The ROCK! Romans 9:32

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

This verse starts with "why not?", stemming from the verse above saying the people of Israel tried hard to get right with God by keeping the law but never succeeded.

Romans 9:32 "Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him. They stumbled over the great rock in their path."

The Jews had a worthy goal which was to honor God. But they tried to achieve it the wrong way; by rigid and painstaking obedience to the law. Because of this, some of them became more dedicated to the law than to God.

They thought that if they kept the law, God would have to accept them as his people. But God cannot be controlled. The Jews did not see that their Scriptures, the Old Testament, taught that salvation depended on faith, not on human effort.

The "great rock" they stumbled over was Jesus. The Jews did not believe in him because he didn't meet THEIR EXPECTATION for the Messiah. Some people still stumble over Christ because salvation by faith doesn't make sense to them. They think they must earn their way to God. Or, maybe God will simply overlook their sins.

Others stumble over Christ because he values are the opposite of the world's. He asks for humility, and many are unwilling to humble themselves before him. He requires obedience, and many refuse to put their wills at his disposal. Have you stumbled over this rock, or have you chosen to build your life on it? The choice is yours. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Luke 6:38 Pressed down & shaken together

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Each day we travel through this world we see tragedies, disasters, devastation, trials and tribulations throughout. Usually what we see is on the news; never close to home. Almost two weeks ago there was a tragic car accident in Colorado which took the lives of half the family. Sadness everywhere, but spiritually those taken were Christians and they live on.

Just this past week we had tragic news that our pastor had to be hospitalized. Concerned? Yes, worried? Not so much because the expectations were he would be up and around soon. We lost our beloved pastor Friday night. Sadness fills our hearts, and this morning I opened my Bible to one of the verses he preached on and referred back to many times.

Luke 6:38 "Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full- pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back."

He has given pressed down, shaken together. He would relate the story of his wife explaining how to get her an icy. You would fill the icy cup part way, then tap or shake the cup on the counter, why? To press it down, then put more in and repeat the shakening to add more. By being pressed down, shaken together you get more.

If we treat others generously, graciously, and compassionately, these qualities will come back to us in full measure. This he did. We love our pastor and his family and he will be greatly missed. But we can be assured he is walking with Jesus and probably playing golf.

In an earlier devotional I asked about your "dash." Our pastors "dash" is full, pressed down and running over. Love you all. Your prayers are requested.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

What kind of tree are you? Luke 6:43-45

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Today I prayed for guidance from God and to speak to me from the Bible. When I randomly opened my Bible this is what came up. Just read this and apply it to your life.

Luke 6:43-45 "For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."


What treasures do you have in your heart? What kind of tree are you? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Stay FAITHFUL MY FRIEND! Psalm 100

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

When tragedies happen around the world or at home we hear of them immediately. Do they affect you? Usually not, unless it is close to home, then we may take note of it. If it is family or friends then we really notice.

Psalm 100 is a prayer for help to walk a blameless path. To live with integrity, both our efforts and God's help are necessary.

Psalm 100
(1) Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth!
(2) Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy.
(3)Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
(4)Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.
(5)For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

Shout to the LORD, worship, praise Him, be thankful, HE is faithful.
STAY FAITHFUL MY FRIEND!

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Knocked down? One day we will ascend and be with God as did Jesus. Mark 16

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

What happens when you get knocked down? Do you lay there, do you feel sorry for yourself? Do you have a pity me party? You get back up and go forth.

Jesus and the disciples were knocked down, but did they stay. No! They rose again to teach the true word of God. We have times in our lives when we get knocked down and we need to look up toward the heavens, thank God for all we have, and keep focused on Him, GOD!

We must keep the course, stay the race, and once we have finished the race then what? Just like the song - THEN WHAT? Being a Christian, we will ascend as Jesus did to be in heaven with our heavenly father. TA family in Colorado, 12 in the family, and lost 6 - the father and 5 children - was involved in a car wreck. The wife and rest of the family are sadden at the loss, but they are staying focused on God and God's vision for them. This we must do also.

Stay focused on God, on Jesus, letting the Spirit dwell within! We, the people of the church age, must allow the Spirit to dwell within and lead us.
Tragedies happen all around us, what or which one is the most important? They all are. We should pray for each one and the ones closest to you will be the bigger burden on your heart. Take your burdens now, go to bended knee, and tell God about your burden, let go. It is all in God's hands.

You, Me, We all HAVE TO BELIEVE! Believe what? GOD IS IN CONTROL! Love you all. Christ's ascension is in Mark 16.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

What or who is your "stepmother" aka sin? 1 Corinthians 5:1

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Well???? Did you think about it? Do you just talk the talk or do you walk the walk as well? God wants you to do one or the other, be ye hot or cold but not luke warm.

1 Corinthians 5:1 "I can hardly believe the report about the sexual immorality going on among you-something that even pagans don't do. I am told that a man in your church is living in sin with his stepmother."

Paul is not happy with the church as they are not living a godly life. The church must discipline flagrant sin among its members. Such sins left unchecked can polarize and paralyze a church.

The correction should never be veneful, but it should be given to help bring about a cure. The Corinthians believers had refused to deal with a specific sin in the church: A man was having an affair with his stepmother. The church was ignoring the situation, or a we say today walking around the elephant in the room.

Are we judging? NO, repeat NO! We are ignoring a flagrant sin against God. If you say nothing then you are supporting the wrong deed. It is our responsibility to maintain the standards of morality found in God's commandments. Letting sin go undisciplined will have an effect, a negative effect on other believers.

What is the "stepmother" in your life? Are you letting it slide, go unchecked? Maybe cursing, slothfulness, drunkeness, attitude, pride, greed, covetness? Take time, do a reflection! What do you see? Is it pleasing to the spirit? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

1 Corinthians 4:20-21 Talk & walk or just talk?

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Have you heard the expressions: "All show and no go." Or "talk the talk, but does not walk the walk." "Talk is cheap."

I read an article that if you say you have a muscle car and there is no muscle what do you have. Apply that to your spiritual life. If you say you are a Christian, yet has no Christ or don't walk with Christ - what do you have?

As I have said before, you can stand in a garage but that does not make you a car. You can go to church but that does not make you a Christian. The kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. How do you come to God?

Also, do you wish to be disciplined with a rod - or with love and a gentle spirit? Take time and look in the mirror. What do you see? A Christian who talks and does? Or one who needs discipline?

1 Corinthians 4:20-21
20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 21 What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?

And what does God wish? He wishes for all of us to be saved, yet He gave us the freedom to choose. May your choice be wise today and each day. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Pride? 1 Corninthians 4:7

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

We have talked about levels. What level are you on? Think about which level you would like to be on. Level 1 is all about me. Level 2 dictated by strict rules. Level 5 is thinking and acting as God would.

The person who looks up to God rarely looks down on people.

Again go back to 1 Corinthians 4:7 and read this. Does pride trip you up? Spend a few minutes revieing these proverbs about pride and its pitfalls: Proverbs 8:13; 11:2; 13:10; 14:3; 16:18; 29:23.

May your day in God be wonderful and your weekend even better.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Just a closer walk with Thee, Lord! 1 Corinthians 4:7

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Did you think about your good-byes? What will they be like today when you depart? What about the dash? What does the "dash" say about your life?
Once again, I ask, are you at level 1 or higher in your faith?
Level 1 is solely about yourself. Your pride, your love of self, you are the world and the world revolves around you. Take a look at Ezekiel 28:12-19. What is the problem of pride? This man, king, has looks, gems, position, everything. But who gave it to him? And who does he forget? What is he attached to and where is his loyalty?
1 Corinthians 4:7 "For what gives you the right to make such a judgment? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?"
A true spiritual leader is a representative of Christ and has nothing to offer that God hasn't given him or her. Don't let your loyalty to others or material possessions cause strife, slander, or broken relationships.
Make sure that your deepest loyalties are to Christ and not people or things of this world. May you move to a higher level. Do you spend more time debating things of the world than declaring Christ's message? If so, then you don't have Christ in mind and you are level 1. Move up my friend, look up my friend, step up my friend to a level closer to God. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Carry your own cross? What would your dash look like? Luke 9:23

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Where are you today? Did you think about the levels? Are you at level 1 - all about "me"? Yesterday in Luke 9, verse 23 Jesus said, "you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me."

To take up the cross meant to carry ones own cross to the place of crucifixion. Christ presented a clear and challenging description of the Christian life.
Being HIS disciple means putting aside selfish desires, shouldering ones "cross" evey day, and following HIM. For Jesus' disciples it meant death; to you, to me, the disciples of today, it means understanding that we belong to HIM and that we live to serve HIS purposes.
If you are at level 1 you may think of your relationship with God in terms of what's in it for me? Or, in terms of what you can do for HIM? Are you willing to deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow HIM? ANYTHING LESS IS NOT DISCIPLESHIP; IT IS MERELY LIP SERVICE! (Luke 14:27).
If you died today, how would your last "good-bye" be like? If you died you would have a tombstone or marker that would say your name and then birth date and death date. EX: John Doe Oct. 19, 1941 - Oct. 19, 2011
Look at the dash. That is your life, the dash (-). How did you spend your dash? If your dash was a book what would it say to others? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Are you level 1? God or the world? Luke 9:23-25

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!

I asked you yesterday to rate yourself from 1 to 5 about your level of obedience, dedication to God. Where did you rate your self?

Level 1 people, or believers could be considered people who are totally there for who? For themselves, and only themselves. As a level one believer the whole concern in life is "what do I want to do? I will do what makes ME happy!"

We talk about "ME" time, it is not "ME time" but "GOD TIME". When we live at a level 1 nothing else matters except what we want or what we see as important. When we are totally self centered, what are our priorities and goals. We are not good employees, not good Christians, we are just going through the motions.

Are you on God's watch list? Probably, and He is not through working with you. The big question is, are you in tune with God? And the answer at level 1 is a resounding NO! You are as an infant child, only in tune with your wants, needs at the time, and your world.

Luke 9:23-25 Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?"

If following Jesus is most important, you will not fear what comes before you because you know that Jesus will raise you to eternal life. As disciples we are to spend our lives serving God and others. Are you level 1? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

As an ambassador for Christ, are you a 1 or a 5? 2 Corinthians 5:20

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

If we broke our spiritual faith down and rated it 1 being the lowest to 5 being the highest, where would you rate your faith?

1 just going through the motions but it is all about "ME" type of attitude. Then 5 being totally, 100% sold out to God, all you do is for God's glory.

Take time to think about this.

2 Corinthians 5:20 "We are Christ's ambassadors, and God is using us to speak to you. We urge you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, "Be reconciled to God!""

We should never be afraid to represent God. You are growing daily in the character of the One you stand for, each day resembling Him more and more. The power, love and discipline of God are making you into his well equipped, proficient, and worthy ambassador. So, how were are you representing God?

Once again, rate yourself from 1 to 5; where are you? If you are not a 5, and walking arm in arm with God, what are you going to do about it?

God has empowered you to be His spokesperson. Be honored, grow in your character and tell others about God. Salvation. Eternal life. Run the race, man, run the race! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

God is in the miracle business! Psalm 106:1-2

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

MIRACLES! Do you believe? Do you believe in miracles? Do you really believe in miracles?

Psalm 106:1-2 "Praise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. (2) Who can list the glorious miracles of the LORD? Who can ever praise Him enough?"

If you listed all the miracles in the Bible you would be amazed. They cover every aspect of life. The more we think about what God has done, the more we can appreciate the miracles he has done for us individually - birth, personal development, salvation, specific guidance, healing, loving friends and family - the list goes on and on.

If you think you have never seen a miracle look closer. You will see God's power and loving intervention on your behalf. God still performs great miracles!

When have you put yourself on the line for God?
When have you stepped out totally in faith?
When have you actually stood up for God?
Are you working like hell, or working for heaven and God's glory?
What are you doing?

Love you all. Miracles are still here, miracles do happen!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

An eye for an eye? Are you sure? 1 Thessalonians 5:15

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

So, what is happening in your world? 1 Thessalonians 5:15 "See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men."

Short, does not sound like much, but carries a heavy impact. Paying back evil with evil, in a manner similar to the Old Testament "eye for an eye," is not a part of the Christian philosophy. We must pursue what is good in our relationships to all men. Paul encourages other positive attitudes, a continual joy, or looking for the positive possibilities in every situation.

Yes, when something happens to us we have a tendency to want to "make it even" or "make it right." Jesus spoke of turning the other cheek. Let today be the day you speak kindly to others, friend or foe, and see the results. Yes, stand up for yourself, don't be melba milk toast, but do it with a Jesus attitude. See what happens. Try it, you'll like it. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Thank you! OR, complain? 1 Thessalonians 5:12,13

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Let's continue on in 1 Thessalonians 5:12,13 "Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the LORD's work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and whole-hearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other."

"Those who are your leaders" probably refers to elders and deacons in the church. How can you honor your pastor, associate pastors, and other leaders in the church? Expresss your appreciation, tell them how you have been helped by their leadership and teaching, and thank them for their ministry in your life.

If you say nothing, how will they know where you stand? Remember, they need and deserve your support and love.

TOO MANY CHURCH MEMBERS feel free to complain about things in the church because things are not the way THEY WANT THEM! Think about this, when you complain is it because of WRONG, or is it because it does not follow YOUR AGENDA? If you really think your pastor and leaders in the church are doing things wrong you have, as I see it, two options. One, pray about it and get right with God, if you have earnestly prayed about it then visit with the pastor; or, two - go to another church.

The music doesn't matter, the people on stage don't matter, how they do things doesn't matter, what does matter is, "Is my pastor preaching the true word of GOD?" That is what matters. Soul search, if you are wrong admit it, but take time to thank the leaders of the church for all they do. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Can you man up? 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Can we visit in 1 Thessalonians for a moment. Okay, let's go to chapter 5 and talk. Verses 1 - 8 talks about when Christ will return, like a thief in the night we will not know when; and we are children of the light, of the day and will be with Him forever. We need to be clearheaded, wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 KJV "For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our LORD Jesus Christ. Who died for us that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together and edify one another, even as also ye do."

Okay, what is this saying. As you near the end of a long race, your legs ache, your throat burns, and your whole body cries out for you to stop. This is when friends and fans are most valuable. Their encouragement helps you push through the pain to the finish line.

In the same way, Christians are to encourage one another. Be sensitive to others need for encouragement, and offer supportive words or actions. God choose to save us through Jesus and not cast His anger on us. Because of this, when Jesus returns, we will live forever. Uphold each other, cast not angry words or actions; but let actions of love pour out to others.

Jesus died for you. Jesus had emotions and showed them. Jesus wept. Jesus loved everyone and asked God's forgiveness on all. Can you man up as Jesus did? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Faltering faith or faithful faith? Matthew 14:30,31

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

So, it is Monday, Columbus Day (really Oct. 12) and a holiday for all federal workers.

So much is happening in the world. So much stimulus! People have phones that give them espn alerts, stock alerts, news alerts, you can get some type of alert for almost anything. Why?

Do you think of God as many times as you think about or look at your phone? Where does your eternal life lie? With your phone or with God? Think of Peter. Peter was the assertive apostle, the more bold and aggressive one. There were times when Peter's intentions were good, but he took his eyes off God, off Jesus, and then what happened? Are you a Peter?

In Matthew 14 Jesus was walking to the disciples in the boat and, yes, Jesus was walking on water. Peter told Jesus if that is really you LORD tell me to come. Jesus' response: "YES, COME!" Peter went over the side of the boat and was walking on water to Jesus; but what happened?

Matthew 15:30,31 "But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink, "Save me, LORD!" he shouted. (31) Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith, why did you doubt me?" Jesus said.

You and I may start out with good intention and then our faith falters. This does not mean we have failed, just faltered. When Peter's faith faltered, he reached out to Christ, the only one who could help. He was afraid, but he still looked to Christ.

When you are apprehensive about the troubles around you, when the storm comes, and you doubt Christ's presence or ability to help, remember that he (Jesus) is always with you and is the only one who can really help.

Today, each time you pull your phone out, look up and thank Jesus, thank God for something. God always appreciates communication from HIS children. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

God speaks! Are you willing to listen? Matthew 15:10-14

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

What is happening in your world? Did you take a look? Do you fake it to make it or are you the real deal?

God speaks to those who are willing to listen!

Matthew 15:10-14 "Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. "Listen and try to understand. It's not what goes into your mouth that defiles you, you are defiled by the words that come our of your mouth."
(12) Then the disciples came to him and asked, "do you realize you offended the Pharisees by what you just said?" Jesus replied, "Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be uprooted, so ignore them. they are blind guides leading the blind, and if one blind person guides another, they will both fall into a ditch."

Jesus was referring to the Jewish regulations about food and drink. What Jesus was saying was it is not what you eat or drink, but what you say and think that makes you unclean. This did offend the Pharisees as they were concerned about what the people ate and drank. So, what do you say and think?

In verses 13 & 14 Jesus told the disciples to leave the Pharisees alone because the Pharisees were blind to God's truth. People who listened to them would eventually be spiritually blind. Not all spiritual leaders know God's truth. Make sure the spiritual leaders you follow have good spiritual eyesight and they teach and follow the principles of Scripture.

A feel good preacher is not a good spiritual leader. A person who teaches it is all within you and you can do it; or that God wants you to prosper (insinuating if you don't prosper there is sin in your life); be good and kind to your fellow man, you need to beware. Is it scriptural?

God does not promise us a wonderful, smooth and rich life. He promises us eternal life in heaven where there is no more pain, no death, no tears, no night, just joy. Who are you following? Are you willing to listen when God speaks? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

What kind of faker are you? Matthew 15:8,9

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Matthew 15:8,9 "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship s a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God."

Jesus here is teaching inner purity. How pure is your inside. Or, is it all outside and inside is a fake? It is easy to say the right words, but are they true, are they true from the heart.

The prophet Isaiah also criticized hypocrites (Isaiah 29:13) and Jesus applied Isaiah's words to these religious leaders. The Pharisees knew a lot about God, but they didn't know God.

When we claim to honor God while our heart is far from him, our worship means nothing. It is not enough to study about religion or even to study the Bible; it is not enough to act religious. Our actions and our attitudes must be sincere. If they are not, Isaiah's words also describe us.

Here is what is in Isaiah: "And so the LORD says, 'These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, and their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote.'"

As the Christian song says, are you going through the motions? What kind of fake are you? Are you real? Because you go to church on Sunday morning makes you a Christian just as much as standing in the garage makes you a car.

We say we love JESUS, but are our hearts far from HIM? God wants us to be real. Thought for the day: "A false front belies a true faith." Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Lazarus died, Jesus wept, Lazarus rose John 11

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Have you heard the man who cried out to the LORD not to help his belief, but his unbelief? Is this you? Could this be you?

God has a purpose, and what is that purpose? In John 11 Lazarus was ill, his sisters, Mary and Martha called out to Jesus. But Jesus did not come, he remained in Jerusalem. When he did make the trip to Bethany, which was only a short distance, Lazarus had been dead for 4 days.

Mary and Martha had seen the miracles Jesus had performed and knew he could heal Lazarus. So they wanted Him, Jesus, to come right now. Isn't this the way we tend to be, when we need something from God we want it right now. As Jesus was with Mary and Martha, so God is with us. When He does come, it will bring Glory to our God, Father in Heaven!

Also, Jesus displayed two emotions when he returned - anger and sorrow. Why was He angry? I would imagine due to their lack of faith. Sorrow? Jesus felt the emotions there and Jesus wept. So, for all you men who think men don't cry - Jesus did. And Jesus took a beating that we would have died under prior to the cross. Is it okay to cry? For heavens sake - YES!

As a believer we will face trials that can bring glory to God. God can bring good out of any bad situation (Romans 8:28). When trouble comes, do you grumble, complain, and blame God? Or, do you see your problems as opportunities to honor Him?

Jesus loved this family but did not respond immediately. Why? God's delay has a purpose, and God's timing (not our timing) may make us think God is not answering our prayers the way we want. God will meet all our needs according to he perfect schedule and purpose. (Phil 4:19) Patiently wait on God's timing. And while you are waiting - be silent and listen!

Will there be a day of no more pain? Will there be a day of no more tears? Will there be a day of no more death? Will there be a day of no more night?

HEAVEN - No pain, No night, No death, no tears! Jesus wept - John 11:35 - it is time we wept for all on earth, the trials, disasters, famines, destruction. On earth we will have trials - in Heaven NO MORE! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

The foot bone's connected to the....ankel bone, the ankle bone.....Ezekiel 37

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

When you have time, NO! When you MAKE time to read your Bible, look at Ezekiel 37 - Dry Bones. Here is a valley of dry bones and God tells Ezekiel to speak a prophetic message to these bones. What do you think may have been going through Ezekiels mind? What would have been going through your mind?

Ezekiel was probably in a better place to do this than you or I. I probably would have thought, what? no, man, what did I drink and eat last night!? whew! But Ezekiel was obedient and the bones rose, were muscled, and then had skin. You and I may have thought, wow, I don't do LSD, but what is going on.

Then Ezekiel was told to speak again a prophetic message and breath came into their bodies. So, what is all this about. This vision symbolizes the spiritual condition of the nation as the people were in captivity. Even in the bleak valley of judgment, there is hope.

As Ezekiel looks on, the bones begin to join themselves together, a picture of the future restoration of the nation. God will again breathe life into His people. Their present deadness because of sin and judgment will give way to future life as the nation is gathered again.

Israel was dry bones from 70 A.D. until 1948. What do you think God is telling us? What about America, are we becoming dry bones? We need to turn to the East, look up, and give God our prayers and thanksgivings.

Thought for the day. "Many problems, like storms, never arrive-in spite of threatening skies." Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Dial 9 - Worship Psalm 9

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Wow! I just finished spending the weekend with over 40 men worshipping and fellowshipping with and about God! An awesome experience. This morning as I was reading I came across sometime that reminded me of the weekend. All weekend we praised God, sang praises, visited, fellowshipped, and cried. Is it okay to cry? Jesus wept.

Have you ever been anywhere, a business, a hotel, your business phone, where you had to dial 9 to get an outside line? Sometimes in our lives, although we can tell everyone how busy we are, we need to stop and Dial 9 for Worship. If you don't dial 9 your call will not go through. Take time to dial 9 - Worship - and then talk to your heavenly Father - God!
Let you Dial 9 be Psalm 9 - This was written by David and is telling us God never ignores our cries for help. Praise is expressing to God our appreciation and understanding of His worth. It is saying thank you for each aspect of His divine nature. our inward attitude becomes outward expression,. When we praise God, we help ourselves by expanding our awareness of who He is.
A few examples: v1 I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. v2 I will be filled with joy because of you, I will sing praises to your name, O Most High. Vs 3-5 We know God will defend us. v9 We can go to God for refuge. V 11 We can talk about what God has done for us. We receive His mercies (vs-13-14). The LORD is just (v 16); the needy will not be ignored.
Today, take time, Dial 9 - Worship with God. Remember this: "At the heart of worship is worship from the heart." Unknown.
Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny