Are you worthy of respect? Filled with love and patience? Titus 2:1,2

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    So, what is happening in your world?  Receive news that rubbed against your fur?  Things not going right at work?  Things not happening as you want them in your life?  SO, what are you going to do?
   Hey, try this, PRAY, pray for wisdom, knowledge and let the Holy Spirit lead.  God does not tell us to call on Him only when we want to, or when we are in need.  HE wants us to call on Him continually.  Let not your own wisdom and knowledge lead you, but the wisdom and knowledge of God through the Holy Spirit lead you.
   I had another verse I was headed for, but God reigned me in to Titus 2:1,2 "As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely.  They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience."
   There is an emphasis on "wholesome teaching" in Paul's instructions to Titus.  This is the content of our faith.
   How can you recognize wholesome teaching?  When a teaching is sound, it combines correct knowledge and understanding with consistent practice.  It must be found in the Bible, keep Jesus Christ central, result in consistently good behavior and actions, and promote spiritual health in ourselves and others.  Wow!  Read this paragraph again. 
   Believer must be grounded in truths of the Bible so they won't be swayed by the powerful oratory of false teachers, the possible devastation of tragic circumstances or the pull of emotions.  To me, the big one here is PULL OF EMOTIONS.  Lead not with emotions, but with the HOLY SPIRIT!!!!
   When something is happening in your life, do you REACT HUMANLY, or do you take a moment to pray about it.  I reflect back on my life, and I can only say, quit thinking secular and begin thinking spiritually in all things.  Life is great with God!  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

I keep doing the same things over and over Psalm 40:11,12

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   This morning, after prayer time and then while reading one of my morning devotionals I realized God was speaking to me and maybe to you.  I want to thank Mark Jeske for his words this morning as they did touch me.  I am going to paste below what Pastor Jeske shared.  He is talking about doing the same sins over and over.   

I hate having to scold my children repeatedly for the same acts of disobedience. Why do they still track mud through the house? Why do they still throw their clothes all over, "forget" to make their beds, and expect the maid to do all their dishes? I get so frustrated when I have to correct them over and over and over.

And then it dawns on me, Lord, that you might be letting me experience how you feel about the way I treat you. Do I seem like a slow learner to you? Stubborn? Empty-headed? You have been so patient with me in the past--you keep blessing me even when I clearly don't deserve it.

I need even more patience from you than my children need of me--"Do not withhold your mercy from me, O Lord; may your love and your truth always protect me. For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see" (Psalm 40:11,12).

Help me throw out the idols in my life, the things I love and trust and value more than you. You are my true treasure--help me see that serving and obeying you are the paths to true happiness. Lord Jesus, my Great High Priest, intercede for me every day so that grace and mercy from heaven will never cease washing through my heart and mind.  Thank you for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

    Johnny

Are you good? Proverbs 12:2

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED! 
   So, what is happening in your world today?  Anything exciting?  Several things caught my attention yesterday.  One, a Christian lady has a 2 hour no electronic rule in her home.  Meaning no phones-cell or landline, tv, computers, etc.  Just a time to commune with God; a time to be still and listen.  How refreshing this would be.  Will we do it?  Doubtful!  Why? Because most of us are so wrapped up in our own little world, we fail to see the big picture.  If you took 2 hours, no, let's say 30 minutes a day that there would be no outside world influence and you could read your Bible, pray, or just be silent, wouldn't this be nice?  
   I saw where a young lady was upset because she received a ticket.  A ticket for talking on her cell phone in a school zone.  First, it is against the law; and second, why are we so important that the whole world should revolve around us?
   In all you do, do you glorify God?  Do others see Jesus Christ in you?  Proverbs 12:2 "The LORD approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness."
    If you are not following God's plan of salvation; not walking the walking as well as talking the talk - then you are wading through wickedness.  If I turn my back on God; then I have no place to walk but in the trenches of evil.
    I need a time of silence, more time with God, and to be as the master wishes me to be.  People need to be able to see Jesus in me.  That is my prayer and goal.  May you be one the LORD approves and not one of wickedness. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny
p.s. to hear Proverbs 12 click here

Can you take discipline and learn? Proverbs 12:1

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    Did you stop, listen, and commune with God yesterday?  Once again this morning I hear my fingers tapping on the key board - BUT - the sounds outside are so free, so enjoyable, so refreshing.  God wants us to listen, but also God wishes us to gain wisdom and knowledge and to follow him.
   Look at Proverbs 12:1 KJV "WHOSO LOVETH INSTRUCTION LOVETH KNOWLEDGE: BUT HE THAT HATETH REPROOF IS BRUTISH."
   If you read this in other versions (click on Proverbs link) you will see the translation- love discipline  and love knowledge but it is stupid to hate correction.
   If you don't want to learn, years of schooling will teach you very little.  But if you want to be taught, there is no end to what you can learn. 
   This includes being willing to accept discipline and correction and to learn from the wisdom of others.  A person who refuses constructive criticism has a problem with pride.  Such a person is unlikely to learn very much and I might add will not be a good follower of God.  Look at Proverbs 12:2 and ponder on this a moment - "A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a wicked devices will he condemn."
   Take discipline and learn my friend.  Do not fall because of pride.  Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Where is your house? Psalm 84

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    Do you ever just stop.  I mean - whoa!! STOP!! Just sit down, be quiet, and listen.  As I sit here quietly with only the tap of my fingers on the keyboard I heard birds chirping. Their voice or sounds are cheery, joyful, and easy listening.  The water sprinkler is going, and the rest of the house, the outside is quiet and listening. 
    Click here to listen to Psalm 84.
       Psalm 84 the writer longed to get away from the bustling world to meet God inside his dwelling place, his holy Temple.  We can meet God anywhere, at any time. But we know that going into a church building, our prayer closet, our personal area of solitude, this can help us step aside from the busy mainstream of life so we can quietly meditate and pray.  We find joy and strength in our prayers, music, lessons, and sermons as well as fellowshiping with other believers in a special place.
     Do you long many times to get away from the hustle and bustle and move into a quiet place?  I do! My highlight of the day is when I get up early, have my quiet prayer time and do my Bible study.  When is your quiet time to spend with God?  God gives so mucha and asks so little.  Take time. Love you all.
     In Christ's Love and Grace
       Johnny

From hole to whole Matthew 14:31

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    Yesterday we talked about Matthew 14:22-31, but in particular 30 and the beginning of 31. This is when Peter asked Jesus to call him, Jesus said come, Peter walked on water, then looked around and began to sink.  IMMEDIATELY after Peter said Lord save me Jesus reached out His hand. Today, let us look at the last part of Matthew 14:31 “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”   Wow...WOW!
   If we are focused on Jesus, on God, then we will be able to do many things, but then we look around and become apprehensive about what is happening and then we doubt Christ's ability to help.  This doubt, or possibly fear is cast forth by satan, and when we take our eyes off of Christ, when we start taking in the views from the world we begin to doubt.
   I believe it is important that we, as Christians, look through the knot hole and focus on Christ, and as we grow and mature in Christ the knot hole will become larger and larger.  One day, through Christ's eyes, we will be able to see the whole picture, not just the "hole" picture.
   Please remember, Christ is always with you and is the only one who can really help. Lord, save me!  IMMEDIATELY, Jesus reached out and grabbed him.  Have faith my friend! Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

IMMEDIATELY Jesus stretched forth His hand Matthew 14:22-31

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   So, what is happening in your world?  Is it filled with Jesus Christ?  It should be.  Let's look at Matthew chapter 14 today.  Pastor preached on this yesterday and my wife called to my attention something that really struck her and me.
   Matthew 14:22-31  After Jesus feed 5,000 men with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish Jesus told His disciples to get in the back, depart, while He dispersed the crowd.  The disciples were on the water when a storm came up tossing them about and they saw a figure coming to them.  Fear at first, then they saw it was Jesus. Peter called out asking Christ to beckon him come to him on the water.  Peter did, Peter walked on water as did Jesus.
    But now comes the interesting part.  As Peter walked he was focused on Christ.  When fear (satan's tool) set in as Peter noticed the waves around him, Peter began to sink.  What did he do?  He called out to Jesus saying, "Lord, save me."  Now noticed what is said next that really impacted us.  In several versions, after Peter asked Jesus to save him, what did Jesus do?  It says, IMMEDIATELY, not later, not in a minute, not hold on, but IMMEDIATELY Jesus stretched forth his hand and caught him and said unto him, "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" 
    Let's summarize:  Peter asked to walk on water; Jesus said come; Peter walked; Peter had fear and started to sink; Peter called out "Lord, save me" and IMMEDIATELY Jesus stretched forth his hand.  Don't you think Jesus will do this for your and for me.  Be not of little faith, go forth, walk on water, keep focused on Jesus and see where it takes you.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Yoke of bondage? OR, free in Christ? Galatians 5:1

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   KJV  Galatians 5:1 "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."   When talking about the yoke of bondage Paul is referring to the law.
   Christ died to set us free from sin and from a long list of laws and regulations.  Christ came to set us fre- not free to do whatever we want because that would lead us back into slavery to our selfish desires.  Rather we are now free and able to do what was impossible before - to live unselfishly all because of Christ.
    Those who appeal to their freedom so that they can have their own way or indulge their own desires are falling back into sin.  Also, it is also wrong to put a burden of law-keeping on Christians.  We must stand against those who would enslave us with rules, methods, or special conditions for being saved or growing in Christ.
    Yesterday I listened to a commentary of where a church required all members to pledge tithe plus an amount above the tithe, AND, they were held accountable to pay this.  They were told if they did not pay then they could not hold positions in the church and God would not reward them.  NOW, I ask you, is this what God wants?  Laws, rules, special conditions?  NO!  Galatians 5:1 ".....Christ hath made us free and not be entagled with what.......?"   The yoke of bondage.  Beware law makers and false prophets in the church.
    We are free, thanks be to God for sending His son Jesus to take our stripes for us. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Anything shake your world? Are you shaking other peoples world? Matthew 5:19

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   So what is happening in your life today.  Did you know that on this date Paul Revere made his famous ride telling of the British coming?  The 1906 earthquake in San Francisco happened?  Yankee Stadium opened in 1923 in the Bronx?  These are major events that shook the United States?  What events will happen in your life today that will shake those around you?  What will you do to shake those around you?
   Jesus shook the whole world when He came, with His message, with His sacrifice!  We are to walk and learn to be as our teacher, Jesus.  We will never become the teacher, Jesus, but we must strive to follow Him and be so much like Him that others can see CHRIST in us.
   Matthew 5:19 " So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God's laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven."
    Jesus spoke these words and why?  Because some of those in the crowd were experts at telling others what to do, but they missed the central point of God's laws themselves. Jesus made it clear, however, that obeying God's laws is more important than explaining them.  It's much easier to study God's laws and tell others to obey them than to put them into practice yourself.
   How are you doing at obeying God yourself?  What will you do today to shake those around you for the kingdom of heaven?  Will you walk the walk, talk the talk, and share Jesus Christ and His work with someone today?   Now, go do the right thing! Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine! Matthew 5:14-16

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Well, were you salty yesterday?  Does your salt still have flavor?  Let us go on to "light" today.
Matthew 5:14-16 "You are he light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your good deed shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly father."
     Have you ever driven at night and seen the lights far off of a city.  The city on the hill cannot hide its lights, just as you, as Christian, should not hide your light - you should let it shine.  If we live for Christ, we will glow like light, showing others what Christ is like.  Yesterday, when I checked into the hotel, the young lady who checked me in had something special about her.  I did not know what it was.  Later that evening I went down to get a paper and began a conversation with her.  She is a Christian, her life has changed, she has learned forgiveness, and is yearning to grow as a Christian.  She had that glow, her light did and does shine.
    We should all glow as does she, not hiding our light, but letting it shine unto others for the glory of God.  How do we hide our light?  Well, by being quiet when we should speak up and stand up for Christ.  We hide our light when we go along with the crowd, or, if we deny the light.  Do not let sin dim your light and share or explain your light to others.  Our light may dim if we ignore the needs of others for ourself.
     Be a beacon of light- a beacon of truth - let your light shine so the whole world can see the truth- Jesus Christ as the way and the life.  Thank you for reading today. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Salty with flavor? Salty with no flavor? Which are you? Matthew 5:13

Good  morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    So, what is going on in your little world today?  Yesterday I visited with you about the "No Bickering Zone" and then mentioned Matthew about being salt and light.  Well, today we will talk about salt.
   Click here to listen to Matthew 5,  To read 3 translations of scripture click on Matthew 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?  Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless."  
   If a seasoning has no flavor, it has no value.  If Christians make no effort to affect the world around them, they are of little value to God.  If we are too much like the world, we are worthless. Christians should not blend in with everyone else. Instead, we should affect others positively, just as seasoning brings out the best flavor in food.
   Just as a bad apple will ruin a whole barrell; so will a positive person affect the whole crowd.  We should rejoice and be happy that we are: 1) saved and a child of God; 2) are chosen to go into the whole world and spread the good news.  So, my salty friend - are you with flavor or without?  What are you going to do now?  Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

NO BICKERING ZONE Philippians 2:14-16

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Your thoughts, your tongue - are they in check?  Are they bickering or not bickering? Look at Philippians 2:14-16  (click link for 3 translations) King James Version (KJV) 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings. 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
     Bickering - complaining- drama - why?  Why are complaining and arguing so harmful?  If people see a church where its members constantly argue, complain, or gossip, they get a false impression of Christ and the Good News.  Belief in Christ should unite us all. As Christians we should stop arguing with other Christians and let the world see Christ, as Christ really is.
   Our lives should be characterized by moral purity, patience, and peacefulness, so that my light, your light with "SHINE BRIGHTLY" in a dark and depraved world.  In Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus called us to be salt and light.  Maybe we need to give up our desire to be RIGHT in order to set ourselves a "NO BICKERING ZONE" , letting our light shine and reach a dark and needy world with the light of JESUS CHRIST.    Are you shining?  Will you shine brightly?  Less bickering - more light. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Forgiveness? What is it? Am I forgiven?

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


FORGIVENESS! What is it really? Do you know? According to Websters to forgive means:to give up resentment against, or desire to punish; pardon an offense or offender; 2) to cancel, like a debt.

What is forgiveness? Can Adolph Hitler be forgiven? Can Jeffrey Daumer be forgiven? Can you and I be forgiven of our sins? Our hidden sins?

What is forgiveness and exactly how does it work? As a father is with their child during the growing years. A child does wrong, the father corrects, forgives, and forgets. Is this not what our Father in Heaven does for us? Nehiamiah 9:17 tells us God is a god of forgiveness. Many places in the New Testament we will find as in Acts 13:38 "...through this man Jesus there is forgiveness." Hebrews 9:22

In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Let's pull this together - look at Websters again - Christ came to forgive, to cancel our debt (sin) and then in Hebrews the old law - Christ shed HIS blood for you, for me, for us all, so that we may be forgiven and have life everlasting. Now, who can be forgiven? Adolph, Jeffrey, you, me? Yes, we can all be forgiven by accepting Jesus Christ as our LORD and Saviour. Did it happen with Adolph? Jeffrey? That is between them and God. How about you? Are you forgiven? Do you realize your debt is cancelled? Take time to thank God for Jesus, confess your sins, and move forward helping the kingdom of God. Don't forget to forgive yourself. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Will you endure? Are you a hater? Matthew 24:9-13

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    In Matthew 24:9-13 Jesus tells the disciples they will be persecuted, killed, hated all over the world, many will turn away and betray.  False prophets will appear, deception, sin will be rampant everywhere and love of many will grow cold.   This does not look good, then Jesus says: "But the one who endures to the end will be saved."
    Okay, take a moment to reflect - in America the persecution is in progress and on going.  Huh? What do you mean?  The politicians are looking at hate crimes - one is if we, Christians, stand on the principles of marriage as given by the Bible, one man and one woman, then we are being labeled as pushing hate speech and perpetuating hate crimes. HUH? Really?
    There are many Baals among us today, lots of deception and if you question sin just view television for one evening.  Some shows on TV push that it is okay to be gay, have sex outside of marriage, drink, kill, and much more.  Is it really?  And if we voice opposition?
    People all over the world are being persecuted for being Christians.  Islam is fast becoming the religion of choice.  Why?  Because they are bold, go forth, and offer something to stand for.  We as Christians, many times, are passive and do not go forth boldly!!  I am not saying grab someone, shake them, and force them to believe - but - I am saying stand up for the man, Jesus Christ, who gave you salvation and spread the word.
    A wise superintendent down south of Tyler once said, when talking about doing or saying wrong, "To say nothing is to agree."  I think about this often in my Christian walk, to say nothing is to agree.  Where do you stand?  I am not advocating being radical, but I am advocating stand strong in word and in deed for the man who gave you life everlasting - JESUS CHRIST!! Love you all.
    In Christ's Love and Grace
        Johnny

211 or 212 Degrees? To be or not to be, that is your decision!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Well, how has your world been?  Did you try "being still and listen"? 212 DEGREES!
  The extra degree.  At 211 degrees, water is hot; at 212 degrees it boils.  And with boiling water comes steam; and with steam you can power a locomotive.  The one extra degree makes all the difference.
      Jesus' ministry was 3 years, and in that time he performed 37 recorded miracles which you can view. (click on miracles link)  The miracles do not count the countless lives he touched.  Jesus went the extra degree. Are you?
   On this date in 1866 the Titanic left England and a comment was made that, "not even God can sink the Titanic."  Well you know the rest of the story.  Where do you stand today? Do you believe you are unsinkable?  Are you going the extra degree; helping others to know Christ?  As the country western song says everybody wants to go to heaven, just not tonight.  The trouble is, not everyone knows HOW to get to heaven.
   Tom Landry, famous Dallas Cowboy coach said, "My major role is to help these people do what they don't want to do - so that they may attain what they are so desperate to attain."
    This, my friend, as was Tom's position, is our job as well.  People want to go to heaven but are not willing or don't know how to go about it.  Our job is to go the extra degree - help them see what they don't want to see or are missing so they can experience the salvation of Jesus Christ.  Are you 211 degrees or 212 degrees?  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Be still - LISTEN! Psalm 46:10

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
  I trust you day is beginning in a great fashion.  I was reading in a book yesterday and the info put forth really related to me and then I thought about Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am....."
  I read this by Rick Phillips, that gives ideas about listening. I relate this from sales to our living God!
1. Prepare to listen, the customer holds all the info we will need.
2.Develop questions that stimulate listening. i.e. open-ended questions not yes-no questions.
3. Look for opportunities to listen. Don't talk just to talk when the they are not talking. Try phrases like: go on, tell me more, I see, etc.
4. Practice the art of listening. Improve listening by practice and pay attention to whom you are speaking
5. Concentrate on the THEM! We say we can't remember names, and that is because we just don't pay attention. Listen!
6. Give them feedback. Concentrate on listening with mind, body as well as ears. Be an active listener!
7. Block out distractions. Focus on the person as if they are the only person around.
8. Focus on feelings and ideas as much as facts. We need facts, but we also need to understand the "why" behind the facts.
9. Practice listening with empathy. People respond to someone that cares and is not indifferent.
10. Get confirmation that you heard and understood correctly. Ask confirming questions so you know exactly what they want.

Take time today.  Stop, Alto! Stop!  Listen!  God says be still and know that I am.  We also need to be still and LISTEN to God and to others around us.  Don't be so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good.  I hope and pray this touches you as it did me.  God bless and have a wonderful day in Jesus. Love you all.   In Christ's Love and Grace     Johnny

What time is it? Is it time? 2 Peter 3:8-10

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    Wow!  Another day to serve the just LORD of our lives.  Are you happy?  Happy as an antelope with night goggles?  We all should be!!
    2 Peter 3:8-10 What is Peter saying to us here?  First, he wants us to understand that time is of no relevance to God.  A thousand years as a day, a day as a thousand years.  So, just be still, be patient, God is not slow, just waiting so that more sinners will repent and be saved.  When will the time come?
    That is verse 9, when we are told HE will come as a thief in the night.  Now, why would Peter use this example?  Because we know not when Christ will return, just as we do not know when a thief will come to rob us in our home, at work, walking, in a car, anywhere.  Thieves come quietly, no announcement, quickly, and then we see what has been done.  Christ will come quickly, however, all the earth shall know when HE comes, BUT, not before - no prior announcement.  
    When Christ returns, it will be wonderful for HIS followers, but terrible for those who do not believe. If you, if I, if we all follow the LORD, walking as HE, the teacher walked, we will be ready for HIS return and not totally surprised.  Peter tells us when Christ returns, the heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.  
   Knowing this, we should put our confidence, not in material things, but in Jesus Christ, who came, died on the cross for my sins, your sins, and be prepared daily for HIS return.  Take extra oil so your lamp will continue to burn as you watch for HIS triumphant return. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Lost sheep? Where? Matthew 18:10-14/Luke 15:3-6

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Wow!  This week has been really good.  I have been able to engage in conversations that is centered around God.  Opening the door way to life everlasting is an exciting voyage!  God wishes none of us be cast into hell, but experience salvation and the love of Jesus Christ.  In Matthew 18:10-14 we are warned about looking down on little ones (children) or anyone.  Verses 10-14 speaks to a shepherd who is concerned enough about one lost sheep to go to the hills and search for it.  What is this telling us?  
   It tells us God is concerned about each and everyone of us and wishes non to perish. In Luke 15:3-6 the shepherd leaves 99 sheep to search for one that is lost.  Why??  Because the shepherd knows the 99 are safe, they remain faithful, but the one lost is in danger.  Each sheep, each person, is of value and it is worthwhile to search diligently for the lost one.  God and the heaven's angels rejoice when the shepherd brings home a lost sheep.  
    Now, something that has opened my eyes is as we are human, we cannot "save" a person as the shepherd saves a lost sheep and brings it back to safety.  BUT, we can "PLANT THE SEEDS" of salvation and let God, the Great Shepherd, nurture the seed, help it grow, and bring it into the fold.
    I have engaged in conversation with some whom God is opening their heart to HIS salvation.  Yes, it is through a different threshold they come, but they are coming.  We don't have to have someone fall on their knees, repeat a sinners prayer, then rejoice they are saved.  We do need to plant the seed and allow it to be brought to full bloom by God, our redeemer.  It is patience we have to move into after sharing the salvation of God.  I will visit with you about this tomorrow.  We will jump to 2 Peter 3 tomorrow. Love you all. 
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

Exercise - physically and spiritually --- 1 Timothy 4:7

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Today, in my reading of a daily devotional it hit home with me, so I do apologize, however I am going to  copy what I read and maybe it will touch you as it did me. Thank you for your patience.
  But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 1 Timothy 4:7 . 
    Exercise...just writing the word wears me out.  I know I should do it regularly!  I have a member ship at a fitness center, buy my infrequent attendance makes the cost per workout extremely high.  So far my goal of becoming physically fit is just a dream.  I've put little effort into my physical training program.
     This approach is similar to the way many of us engage in spiritual training.  We know we should be actively involved in the basic spiritual disciplines of prayer, meditation, worship, Bible study, memorization, and witnessing, but we often allow other priorities to push spiritual disciplines out of our daily routinges.
    The apostle Paul strongly urged Timothy, his young protege in the ministry, to "exercise....unto godliness."  The word exercise is derived from the Greek word of "Gymnasium" and refers to active involvement in training for godliness.  Our approach to spiritual disciplines should be similar to the way an ancient athlete got rid of all encumbrances and focused completely on his training.  Exercise godliness in your daily life.  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny
from Open Windows, SB Guide

Do you see & not perceive; hear & not understand? Romans 28:23-28

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.   TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    Did you mention God to anyone, someone yesterday?  Today, I feel led to quote to you out of Acts 28 concerning Paul. Acts 28:23-24 Paul was a prisoner in an apartment which had a guard.  He was not allowed to leave, but could have visitors.  At this time Christians were denounced everywhere by the Romans because they were seen as a threat to the Roman establishment.  Hmmm, sounds like America; we Christians are a threat to the politically correct views of politicians who are vying for votes.
   The Christians were committed to one God, whereas the Romans had many gods, which included Caesar.  As Christians, their God was higher than Caesar.  Of course, this angered the Romans.
   People would come, people would listen, then people would argue among themselves about what Paul had taught - some accepted - some rejected.  Finally, Paul had this to say to the people of Rome, which could apply to us today as well.  This is in Acts 28:25-28 - the link has 3 translations; however, I would like YOU to see the words and seriously consider what Paul was saying:

Acts 28:25-28

King James Version (KJV)

²⁵ And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
²⁶ Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
²⁷ For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
²⁸ Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Easter is gone BUT JESUS IS NOT!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    Easter has come--Easter has gone---But the main man or Easter is here to stay -- to reign!  We all learn John 3:16 that God so loved the world HE gave HIS only begotten son to die for us.  This is probably the most popular verse among Christians because it relates to us directly, our salvation, our saviour, our life.
   Anohter verse that has come to be one I cherish as well is Romans 10:13 "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved."
   Many times we talk about the sinners prayer, and you have most likely listen to one on the radio from a radio evangelist.  Many times it is looooong, draaawn out, and you lose some of the meaning.  I like Romans 10:13 as I can just share that whosoever calls upon the LORD shall be saved.  Then have the person call upon the LORD. KIS/MIF (keep it simple-made in faith).
    Christianity is not hard; walking the walk is hard!  Being a true disciple of Christ requires obedience, but salvation is free, easy, and life everlasting.  Let's share with our friends, family, and encounters. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny