1 Peter 4:1-2 Arm yourselves with a Christ like mind/attitude

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu! Jesus Help Me!

  When we reflect to our past, many times we either have, or should have called out "JESUS HELP"; yet our Pride held us back. Then we trekked through the woods creating our own path.  This was not an easy task, yet we still insisted and persisted in doing so.  Why?  When we follow Jesus; when we follow God; when we follow the leading of the Spirit; it is not always easier but the end result is much greater.  Let's look a 1 Peter chapter 4 and see what happens!
   Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
   "The commitment God calls us to have is nothing greater than the commitment Jesus had in enduring suffering for our salvation. In the last days, we need to have a commitment to God that will endure through great struggles."(quote from Blueletter Bible & David Guzik). 

   God is not calling us to do something special; we can suffer nothing compared to what Jesus suffered for our sake. To save all of us, sinners, so we may revel in heaven, praising God for eternity.  Jesus tells us we must take up his cross and follow (Matthew 16:24). Don't stop at 24 - continue with v. 25 "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."  Wow!!

  arm yourselves also with the same mind, Jesus wants us to have the right attitude when going into battle. We must die to self and then we can become victorious.  After WW 2 the men who were in the major battles that survived contributed a lot of their success to the fact that they knew they would probably die, so in their minds they were already dead, and they fought with great vigor and ferocity.  We must be armed in the same way when battling for Jesus.
   for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,     Suffering helps us be like Christ, yet people will do anything to avoid pain.  We, as followers of Christ should be willing and prepared to do God's will and to suffer for it if necessary.
  that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.  When we focus on Christ and what he wants us to do we can and will overcome sin.  Pain and danger reveal our true values.  If you suffer for doing good (God's will) and faithfully obey no matter the obstacle, then you have made a clean break from sin.

   Can you in your truest of hearts say you have made a break from sin?  This does not mean you are sinless; but the lusts, the lures of the past cease to pull you in.  Are you standing on solid ground, the ROCK; or wallowing in sinking sand?

   HOW YOU SEE GOD IS HOW YOU SERVE GOD!   Love you all!

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

1 Peter 3:21-22 Does Baptism only save?

Hello all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

1 Peter 3: ²¹ The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

   Okay, this is very confusing and mystifying to read on the surface.  I will try to piece together what several "experts" claim it means.  Here, when it says "even baptism doth also now save us" I firmly believe this is not necessarily speaking of water baptism only; that you do not need to accept Jesus Christ as your savior.  It is the spiritual reality behind the immersion in water.Why are your receiving baptism?  Because Jesus Christ died for me. 

   The blue letter bible says: (and I quote) "The external participation of baptism will save no man without an answerable good conscience and conversation. There must be the answer of a good conscience towards God." And what is this?  It is salvation through Jesus Christ.  Notice the end of verse 21.

            Now this next verse begins referring to Jesus (by the resurrection of Jesus Christ):
²² Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

Who has gone into heaven?  JESUS CHRIST!   Who is sitting at the right hand of God?  JESUS CHRIST! 
         Who are the angels, authorities and powers subject to? JESUS CHRIST!

SOOOOOO!   Please let me have your feedback. Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

1 Peter 3:18-20 Christ suffered for You and Me

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

   1 Peter 3: ¹⁸ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

  This tells us Christ suffered ONCE for ALL sins.  Not just yours or mine, but for the 'just' and the 'unjust'.  Christ died for EVERYONE - all sinners alike.   But why? Why did he do this?

    The purpose of his suffering was to bring us all to God, to restore our broken and dead relationship with Him.  They were able to kill the man Jesus, the flesh; but they had no dominion over His Spirit. And, His Spirit remains with us today. Quote from the Blue Bible text: "The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead. It also tells us that the Father raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 6:4), and it says that Jesus raised Himself from the dead (John 2:18-22). The resurrection was the work of the Triune God."
    
  Now look at the next verse:  ¹⁹ By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
²⁰ Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

This is an area that, maybe, one of your experts can shed light upon more so than I.  From my study and searching it appears that Jesus went to Hades or Hell to preach to the spirits enveloped there with one commentary.  Another believes Christ announced salvation to God's faithful followers who had been waiting for their salvation during the whole Old Testament era.  Then, another "expert" thinks this passage says that Christ's Spirit was in Noah as Noah preached to those imprisoned by sin (but now in hell).  Whatever the case may be, the good news of salvation and victory is shared and not limited.

   This may be puzzling, however we know that: God speaks; God triumphs; and God saves.  We know that God put forth the effort to save those who seek Him.

   I would appreciate any feedback, or if you have garnered other information which may make this clearer please share.  However we do know that God: speaks, triumphs, and saves!!!!  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

1 Peter 3:13-17 Suffering for doing good!

Hello all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

    So, what is happening in your world that may relate to the Bible, OR, what in the Bible will relate to you in your little (minute) world?  Let's go on in 1 Peter 3:
 ¹³ And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
<sup>Paul in Romans 8:34 had asked a question, "Who can condemn you?"; Peter is taking this view that if you are a follower of good and do good who would want to harm you?

 14</sup> But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled.

  Peter is saying here, that if you do suffer, we suffer for Christ's sake. Now we won't be singing, skipping and jubilant; but we will be privileged to suffer for Christ's sake.
  
 ¹⁵ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

    Faith is a personal matter between you and Jesus; however, it should not be something kept to oneself, a secret.  We should always be ready to share our faith in meekness and fear.  This does not mean you become Melba Milktoast; but do not be loud and/or obnoxious when you share your faith.  Just share what Christ has done in your life.  Fear does not mean to tremble, but in reverence and worship to God.

  ¹⁶ Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

   You may not be able to keep people from speaking evil against you, but you can at least stop supplying them with ammunition.  As long as you do what is right, their accusations will be empty and only embarrass them.  Keep your conduct above criticism.
  ¹⁷ For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

    Look carefully at this verse.  You are better off in God's will.  God's will may allow you to suffer, but this is better than to do evil.  Listen to God; He will lead you.  The apostles, the prophets did not always have a life of lollipops and unicorns; many times they were in prison, tortured, and a huge subject of ridicule.  Stand firm in God, in God's word.

  QUESTION:  Are you willing to suffer in Christ for doing good?   Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

1 Peter 3:9-12 Do what is right in the sight of God; the LORD hears the righteous

Hello all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

     1 Peter 3: 9-    

Okay, I am not on a political movement or pushing politics here. I would like for you to reflect on the elections; I don't care if you are democrat, republican, liberal, conservative, gay, straight, black, white, brown, or any other color, foreign born or American born; just reflect.

   If you are an American DONALD TRUMP is your president; just like OBAMA is our president for another week.  People use different platforms to state their case pro or con whomever is in power.  Some of the ridiculous things like protests, stress days, etc.; there comes a time to grow up, return to your roots which are (or should be in Christ) and continue on doing God's work.

   Please read and ABSORB the following verses(first in NIV then KJV):
    
⁹ Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. ¹⁰ For,“Whoever would love life
    and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
    and their lips from deceitful speech.
¹¹ They must turn from evil and do good;
    they must seek peace and pursue it.
¹² For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
    and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
⁹ Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
¹⁰ For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
¹¹ Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
¹² For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
  If these verses do not touch you or mean something to you; it is probably a good time for you to pray and have a good visit with God. Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

Got Jesus? Do you have a spark in your sould for Jesus? Fan it!!!

Hello everyone!  God is good all the time all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!  Jesu Jevu!

    While driving and listening to the Christian musci a song came on that started me to thinking.   Yep, me, thinking - wow, huh?!?!

   We claim to have Jesus inside us, specially on Sunday mornings, at church, or around our Christian friends. What   do we do with the spark that is inside of us wanting and loving Jesus.  Usually little or Nothing.  Look at these song lyrics:
       Start a fire in my soul
Fan the flame and make it grow
So there’s no doubt or denying
Let it burn so brightly
That everyone around can see
That it’s You, that it’s You that we need
Start a fire in me

Are you hot, cold, or lukewarm for Jesus.  Do you need to ask the Holy Spirit to come and fan that spark ?   If so, let that be on top of your prayer list.  Please pray for me and that I will do so.  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

1 Peter 3:5-8 Wives submit; husbands treat wives as yourself!!!

Hello all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!
    1 Peter 3:5-8King James Version (KJV)

⁵ For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
⁶ Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
⁷ Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
⁸ Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Okay, this is telling women to submit to their spouses; this does not mean to be a push over or do something that is against God's will.  But wives should listen and be open to what their husbands request, IF, he is a Godly man and following God. (This is strictly my opinion).  The man is meant to be the spiritual leader of the household.
    Unfortunately, today, the father or male role model is absent from the household.  Husbands are to GIVE HONOUR to their wives since husband and wife are one and are heirs to grace of life.  In doing so, their prayers will surely be heard.  Husband and wife should have compassion for one another, be like-minded, be sympathetic, and humble.
  Would you fit the billet for these verses in 1 Peter?  Where are you in your relationship with (1)God; (2) Spouse?  Love you all. (p.s. this is all Johnny's interpretation)

1 Peter 3:5-8New International Version (NIV)

⁵ For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, ⁶ like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

⁷ Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

Suffering for Doing Good

⁸ Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

Johnny

1 Peter 3:1 Wive submit to your husbands

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

   Okay, sorry for being MIA the last few weeks.  For New Years I plan to increase my devotion and study with Jesus as my teacher.  We start with 1 Peter 3 with wives and husbands.  May the Holy Spirit guide and direct me. lol
    3 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

  First, remember at the end of chapter 2 Peter says: "For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the shepherd and overseer of your souls."

   This is why "likewise" comes in, then "ye wives" which reflects the idea that wives should return to "their shepherds" meaning husbands.  Now this does sound chauvinistic, however, we have to think about the place and time of this writing.  At this time, under Roman law, the husband and father had absolute authority over all members of his household, including his wife. 

  Demanding her rights as a free woman in Christ could endanger her marriage if her husband disapproved.  Peter reassured Christian women who were married to unbelievers (if any obey not the word)  that they did not need to preach to their husbands.  Under the circumstances, their best approach would be one of godly behavior.  They should show their husbands this kind of self-giving love that Christ showed the church.  By being exemplary wives, they would please their husbands,  (they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;)  The least that would happen is they would be able to continue their worship; the best would be their husbands would join them and become Christians also.

  This is not just a lesson for wives, but, today, also for husbands, men, women worldwide.  If we all show Christ's love, what a different place this would be!  Amen!  Thank you for reading today. 

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

2017 New Year - Communion - with GOD!

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

     What a way to begin 2017.  A new president coming in, 2016 is another page in our personal history book. But most of all----CHURCH on Jan. 1 to bring in the new year.   Then to make this even more special - COMMUNION!!

   Jesus was with his disciples and the account can be found in the Gospels (Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:17-25; Luke 22:7-22; and John 13:21-30).  Also, Paul mentioned it and added to the LORD's Supper - in 1 Corinthians 11:23-29.

    When Jesus was having the "Last Supper" with His disciples this was the same time as the passover.  The passover was in remembrance of  Israels deliverance from Egypt - the firstborn child of all the Egyptians was stricken and died during the night.  How did the Israelites avoid this "death angel" that came over the land.  Israelites were spared because of the blood of a lamb that was sprinkled on their doorposts. The lamb was then roasted and eaten with unleavened bread.

    In (1 Cor. 11) verse 24 Jesus says this is my body as he broke the bread, take eat and do in remembrance of me.  Then if you look at verse 25 it states "this is the new covenant in my blood".Also,‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you’” (Luke 22:19-21) What new covenant?  This is a quote from a Bible reference called gotquestions, which summarizes this new covenant well. 
The New Covenant replaced the Old Covenant when Christ, the Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), was sacrificed (Hebrews 8:8-13). The sacrificial system was no longer needed (Hebrews 9:25-28). The Lord’s Supper/Christian Communion is a remembrance of what Christ did for us and a celebration of what we receive as a result of His sacrifice.

   MAY 2017 BE WONDERFUL AND GLORIOUS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!  MAY YOUR FAMILY BE GOD FILLED!  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria
Johnny