A legend in your own mind?!? 1 Samuel 15:17

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

Are you familiar with the term, "a legend in his own mind?" Exactly what does this mean? What does it mean to you? If I tell a story about myself, exaggerate it at each telling, pretty soon I will believe the exaggerated. I then believe I am better than I really was.

Saul, look at Saul. 1 Samuel 15:17 "When you were little in your own eyes, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and did not the LORD anoint you king over Israel?"

Just before Saul was anointed king, he saw himself as a member of an insignificant family in the smallest tribe of Israel. However, within a few years, he had erected a monument in his own honor and had become the supreme authority for his conduct.

The prophet Samuel confronted Saul for his disobedience to God by reminding him of where he came and where he is that day and who put him there. Self-importance is the first step down the slippery slope of what we call success. How does it start? It starts when we claim credit for God given victories and modify His commands to suit our desires.

As I mentioned earlier, are you a legend in your own mind? Do you think you are greater than you really are? Do you have a Samuel, one who will keep you honest, on track and humble? We should come humbly to the LORD. True humility credits God for every success. Who do you credit? Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Humble, arrogant, a friend? Hmmm

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

This week we have been talking about arrogant, being humble, being a friend, and now as a close on Friday some questions or FOOD FOR THOUGHT.

If you were your own best friend, would you really like you?

When was the last time your actually WROTE A POSTCARD or LETTER to someone you care about? (not email, facebook, etc)

The way you treat God, would you want HIM to treat you in the same manner? (only call when in need, don't talk to daily, etc.)

Do you consider yourself better than the ones who drive an older car? Dress differently than you? Have tattoo's or don't have tattoo's? Look different? Are destitute or homeless?

Are you a servant to the down trodden or master? Are you humble? Are you slow to anger or ???? Is your brain loaded before you shoot off your mouth? If your brain is loaded, is it with God's word or your word?

Are you busy doing Christian work and forget your spouse, your family, your friends? Don't forget the hierarchy: God, Spouse, family, career. It is easy to get caught up doing God's work to forget God, family, and work.

Take a moment and check out praise in your Bible. Praise God in all you do. Bring Glory to HIS name. Just rambling, talking to myself and I hope and pray you have been touched many times by God this week. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Arrogant or humble? Luke 14:11

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

So what is happening in your life today? Yesterday? Yesterday, entitled how arrogant are you my main question was about you and your spiritual life. Are you as the pharisee or the tax collector?

You have no choice as you were born in sin, but you do have a choice in acceptance or rejection of God. The pharisee did not go to the Temple to pray to God, but to announce to all within earshot how good he was. Do you know people like this? Are you one of them?

The tax collector went recognizing his sin and begging for mercy. Self-righteousness is dangerous. It leads to pride, causes a person to despise others, and prevents him or her from learning anything from God.

the tax collector's prayer should be our prayer because we all need God's mercy every day. Don't let pride in your achievements cut you off from God.

Remember, Luke 14:11 "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Love you all. God bless you and your walk each moment.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

How arrogant are you? Luke 18:11-14

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

Today I am really teaching to myself BIG TIME! If this touches you - praise God! Sometimes we become smug in who we are, what we do, where we are in life, and how we got here. In doing so we forget about the only one who made all this possible - GOD!

Sometimes in our Christian walk we become arrogant and over confident. We do things for show; yet won't help someone who is really in need. Look in the book of Luke.

Luke 14:10-14 "Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a pharisee and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: 'I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don't cheat, I don't sin, and I don't commit adultery. I'm certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.'
(13) But the tax collector stood at a distance and daren not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, 'O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.' I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.'"

Because that person dresses different, looks different, acts different, smells different, do you save your "CHRISTIAN WORK" for someone more worthy? How arrogant and cocky we become many times. Who do you really help when you go to visit with the pastor or priest? Yourself! Where should you be? What should you be doing? My prayer this morning is to make me more like Jesus and pull all the evil and darkness from my heart. Love you all. Pray for me, please.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

FRIEND! James 4:4

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

Friend! What is a friend? Webster says a friend is a person one knows well, is fond of; a supporter, an ally or sympathizer. A good friend is someone who will help you, someone you can confide in, someone you really trust. A friend is a social or casual acquaintance; someone you know and speak to but rarely associate with except in large social gatherings.

Jesus is a good friend in need; therefore a good friend in deed.

Friendship can be a good thing, a great thing, or it can be a devastating thing. What is your friendship like with God? With Jesus? With the world?

James 4:4 "You adulterers! Don't you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again; if you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God."

Having friendship with the world involves seeking pleasure at others' expense or at the expense of obeying God. Pleasure that keeps us from pleasing God is sinful; pleasure from God's rich bounty is good.

As believers, we should have a oneness. We should all have unity in spirit and not quibble over minor doctrine or items. Who are you working for? Yourself or God? If God, then let us be one body, unified and serving only the living God. Have a wonderful day, my friend in Christ.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Lead by serving! Matthew 20: 25-27

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

Well, how was your weekend? Filled full of activity and God filled fun? Leadership, just what is leadership? When 2 or more are gathered 1 will come to the forefront as the leader. In a group, someone may challenge the leaders ideas or suggestions, yet it remains there is one leader.

Yesterday I observed 2 people on jet skis shooting across the choppy water. As they ran parallel they reached a spot where one went left, the other right. The one who went right made a complete circle and headed back to the one who went left. So, who was the leader? The one who went left or the one who went right?

Jesus gave us a new perspective on being a leader.

Matthew 20:25-27 "But Jesus called them together and said, 'You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.'"

Instead of using people, we are to serve them. Jesus' mission was to serve others and to give his life away. A real leader has a servant's heart. Servant leaders appreciate others' worth and realize that they're not above any job. If you see something that needs to be done, don't wait to be asked, take the initiative and do it like a faithful servant.

So, who was the leader on jet skis? The one turning right or the one turning left? Many times people don't see serving as leading. Lead by example - you may be the only Bible someone sees today. SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

2 Timothy 2:11 We will live with HIM!

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

What is today? Today is another day in your life and will it be special? To many today is simply Friday, April 20, 2012 and just one more day in our life. Anything special? To most people know. 13 years ago today started out as any for many. Some talking about sports, some the economy, some protesting, some just getting off work, some just going to work. What were you doing this day in 1999? Probably just your normal routine until.......

Until what? You heard the report on tv or the radio that in 1999 two students went on a shooting rampage at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., killing 12 students and one teacher before taking their own lives. Now you probably remember.

One girl was asked about believing in Jesus, then shot and killed because she said YES, she believed! 2 Timothy 2:11 "This is a trustworthy saying; if we die with Him, we will also live with Him." This girl died with Jesus on her lips, she now is living with Jesus. She had run her race, her course was finished, and she won! How strong is your faith?

Self evaluate for a moment---do you believe you, in the face of death, would call on the name of Jesus or deny? Peter denied, but Peter is living with Jesus. We are, in fact human, and to be human is to err.

We may suffer great hardships here on earth, but God promises that someday we will live eternally with Him. What will this involve? It means believers will live in Christ's Kingdom, and we will share in the workings of that kingdom. I would pray my response be strong and as in John 12:21 "Sir, we would see Jesus." Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

How is your driving? What direction is your life headed? April 19, 2012

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 right this very moment? For the ones of you who know me well I spent a lot of windshield time which also allows a lot of time for thought, thinking, and prayer.

Yesterday, while merging with traffic and observing the traffic I began thinking about how much our lives resemble the people in their cars traveling throughout the world. Some are darting in and out of traffic, violating the speed law, with only one thing in mind.....to take care of their personal needs - not caring about others.
Some are the straight and narrow, driving within the limits of the law and trying to do what is correct and right on the roads. Being observant of others, not speeding, and going from destination to destination.
Then there are the "Sunday drivers" as we used to call them. They are not concerned about others, just driving along, sight seeing, and enjoying the day, blazing down the freeway at a whoopin' 50 or 55 miles per hour.
Some people do not care about the ones around them, doing for themselves, thinking for themselves, and if they come to church it is for others to see and make them happy. The second driver comes to church each Sunday, does what they are supposed to do to be a good Christian. Go to Sunday school, to church, out to eat, home for a nap, and, wow! What a great Sunday. The third driver is in a rut, doing what they have and can do for years. No hurry, nothing to worry about, and just enjoying the sights, aka, visiting with friends at church.
Again, this goes back to what is in our heart. Driving I can see each of the three in me. When relating this to my church, again, I have seen all three in me. My heart tends to be the problem - it is not always where it should be. I pray daily, but sometimes it is head prayer not heart felt prayer. Where do I go wrong? In the reliance of "I". My reliance should be of the great "I AM" and following God's way. Ezekiel was told to go to the valley and listen - I, too, need to go to the valley and listen. In closing:
"SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS!"

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Have you sought God's instruction? 2 Kings 22:1-20

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

Did you get up this morning and say good morning LORD, OR, did you get up and say Good lord it's morning? Where are your blessings? From whom do they fall? Why not be cheerful and happy? All works for the glory of God. Josiah was 8 years old when he became king. Josiah had wisdom and knowledge from God. How many 8 year olds do you know that could lead a nation and obey God completely. Josiah ruled obediently for 18 years, then at 26 he began reforms based on God's laws. No one is ever too young for God to use.

At 26 King Josiah realized how far his nation had strayed from God's word and he expressed his grief by renting his clothes. Then, by his actions he restored his relationship and that of his people to the LORD. He, Josiah, sought God's instructions and implemented the necessary changes.

What do you do with the information you receive from reading God's Word and through the Holy Spirit's conviction of sin? Do ritual things may serve some purpose, God knows our hearts and expects change in character and conduct. When we genuinely turn to Him, seeking His forgiveness and direction, He transforms us, unleashes His power through us, and commissions us to reach the world for Him.

Can you say, "I have sought God's instructions and will implement the necessary changes?" We should pray as Jesus taught us to pray and God to reveal our sins and cleanse our hearts. "SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS!"

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

3 Things: Talked to God? Have Spirit? Listen carefully? Ezekiel 2:1-2

What is happening in your world today? Good morning! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Are you willing to be the Ezekiel of today? Ezekiel went in to the valley to listen to God. Ezekiel followed what God told him to do. Ezekiel was going to be a priest in Judah, but instead became a prophet by God's call.

Ezekiel was a Jewish "street preacher" in Babylon for 22 years, telling everyone about God's judgment and salvation, and calling them to repent and obey. Ezekiel became a tough and courageous man so he could reach a hard and stubborn people. Ezekiel was called, are you not called?

Ezekiel 2:1-2 "Stand up, son of man," said the voice. "I want to speak with you." The Spirit came into me as he spoke and he set me on my feet. I listened carefully to his words."

First, have you spoken to God lately? Second, has the Spirit entered you as you listened to God? Third, did you listen carefully to His (God's) words?

If you don't know what to say, GOOD! Then let the Holy Spirit guide your words and tell others of the judgment and salvation. Call them to repent and obey. Ask them if they believe in Easter (Edith Burns). You may be the only Bible someone reads each day. Be an easy but good read. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Speak God's word, there will be yea's & nay's. Ezekiel 3:24-27

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

Ezekiel, sent by God to do God's work. To spread God's word. Have you gone out to the valley to listen to God? God will hold you responsible. We should want to share our faith with others - in word and in deed. Do not become callous or unconcerned in our attitude.

Ezekiel 3:24-27 "Then the Spirit came into me and set me on my feet. he spoke to me and said, "Go to your house and shut yourself in. There, son of man, you will be tied with ropes so you cannot go out among the people. And I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth so that you will be speechless and unable to rebuke them, for they are rebels. But when I give you a message, I will loosen your tongue and let you speak. Then you will say to them, "This is what the Sovereign LORD says!" Those who choose to listen will listen, but those who refuse will refuse, for they are rebels."

The only time Ezekiel spoke was when God had a message. This way the people knew it was the word of God and not Ezekiel's own words. Ezekiel followed and did what God commanded, as should we.

Notice the last line in verse 27, and we must realize this: "those who choose to listen will listen, but those who refuse will refuse."

All you can do is share the word, the rest is up to God and that person. Salvation is not for everyone, as many will reject God. Our attitude should be to go forth, tell of Jesus, tell with a good, no, great attitude, and let the chips fall when they may. Now, go forth and tell of Jesus and His great salvation. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Go to the valley, see God! Ezekiel 3:22-23

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

Have you ever noticed the truth in the saying when you point at someone then you have three fingers pointing back at you. I have said to be silent is to agree. Yesterday evening I had dinner at Fuddruckers, which is next to my hotel. I choose to sit in the bar area where I could watch sports on the televisions. Some men at the next table were talking rather loud were talking about apps on their phones and computer. Then they told a couple of Jesus jokes that I really did not approve of. So what did I do? I hurriedly finished my business and left. Today, I prayed and asked God to remind me to let the Holy Spirit give me wisdom and knowledge to address this type of situation. I feel very humbled and ashamed that I did not respond. Any suggestions, I am willing and ready.

Ezekiel 3:22 "Then the LORD took hold of me and said, "Get up and go out into the valley, and I will speak to you there." Wow! SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS! Man, that is what God is telling us, get up, GET UP, go out into the valley and LISTEN! People, GO OUT and LISTEN! Why go out?

Ezekiel 3:23 "So I got up and went, and there I saw the glory of the LORD, just as I had seen in my first vision by the Kebar River. And I fell face down on the ground." Ezekiel recognized his helplessness before God and fell face down in HIS presence.

Sometimes our prosperity, popularity, or physical strength blinds us to our spiritual helplessness. Nothing we do on our own can accomplish much for God. Only when God is in control of our wills can we accomplish great tasks for HIM.

The first step to being God's person is to admit that you need HIS help; then you can begin to see what God can really do in your life. Oh LORD, Father God, we come humbly to you and ask for your guidance, your wisdom and knowledge in dealing with all we have in life. Thank you for being a loving, forgiving, and faithful God. Let our walk and our talk bring honor and glory to your name and kingdom. Amen. 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!

Well, what is happening in your world now? Remember, our God is an on time God; not your time but His.

God told Ezekiel to go tell the people; did you do that yesterday, the day before, are you going to today?
Ezekiel 3:20-21 "If righteous people turn away from their righteous behavior and ignore the obstacles I put in their way, they will die. An if you do not warn them, they will die in their sins. None of their righteous acts will be remembered and I will hold you responsible for their deaths. (21) But if you warn righteous people not to sin and they listen to you and do not sin, they will live and you will have saved yourself, too."

In these verses (18 & 19 also) God is not talking about loss of salvation but rather about physical death. If the people back in Judah continued in their sins, they and their land and cities would be destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar's armies. If, on the other hand, the people would turn to God, God would spare them. God would hold Ezekiel responsible for his fellow Jews if he failed to warn them of the consequences of their sins.

All people are individually responsible to God, but believers have a special responsibility to warn unbelievers of the consequences of rejecting God. If we fail to do this, God will hold us responsible for what happens to them. This should motivate us to begin sharing our faith with others - in word and in deed - and to avoid becoming callous or unconcerned in our attitude.

We, in America, are experiencing a slow death in our morality. Slowly words, actions, deeds are changing and respect for our LORD and others is deterioating. At one time censors were all over the airways (radio & t.v.) making sure no curse words were being used; no degenerate or inappropriate behavior was shown on t.v. or spoke about on radio. Years ago a woman was p.g. or in a family way - we did not say pregnant. Crap was a forbidden word. Homosexuality was not shown as something to be proud of. People got married, then had children. We called people sir and ma'am not 'bud.' Slowly and methodically Satan is poluting our Christian values, so what are you going to do? I think back to my answer, "SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS." Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

You are responsible - tell the people! Ezekiel 3:20-21

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

Well, what is happening in your world now? Remember, our God is an on time God; not your time but His.

God told Ezekiel to go tell the people; did you do that yesterday, the day before, are you going to today?
Ezekiel 3:20-21 "If righteous people turn away from their righteous behavior and ignore the obstacles I put in their way, they will die. An if you do not warn them, they will die in their sins. None of their righteous acts will be remembered and I will hold you responsible for their deaths. (21) But if you warn righteous people not to sin and they listen to you and do not sin, they will live and you will have saved yourself, too."

In these verses (18 & 19 also) God is not talking about loss of salvation but rather about physical death. If the people back in Judah continued in their sins, they and their land and cities would be destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar's armies. If, on the other hand, the people would turn to God, God would spare them. God would hold Ezekiel responsible for his fellow Jews if he failed to warn them of the consequences of their sins.

All people are individually responsible to God, but believers have a special responsibility to warn unbelievers of the consequences of rejecting God. If we fail to do this, God will hold us responsible for what happens to them. This should motivate us to begin sharing our faith with others - in word and in deed - and to avoid becoming callous or unconcerned in our attitude.

We, in America, are experiencing a slow death in our morality. Slowly words, actions, deeds are changing and respect for our LORD and others is deteriorating. At one time censors were all over the airways (radio & t.v.) making sure no curse words were being used; no degenerate or inappropriate behavior was shown on t.v. or spoke about on radio. Years ago a woman was p.g. or in a family way - we did not say pregnant. Crap was a forbidden word. Homosexuality was not shown as something to be proud of. People got married, then had children. We called people sir and ma'am not 'bud.' Slowly and methodically Satan is polluting our Christian values, so what are you going to do? I think back to my answer, "SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS." Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Obey and speak up! Ezekiel 3:18-19

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

Yesterday we talked about a watchman for Israel in verses 16 & 17. Let us continue on: Ezekiel 3:18-19 "If I warn the wicked, saying, 'You are under the penalty of death,' but you fail to deliver the warning, they will die in their sins. And I will hold you responsible for their deaths. If you warn them and they refuse to repent and keep on sinning, they will die in their sins. But you will have saved yourself because you obeyed me."

God had already told Ezekiel that the people would not listen, so why should he bother to tell them God's message? God wanted the people to know they had been warned. Ezekiel's job was to obey God. We are responsible to tell others about God's judgment and his message of salvation, although we are not held responsible for how they respond. If we refuse to tell others what we know, however, God will judge us. Remember God's words to Ezekiel when you are tempted to remain silent among those who don't believe.

I gather two main points here: obey God and share the word. Take a moment to self-examine; are you obeying God, doing what you feel or know God wants you to do? Are you silent when you should speak up? To be silent is to agree. Don't let today go by without sharing the gospel with someone, anyone. My prayer for you and me today is we will speak when necessary, obey God, and share the Holy Word to further the kingdom. May you be strong and go forth. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Watchman! Ezekiel 3:16-17

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

Let's spend a little time together this week in Ezekiel. Who was Ezekiel? What was his job? We will talk more about this later on.

Ezekiel 3:16-17 "After seven days the LORD gave me a message. He said, "Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately."

A watchman's job was to stand on the city wall and warn the people of approaching danger. Ezekiel's role was to be a spiritual watchman, warning the people of the judgment to come. Now let's get personal, let's do a little meddlin' here. What are you doing? Are you the poor, woe is me, it's okay creature strolling around the planet with no goal or aim? OR, are you the watchman, taking seriously what God is telling us and spreading the news with the spiritual dead?

Are you taking seriously the responsibilities God has laid out for you? Do you know God will hold you responsible? At the judgment seat your rewards will be known, whether many or few. What have you done for the kingdom of God in the last 24 hours, no, the last 96 hours. Oh, I went to church Easter Sunday! And????

How, what, when, why? We need to listen to God speaking to us, be still, listen. You are responsible for that person you bypassed and did not speak to because they were a little "different." You are responsible when God opens the door for you to share HIS glorious word and you don't. What are you doing for God's sake? My dream this past evening gave me more of an urgency for missions. My dream showed many people in a room and each person had to stand up and tell where their heart was leading them.

When it came my turn, they waited, no one to be passed over. When I stood up and started to speak, a whole new realization of what I should be doing was broke open. Thank you LORD. May your day be one of victory and celebration of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Thank you for tuning in today. Take 7 minutes to just be quiet, be still, and listen, be reverent. Then rise and share Jesus Christ with at least 1 person today. 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!

Let's spend a little time together this week in Ezekiel. Who was Ezekiel? What was his job? We will talk more about this later on.

Ezekiel 3:16-17 "After seven days the LORD gave me a message. He said, "Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately."

A watchman's job was to stand on the city wall and warn the people of approaching danger. Ezekiel's role was to be a spiritual watchman, warning the people of the judgment to come. Now let's get personal, let's do a little meddlin' here. What are you doing? Are you the poor, woe is me, it's okay creature strolling around the planet with no goal or aim? OR, are you the watchman, taking seriously what God is telling us and spreading the news with the spiritual dead?

Are you taking seriously the responsibilities God has laid out for you? Do you know God will hold you responsible? At the judgment seat your rewards will be known, whether many or few. What have you done for the kingdom of God in the last 24 hours, no, the last 96 hours. Oh, I went to church Easter Sunday! And????

How, what, when, why? We need to listen to God speaking to us, be still, listen. You are responsible for that person you bypassed and did not speak to because they were a little "different." You are responsible when God opens the door for you to share HIS glorious word and you don't. What are you doing for God's sake? My dream this past evening gave me more of an urgency for missions. My dream showed many people in a room and each person had to stand up and tell where their heart was leading them.

When it came my turn, they waited, no one to be passed over. When I stood up and started to speak, a whole new realization of what I should be doing was broke open. Thank you LORD. May your day be one of victory and celebration of the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Run to the Cross! Romans 3:23; 6:23

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

Yesterday was Easter! A great day, probably the greatest day for Christians. This was the day our God who came in bodily form rose again so that we, sinners, may have everlasting life.

We recognize this, but how seriously do we take this. Are you committed to Jesus? In Maui, Hawaii then a tsunami warning is given the people rush up the side of the mountain to a high place of safety. Many years ago missionaries placed a tall wooden cross high on the mountain. The people run to the cross.

Do you run to the cross? Do you take the situation head on, forgetting about who is in control, the maker, the saviour? I, you, need a safe haven, that safe haven is in Jesus. Death cannot separate you from your maker. How serious do you take your salvation, your saviour, your God?

There is a country western song that talks about you and me baby, stuck together like glue. This is how we need to be with Jesus. We should be stuck on Jesus, sharing the word of salvation. How serious is it, to share the word?

Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our LORD."

Run to the cross! SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS!! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Jesus' Crucifixion Matthew 27

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

If you would like to read the account of Jesus and the crucifixion copy and paste this address: http://www.888c.com/zmat27.htm

What is Good Friday? Years ago, as a young lad living on the plains of Colorado Good Friday was a day when almost all stores closed at noon, churches had a noon church service, and Catholics still ate fish on Fridays.

Schools were turned out, no alcohol was sold, and people carried on the religious tradition of Good Friday (believers and non-believers alike). We didn't have the ACLU telling us we could not do this; it was just expected. At that time, in my small town of 1000 people we had a Methodist Church, an EUB (Evangical United Brethren) Church {which later united with the Methodist}, an Assembly of God and a Christian Church. If you were Baptist, Pres, Episcopal, Catholic or any other demonination you had to go out of town.

Good Friday was taken more seriously and was not as commercialized. Were we closer to God? I don't know if we were closer or just really good at traditions and being ritualistic. However, there was more respect for the church, the men of the cloth, and for people in general.

Growing up what did Good Friday mean to me? It would mean I only had 1/2 a day of school. We did have to go to church, but then it was free play. Yea! Today it means much more to me. My savior, the reason for my eternal life and all sins forgiven was crucified this day. Not a black day, but a glorious day as He gave it all for me and for you.

Take time to read Matthew 27 for a full account. Love you all. Thanks for letting me reflect back.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

What is the eye? Where is your treasure? Matthew 6:21-22

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

Wow! Tuesday storms and tornadoes doing damage, then Wednesday such a beautiful day. This resembles life to a great degree. We are traveling through storms one moment and then, poof, the bright sunshine of the day. How do we keep the sunshine more and storms less? I cannot help but think: "SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS!"

Matthew 6:21-22 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light."

Where does your heart lie? With the treasures you have here on this earth? Yes, your spouse, children, family and friends are important. You material possessions you have are important. But what if they were all taken away? Would you curse God or praise God? Job was put to the test and he did what? Job remained faithful, even after counsel with wife and friends. His wife told him to curse God and die. Thanks honey!

Where is your heart? What is meant by the lamp of the body is the eye? Well, here is the Johnny down home understanding and feel free to correct me. It is like a rain cycle - water - evaporation - collection of condensation (clouds) - rain - then begin again. The eye sees good - the mind visualizes good - good goes to the heart and we start over and good will come forth. On the flip side the eye sees bad (i.e. porn) - the mind visualizes these scenes - the evil goes to the heart - then the eye wants more. Then where does it stop? Can it stop?

How do you spell stop evil? J E S U S What is your treasure? The resurrection of Christ so that you may have everlasting life? Is your heart with Jesus? If Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit is in my eye, head, heart then there be my treasures and there is not room for evil. "SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS!" Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Wisdom - understanding Proverbs 3:13-14

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

To begin, please pray for all the people in the Dallas/Fort Worth area who were hit by and lost homes due to the storm and tornados yesterday, April 3, 2012. Thank you.

We all have different color lense in the glasses we wear. And the glasses I am referring to is how we see things in our Christian walk and of this world. Our past, our environment from childhood to present taint how we view different items. Dave Ramsey pays cash for everything; this is what he teaches and teaches us how to get there. He did not start there; so where did he start?

Proverbs 3:13-14 "HAPPY IS THE MAN THAT FINDETH WISDOM, AND THE MAN THAT GETTETH UNDERSTANDING. FOR THE MERCHANDISE OF IT IS BETTER THAN THE MERCHANDISE OF SILVER, AND THE GAIN THEREOF THAN FINE GOLD."

To me, wisdom is having the knowledge to know something and understanding is knowing how to deal with it. Example: wisdom is knowing the stove is hot; understanding is knowing not to touch it. Wisdom is knowing who gives eternal life; understanding is accepting the free gift of salvation. Verse 14 tells us the merchandise of it (wisdom / understanding) is better than silver or fine gold. Huh?

Silver and fine gold get you things here, on earth. The wisdom and understanding relating to God will give you eternal life, everlasting peace and joy. A simple question: spend a few years on earth, maybe struggling and then eternity with God, or, all you want here on earth and eternity struggling in hell. An easy decision but do we all make the wise decision?

Pray for our fallen ones, our desperate ones, ones who experience many adversities; pray also for ones who cruise through life with all they want, all they need, caring about only themselves. Pray for our nation! Let wisdom of God prevail. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Honor God with wealth & best production. Proverbs 3:9-10

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

A tidbit for today. On this date, April 3, 1860 the pony express began. During this same era they had telegraphs to carry messages. How much have we changed? We still get mail and information is delivered over a wire. We just have motorized vehicles and the wire is called internet. We are doing the same as our forefathers, but bigger, faster, and ???better?? Just trivia, now the word.

Proverbs 3:9-10 "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine."

What is this saying? This refers to the practice of giving to God the first and best portion of the harvest. (Deuter 26:9-11) Many people give God their leftovers. If they can afford to donate anything after the bills are paid, they do so. These people may be sincere and contribute willingly, but they are not obeying what God says.

I have been there. As a young man I would give $25 a week and the rest at the end of the month IF there was any. Never was. Then as I became older, after many trials and tribulations and then rededicating my life to God I gave accordingly (10%) off my NET income, you know, what I really took home.

God watched, He observed, and then laid the burden on my shoulders to tithe off my GROSS, not the net. At first I debated, then reluctantly at first, but soon willingly I gave 10% off the gross. WOW! Blessings have poured my way. Now, the road was not always smooth, but the blessings came and still come.

I did learn that giving willingly to God is only giving back a portion of what He gave me anyway. I learned that God, not possessions had first place in my life and that I was the manager of what God gave me. Giving back to God helps me to conquer greed, manage what God gave me properly, and opens me up to receive God's special blessings.

Oh, but I can't afford to give right now. OH, but you cannot afford NOT TO GIVE! God's word, food for thought, time for action. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Knowledge? Wisdom? What's in your wallet? Proverbs 1:7-9

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

What is wisdom? What is knowledge? Knowledge is the range of knowing or understanding; wisdom is the quality of being wise or good judgment. My question, then, to you is - by touching a hot stove, being burned, and then not touch a hot stove again - is this knowledge or wisdom?

Proverbs 1:7-9 "Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don't neglect your mother's instruction. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck."

Have you met the type of person who is a know-it-all, who has a stated opinion about everything, is closed to anything new, resents discipline, and refuses to learn? Solomon tells us these people are fools! Yes, fools!

It is not for you to know it all; be open to the advice of others. Listen to ones you trust, ones who know you well and learn. God is the only one who knows it all.

We live in the millennium era of information where knowledge is plentiful, but wisdom is scare. Wisdom is far more than simply knowing a lot. It is a basic attitude that affects every aspect of life.

The foundation of knowledge is to fear the LORD - to honor and respect God, to live in awe of his power, and to obey his Word. Faith in God should be the controlling principle for your understanding of the world, your attitudes, and your actions. Want wisdom? Trust in God - he will make you truly wise.

Remember - actions speak louder than words; a picture is worth a thousand words. Act wisely my friend. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny