Are there unwanted "worms" in your church? Jude 1:4

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

Yesterday Jude warned about false teachers and defending the faith. Look at Jude 1:4 "I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God's marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ."

Wow! Does any of this ring true to you in today's world? Some live by the rule of I am a Christian, I am not perfect - just forgiven. Yes, but not to live however we wish.

Some of these ungodly or false teachers have wormed their way into our churches today and are successful at "twisting" the Bible teachings to fit their opinions. They may enjoy the "benefits" here on earth, however, they are playing with fire. God will judge them for excusing, tolerating, and promoting sin.

We must not take a light view of God's holiness and his justice. Today some Christians minimize the sinfulness of sin, believing that how they live has little to do with their faith. Are you one of these? What you believe will show up in how you act. We, you and I, that truly have faith will show it by deep respect for God and our sincere desire to live according to the principles in His Word.

Remember - A. S. A. P. = Always Say A Prayer

Love you all - pray for all each day - your accountability partner is God!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Jude 1:3 Can you defend your faith? Really? With confidence?

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

JUDE 1:3 "Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people."

Jude is emphasizing the importance between correct doctrine and true faith. The truth of the Bible must not be compromised because it gives us the real facts about Jesus and salvation. The Bible is inspired by God and should never be twisted or manipulated; when it is, we can become confused over right and wrong and lose sight of the only path that leads to eternal life.

Before writing about salvation Jude felt he had to get his readers back on the right track, calling them back to the basics of their faith. Then the way to salvation would be clearer.

How can you DEFEND THE FAITH today? Try these: 1.you can defend the faith by knowing the truth; by studying the Bible; 2.you can defend the faith as you grow personally with Christ, your personal relationship with Christ is essential; 3.you can defend the faith by remaining unified on the essentials. (we may disagree on music, methods of worship, methods of outreach, etc., but we must always defent the truth of the basics of our faith as found in GOD's WORD!

Can you "paradido"(Gr)? Or hand down the gospel message as was given to us? Without distortion? If not - get right; if so - right on! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Apostasy? Um, and that is........Jude 1:1,2

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

Have you looked at Jude? First, do you know who Jude is? Jude is James' brother and their mother and father are Mary and Joseph. Oh, yes, you see it now, the connection - Jude is a half brother to Jesus.

Jude wrote his letter to warn of false teachers and apostasy (when people turn away from God's truth and go to false teachings). Jude wrote to combat these false teachings and to encourage true doctrine and right conduct.

The overall theme is Jude warns against false teachers and leaders who reject the lordship of Christ; undermine the faith of others; and lead them astray. You and I must be strong in our defense for Christian truth; avoid leaders and teachers who distort the Bible to suit their own purposes. Genuine servants of God will faithfully portray Christ in their words and conduct.

People who do not seek God's word are open game for apostasy. Even members of the faith may stray and satan will work harder on us, members of faith, having us question the truth of the Bible and distort His word.

Jude introduces himself as the SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST. We should go about Christ's work as slaves (servants) of Jesus and bring honor and glory to His name. Beware the false teachers; beware apostasy. Be faithful to Christ! Tomorrow we will begin verse three. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

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

Yes, the holiday season is a wonderful time. It seems more peace and love emerges during this time of year. Then we have the fun of shopping for others, bringing happiness to family and friends. But what do we need to keep in mind?

J E S U S ! Yes, that is right, Jesus, He is the reason for the season to coin a cliche. It is easy to get caught up in the happy holidays, season greeting things and forget it is Christmas because of Jesus.

Jesus is a gentleman and does not use Nazi storm trooper tactics of busting the door down. He simply knocks quietly and patiently waits for us to open the door. Have you stopped long enough to listen to Jesus knocking?

This is the holiday season, with Christmas coming we begin turning our thoughts, ideas, and eyes toward gifts for loved ones. What better gift than to share something about Jesus, salvation, and eternal life.

This season will be busy, just remember - Jesus first; spouse second; family third and then work/career. Have a super Saturday and may you be blessed greater than you could ever imagine. No scripture today, just thoughts about the season. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Good eye for a spiritual man. Matthew 6:22-23

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? I do hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Ours was good, however, the youngest girl was feeling ill and the youngest boy had an emergency appendectomy operation. All survived and it did well.

Matthew 6:22-23 "Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!

Spiritual vision is our capacity to see clearly what God wants us to do and to see the world from his point of view. This spiritual insight can be easily clouded. Self-serving desires, interests, and goals block that vision. Serving God is the best way to restore it.

A "GOOD EYE" is one that is fixed on God. So, do you follow the "bad" eye, the big "I", or the "GOOD EYE?" The good eye that follows God is the one who walks as Jesus walks. May your good eye lead you to eternal life. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Matthew 6:20-21 Where are your riches stored?

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

Well? Have you thought about forgiveness? About fasting quietly and humbly? So, what about money? Oh, I like it! It buys me "stuff." Yep, just what we need - more "STUFF!"

Matthew 6:20-21 "Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them and whee thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be."

Storing treasures in heaven is not just tithing, but is accomplished by all acts of obedience to God. There is a sense in which giving our money to God's work is like investing in heaven. But we should seek to please God not only in our giving but also in fulfilling God's purposes in all we do.

Jesus made it clear that having the wrong treasures leads to our hearts being in the wrong place. What we treasure the most CONTROLS US, whether we choose to admit it or not.

If possessions or money become too important to us, we must re-establish control or get rid of items. Jesus calls for a decision that allows us to live contentedly with whatever we have because we have chosen eternal values over temporary, earthly treasures.

Time for self examination. Take a piece of note paper and write down the 5 most important things in your life. If Jesus is not first and your spouse is not second, you need to do some serious soul searching. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Fasting - time of meditation and obedience Matthew 6:16-18

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

Forgiveness - yes we talked about this yesterday, but have you thought about it. If you don't offer forgiveness then no forgiveness will you receive. Now let us move on about spending time with God.

Matthew 6:16-18 "And when you fast, don't make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you."

Fasting - why? A time to go without food in order to spend time in prayer; this is both noble and difficult. It give us time to pray, teaches self-discipline, reminds us that we can live with a lot less, and helps us appreciate God's gifts.

Jesus was not condemning fasting, but the hypocrisy of the ones doing it for show, to gain public approval. Oh see how good a person I am, see the trouble I am going through, the struggles, just to fast. No - Jesus said if you do it for that reason - then THAT is your reward = the public approval. Is that what you want?

The Pharisee would voluntarily fast twice a week to impress the people with their "holiness." Jesus tells us our acts of self-sacrifice should be done quietly and sincerely. Jesus wants us to adopt spiritual disciplines for the right reasons, not from a selfish desire for praise.

Who holds you accountable? Yourself? Probably a mistake as you can convince or rationalize to your self. Go out and get yourself a Nathan - someone who will hold you accountable and then quietly, constantly go to the LORD in silent meditation we refer to as prayer. Love you all. Turkey day is close.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

The Challenge of Forgiveness! Matthew 6:14

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

Wow! The challenge of forgiveness. Have you ever thought you were the only one who apologizes and the other party never does, whether it be your spouse, parent, sibling, friend or whomever? So, what does the Bible say about this?

Matthew 6:14-15 "If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins."

WOW again! Forgiveness is an unnatural act that we, people, hate to give. Read this poem by D. De Haan - "Oh, what joy and peace we forfeit,
When forgiveness we withhold;
Fellowship with God is broken,
And the heart grows hard and cold."

Jesus is speaking here in Matthew and gives a startling warning about forgiveness: If we refuse to forgive others, God will also refuse to forgive us. Why?

Because when we don't forgive others, we are denying our common ground as sinners in need of God's forgiveness. God's forgiveness of sin is not the direct result of our forgiving others, but it is based on our realizing what forgiveness means.

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

Those who are unwilling to forgive have not become one with Christ, who was willing to forgive even those who crucified him. Have problems? No, you don't, you are probably letting human nature, sin nature take over and being selfish.

Joseph forgave his brothers and he experienced far greater adversities than you or I will face. He wailed in the temple, that was letting his forgiveness escape the jail (body) in which it was encased. Go wail, let it out, forgive!!!! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Do you have a Barnabas? Acts 11:22-26

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

Acts 11:23 "When he arrived and saw this evidence of Gd's blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the LORD."

Encouragement - and just what is encouragement.

When you take a small child to the park, put them on a swing, then you push them. So, you push the child, but after a few swings the child learns to "pump themselves" by swinging their legs forward and back. That is our life, someone pushed (encouraged) us, they gave us a push and then we were able to do it on our own.

Encouraging other in life is a worthy purpose. Joses, a godly man mentioned in the book of Acts, had that gift as well. In the days of the early church he sold land and gave money to the church for the less fortunate and he traveled with Paul on missionary journeys and preached the gospel. Acts 11:22-26

This Joses in Acts in known to us a Barnabas, which is the name the apostles gave to the"Son of Encouragement." When the Jerusalem church heard that people in Antioch were coming to know Jesus as Savior, they sent Barnabas because he was "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith (11:24).

Barnabas encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should coninue with the LORD (v. 23). We too, need to be a Barnabas or son of encouragement. We also need a Barnabas. Now my question to you is, Are you a Barnabas (encourager)? Do you have a Barnabas?

Remember, a little spark of encouragement can ignite great endeavors. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

adapted and paraphrased
from Our Daily Bread 2010

Do ya love others? Really? 1 Peter 1:22

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

What is going on in the world? Did you know in 1928 Steamboat Willie starring Mickey Mouse, being the first sound synchronized animated movie created by Walt Disney, came out on this date?
Did you know that on Nov. 18, 1978, more than 900 people died in Jonestown, Guyana, after Peoples Temple cult leader Jim Jones urged them to kill themselves by drinking cyanide-laced grape punch?
What am I saying? I am saying things happen all the time all over the world, good and bad, and there seems to be no constant, no assurance of what will happen next. No assurance in this world except 1 ! Jesus Christ!!
1 Peter 1:22 "You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart."
Sincere love involves selfless giving; a self-centered person can't truly love. God's love and forgiveness free you to take your eyes off yourselves and to meet others' needs. by sacrificing his life, Christ showed that he truly loves you.
Now you can love others by following his example and giving of yourself sacrificially. Be that spark of encouragement. Tomorrow, yes, Saturday, we will talk about Joses. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

All in the plan 1 Peter 1:20-21

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

1 Peter 1:20 "God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but he has now revealed him to you in these last days."

As I study this, here is the commentary. Christ's sacrifice for our sins was not an afterthought, not something God decided to do when the world spun out of control.

This plan was set in motion by the all knowing eternal God long before the world was created. This gave the Jewish believers comfort to know that Christ's coming and his work of salvation were planned by God long before the world began.

This assured them that the law was not being scrapped because it didn't work but that both the law and the coming of Christ were part of God's eternal plan.


1 Peter 1:21 "Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory."

God is not obligated to give us answers, but HE promises us His GRACE. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

A ransom of blood. 1 Peter 1:18,19 Be Holy!

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

Okay, we have looked at 1 Peter 1:13-17 this week. Just a recap. We must live as God wants us to live, in obedience - showing self control and being focused. God is Holy and we are to be Holy, turning away from our desires and inwardly committing to God. We should have a reverent fear or healthy respect of God. Now verses 18-19.

1 Peter 1:18,19 "For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God."

As a slave we are freed or ransomed when someone pays money to buy that freedom. God is far more, He did not just "ransome" us with gold or silver, aka money, but with the precious blood of His own Son.

We cannot escape sin; our atonement is Jesus Christ, God's son. What greater love hath one than to lay down their life. Jesus did this for you and me. How difficult this would have to be. Would you give your child up if you knew it would save your family, your community, the world? The mind may say YES, but what does the flesh say? It has to come from an inward redirection and focus - focus on Jesus.

Remember God's command is not "Be happy" but "BE HOLY." Are you? Look in the mirror - reflect. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

How will you be judged? 1 Peter 1:17

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

Yesterday we started with 1 Peter 1:13-16. Remember we are to be set apart and different, not blending in with the crowd. However, we are not to be different just to be different. Our focus and priorities must be God's. We cannot become holy on our own, but God gives us His Holy Spirit to help us obey and to give us power to overcome sin. Don't use the excuse that you can't help slipping into sin; rely on God's power to free you from sin's grip.

1 Peter 1:17 "And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of Him during your times as 'foreigners in the land.'"

REVERENT FEAR is the healthy respect of a believer for the all-powerful God. Because God is the Judge of all the earth, we dare not ignore Him or treat Him casually.

We should not assume that our privileged status as God's children gives us freedom to do whatever we want. We should not be spoiled children but grateful children who love to show respect for our heavenly Father.

When you are at the bema seat of God, what will God say about you and how many jewels or crowns will you receive? Are you working for God....or for you? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Holy living? 1 Peter 1: 13-21

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

This week please look at and study 1 peter 1:13-21 "(13)So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. (14)So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then. (15)But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.(16) For the Scriptures say, "you must be holy because I am holy."

The imminent return of Christ shold motivate you and me to live for Him. This means being mentally alert (think clearly), disciplined (exercise self-control), and focused (look forward). Are you ready to meet Christ? Are you living as God's obedient child?
Unfortunately, my response to this is no, I am not living that way. I try, then something comes along and pulls me in another direction. I come back, ask forgiveness and try to remain focused on Jesus. When my eyes fall - I falter; how about you?
Our God, the God of Israel and the God of the Christian church is holy. He is a God of mercy and justice who cares personally for each of his followers. Our Holy God expects us to imitate Him by following His high moral standards and by being both merciful and just.
Verses 14-16 Peter's words mean that all parts of our lives and character should be in the process of becoming conformed, both inwardly and outwardly, to God's standards. Sometimes we feel a pull back to our old ways. When this happens we need to focus clearly on what is important and at hand - JESUS CHRIST! Do you? My answer is a definite "sometimes," whereas my answer should be "always" I look to Christ first.
Take time and pray for me and everyone who reads this that they re-focus and clearly see the holiness that Jesus Christ desires for us. Thank you and love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

11-11-11 Sacrificing ones life! John 10: 11,12

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

Today is 11-11-11. Is there any significance? Well, today is Veterans Day - honoring men who have died for our freedom. You are free today because our Veterans have fought for you, some have died for you, and you experience total freedom in America and this world because of this. Wow! What a sacrifice.

Would you lay down your life, or at least put your life on the line for your neighbor? For the man down the street you hardly know? For the people in other cities, counties, or states you don't know? Many did! Many died!

What is the greatest sacrifice of all? To give ones life? Have you ever heard to die is to gain? The greatest sacrifice of all was Jesus Christ! He gave not only for the people of His times, but for all of us in the fortnights, decades, and
centuries to come.

John 10:11,12 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. An hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don't belong to him and he isn't their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock."

A hired hand tends the sheep for money, while the shepherd does it out of love. The shepherd owns the sheep and is committed to them. Jesus is not merely doing a job; he is committed to love us and even lay down his life for us. False teachers and false prophets do not have this commitment.

Take time today to thank the veterans for your freedom in the world. Then, on your knees thank Jesus for your freedom from this world. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

See Jesus - stay focused! Hebrews 12:1,2

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

I trust from yesterday you may have entered into thought about asking forgiveness and moving on. We must continue on as in a marathon. Yes, I have mentioned this before, but stop and think about it. When in a sprint your start hard, going 100% and finishing hard - passing many things on the way.

The marathon runner begins with the right attitude and then must have the ability to stick with it mile alter mile. Steadfastness determines the winner. Where are you today? Is your race in Hebrews 12:1,2?

Hebrews 12:1,2 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. (2) We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne."

What excess weight do you have? Here are a few suggestions to help you: 1) choose friends who are also committed to the race - make wise choices; 2) drop certain activities and see what results; 3) get help for addictions, hurts, or habits that disable you - admit your need and get help today.

The Christian life involves hard work and giving up whatever endangers our relationship with God. To live effectively, we must keep our eyes on Jesus. When we look away we will stumble, then we must re=focus. We should be running for Christ, not for ourselves. Always keep JESUS CHRIST in our sight. Keep focused my friend. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Ask forgiveness, get up and move on. 2 Samuel 2: 20-23

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

Yesterday we talked about David, Bathsheba, their sin and then Nathan coming and pointing out the sin to David. David admitted his sin to Nathan and lived, however, David's son with Bathsheba fell ill and for seven days David went without food, praying and begging God to heal the child.

On the seventh day the child died but David's advisers were afraid to tell him due to his actions at this point. David noticed his advisers whispering and asked if the child was dead. They confirmed this. So what happened next?

2 Samuel 12:20 "David got up from the ground, washed himself, put on lotions, and changed his clothes. He went to the Tabernacle and worshiped the LORD. After that he returned to the palace and was served food and ate."

David's advisers did not understand his actions once the child died and they asked him. 2 Samuel 12:22-23 "David replied, " I fasted and wept while the child was alive, for I said, Perhaps the LORD will be gracious to me and let the child live. But why should I fast when he is dead? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me."

David did not continue to dwell on his sin. He returned to God, and God forgave him, opening the way to begin life anew. When we return to God, accept his forgiveness, and change our ways, he gives us a fresh start. To feel forgiven as David did, admit your sins to God and turn to him. Then move ahead with a new and fresh approach to life.

So, are you lying deep in self pity or did you ask forgiveness of your sins and move ahead? Remember, God is your heavenly father, just as your father here on earth wishes you to do right, but corrected you when you were wrong, so does our father in heaven. Just remember you are only a mere child when you think of how Great God is, what you really know scripture wise, but you can spend eternity praising God and learning. Like the song: "How great is our God, sing with me, how great is our God." Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Do you have a Nathan? Get one! 2 Samuel 11:27- 2 Samuel 12:18

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 life right now?!? This very instant. Stop and think - IS IT ALL ABOUT YOU? If it is YOU ARE WRONG! How can I say that?

Take a man after God's own heart who turned the other direction, actually he let satan have a foothold, and this would be David. What is going on here? His army is at war and where is the king usually? Yep, with his troops - but where is David? At home, at leisure! When we are idle we tend to idol! Beware!

You know the story of David and Bathsheba and how he took her. Oh, yes, we could discuss what if's as in if she said no - but that is for another time. The point here is David had lots of idle time, and he put it to poor use. After his sin he executed plan A, bring Uriah home to sleep with his wife. It didn't work. Plan B - get Uriah drunk so he will sleep with his wife. It didn't work. Plan C - send him to the front and have him killed. This plan worked. Problem solved. Oops! David and God know - and who is the boss - yep, God.

Now here is what each of us need in our life, a Nathan, the prophet. He came and told David a story about a rich man and a poor man. Go to 2 Samuel 11:27 to 2 Samuel 12:18. When he finished his story David was red with anger and said the rich man should be put to death.

Nathan stood his ground and said, in 2 Samuel 12:7, "You are the man!" Wow! Nathan went on to say what would happen. 2 Samuel 12:13 David acknowledged his sin and Nathan said he would live. Then David realized, had no choice, went humbly to the LORD, prayed and then followed God with all he had.

Do you have a Nathan in your life? We all need a Nathan to help us stay accountable to God. You, dear friend, are my Nathan, the devotional each day to keep me planted firmly in God's garden, the word. Your feedback, in any form, is appreciated. Doug is my Nathan for my prayer time, he holds me accountable. Thank you Doug. Do you have a Nathan? You need one! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Are you full of joy in the LORD? Philippians 4:4

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

What happens in this world that really matters? University of Texas winning? Dallas pulling out a win? A high school football team wins to make it to the playoffs? A new movie comes out? Sales down at the mall, electronics store or department store? Are these really important?

Getting a new car? Looking for a new house? New clothes? What is really important?

Maybe a 5.6 earthquake in Oklahoma with many after shocks. Droughts, famines, desolation and destruction around the globe. Again, what is really important?

Paul, in prison wrote: Philippians 4:4 "Always be full of joy in the LORD. I say it again - rejoice!"

Paul's attitude teaches us an important lesson: our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our outward circumstances. Paul was full of joy because he knew that no matter what happened to him, Jesus Christ was with him.

It is easy to get discouraged about unpleasant circumstances or to take unimportant events too seriously. If you haven't been joyful lately, you may not be looking at life from the right perspective.

Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny
p.s. Philippians 4:19 "And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."

Bear your cross! Will you? Luke 14:25-27

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

Jesus taught about the cost of being a disciple.
Luke 14:25-27 (25)"A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them,(26) "If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison - your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters- yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. (27) And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.""

Verse 26 what Christ is saying is that one must place Him, Jesus Christ, above all other relationships. To be Christ's disciple, HE must be LORD.

Verse 27 Jesus' audience was well aware of what it meant to carry one's own cross. When the Romans led a criminal to his execution site, he was forced to carry the cross on which he would die. This showed his submission to Rome and warned observers that they had better submit too.

Jesus made this statement to get the crowds to think through their enthusiasm for Him. He encouraged those who were superficial either to go deeper or to turn back. Following Christ means total submission to Him - perhaps even to the point of death.

Being a disciple of Christ means putting aside selfish desires, shouldering one's "cross" every day, and following Him. It is simple and yet so demanding. For believers today, it means understanding that we belong to Him and that we live to serve His purposes.
Consider this: Do you think of your relationship with God primarily in terms of what's in it for you? 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 superficial lip service. Think, meditate, decide! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Are you liberated? Luke 19:37

Well Hello everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

A Bill and Gloria Gather song goes: Something beautiful, something good, in all my confusion He understood. All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife, but HE made something beautiful of my life.

God can do it all. He can make something beautiful of your life, my life, anyone's life. Luke 19:37 "When they reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of His followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen."

What miracles have you seen? None? Come on, just look around, there are miracles everywhere. The grounded caterpillar to the beautiful butterfly - is that not a miracle? We should shout and sing.

We should go wild. Liberation is close at hand. My friend, my pastor has been liberated and now lives forever. He is happy and in paradise. Where will you live?

Losing someone is difficult and today will be my last blog concerning this. If you are having trouble with a death, some other type of loss, anything - take a tablet, write it down, express yourself - the anger, the tears, the rejoicing- then fold up your work and place it in a desk drawer. Pull it out again next month and see how your have progressed. How do you feel now? Add your new perspective to it at this time. Repeat if you feel necessary.

Life goes on, God is faithful, Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Where are you? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Today is a day to praise the LORD! Psalm 150

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

Psalm 150 talks about praise to God, we should regoice. The book of Psalms parallels our spiritual journey through life in a way. It begins by presenting us with two roads, the way to life and the way to death. If we choose God's way to life, we still face both blessings and troubles, joy and grief, successes and comforting and caring.

As the wise and faithful person's life draws to an end, it becomes clear that God's road is the right road. Knowing this will cause us to praise God for leading us in the right direction and for assuring us of a place in the perfect world he has in store for those who have faithfully followed him.

Today is a celebration that one of God's own has run the race, stayed the course, and is rejoicing with the Maker.

Psalm 150 Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven! Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness! Praise him with a blast of the ram's horn; priase him with the lyre and harp! Praise him with the tambourine and dancing, praise him with strings and flutes! Praise him with a clash of cymbals; priase him with loud clanging cymbals. Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD! PRAISE THE LORD!

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

Who taught you? Hebrews 13:7

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

Today, this Bible verse jumped out at me and I would like to share it with you. This touched me as we are in the wake of all that has happened at our church.

Hebrews 13:7 "Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith."

As a Christian, you owe much to others who have taught you and modeled for you what you needed to know about the Good News and Christian living. Continue following the good examples of those who have invested themselves in you by investing in your life through evangelism, service, and Christian education.

Who has touched your life? Why don't you stop now and thank God for all the influences you have had in your Christian walk. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny