Guilty or Not Guilty? Romans 8:1

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

   Bondage or freedom, that was the question yesterday.  Today, Friday, is short and sweet. Look at Romans 8:1.

    Romans 8:1 "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus."

Wow! Read that again, slowly, and out loud. "  So       now there is NO    CONDEMNATION."  Okay no condemnation for who?  "Those who BELONG to   CHRIST   JESUS."

How would the words, "not guilty, let him go free" sound to you if you were in jail, or maybe on death row?  Would those words ring joyous sounds to your ears?

Well, every man, woman and child, when born, are sentenced to death row because we were born in sin.  Without Jesus there would be no hope. However, we can thank God, that through Jesus we are declared not guilty and we are offered freedom from sin.  When Jesus went to the cross, the great judge in the Heavens declared to those in Jesus, "Not guilty, let them go free!"

SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS!  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

FREEdom or bondage - 1 Corinthians 3:17

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

  Please think about this today.....Freedom or bondage....where are you?

1 Corinthians 3:17 "For the LORD is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the LORD is, there is freedom."

   If we are still walking in sin, we are in bondage and struggling.  As in Jesus' day, those who were trying to be saved by keeping the Old Testament law were soon tied up in rules and ceremonies.  Trying to follow the law, or work for our salvation is being in bondage and satan loves this.

   How do we get out of bondage?  Well, take lots of money to the pastor and church daily and have them pray for you.  Baa hum bug!  You know that is not the way.    What is the way, the truth, the light - J E S U S !

   To get out of bondage recognize you are a sinner, ask forgiveness from God;  then forgive yourself; and truly ask JESUS to come into your heart and give you the rebirth you need, a new person in JESUS CHRIST. 

   When we trust Christ to save us, he removes our heavy burden of trying to please him and our guilt for failing to do so.  Romans 8:1 God provides freedom from sin and condemnation through the Holy Spirit.

   By trusting Christ we are loved, accepted, forgiven, and freed to live for him.  "Wherever the Spirit of the LORD is, there is freedom."

   Now go my friend, into the world, share the freedom with others. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

   Johnny

Peace - through Jesus Christ 1 Corinthians 1:3

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

   1 Corinthians 1:3 "May God our Father and the LORD Jesus Christ give you grace and peace."

Grace is God's free gift of salvation given to us in Christ.  Receiving it brings us peace (Romans 5:1).  In a world of noice, confusion, and relentless pressures, people long for peace.

Look around you, around the world, what is going on?  We all long for peace. In the world: Syria warned NATO, insurgent attacks in Afghanistan, Indian police arrest a man for the Mumbai attacks, drug violence in Mexico, Al Qaeda trained a Norweigian man to attack the West, two UK hackers plotted cyberattacks against companies and agencies (CIA), Egypt's debt, and on and on.

   And what do we all long for?  P - E - A - C - E

Many give up the search for peace, thinking it impossible to find, but true peace of heart and mind is available to us through faith in Jesus Christ.  Romans 5:1 "Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our LORD has done for us."

SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS.   Peace my friend. Love you all.  Share a kind word with people today.

   In Christ's Love and Grace
       Johnny

Godly in authority, people rejoice Proverbs 29:2

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

  Remember the song, "don't worry, be happy!"?  Well, we tend to worry about many things in life: politics, family, money, relationships, etc..  What does the Bible say?

Proverbs 29:2 "When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power they groan."

  This affects us in our everyday life from the city council, to the county commissioner, to the state legislature, to senators/congressmen, to the president and everyone in between.  We should be led by God, not by political affiliation or personal vindettes. 

 Proverbs 29:3 "The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted."

  Think about what is being said in this proverb.  This last verse is talking about wisdom verses personal/emotional pleasures.  Do you consult God when making major decisions?  Just stop and think back to verse 2.....when the godly are in authority the people rejoice.  Love you all.

SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS.

In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Jew and Gentile - One Body in Christ Ephesians 2:14

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

   The Jews and Gentiles are one in the body of Christ.  Ephesians 2:14 "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;"

  For he is our peace - He Himself, not what He did, is our peace with  God and with each other.

Who hasth made both one - Jews and Gentiles united in position and privilege. This is a new unity where race and national differences disappear in Christ (Gal 3:28)

Hath broken down the middle wall of partition - Racial and religious differences is not longer a dividing point and it has been destroyed forever.  In the Temple courts a partition wall divided the court of the Gentiles from the court of Israel with an inscription forbidding a Gentile from going further or they would be put to death. This no longer exists. 

What have I been saying?  We are one body in Christ!  We should act as if we are one body in Christ!  Are you better than the man down the street, the homeless? No! Your circumstances are just different, BUT, you are still all ONE BODY IN CHRIST!  Those people out there are your brothers and sisters - start acting like a family!  Welcome them to the family, or if not sure, invite them into the family. Love you all.

 In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Grumble or grateful? 1 Corinthians 10:10

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


    Grumble, do you grumble?  1 Corinthians 10:10 "Don't grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death."


   Paul warned the Corinthian believers not to grumble.  We start to grumble when our attention shifts from what we have to what we don't have.  The people of Israel didn't seem to notice what God was doing for them- setting them free, making them a nation, giving them a new land.  They were so wrapped up in what God wasn't doing for them they did not see the blessings.  They thought of the delicious Egyptian food they had left behind. (Numbers 11:5)
  
   Before we judge the Israelites we need to think about what occupies our attention most of the time.  Are we grateful for what God has given us, or are we always thinking about what we would like to have?  Don't allow your unfulfilled desires to cause you to forget God's gifts of life, family, friends, food, health and work.


     So, it is your choice, Mr/Ms Grumble or Mr/Ms Grateful.  Choose carefully my friend. Love you all.


In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

LOVE - LUKE 6:27

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


  Love....LOve.....LOVe.....LOVE!  Exactly what is love? Do we pollute the word love?  Love, as a noun, means  1. a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.

2. a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.

3. sexual passion or desire.

4. a person toward whom love is felt; beloved person; sweetheart.

 

This is according to the dictionary. I love my wife. I love my family.  When we check out the word love as a verb, it means the same as above with this addition, to have a strong liking for; take great pleasure in.   We take pleasure in many things. such as- I love music. I love my car. I love golf. and on and on. So, I ask you once again....do we pollute the word love?

 

   Do you feel the definitions of each or any of the noun definitions?  Do you truly love?  Or do you just like?  Where do you stand?  What did Jesus say?

 

  Luke 6:27 "But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you."   Wow!  How tough is this?

 

The Jews despised the Romans, oppressers of God people, but Jesus told them to love these enemies.  Jesus was not talking about having affections for enemies, but an act of the will.  This type of love takes a conscious effort.  Loving your enemies means acting in their best interests.

 

   Jesus loves the whole words, even though the world is in rebellion against God.  Jesus asks us to follow his example by loving our enemies.  Grant your enemies the same respect and rights as you desire for yourself.   What a tall, tall order from our LORD and saviour.

 

  Think about this in your actions today, tomorrow, and the next day.  Try it and see what happens.  Someone turns over your bowl of wheaties, thank them, refill and go on. Love you all.

 

In Christ's Love and Grace

   Johnny

 

Rejoice! Willingly and joyously REJOICE! 1 Chronicles 29:17

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

  1 Chronicles 29:17 "I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this will good motives, and I have watched your people offer their gifts willingly and joyously."

    God knows your heart and he is happy when He finds good.  When you give for the LORD, not just money but of yourself, God is happy, filled with joy.  May God examine your heart and find no black, but only the spirit of Jesus.

  We should want to do things for the glory of God, for the kingdom and this should all be done willingly and happily.   Sometimes we become so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good.  Don't be a "project manager" and only see what needs to be done; be a kingdom facilitator and share the good news with Christians and lost souls.

   You have integrity because you are a child of God.  Rejoice!  REJOICE, I say, and let you Jesus light shine.  SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS!  Let's add to this, Sir, they would see Jesus in US! Love you all.

   In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

You hath he quickened! A new heart! Ephesians 2:1

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

  Ephesians 2:1 "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;"

You hath he quickened, who were dead: man as he really is, is spiritually dead, lost in sin. Not weak, incapacitated, disabled, or sick - but spiritually dead.

   In trespasses (Greek-paraptomal) and sins means stepping out of line and true conduct, a deviation from truth and uprightness.  Sins (Greek hamartia) are missing the mark of life's divine aim. All this leads to man's guilt, and man's need of forgiveness.  This guilt leads to death and man needs new life.

Man needs a new heart, not just a new start, a new life, a resurrection, not just reformation. No one can live alife for God until he first receives life from God.  Yesterday I visited about conscience, today a new life with a new heart. A second chance, have you taken the offer of a new heart and a second chance?  What are you waiting for?  SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS!

  In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Good morning all.  I will do two blogs today.  This is from Pastor Mark Jeske and it leaped out at me and I wanted to share.
    From Mark Jeske:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you ever have panic attacks? When you feel as though your life is being swept up in a tornado of bad things and you are helpless? Do you get exhausted from worry because your whole life seems to be teetering on the edge? Do you assume that things will always turn out for the worst? Does your mind race while you are trying to fall asleep? Do you jump when the phone rings, dreading the call that loved ones are dead in a ditch?

Relax. You were created by a loving, omnipotent genius who designed you for a life of joy, not fear. You were rescued by God's Son, Christ Jesus, who lived for you, died your death for you, rose again as a prototype of your own rising, and guarantees your forgiveness as your personal intercessor. Your needs matter to your heavenly Father, and you have but to ask.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6,7).
The Father's kind wishes for you are carried out by legions of holy, mighty angels who leap to do his bidding. You are loved. You are safe. You are immortal.

Conscience - is yours in step with Jesus

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

Have you ever thought about your conscience? Many times we say something to the effect of well, my conscience is clear. Mercenaries consciences are clear also. If you believe you are doing something that is correct, is it?

If I truly believe that Wal-Mart has more money than they need and I steal something from them....does that make it okay? To some it does, they justify or rationalize what they are doing. My only comment is...."What does the Bible say?"

When our conscience is in step, in check with the LORD Jesus Christ, then our conscience is a valuable tool or warning device. If we are not in check, then our conscience will help us justify anything we do. Well, I was not going to BUT....

Whenever the word "BUT" is thrown in a sentence it erases all that was said before it. I really like him, BUT, the way he.......... Do you really like him or appeasing your conscience and those around you.

Just food for thought today. Is your conscience in step with Jesus? Or, is your in step with what you want.

I would love to have your feedback and any scriptures you may wish to share. Love you all. SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS!!!!

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Worship, the time is now. John 7:37

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

Yesterday I mentioned being content with where you are and following God's calling for you. God has a wonderful plan for your life, and an important part of that plan includes worship. We all worship in one way or another; some God and some false idols (money, alcohol, cars, houses, material things). So, that brings us to the question - not whether we worship but who or what we worship.

Do a little self check. Is it all about you? If so, then please be offended when I tell you you are wrong. Number one, it is about God, Jesus, salvation. Next comes your spouse, then family, THEN career and material things.

I ask you to take time today, right now, just sitting where you are, close your eyes and acknowledge Jesus as your LORD and savior. Commit to following Christ.

John 7:37 "If anyone is thirsty, he should come to Me and drink!"

Worship reminds you of the awesome power of God. So worship Him daily and allow Him to work through you every day of the week. Let God, Jesus, be your daily bread.

"SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS!" Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Mark 9:26-29

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

Yesterday we talked about helping our unbelief. The man who brought his son before Jesus had previously taken the boy to the disciples, but the disciples could not cast out the demon as Jesus did.

Mark 9:26-29 "Then the spirit screamed and threw the boy into another violent convulsion and left him. The boy appeared to be dead. A murmur ran through the crowd as people said, "He's dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and helpd him to his feet, and he stood up. Afterward, when jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, "Why couldn't we cast out that evil spirit?" Jesus replied, "This kind can be cast out only by prayer.""

The disciples would often face difficult situations that could be resolved only through prayer. Prayer is the key that unlocks faith in our life. Effective prayer needs both the attitude of completel dependence and the action of asking.

Prayer demonstrates our reliance on God as we humbly invite him to fill us with faith and power. There is no substitute for prayer, especially in circumstances that seem impossible.

Stay faithful and pray my friend. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Submit, be content, God IS in control!

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

Have you awaken to the fact you don't think you are content in your life, your career, your family, with anything? I have and did. Once I retired from education I was not sure what I wanted to do. I soon found what I was comfortable doing at that time was teaching, being in the educational field. Sooo, I became a retire/rehire and was teaching junior high science. When I began I was really enjoying it for 3 years. But then the fourth year I wanted something different.
I applied for many jobs but my experience, my degrees, and my age did not open any doors. Sooo, in November I...... well, let's look at some scripture.

Proverbs 14:30 "A tranquil heart is life to the body, but jealousy is rottenness to the bones."
1 Timothy 6:6 "But godliness with contentment is a great gain."

Hebrews 13:5 "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you.""

Be contented where you are - even if it's not exactly where you want to end up. God has something wonderful in store for you, and remember that God's timing is perfect. Be patient, trust God, do your best and expect the best.

Back to the story--- Well, in November I prayed and visited with God. My words were, okay God, if this is where you want me, teaching junior high science, I will be here until I re-retire or die. I will be content with where I am.

The very next month I was at a conference, visited with a lady who said they were looking for a sales rep to sell a curriculum I had in my school when I was principal. Long story short, I applied, and now 5 1/2 years later I am still with them, enjoying my job but remembering daily to thank God for this position.
The job God had in store was not open UNTIL, I SUBMITTED TO HIS WILL, and was happy where I was. The key, here, to me, is I finally submitted to God's will and quit trying to do it all the Johnny way. Thank you God. Love you all. May this touch whomever it needs to touch is my prayer.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

LORD, help my unbelief! Mark 9:24

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

Belief! What is it that you really believe? Do you stand strong in your belief? Let's go back 49 years ago, 1963 Gov. George Wallace confronted federal troops at the University of Alabama in an effort to defy a federal court order to allow two black students to enroll at the school.
Do you think Gov. George Wallace believed in what he was doing? I am not talking right or wrong here, I am talking belief! He believed he was right and was fighting for his right.

Do you believe in Christ so much you would challenge the federal courts? Would you die for your Christ? Would you risk your job for your belief? A tragic day in America on November 13, 2003 when Alabama Judge Roy Moore was fired from office for refusing to remove a monument displaying the Ten Commandments.

A man brought his son to Jesus who was seized by an evil spirit and would go into violent seizures. He asked Jesus to heal his son, "if you can." Jesus responded with "what do you mean if I can? Anything is possible if a person believes!"

Mark 9:24 "The father instantly cried out, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!"

George Wallace believed, Roy Moore believed, and they believed strongly. How strong is your belief? Oh, LORD, help my unbelief is also my cry. May your day, each day, be a day of belief and commitment. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

More rope-a-dope Proverbs 5:21,22

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

Did you think about the ropes that give us strength? Or ropes that bind? As Christians we can weave together and become an unbreakable bond, OR, we can allow ourselves to be woven into a rope of evil which will bind us also.

In Proverbs 5:21-22 "For the LORD sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes. An evil man is help captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him."

Prior verses talk about the love and faithfulness of a man to his wife. If he turns his head to wander, then sin will invade his life and bind him. God is aware of what we do, but many times we lie to ourselves by rationalizing what we have done or are going to do.

If I make you brownies with the best ingredients you will enjoy them. If I add just a drop of manure in them, you probably will enjoy them also, unless I tell you about the added ingredient. As time travels on, I continue making you the same brownies but slowly increase the manure, you may notice a slight difference in taste but not question. Eventually, I will have polluted the brownies completely and you will still come back for more.

This is what satan does in our lives. Things look really good, but slightly tainted but, "it's okay." Why do so many ads on tv have drinking and sex to bring forth the product? Because we enjoy the "pleasures" of life, not realizing the ropes of evil are slowly binding us. It is okay to say a few curse words, I am not hurting anyone; okay to lust after things - women, cars, life styles- I am not hurting anyone.

You are hurting yourself, then your family, then relationships, for what? May the ropes of Jesus be the only rope you know and may that rope pull you to freedom, eternal life. I pray you understand my rambling today. God bless you and pray for me, your family, your neighbor, and America. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Are you part of the rope? United? Ephesians 1:11

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

Have problems? Working hard? Going 3 steps forward and 2 back? Sometimes life feels this way, but we have hope. Our hope is in the LORD JESUS CHRIST!

Think of our life as a single strand of string. How strong are you alone? You can lift a few light things, but chances are if you continue you will be broken. Then what, fix the string with a knot and continue on, only to be broken again.

Okay, let's jump a moment. How is rope made? Before chemical plants, rope was a single string of hemp or other raw material, braided together. So, what about it? How does this relate to Christianity? Think of yourself as the single string.

When strands are woven or braided together their strength grows tremendously. The tensile strength becomes greater and greater. A single piece of string can be broken easily, 2 strings is harder, and the more, obviously, the better. As a single Christian roaming in the world satan works hard to break your string constantly. When 2 are together, then encouragement can overcome doubt, and less likely for the string to be broken. Then 3, then 4, then many more.

A single strand, woven with many more can pull a car, lift an elephant, move the whole world. As Christians we should be woven together, increase our tensile strength, and pull the world to our heavenly father whom we refer to as GOD! Unite!

Ephesians 1:11 "Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plans."

God's purpose is to offer salvation to the world, just as he planned to do long ago. God is sovereign; he is in charge. When your life seems chaotic, rest in this truth: Jesus is LORD, and God is in control. God's purpose to save you cannot be thwarted, no matter what evil Satan may bring. The epicenter of our life, our rope is Jesus Christ. He is why we are strong. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Meekness, enjoy God's love; not devil's snare. 2 Timothy 2:25-26

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

Remember yesterday? Paul was advising Timothy to teach others with gentleness, kindness, patience, and courteously explaining the Truth, the Word of God.

2 Timothy 2:25-26 "In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will."

What is this saying? If you are teaching a Sunday school, leading a Bible study, or preaching in church, remember to listen to people's questions and treat them respectfully, yet avoid foolish debates. If you do this, those who oppose you will be more willing to hear what you have to say and perhaps turn from their error.

Oh, how hard is it to do this? We, as humans want to jump in, tell how it is done, correct it now and let's move on. I have a daughter who is moving; a daughter engaged; a daughter starting a new job; and a daughter whose husband has not been transferred yet (living apart). How easy it is to give advice; how difficult it is to just encourage and support. I have to look back - in meekness instructing, patience, kindness, gentleness - wow!

Time for me to go to knee mail, pray, and let God handle it all. Tough for us all. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Be gentle, teach the Bible, if all else fails-use words. 2 Timothy 2:24

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

2 Timothy 2:24 "And the servant of the LORD must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,"

Must not strive in Greek is machomai which means to quarrel or argue with heated emotions. It is a sin for anyone to lose patience, especially a minister. WOW! Think about this. This came straight from my references. Don't lose patience!!!!! Timothy helped those who were confused about the truth and Paul's advice to Timothy and to all who teach God's truth, is to be kind and gentle, patiently and courteously explaining the truth.

Good teaching never promotes quarrels or foolish arguments. Wow! Take in these words for a bit. Good teaching never promotes ________what? _________ or what??? _______ ________ . Yes quarrels or foolish arguments. Again, back to the Seinfield series, take a little itty bitty point and blow it up really big. WHY???

May you be gentle to others today, a good teacher and patient. Share the Bible today and if all else fails use words. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Youthful lusts? Shuck 'em 2 Timothy 2:22

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

KJV 2 Timothy 2:22 "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the LORD out of a pure heart."

Flee youthful lusts - the youthful desires for fame, fortune, and fun are to be fun from.
but to follow (Greek dioko) which means to pursue and not just meekly follow. To chase after, have a strong desire to have. To have what?

Righteousness, faith, charity, peace, and call on the LORD with a pure heart! That's what!!!

It is easy to say, "if I had married....."; if my career had...."; "if I...."; IF - one of the largest words in our vocabulary. That is past, today is the present, and later is the future. Go forth looking around in awareness, worry not about the past, but look forward to the future.

What is out there in the future? Life eternal! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny