1 Peter 5: 8 - 9 Be alert, of sober mind; resist through faith

Good morning to all, and to all a good morning.  What a great day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

    It is easy to rise up and go about our daily business and think not of what the "world" may have in store for us.  There are many things laying in wait, lurking, resting in shadows, just to lure us in.  Maybe going to lunch at a place that is lends itself to lust (Hooters, Bone Daddys, Chip n Dales, etc.) When you drive, the road rage erupts in you and you demonstrate how long one of your fingers is; or, roll down your window and yell obscenities at them.  Maybe you go into purchase something and know it is priced wrong, yet you take it anyway.

   You may see your dream car pass you on the road and in your moment you have a great amount of envy.  A nice looking person of the opposite sex goes by and your thoughts wane.  In your work you mistreat someone either verbally or by your actions.  Where does this poison come from?

      That is why Peter is telling us to be alert and of sober mind.  Alert means to be aware; sober mind does not necessarily mean "drunk" as in alcohol, but drunk as in your misguided thoughts.  Yes, the devil is moving like a roaring lion and looking for your weakness.  The "Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis gives good examples of how the devil moves with his demons.  They are always looking for prey.  I pray that you be not that prey!

   We need to resist the devil!  And how do we do that?  We stand firm in the faith. Stand on Jesus Christ, call out for the dark side to leave you alone in the name of Jesus Christ.  You are going through temptations, I am going through temptations, all of us in the family of God are going through temptations and we can resist it all.  First, PRAY!  Pray for guidance throughout the day; pray for your fellow believers throughout the day as well. 

   As one I can fight my fight; collectively WE can fight for all believers and PRAYER is our biggest weapon to use.  Just as they teach you in concealed handguns classes; if you pull it you better be ready to use it.  I say this in greater emphasis with PRAYER!  PRAYER is your loaded weapon, use it daily, continually, and slay the evil that dares darken your path and the path of other believers.

     1 Peter 5: ^{(NIV) 8} Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

   Re-read this passage and let it brighten the beacon that lights your way. Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble, exalt, casting cares - Hmmm!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!  Jesu Jevu - Jesus Help!
⁶ Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  ⁷ Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
  

 Humble, now here is a word that can be taken many ways. When we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God we do not cow down; what we do is the work set before us, casting our pride aside, and do it for the glory of God. 

   When we are humble, we do what we need to do and allow someone else be in the spotlight, and we take pride in the fact we did our job well enough that 'they' look good.

    We should live our life in such a way that when all see us it brings glory to God.  Just as if working for a boss and all the work you do seems to go unnoticed, until one day the boss comes in, and surprisingly enough to you, you get a great reward.  So it is with God.

   God sees all that we do and if working diligently for God, one day we will receive our reward, we will be exalted.  God loves us and will take care of us, but we must cast all our cares upon him.  We must let our burden go.
      This is what Spurgeon used in the illustration of a man who came to move your furniture, but he carried a huge and heavy backpack of his own. He complains that he finds it difficult to do the job of moving your furniture; would you not suggest that he would find it easier if he laid his own burden aside so that he could carry yours? In the same way, we cannot do God's work when we are weighed down by our own burdens and worries. Cast them upon Him, and then take up the Lord's burden - which is light burden, and a yoke that fits us perfectly.

  Notice "casting all your care"!  You are not giving, laying, placing gently, but casting - throwing your care upon God. Casting is as if throwing away; when we 'cast' in fishing, we "thrown" the bait and hook away from us.  God wants us to cast or thrown our cares away; cast them to Him. 

  So, friend, today, walk in the humble path God has set forth for you, and cast your burdens on Him so you can do His work and bring glory and honor to God!
⁶ Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  ⁷ Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Love you all.
Soli Deo Gloria
Johnny

1 Peter 5:5 Do you listen to the elders? Are you strong, yet humble?

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

   1 Peter 5: ⁵ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

     If we look carefully at this scripture, just read what it says.  First - the younger should submit themselves to the older.  Why?  The answer is simple - the older may not be more intelligent, but the older is much wiser!  Why?  How can you say this?  The older has been through, experienced and worked through many of the obstacles a younger has gone through.  If the younger will listen, his/her life may sail smoother.

   Yet, in all this, we need to listen one to another (Yea, all of you be subject one to another).  The word subject here does not mean to bow down and follow another blindly, but listen to each other and work together.  AND, how do we do this?

  With humility!  We don't go arrogantly on, loudly, bringing attention to oneself.  We go on quietly, humbly, yet strongly.  We don't cow-down, but we don't raise a ruckus.  We should act each day in such a way as to glorify God.

   God resisteth or turns away the proud; yet He gives grace to the humble.  Please understand humble - this does not mean subservient, a beat down dog, a sniffling coward, a sissy, a panty-waist, etc.   Jesus was humble - yet quite strong.  He did not lash out at people unless he was in the presence of evil (the money changers in the Temple).  Jesus was and is the strongest man who ever walked the earth and he did so with humility.  Let our walk be so as well.  Think about today's scripture.  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

1 Peter 5:3-4 do right for God, receive a crown of glory

And a great morning to you all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

   If you recall, yesterday we talked about leading others, not out of duty nor for personal gain, but out of love and dedication to the LORD JESUS CHRIST.  Today we continue. 

  Shepherds do not own the sheep they overlook, they simply are there to care for them.  This is our job as well, to overlook the flock, not to be dictators or "lords", but to work with them and oversee them.

   Do we do this?  If a sheep is going astray, a shepherd will bring it back to the flock. A good shepherd does not abuse the sheep; but simply help it see the way.  This is how we are to be with God's flock known as the Christian body. Don't abuse them verbally, gossip about them, but go to them and with love, yet with strength, and lead them back to the way of Christ.

 ^{1 Peter 5:3} Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.
⁴ And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Our work here on earth gets us the rewards here; however, if we do as God commands, are examples to the flock, we will receive a crown of glory that does not fade away as do our earthly and worldly rewards or crowns.
   What have you done lately to further the kingdom of God?  What sheep have you helped come back to the flock?  Be a good shepherd to someone today!  Love you all.
Soli Deo Gloria
Johnny

1 Peter 5:1-2 Lead others, not out of duty, but of........

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

  1 Peter 5:1  The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

  Peter is talking to the elders (which you should take this attitude upon yourself) and is asking them, almost demanding, to step up.  He is saying they were witnesses and were able to enjoy the glory of Christ.  Now elder means a person of spiritual maturity and wisdom - this SHOULD BE you and me. Step up!

  Peter, in person, actually saw the sufferings of Christ and the resurrection.  We, too, are aware of this, through our studying of the scriptures and our personal relationship with Christ.  We, too, have experienced spiritual revitalization, albeit in a different time and mode.
  ² Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

   Read this first phrase - FEED THE FLOCK OF GOD which is among you!  What does this mean to you?  King James says to Feed the Flock; NIV says we are shepherds of the flock.  As a shepherd it is important that we OVERSEE and FEED the sheep.  We have to tend to the spiritual feeding and guiding of the flock.  This is for all of us - whether a pastor, elder, deacon, lay person, or member - it is our position in the body of Christ to feed and tend to the flock.

   Then it continues on to say we should do this willingly, not for money or bribes, nor out of obligation,  but out of love and concern for the spiritual flock.  We should always be open and willing to do God's work.  All we do for God should be honest and open and all for the glory of God.

   Thank you for reading. Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

What is your body? Really! Take time to reflect!

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

   Take a moment and think about you, your life, your body, and exactly what your body is.  Oh, some will say (few) my body is a brick, solid and well put together. However, most of us will say my body is out of shape, needs exercise, less calorie intake; it needs work.

  Well, we have, if you will, 2 bodies: an outer body and an inner body.  You probably have heard the expression "you are what you eat", and if this is so - wow! What a mess my body is!  lol   But, have you thought of this, our outer body is what is presented to the people; the inner body is what is presented to God.

  1 Corinthians 6: 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

   The problem comes when the outer body is more of the world and pollutes the inner body.  The opposite needs to be the leader - where the inner body, the inner soul that is pleasing to God leads and the outer body cleans up its act and all the outer body says, does, and is viewed is of glory to God.

 1 Corinthians 10: 31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

  1 Timothy 4: 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

  Let me end with these verses.  Roman 12: 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

   Philippians 1: 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

  1 Corinthians 12: 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it

  And to end with: Psalm 100: 3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his ; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

  My prayer is that each of these verses will speak to you as they have spoken to me.  If not, take time to read again and meditate 60 seconds on each one.  I am nothing aside from my creator; without Him I am nothing; with Him I am everything.  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

1 Peter 4:18-19 Scarcely saved?

Good morning all!  It is raining (much needed here) and the start of a glorious day in the LORD.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

   1 Peter 4: ¹⁸ And,“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

KJV: ¹⁸ And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

Did your salvation come easy?  Maybe saying the words and accepting Jesus came easy, but what about the aftermath?  Salvation is all the free gift of Jesus Christ. Yet our salvation is hard in the sense that the claims of discipleship challenge us and demand that we cast away our idols and our sins.  We are not "barely (scarcely) saved" in just hanging on; but in the fact that much as Jesus was tempted by satan, we are tempted by the world.  Yet, we have the enjoyment of knowing that all our sins are pardoned and forgiven. But what about the ungodly and the sinner?

   We, Christians, live and sin, yet are forgiven.  The ungodly and the sinner will die in their sins.  They will face the judgment seat of God and be rewarded justly - meaning dying without the salvation of Christ.  What will come of them?  This is not of our concern!  Our concern is to seek out these people and share the Good News of JESUS CHRIST and open the door for them to turn away from their sins and turn to the Living GOD.

  Which leads us into verse 19: ¹⁹ So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

   Peter is saying that (you and I) we may suffer according to God's will. Why?  Why will we suffer?  Because we live in a world of sin. Ex: Melania Trump was attacked by our media and others for opening a rally with the Lord's Prayer.  Why? Believers will suffer because we live in a sinful world.  HOWEVER, we, as Melania, should not let that deter us and we should continue on being faithful to our Creator - GOD - and continue to do God's will and work.

  Oh, LORD, where have we come? As Christ prayed, forgive them for they know not what they are doing.  LORD, I just pray that we all continue to pray for our nation as Christians, and bring us back to ONE NATION UNDER GOD!   Republican, democrat, liberal, conservative, black, white, brown, or whatever, we should all be concerned about being CHRISTIANS FIRST!  Thank you for reading.  Jesus Help Us! 

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

1 Peter 4:17 The time of judgment begins with us

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

   Today's study, hopefully, will open our eyes and help us to see clearly.  Let us now go to 1 Peter 4: ¹⁷ For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

  Here comes judgment.  Many times we think of judgment as something from a court that is negative as in a sentence to prison type of action. This 'judgment' begins with God's people, you and me.  At first this may seem pretty scary as we know what we have done in our past.  However, as Christian we should be a cut above the non-Christian, we should be held to a higher standard, and we should take honor that the judgment begin with us. 

   The fear does come, but we have to remember, as in 4:12, we are going through " the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you," and through this fire we will not be extinguished, but purified.  We have to remember for us, Christians, our punishment (or judgment) was settled long ago at the CROSS!   Just remember, the same fire that consumes straw does purify gold. You are gold my friend.

   Now the rest of v. 17 "and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?"

   Now, if one is not a Christian........well.......let's look. If we, you and I, God's children, Christians, will go through the judgment, the punishment, then what about the non-believer?  The non-Christian? What is going to happen to them? What chance do they have to stand before God, to experience the wrath of God?

   It reminds me of when I was a child and I did something wrong, knew it was wrong, yet did it anyway.  When daddy (in this case God) comes in how quick we are to say "I'm sorry daddy, daddy, I'm sorry" but to no avail.  The punishment still comes and no matter how much I plead and beg, punishment is at hand.  To me, this is where the non-believer, the non-Christian will be.

  A quote from one refernce, "Christians can rejoice that the sufferings they face in this life are the worst they will ever face, throughout all eternity. We have seen the worst; those who reject Jesus Christ have seen the best of life their eternal existence will ever see." Blue Letter Bible

   This, to me really says it all.  Non Christians are living the best of life now. Aren't you glad this is the worst of our life?  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

CHRISTIANS may suffer, but be not ashamed - 1 Peter 4:14-16

Good morning to you, and you, and you!  Tis a great day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

     1 Peter 4: ¹⁴ If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

     ^{Have you ever be chastised, or "put down" because you profess to be a Christian?  If you have, then Peter says you are blessed.  Why?!?!  Because there is something different about you. The way you carry yourself, the way you talk, the things you do - It all is different and goes against the world, which the secular element WILL NOT LIKE.   A big why?  Because the Spirit of glory and of God, the Holy Spirit, Jesus is in you.  The world (satanists) will hate you.}

¹⁵ If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.

      ^{This is telling you that if you suffer, basically, that it should not be because you are of the world, doing worldly things.}

¹⁶ However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

       ^{Then verse 16 tells us that if you do suffer - as a CHRISTIAN - then we should praise God that how we walk, talk, and act demonstrate the fact that Jesus Christ is in us and the world can see our difference.  The world, satan's world, hates you and will do all it can to discredit you, and wants you to suffer.}

^{To bear the name - CHRISTIAN - takes on an humble sort of pride.  It is as in the first days of our USA, when you name was your word.  There was honor in a man's name, also dishonor.  We all need to ensure we carry the name of CHRISTIAN with honor.} 

  ^{So, if you suffer; be not ashamed; if you thrive; give God the glory.  Go forth my friend, with you head up and share the good news.  Love you all.}

^{Soli Deo Gloria}

^Johnny

NISHLAM (Hebrew) by the Author

God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!!   And a good morning to all.  It is a nice, comfortable and cool morning.

  Yesterday I spoke about us being part of a bigger story, the greatest story ever told and having a cameo appearance. We should remember this.  Most of you will remember Robin Williams, the comedian and actor.  One of the "problems" (if you will) he presented when acting is that he would improvise and ad lib many times.  Now, in the film industry, they could modify, redo, or cut scenes that they did not want.  In the making of Flubber in 1997 Robin Williams did a lot of ad libbing and the tech/animation guys had to create ways for the scene to match Robins actions (actions outside the original script).

   Hmmm.....sound familiar.  Jesus is the AUTHOR,  the PIONEER, and the FINISHER of our story.  Now, God allows us free will, or the opportunity to "ad lib" in our cameo appearance.  However, there is no retake, no cutting scenes, no "overs" in our appearance.  Once you appear, once you do, then it is said and done.  A little frightening if you really stop and think about all you have done in your life.

   However, with God, there are second chances.  We don't get to remake the story, we don't do a retake, the animators do not adjust, but God does allow us a second chance.  In the road to second chances we do have to suffer the consequences of our previous actions; then move on.

   God/Jesus (AUTHOR) wrote the story; then set it in motion. Later, Jesus, the PIONEER, came to die for us and share the good news (which some accept and some reject).  And finally, Jesus is the FINISHER.  When he died on the cross

Jesus spoke in Hebrew on the cross, and when He said, "It is finished," it was actually the Hebrew word nishlam, which means 'Paid in full.'"

  God is the AUTHOR; the PIONEERS are the supporting roles in the Bible (Adam, Moses, Noah, David, Joseph, etc) the cameo appearances are you and me, but the lead role and FINISHER (as well as pioneer) is JESUS CHRIST. (so God/Jesus is the script writer, director, & producer of our great story)

   Jesus had no second chances or retakes. Yes,sinless, but he was tempted, taunted, and tormented, yet in all this He did it right the first time.  We don't necessarily do it right the first time, but we do have second chances.We have the opportunity to make it right.
 Acts 28: ²⁷ For this people’s heart has become calloused;
    they hardly hear with their ears,
    and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
    hear with their ears,
    understand with their heartsand turn, and I would heal them.

  Where are you today?  I pray you and I open our eyes and hear with our ears and be healed. A second chance is yours, take it.  Then let your final cameo appearance be pleasing to the AUTHOR and FINISHER!  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

          

You are part of a bigger story - Food for Thought

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

   Have you just stopped and thought of who you are in Christ?  No, better yet have you thought of the fact that you are just part of someone else's story?

   A quote from Dr. Klyne Snodgrass: "Christians are people who take their identity from someone else's story.  It's not that we don't have our own story. It's that our story is part of a bigger story."

   Think about this for a moment.  What is your story?  How does your story fit into the BIG story? Huh? What BIG story?

   Let's say I live to be 80 years old; 1948-2028.  80 years.......hmmmm.....what does my "dash" mean. The dash means 1949,50,51,52,53,.....etc....2028.  A long time in human life; but how long in God's world? (time is for us, not God)

   You and I are a part of the biggest picture, the greatest story ever told, and the story is not over yet.  When will the story be over?  When the lead actor, Jesus, returns on the great white horse.  Now, back to you.

    Figure it this way, our role is just a cameo appearance.  The main characters have already starred, and they will appear, again, later on.  But for now, just do the cameo appearance and do it to the best of your ability.  You want to get the honor of having one of the best supporting roles with your cameo appearance.

  Okay, what is the BIG story.  It is in a book called the BIBLE, and begins at Genesis 1:1 - ends at Ends at Revelation 22:21.  How place will I have in this great story.  The place does not matter, it is what you do with your opportunity that matters.

   First listen to Philippians 4: ¹¹ Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

  Second, ¹² I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

  Finally, ¹³ I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Think about the greatest story, follow its example, and do your cameo with great zeal and gusto. Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

1 Peter 4:12-13 Suffering for being a Christian

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

    1 Peter 4: ¹² Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: ¹³ But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
   Okay, is it fiery trials, or are we going through a small part of suffering which Christ himself experienced.  We know Jesus Christ suffered greatly in His crucifixion and that the world hated him.  Why would we think differently about ourselves?  The disciples had followers, but they also had "haters" who would do all they could to deter them from spreading the gospel.
   Verse 13 tells us that since we are suffering for Christ, we should rejoice.  Rejoice?  Are you crazy? Rejoice because I am suffering?  Yes, we are suffering for Christ's sake. We may or may not see it in our physical life time on earth, but there will come a day when we will see His, Jesus Christ's, returning and we will be glad with exceeding joy.
Jesus came down here, from His heavenly throne, to be man in the human flesh, he suffered, died, and rose again so that you and I may have everlasting life.  What little suffering we do here is minute compared to what our LORD and Savior went through.  He did all this, coming down to earth, so that you and I may rejoice and be with Him in the heavenly thrones.
  What a present we are given.  Do you appreciate the present?  Or, just take it with a grain of salt?  It is valentines tomorrow; what great sweetheart's present than what Jesus Christ gave us--- LIFE EVERLASTING -- and all we have to do is believe on Him.  Love you all.
Soli Deo Gloria
Johnny

1 Peter 4:11 A verse that speaks volumes - read and enjoy!

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

   1 Peter 4: ¹¹ If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

   Take time---- again, I say TAKE TIME TO READ AND DIGEST!!

FIRST, if anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God -

         When we talk to others we are evaluated by what and how we say something.  Well, you idiot, you don't know what @#%&*($#% you are doing does not set a godly example.  Rephrase - well, let's look at this together and see if we can figure it out works much better and displays a more godly presence.

NEXT, If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides -  before we just jump into something, take time to pray about it, asking for God's strength and guidance. We can do all things through He who strengthens us.

THEN, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ-- work to be the Bible others see in you.  You may be that one, 1, single influence that would turn someone around and wonder how you can do what you do.  This would be a time to share salvation and Jesus Christ.

FINALLY,  To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.  All praise and glory should go to him.  Who is him?  God is him.  Look back at this verse and you will see: speak in a godly manner, serve through God's strength, give praise to God, and acknowledge God's power and glory forever.

             This is a great verse to digest and live by.  Hope you do. Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

1 Peter 4: 8-10 Love, show hospitality, use gift, be faithful - Are You?

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

   Today let's look at 1 Peter 4: ⁸ Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. ⁹ Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

   Break this down and see what it says: ⁸ Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. As Peter mentioned before, if these are the last days, it is more important to love one another, overlook diversities, and just love each other with a non-dying love.  We let LOVE overlook our sins and sins of others.
 ⁹ Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. What does this mean to you?  hospitality without grumbling? This means to offer help to others, which may be a burden to you and your family, but be done with the love of Jesus Christ and grumble or complain not.  Wow! Now, that is a concept many need to learn. ¹⁰ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.  You have a gift, given to you by our Father in Heaven, and with this gift you must serve others.  Why?   Well, 1-Love; 2-be Hospital; and 3-be faithful steward of God's grace.  What you are given, was given to you by God Almighty.  If we don't use or misuse our gifts, then this is the same as being unfaithful to God.  Just as all God gives you, from money to material items - we are to be good stewards of all we have and use it to glorify God.

   Questions: 1 - How is your love?  Does it cover a multitude of sins?

                      2 - Do you show hospitality?   Without grumbling?                                     

                      3 - Are you using your gift for God's glory?

                      4 - Are you a faithful steward of God's grace?

                            a. Are you sharing the good news of God's grace?

Thank you for reading.  Love you all.

Don't forget to hold me accountable.  This is an over lying statement of today's study as well.

Soli Deo Gloria
Johnny

1 Peter 4:7 Are you ready?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
  ⁷ The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.

   What does this verse say to you?  First, the end of all things is near.  And just what does this mean?  The end of all things is near?  This is just another alert telling us we need to be prepared for the end of times, the rapture, the time when Jesus returns.  It is near.  Well, then, if it is near -- When?  Mark 13:32 King James Bible "But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father."

   Only the Father knows, not even the angels, nor the Son (Jesus), but only the Father.  So when we move forward what must we do?

   We need to be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray - exactly what does this mean?

We must have our heart and mind in the proper state.  What is the proper state?  Being drunk, on drugs, of evil thoughts, lust, envy, hate, or what ever will take you away from being in communication with God.  Maybe t.v., radio, electronic games?  Whatever it is, we must cast it aside and focus on our Lord and saviour - Jesus Christ.

   So, the end of life is rushing toward us, eternity is racing to you, to me, so we may spend our life in the presence of God, praising Him, and being in the presence of pure Good for.........for.......E T E R N I T Y !

   We must watch ourselves, watch the world, and check our readiness for when Jesus Christ returns.  No greater words to hear than: "Well done, my good and faithful servant" from the one and only true judge - God!!

  May this touch your heart, and help you be in touch with what God wants us to do.  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

1 Peter 4: 6 Being judged by God

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!
^{1 Peter 4: 6} For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

   If you just stop and read this you will garner a lot of information.  First, the true word of God was preached to all.  Now, when it says even to those who are now dead this seems to refer back to earlier passages when Peter has already told us that Jesus preached to the spirits in prison, preaching a message of judgment (1 Peter 3:19).  Jesus also preached a message of salvation to the faithful dead in Abraham's Bosom (Luke 16:22) who anticipated the work of the Messiah for them.  When this is speaking of 'who are now dead', I don't believe this was a second chance at salvation, but rather the culmination of those who have been faithful.  A thought here is that the faithful in God were being held in, if you will, "limbo" and when Jesus returned they were no longer held captive. Here are some scriptures that may help. (Psalm 66:18; Ephesians 4:8) (Isaiah 61:1 and Luke 4:18).

  Here is a final thought by David Cuzik: " It may also be that Peter here referred to those in the Christian community who had already died, perhaps even dying as martyrs. If this is the case, Peter used their heroic example as a way to encourage his suffering readers to also be faithful."

   I would enjoy hearing from you concerning this verse. Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

1 Peter 4:3-5 What are you living for? The world or Christ?

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

    1 Peter 4: ³ For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles; when we walked in licentiousness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.:

   This is telling us that we have been living in the world, doing as the world, thinking as the world, and it is time to stop.  Walked in licentiousness means to walk with NO MORAL COMPASS, doing whatever -and the following are listed: lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries (other gods).  How far off the trail had they gone?  How far off the trail of being a Christian have you and I trekked?
 
⁴ Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

    The people with whom you had been running, going wild, carousing with will wonder what your problem is when you cease to follow the world.  At this time the "gossip" will begin.  They will speak ill of you, taking half or partial truths and creating a large lie.  Yes, you may lose friends, but in the end they will wonder why you are different and this may be the turning point in their life to find Jesus, to turn to the living GOD!
   ⁵ Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

When it comes time to stand in front of the Living GOD and be judged, the Christians will be able to relish in their salvation; the unsaved will see the folly that prevailed during their short, yet worldly life.

   Wow!  All this brings to light thoughts that should stimulate us to evaluate our position with Jesus Christ.  Here are the verses in the Living Bible for you to end on:  ³ You have had enough in the past of the evil things the godless enjoy—sex sin, lust, getting drunk, wild parties, drinking bouts, and the worship of idols, and other terrible sins. ⁴ Of course, your former friends will be very surprised when you don’t eagerly join them anymore in the wicked things they do, and they will laugh at you in contempt and scorn. ⁵ But just remember that they must face the Judge of all, living and dead; they will be punished for the way they have lived.

  Thank you for reading.  Thank you Alan for holding me accountable. Love you all.

Soli DeoGloria

Johnny

A time of confession

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

   I really need to soak in the words "JESU JEVU" - Jesus Help Me!

    For the past few weeks (2 or more) I find myself not coming to my morning prayer time, not being diligent in my Bible study, and serving God more in the "Martha" way rather than the "MARY" way.  For this I do apologize.  At this time I have asked God's forgiveness and as well I ask, now, for your forgiveness.  ALSO, I ask that you hold me accountable.  For the ones of you that read my daily's, please, if you feel moved to, hold me accountable.  Email me, call me, or something to remind me GOD IS FIRST - ALWAYS!!

  Yesterday, while working, things were going South and I wondered why.  Then I stopped, realized I have not been the obedient child of God that I should be.  At that time, I started praying, asking forgiveness, praising God, and wanting only to bring glory to God.  The very next place I stopped the doors were opened, a great meeting with the administrator, and I thanked God for the opportunity.  How often and quickly we forget, just as the children of Israel in the Exodus.  We can comment how short sighted the Israelites were, then look in a mirror and see a reflection of the same short shortsightedness today, in the 21st century (and it is us, you and me).

  1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

  Phiulippians 4:4 (KJV) "Rejoice in the LORD always, and again I say, Rejoice."

    I just felt like today needed to be a day of confession to you, my fellow believers, of my sins and ask for your forgiveness and also that you hold me accountable.  If we are accountable to "someone", then we are less likely to "HIDE" our sins from others.  Even-tho we know that God is all knowing, all seeing, aware of our every thought and deed, many times we deceived ourselves by "hiding" or ignoring our sin.

  Thank you, my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.  May God bless you and keep you this wonderful day he hath made.  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny

p.s. back in Peter tomorrow