Walking In Truth

Many people have this idea that being at peace means having no war or no conflict in the world. This is a very temporary idea of peace. If you think the world coming to a place of peace here on earth is attainable, it’s just not. Especially during this time of global pandemic, it’s more important that your heart be at peace – with peace from God. Pastor Johnny explains how some things in the story of Noah represent something more for you today. It all points to something very personal that has everything to do with peace.

The circumstances you’re currently facing may feel like a flood. There might be a flood of emotions, a tossing of routine, a storm of unknowns with a job or maybe even your health. One good thing about storms is that they come to an end. After the dark clouds dissolve, there’s a peace and hope for new beginnings. In today’s teaching, Pastor Johnny relates the flood of Noah to the challenges of living during this pandemic. One thing to plant your hope in during all of this is that God most definitely cares!

If there was a fire in the building, there would be ample warnings, notifications, and alarms going off to alert you of the danger. But if you disregard those warnings, you’ll get burned by the unrelenting fire. In a similar way, God gives plenty of warnings before He brings judgment. Today, Pastor Johnny details how God showed much patience and grace during Noah’s time, before He brought destruction on an unbelieving and disobedient world. Are you seeing the warning signs now?

Everyone relates to the parent/child relationship. There should be a level of respect or even fear of the authority in your life, because they have the ability to affect your circumstances. A parent has the opportunity to offer grace when that’s needed and can give discipline when that’s necessary. So what about when God takes the parent role and you’re the child? Do you have a respectful fear of His power and authority? Pastor Johnny talks today about the importance of taking God’s warnings seriously.

When certain things increase, it’s viewed as a positive thing. An increase in income or education has its benefits and an increase in vacation days or number of children can be a blessing. But what if there was an increase in something that was bad for society? In today’s teaching, Pastor Johnny mentions some areas that increase for the worst. Just as society was corrupt and immoral before the flood of Noah, the world’s in a dangerous position right now that looks similar to the times of Noah.

Do you feel like you just don’t have time or opportunity to pray? Sometimes, distractions overtake you and you give up praying. Satan uses these excuses, among many others to keep you from prayer. Today, Pastor Johnny will encourage you to imitate Jesus, the ultimate example, in your prayer life. He never let busyness, weariness, or distraction keep Him from prayer. It was the key to the power of His life and ministry. And it is for you today too. It is your spiritual lifeline. Don’t let anything keep you from time with God in prayer!

Have you ever screwed up so badly that you thought it couldn’t be fixed? Pastor Johnny talks today about the effects that sin has in our lives. When you practice sin on a daily basis, it becomes routine. No longer are you repulsed by the things of this world, but you revel in it. Slowly but surely, sin eats away at you until you’re all alone. Don’t become desensitized to sin; let it infuriate you and propel you into the arms of Jesus. For He loves and cares about you and doesn’t want to see you in Satan’s clutches.

A lot of people think that if they can keep their sin a secret, it never needs to come to light. Pastor Johnny reminds us today that sin is never just sin. Much like leprosy, it eats away at you from the inside out. When you rationalize your sin, you’re saying that you’re right and God’s wrong; when you continue in it, you become numb to the effects. Don’t justify your sin. You already have all the justification you need and it only comes through Jesus Christ who died on a cross on Calvary in order to save you.

We all know what it feels like to be discouraged. Sometimes life doesn’t relent and it continues to beat you down until you feel hopeless. Pastor Johnny talks today about the hope and comfort you can find in Jesus Christ. There are things in your life that are out of your control, but there’s nothing that’s outside the will of God. When you’re walking with the Lord, there’s a sense of joy and hope that outweighs any depression or negativity. The war has been fought and the hope you have in Him is everlasti

It’s easy to get emotionally attached to things. Sometimes we hold on to useless items just because it reminds us of a different time. Pastor Johnny talks to us today about what we must forsake to follow Christ. You’re called to leave everything, take up your cross and follow Him. It seems a little extreme, but God has your best interest in mind. He loves you and wants to see you grow in Him. Don’t forget that God knows best and He would never ask you to abandon anything if it wasn’t for your own good.

It can be tricky to trust someone when you don’t know their intentions. Pastor Johnny reminds us today that God never changes; He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. You know His word and His promises and therefore you know His intentions. He sent His son to earth to die in your stead that you may live with Him forever in Heaven. He doesn’t want to spend eternity apart from you. If you don’t obey through faith, you’ll stay in the shallows and there will be no fish within your reach.

Have you ever been hesitant about commitment? People in general aren’t very trustworthy and so we’ve all been through mistrust and heartache. Pastor Johnny talks to us today about being fully committed to God. If the person you love wasn’t driven by selfishness and emotions, it’d be much easier to trust in them. Well God never changes. The promises He’s made to you stand true today. Remember that your Father in Heaven would never ask you to do something if it wasn’t for your good.

It’s one thing to say you trust someone and another to show it with your actions. Many times, making a vow is a visible sign of showing your trust. In today’s teaching, Pastor Johnny reminds you that God wants you to trust Him with your heart. When you do this, there’s a peace and praise that overflows out of your heart, even if you’re going through really challenging circumstances. Instead of trusting your own heart that wavers, trust in the One who is constant and will take care of your heart.

It’s easy to forget the good times when you’re faced with really hard times. All those fond memories of the “good ol’ days” are replaced with the harsh reality you might be in now. But the good memories should remain. As Pastor Johnny states today, remembering God’s faithfulness in your life is crucial in your walk with God. Through good times and bad, God continues to be faithful. So don’t lose sight of that, even if you’re struggling to see God’s faithfulness. Remember what He’s already done!

Sometimes, life throws you a curveball and you not only get hit hard by it, but you get knocked down and pummeled by that situation and things feel overwhelming. If you’re burdened by the weight of something today, know there are others who may feel the same. In fact, Pastor Johnny relates today how people in the Bible expressed many emotions such as anger, frustration, fear, and praise. When you are feeling pushed down by feeling overwhelmed, turn to Jesus, and ask Him to carry you through it.

There are a lot of people who scoff at the mention of demons, but Pastor Johnny reminds us today that the spiritual world is very real and very close to our own. Astrology, psychic readings, Ouija boards… they’re very real but the Bible calls them blasphemous - “they are not of God.” It doesn’t make them untrue, but the information is coming from the wrong place. Don’t be quick to dismiss something just because you can’t see it. Be mindful of the things of God and be sure to spend time in His Word.

Whether it was a job or a person, we’ve all been rejected before. Many people can only handle so much rejection before they decide to never let anyone else in. Pastor Johnny talks to us today about how it’s up to us to let Jesus into our lives. You might think that you can do life on your own; you think that you don’t need Him but that’s just not true. We all need Christ. He came and delivered us from our very own screw ups, but had it only been you who needed saving, He still would’ve sacrificed Himself.

Have you ever been hurt so badly that you thought you’d never heal? We can all relate to heartache but how deep can it go? Pastor Johnny talks today about how Jesus was sent to heal our hearts and bind up our wounds. There is nothing too big that Jesus can’t handle and there’s nothing too small that He won’t care. He loves His children and there’s no hurt that goes unnoticed. When you go searching for something to fill the void in your life, try looking to Jesus because He’s already waiting for you.

Do you think it’s important to work out, physically? How about mentally? If you don’t work out or you never practice, there are some things that will remain unobtainable. Pastor Johnny reminds us today how vital it is to stay active in the Word of God. If you don’t stretch your muscles, you’re going to hurt yourself. But if you get into the Bible every day and spend intimate time with God, you’ll grow – not only in the knowledge of His word – but in Godliness as well. Seek Him and let His ways become yours.

We often are required to do things that we don’t want to do. What kind of attitude do you take on when such things come about? Pastor Johnny comes to us today to talk about how Jesus endured the cross for our sake. He pleaded with His Father to take the burden away but alas, there was no other way to accomplish a sacrifice for all mankind. When next you have to do something that you dread, keep perspective; nobody is beating you and nailing you to a cross for crimes you never committed.