Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED! Today is halloween and tomorrow is ALL SAINTS DAY! Also, we are coming into a major election. I would urge you to vote standing strong on your Christian values for the right proposals, admendments, and people. Voting straight party does not put the best people in office. Our nation is in a state of decay and We The People need to revert back to God and stand up for the Christian way of life. Jeremiah 23:28 "Let these false prophets tell their dreams, but let my true messengers faithfully proclaim my every word. There is a difference between straw and grain!" True prophets and false prophets are as different as straw and wheat. Straw is useless for food and cannot compare to hourishing wheat. To share the gospel is a great responsibility because the way we present it and live it will encourage people to accept it or reject it. Whether we speak from a pulpit, teach in a class, or share with friends, we must accurately communicate and live out God's Word. As you share God's Word with friends and neighbors, they will look for its effectiveness in your life. Unless it has changed you, why should they let it change them? If you preach it, make sure you live it. As the saying goes: "If you talk the talk, you need to walk the walk." Love you all. In Christ's Love and Grace Johnny
Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED! As I woke this morning, in the early A.M., God laid 2 verses on me. I mainly read the New Testament and then Old Testament as a reference. As I woke, Jeremiah 23:10 and 23:30 came to me. I had no idea what they would say. Prior to falling into a slumber I read in Jesus Calling about taking time to be with God, to listen, to understand, to be still and know that HE IS! So, I believed this would be what I would read in Jeremiah. Jeremiah 23:10 "For the land is full of adultery, and it lies under a curse. The land itself is in mourning- its wilderness pastures are dried up. For they all do evil and abuse what power they have." Wow!! Look around you friend, is not our land full of adultery? Stop, look and listen to what is being said on our electronic media, social networks, T.V., etc. People worship the dollar, celebrities, people of power, people of social positions, sports. How much time is spent in prayer and mediatation with God. Do we lie under a curse? The weather patterns have all changed drastically over the last few decades. Crops have burned up - lack of rain. Last year many livestock were sold due to the drought and pastures having no grass. Is our land full of evil and abusing what power we have? All power comes from God. Today we have many false prophets and we must be aware. How do we know? There are four signs of false prophets. (1) They appear to speak God's message, but they do not live according to God's word. (2) They water down God's message in order to make it more palatable. (3) They encourage their listeners, often subtly, to disobey God. (4) They tend to be arrogant and self-serving, appealing to the desires of their audience instead of being true to God's Word. Let me end with the other scripture I felt God laid on me prior to sunrise of this fine morn. Jeremiah 23:30 "Therefore, says the LORD, I am against these prophets who steal messages from each other and claim they are from me." Take heed my friend. Have you, or will you spend some quality quiet time with God today? Tomorrow, more in Jeremiah. In prayer and mediatation I envisioned hands reaching down, lifting us up as to victory, then being held in warm embrace. 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. 1 Corinthians 9:23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. Ephesians 3:6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. 2 Thessalonians 2:14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We should share the blessing of the gospel.
Gentiles are heirs to the gospel with Israel.
We should share the promise in Christ Jesus.
You are called through the gospel to share.
We share the glory of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.
What glory? Eternal life.
My question for you is this: If you don't share the gospel with someone, if you don't tell someone about Jesus and salvation.......are you.......and I would like you to think about this.
If I pass someone and don't share the gospel when the Spirit moves me am I essentially telling them: "You can go to hell!" If I don't act on the Spirit, don't share, I am held responsible. Check Col 4:2. Love you all.
Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED! Today, let's look at this verse:
Colossians 4:2 New International Version (NIV)
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.(NIV)
Colossians 4:2 Common English Bible (CEB)
2 Keep on praying and guard your prayers with thanksgiving.
We all need to take time, devote ourselves to prayer. This is not just stopping for a moment or two with a thank you Jesus for all you have given me, keep me and family and friends safe. I pray in your name. This is STOPPING, STOPPING, and dedicate a minute, two, a dozen to talk to God and listen to God. This will help us be watchful and thankful. People spend time in mediation, in physical exercise, 20, 30 minutes, even hours - yet God is slighted. Physical health lasts for a life time; spiritual health lasts for an eternity. Take time to pray. WWYD! (What Would You Do) We know what Jesus did, He took time for prayer. Can't you?!?
GOOD MORNING ALL! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED! Going along with the watchman please look at this verse, read it, re-read it, be silent, absorb it, and then put your thoughts to paper with quill. Ezekiel 3:27 "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." Here are 2 more versions of the same verse.
Ezekiel 3:27
New King James Version (NKJV)
27 But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ He who hears, let him hear; and he who refuses, let him refuse; for they are a rebellious house.
We should speak with God's authority, not just babble and idle talk, but with God's blessing.
Ezekiel could only speak when God had a message to deliver to the people.
Our message is constant, we have the LORD JESUS CHRIST to tell the world about.
Plant the seeds my friend, some will fallen on barren land, some on hi-ways and bi-ways, yet some will fall on fertile ground. Your job is to plant the seed, tell of God, the rest of the work is up to God. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
Ezekiel 3:27
Common English Bible (CEB)
27 But whenever I speak to you, I’ll open your mouth, and you will say to them: The Lord God proclaims. Those who hear will understand, but those who refuse will not. They are just a household of rebels.
Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
Yesterday's topic was about watchman being accountable. Let us today cruise on to verse 19.
Ezekiel 3:19 KJV "Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered they soul."
Okay, as a watchman you have confronted the wicked. Wicked here, I believe, is relating to non-believers. And if he/she does not turn from his wickedness or wicked way..... Well, let's visit here for a moment. Wickedness or wicked way, again, I believe, refers to living in the world, for the world, and gathering material things from the world, not living for Christ. Thusly, this becoming his/her god or idol. He shall die in his iniquity .. to me means.. he/she will die never able to see the glory of heaven; his/her soul condemned for eternity. However, on the other side, when you have confronted the "wicked" you have delivered your soul. Your eternity is in the heavenlies. This is what I am gathering from what I am reading and studying, but is my opinion. Please study this for your self and share what it means to you as well. I will share, I will confront, I will be upfront in sharing my relationship with Jesus. However, I am unable to do this on my own, and God has to take the lead and show me the direction. I can do all things through Christ. God's word is alive and active in me. Say that with conviction. GOD'S WORD IS ALIVE AND ACTIVE IN ME!!!!! Love you all. Thank you for your patience. In Christ's Love and Grace Johnny
Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
WATCHMAN! We are. Ezekiel 3:17-18 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. (18)When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at think hand." What is being said here? A watchman's duty was to warn of impending danger. Ezekiel was to warn the people of Jerusalem of the coming invasion by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar. God warned Ezekiel that if he refused to pass on whatever messages he received from God, he himself would be held accountable. Now, Ezekiel was not responsible for the response of the hearer, but to sound the warning. In Hebrews 13:17 (click for passage) church leaders will give account before the LORD someday about their flock and how they fared. They will not be responsible for the response of others, but to share the good news of Jesus Christ. It is, therefore, our job to respond to our spiritual leaders appropriately, and to go forth and share with others, as we will be held accountable as well. If the watchman did not sound the warning, then he was guilty of manslaughter. If we don't sound the warning, aka share the truth, we may be allowing someone to travel the wrong path. Instead of WWJD, try WWYD (What Would You Do). Love you all. In Christ's Love and Grace Johnny
Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
NAHUM 2:4-6 "The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings. He shall recount his worthies: they shall stumble in their walk; they shall make haste to the wall thereof, and the defence shall be prepared. The gates of the rivers shall be opened, and the palace shall be dissolved."
This prophecy in Nahum could be a description of us, today, in the 21st century. This is dealing with the coming destruction of Assyria, a great country and its capital. Relate that to America. And what was the capital of Assyria? NINEVEH! The place Jonah despised, where the people were oppossed to God. What has happened to America! And this comes from our president down. Yes, I disagree with Obama, but, the lawmakers are there for a check and balance. When that check and balance does not occur, you end up with laws and regulations made for the commoner, you and me, and not for the people in power or the wealthy.
So, because we don't hold our lawmakers accountable what is happening? In 1963 the song Greenback dollar came out, part of the lyrics, "I don't give a damn about a greenback dollar..." When this hit the air, the censors had it in an instant and the next time you heard it, it was "I don't give a ____ about a greenback dollar." Quick to censor, quick to stand on our morals. And today, are we not becoming more like Nineveh? Are our gates open? Is our palace (D.C.) about to be destroyed? Will we end in destruction as did Neneveh? Are we opposed to God? Do you stand for abortion? Same sex marriage? "Shady" jokes? Or do you stand for God and His ways? Pray about this, think about this, election time is coming, who do you want in office locally? in your state? in your nation? Men of God - or men out for themselves? Time to search my friend. Scary for my chiildren, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Thank you for taking my concern and reading. It is my interpretation and opinion. What do you think? Where do you stand? Love you all. In Christ's Love and Grace Johnny
Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED! Two items God has placed on my heart. Yesterday as I was having lunch I noticed a pickup with a young man sitting and seemed to be waiting. Within a few minutes up drives an suv with a young lady in it. The man gets out, the lady gets out, no greeting, no embrace. The man opens the back of the suv and the lady opens the back door and takes out a small child. Aha, it is Wednesday, Dad's day for divorced people. The child is 16 months old, the couple in their 20's, and a decision they made the child will have to live with for the rest of his life - DIVORCE. Divorce means 4 sets of grandparents instead of 2; 8 sets of great-grandparents instead of 4; and on and on. Then......where do you go for holidays? Some will want your alliance and resent the other; divorce is not good. But it does happen. Check Matthew 19:3-13 or Malachi 2:14-16. We make decisions as adults on our wants, just as the child does. Is it right? Does God like divorce? NO! But, if we turn it all over to God it will be right. If we allow God to, He will make our wrongs right, but will we allow Him to? The other item I felt placed on my heart is Matthew 20:1-16. Please take time to read this. It is about the land owner who hired workers for a denarius. The ones who worked 12 hours received the same as the workers who worked 1 hour. They grumbled about this, they should have gotten more. The land owner said they agreed to work for a denarius and he could pay as he sees fit since it is his to do with. Now put this in the salvation context. What about the person who is saved at the eleventh hour, does he deserve the same salvation as the one who accepted at the sixth hour, or at the first hour? The answer here is a resounding YES! What about the people who are left once the rapture happens? They did no accept, don't they deserve hell? God, as is laid out in Revelations, offers another chance. If they accept do they deserve heaven? YES! Our God is a God of second chances. Entrance to heaven is by God's grace. This parable is about salvation; it teaches about grace, God's generosity. We should not begrudge those who turn to God in the last moments of life. In reality, no one deserves eternal life. You will see people in heaven you never expected to see. Rejoice! Today, focus on God's gracious benefits to you, and be thankful for what you have. 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! Did you know that Jesus, had he lived today, would have been labeled a trouble maker? A hippy? A demonstrator? AND, homeland security would probably have a dossier on Jesus. Why? WHY? Because He went places He was not supposed to; He talked to people He should not talke to; He stayed at peoples homes where no respectable person would stay. WHAT IS WRONG WITH JESUS? DOESN'T HE KNOW THE RULES?!?! Oh, yes, Jesus knows the rules, He helped write them. What he did not follow were all the rules man set forth, thinking this is good. In John 4, verses 1-9 you will find there was rising opposition to Jesus. Why? Well, He was doing things the Pharisees felt He should not do. If you will, click on the link, John 4:1-6. Jesus was going from Judea to Galilee and had to pass through a central territory called Samaria. Most Jews avoided this territory because in earlier times the Assyrians captured this land, some Jews were deported here and they intermarried with the foreigners. The pure Jews hated the mixed breed called Samaritans, they felt these Jews had betrayed their people, the pure Jews. Jesus was tired and stopped at Jacob's well. Twice a day women would come to draw water from the well, usually morning and evening. Well......John 4:7-9 a woman came to the well at noon. Why? Probably to avoid meeting people as her reputation was not of the greatest. She was a Samaritan, known to be living in sin, and was in a public place. No respectable Jewish man would talk to a woman under these circumstances, but JESUS DID! The Good News here is: for every person, no matter race, social position or past sins - we must be prepared to share this Good News at any time and in any place. JESUS CROSSED ALL BARRIERS TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS, AND WE WHO FOLLOW HIM MUST DO NO LESS. Now, my friend, go, Go, GO and share the Good News of Jesus Christ, Lord and Saviour. Thank you for reading. 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! Okay, to you, the believer, there is one clear choice - Jesus Christ as LORD and saviour. But what about the unbeliever? What does a person do? Take a moment to look at John 3:31-36. It is laid out here clearly. Your whole spiritual life, my spiritual life, our friends and families spiritual life depends on the answer to one question: Who is Jesus Christ? If your answer is: Jesus Christ is my LORD and saviour - you are smarter than a non-believer (or fifth grader). But if the answer is a teacher in the Bible, a prophet, etc., now, Houston, we have a problem. God's son, the Messiah, the Savior, any of these work - but when we lower His position - be careful of what you speak. Jesus claimed to be God's son, even God himself. The quandaryI find myself in is how do I share this with family or friends who are close to me, wanting not to offend, yet wanting them to know the truth and the way. Praying about it is important, however, being human, I want my prayers answered NOW! lol I am asking God to help me give my burdens to Him, then walk away and leave them for Him to take care of. Will I quit praying? No, I will be diligent in my prayer, but I have to shake the burden from my hands and cast the burden upon my Heavenly Father. It is important that you, a child of God, do share the truth: John 3:36. The master gave 3 servants talents to care for on his leave; one - 10 talents; the second 5 talents; and then 1 talent. Do not be as the servant with 1 talent - to hide it, investing it no where, only of knowing it himself. The others invested and their talents grew. We are to be as the other servants - invest - tell others of Jesus Christ. IT IS NOT A SECRET! SHARE! SHARE! SHARE! Go forth boldly, telling of Jesus - salvation. Take up your walk, your knowledge of Christ and go forth my friend. Stay thirsty for the LIVING WATER. 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. I pray you have a most wonderful and God filled week. Our world is filled with sound. Take time today to listen to the many sounds, from pleasant digital sounds to bursting working sounds. We live in a world filled with noise - noise is defined as "any unwanted sound." From headphones, to advertising on TV to loud sounds we encounter in our daily living. We tend to become "immune" to the many sounds. The loudness can cause hearing deficiencies. I am reading a book about creatures of the jungle - they are sensitive to all sounds - why? If not it could mean death - they listen and watch. Move carefully, tread lightly, and are aware of their surroundings. It is called survival. Become careless and death! In 1 Kings, Elijah had listened to Jezebel's threats and the voice of his own fear, so he fled to a cave to hide. In the cave he was confronted with the overwhelming noise of wind, an earthquake, and fire 1 Kings 19:11-12. Then the cave grew silent and the voice of the LORD - the only sound that mattered broke through as "a still small voice" or "a gentle whisper." If we are to hear God speaking to our hearts, we need to pull away from the nose of the crowd. Only when we learn to be quiet can we really understand what it means to commune with the God who care for us. Turn down the world's volume and hear God's voice. In your quiet time make an effort to listen for the voice of God. 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! 1 Kings 3:4-14 is the study of devotion for today. Solomon - what an understanding and wise man. Did he get this way through birth? Solomon was at Gibeon to sacrifice to GOD. Do you ever take time for your "sacrifice" to God? God gave Solomon a choice, just as we have free will, God came to Solomon at Gibeon, appeared to him and said, "Ask what I shall give thee." What would you ask for if God, the all powerful, the One who spoke the world into existence, came to you and said - ask what I shall give thee. Now, God did not promise, He just told Solomon to ask what he would like to have. Solomon, now speaking to God, could have asked for anything,--wealth, 90 virgins, a mighty kingdom, but he asked for WISDOM! In verse 9 "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?" God was pleased with Solomon's request and granted it along with riches and honor. God also said there was no man before, nor would there be after Solomon with such great wisdom (verse 12). Solomon is known for his wisdom. What was Solomon's downfall? Marriage - no, not just marriage, but marriage with royal families of different countries, which was a common practice to help ensure peace. The problem with this is, they came from people who worshipped Baal, thereby corrupting the pure religion of God. These wives brought their gods to Jerusalem and lured Solomon into idoltry. Monitor your heart daily to avoid wandering from God's wisdom. What do you worship? God or..... 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! Wow! Do you ever just stop and reflect where God is; where He is taking you; what your purpose is? Yesterday, Oct. 10 was my birthday and I was working in the DFW area, or planned to work in the DFW area. As I trekked to Dallas early Tuesday my battery light on my pickup came on. I was not sure why or what was wrong, inbetween towns on I-20 -- I continued on, the light went off. Yea! The truck healed itself. lol Made my calls on Tuesday with no problem. Wednesday, I woke at the hotel, left for my calls, and my first call was at a Christian school, Coram Deo Academy. I went in, had a great visit with the principal, then returned to my vehicle to continue my calls. Get in the pickup, turn the key and hear a couple of "click clicks." Oh, battery is down. I get help from the academy, truck will not continue to run. Well, a long story short, called AAA, they came, tested the battery, it is okay, the alternator has gone bad. Ohhhhh! The young man, Edgar, who first came to check the battery, stayed until the tow truck came. Edgar is not a Christian. God moved me to ask if he believed in Jesus Christ as his saviour. He said he was not a believer, but felt people should be kind to one another and help each other when in need. We were able to visit for about 30 minutes until the tow truck came. I invited him to church and to search the word. He volunteered to keep in touch and he has my phone number and email. Praise God! Awesome experience and God opened the doors. Then, while riding with the tow truck driver, Gordon, we began to visit and I asked him if he was a Christian. He said he was Jewish. He explained his mom was married to a pastor, he was a pastor's kid, and as he grew he saw a difference between what was said in church and preached on Sunday and then how the "Christians", including his step-father, operated during the week. Each was in contrast and he quickly discovered that what was preached was not practiced by his step dad and other pastors of the community in and around the DFW area. He believes in a living God, but is not Christian because of the Christians. Remember, you may be the only Bible some people see. Or as the expression goes, when all else fails use words. How is your walk? Micah 6:8 "No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Religious rituals are not enough; God wants changed lives. He wants his people to be fair, just, merciful, and humble. God wants us to become living sacrifices (Romans 12:1,2) not just doing religious deeds, but living rightly (Jeremiah 4:4; Hebrews 9:14) IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO FOLLOW GOD CONSISTENTLY WITHOUT HIS TRANSFORMING LOVE IN OUR HEARTS. Pleae pray for Edgar and Gordon. 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! This week I have been visiting about the "evil" that comes to us through thoughts, words, actions and deeds. Did you share Jesus with someone yesterday or did you engage in some "off-color" activity? Romans 12:1 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." Can you say that you did present your body a living sacrifice? Are you holy and acceptable to God? We entertain rude and crude jokes, unChristian actions, yet we say - I AM A CHRISTIAN! If you were outside, looking in, would you be enticed to be a Christian by your actions, your talk? Would you follow you? Yet we allow things to come into our homes that are evil, i.e. TV or radio. I was appalled Tuesday morning by listening to KTBB and the commentator referred to the presidential campaign, Mitt Romney, and spoke of him and his campaign as mf's. He did not say the words, but IS THAT REALLY ACCEPTABLE? It is okay to disagree, but shouldn't we be held accountable? When the end comes you will be accountable to a higher power - the judge - GOD! I do not mean to go on and rave about this, but this is what we allow to pollute our minds, our children's minds, the youth of today's minds. I, and my generation are as guilty as before us and after us. When in junior high in 1960 I dropped my books and said crap. My mom jumped all over me and my response? Mom, everyone says it, there is nothing wrong with saying that. Oh, yes, our slang is just a shadow of the real words - and are they acceptable? NO! So far we have slipped, as we are standing on shale, our slide is not over. No my friend, our slide is just getting ready to be a landslide. Prepare, share, tell of the living God, tell of Jesus. Thank you for listening. Love you all. In Christ's Love and Grace Johnny
Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
Did you think about what we talked about yesterday? Evil? Then on the network show of "Katie" Katie C. had people on her show that had experienced "the other side" ---Heaven, had seen Jesus, family members, etc. A lot of people will pooh pooh this and tell us it is made up, it is all a lie, etc. The decision is yours to believe or not. If you get a chance read the book by the Burpo family of Heaven is Real. This helps give us more of a sense of heaven. God allows glimpses to help further the kingdom, just enough we can grasp, enough we can understand. Evil lurks all around and we need to be constantly vigil, wearing the breastplate of protection God gives us, be in prayer and contact with the LORD. How easy for us to have our head turned - a pretty woman, handsome man, inviting food and drink leading to other immoral things, and on and on. Moses did miracles that God told and led him to do; yet, the people of Israel still "forgot" and strayed. Did they really stray? Or, was there a weak link that satan was able to use? I believe the later! Ever notice how loud and obnoxious people tend to have a following? They tend to be either actively agressive or passive agressive, yet speak loudly, swaying people to follow them and their beliefs. These are great people for satan to use. Moses went up unto the mountain and was in the presence of GOD. He was given two tablets, written by the hand of God and we refer to as the ten commandments. While he was on the mountain God told Moses to return that the people had corrupted themselves. When Moses returned he saw the golden calf. When Aaron was questioned he crawfished, saying you know how stubborn and evil these people are. Aaron told them to take their jewerly, give it to him and he cast it in the fire, and ca-pow - out came this calf. How often does something happen and we retreat, blaming others, and telling how bad THEY ARE, instead of seeing what we are doing. Evil lurks - again, today, watch your words, your actions, and see if they are Jesus worthy. If Jesus was standing beside you, would you say or do the same thing. To read about the golden calf click on this link - Exodus 32. Thank you for reading today. May the words of your mouth and your actions be worthy of Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit. Love you all. In Christ's Love and Grace Johnny
Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
Okay, here is a question for you today. What do you do when the conversation you are akin to, in your belief, does not honor God? What do you do when you turn on the TV and there are shows like 666 Park Avenue, Revolution, or Resident Evil? How do you react? What do you do? When, in the deepest parts of your heart you know this does not honor God?
Do you endure? Do you change channels? Do you speak up or just be a silent voice? Do we sit on the edge of evil and are tempted? Genesis 3:5 satan says to Eve, "For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil."
Adam and Eve gained what they wanted, an upclose look at both good and evil. They gained this knowledge by doing 'EVIL' and disobeying God. We are free to do what we want, but many times doing what we want brings disastrous results. Adam and Eve did what God had forbidden, they failed to focus on the blessings and promises God would shower us with. We are only truly free in being obedient to God and following what God wishes us to do. Can you take honor in your salvation when out of your mouth comes filth, evil, or you watch things, shows inspired by evil. Genesis 6:5 "The LORD observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil." Once again, some of the new shows demonstrate the "evil" side of Hollywood, TV, bringing shows like 666 Park Avenue, The New Normal, Revolution, Resident Evil. So, what are you going to do? Watch the shows, endure the language, the evil, and then pass it off by saying, 'Oh, it is only tv?' If you put poison in water, it does not matter how much water you add, the poison is still there. Will you drink of the living water, or the water of the world? 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!
Yesterday I talked about words, the damage they can do. In the congressional races, the presidential races, these men are very careful about the words they choose. Why? Because the opponent may use the word or words against them. Proverbs 12:13-18 "The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble. (14) Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards. (15) Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. (15) Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. (16) A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. (17) An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies. (18) Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing." V. 13 Evil people twist the facts to support their claims. Those who do this will eventually be trapped by their own lies. The ones who always tell the truth, the facts-plain and unvarnished-give an unshakable defense. If you find that you always have to defend yourself to others, are you being totally honest? V. 14 speaks for itself. V. 15 - Wise listen to others, however, fools begat fools and they tend to rally together, repeating their foolish words. Ever hear anyone tell you something like, 'I just tell you the truth, what you see is what you get?' They tell you this over and over----who are they trying to convince? You? Or themselves? V. 16 Wow, does this speak to us all?!? When something happens, being human, the first instinct is to retaliate, yet the Word says stay calm. For me, this takes some prayer. I may not be physically, outwardly responding, but inside I am furious and thoughts are weilding left and right. I have to take time, think about it, pray about it, then respond or react. V. 17 - The funny thing about the truth is it is always the same, each time you tell it. Lies tend to change. Truth is a strong tool, sometimes dangerous or awkward tool, but the strongest. V. 18 cutting remarks, boy they cut deep. Wise words from a wise person will bring healing. Think about these verses when dealing with your children, spouse, relatives, friends, people of the community. Let me leave you with this: Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare." Thank you for reading. Love you all. In Christ's Love and Grace Johnny
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 the word---"WORD" ? What does it mean? What is the definition of word? Word is something that is said - a brief remark or conversation ; a speech sound or series of speech sounds that symbolizes and communicates a meaning. Do you ever just stop and think about the word or words you use? Psalm 19:3 "They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard." The apostle Paul referred to this psalm explaining everyone knows about God because nature proclaims God's existence and power. We are surrounded by displays of God's craftsmanship daily. God spoke, or used a word or words to create our world. Proverbs 13:25 "Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up." Wise people will and can see when a person needs a word of encouragement. Stop, take time, listen, and let God give you the words to say in each instant. Proverbs 12:19 "Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed." Truth is always timely; it applies today and in the future. Truth is connected with God's unchanging character, truth does not change. The truth, The Bible, has been with us for centuries and has withstood the test of time. God is truth, and we can trust His word to guide us. Untruths can hurt, destroy, cause irrepairable damage, undo harm and for what? Unfortunately for us, we live in a world ruled by the Prince of Darkness (satan) and people, being what they are, would rather believe a lie from someone they don't know than the truth from someone they do know. Ever have someone say something about you that was not true? Then, the people around that heard it began to doubt you. Did they question the person telling it? No! But they did the damage, by a word or two they created doubt. This is what satan is all about and tries to do this with us. Stand strong in the word my friend, it (Bible) {God's word} has stood the test of time. Love you all. In Christ's Love and Grace Johnny
Entering the most dangerous place- the world! Luke 22:33-38
Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED! In the 22nd Chapter of Luke, Peter tells Jesus he is with him all the way. Then Jesus told Peter he would deny knowing Jesus 3 times before the cock crowed. As we read on in the scriptures, in verse 35 Jesus tells the disciples "When I sent you out to preach the Good News and you did not have money, a traveler's bag, or extra clothing, did you need anything?" The disciples response was no! Then in verse 36 Jesus says, "But now, take your money and a traveler's bag. And if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one! For the time has come for this prophecy about me to be fulfilled: 'He was counted among the rebels.' Yes, everything written about me by the prophets will come true." Look at Isaiah 53:11-12. Jesus reversed his earlier advice about how they were to travel (C9v3). The disciples were to bring bags, money, and swords. They would be facing hatred and persecution and would need to be prepared. When Jesus said, "That's enough," he may have meant it was not time to think of using swords. The mention of swords communicated the trials they would soon face. You face these trials today, as did the disciples. Your "sword" needs to be the Bible, the Good News of Jesus Christ. Pray before you go into battle, during battle, and after the battle. Yes, when you woke today you engaged in a battle. The spiritual warfare above your head is tremendous; the warfare you will have as you gander into the world today will be furious and you must stand strong in the Spirit, in the Word, and most of all in Jesus! Be slow to anger, quick to think, and slow to speak. Let the Spirit guide the words that jet forth from your oral cavity we refer to as a mouth. As the old saying goes, let you brain be loaded before you shoot off your mouth. Be a good listener, don't be thinking about your reply, but about what they are saying. The world does not like you, let Jesus be the tread you travel within. Take time to think about who you are, where you are, and what you are doing 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!
How is your day going thus far? Are you rejoicing and happy? If not, take a moment and visit with Jesus. If you are treading in doom and gloom you are looking in the wrong places. We should be screaming "HALLELUJAH! CHRIST AROSE! I SHALL HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE!
Lenin lied in a crystal casket in a beautiful mausoleum in Red Square, Moscow with the epitaph: "He was the Saviour of the world." Well, you know what, this "saviour" still lies in a casket and his bones can be escavated. MY SAVIOUR's bones cannot be found, My Saviour is not in a casket or tomb. My saviour rose again in 3 days and has provided life everlasting for all who call upon Him. I called upon Him and He is MY SAVIOUR! John 6:47 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life."
When you accept Jesus as LORD and Saviour, you have done more through Him than any modern science could ever do - you will live forever, but in a new body, a body than is not flawed. Hallelujah! Our physical death here on earth is simply the stepping stone to the next realm of life. Father, I thank YOU that I shall never die. Thank you for reading today. Love you all. In Christ's Love and Grace Johnny
Luke 22:33,34 Will you go to prison for Jesus? REALLY?
Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED! Just a short commentary today. I would challenge you to sit back, be silent, and think about your relationship with the LORD, Jesus Christ. Yesterday, at Church Under a Bridge it was raining here in East Texas, yet we had close to 110 people attending and then about 15 to 20 in the children's service. Why? Why do these people all come out? Some to get free goodies, some to serve free goodies, some to socialize, yet many to serve God, many to heard the good news of Jesus and salvation. Sometimes we become a little arrogant as did Peter in Luke 22:33 "Peter said, "Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you." Verse 34 Jesus brings it all back to reality "Peter, let me tell you something, before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me." Where do you stand today? Are you doing work for Jesus? OR, are you just going through the motions? Will you be as Peter and deny knowing Christ, or will you share the good news about Jesus today. Will you turn from your worldly ways and go forth as an example of Christ? Where are you today? Have you had your prayer time? Use your 10 minute break this morning or 5 minutes at lunch, take time to just be still and know that HE is............. Love you all. In Christ's Love and Grace Johnny
I am a happily married white male with 4 daughters, 7 1/2 grandkids, and 4 son in laws. Most favorite activity is golf, then being at the lake with family.
