2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 Troubled? Vengeance?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   I do apologize for not sharing with you yesterday. My "excuse" is I had to leave for Corpus Christi at 5 a.m. and when I arrived, finished work, I got "LAZY",  and do apologize to you for this.
    Pastor mentioned, then I started to look, when Paul opened most of his letters he began with something like, "in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."  Just think about this, and the power we have because we are coming with God and Jesus Christ's authority (power).  Wow!  Now, that is BIG!
   Look at 2 Thessalonians 1:⁷ And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
 You who are troubled - is this not all of us.  And do what?  Rest!  Could this- rest - have a double meaning?  Rest meaning we know that the troubles, the suffering we go through now are strengthening us, getting us ready for Christ's kingdom.  Also, we know (rest) in that one day ALL, repeat, ALL will stand before God and judgment will be handed down and evil will cease to exist.
    Now look at verses 8 and 9.  We, being human, may take stock in this.

⁸ In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
⁹ Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
   Okay, break it down - flaming fire - aka lake of fire - aka hell.  Take vengeance on them that know not God and that do not obey the gospel.  Our job is to plant the seeds, God will take care of the rest and if they turn their backs on God the result is they will be punished with everlasting destruction from??????
    This is really big!!  They will be SEPARATED FROM: the presence of the LORD,  and,   from the glory of his power.   STOP!!  Think about this.
   When you don't think you should mention your faith and God's salvation, are you turning away the possibility of helping someone come to Jesus Christ,  from having the opportunity to praise God, from eternal life?
  Let us culminate: We will rest from our persecutions; God will take vengeance; and the lost (unsaved) will be separated-----forever!
   Tell everyone about Jesus!  That is your position as an obedient follower of Jesus Christ!!  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

FORGIVENESS! Why? I hate 'em! Mark 11:25; Acts 26:18

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   FORGIVENESS!!  Just think about this word for a moment.  FORGIVENESS!!!  Many people walk around with hurt, anger, hatred just lingering in their hearts about something, anything.  People have the tendency to "hate" just because.  Why?   Just because!  No good reason, but usually a justified excuse.  Then some have circumstances that, from our standpoint, have a reason to be angry, to hate.
    What does the hurt, the anger, the hatred do to someone?  It is like a small sore.  If you take care of the sore PROPERLY it will dry up and disappear; however, if you constantly pick at it, the sore becomes bigger and bigger, open to infection, and more serious problems arise.
   Such is forgiveness!  Forgiveness is a sore that needs proper care; and by doing so the hurt, the anger, the hatred will fall from our shoulders, burst on the ground, and we will feel the freedom.  So how do we achieve this so called "freedom?"  We garner it Christ, from Jesus Christ our saviour.
     In Mark 11:25[ Forgiveness and Prayer ] “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.
  If you have anything against anyone --- what?   FORGIVE HIM.
   The young Dallas Cowboy who killed his buddy in the accident has been forgiven by the family of the young victim.  Their burden is light, it is gone, and life carries on.
   The family of the young high school boy from the DFW area who was accidentally killed by his "best friend" in a drinking/hunting accident will not forgive the best friend.  I say to you, their burden will be heavy and refer back to Mark 11:25.  Forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you.  The mother said she would NEVER be able to forgive him.  Wow!  What a burden to carry.  And the two young men who caused this damage to other families needs to be able to forgive themselves also.
  Here, read what Jesus says:  Acts 26:18  "to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me."
    Jesus forgave, God forgives, and look what man did to Jesus!  We need to walk in these footsteps, relieve ourselves of the burden of anger, hatred -- forgive so ye may be forgiven also. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Obedience or disobedience? Romans 5:19

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    So, dear friends, what is happening in your life this cold, windy, and overcast day in East Texas?  Yesterday the topic was God is with you and you shall prosper.  What did you think?
   What about obedience?  Huh? Take a look at Romans 5:19 "For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous."
  Take time to really look at this and break it down.  First, 'as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners,' now who do you think this is talking about?  Yep!  Adam! (tempted by satan)
   We want to give Eve credit for sinning (specially if you are male, lol), however, what it boils down to is simply this - "we want what we don't have and can't get."  The mystic of not having, yet yearning for.  Satan told 1/2 truths, luring in innocent victims.
    Satan thought he could overthrow and be "God" but he could not.  So what happens to us, humans, if we are in a disagreement with someone, we try to win others to our side and go against the one we are in disagreement with.  Politics is a good example - if you are an Obama person you see the good and try to win people over; inversely if you are not an Obama person you see the bad and try to win people over to be against.  Human nature.  Is it right?  No, but again, we were made sinners by one man's disobedience. And through this disobedience satan rules the earth and his disciples are constantly working to cause distrust, unbelief, doubt, hate in man--one to another.
    Contrary to this, 'by one man's obedience many will be made righteous,' which is talking about you and me, all because of one man named Jesus,- Jesus of Nazareth, the carpenter, God's son.  Jesus was obedient, went to the cross for you....for me....for our families and friends.  Do we still sin? Certainly, because we are human and have free will; but because of Jesus we can be forgiven....we are forgiven....and the only requirement is to FREELY ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST AS OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR!!
   Doubt jumps in----that is satan; lust leaps upon you----that is satan; envy, coveting, unclean thoughts creep across our minds---this is satan; yet all we have to do is rebuke satan in Jesus' name, ask forgiveness and then continue WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS!
   Where are you today my friend?  Have you been lured to the dark side for a short jaunt?  OR, are you maintaining the faith and trusting in Jesus?  Life is tough, life is short, life with God is eternal. Love you all. 
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

God is with you, Ye shall prosper!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Have you looked around lately?  TV, movies, life and how people respond and act, attitudes?  And the laws of the land -- changing and leaning more and more secular than spiritual.  How long will it be before the American pledge will be: " I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under  MANY Gods, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
   We spend so much time wanting to be politically correct, we forget GOD!  Our laws are liberal, so relaxed, that the young people coming up do not have a clear sense of right and wrong, unless, they have been taught at home with the Bible the basis of their teaching.
   We have a living God, who is alive and well today.  Probably sadden due to the way the world is progressing, however, living in a 3 dimensional world God knew what was coming and knows how it all ends.   We know how it ends also, read Revelations.
   Other religions live on what their "prophets" say and then create man made idols to worship their Gods. Our God is with us always. Our God is a personal God who talks to us as well.  It may be the wind as it whispers by, a butterfly as it flutters, the clouds, water, or foliage we notice on our trek.  But, STOP! Take time, listen, be reverent and obedient to the great I AM!!
   Deuteronomy 15:16   And if it happens that he says to you, ‘I will not go away from you,’ because he loves you and your house, since he prospers with you,
   2 Kings 18:7 The Lord was with him; he prospered wherever he went.
I, being human, tend to be distraught thinking about the way the world is turning, but then I have to remember it is HE who is in charge; it is HE who is in me; and I need worry not.    The Bible, God's word, tells us we will prosper and HE has plans for us.  Take time today. Go to a silent, still place and visit with God.  If you say you don't have time, rethink and relook your schedule -- you do have time for God! Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny
 

Galatians 6:26

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   We all have a need of approval by others.  Even the roughest, toughest old codger likes the approval, even though he may scoff at it.  However, there is a limit to this, and when we exceed this limit we begin to want the approval, the honors, the praise for ourself.
   We are not to be conceited, but aware.  We should not provoke each other nor be jealous of each other.  This all wrapped up in a nice little package would be entitled "CONTENT", yes, be content with where your are in life, in Jesus, and give the praise and glory to God.
    Kind of sounds like a repeat of past passages, huh?  The Holy Spirit is our source of new life and we should follow and be in step.  We are God's sons and daughters, and we have the approval of God by following the Holy Spirit.  Remember, the approval of men gets you your reward here and no other; the approval of God awards us eternal life.
   Galatians 6:26 "Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another."
Thank you for being here today, be safe, pray for one another.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Vain? Antagonistic? Want everything? WRONG!! Galatians 5:25

Good morning everyone!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   Galatians 5:25 ²⁶ Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Look at these words - do not be what?  Desirous of vain glory!!!  Wow!  Does this speak to anyone but me.  What is vain glory?  Could it be the "hey, look at me, see what I did" attitude?  This is not living according to the Holy Spirit -- it is grieving the Holy Spirit.
   Let's go on - let us not---provoke one another - can you say Wow, WOw, WOW?!?!  How often does the vain glory bring about provoking.  An example is sports - winning, but not a gracious winner - like the conflict between Sherman and Crabtree.
   Then the last part of this verse - let us not........envy one another.  Could we replace envy with the words covet, lust after, long for, etc.?  So what we are being told here is be humble, getting along with our brother, and be content with what you have and where you are in life.  The Holy Spirit is the source of our new life, so, let us keep in step with His leading.
   Can you, or do you live up to what we are being told not to be?  Appreciate your feedback. Love you all. 
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Galatians 5:24 (again)

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
  Wow!  Can you just say WOW and THANK YOU GOD!?!?!  Look around you, see what you have; yes, it could be a lot worse.  If you are living in a home---you could be homeless.  If you drive a car---you could be walking.  If you have a job---you could be looking for work.  But, you know what?  In your past God spared you of reaping serious responsibilities for "stupid" things you did---therefore---you don't have a felony on your record and you are not under the watchful eye of anyone except God.  We definitely need to be thankful for what we have.  My prayer is for YOU to have a safe and God filled day.
   In saying this let's us look at Galatians 5:24 "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affection and lusts."
    Yes, we will still sin, but evil does not live in our heart.  We have been set free from sin's power over us and no longer need to give in to it.  Commit yourself to God, let God crucify our sinful tendencies. And may God reign in your life.
   Prayer time please.  I would ask prayers for Landon, a Best Buy employee that is a professed atheist; Gus, a man just out of prison who just accepted Christ as his savior; and Ryan Garrison, a young ex-druggie who has rekindled a relationship with his father and 3 year old son.  God is so good! Today is short, to the point, but I feel, from God.  Any prayer requests please send them and we will spread the word.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

I belong to???? Christ Jesus or ????Galatians 5:24; 6:14

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Okay, wow!  This next verse really is powerful.  Here is the life application translation: Galatians 5:24 "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there."
  To accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior, we need to turn from our sins and willingly nail our sinful nature to the cross.  Have you done this, or are you still hanging on to some things?  Guilty!  I tend to hang on to some things and my prayer is that with the strength of the Holy Spirit I will let go.
  Our sins will still pop up, and accepting Jesus does not mean we are "sin free" it means our sins are paid for through the blood of Jesus.  Daily, even hourly, we need to give our sins over to Christ as the tendency lingers.  Give these passions, these desires, these sins over to God's control so He may crucify them and allow us to overcome them.
  The world is full if enticements trying to lure us in..    Our escape is the same as Paul's, asking God to take them and allowing God to kill our interest in them. Galatians 6:14 "As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world's interest in me has also died.  
   POWER IN THE WORD!! POWER WITH GOD!!!  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and grace
  Johnny

Jesus Christ + nothing = EVERYTHING!!! Galatians 5:22,23

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Wow!  God is good, people seeing the good things God does makes ones heart leap.  On this day in 1961 John F. Kennedy made this statement, "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."  What a strong statement!!
    Can you change this slightly and recite, "ask not what God can do for you, but what you can do for God?   What have you done in God's name that would bring honor and glory to HIM?
   Galatians 5:22-23 "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  There is no law against these things!"
  The fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in us.  The Spirit produces these character traits that are found in the nature of Christ; by-products of Christ's control.  We cannot obtain these without Jesus.  In order for the fruit to grow in us, we must join our life to Jesus'. (John 1:4,5)
  ⁴ In him was life; and the life was the light of men.⁵ And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
  The darkness or evil can never overcome God's light.  Jesus Christ is the creator of life, and his life brings light to humankind.  When we follow Jesus, the true Light, we can walk in a lighted path, missing sin and no longer walking blindly (with no light).
   Here is a formula I heard from a preacher:
                    Jesus Christ + nothing = everything;   Everything - Jesus Christ = nothing.  
Thank you for reading today. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Galatians 5:19-21 Sitting IN the Spirit or sitting ON the Spirit?

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    First, on the 15th I wrote Galatians 6:16-18 and it should have been Galatians 5:16-18. Sorry.  Now to continue--Galatians 5: 

¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
²⁰ Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
²¹ Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
   We all have evil desires or mind sets.  My wife and I talk about mine, which is being judgmental and anger.  So what do I do?  I try to manage them, but most of all I pray about God helping me follow in Jesus' footsteps and to crucify my show comings.  As long as I ignore these sins or if I refuse to deal with them, I am sitting on the Holy Spirit instead of sitting IN THE HOLY SPIRIT!  Think about this, there is a difference.
   Have I not received the gift of the Holy Spirit?  Some will argue I don't have the gift from the Spirit, but I would argue that I am squelching some of the gifts the Spirit is offering me as long as I hold on to these sins.  
   In Romans 12:(NIV) ¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
    So what must I do?  Maintain my zeal --keep my spiritual fervor--serve the LORD-- and verse 12, the last word PRAYER.  I need to continually pray.  And then verse 13 - share with those in need --practice what???   Hospitality!!  I ask that you pray for me and my shortcomings in being an obedient Christian, and I, too, will pray for your shortcomings.  May you be blessed this day and the days to come. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
 

WALK BY THE SPIRIT--NOT BY FLESH! Galatians 6:16-18

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
    What do you struggle with in your life?  Patience, anger, loving your neighbor, drugs, alcohol, lust, covetousness, idolatry?  Where do you find you are the weakest?
   Galatians 6: ¹⁶ So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.  (other references: Romans 8:4-6; 7:15-23
   Walk by the Spirit!  The Holy Spirit produces fruits in our lives such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.   Being led by the Holy Spirit involves the desire to hear, the readiness to obey God's Word, and the sensitivity to discern between your feelings and his promptings.
  We should live each day controlled and guided by the Holy Spirit.  If we do, then the words of Christ will be in our minds, the love of Christ will be behind our actions, and the power of Christ will help us control our selfish desires.
   Paul explains we have two forces fighting within us - the Holy Spirit and the sinful nature.  These forces are not equal, the Holy Spirit is stronger, however, we must let go and let the Holy Spirit in our life be empowered.  If we do all we can with human effort we will fail, however, the Spirit will not fail.
   So, it is your choice- follow the evil desires cast before you, OR, turn loose and follow the Holy Spirit.  May the right choice. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny
 

Are you in chains as was Paul? Ephesians 6:19,20

Good morning dear friends! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   Okay, have you thought about the chains that bind you at this time?  When I say chains I am talking about the world, the laws of the world and how so very much goes against the Christian person, the Christian walk.
   The Freedom from Religion group creates havoc and causes law suits against anything Christian.  Why don't they go after the Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, etc. as well.  Why?  Why is the hatred so great against Christians?
    Simple answer, Christianity is the word of God and satan is fighting God, thinking he can overcome.  The other religions are not threats to satans world.  Let us look at Ephesians 6:19,20 and see if we aren't bound as Paul was, but just in a different fashion.
   Ephesians 6: ¹⁹ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
²⁰ For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
    Please READ THESE WORDS---Paul is undiscouraged and undefeated.  What did Paul pray for here? He did not pray the chains be removed----he prayed he would continue to speak fearlessly for Christ-- even though he is in chains.  Do you ask God to help you speak fearlessly for Christ in all circumstances?
    Paul asks that he speak boldly, SPEAK BOLDLY, about the gospel, the Word of God.  Do you ask this? To be silent and not speak up is to agree!  We must speak up boldly.  Paul is in prison, in chains. You,  I, we are in chains--but our chains are the laws and social attitudes of the land.  Will you speak up boldly for Christ? Or, will you be silent and go with the world?  The choice is yours.  
   Is the world spinning out of control?  I would say to us, yes, but we know God is in control.  In California the legislature just passed a law where transgender students may go to the restroom they identify with and participate in the sport of which their transgender identifies with.  Huh?  This means that if a male identifies with his feminine side and wants to play on the girls team he may do so. And it is vice versa for the girls.  This is a law, you can look it up.  Does this make sense to you?  Come on Jesus!  It is time!  Love you all.  
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
 

As the song goes: "Say a little prayer for me!" Ephesians 6:18

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Yesterday was an awesome day worshiping God.  Look at Ephesians 6: ¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.        
   Look at this verse, in other versions it says to pray at all times and you may think, hmmm, how?  One way is to make quick, brief prayers a habit for anything that happens throughout the day.  Now you do not need to drop on your knees, face the East, have a prayer rug, raise hands and bow down to do your prayer. If you want to okay, however, just a quick "thank you Jesus" in your mind when something happens.
   This says for all kinds of prayers and all kinds of request -- keep in mind not all that will happen is good.  Our minds do tend to wander, just do a little drill, set you watch or phone to silently beep every 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 or whatever; and each time it does find something somewhere around you to just say a quick prayer for.
    You may be golfing and make a putt - a quick thank you Jesus works.  You may be working and need to use the facility - thank you Jesus we have indoor plumbing.  Now, I am playing with you a little here, but want you to understand the point.  A quick prayer anytime, anywhere, in your mind and God hears.
    We are living in a world full of idols, things to get our minds off God; to walk fully in the world is constantly there as a temptation; then we find it too difficult to give God an hour or two on Sunday.  We should be giving back daily, continually!  Jesus gave it all for you - can't you give at least a little back?  Just 10 quick prayers today for a start.  Christians worldwide and non-Christians all need our prayers.  Will you do your part?  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

If you ain't the lead dog, the scenery never changes!

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
     Okay, today is, as many days, a little crazy -- thoughts are catapulting through my head, ricocheting all over, and with as hollow head as mine making quite the sounds. zing-bap-bang-bong
    Anyway, as we travel through live we have our ups and downs.  We keep focused on God, then we take our eyes off God and think I can do this; it is up to me, etc.  Well this past year I had 2 fortune cookies from Panda Express that I kept and thought how they related to our lives.
    First, I opened the cookie and it was written: "OOPS, WRONG COOKIE!"   How many times has this happened in our lives?  Look around at the world, could we say "oops, wrong God?"  We take our eyes off God, forget the breast plate of armor, and take on the world by ourselves.  What is wrong with this picture?
    The second cookie had written: "LIFE IS LIKE A DOGSLED TEAM. IF YOU AIN'T THE LEAD DOG, THE SCENERY NEVER CHANGES!"  Sometimes we call this a rut!  Get up at 6 a.m., get your morning beverage, shower, eat, go to work, come home, change clothes, do a little work at home, eat supper, watch t.v., go to bed, then get up at 6 a.m.  Where is the change of scenery?
    With both of these "cookies" we can look at Ephesians 6:10-18.  To hear Ephesians 6 click here.  Verse 11 tells us to put on the full armor of God.  Follow the instructions in Ephesians 6 (click here to read) and you will find what you are fighting.  We believe it is the world. Well, yes, but it is satan and his disciples that lurk and attack. So what do we do?
        Put on the full armor (word) of God.  First is the belt of truth buckled around your waist, and second, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and have your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  
   Okay, so what do we do next?  You take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  Okay, so I have my full armor on; anything else.  Yes--now go and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. You must be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
  So, now, what are you going to do?  Are you going to be the lead dog?  Keep eating the wrong cookie? In 1776 Thomas Paine wrote a pamphlet called "common sense."  Maybe this would help us all to realize who is in charge, and what direction we need to take.  Three little letters:  G  O  D (in charge), then J E S U S (direction to take). ! Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
 

Who is your higher power? Museum or hospital?

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
     Have you ever just stopped and thought about the word we throw about freely - CHRISTIAN - and what it means?  Christian mean to be Christ-like or a Christ-follower.  How often is this word used today, or should I say misused today in America and the world?  Over 80% of America will say they are Christian.
   Unfortunately, to many, Christian means believing in a "higher power".  Why do we give credit to a "higher power" and not just reveal God.  Could it be because that person does not truly believe in the one sovereign God?  
    I don't believe in a higher power, I believe in GOD who sent HIS SON JESUS to die on the cross for my sins.  Oh......we cannot say God as we may offend someone.  Well, maybe I am offended because we don't say GOD!  Because we say "happy holidays" and not Merry Christmas.  Maybe I am offended because of the extreme abuse of separating church and state.  No prayer in school, public buildings, public meetings; yet, if you will look at our national monuments in Washington D.C. scripture is there for all to see.  Hmmmm.  Did our forefathers know we would go to this extreme?  NO! But our father in heaven did.
    People become pious. What is pious - seemingly virtuous - note the key word "seemingly"? And virtuous means of moral character.  So this would be "seems to be of moral character." Hmmm!
  Psalm 25:8   Good and upright is the Lord; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.
Psalm 51:13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You.

    We are sinners and do need the LORD GOD.  Some don't go to church because of the people inside - who they feel sit in judgment of them  -whether it be true or not.  Sometimes the judgment we feel from others is our own judgment of ourselves.  Because of my sin, I think all know, all care, and all are looking and judging.  Baaa!   I will leave you with this thought from a church sign:

                                  This church is a hospital for sinners,
                                  Not a museum of saints!
Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Encourage in heart? United in love? Colossians 2

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
  How has your day begun?  Well, I hope, with prayer to start the day.  You know, as we traverse through this stormy world in our daily lives we may wonder-- why? Or what is the use?  Does my life really have a purpose and if so what is that purpose?
    Rick Warren wrote a book about purpose in our lives.  We are here for God; to bring glory to God and to plant seeds of salvation for others to take and grow with.  We should be here, ready to do God's work.  Sooo, in the process we should be Christlike--walk the walk and talk the talk.  Can you say you do? There are many anti-Christ's among us. We have to beware.  Please click on this link to hear Colossians 2 as you finish reading.
     Colossians 2: ² My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ⁴ I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.
  This letter was written to Laodicea, which was in close proximity to Colosse.  The church was probably founded by one of Paul's converts and started strong.  However, this church became lukewarm in its commitment and were criticized for this.
    False teaching began coming forth, some based on the old law, some were just man made laws.  What are these verses saying?  1. be encouraged in heart; 2. united in love.  Christ's 1st commandment love the Lord God with all ...........(you should be able to say this); and 2nd - love thy neighbor as........(what?) Yourself.  In order to do this we would need to be saved through Jesus, and united in love.
    Why did Paul say we needed these 2 things?  So we may have the full riches of complete understanding.   Understanding of what?  Of Christ and why He came!!
    If we understand this, our churches will stand against the anti-Christs who boldly come forth with false teachings and we will be committed to carry out Christ's work.  To read more on this go to Christianity- Thoughts by Johnny. 
  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Who's responsible? Not ME!! Galatians 6:4,5,

Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
  Yesterday I talked about the sun appears brighter after a storm than after a cloudless day.  How true this is, and we need to remember we are all responsible for our actions.

    Galatians 6:4,5  New King James Version (NKJV) ⁴ But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. ⁵ For each one shall bear his own load. 

   Look at verse 4 - when you do your very best, you feel good about the results.  There is no need to compare yourself with others.  How often do we do this?  Sometimes it is called: "keeping up with the Jones."

   We all make comparisons for various reasons; it may be to point out flaws in others so we feel good about ourselves, or, it may just be reassurance we are doing well so we can feel better about ourselves.

   Don't compare, just do the job, whatever it be, as if you are doing it for Jesus Christ.  Let Jesus be your example and strive to walk in His footsteps.

    Verse 5 tells us we are all responsible for our own conduct.  If I am fat- it is probably because I eat too much; if I am an alcoholic it is because I drink too much; if I am a drug addict it is because I do drugs too much, and on and on.

    Our society wants to tell us our problems are because of someone else.  Too fat - McDonald's fault. Alcoholic - the liquor and beer stores fault.  Huh?  It is time to step up and be responsible for what you do and to follow God's teachings.  Ponder on this a moment and if you wish to read more on this thought go to Christianity - Thoughts by Johnny.

   Step up, take responsibility.  It is your fault--be it good or bad.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

  

Sunshine after the storm is........

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   How often do we just take things for granted?  Many, many times.  Just a couple of quick notes to prick your mind and hopefully create more of a "thank you God" attitude.
    Our church is under a bridge, no walls, no doors, and no judgement.  A lot of our congregation are people who live under bridges, in woods, anywhere they can be protected from the elements.  They are just happy to have a place to be out of the weather, stay comfortably warm, and live.
   I live in a home with my wife and when I woke this early a.m. my water had frozen.  Now, this was a problem for me, however, I was far better off than many of our church members -- I have a warm home.  Fortunately, as I tell my wife, God takes care of the stupid and I am living proof. (LOL) The insulation had blown off my pipes, and at 15 degrees the pipes had started to freeze.  I took a small heater, reinsulated the pipes, created a barrier so the heat would thaw the pipes, and, within 10 minutes our water was back on.  Did I have problems---I thought so.  But our problems are relative to our situation. I had a warm place to sleep, many of our people did not.  So, as my water came back on I thanked God for the minimal problem I had.  Here is a quote for you to read and think about.  It hit me when my water froze. This is by Doug Westmoreland.
  
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we never had a problem or a bad day? And yet the sunshine after a storm is often brighter and more pleasurable than the sunshine after a string of cloudless days. Happiness that follows a troubled time can be more intense or at least more appreciated than happiness in the midst of an easy time.

The water flowing was my sunshine after the storm.  All I can say is thank you Jesus for protecting us and caring for us.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

How do your thougts affect you? Psalm 19:14 Proverbs 9:18

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    Here is a quote from Margret Thatcher--take time to read and absorb:

                    Watch your thoughts, because they become words,
                    Watch your words, because they become actions,
                    Watch your actions, because they become habits,
                    Watch your habits, because they become your character,
                    Watch your character, because it becomes your destiny.
                    What we THINK, we BECOME!
                                                            Margret Thatcher

    Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Proverbs 9:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

 You have heard the expression, "you are what you eat" well, we are what we believe and think.  Faith in Jesus as my LORD and saviour is my redemption.  I trust Him in my heart and that what I become is due to HIM.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Fruitful or fuitless? Mark 4

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Things of this world come and go; exist and pass away.  1935Bruno Hauptmann went on trial in Flemington, N.J., on charges of kidnapping and murdering the infant son of Charles and Anne Lindbergh. (He was found guilty and executed.)
           On Jan 2, 1960 John F. Kennedy declared his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination.     
        1965The New York Jets signed University of Alabama quarterback Joe Namath for a reported $400,000. (an amazing amount of money in 1965).
    These are things of the world that happened, were a major topic of discussion at that time, but do we still remember and talk about them.  No!! Only the historians.
    However, many do remember Jim Bakker, the TV evangelist now 74, who fell from grace for having an affair.  Why?  Why is this remembered by many?
    This all relates to the parable of the sower of the seeds. Mark 4:¹⁴ The sower sows the word. ¹⁵ And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.
    Some hear the word and it is as casting sounds on a deaf person.  Then you have the ones who receive the word, are excited, but then, being on stony ground, nothing takes root and the excitement, the rush all fades. ¹⁸ Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, ¹⁹ and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. These are the hearers of the word, but product NO FRUITS!!
    Then you have the seeds that are sown on good, fertile ground that take root and become fruitful for the LORD.  To read this with all the scripture go to Christianity - Thoughts by Johnny.
   Now my question for you is this: Is your faith as the current news events--brought to light, discussed, then forgot?  OR, did your faith take root and you are bringing forth fruit for the glory of God? LOVE YOU ALL.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

    

Dirty white curtain or cleaned daily? 1 Thessa 5:10-18

Good morning dear friends! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
  We travel through life, we travel through this world, and how often do we look around and really see.  Looking out the window this morning I saw the sun rise, slowly, dutifully, from below the horizon to take its position about the horizon, slowly continuing in an upward direction.  Did this "just happen" or was it created by a super power?  We know, from the Bible, that...."....in the beginning....".  
   But sometimes we get so caught up in the everyday goings on that we forget the beauty around us, we forget our purpose here on earth, and we jump back into the ruts where many has trod before us.
   If you will hang a clean bright white curtain outside, on a clothesline, between trees, or wherever and leave it for....oh...say a week, what happens?  Yes, the elements of the world collect on it, making it soiled and instead of clean white, it now takes on a dull white hue.  If we don't pay attention to it, it will appear to be as clean as the day we put it out.  It is not and needs to be cleaned.
    Is this not how our Christian life goes many times?  We are clean bright white from sins through the blood of Jesus; then we hang out in the world for a while and the dirty elements of the world collect. We find ourselves becoming further away from the clean bright white that Jesus made us through His sacrifice.  We enjoy dirty or "shady" jokes/stories; words are spewed from our mouth that are not clean, not encouraging, not Christlike.  So what do we need to do?
   It is time to be cleaned, renew the bright white hue cast forth for others to see.  And how do I do this? Very simple!  Just take it to God, this is the first day of the new year 2014 and we know not what is to come; we know not what to prepare for; but we need not look back in our rearview mirror and fret, but learn from past and create a better future.  Go forth, working together, rejoice always, pray without ceasing.  Here is the scripture.

   1 Thessalonians 5:10-18  New King James Version (NKJV)

^(Jesus)10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
¹¹ Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
¹² And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 
¹³ and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
¹⁴ Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. ¹⁵ See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
    Love you all.  
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny