church. Before I tell you what the sign said let me digress somewhat in my life. Some of you know this story, please bear with me. When I first got out of the military I was back in my hometown of Eads, Colorado working for the summer, you know, $$$$ for college. Well, we had one of those few rain days when I could not farm and the Christian Church in town was building a new church. I went by to see what progress had been made and the man who owned the company was there as they had a rain out day also. We visited briefly when he asked me if I was a Christian. Well, I knew what he was asking, I knew my answer, so I said no, I was a Methodist.
He went on to explain Christian, I knew what he was saying and I knew I was not. That is why I avoided the question. I had no doubt JESUS was not in my heart. I knew Jesus, God, and Holy Spirit.....but they were just passing acquaintances, no personal relationship.
When you stand face to face with Jesus.....will He be Jesus my saviour? OR, will He be Jesus my judge? Is your heart really open to Jesus? Are you really following His direction? Are you doing His will?
The sign on the church said....."when you see Jesus will He be saviour or judge?"
Good stimulating thought. Also, "be still and know that I am." Have you done this lately? When? Sometime soon just STOP, turn off your radio, t.v., stereo, or whatever and listen to the quiet, listen to the peacefulness. Take time to be with your saviour without some other distractions.
TODAY, T O D A Y, I challenge each of you to be still, while driving to work....turn your radio off!!!! Take time to talk to your Lord and saviour.....in the quiet!!! Also, where is your heart? A second challenge - tell someone about your saviour. Whether it be a God Bless You; a do you know Jesus?; I need to tell you about a friend; or anyway you desire.
When was the last time you did a good samaritan deed and left a calling card about Jesus, a simple God Bless You, or whatever. Our youth need examples, they have plenty of examples - - just look at the media, tv, radio, CD's, mp3's, etc. Are these what we want our children to look up to OR are we going to do something.
Ostrich time is over, we are in two wars, both terrorist wars, one from satan, the other from non-christian world. Put on your armor and let's go to battle. Thank you for reading. Love you all. If you would rather not receive these devotionals please let me know.
Psalm 46:10-11 "be still, and know that I am God. I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. The Lord of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress."
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Where are you? 1 John 2:12-14

Good morning everyone!!! I hope this is a great day in the Lord for you. God has plans for all of us, we need to stop and listen to what God is saying.
1 John 2:12-14 "I AM WRITING TO YOU WHO ARE GOD'S CHILDREN BECAUSE YOUR SINS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN THROUGH JESUS. (13) I AM WRITING TO YOU WHO ARE MATURE IN THE FAITH BECAUSE YOU KNOW CHRIST, WHO EXISTED FROM THE BEGINNING, I AM WRITING TO YOU WHO ARE YOUNG IN THE FAITH BECAUSE YOU HAVE WON YOUR BATTLE WITH THE EVIL ONE. (14) I HAVE WRITTEN TO YOU WHO ARE GOD'S CHILDREN BECAUSE YOU KNOW THE FATHER. I HAVE WRITTEN TO YOU WHO ARE MATURE IN THE FAITH BECAUSE YOU KNOW CHRIST, WHO EXISTED FROM THE BEGINING, I HAVE WRITTEN TO YOU WHO ARE YOUNG IN THE FAITH BECAUSE YOU ARE STRONG. GOD'S WORD LIVES IN YOUR HEARTS, AND YOU HAVE WON YOUR BATTLE WITH THE EVIL ONE."
Wow!!! A mouthful said here!!! John was writing to believers of all ages. The chidren had experienced forgiveness through Jesus. Those who are mature in the faith have been in Christ longer whereas the young in the faith had battled with Satan's temptation and had won. Each point in our Christian life builds upon the other. As we teach our children more and more about Christ they continue to have victory after victory. Their spiritual relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ continues to grow.
The mature in Christ have gained more knowledge and wisdom from past experiences and should be able to guide the new in Christ. Where are you in your spiritual Christian growth? Are you mature enough to lead the youth? So many temptations today for our youth, we need to be strong and mature in Christ so we may fight the good fight. Do something for Jesus today!!! Share Jesus with someone!!! STOP, DROP AND PRAY!!!! Satan is alive and we are in a constant warfare. Stop and rest only when you let Jesus take charge. Thanks for reading. Love you all! Have a wonderful day and week.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

What kind of example are you?

good morning everyone!! I hope you have a wonderful day in the Lord!! Yes, it is cool outside, brisk, makes me want to take off running and cavorting. NOT!!! However, it is nice to have cool mornings. Break up the heat and maybe get some moisture. Yesterday as I was driving into Tyler after school to have some blood drawn for my next check up I could not help but watch and think about how we act. Coming out of Grapeland there was a green older slow pickup in front of me. Yep, my first instinct is to get on his bumper and as soon as I can pass him. then, for whatever reason, a feeling came over me to just back off and enjoy the drive. Well, I did!!! Guess what? The pickup did speed up and began driving the 70 speed limit.Hmmmmm? Was I being tested? Later on, coming into Tyler on highway 155 a van darted past me with an emblem on the back....it was a child kneeling at a cross. This car was speeding and changing lanes, trying to hurry into town. However, at each stoplight, there we were together. She tailgated, switched lanes, and darted around. I could not do anything but focus on the emblem in her back window. During this interesting drive I was stuck in the left lane of traffic and had a car sitting on my bumper. The first thought was, well, if you think I am going to change lanes forget it, I am doing the speed limit. Then I had to examine myself and think if this was in the Christian spirit. Continuing into town I observed traffic, but most of all I tried to keep check on MY ATTITUDE!! Were these people really wrong, were they displaying aggressive driving attitudes, or was my attitude in the wrong place? Hhhmmmmm? Something to ponder!!!! Maybe I need to keep closer tabs on my attitude!! Romans 1:5 "THROUGH CHRIST, ALL THE KINDNESS OF GOD HAS BEEN POURED OUT UPON US...AND NOW HIS IS SENDING US OUT AROUND THE WORLD TO TELL ALL PEOPLE EVERYWHERE THE GREAT THINGS GOD HAS DONE....SO THEY, TOO, WILL BELIEVE AND OBEY HIM." Thank you for reading. Have a super day!! It is Friday, the day the dead come back to life........at quitting time. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Where is your strength? Phillipians 4:13

Good morning everyone!!!! It is a great day in the Lord!! I hope all
goes well for you today. Step up and claim the victory through our Lord
Jesus Christ who strengthens us. Last night at Bible study an important
item came out which is letting things fester inside us, we have to ask
forgiveness and forgive so as not to allow satan a foothold in our lives.
How awesome!! Phillipians 4:13 has come up in my life many times in the
last 2 weeks. "FOR I CAN DO EVERYTHING THROUGH CHRIST, WHO GIVE ME
STRENGTH." Quit putting your troubles in a bag and carrying it.....go
forth in faith and hand it all over to Jesus. Get rid of your baggage,
let God handle it in his way, his time, and let us be patient.
Psalm 46:1 "GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH, ALWAYS READY TO HELP IN
TIMES OF TROUBLE." I know this....You know this....Do we really
believe this? Or is it just head knowledge? Two verses, one Old
Testament, one New Testament and both tell us our strength is from God.
Hey, don't wait anymore.....give your troubles to God. Jesus is the
answer yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
What more can be said. Thank you for reading. May you be blessed
through out the day. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Where is your strength? Phillipians 4:13

Good morning everyone!!!! It is a great day in the Lord!! I hope all goes well for you today. Step up and claim the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ who strengthens us. Last night at Bible study an important item came out which is letting things fester inside us, we have to ask forgiveness and forgive so as not to allow satan a foothold in our lives.
How awesome!! Phillipians 4:13 has come up in my life many times in the last 2 weeks. "FOR I CAN DO EVERYTHING THROUGH CHRIST, WHO GIVE ME STRENGTH." Quit putting your troubles in a bag and carrying it.....go forth in faith and hand it all over to Jesus. Get rid of your baggage, let God handle it in his way, his time, and let us be patient.
Psalm 46:1 "GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH, ALWAYS READY TO HELP IN TIMES OF TROUBLE." I know this....You know this....Do we really believe this? Or is it just head knowledge? Two verses, one Old Testament, one New Testament and both tell us our strength is from God. Hey, don't wait anymore.....give your troubles to God. Jesus is the answer yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
What more can be said. Thank you for reading. May you be blessed through out the day. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Are you trusting God or man? Acts 17:25

Good morning everyone!!! I hope this is a great day in the Lord for you. I trust the last few days have been good as well!!! God is good all the time.......all the time God is good!!!! When we put all our trust in God we may become frustrated because it is not in our time, but God's. We cannot pull back and try to do it ourselves. God is all knowing and it will be done when it is time. Acts 17:25 "HUMAN HANDS CAN'T SERVE HIS NEEDS-FOR HE HAS NO NEEDS. HE HIMSELF GIVES LIFE AND BREATH TO EVERYTHING AND HE SATISFIES EVERY NEED THERE IS." We need to let God be in control. As humans we tend to try to take control and run things ourselves. When we let go and trust God to work our what is best for us, the frustrations in our life will be relieved. They will go away. God gives us a promise: Joshua 1:9 "I COMMAND YOU-BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS! DO NOT BE AFRAID OR DISCOURAGED. FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU WHEVER YOU GO." We cannot outgive God, God will not let us down.....Man will. We should support one another as Christians......but all our faith should be in GOD!! Thank you for reading today. I pray that God blesses you today. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

You are accountable! Romans 14: 7, 8, 12

Good morning oh great loved ones!!!! Isn't God grand? We got some moisture here, still need more, but thank you Lord for what we have. Yesterday I asked where are you! Well, where are you? Where in your spiritual life are you sitting today? Right now?
God holds us accountable for what we do!!!! Are you a leader? Are you a teacher? Do you have a responsibility to God? I would think the answers here should be YES, YES, & YES!!!!!
We are all held accountable. Romans 14:7, 8, 12 "FOR WE ARE NOT OUR OWN MASTERS WHEN WE LIVE OR WHEN WE DIE. WHILE WE LIVE, WE LIVE TO PLEASE THE LORD. AND WHEN WE DIE, WE GO TO BE WITH THE LORD. SO IN LIFE AND IN DEATH, WE BELONG TO THE LORD......YES, EACH OF US WILL HAVE TO GIVE A PERSONAL ACCOUNT TO GOD."
Take a moment and reread this scripture. Not our own masters? Live to please the Lord? Belong to the Lord? Give a personal account to God? Life here on earth is practice for when we get to heaven. How is your practice going? Would you make our Father in Heaven proud? THINK ABOUT IT!!!!
2 Corinthians 5:9-10 "SO OUR AIM IS TO PLEASE HIM ALWAYS, WHETHER WE ARE HERE IN THIS BOYD OR AWAY FROM THIS BODY. FOR WE MUST ALL STAND BEFORE CHRIST TO BE JUDGED. WE WILL EACH RECEIVE WHATEVER WE DESERVE FOR THE GOOD OR EVIL WE HAVE DONE IN OUR BODIES."
We must live today as though we will be in eternity tomorrow. All you have....your material possessions, your worldly gifts, your spiritual gifts, are all given to you by God. One day you will have to give account for what you did with all God gave you. Make us proud!! Go out and tell someone about JESUS, GOD, the HOLY SPIRIT!!!
Thank you for reading, please go forth and enjoy your day in the Lord. Nothing, no....NOTHING is too big for you to handle with GOD! Love you all. Have a super day, the end will come when...................
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Colossians 2:20-23

good morning everyone!!! I hope you had a great day in the Lord yesterday!! God is good all the time.....all the time God is good. You never know where God will lead you in the scriptures and this came to me in church while I was turning to one of our preachers scriptures. Then, as a coincedence(????) this also was discussed last night at Bible study.
Let's look at Colossians 2:20-23. I am coming to you out of my resources. Read the scripture below and see if it talks to youl
20 You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, 21 “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? 22 Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. 23 These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires. What does this say to you? It screamed loud to me.....I am free in Christ....but why do I keep going back to the world? Paul writes against any philosophy of life based only on human ideas and experiences. Paul is not condemning philosophy but teachings that credits humanity, not Christ, with being the answer to life's problems. This approach becomes a false religion.
We have many man made way's to solve life's problems that totally move God aside. To avoid such pitfalls we must do 3 things: 1) use you mind; 2) keep your eyes on Christ; and 3) study God's word.
Where are you right now? Today? Remember Christ died for us, thus we have been crucified with him; our old, rebellious nature died with Christ; Christ's resurrection guarantees our new life now and eternal life with him later on. People should be able to see a difference between the way you, a Christian lives, and the way a non-Christian lives.
Man made religions focus on human effort; Christianity focuses on Christ's work. Believer's must put aside sinful desires, our salvation is in the power of Christ's death and resurrection. Thank you for reading today. Love you all. Have a wonderful day in the Lord, Jesus Christ.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

No Fear at Work!!! Romans 12:11

Well, Good morning everyone!!! Yes, what a great day to be alive in Jesus!!! Is Jesus important to you today? What is on your mind today? Are you worried about........????????
Many times we approach our jobs as "it's a job". This is not what God wants us to do!!! Romans 12:11 "never be lazy in your work, but serve the lord enthusiastically." So, what is this telling us? Yes, in not being lazy in your work, you are SERVING THE LORD ENTHUSIASTICALY.
Okay, then how do I go about my work? Ecclesiastes 2:21 "I do my work with wisdom, knowledge, and skill." Ecclesiastes 9:10 "Whatever you do, do well." We should work hard and do the very best work we can. We are given an opportunity, no matter where we are, what time it is, we are in our mission field. When you wake, you are preparing to enter your mission field.....whether it be your spouse, your children, the people you work with, people at the donut place, drivers next to you, in front of you, behind you.......your work for the Lord surrounds you. How are you acting?
Colossians 3:23-24 "WORK HARD AND CHEERFULLY AT WHATEVER YOU DO, AS THOUGH YOU WERE WORKING FOR THE LORD RATHER THAN FOR PEOPLE...THE LORD WILL GIVE YOU AN INHERITANCE AS YOUR REWARD."
Enough said. Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all. Have a super day in the Lord.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

NO FEAR!!!! Isaiah 41:10

Good morning everyone!!!! I hope this day is a great day for each of you. A prayer request for a friends sister, Carol, who was hospitalized for gall bladder problems in Houston. Today is a great day in the Lord!!! We should have NO FEAR!!! Didn't one of our presidents say: we have nothing to fear but fear itself? Why are we afraid many times? What is going on in our life? Where is our faith? Isaiah 41:10 "DO NOT FEAR, FOR I AM WITH YOU; DO NOT BE AFRAID, FOR I AM YOUR GOD. I WILL STRENGTHEN YOU, I WILL HELP YOU; I WILL HOLD ON TO YOU WITH MY RIGHTEOUS RIGHT HAND."
WOW!! What a comfort!! If God lifts his right hand then His protection is lifted from us. But no, he is holding on to us with His Righteous Right Hand. We need to rest assured in God's protection. The disciples became afraid when the Sea of Galilee rose up, they woke Jesus and he calmed the waters. What was the problem? Lack of faith!! Jesus fussed or rebuked His disciples for their lack of faith.
What are you today? Right now? Are you standing in faith....NO FEAR!?!? Or are you as the disciples in the boat when a storm rises? Mark 5:36 "DON'T BE AFRAID. ONLY BELIEVE". Can you do this, right now, today???
There are no problems bigger than God can handle!!! Soooo, why do we try to handle them ourselves? Why don't we just turn them over to God and enjoy the fact that God CAN and WILL handle it?
Isaiah 41:13 "FOR I, THE LORD YOUR GOD, HOLD YOUR RIGHT HAND AND SAY TO YOU: DO NOT FEAR, I WILL HELP YOU." Psalm 34:4 "I SOUGHT THE LORD, AND HE HEARD ME, AND DELIVERED ME FROM ALL MY FEARS."
Thank you for reading with me today!!!! I hope and pray that you are strong in the Lord.....NO FEAR!!!! Doubt and fear......Believe and NO FEAR!! Love you all. Go forth knowing God's righteous hand is on you!!
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Work a mission field? Ecclesiastes 5:19

Good morning everyone!!! I hope this is a great day in the Lord for you all!! Yesterday was much better than I deserved!!! It was my birthday and many of you knew this and wished me well.....Thank you so much.
Have you considered your work? The place you receive a paycheck!!! God created work from the very beginning. With Adam and Eve in the garden...they were not there to just sit back and be served. They were there to enjoy but to do work in picking the fruits of the vine or harvesting. However, when they ate of the forbidden fruit....hard work became the norm as they angered God.
We may say I don't enjoy my job, I want to find another job where I can enjoy my work and spread the gospel as Jesus tells us to do. Wait!!! How do you know you need to change jobs? Are you in your mission field??
Ecclesiastes 5:19 "TO ENJOY YOU WORK AND ACCEPT YOUR LOT IN LIFE-THAT IS INDEED A GIFT FROM GOD." Are you enjoying your work???? Have you considered it a gift from God??? Or are we intent on complaining??? Look around you----you are surrounded by your mission field!!
Colossians 3:17 "AND WHATEVER YOU DO OR SAY, LET IT BE AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE LORD JESUS, ALL THE WHILE GIVING THANKS THROUGH HIM TO GOD THE FATHER." Your goal should be to work in such a way that you are a good representative of Christ.
Proverbs 12:11 "HARD WORK MEANS PROSPERITY; ONLY FOOLS IDLE AWAY THEIR TIME." Hard work usually brings forth the fruit of prosperity and success. We need to work hard and do our very best as we are being watched constantly. Do people in your mission field (work) know you are a Christian? Or do you keep it quiet and do so in secret?? Boldly go forth with the word of God....proclaim the good news. Thank you for reading. Love you all!!!
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Peace like a river!! Isaiah 48:18

Good morning all!!! What a great day to be alive in the Lord!!! What a great day to know that we are children of God!!!! No, not everyone is a child of God.......only those who accept the Lord.. Good ol boys was our sermon last Sunday at church. Yes, good ol boys are nice to have around, BUT, good ol boys do not get into God's kingdom just because they are good. They still have to take the step to accept the Lord and have no other gods.
How can you have peace in your life? God makes it very simple. In Isaiah 48:18 "IF ONLY YOU HAD PAID ATTENTION TO MY COMMANDS. THEN YOUR PEACE WOULD HAVE BEEN LIKE A RIVER, AND YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS LIKE THE WAVES OF THE SEA."
So, if we pay attention to God's commands we will have peace like a river. What does this mean to you? I see water flowing gently, calmly, and smoothly between the banks (God & Jesus?) and going only where the banks allow or lead.
"YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS LIKE THE WAVES OF THE SEA", what does this mean to you? To me, it means there are many items here, as the waves of the sea. In a righteousness life there is faith, honesty, generous, love, kindness, being humble, being grateful and worshiping. I am sure there are many more terms that may come to mind later, or that you are thinking about.
If we choose to follow Jesus, our saviour, we should try to live accoridng to HIS commandments, live by the outline in the Bible and teach our children and let our example go forth. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, "Only he who believes is obedient. Only he who is obedient believes."
May your day flow as a river and the waves of righteousness lap over you constantly. Thank you for reading. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Opportunity for Joy!! James 1:2-3

Good morning all!! I hope this is a great day in the Lord for each of you. Sundays are wonderful days to take time to rejoice in the Lord. What does James say? Okay. James 1:2-3 "DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS, WHENEVER TROUBLE COMES YOUR WAY, LET IT BE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR JOY. FOR WHEN YOUR FAITH IS TESTED, YOUR ENDURANCE HAS A CHANCE TO GROW."
Joy comes from within and happiness comes from external circumstances. Many times God will take the opportunity to teach us joy through the troubles we have. We are tested during moments of grief or depression and this helps us to grow spiritually. We learn to rejoice through the Lord. We learn to rely on the Lord. We learn to leave everything in the Lord's hands.
As Bro Lou said, sometimes we have to be flat on our back before we look up to the Lord for help. Let us not only be happy with what goes on around us, but have internal joy from the growth within.
Are you growing or groaning? Take time to grow with Jesus and look up to our Heavenly Father and take time for Him. Thank you for reading. Have a great day in the Lord. Love you all. May your joy burst forth!!
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Everlasting life?

Good morning everyone!! Yes, a great day to be alive in the Lord. Are we always doing what we should? No necessarily, but do you try and are you striving to reach the pinnacle that God wants you to reach?
In Psalm 139: 23,24 "SEARCH ME, O GOD, AND KNOW MY HEART: TRY ME, AND KNOW MY THOUGHTS: AND SEE IF THERE BE ANY WICKED WAY IN ME AND LEAD ME IN THE WAY EVERLASTING."
What is going on anyway? Are you willing to have God search you and know your heart? In my case....uh.....sometimes. Why? Because sometimes I feel and know God does not like my thoughts. So, what do we ask then? We simply ask God to lead us in the way everlasting. So simple!!!
As humans, born of sin, we cannot just say "thank you Lord", and go on knowing God is in control. Many times we are as the scientist.....I need to see proof, show me something concrete.
Today, let's all stop and let God lead, accept our life everlasting, and rejoice in the strength and power of the Lord and that He is our FATHER!!!
Thank you for reading.....love you all. Have a great Friday. Today is a day when the dead shall rise......just be here at quitting time. LOL
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

God's Plan

Good morning everyone!!! Wow!! What a great day to be alive in the Lord JesusChrist!!! No matter what happens....God is in control!!! This we must remember. Through happy or sorrow, good times or bad....God is in control. "Our goal is to be like him, anything less is inadequate." Max Lucado
God has plans for our life, but He won't force those plans upon us. He has given usfree will, the ability to make decisions on our own. By having this freedom alsocomes the responsibility of living with the consequences of the choice we make. If we try to live in accordance with God's will then our life will be in linewith His commandments. We will want to study God's word, we will watch for signsHe sends, associate with fellow Christians who will encourage your spiritualgrowth, and most of all...listen to what God is telling us. This may be a littlevoice inside that quietly speaks to you, but we need to be still and listen.
Jeremiah 29:11 "FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU-PLANS FOR YOUR WELFARE NOT FORDISASTER, TO GIVE YOU A FUTURE AND A HOPE." Romans 8:28 "WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF THOSE WHOLOVE GOD: THOSE WHO ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE."
God wants to use you in wonderful way if you will let Him. Where are you inyour decision to work for the glory of God? Are you ready to submit? Have youalready submitted? Our decisions we make here on earth will affect useternally. Have a wonderful day in the Lord. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Impossible???? Luke 1:37

Good morning everyone!!!! What a great day to be alive in Jesus!!! Whatever is happening in your life can be not so major because we know that things may be impossible for man, but not for God.
A young man was adopted by a wealthy family, he became a favored child, but then he killed someone and fled, he went on the run.
Another young man was raised in a family where love abounded. There was more love than you can imagine, however, the young man spoke openly against the authorities, and started a movement outside the "norm" of the society.
A young man and young woman were absolutely head over heels in love and planned to get married. Then, she became pregnant prior to the marriage and not by him.
Luke 1:37 "FOR NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD." God can make all things right. Mark 10:27 "LOOKING AT THEM, JESUS SAID, 'WITH MEN IT IS IMPOSSIBLE, BUT NOT WITH GOD, BECAUSE ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD.'"
God uses us wherever we are, what ever we do, whatever the circumstances. God has always been in the miracle business and continues to do so. Soooooo, what about the 3 senarios above? Well, knowing God is alive and well and can do anything......here is what happened.
The first young man was Moses, the second was John the Baptist, and the third????? You guessed it, Mary and Joseph, the parents of Jesus. Were these troubled people.......maybe in their times but they are great and instrumental people in our lives as God used them to serve His purpose.
Psalm 77:14 "YOU ARE THE GOD WHO WORKS WONDERS; YOU REVEALED YOUR STRENGTH AMONG THE POEPLES."
I hope and pray this touched your heart, and you realize God is in control. Thank you for reading and may God bless you today. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

2 Peter 3:5

Good morning everyone!!! How are you doing this fine day? I hope all is well. God is good all the time and all the time God is good. What causes problems through out small part of the world called America? A school shooting in Colorado, a principal shot in Wisconsin, and now a man kills some girls in an Amish community in Pennsylvania. What is going on? Have people gone crazy? Yes they have!!!! Why?
Try this verse!!! 2 Peter 3:5 "THEY DELIBERATELY FORGET THAT GOD MADE THE HEAVENS BY THE WORD OF HIS COMMAND, AND HE BROUGHT THE EARTH OUT FROM THE WATER AND SURROUNDED IT> WITH WATER." So, what is this saying? Very simple.....WE.....AMERICA.....are leaving God out of our equations.
Oh, yes, we call upon God when in> trouble. Someone injured in a car accident and in intense pain may call out 'Oh, God help me!!' But are these real words or just idle words?
We need to be bold in talking about our Lord and Savior and go forth with the GOOD NEWS!! These killings come out of desperation, they feel they have nothing left and the only solution is death.
Try 3 letters .... GOD .....or 5 letters .... JESUS!!!! Nothing wrong with this. These should be the words we use often, these should be the people we talk to OFTEN....DAILY.....HOURLY......MOMENT BY MOMENT!! Please pray for the victims of these shootings as it does not affect just the ones shooting but many.
Thank you for reading. Love you all. Have a great day in the Lord, share Jesus with someone and don't forget to S,D & P.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Trustworthy 2 Timothy 1:9

Well., hello all. I am writing this late evening as I will be leaving early tomorrow to go to work. Have you thought about how trustworthy you are? You are designed for a specific purpose and God is trusting you with His word. What are you doing with God's word? You can't just save it and share it on special occassions.
2 Timothy 1:9 "IT IS HE WHO SAVED US AND CHOSE US FOR HIS HOLY WORK NOT BECAUSE WE DESERVED IT BUT BECAUSE THAT WAS HIS PLAN...." And is Jeremiah 1:5 ".......I chose you before you were born, I set you apart for a special work."
Soooooooo, you job on earth is not to eat, sleep, take up space and breathe God's air. You are here to spread God's word. He sent His son to make you righteous and cleansed you through the blood. NOW, take the WORD and go forth. Don't carry the word around with you and then WHEN IT IS CONVENIENT, share it with someone. Many times you will feel like you need to visit with someone about the Lord.....yet.....you will rationalize it out by saying naw, that is just my thoughts, it is not from God.
Are you sure?? don't hide God's word under a bushel, oh no......take it, run with it, and share it with all you know. Hey, thank you for reading with me this fine day of the Lord. The ones of you in Grapeland we will be starting a Bible study on the End Times this Wednesday, 6 p.m. in the high school library. I have the Books. Love you all...God bless!!
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny