On what authority do you share the gospel? Galatians 1:11,12

Good morning everyone!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Did you think about approval?  Whose approval are you working for?  Mans or God's?  Our politicians, our courts, America is working to please man.  We need to be sensitive!  Sensitive to what? The Gay/Lesbians, white, black, latino, asian, my feelings, everything we must be sensitive to and not offend in any way, shape or manner.
    Yep, brothers and sisters, that is exactly what Paul did.  He tiptoed around and preached a soft gospel---AND IF YOU BELIEVE THAT I HAVE OCEAN FRONT PROPERTY IN ARIZONA!
   Galatians 1:11,12 "Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach is not based on mere human reasoning.  I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me.  Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ."
   Why should the Galatians listen to Paul instead of the Judaizers? Paul answered  this question by furnishing his credentials; His message was received directly from Christ.  Where does your message come from?  When you respond, would you want Christ to be standing beside you?  Well, he is!
   Paul was an exemplary Jew and had a special conversion, he had been confirmed and accepted in his ministry by the other apostles.
   Can you say, "I had a special conversion" (salvation)?  Can you say you have been confirmed into your ministry (sharing God's plan of salvation)?  Are you accepted by others sharing the gospel?  If you walk as Paul walked, you will encounter trials and tribulations.  People will listen to there is "a god," but not always our living GOD.  Have you heard - it does not matter what you believe as long as you believe in a god or higher power.  WHERE IS THAT IN THE BIBLE?
   Preach the gospel man, not watered down human pleasing, but from the power within - the Holy Spirit leading you.  Be bold my friend, accept your stripes, but be bold in Christ.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Whose approval? People or God's? Galatians 1:10

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?  What happened yesterday?  Can you say I made God proud yesterday and will do so again today?
    I have studied this before, but once again it came about.  Last night at Bible study pastor shared a verse with us that really struck me and relates to our church, your church, churches everywhere.
   Galatians 1:10 "Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God.  If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant."
    Do you, or do you know someone who spends their life trying to please everybody?  Do you, or do you know someone who does things so "they" will be noticed and given approval?  It's the all about "ME" or the big "I" problem.
    Paul had to speak harsly to the Christians in Galatia because they were in serous danger.  He did not apologize for his straight-forward words, knowing that he could not serve Christ faithfully if he allowed the Galatian Christians to remain on the wrong track. 
    Whose approval are you seeking - others' or God's?  Pray for the courage to seek God's approval above anyone else's.  At our church, Church Under A Bridge/Tyler, many people just pitch in, work, and help move the ministry forward and do not wish to be pointed out or noticed.  They have a servants heart and are doing what God has led them to do.  It is so awesome to see God's people at work. Many, many are blessed.  Have a super day. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Press on by fear; or rejoice with God? Genesis 20:1,2

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
  Have you ever said something or acted in a different way out of fear?  We may say or do things because the element of fear for our life is greater than what we believe?
    Genesis 20:1,2 .  Abraham and Sarah went south between Ka'desh and Shur and traveled to Ge'rar. This is when they encountered A-bim'e-lech, king of Ge'rar.  Sarah was ninety, but now was going to have a baby.  Obviously God maintained or restored beauty to her as the king wished to take her.
   Abraham, in fear, said she was his sister - not his wife.  After all Abraham has gone through, all the deliverances by God, yet he still let his faith shield drop and the human, secular side of him did show forth.
   How many times have you been in this situation.  Where you know what is God's wishes, or what you should do - yet you deter and trickle off the God built path to trek through the woods, carving your own trail.  I am guilty, I go back to Solomon's prayer - Oh, Lord, restore the joy of salvation and cleanse my heart.
    Food for thought today.  Will you walk in fear of the world; or joy of the LORD?!?  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

What? Lose my life and preserve it? Huh? Luke 17:32,33

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    Let us go back and review Genesis 19:26.  We have all heard of this if you grew up in the church.  The story of Lot's wife turning into a pillar of salt.  Jesus spoke of things to happen near the time of His second coming and the illustration he used was Lot's wife.  Luke 17:32,33 . Jesus said, "Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it."
    What Jesus is implying here is that Lot's wife was seeking to hang on to her life in Sodom and, because of that, she lost her life in its destruction.
    Now, the word looked back has the connotation of "looking intently."  Or it might mean "lagged back," or "returned back."  Whichever it means, she was not with her husband and duaghters, so that only she perished.  There are many theories of how she turned to salt, never the less, Lot's wife, as emphasized by Jesus, wanted to hang on to the life and attitudes of Sodom.  By doing so, she lost her life.  What Jesus is emphasizing here is we must give up the old life, the "fun times" if you will of past days prior to salvation.  The attitude, the talk, the desires of the past will be good for you if you do not wish to live eternally with Jesus.  You and I must turn away from the ways of the world if we choose to preserve our life and sing praises to God.
   Ever tempted to return to the "good life?"  Yep, bet so!  Temptation lies in wait.  The closer you are to God the greater the temptation as satan sees you as a threat.  Stay strong my friend. Be not as Lot's life, but be as Lot and live for the LORD.  Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Fire and brimestone - Sodom & Gomorrah Genesis 19:24-29

Good morning friends! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   How are things going in your little world?  Well, Christ first I do hope!    Currently I am reading 3 books which are extremely interesting. And, Yes, they are all Christian books - actually 4....can't forget my Bible.
   I had been talking about Abraham and Lot. Lot moved his family to Sodom and then God sent 2 angels to tell him to leave - which he did.  However, after telling his sons, daughters, and son-in-laws they did not believe him and mocked him.
   Well, Lot, his wife, and 2 daughters left Sodom as the angels had instructed because God was going to destroy the cities on the plains - 5 of them.  Lot asked that Zoar not be destroyed and God granted this and there is a city - Zoar to this day.
     Genesis 19:24-29  speaks to the fact that the LORD rained brimstone and fire down on Sodom and Gomorrah.  Now, in all, the LORD destroyed 4 cities, but why do we know so much more about these two?  In Genesis 14 the Vale of Siddim was spoken of; the word "Siddim" seems to mean cultivated fields indicating a good agricultural system was in place.  Because of this, the people worked the fields and prospered; then would return to the cities, which were cooler, and had more leisure time than many others.  Lot was likely impressed by the prosperity of the area, however, this prosperity helped provide all the material needs, allowing more leisure time, and the people developed a relaxed moral atmosphere.  This soon turned into such corruption that God could no longer endure.
    Now, fire and brimstone.  The anti-God people will tell you these cities were along a fault line, an earthquake happened, which activated a volcano that erupted and covered and destroyed the cities.  And I will not be the one to tell you this is false, but I will tell you I know WHO IS IN CONTROL OF THE UNIVERSE ---- GOD!!  Fire and brimestone - the next day Abraham saw smoke in this country - smoke as from a furnace.  Verse 25 tells us God "overthrew" those cities.  I have no doubt God created this, and why so much about Sodom and Gomorrah?  These cities were filled with evil, moral corruption, sexual perversion, and they seemed to long for more outrageous and outlandish activities.  Too much leisure time, moral laxness - does this sound like the world, and specifically America today?  Stay strong my friend. Christ is coming for you.  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

What city do you reside in? Genesis 19:12-14

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Let us go back to Lot and Genesis 19:12-14  when Lot realized the 2 men he was protecting were angels sent from God he listened as they ask him if he had any other family living there.  Son-in-laws, sons, daughters?  The angels told him to take them from the city as it would be destroyed.
    Here is an example of doing what you think best.  Lot and family went to Sodom to "make a new life and living" for themselves.  They knew of the city before hand.  Here is my question to you - Who are you living for if you would move your whole family to a place you knew could be hazardous?  Hazardous not only to you and your family personally, but detrimental to you spiritual closeness to God.
    Whatever the reason, Lot's idea, persuasion from his wife, idea that his wealth was lying in wait in an evil city, what ever the reason, Lot made a poor decision to go to Sodom.  He felt he was accepted by the city, but when the angels came he found the people only tolerated him.  Plus, when time to leave his married sons and daughters only mocked him.  They "LIKED" their life there and would not leave.
   How often do we turn away from what God wants us to do, and tread our own path, all the time saying this is what God wants me to do or to go; whereas, in reality it is the big "I" that has made this decision.  Once we start the ball rolling a certain direction, no matter the warnings, the ball stays headed in the direction we started it.  Lot told his son in laws and daughters the city would be destroyed.  I am sure by this time they viewed him as just a tired, cranky and crazy old man and chose not to heed his warning.
    I ask you, now, fathers, leaders of your household, which direction have you led your household?  Are you on the right track - or derailed?  Where does God sit in your life?  #1 or #??  We all need to step back and see if we are going through the motions, or if what we are doing for God is real, genuine, and God guided. (Holy Spirit).  May your thoughts today be only of drawing closer to the Lord of Lords, King of Kings,  Creator of the Universe - OUR LIVING GOD!  Love you all.
    In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

Carnal Christian or Spiritual Christian? Genesis 19

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 whether you are a carnal Christian or spiritual Christian?  Hmm, had not really thought of that.  Well, yesterday I talked about Abraham, who prayed for Sodom and Gomorrah, and if there be 10 righteous people for the city to be saved.  What about his nephew Lot?  Lot chose to reside in Sodom, even though he knew of the evil and sinful deeds happening in this city.  Lot knew of the wickedness; in 2 Peter 2:8 "that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds."  Lot was tormented daily by what he saw, yet he remained. (Genesis 19:1-38)
   There is no indication anywhere I can find that Lot tried to witness to these people and get them to turn back to God. To turn away from their wickedness.  Lot may have taken pride in the fact that he, a Christian man, could do so well commercially and politically, living among the ungodly.
    Wow!  Does this not paint a good picture of our late 20th century and new 21st century man?  Thinking we have the best of both worlds.  Knowing we have eternal life, yet enjoying the temporary benefits from the world and being accepted by the men of the world.  We may not do all the wickedness of the world, but we pick and choose what we can justify or live with.  Basically, we get along with the people of the world and we are pleased with ourselves knowing this. (PRIDE) A day of reckoning will come, and we may look back and instead of saying Amen will lament Oh Me!
   May your day be filled with many spiritual blessings and your heart full of the love of Jesus. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Abrahams intercessory prayer

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   How is your prayer? Your intercessory prayer?  Do you pray for others?  Do you feel your prayer is heard or unheard? (click here to listen to Genesis 18)
   Think about Abraham and his prayer for the city of Sodom. In Genesis 18:23-33.  God came to Abraham via 3 men who told Abraham that Sarah would bear a child in the next year.  Sarah doubted, silently laughed, and when asked she denied. The Lord said, "No, you did laugh." Then God told Abraham there was evil in Sodom and Gomorrah and he was going down to access the situation.
    Abraham prayed and spoke to the LORD and appealed to spare the city if 50 righteous could be found, then 45, then 40, then 30, then 20, and finally only 10.  Each time God agreed to his request.  Did God change His mind?  God does not wish to bring judgment on any city or on any person.  God responds to the prayers of those who intercede if it fits into God's Holiness and justice. 
  God would spare the city if only 10 people could be found righteous. Never think your prayer goes unheard.  God's justice and Holiness would have spared the city had there been just 10 righteous.
   Abraham's prayer was very reverent, persistent and definite.  How do your prayers line up with Abraham's?  Abraham recognized that God was the judge of all the earth. There were 5 cities of the plain that God was going to destroy.  Abraham thought of Lot and his family, which numbered 10, and that there would be the equal amount in the other cities.  Abraham prayed the first recorded intercessory prayer in the Bible.  He knew that the "judge of all the earth" - God, would do right and left it in God's hands.
   What did I learn today?  I learned, first, to be very reverent in my prayer; ask for God's holiness and justice be done, and be persistent in calling on God to grant my prayer.  Also, the prayer should not be selfish or prideful, but humble and not selfish.  I have to weigh my prayers and evaluate them; how about you?  Thank you for reading. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Rejoice, I say - REJOICE Psalm 35:9 / Luke 1:47

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Wow! So many things happening all around us, to family, friends, loved ones, just so many things happening.  We can sit and dwell on the negative!  OR, we can think of the positive.  The first positive I want you to think about is:  Psalm 35:9 "Then I will rejoice in the LORD. I will be glad because he rescues me."
  First, what?  REJOICE IN THE LORD!  Can you do this?  YES YOU CAN!  A family member who is sick - cancer, stroke, muscle disorder, mental illness, etc. There is a bright spot there - just LOOK FOR IT!  Then what????   Be glad because HE does what?   RESCUES ME!!!!
    God is the rescue!  Who greater than our Heavenly Father to come to our rescue!?!
   Look at Luke 1:47 "HOW MY SPIRIT REJOICES IN GOD MY SAVIOR!"
  This is Mary who sings this song of praise.  A lowly servant girl who was chosen to become the mother of our Lord and Savior!  What does she say?  "How my spirit rejoices in God my savior!"  This, too, we should lament!  If you have that negative, grumpy, blurred vision outlook - what is your problem?
    God takes care of us, HE does not say the road is smooth as silk and easy; HE does promise to take care of us.  Rejoice, for God is your savior and God rescues you.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Is everything meaningless? Ecclesiastes 1:1

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Ecclesiastes 1:1 "Everything is meaningless" says the Teachers, "completely meaningless!"
Solomon was referring to himself as the teacher.  Solomon, the wisest man in the Bible, the world, was reflecting back on life.
    Have you ever received a chocolate bunny or santa claus during that special time and was excited to get it.  A large piece of chocolate.....umm...umm!  You just can't wait to bite into it and enjoy the richness, the delight of pure chocolate.  Then you bite into it.....and....what.....it is hollow. Instead of a nice mouthful of good chocolate you ended up with little chocolate and a whole lot of air -- nothing!
    Sometimes that is the way we go about life.  Looking for that good piece of chocolate and then when we bit into it---mostly air and no substance.  What gives your life meaning?  The car, house, spouse, children, nieces, nephews, money?  Oh, you did not see Jesus or God in there did you?  That is probably why when we bit into "life" we find nothing, it is all meaningless - because there needs to be Jesus, our Saviour, Holy Spirit, our guiding light, and God, our Father.  
    Our family is important, however, the Bible clearly points out - God #1; then family #2 and career #3. My order was out of whack for years, I did it backwards, 3, 2, 1.  I was an S.O.B. (Sunday Only Brother) - and placed far more importance on my career than anything.  Where did that get me?  I don't see a statue, a bust, a painting, a memorial to me anywhere.  When I finally got my priorities right - God first - I feel much closer to my children, grandchildren, and extended family.  So, How about you?
   Where are you? In your spirit life or secular life?  What Solomon goes on to convey is life is meaningless without God!  Take time today, ask forgiveness, cleanse your heart, and enjoy the joys of being a child of God. Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
           Johnny

A worthy wife - Proverbs 12:4 14:1; 31:10-31

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    I do certainly wish you a wonderful and happy day.  Thank you all for your prayers for other people. Prayer time is an important time. Why?  It is one time you can take to simply talk to your Father in Heaven.  Don't blot out this part of the day.
   Hey, as I was reading today this jumped out at me and made me stop and take time to thank God for the wife I have.  Here we go.
    Proverbs 12:4 "A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones."  Which leads us to Proverbs 14:1 "A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands." And this verse leads us to Proverbs 31:10-31 "A wife of noble character who can find?  She is worth far more than rubies."   Click on link to read the complete scripture. Click here to hear Proverbs 31. 
      Proverbs tells us a lot about women.  The book of Proverbs ends with the picture of a strong character, great wisdom, many skills and great compassion- all traits of a good woman.
    Many times we think the Bible was telling us that women of ancient days were very domestic, quiet, retiring, obedient and behind the scenes.  Not quite so. This is speaking of a woman who is an excellent mother, wife, and manager.  But she also manufactures, imports, manages, is a realtor, farmer, seamstress, upholsters, and merchant.
    All these accomplishments do not come from her strength and dignity, but are a result from her reverence for God.  In American society the physical appearance counts for much, yet, in the Bible the appearance of the woman is never mentioned.  Her attractiveness comes entirely from her character.
    If you read or listen to this proverb you will find this woman's family social position is quite high.  Could she be the ideal image of womanhood?  She should be an inspiration to us, men and women, to be all we can be.  We should learn from her integrity and resourcefulness.
    The book of Proverbs begins with the command to fear the Lord and ends with a picture of a woman who fulfills this command.  How close are you, friend, to fulfilling this command?  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

Who are you servant to? Proverbs 11:29-30

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Today I was searching "servant" and my mind was going one direction when this jumped out at me: "Proverbs 11:29  He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart."
    Wow!  This leaped out and stopped me.  One of our greatest resources from God is the family.  Families provide acceptance, encouragement, guidance, and counsel.  If we - you or I - bring trouble on our family, whether through anger or through a desire for independence, it is foolish.  Why?
   Because, when we do this we cut ourselves off from all the family provides.  A family can provide healing, communication, understanding, encouragement.
    The next verse, 30, tells us a wise person, with good seeds, is a model of a meaningful life.  A tree attracts people to its shade, a wise person's sense of purpose attracts others who want to know how they, too, can find meaning.  Gaining wisdom yourself can be the first step in leading people to God.
   So, I ask you, my friend, are you trouble in your own house, or are you wise with good seeds and leading others to God?  Love you all.

   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Treating others fairly? Leviticus 19:35

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Yesterday I talked about prayer.  Have you given it any thought?  How do you pray?  How would you tell others to pray if asked?  Now, here is another question - Do you treat others fairly?  ALL OTHERS?
    Leviticus 19:35 We are told to not do unrighteousness in judgment.......then it goes on with in mete-yard, in weight, or in measure.  Now why would this be in our Bible.  God gave the people of the Old Testament a rule for merchants when selling their wares.
    The rule is simple: 1) scales need to be honest; 2) deal with the people fairly.  We "veterans" (aka older people) can relate this to butchers and their scales.  We should deal fairly in all we do.  Now, take this outside the selling of wares realm, and relate this to how you relate to and treat people.
    Are you fair with all people?  Do you have patience for ALL people?  Or just strangers, yet short with your family?  Do you cheat them on the "weight" of your conversation; or the "measure" of them as their value in your eyes?  We should treat others fairly whether selling meat, wheat, or clothe; whether family, friends, or co-workers.  Are you being fair?  Let God help, open your heart, ask for help, LET GO LET GOD!!  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

How to Pray - Matthew 6:9-13

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

    What is prayer?  How does one pray?  These are questions many people have but don't ask.  Do you, as a Christian pray?  Do you pray out loud?  How do you pray?
    Christ gave us an example of prayer in the Lord's Pray, yet many don't know or understand.  We pray to overcome temptation, ask for things, turn over our worries, when we are discouraged, a weapon against evil, places our focus on God, change events, ask for discernment, and more.  We do need to pray in God's will, that it be done. But let me back up slightly.
    Prayer can be public and it can be private.  When public, be not as the publican and bellow words that proclaim how good YOU are; but be humble and proclaim how good GOD IS!
   An article I read that stuck with me said to pull a chair up, visualize Jesus in the chair, Jesus being your best friend, and just visit with him.  Telling him your yea's and nay's; intimate details you tell no one else, surface things that are bothering you, just tell him all.
    How then do I pray?  On my knees? In a closet? Laid out on the ground? Standing with arms outstretched?  HOW?  Please, HOW?  Prayer is personal between me and my best friend JESUS.  Sometimes I sit, sometimes on my knees, sometimes in the car driving, but does it matter?  What really matters is that I am praying (communicating) with my saviour.  Matthew 6:9-13 is an example of how Jesus taught the disciples to pray.  Take time to read it.  To hear Matthew 6 - click here.
    What is prayer to you my friend?  If you wish to share I would enjoy being enlightened. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Broken spirit / Repentant heart? Psalm 51:17

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    Ever feel the burden just lifted off your shoulders?  Like a giant weight has left you?  Like losing a 100 pounds!  This was David when he repented and turned back to God.  One of the things he said was, "return me to the joy of salvation and cleanse my heart."  How often do we need to lament these words over and over.
    Psalm 51:17 "The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.  You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God."
    Look at these words and meditate on them a moment -  A BROKEN SPIRIT !  What do we mean by this?  Why should I be broken?  A couple of reasons:  1) it is called pride, and 2) you are doing everything through works.   No matter what you do, how great you are, you may be a legend in your own mind, but whatever, you are no good to God and His kingdom until you have broken that prideful spirit and do work for God - GIVING HIM THE GLORY! 
   Hey, look what "I" did,  see how great "I" am,  "I" can do it.  When the "I" gets in there the glory is taken away from God and all you do is for yourself.  A repentant heart.......do you have a repentant heart? Are you sorry for your sin?  Do you really, I mean really intend to stop sinning?
   God is please with this kind of repentance. A turning away of the sinful and walking the path toward God's kingdom - He is pleased. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

Teaching others? Psalm 51:13

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    Well, did you think about the question I possed yesterday?  No responses - don't know if that is good or bad.   Okay, let's look at Psalm 51:13 "Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you."
  Going back to verse 12 David asked God to return the joy of salvation and to cleanse his heart.  Now, the next step is teaching others of the world, sinners, people who do not know God, ....teach them about God.
    When God forgives our sin and restores our fellowship with him, we will then want to reach out to others who need tis forgiveness, this reconcillation.
   The more you feel God's forgiveness the more you will want to tell others about it.  Jesus, God, Holy Spirit should be imbedded in us deep enough that we want to share, to tell the whole world about the joy of salvation.  Do you feel God's love?  Do you experience the joy of salvation?  If so, tell others, today my friend.  If not, then it is knee time, talk to God, share with Jesus, let the Holy Spirit lead.
   If you don't know how or what to pray, visualize Jesus sitting in a chair across from you and just begin a conversation with HIM.  Oh, what a friend we have in Jesus....as the song goes...talk to him as a friend. Love you all.
    In Christ's Love and Grace
         Johnny

Joy of salvation or burden of sin? Psalm 51:12

Good morning.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    Question to ponder:  Leslie Van Houten, the yongest convicted in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders is coming up for her 20th time to ask for parole.  She is now 63, wrinkled with gray hair; has earned 2 college degrees since going to prison; helps older inmates, and does good in prison.   Should she be paroled?
     Okay, today's lesson and study.  Look at Psalm 51:12 "Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you."  
    Do you ever feel like you are going nowhere in your faith?  Do you ever feel like you are just going through the motions?  There is a wedge between you and God?  God seems distant?  Well......
      The wedge between you and God is you!  God is not distant, you moved, HE DID NOT!  David did not fully see what he had done wrong until Nathan the prophet came to him and pointed it out.  This is when David realized and cried out to God to "restore to me the joy of your salvation and make me willing to obey you."  WOW!
    God wants us to be close to him, to experience the joy of salvation, so what keeps us away.
S I N ....our unconfessed sins move us away as it did David.  Confess our sins to God, face the consequences, and regain the joy of walking in fellowship with God.  God wants you close - so move closer.  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

Got a clean heart? Loyal? Psalm 51:10-11

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Sometimes when you read a scripture a verse will just JUMP OUT at you.  Well, when I read Psalms 51 several verses did, but let me start with verse 10.
  Psalm 51:10  "Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me."
        Because we are born sinners (51:5) our natural inclination is to please ourselves rather than God.  David followed that inclination when he took another man's wife.  Life David, we must ask God to cleanse us from within (51:7), filling our hearts and spirits with new thoughts and desires.  Right conduct can come only from a clean heart and spirit.  Ask God to create a pure heart and spirit in you.
  Psalm 51:11 "Do not banish me from your presence, and don't take your Holy Spirit from me."
   This is what I have to ask constantly, a clean heart, loyal spirit, and for the Holy Spirit to guide me.  May todays walk truly be in the footsteps of the LORD.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Welcome evil? Why do we? Proverbs 4:14,27; 5:14

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Have you stopped to notice what is being advertised on television lately?  The new shows which promote "high" living (as in putting morals aside), sex, or to make it simple - just plain evil.
   Bachelorette, Mistress', what in the world are we doing?  We already have Two and a half men, How I met your mother which are sexually based, just to mention a couple.  What happened to our censors?  Where have the rules gone?
  Here are a couple of verses to view:
   Proverbs 4:14  Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
  Proverbs 4:27  Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
  Proverbs 5:14  I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.

   Everywhere we look we can find evidence of evil.  I urge you, as Christians, to not water down the word of God, but to go boldly and share the word of God.  We would not put bad, nasty ingredients in our food; but we do allow nasty ingredients the opportunity to enter the minds of our family, friends, children, to the point they see nothing wrong.  Oh, Lord, let us turn away from our evil ways and follow you.  Do not look back my friend, we may turn to salt - we are getting that close.  Love you all. Spread the good news my friend.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny