Have you been violated? Lately?

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.

Okay, if you have ever been robbed, you know, someone steals something from you, did you feel violated? If the thief entered your home, you probably did feel violated.

Just bear with me today, take your time and digest this information from the BIBLE. This was laid on me this morning and then I remembered today is New Year's Eve, time to start anew. Let our resolution for 2010 be to walk, as close as we can, in the image of JESUS.

Satan is the thief who comes in, violates you, then leaves you with the mess to clean up. Does he care? His only care is that you do not worship God! He does not care by what means he does this.....envy, lust, hate, or whatever. The devil is a super sales man, knocking on doors, some invite him in willingly, others he has to find the weak area of the house and come in this way. A window unlocked, a door open, a hidden key under the door mat (duh), however he can he will come in.

Do you take responsibility for your actions, or is it always someone else's fault or something that caused you to do whatever?

Take a look at James 1:13-15 KJV "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth "sin" and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."
Excuses for evil thoughts and wrong actions: (1) it's the other persons fault; (2) I couldn't help it; (3) everybody's doing it; (4) it was just a mistake; (5) nobody's perfect; (6) the devil made me do it; (7) I was pressured into it; (8) I didn't know it was wrong; or, to me the worst excuse, (9) God is tempting me.

A person who makes excuses is trying to shift the blame from himself or herself to something or someone else. This is satan knocking on the door to rob you of something very precious.....
S A L V A T I O N !

A Christian accepts responsibility for his or her wrongs, confesses them and asks God for forgiveness. Don't be violated- tell satan to get behind you in the name of JESUS CHRIST, and walk the walk. When you see only 1 path in the sand, Jesus is carrying you and you are on the right track. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Are you ready? Really ready?

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! I hope this Christmas celebration was good for you and that you remembered the reason we celebrate.......JESUS CHRIST!

Many times we get so caught up in ourselves or what is going on around us we forget the most important person in our life....JESUS CHRIST! We may do foolish things but come back to Him, but just remember the ten virgins, some prepared - some not!

Matthew 25:1-4 "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps and went forth to meet the bride-groom. And five of them were 'wise,' and five were 'foolish.' They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps."

So what happened? Well, the bridegroom was delayed, the virgins fell asleep, then at midnight someone cried out the bridegroom is coming! Come and meet him. The virgins woke and the foolish girls asked the wise for oil for their lamps. The wise girls said no, we don't have enough for all of us. Go to the people who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.

While the foolish girls were gone, the bridegroom came, took the girls who were ready into the wedding feast and then the door was closed and locked. When the foolish came back and asked to come in the bridegroom answered, "I tell you the truth, I don't know you."

We must always be ready. You don't know, I don't know, no one knows when the Son of Man, Jesus, will come. My prayer for you is that you and your family is always prepared. Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Where is your house built?

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

Where have you built your house? On rock or on sinking sand? The wise man builds his house on rock. A foolish person builds his house on sand and when the rains come, the water rises, and the winds blow and hit the house it falls with a thunderous crash.

The man who builds his house on rock will with stand all that nature throws at him, just as we, as Christians, can with stand all satan throws our way IF we build on "the Rock, Jesus Christ."

Luke 6:47-49 "Everyone who come to me and listens to my words and obeys is lika a man building a house. He digs deep and lays his foundation on rock. The floods come, and the water tries wo wash the house away. But the flood cannot move the house, because the house was built well. But the one who hears my words and does not obey is like a man who builds his house on the ground without a foundation. when the floods come, the house quickly falls down. And that house is completely destroyed."

So!!!!????? Where do yo build? Who is your "rock?" Do you obey? Sometimes going with the flow is easier than taking a stand. Stand on the rock, listen and obey. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

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

Jesus is born, and King Herrod..........

Good morning everyone!!God is good all the time, all the time God is good. I was on the road yesterday and sorry to have missed you.

Matthew 2:1-5 King Herrod was in reign and heard of the birth of the "king" and wanted to know where this happened so he could "worship" the new king as well. The main thing here is the birth of Jesus Christ, which is why we are here, saved, and waiting for our personal trip to heaven. King Herrod has BAD motives and planned to do harm. Joseph was told to take another route and to leave Bethelem in Judea.

Christ survived, lived, and then died for you and me. Thank God for Jesus Christ. May your Christmas Eve be wonderful and don't forget Christ tomorrow in his day. Love you all. Merry Christmas.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Prophet said in Isaiah 7:14

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Wow! What Mary and Joseph have gone through thus far.

Matthew 1:22-23 "All of this occurred to fulfill the LORD's message through his prophet: "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.'""Look up Isaiah 7:14 and mention of the virgin birth and naming the child Immanuel, meaning God is with us is here. What is going on here? God set this plan in motion years in advance and then, 2009 years ago it came to pass.

When Joseph woke up he did as the angel said and took Mary as his wife, but did not sleep with her until the child, Jesus, was born. Wow! a lot of information for Joseph to take in, sort, and follow one might say. But, no, Joseph believed in God, was faithful and did as God wished. How many times do we know what God wants for us in our life, BUT, do what WE WANT!?

We want signs that God is alive; is with us; but we don't look around. The sun came up, a butterfly lands on your shoulder, the birds sing, clouds move, water flows, fish jump, but we say, "Is there really a God?" Take time, don't curse traffic, panic to buy a Christmas gift, be short with your family, friends or co-workers. Just STOP - take time to enjoy why we have this season. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

A virgin, the Holy Ghost, and an angel?

Good morning everyone one! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Only a few days till Christmas Eve. Please don't forget the reason, which is Jesus!!

We have been visiting about Mary becoming pregnant and Joseph not wanting to make her a public example. But think about this from Joseph's standpoint. Here is a woman you think is beautiful, you can't wait to marry and she turns up pregnant. She insists she has slept with no one, you, Josephs, did not sleep with her. Now this woman you held so high not only slept with someone but she is lying to you. Then the plot thickens.

Matthew 1:20 "But while he (Joseph) thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream saying, 'Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary they wife; for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.'"
Okay, this would set you back and make you shake your head, but then.....

Matthew 1:21 "And she shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for he shall save his people from their sins."In Ancient times a betrothal had to be legally broken. Joseph's merciful attitude gives an insight into his true nature as a man. Joseph, son of David, indicates he was a legitimate heir to the vacant throne of David. The angel orders him to take Mary as his wife and to call the child Jesus, Hebrew Yehoshua, means Jehovah saves. this points to the very purpose of Christ's coming into the world to save sinners.

Wow! A lot for Joseph to be hit with, listen to and understand. Just think if this had been you; what would you have done? This is nothing but miraculous and has the stamp of GOD! Some people dispute this, some Christians don't believe this. If the Bible is truly the inspired word of God, this is written in it, then I believe it. I would embrace any feedback you may have. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Joseph has a decision to make

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

Okay, yesterday we talked about Mary, she became pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Now what about Joseph, this was embarrassing to him, his finance....pregnant!!

Matthew 1:19 "Joseph, her fiance, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly."

Joseph faced a difficult choice after discovering Mary was pregnant. Joseph only saw two options which was to "divorce" her if you will, or to stone her for adultery. God offered another option, which was to marry Mary. Joseph did not see this option as he felt he was doing the right thing by breaking the engagement. God's guidance helped him make the best decision. But that did not make it an easy decision. Consenting to marry Mary cast doubt on his own innocence regarding the pregnancy as well as leaving them both with a social stigma they would carry for the rest of their lives.

Joseph chose to obey the angel's command. When our decisions affect the lives of other, we must always seek God's wisdom and then be willing to follow through no matter how difficult it may be. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Who is pregnant? HOW?!?!?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!! Well, yesterday you understand that Jesus came from 14 generations 3 times, or a total of 42 generations from Abraham.

Okay, so we are to Joseph, but what about Mary. Matthew 1:18 "This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she bacame pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit."
First of all, Mary was a virgin or parthenos which literally means a marriageable maiden and a woman who has never had sexual intercourse with a man.

Being born of man simply means born of sin nature, the Messiah could not be born of sin nature, therefore she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit.

How old was Mary? Well, there is no set age in the Bible of either Mary or Joseph; however, experts who look at all the information from these times say she was probably between 13-15. Joseph was probably older as this was the tradition in ancient times, a set marriage with a man who has a profession.

Just think of what Mary went through. Think of a 13 or 14 year old girl you know. First, she becomes pregnant and never slept with a man. How do you explain this? Then, Joseph is thinking this girl has cheated on me, I don't want her as a wife.

Now here is a situation that needs clarification. Both Mary and Joseph had no control over these circumstances at all. Who is in control? GOD! But do we always understand? No.

In today's world Mary would have had her first two choices: have the baby or abortion. If have the baby, then comes keep the baby or put the baby up for adoption. Wow! I'm just glad planned parenthood was not around when Mary became pregnant. Just points to ponder. Tomorrow - what's up with Joseph? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Who's your papa?

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

Okay, 20th century world people would say this about Jesus and Mary. His mom got pregnant before they got married. That's wrong. And look, she hangs around with a guy who does not even have an education, he is a carpenter. Why would a nice young girl like this ruin her life this way?

What will they do, work and live hand to mouth. Have they no ambition. Joseph should have been in the college bound track in school. I just don't know about these young people these days.

21st century people would notice, no big deal, she's pregnant. As long as they don't bother me it is okay. Maybe the 'kid' will be healthy and do okay.

Well in the 1st century your lineage was important. Who you were and where you came from was important. Matthew 1:1-17 tells about Jesus' lineage. His "big papa" was Abraham, to Isaac, to Jacob...........and finally to Joseph, the husband of Mary. If we look at Jesus' lineage like a porfolio then He has a RICH lineage.

Fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to Babylonian exile, and fourteen from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah. And now we have JESUS! Take time during this Christmas season to actually read the "Christ-mas Story." Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Rebuke? Necessary?

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! Think about this: sometimes rebuke is necessary, but it must be used with caution. The purpose of any rebuke, confrontation, or discipline is to help people, not hurt them.

2 Corinthians 13:2 "I have already warned those who had been sinning when I was there on my second visit. Now I again warn them and all others, just as I did before, that next time I will not spare them."

When Paul arrived the third time in Corinth, he would not be lenient toward unrepentant sinners. His actions could include (1) confronting and publicly denouncing their behavior, (2) exercising church discipline by calling them before the church leaders, or (3) excommunicating them from the church.

This may sound harsh, be how subtle is the movement away from the word, to "soften" the word, to make the word "pleasing and easy." Be ware, test all by the word, and do what is right in God's eyes. No other eyes are as important as God's. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Are you honorable in all you do?

Good morning everyone!! A wonderful day to be alive in Jesus! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

2 Corinthians 8:21 "We are careful to be honorable before the LORD, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable."

Paul used every safeguard to maintain integrity in the collection of money for the Jerusalem church. Those outside the church can view skeptically the way believers handle money in the church. financial scandals among high-profile ministries have alerted the non-believing world to the unethical gimmicks that some Christians use.

How do you handle your daily affairs at work? At home? Out in public? People are watching, waiting, and ready to be a character witness: either negatively or positively; depending on your actions. Now is the time to be upright, specially at Christmas when the Christians are all in a fishbowl.

Love you all. Have a merry week before Christmas.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Is your faith sincere?

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

I had the opportunity to visit a home Bible study when I was on the road this past week in Dallas. Man, what an eye opener. These people are wonderful, spirit filled people whose eyes are on God. One man was now delivering papers, working at the church, and doing a third job, getting sleep when he could and being able to spend time with the family.
Another lost his job, sold his motorcycle and other items, wound up doing consulting in his field, an will be rehired with his old company in Jan. (they merged and downsized, his branch was released).
A young lady has been out of work 9 months, an HR person, put her masters on hold, and was working as a volunteer for the homeless. Her financial needs keep being met.
A lady lost enough vision where she can no longer drive, but can do office work so her husband has to take her and deliver her to work.
And there were more, these people have their eyes focused clearly on Jesus. Look at Isaiah 58:9-12 "Then when you call, the LRD will answer. "Yes, I am here," he will quickly reply. Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then you light will shine out from the darkness and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. the LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be know as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes."

Is your faith sincere? Do you reach out to other? Do you look to God in easy times as well as hard times? Take time, reflect. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Will you endure the battle for Christ?

Good morning everyone!! Another great day to be alive in JESUS CHRIST! GOD is good all the time, all the time GOD is good!!!!!

When Paul was talking to the Corinthians he was angry. Why? False teachers had impressed and deceived the Corinthians so he had to reestablish his credibility and authority. How did he do this? He listed the trials he had endured in his service for Christ. Paul wrote this letter during his third missionary journey, but his trials were not over. He would experience further difficulties and humiliations for the cause of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:22-27 "Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold without enough clothing to keep me war."

Paul was sacrificing his life for the Good News, something the false teachers would never do. The trials and hurts we experience for Christ's sake build our character, demonstrate our faith, and prepare us for further service to the LORD. Are you battle scarred and ready? Where are you in you walk today? Thanks for reading. Pray for our country. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Integrity within

Good morning all! May this day be a great day to remember JESUS CHRIST, our LORD and SAVIOR. GOD is good all the time, all the time GOD is good.

We need to be accurate and honest in all our dealing as Christians. Never put ourselves in a place of question. 2 Corinthians 8:20-21 "We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift. We are careful to be honorable before the LORD, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable."

Now why this scripture. The Corinthians church was financial well off and they offered to help the church in Jerusalem. Paul used safeguards to maintain integrity in the collection of the money. Paul and Titus and another brother were elected by the churches to take the large financial gift to Jerusalem. Paul explained that by traveling together there could be no suspicion and people would know that the gift was being handled honestly. The church did not need to worry that the bearers of the collection would misuse the money.

How are you doing with all that God has placed in your care? Are you misusing your money? Is your leadership as a member of the body of Christ done with integrity? Are you a wonderful, bathed in the living water, clean hearted Christian on Sunday morning? Do you carry these traits through out the week and when others speak of you will integrity and strong character jump out as a Christian? Do the right thing. Do the God thing. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

A little praise may give someone a raise

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!

2 Corinthians 7:4 "I have the highest confidence in you, and I take great pride in you. You have greatly encouraged me and made me happy despite all our troubles."

When you see good do not be afraid to compliment. Affirm all you see that is good. Man thrives on praise, but we have to keep it in check. Praise all the time, meaning praising every little thing that is done becomes phony. Praise should be genuine, with love and with meaning.

2 Corinthians 8:24 "So show them your love, and prove to all the churches that our boasting about you is justified."

Try this today, be real-not phony, but praise someone and see their response. OR, if nothing else smile at someone you don't know and wish them a good day. See what happens? A little light, no matter how dim, stills casts a shadow and may be the guiding light that someone needs.

How true the old saying, "smile and the whole world smiles with you." Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Be firm and bold

Hello, I hope you all have had a great day. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

2 Corinthians 7:9 "Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in anyway."

Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthians. Apparently it caused the people to change. How often do we not stand up for what is right? What is right according to God?

How often do we remain silent, let something "slide," we disagree, yet say nothing. Why don't we, as Christians, speak up? We allow other religions to speak up, the ACLU fights every step of our Christian walk.

It is time we fight fire with fire. Take 1 minute, each day during your noon hour and pray. Pray for what? Pray for America, Obama (whether you like him or not, he is president of the USA), pray for our churches, pray for yourself, your family, for courage, for wisdom and knowledge. Kneel down America, and lift God up, the faithful prayers will be answered. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

IS GOD WITH YOU?

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.

A bumper sticker: WHERE GOD IS NOT, ANYTHING IS PERMITTED!

Take time to think about this, the truth that lies within these seven words.

Then think about this verse: Proverbs 10:23 "It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom."

1 John 5:19 "And we know that we are of GOD, and the whole world lieth in wickedness."
Take time for God today. Invite someone to church. Tell someone about Jesus. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Yahweh is strength

Good morning all! Keep the faith. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

When we work many times we don't feel like we are getting anywhere, no one notices, the "bad" people are doing better than you, well there is hope. God is hope, our belief in God and we are saved through the death and resurrection of Jesus.

When I open my Bible this morning this verse did leap upon me and I hope it touches you as it did me.

Proverbs 10:29 "The way of the LORD is strength to the upright; but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity."

When I looked this up my commentary said: "The man of understanding fears Yahweh and disciplines himself to carefully fulfill his appointed tasks. Yahweh rewards such a man with length of days, gladness of heart, and strength to continue in the path of life. The righteous shall dwell in the land, and they shall never be removed."

Wow! Powerful! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Wisdom for All people

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.

Take time and read Proverbs 10:1 through 24:34. A lot of good information. Today let's look at Proverbs 10:18 "Hiding hatred make you a liar, slandering others makes you a fool."

Isn't it funny how the truth never changes, but lies do.

By hating another person you may become a liar or a fool. If you try to conceal your hatred, you end up lying. If you slander the other person and are proven wrong, you are a fool. The only way out is to admit your hateful feelings to God. Ask him to change your heart, to help you love instead of hate.

What strong words we can live by, we need to share this with all our politicians. Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Wisdom and love

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

Proverbs 19:8 "To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper."

Is it good to love yourself? YES, when your soul is at stake! This proverb does not condone the self-centered person who loves and protects his or her selfish interests and will do anything to serve them. Instead, it encourages those who really care about themselves to seek wisdom.

Wisdom is love! Have a great day. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny