Are you moving hastily or godly through life?

Good morning everyone!! I trust you have a safe and fun filled Thanksgiving. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

We often move hastily through life, rushing headlong into the unknown. Some people marry without really getting to know the other person. Others try illicit sex or drugs without considering the consequences. Some plunge into jobs without evaluating whether or not they are suitable to that line of work. Enthusiasm is no good without knowledge, and it will not make a bad situation better. Don't rush into the unknown. Be sure you understand what you are getting into and where you want to go before you take the first step. Obviously you cannot tell all that the future will hold, but do your homework, ask the right questions, and be sure you are following God.

Proverbs 19:2-7 "Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes. (3) People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD. (4) Wealth makes many "friends"; poverty drives them all away. (5) A false witness will not go unpunished, nor will a liar escape. (6) Many seek favors from a ruler; everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts! (7) The relative of the poor despise them; how much more will their friends avoid them! Though the poor plead with them, their friends are gone."
Please print this off, take time at break or lunch and re-read and listen to the words of wisdom God has laid before us. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Words of wisdom from Proverbs 19

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

Take a moment to read these verses from Proverbs and see what they say to you. I would enjoy getting feedback of what you think about these verses.

Proverbs 19:3 "PEOPLE RUIN THEIR LIVES BY THEIR OWN FOOLISHNESS AND THEN ARE ANGRY AT THE LORD."

Proverbs 19:4 "WEALTH MAKES MANY "FRIENDS," POVERTY DRIVES THEM ALL AWAY."

Most of us have been caught up in these verses at one time or another. Just think about it and respond. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Godly or ungodly - your choice.

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

Proverbs 12:1 "To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction."

If you don't want to learn, years of schooling will teach you very little. But if you want to be taught, there is no end to what you can learn.

This includes being willing to accept discipline and correction and to learn from the wisdom of others. A person who refuses constructive criticism has a problem with pride. Such a person is unlikely to learn very much.

Proverbs 12:5 "The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous."

Where are you today? Are you learning, accept discipline, and godly? OR, do you hate correction and take advice from the ungodly? Sometimes this is a fine line. Just stop and think about where you are today, right now. Love you all

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

#1 Goal - to be CHRISTLIKE!!

Good morning everyone!! Another great day to be alive in Jesus Christ. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Have you thought about your long-term goal? What is your long-term goal? Prioritize! Number one should be to be like Christ!!

Whether you have been a Christian for a short time or a long time, you are learning that you have a lifelong relationship with Christ. That is why you are now called a Christian - which means to be Christ like.

The good news is you don't do this alone. God works in you to help you become more like his Son.

Philippians 1:6 "AND I AM SURE THAT GOD, WHO BEGAN THE GOOD WORK WITHIN YOU, WILL CONTINUE HIS WORK UNTIL IT IS FINALLY FINISHED ON THE DAY WHEN CHRIST JESUS RETURNS."

Psalm 119:105 "YOUR WORD IS A LAMP TO GUIDE MY FEET AND A LIGHT FOR MY PATH."

God will guide us in our quest to be Christ like. Make a list of five ways (more if you want) to become more like Jesus. Spend time asking God to help you. Remind yourself to read this part of your journal in one month to check on your spiritual growth. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Forgive and Release Franchise

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!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations Erin, great chip! Mark 1:17 "And Jesus said unto them, "Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.""

Jesus said this to Peter and Andrew as he walked by the sea of Galilee. They were casting a net into the sea because they were fishermen. We are too! We are in the catch and release program. We catch them,(they accept Jesus), then we release them, (let them go into the world to spread the good news).

Beside the catch and release program; we have the FORGIVE AND RELEASE PROGRAM. This is sanctioned by God and we are the CEO's of our own franchise.

Psalm 32:1 "OH, WHAT JOY FOR THOSE WHOSE DISOBEDIENCE IS FORGIVEN, WHOSE SIN IS PUT OUT OF SIGHT!" Mark 3:28 Jesus is speaking, "I TELL YOU THE TRUTH, ALL SIN AND BLASPHEMY CAN BE FORGIVEN,"

The qualifications to be CEO of your Forgive and Release franchise is: (1) forgive yourself, giving it to God and don't take it back; (2) forgive others, giving it to God and don't take it back; (3) continue to realize JESUS paid the cost of your franchise and now you need to run the franchise so it won't go bankrupt. (no government bailout)

Looking forward to seeing you at the next convention, this Sunday, at the altar at the foot of the cross. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

What weapons do you carry?

Good mornning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! Have you invited someone to church yet? Have you used Hebrews 10:25 "...let us not neglect our meeting together,......"

We are fighting a battle, a powerful battle and we need the most powerful equipment possible. What? Bullet proof vest, armor piercing weapons? No, we have the most powerful weapon ever created and that is our BIBLE! The Holy Spirit will use the power of God's Word like a sword to defeat satan.

We need to have at least a few verses that will comfort us and give us strength in time of temptation. Choose a couple of verses in the Bible and memorize them. Telling satan to get behind you in the name of Jesus is good. Why? Because satan hates even the name of Jesus. Here is a verse to start with:

Ephesians 6:17 "Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."Powerful and strong. Thank you for reading. Love you all. Invite someone to church, be strong in the Lord and satan will flee.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Sharing Jesus Christ

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.

Yesterday we talked about people who say they are believers, but don't need to go, or don't go to church. Well, try from now until Sunday to invite someone to church with you.

Do you tell others what Jesus did for you? If you find a good place to eat, a reasonable mechanic or doctor, a great sale, or whatever you would share this. Then why not share the good news of Jesus?

Oh, it might offend someone, I can't in my workplace, or the best is - that is just not me. To this I say bunk! Sharing Jesus will save lives FOREVER! But, you are accountable, yes, accountable even for the times you pass up telling someone about Jesus or inviting them to church, or whatever God led you at that moment in time.

Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes-the Jew first and also the Gentile."Give yourself an assignment this week. Write down someone to pray for who needs to know Christ and pray for them. Also, invite at least one (1) person to church each week. Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

You a Christian? What church you go to?

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

Have you invited someone to church recently or asked them what church they go to? Many times the response is something like, well, I don't really have a church, I don't have to go to church to be a Christian, I don't enjoy formal worship, etc. Notice these usually begin with a center around them. BUT, what do you say?

When you became a Christian, you joined a family - sometimes called "the body of Christ," which means you're now related to Christians all over the world! You need to join a portion of that family by beginning to attend a local church. WHY?

The church will help you continue to grow in Christ. Hebrews 10:25 "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."

Think about this, you become a Christian and don't go to church. Okaaayy, then let's say you learn to play golf, then never go to the golf course again, BUT, when asked, you are a golfer. Makes about as much sense. Find a church you will grow in, AND, invite someone to church. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Strength from God

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.

1 Chronicles 16:11-12 "Study God and His strength, seek his presence day and night; remember all the wonders he performed."The strength we received from God yesterday sustained us, but today we have to go back for more strength. Why? It is not because we are weak. The need to go back is by design. By going back, we show evidence that our relationship with God is healthy.

God fashioned his encouragement this way because he wants you to return to him. He desires for you to speak with him often and continually draw from his grace.

Take time now, all through out the day to just visit with God. Seek His goodness and remember His power. Maintain and sustain your faith, strength and certainty by staying in the presence of God.

"Praise the LORD, God our Savior, who helps us every day." Psalm 68:19

Love you all
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Friday the 13th - Sooooooooo??????

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.

Say, today is Friday the 13th. What does that mean? Nothing! Absolutely nothing! If we want to dabble in it and play with the devil we can say it is bad luck, bad things happen, etc. Well, don't open the door for the devil to start anything in motion.

Step forth with confidence and being secure in God's favor upon you. DO NOT ALLOW SATAN A CHANCE TO DAMPEN YOUR SPIRITS.

The devil tempted Jesus for forty days and forty nights with good arguements. Jesus knew the scriptures and then in Matthew 4:10 Jesus said, "Get thee hence, Satan; for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve."Just tell Satan to leave in the name of Jesus. The devil hates the name of Jesus, so use it very chance you get. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

How great is HIS faithfulness

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! Wow! Another day to be alive in Jesus Christ! Remember, you are responsible for YOU!

Cousin Ronnie sent this youtube about Christ in Christmas. It only takes a moment but it is really good. Plus, Go Fish group has lots of good music as well. Click
> Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAckfn8yiAQ

Thought for today: "Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, extend to the skies, and Your faithfulness to the clouds." Psalm 36:5

Man will let you down. God is faithful. GOD is faithful. GOD IS FAITHFUL!!

Everyman shall call His name. Aren't you glad you are a child of God. Take time now and just say a prayer, whether it be long or short, just take time for you FATHER!

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

So? What is Jesus doing for you?

Good morning! Another wonderful day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST! GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME, ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD!

In Al Anon the serenity prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

Wow! What a lot is said here. "To accept the things I cannot change." As humans we try to force a solution. GUILTY!! This will work, I'll show you, and I can do it.

"Courage to change the things I can." Wow! This is something as well. Stepping into the unknown, step up to the plate, hit that home run. It is tough. You have to keep your eye on the ball, a firm smooth swing, not a killer cut. Change is hard, but change is a must for the things we can change. So, what is Jesus doing for you?

"Wisdom to know the difference." This takes a lot of prayer. So many times we do out of tradition, out of habit, but do we have the wisdom? When times are tough we need to kneel down, let our prayer go up, and listen for God's word and accept God's wisdom.

Why would I want to do this? John 14:2,3 "In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

Jesus took all our sins on the cross, is taking our sins daily, and will take our sins in the future. Life is not tough, just challenging, but with Jesus at our side we will be okay, a few bumps as we choose to try our own trails a few times. Praise God and give God the glory. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Personal conduct

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.

Proverbs 6:1-2 "My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if you hast stricken they hand with a stranger. Thou art snared with the words of they mouth, thou art taken with the words of they mouth.."

First, what is surety? According to wiki: A surety is a person (or company) who agrees to be responsible for the debt or obligation of another.

The warning against becoming surety is repeated several times in Proverbs. The frequent warnings that are given against giving security for others are to be explained by the severe consequences that could result from such practices. According to Hebrew jurisprudence, a man's goods could be confiscated and he himself might be sold into slavery if the person with whom he stood as surety failed to meet his obligations.

Reread this, think about it, and this is good guidance for today. We are not told not to be surety, but cautioned against it. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Wisdom to speak....or not!

Good morning all. Sorry to have missed on Friday. May this be a wonderful day in the LORD JESUS CHRIST! God is good all the time,all the time God is good.

Have you every noticed that people really like to "be in the know?" By being in the know I mean, have the answers, know what is going on with sports, world events, people, work, or whatever.

I was visiting with a neighbor Saturday evening and I asked if he watched the LSU and Alabama game. He said no he is recording it. This was my clue to not tell him the score or anything about it as he had been gone and was going to watch it.

Well, wouldn't you know, a visitor at another neighbors house saw us, came over and asked if we watched the game. Neighbor 1 said, "no, I have it recorded." Visiting neighbor then said, " well, dad was upset with the final." Now, his dad is from La. so that throws a light on who he was for.

Just in a matter of seconds, less than a minute, the hours of recording and enjoyment for neighbor 1 was gone because of this statement. How often do we do this in people's lives. A quick comment, a flippant comment, or just a passing comment may deter someone else's journey. Where does wisdom come from? When does wisdom come in?

Proverbs 3:13 "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding." Also, take a moment to read Proverbs 4:5-10.

May you have the wisdom today and forever to speak when necessary and the wisdom to know when to not speak. A great sermon here to myself. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Holy Spirit - the guide of the Christian life

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Another great day to serve Jesus. At the end is a little tidbit I want to thank Chuck for sending.

God will help you to follow and obey him. As a Christian, you have been given the Holy Spirit. He will give you insight into what God is like and what he wants you to do.

God give you his Holy Spirit to enable you to live the Christian life. John 14:26 "But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative-that is, the Holy Spirit-he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you."

Jesus promised the disciples that the Holy Spirit would help them remember what he had been teaching them. This promise ensures the validity of the New Testament. The disciples were eyewitnesses of Jesus' life and teachings, and the Holy Spirit helped them remember without taking away their individual perspectives.

We can be confident that the Gospels are accurate records of what Jesus taught and did. The Holy Spirit can help us in the same way. We can trust Him to plant truth in our mind, convince us of God's will, and reminds us when we stray from it.

Write down one, 1, question that you'd like the Holy Spirit to help you with. Then take a couple of minutes and just talk to God about it.

Love you all. In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

here is a little tidbit sent in that is really good. Please think about what you feed.

TWO WOLVES

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.

"One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

"The other is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Love - Leviticus 19:18

Good morning all! A great day to be alive and in love with Jesus! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Wow! So many things happen you never know where to start.` Love, what is love? Leviticus 19:18 "Thou shalt not avenge nor bear ay grudge against the children of they people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself; I AM THE LORD."Well, do you? What? Look at the verse, we won't avenge, we won't bear any grudge, and what? Love thy neighbor as thyself. Wow! Pretty tall words, but guess what? They are from the boss, our Lord, our God, the maker of the universe.

Think about this today when you are driving to or from work; when you are at work; when you have lunch; when you observe people.

I take you as you are, I will look beyond your faults, I will appreciate you for who you are. I will think before i speak, look before I react, and share my love to you and others as God wants. Will you do the same? Thanks. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Forgiveness - do you have this quality?

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!!!!

How many times do we say something, react to a stimulus, or just internalize something that when we look back wish we had done differently?

How many times do we say something or react that hurts someone and changes their response? This change in response may not be a positive response, yet we should be held accountable.

As humans we many times take pride in the fact that we say "well, I just tell them the way I fell, I don't hold back." Two things come to mind, (1) make sure your brain is loaded before you shoot off your mouth; and (2) paraphrasing Abe Lincoln, it is better to be thought a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt.

Ephesians 4:32 "Instead,be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."

This is Christ's law of forgiveness as taught in the Gospels and the Lord's Prayer. God forgives us, not because we forgive others,but solely because of his great mercy. As we come to understand his mercy, however, we will want to be like him.

Having received forgiveness, we will pass it on to others. Those who are unwilling to forgive have not become one with Christ, who was willing to forgive even those who crucified. (Luke 23:24)

Pray for Brad, he will be having back surgery today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

No veil......just You and GOD!

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

"Whenever a person turnes to the LORD, the veil is taken away." 2 Corinthians 3:16

In ancient days it was the veil in the temple that blocked everyone's view of the Holy of Holies - the sacred place where God would meet with the high priest once a year.

On person - on only one day - had the privilege of meeting face to face with God. However,, when Jesus was crucified the veil in the temple was torn in two.

This symbolized the rending of everything that stood between you and God. You know now that you can always meet with him every day of the year, every moment of every hour.

Jesus opened the way to the Father for you, praise him for making your heart the new most sacred place. Nothing stands in the way, it is just you and GOD! Enjoy your Father in Heaven. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny