Nahum 1:4 AT HIS COMMAND

Good morning all! A wonderful day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Nahum 1:4 "At His command the oceans dry up, and the rivers disappear. The lush pastures of Bashan and Carmel fade, and the green forests of Lebanon wither."

At HIS command, what does this mean? He only need to speak? Or think? At HIS command ... just what does this mean to you? God can just speak and the oceans dry up or the rivers disappear. They are so vast, what about me? Well, what about you?

Bashan and Carmel were very fertile area yet they can wither. How? At HIS command! This is where the "cows of Bashan" were, and the cows were well nourished and wanted for nothing. At HIS command.... this can all disappear.

God can speak us into existence or cause us to be gone. Great power hath HE! Take time for your FATHER. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Are you listening? Amos

Thank you Pastor Denison for this.

See God, Hear God

Amos 9:1-10

January 27, 2010



“I saw the Lord standing by the

altar, and he said . . .”

- Amos 9:1



We need to accomplish two basic things in our daily walk with God, and Amos identifies both of them in one verse. “I saw the Lord,” he begins. Then Amos says, “And he [God] said . . .” Now, we could use this space talking about what God had to say to Amos and his children 2700 years ago. We could break down the next nine verses. But to do that would be to miss the point entirely. You see, what God says is not as important as the fact that he is speaking, and we are listening.



The obvious application is at church. When you show up Sunday, you are to look for God. And he’s not hard to find. You can see him in someone’s smile, in the attitude of fellow believers, even in the sunrise you view on the way to church. But then you must move to step two. Listen for his voice. Every Sunday, you need to ask God to give you a fresh word that affects your daily life. But here’s the good news. You don’t have to wait until Sunday. Look for God today. Listen for his voice now.



Prayer for Today: “I have a busy day planned. I will be doing lots of things and will have very little time to myself. But I commit to carve out God-moments. I will look to see You and hear your voice.”

Nahum 1:3 God is slow to anger

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

We get into the hustle and bustle of the days events to look around and observe what? Traffic, our house, our car, where we are going, what we have to do, etc. Do we take time to remember God? DO YOU TAKE TIME TO REMEMBER GOD????

It is so easy to remember and talk to God all day long. When driving, when working, when walking, when having lunch, and on and on. You counter with I am busy all day and don't have time for anything. I would venture your thoughts do not remain on your job 100% of the day. You can talk to God through your mind.

Nahum 1:3 "The LORD is slow to get angry, but his power is great, and he never lets the guilty go unpunished."

God sees the evildoers in the world and the hypocrites in the church, and they avoid God and do not realize His anger. Being slow to anger allows us time to share His love and truth with these people. But remember, judgment will come, God will not allow sin to go unchecked forever.

Why doesn't God punish evil immediately and end it? Because if He did, we would not be here. We need to be thankful God is slow to anger which allows time for the people to turn to Him.

Just remember this from Psalm 50:3 "Our God approaches and he is not silent. Fire devours everything in his way and a great storm rages around Him." When God does return "it ain't gonna be purty!"

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

Deuteronomy 5:8,9 - Ritual or real?

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

Deuteronomy 5:8,9 "You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind, or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them to worship them, for I, the LORD your GOD, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected - even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me."

WOW!! How would you feel if someone took a picture of you; framed it; then stared at it a lot and showed it to others; BUT, completely ignored the real you?

God does not want to be treated this way either. He wants a genuine relationship with us, not mere ritual. He wants us to know Him. God knows that if we put anything other than HIM at the center of our lives, we will not reach our potential and become all that HE wants us to be.

Also, GOD's wrath is much greater than our earthly father's wrath. GOD's wrath can lead to an eternal damnation, aka hell! Take time to think about this. How many times do we go through the "ritual" of being one of GOD's children, but not really worshiping HIM as we should. Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Fight or evil

Good morning all!! A great day to worship the LORD! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Going back to Nahum 1:2 and the reference to Deuteronomy 4:24 and 5:9; God is a jealous God and hates evil.

Deuteronomy 4:24 "The LORD your God is a devouring fire; he is a jealous God."

God is a devouring fire. God is morally perfect, He hates sin and cannot accept those who practice it. Moses' sin kept him from entering the Promised Land and no sacrifice could remove that judgment. Sin kept us from entering God's presence, but Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sin and removed God's judgment forever by his death. Trusting in Jesus Christ will save you from God's anger and allow you to begin a personal relationship with him.

God hates sin! Do you? OR, do you walk the politically correct line and not speak out against evil. We, Christians, should declare war on evil. This is not a "I like or don't like" but what God deems as evil. If God sees it as evil, then we should see it as evil.

Be on guard, for if you declare war on evil, Satan will fight back and you need to keep "The Word" close. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Nahum 1:2 The LORD's anger!

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

Nahum 1:2 "The LORD is a jealous God, filled with vengeance and wrath. He takes revenge on all who oppose him and continues to rage against his enemies."

Think about this verse a moment. God alone has the right to be jealous and to carry out vengeance. Jealousy and vengeance may be surprising terms to associate with God. When humans are jealous and take vengeance, they are usually acting in a spirit of selfishness.

But, it is appropriate for God to insist on our complete allegiance, and it is just for Him to punish unrepentant evildoers. His jealousy and vengeance are unmixed with selfishness. Their purpose is to remove sin and restore peace to the world. Look at Deuteronomy 4:24 & 5:9.

Don't you think we should declare WAR ON EVIL? God hates evil, but we tolerate evil......WHY? Love you all.

In Christ's Grace and Love

Johnny

Nahum? Yes, Nahum!!

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time all the time God is good. May your day be wonderful, safe, and enjoyable in the LORD!

Nahum! Old testament book right after Micah. Nineveh's judge. What, Jonah already went here. Yes, but let's fast forward 100 years and see where Nineveh is not.

God would judge the city of Nineveh for its idolatry, arrogance, and oppression. Although Assyria was the leading military power in the world, God would completely destroy this "invincible" nation. God allows no person or power to usurp or scoff at HIS authority.

Anyone who remains arrogant and resists God's authority will face HIS anger. No ruler or nation will get away with rejecting HIM. No individual will be able to hide from HIS judgment. Yet those who keep trusting God will be kept safe forever.

Nahum 1:1 "This message concerning Nineveh came as a vision to Nahum, who lived in Eikosh."

Nahum, like Jonah was a prophet to Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, 663-612 B.C. Eikosh was a village believed to be in southwest Judah. Jonah has seen Nineveh repent a century earlier but the city had fallen back into wickedness.
We will continue on in Nahum tomorrow. Does Nineveh remind you of any place? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Psalm 119:12-16 Praise God, delight in HIS word

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!! GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME, ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD!

PSALM 119:12-16 "I praise you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word."

Many time we feel restricted under rules, we think they stop us from doing what we want to do. The psalmist has taken more delight in the doctrines of God's word than he has in the dollars of this world. God's laws are given to free us to be all HE wants us to be.

The last 2 sentences, we will lay up in our hearts all that we meditated on and this will never be forgotten. How often do we read 'words' and then later do not remember what we read. God's word we study ceaselessly and store all HIS word in our heart, as this is our dress rehearsal for the "big stage," which is HEAVEN.

Take time, praise God! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
p.s. talking on the cell phone your reaction time is the same as having 4 drinks.

Psalm 119:10-11 God's word in your heart is not enough!

God morning everyone! This is better than a good morning! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!

Psalm 119:10-11 "I have tried hard to find you - don't let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

When we learn scriptures, memorize them, they are in our heart; this is not a deterrent to sin. I know the speed limit but does this make me drive the speed limit?

I have the scriptures in my heart, now I must act upon them. Just like the speed limit sign, I am driving 70 and the speed drops to 60; what do you do? You apply the new sign to what you are doing. In the same way, you learn a scripture and then apply it to you life.

Satan is running with the football in the world today; what are you going to do? Sit the bench?

Think about this: Amos 5:4. “Seek me and live.” Are you? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Psalm 119:9 Do you hear what I hear? OR Heed thy word

Good morning all! A great day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. When you awake do you say, "Good God it is morning" or do you say "Good morning God?"

I will break down Psalm 119:9-16 into 3 parts. The first part today.

Psalm 119:9 "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word."

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? Literal - with what a youth cleanse his path? The word rendered his way (Heb Orach) signifies a track, a rut, such as would have been made by the wheel of a cart. A young sinner has not beaten a broad path, but rather has transgressed again and again in the same manner, creating a sinful rut.

How can he escape?

By taking heed thereto according to thy word. Heeding the Word of God lead to a godly life-style. Ignoring the Word of God leads to a godless rut.

Look around, observe the world as it is; what do you see? This is good advice for young and old. Thank you for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

How are you living?

Good morning everyone!! Friday, another great day to worship God! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Psalm 119:3-8 "You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don't give up on me!"
Think of this from a Father - child perspective. Dad, this is what you have told me I should do. Do I show it? I will be proud that I did what you said, and by following your direction I will live right, in your way. I will do what you say, but when I stumble please don't give up on me.

As a child pleas with the Father, we should want to do what is right, what is upright, what is honorable in our Father's eyes. Are you doing this? Are you working toward this? This is why the plea, "don't give up on me."

Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Be Joyful - Psalm 119:1,2

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. May your days be merry and bright. Let's get into the word! Yeah!

Psalm 119:1,2 "Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts."

Let's look at Psalm 119. People of integrity! What is integrity? You define this for yourself. The good book says people of integrity are JOYFUL. Why are they joyful? Probably because they FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE LORD.

How else can you be joyful? Obey HIS laws and what??? Search for HIM with all our heart. God is in a cell that we visit once a week, Sunday morning, and then go about our business. Search out daily, each moment what God wants you to do. Many say I don't have time. We have time for what we view as important. Is not ETERNAL LIFE important?

Want to be joyful? search for God with all your heart, be of integrity, follow His instruction and obey His laws. If this is too difficult re-examine your life. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

The original GPS

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 a moment! Just stop right now and spend 60 seconds thinking about what God has done for you. Don't use the excuse you don't have 60 seconds, GOD HAS TIME FOR YOU!

Psalms 119:18-19 "Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. (19) I am only a foreigner in the land. Don't hide your commands from me!"

Open my eyes to the wonderful truths . . . God's laws us from doing what might cripple us; God's laws allow us to be our best. Truth is God wants you to be at your best.

As a foreigner in the land we need a map, some type of guiding system. As we travel through life the Bible should be our road map, pointing out safe routes, obstacles to avoid, and our final destination.

We must recognize ourselves as pilgrims, travelers here on earth who need to study God's map to learn the way. If we ignore the map, we will wander aimlessly through life and risk missing our real destination.

God's word is our GPS system. It works just like a GPS; when you miss your turn it recalculates. When you don't follow God, He has to recalculate and help you get back on the right path. Did you take 60 seconds? This is your training for what is to come. Thank you for reading with me. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Wisdom - ya gotta ask

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. I do apologize for missing yesterday as I had an auto accident. However, we are back to work today.

James 1:5 "If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given hiim."

When we do not understand, all we have to do is ask. How does God give? Liberally and upbraideth not. What? Liberally - freely, openly, in a non-judging way. Upbraideth not - not looking for fault, not severely.

So, God neither displays reluctance to release His gifts, nor humilitates the needy petitioners. Take time now to ask God for wisdom. It may be family issues, friends, work, daily routine, just stop and pray God will release His wisdom upon you.

God gives us what we need, let's us understand what we need to understand, and walks with us continually. It is us who walks away from God or does not listen to the wisdom He provides. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Stand Still

Good morning all! Another great day begins and ends with the LORD JESUS CHRIST! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

It appears the overtones of my devotionals tends to be standing up and being counted as a Christian. This is a strong conviction I do have. I don't believe we stand up and yell to the mountain tops we are children of God and proud of it.

Then I come across verses as in Exodus 14:13,14 KJV "And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever."

The people were hostile and despairing, but Moses encouraged them to watch the wonderful way God would rescue them. Moses had a positive attitude! When it looked as if they were trapped, Moses called upon God to intervene. We may not be chased by an army, but we may still feel trapped.Instead of giving in to despair, we should adopt Moses' attitude to "stand still and watch the LORD rescue us.

Who/what is your "Egyptian?" Then in the next verse......well....let's talk about that on Monday. Have a safe, warm, and enjoyable weekend. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

ESSE QUAM VIDERI

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.

Esse quam videri - "To be rather than seem to be."

How many times do we as Christians "seem to be" rather than "to be?" Sunday morning holy rollers, raising hands, praising God, hugging people, shaking hands, God blessing everyone - WOW! They must be spirit filled. BUT.......(don't you just hate "but")

Sunday afternoon cussin' and fussin' at the spouse and kids. Monday through Friday cussin' and fussin' co-workers, employees, family and others. Saturday okay 'cuz he/she is shopping, golfing, watching football, etc., gearing up for Sunday. Why Sunday? Because we can put on the "face" of the "holy roller" once again.

Does this ring of the Pharisees? The pharisees thought Jesus was either a lunatic or a liar. Jesus provided them with a third alternative: He was telling the truth. Because most of the Pharisees refused to consider the third alternative,they never recognized him as Messiah and Lord.

If you are a "holy roller" you probably do not know Jesus! You are not walking the walk even though you may be trying to "seem to be." It is time "TO BE." To be what? A Christian. Place everything at God's feet and live 24/7 for Jesus;in mind, soul and spirit.

For the ones who "seem to be" Jesus would probably reply, John 8:23,24 "You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not. That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I AM who I claim to be, you will die in your sins."

ESSE QUAM VIDERI - TO BE RATHER THAN SEEM TO BE

Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Erosion - Living water - Light

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.

Erosion! Just what is erosion? Where do these words come from? Darn (damn?) Crap (S...) Friggin'? (F.....) S.O.B. (son of a .......) Is this not erosion? Just a slang way of saying the original word. Is this acceptable? For the most part in America - Yes! Why?

Erosion is the slow, constant, eating away of something. We usually relate erosion with land. If vegetation is present, then erosion is lessened or non-existent. If you were land where would you be? Barren or with vegetation?

Our living water is the inset of the Holy Spirit, which Jesus left with us. This, if you will, is our vegetation, keeping us alive awaiting greater things in glory. Did you know about 84% of Americans claim to be Christians? However, only about 46% of those believe in the virgin birth, the resurrection, and the Bible is the inspired word of God.

Can you stand up, proclaim your faith in Jesus, without apologizing? Do you share the word with people in your travels? Or do you drink of the living water quietly, at home, in your safe closet? If you found a great place to eat, would you share it? If you found a great sale at a store would you share it? You have the greatest gift of all.....life everlasting, do you share it?

Jesus is the living water and also the light of the world. John 8:12 "Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow e, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life!"

Tomorrow "ESSE QUAM VIDERI." Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

EROSION

Good morning everyone!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. What a great time to be alive and work for the kingdom of God.

No! We are not tortured, imprisoned, beat as was Paul, John, and the disciples. Not physically anyway. However, tortured - we have to be politically correct. We cannot speak freely about Christianity in most work places. Does this bother you? This hurts my soul.

Imprisoned! We are imprisoned in the fact we are not freely open to speak our peace. If you speak against homosexuality, not the person, just the act (sin), then we are not engaging in "hate crime." Who says? ACLU, the courts, politicians. Yet it is okay to openly denounce Christianity.

Beat? We are constantly beat daily! Do you stand up for your Christian principles, do you tell people you will pray for them, do you invite people to church? If not, why? Is it because you may be ridiculed or put down? We must stand up for Jesus!

E R O S I O N ! This is what we are experiencing. What is erosion? Erosion slowly but consistently whittles away over time. Look at the "Father knows best" shows of today. There is sex, language, and unacceptable actions. Slowly, methodically, consistently, over a period of time.

WATER: There are 2 types of water. There is water that keeps you alive; there is living water. Where do you dip your cup? Water that keeps you alive is as an ocean, it is there, it is a constant, and there is a slow, continual wearing away. (You are dying).

Living water: this is the water of Jesus Christ. This brings forth life everlasting; we are in training for the hereafter. Where do you dip your cup? In the water to keep you alive; or the living water?

Erosion is a natural process and occurs at a greater rate on barren land than that covered with vegetation. Are you barren? Are you covered with vegetation (Jesus)?

John 7:38 Jesus said, "Anyone who believe in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'"

Love you all!

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Delight in the law of the LORD

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

My prayer today is that God will watch over all of us, keep us safe, and let our steps be placed firmly by His guidance. O Lord, please give us the wisdom, knowledge and patience to do your work in the way you want it done. Thank you Jesus for shedding your blood for us on the cross so that we may rise one day to be in gloryland with you. Forgive us of our sins and bound satan in the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Psalm 1:1,2 "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD and in his law doth he meditate day and night."Take time as you begin your new year to think about these words. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Share the plan of Salvation

Good morning everyone! And a HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU! What will you do for Jesus this 2010 year? Will you hide your light under a bushel or let it shine? God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

We need to realize our long-term goal----to be like CHRIST! If you are a new Christian or have been a Christian a long time it is important we realize we have a lifelong relationship with Christ. So.....what is your long range plan?

If you said to retire and enjoy life, bzzzzz, WRONG! Anyone can do this. Becoming Christ like should be the long range goal. But what do I do, how do I do this?

First, you don't do it alone. God works in you to help you become more like his son.

Second, share the good news to all you meet. Christ did!!!

Can you list other ways you can be Christ like? How many people sit in a church all their childhood and adult life and don't hear about the salvation plan. I call these "feel good churches."

For me: Tell at least one person about Jesus and the salvation plan each week.
Continually pray that my heart is clean, Christ like; it is easy to envy or lust after materials things. The "I want, I want" mentality.
I will invite someone to church each week.

These are some of my goals. What are yours? Not new years resolutions, but commitment to Jesus Christ. 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."
HAPPY NEW YEAR! PRAISE GOD! LET JESUS RETURN! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny