tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24858662516272985022024-03-08T04:41:05.329-08:00Grace Upon Grace"And from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." John 1:16Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-68876753631417141862016-01-06T18:55:00.000-08:002016-01-06T18:57:30.040-08:00<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Clean
Hearts and Acceptable Sacrifices</b> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.3in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Isaiah 1:11 "What are all your sacrifices to
Me?" asks the LORD. "I have had enough of burnt offerings and rams
and the fat of well-fed cattle; I have no desire for the blood of bulls, lambs,
or male goats. .....15 When you lift up
your hands in prayer, I will refuse to look at you; even if you offer countless
prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. 16
"Wash yourselves. Cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from
My sight. Stop doing evil. 17 Learn to do what is good. Seek justice.
Correct the oppressor. Defend the rights of the fatherless. Plead the widow's
cause. 18 "Come, let us discuss this," says
the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as
snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will be like wool.""</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">God cares
not for our sacrifices, our prayers and our fasting. He cares most for our hearts and soul. If our hearts be evil, then our sacrifices, prayers,
and fasting will also be evil as they all flow from our inner man. If our heart be right, then these practices
will also be right and pleasing to the Lord.
</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Therefore,
before I enter into a time of sacrifice and prayer and fasting, and before I
offer my sacrifice unto the Lord I must first spend time in personal
examination. I must honestly examine
myself from any sin and wicked way, and then judge it for what it is: sin
against God. I must call it by name as I
confess it to myself and then to God. If
I do, then He has promised me that I will be cleansed from all of my sin (1
John 1:9). Our Lord and Savior has made
it clear time and time again in Scripture (Isa. 1:11-18; 58:1-8; Matt. 5:23-24)
that He does not want my sacrifices but a pure heart that results in loving
Him and loving others. Without a clean
heart my sacrifice, prayers and fasting are futile and even dangerous as they
deceive me into a false assurance that my fleshy offerings are pleasing to
God. With a clean and pure heart my prayers and
sacrifices are precious to my Lord as they are pictures of my dependence on
Him and are acts of true worship.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Let us
each take time to examine our hearts that we may come to Christ with clean
hearts and acceptable sacrifices.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-86214098026239779672015-04-14T05:45:00.003-07:002015-04-14T05:45:46.811-07:00I heard the Lord say, "Hello"<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="371">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> The heavens declare the glory of
God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Day unto day utters speech, and
night unto night reveals knowledge.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 2.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Psalm
19:1-2</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 2.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">I heard
the Lord say “hello” this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
heard Him in the sweet voice of my granddaughter who awoke from a good night’s
rest and cheerfully talking to herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I also heard Him say “hello” as I watched the sun peeking over the tall
Florida pines to tell me a new and blessed day has arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, I have heard my Lord say “hello”
already several times even though it is still early morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even now I hear Him through the crowing of
our neighbor’s big red rooster and through the obvious results of
a well-needed and refreshing rain last evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What a joy to have a God who welcomes me each day into His incredible creation
and reminds me time and again of His presence through His blessed, “hellos.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have not heard His voice say “hello”
to you this morning then I encourage you to stop and listen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is speaking all around you.</span><br />
Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-50383479316870212472014-10-07T07:03:00.002-07:002014-10-07T07:03:48.588-07:00No Secrets<i>Mark 4:7. For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to life.</i><br />
<br />
There are no secrets with the Lord. He knows all things and there will be a day all things will be exposed. This can be a blessing and a curse. It will be a blessing for the faithful who have served the Lord for years without fanfare. These never sought the praise of man for their deeds, but instead were content that God alone knew of their faithfulness. One day God will reveal all the good and faithful deeds that were done in secret and He will honor His faithful servants. But there will be others whose deeds were not faithful and although they were done in secret shall be exposed. To them this truth shall be a curse. They have lived their lives seeking the praise of men, presenting themselves as one thing but secretly hiding sins that would bring them disgrace in the public's eye. Yet, sadly, they are only deceiving themselves and are blinded by three major truths: first, there are no secrets from God. You can fool men, but not God. Second, ultimately God is our judge and not men. The same men whom we seek to please will stand in judgment even as ourselves. Finally, one day every every thought, every motive of the heart and every deed will be exposed and thus judged by the righteous God. Therefore, it is imperative that we remember: there are no secrets to God. Our good deeds as well as our evil deeds will be exposed. That my friend is why we need God's grace. The question is, "On that day of exposure will we experience a blessing or a curse?"Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-22478391741051064672014-02-17T18:10:00.000-08:002014-02-17T18:10:01.201-08:00The Joy of Simplicity
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Over the last few months the Lord has
placed one word on my heart and mind over and over and that word is
“simplicity.” As I grow older and hopefully wiser, it as become
so clear to me that it is the simple things that really matter and it
is the simple things that bring us the greatest joy. As I review my
life I ask myself, “How many times have I robbed myself of the
simple pleasures of life by making things so difficult?” And “How
many times have I robbed myself of the simple joy of my salvation by
taking myself so serious?” Our Lord Jesus Christ is a perfect
example of simplicity. Although, He is the Creator and Sustainer of
all things, He came to this earth as a simple man and preached a
simple message. Never did He allow Himself to get tangled up in the
complexities of the confusing religious practices and debates of the
day, but instead He simply taught the importance of the love of God.
He explained to Nicodemus, a teacher and ruler of the Jews, “For God so
loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son and whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” How
simple is that? When asked about the greatest commandment He simply
responded, “Love God. Love People.” Again, how simple is that? Jesus
Christ did not come to complicate our lives, but to set us free from
the confusing man-made rules that stroke our pride and yet only
complicate and frustrate our lives. The simplicity of the fact that
Jesus loves me and calls me to love others is why His message has so
resonated throughout the years changing lives, changing families, and
changing nations. Simplicity is another example and blessing of God's unending grace. I encourage each of us to keep things simple this
year: love God and love people. Also, quit taking yourself so serious and quit being so pious. Remember, it is by the righteousness of Christ we are saved and not of our own. I assure you that not only will you
make a greater difference in the lives of others, but you will find
life much less complicated and thus discover the joy that Christ has
for you.</div>
Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-23066761798196678952013-09-17T07:42:00.000-07:002013-09-17T07:42:23.716-07:00Those Secret Sins<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Psalm 90:8 You have set our iniquities before You.
Our secret sins in the light of Your countenance.</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Oh, those secret sins; those sins that
we keep hidden so that we alone can enjoy them and caress their
wicked delights. We keep them secret, unexposed so that no one will
judge us or confront us about our waywardness although our spirit
constantly reminds us of the deadly games we are playing. We may
fool others but not ourselves as our own hearts know those secret
sins are wrong, and thus the secretness. And how easy is it to
justify ourselves in this little game that we play? We make excuses
to ourselves as we enjoy these forbidden pleasures, yet we hide them
away in the darkness so that no other can see. But, how terrible is
the deception which we become so easily entangled. Yes, our secret sins will
bring our flesh pleasure for the moment, but we are blinded or do not
want to see the the deadly canker that gnaws away at our soul. These
secret sins allure us to their tasty delights, but fail to remind us
of the guilt of our soul that keeps us awake at night and the
constant anxiousness from the worry when they will be exposed.
There is a passing adrenaline or the fleeting rush received from the
“getting away” with something, but there is no “getting away”
as we know of our schemes and more importantly God knows. Therefore
we live in the forced denial of the conviction of our soul and more
importantly the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Our secret sins
promise our freedom, but in reality only lead to bondage. Soon, our
secret sins begin to control us rather than us controlling them. Our
lives begin to be consumed of the sneakiness and the coverup of our
secret sins which ensnare us into deeper bondage. We began to hate
the hypocrite that we have become, and not able to honestly look at
ourselves in the mirror. The temporary pleasures of our secret sins
rob us of the blessed pleasures of the abundance that Christ has
promised and the eternal joy of walking in fellowship with the True
Lover of our Souls, Jesus Christ. We have traded the corrupt fruit
of the world, for the sweet fruit offered only Christ. What a
glorious day it is when we can become honest with ourselves and lay
our secret sins at the foot of the cross and we begin to enjoy the
freedom that can only be found in the grace of God.</div>
Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-88709685468917691692013-01-24T06:27:00.003-08:002013-01-24T06:27:46.526-08:00Forget Not From Where You Came<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Exodus 23:9 Also you shall not oppress
a stranger, for you know the heart of the stranger, because you were
strangers in the land of Egypt</i>.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Lord commanded the Israelites to
never forget from where they came as He instructed them to “not
oppress a stranger, for you know the heart of a stranger, because you
were strangers in the land of Egypt.” It is so easy within our
natural man to allow ourselves to forget from where we came before
Christ Jesus delivered us from our sorrows. We soon forget that it
was us who once struggled in the depths and the bondage of sin. It was us who was held hostage by our own selfishness. It
was us who fought the battle with alcohol or drugs. It was us who
lived sexually immoral lives. It was us who were once quick to lie
and steal and were prone to outburst of rage. Yes, it was us who
were bound in the grip of our sins yet God through His grace and
mercy offered us pardon through Jesus Christ and set us free.
Therefore, we have no right to be pious or condemning toward those
who live now at our old address. Instead, we should remember that we
once lived there and bound just as they. We should never foget the heart-ache of the misery of sin. We should with empathetic
hearts extend the message of hope found only in the gospel of Jesus
Christ to them. Again, let us never forget from where we came.</div>
Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-77222947656441238152012-04-23T21:46:00.001-07:002012-04-25T04:53:04.499-07:00Praising God for His Grace .................. in the Little Things<span id="internal-source-marker_0.4256158114320271" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">John 1:16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I mowed my lawn today. “Wow”, one may say in a sarcastic tone;. or another question, “What’s the big deal?” Allow me to explain: it was a big deal for me because I enjoy mowing my lawn. I enjoy the work, the quiet time, the joy of a job accomplished and a the blessing of a cared for lawn. Yet, the biggest reason it is a big deal to me is that over the past four months mowing my lawn has only been a thought and a desire to be longed for as I have been recuperating from a severe shoulder injury. During this trial I have also vividly realized how big a deal it is to bathe myself, or to put on my socks by myself, or to be able to reach over and touch my wife at night. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Until you are not able to do even the simple things you will never really understand how big of a deal they are and that each are a blessing of God. Each blessing we enjoy, whether it big or small, is a provision of God’s grace. My very salvation is by His grace as well as the ability to take another breath. Our lives consist of God’s grace upon grace upon grace. Sadly, we become so accustomed to the daily graces of God we fail to even consider them as such and therefore fail to give God the proper praise for the simple blessings of life.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">David understood the reality of the blessing of God’s grace in even the little things as he proclaimed, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1). This proclamation was made at one of the darkest times of David’s life, but in these dark times he was able to see the beauty of life’s simple blessings and the reality of God’s unending grace. In times of Paul’s greatest need Jesus reminded him, “My grace is sufficient for you” and Paul would later say, “Therefore, I most gladly I would rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ would rest upon me” (2 Cor. 12:9). Paul realized even his infirmities were measures of God’s grace, because through them he would experience the power of Christ. Now, that’s heaven sent perspective.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We are taught of the generous blessings of being of child of God when John writes, “Of His fulness we have all received and grace upon grace” (John 1:16). When we are saved we receive all of Christ and become the recipients of His unending grace. Let us never fail to praise Him, even for the simple blessings of life. Just a thought: if you can read this blog, then stop, and praise God for His grace.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I took a walk today. Thank you Jesus for your grace.</span>Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-2905661144856980792012-04-13T07:37:00.000-07:002012-04-13T07:37:57.193-07:00Overcoming the Darkness<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Psalm 77:9-12</i></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies?</i></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>And I said, “this is my anguish/infirmity; But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.” I will remember the works of the LORD, surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of all Your deeds.</i></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">The pains and struggles of today are real and can wear on the mind and emotions of even the strongest believer. At times they can so overwhelm us that we can no longer see God’s presence or hear His voice. We look for Him but cannot find Him in the darkness. We cry out to Him but the noise of our troubles seems louder than His response. In our loneliness and despair our minds and soul begin to doubt the very love of God and even question His faithfulness. These times of struggle provide fertile ground for the adversary to sow seeds of doubts and imaginations into a weary soul.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">At these times we must, as the apostle Paul teaches us in 2 Corinthians 10:5 “take every thought captive” to protect ourselves from the deception of the devil. We then must discipline ourselves to think on those things which are true, which are noble, which are just and those things which are lovely and of good report as Paul also teaches us in Philippians 4:8. Paul is reminding us that the struggles of this life can clutter and confuse our thinking and must be addressed by remembering and meditating on the truth.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">The psalmist practiced this discipline of thinking on truth as he began to remember and meditate on the wonderful works of God. Not only did he meditate on the truth of God’s goodness but he also began to talk to others about God’s faithfulness . Soon his doubts were vanquished and his faith restored. Although his circumstances may not had changed but his view of God and His faithfulness was restored. As he meditated on and proclaimed the truth of God’s goodness the darkness began fade and he began to see once again the beauty of his Lord and hear His precious voice. His peace returned with the assurance that God’s love is everlasting and He is bigger than any circumstance.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">Our Lord has never promised that we would not go through tough times. Instead, His word teaches they are part of our Christian growth, our sanctification. Yet, He did promise He will never leave us nor forsake us. He is always there, even when we cannot see Him. In the darkest of days, let us set our minds on Jesus. He is the Light. He has overcome the darkness.</div>Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-29322581065149166232012-04-07T09:05:00.000-07:002012-04-07T09:05:52.121-07:00Shining Bright in the Darkest Hour<i style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Luke 23:39-43 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.</i> <div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">There hung Jesus Christ, beaten and bruised, ridiculed and rejected, crucified between two thieves on Calvary's hillside. Yet, in the darkest moment in the history of humanity a light shown so bright that it penetrated the darkest of hearts, the heart of one of the thieves beside the Lord Jesus. Something occurred during these few hours on a horrific cross which caused a belligerent malefactor's heart to be humbled and to desire the things of God. In the beginning of the terrible ordeal this thief was reviling Jesus in the same manner as the angry crowd and the other hurting thief, but now he is defending the crucified Christ against their unjust railings. The dying thief admitted and confessed his own failings while recognizing the justness of the man in the middle.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"> The question must be asked, “What made the difference?” None of the gospel writers recorded a sermon preached by Jesus from the cross or a plea to the thieves for their souls. The only clue we can find is the very witness of Jesus Christ in the time of his deepest sufferings. Christ's sermon was preached by actions in His darkest moments. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"> There was the witness of Jesus' conduct while hanging on Calvary's cruel cross. Although ridiculed and mocked by angry men and women on the ground and even by those crucified beside Him, Jesus never once lashed back at them. If anyone had the right to respond in anger for His unjust treatment it should have been Jesus. Yet, He opened not His mouth with words of bitterness, but instead with words of compassion as He prayed for His accusers and executioners, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Even in His agony His light was brightly shining with a spirit of forgiveness and mercy. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"> There also had to be also a marked difference in His very countenance even in the midst of terrible circumstances: a countenance of peace and assurance rather than a countenance of scowl and vindictiveness as seen on the faces of his religious accusers. There was a marked difference in the actions and the countenance of the accused and His accusers. Obviously, this spoke loudly to the heart of one of the thieves. There, hanging on a cross beside him he saw love personified through the person of Jesus Christ. It there in the midst of death, he saw true Life, abundant life; and in the midst of confusion he saw peace in the face of the One that had accused of being a King. The light of Jesus Christ shown so bright it penetrated the dark heart of the one right beside him which created a humility and a hunger to join Christ in His kingdom.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"> There were probably others on that day who saw the light shining bright in the midst of Jesus' sufferings as Matthew records the statement of the centurion upon the death of Christ. Jesus never quit ministering even in the midst of His sufferings. We each should learn this powerful lesson from our Lord, “Our light can shine the brightest in our darkest moments.” The great Teacher never quit teaching and the great Lover of our souls never quit loving.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"> Let us also use the times of darkness for His glory and let us remember that someone is always watching us.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">O, what a Savior!</div>Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-50801782453715111022012-03-08T06:48:00.000-08:002012-03-08T06:48:16.566-08:00Jesus Knows<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: transparent;">John 2:23-25 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. 24 But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, 25 and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.</span></span></i></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: transparent;">The apostle John teaches us an important lesson about Jesus Christ, “He knows the heart of man.” Many believed in His name upon witnessing His many miracles, but that did not necessarily equate into saving faith. Clearly, these believed that Jesus was from God and maybe even the Messiah, but did that belief transfer to a heart changing, life altering commitment as Jesus being Lord of their lives? Intellectual belief, although important, is not the same as heart-surrendering belief. James reminds us that even the demons believed (James 2:9). </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: transparent;">The key to this passage is that “Jesus did not commit Himself, because He knew all men.” Jesus looks past the surface and deep within the heart. It is not a simple testimony of belief that transforms a man into a child of God, but a heart-surrendering, heart-regenerating trust that reveals itself in a new birth resulting in a new creation. John continued to explain this reality in the example of Nicodemus, a great student of the Word and one who recognized Jesus as one whom had come from God. Yet, Jesus explained pointedly to Nicodemus, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: transparent;">Therefore, each of us should humbly and fearfully examine our own faith even as Paul challenges us in 2 Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” We can fool others and we can even fool ourselves, but not Jesus Christ. Jesus knows what is in us. He knows what is in our hearts and He alone is the Righteous Judge. Only those who have saving faith will He commit Himself and His glorious salvation.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: transparent;">Again, meditate on the truth, “He knows what is in man.” This includes you and me.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-7764724883633036542012-02-29T14:14:00.001-08:002012-02-29T14:21:23.847-08:00Leaving Judgment in the Hands of God<div align="LEFT" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>1 Samuel 26:9 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him (King Saul) not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD's anointed, and be guiltless?</i></span></span></div><div align="LEFT" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">David valued the Lord's honor more than he valued his own well-being or life. For months David lived in exile while escaping attempt after attempt on his life by the jealous King Saul. Now, King Saul had unknowingly fallen into David’s hands and in the eyes of the world and even his own men, David had every right to kill this mad adversary. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yet, David did not live by the world’s standard; instead, he lived by God’s. He knew that God was in control and that God is also faithful in His justice. He knew that God would bless his obedience for not taking vengeance in his own hands. Saul was the Lord's anointed and the Lord would surely judge him for his unjust acts. David was tested twice in this, and yet he remained faithful.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">David honored the position of the anointed king and the Lord blessed his faithfulness by later anointing him as king. How many times have we robbed ourselves of future blessings by failing to wait upon God and taking matters, His judgments, into our own hands today?</span></span></div>Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-52645940514216661022012-01-02T19:24:00.001-08:002012-02-29T14:16:51.945-08:00Only Believe<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Mark 5:36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.</span></i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </div><div align="LEFT" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Jairus’ life came quickly to a crashing halt. News arrived that his little daughter had died. She was his precious darling and the apple of his eye. This man who had devoted his life to serving God was certainly devastated. Death had come uninvited into his home and claimed his most prized treasure. Being a ruler of the local synagogue he had access to the finest doctors but none had the necessary answers nor help for his daughter’s illness. </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">His only hope, however thin, was from the controversial carpenter from Galilee who was gaining quite a reputation of being a healer and a miracle worker. Yet, now his little hope had vanished. He fervently tried to reach Jesus in time to bring this healer to his ailing princess, but his time ran out. Now she was dead. There would be no healing and there would be no rejoicing, only mourning. Jairus had faith that Jesus could heal but his faith ended there. His situation was now impossible. </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">If only he could have realized that with God all things are possible, and that as he stood at the feet of Jesus he stood in the presence of God Himself. Jairus’ problem was not that his daughter had died, but that he had placed a limit on his faith and with this limited faith fears soon overwhelmed him. Therefore, the merciful Christ encouraged him to not be afraid, but only believe. Jairus did believe and his faith was rewarded with the resurrection of his daughter by the Resurrection and the Life personified. Never place a limit on the limitless Christ.</span></div>Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-23230318624468246342011-12-16T06:21:00.001-08:002012-02-29T14:19:08.504-08:00Living Each Day as a Gift from God<div align="LEFT" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Psalm 118:24</span></span></span><span style="color: #21770a;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This is the day that the </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Lord </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> has made;</span></span></span></span></i></div><div align="LEFT" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.23in; margin-right: 0.17in; text-indent: -0.06in;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">let us rejoice and be glad in it. </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">ESV</span></span></span></i></div><div align="LEFT" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.23in; margin-right: 0.17in; text-indent: -0.06in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.17in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">In an proclamation of praise the psalmist gives us the key to a life of daily joy. He reminded us of the simple truth that “every day is a gift from God” and therefore we should live each day in knowledge and the attitude that “I am a blessed man.” He emphasized “this” or “today” is the day that the Lord hath made: not yesterday nor tomorrow, but “today”. Yesterday is past and cannot be reclaimed and tomorrow may never come. </span></span> </div><div align="LEFT" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.17in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.17in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Therefore, we should live our lives one day at a time enjoying it as a precious gift from our Lord. Sadly, I believe that many forget this simple truth and thereby living presumptuously that every day is a given and wasting the precious moments that have we have been graced. Not only do we rob ourselves of each day's blessing, but we rob God of the praise He is due.</span></span></div><div align="LEFT" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.17in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.17in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another simple truth in close relationship is that “Life itself is a gift from God and should be handled as such.” I must admit that I have not been a good steward of this truth at many times in my adult life. I have at times become so caught up in “doing life” that I have robbed myself of “celebrating life.” I have been so busy in the management of life, the ministry of life, and the work of life that I have forgotten to enjoy life. </span></span> </div><div align="LEFT" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.17in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.17in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">At times I have forgotten to enjoy the very basic realization that every day is God's new gift of life. Every breath I take, every butterfly I see, every melody I hear, every morsel I taste, every person I encounter, and even every challenge I face is a part of life and that life is a gift from God and is to be enjoyed. The very idea that God should grace me with anything should result in my praise and gratitude. Yet, there have been too many times that I have simply trudged through day after day thinking to myself “this is vanity.” Wow, I sound like the preacher of Ecclesiastes. God forgive me.</span></span> </div><div align="LEFT" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.17in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.17in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oh, what a wasted life that does not receive and live each day with merriment understanding that day as God's precious gift. Oh, how God must be insulted and grieved when we trudge through life complaining about the monotony and the troubles rather than rejoicing and celebrating each precious moment. </span></span> </div><div align="LEFT" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.17in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.17in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">What about you? Do you live each day as a gift of God or do you trudge through each day in monotony and complaint? Let us each be reminded of the proclamation of the psalmist, “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Let us understand and live each day as a precious gift from God. Let us celebrate life!</span></span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.17in;"><br />
</div>Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-88938263448000001732011-12-15T05:34:00.001-08:002012-02-29T14:19:59.157-08:00Let us not grow weary<div lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> But </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">as for</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> you, brethren, do not grow weary </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">in</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> doing good. </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 Thessalonians 3:13</span></span></span></span></i></div><div lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paul was speaking a challenge to his brothers and sisters in Christ to keep their chins up and their hearts encouraged as they continued to serve their Lord. He understood from personal experience that walking faithfully as a follower of Jesus can and will become tiring and weary at times. God's word is very clear that a faithful follower of Christ will face many difficulties on life's path. Our Lord Jesus had explained, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)</span></span></div><div lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paul himself had tasted the bitterness of pain and tribulation in the service to Christ. He had been stoned and left for dead for preaching the gospel, but he and Barnabas continued to proclaim God's word. Then Paul returned to the same city of his stoning "strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>them</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> to continue in the faith, and </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>saying,</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> 'We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God'"(Acts 14:22). Paul practiced what he preached. He would not give up and challenged us to do the same.</span></span></span></span></div><div lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paul's focus was not on his difficulties, but on those whom he was ministering. He did not take the time to feel sorry for himself as this was the cost of serving Christ. Was this not the same pattern that Christ Jesus had set before us? We should rejoice that our Lord did not grow weary in well doing as our salvation and eternity was secured through His faithfulness. Let us be thankful for those who persevered before us so that we may hear the glorious gospel. Let us also be faithful and not grow weary as there is much work to be done and remember more words from Paul, “</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” (</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">2 Cor 4:17). ---To God be the glory!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-3988331114017903372011-11-24T08:32:00.000-08:002011-11-24T08:32:22.334-08:00Giving Thanks for the Thorns<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:ApplyBreakingRules/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" /> <style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal"> <i>And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>----2 Corinthians 12:9-10<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What a joy to gather around our tables this Thanksgiving day to enjoy good fellowship, good food and most importantly to give thanks for the abundant blessings the Lord has poured out on us this past year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A tradition of many is to allow each person around the table to take time to list what she/he is grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These times can be contemplative and sometimes emotional as we think upon the many ways God has moved in our lives recently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even last night at a pre-Thanksgiving meal my heart was moved by the thanksgiving made by Sarah, a beautiful young single mom who chose life and has been blessed by a precious son, Jack, and now has found life in her new relationship with Christ a few months ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two years ago the world seemed to be collapsing around her but through God’s grace and mercy she is now experiencing the abundance our Lord has promised.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, God’s grace is sufficient as He reminded Paul during his time of deepest trials. It is during those darkest moments of life, those torturous thorns and infirmities that life sometimes gives us, that we can truly see the grace and power and faithfulness of our loving God and Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Except for the thorns of life we would not be shaken from our own self-sufficiencies and weaknesses and come to understand that our sufficiency comes from Christ and Christ alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only through the pain and the confession of our weaknesses can we hear the great promise, <i>“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness,</i>" and then turn our thorns into a matter of thanksgiving as the apostle Paul proclaimed with a grateful heart, <i>“Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This Thanksgiving as we take time to thank God for all the “good” things that He has so graciously blessed us with, let us not forget to also thank Him also for the thorns by which He revealed His strength and sufficiency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To God be the glory!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">God bless and Happy Thanksgiving</div>Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-50032336436094603722011-09-21T19:26:00.000-07:002011-09-21T19:30:18.826-07:00Lord, Teach Me to Pray<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Luke 11:1-4, Matthew 6:9-13</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When I think on the countless graces that our Lord has poured upon us I cannot help but to think and rejoice in His glorious grace of prayer. Prayer is simply communion with the God of Creation, the God of Redemption. To understand the beauty of this grace one must understand the significance and the realization that the God of Creation desires communion with man. He wants relationship and fellowship with His people on an individual level. He is concerned about our every need and has made provision through the grace and the privilege of prayer that we may communicate with Him at a very personal and intimate level. He knows us and wants to know Him. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Yet, many never tap into and experience this sweet and powerful grace. Even his disciples did not fully comprehend the grace and the practice of prayer as they asked, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples (Luke 11:1). What sweeter words could have been asked to Jesus, our Lord and Savior, than “teach me to pray.” Jesus responded immediately by giving them an incredible outline to pray. Therefore, for anyone who desires to learn to pray or to strengthen his/her prayer life then there is no better place to start than with the instructions of Jesus Himself. Let’s us break down this model prayer that we may grow in the grace of prayer and develop deeper communion with our Lord and Redeemer. </div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“PRAY LIKE THIS” </i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">----Jesus (Matthew 6:9-13)</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME -Pray the names of God</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. </i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">Jesus teaches us to begin our prayer by focusing first on God Himself and not on ourselves. We do this through spending time on praising His holy name. Notice that we are to present our prayer to “our Father” who dwells in heaven. We must understand and accept that as a child of God He wants to be addressed as “Father”. This reminds us of the role He works in our lives. Only those who have been born unto Him can make this claim, and for those who do we can be assured that He is the perfect Father who only desires that which is best for His children. Jesus explained this, "<span style="color: black;">If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”</span> (<span style="color: black;">Mat </span><span style="color: black;">7:11</span><span style="color: black;">). Again, begin your prayer meditating on the fact that you have a Father in heaven that wants the best for you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">Then we are to praise Him for the holiness and the glory of His Name. Take time to meditate and then rejoice in the wonderful names that are attributed to God in the Scriptures. Each of these reveal attributes of our Father in Heaven that deserve praise and can bring great encouragement to our souls. I have included many of the names of our Lord below. Study them, meditate on them and praise Him for the great God that He is. If the list seems too overwhelming then just focus on one or a few of His names each prayer time and rejoice in Him</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">NAMES OF GOD “Hallowed be Thy Name</b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">”</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -2.0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Elohim</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">: the Creator, Preserver, Transcendent, Gen. 1</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -2.0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">El Shaddai</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">: the All Sufficient God, Gen 17:1-2</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -2.0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Adonai</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">: Lord,Master, Gen.15:2 </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -2.0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Jehovah:</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> the Self-Existent One I AM WHO I AM, Ex. 3</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -2.0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Jehovah Jireh</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">: The Lord Will Provide, Gen. 22:14</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -2.0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Jehovah Rapha</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">: The Lord that Heals, Ex. 15:22-26</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -2.0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Jehovah Tsidkenu</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">: the Lord our Righteousness, Jer. 23:5,6; 33:16</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -2.0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Jehovah Mekoddishk:</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> the Lord Sanctifies You, Lev. 20:7-8</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -2.0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Jehovah Nissi</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">: the Lord is My Banner, Ex. 17:15</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -2.0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Jehovah Shalom</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">: the Lord is Peace, Judges 6:24</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -2.0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Jehovah Saboath</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">: the Lord of Hosts, Isa. 1:24, Ps. 46:7,11; 2Kings 3:9-12</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -2.0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Jehovah Shammah</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">: the Lord is There, Ex. 48:35</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -2.0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Jehovah Ra’ah</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">: the Lord is My Shepherd, Ps 23</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -2.0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Jehoshua “Jesus</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">”: the Lord is My Salvation</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">If you spend time focusing on the person of our Father through meditating and praising His names, then your heart will be prepared to experience true communion with your Lord as you continue to pray.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">PRAY FOR HIS PERFECT WILL</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. </i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">We are then to focus on God’s will for our lives and not our own. Remember, He is our Father in heaven who desires that which is best for us. We are to seek for His kingdom to be accomplished in our lives and not our own. Again, remember the words of Jesus when He was warning us about worrying about the cares of this world, “<span style="color: black;">But seek first the </span><span style="color: black;">kingdom</span><span style="color: black;"> of </span><span style="color: black;">God</span><span style="color: black;"> and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.</span>” (<span style="color: black;">Mat </span><span style="color: black;">6:33</span><span style="color: black;">). This requires humility and a daily dying to self and by praying for His will to be done will turn our eyes off of ourselves and onto Him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">PETITION FOR YOUR NEEDS:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">After we have given our Father the recognition that He deserves and submit ourselves to His will, then our hearts are ready to bring to Him our personal needs which He desires to meet</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Needs of Daily Provision</b> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Give us this day our daily bread</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">Our Father knows of our needs even before we ask but petitioning Him for our needs is a practice in humility whereby we are saying, “God, I need you.” When we pray we need to ask specifically for those things pressing upon our hearts and never be afraid to ask for something that you may think is “too small” or “too big.” Your Father is concerned for the smallest of your needs as well as the greatest. These requests can be for your daily substance, physical or relational healing. God wants to know your heart and has an open ear. Remember, He is your heavenly Father.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Needs of Forgiveness</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">An extremely important part of our time with the Lord is the seeking of forgiveness. Christ paid our sin debt on the cross of Calvary, but our unconfessed sins affect our relationship with God. Unconfessed sin keeps our prayers from being answered (Isaiah 59:2).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">We must spend time searching our heart for anything not pleasing to our Lord and confess the sin by name. John writes, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). There is nothing sweeter and more refreshing than to experiencing the cleansing of our sins and being restored to full relationship with the Father.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">A key point to asking God for our own forgiveness is how well do we forgive those who have sinned against us. Jesus clearly addresses this issue at the close of Matthew’s recording of the Lord’s prayer by stating, “"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Mat 6:14-15). Unforgiveness of others clearly affects our relationship with God, but also our relationship with the person who offended us and is a cancer that eats away at our own lives. Therefore, Jesus teaches us to address this very important matter in our time with Him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Needs of Protection</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">We are taught also the need to pray for our protection. We must understand our weakness in standing against the temptations of this world and our spiritual adversary, the devil, alone. We need to identify those areas in ours lives in which we struggle and ask the Father to protect us even from temptation in those areas. Do you struggle with anger, or lust, or covetousness, or ……? Then, call upon God in your prayer to protect you from temptation, from the evil one and from yourself.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CLOSE IN PRAISE </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">AND</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> REMEMBRANCE:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">We are to close our time of prayer by reminding ourselves that all things are His and that He is to receive all glory. Think about it: we are to begin our prayer focusing on God and we are to end our prayer in the same manner. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">Again, prayer is one of the great privileges offered to us as the children of God. This grace is available to the each Christ whether new in the faith or a seasoned believer in Christ. Jesus has given each of us a powerful and effective model to pray and the more we exercise this privilege of prayer the more comfortable and natural we become in our time with God. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">Prayer is a discipline and is expected by God. Therefore, you must set aside time each day and guard it diligently. I can promise you that this will be the most important, refreshing and fulfilling time of your day.</div>Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-8437422695248001062011-08-23T06:57:00.000-07:002011-08-23T06:57:15.057-07:00“Is There Not a Cause?” Living Life Greater than Ourselves<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" /> <style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style> <![endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.0pt;">And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?</span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.0pt;">---1Samuel </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.0pt;">17:29</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">Someone once said, “Until a person has something thathe is willing to die for, then that person has not yet began to live.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David had a cause and this cause was greater than himself; a cause he was willing to die for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thing which young David cherished even more than his own life was the honor of the name of the Lord his God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When reproach was made against his God’s name David considered it his duty and responsibility to defend it even to the grave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It mattered not that David was a mere lad compared to this great warrior of the Philistines, a giant of a man who was mocking the God of Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His cause was much bigger than himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">The army of </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.0pt;">Israel</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"> had no such cause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, they placed their personal lives and well-being in higher regard than the name of the Lord God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, they shook in fear not willing to risk their lives even though the adversary was daily railing against their God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They lived for nothing larger than themselves and as a result could not see beyond their own selfish desires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not living, but only existing. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">How small and shallow is life if it is no greater than ourselves?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David lived with a cause and thus he lived. Let us do the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is simply no greater cause than to live our lives glorifying God by honoring the name of Jesus, our God and Creator and the Blessed Redeemer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Lord’s cause, revealing His glory through the redemption of mankind, was bigger than Himself and not even the cross and the grave could deter Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He died for you and me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">Therefore, when we hear His name being mocked, see His truth being trampled upon, and His honor being ridiculed, should we not like David say, “Is there not a cause?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stand up for Christ and begin to taste the blessing of living.</span> Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-54672601770720985042011-08-19T07:08:00.000-07:002011-08-19T07:08:12.233-07:00God’s Grace and the Law of Aging<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style> <![endif]--><i>Revelation 21:5<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful."</i> <div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Last week the air-conditioning unit in our home gave up its last breath, its last puff of cool air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We knew that it was old and struggling but were trying to squeeze the most we could from it: maybe one more season. But finally age and wearing won out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess, in technical terms, it fell prey to the second law of thermodynamics which explains that everything will run down, age, or decay over time whether it be machinery, mankind or the universe itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, everything will die in its time, everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No amount of repairing, or patching, or beauty creams, or facial tucks will reverse this certainty.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is simply a part of God’s curse against sin which affected all of His creation and created order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ultimately God created all things to exist forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He Himself said after each day of His creation, “It is good.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, man’s rebellion against God set into motion not only God’s penalty against man’s sin: “death” as He had warned; but creation itself was touched and began to groan due to its certain demise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This law of aging and downgrade entered into creation after the fall cannot be reversed by any of man’s best plans or efforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This law of aging and decay also stands in total opposition to evolution, man’s attempt to remove the reality of God from His own creative order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But try as they may, man cannot stop the second law of thermodynamics, nor can they explain God away apart from utter denial of the obvious and blatant hypocrisy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now back to my air conditioning unit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, I realized how spoiled I have become.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of the good ole days for me laboring through steamy, sleepless nights soaked in sweat wishfully hoping for a puff of breeze through the window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want cool air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, I didn’t want to patch an old system which I knew was soon to die again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chose to purchase a new unit and willing to pray the price, while knowing even my new unit will immediately begin the process of aging.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And finally back to the law of aging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only One Who can redeem creation from the curse and reverse the law of aging is the Creator Himself, yet this came with a great price.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> By His grace </span>God gave His only Son to receive upon Himself the penalty of man’s sin: death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He alone overcame the penalty and was resurrected to newness of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day He will return and make “all things new” while destroying death and the curse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is called “the regeneration.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Jesus is not in the business of “repairing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is in the business of “regenerating,” making things new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has promised a new heaven and a new earth and a new body to all who believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Death will be abolished, the curse will be broken, and the law of aging will be wiped away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the regeneration He will complete what He purposed in creation. No more aging bodies and no more aging air conditioners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hallelujah!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To God be the glory.</div>Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-33865267309098304222011-08-15T19:58:00.000-07:002011-08-15T19:58:09.786-07:00Talk is Cheap<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:ApplyBreakingRules/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" /> <style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026"/> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout v:ext="edit"> <o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">1 Corinthians 4:20 <i>For the </i><i>kingdom</i><i> of </i><i>God</i><i> is not in word, but in power.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Talk is cheap, especially in the service to our Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If someone has to tell you how much he loves the Lord and the great things he has accomplished for Christ, then this may only be the guise of an unfaithful servant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sound testimony is important as long as it glorifies Christ rather than self, yet it can never replace faithful service empowered by the Spirit of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Words can never be an effective substitute for actions; and even then one’s actions must be examined according to motive and whether they have been endowed by the power of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Many like to tell a story, but few are willing to create the story through their hard work. Paul is a great example for us. Others proclaimed to be servants of Christ while Paul displayed his servanthood through faithful service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others boasted of positions of authority as Paul exercised his through the anointing of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others preached many eloquent words of persuasion while Paul preached a few simple words of power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul wasted few words speaking of himself, but preached and wrote a lifetime of words glorifying his precious Savior and sovereign Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others talked while Paul served.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Again, talk is cheap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is time to be about our Lord’s business.</div>Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-91705631518104124802011-08-06T14:51:00.000-07:002011-08-06T14:51:00.279-07:00Blesssedness of Brokenness<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:ApplyBreakingRules/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style> <![endif]--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Psalm 51:16-17<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">David was a man after God’s own heart, but he had wandered far from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Success, pride, and presumption had made him self-sufficient opening his soul to places of sin he thought he could never go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This left David dry and in a spiritual wilderness. He found himself in the lowest and darkest time of his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David desperately needed restoration and revival but from where would it come?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">David learned that the journey to revival always begins on a street called brokenness. Desperation always precedes revival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until man is brought low he will never cry out to God in brokenness and without brokenness there can be no revival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When a heart is broken before the Lord nothing else matters but the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of our lofty dreams and worldly desires have been shattered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of our lovers of whom we have adulterated ourselves and have consumed our minds are exposed as nothing more than false gods and they are crushed under the weight of our brokenness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every mask that we have carefully painted on while pretending to be someone or something that we are not is painfully stripped away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Yes, in our brokenness we are laid bare, naked before God in a humiliating, helpless state with no else one else to turn to but our Redeemer, the only true lover of our souls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With everything stripped away nothing else matters but God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We once again begin to be consumed with Him and His righteousness during the night and when we first awake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brokenness brings restoration to the One who truly loves us, the One who gave Himself for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And when did the brokenness begin?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It began at the house of judgment where God’s truth reveals us for whom and what we are and have become.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This righteous judgment drives us to desperation, and desperation to revival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us therefore praise God for His truth, His judgment, and His grace of brokenness. </span></div>Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-36845343228380751412011-08-04T14:27:00.000-07:002011-08-04T14:27:10.512-07:00Blessing My Grandchildren<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" /> <style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal"><i>Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children…</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The greatest inheritance I can give my grandchildren is parents who love Christ and walk in His ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may never have the opportunity to lavish my grandchildren with the riches of the world, but I can give them the riches of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This process of bestowing spiritual riches to them begins long before they are ever born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bless my grandchildren before they enter this world by pouring my life and the love of Christ into my own children, their future parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I invest spiritual truths into the lives of my children, then I am also investing into my grandchildren.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, oh, how the investment will provide sweet dividends in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My investments today will provide my children and their children with opportunities of an eternal mansion in heaven on a street of gold which leads to the throne of a loving and merciful God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a rich man indeed and I can share my riches with my grandchildren, but I must begin now.</div>Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-33187860199055748432011-07-30T06:55:00.000-07:002011-07-30T06:55:39.131-07:00Faith in the Storm<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Psalm 88:13-14</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><i>But to You I have cried out, O Lord,<br />
And in the morning my prayer comes before You.<br />
14 Lord, why do You cast off my soul?<br />
Why do You hide Your face from me?</i><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">There will be times in the life of every believer when God appears to have deserted him/her. These are times of darkness and despair. Our prayers seem to fall limply from our lips never reaching their desired destination while never being heard. The circumstances which engulf us keep us from feeling God’s embrace, seeing His majesty, or hearing His voice. Our flesh cries out, “God are You even out there?” and “If You are, do You really care?”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> These are the times when our faith is severely tested and proven to be real or counterfeit. True faith needs nothing to support it other than a heart felt belief that God is who He says He is and can do what He says He will do even when the circumstances of life shout otherwise. These are the times when we grab hold of God and say, “Although I can’t see You, or hear You, or even feel You, I am not letting go.” </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Our faith is purest when everything is stripped away and we have nothing to hold onto but God. As the storm passes, and it will, we then begin to see that He was present all the time sheltering us. He had been there all the time. Faith is believing He will never forsake you or leave you regardless what the circumstances might seem. Remember, "faith is the substance of things hopes for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1).</span></span>Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-13640056395741159122011-07-28T07:44:00.000-07:002011-07-28T07:44:35.964-07:00Help Me Understand<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:ApplyBreakingRules/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style> <![endif]--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><i>Luke 24:45<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And He opened their understanding that they might comprehend<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span> </span>the Scriptures.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Understanding the Word of God is the foundation of our faith. Through the Word we are taught the truth concerning the Triune God. Only through Scripture can we learn of the person and works of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Only through Scripture and not though humanistic philosophy can we learn the truth about man: that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The glorious doctrines of grace, redemption, the church, and the second coming can only be found in God’s Word. Yet, only God can give us understanding of these powerful truths. Until He gives us spiritual eyes to see, the Scriptures are meaningless to us. This is the reason the world calls God’s Word nonsense. It simply is incapable of understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must pray that our Lord will open our understanding that we might comprehend the Scriptures. Then and then only can we know Him in a deeper, more meaningful way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then and only then can we see the beauty and majesty of a glorious God and His glorious plan of redemption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>–To God be the Glory</div>Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-89048556371186333642011-07-26T06:00:00.000-07:002011-07-26T06:00:03.994-07:00The Encourager<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" /> <style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style> <![endif]--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Acts </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">15:37</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">-40<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Cyprus</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but Paul chose Silas …</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Barnabas, the son of encouragement, saw things in people that others could not. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked past the blemishes and the failures to the heart and the potential. He was so passionate in his belief in others that he was willing time and again to risk his reputation to stand by those whom others had cast off. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It was Barnabas who stood by the new convert Paul in the presence of the disciples in Jerusalem when they did not believe Paul’s authenticity as a Christian (Acts 9). And it was Barnabas who brought Paul from Tarsus to help him teach the new believers at Antioch. Now it was Barnabas who stood up, even against Paul, for Mark the young man who had deserted them on their first missionary journey. Yes, Mark had made a mistake in his immaturity, but Barnabas saw something in him and was not willing to give up on young Mark. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">God honored Barnabas’ risk taking. Mark proved faithful and grew into a mighty servant of the Lord. It was through the pen of Mark that God gave us the first written gospel. Even Paul later recognized the faithfulness of Mark as he requested Mark be sent to him because of his usefulness in Paul’s ministry (1 Tim 4:11). How many times have we given up on young believers because of their immature mistakes? Let us be as Barnabas and see the gold beneath rather than the dirt.</div>Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2485866251627298502.post-4874657289949120402011-07-24T19:26:00.000-07:002011-07-24T19:26:52.579-07:00Give While There is Still Opportunity<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" /> <style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style> <![endif]--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="color: black;">Proverbs </span><span style="color: black;">3:28</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: black;"><span> </span>Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it," When you have it with you.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Each time I read this verse my thoughts rush immediately to my late dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the latter part of his life he told me time and again, as if he were trying to leave me a precious nugget, “Son, I have always thought it to be a sin if I saw someone in need and money in my pocket to help them but did not.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my younger years I watched him time and again live out this core value of his life even at times to the detriment of him or his family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He simply could not say “no” to a person in need and surely was taken advantage of many times, but that never kept him from giving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the week before his death when Hospice was attending him he had someone drive him, while still in his pajamas, to minister to a family in need.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">Let me explain something about my dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loved the Lord, but he still had many rough areas in his life that he never overcame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others may have looked and acted more spiritual than him but I can assure you no one loved people and served people like him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: black;">His giving was simply an outpouring of his love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>I do not even know if he ever read <span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Proverbs </span><span style="color: black;">3:28</span><span style="color: black;">: </span>“<span style="color: black;">Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it,’ When you have it with you” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="color: black;">, but I do know that Christ had etched it upon his heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And isn’t this the very essence of the Christian life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aren’t the two great commandments to “Love God’ and to “Love People?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My dad simply loved people and he displayed that love through ministering to the needs of anyone that sought help from him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He taught me many things, but the greatest lesson was to love people and always lend a helping hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next month will mark the fifth anniversary of his homegoing but still etched in my mind is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>his words, “Son, I have always thought it to be a sin if I saw someone in need and money in my pocket to help them but did not” and his actions that proved his sincerity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a living example of Proverbs 3:28 that commands us to give while there is still opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray I can only love others as much and be as faithful in helping others.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Love you, Dad.</div>Pastor Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05113421000846067560noreply@blogger.com1