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Todd's Blog

Monday Morning

January 7th, 31e by Todd Johnson

Before I let them go too easily, here are some thoughts from yesterday’s study of 1 Peter 4:7-11…

In light of the statement…v7 the end of all things is at hand… we discover that a Christian is one that is living with the expectancy of the return of Jesus one day (any day). The practicality of this is seen in the verses that follow:

I. WATCHFUL PRAYER -v7 therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers

II. FERVENT LOVE - v8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins

III. GRUMBLE-FREE HOSPITALITY - v9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling

IV. FAITHFUL SERVICE - v10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace

We serve one another with the strength that God supplies.. to fulfill the purpose which He intends.. to the end of giving God the praise He deserves…

v11 …in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

My sincere hope is that 2008 will look a lot like 1 Peter 4:7-11 in our church, in our homes, & our lives.

6 Responses to “Monday Morning”

  1. Jeff Shore Says:
    January 8th, 2008 at 9:28 am

    Confession: I was half-listening to points 2-4 as I was grappling with your words on point 1. I was moved to some serious reflection on how I would describe my relationship with God based on my prayer life alone. I came up with, “Warm - typically not cold, but typically not hot, either.” I have room for growth in this area as I would strive, in the words of John Newton, to pursue prayer “with a diligence and attention suited to the dignity of the subject.” (Incredible book, by the way - thanks for the recommendation.)

  2. Todd Johnson Says:
    January 8th, 2008 at 10:39 am

    Jeff,

    1. I am moved to the same serious reflection. I am more convinced than ever that prayer is THE “grand daddy” indicator. Not do decry any of the other indicators that suggest I have a relationship with God, but lack of prayer is the dead giveaway that there is a lack of relationship and perhaps a bunch of religion instead.

    2. I expect you to listen to points 2-4 a little better next time.

  3. Jeff Shore Says:
    January 8th, 2008 at 9:14 pm

    Yes, sir, Mr. Pastor, sir!

  4. Frank Ordaz Says:
    January 15th, 2008 at 12:39 pm

    TJ ( yes, we have a pastor with the initials “TJ”),

    I was moved with point 3. Hospitality is an area that all members of the body can participate. So what that the house is not perfect and the living room is untidy, reaching out to other members of the church , as well as friends and neighbors, is an important contact point . Husbands, if you have that Martha (Stewart) wife where no one can come over unless the house is spotless, pray ( pt. 1 ) for moderation or maybe give her a flask of oil as a hint. As men, where does it state in the Bible that a house project is more important than people or a game on TV more important than fellowship. We can be urban missionaries to our own and in our communities.

    I Listened to the sermon again on ToddCast. ***** 5 stars!

    Frank Ordaz

  5. Craig Akin Says:
    January 15th, 2008 at 3:20 pm

    Todd,

    It was a real blessing having you with us Sunday! I did not have the opportunity to be in the sanctuary, but as I listened to the CD today, I was convicted and encouraged by the truth that genuine prayer is the essential characteristic of genuine faith.

    As I listened, I thought about Acts 9. When the Lord told Ananias to go to Saul of Tarsus, the first reason He gave was, “behold, he is praying.” The genuineness of Saul’s faith was demonstrated by the fact that for the first time in his life he was truly praying. O to have the Lord say of me, “behold, he is praying.”

    Thanks Todd,

    Craig

  6. Todd Johnson Says:
    January 15th, 2008 at 3:57 pm

    Hi Craig,

    Great point about Paul. I’ve never seen that in the passage. Years of religious prayer until one amazing day he found himself actually talking to God. Good stuff.

    I was blessed to be with you. Give my love to everyone.

    Todd

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About Todd

Name: Todd Johnson
Location: Grass Valley, CA
Contact: todd@crossroadslive.com
About: Todd is the husband of Sharon, the father of Morgan, Caleb, Makenzie & Claire, and a pastor at Crossroads Church. He considers each of these roles the greatest of privileges.

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“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”

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Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem

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