Shred? What will you drink of tonight?

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
   Well...........today is December 31, the end of 2014 and then the beginning of 2015.  It is time everyone makes resolutions that will soon be broken.  However, let me encourage you to take 1 major resolution and stick to it:  DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!!!   Why?  Many reasons: 1 - you can't afford it; 2 - you may injure someone or yourself; 3- you may kill someone; and 4- God wants you to honor HIM and spread seeds of hope, seeds of salvation.
   Who will listen?  The ones walking with God will listen; however, do not despair my friend, for any seeds you may have planted will not go unheeded.  They may be ignored at first, but they will seep in when and where you would least expect it.
   S H R E D!!  Remember in New York they had a giant shredder for people to shred their past.  Again, I say to you---God is the GREAT SHREDDER IN THE SKY!  Give it all over to him.  Stay home tonight, if you drink a $100 taxi cab fare is cheaper than DWI or DUI.  If you have 1 beer, 1 mixed drink, 1 glass of wine ------please don't drive and take a chance.  
   Revelation 21:5-7 verse  "⁵ He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
     
 Jesus said what?  I will shred all your past!!!  A paraphrase of 'making everything new', and then he said:  these words are what..............TRUSTWORTHY  &  TRUE!!!
  Now, my friend-----heed these words and take good courage from them: 
⁶ And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
⁷ He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

 Jesus was with the father in the beginning; Jesus came as man to "shred" our sins; and Jesus is with the father in the end.  If we come to HIM, we will drink freely from the fountain of the water of life.   Okay - summarize:  God/Jesus is the great SHREDDER; Jesus eliminates our sins; if you (I) believe we will overcome and be God child forever and ever. Amen.

  There you have it my friend.  Today can be the first day of the rest of your life:  how will you choose to use it?  Wisely or self-absorbent?  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

I see no SEA in the New heaven & New earth!

GOOD MORNING ALL!   God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Did you think about "shredding" your troubles, your sorrows, your misgivings, all that is bad--let it be shredded through the saving and loving power of JESUS CHRIST?
  As you prepare for the new year please read John's words in Revelation 21:1-4  Let's look at these verses first:   And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
² And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
³ And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
⁴ And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
 As briefly as I can, let us go over these verses: 1- heaven and earth as we know it will no longer be; a new heaven and earth AND----no more sea.  Why no more sea?  The sea is viewed as dangerous and changeable and (Rev 13;1) the beast came from the sea.
   2-3 ...the New Jerusalem is where God lives among his people.  Wow!  Instead of us going up to meet HIM, HE comes down to dwell among us.  Who is us?  The people whose names are written in the Book of Life.  God comes down to us as Jesus came down to us.  Where God is---there is peace, security and love.
   4-In the new holy city of Jerusalem there will be no tears, no death, no sorrow, no crying, no pain, for all these have passed away.  They are gone.  Not one of us is an expert in the Bible (though some profess to be), but one thing we do know for certain:  By knowing Jesus and God our eternity will be more wonderful than we can ever possibly imagine.  
   QUESTION:  We can use shredding machines, but is not GOD the great shredder who takes away; who eliminates all our past; makes us new?  Wow!  A shredder eliminates the old but does not restore----GOD RESTORES US!!  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

SHRED your problems for the new year! The only true shredder available......!!!

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
   Who is God?  What is God in your life?  Do you really believe in God?  OR----yourself?  Hmmm!
In New York they have a giant shredder where people can come now, at the end of this year, and shred all the bad in the year past.  Items shredded were things like:  divorce papers; identity theft papers; cancer; prescriptions; drunk driving papers; and on and on.  Wouldn't this be nice if we could just shred the bad and begin anew?
   Well, we can!  We are promised this from the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, from God - our creator.  HE is the great shredder of the world.  HE can take our burdens and lessen the load; shredding them in a shredder only alleviates the problem temporarily.  Some will say God only reliefs the problem temporarily.  Well, that is true in the fact that we tend to pick it up again and lug it forward with us.  When you shred something you don't catch the papers and try to glue or tape it back together.
  However, when we give things to God--we tend to give it in a moment of prayer, then pick it up later to "take care of it."  Hmmmm----see any logic in this?
    Jesus came to John when he was on the island of Patmos, a small rocky island in the Aegean Sea about 50 miles offshore from the city of Ephesus.  Jesus said this to John: "Don't be afraid!  I am the First and the Last.  I am the living one. I died, but look-I am alive forever and ever!  And I hold the keys of death and the grave."  Revelation 1:17-18 (KJV & NIV)
   At this time the Roman government increased their persecution of Christians.  Look around - America and the world has increased their persecution of Christians.  We wonder if the church will survive; we wonder if we will survive; Jesus gives us assurance!! 
  First words - DON'T BE AFRAID!   This is difficult as we tend to fight or flight, being human and all.
Then encouragement: I AM THE FIRST AND THE LAST!  Jesus was here before earth, and will be here after earth.  I AM ALIVE FOREVER AND EVER!  Wow - and this is true for us - we will be alive forever and ever with Jesus, with God, running with the angels.
    I HOLD THE KEYS OF DEATH AND THE GRAVE!   Christians do not have to fear death and the grave as Jesus holds these keys and HE has the power and authority to set us free from sin's control.
    So, now, "shred" your sins by giving them over, completely, to Christ, who restores us now and resurrects us later to an eternal peaceful relationship with Him.
   How much more peaceful can we go into the new year?  Giving every thing over to JESUS CHRIST! Amen!  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Gift of God

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
   Do you believe in "scare tactics?"  Some people do and they share just enough information with the public to put them in a state of caution, possibly a state of panic.  Why?  Because they want to get their way with what they are presenting.
   See starving children with horrid scenes to make you give!  See neglected and abused animals with awful pictures to move you.  Place signs in yards designed to make you think about things.  Place huge ads on billboards depicting their belief or attitude.  Does it work?  
   With some people it does; with others it simply turns them away.  Okay, Johnny, enough, quit rambling and tell us what you are getting at.
   When we, Christians, put out information I (my opinion only) think we should share the whole complete truth.  For instance we use John 3:16 but forget to mention John 3:17 (Christ came not to condemn the world but to save).  Well, I see signs that are placed that tell me "the wages of sin is death".  If I am walking in the world----who cares; I'm having fun and enjoying my self.
   I do believe we should share the complete verse in Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
   When we try to share; share the good news.  Too often Christianity is seen as a series of "DON'Ts"!  Let us share the good news of "DOs" with the world.
   THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD!!!!
We just celebrated Jesus' birthday and we should celebrate each day as a new day of birth for you and other as Christian's.  Look up, look around, stay in prayer and keep focused on our Heavenly Father.  Merry Christmas to you and may it be merry each day because of life with more Christ.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Why did God send Jesus to the earth? Was he mad at him?

Good morning everyone!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    Yesterday I visited about being unequally yoked.  Many of us are.  However, if you feel unhappy, dissatisfied in your marriage or relationship, just don't feel good about where you work, your friends, your life, etc.; then you may need to look into the mirror, talk to that person and include God in on the conversation.
    What is your purpose in life?  Do you know?  John 3:  ^16" For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
     Everyone knows this verse and it is important.  If you thought you could save the whole world would you sacrifice your oldest child?  Reach deep inside your soul and be honest -- would you?  
     The advantage God has is the fact that He knows the end result.  God knows that through JESUS the whole world has the opportunity to be saved.  God knows some will/ some won't; He knows who will and who won't.  So, why doesn't He (God) just pluck out the ones who will and live with them?   He can't. Why?  Because, God allowed us free will to choose Jesus (salvation) or satan (death by fire). 
   God places the offer on the table for everyone to have the opportunity.  John 3:17, to me, is as important as 16; however, most fail to mention it,  and many don't know it: 
¹⁷ "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."
   God sent Jesus Christ in this world for you, so that through Him you might be saved!  When it becomes more personal we tend to listen to it better.   God did not send Jesus into this world to say you are evil, a bad person, and you can go to hell. No, NO, NO!  God sent Jesus into this world to say, believe on Me and you will be saved and have everlasting life.
    Now, I will meddle in your life some.  When you are out of your own comfortable little environment, do you have the opportunity to mention Jesus to others and don't?  Why?  If the Holy Spirit is your pilot, then you need to listen, heed, and follow His lead.
    Yeah, yeah, yeah!  You can give me the rhetoric that this is not you; it is difficult to speak to people out in public.  Baloney!  If the Holy Spirit is leading you, all you have to do is be there; let the Spirit take over and---waalaa--it is done.
    Don't just speak to the well dressed, outstanding looking citizen.  Speak to everyone.  Jesus did not go to the wealthy, well dressed, highly social and rich people; he went to the people who needed more, who were searching---the poor, the downtrodden, the sick, the lame.  He performed miracles.  You can do the same.  Maybe just a quick spoken word such as:  "MERRY CHRISTMAS" may make a difference in someone.
    Yesterday I spoke to a large man (5x type) who had tattoos, beard, and piercings.  I mentioned the cross tattoos he had.  His response: " I don't get anything but Christian tattoos"  "When I go to church people look at me and I usually have to sit away from everyone."   Wow!  Rejected in the house of who?????  House of God!!  Now, is that the Christian way?  His name is Philip, a name straight from the Bible and he is a Christian.
   Who are you?  Do you think Christ came in to this world to condemn; therefore you condemn when someone does not fit the "Christian image"?  Or, do you think Christ came in to this world not to condemn,but to save; therefore you offer the right hand of fellowship?  No gray area; just black and white.
   Enough rambling!  We serve an awesome God so, pray, open yourself to the Holy Spirit, and cast seeds forth--sharing the word of our living God.  Love you all. Merry Christmas Eve!!!
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Unequally yoked! Is Jesus really your reason for the season?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good!  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
     Well, here we are, the eve of Christmas eve and what are you doing?  Thinking and stressing about the presents you have not acquired as of yet?   Maybe, all shopping is complete and stressing about what to have  for Christmas dinner.  Hmmmm!!  Does ya thunk we may of forgotten what Christmas is really about?   Also, with the divorce rate at 40-50 percent in America, families do not celebrate Christmas as they once did in the 20th century, mainly from1900-1960's.  What?  Yes they do!  I am sorry, just look around and visit with people.
   So many of my friends as well as my family will have Christmas with 'dad's' family 1 day; 'mom's' family 1 day; step-dad's family 1 day; and step-mom's family 1 day; then, finally CHRISTMAS!!  And where to go on Christmas day?  Then we have step- aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, etc..  Where does this eventually end?
   Did you know 50% percent of first marriages, 67% of second and 74% of third marriages end in divorce?  Also, marriages under age 20 - 26.7% end in divorce; 38.6% of marriages age 20-24 end in divorce.  Amazing statistics.  So, what are you saying!?!?  Marriage is not for everyone----just live together???    No, NO,  NO!!!   Marriage must be based on the reason for the season ----J E S U S !!!!
   Oh, yeah, here comes the preaching!  Well, not really, here comes the anguish and frustration.  Unfortunately, I am included in the statistics.  Why do we marry?   Sex!  Looks!  Money!  Status!! To get to a better situation! Fun! Exciting! Or whatever!   None of this works!  The true reason for marriage should be based on God!
    The Bible warns against being unequally yoked in 2 Corinthians 6:14: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” (NIV).
    If you will search the Bible, many of the men of old married women of different faiths, allowing them to continue their practices, and you will find there was turmoil, war (if you will) between husband and wife.  Jesus does not go walking with the devil; the people of darkness do not enjoy the people of light; therefore, marriage should be based on God, on Jesus Christ, Lord-our saviour.
    Jesus - a marriage based, truly on God, will succeed.  Some say, "Oh, we are believers yet we divorced" and again I utter the words: "Because you sit in church makes you a Christian as much as standing in a garage makes you a car!"  Lip service is cheap; what is truly in the heart affects the mind, the mind affects attitude, which affects relationships. I honestly believe if are a true believer in God-with all your heart, mind and soul and your spouse also- God will make the relationship work.
       Where are you today? During this holiday season?  Is everything you have- your relationship with spouse and family based on God? On Jesus?  Are you equally yoked?
   I am not trying to be "bah-hum-bug", just trying to strike a cord as to what CHRISTmas is really about-----CHRIST!!  Mas in Spanish is "more"; so could we say Christ - more or more Christ?  If we did it would definitely help you, me, America, the world.  Please don't forget Jesus Christ is the reason for the season and take time to worship him.  Love you all.  Thank you for taking time to read.
In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny
p.s. if unequally yoke don't jump ship and divorce;
pray continually until you receive an answer from God!

   

Pharisee/Sadducee or CHRISTIAN?

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   Well, Herod did not kill Jesus. The Wisemen went back home on another route.  So, because of this Jesus is saviour of the world and we get to celebrate Christmas.  End of story.  Whoaa!  Not quite.  Jesus gave us a commission which we must carry out. Go into all the world and spread the gospel as well as love thy neighbor as thyself; but the most important--Love God with all your heart, mind, soul!!!
   Think about this a moment:  Pharisee/Sadducee or Christian?
Pharisees were commiteted to obeying all of God's commands; were admired by the common people for their apparent piety; believed in a bodily resurrection and eternal life; and believed in angels and demons.
   Sadducees believed strongly in the law of Moses and in Levitical purity; were more practically minded than Pharisees.
   These were the two major religious groups in Israel at the time of Christ.  Pharisees more religiously minded, whereas the Sadducees more politically minded.
   Their negative characteristics (see if any fit you) are:
Pharisees
   1. Behaved as though their own religious rules were just as important as God's rules for living.
2.  Their piety was often hypocritical and their efforts often forced others to try to live up to standards they themselves could not live up to.
3. Believed that salvation came from perfect obedience to the law and was not based on forgiveness of sins.
4. Became so obsessed with obeying their legal interpretations in every detail that they completely ignored God's message of mercy and grace.
5. Were more concerned with appearing to be good than obeying God.
Sadducees:
1.  Relied on logic while placing little importance on faith.
2. Did not believe all the Old Testament was God's word.
3. Did not believe in a bodily resurrection or eternal life.
4. Did not believe in angles or demons.
5. Were often willing to compromise their values with the Romans and others in order to maintain their status and influential positions.
    Check these out.  There are pastors who fit the bill in each of these categories.  There are also many, many "Christians" who believe this same way.  It is the Christmas season.  Take time to see if you fit in any of these categories; if so, STOP, go to your knees and pray for God's guidance.
    May you have a wonderful Christmas season.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

John, the son of Zechariah! Who is this?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
   Yesterday I mentioned Herod the Great wanted Jesus, an infant, killed.  Now, in Matthew 3 we have a man, John, the son of Zechariah.  Who?  This is the man we refer to as John the baptist.  Who was this man?  He dressed funny and had a strange diet.
    John the baptist was a forerunner of Jesus, the Messiah, proclaiming him to come.  John, in today's world would be like a hollywood star or great athlete; it seemed people from all over knew of him.  He had followers everywhere. He was famous and people listened to him. This is not a bad thing, it is good.  John had disciples who followed him.  So, What is he doing?
   When a dignitary plans to come in a city what happens?  The security staff goes before him/her and makes way, ensuring all is ready for his/her arrival.  This was John the baptist; he went ahead of Jesus, proclaiming, "Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."  Some thought he was Elijah reincarnated.  Oops, can't be-- as Elijah never died, he was taken into the heavens in a whirlwind. Well, then, who was he?
   Well, the Pharisees and Sadducees came to watch him baptize, and with political correctness  John said to them:  "O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:  And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father; for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.  And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: be he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
    John's message was clear, very clear to the Pharisees and Sadducees and all around.  He told them to change their behavior; show their true character, not just a front.  Just as a fruit tree produces its fruit that is good--we as God's people should produce good fruit.
   God's message in the Old Testament and New Testament is the same:  People will be judged for their productive or unproductive lives.  God wants us to be active in our life, living for Christ.  Are you productive for Chirst?  John baptized people as a sign that they had asked God to forgive their sins and to live as God wanted them to live.  The fan in verse 12 is a pitchfork with which they separate the grain from the chaff.  This is where we have to choose to either be the grain - productive; or the chaff-unproductive and to be burned in the fire.  Hmmm!  Not much of a choice.
   Okay, back to who was John!   He came, as the security detail, preparing the way for Jesus Christ, the Messiah, Emmanual.  Are you walking as John, helping to prepare the way for the future to come?  Yes, we are the forerunners of Christ's return!!!  Think about this over the weekend. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Herod dies; Joseph returns with family

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
   Well, we have gone through the birth of Christ, Joseph moving the family to Egypt to avoid death by Herod the Great.  Now, my curiosity kept asking, "how old was Jesus when Herod died?"  Because this was when Joseph, Mary, and Jesus returned to Israel.
    Well, by studying and looking at the historical evidence (not forensic style but Biblical style) the best we can understand is this.  Josephus reported a moon eclipse just before Herod's death and just before passover.  One account is Jesus was born 6-4 BC and Herod died at 4 BC.  The other account is that Jesus was born in 2 BC and Herod died in 1 BC.  Either way, the only thing Herod knew was Jesus, King of Jews, had to be 2 years and under.  Remember, Bethlehem was only 5-6 miles from Jerusalem so how long would it take to go there.  Where the Maji's came from is a mystery as well and how long did they travel?  Not sure.   Read Matthew 2:19-23
   However, what we do know is Joseph moved his family back to Israel upon Herod's death.  How did he know?  The internet was not around at this time!  Oh, but something much more efficient and accurate than the internet was around------angels from God.  An angel came to Joseph in a dream and said, in todays terms, "what are you doing sitting around here?  The people who wanted the child dead are dead so pack up and return."(Or in East Texan -"sup, watcha doin 'ere? Git outta 'ere un go 'ome.")
    Joseph headed home, oops, another dream Archelaus, son of Herod, did reign in Judea, so, being afraid to return Joseph went to Galilee and dwelt in Nazareth.  This fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
     Okay, God has had "text" messages and "internet" since the beginning of time.  However, in old days they referred to it as angels either in dreams or in person.  How fast it that?  It was at God's speed; and this speed barrier NO ONE HAS BROKEN.
    Now why Nazareth?  Jesus was sent into the world, not to condemn, but to save the world.  So, again, why Nazareth?  Nazareth lies North of Jerusalem, inland, and journey to the East  to reach the Jordan River; journey to the West  to the Mediterranean Sea, in an area called Gallilee.  This was a "crossroads" for people from all over the world.  What better place to start a ministry from which word will spread to all the ancient world via the travelers.
   Well, if you think your journey has bumps in the road, just think about Jesus' journey on earth.  First- born and then fled for His life; next-cannot return to Jerusalem as Herod's son may still hold a grudge; then obscurity in Nazareth, yet a place where many travel until the beginning of His ministry.  And you know the end result of His 3 1/2 years of ministry - Salvation for you & me; Eternal life with the Father. Yea!!!  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny
 

Don't wait! ESCAPE!!!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
   Well, at this time Herod talked to 3 wisemen, who are going to bring gifts to the King of Jews in Bethlehem.  Herod is being deceptive, yet God warns the wisemen to return home another way.
    Okay, the wisemen left and Joseph is visited by an angel of the LORD.  This angel says he must escape, flee to Egypt for the safety of the child.  Joseph has been visited by an angel before in the case of Mary being with child, yet he had not laid with her.  He listened.  This time, he listened as well.  Joseph's heart was right and receptive to God's word.  Hmmm!  Is yours?
   Anyway, that very night Joseph took Mary and the child and left for Egypt.  Well, back to Herod.  The wisemen did not return.  His sneaky idea was to fain wanting to worship the King of Jews, and then kill this person who may be a threat to him.   The wisemen, who obviously had their hearts right with God, were visited in a dream by God and told to return home on a different route.  They did!
   Now remember, Bethlehem was only about 5, maybe 6 miles from Jerusalem.  It did not take long, but when Herod realized he was outwitted by the "wisemen" (via God's dream) he did what all good dictator type rulers who are prideful would do.  Yep!  He remembered the information the wisemen had given him about when they first saw the star; he sent soldiers to Bethlehem to kill all the boys in or around Bethlehem who were two years old and under.  Why?
   Why?  Herod was prideful, did not want to be threatened in any way of losing his position of power.  So, if he killed 'the child', whom we call Jesus, he would remain in power as long as he desired.  Joseph fled to Israel.  Now there is an interesting parallel; God led the infant nation of Israel to Egypt, then God led Israel out of Egypt.   Now, God is sending infant Jesus to Egypt, and God will bring Jesus back out of Israel.  
   Herod did not understand the reason for Jesus.  It was not to 'TAKE HIS THRONE', but to be ever present in Herod's life.  Jesus came to offer eternal life, not take away the present life.  Yes, Jesus will change our present life, we will travel a different and much greater path when following Jesus. We must not fear Jesus, but let Jesus take the throne of our life, aka eternal life.
   Herod's vicious act of murder fulfilled God's word spoken by Jeremiah:  "A cry was heard in Ramah- weeping and great mourning.  Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for hey are dead." Tomorrow I will speak more to Jeremiah's word.  Today, is Jesus the King of your life?  Does He reside on the throne of your kingdom?  Where is Jesus to you today?  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Star light, star bright, The first star I see tonight...........

Good morning everyone!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
    Okay, remember, Herod told the Maji's to return and tell him where the baby is so that he may come worship him as well.  Hmmmm!  Sly ole fox.  He just does not want anyone around who may challenge his throne.  The Maji's went to Bethlehem, which is only about 5 miles from Jerusalem.
   They followed the star which came and stood over where the young child was.  Let us stop and think about the 'star' for a moment.  When we, purely mortal people, think of the stars we know the natural way is the earth rotates on its axis and, if you will, the stars come up in the East and set in the West.  This is just natural.  Well, let us think of this situation this way.  This is not a natural event, this is the birth of Jesus Christ, son of man, God the Father in human form.  Far from natural.
    Do you not think this would be an occasion for a "supernatural" event to occur?  Many speculate about the star.  Let me tell you this.  The inspired word of God says there was a star leading the Maji and who am I to disagree or try to explain the star.  The star is a supernatural phenomena leading the Maji to find and worship my saviour, Jesus Christ.  Don't get hung up on little events.
   This brings to mind the nursery rhyme:

Star light, star bright,

The first star I see tonight;

I wish I may, I wish I might,

Have the wish I wish tonight.

   The 3 wisemen found the child, came in and worshiped him with gifts.  Now, all this is supernatural.  Why would 3 men, out of nowhere, suddenly decide to come, follow a star, find a child, bring gifts and worship a "CHILD" unless there was something special?  You tell me.
   Aww, the Bible is just ancient words written by male chauvinistic people of old.  Well, it is ancient as this happened 2000 years ago; it was a male centered world, however, these are not just 'any words' but the inspired WORD OF GOD!  If you believe, truly believe in Jesus Christ, then you know the Bible is not a smorgasbord of words to pick and choose from; but words from God of which to heed.
    Well, the Maji find the child, deliver the gifts, worship the child, and they receive a warning from God not to return to Herod.  So they returned to their homeland, not through Jerusalem, but another route.  When you find Jesus, as did the Maji, your life's direction may change as did the Maji's.  Has your life changed since you found the Christ child?  Since you found Jesus?  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Did you hear about the 3 wisemen who went to Jerusalem?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    If you heard of someone who was coming, would take your place in the family what would you do?  If Obama heard there was someone coming, at this time, to take over as president of the USA, what do you think he would do?
   Well, I don't if we would be as drastic as King Herod, but I am sure we would take measures to ensure that did not happen.  Matthew, chapter 2 tells about the Maji's coming and inquiring about the new born King of the Jews.
   King Herod, happy as a lark, sitting on his throne suddenly perks up his ears and listens.  Huh? What? King of the Jews?  First of all, Herod was not the rightful heir to the throne of David; because of this many Jews did hate him.  Herod was ruthless, and since he was hated by the Jews he did have many enemies.  Now understand, Herod was disturbed, AND, other people reacted to the birth of Jesus, and it was not always soothing and comforting.
     The birth of Jesus stimulated the spiritual being in some, but for most, specially the religious leaders and strong followers, it brought fear.   Well, you know what,  today, this month specially (birthday of Jesus) the mention of Jesus brings fear to some and anger to others.  Even in modern America, people hate and/or fear the name of Jesus.
   Well, back to Herod.  The Maji's (wisemen) told him of the birth. Herod called the religious leaders and said, "Whaaaaat?" They reminded him of Micah 5:2 (NIV) “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me, one who will be ruler over Israel,  whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
   So, old Herod's wheels begin turning (he is thinking), he is ruthless, sly, sneaky, and will get what he wants anyway he can.   Herod tells the Maji's to let him know where the child is so that he may come and worship him as well.  Hee hee, Herods got 'em now.  Oops!  Herod did not realize 1 thing ----God is on the side of His son, Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem. HaHa
   So, off go the wise men, following the star to where Jesus is born.  Herod is sitting back on his throne just waiting.  He will not be threatened, he will take matters into his own hands, and when the wisemen return -- Bazinga -- Herod's got 'em.   Think so?  Well, let's see what happens.  Oh, time to go.  Don't forget, tune in tomorrow to gather some more facts about the saga of Herod, Jesus, and the 3 wisemen.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny

Lost your head lately? Over what?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
    Wow!  Ever experience something you just said 'WOW' to?  In The Christian life we should be able to say this often.  Why?  Because, our Heavenly Father owns the cattle of a thousand hills, controls all, and takes care of us.
   Here is a question for you to carefully think about.  The knee-jerk reaction is "Yes, I would do that!", but in reality would you?   Would you give up your life, would you lose your head (be de-headed) for professing Christ?
     What does it mean to you to be a Christian?  Too many, too often, people are "fair weather Christians".
 Huh?  Yes, if all is going well we are in church; when adversity knocks at our door we want to blame someone or something.  Here is a big question -- DID YOU PRAY ABOUT IT?  And the response will be 'Oh, yes I did, and I did not get an answer.'  Or, possibly, 'Yes, I prayed.'  But did you earnestly pray or was it one of those: "oh, Lord, here I am help me."   AND, you only did it one, yes 1, only 1 time.  God is there; He is always present; did you really consult Him, or do the 'drive by prayer' - here tis Lord fix it!  Take time, stop, STOP, bend your knees and spend, oh, just 2 minutes in HONEST EARNEST PRAYER.  Then see what happens.
   John the Baptist lost his head over Jesus Christ.  John did without, walked the wilderness, sacrificed all to proclaim the truth.  We are not asked to do this; God only asks our obedience.  We lose our heads over many things:  football teams, alcohol, marriage, lust, envy, - we 'lose our heads' or in other words, we leave God out of the equation.
   Well, I am tired of........Oh, give me a break.  If God was tired of OUR (mine & your) disobedience and gave up, where the HELL would you be?  Yep, just said it, "HELL" would be our new home.
   We need to be strong in our faith as John was.  Lose our head over sharing the gospel; not crazy over our worldly problems.  What have you lose your head over lately?  Well, my spouse..........; my boss........; the pastor..........; my friends..........., come on!  Look in the mirror a moment and let go with what is inside.  While at the mirror God is there and waiting to talk to you.
    When John the Baptist baptized Jesus (Matt 3:17) a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."  Will God speak to you and say as in Matthew 25:23 "................ Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."
   John the Baptist told the truth, faced the truth, offended many (non-Christians) and lost his head for the truth.  Where are you today in your walk with Christ and in all your troubles and woes?  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny
 

Thermomstat or Thermometer? Which are you?!?!?

Thermomstat or Thermometer? Which are you?!?!?

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    I heard this yesterday and it made me think seriously and deeply.  In your Christian walk are you a thermometer or a thermostat?    Think about this for a moment.
    I thermometer measures its environment, tells you if it is hot, cold, or lukewarm.  Whereas a thermostat sets the climate or controls the environment, making it either hot, cold, or lukewarm.
    So, if I were to ask you which one you are-----what could you honestly tell me?   A thermometer is going to go with whatever the environment dictates.  Hot, it reads hot; cold, it reads cold; lukewarm, it reads lukewarm!
    So, if you are around a group of people telling dirty stories, cursing, do you join in?  Do you avoid? Do you leave?   Hmmm!  Peter said he would never deny Jesus, yet he did 3 times before the cock crowed.  Is this you?
   OR, are you the thermostat and set the temperature?  Do you speak as a Christian - with patience, slow to anger, putting away childish things such as cursing, throwing a fit, yelling out, etc.?  Where do you sit in your Christian life?
   Things get hard, but we need to 'put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darta of the wicked (evil one).'  Ephesians 6:10-16
   If you stand as a thermostat we shall endure the temptation, and it will be YOU, ME, that sets the temperature around us.  Do not be a thermostat that is weak and wobbles, changing the temperature as the wind moves.  James 1:12-18  vs 12 "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried (hath been approved), he shall receive the cn of life, which the Lord hat promised to them that love him."
    Do you have on your armour of God?  Do you stand strong (with God) in the face of temptation?  The final question----ARE YOU A  THERMOSTAT or a THERMOMETER??  You have the choice, God gave you choice, now, just make it the right one!!  Love you all!!!
   In Christ's Love and Grace
      Johnny

Christianity is a buffet -- pick and choose! Huh????

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   So.....Sow......what do you think?  Did you "sow" any seeds yesterday, or did you just do "so so"?
Hmmm!!!
   Look at Galatians 6:11-13 Paul is writing to the people in his own pen and IN BIG LETTERS.  Why would he say this?  Because he wanted them to heed his words and recognize the prostitution of believing in Christ they were doing.
   KJV ¹¹ Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
    Living Bible ¹¹ I will write these closing words in my own handwriting. See how large I have to make the letters!
  KJV  ¹² As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 
  Living Bible ¹² Those teachers of yours who are trying to convince you to be circumcised are doing it for just one reason: so that they can be popular and avoid the persecution they would get if they admitted that the cross of Christ alone can save. 
  KJV  ¹³ For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
   Living Bible  ¹³ And even those teachers who submit to circumcision don’t try to keep the other Jewish laws; but they want you to be circumcised in order that they can boast that you are their disciples.
    Okay, Paul wrote in large letters to gain your attention, verse 11.  Verse 12 - false teachers - Jesus came and fulfilled the law, yet these men, Jewish, were still hanging on to Abraham's command from God to be circumcised.  This was the law; Christ fulfilled the law.  Now, why were they doing this? They were "following Christ", yet.... abiding by the Jewish law also to avoid any uncomfortable situations that may arise.  Could you say living in 2 worlds - secular and spiritual.  The Bible tells us we cannot serve 2 masters.
   Now, for verse 13 I will paraphrase one of my references that may be more clear than my simple words.  Some of the Judaizers were emphasizing circumcision as proof of holiness, but ignoring other Jewish laws.  Many people choose a certain principle or item to prohibit, yet choose others to follow, claiming this shows true faith.
   Huh???  Okay, is my simple terms: some condemn drunkness yet indulge in gluttony;  some condemn homosexuality, yet they overlook abuse (child or domestic); some will hate promiscuity, yet they are prejudice.  Does this make sense? NO!!  But many will say, "Oh, yes, I am a Christian", yet I choose to view my "Christianity" as a buffet; I will pick and choose what I want!  But, look at me, I am a "good Christian" in church every Sunday, smiling and happy, praising God, slapping backs, hugging people, and "serving God."
   Whoa, whoa, whoa!!  Really??   Come on, people choose to add to and take away what is "uncomfortable" in their "religion."  We should not be 'religious', we should be spiritual!  We should not be a specific religious denomination, but a follower of JESUS CHRIST.  When will we quit making up our own rules??  One time.......when Jesus returns!   So, I bid you farewell today my fellow Christian!  May the spirit guide your steps!  Wishing you Gods speed!  Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny
 

So? Sow? Sow!!!

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
   Wow!  America, the world is literally going to HELL in a handbasket.  When will we stop, return to GOD?  We seem to be returning to the years of old when a sect of people tried to dominate another sect.  The Assyrians, Babylonians, Romans, Philistines, Jews, etc., they fought, conquered, and controlled.  Today we have the Democrats, Republicans, Tea Party, Liberals, Conservatives, etc. all fighting each other.  Then if that is not enough we have ISIS, Al-Quada, Libya, Syria, Islam, etc.  Then in America, again, right now forefront in the news Black vs White.  This is not what God intended at all.  Galatians 6:
⁷ Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
 Verse 7 - if you plant corn you won't get pumpkins.  What you put forth, of that you will receive. If you gossip about a friend, that friend you will lose.  You will reap what you sow.
⁸ For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
 Verse 8 - do we yearn to be of the flesh?  Satisfy our own desires?  If we do we will reap sorrow, we will reap evil.  However, if we yearn for things of the Spirit we shall have a bountiful harvest and have eternal life.  Wow!  Flesh or Spirit?  Hell or Eternal life?  How hard of a decision is this?
⁹ And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
¹⁰ As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
 
  Verse 9 - 10 : Paul is telling us if we continue to do well, it may be discouraging, frustrating, but stay the course, if we do not falter then in "due season" we shall reap a great harvest.  We have to do good and trust God, and in due time we will receive our blessings.
    Where are you today my friend?  Living in the world, but saying and doing the "Godly" things at the right time so all will say, "Look, what a wonderful Christian person."  Or, are you truly living for God in all you do; your actions, your speech, your spirit?
  Church sign:    ETERNITY - It is HELL without JESUS!  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

  

Do you share your seeds? Or, are you stingy?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    A king was traveling in his carriage and saw a man in a field planting seeds.  The king stopped, asked the man to come to him.  The man complied, the king inquired as to what he was doing.  The man in the field said he was planting his crop with seeds.  The king asked if he would be so king to give him some seeds.
     The man reached into his sack of seeds and brought out 1 single seed;  the king reached into his big pot of gold coins and gave the man 1 gold coin.  As the king drove off the man wondered what would have happened had he gave him the whole bag.  Hmmm!  Sound like us and what we give back to God??
    When giving back the tithe is only obedience; the point here is to give above and beyond for God. Give of your time, your work and spreading the gospel of Jesus; planting seeds, plural, not just one seed for the king.
   2 Corinthians 9:6-10   Life App "Remember this-a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop.  But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.  You must each decide in your heart how much to give.  And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure.  "For God love a person who gives cheerfully."  And God will generously provide all you need.  Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.  As the Scriptures say, "They share freely an give generously to the poor.  Their good deeds will be remembered forever."  For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat.  In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you."
    People tend to be hesitant to give because they look at their money and then their bills.  What fails to prevail here is that God will take care and carry us through.  God will meet your needs.
    A giving attitude is more important than the amount given.  The person who can only give a small gift should not be embarrassed.   God is concerned about HOW a person gives, not HOW MUCH.
   God give us resources to use and invest for him.  Paul uses the illustration of the seed to explain that the resources given to us from God should not be hidden, foolishy used, or thrown away.  We are stewards of what God gave us, yet many times we fail to see the accountability to God involved.  May your day be rich; may you share the seeds of salvation with many; and may GOD BLESS YOU RICHLY in this birth of Christ season.  Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Faith and a Word - Matthew 15:21-28

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
   FAITH and WORD - how powerful are these?  In Matthew 15:21-28 is really an amazing story.  Many of us read it, yet do not understand it totally.  Let's go through it:
²¹ Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.  Jesus traveled about 50 miles to get here.
²² And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.  A woman comes to Jesus, recognizes Him, and says her daughter is demon possessed.
²³ But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.  Jesus said nothing, and the disciples urged Him to send her away.  Jesus came to save the Jews first, and then gentiles.  This "gentile woman" was seen as a pest by the disciples.
²⁴ But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.  Now Jesus speaks and tells her He is here to save the Jews, --lost sheep of the house of Israel.
²⁵ Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.  This woman, knowing who Jesus was begged, pleaded for help.
²⁶ But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. There were 2 words in the old language for dog; 1 for a stray running the streets and 1 for a puppy who was also a house pet.  When Jesus says this He is referring to the house pet, saying do not take food from the children to feed the animals.
²⁷ And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.  This lady is tenacious and will not give up.  Why? She knows He is the Son of David, the Messiah.  Here she responds that even the puppies eat of the crumbs which fall from the masters' table.  Meaning here?  Possibly because she is gentile and Jews had nothing to do with gentiles due to their pagan ways and were either thought of or treated like dogs.  She is coming to the masters' table, to Jesus, to get what little she can.  Great is her faith.
²⁸ Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.  All the while Jesus knew this woman's heart. Why did he go so long without healing her daughter?  Probably to teach His disciples to be patient, to discern, and to care for others outside the Jewish race.   Jesus knew her heart.  Jesus knew He would heal her daughter. Jesus knew her faith.  Jesus spoke the word and her daughter was healed.
How great is your faith and true belief.  This woman knew Jesus could heal her daughter and she crossed the racial barrier to get help.  She knew the Jews despised the gentiles; Jesus' disciples had to learn to cross these barriers as well.
    Are you willing to cross barriers to share the gospel, to plant the seeds with others?  We should not hide in our own little cocoon and shun the world.  We are to be as Jesus and go into the world.  Can you heal with just a word as did Jesus?  Yes, if you have as much faith as a mustard seed you could.
    Jesus did not lay hands on this girl, He only spoke the word.  Why don't you start by speaking the words of faith and healing in your daily prayers?  Food for thought. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny
 

Are you blind and leading others? Or, do you see well spiritually?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
    Yesterday when Jesus spoke to the Pharisees and teachers he pointed out that their lips honored him, but their heart did not.  I trust you gathered the jest of this meaning what flows out of your lips is worthless if it does not come from the heart.
    Well, the disciples, being human and living in the world, did not fully understand what Jesus was saying. In verse 10 and 11 of Matthew 15 Jesus went on to say, "Listen, and try to understand. It's not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come our of your mouth."
   After saying this the disciples came to Jesus with concerns and asked, "Do you realize you offended the Pharisees by what you just said?"
   Jesus' reply is what we need to remember daily, "Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be uprooted, so ignore them.  They are blind guides leading the blind, and if one blind person guides another, they will both fall into a ditch."
   Wow!   What Jesus was saying is they were not made unclean by eating nonkosher food.  It is what you say and think that make you unclean!  This did, in fact, offend the Pharisee as they were concerned with what people ate and drank.
    Jesus also told the disciples that the Pharisees were blind to the truth, God's truth.  In as much as so, that anyone who listened to their teaching would risk spiritual blindness as well.
    Remember, when you go to church, check your pastor, a visiting pastor, pastors on t.v. and see if they are sharing God's truth or their own truth.  There are many anti-christ's in the world.  Not just the atheists, agnostics, and compete unbelievers; there are anti-christ's who fill the pulpit and teach/preach a good (worldly) message yet not sharing the Good News of Christ and Salvation.
   I ask you, my friend, to maintain good spiritual eyesight and to teach and follow the principles of Scripture.  What difference does it make?  Eternal life difference!  Everyone believes in something; where is your belief?  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Which honoreth? Heart or lips???

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
   Yesterday I spoke about our talk, our speech, what we say must, or should, honor God all the time.  Today, let us move to the heart.   The Pharisees and teachers of religious law came from Jerusalem, the center of Jewish authority, to scrutinize Jesus' activities.  Over the centuries since the Jews' return from Babylonian captivity, hundreds of religious traditions had been added to God's laws.
    The Pharisees and teachers of religious law considered them all equally important, as important as God's word.  Some traditions are not bad, however, we must be careful when we elevate them to a level of sacred standing.  We must keep in mind they are man made laws or traditions; not dictated by God.  God's principles never change, and his law does not need additions.
   In Matthew 15 1-9 Jesus is talking to these people, he chastises them and says (verses 7,8,9) "You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.  Their worship is a farce for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.'"
    KJV "⁷ Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
⁸ This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
⁹ But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

   Jesus, here, is applying Isaiah's words to these religious leaders.  The Pharisees knew a lot about God, BUT, THEY DID NOT KNOW GOD.  When we claim to honor God while our heart is far from him, our worship means nothing.  Will God say I never knew you; or, well done, my good and faithful servant?
  You are not doing enough to study about religion, to study the Bible, to act religious if your actions and attitudes are not sincere.  Self search - does Isaiah's words describe you.  Don't look around, look in the mirror!!!   
    WHERE IS YOUR HEART???  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny
 

Your speech defines you!!!

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

     Moses said he could not lead as he stammered.  God corrected the issue.  We all give reasons and rationalize what we say and do.  Let us talk about our speech today.

  Matthew 15:16-20 “Don’t you understand yet?” Jesus asked.  “Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer.  But the words you speak come from the heart-that’s what defiles you.  For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying and slander.  These are what defile you.  Eating with unwashed hands will never defile you.”

The words you speak come from the heart, that is what defiles you.  Think about this for a moment.  What type of language comes from your mouth.  Do you curse, using inappropriate words?  Does anger come to the forefront and ugliness spews forth from your mouth?

    Last week during thanksgiving we went to my niece and nephews homes in Missouri.  On Friday night we went out to eat at a ‘wing’ place.  A large table next to us had 4 men, 3 women and a baby.  Two of the men let fly with the “F” bomb numerous times.  This was quite offensive to me.  Not in judgment, but in accordance to the word of God, would you believe this man had Jesus in his heart?  If nothing else, he had no respect for the people around, specially the women seated with him, and it seemed to be all about the big “I”.  Yes, I was offended.  The word says, “THE WORDS YOU SPEAK COME FROM THE HEART!”

   We tend to work hard to keep our outward appearance attractive, but what is deep down in our heart, where others cannot see, but yet GOD DOES SEE.   What are you like on the inside? 

    When people become Christians, God makes them different on the inside.  Will they be tempted and fall?  Certainly!  When one accepts and follow Jesus, satan comes to attack with vicious intent.  It is our responsibility as mature Christians, to help lead these people on the right path, encouraging them, talking scripture, and showing the love of Jesus.  Do they see Jesus in you?  If not – drop to your knees and begin your prayer work.

    Paul left Timothy to lead the church, but he had to return, correct the teachings, and help them to follow the truth, the way, the light.  We need to be as Paul and lead according to God’s will.  May your day be one where others see JESUS in YOU!!  Love you all.

In Christ’s Love and Grace

   Johnny

Psalm of Praise 100

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   All we do should be unto the LORD.  All we say should be unto the LORD.  We should praise him always.  Before the Bible verse let me ask you this and ask that you really meditate on the questions:
      1. Do your THOUGHTS bring honor and glory to God?
      2. Does your SPEECH (what you say) bring honor and glory to God?
      3. Do your ACTIONS bring honor and glory to God?

PSALM 100  Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
   Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
    Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and unto his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
    For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Do you REALLY bring honor and glory to God?  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny