SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 4-5
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION
- Through Peter, I hear the Lord speaking to me about the challenge of following Jesus… if we do it seriously. To not live for sinful pleasure, but to deny myself for the sake of others, loving and serving them even though I pay a price for it. This is the way (the attitude) of Jesus.
- Living for Jesus will result in “going against the flow” of society, of our peers, even of our own desires, and therefore it will result in suffering. But it is good suffering! It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing what is wrong. Those who live for selfish pleasure will also suffer the consequences of their sinful practices. We can choose to suffer now (for doing what is good) or suffer later (for doing what is wrong, unhealthy, harmful to self and others).
- We live in a battlezone, and the enemy is prowling around, looking for ways to disturb, distract, discourage us, and ultimately to defeat us. We need to be armed with the attitude and determination of Jesus, we need to be clear-minded, self-controlled and alert. We need to humble ourselves before the Lord, entrusting our welfare and survival to Him. And we will overcome!
- Peter’s challenge to the community leaders is a reminder to me that I am not only responsible for myself, but also for all those that the Lord has entrusted to my care. For me, that means the crossroads community I belong to. As an undershepherd for Jesus, I need to show them the way, to model the way of Jesus with grace, love and humility.
- The Lord is encouraging me that when I commit myself to living for Him and for His purpose, and leading His people in the Jesus way – even though it means suffering and self-denial now – then one day I will receive the reward of my love and service, the crown of glory that will never fade away. Until then, as I entrust myself to Him, He will make me strong, firm and steadfast. By His Spirit He will give me what I need to persevere and overcome!
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for the reminder to stand firm, since I have been facing some battles lately. I sense how Satan is trying to undermine my focus on You. Make me strong, firm and steadfast, as I seek to speak and serve for You. Amen.
I’m back 🙂
After a time of refreshment, relaxation, re-energizing, change of pace, my service continues where He has placed me – while on vacation time or teaching time – all of it is for Christ’s service. Living for Jesus a life that is true. No matter what you do. It is all for Him. All for Jesus.
The area of service stands out in this passage for me – use of your God-given gifts for service with all your power so that God may be glorified. Lord, give me that desire in my heart each day so that others may see you in me always.
In my daily living for Jesus, I need to see His grace at work through me and in me. He will use me as His instrument of peace, providing all that I need to make me strong and steadfast. Lord, help me to be an encourager and an encouragement to all those around me each day. Help me to remain rooted and growing and steadfast in You.
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.