2 Peter 1:5 “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness, and to your goodness, knowledge;”
Lord, I love passages of Scripture like this. Anytime I wonder, “Lord, what is Your will for me?’ You take me to passages such as this. If I am willing to obey You in these things, then in the event You ask me to do something grand for You, I will be ready and will hear Your direction.
Add goodness- so what might that look like, Lord? I believe from reading other passages to would be instead of:
Being selfish live unselfishly
Gossiping only speak the truth
Lying only speak the truth
Tearing down build up
Laziness be industrious and help where I can
Being arrogant and rude be humble, meek, and gentle
Add knowledge- Lord, You are not speaking of earthly knowledge here are You ?(Although we are not to stop learning that either) I believe from the previous verses, You are encouraging me to learn all that I am able to learn about You and Your Word, knowledge of the church, what You require of her, and what You have in store for her in the future while I am here on this planet.
I all we have faith, unless like the thief on the cross who came to know You just before he died, these are our instructions…our marching orders as Christians. Lord, please help me to learn, think, and act out all of these things in my life so I might draw others to You.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
His Great and Precious Promises
2 Peter 1:4 "Through these (His grace and goodness) He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in His divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."
O my sweet Lord! I praise You this day for Your character which is so different than ours, so much more wonderful and pure! You did not have to love us, let alone promise us anything except judgment because we are so vile in ourselves. But You do love us and because of that, You do give us Your great and precious promises. Thank You, Lord! They mean so much to me.
Each day at work I remind myself, students, and sometimes staff of them:
Lord, You gave us promises so we could escape our own human nature with all of its evil desires and the corruption of this world and participate in Your divine nature. Therein is the only reason we can escape. There is no false god that can, or would, do that for its followers.
You alone:
O my sweet Lord! I praise You this day for Your character which is so different than ours, so much more wonderful and pure! You did not have to love us, let alone promise us anything except judgment because we are so vile in ourselves. But You do love us and because of that, You do give us Your great and precious promises. Thank You, Lord! They mean so much to me.
Each day at work I remind myself, students, and sometimes staff of them:
· He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it.
· You are His workmanship.
· He will never leave you or forsake you.
· He who called you is faithful.
· Trust in the Lord with all (not a tiny part) your heart, lean not on your own understanding, acknowledge Him in ALL your ways, and He will direct your path.
· Seek first His kingdom and He will give you everything else you need. (PP- Plyter Paraphrase)
And the list goes on and on. Lord without Your promises, there is no hope!Lord, You gave us promises so we could escape our own human nature with all of its evil desires and the corruption of this world and participate in Your divine nature. Therein is the only reason we can escape. There is no false god that can, or would, do that for its followers.
You alone:
· Are worthy of honor and praise!
· Love us with an unconditional love and empower us to do the same!
· Lead us into goodness and truth!
AMEN and AMEN!Monday, August 29, 2011
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness
2 Peter 1:3 “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.”
Lord of all grace, mercy, power and authority, thank You for calling me and empowering me to live the life You have called me to. It is surely by Your grace alone that I stand as one of Your saints. I had absolutely nothing to offer You but brokenness and surrender.
Your Holy Spirit has brought me from babyhood to adulthood by teaching me more and more about Your: ways, thoughts, power, lovingkindness, tender mercies, righteousness, holiness, justice, commands, decrees, and pure forgiveness and restoration through the reading of, and listening to, Your Word and by providing godly pastors and teachers.
How can I ever thank You enough, Precious Lord and Savior of my very soul?
Lord of all grace, mercy, power and authority, thank You for calling me and empowering me to live the life You have called me to. It is surely by Your grace alone that I stand as one of Your saints. I had absolutely nothing to offer You but brokenness and surrender.
Your Holy Spirit has brought me from babyhood to adulthood by teaching me more and more about Your: ways, thoughts, power, lovingkindness, tender mercies, righteousness, holiness, justice, commands, decrees, and pure forgiveness and restoration through the reading of, and listening to, Your Word and by providing godly pastors and teachers.
How can I ever thank You enough, Precious Lord and Savior of my very soul?
Sunday, August 28, 2011
A Faith as Precious as Peter's and That of the Early Church
August 28, 2011
2 Peter 1:1-2 “Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”
(you) “have received a faith as precious as ours”
Lord, it is a precious comfort to know that the same faith that turned the whole world upside down in Peter’s day is still available to us today. I look at the apostles and the martyrs of the early church: who they became, what they were able to accomplish, and how they ultimately suffered and some gave their very lives for the spread of the Gospel and somehow figure that they had a different, stronger, and more faith than we do here in the States right now. In truth, You gave Christians this country nearly 300 years ago so they could proselytize within its borders as well as send out missionaries into our neighboring countries of Canada and Mexico and into all the world. Only we were given religious freedom unlike any other nation of all time.
Of late, we have been failing miserable at that task and our freedoms are in grave danger of being taken away. I see major persecution coming to the true church in the United States of America. I know that the church always grows monumentally when in persecution. Lord, why can’t it grow when it is not as well? I believe: Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” I believe it is the “knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord” part that is lacking. Your Gospel has been diluted, compromised, and distorted by the very “church” you entrusted it to. There is a grave lack of true knowledge of You, God, and also of You, Jesus. Yes, You are seen as loving, but not as just and holy too. You are perceived as more of a kindly old Grandfather up in the sky who loves to spoil and dote on his children; and of course we ALL are Your children.
That is not what I have been reading, nor is that what Your Holy Spirit has taught me! Will we suffer exile or even death as a result of holding forth the Word of Truth to this wicked and perverse generation? Will it take that for Your children to awake and obey what You have commanded? I pray with all my heart that it will not! I pray that pure revival will come to Your church and soon so that Your grace and peace will be ours in abundance.
To God be the glory!
AMEN!
2 Peter 1:1-2 “Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”
(you) “have received a faith as precious as ours”
Lord, it is a precious comfort to know that the same faith that turned the whole world upside down in Peter’s day is still available to us today. I look at the apostles and the martyrs of the early church: who they became, what they were able to accomplish, and how they ultimately suffered and some gave their very lives for the spread of the Gospel and somehow figure that they had a different, stronger, and more faith than we do here in the States right now. In truth, You gave Christians this country nearly 300 years ago so they could proselytize within its borders as well as send out missionaries into our neighboring countries of Canada and Mexico and into all the world. Only we were given religious freedom unlike any other nation of all time.
Of late, we have been failing miserable at that task and our freedoms are in grave danger of being taken away. I see major persecution coming to the true church in the United States of America. I know that the church always grows monumentally when in persecution. Lord, why can’t it grow when it is not as well? I believe: Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” I believe it is the “knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord” part that is lacking. Your Gospel has been diluted, compromised, and distorted by the very “church” you entrusted it to. There is a grave lack of true knowledge of You, God, and also of You, Jesus. Yes, You are seen as loving, but not as just and holy too. You are perceived as more of a kindly old Grandfather up in the sky who loves to spoil and dote on his children; and of course we ALL are Your children.
That is not what I have been reading, nor is that what Your Holy Spirit has taught me! Will we suffer exile or even death as a result of holding forth the Word of Truth to this wicked and perverse generation? Will it take that for Your children to awake and obey what You have commanded? I pray with all my heart that it will not! I pray that pure revival will come to Your church and soon so that Your grace and peace will be ours in abundance.
To God be the glory!
AMEN!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Peace to All Who Are in Christ Jesus
1 Peter 5:14 “Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus.”
O, Lord, what a day it is for this verse! Hurricane is making landfall in the Carolina Outer Banks as I write this. It will swing up the coast all the way to New England. Our Navy family cannot get out of Newport News to come to our home farther inland. Peace in the midst of the storm!
Our Pennsylvania family is struggling in a different type of storm. They are in the storm of uncertainty about finances, and what to do and where to go next or stay where they are.
Our Virginia family struggles with physical and financial issues as well.
I know there are countless other brothers and sisters all over the globe who are going through storms of their own. BUT! I love that word! We can have YOUR peace! You have not promised that we will not have storms. You HAVE promised that YOU will give us YOUR peace. Not as the world gives, but the peace that passes ALL understanding! Hallelujah, Amen and thank You, blessed Savior!
The worst that the world and the enemy can do is to destroy property and belongings, (All things belong to You, not us!), and to take our lives. (Absent from the body, face to face with the Lord.)
Lord, You have known the path Irene would take (and every other “natural disaster” as well) from eternity past and You know what the future holds for all those in her path. That gives me peace today. Nothing surprises You! All of my children, their wives, and my grandchildren, who are old enough to understand, know you as Lord and the smallest of them are under Your protection. THAT gives me the greatest peace of all!
O, Lord, what a day it is for this verse! Hurricane is making landfall in the Carolina Outer Banks as I write this. It will swing up the coast all the way to New England. Our Navy family cannot get out of Newport News to come to our home farther inland. Peace in the midst of the storm!
Our Pennsylvania family is struggling in a different type of storm. They are in the storm of uncertainty about finances, and what to do and where to go next or stay where they are.
Our Virginia family struggles with physical and financial issues as well.
I know there are countless other brothers and sisters all over the globe who are going through storms of their own. BUT! I love that word! We can have YOUR peace! You have not promised that we will not have storms. You HAVE promised that YOU will give us YOUR peace. Not as the world gives, but the peace that passes ALL understanding! Hallelujah, Amen and thank You, blessed Savior!
The worst that the world and the enemy can do is to destroy property and belongings, (All things belong to You, not us!), and to take our lives. (Absent from the body, face to face with the Lord.)
Lord, You have known the path Irene would take (and every other “natural disaster” as well) from eternity past and You know what the future holds for all those in her path. That gives me peace today. Nothing surprises You! All of my children, their wives, and my grandchildren, who are old enough to understand, know you as Lord and the smallest of them are under Your protection. THAT gives me the greatest peace of all!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Peter's Greetings
1 Peter 5:13 “She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends her greetings, and so does my son Mark.”
Lord, You are omniscient and inspired this writing. Who does Peter speak of as, ”She who is in Babylon”, and why does not mention her name? And is “my son Mark” referring to John Mark who wrote the gospel, Peter’s own son, or some other man that Peter won to You? I know they will be in Heaven with me so maybe I’ll meet them there.
Holaman’s Bible Handbook states that the lady in Babylon refers to the church in Rome. I find that odd because Babylon is in Iraq not Italy. Was he referring that they were in captivity like their brothers of old? Holaman does not mention Mark at all so, Lord, that one is still a mystery to me. We know that Peter was married, but there never was a mention of his biological son at all. If it is, it must have been a joy for Peter to know his son walked in the truth. But if it were either of the other possibilities, he must have had the same joy to have Mark with him.
Lord, Thank You for sharing with us these names of brothers and sisters we will meet in glory. I pray that when we are worshipping You around the throne, we will actually get to meet and know them too.
Lord, You are omniscient and inspired this writing. Who does Peter speak of as, ”She who is in Babylon”, and why does not mention her name? And is “my son Mark” referring to John Mark who wrote the gospel, Peter’s own son, or some other man that Peter won to You? I know they will be in Heaven with me so maybe I’ll meet them there.
Holaman’s Bible Handbook states that the lady in Babylon refers to the church in Rome. I find that odd because Babylon is in Iraq not Italy. Was he referring that they were in captivity like their brothers of old? Holaman does not mention Mark at all so, Lord, that one is still a mystery to me. We know that Peter was married, but there never was a mention of his biological son at all. If it is, it must have been a joy for Peter to know his son walked in the truth. But if it were either of the other possibilities, he must have had the same joy to have Mark with him.
Lord, Thank You for sharing with us these names of brothers and sisters we will meet in glory. I pray that when we are worshipping You around the throne, we will actually get to meet and know them too.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
The True Grace of God. Stand Firm in It
1 Peter 5:12 “With the help of Silas whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.”
Lord, preserver of my very soul, how precious are our faithful brothers and sisters in You! They are indeed priceless gifts of Your grace for our mutual benefit.
The true grace of God. Stand firm in it. Truth is truth! Amen! Truth can be nothing more and nothing less than itself. Truth is indeed absolute no matter what anyone says. Our beloved pastor taught on this Sunday morning.
When I was of college age, well maybe even some in high school, I started longing to know truth. Of course back then it was about more trivial and earthy things like where do babies really come from. No, they did not teach that in its entirety even in high school biology back then. The schools and also in some churches were starting to teach evolution instead of creation. Having been taught the creation account of Genesis in church, I started to wonder which was right. In college psychology classes I was being taught the manner in which children should be raised and disciplined (or not). It was very different than how I was raised and how other kids around me were raised too. The sexual “revolution” was taking place and we were being encouraged not to trust the “establishment or anyone over 30”. So, who was right? What was the real truth?
Lord, when You opened my eyes to the truth of scripture and impressed on me that there was indeed absolute truth and I could depend on that truth no matter what, I was really set free from all of that doubt and confusion. I think that is why I have never doubted Your love for me, even when I sinned, and believed with all of my heart that when I confessed I was indeed forgiven and restored. I had no doubt at all that EVERYTHING in Your Word, no matter how miraculous and supernatural, really was true too! What was true for Noah, Abraham, Joshua, David, Job, and Joseph was true for me! Time does not damage or distort the TRUTH!
Thank You, Lord! Thank You, Lord!
Lord, preserver of my very soul, how precious are our faithful brothers and sisters in You! They are indeed priceless gifts of Your grace for our mutual benefit.
The true grace of God. Stand firm in it. Truth is truth! Amen! Truth can be nothing more and nothing less than itself. Truth is indeed absolute no matter what anyone says. Our beloved pastor taught on this Sunday morning.
When I was of college age, well maybe even some in high school, I started longing to know truth. Of course back then it was about more trivial and earthy things like where do babies really come from. No, they did not teach that in its entirety even in high school biology back then. The schools and also in some churches were starting to teach evolution instead of creation. Having been taught the creation account of Genesis in church, I started to wonder which was right. In college psychology classes I was being taught the manner in which children should be raised and disciplined (or not). It was very different than how I was raised and how other kids around me were raised too. The sexual “revolution” was taking place and we were being encouraged not to trust the “establishment or anyone over 30”. So, who was right? What was the real truth?
Lord, when You opened my eyes to the truth of scripture and impressed on me that there was indeed absolute truth and I could depend on that truth no matter what, I was really set free from all of that doubt and confusion. I think that is why I have never doubted Your love for me, even when I sinned, and believed with all of my heart that when I confessed I was indeed forgiven and restored. I had no doubt at all that EVERYTHING in Your Word, no matter how miraculous and supernatural, really was true too! What was true for Noah, Abraham, Joshua, David, Job, and Joseph was true for me! Time does not damage or distort the TRUTH!
Thank You, Lord! Thank You, Lord!
To Him Be the Power Forever
1 Peter 5:11 “To Him be the power forever and ever, Amen.”
Power Indeed!
Lord, only You have the power to:
Power Indeed!
Lord, only You have the power to:
· Save sinners
· Forgive sin
· Heal broken hearts and relationships
· Restore broken families
· Heal the sick
· Raise from the dead
· Give both physical and spiritual sight to the blind
· Bring pure true love into the world
· Provide for Your saints
· Give eternal life to mere mortals
· Hear and answer billions of prayers prayed in every language all over the world 24/7
· Create something out of nothing just by speaking
· Bring judgment or blessing using nature
· Comfort and lift the downtrodden and oppressed
· Know the future from eternity past
· Control history
· Crown and de-throne rulers and authorities
· To live true holiness in an unholy world
· Bestow spiritual gifts and natural talents to mankind
· Give peace in the midst of the storm
· Lead inventors and innovators into “new” ideas even though there is noting new under the sun
· Deliver Your saints from the hands and wiles of the enemy
· Guide us into all truth
· Give strength for today and hope for tomorrow
· Create a new heaven and a new earth
· Rule perfectly for 1000 years
· Judge rightly every time
· See the true hearts of men
· Convict of sin and restore the repentant and contrite heart
And the list goes on and on. We are indeed a blessed people to have such a good, gracious, merciful, and holy God! Thank You, Lord! Thank You, Lord!Tuesday, August 23, 2011
After You Have Suffered a Little While, God Will Restore You
1 Peter 5:10 “And the God of all grace who called you to eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.”
Lord, You are the God of all grace. That would really be enough to praise You for in all eternity. But You made it even better for me because You called me to Your eternal glory in You! Now, it is totally by Your grace alone that I stand in this stead. I have nothing to offer You but my sinful self. And why would I be spared suffering at all? What I deserve is to have suffering all day every day because of my sinful self. But You! When You called me and saved me, any suffering I now endure is for the good of the kingdom…or should be anyway.
The fact, Lord, that You Yourself will restore me gives me cause to rejoice and persevere through the suffering with joy. You will make me strong. You will make me firm in my faith, not wavering at all. You will make me steadfast in the face of ridicule and persecution brought by the enemy of my soul. I will never be alone, left out in the cold, without help, hope, grace, and mercy in my trials. You are ever with me, ever watchful, ever encouraging me to hang in there and not succumb to depression, despair, or hopelessness. Hallelujah, AMEN!
Lord, You are the God of all grace. That would really be enough to praise You for in all eternity. But You made it even better for me because You called me to Your eternal glory in You! Now, it is totally by Your grace alone that I stand in this stead. I have nothing to offer You but my sinful self. And why would I be spared suffering at all? What I deserve is to have suffering all day every day because of my sinful self. But You! When You called me and saved me, any suffering I now endure is for the good of the kingdom…or should be anyway.
The fact, Lord, that You Yourself will restore me gives me cause to rejoice and persevere through the suffering with joy. You will make me strong. You will make me firm in my faith, not wavering at all. You will make me steadfast in the face of ridicule and persecution brought by the enemy of my soul. I will never be alone, left out in the cold, without help, hope, grace, and mercy in my trials. You are ever with me, ever watchful, ever encouraging me to hang in there and not succumb to depression, despair, or hopelessness. Hallelujah, AMEN!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Resist Him, Standing Firm in the Faith
1 Peter 5:9 “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
O Lord, thank You for these verses. The encouragement to stand firm in the faith is needed here in the US, but how much more in other areas of the world where being a Christian is actually against the law. Our brothers and sisters are being imprisoned and martyred for Your sake daily. I know it will get worse here as well. Tolerance (for everything except Christianity of course) is being insisted upon in our nation now. If one speaks out against sin, we are called intolerant and can now be charged with a federal crime of hate speech.
Lord, we really need revival in this country…or is it too late for us? I pray that it is not. My husband and I have been reading the Left Behind series written almost 10 years ago by Jerry Jenkins and Tim LeHaye. It is amazing what they write about the Revelation and how the Antichrist promotes tolerance and an abandon of all morality. He gives the people who will worship him permission to live as they want. Anyone (Christians and unregenerate Jews) who will not yield to that type of tolerance are hunted down and killed. Lord, preserve us!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
The Roaring Lion Wants to Devour You
1 Peter 5:8 “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Lord, this is the second time at least that Peter has said to be self-controlled and alert. To say You are telling us something here is an understatement. Lions are opportunistic hunters. They prey on the young, lame, old, and infirmed who have fallen away from the herd. This nature lesson causes me to think. Satan would never attack the church standing shoulder to shoulder in prayer for each other, because he knows he would be defeated. So he waits until someone gets news that they have cancer, heart or some other type of disease, or someone who now must live alone because of the death of a beloved spouse. He pounces on the homebound who can’t make it to church to be with other believers, or those in nursing homes with no one to visit them.
But, if we, the church, are doing what we ought, that one is surrounded by prayer and support much like a herd puts the babies in the middle of the herd and all of the healthy adults shield them with their own bodies.
Lord, this is the second time at least that Peter has said to be self-controlled and alert. To say You are telling us something here is an understatement. Lions are opportunistic hunters. They prey on the young, lame, old, and infirmed who have fallen away from the herd. This nature lesson causes me to think. Satan would never attack the church standing shoulder to shoulder in prayer for each other, because he knows he would be defeated. So he waits until someone gets news that they have cancer, heart or some other type of disease, or someone who now must live alone because of the death of a beloved spouse. He pounces on the homebound who can’t make it to church to be with other believers, or those in nursing homes with no one to visit them.
But, if we, the church, are doing what we ought, that one is surrounded by prayer and support much like a herd puts the babies in the middle of the herd and all of the healthy adults shield them with their own bodies.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Cast all Your Anxiety on Him for He Cares for You
1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you.”
My Lord and My Savior, I adore You! Thank You for sending Your Spirit who guides into all truth and for the great Bible teachers You allowed me to study under at Liberty University.
Dr Paul Fink taught me Inductive Bible Study. He had a saying, “All means all and that is all all means. Fink 1:1” He also taught to never take a verse out of context, to always consider to whom the author was writing, and never “spiritualize” anything. Well, this morning, Lord, all of those things came to mind when I came to this verse.
My mother-in-law, bless her sweet heart, was the worst worrier I had ever encountered. If my parents ever worried about anything, they never let on to us, so this was very foreign to me as a new bride and took a lot of adjusting on my part. I must confess that at times it was extremely irritating and I wanted to verbally dismiss her feelings. But, thanks to You, even before I became a believer, my manners and Your intervention kept me from that rude behavior. When she became a believer, my eldest son found a plaque with this verse on it and gave it to his Grandma. It did not keep her from all of her worry, but it did give her a measure of comfort.
I have heard this quoted to just about everyone who found themselves in an anxious situation. However; just today, Lord, You revealed to me that this verse was given to a specific group of believers in a specific situation and is not just a “feel good” verse for just any worrier.
First of all, Peter is addressing elders, “under shepherds”, but here especially the young men under them. They were Jewish exiles scattered all over the known world.
Secondly, he had just admonished them to humbly submit to each other and to the elders.
What would these young men be anxious about in this context?
It is possible that these particular young men were coming into a shepherding position and were afraid they would not measure up, or would be stifled by the elder. Because Peter tells them to also submit to one another as well, there had to be inordinate competition among them.
Ego in either direction is dangerous and can split the family of believers wide open, especially if one is in a position of leadership. I believe Peterl is admonishing these young men to put their ego in the grave, submit to the Lord and the elders and yield to their leading. In that way, they would be casting all of that anxiety on the Lord. He reassures them they can do that because the Lord really does care for and about them. He also tells them to cast ALL of their anxiety on Him…not just some.
Lord, You have made it plain in other passages that worry is a sin because it is a lack of trust in You. You have told us that if we seek You and Your kingdom first, You will supply our needs and lift us up in due time if we are faithful and humble. You have told us that as believers we suffer no more condemnation and if we confess our sin You are faithful to forgives us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. You have made it plain that You resist the proud (of both genders and all ages), but give grace to the humble. You have told us to come to You all who are weary (from trying to press our ego) and You will give us rest from this tyrant. You have told us to take Your yoke upon us because Your burden is light. We all need to crucify our ego and learn to live humbly submissive lives.
I thank You for those verses. I know I can come to You with my troubles and You care for me and will give me the peace that passes understanding. However; this particular verse is not for everyone as I assumed. Thank You for Your clarification this morning
My Lord and My Savior, I adore You! Thank You for sending Your Spirit who guides into all truth and for the great Bible teachers You allowed me to study under at Liberty University.
Dr Paul Fink taught me Inductive Bible Study. He had a saying, “All means all and that is all all means. Fink 1:1” He also taught to never take a verse out of context, to always consider to whom the author was writing, and never “spiritualize” anything. Well, this morning, Lord, all of those things came to mind when I came to this verse.
My mother-in-law, bless her sweet heart, was the worst worrier I had ever encountered. If my parents ever worried about anything, they never let on to us, so this was very foreign to me as a new bride and took a lot of adjusting on my part. I must confess that at times it was extremely irritating and I wanted to verbally dismiss her feelings. But, thanks to You, even before I became a believer, my manners and Your intervention kept me from that rude behavior. When she became a believer, my eldest son found a plaque with this verse on it and gave it to his Grandma. It did not keep her from all of her worry, but it did give her a measure of comfort.
I have heard this quoted to just about everyone who found themselves in an anxious situation. However; just today, Lord, You revealed to me that this verse was given to a specific group of believers in a specific situation and is not just a “feel good” verse for just any worrier.
First of all, Peter is addressing elders, “under shepherds”, but here especially the young men under them. They were Jewish exiles scattered all over the known world.
Secondly, he had just admonished them to humbly submit to each other and to the elders.
What would these young men be anxious about in this context?
· Young men are, by nature, not humble creatures.
· Young men tend to vie for attention and position.
· Young men are not prone to want to submit to anyone, let alone someone older than they.
· Young men, because they normally lack wisdom, are ego driven and care deeply about their reputation.
· Young men tend to either be arrogant or the extreme opposite, very self-conscious.
It is possible that these particular young men were coming into a shepherding position and were afraid they would not measure up, or would be stifled by the elder. Because Peter tells them to also submit to one another as well, there had to be inordinate competition among them.
Ego in either direction is dangerous and can split the family of believers wide open, especially if one is in a position of leadership. I believe Peterl is admonishing these young men to put their ego in the grave, submit to the Lord and the elders and yield to their leading. In that way, they would be casting all of that anxiety on the Lord. He reassures them they can do that because the Lord really does care for and about them. He also tells them to cast ALL of their anxiety on Him…not just some.
Lord, You have made it plain in other passages that worry is a sin because it is a lack of trust in You. You have told us that if we seek You and Your kingdom first, You will supply our needs and lift us up in due time if we are faithful and humble. You have told us that as believers we suffer no more condemnation and if we confess our sin You are faithful to forgives us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. You have made it plain that You resist the proud (of both genders and all ages), but give grace to the humble. You have told us to come to You all who are weary (from trying to press our ego) and You will give us rest from this tyrant. You have told us to take Your yoke upon us because Your burden is light. We all need to crucify our ego and learn to live humbly submissive lives.
I thank You for those verses. I know I can come to You with my troubles and You care for me and will give me the peace that passes understanding. However; this particular verse is not for everyone as I assumed. Thank You for Your clarification this morning
Friday, August 19, 2011
Humble Yourself and Submit to Elders
1 Peter 5:5 “Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. Clothe yourself in humility toward one another because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”
Sweet Lord, how often I have heard the quip, “Hire someone under 25 while they still know everything.” You tell me that I can either humble myself or be humiliated. From personal experience, I have found that humbling myself has been far less painful and productive. Lord, I need grace on a daily basis. Now that I am considered a senior citizen, I realize how much wisdom I have gained from the “elders” in my life.
Chuck Swindoll said that he had met a lot of beautiful, talented, gifted, and brilliant young people, but had never met one that was wise because wisdom comes with age. There are few cultures in the industrialized West that revere elders anymore. In the 60-70s we were taught by the “revolution” not to trust anyone over 30. How ridiculous! How Satanic! Because the Social Security Administration declared the retirement age as 65, now 66, the younger generations assume that at that age people become old and demented instead of wise and trustworthy. In reality, those “old fogies” are just now ready to lead in the nation, on the job, and in the church.
Lord, help me to be a wise mentor of those around me. I long to be a productive “elder” to those around me. Our society is being led down a very dangerous path! Lord, deliver us!
Sweet Lord, how often I have heard the quip, “Hire someone under 25 while they still know everything.” You tell me that I can either humble myself or be humiliated. From personal experience, I have found that humbling myself has been far less painful and productive. Lord, I need grace on a daily basis. Now that I am considered a senior citizen, I realize how much wisdom I have gained from the “elders” in my life.
Chuck Swindoll said that he had met a lot of beautiful, talented, gifted, and brilliant young people, but had never met one that was wise because wisdom comes with age. There are few cultures in the industrialized West that revere elders anymore. In the 60-70s we were taught by the “revolution” not to trust anyone over 30. How ridiculous! How Satanic! Because the Social Security Administration declared the retirement age as 65, now 66, the younger generations assume that at that age people become old and demented instead of wise and trustworthy. In reality, those “old fogies” are just now ready to lead in the nation, on the job, and in the church.
Lord, help me to be a wise mentor of those around me. I long to be a productive “elder” to those around me. Our society is being led down a very dangerous path! Lord, deliver us!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Crown of Glory
“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
Lord, You are my king! Because we are not a monarchy in America, crowns are not discussed on a weekly basis. Little girls are obsessed with tiaras (thanks to Disney princesses) and older “girls” are interested in them because of the royal weddings in England or beauty queen pageants. Other than that, the whole idea of crowns and the gravity of their meaning is probably lost on most of us.
I have read about the crowns available to the faithful in heaven. The only reason I desire any of them honestly is so I can cast them to Your feet as You are the ONLY One worthy of praise and honor, glory and majesty. I do not say that in false humility, Lord as You know my heart. I have seen the crown jewels of England on TV. I would love to see the queen and the royal family in humility cast that at Your feet as believers! However; that crown is corruptible. The crowns You give are incorruptible.
May I be found worthy of the crown of life and simply be able to hear You say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Lord, You are my king! Because we are not a monarchy in America, crowns are not discussed on a weekly basis. Little girls are obsessed with tiaras (thanks to Disney princesses) and older “girls” are interested in them because of the royal weddings in England or beauty queen pageants. Other than that, the whole idea of crowns and the gravity of their meaning is probably lost on most of us.
I have read about the crowns available to the faithful in heaven. The only reason I desire any of them honestly is so I can cast them to Your feet as You are the ONLY One worthy of praise and honor, glory and majesty. I do not say that in false humility, Lord as You know my heart. I have seen the crown jewels of England on TV. I would love to see the queen and the royal family in humility cast that at Your feet as believers! However; that crown is corruptible. The crowns You give are incorruptible.
May I be found worthy of the crown of life and simply be able to hear You say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
One Special Shepherd Example
1Peter 5:3 “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
O Lord, my loving Shepherd, You never “lorded it over Your flock even though You are THE LORD of all! You are always our example whether we are pastors, Sunday School teachers, small group leaders, or parents.
I have a close friend I met years ago. He came to Liberty University from South Korea to study to be a pastor. He already had several master degrees and had served at a very high level in the South Korean military. His name is Jung Ju Choi, but everyone called him Barnabas for a good reason. Because he was an international, his visa would allow him only to work on campus, and his job, while he studied with us, was to clean our offices. I asked him why he did a more than satisfactory job and did it with such joy day after day. I cleaned a Post Office for about 18 months and must admit that although I always did a thorough job, I did not always do it with joy because it was so “daily”. (Parents who have to clean up after their children day after day can relate to this.)
He told me that in Korea, pastors are so very highly respected and revered; they are right up there next to God in the eyes of the people. When he came to America, the only job God would allow him to do was clean our offices. When he complained to Him about the abasement of the job, the Spirit said to his spirit that if he ever hoped to be a pastor and shepherd, he would have to learn first to serve not to be served. And serve he did! He actually became the supervisor of that shift and asked that all “wanna be” pastors from South Korea be assigned to him as well. What a beautiful picture he lived, and still lives back in his country. He is a humble shepherd just doing what he has been called to do to the best of his ability whether cleaning the church or preaching form the pulpit. He is a shining example to other young pastors.
Lord, thank You for allowing me to meet Barnabas and to be blessed by his life and testimony!
O Lord, my loving Shepherd, You never “lorded it over Your flock even though You are THE LORD of all! You are always our example whether we are pastors, Sunday School teachers, small group leaders, or parents.
I have a close friend I met years ago. He came to Liberty University from South Korea to study to be a pastor. He already had several master degrees and had served at a very high level in the South Korean military. His name is Jung Ju Choi, but everyone called him Barnabas for a good reason. Because he was an international, his visa would allow him only to work on campus, and his job, while he studied with us, was to clean our offices. I asked him why he did a more than satisfactory job and did it with such joy day after day. I cleaned a Post Office for about 18 months and must admit that although I always did a thorough job, I did not always do it with joy because it was so “daily”. (Parents who have to clean up after their children day after day can relate to this.)
He told me that in Korea, pastors are so very highly respected and revered; they are right up there next to God in the eyes of the people. When he came to America, the only job God would allow him to do was clean our offices. When he complained to Him about the abasement of the job, the Spirit said to his spirit that if he ever hoped to be a pastor and shepherd, he would have to learn first to serve not to be served. And serve he did! He actually became the supervisor of that shift and asked that all “wanna be” pastors from South Korea be assigned to him as well. What a beautiful picture he lived, and still lives back in his country. He is a humble shepherd just doing what he has been called to do to the best of his ability whether cleaning the church or preaching form the pulpit. He is a shining example to other young pastors.
Lord, thank You for allowing me to meet Barnabas and to be blessed by his life and testimony!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
What Does It Mean To Be a Shepherd
1 Peter 5:2 “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be, not greedy for money, but eager to serve;”
Lord, I thank You for the shepherds you have given us at our church. They are precious servants. In the past, and even now, we have seen on TV those who were not true shepherds, but who were more interested in fleecing the flock than serving them; all the while leading secret immoral lives.
Being a shepherd is not an easy task because the “flock” act like sheep! I am sure it is one of the reasons You called Yourself the Good Shepherd and used the sheep analogy so often in Your teaching. I know partly that You used analogies that the agricultural society You lived in would understand the harder things You were trying to teach. Even Isaiah said all we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way. The job (service) of being a shepherd is certainly not an easy one or one that should be taken lightly. It requires total selflessness.
We, as their flock, are to take care of their needs as well. That is Your command to us. Some are handsomely recompensed for their service, some not at all because their flock is tiny.
Lord, help me to show my gratitude to our shepherds not only during, “Clergy Appreciation Month”, but all year through.
Lord, I thank You for the shepherds you have given us at our church. They are precious servants. In the past, and even now, we have seen on TV those who were not true shepherds, but who were more interested in fleecing the flock than serving them; all the while leading secret immoral lives.
Being a shepherd is not an easy task because the “flock” act like sheep! I am sure it is one of the reasons You called Yourself the Good Shepherd and used the sheep analogy so often in Your teaching. I know partly that You used analogies that the agricultural society You lived in would understand the harder things You were trying to teach. Even Isaiah said all we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way. The job (service) of being a shepherd is certainly not an easy one or one that should be taken lightly. It requires total selflessness.
We, as their flock, are to take care of their needs as well. That is Your command to us. Some are handsomely recompensed for their service, some not at all because their flock is tiny.
Lord, help me to show my gratitude to our shepherds not only during, “Clergy Appreciation Month”, but all year through.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Commit Yourselves to Your Faithful Creator
1 Peter 4:19 “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to go good.”
“Lord, You are Creator, ruler, sustainer of all, You hold us all together, You’re the first, the last, the hope of all the world! You are the only omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent and truthful One! You are perfect in all of Your ways. Your ways are not our ways, and Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. I must confess, Lord, that because of that I sometimes do not understand why things happen. But this last verse sums everything up.
If I am suffering because I am doing good, it will be according to Your will to be a testimony and witness to others. I am not to become bitter, angry, stubborn, vengeful, hateful, whiney, or disobedient. I am to commit myself to You because You are faithful, and continue to do good no matter what. I am not to look at, or to, others, but solely to You, as You are the only most powerful One.
As an old mentor of mine used to say, “This is easy to say, hard to do.” I know that in my own strength, Lord, I will not be able to do this. My pride and “righteous” indignation (probably more likely Self-righteous), would surface and at the very least, I would fight it in my heart if not in my speech and actions.
Lord, I know that religious (Christians only) persecution is going to get much worse in this country unless there is another “Great Awakening” and revival like none has happened before, and I pray for that. I thank You for placing me in a Christian organization where I can help train literally thousands, if not tens of thousands true champions for You. We live in the Commonwealth that largely embraces freedom from governmental intrusion, and “Christianity” (even if it is not actually true Christianity but churchianity). It will probably be one of the last holdouts against it.
Lord, that humbles me. Why have You chosen me...us? Only by Your grace, mercy, and power! I am Your willing servant, Lord. Use me as You will.
“Lord, You are Creator, ruler, sustainer of all, You hold us all together, You’re the first, the last, the hope of all the world! You are the only omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent and truthful One! You are perfect in all of Your ways. Your ways are not our ways, and Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. I must confess, Lord, that because of that I sometimes do not understand why things happen. But this last verse sums everything up.
If I am suffering because I am doing good, it will be according to Your will to be a testimony and witness to others. I am not to become bitter, angry, stubborn, vengeful, hateful, whiney, or disobedient. I am to commit myself to You because You are faithful, and continue to do good no matter what. I am not to look at, or to, others, but solely to You, as You are the only most powerful One.
As an old mentor of mine used to say, “This is easy to say, hard to do.” I know that in my own strength, Lord, I will not be able to do this. My pride and “righteous” indignation (probably more likely Self-righteous), would surface and at the very least, I would fight it in my heart if not in my speech and actions.
Lord, I know that religious (Christians only) persecution is going to get much worse in this country unless there is another “Great Awakening” and revival like none has happened before, and I pray for that. I thank You for placing me in a Christian organization where I can help train literally thousands, if not tens of thousands true champions for You. We live in the Commonwealth that largely embraces freedom from governmental intrusion, and “Christianity” (even if it is not actually true Christianity but churchianity). It will probably be one of the last holdouts against it.
Lord, that humbles me. Why have You chosen me...us? Only by Your grace, mercy, and power! I am Your willing servant, Lord. Use me as You will.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
What Will Become of the Ungodly and the Sinner?
1 Peter 4:18 And , “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
This refers to Proverbs 11:30-31 “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins a soul is wise. If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!”
Lord, Peter is referring to the two verses in Proverbs. I am a little perplexed by the reference, to be honest. What he writes seems to be contradictory, at least in my experience. I have found that it is far more difficult to win a self-righteous person to You than to share You with someone who knows full well that they are a sinner. However, who am I to dispute Your Word! My thinking here must be skewed.
O Lord, the final judgment for unbelievers will be terrifying and horrible! The Father judges His church filled with believers very differently than He does them. Your church’s sole purpose is to win souls and then disciple them so they can go and win more. When the church becomes apostate and heretical it drives souls into hell instead of winning them to heaven. When it no longer is a tree of life, You say that the unproductive vines will be pruned off and burned.
Lord, You know that there are many sincere, but deceived, folks who really believe the false gospel with all of their hearts and they are very devoted followers. They have no idea that their “father” Satan, will not shed one tear when they are cast into utter darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth, where the fire is not quenched and the worm dieth not. They will be separated from You and will know it and grieve, be burned and tormented for all eternity and be unable to die and put an end to their suffering. Satan will not grieve for them, but will be rejoicing! How wicked, evil, self absorbed, and uncaring he is!
Lord, help us, as your true followers, to “see” unbelievers with those types of eyes. Give us compassion for them and an urgency to share Christ with them so they will not be deceived!
As Peter has said already, the end is near. Our time to share is short. Even if You do not return in our lifetimes, our lives are but a vapor.
This refers to Proverbs 11:30-31 “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins a soul is wise. If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!”
Lord, Peter is referring to the two verses in Proverbs. I am a little perplexed by the reference, to be honest. What he writes seems to be contradictory, at least in my experience. I have found that it is far more difficult to win a self-righteous person to You than to share You with someone who knows full well that they are a sinner. However, who am I to dispute Your Word! My thinking here must be skewed.
O Lord, the final judgment for unbelievers will be terrifying and horrible! The Father judges His church filled with believers very differently than He does them. Your church’s sole purpose is to win souls and then disciple them so they can go and win more. When the church becomes apostate and heretical it drives souls into hell instead of winning them to heaven. When it no longer is a tree of life, You say that the unproductive vines will be pruned off and burned.
Lord, You know that there are many sincere, but deceived, folks who really believe the false gospel with all of their hearts and they are very devoted followers. They have no idea that their “father” Satan, will not shed one tear when they are cast into utter darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth, where the fire is not quenched and the worm dieth not. They will be separated from You and will know it and grieve, be burned and tormented for all eternity and be unable to die and put an end to their suffering. Satan will not grieve for them, but will be rejoicing! How wicked, evil, self absorbed, and uncaring he is!
Lord, help us, as your true followers, to “see” unbelievers with those types of eyes. Give us compassion for them and an urgency to share Christ with them so they will not be deceived!
As Peter has said already, the end is near. Our time to share is short. Even if You do not return in our lifetimes, our lives are but a vapor.
Friday, August 12, 2011
God's Judgment of the Church
1 Peter 4:16-17 “However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
Dear Lord, Peter wrote this almost 2000 years ago! I believe that the Dark and Middle ages with their plagues were judgments to the church at that time because it no longer obeyed Your gospel. Then during the Reformation, You led Calvin, Luther, Knox, and men like them to bring the church back to what You intended. But now, again, apostasy is ramped in those denominations and others have been added, perverting the gospel to be an “all roads lead to Heaven”, or “Good Works”, "Properity and Social gospel”.
If Your church does not obey the gospel of God…what will become of all the unbelievers who are deceived by the false churches? They will die in their sins! Deceived by the very ones who should have conveyed the true “Hope of Life”! Whatever the apostates call themselves: Christlam, New Age, Ecumenical whatever; unless they preach Jesus Only and by Grace Alone, they will fall under judgment from You for leading unbelievers astray. If we, true believers who obey the gospel of God fall away, become ashamed, or pervert Your Gospel, we will fall under the same judgment!
Satan does not care what unbelievers believe as long as it is not the Gospel. He wants mankind to be religious to a fault…just not born again true Gospel Christians. Lord, help all of us who are true Christians to follow closely and to never be ashamed of the beautiful gift You have given us, but to be willing to share it with all we meet.
Dear Lord, Peter wrote this almost 2000 years ago! I believe that the Dark and Middle ages with their plagues were judgments to the church at that time because it no longer obeyed Your gospel. Then during the Reformation, You led Calvin, Luther, Knox, and men like them to bring the church back to what You intended. But now, again, apostasy is ramped in those denominations and others have been added, perverting the gospel to be an “all roads lead to Heaven”, or “Good Works”, "Properity and Social gospel”.
If Your church does not obey the gospel of God…what will become of all the unbelievers who are deceived by the false churches? They will die in their sins! Deceived by the very ones who should have conveyed the true “Hope of Life”! Whatever the apostates call themselves: Christlam, New Age, Ecumenical whatever; unless they preach Jesus Only and by Grace Alone, they will fall under judgment from You for leading unbelievers astray. If we, true believers who obey the gospel of God fall away, become ashamed, or pervert Your Gospel, we will fall under the same judgment!
Satan does not care what unbelievers believe as long as it is not the Gospel. He wants mankind to be religious to a fault…just not born again true Gospel Christians. Lord, help all of us who are true Christians to follow closely and to never be ashamed of the beautiful gift You have given us, but to be willing to share it with all we meet.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Judas and Meddling
1 Peter 4:15 “If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or a thief, or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.”
Lord, one thing before we get into this verse today. I was reminded of something I have known for ages, but have never really thought about much. I am sure that we all have had to deal with abuse (hopefully just verbal as painful as that can be) and some with betrayal by a family member, co-worker, or simple acquaintance because of our faith. As always, You are to be our example.
I was reminded that the very night you would be betrayed by Judas, you, in loving kindness and humility knelt in front of him and took his smelly, filthy, calloused feet in your hands that would the very next day be pierced for his sins, and rubbed, scrubbed, and bathed his feet, washing away all of the remnants of the world he had tread through for a day, but maybe for days on end.
Lord, if You did that, I am to be willing to do the same, either literally or figuratively, every day. Lord, Your love is so radical!
Lord, I should not be surprised that “meddler” is included in this list of criminal activity, but I must confess that I am. We have all had, or maybe have been, meddlers. It is very annoying and troublesome indeed to have a meddler in my life, but I would not have it be added in a list like this. But You equate it with criminal acts! Meddling is to be seen as that serious. Lord, help me never to be a meddler!
Lord, one thing before we get into this verse today. I was reminded of something I have known for ages, but have never really thought about much. I am sure that we all have had to deal with abuse (hopefully just verbal as painful as that can be) and some with betrayal by a family member, co-worker, or simple acquaintance because of our faith. As always, You are to be our example.
I was reminded that the very night you would be betrayed by Judas, you, in loving kindness and humility knelt in front of him and took his smelly, filthy, calloused feet in your hands that would the very next day be pierced for his sins, and rubbed, scrubbed, and bathed his feet, washing away all of the remnants of the world he had tread through for a day, but maybe for days on end.
Lord, if You did that, I am to be willing to do the same, either literally or figuratively, every day. Lord, Your love is so radical!
Lord, I should not be surprised that “meddler” is included in this list of criminal activity, but I must confess that I am. We have all had, or maybe have been, meddlers. It is very annoying and troublesome indeed to have a meddler in my life, but I would not have it be added in a list like this. But You equate it with criminal acts! Meddling is to be seen as that serious. Lord, help me never to be a meddler!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
If You are Insulted for the Name of Christ, You Are Blessed
1Peter 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."
Lord, we have all suffered insults by others, but not many of us because if Your name. I know personally, I can remember only twice in my life as a Christian. That may not be good as I have been saved for over 35 years now. I think of the Governor of Texas and the flack he is having to endure from the press because he had the audacity to call for a day of prayer and fasting since they have not had rain for three months and the temperatures have been over 100 each day. He was clear that the Lord was the only solution to their dilemma.
Lord, may I walk so close to You and be enough of a light among the unsaved that they might insult me too!
Lord, we have all suffered insults by others, but not many of us because if Your name. I know personally, I can remember only twice in my life as a Christian. That may not be good as I have been saved for over 35 years now. I think of the Governor of Texas and the flack he is having to endure from the press because he had the audacity to call for a day of prayer and fasting since they have not had rain for three months and the temperatures have been over 100 each day. He was clear that the Lord was the only solution to their dilemma.
Lord, may I walk so close to You and be enough of a light among the unsaved that they might insult me too!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Don't be surprised, But Rejoice in Painful Trials
1 Peter 4:12-3 “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trials you are suffering, as though something strange is happening to you, but rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you will be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.”
Lord, why do we always think that when we have trials, either painful or just annoying (like ants in the house), that things should not be like they are? You have told us that life is short and full of troubles, that we will have trials in this life because do the fallen condition of this world, and that the ruler of the earth is the Prince and Power of the Air (Satan). If we oppose him, he will treat us as rebellious subjects. You told us that the world will hate us because it hated You first.
“rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ”, if this is not radical thinking, Lord, I don’t know what would be! Only with Your power and strength can we accomplish this command. I know You suffered physically, mentally, and emotionally while You were here. You desperately longed for all to come to You, accept Your teaching, love and obey You. However; most did not even understand You, or if they did, they became jealous of Your following and rejected Your message altogether. If we live our lives as You did, we will share in the fellowship of Your sufferings.
We can rejoice that we have been counted “worthy” to suffer as You did for doing what is right. The more we suffer, the more we will be filled with joy when You come for us! Hallelujah! Radical…Yes! Very Radical, but wonderful and awesome too!
But You, O Lord, are greater and more powerful and have overcome the world and death! Satan has no power over us because Your are greater than he is and I have Your Holy Spirit dwelling within me. I know that painful trials are coming at some point in the near future. Help me…help us all to glorify You in those trials.
Lord, why do we always think that when we have trials, either painful or just annoying (like ants in the house), that things should not be like they are? You have told us that life is short and full of troubles, that we will have trials in this life because do the fallen condition of this world, and that the ruler of the earth is the Prince and Power of the Air (Satan). If we oppose him, he will treat us as rebellious subjects. You told us that the world will hate us because it hated You first.
“rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ”, if this is not radical thinking, Lord, I don’t know what would be! Only with Your power and strength can we accomplish this command. I know You suffered physically, mentally, and emotionally while You were here. You desperately longed for all to come to You, accept Your teaching, love and obey You. However; most did not even understand You, or if they did, they became jealous of Your following and rejected Your message altogether. If we live our lives as You did, we will share in the fellowship of Your sufferings.
We can rejoice that we have been counted “worthy” to suffer as You did for doing what is right. The more we suffer, the more we will be filled with joy when You come for us! Hallelujah! Radical…Yes! Very Radical, but wonderful and awesome too!
But You, O Lord, are greater and more powerful and have overcome the world and death! Satan has no power over us because Your are greater than he is and I have Your Holy Spirit dwelling within me. I know that painful trials are coming at some point in the near future. Help me…help us all to glorify You in those trials.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Speak the Words of God and Serve in His Power
1 Peter 4:11 “If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be glory and the power for ever and ever-Amen.”
O, Lord! I am sinful and we are a sinful people. Your commands are clear.
“Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29
“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” Ephesians 5:19
Elsewhere in the New Testament, we are told to put off: anger, gossip, slander, and maligning. We are also told that we will have to account for every careless word we speak. In the Old Testament You tell us that where there is much talking there is sin.
Does this mean that we can’t talk about our finances, grocery needs, and family business with our spouses? Of course not. However; there is a lot of idle chatter that we engage in daily at home, work, etc. Some is what we call “small talk”, and may seem harmless, but when we can be speaking Your words to one another instead, what is the point of that? Our time is short here, and You could be returning at any time.
When I serve, Lord, help me to always serve in Your strength, whether it is cleaning the house, doing study in Your word, serving at church, or on the job.
Help me, Lord! Help us, Your church as a whole, to live out these commands on a daily basis. Help us to always speak Your words to one another. Forgive me for every idle word spoken in the past, whether spoken in frustration, foolishness, complaint, or anger. I do want You to be glorified in EVERYTHING I say, do, or think!
O, Lord! I am sinful and we are a sinful people. Your commands are clear.
“Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29
“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” Ephesians 5:19
Elsewhere in the New Testament, we are told to put off: anger, gossip, slander, and maligning. We are also told that we will have to account for every careless word we speak. In the Old Testament You tell us that where there is much talking there is sin.
Does this mean that we can’t talk about our finances, grocery needs, and family business with our spouses? Of course not. However; there is a lot of idle chatter that we engage in daily at home, work, etc. Some is what we call “small talk”, and may seem harmless, but when we can be speaking Your words to one another instead, what is the point of that? Our time is short here, and You could be returning at any time.
When I serve, Lord, help me to always serve in Your strength, whether it is cleaning the house, doing study in Your word, serving at church, or on the job.
Help me, Lord! Help us, Your church as a whole, to live out these commands on a daily basis. Help us to always speak Your words to one another. Forgive me for every idle word spoken in the past, whether spoken in frustration, foolishness, complaint, or anger. I do want You to be glorified in EVERYTHING I say, do, or think!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Use Your Gifts to Administer God's Grace
1 Peter 4:10 “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in various forms.”
Lord, You gave me the gifts of exhortation, helps, teaching, hospitality, and discernment. I have had the privilege and joy of being blessed by phenomenal Pastor/Teachers and enjoy working with those with the gifts of administration. I have been on the receiving end of other’s gifts of mercy and healing (I believe good doctors have that gift if they are Christians). Lord, You have given each of us wonderful gifts to use for the edification and encouragement of each other and for the furtherance of the gospel.
I guess I never thought of it as administering Your grace to each other. What a sweet, sweet thing you have done for us! Thank You. Now help me to use my gifts today and everyday to administer Your grace to others and to bring You joy!
Lord, You gave me the gifts of exhortation, helps, teaching, hospitality, and discernment. I have had the privilege and joy of being blessed by phenomenal Pastor/Teachers and enjoy working with those with the gifts of administration. I have been on the receiving end of other’s gifts of mercy and healing (I believe good doctors have that gift if they are Christians). Lord, You have given each of us wonderful gifts to use for the edification and encouragement of each other and for the furtherance of the gospel.
I guess I never thought of it as administering Your grace to each other. What a sweet, sweet thing you have done for us! Thank You. Now help me to use my gifts today and everyday to administer Your grace to others and to bring You joy!
Use Your Gifts to Administer God's Grace
1 Peter 4:10 “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in various forms.”
Lord, You gave me the gifts of exhortation, helps, teaching, hospitality, and discernment. I have had the privilege and joy of being blessed by phenomenal Pastor/Teachers and enjoy working with those with the gifts of administration. I have been on the receiving end of other’s gifts of mercy and healing (I believe good doctors have that gift if they are Christians). Lord, You have given each of us wonderful gifts to use for the edification and encouragement of each other and for the furtherance of the gospel.
I guess I never thought of it as administering Your grace to each other. What a sweet, sweet thing you have done for us! Thank You. Now help me to use my gifts today and everyday to administer Your grace to others and to bring You joy!
Lord, You gave me the gifts of exhortation, helps, teaching, hospitality, and discernment. I have had the privilege and joy of being blessed by phenomenal Pastor/Teachers and enjoy working with those with the gifts of administration. I have been on the receiving end of other’s gifts of mercy and healing (I believe good doctors have that gift if they are Christians). Lord, You have given each of us wonderful gifts to use for the edification and encouragement of each other and for the furtherance of the gospel.
I guess I never thought of it as administering Your grace to each other. What a sweet, sweet thing you have done for us! Thank You. Now help me to use my gifts today and everyday to administer Your grace to others and to bring You joy!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Hospitality? Me?
1 Peter 4:9 “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
Lord, You know that this is no problem for me usually. I love to have people at the house. However; I know that no everyone has the “Gift” of hospitality so it would be a huge stretch to them. I believe there is soon coming a time when we will all have to be ready to offer our homes to those fleeing persecution, maybe to our own hurt as well. Or maybe we will be called upon to host itinerant missionaries like the apostles.
Lord, to who this is not a natural (or supernatural) gift, give grace and mercy to soften their hearts now so in that time, they will be ready. Help them to learn hospitality because You command it. Give us Your heart of love so we can cover a multitude of other’s sins and allow us to be hospitable even to those less lovable and pleasant to be around.
Lord, You know that this is no problem for me usually. I love to have people at the house. However; I know that no everyone has the “Gift” of hospitality so it would be a huge stretch to them. I believe there is soon coming a time when we will all have to be ready to offer our homes to those fleeing persecution, maybe to our own hurt as well. Or maybe we will be called upon to host itinerant missionaries like the apostles.
Lord, to who this is not a natural (or supernatural) gift, give grace and mercy to soften their hearts now so in that time, they will be ready. Help them to learn hospitality because You command it. Give us Your heart of love so we can cover a multitude of other’s sins and allow us to be hospitable even to those less lovable and pleasant to be around.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Love Covers a Multitude of Sins
1 Peter4:8 “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.”
O Lord, over all of my years as a Christian, I have observed that there is far too little deep love within Your family, but here is a very plain command. It’s not like You have not shown us by example and in Your word how love acts. You had Paul write to the Corinthian church:
Love is:
Patient
Kind
Does not envy
Does not boast
Is not proud or rude
Is not self seeking
Is not easily angered
Keeps no record of wrongs
Does not delight in Evil
Rejoices with the Truth
Always:
Dearest sweet Savior, please give me the grace to give grace and mercy to others as You have given me.
O Lord, over all of my years as a Christian, I have observed that there is far too little deep love within Your family, but here is a very plain command. It’s not like You have not shown us by example and in Your word how love acts. You had Paul write to the Corinthian church:
Love is:
Patient
Kind
Does not envy
Does not boast
Is not proud or rude
Is not self seeking
Is not easily angered
Keeps no record of wrongs
Does not delight in Evil
Rejoices with the Truth
Always:
· PROTECTS
· TRUSTS
· HOPES
· PERSEVERS
· NEVER FAILS
You are my example. You continue to love me deeply and unconditionally. You do not excuse my sin, but cover it. You deal with me lovingly and confidentially through loving discipline and gentle conviction through the Holy Spirit to disciple me You do not broadcast them to anyone else, exclude me, or ostracize me, and You forgive when I confess and repent refusing to remember my sin ever again. What a difference it would make in our homes, churches, neighborhoods, and places of employment if we all would follow this command completely. I confess that I find it hard sometimes and need Your grace.Dearest sweet Savior, please give me the grace to give grace and mercy to others as You have given me.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
I AM
Here is a bonus for today. We have had the joy of singing this song in choir, and I wish I had the author and composers name right now, but I will get it and post it on Thursday morning. This came to mind this norning and God spoke to my heart and said, "If you're going to be clear minded and self controlled, you need to remember who I AM. Sor her you are. Enjoy and it would not hurt to memorize this for the future too:
I am
I am:
v The lord
v The almighty god
v The one for whom nothing is too hard
v The shepherd
v The door
v The good news to the bound and the poor
I am:
v The righteous one
v The lamb
v The ram in the bush for Abraham
v The ultimate sacrifice for sin
v Your redeemer
v The beginning and the end
I am:
v Jehovah
v The king
v The messiah
v David’s offspring
v Your high priest
v The Christ
v The resurrection and the life
I am:
v The bread
v The wine
v Your future so leave the past behind
v The one in the midst of two or three
v the tabernacle
v Your jubilee
I am:
v Hope
v Peace
v Joy
v Rest
v Comfort
v Relief from your stress
I am:
v Strength
v Faith
v Love
v Power
v Your freedom this very hour
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