God knew us before and leads forever

Good morning all. Yes, another wonderful day in the LORD Jesus Christ! I have to say I have been blessed, I have to praise God's name openly for my career in education and then opening the doors for my job with Shurley English. I have truly been blessed with my careers.

Psalm22:9-11 "Yet you brought me safely from my mother's womb and led me to trust you at my mother's breast. I was thrust into your arms at my birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born. Do not stay so far from me, for trouble is near, and no one else can help me."

God's loving concern does not begin on the day we are born and conclude on the day we die. It reaches back to those days before we were born and reaches ahead along the unending path of eternity. Our only sure help comes from a God whose concern for us reaches beyond our earthly existence. How can anyone reject such love?

Thank you for reading with me today. I can only pray that God's leads me daily and gives me the words to say. May this touch and bless you as it did me. Love you all!!



In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Ash......Ash Wednesday

Good morning everyone!! Another lovely day to be alive in the LORD! Lent is interesting, I hope yesterdays information was informative for you as it was for me. Well, what is Ash Wednesday? Okay, here is what I have found on Ash Wednesday.

What’s the reason for ashes on Ash Wednesday?

As you know, Jesus retreated into the wilderness and fasted for forty days to prepare for his ministry. It was for Him a time of contemplation, reflection, and preparation. By observing Lent, most Christians join Jesus on His retreat.

Lent consists of the forty days before Easter. In the western Church, we skip over the Sundays when we count the days of Lent, because Sunday is always the joyful celebration of the Resurrection. Therefore, the first day of Lent in the western Church is always a Wednesday.

Biblical societies relied very heavily on wood fires for heating and cooking, which meant that keeping ashes under control was a major housekeeping task. Then as now, if a person was preoccupied with something serious, they didn’t always tend to the housekeeping—it’s the least of their concerns. Imagine that there is a death in the family. A friend stopping by to pay their respects might gently say, “Did you know you have ashes on your face?”

So ashes became a sign of remorse, repentance, and mourning. Today someone might wear a black armband to signify that they are in mourning; back then people put ashes on their foreheads.

Thank you for reading with me. I hope you are gaining as much insight as I am. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Love you all.
Mark 1:15 "The time promised by God has come at last! The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Lent is...... uh.... well....

Good (brrrr) Morning everyone! It is still a great day to be alive in the LORD! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. I was thinking, yes ,dangerous for me. But I know what Lent is, BUT, I don't know what Lent is. Does this make sense. Have you stopped and thought about Lent. Well, I did some snooping and please read with me.

Lent is a season of soul-searching and repentance. It is a season for reflection and taking stock. Lent originated in the very earliest days of the Church as a preparatory time for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves and when converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism. By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days. All churches that have a continuous history extending before AD 1500 observe Lent. The ancient church that wrote, collected, canonized, and propagated the New Testament also observed Lent, believing it to be a commandment from the apostles.

The Western Church. Because Sunday is the day of the Resurrection, we skip over Sundays when we calculate the length of Lent. Therefore, in the Western Church, Lent always begins on Ash Wednesday, the seventh Wednesday before Easter.

In many countries, the last day before Lent (called Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, Carnival, or Fasching) has become a last fling before the solemnity of Lent. For centuries, it was customary to fast by abstaining from meat during Lent, which is why some people call the festival Carnival, which is Latin for farewell to meat.

Well, this helped clear up my understanding, I hope it helped you. In Mark 1:12-13 "The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him." Thanks for reading. Love you all.


In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Are you heart healthy?

Good morning everyone! Yes, another great day to be alive in the LORD Jesus Christ!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. I have decided I will not go to church anymore . . . . I will go to celebrate a living GOD!!

How often do we just go through the motions? Not heeding what is around us. Just driving forth with tunnel vision. Love! If love is not living in our heart, then evil resides there. Adrian Rogers said this yesterday, and please stop and think about it for a moment. If love does not live in our heart, then EVIL RESIDES THERE! How heavy is this statement?

In Matthew Peter asked Jesus about the parable that says people aren't defiled by what they eat. Jesus replied: Matthew 15:16-20 "Don't you understand yet? Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer. But the words you speak come from the heart - that's what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying and slander. These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands will never defile you."

We, mortals, work hard to keep our outward appearance attractive, but what is deep down in our heart is more important to God. This is what people do not see. What are you like inside?

When people become Christians, God makes them different on the inside. He will continue the process of change inside them if they only ask. God wants us to have healthy thoughts and motives, not just healthy bodies. Thank you for reading today. Love you all.


In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Do you see the BIG PLAN (GOD's)

Well, good morning!! Yes, yes, He is a wonderful LORD!! STOP, DROP & PRAY! For that is the only WAY! We do not understand God's plan, but..... then we are not expected to. God is the GREAT GENERAL, far superior to us and His plan reigns supreme.

Joseph's brothers did not like him, were cruel to him, and plotted to kill him. Hmmm, some merchants came by and they sold him to be a slave. Then they lied to their father. Soooo, let's talk about Joseph.

Josephs could have been bitter, ill tempered, a disobedient servant, and then possibly killed. Did he? A resounding NO! Joseph knew there is a God, he knew he had to be faithful to God, and he was involved in God's big plan. Joseph never gave up, stayed true to the course, and knew he could help others.

Joseph forgave his brothers, helped them and the country through a famine, and was gracious to all. Do you have a small sore that is festering? Or....will you be as Joseph and forgive so that all you do will bring good? Thank you for reading. Love you all!

Forgive and live, hold a grudge and you will trudge. Psalm 33:11-12 "The LoRD's plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken. What joy for the nation whose God is the LORD, whose people he has chosen for his own."

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Good morning everyone! Another great day to be alive in the LORD Jesus Christ. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Have you taken time for God lately? Do you pray before work? before driving? before stepping out into life's ventures for the day?

Today is the 22nd, take time to stop and read Proverbs 22 and listen to its instruction. The life styles of the wicked and righteous are compared and a great reason to live a life style for God is here. Let's just do a few verses and then take a moment to reflect on them.

Proverbs 22:1 "Choose a good reputation over great riches, being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold."

Proverbs 22:2 "The rich and poor have this in common, the LORD made them both."

Proverbs 22:3 "A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences."

Proverbs 22:4 "True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life."

Proverbs 22:5 " Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will avoid it."

So what are we told at this point? Be humble, fear the LORD, be prudent, have a good reputation, and the LORD made us. Just take a moment and roll each verse around in your mind. Does your life reflect any or all of these items? Thank you for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Do you really love? As Christ loved?

Good morning everyone!! A wonderful day to be alive in Jesus Christ! Oh, but you say, it is overcast and rainy outside. Stop, look on the inside, what is in your heart? God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

How much would you give up to love another person? Or, how far do you think others should go to show their love for you?

Philippians 2:6-7 "Though he was God...He made Himself nothing; He took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form." Jesus left His heavenly kingdom and His majestic status to show us his love! Would you leave your place of comfort to show love for someone?

This is what great love is - it gives in an overwhelming manner. If it came down to it would you give your life for your spouse? Your child? Anyone? Would you give your life for Christ? Or deny Christ? LOVE - GOD LIKE LOVE!!

Ephesians 5:1-2 "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

Thank you for reading with me today. Share you love with someone, everyone, tell someone about Jesus. Why? Because you love them? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Do you deny or rely?

Good morning everyone! What a great day to be alive in the LORD Jesus. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Psalm 34:1 tells us to praise the LORD and extol His name. Do we?

Matthew 26:69-74 is where Peter disowns Jesus three times. The first time a servant girl asked him if he was with the man from Galilee and he denied it. Next Peter went out the gateway and a girl said he was with Jesus of Nazareth. Once again Peter denied this. Finally, a group of people said he was on of the disciples as his accent gave them away. Once again, Peter denied this.

Then what happened? A rooster crowed and immediately Peter remembered what Jesus said, "when the rooster crows you will disown me three times." Immediately Peter wept, for he did as Jesus had predicted. Where are you?

Are you living in denial, and then weep when you realize? OR, are you relying fully on God? Then rejoicing that you are an obedient child of God! Psalm 34:1 tells to praise God and tell of His greatness. We can deny or rely! While at the fork in the road - which way will you go? deny? rely?

Thank you for reading with me today. May your day be wonderful. Love you all.


In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Are you plain, simple, listening to God?

Good morning everyone!! Another great day to be alive in the LORD! How great it is to be a child of God. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

An interesting paradox is the closer you grow to God, the less convinced you become of your own goodness. Why? Well, the closer we get to God, the more he reveals what you could be - the excellent person he is making you into.

The greater your feelings of unworthiness, the more he assures you that the seeds of true godliness have taken root in you and are evidenced by your humility.

Part of God's goodness is how he develops you into the very best you can be. So, today praise Him for providing every tool you need to get there. 2 Peter 1:3 "His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us."

Isaiah 66:2 "There is something I'm looking for: a person simple and plain, reverently responsive to what I say." Thank you for reading. Today's text is taken from Moments of Peace. Love you all. Tell someone about Jesus today.


In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Got a problem - give it to God!!

Good morning everyone!! Yes, what a lovely day to be alive in Jesus Christ! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! It is time to quit "going to church" and "go to a celebration." Celebrate all that God does for you.

We cannot avoid problems, they they can be useful to us if we trust God through them. Our troubles, many times, will teach us a lot about God, about spiritual truths, and learning to rely on our Heavenly Father.

God guides us through the troubles and let's us see what is really important. God satisfies and nourishes our soul as nothing else can. In the end we will be able to see his magnificent and enlightening truth.

Isaiah 30:20 "Though the LORD give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet... your eyes shall see your Teacher."
Take time to thank God for all He has done in your life. Thanks for reading. Love you all.


In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Cold? Hungry?

Good morning everyone!! God is good all the time - all the time God is good! My daughter Christy send the following story. Please take time to read it. I hope it touches you as it touched me. Matthew 25:35- "For I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home."
Subject: Ruth

Ruth went to her mail box and there was only one letter.
She picked it up and looked at it before opening, but then she looked at
the envelope again.

There was no stamp, no postmark, only her name and address.
She read the letter:

Dear Ruth:
I`m going to be in your neighborhood Saturday afternoon and I'd like to
stop by for a visit.

Love Always,
Jesus

Her hands were shaking as she placed the letter on the table. "Why would
the Lord want to visit me?
I'm nobody special. I don't have anything to offer."
With that thought, Ruth remembered her empty kitchen cabinets.

"Oh my goodness, I really don't have anything to offer. I'll have to run
down to the store and buy something for dinner."

She reached for her purse and counted out its contents. Five dollars and
forty cents. Well, I can get some bread and cold cuts, at least."
She threw on her coat and hurried out the door.

A loaf of French bread, a half-pound of sliced turkey, and a carton of
milk...leaving Ruth with grand total twelve cents to last her until
Monday. Nonetheless, she felt good as she headed home, her meager offerings
tucked under her arm.

"Hey lady, can you help us,lady?"

Ruth had been so absorbed in her dinner plans, she hadn't even noticed
two figures huddled in the alleyway.

A man and a woman, both of them dressed in little more than rags.

"Look lady, I ain't got a job, ya know, and my wife and I have been
living out here on the street, and, well, now it's getting cold and
we're getting kinda hungry and, well, if you could help us. Lady, we'd really appreciate it."

Ruth looked at them both.

They were dirty, they smelled bad and frankly, she was certain that they
could get some kind of work if they really w anted to.

"Sir, I'd like to help you, but I'm a poor woman myself. All I have is a
few cold cuts and some bread, and I'm having an important guest for
dinner tonight and I was planning on serving that to Him."

"Yeah, well, okay lady, I understand. Thanks anyway."

The man put his arm around the woman's
shoulders, turned and headed back into the alley.

As she watched them leave, Ruth felt a familiar twinge in her heart.
"Sir, wait!"

The couple stopped and turned as she ran down the alley after them.

"Look, why don't you take this food. I'll figure out something else to
serve my guest." She handed the man her grocery bag.

"Thank you lady. Thank you very much!"

"Yes, thank you!" It was the man's wife, and Ruth could see now that she
was shivering "You know, I've got another coat at home.

Here, why don't you take this one."

Ruth unbuttoned her jacket and slipped it over the woman's shoul ders.

Then smiling, she turned and walked back to the street...without her
coat and with nothing to serve her guest.

"Thank you lady!

Thank you very much!"

Ruth was chilled by the time she reached her front
door, and worried too.

The Lord was coming to visit and she didn't have anything to offer Him.

She fumbled through her purse for the door key. But as she did, she
noticed another envelope in her mailbox.

"That's odd. The mailman doesn't usually come twice in one day."

Dear Ruth:

It was so good to see you again.

Thank you for the lovely meal.

And thank you, too, for the beautiful coat.

Love Always,
Jesus
The air was still cold, but even without her coat, Ruth no longer
noticed.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Representing HIS presence

Good morning everyone!! Yes, another beautiful day in the LORD. If we
look outside here it is not so pretty. But, isn't this the way we are?
Outside we may not be as "pretty" as the next person, but it is the beauty
inside that counts. This is what God looks at!!

We can throw out all the sayings, like, I am in shape, my tummy is round-
round is a shape; or my six pack is now a keg, and on and on. God does
want us to take care of our bodies, but not stress about it. Turn it over
to God and listen, uh, LISTEN to what He tells us. Be still and know that
I AM!

Philippians 4:5 "Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The LORD is
near." God works through us to show others he is real and very near. Are
you representing him well today? Your good example may encourage someone
to experience his presence in a deeper way.

Thank you for reading today. Tell someone about Jesus! God is good all
the time, all the time God is good. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Where do you carry your frustrations?

Good morning everyone!! I hope this is a great day in the LORD for you! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! Did you get to tell someone about Jesus yesterday? Pray with someone? Share salvation with someone? Psalm 34:1 "I will bless the LORD at all times, his praise shall continually be in my mouth."

Feeling overwhelmed? It just seems there is too much to do, not emough time, and frustration begins to set in. Psalm 18:46"The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!"
The LORD lives is a cry of victory, we are solid on God, Jesus-the Rock. Exalted - nothing greater than God our Savior. Can you say "THE LORD LIVES" and then believe it, know that your God is alive, not a piece of carved wood or stone?

If you can't now is the time to STOP, DROP, and ask Jesus to come into your heart! IF YOU CAN SAY YOUR LORD LIVES NOW IS THE TIME TO STOP, DROP, PRAY, & THANK GOD FOR THE PRECIOUS GIFT.

Cast your frustrations away, look to today, tomorrow, the future with clear vision. Just give it all to God. As my wife says, "let go-let God." Thank you all for reading. Love you all!!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

I will march our BOLDLY!

Good morning everyone!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! Psalm 34:1 "I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips."

Have you stopped to give God the glory yet today? Stop and visit with the trinity, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 21:22 "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

Sometimes we face the day being very anxious. We are disturbed by the thoughts of what may take place today or tomorrow. We need to STOP, DROP, & PRAY because God is on our side. The Israelites were to march out and take over land. 2 Chronicles 20:17 ".........March out boldly tomorrow-God is with you."

Take courage in knowing that God will lead you. He will prepare the way for victory. His is our protector and will never fail us. God will lead us to it and lead us through it. Praise God! Thank you Jesus! You are a child of the King, start acting like it. Claim your victory! Celebrate! Thank you for reading. Love you all!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

What's in your heart?

Good morning all! Yes, another wonderful day in the LORD Jesus Christ! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!!!! You know,many times we become weary, tired, frustrated and maybe a little depressed. Why? Because we allow the things of the world to creep in and take the "joy of the LORD" from us.

God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit do not abandon us, we stray and go different directions. Why? Many things the amour of the world. When we give our heart completely to the LORD, receive His strength, we will have all the power we need and we will see God's faithfulness.

2 Chronicles 16:9 "THE EYES OF THE LORD RANGE THROUGHOUT THE EARTH TO SHOW HIMSELF STRONG FOR THOSE WHOSE HEARTS ARE COMPLETELY HIS."

We need to take time and just pray, Heavenly Father, you know my weaknesses, please show yourself strong on my behalf. I praise you for teaching me to trust in your strength. Amen. When you take time to STOP, DROP, & PRAY ask God to put in your heart His love. Thanks for reading today. Love you all.


In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Are you content where you are?

Good morning everyone! Another great day to be alive in the LORD Jesus Christ! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. You never know what will happen, heard from a good friend who moved to Maryland. Hello Liz, glad to have you back, at least by email.

Do you ever get frustrated with where you are in life? You may wish for something different, a better opportunity, more influence, live in a different place. God gives us this as an investment. If we had everything we desired we probably could not handle it. We would not be equipped to handle it and then we may miss the greatest gift of all - a fulfilling relationship with God.

Where you are right now God is able to teach you what is truly valuable and build the character necessary for success. So, be faithful, invest yourself in whatever God gives you and then HE will trust you with greater opportunities.

Luke 16:10 "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much."

Matthew 25:23"Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord."

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


In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Is your prayer earnest....or just idle words?

Good morning everyone!! Well, another Monday with more to talk about. Giants fans are happy, Patriots fans are disappointed. Have you stopped to think. The super bowl is like a 1 day civil war. Some cheered the Pats, some cheered the Giants, and some just didn't care. The country split for a day. LOL

Psalm 34:1 "I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips." Yes, we need to praise God at all times...thank him for what we have, or maybe don't have. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Here is food for thought. Please give me feedback on this too. In Matthew 21:21-22 "Jesus replied, 'I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, Go, throw yourself into the sea, and it will be done.' If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

If I pray over someone to be healed, with no doubt, will they be healed?

If I earnestly pray, no doubt, will my prayers be answered the way I ask?

When we pray for someone and don't see the results we asked for....why?
Is my belief not strong enough, is this not in God's plan? Why?

When reading this I thought maybe I am just going through the motions of praying, and praying because that is what "I THOUGHT I SHOULD DO." I am now making an effort not to just say words in prayer, but to STOP, THINK about what I am praying for, and BELIEVE that it will happen. My belief and prayer may not have been as in Jesus' kind of prayer and belief. Since I am a son of the King, I will now pray boldly with confidence.

Thank your for reading with me. Look forward to hearing from you. Love you all!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Who is sitting at your dinner table? Sleeping in your bed?

Good morning everyone!! Oh, what a great day to be alive in the LORD JESUS! Don't forget to say good morning to our Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Have you spent time with them yet today? What is really important in this world? #1 Salvation through Jesus Christ. All other things in our life come second.

Can you earnestly sing the song, "Oh, how I love Jesus?" Psalm 27:14 "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD."

We think about the day anxiously, worry sits on our dinner plate, struggle sits in our recliner, frustration sleeps in our bed. Why? Why you ask? It could be we are not immersing ourself in God's presence. HE has the best solutions for ALL our problems.

Common sense says to take care of it yourself. Spiritual sense says give it to your Father. Focus on your relationship with God, he will lead you the right way. As my wife says - Let Go...Let God!

Isaiah 30:15 "Thus said the Lord God...In return (to Me) and resting (in Me)you shall be saved; in quietness and in (trusting)confidence shall be your strength."

Take time, Psalm 34:1 tells us to praise the Lord our God and let His praises spring from our lips. Thanks for reading. Love you all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny