New Years Eve

Good morning everyone!! Yes, New Year’s Eve…..a time we look forward to, old year ends, a new year so change can begin. But does it really begin?

Begin and end…..Alpha and Omega!! We will now make resolutions….many times to simply be broken. My intent is to PRAY faithfully for a lifestyle change with God. Take away the surface faith and let my faith come from deep inside the heart.

We, Christians, are coming closer and closer to being as David in Psalms 69, when there were many problems, he was scoffed at, humiliated, and the object of gossip. Do you see this in the Christian walk?

Psalm 69:13-18 “But I keep praying to you, LORD, hoping this time you will show me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation. Rescue me from the mud; don’t let me sink any deeper! Save me from those who hate me, and pull me from these deep waters. Don’t let the floods overwhelm me, or the deep waters swallow me, or the pit of death devour me. Answer my prayers, O LORD for your unfailing love is wonderful. Take care of me, for your mercy is so plentiful. Don’t hide from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in deep trouble! Come and redeem me; free me from my enemies.”

David had problems. He was scoffed at, mocked, insulted, humiliated, and made the object of citywide gossip. But still he prayed. When we are completely beaten down, we are tempted to turn from God, give up, and quit trusting him. When your situation seems hopeless, determine that no matter how bad things become you will continue to pray. God will hear your prayer, and he will rescue you. When other rejects us, we need God most. Don’t turn from your most faithful friend.

Thank you for reading with me today. New Years resolution, be in prayer constantly and let God nestle in to the deepest regions of my heart. Love you all.

In Christ’s Love and Grace Johnny

New Years is coming - any changes?

Good morning everyone!!! Another great day to just say ‘THANK YOU LORD!” God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Yesterday I began by mentioning the upcoming New Years resolutions we tend to make and break. Also, we read John 2:13-25 when Jesus went to Jerusalem, was angered by what was going on in the temple, and told them “destroy this temple and I will rise it in 3 days.” Of course, they were seeing only the physical building and we know Jesus was talking about himself.

I posed a question,: “Are you angered when the “church” (you) are degraded by actions and what is going on in churches today?” Now, we can be petty, you know the “I think……….” But here I am talking about the actions of churches, i.e. should gays fill the pulpit? Not all of the Bible is really true! The Bible does not really mean what it says, what it really means is……….. I like a preacher who makes me feel good about being good.

We go back to WWJD (what would Jesus do), this has become a cliché however, think about the true meaning.

New years resolutions: lose 20 pounds, be nice to my spouse, no more road rage, go to church more, quit drinking bad drinks (i.e. cokes, alcohol, caffine laden drinks, etc), be a really good person.

These are all fine, however, to do these things we are looking at a lifestyle change. Yes, a lifestyle change, completely performed by me (you) with an attitude change. Can, or will this happen? Yes, temporarily!

My body, your body is a temple. If Jesus came to your temple would he praise you for such a clean temple? Would you freely and openly invite Him in now? Is your temple indeed, an honor to God, for God, and led by God?

My new years resolution is to be more Christ-like! With Jesus in control my lifestyle will change, I will lose weight, I will be a good person, I will because HE will, and I surrender. Now, you hold me accountable, ask me about my weight, ask me if I am drinking more water, ask me if I have road rage, tell me if my attitude is not Christ like. HOLD ME ACCOUNTABLE!! PLEASE! Thank your for reading with me today. Love you all!

In Christ’s Love and Grace
Johnny

Cleansing the temple!!

Good morning everyone!!! Another fabulous and wonderful day in the LORD JESUS CHRIST!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!! We are fast approaching the time when people begin making New Year’s Resolutions. These are interesting and I would like to talk about them. But first, let’s look at John 2:13-25, when Jesus went to the Passover in Jerusalem. This is fairly long, but please follow along. Thank you.

John 2:13-25 “And the Jews’ Passover was at hand and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, “Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.”
17 And His disciples remembered that it was written, the ZEAL of thine house hath eaten me up. Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,” Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture and the word which Jesus had said.
23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man; for he knew what was in man.”
Cleansing of the temple by Jesus. First, Jesus was angered about what the temple had become. Second, He told them destroy this temple and I will rise it in three days. And Christ knew man and their shallow beliefs. (wishing to see only miracles)

Question number one: “Are you angered when the “church” (you) are degraded by actions and what is going on in churches today?”

Feedback please. Tomorrow we will be talking more about our temple and New Year’s resolutions. Love you all.

In Christ’s Love and Grace
Johnny

Be humble, be Christlike!

Good morning everyone!! A wonderful day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST!! If you have loved ones traveling as do I, please stop and pray for all the people who will be traveling these next few days after Christmas. Thank you.

With Christmas one day in our past, remember that this season is not about you.
1 Peter 5:6-7 "So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."

We often worry about our position and status, hoping to get proper recognition for what we do. But Peter advises us to remember that God's recognition counts more than human praise. God is able and willing to bless us according to his timing. Humbly obey God regardless of present circumstances, and in his good time - either in this life or in the next - he will honor you.

Remember, a man character is measured by what he does when no one is watching. Are you humble and truly an example as a disciple of Christ? Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

MERRY CHRISTMAS

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!!! GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME, ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD!! TODAY IS THE DAY THAT ALL OVER THE WORLD PEOPLE BECOME PEACEFUL, EVEN THE RELIGIONS THAT ARE NOT CHRISTIAN!!

THE CHRIST CHILD CAME FOR YOU AND FOR ME!! ALL IS PEACEFUL, ALL IS BRIGHT, ALL IS WONDERFUL BECAUSE OF JESUS!!! TAKE TIME, RIGHT NOW, TO THANK GOD FOR HIS WONDERFUL CHILD, THE CHRIST CHILD - JESUS!! HAVE A SUPER CHRISTMAS!

M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S ! !

IN CHRIST'S LOVE AND GRACE
JOHNNY

Christmas or Kidsmas?

Good morning everyone!! Another wonderful day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST!!! God is good all the time. All the time God is good! Well, today is Dec. 24, Christmas eve and what is going on. People will be hustling here and there, trying to find those last minute presents, get them wrapped, under the tree and ready to tear into them later tonight or tomorrow.

Are we forgetting anything in the mean time? Let's see, have food, have presents, have everything in place, waiting for everyone to arrive, visit, and have fun tomorrow. No sir, did not forget anything. JESUS? Oh! Well, yes, we do celebrate Jesus, but you know, Christmas is mainly for the kids. Huh?? Oh, so this is Kidsmas!! We don't have to print Xmas to take Christ out of Christmas. We don't have to say Happy Holidays to take Christ out of Christmas. We have already taken Christ out of Christmas, and we did it many years ago.

We either want to receive gifts and make our own special list, OR we want to outgive others. I want my gifts to be better than anyone else. So where is our heart, really? Jesus is the reason for the season! Take time and thank God for his son Jesus! Stop! Listen! Pray! Just opinion from me. I would relish your comments. Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

What? A virgin?

Good morning all! Another wonderful day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST!!! A great day to thank God for all He has done for you!! Stop! Take time to listen!! Listen to God; your family; your grand kids; your friends; your colleagues; just listen!!!!

Matthew 1:23 "Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and they will call him Immanuel," which means "God is with us.""

Do you believe in the virgin birth? The Bible says it! This was written approximately 60-65 AD. Look at Isaiah 7:14 "All right then, the LORD himself will give you the sing. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel, (which means "God is with us")." Isaiah was written approximately 681 B.C.

The same statement was written about 750 years apart. These people did not know each other. But we do know that a virgin will give birth to Immanuel, the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Now, once again, I ask, do you believe in the virgin birth! For me, the Bible says it, so God said it, end of subject.

Not believing everything in the Bible is like taking Webster's Dictionary and picking and choosing parts of it as correct, and then changing the other parts to your spelling or pronunciation.

Jesus was predicted 700 years before he arrived. Jesus is our savior, Lord of lords, King of Kings. Praise God for this time to let God be the center of our universe. Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Yohoo - You or Who?

WOW!! Another wonderful day to worship our LORD and SAVIOR - JESUS CHRIST!! Are you in a Christmas rush? Hurrying here and there, doing what we think we need to do at this time of the year!!

Do we forget the reason we are celebrating Christmas? Some yes, some no. This time of the year becomes a "me" time for the child or less mature adult. It also becomes a "you" or "giving" time for the more mature adult and spiritual Christian.

Look at yourself, is it all about you? Or are you thinking about others and want to do things for other people? Did you skimp or skip your tithe this month because of Christmas? Did you borrow money for Christmas and will have all year to pay it back?

Hey, I have been here, lived it for many years. Am I perfect? No, not by a long shot, however, the "I", or "me" mode is not the priority anymore. My tithe is important, my family getting something for Christmas is important, and being able to be thankful for all I have blesses me more now. Yes, I know, I am giving you my opinion and you can read it, delete it, and go on. OR, you can respond and let me know if you agree or disagree.

Last night just before dark when I went outside I saw 1 lone star and thought how beautiful it was and what the wise men may have been thinking. Take time to be alone with God, look at His beauty, and praise His name. Be thankful for John 3:16 "For God so..................." I knew you could finish this. Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Are you content? Do you live as Paul?

Good morning all! Well, my computer has locked up 3 things now, so we will see if this will go through. God is good all the time, all the time God is good!! Paul has been talking about talking the talk and walking the walk. Do you?

We all know Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."But, do we know verse 12? "I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little." Can you say this? What is Paul's secret?

Paul could get along happily because he could see life from God's point of view. He focused on what he was supposed to do, not what he felt he should have. Paul had his priorities straight, and he was grateful for everything God had given him.

Paul had detached himself from the nonessentials so that he could concentrate on the eternal. Often this desire for more or better possessions is really a longing to fill an empty place in a person's life.


To what are you drawn when you feel empty inside? How can you find true contentment? The answer lies in your perspective, your priorities, and your source of power! What are yours? Thank you for reading today. Love you all!

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Be exposed, then be obedient!

Good morning! Another wonderful day to be able to do God's work!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!! Have you thought about the last 3 days of what Paul is telling us? It is relevant for today as well.

In verse 9 Paul makes a very shallow on the surface statement, however, very deep if you think about it. Philippians 4:9 "Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me-everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you."

Okay, on the surface, yeah,yeah, I hear what you are saying. BUT, do you REALLY HEAR? Paul is telling us it is not enough to just HEAR, but to put into practice what you learned. It is easy to listen to the preacher, then yep, but tha is not for me, he was talking to all the other people. WHAT?!?!? Think about what you read and study in the BIBLE, then PUT IT INTO PRACTICE!!

The BIBLE is not as a virus, where you can be exposed and then get it. We must be exposed, and then let the word lead us to obedience and follow the word of God in deed as well as thought. We can be exposed but never catch it, just like sitting in a garage does not make you a car. Read, study, follow and act as God's word says. Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Pure thoughts vs Negative thoughts

Good morning everyone!! I trust today will be a great day in the LORD Jesus Christ! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!!! Yesterday in Philippians we talked about not worrying, instead praying. This is the way to experience God's peace,as we have citizenship in Christ's kingdom. Today, we will talk about what comes out in our actions and words.

Philippians 4:8 "And now, dear brothers and sisters,one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

What we put into our mind determines what comes out in our words and actions. It also affects our heart. Paul tells us to program our mind with thoughts that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise.

Do you have problems with impure thoughts and daydreams? Examine what you are putting into your mind through television, Internet, books, conversations, movies, and magazines. Replace harmful input with wholesome material. Above all, read God's Word and pray. Ask God to help you focus your mind on what is good and pure. It takes practice, but you can do it!!

When your mind does drift away from the spiritual or God's word, just take time to pray and ask for guidance. God, Christ is always there waiting and wanting to help. Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Pray more, worry less!

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!

During these times in our state, country, and across the world we look around and see problems. Then we worry about these problems. Here is a statement to think about that I heard a radio preacher say, "Worry is like shoveling smoke." Now think about that, if you tried to shovel smoke what would happen?

Philippians 4:6-7 "Don't worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

Paul's advice is to turn our worries into prayers. Do you worry less? Then pray more! God's peace is different from the world's peace. True peace is not found in positive thinking, in absence of conflict, or in good feelings. It comes from knowing that God is in control. Our citizenship in Christ's Kingdom is sure, our destiny is set, and we can have victory over sin. Let God's peace guard your heart against anxiety.

Thank you for reading with me today. May your worries be less and your prayers more plentiful and sincere. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Be patient, God will bless!

Good morning everyone! A wonderful day to be alive in Christ!! For the ones of you that go to LCUMC the children's play last night was wonderful. It really blessed your heart. God is good all the time, all the time, God is good.

God's plans are exceedingly strategic and effective. He not only readies good things to fill your life with joy, but also prepares you with the ability to truly appreciate them.

There is never regret when God blesses you. There is no looking back and thinking, if only I had more knowledge, maturity, or skill. Rather, your exclamation will be about how amazing that God coordinated all factors to culminate in a joyful way.

Isaiah 30:18 "Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you.

"Out of the fullness of his grace he has blessed us all, giving us one blessing after another." John 1:16
Thank you for reading. These thoughts came from Moments of Peace for the Evening and was given to me two years ago by my wife Jo Anne. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Not happy?!?!?

Good morning everyone!! What a wonderful day to be alive in the LORD Jesus Christ! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! What is going on in your life today? Right now? This very day!

Not happy at home, not happy at church, not happy with the spouse, not happy with your preacher, not happy with the politicians, just not happy in general? Are you in God's will? Are you DOING God's will?

Psalm 40:1-3 "I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud ad the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in th LORD."

Waiting for God to help us is not easy, but David received 4 benefits from waiting. 1-God lifted him out of his despair, 2-God set his feet on solid ground, 3-God steadied him as he walked, and 4-God put a new song of praise in his mouth. Often blessings cannot be received unless we go through the trial of waiting.

So, do YOU want to lifted up, walk on solid ground, be steadied and have a new song? Just follow God's word. Finish reading Psalm 40 for a true blessing. Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

We are weak, HE is strong!

Good morning!! Not so Brrrr today! At least the wind is not blowing! However, it is a great day to be alive in the LORD Jesus Christ. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Take a moment and thank God that you have a place to live, you are able to be warm and eat.

We are strong in faith, however, we do still have weaknesses. The disciples were strong, but had weaknesses and fled when Jesus was arrested. We may think, "Oh, I would not do that, I would stand strong with Jesus." But would we?

John 16:32 "But the time is coming-indeed it's here now-when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me."

This is was what Jesus told the disciples. When Jesus was arrested they scattered. Mark 14:50 "Then all his disciples deserted him and ran away." Just hours before they vowed their loyalty to him. Jesus accepted their statement of faith even though he knew their weakness. He knew they would have to grow into people whose words and lives matched even to the point of death. He takes us through the same process. How well are you living out what you say you believe about Jesus?

The more we grow in Jesus and the word, the stronger our stance. May you be strong in your battles and continue looking to your Father in Heaven for unbiased, forever loving assistance. Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Are ye fruitful?

Good morning!! Good Brrrrrr Morning from East Texas. I am in Waxahachie today and it was sleeting last night, Dallas received some snow.....BUT......the roads are clear.

Take time today and look around. See what YOU do, see how others act, observe behaviors whether it is in a restaurant, at work, on the road, just walking down the street. How do they appear? Happy, sad, anxious, mad, hurried, relaxed? What can YOU do to affect their lives?

How about a friendly "hello," or a kind smile, a quick sign of acknowledgment. Have you told any one you work with you appreciate them? Have you told your spouse or children you appreciate them and what they mean to you?

So often we are wrapped up in the "I" that we forget about "YOU." I am not the center of the universe. Jesus is, and am I walking Christ like? A good question for us all.

1 Philippians 1:21-22a "For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ."

Are you fruitful, or is your vine dying? Time to stand up for Jesus! Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Be encouraged!!

Good morning!! God morning!! Are you ready for the day....the day to praise Jesus Christ! God is good all the time, all the time, God is good!

Yesterday we talked about faith,.....today be encouaged. 1 Peter 5:12 I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God's grace for you. Stand firm in this grace."
Peter was sending Silas to bring the word, just as today our preachers bring the word. It is wonderful when our ministrel staff preach the word and leave politics out of God's message.

We go to church to be fed by the preacher, who should be fed by God and the Bible is taught. Our preachers, our Sunday school teachers, our volunteers, all the people in the church should be lead by God and share encouragement.

When you encounter negative, or pessimistic people - pray for them! If you are not being fed at your choice of worship visit with the ones in charge, if you are still not being fed spiritually, seek God's spirit for you elsewhere. God wants you to be encouraged, to be fed, to be an example for HIS kingdom.

Stay in pray, be still and listen, communicate and hear God and what HE has in store for you. Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Childlike faith!!!

Good morning everyone!! Another great day to be alive in Jesus. My computer has shut off my internet 4 times now when trying to do this devotional. Yesterday after church, we had our 3 grandchildren, boys 6 & 9 and girl 12. To listen to them talk about God and Jesus is great. They have a great belief!

If we only had this type of belief. Jesus tells us this. In Matthew the disciples asked Jesus who is the greatest in Heaven. This is what Jesus said.

Matthew 18: 3-6 "Then he said, "I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. But if you cause one of these little ones who trust in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large milstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea."

Do you have a childlike belief, or does politics, economy, personal biases get in your way. We just need to have the FAITH of a child. Look up FAITH in you Bible's concordance. Believing is so simple, why do we make it difficult? Think about this, read the passages dealing with FAITH. Thank you for reading with me today - Love you all!!

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Suffer? Suffer!

Well Hello everyone!! The weatherman promises 70's for a high. Cold weather kills bugs, that is good! Cold weather makes me cold. This is good as I appreciate the warmth more. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

So, what is your problem? Sometimes when we suffer, we think our pain will never end. Peter gave these faithful Christians a broader perspective. In comparison with eternity, their suffering would last only "a little while." Some of Peter's readers would be strengthened and delivered in their own lifetimes.

Others would be released from their suffering through death. All of God's faithful followers are assured of an eternal life with Christ, where there will be no suffering, Rev. 21:4.

1 Peter 5:10-11 "In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen!"

Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

BE ALERT!

Good morning everyone!!! Another great day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST!! Trusting all is well and leaving our worries in the Lord's hands. God is good all the time, all the time, God is good.

1 Peter 5:8,9 "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are."

Lions attack sick, young, or straggling animals. They choose victims who are alone or not alert. Peter warns us to watch out for Satan when we are suffering or being persecuted.

If you are feeling alone, weak, helpless, and cutt off from other believers, or if you are so focused on your troubles that you forget to watch for danger, those are the times when you are especially vulnerable to Satan's attacks.

During times of suffering, seek other Chrsitians for support. Keep your eyes on Christ, and resist the devil. The, says James, "he will flee from you" James 4:7

During these times, where are you? Who or what are you turning too? Let's stop now and pray, Lord, our Father in Heaven, even though we are experiencing heavy burdens at this time, we give them to you and ask for your armour of protection and reject Satan through your power so we may go forth, humbly, yet proud that we are a child of the King. We give these worries to You, who cares about us, and will resolve any issues we may have. We ask this in Christ's name. Amen. Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Are you a "PRO?"

Good morning everyone!! How are you doing this fine day? God is good all the time, all the time God is good!! We have been talking about being humble. Many things can cause us to be humble. I just finished defensive driving due to an illegal u-turn in Dallas.

Of the people in there some were for insurance only, some for speeding, and some for other citations. It did not matter, we were all in the same course. After taking this course one becomes more aware of the characteristics of a dangerous driver, an average driver, and a pro driver.

We all want to feel we are pros, however, most of us are average drivers. Definition of an average driver - an accident looking for a place to wreck. A "pro" driver has a better attitude as he/she is considerate, alert, aware and patient.

Then the driver condition is the cause of 90+ percent of all wrecks. There are 8 things that are major causes: alcohol, drugs, health, fatigue, physical impairments, age factor, attitude, emotions. There are only 2 conditions we cannot change-physical impairment and age, the rest are in our hands.

Well, we carry our worries, stresses, and daily struggles by ourselves, consequently affecting our driving conditions. What can we do? Trust God!!!

1 Peter 5:7 "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."

It takes humility to recognize that God cares, to admit our need, and to let others in God's family help you. Sometimes we think that struggles caused by our own sin and foolishness are not God's concern. When we turn to God in repentance, HE will bear the weight of our struggles. Letting God have your anxieties calls for action. Don't submit to circumstances but to the Lord, who controls circumstances.

Be a "pro" driver.....Be a "pro" Christian. Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all. Be safe!

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Are ye humble said the master?

Good morning everyone!! Another wonderful day to worship God! It is cool and breezy here in East Texas. Brrr! But the sun is shing and God's rays of light are bright.

1 Peter 5:6 "So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor."

Huh? The right time? We often worry about our position and status, hoping to get proper recognition for what we do. Peter advises us to remember that God's recognition counts more than human praise.

God is able and willing to bless us according to his timing. Humbly obey God regardless of present circumstances, and in his good time-either in this life or in the next - HE will honor you.

But I need help now! Be patient, be humble, your NEEDS will be met by God! Stay in prayer, stay in contact with God, talk to him constantly. Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Pride......or......humble?

Good morning everyone!! I trust your thanksgiving was an enjoyable and pleasant one with family and friends. After a week of conferences and thanksgiving it is good to be home and back to the devotionals. Remember, we are in 1 Peter 5:5, so here goes.

1 Peter 5:5 "In the same way, you younger men must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, serve each other in humility, for "God opposes the proud but favors the humble."

Both young and old can benefit from Peter's instructions. Pride often keeps older people from trying to understand young people and keeps young people from listening to those who are older. Peter told both young and old to be humble and to serve each other.

Young men should follow the leadership of older men, who should lead by example. Respect those who are older than you, listen to those younger than you, and be humble enough to admit that you can learn from others.

Strong words from Peter, but, oh so true. Think about these words, take heart, and do all in God's best interest. Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all!

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny