Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to RECALL the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
The word of the Prophets & the Command given by our Lord and Savior through your Apostles.
Sounds to me like we are encouraged to RECALL. How can we recall if we have not heard, through study?? "...but it is enough for me to go to church most Sunday's and gain my knowledge from a 35 minute sermon." "Besides, I am way too busy to "study", to read, and to meditate on the Word of God."
But...if we do not know the Word then how will we stand up to the "scoffers" that will come in these last days?
vs. 17 Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, BE ON YOUR GUARD so that you may not be carried away by the ERROR of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
If we are to WAJD then we must grow in grace (and knowledge)..
How do we grow in grace?? Does anyone have an idea?
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Sunday, April 23, 2006
April 23rd -- "God To The Rescue" 2Peter 2: 7-9
"Oh Lord, I don't know what I'm going to do? I am surrounded by evil everywhere, and I am losing hope. I am worn down and tired; I arrive home from work/school/college exhausted, almost every day; Sin seems to be getting the better of me."
Has this ever been your prayer?
Lot, a righteous man, was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard) -- if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteousness for the day of judgement, while continuing their punishment. 2Peter 2:7-9
Lord knew--Lord knows; Lord cared--Lord cares; Lord did--Lord does... today!
If we are to WAJD then we must trust Him to be true to His promises, His wonder, His work...and continue to work-out our salvation with fear and trembling.
Well, it has been a while (thanks for your testimony). After this past Easter Celebration I hope we are all ready, encouraged, excited, and expectent during this next season of life & ministry. Walk in the POWER of the resurrection today!!
Has this ever been your prayer?
Lot, a righteous man, was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard) -- if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteousness for the day of judgement, while continuing their punishment. 2Peter 2:7-9
Lord knew--Lord knows; Lord cared--Lord cares; Lord did--Lord does... today!
If we are to WAJD then we must trust Him to be true to His promises, His wonder, His work...and continue to work-out our salvation with fear and trembling.
Well, it has been a while (thanks for your testimony). After this past Easter Celebration I hope we are all ready, encouraged, excited, and expectent during this next season of life & ministry. Walk in the POWER of the resurrection today!!
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
March 22nd -- We have an Eyewitness Report: 2 Peter 1:16-21
There are many today that say they can only believe what they can see. I usually ask them to consider LOVE. You can't really see love, you can see love's effects; but you can't see love...yet you believe in love. And if you can believe in love then you can believe in God, because God is love.
A court of law weighs very heavily the testimony of an expert witness. The word of an eyewitness is very convincing. Police officers take eyewitness accounts when they "investigate" accidents or conflicts. Safety managers do the same when they investigate industrial accidents. Television news departments try to get reporters on the scene of a current event or news worthy story. They even put reporters in "harms-way" to witness global conflict or horrifying storms.
Likewise Peter was an eyewitness of the majastey of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Peter heard the voice of heaven say, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
Peter heard this voice that came from heaven when he was with (Jesus) on the sacred mountain.
We also have the word of the prophets made more certain.
Prophets who spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
...And, believers in Christ, also have a "witness" in their hearts that Jesus is the Saviour of mankind, to those who believe in the One who was sent.
Yes, there is a "light" shining in a dark place...
If we believe in eyewitness testimony, the word of the prophets, the truth of the Holy Spirit, and trust in the witness in our own heart -- then we must WALK AS JESUS DID!
Do I have a witness?? Let me hear it, what is the testimony of your heart...
Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth -- so help you, God?
A court of law weighs very heavily the testimony of an expert witness. The word of an eyewitness is very convincing. Police officers take eyewitness accounts when they "investigate" accidents or conflicts. Safety managers do the same when they investigate industrial accidents. Television news departments try to get reporters on the scene of a current event or news worthy story. They even put reporters in "harms-way" to witness global conflict or horrifying storms.
Likewise Peter was an eyewitness of the majastey of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Peter heard the voice of heaven say, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
Peter heard this voice that came from heaven when he was with (Jesus) on the sacred mountain.
We also have the word of the prophets made more certain.
Prophets who spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
...And, believers in Christ, also have a "witness" in their hearts that Jesus is the Saviour of mankind, to those who believe in the One who was sent.
Yes, there is a "light" shining in a dark place...
If we believe in eyewitness testimony, the word of the prophets, the truth of the Holy Spirit, and trust in the witness in our own heart -- then we must WALK AS JESUS DID!
Do I have a witness?? Let me hear it, what is the testimony of your heart...
Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth -- so help you, God?
Sunday, March 12, 2006
March 12th The Welcome Sign is Out! 2Peter 1:10 - 15
For those of us who have traveled a little; you can relate with me, when you've been on the road for a long time: You're tired, hungry, and empty -- you pull into a town (where you have no advanced reservations) and all you see is that depressing sign -- "NO VACANCY". The business meetings were exhausting or the kids are restless (and all they want is a hotel with a pool, right?) All, you want is a bed & pillow, yet...NO VACANCY.
...and then you see it in the distance; VACANCY - WELCOME! Yes! Finally, we have arrived.
vs. 11 "...and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
Please, let this settle-in for a moment. Let the Spirit of God resound this in your inner being, to the depths of your soul...
WELCOME!.....
.........................................................
Welcome, I've been waiting for you, I've been expecting you....rest, peace, joy.
"Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome..."
Peter states in vs.12 that this is so important, that we remember these things, even though we are firmly established in truth...
"So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things."
Wow, what a commitment, what a love, what a concern, what a legacy! This is obviously very important to Peter (and to God). This is our life blood, our foundation, our rock...to be reminded of our "divine power" vs. 3; of "His glory and goodness" vs. 3; of "escaping corruption" vs. 4; of "adding to our faith" vs. 5; of "truth" vs. 12
Remember these things; Remember these things; Remember these things
Refresh your memory; Refresh your memory; Refresh your memory
Share this Refreshing with your family, your friends, your brothers & sisters in Christ.
Again, stop for a moment (or longer) and Refresh your memory, remember, reflect, repent, and rejoice!
Welcome!
...and then you see it in the distance; VACANCY - WELCOME! Yes! Finally, we have arrived.
vs. 11 "...and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
Please, let this settle-in for a moment. Let the Spirit of God resound this in your inner being, to the depths of your soul...
WELCOME!.....
.........................................................
Welcome, I've been waiting for you, I've been expecting you....rest, peace, joy.
"Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome..."
Peter states in vs.12 that this is so important, that we remember these things, even though we are firmly established in truth...
"So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things."
Wow, what a commitment, what a love, what a concern, what a legacy! This is obviously very important to Peter (and to God). This is our life blood, our foundation, our rock...to be reminded of our "divine power" vs. 3; of "His glory and goodness" vs. 3; of "escaping corruption" vs. 4; of "adding to our faith" vs. 5; of "truth" vs. 12
Remember these things; Remember these things; Remember these things
Refresh your memory; Refresh your memory; Refresh your memory
Share this Refreshing with your family, your friends, your brothers & sisters in Christ.
Again, stop for a moment (or longer) and Refresh your memory, remember, reflect, repent, and rejoice!
Welcome!
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Feb 25th: Cure for the nearsighted and the blind 2 Peter 1:5-9
Well, I must admit, the time has finally come for me to venture into the land of "bifocals". While I have prayed for my eyes regularly, I must yield to science and God's provision via corrective lenses...I am at the point where I can't read my own blog. What a drag! I will still keep seeking the Lord to heal my eyes though.
Have you ever stopped to think how people functioned years ago before the eyeglass was invented? (...thanks Benjamin Franklin). They must have needed to depend on each other much more for everyday things. We so take our eyesight (corrected eyesight) for granted these days.
While our Lord brought eyesight to the blind (physically), He also cured (cures) a lot of our blindness. While I need to take the effort to go to the eye doctor and get an examination, and have lenses made and fitted to the frames...the Apostle Peter says I must also make every effort to add to my faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self control; and to self control, perseverence; and to perseverence, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
Faith-->Goodness-->Knowledge-->Self-Control-->Perseverence-->Godliness-->Brotherly Kindness-->Love
If we do not have these, we have forgotten that we have been cleansed from our past sins...we are nearsighted and blind.
When we finally get corrective lenses we feel like a whole new world opens up to us, the edges of objects seem sharper, our depth perception improves, we see things we haven't seen before...well, when we add to (and walk in) the qualities of Jesus our Lord in increasing measure we again gain our Godly sight...we can see through God's eyes, we can pierce the darkness with our daily obedience.
If we are to WAJD, we need to add to our faith...
Let's start right now!
Have you ever stopped to think how people functioned years ago before the eyeglass was invented? (...thanks Benjamin Franklin). They must have needed to depend on each other much more for everyday things. We so take our eyesight (corrected eyesight) for granted these days.
While our Lord brought eyesight to the blind (physically), He also cured (cures) a lot of our blindness. While I need to take the effort to go to the eye doctor and get an examination, and have lenses made and fitted to the frames...the Apostle Peter says I must also make every effort to add to my faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self control; and to self control, perseverence; and to perseverence, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
Faith-->Goodness-->Knowledge-->Self-Control-->Perseverence-->Godliness-->Brotherly Kindness-->Love
If we do not have these, we have forgotten that we have been cleansed from our past sins...we are nearsighted and blind.
When we finally get corrective lenses we feel like a whole new world opens up to us, the edges of objects seem sharper, our depth perception improves, we see things we haven't seen before...well, when we add to (and walk in) the qualities of Jesus our Lord in increasing measure we again gain our Godly sight...we can see through God's eyes, we can pierce the darkness with our daily obedience.
If we are to WAJD, we need to add to our faith...
Let's start right now!
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Feb 19th: Escaping the corruption in the world 2 Peter 1:3-4
As we continue our study of 1st & 2nd Peter we reflect on God's divine power.
During the "horse and buggy" days, a carriage was pulled by one horse and therefore was deemed a one horsepower carriage. Then the steam engine was developed and eventually the gasoline powered vehicle. Today the pony (motorcycle) is driven by a 100 horsepower engine. Can you imagine pulling a wagon with one hundred horses at once? Wow! That's power.
Well, how do we compare this to God's divine power??
How can we define God's power?? How would you tell someone about God's power??
You would probably talk about the creation of the world, or the human eye, or the beauty of the rose, or the color of a butterfly, toucan, or tiger, or maybe the roar of the ocean, or the landscape of the Rockies. As you move more into the spiritual realm you may talk about forgiveness over sin, God's grace, redemption, salvation....
Would you ever mention that you can now participate in the "Divine Nature of God"?
Yes, the Divine Nature of God!! Wow,Wow!
"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. Through these he has given us his very precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."
What is God's divine nature? Love, Mercy, Grace, Hope, Justice, Provision...
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself."
If there is something that we think we are lacking in God we need but ask because He has given us everything we need. We just need to know it!!
This divine power will also allow us to escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Do you (I) have evil desires? Really, what are your (my) desires? Do you (I) pursue these in public or private? Is promotion an evil desire? How about pride? What about jealousy, self-righteousness, coveting?
Ask, "Lord, do I have any evil desires in my heart? Please show me these in prayer, through Your Word, via my Pastor, in circumstances, by Your Spirit."
Do you believe this Word of God? If we are to WAJD, then we must "desire" these things: to believe in God's divine power, His precious promises, His divine nature.
During the "horse and buggy" days, a carriage was pulled by one horse and therefore was deemed a one horsepower carriage. Then the steam engine was developed and eventually the gasoline powered vehicle. Today the pony (motorcycle) is driven by a 100 horsepower engine. Can you imagine pulling a wagon with one hundred horses at once? Wow! That's power.
Well, how do we compare this to God's divine power??
How can we define God's power?? How would you tell someone about God's power??
You would probably talk about the creation of the world, or the human eye, or the beauty of the rose, or the color of a butterfly, toucan, or tiger, or maybe the roar of the ocean, or the landscape of the Rockies. As you move more into the spiritual realm you may talk about forgiveness over sin, God's grace, redemption, salvation....
Would you ever mention that you can now participate in the "Divine Nature of God"?
Yes, the Divine Nature of God!! Wow,Wow!
"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. Through these he has given us his very precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."
What is God's divine nature? Love, Mercy, Grace, Hope, Justice, Provision...
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself."
If there is something that we think we are lacking in God we need but ask because He has given us everything we need. We just need to know it!!
This divine power will also allow us to escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Do you (I) have evil desires? Really, what are your (my) desires? Do you (I) pursue these in public or private? Is promotion an evil desire? How about pride? What about jealousy, self-righteousness, coveting?
Ask, "Lord, do I have any evil desires in my heart? Please show me these in prayer, through Your Word, via my Pastor, in circumstances, by Your Spirit."
Do you believe this Word of God? If we are to WAJD, then we must "desire" these things: to believe in God's divine power, His precious promises, His divine nature.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Feb 4th -- Where Does Our Faith/Grace/Peace Come From?? 2Peter 1:1-2
Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ gives us the answer to this question. And it is very simple...
Through righteousness and knowledge! (Of our God and Savior(Lord) Jesus Christ!
Let's read - "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."
Who provides (provided) the righteousness?
Where does our knowledge come from?
You see, it is all His! Through God, our Savior, and the Holy Spirit comes righteousness and knowldege. He called us, showed us Himself, allows us to know Him more and more, and gives us a precious faith. Is there a better faith?
We need to have faith in many things as we live out our lives:
Faith that the food we eat for breakfast is pure, safe, and has been harvested/processed/packaged with our health in mind; Faith that the water we drink is pure enough to keep us from illness; Faith that our electricity will stay on all through the night so our alarm will function at the start of our day; Faith that the starter will turn our engine when we turn the key; Faith that our employer will actually pay us for our hard work at the end of the pay period; Faith that the "other" car will stop at the intersection red light; Faith that our children will be taught properly at school in preparation for their future: Faith that the pill we took for our headache was designed and manufactured with the proper chemicals and packaged in the proper container; Faith that the bank will keep our money on deposit...one thing we don't need faith for is that God will remain "faithfull", why?? Because He cannot lie.
God doesn't "just get us by", He desires for us to have abundance...Grace and Peace in abundance. How? Through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. The more we know Him, the more grace and peace we have.
On this earth, Jesus knew His Father and therefore walked in confidence. If we are to WAJD then we must use our precious faith and listen to the Holy Spirit as we read God's Word to know Him better. As we learn of Him, our grace and peace grow abundantly.
Well, let's all grow in our knowledge together...
Through righteousness and knowledge! (Of our God and Savior(Lord) Jesus Christ!
Let's read - "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."
Who provides (provided) the righteousness?
Where does our knowledge come from?
You see, it is all His! Through God, our Savior, and the Holy Spirit comes righteousness and knowldege. He called us, showed us Himself, allows us to know Him more and more, and gives us a precious faith. Is there a better faith?
We need to have faith in many things as we live out our lives:
Faith that the food we eat for breakfast is pure, safe, and has been harvested/processed/packaged with our health in mind; Faith that the water we drink is pure enough to keep us from illness; Faith that our electricity will stay on all through the night so our alarm will function at the start of our day; Faith that the starter will turn our engine when we turn the key; Faith that our employer will actually pay us for our hard work at the end of the pay period; Faith that the "other" car will stop at the intersection red light; Faith that our children will be taught properly at school in preparation for their future: Faith that the pill we took for our headache was designed and manufactured with the proper chemicals and packaged in the proper container; Faith that the bank will keep our money on deposit...one thing we don't need faith for is that God will remain "faithfull", why?? Because He cannot lie.
God doesn't "just get us by", He desires for us to have abundance...Grace and Peace in abundance. How? Through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. The more we know Him, the more grace and peace we have.
On this earth, Jesus knew His Father and therefore walked in confidence. If we are to WAJD then we must use our precious faith and listen to the Holy Spirit as we read God's Word to know Him better. As we learn of Him, our grace and peace grow abundantly.
Well, let's all grow in our knowledge together...
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Jan 29th -- We have a role in administering God's grace! 1Peter 4:10
Many of us would say that God's grace is unmerited favor that comes from God alone. However Peter does not limit this concept, actually he states that "we" have a role to play. That "we" can administer God's grace. Have you ever thought of this??
Yes, we are (can be) used of God to administer His grace. God uses us to administer grace...His Grace!! Wow.
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."
First we must desire to find out our "gifts" (and place) in the Body of Christ. We are strategically gifted and placed by God to form the Body of Christ. And then we are responsible to God, to be used by Him, to (faithfully) administer His GRACE. Wait a minute...I thought God gives the grace we need for this life? How is it that I have a role to play?
Peter tells us to faithfully administer God's grace by "using our gifts". Have you ever pursued the knowledge of your gifts? You have been assigned special gifts by the Holy Spirit to provide GRACE. What an honour and responsibility!
vs. 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."
Often we expect our Pastor to "speak the word of the Lord to us". But what about us? Do we speak the word of the Lord when we open our mouths?? Do we serve with the strength God provides, or in our own strength...that leads to frustration and burnout?
So, 1Peter 5:12 states that Peter shared with us "the true grace of God..."
That grace covers: (1)His first coming (2)His gift of eternal life (3)His eternal glory (4)Using our gifts
If we are to WAJD then we must (1)Find our God given GIFTS (2)Faithfully administer these gifts (3)Present God's GRACE to others
Have you (have I) been faithful?
Well, let's get on with it...what are we waiting for??
Yes, we are (can be) used of God to administer His grace. God uses us to administer grace...His Grace!! Wow.
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."
First we must desire to find out our "gifts" (and place) in the Body of Christ. We are strategically gifted and placed by God to form the Body of Christ. And then we are responsible to God, to be used by Him, to (faithfully) administer His GRACE. Wait a minute...I thought God gives the grace we need for this life? How is it that I have a role to play?
Peter tells us to faithfully administer God's grace by "using our gifts". Have you ever pursued the knowledge of your gifts? You have been assigned special gifts by the Holy Spirit to provide GRACE. What an honour and responsibility!
vs. 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."
Often we expect our Pastor to "speak the word of the Lord to us". But what about us? Do we speak the word of the Lord when we open our mouths?? Do we serve with the strength God provides, or in our own strength...that leads to frustration and burnout?
So, 1Peter 5:12 states that Peter shared with us "the true grace of God..."
That grace covers: (1)His first coming (2)His gift of eternal life (3)His eternal glory (4)Using our gifts
If we are to WAJD then we must (1)Find our God given GIFTS (2)Faithfully administer these gifts (3)Present God's GRACE to others
Have you (have I) been faithful?
Well, let's get on with it...what are we waiting for??
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Jan 21st - Would God Call You To Suffer? 1Peter 2:19
Would you agree that most of us would prefer never to suffer? Many say, "God would not want us to suffer, He is a loving God." But let's look at scripture:
For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
Wait a minute God, I don't want to "suffer" for doing good, I deserve better.
Well this attitude would make it difficult for us to endure and verse 20 has a stipulation that we must have an "enduring attitude"; Why? Because Jesus already "endured". He endured suffering for you and me.
If we are going to WAJD, then we must endure hardship (as discipline), and to give glory to God in the midst of it....for it is commendable!
For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
Wait a minute God, I don't want to "suffer" for doing good, I deserve better.
Well this attitude would make it difficult for us to endure and verse 20 has a stipulation that we must have an "enduring attitude"; Why? Because Jesus already "endured". He endured suffering for you and me.
If we are going to WAJD, then we must endure hardship (as discipline), and to give glory to God in the midst of it....for it is commendable!
Monday, January 16, 2006
Jan 16th Monday - God's Will: One Thing For Sure 1 Peter 2:15
We are often seeking after God's will. We ask, "What is your will God?" "How can I know what to do?"
Well, one thing for sure is God's will in 1Peter 2:15
For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.
Doing good; what does this mean for me today? How do I apply this to my life?
Let's see what the rest of 1Peter 2 has to say:
Submit to every authority instituted among men
Live as free men
Do not use freedom aa a cover-up for evil
Live as servants of God
Show proper respect to everyone
Love the brotherhood of believers
Fear God
Honor the king
Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect....also to those who are harsh
Suffer for doing good (and endure it), this is commendable before God...to this you were called, to follow in Jesus' steps (more about this in tomorrow's devotion)
Entrust yourself to him who judges justly
Again, Jesus did all these things in honor to His Father.
If we are to WAJD, should we do anything less?
Well, one thing for sure is God's will in 1Peter 2:15
For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.
Doing good; what does this mean for me today? How do I apply this to my life?
Let's see what the rest of 1Peter 2 has to say:
Submit to every authority instituted among men
Live as free men
Do not use freedom aa a cover-up for evil
Live as servants of God
Show proper respect to everyone
Love the brotherhood of believers
Fear God
Honor the king
Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect....also to those who are harsh
Suffer for doing good (and endure it), this is commendable before God...to this you were called, to follow in Jesus' steps (more about this in tomorrow's devotion)
Entrust yourself to him who judges justly
Again, Jesus did all these things in honor to His Father.
If we are to WAJD, should we do anything less?
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Jan 15th Sunday -- Good Grief Charlie Brown 1 Peter 1:6-7
Most of us know that great cartoon character developed by Charles Shultz, the loveable Charlie Brown. Whenever Snoopy got Charlie into trouble (or when Charlie got himself into trouble) he would sigh the words, "Good Grief!"
Did you know this is scriptural?
1Peter 1:6-7 ...for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith -- of greater worth than gold...may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
The grief we suffer in trial come (for a purpose)!
The trials come (in all kinds) to:
(1) Prove genuine faith
(2) So that your faith may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Prove to me that you have faith...(how?); by your victory over trials of many kinds.
Have you ever thought that our trials,(and the way we handle them), may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed? I believe that our trials may be used by God to bring "others" to Him. Wow!
If we are to WAJD then we should expect trials of many kinds. Were not Jesus' trials (in the desert) comfort to us, that Jesus can relate with our temptations and trials and accurately intercede (pray) at the right hand of the Father on our behalf?
Rejoice! Rejoice! We are witnesses when we Walk As Jesus Did!
Walk through that trial, we can trust Him.
Did you know this is scriptural?
1Peter 1:6-7 ...for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith -- of greater worth than gold...may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
The grief we suffer in trial come (for a purpose)!
The trials come (in all kinds) to:
(1) Prove genuine faith
(2) So that your faith may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Prove to me that you have faith...(how?); by your victory over trials of many kinds.
Have you ever thought that our trials,(and the way we handle them), may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed? I believe that our trials may be used by God to bring "others" to Him. Wow!
If we are to WAJD then we should expect trials of many kinds. Were not Jesus' trials (in the desert) comfort to us, that Jesus can relate with our temptations and trials and accurately intercede (pray) at the right hand of the Father on our behalf?
Rejoice! Rejoice! We are witnesses when we Walk As Jesus Did!
Walk through that trial, we can trust Him.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Jan 14th Saturday My Shield and My Deliverer 1Peter 1:3
The other day I was watching the movie "Mr. Incredible" from the makers of "Toy Story". In the movie Mr. Incredible's family also have super-hero status. His wife is "ElasticGirl", and his son's name is "Dash" (very fast), and his daughter's name is Violet and she had the ability to be invisible and to create a "force-field" around both herself and her family. While reading the passage I thought of her "super-power" and related it to God's super-power, his resurrection power to (us) who believe.
1Peter 1:3-5 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a "living hope" through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade -- kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
We often do not realize the "SHIELD" we have in Jesus Christ from God the Father. This shield comes through faith...it is for the present and even more so for the time of the coming of our Lord and Saviour. We need not fear at all the future or the last days, we are shielded by God in Christ.
Jesus walked and talked with the Father, our Father, while on this earth and was never in fear. Today if we are to WAJD, then we will be confident, meek, humble, secure in our Lord. Walk in the Shield of God today!!
1Peter 1:3-5 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a "living hope" through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade -- kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
We often do not realize the "SHIELD" we have in Jesus Christ from God the Father. This shield comes through faith...it is for the present and even more so for the time of the coming of our Lord and Saviour. We need not fear at all the future or the last days, we are shielded by God in Christ.
Jesus walked and talked with the Father, our Father, while on this earth and was never in fear. Today if we are to WAJD, then we will be confident, meek, humble, secure in our Lord. Walk in the Shield of God today!!
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