Devoured or Devoted 1 Peter 5:8

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

Sorry I missed you yesterday; I have come down with a summer cold.  Don't usually have these, but, SUPRISE!

1 Peter 5:8 "The devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."

A small cotton-tail rabbit was enjoying the summer morning, nibbling and very relaxed.  Suddenly out of the sky, flying with great speed and dead on acuracy was a hawk looking for its morning delight - breakfast.
   The rabbit noticed the hawk, leaped quickly, and avoided being taken to breakfast and being the main dish.  This, too, is how we need to be aware of the lures of satan.  Satan is not out there screaming and making bold statements.  He is the beautiful female or handsome male, tempting us to "enjoy" some "good things of life" that we can't enjoy as Christians.  Slowly twisting truths (John 8:44) and trying to deceive us (Genesis 3:1).
    His schemes show his dishonest nature and the tricks are meant to catch us off guard.  We, as Christians, need to live in a state of active readiness to discern false teachings (1 John 4:1-3; 2 John 1:7-11) and overcome temptations.  Matt. 26:41 "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
    Stay alert my friends. Satan is alive and well and looking for "victims." TO GOD BE THE GLORY.

In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

The HOLY SPIRIT!

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


This week we have talked about the promises of God, the faithfulness of God, and today to confirm that God has sent living, daily proof of your relationship, we will visit about the Holy Spirit.  God placed His seal of approval on us - the HOLY SPIRIT.


Ephesians 1:13-14 "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: In whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.


The Holy Spirit at work within you is proof of your salvation that cannot be disputed.  The Holy Spirit's work in your life will bring changes; some gradual - some instant.  The inward and outward changes that result are the final proof of your salvation.


2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."


What changes have you seen in your life since you gave up the sinful life and followed Jesus Christ?


We know we are saved because of the:  Word of God   -  Promises of God  -  Character of God  -  Spirit of God.  God is faithful. Go forth and share the word with someone today.  If you don't plant the seed nothing can grow - plant the seed my friend.  Stay thirsty for CHRIST.


In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

God is faithful! Yes, HE IS!!!!!

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


 Yesterday we talked about confessing, believing and the promise of God.  Lots of things will happen in ones life that are exciting, disappointing, confusing, etc., however, one thing as Christians we have that is constant - the faithfulness of God.


God gave us a promise, God is faithful, therefore you can bank on HIS promises.  HE is faithful!!  I may promise you anything, BUT, am I faithful when I have to carry through on the promise?  Maybe, maybe not but God is!


1 Corinthians 1:9 "God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord."


1 Thessalonians 5:24 "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it."


Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised."


The Bible teaches that God is faithful.  What is faithful? Faithful is reliable, steadfast, trustworthy, and stable.  You can believe the promises because you know the one who promised, GOD!  Your loving Father, is absolutely faithful.  Nothing will change His mind about your salvation.  Nothing will separate you from His love.  Your relationship to God through Jesus is secure.


Are you secure in your salvation?  What does God's word say about your salvation?  Read Roman 8:38-39 and you will find NOTHING "SHALL BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD, WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD."


WoW!!  God promises, God is faithful, and nothing can separate us from the love of God!!!  Take time and absorb this into your thoughts.  Let the real meaning of what is promised us in the Bible, God Word!


Thank you for reading.  Please take time today, spend time in prayer - whether it is a minute, a moment, or an extended time.  Prayer!  It is your hot line to God! Love you all.


In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Promise of God - your salvation John 5:24/Romans 10:9

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


A lot of things are whirling in my mind at this time.  Shooting in Colorado, drought in Iowa, elections, Monday the deadliest day in Iraq by Al Quada.  What is happening?  Are we spinning out of control?

Possibly, so what is a person to do?  We have a life that is under control!  What do you mean?


Our life is not based on feelings.  If you feel....... then what?  Your salvation, my salvation is based on fact.  Huh?  Oh, but let me back up slightly, fact IF you BELIEVE THE BIBLE IS THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD.  If you pick and choose parts of the Bible you are being a good disciple of satan.  This is what satan does.


"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Roman 10:9


"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation."  John 5:24


So..............have you heard the word?  Confessed with your mouth Jesus is Lord?  Believe in your heart? Believe in God?   It is that simple.


These are promises of God.   Reread the verses above.  All you have to do is believe.  As has been prayed many times before-----Lord, help not my belief, but my unbelief.  When you doubt and listen to that voice telling you you do not believe ---it is satan, playing mind games with you by planting the seed of doubt.  Stand tall my friend.  Confess, Believe, step out and go forth boldly armed with the Word of God.  Love you all.


In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Change! Is it good? WWJD

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

  Change!  Are you ready for change?  Most people don't want change UNLESS it means a move up.  New job with better wages, new bigger home, a nicer neighborhood, or just a step up in position.  We usually don't resist this change.
   However, if change comes that could cause a loss we usually resist and experience frustration and anxiety.  Lesser job so move to a smaller house, sell one of the cars, and possibly have to apply for government assistance.  This is just another step in our growth.  Through our trials and tribulations we grow.  Think about the Israelites....they walked close with God and "had it all" then they strayed and without God they experienced many hardships.
   Jesus, in His short ministry became leader of many to being abandoned by all; denied by many.  Through Christ's suffering God elevated Him to the highest place.  We are being led to a better place by someone who had it all, lost it all, and then regained all that was lost---JESUS.
   Grumble not about the position you are in; give God the praise and keep God in your every thought and prayer and you will see change.
   JOHN 10:14 "I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD AND I KNOW MY SHEEP."  Faith in Christ will keep us steady in the stormy sea of change.  Just follow the good shepherd - JESUS! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Are you prepared? She was!! Romans 5:9

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

We prepare for all kinds of things.  We prepare for life by going to school, study, then college or special school, we prepare for life in marriage, raising children, but do we prepare for what happens in the hereafter?
    A young girl studied hard in school, worked hard at her job to be a good employee, but most of all she spent time learning how a Christian family should live their life and was preparing to be a good Christain student, adult, wife and mother.  Suddenly her life was cut short at the young age of 17.
   She was prepared when eternity's door opened wide.  She had put her faith in Jesus and trusted His sacrifice on the cross for her sins. (John 3:16; Roman 5:8-9)
   "HAVING NOW BEEN JUSTIFIED BY HIS BLOOD, WE SHALL BE SAVED FROM WRATH THROUGH HIM."  ROMANS 5:9
    When she faced the ultimate test of being prepared she was ready!!  ARE YOU?  If death comes today, will you be prepared to meet God!!  Siemper Paratus - Always Ready!!!

In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Jericho? Zacchaeus? Jesus? Luke 19:7-10

Hello all! Another wonderful day to be a child of God.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!

   God's arms are beneath you and ready to carry you.  All you have to do is let go, let God!!  Sorry I am late today, waiting for the spirit.  Yes, you and I are sinners.  But you know what?  Jesus loves us. The people of Jericho were offended when Jesus went to the home of Zacchaeus, the tax collector.  They complained saying "he has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner' (Luke 19:7).  When Zacchaeus had a deep change of heart (v.8), Jesus told him "TODAY SALVATION HAS COME TO THIS HOUSE...FOR THE SON OF MAN HAS COME TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST" (v9-10).

   When people see someone who is not like them, many times they treat them with contempt.  Why?  Jesus did not!!  Homeless?  Poor? Middle class? Wealth?  What difference does it make when talking about eternal life.  For the wealthy and upper middle class who thrive on material things, they need to think....."Ever see a hearse with a luggage rack?"  You can't take it with you.

Treat all with love and if they are lost give them the opportunity to find that eternal home - Heaven! Praising the Lord!  Questions:  Has salvation come to your house?  Have you shared salvation with others?  Will you share with a lost relative, friend, or stranger?

To change a term slightly,  "SIR, WE WOULD BE LIKE JESUS!"  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Troubled waters - Who do you TRUST? Isaiah 43:2

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

   Yesterday I mentioned the artificial bells hung in a church and asked if you were artificial - aka going through the motions.  Satan is a ray of light, a shining light of deception, creating doubt and concern.  Why?  Well, if he creates doubt in you, then you will not be able to continue and follow God's word and do God's work for always questioning.   My wife will fuss at me occassionally, not for my belief, but my unbelief.  She gives me a reality check.  I need that.

   God says in Isaiah 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers they shall not overflow you."

   God does not promise that we will escape the turbulent seas of life, but He does promise, "I will never leave you nor forsake you: " Hebrews 13:5

  Our faithful and living God will be there in all of our struggles.  My prayer needs to be that God will give me the faith of a little child. A faith that will never falter and never fail.  Before you sink in your burdens, God will put His arms underneath you. You will survive. Thank God!  Love you all.

  In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Artificial or Real? 1 John 2:5,6

Hello all.  How are you this fine day?  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

    This morning I did not feel led to any message, and having stopped and prayed again I came across some passages that really touched me.  I hope and pray they touch you as they did me.
     Obedience to God is an expression of our love for God.  Sometimes we become so heavenly minded we are no earthly good.  Maybe this was what was happening early this morning.
    There is a Christian song out about just going through the motions.  We, as Christians need to be cautious about just going through the motions and not being a "real Christian" with the glory going to God.
      A church in Illinois had a belfry when it was first built but did not have the money for the bells.  Well, on their 25th anniversary they had money to purchase bells.  Now, not just any bells, these were special bells, a grand sight to view indeed. However, there was just a little problem, no one would be able to hear the bells!  Why, you ask.  Because they were magnificent, BUT artificial.  They had not sound, the congregation would never hear them ring.
    Do you ever feel your life is like this.? You are an artificial bell, just hanging around, looking good, but no sound comes forth.  The proof that people truly know and love God is found in submitting to His authority and to His word.
     1 John 2:5-6 "But whoever keeps His Word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. by this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked."
    Read those words John wrote again, slowly, and aloud.  Are YOU walking just as HE walked?
Obedience!  The Word! JESUS!  "Sir, we would see Jesus!"
    In Christ's Love and Grace
        Johnny

I am weak, but He is strong II Corinthians 12:9

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Wow!  What a great day to be a child of God.

   Don't you feel it?  If you don't......start over with a prayer and thank God for all you have, all you have had, and all you will have. 

   II Corinthians 12:9 "And he said unto me, 'My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.'  Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

  Paul prayer that God would remove the affliction, God did not, but God did promise to demonstrate his power in Paul.  The fact that God's power is displayed in our weaknesses should give us courage and hope.  We may experience trials, but this will always be accompanied by the enduring grace of God.

  As we recognize our limitations, we will depend more on God for our effectiveness rather than on our own energy, effort, or talent.

  Our limitations develop our strength for God as well as our devotion and worship.  Our limitations help develop our Christian character.  As we admit our limitations, weaknesses, we turn to and confirm God's strength.  The last line - "glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

   Are you allowing God to demonstrate His power in you?  Do others (family, friends, strangers) see Christ in you?  It is time my friend, stay thirsty and drink of the living water.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Part of the body of Christ - 1 Corinthians 12:27

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

  Often people say they are loners.  They may think so, but it is the exception that could live alone with no other human contact.  We all need contact of some type with people.  Many people work out of their homes but find this is lonely and would like some interaction.  Office spaces have been created to accommodate these people; they still have their business but there are others around they can visit with or bounce ideas off of.
    Just as the business man who thinks he can work alone, many Christians think they work better alone.  We are meant to work together with others in the church. (Church meaning the body of Christ).
   1 Corinthians 12:27 "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."

   The LORD desires that we take part in fellowship with a local community of believers - using our spiritual gifts and working together in His service.  In this passage the apostle expresses both the unity and the diversity of the body of Christ.
    The thought is not that this particular local assembly is the body of Christ.  The stress is on quality. Since they are of the body of Christ their actions and their attitudes toward one another should reflect His (Jesus') character. 
    If you look at the verses prior to 27; 20-26 and read you will find we are all parts of the body and equally important.  The body is one.  Think about this for a moment - the body is one!  Each element of the body is important; YOU ARE IMPORTANT!  You may not be the head, you may be the big toe.  Balance is difficult without the big toe.  We need balance to walk, to get around.  We are all important in the body of Christ.
   A toe, the head, little finger, the brain, or any part is important.  Without that part you are not whole. May you be whole in the body of Christ.  What can yo do to help others feel a part of church - the body of Christ?  Share the good news of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Saviour. Love you all.
    IN Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

   

Worthy, do you walk with Jesus? Revelation 3:4,5

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Okay, let's look at Revelations 3:4,5 "Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil.  They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.  All who are victorious will be  clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine."


    To be clothed in white means to be set apart for God and made pure.  Christ promises future honor and eternal life to those who stand firm in their faith.  Are you standing firm in your faith, or are you compromising?  Watch a movie or tv show with a "few curse words" or a "little sex" is okay.  IS IT REALLY?  Would you eat brownies with a little, just a little bit of manure in them?  This slowly pollutes or poisons the body, the soul.
    God knows all who belong to Him and all these people are guaranteed a listing in the Book of Life and are introduced to the hosts of heaven as belonging to Christ.  Is your name written in the Book of Life?
   Luke 12:8,9 "I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God's angels.  But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God's angels."
    You have seen and heard this before; straight out of the Bible.  I truly believe this, and I don't use this as a threat or guilt tool on others.  Are you, oh person of Sardis, clothed in white?  You are worthy! Tell everyone, tell the whole world.  Scream out, now, where you sit - I AM VICTORIOUS IN CHRIST! Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

When I first believed....and now........ Revelations 3:3

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


   Look at these 2 phrases -  Good lord it is morning!  &   Good morning LORD !  One is regret, the other is praise.  Where does your attitude reside?  Sometimes we forget who is responsible for us.


  Revelations 3:3 "Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly.  Repent and turn to me again. If you don't wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief."


  The church at Sardis was urged to go back to what they first heard and believed.  We, too, need to be urged to do so as well.  It is important to grow in our knowledge of the LORD, to deepen our understanding through careful study.  But no matter how much we learn, we must never abandon the basic truths.  No new truth from God will ever contradict these fundamental biblical teachings.
      The church was also told to wake up.  I would urge you to wake up as well.  Many times the position we are in is comfortable (through money, home, etc.) and we tend to "fall asleep."  Our self satisfaction causes us to back-slide or die spiritually.  We need not be so heavenly good that we are no earthly good.
     Be careful not to wander from the teachings of the gospel.  The church at Sardis had wandered from the apostles' teaching, but they were no longer growing in faith or evangelism.  Oh, wow!  Does this strike a cord with many Christians?  Do you still have compassion and wish to serve others?  Do you still have the unity and/or love?  Are you watchful and alert?
    If God has given you a place of responsibility to teach, lead, or serve, use that position to encourage those around you to be spiritually awake and morally prepared.  So, for heaven's sake, what are you doing?  Are you ready is Jesus returns as a thief in the night?
    My prayer today is that we share the gospel with all who need to hear it, that God lead our every step. Don't forget loved ones in your family and extended family.  Offer them the opportunity to hear the words of salvation.  Love you all.
     In Christ's Love and Grace
           Johnny

Dead or alive? Christ wants you alive! Revelation 3:1

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


   What a great day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST.  Things could be different, but because you are reading this YOUR LIFE is different.  Why?  Not for what you do, not for what I do, but for what JESUS DID FOR US!!


  Let us not be as Sardis in Revelation 3:1; a wealthy city that was in two locations.  The older section of the city was on a mountain, and when its population outgrew the spot, a newer section was built in the valley below.


    Revelation 3:1 "Write this letter to the angel of the church in Sardis. This is the message from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit of God and the seven stars: "I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive -- but you are dead."


   The "sevenfold Spirit" is another name for the Holy Spirit.  The seven stars are the messengers, or leader, of the churches.  The problem in the Sardis church was not heresy but spiritual death.  In spite of its reputation for being active, Sardis was infested with sin.  Its deeds were evil and its clothes soiled.  The Spirit has no words of commendation for this church that looked so good on the outside but was so corrupt on the inside.  Many places around the world today have stained glass, statuary, crosses, and inscriptions that have the "name" of Christianity emblazoned throughout their property, yet they are spiritually dead.   These churches might be compared to the monuments and gravestones erected in cemeteries to honor the memories of faithful men and women of past generations who were alive for a time with a solid reputation for godliness, yet whose families have drifted away from the LORD.


  Even though Christ called Sardis a dead church, he also affirmed the handful of people who were faithful believers.  Christ loves to defeat death.  If you find yourself in a dead church, make sure you preserve your own faithfulness.  Ask God to intervene!  As God to help you find other believers, and pray together for an awakening of your church!


   My prayer, your prayer of the day should be that others would see Jesus in us, and we not be dead spiritually.  Do your actions display those of Christ?  Is your attitude, anger, action one Jesus would be proud of or are you simply going through the motions?  Wanted dead or alive!  Jesus Christ wants us alive......alive in Him. Love you all.


In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

The Hall of Eternal Life Inductees - Romans 10:8-13

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


Faith------Faithful.  What are we talking about?  You have assurance from the word of God, the Bible, that if you call upon God and believe you will have everlasting life.  God IS ALWAYS FAITHFUL!  However, you need to have the faith, you have to have FAITH!


Romans 10:8-13 "In fact, it says, "The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart." And that message is the very message about faith that we preach. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is LORD and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that your are made right with God,and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.  As the Scriptures tell us, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced."  Jews and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same LORD, who gives generously to all who call on him.  For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.""


How do you become a Christian?  Ever hear this question?  The answers are above.  Salvation is close, on your lips and in your heart.  You have to have the faith and truly believe.  God is faithful and never lets us down; we let ourselves down with doubt, lack of faith, letting satan squeeze in thoughts that make us question our faith.


To GOD, it is very simple - confess with your mouth that Jesus is LORD and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved, so what is the problem?  We have been taught since we were wee bitty children that if you want something you will HAVE TO WORK FOR IT!  Salvation has already been worked out -  J E S U S !  He came, He saw, He conquered!  Conquered what?  DEATH! You have been induced into the Hall of Eternal Life!  So go forth, share the word with many, bring more back to share in the glory of GOD.  May God richly bless you today.  Love you all.


In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Redemption, justified, Jesus Christ Romans 3:24

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


Romans 3:24 "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:"


From my KJ Bible Commentary.  I do not feel I can improve or help us understand the words better than laid out by the commentary.


  Paul makes three observations about the righteousness of God which brings justification.  He says that the righteous man is justified freely and that this justification is by his grace and provided through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.  Being justified freely means being justified without any prior conditions being met.


   Being justified by God's grace indicates that not only is our justification without prior conditions being met but, on the other hand, it is graciously given. We do not merit justification, but we enjoy it.  You cannot have both merit and grace. Our justification was by the grace of God.  Beyond this, it was through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.


  Since the word redemption signifies a buying back, it must have been accomplished by the payment of a price. The price of our redemption was the blood of Jesus Christ (Mt. 20:28; 1 Cor 6:20; 1 Pet 1:18-19).  Therefore, we are justified in the sight of God when the righteousness of Christ is placed upon us by the grace of God, freely and without cause.  Only then God views us as ransomed by the blood of Christ.


   My you rejoice in the redemption and share the good news with others.  Tomorrow let's talk about faith and faithful.  Love you all.


In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

How's your bio?

Good morning all. A great day to be alive in Jesus Christ our LORD and saviour.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

In my daily readings I came across one about your biographical sketch.  What would yours say if you could only use six words.  What would your six word biography be?  A redneck might have his like this: "hey ya'll, cum mere, watch this!"  A man who thinks he is a top financial man may think: "so many investments, so little time." 

  The Bible has examples like David of whom God said, "A man after My own heart" (1 Sam 13:14; Acts 13:22).  Or Paul's self-description: "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ. (Eph 1:1)  Mary: "The virgin shall be with child" (Mat 1:23)  and Jesus, "Became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14).

So what would your six word descripton of yourself be?  Would it be positive or negative?  "Not an easy person to love," or maybe "A shining light for the LORD."  I am not sure, maybe "Johnny, a servant of Jesus Christ," or "Once lost, now found, Eternally thankful,"  I would hope something like, "Johnny, faithful servant of Jesus Christ."

Thank you for listening. May your bio be acceptable to God. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Freedom - a gift from God! Galatians 4:4-7

Good morning all. A great day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Today, July 4th, is Independence Day, Freedom.  What is freedom?  According to Webster freedom is: 1) a being free; independence, b-civil or political liberty, c-exemption from an obligation, discomfort, etc. d-a being able to act, use, etc. freely, e-ease of movement, f-frankness.  2) a right or privilege.

  What is freedom to you, a Christian?   What does this mean to you?  As Christians we have freedom from death.  We have conquered death how?  Through Jesus Christ, our LORD and saviour, whom was sent by God to save the world and give us FREEDOM.

Galatians 4:4-7  "But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law.  God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, "ABBA, FATHER." Now your are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir."

The Bible says it best, and you just read it. Have a God filled day. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Want to see the Kingdom of God? John 3:3,5

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

   If today is a God day, then today will be a good day.

Jesus spoke to Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader, a Pharisee and said, "I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God."  (John 3:3)

   Nicodemus knew the Bible of old, but when Jesus told him he must be "born again" he did not understand.  This was a revolutionary concept and we sit and think how could he not know.

   Look around you today, spouses, cousins, siblings, parents, you say they know the Bible, so did Nicodemus, so does satan, but are they born again.  We are not to judge, but to see the fruits of their labor.  If their "fruits" or what they do does not reveal a godly nature with a love of Jesus please pray for that person.

   God is a god of second chances NOW, but when he returns it is all over.  Jesus said, "I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit." (John 3:5)

    Good people don't get to heaven,  those reborn in Jesus do. Pray for ones of concern, don't badger them, don't preach to them, simply pray.  But remember, prayer works on God's clock, not yours. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Holy what? Holy Spirit! Romans 8:2

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

 Last Friday, Roman 8:1 you are declared not guilty and freedom has been given you.  Today, let us view Romans 8:2 "And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death."

What are we talking about here? Life-giving Spirit.....hm.... well this is the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit was here at the creation of the world (Genesis 1:2) and behind the rebirth of every Christian is the power of the Holy Spirit.  We are FREE.

  The Holy Spirit give us the power we need to live the Christian life.  John 3:6 "Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life."  When Jesus rose from the dead, his physical presence left the earth, but he promised to send the Holy Spirit so that his spiritual presence would still be among us.

   All believers have the power of the Holy Spirit available to them. You have friend have been set FREE!  As Jesus said to the woman, go and sin no more.  SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS! 

   Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny