TRIALS & TROUBLES- at home? at work? at church?

Good morning everyone!! What a great day to be alive in Jesus!!! GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME, ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD!! How is everything going?? Running into walls instead of going throughdoors?? It happens!!!! Sooooooo, how should we respond to trials and troubles???
Psalm 18:6 "BUT IN MY DISTRESS I CRIED OUT TO THE LORD.....HE HEARD MEFROM HIS SANCTUARY." Sooooo, who should we call on???? YEP!!
Psalm 46:1-2 "GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH, ALWAYS READY TO HELP INTIMES OF TROUBLE. SO WE WILL NOT FEAR, EVEN IF EARTHQUAKES COME AND THEMOUNTAINS CRUMBLE INTO THE SEA." Sooooo, who will we confide in, ask us to help?
Mark 6:48 "HE SAW THAT THEY WERE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE.....HE CAME TO THEM."Sooooo, we know Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit is there, and we should be quick to call on our savior. Peace, assurance, and rest do not come from our efforts and what we do, but in being still and listening before our GOD
1 Peter 1:6-7 "SO BE TRULY GLAD! THERE IS WONDERFUL JOY AHEAD, EVENTHOUGH IT IS NECESSARY FOR YOU TO ENDURE MANY TRIALS FOR A WHILE. THESE TRIALS ARE ONLY TO TEST YOUR FAITH, TO SHOW THAT IT IS STRONG AND PURE. IT IS BEING TESTED AS FIRE TESTS AND PURIFIES GOLD-AND YOURFAITH IS FAR MORE PRECIOUS TO GOD THAN MERE GOLD. SO IF YOUR FAITH REMAINS STRONG AFTER BEING TRIED BY FIERY TRIALS, IT WILL BRING YOUMUCH PRAISE AND GLORY AND HONOR ON THE DAY WHEN JESUS CHRIST IS REVEALED TO THE WHOLE WORLD."
Adversity is the true test, it is the fire that refines and the hammer that shapes a leader-----YOU! Adversity reveals your shortcomings and drives you to seek God's wisdom and power. You, a leader for Christ, let the troubles be an opportunity for joy and your endurance will have a chance to grow as it says in James 1:2-4.
When troubles and trials are getting you down....STOP, DROP, and PRAY!God is always listening....YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE FAITH TO GIVE IT ALL TO HIM!!!!
Thank you for reading today. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

ETERNITY!!

Good morning everyone!! I trust you had a great and wonderful Memorial Weekend!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
ETERNITY!!! Just what does that mean to you? Oh, well, I am not afraid of dying because I will live forever! I expect eternal life when I die! There are many torts we can cast forth on the waters of life. BUT, what does it really mean?
Isaiah 43:13 "From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can oppose what I do." So, how long has God been God? ETERNITY!
Eternity is forever.....Psalm 90:12 "Teach us to make the most of our time.....and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!"
Many things in our life can be restored, however, God gives us 1440 precious minutes per day to use. When day is done, this 1440 precious minutes are gone forever......How did you use them? Did you tell someone about Jesus? Did you pray for someone? Did you at least pray for guidance?
Psalm 37:18 "Day by day the Lord observes the good deeds done by godly men, and given them eternal rewards." God desires us to be successful, not as society views success, but as God views it. One day we will all stand before the judge of the universe, Jesus Christ, and if we've made our life count through godly wisdom, we will be rewarded eternally.
Heavenly Father, we just ask now that you give us the wisdom to go about our Father's business, never passing up the opportunity to speak the name of Jesus Christ to others, and to do works which will bring glory to your kingdom. Thank you all for reading. Think about ETERNITY!!! What does it mean to you. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Good and faithful servant

Good morning all!!! A wonderful day in the Lord Jesus Christ!!! Thanks for the unspoken prayers, I just ask that you continue to pray. Prayer is not always a one time item. When you have something troubling you be diligent and continual in prayer.
Luke 19 Jesus tells of the 10 servants, please reread this to refresh. Remember the 3rd servant brought back the original amount entrusted to him. Why was the king so hard on this man who did not increase the money?
1. He didn't share his master's interest in the kingdom
2. he didn't trust his master's intentions.
3. his only concern was for himself.
4. he did nothing to use the money.

God has given you gifts to use for the benefit of his Kingdom
Do you want the Kingdom to Grow?
Do you trust God to govern it fairly?
Are you as concerned for others' welfare as you are for your own?
Are you willing to use faithfully what he has entrusted to you?

A great parable from Jesus. Thank you for reading. Love you all!!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Where are you focused?????

Good morning all! yes, a wonderful day to be alive in Jesus!!!! I have some unspoken prayer requests, God knows, God heals, thank you. God is good all the time, all the time God is good!!!
Where is your faith?? When tested where will you turn?? How deep is your faith??? Right now, today???? Matthew 14:27-31 "But Jesus spoke to them at once, 'Dont be afraid,' he said. 'Take courage, I am here!' Then Peter called to him, 'Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come toyou, walking on the water.' 'Yes, come,' Jesus said. So peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. 'Save me, Lord!' he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. 'You have so little faith,' Jesus said, 'Why did you doubt me?'"
Peter was not putting Jesus to the test, he was the only one in the boat to react in faith. His impulsive request led him to experience a rather unusual demonstration of God's power.
Peter started to sink because he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the high waves around him. His faith wavered when he realized what he was doing. We may not walk on water, butwe may walk through though situations. If we focus on the waves of difficult circumstances around us without faith in Jesus to help, we may worry and sink. We need to focus on Jesus' power rather than on our own weaknesses.
We can start out with good intentions and sometimes our faith may falter. When Peter's faith faltered he reached out to Christ, the only one who could help. He was afraid, but he still looked to Christ.
Christ is always with us, and when you start to worry or question something just think back to Jesus. HE IS ALWAYS WITH YOU!!! Thank you for reading. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Where is your heart??

Good morning all!! What a wonderful day to be alive in the Lord!! I have a couple of unspoken prayer requests please. God knows the need and will respond, but your prayers are needed.

I Timothy 1:5-6 "The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. (6) But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions."

What should we have: pure heart clear conscience genuine faith

What happened? We argue about details of the Bible that send us off on irrelevant tangents and we miss the intent of God's message. The false teachers of Ephesus created such diversions. We should allow nothing to distract us from the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ. This is the main point of the scripture.

We should know what the Bible says, apply it to our lives, and teach it to others. If we do this we should be able to evaluate all teachings according to the central truth about Jesus.

How often do churches split over minor topics, a great tool for satan to work. Let us be strong and forth right in our fight and love for Jesus Christ. Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Perseverance......Do you have it?

Good Morning everyone!!! Yes, another wonderful day in the Lord Jesus Christ!! Who's your savior???? The man who stilled the waters still is with us!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
Hebrews 10:23 "LET US HOLD FAST THE CONFESSION OF OUR HOPE WITHOUT WAVERING FOR HE WHO PROMISED IS FAITHFUL."
We are running a marathon....NOT A SPRINT!! As does the athlete, we must train and be in shape for the run. We need to finish the race, it is a long and hard race, but in the end our life will be pleasing to God.
We must train spiritually for the race at hand. Perseverance will make us focus on the prize at the end rather than the obstacles that stand in our way. When we focus on the reward and all the wonderful things God has promised us when this life is over, then we can and will be optimistic about the future.
I Corinthians 15:58 "My beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
Remember that God's schedule for our spiritual growth is often different than our own. Thank you for reading. Love you all. STAY STRONG, STAY THE COURSE, FOCUS ON THE REWARD......EVERLASTING LIFE WITH JESUS!!!
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

What can you give up??? Will you give it up????

Good morning everyone!! What a great day to be alive in the Lord Jesus Christ. God is good all the time, all the time God is good!!!!
Remember, just before this the rich young man wanted to know what he needed to do to enter the kingdom and Jesus told him to sell everything. He was sad and left. Hence, the following conversation:
Luke 18:24-30 "When Jesus saw this, he said, 'How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! In fact, it is easier for a camle to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!" (26) Those who heard this said, "Then who in the world can be saved?" (27) He replied, "What is impossible for people is possible with God." (28) "Peter said, 'We've left our homes to follow you.'" (29-30) "Yes," Jesus replied, "and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come."
Jesus reminded Peter that following him has its benefits as well as its sacrifices. Any believer who has had to give up something to follow Christ will be repaid in this life as well as in the next.
Don't dwell on what you have given up; think about what you have gained and give thanks for it. YOU CAN NEVER OUTGIVE GOD!!!! Just try!!! What stands in your way???? Give it all!!! Thanks for reading. Love ya all!!!
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

How much do you REALLY believe in God???

Good morning everyone!!! I hope this is a wonderful day in the Lord for you. God is good all the time, all the time God is good!!!!!
Have you thought about how much you would really give up for the Lord? For Jesus?? For God??? The young rich man came to Jesus and asked what he must do. He said he kept the commandments. Jesus told him Luke 18:22 ".....Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, then come, follow me."
Wow!!! What a thing to do!! The young rich man heard this he was sad. As humans we need security.....some have security in God......and I would say most have security in their earthly possessions....IRA, 401K, retirement, home, etc. BUT they do believe in God. How deep is our belief?
Could I give it all up and follow Christ? I would like to say a resounding YES,......but, would I really? A special lady I know will say, "It's only money," or "It's God's anyway," and does not panic at the thought of losing her material possessions. Is my faith that strong??? I have to pray that it is. Examine your faith....is it that strong??
Luke 18:24 "Jesus said, How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! (25) In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God."
Thank you for reading. Stop, Drop, and Pray!!! Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Are you as a child in the Kingdom of God

Good morning!!! What a lovely day this will be!! Why? Because, God made it, God allowed us to experience His beauty one more time!!! Yea!! God is good, all the time; all the time, God is good!!!!
Luke 18:15-17 "One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. (16) Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, 'Let the children come to me. Don't stop them!! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. (17)I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.'"
In these days it was customary for a mother to bring her children to a rabbi for a blessing and that is why they came to Jesus. The disciples felt the children were unworthy of the Master's time. However, Jesus welcomed them because the children had the kind of faith and trust needed to enter God's kingdom.
How can we be a child for the Kingdom of God? This simply means having the simple, trusting attitude that children show to adults they depend on. Jesus wants his people to enjoy prayer by delighting in his company. Take time in the day to read or study the Bible; pray and seek God's guidance; rely on God totally as children do on adults who love them.
How much we should rely on Jesus.....BUT.....do we???? Stop, Drop, Pray and GIVE IT ALL TO JESUS!!! Let our hearts and minds have the spirit of the little child and solely trust in the LORD!! Thank you for reading. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

What does Jesus say about Prayer?????

Good morning all! Yes, God is good all the time, all the time God is
good!!! Do you pray with sweet, slick, smooth words, or just words
straight from the heart?? What does Jesus say about prayer???? Let's
look at Luke 18:9-14.
"Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their
own righteousness and scorned everyone else; (10) Two men went to the
Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax
collector. (11) The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer:
'I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I
don't cheat, I don't sin, and I don't commit adultery. I'm certainly
not like that tax collector! (12)I fast twice a week,and I give you a
tenth of my income.'
(13) But the tax collector stood at a distanace and dared not even
lift his eyesto heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in
sorrow, saying, 'O God, be merciful to me,for I am a sinner.' (14) I
tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified
before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those
who humble themselves will be exalted.'"
What is the difference? The Pharisee did not go to the Temple to pray
to God, but to announce to all within hearing distance how good he
was. The tax collector went recognizing his sin and begging for
mercy.
Self-righteousness is dangerous. It leads to pride, causes a person
to despise others, and prevents him or her from learning anything from
God.
The tax collector's prayer should be our prayer because we all need
God's mercy every day. Don't let pride in our achievements cut you
off from God.
So, are you going to raise your hands to heaven and say oh Lord, here
I am, look how great?? OR.....are you going to beat your chest and
in sorrow say here I am a sinner, please forgive me???? The choice
is yours!!!! DO THE RIGHT THING!!! Thanks for reading. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Do you pray??? REALLY????

Good morning everyone!! What a great day to be alive in the Lord!!! Jesus is the key, HE is the answer. God is good, all the time, all the time God is good!
You know we get tired of praying....why??...Because God does not answer our prayer!!! Oh, but HE does!!! Just not always in the time and fashion we would like. Let's look at Luke 18:1-8
"One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. (2)'There was a judge ina certain city, who neither feared God nor cared about people. (3)A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, 'Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.' (4)The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, 'I don't fear God or care about people, (5) but this woman is driving me crazy. I'm going to see that she get justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant request!'" (6) The the Lord said, "Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. (7)Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don't you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?(8) I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man return, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?"
WOW!! Persistance in prayer and not give up does not mean endless repetition or painfully long prayer sessions. Constant prayer means keeping our request continually before God as we live for HIM day by day, believing HE will answer. When we live by faith, we are not to give up.
God may delay answering, but his delays always have good reasons. As we stay constant in prayer, we grow in character, faith, and hope.
If godless judges respond to constant pressure, how much more will a great and loving God respond to us? If we know he loves us, we can believe he will hear our cries for help. Do you pray?? Really?? OR Do you really pray??? Thanks for reading, Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

How would you begin a letter???

Good morning everyone!! I hope and trust this will be a glorious day in the Lord Jesus Christ. Have a super weekend.
How are you in relationship with the Lord??? If you were to write a letter to: friends, church, family, could you begin as many did in the Bible??
James 1:1 "James a SERVANT of GOD and of the LORD JESUS CHRIST....."
Peter 1:1 "Simon Peter, a SERVANT and an APOSTLE of JESUS CHRIST...."
Jude 1:1 "Jude, the SERVANT of JESUS CHRIST,......"
Philippians 1:1 "Paul and Timotheus, the SERVANTS of JESUS CHRIST,....."
Galatians 1:1 "Paul, an APOSTLE,(not of men, neither by man, but by JESUS CHRIST, and GOD the FATHER, ......."
Corinthians 1:1 "Paul, an apostle of JESUS CHRIST by the WILL OF GOD,.."
Romans 1:1 "Paul, a SERVANT of JESUS CHRIST, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of GOD."
Are you able to say you are a servant of God, a servant of Jesus Christ?Who are you a servant of??
If you wrote a letter today, to the church, could you honestly begin the letter with your name, a servant of God or servant of Jesus Christ?
Are worldly things getting in your way? What will you do? Knee mail, the only way!! God's HOT LINE is 24/7 and that is Pacific time, Central, Mountain, Eastern, whereever. (lol) HE is always there, waiting, listening, wanting you to talk to HIM.
Thanks for reading today. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace,
Johnny

What kind of coat do you wear??

Good morning all!! Yes, a wonderful day in the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember, God is good all the time, and all the time God is good!!!! Stop,Drop, and Pray.......devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Col 4:2 Have you done this??? If not, why not??
Once you have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior YOU MUST FOLLOW HIM!!! Col 2:6 and now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Any questions!!!!!!???????
Christ was the visible image of the invisible God. Col 1:15 A very strong and powerful statement about the divine nature of Christ.
What kind of coat do you wear??? You should be wearing the cloak of rightenous; you should clothe yourself with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (Col 3:12) SOOOO......what type of coat are you wearing? Does it have Harley Davidson or Orange County Choppers written across the back???? OR, does it have ALIVE 'N' JESUS written across the back. Is your crest a dove or an ax??
You are a free agent!!! Where will you tread?? Where do you bear your cross?? Thanks for reading. Love you all!!!!
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Are we enemies of GOD????

Good morning all!!! I hope this is a wonderful day in the LORD for you all! God is good all the time, and all the time God is good. If you take an "O" out of goOd you get GOD!!
Are we enemies of God? Colossians 1:21 "THIS INCLUDES YOU WHO WERE ONCE FAR AWAY FROM GOD. YOU WERE HIS ENEMIES, SEPARATED FROM HIM BY YOUR EVIL THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS."
Look at the last part....you were his enemies...separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. What are we talking about here? Since we were alienated from God, we were strangers to God's way of thinking and henceforth we were 'enemies.'
Sin corrupted our way of thinking about God. Wrong thinking leads to sin, which further perverts and destroys our thoughts about him. When we are out of harmony with God, our natural response is to be hostile to His standards.
Is America separated from God?? You tell me..... gay marriages okay? New billboard...life is short...get divorced! Don't you know God is "fond" of this. Sex is okay, just use protection....Is it?? And in the pulpits across America.....I have visited with people whose pastor DID NOT BELIEVE EVERYTHING IN THE BIBLE!! Huh?? Yes, do good, feel good preachers!
Are you separated from God through your evil.....OR......are you walking hand in hand with the LORD???? Only you know. Life in the world is tough, life in the world as a Christian is tougher....through JESUS CHRIST you can with stand all temptations. Thank you for reading. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Christ....seing the invisible God

Good morning to all!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!! As we studied yesterday in Bible study, some things jumped out at me and I would like to share. This is very simple, but sometimes we don't "see" the simple in it's "simple form."
Colossians 1:15 "WHO IS THE IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD, THE FIRSTBORN OF EVERY CREATURE:"
The image expresses Christ's deity in relation to the Father; it is the very stamp of God as He was before the incarnation. The work is not form but IMAGE!!!The invisible God became visible in Christ: deity was clothed with numanity, deity under some human limitations. Christ in God: visible, audible, apporachable, knowable, and available. All that God is, Christ is.
The first-born of every creature. This expresses Chrsit's deity and sovereignty in relation to creation. Christ was the first-born, not the first created. First-born signifies priority in time. First speaks of His preexistence, what He was from eternity. He was before all creation; not a part of creation, but apart from creation. He is not a creature, but the Creator.
Second, this speaks of the supremacy of His position. He is the self-existent, acknowledged Head of creation. And, third, this speaks of being recognized as the Messiah (Ps 89:27). So we have declared the eternity, the sovereignty, and the lordship of Christ.
This read to me in a totally different light and touched me. I hope and pray it did as well for you. Thank you for reading. Love you all!!
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Be ye kind one to another

Good morning.....hope this is a great weekend for you all. God is good all the time, and all the time God is good!!!
Ephesians 4:32 "AND BE YE KIND ONE TO ANOTHER, TENDERHEARTED, FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, EVEN AS GOD FOR CHRIST'S SAKE HATH FORGIVEN YOU."
Life Application Study Bible ""INSTEAD, BE KIND TO EACH OTHER, TENDERHEARTED, FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, JUST AS GOD THROUGH CHRIST HAS FORGIVEN YOU."
Okay, 'be ye kind'- well disposed, useful, benevolet, gracious and gentle mannered.
Tenderhearted- merciful compassionate, pitiful, a willingness to be understanding and patient with the faults and failures of others.
Forgiving one another- forgive -Gr. charizomai- is built on the same root as the word grace and means to bestow favor unconditionally. This means that a Christian will always treat the offending party graciously, letting the wrong go without any claim for punishment or reparation. Pardoning the guilty person instead of displaying resentment or exercising retaliation.
Even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you - we are to forgive others just as God forgave us. We are to exhibit the life of Christ in and through us, thus giving evidenve of having been made partakers of the divine nature.
God's forgiveness is free, full and final. When God forgives, He forgets, so must we......Do You??????
Thank you for reading. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Words to live by.....Eph 4:31

Good morning!!! Yes, a great day in JESUS CHRIST!!! God is good all the
time and all the time God is good. Sometimes does something happen to you
and then you think will I could have....... or I should have...... and
then we let this "stuff" fester? Today let's look at Ehpesians 4:31.
KJ "LET ALL BITTERNESS, AND WRATH, AND ANGER, AND CLAMOUR, AND EVIL
SPEAKING, BE PUT AWAY FROM YOU, WITH ALL MALICE." Life Application
Study Bible "GET RID OF ALL BITTERNESS, RAGE, ANGER, HARSH WORDS, AND
SLANDER, AS WELL AS ALL TYPES OF EVIL BEHAVIOR."
Let's look at this....'let all bitterness', this is every form of
irritability, every inward resentful disposition against others,
hardness of spirit.

'Wrath'....this is the rapid boiling up and furious outburst of temper
into passionate expression.

'Anger'.....anger is the settled disposition of indignation.

'Clamor'......clamor is the loud, railing outburst in a storm of anger.

'Evil speaking'.....deliberate insult with abusive words.

'With all malice'......this is a vicious disposition of character.

All of this wrongs, vices, bad attributes are to be put away once and
for all. God wants us to make a clean sweep of these unchristian
characteristics. These harbor in all of us.....we have the 'choice'
to restrain them or to let them out.

Not one of the characteristics listed above work to the advantage of
anyone. Not in marriage, in family, among friends, co-workers,
anywhere.

Where do you sit??? We are all guilty...but where are we now???
Thank you for reading. Love you all. Have a blessed day and weekend.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Are you bringing sorrow to the Holy Spirit?????

Good morning!!! Quite a storm in Texas last night. Winds up to 100 mph and tornadoes or scud's. Scud's are like a tornado, just not as smooth. How is your life going???? Do you bring sorrow to your heavenly family??
Ephesians 4:30 "AND DO NOT BRING SORROW TO GOD'S HOLY SPIRIT BY THE WAY YOU LIVE. REMEMBER, HE HAS IDENTIFIED YOU AS HIS OWN, GUARANTEEING THAT YOU WILL BE SAVED ON THE DAY OF REDEMPTION."

The Holy Spirit within us is a guarantee that we belong to God. Our lives before and after Christ.

BEFORE AFTER
Dead because of sin....................Made alive with Christ
Under God's anger......................Show God's mercy and given salvation
Followed the ways of the world.........Stand for Christ and truth
God's enemies..........................God's children
Enslaved to the devil.................Free in Christ to love & sit with him
Followed our evil thoughts and desires....Raised up with Christ to glory

The Holy Spirit is God's guarantee that we belong to him and that he will do what he has promised. The Holy Spirit is like a down payment, a deposit, a validating signature on the contract. The Holy Spirit in us shows: our faith is real; we are God's children; our eternal life is secured.

Thank you for reading. Praise God in all things. How has God blessed you?? I have sooooo much......life, health, material goods, God given job, and on and on. So many things to be thankful for. Love you all!!!!

In Christ's Love an Grace

Johnny

What comes out of your mouth?

Good morning all!! A great day to be alive in Jesus Christ! God is goodall the time, all the time God is good!! Remember, STOP, DROP & PRAY!!Begin prayer for yourself and spread to others. I read an article fromjeff Wells, pastor of Edgewood Church in Conroe and the scripture reallyhit me between the eyes.
Ephesians 4:29 "LET NO CORRUPT COMMUNICATION PROCEED OUT OF YOUR MOUTH,BUT THAT WHICH IS GOOD TO THE USE OF EDIFYING, THAT IT MAY MINISTERGRACE UNTO THE HEARERS."
Let's break it down. Corrupt speech comes from a corrupt heart, andpure speech comes from a pure heart. Corrupt speech is like rottenfruit or a fish and tainted with moral decay. Corrupt speech willcontaminate the thoughts of others. Our speech should be suitable to building up where the need forconstructive help exists. We must watch our words (Ps 141:3) and becareful that our speech is 'always with grace, seasoned with salt' (Col4:6)
Our speech should impart a blessing, not a negative. If a rotten word is found in the mind, shut it off at the mouth. Do you do this? Can you do this? Will you do this?
It makes me stop and think. Thank youfor reading, I hope you were as blessed and struck as I have been withthis verse. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Specialists

Good morning everyone!!! Yes, a great day in the Lord Jesus Christ!!! YEA! Have you noticed how things have spiraled into specialists since, oh, about the 70's. Remember when we used to go to the local doc to get well. A one stop does all. We went to a service station to get gas, oil change, mechanic work, and, of course, a coke and candy bar or chips (that was all they had)and your oil checked, windows washed, tires checked, etc. We went to a grocery store to buy food only (flour sacks for dresses or shirts). A drug store (back then Rx's) to get personal products and prescriptions. Go to the movie to see westerns (John Wayne, Roy Rogers, etc) or a comedy (Jerry Lewis, 3 stooges, etc) and the cost was 25 or 50 cents, AND there was only 1 movie and 1 showing.
Today we have specialist everywhere. A special doc for your toe, foot, leg, hip, arm, head, gasto....whatever! Now we go to a "convenience store" for what? Gas, snacks of all sorts, even sandwiches or pizza. And, no they don't care for your car. Want an oil change? Go to the specialist, Quick Lube, Tune & Lube, etc. Grocery stores now specialize in lots of things. At a grocer store you can: bank; buy deli food; flowers; toys; pharmacy (old Rx); quick frozen foods; and of course food. Now when we go to a movie we have to make a choice, R, PG13, PG, G : R which means violence, sex, and language; PG13 not as much violence, sex, and language; PG just a little bit of violence, sex and language; or G which means animated (my favorite) Madagascar, Happy Feet, etc. So what do we get out of all this, and where are you going Johnny? Hurry up, I have to get to work!!! Well, cool yer jets Turbo!! I am getting there. The more we specialize, the more it cost, the more we work, the more we become specialized...which costs more, so we work more, so we........wow! Are we on a merry-go-round! Everything has changed and gone South!! NO, not everything! From Exodus 14:13 "And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day;......" all the way to Revelation 12:10 "And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God and the power of his Christ; for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night." Salvation is still free, it costs no more today than in ancient times, all we have to do is reach out and ask for it. Today, put on your coat of Jesus Christ and go forth proudly. You are a child of the great King, the ruler of all the universe, King of kings. Go forth proudly. Thanks for reading. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny