Friday, January 31, 2014

1 Peter 5 - He Cares

To the elders - be shepherds.
You who are younger - submit yourselves to your elders.
All of you - clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.
Cast all your anxiety on him BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU.
Be alert and of sober mind.
Resist your enemy, the devil.  He prowls like a lion, looking for someone to devour.
God will restore those who suffer.
He will make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Peace to all in Christ.

Whenever I read something written by Peter, I am taken back to the roller coaster ride that was his days of walking with Jesus.  Incredible highs, crushing lows.  He was called a "Rock".  He was told to care for the early believers.  He was also called Satan by Jesus himself.  That's a pretty broad range of experiences.

When my life feels like a roller coaster ride, or when I feel like God couldn't possibly use me because of things I've said or done, I think of Peter.

Friday, January 24, 2014

1 Peter 4 -- Living For God

What does this chapter tell us about what it looks like to live for God?  Plenty.

Arm yourselves with the same attitude as Christ (v. 1).
Be alert and of sober mind (v. 7).
Love each other deeply (v. 8).
Offer hospitality without grumbling (v. 9).
Use whatever gift you have to serve others (v. 10)
Remember to do all these things in the strength God provides, because you cannot do them in your own (v. 11).
Rejoice when you suffer, because you are participating in the sufferings of Christ (v. 13).

Friday, January 17, 2014

1 Peter 3 - Be Prepared

Plenty of good stuff in chapter 3.  Wives, treat your husbands well.  Husbands, treat your wives well.  Repay evil with blessing.  The list goes on.

Probably the one that jumped out most at me comes from verse 15: "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect,...".

It's wonderful to identify ourselves as follower of Jesus.  It's far better to advance God's Kingdom by living in a way that inspires other people to at least become curious about what it means to live the Christian life.  Be prepared to give an answer -- it feels like there are plenty of Christians who are ready to do that.  Not all, but many.  But out of those who have their answer ready, how many deliver that answer with gentleness and respect.  I dare say if the population at large was asked to describe vocal Christians, that gentle and respectful would not be words that come to mind.

Is it not possible to stand for something, and yet do it in a way that is respectful to others, even those who disagree?  I absolutely believe it is.

Friday, January 10, 2014

1 Peter 2 - Who We Are and More About How to Live

v. 3 The Lord is good.

v. 9-10 Those in Christ are chosen, royal, holy, and God's special possession.  We are called to declare His praises.  We are His people who have been brought into the light and have received His mercy.

v. 11-12 We are called to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against our souls.  That's a big deal.  I certainly ought to avoid things that wage war against me.  And yet, sometimes I am drawn to the very sinful ideas that are designed to destroy me.  Lord have mercy on me.

v. 13-17 We are to submit to human authority out of respect for God.

v. 18-25 We are to submit to human authority, even when the result is suffering, following in the example of Jesus.  The commonly stated caveat to this is that we must submit to authority unless it directly contradicts God's Word.  Then I read verse 23 it makes me wonder where that line is.  Jesus did not retaliate or threaten.  He simply suffered.  And those under whom He suffered were surely not operating in accordance with God's Word.  Verse 21 says that He is our example in this.  I am thoroughly convinced that I cannot idly stand by and allow others (especially those who have no voice) to suffer unjustly.  But perhaps I am supposed to consider myself differently, being willing to suffer unjustly if necessary.  Interesting.  Lord, please show me what these verses mean.