Are you Christian or religious? 1 Corinthians 11:2

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

What is happening in your world today? Are you thanking Jesus for all that happens? Things of great joy and items of despair? Well, from yesterday did you imitate Paul as he imitated Christ? What was your day like? Why did Paul say imitate me? Paul was not being arrogant, he did not think of himself as sinless. At this point in time the Corinthians believers did not know much about the life and ministry of Christ. The Gospels were yet to be written and the only example they had was Paul. Paul knew how to imitate Jesus, Paul could walk the walk and talk the talk.

We encounter many "Corinthians" in our daily walk. These people may be as the Corinthians and going through the empty motions of being "religious" but do not have Jesus in their hearts. So??? What are you going to do? The best way to direct these people in the right direction is through a Christian whom they trust and can see Jesus in them. That Christian may be YOU! Are you able to say, as Paul did in 1 Corinthians 11:2 I am so glad that you always keep me in your thoughts, and that you are following the teachings I passed on to you."

If asked are you Christ-like, would your answer be guilty?!? If not, what do you plan to do about it? If so, what do you plan to do about it? Teach, share the word, it is the truth and truth never changes. Let your interpretations be true and guided by the Spirit. When standing before the Bema seat may your rewards be many. Love you all. "SIR, WE WOULD SEE JESUS!"

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Temptations - how to resist 1 Corinthians 10:12,13

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

How are you doing today? Ready to meet the world which is full of temptations which may lead you astray? We have to remember to look up, bow down, and humbly come to the LORD our GOD.

1 Corinthians 10:12,13 "If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure."

With all that is happening, has happened, and is going to happen in todays world we need to be aware of the temptations. We live in a culture filled with moral depravity and sin inducing pressures.

Paul tells us this about temptations (while talking to the Corinthians): 1-temptation happens to everyone, you are not being singled out; 2-others have resisted temptation and you can also; and 3-any temptation can be resisted because God will show you a way out.

God will help you: 1- recognize those people and situations that give you trouble; 2-run from anything you know is wrong; 3-choose to do only what is right; 4-pray for God's help; and 5-seek friends who love God and can offer help when you are tempted.

Running from a tempting situation is your first step to victory. 2 Timothy 2:22 "Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the LORD with pure hearts."

Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Following Jesus

Good morning everyone!! Another great day. Sorry to miss you yesterday. Please pray for the people around you. Pray for safe passage, safe work environment, protective day, and that they will look UP and see GOD, the only thing in our life that does not change.

1 Peter 2:21 "For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps."

Christ suffered an enormous amount of pain for us, we are not necessarily called to suffer this way, but in other ways. Do good! Some of our suffering is because of our sin, some due to foolishness, all because we live in a fallen world. We, as Christians may do good - yet suffer. This is okay. Christians are the butt of many jokes and ridicule. And??????

Are you following Jesus? Or do you stray frequently? We will stray, but if we stray consistently we need to take time to visit with our Father in Heaven. Take time now to just ask God for guidance, wisdom, knowledge, and to follow JESUS! Thank you for reading. Love you all!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Forgiveness!!

Good morning everyone!!! I hope this is a wonderful day in the Lord Jesus Christ for you!! God is good, all the time, all the time God is good!!

This is the time of year, ONCE every year, when peace, love, and kindness come into people's heart. It should be "Christmas" 365 days per year....this should be in our heart always.

"Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful." Luke 6:16

Forgiveness is difficult. Being frail, fallible, imperfect human beings, we are quick to anger, quick to blame, slow to forgive, and even slower to forget.

As Christians, we are commanded to forgive others, just as we, too, have been forgiven. So even when forgiveness is difficult, we must ask God to help us move beyond the spiritual stumbling blocks of bitterness and hate.

If you hold ANYTHING against ANYONE, forgive, FORGIVE! If you are angry at yourself for something in the past..FORGIVE yourself. And as we have talked about the last 2 weeks, do not be a prisoner of the past.

"ALL BITTERNESS, ANGER AND WRATH, INSULT AND SLANDER MUST BE REMOVED FROM YOU, ALONG WITH ALL WICKEDNESS. AND BE KIND AND COMPASSIONATE TO ONE ANOTHER, FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, JUST AS GOD ALSO FORGAVE YOU IN CHRIST."
Ephesians 4:31-32

Thank you for reading with me today. After the salutation is something my daughter Christy sent about 3 things. Very good! Love you all! "Blessed are the merciful, because they will be shown mercy." Matthew 5:7


In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny


Three things in life that, once gone, never come back:

1. Time
2. Words
3. Opportunity


Three things in life that can destroy a person:

1. Anger
2. Pride
3. Unforgiveness


Three things in life that you should never lose:

1. Hope
2. Peace
3. Honesty



Three things in life that are most valuable:

1. Love
2. Family & Friends
3. Kindness


Three things in life that are never certain:

1. Fortune
2. Success
3. Dreams



Three things that make a person:

1. Commitment
2. Sincerity
3. Hard work

Three things that are truly constant -

Father - Son - Holy Spirit

Christmas or Xmas??? That is the question!!

Good morning everyone!! Yes, a lovely day to be alive in Jesus Christ,
our LORD and savior. God is good, all the time, all the time, God is
good!
Okay, today, a little bit of soapbox and concern. Isaiah 53:7 "He was
oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led
like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the
shearers, he did not open his mouth.
In the old testament people offered animals as sacrifices for their
sins. Here, the sinless servant of the LORD offers himself for our sins.
He is the Lamb offered for the sins of all people. The Messiah suffered
for our sake, bearing our sins to make us acceptable to God.

What can we say to such love? How will we respond to him?

In Acts 8:32 The eunuch is reading scripture and not understanding,
Phillip explains and leads him to Christ. Acts 8:32 "He was led like a
sheep to the slaughter. And as a lamb is silent before the shearers, he
did not open his mouth." The same as Isaiah. Now, I do apologize for
this being a little long, please bear with me.

We are in the "holiday season" which in the past, and Christians refer to as the Christmas season. There are stores who WILL NOT USE
CHRISTMAS, they skirt the issue and use generic terms like "holiday"
"season" "family tree"(Lowes) and on and on. Some do not allow bell
ringers at their stores. SOoooooo, what's the big deal?

Well, nothing if Christmas is simply Xmas to you. But if you keep
Christ in Christmas then it is a big deal! We, Christians, are
supporting the pulling away from Christ in Christmas when we remain
silent and do not speak up for Christ our Saviour. Just like the Bible
talks about Christ going to the cross.....who stood up for Jesus? Jesus
did!! Did Peter? Did any of the disciples?

Well, we are crucifying Christmas if we don't speak up. To not speak up is to support what is going on in the retail world. The retail world is very interested in $$$$$$$, not you and your saviour. We are crucifying Christ again by not speaking up. When we do not speak up against, then, by our silence we are standing for!! Think about that!

If a retailer polls 1000 people and 250 Christians speak up and oppose the generic and commercialism of Christmas, and 250 Christians are silent what does this tell the retailer?
It simply says 250 against -750 for!
They don't break it down to Christian and non-Christian.
The let the numbers speak: 1000 - 250 against = 750 for!

I have attached retailers from Dr. Dobson's Focus of the Family that will give you an idea of who are in the Xmas spirit and who are in the Christmas spirit

You can go to www.family.org and click on the center
area about Christmas. Also, you can go to this address:
http://www.citizenlink.org/pdfs/fosi/Attack_on_Christmas_2007.pdf

Well thank you for listening to me today. Spread the joy of Jesus, don'twatch Christmas be slaughtered and become Xmas! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

What reflection do you see in the mirror?

Good morning everyone!!! What a wonderful day in the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you get tired of praise songs? Do you get tired of reading or studying your Bible? Have you looked in a mirror lately? God is good all the time.......all the time God is good!!!
Okay, there were some people from the back woods of a third world country who barely experienced civilization. One day the man went to the city in a nearby country. While he was there he went into a shop and was looking around. Suddenly he came upon a mirror, something he had never seen before. He had never seen his reflection. As he gazed in the mirror he saw his father. This made him happy.....very happy. Each time he looked in the mirror he saw his father.
When he returned home he took the mirror to a pub nearby. After he would get off work he would go to the pub just to gaze in the mirror and "see his father." His wife wondered what he was doing as this was not his common practice. So......she went down to the pub and asked the innkeeper what her husband did there each night. He told her he just came in and looked at the thing he brought back from the city and placed on the wall. Each time he gazed into it he would smile.
The wife went over, looked into the mirror, and, having never seen her own reflection blurted out, "So, this is the old hag he has been coming to see." What reflection do you see in the mirror? One of your "Father in Heaven" or one of a distorted view?
James 1:23-24 "For if you listen to the word and don't obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror, you see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like."
Then James 1:25 says, "But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what is says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it." Do you forget? What is your reflection to the world? One of Christ, or one of the world? Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

What battle are you fighting???

Good morning everyone!!! What a wonderful day to be alive in the Lord Jesus Christ!!! God is good all the time,.....all the time God is good!!!
Yesterday we talked about the battle not being ours, but a spiritual battle that is God's. Let's look at Ephesians 6:12 today which follows this up.
Ephesians 6:12 "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers, in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."
When talking about those who are not flesh-and-blood enemies this is a direct reference to demons. Who has control of the demons???? The devil, satan. Yes, God is over EVERYTHING, but at this time satan roams the earth with his demons.
This army, of whom satan is the leader, is a powerful army whose goal is to defeat Christ's church. Demons are real and when we believe in Christ, these beings become our enemies and they try every device to turn us away from GOD and back to sin.
The Bible assures us of victory but we will still engage in the struggle until Christ returns. Satan is constantly battling against all who are on the Lord's side. We need supernatural power to defeat satan, and GOD has provided this by giving us his HOLY SPIRIT within us and His armor surrounds us.
If you become discouraged for any reason remember what Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 "Upon this rock I will build my church and all the powers of hell will not conquer it."
How great it is to be a child of God!!! Our battle continues, continue to praise God, for God is in control and God is good all the time. Thank you for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Are you a runaway??

Good morning!!! God's blessings to you!!! God is good all the time, all the time, God is good. Love you all!!! May today's words touch your heart. Just like the song: "open the eyes of my heart, Lord, open the eyes of my heart so that I may see you!!"
Philemon 2:10 "I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison.(11) Onesimus hasn't been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us."
Okay, first, the name Onesimus means 'useful', which is not what Onesimus was at first. In ancient times a master had the legal right to kill a runaway slave, so Onesimus feared for his life. Paul wrote this letter to Philemon to help him understand his new relationship with Onesimus who was now a Christian brother, not a mere possession.
From his prison cell, Paul led Onesimus to the Lord. Paul asked Philemon to forgive his runaway slave who had become a Christian and even going beyond forgiveness to accept Onesimus as a brother.
As Christians we should forgive as we have been forgiven (Mat 6:12) Paul is sending Onesimus "useful", back to Philemon stating he has not been useful to either, but will be useful now. As brothers in Christ, he should be forgiven and work together.
Are you "Onesimus" - "useful" - for the kingdom of God? Or, are you a runaway? Too often we are runaways? Fortunately, we will be forgiven, but let's pray that we are "Onesimus" or "useful" for the kingdom of God.
Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all. May you be blessed through out the day and weekend. If we are slaves or prisoners, let us be prisoners or slaves of Jesus Christ, who gives us eternal life. Praise God!!
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Are you....uh..No YOU ARE a missionary!!!!

Good morning everyone!! I trust you had a blessed and wonderful weekend. God is good all the time, all the time God is good!! When things go wrong, look up!! GOD IS THERE!!!
A sign leaving a church says, "you are entering your mission field." I would take this one step further. We need to be in our mission field 24/7!!! At home, at church, at work, in the car, on the street, everywhere! You do not know when, nor do you know what you may say or do that will turn someone to or away from Christ!!!
If we are bashful Christians what kind of testimony are we showing?? To not speak up for Christ is to speak against Christ. When you have a chance to share, AND, you feel moved by the Spirit.....DO IT!! SPEAK, BE HEARD, BE KNOWN!!! Christ wants us to.."make disciples of all the nations."
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Mark 16:15 "Then HE said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation."
Matthew 10:27 "What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light. What you hear in a whisper, proclaim on the housetops."
We are commanded to share the Good News with our families, with our neighbors, with the whole world. To not speak up is to go against Christ. Peter denied Christ 3 times.....have you?? Today is the day....tomorrow may be too late. Thank you for reading. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

What the.......HELL????????.......Uh.......

Good morning everyone!!! I trust this will be a wonderful day in the Lord Jesus Christ. God is good all the time and all the time God is good!!!! There is a man, Bill Weiss, who wrote a book entitled, "20 minutes of hell" and it is available now. His account is very interesting and in his interview he commented, as did the host, that too many times we don't hear about hell from the pulpit. Also, some, from the pulpit and some not in the pulpit do not believe in hell. After hearing this interview I queried this statement.
Then I started looking in my study Bible as compared to my King James. In my study Bible there are about 12 references to hell, then when I go to the scripture the commentary does not address hell. In the Strong's Exhaustive Concordance there are 54 references to hell. Are we becoming a watered down, feel good body of Christians???? There is not really hell, just heaven where we will have no pain and suffering? We are living in hell now??? Interesting thought and trend. Where do you stand???
As for me, I believe in hell!! I believe in heaven!!! WHY??? Because, that is what the word of God says..........Sooooo.....do you believe the Bible is the inspired word of God????? Wow!!! This is such a great topic. Where do you stand???? On hell???? In hell???? Give me some feed back and let's discuss this some more. Revelation 20:11-15 refers to the doom of the unbelieving dead, the last judgment. Please read it. vs 15 "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."
Where is your name written??? Stop, Drop, and Pray!!! Don't you love Jesus??? Isn't God great???? Thank you for reading. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Believing and hope!!!

Good morning everyone!! What a fabulous day to be alive in Jesus!! Jesus, Jesus, oh for grace to love Him more. Doesn't that come from a song????? You know: God is good all the time and all the time God is good!!!!
Okay, let's look at 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 "For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweights them and will last forever! (18) So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever."
vs 17 - our troubles should not decrease our faith or cause us to stray. There is a purpose behind our suffering and there will be benefits to our suffering. First, remember Christ suffered for us; obstacles will keep our pride in check; we can see beyond physical life to eternal life; a chance to prove our faith to ourselves and others; and last, God may show his powers through us. We should see our troubles as great opportunities for the kingdom and glory of God.
vs 18 Our hope is not to see our current problems, but to realize that after this life.....THERE IS LIFE AFTER DEATH!!! Knowing that we will live forever with God in a place without sin and suffering should help us in our daily walk, no matter what we face.
Is God in control??? A resounding YES!!! Thank you Jesus, God, Holy Spirit for being in our lives!! WOW!!! How exciting is this. Please pray for yourself, let you be right in the sight of the Lord and all will be well. God takes care of those who take care of themselves.....uh....no... God takes care of His good and faithful servants. Stay strong. Stay the course. Stay humble. Stay in prayer. Thank you for reading. Love you all!!
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Do you believe in the unseen??

Good morning all!!! What a great day to be alive in the Lord Jesus Christ! God is good all the time and all the time God is good. Yesterday I have an opportunity to meet a young lady (18) who has cervical cancer. Her name is Toie (pronounced Toy). Please pray for her and put her on your churches prayer list. Thank you. It was a great time to witness.
2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we live by believing and not by seeing." Some will tell you they don't believe, but we all believe. We don't have to see, we do see evidence of, but we may not see. Think about what you have now, a computer, I believe that when I hit send this message will come to you. Do I understand the complete binary system that does this? No! How do I know it will go? Because, I believe. Do we see Jesus? Do we see God? Do we see the Holy Spirit? We see evidence of: Jesus! God! Holy Spirit!!
How do people explain things? Coincidence....well...yeah...okay!!! Are there coincidences? We believe in lots: the light switch, the car key, the remote will work, the toilet will flush, the water will come on, and on and on. Then our belief comes true as we see evidence of. The light came on, the car started, t.v. came on, we watched the water go down, we were able to see the water.
God does so much more, if we stop and look, we can see evidence of God everywhere! Look at the sky, sun, stars, flowers, animals, people, etc. We didn't just come from the big bang theory!! Take time to stop, drop, pray, and thank God for being our one and true living GOD!! 2 Corinthians 4:18 "So we don't look at the troubles we can see now, rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever." Thank you for reading. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Are you listening????!!!!!??????

Good morning everyone one!!! I hope this day is a wonderful day in the Lord for you! God is good, all the time; all the time, God is good!! WOW!! God blesses us, even when we don't think we need or deserve it. Sometimes when we are just sitting around thinking, we may wonder.... why doesn't God ever talk to me?!?
You know, I often felt like God did not talk to me. Other people would say God said this, God said that, and all the time I am wondering if God really talked to them or are they cracked; loose in the head; a couple of sandwiches short of a picnic. I didn't understand. Slowly, as I grow (slowly because of my learning curve,lol) I begin to understand, I listen to different preachers, my own from the pulpit, and others on Christian radio, and I realizeD the radio I was dialing in on was broke.
You can't tune in if the radio doesn't work. Soooo, I have tried very hard to be aware of when God talks to me. No, I don't hear an audible voice booming from the sky. I do, however, hear His voice through my thoughts, my sleep, just being aware that God will talk to me. The radio I am using now does work. It is important, too, tha I pray the Holy Spirit leads me in what I say and do.
Mark 4:24 "And he (Jesus) said unto them, 'TAKE HEED WHAT YE HEAR: WITH WHAT MEASURE YE METE, IT SHALL BE MEASURED TO YOU: AND UNTO YOU THAT HEAR SHALL MORE BE GIVEN.'"
May the Holy Spirit lead you today, and I pray that you will be available to God's word as He speaks to you. Please pray for yourself first, and then everyone on this list. Pray for our nation and its leaders. JESUS IS RETURNING.......only God knows when.....stay alert..be prepared! Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

The 11th Commandment

Good morning everyone!! I hope this is a wonderful day for you all!! God is good all the time and all the time God is good!!!! It don't get no bett'r dan dis!!!!! When we leave earth, we see JESUS!!! WOW!!! BIG WOW!!!
Hey, do you know the commandments? If you don't remember look at Exodus 20:3-17. You remember: no other God; no idol; don't misuse Lord's name; keep sabbath holy; honor your father/mother; don't murder' no adultery; don't steal; no false witness; no coveting. Well, in John 13:34 Jesus gave us a new commandment."SO NOW I AM GIVING YOU A NEW COMMANDMENT: LOVE EACH OTHER. JUST AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, YOU SHOULD LOVE EACH OTHER."
Jesus is telling us that our Christlike love will show we are his disciples. Love is more than simply warm feelings; it is an attitude that shows up in actions!! How can we possible love others as Jesus loves us as His love is pure? By helping others, even though it is not in your plans or convenient for you. Give, even when it hurts, listen to others who are hurting and take on some of their hurt; don't complain or fight.
This is tough to do, but if you will do it people will notice. Let the supernatural, GOD, lead you in your quest to show TRUE LOVE. As my daughter told me the other day......do a random act of kindness (love): carry a package to the car for someone; open the door; pay for someone's lunch; share a smile and kind word. A beautiful love letter is I Corinthians 13. Thanks for reading with me today. May your day be blessed. Bless someone today!! Love you all!!!
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

No FEAR.....just BELIEVE

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!!! WHAT A GREAT DAY TO BE ALIVE IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!!! Many things happen in our lives, but you just have to believe! Oh, yeah, believe in what???? First, your salvation, and then that Jesus does hear you, and then in prayer. What is prayer?? Prayer is simply visiting with your Father God, also, prayer is a petition to your Father for your needs.....not wants.....but needs!!
We should not walk in fear because God is with us!! When fear starts to set in.....STOP, DROP, & PRAY!!! Mark 5:36 "Do not be afraid; only believe."
A man was desperate, no where to go, his little girl was dying, everyone had given up hope......his family, the medical staff, everyone!!! All looked hopeless......nothing.....no, nothing could help. The man made one of the most important decisions of his life. He fell to his knees, went straight to JESUS......he cast everything at the feet of JESUS!!
Well, now you know the rest of the story.....Jesus healed the little girl. God can do wondrous things in each of our situations. What do we have to do??? 1-believe and have faith; 2-trust Jesus (give it ALL to Jesus); 3-again, believe, do not fear.
Our Father in Heaven can do anything.....ANYTHING!!!! Take time to pray. Several prayer requests have come in God knows...please prayer for healing!!! Thank you for reading. Love you all!!
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Put you JESUS on!!!!!!

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!!!! What a wonderful day to be alive in Jesus!! Let us rejoice and be glad!!! Say, those could be songs!! lol I hope you wake with the attitude that you are "going to put your JESUS on."
What do you mean put my JESUS on??? 2 Corinthians 6:3 "We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry."
In all that he did, Paul always considered what his actions communicated about Jesus Christ. If we are believers then we are ministers for God. Non believers observe us, AND wait for us to do something so the response can be "if that is being a Christian, I don't want to be one."
Don't let our careless or undisciplined actions be someones excuse for not accepting Jesus Christ. Put your Jesus on, this means be loving, considerate, kind, and enjoy being alive. Tell someone you hope they have a blessed day. Share a smile, do a random act of kindness. REJOICE!!!! You are a child of THE LIVING GOD!!!! Stop, drop, and pray.....for this is the way you communicate with your Father God, and HE IS ALWAYS DELIGHTED TO HEAR FROM YOU.
THANK YOU FOR READING. LOVE YOU ALL!!
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Random Act of Kindness!!!

Good morning everyone!!! I trust you will be blessed today!!! Look for the blessings and you will find them. As from yesterday, count your blessings, take time and see what blessings you really do have.
People have problems going on all the time. Take time to share, to be kind. 2 Timothy 2:24 "A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people."
Let today be: "A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS" day!!
Smile (share a smile, it's free)
Speak pleasantly
Help someone one
Pay for someone's lunch (anonymously)
Open a door for someone
Tell someone something nice (I like your ???, You look nice, etc)
Look around when you drive, slow down, be pleasant.
So many people develope tunnell vision and can only see where they are going, focused only on a particular object. Share something, no matter how slight, a smile, and see their reaction. Usually it is pleasant.
Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all!! Here is a smile for you :), you are special to me!!!!
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Count your blessings!!!!

Good morning to all you disciplines of Christ Jesus!! May you have grace and peace. What has happened and will happen in you life???? In the late 1800's a hymn written by Johnson Oatman Jr...."When upon Life's Billows" is a very encouraging hymn. However, we know it better as "Count your Blessings." If we take time to count our blessings, dwell on them, rather than on the dismal things, we will be happier and realize why we have life and what we are living for.
We just need to stop, be still, and see how God has touched you life each and every day, hour, moment. Many times we let the everyday items take over and forget who all we are and all we have belongs to.....GOD!!!
Try this today: Choose to smile more often; Recognize the little things in life that bring you joy; Be happy for others when good things happen to them; Expect to find the silver lining and the pot of gold; Be a positive-thinking person; Thank God for what He has done, and is doing in your life; Believe that God can turn any negative into a positive.
Take time today to do 1 little thing. Write or email a friend or family and thank them for being in your life; Help a family member or co-worker; Thank God for who you are, what you are, where you have been, and where you are going!!
Psalm 136:2 "Thank the God of all gods, his love never quits."
Psalm 50:1 "Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High?"
Thank you for reading. Thank you for being my friend. May you be blessed more today than ever before. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

How is your anger??????

Good morning everyone!!! May God bless you today, tomorrow, and forever. God is good all the time, all the time God is good!!!! Have you ever noticed people around, on t.v., just life in general, how people get upset? About what?? Many times it is just a little itty bitty item, but a person may explode or become extremely angry over what????? NOTHING!!!
Wife is angry because the husband didn't take the trash out; husband is angry because the wife didn't have dinner (supper) ready exactly when he wanted it. WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE??!?? If the trash goes out...good! If dinner is served later.....good! Don't we let foolish little things get in our way of not just good, but great relationships??? Sometimes it is appropriate to be angry, and Jesus when he confronted the moneychangers in the temple. But over trash, dinner, laundry, the car, the house, and on and on......WHY????
"DON'T LET YOUR SPIRIT RUSH TO BE ANGRY, FOR ANGER ABIDES IN THE HEART OF FOOLS." ECCLESIASTES 7:9 Now I ask you, are you a fool??? Becoming angry quickly or over foolish things?
Ephesians 4:26-27 "AND 'DON'T SIN BY LETTING ANGER CONTROL YOU.' DON'T LET THE SUN GO DOWN WHILE YOU ARE STILL ANGRY, FOR ANGER GIVE A FOOTHOLD TO THE DEVIL." The Bible does not tell us not to feel angry, but we should handle our anger properly. If we react quickly or thoughtlessly, anger can hurt others and destroy relationships. A thoughtless word can damage an otherwise good relationship.
If we bottle up the anger, it will fester, we will become bitter, and this is a wonderful opportunity for the devil to step in, divide us against each other. Paul tells us to deal with anger properly. Sit, talk, and be open with each other....without yelling or becoming loud and beligerent. Be under control. Thank you for reading. May your day be blessed by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. God's blessings are upon you, just accept them.
Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Who keeps promises?????

Good morning everyone!!! what a beautiful day to be alive in the Lord Jesus Christ!! God is good all the time, and all the time, GOD IS GOOD!! How great it is to be a child of God. Have you ever made a promise or promised someone something and then it did not come about??? Sure, probably have, I have. Who does not break promises??? Well, of course, GOD
2 Corinthians 1:19-20 "For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between "Yes" and "No." He is the one whom Silas, Timothy, and I preached to you, and as God's ultimate "Yes," he always does what he says. (20) For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding "Yes!" And through Christ, our "Amen" (which means "Yes") ascends to God for his glory."
Here Paul is telling the Corinthians of God's faithfulness. We should be encouraged knowing that God will never leave us or forsake us. God will give us the desires of our heart. Whatever the promise is, God will fulfill it. God does not break his word and it will be done.
God does not jocky between yes and no. Jesus Christ was the ultimate example of this. All of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a loud, resounding "YES!" Because Jesus Christ is faithful, Paul, a messenger appointed by Jesus, would also be faithful in his ministry.
Are you faithful in your ministry? Are you promises sound? Do you follow through? We need to be as Paul, faithful in our ministry. Thank you for reading. Love you all!!! Be faithful today to the Lord Jesus Christ!! Begin with a prayer for yourself. I ask once again, pray between 6 & 7 as God knows the need.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny