Christ, the innocent, suffered for you!! So, now........

Good morning everyone!!! What a wonderful day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST! Did you visit with God yesterday? Did you take time to be in prayer? Do you communicate with your Father in Heaven? God is good all the time, all the time God is good!!

1 Peter 3:18-20 "Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit. So he went and preached to the spirits in prison - those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood."

Take time to reread this passage please. Christ never sinned, you have, yet He died for you. He suffered death - for teaching the truth and the way! Do you suffer? OR, do you teach the truth and the way? Are you silent and let it pass?

Jesus went and preached to spirits in prison - there is disharmony among theologians about this meaning. Some say the spirits in prison were old testament, prior to Noah and the flood; others say Christ went to hades to proclaim the victory and final condemnation to the fallen angels imprisoned there since Noah's day.

It does not matter, the passage shows that Christ's Good News of salvation and victory is not limited. We know 3 things. 1-God speaks and communicates with the world; 2-God triumphs, Christ victoriously preached; and 3-God saves. God goes above and beyond to save those who desire him.

Thank you for reading. Take time to mediate on God's word. Close your eyes, talk to God, even if it is only for a moment. You will be refreshed and rewarded. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

What are you doing for Christ's sake??

Good morning everyone!! God is so good!!! He offers us far more than we deserve. God is good all the time, all the time God is good!!!

1 Peter 3:17 "Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that if what God want, than to suffer for doing wrong!"

Think about this verse for a moment. It is better to suffer for doing good! What? Naw, my God is a loving God and I won't suffer! Huh? Do you have your head in the sand? Look around you.....politics - Does either candidate stand up and say I am a Christian? Everyday life - What is the ACLU doing now? Or, better yet, WHERE are they trying to remove any form of Christianity? Personally, how many times a day, a week, a month do you hide your Christian belief? I don't mean push Christianity on people but stand up for Jesus! Jesus did not stand up for you-----HE WAS HUNG ON A CROSS AND HIS BLOOD SHED FOR YOU!!

A good story to review is Jonah - suffering for doing bad-then doing good! Be not angry with God, but praise Him. Jonah is short but powerful, take time, read it.

Thank you for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Live above criticism!!!!

Good morning everyone!! A wonderful day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Yesterday we talked about responding about our faith in a gentle and respectful way, a Christlike manner.

1 Peter 3:16 "But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ."

You may not be able to stop people from speaking evil against you, but at least you can stop supplying them with ammunition. As long as you do right, their accusation will be empty and only embarrass them.

Keep your conduct above criticism. As pastors have said for years, is there enough evidence against you as a Christian to convict you? Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Do you suffer for doing good?

Good morning everyone!! Another great day to be alive in the LORD Jesus Christ. God is good all the time, all the time, God is good. Yesterday the Centeniary Choir from Shreveport sang at the church I attended. They were very good.

1 Peter 3:13-15 "Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as LORD of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it."

Who will want to harm you? Many non-believers will....out of envy, spite, just being hateful. So why should I do good? Because GOD will reward you for it. Therefore, go forth in FAITH, not in fear.

Some Christians believe that faith is a personal matter that should be kept to oneself. It is true that we shouldn't be loud or obnoxious in sharing our faith. We should always be ready to give an answer gently, kindly, and respectfully when asked about our faith, our life-style, or our Christian perspective. Can others see Christ in you? Can they see the faith in Christ you have? Can you, or are you prepared to tell them what Christ has done in your life?

I have to praise God for where I am, all that I have, my wife, my family, everything. GOD IS GOOD! Satan, we bind thee in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ! Get thee behind us! Flee from our life! Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Does God watch you or turn away?

Good morning everyone!! Another wonderful day to be alive in JESUS!! God IS GOOD ALL THE TIME, ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD!!!!! Let us rejoice and be glad.

1 Peter 3:12 "The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the LORD turns his face against those who do evil."

Take time this morning and thing. Right now, this very instant, which one would you be? Just stop and think a moment. This is not politics, not economics, not unemployment, this is spiritual health care.

Do want God's eyes upon you? Or his face turned away? The choice is yours! Take 60 seconds to talk to you Father in Heaven. Thank you for reading today. Love you all!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Be positive - be a peacemaker!

Hello everyone!! I will be off and running early in the morning so here goes tonight late. God is good all the time, all the time God is good!!

1 Peter 3:11 "Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it."

Wow, do the rulers of many nations need to follow this. Too often we see peace as merely the absence of conflict and we think of peacemaking as a passive role. But an effective peacemaker actively pursues peace by building good relationships, knowing that peace is a by-product of commitment.

The peacemaker anticipates problems and deals with them before they occur. When conflicts arise, they are brought into the open and dealt with before they grow unmanageable. Making peace is hard work- you have to search for it and work to maintain it - but it results in GOD'S BLESSING.

Say something positive to people today, avoid the negative, accentuate the positive, just see how the day goes. Don't worry,be happy! Thanks for reading. Love you all!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Meddlin' now!!

Good morning everyone!! What a wonderful day to be able to rejoice in JESUS CHRIST!! Have you prayed this morning? What is stopping you? YOU, is stopping you, take time, pray for yourself first, then others, our nation, our world. It only takes a moment and our Heavenly Father does appreciate the communication.

1 Peter 3:10 "For the scriptures say, "If you want to enjoy life ad see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies."

James 3:2 "Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way."


What you say and what you don't say are both important. To use proper speech you must not only say the right words at the right time but also not say what you shouldn't. Examples of an untamed tongue include gossiping, putting others down, bragging, manipulating, false teaching, exaggerating, complaining, flattering, and lying.
Before you speak, ask, is what I want to say true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? WOW! How would campaigns be if each spoke the TRUTH about themselves and left the other guy alone! How would life be if we each were truthful to each other? A hundred years ago a mans handshake was a signature. I expect you to hold me accountable, as will I you. See what such a small part of the body can do, and the damage it can create. Think about this....seriously....think about it. Thank you for readying. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Hand out blessings!!!

Good morning everyone!! I trust this will be a wonderful day in the Lord Jesus Christ! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!!

Well, Peter has talked to women, men, and Christians. In his Christian comments he is giving us not just good advice, but good spiritual advice.

1 Peter 3:9 "Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. This is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it."

God uses us all. A once rash, belligerent, domineering, and arrogant Peter bears witness to a life of harmony, compassion, love, and humility. What a difference God makes! You, too, are God's witness to skeptical people. We all have skeletons in our closet, but we need to let our life be evidence of God's truth. Let your pride become humility and your insensitivity give way to genuine affection for others.

In todays world it is often demed acceptable by some to tear people down verbally or to get back at them if we feel hurt. If you don't see this want the evening news - campaigns, crimes, negative all over the news.

Peter, remembering Jesus' teaching encourages his readers to pay back wrongs with a blessing, like praying for the ones who offend you. In God's kingdom there is no revenge, no dis-harmony, no arrogance....just peace and harmony. Won't it be great!! Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

As a believer - where do you rate?

Good morning everyone!! Another wonderful day to be alive in the LORD JESUS CHRIST!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!! The weekend was beautiful and wonderful. God blesses us, even when we don't deserve it.

Last week we talked about women and how they should conduct themselves, men and how they should conduct themselves, so now let's talk about Christians.

1 Peter 3:8 "Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude."

Peter lists 5 key elements that should characterize any group of believers.
1) one mind - pursuing the same goals;
2) sympathy - being responsive to others' needs;
3) love - seeing and treating each other as brothers and sisters;
4) tenderness - being affectionately sensitive and caring; and
5) humility - being willing to encourage one another and rejoice in each other's successes.
These five qualities go a long way toward helping believers serve God effectively.
This is a great check list for you and me. On a scale from 1 to 5 rate yourself. Score 5 or under you need a lot of knee time - prayer - to get right with God. A 25 - you are about as near perfect as we can find - you may need knee time as well. Be honest and see where you fit. Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Husbands - Men - GET RIGHT!!

Good morning everyone! Another great day to praise Jesus Christ our LORD! I know this day will be better than yesterday, and tomorrow will be better than today. Okay, we talked to the women yesterday, men, your turn today.

1 Peter 3:8-9 "Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it."

Okay, this study is longer than yesterdays. Peter lists 5 key elements that should characterize any group of believers: 1) ONE MIND -pursuing the same goals; 2)SYMPATHY - being responsive to others' needs; 3)LOVE-seeing and treating each other as brothers and sisters; 4)TENDERNESS-being affectionately sensitive and caring; and 5)HUMILITY- being willing to encourage one another and rejoice in each other's successes. These five qualities go a long way toward helping believers serve God effectively.

God chose Peter and others to show what a difference true faith makes in the real world. So here the once rash, belligerent, domineering, and arrogant Peter bears witness to skeptical people. LET YOUR LIFE BE EVIDENCE OF GOD'S TRUTH. Let your pride become humility ad your insensitivity give way to genuine affection for others.

In our world of sin, it is often deemed acceptable by some to tear people down verbally or to get back at them if we feel hurt. Peter, remembering Jesus' teaching to turn the other cheek encourages his readers to pay back wrongs with a blessing, such as praying for the offenders.

In God's kingdom, revenge is unacceptable behavior, as is insulting a person, no matter how indirectly it is done. Rise above getting back at those who hurt you. Instead of reacting angrily to these people, pray for them. Thank you for reading with me today. May your example be exemplary!! Love you all!!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Submission and respect to man

Good morning everyone!! I hope you have a wonderful day in the LORD JESUS CHRIST! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!! Many perils may cross our path, we just need to continue looking up, trusting God!!

1 Peter 3:5-6 "This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands. For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do."

Peter is talking to the women here. Being submissive to another's authority means to cooperate voluntarily out of love and respect for God and for that person. Ideally, submission is mutual. Even when it is onesided, the expression of submission can be an effective Christian witness. Jesus Christ submitted to death so that we could be saved, we may sometimes have to submit to unpleasant circumstances so that others will see Christ in us.

One-sided submission requires tremendous strength. We can not do it without the power of the Holy Spirit working in us. This is a note from Peter to the women, tomorrow, a note to the men. Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

What Heaven Holds

Good morning all! A great day to just stop and say, "thank you Jesus." God is good all the time, all the time God is good. I received a devotional from Max Lucado that really touched me as I hope it will do to you as well.

What Heaven Holds



There is joy in the presence of the angels of God when one sinner changes his heart and life.
Luke 15:10 (NCV)



Why do Jesus and his angels rejoice over one repenting sinner? Can they see something we can't? Do they know something we don't? Absolutely. They know what heaven holds. . . .



Heaven is populated by those who let God change them. Arguments will cease, for jealousy won't exist. Suspicions won't surface, for there will be no secrets. Every sin is gone. Every insecurity is forgotten. Every fear is past. Pure wheat. No weeds. Pure gold. No alloy. Pure love. No lust. Pure hope. No fear. No wonder the angels rejoice when one sinner repents; they know another work of art will soon grace the gallery of God. They know what heaven holds.





From: Just Like Jesus

Copyright (Word Publishing, 1998)
Max Lucado



Thank for reading today. Love you all.



In Christ's Love and Grace



Johnny

Is your trust in man or GOD?

Good morning everyone!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! God is in control! I hear pros and cons on our 2 presidential candidates. If you are truly concerned do the research, find out what is TRUE, and who is best for a CHRISTIAN nation and vote accordingly. Even after this, please remember, politics is not worth losing a friend over, offending family or neighbors, because in the end GOD IS IN CONTROL!! Democrats are not right....Republicans are not right.....GOD IS RIGHT! Truly, I am tired of the political arena, we have enough to worry about.

Worry about what? Saving lives! Tell someone about Jesus Christ! Do you talk about Jesus as much as you do politics? The people running are only men! They WILL LET YOU DOWN, DISAPPOINT YOU, ANGER YOU, and will only offer you WORDS!

GOD offers salvation through his Son, JESUS CHRIST!! Place your faith in God, mention God or Jesus each time you mention JM or BO! See how that works in your day.

I am not trying to offend anyone, I don't put my faith in the political system, the only truth I do get is from GOD! Did you read your Bible today- or too busy seeing what the candidates did? Did you speak to God...or talk to someone about the candidates? Where are your priorities? Let them be with GOD!!

I'll end with this: Romans 12:8 "If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging......" Take time to read Romans 12:6-21. Thank you for reading. Love you all. Romans 12:17 "Never pay back evil with more evil..."In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Are you as a flower?

Good morning everyone! Another fabulous day in the LORD Jesus Christ! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Hope you had a great weekend and was able to give God the glory.

Last Saturday we talked about how concerned you should be with the outer beauty. What will that get you? Outer beauty is like the beauty of a flower, it is there, it is stunning, very eye catching, but then it fades away. So where do we need to have the beauty?

1 Peter 3:4 "You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God."

We are talking here, about cooperating voluntarily out of love and respect for God and for that person. Jesus Christ submitted to death so that we could be saved; we may sometimes have to submit to unpleasant circumstances so that others will see Christ in us.

Where are you? Are you clothed with the outside beauty? Are you clothed with the inside beauty? Do others see Christ in you? We should be living for God!! Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Where is your beauty?

Good morning everyone!! Sorry I missed you yesterday. Yesterday was my birthday and I turned the big 6 - 0 ! I was able to play golf early, dine with family, then come home and work at home. A great and lovely day.

1 Peter 3:3 "Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstylers, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes."

what is being said here? Don't worry about our outward appearance??? You have seen me in the rough. Not pretty! No, no, what Peter is telling us is that we should not be as concerned with thte outward appearance as the inward beauty.

I saw a beautiful red car years ago that was without blemish, near perfect paint job, spoiler on the back. The inside was clean nad flawless, just like showroom quality. Only one problem, due to "computer" problems the car would not run. It would not start, it would not even turnover. But it certainly was "purr-ty" sitting there.

God does not want us to be a beautiful hollow shell. So, what does HE (God) want? Well, we will talk about that on Monday! Have a great day, a super Sunday, and thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Do your actions scream, "I am a Christian?"

Good morning all! A wonderful day to be alive in Jesus! Jesus, the one and only atonement for our sins! Thank you Jesus!!

1Peter 3:1-2 "In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives."

What?!?! The husband is the boss, ummm! Okay, when a man became a Christian, he usually would brig his whole family into the church with him. By contrast, a woman who became a Christian usually came into the church alone. 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 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 the kind of self-giving love that Christ showed the church. By being exemplary wives, they would please their husbands. At the very least, the men might the allow them to continue practicing their faith. At best, their husbands would join them and become Christians too.

How loud does our witness speak? Do your actions scream, "I am a Christian?"
Thank you for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

The Shepherd leadeth!

Good morning all! I trust this will be an excellent day for everyone!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!!

1 Peter 2:25 "Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls."

It is comforting to know that once I turn it all over to God, I wander no more, but have a definite direction in my life. Who can we trust in? Who is always consistent? Who is always there? Who will not let you down? The answer is always the same -GOD!!

The great debate remains - Christianity or the World! The great debate will end when JESUS returns for his saints. Yes, you are a saint. Praise God! Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

JESUS DIED FOR YOU!

Good morning!!! God be with you always!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!!

1 Peter 2:24 "He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed."

No one, NO ONE! Can carry your sins. You know the sins you have committed and your best friend, your family, your counselor cannot lift the burden of your sins. However, JESUS CAN!! If we were dealt what is justly ours, we would suffer tremendously.

When it comes to sin: JESUS CAME, JESUS SAW, JESUS CONQUERED, HEAVEN IS WAITING.
Let Jesus guide the footsteps of your life today. Love you all. Thank you for reading with me.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Go forth in humility- prayful!

Good morning everyone!!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Now, in our society, in our world is a time we really need to depend on God.

1 Peter 2:23 "He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly."Jesus did not: retaliate threaten Jesus did: leave it all in the hands of God.
Being human and born in sin we tend to threaten, tell how bad someone or something is; we threaten and sometimes promise revenge. It is our job to PRAY about everything. Let God lead.

Some of you will blow off praying. It is okay, it may work for you but God wants me to make this decision. In all we do we need to be in constant prayer about our actions, what we do, how we drive, decisions we make - from home, personal, professional, community, state, and nation.

Some tough decisions have been and are facing the USA, and I do hope the leaders of our great nation were continually in prayer about it. With the upcoming election who do you want? I want God's choice. Which is? We will know in November. Do you pray daily? All day long? We don't have to be on our knees, in a closet, lights out and the door shut. We can be driving, sitting in our chair, stuck in traffic, anywhere and we can pray. Prayer is our strongest weapon- use it. Don't retaliate, don't threaten, LET GO - LET GOD!!!

Thank you for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Sinful---Deveptive--NOT ME!

Good morning! A fine day it is!! Wow! God is good all the time, all the time God is good! A short political note - I am so glad we have all these "experts" who tell us after a debate what we heard. It is strange how we all hear the same thing but if you listen to a democrat you get one slant, then listen to a republican you get another slant, so obviously what we hear must be wrong. Just remember, an "expert" (ex....pert) is simply a drip under pressure.

1 Peter 2:22 "He (Jesus) never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone."

Todays lesson made me think of the debate. The candidates say and manuver their words to help their plight. How often do we do this? We tell the truth, but maybe not ALL of the truth. Leave out a few facts. Is this deceptive?

Jesus never sinned, we were born in sin. Can we excape sin? Yes, through the blood of Jesus WE ARE WHITE AS SNOW!

Pray that God will lead you, keep your eyes focused on our Heavenly Father, and stay in communication with the Father.....PRAY. Thank you for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Following Jesus

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

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

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

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

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny