Dear Followers of Jesus,
I write this urgent letter to you because the end of the world is coming soon.
Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers.
Continue to show deep love for each other.
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts.
Use them well to serve one another.
Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies.
Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ.
Don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through.
Instead, be very glad – for these trials make you partners with Christ.
So, be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.
It is no shame to suffer for being a Christian.
Praise God for the privilege of being called by His name!
Keep on doing what is right.
Trust your lives to the God who created you, for He will never fail you.
Humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time, He will lift you up in honor.
Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you!
Stay alert!
Watch out for your great enemy, the devil.
He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.
After you have suffered a little while, God will restore, support, and
strengthen you.
He will place you on a firm foundation.
Stand firm in His grace.
Remember these words from Psalms:
Put your hope in His Word.
Never forget His commandments, for by them He gives you life!
In the Name of the One who forgives every sinner – even a poor soul who once denied Him…
Peter
“Feeder of the Sheep”
(Taken from 1 Peter 4 and 5)
BLOG = “Blessedly Leaning On God!”
Thank you Sharon, for this very apt, very timely, wonderful post. Marantha (hope I have spelt that right) come lord jesus, come.
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon, I loved how you placed emphasis on key words in that passage. Faith, endurance, alertness are things I've been reminded of lately.
ReplyDeletePeter is my favorite apostle. I'm such a Peter. I'm the one who blurts it out there for all creation while the others stand behind me thinking the same thing but letting me carry the blurt burden. (That's what I always think when I read his many comments in the gospels, anyway.)
ReplyDeleteSo when I read from his epistles and realize how God used that mighty man of many words, I'm always awed and a little bit hopeful that He could use me the same way.
This makes me want to settle down and read those two chapters today. I want to do a little study on those "earnest and disciplined" prayers.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Like I said before, Sharon, love how you do these! It is encouraging to read these words of Peter and to see how far he came in his walk with the Lord; gives us hope if we continue seeking Him, he will increase our wisdom and our walk with Him! That is always awesome news, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteenjoy the day!
betty
Hi Sharon -
ReplyDeleteThank you, Peter's spokeswoman. You captured him beautifully. Glad you are on board for the only man that I know who walked on water as bid by JESUS. Great company, that Peter man.
We have to keep the candle lit and be ever vigilant. Love, sandie
ReplyDeleteNita - Oh yes! Lord Jesus come! Those particular verses from 1 Peter (Casting all your cares...etc) are some of my favorites. I find such comfort from them.
ReplyDeleteWanda - Faith, endurance, alertness - Those do seem to be traits that God is instilling in His people. I think He's beginning to "call up" His warriors - more and more I see that the world is moving in a direction that necessitates new boldness from we believers. May God give us HIS courage!
Debbie - I personally love blurters! They are bold, and truthful. They stand at the forefront of the battle. They "keep it real" and have an honest and close relationship with the Lord. That's what I see in you, my friend. And I KNOW that God has BIG plans for you. He gave you that gift of "yakkiness" for a PURPOSE!!
Betty - Oh yes, such awesome news - The Lord honors those who seek Him above all else. He gives His wisdom and power - He increases our "mustard seed" faith! And what a lesson in forgiveness and redemption is learned through Peter. God took a scared disciple and turned him into a "rock!"
Sandra - Wouldn't you just LOVE to have dinner with Peter (this side of Heaven?) He would have so many stories to tell! I just love that Jesus called "real" people to follow Him. People like Peter, who had faith, but who also messed up from time to time. God can use a broken vessel - if it's broken for HIM!
Sandie - Ever vigilant - I agree. I've been thinking the last couple of days how much I listen to my "inner" dialogue. About how much I entertain negative thoughts and feelings - how those come from the enemy's influence. Honestly, I need to be more aware, more vigilant, for these subtle attacks! STAY ALERT - that's what I'm trying to do. To recognize the fight, so I can fight it!
GOD BLESS, everyone!