Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Fervent Love

574. "Fervent Love"                   July 31, 2012
1 Peter 4-Part 4
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.    1 Peter 4:8

LET IT GLOW

This is the year of the Olympics. I admire those athletes who have worked intensely and with dediction, practicing their skills, preparing to meet the competition head on. They want to give it their best, their all while performing at their event. It's usually a once-in-a-lifetime occurance. (An exception was a lady who won a gold medal five times in five different Olympics.) Should I have that same attitude towards life? Am I giving my all serving Jesus in this one life I have? Aren't I commanded to love all people, inspite of whatever they are or have done? Above all else, am I loving? To what extinct am I loving others? If I come in contact with another for only a moment, do I show them the love of Jesus? Let's see what Peter  says about it.

Fervent means stretched out, intent, earnest; charity is love going forth from your soul and taking up its abode as it were in ours; it's your love to us; love, affection, or benevolence. (Thayer's Lexicon)
Webster's Dictionary defines fervent as being hot, glowing, earnest (serious, sincere, zealous).

Is my love for others stretched out? Is it sincere and earnest? Or is it conditional-I love you if you do this and that?

If these are the last days, how much more important is it to love those you are going to spend eternity with? (Guzik)

My love is not just to be toward my family and friends, enemies and others, but especially toward the saints, Christians brethren in Christ.

John Gill says love is to be:
  • mutual and reciprocal,
  • warm and fervent,
  • not luke warm nor indifferent,
  • but is to be constant, continued, and perpetual,
  • the sum and substance of the law, and fulfilling of it,
Without love, a mere knowledge of the Gospel and a profession of it are in vain. It is to be attended to first.

Christian love means that we treat others the way God treats us, obeying His commandments in the Word. (Wiersbe)

Jesus told us the two greatest commandments were to love God and love thy neighbor as thyself. (Matt. 22:39) The latter comes from Levitcus 19:18. A description of love is found in 1 Corinthians 13. If we don't have love, we are nothing. Which is the greatest, faith, hope, or love?
Jesus taught us a lot about love-who to love (enemies, those who use us, neighbors, brethren) and how to love (with all our heart). He is my example, so I am to do the same as my Master Teacher.
The question is, "Am I doing it?"

LET IT GROW

The last part of our key verse refers to what was said in Proverbs 10:12, Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

If a person has true love for others, his shortcomings will not be obvious. (Falwell)

Love does cover a multitude of sins, both the sins of the one loving and the sins of the one who is being loved. (Guzik)

Where love abounds in a fellowship of Christians, may small offences, and even some large ones, are readily overlooked and forgotten. But where love is lacking, every word is viewed with suspicion, every action is liable to misunderstanding, and conflicts about-to Satan's perverse delight. (Gruden)

John Gill says that the blood and righteousness of Christ covers sins, the sins of God's elect.
Love:
  • thinks no ill,
  • does not take sin up, improve and exagerate them,
  • takes no notice of injuries, offences, affronts,
  • overlooks them, bears them, forgives them,
  • never rakes sins up and sees them any more, which prevents much scandal, strife, or trouble.
A loving dispostion leads us to pass by faults of others, to forgive offences against ourselves, and to exxcuse and lessen, as far as is consistent with truth, the transgression of men.

Christian love is forgiving. It doesn't condone sin, but it doesn't spread gossip and slander around, does it?

Fervent and forgiving love-that's what I want. It's source is Jesus Christ. He exemplified it when He died on the cross in my place. He committed no sins, but have and do. He payed the price so I could have a relationship with the Father God and an eternal home in heaven. Now that is love!
How can I show Jesus that I love Him? I can show my love by obeying His Word and the Holy Spirit, loving God, and by loving others.

LET IT GO

Leave the jealousy, revenge, unforgiveness at the foot of the cross.

Forgive others and have a fervent love for them unconditionally.






 

Monday, July 30, 2012

As Fast as a Flash

573.  "As Fast as a Flash"             July 30, 2012
1 Peter 4-Part 3
But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 1 Peter 4:7


LET IT GLOW

Do you remember those cameras that required a flash be attatched in order to take pictures not in the sunshine? Yes, I had some of those. (telling my age) Some cameras required a cube with four flashes inside, others required a long, rectangle shape with several flashes inside it. Now days, however,  the flash is inside the camera. Anyway, the flash would go off when I took a picture in the shadows. It was for a clearer picture, adding light to a face. When I pressed the button, in a flash the flash would flash. I got to thinking how life passes by in a flash. Fifty years went by as fast as a flash. I wonder if the return of Jesus will seem like that to Him.

John MacArthur tells us that end means not as if something simply stops, but it means a consummation, a goal achieved, a result attained, or a realization. Peter here begins to emphasize triumphant suffering through the Second Coming of Christ, which is the goal of all things. He is calling believers to live obediently and expectantly in the light of Christ's return.

The New Testament writers talked about the end time when Jesus returns. Christians in the early church expected Jesus to return in their lifetime (Rom. 13:12). They expected it to happen in their day and so do we. Of course, two thousand years have passed since Peter wrote these words. The possibility is that it could happen any second, any flash of time. So we believers in the Word of God should live knonwing that the "end of all things is sure."
The fact that He did not return does not invalidate His promise (2Peter 3:8). Has it only been two days since Jesus left earth?

Do I live with expectancy and an urgency? Am I sharing the Gospel so others can be ready for the rapture?

LET IT GROW

How can I live a life that brings glory to God? Peter gives us his "ten commandments":
1. Be sober (verse 7)
2. Watch unto prayer. (verse 7)
3. Have fervenat love. (verse 8)
4. Use hospitality. (verse 9)
5. Minister your spiritual gifts. (verses 10-11)
6. Think it not strange. (verse 12)
7. Rejoice. (verse 13)
8. Do not be ashamed. (verses 15-16)
9. Glorify God. (verses 16-18)
10. Commit yoiurself to God. (verse 19)

Looking at verse 7, I am to be sober and watch unto prayer. Sober means to be of sound mind; to curb one's passions; watch refers to being calm, collected in spirit unto the offering of prayer. (Thayer's Lexicon)

Am I serious and not swept away by my emotions or passions? I shouldn't be a fanatic who does nothing abut wait for Christ's return. Instead, I should have a watchful pursuit of holiness. I'm a citizen of heaven, just passing through here on my way there. am I serving God to my full capacity?

If I am knocked out of balance by worldly lusts and pursuits, then I can't know the fullness of holy communion ibn prayer with God. Do I enjoy the fullness of fellowship with my Lord?

We will continue to look at the other 8 items on the list above. Stay tuned, friends.

LET IT GO

Keep a sound mind.

Pray, pray, pray.

Talk with Jesus throughout the day.

Let go of the world.

Live for God's glory.

Friday, July 27, 2012

How am I Living?

572.  "How am I Living?"            July 27, 2012
1 Peter 4-Part 2
For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.  1 Peter 4:6


LET IT GLOW

How am I living? Am I walking in the Spirit or in the flesh? It doesn't hurt to reevaluate one's self every so often. Do I have the peace and happiness with God that pleases Him and me? Are grace and love of God a part of my life daily? What do I spend time thinking about-past, present, future? Am I living by faith or by sight? The last phrase of our key verse tells me to live according to God in the spirit. In order to do that, I need to know what pleases God and what His Word says, don't I? I must surrender my will to His.

The Gospel had such an effect on new converts that they lived by faith in Christ, lived a life of holiness from Him and communion with Him, lived according to the will of God, in righteousness and true holiness; though dead in their bodies, they lived in their spirits or souls an eternal life of comfort, peace, pleassure, and happiness with God, according to His eternal purpose, unchangeable, convenant, promise, grace, and love.  (Gill)

LET IT GROW

Where did Peter's readers once walk? (These were Gentiles that he was talking to, remember?)
Verse 3 says that before their conversion, these Gentiles walked in a life of:
lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine(drunkenness), revelings(orgies), banquetings(carousing), and abominable(detestable) idolatries.

Peter's list of vices clarify what we are to leave behind as a believer in Jesus.

The pagan's idea of a good timeas mentioned here, were divided into sexual connotations and parties involving alcohol. These occured in the pagan temples. The Jews would not have been participants, but the Gentiles would have. The people still into those activities wondered why the believers didn't run with them anymore. They ran with the wrong crowd. Since becoming believers, they had new friends, a new way of life, and  a new way of worship.

Unsaved people do not understand the radical change that their friends experience when they trust Christ and become children of God. Let a drunkard become sober, or an immoral person pure, and the family thinks he has lost his mind! (Acts 26:24 and Mark 3:21)  They thought the same thing about Jesus.
Peter said they had spent enough time in the past. Do I let the past stay in the past? Remember what you were before you met Christ?

If life lived after the flesh is anything, it is a waste. A "good life" lived by the world's rules will be a waste in the measure of eternity. (Guzik)

LET IT GO

Let go of the past and live in the here and now.

Live according to God in the spirit.

Walk by faith.

Don't waste any more time living for my self. Surrender. Sacrifice. Obey. Love.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Armor and a Sword

571.  "Armor and a Sword"                       July 26, 2012
1 Peter 4-Part 1
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin. For he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.  1 Peter 4:1-2

LET IT GLOW

When he was a little boy, our son got a plastic armor and sword as a gift. He played the knight senerio day after day. He would ride his three-wheeler around rescuing whomever, fighting the bad men. With all that on, he was ready for anything that came his way.
Am I ready for the challenges of today? Am I dressed in God's armor? (See Ephesians 6:17)

We know that Christ suffered physical pain while He hung on the cross, yet He endured it all so you and I would not have to pay for our sins. Our sins were imputed to Christ. He was the perfect sacrifical Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world. His blood washes our souls clean.  He willingly did it because of His love for us. May I never get over it.

Peter would later face his own martyrdom for the cause of Christ. Peter was faithful to the end for the glory of God. How about you and me? Will we be faithful to the end?

LET IT GROW

What does Peter tell me to do in these verses?
  • Arm yourself. Arm (hoplizomai in Greek), means to equip or outfit as one would outfit an army unit with the best possible weapons for a paarticular battle.
  • Be of the same mind as Christ. The best weapoon here ould be the same mind (ennoia in Greek), or view toward the suffering that Christ Himself had. It was not that Christ enjoyed suffering, but He endured it in order to accomplish our salvation (3:18).
  • Cease from sin. Christ suffered at the hands of sinful men so He could stop their sinning.
  • Live no longer in the flesh. This is the reason or purpose for so equipping oneself.
  • Live to do the will of God.
You won't spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. NLT verse 2

Many of us are defeated in our battle against sin because we refuse to sacrifice anything in the battle. We only want victory if it comes easily to us. Jesus called us to have the kind of attitude that would sacrifice in the battle against sin. (Matt. 5:29-30) (Guzik)

As Christ suffered for you, do ye likewise for Him, for His Gospel. Bear all; die to sin; live unto righteousness. (Gill)

Live in the the Spirit according to the will of God. (Baker)

The work of a Christian is twofold-doing the will of God and suffering His pleasure. Christ put to death the body of sin by self-denial and mortification. He died to destroy sin. the beginning of the true mortification lies in the mind (Eph. 4:18). ( M.Henry)

What's the worst case senerio? A believer suffers unjustly in death. The best that could happen? Their death means the final end of all sins-eternal life. So the threat of death should not be a threat to the Christian.

As believers live for the will of God, their values change; and they align their lives with God's desires, the stated principles and commands in His Word. For the Christian, life's deepest concern is not what human appetites desire, but what God's will dictates. Life becomes a precious resource that cannot be wasted by "doing what the pagans choose to do." (Shepherd's Notes)


Am I living the remainder of my life pursuing the holy will of God rather than the ungodly lusts of the flesh.

LET IT GO

Drop those ungodly lusts of the flesh that surround me.

Arm my mind with the armor of God-His helmet of salvation, breastplate of His righteousness, His truth, His peace, His sword of His Word, His shield of faith.

Stop sinning, repeating those same sins.

Live to do the will of God, not my will.










    Wednesday, July 25, 2012

    Remote Control

    570.  "Remote Control"          July 25, 2012
    1 Peter 3-Part 8
    Who (Jesus Christ) has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand-with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.  1 Peter 3:22 NIV

    LET IT GLOW

    I remember the days before remotes. I would have get up and walk over to the tv in order to change the station or the volume. Growing up in our location, we only got three stations out of Tulsa, due to an antenna. Now instead of getting up to turn the station, I get up to get the remote.
    Really, don't we like to have the power? Whether it is in the form of a remote control or an engine, we like to have control, making the decisions. We like to think we have the power, anyway, but we really don't. Jesus holds everything in His hand. As the old song goes, He's got the whole world in His hands.

    After Jesus accomplished His cross work and was raised from the dead, He was exalted to the place of prominence, honor, majesty, authority, and power. The point of application to Peter's readers is that suffering can be the context for one's greatest triumph, as seen in the example of the Lord Jesus. (MacArthur)

    All things are in subjection to Jesus-angels, authorities, and powers.

    None need to fear who put their trust in Him (Jesus), as He can do whatsoever He will in behalf of His followers and has good and evil spirits under His absolute command. He can do what He will and employ when He will. (Clarke)

    Do I recognize that Jesus is in control, sovereign?

    LET IT GROW

    What does verse 18 say about Jesus dying for?
    • our sins (concerning our sins);
    • the unjust (in our place);
    • a way to bring us to God;
    • being put to death and quickened by the Spirit;
    • those in prison;
    • the disobedien;.
    An example given is Noah. God waited 120 for Noah to build the ark. Only eight people were saved from the flood waters. This, as well as baptism, illustrates Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection as well as what happens to the sinner at the point of salvation. The old person dies, is buried with Jesus in faith, then raised a new person. It is not baptism that saves us, but it shows what has happened in our heart. What a Savior!

    LET IT GO

    Let go of the control and give Jesus the remote control of my life. Allow HIm to change and direct me

    Thank You Jesus for dying for me, a sinner.

    Tuesday, July 24, 2012

    Sufferings

    569.  "Sufferings"                 JULY 24, 2012
    1Peter 3-Part 7
    And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: And be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled.  
    1 Peter 3:13-14

    LET IT GLOW

    Lately I have been accident prone. By that I mean I have had a few accidents that were of my own doing. Such things as hitting my nose on the rock porch when I was pushing a yard light into the dry ground.
    Oh, there was another thing that happened the other day. Since we had a cow get out twice, and when I saw the gate leaning somewhat, I decided to straighten it up so there was less chance of her getting out again. As I lifted the heavy gate, it slipped and hit the middle knuckle of my second finger. It swelled and bruised before I could get the ice. (You should have seen the homemade splint I used-a broken handle of a plastic spoon wrapped with tape. I didn't wear it to church, though.)
    I am always bumping into things or stubbing my toe, hitting my head. Do you do those things, too? Maybe this is not the suffering Peter was talking about. I have had some of the other kinds, too.

    Now who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats. NLT

    It is unusual for people to mistreat those who are zealous for good. Even a hostile world is slow to hurt people who are benefactors of society, who are kind and caring, but it does happen. (MacArthur)

    Our enemies might hurt us, but they cannot harm us. Only we can harm ourselves if we fail to trust God.(Wiersbe)

    If I do what is right and suffer for it, then I will be rewarded by God. That is encouraging.

    In Romans 8:34, Paul asked,"Who could condemn you?" It is God who is the only One who has the authority to condemn me, and He justified me and committed judgment to His Son Jesus (John 5:22).

    Romans 8:1 says, There is therefore now no condemnation to the which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

    Isn't that good news, friends?

    LET IT GROW

    In verses 13-17, Peter talkes about the principle of suffering for righteousness. He says we are:
    • happy, blessed, privileged, honored we are for suffering.(verse 14)  Jesus taught about it in Matthew 5:10 in the Beatitudes.
    • to not be afraid nor troubled. (verse 14)"Live in submissive communion with the Lord Jesus, loving and obeying Him-and you have nothing to fear." John MacArthur
    • to sanctify the Lord God in your heart. Reverence Christ as Lord. Set Him apart as Lord in my heart.
    • to be ready to give an answer with certainty and assurance of your hope of salvation when asked.
    • to do it with meekness and fear, with humility toward men and reverence and worship toward God. (Why am I a Christian? What do I believe?
    • have a good conscience, so you are doing right and their accusations are false. The conscience accuses a person of sin using producing guilt, shame, doubt, fear, anxiety, or despair. Confess and ask Jesus to forgive me is how I can prevent those.
    How's my attitude? Am I honored to suffer for Christ? Do I turn the other cheek, and not to grumble?
    Guilty.

    LET IT GO

    Consider it an honor to suffer for Christ my Savior.

    Keep Him as Lord in and of my heart.

    Be ready to give an answer for my hope.

    Keep a clear conscience, free from sin by confessing.

    Monday, July 23, 2012

    A Happy Life

    568.  "A Happy Life"                   July 23, 2012
    1 Peter 3-Part 6
    For the Scriptures say, "If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away fron evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. but the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.  1 Peter 3:10-12
    NLT

    LET IT GO

    On what are my eyes focused? To what are my ears listening? Last Sunday morning, I went to put on my glasses and one side of the frames broke. So I got the wide, thick, clear tape and wrapped it securely. This lasted all week, but with my periforal vision, I could see it all the time I wore my glasses.( It would bug me if I focused on it.) Isn't that the way my focus is supposed to be-keeping Jesus in my sight. Not physically, of course, but in my heart. When His Word in ever before me, I can almost see Jesus standing on my right.Which way is He leading me? My problem is an "I" problem. I'm focused on myself too much.
    What's that? He is trying to whisper directions to me. Are my ears closed? Why can't I hear Him? Speak louder, Jesus. Perhaps it's because I am listening to the world-its music, its enticements, its material things. How loud they can sound! Don't go away, Jesus, I want to hear what You have to say to me. He doesn't give up. He is always looking for those who want to serve Him, listening to HIs instructions. He leads me on the right path, not the wrong path.


    God's eyes are on His people for protection and His ears are open to their prayers. I must trust God to protect and provide for me, for He alone can defeat my enemies. (Rom. 12:17-21).

    Am I making Jesus happy with what He sees me doing and hears me saying?

    LET IT GROW

    Peter tells us how to have a "good day:"
    1. We must deliberately decide to love life. It's an act of the will. See the best in every situation. We can either endure life, try to escape the burdens, or we can enjoy life becausse we know God is in control.
    2. We must control our tongues. Many are the problems of life that are caused by the wrong words, spoken in the wrong spirit. (James 3 and Ps. 141:3)
    3. We must do good and hate evil. King James uses the word eschew, which means to avoid something because you despise and loathe it. Avoid and shun sin.
    4. We must seek and persue peace. If we go looking for trouble, we'll find it; if we seek peace, wwe will find it as well. Christians should exercise moderation as he relates to people and not create problems in order to get his way.
    [Resource: Be Hopeful by Warren Wiersbe]

    The person who wants a truly happy life, enjoying all God's blessings, must first turn away from evil in both word and deed and run after peace. (Falwell)

    MacArthur gives the requirements of the fulfilled life as:
    1. a humble, loving attitude toward everyone (verse 8)
    2. a non-vindictive response toward revilers (verse 9)
    3. pure and honest speech (verse 10)
    4. a disdain for sins and pursuit of peace (verse 11)
    5. a right motive to work righteousness that pleases the omnicient Lord.
    How much do you and I want a fulfilling life?

    LET IT GO

    Leave behind those things that my eyes and ears are involved with that displease God.

    Turn my eyes upon Jesus. Open my ears that I may hear Him speak.

    Love life; control my tongue; do good; persue peace.

    Friday, July 20, 2012

    A Free Gift

    567.  "A Free Gift"                         July 20, 2012
    1 Peter 3-Part 5
    Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another, be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9 NIV


    LET IT GLOW

    Don't you just love free things? Whenever I find a "two fer," I grab it. By that I'm talking about two for the price of one, like burgers, dinner meals, pop, sale products. Even if I have to use a coupon, I will in order to enjoy the benefit.  I thought about these two fers when I read about a free gift in a commentary. Want to know what it is?

    In reference to verse 9, The MacArthur Bible Commentary says:
    Blessing means "to speak well of," to "eulogize." the blessing that a Christian is to give to the reviler includes
    1. finding ways to serve him;
    2. praying for his salvation or spiritual progress;
    3. expressing thankfulness for him;
    4. speaking well of him;
    5. desiring his well-being. (Lev. 19:18, Prov. 20:22, Luke 6:38)
    You were called to this. A person to whom God has given undeserved blessings instead of judgment should seek the blessing he will receive when giving a free gift of forgiveness to someone who has wronged him. (Matt. 18:21-35)

    Friends, I had to stop and ask forgiveness for not forgiving someone in my life. Love never fails. It seems like an everyday occurance, forgiving them. Duh! I need it, they need it, everyone needs it since we are all sinners, right? Those items on the list are easier read than done. I have some work to do outside of class.

    Vengence is a powerful inclination when we believe we have been unjustly treated. If we have those five virtues listed in verse 8, then we won't seek revenge phusically or verbally. Psalm 34:12-16 tells us how to act if we desire life, peace, and long life.

    Expecting a blessing yourselves, you should be ready to scatter blessings on all others. You should be ready to bear all their reproaches, and even to wish them well. The hope of eternal life should make your minds calm; and the prospect that you ware to be so exalted in heaven should fill your hearts with ...love.  (Barns)

    Will we scatter blessings on all others today? Or will we pick and choose? Christ was our ultimate example. Change my heart, Lord.

    LET IT GROW

    In verse 8, Peter lists five virtues, which he comands us to do, be:
    1. Live in harmony. Harmonious means a desire to cooperate so long as the purpose is in harmony with biblical principles and the mission of the believer. He doesn't mean to compromise at any cost.
    2. Be sympathetic. Sympathetic means to feel together and it involves anability to understand and comfort people.
    3. Love as brothers. Brotherly love, philadelphoi, connotes a sense of family ties and loyalty to one another.
    4. Be compassionate. Compassionate means kindhearted, a quality of hurting when someone else is hurting.
    5. Be humble. Humble in spirit means humble-minded. A person who possess this attribute is willing to listen to others' ideas even when he or she disagrees.
    As a child of God, we can't escape the responsibility of living like this. We live in spiritual family, with Christ as the Head. Christianity requires these virtues as we walk by faith.
    [Resource: James and First and Second Peter by William Baker]

    Which ones do I need to work on? Which ones do you need to work on?

    LET IT GO

    Forgive those honery folks. Pray, serve, thank, speak well of them, even desire well-being upon them.

    Love my enemies and my brothers and sisters in the faith.

    Live in harmony; be sympathetic; show brotherly love; have compassion; remain humble in spirit.

    Love Jesus, love others.

    Thursday, July 19, 2012

    Husbands

    566.  "Husbands"                     July 19, 2012
    1 Peter 3-Part 4
    Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life: that your prayers be not hindered.  1 Peter 3:7


    LET IT GLOW

    Husbands-got ta love 'um.
    If I am being the kind of wife Peter talked about in our previous lesson, then chances are my husband will be the kind described in verse 7. What did I learn about being a wife? I am to trust God, submit to my own husband, have a gentle and quiet spirit, and have an honorable appearance (hair, jewelry, dress). If you missed that lesson, then catch up girl. It is worth your time.

    When I think of the differences of men and women, they are as different as night and day. Why are men so different? God made them that way. Maybe women are the different ones, since man was created last. Just a thought. Girls, I'm going to share what I have learned over the years. Maybe it will help a young wife.

    Shaunti Feldhahn, in her book, For Women Only, concluded this about most men after 400 completed a survey:
      • Men need respect. They need to be respected for who they are, apart from how they do. Respect his judgment, abilities, in communication, in public, in our assumptions.
      • Men feel insecure. They feel like impostors and are insecure that their inadequacies will be discovered. Affirmation is everything; let him know he's the greatest, number one. If a man know that his wife believes in him, he is empowered to do better in every area of his life.
      • Men are providers. Providing is at the core of a man's identity. It is a way they say "I love you." Providing accompanies his need to succeed. It carries an ongoing risk of failure. Providing means earning enough for both present and future. What to do: reconsider existing areas of conflict (smaller house), help relieve the pressure, encourage and appreciate him.
      • Men want more sex. Sex effects his sense of well-being and confidence in all areas of his life. It fills a powerful emotional need. Sex make him feel loved and desired. Fulfilling sex gives him confidence. It removes loneliness. Choose to love him in the way he needs. Learn his signals, get involved, make it a priority.
      • Men are visual. He can't not want to look. Men have a mental Rolodex of sensual images. (The eye magnet is a woman showing off her body. Images are stored, not removed.) These images and thoughts arrive involuntarily. His physical impulse is to enjoy the feelings associated with them. He can choose to dwell on the images and thoughts, or dismiss them. Be reassurred: his temptation isn't often primarily sexual; every man is different; it's not because of you; it doesn't impact his feelings for you. Help him during his HALT-Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired times.
      • Men are unromantic clods. They enjoy romance, want to be romantic, but hesitate because they doubt they can succeed. Playing together is romantic to him. Join him in what he likes to do-sports, tv, walk, music. Romance without sex may not feel complete to him. Encourage him, entice him,  keep hubby number one.
      • Men care about appearance. He needs to see you making an effort to take care of yourself. It makes him feel loved and cared for, valued and happy. He wants to be proud of you.
    There we have it ladies, ways to better understand your husband and please him. Am I?

    LET IT GROW

    Getting back to Peter, what does he say to the husband?
    • Live with your wife. Settle in, be at home, be comfortable around her.
    • Know your wife. Marriage is like a volt-it only opens to one person. Understand her fears, dreams, likes.
    • Honor your wife. Show her sespect by listening to her, pay attention, and ask why she is crying or upset.
    [Reference: Charles Swindoll]

    Others add further meaning to verse 7:

    The husband is the leader, and yet he must also submit in humility, not to his wife, but to the good of the marriage. The grace of life is the inheritance which has been received together. If a husband doesn't give honor to the wife, prayers will be hindered.  (Falwell)

    She is physically weaker, so recognize her limitations and don't expect more than is appropriate. Love, honor, understand your wife.   (Guzik)

    Speak well of your wife, be respectful to her, by deeds as well as words. (Gill)

    Am I being a helper or a hindrance to my husband? Is my love for him growing or is is stagnating?

    LET IT GO

    Be the Christian that glorifies God.

    Serve my husband.

    Respect, affirm, appreaciate, and love my husband.

    Make him the number one guy in my life. (God is always first.)

    Wednesday, July 18, 2012

    How to be a Beautiful Woman

    565.  "How to be a Beatiful Woman"             July 18, 2012
    1 Peter 3-Part 3
    This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands. For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do.  1 Peter 3:5-6 NLT

    LET IT GLOW

    We have a pair of birds that often sit on top of the electric pole across the road or on top of the dead pine tree in our yard and sing up a storm. Well, they sing praises to Jesus, sounding like a yardful of various birds. (I wish a storm of rain would come.) I enjoy listening to them so much. Sometimes I whistle, but they don't mock me. I suppose they know the difference in a bird singing and a person's whistle. The point is, those two birds mock or imitate other songbirds.
    Who do I imitate? Movie stars, singers, the rich, those street girls, or godly women of the Bible?

    Since Peter talked about the women of old, referring to those in Old Testament times, inwardly beautiful godly women, we should imitate them, doing what they did since they pleased God, making ourselves beautiful. What did they do that made them beautiful?
    • They trusted in God.
    • They accepted their husband's authority. 
    • They adorned themselves with the submission to their husband.
    • They had a gentle and quiet spirit.
    • Their manner of life, behavior, was pure.
    These women demonstrated their faith and trust in God by being submissive.
    It became improper dress for holy women to plait their hair (braids, curls, knots on top), wear excessive, bangling gold jewelry, and seductive clothing, since the harlots commonly did such.

    Submission to her husband was so important to God that He made it a manifestation of "walking with the Lord," "being in the will of God," and "being filled with the Holy Spirit."  (Eph. 5:15-18)
    (The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace)

    Are my hairstyles, jewelry, and clothing honoring God and my husband? Or are they drawing attention to me? Who do I imitate-godly women or worldly women? Am I trusting God to lead my husband?


    LET IT GROW

    How was Sarah a good example for us women to follow?
    • Sarah, Abraham's wife, submitted to her husband by moving all over the place, sometimes not knowing where he was going, even down to Egypt.
    • She obeyed Abraham when he told her to tell a king that she was his sister, not his wife.
    • Sarah honored and respected Abraham when she called him "lord." (see Genesis 12 and 18)
    Did you know that we are like Sarah's daughters when we do the same things?
    If it is hard for us to submit, obey, and respect our husband, ask God why that is. Tell the Lord Jesus about it and ask for His help in those areas. I know we all want to be a ravishing beauty in God's eyes, on the inside, that is.

    Jesus submitted to His heavenly Father, shouldn't I?

    LET IT GO

    Pride, jealousy, bitterness, bossiness, all  have to go out the door, girls. Slam that door on them.

    Allow the Holy Spirit to fill me with love and respect for my husband.

    Submit and obey him. God is pleased when I do.

    Make my husband king of our castle. Call him Prince, Sir, King, my lord. (Don't give him a heart attack, though.)

    Be an imitator, not an immitation.  (Imitate the godly Biblical women, but be real, not an actress.)

    Tuesday, July 17, 2012

    Hair, Jewelry, and Clothing

    564.  "Hair, Jewelry, and Clothing"                  July 17, 2012
    1 Peter 3-Part 2
    Whose (wives) adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.   1 Peter 3:3-4


    LET IT GLOW

    Not many came to visit her, this widow of about forty years, living alone in the house her husband built. She always dressed in old duster, clean and ironed shift dress with old black tie-up granny shoes, gray hair in a bun, no make-up, just age on her face, no fancy jewelry. That was always her appearance, the same every time I came to visit. She spent her days gardening, flowers and vegetables, preserving food, cooking for grandchildren, reading, crocheting, and other home-bound activites. (She lived to be one hundred.) A Bible was always sitting next to her handiwork. She was the sweetest little old lady, my Aunt Artie. She always dropped what she was doing and sat down to visit whenever I came. She listened to how things were going in my life, my family, immediate and extended. Time seemed to stop moving when I entered her door, or walked through the sweet aroma of petunias.

    She showed me her latest crocheting project, gave my some precious houseshoes she made, a gift from the heart. Always had to give me some fresh vegetables to take home. Pointed out her latest new flowers. Showed me old family pictures. Her house was filled with love and so was her life. There was always a smile on her face." Ohhhh!" was her expression of excitement. Giving, caring, and sharing. I loved my aunt Artie. Why didn't I visit her more often? Although she was not a beauty queen, she was a very beautiful lady to me.

    That's what Peter is talking about here in this chapter.

    Real beauty comes from the hidden person of the heart. It isn't something you wear or primp for. It is something you are. Inner beauty of a godly woman is incorruptible. It doesn't decay or get worse with age. It only gets better with age, and is of so much more value that the beauty that comes from the hair, jewelry, clothing. (Guzik)

    Thayer's Lexicon says:
    adorning means ornament, decoration (orderly arrangement-Strong's Concordance);
    plaiting refers to the interweaving, braiding, a knot; an elaborate gathering of the hair into knots;
    gold refers to golden ornaments, precious things made of gold;
    apparel is a dress, inner or outer apparel, cloke, clothes, garment, robe.

    How is my appearance? Am I decorating myself too much, overdoing it? Am I trying to be June Cleaver? Or am I the opposite and sloppy, unclean in my appearance?

    Peter was not condemning all outward adornment. His condemnation is for incessant preoccupation with the outward to the disregard of one's character. Every Christian woman is especially to concentrate on developing that chaste and reverent Christlike character. (MacArthur)

    In Peter's day, women dyed their hair and wore wigs, too. What is the source of my beauty?

    With what am I reoccupied? What takes up my time, money, energy, and thoughts?

    Nancy Leigh DeMoss, in her book, Lies Women Believe, says:
    The outward appearance of the Christian woman is to reflect a heart that is simple, pure, and well-ordered; her clothing and hairstyles should not be distracting or draw attention to herself by being extravagant, extreme, or indecent. In this way, she reflects the true condition of her heart and her relationship with the Lord, and she makes the Gospel attractive to the world. You belong to the King-you are royalty. Dress and conduct yourself in a way that reflects your high and holy calling. Don't think, dress, or act like the world.
    (See 1 Timothy 2:9-10, Proverbs 31)
    I want my appearance to reflect a heart that is simple, pure, and well-ordered. How is  my clothing and hairstyle? Do they draw attention to me and not pointing others to Jesus? How is the condition of my heart? Is it submissive to Jesus and my husband?

    Beauty must come from the heart, not the store. (Wiersbe)

    Regardless of what potions, pills, or procedures I purchasse, I know there is a process taking place in my physical body that will not be reversed this side of eternity. (DeMoss)

    Hair, jewelry, and clothes-don't let them preoccupy my time, nor cause men to stumble into wrong thoughts and sin. Honor the Lord with my appearance. Stay fit and trim according to my age. Make sure my clothing is not youthful looking.

    LET IT GROW

    Now that we got the outside its proper perspective, let's get work on the inside. The hidden person of the heart-this is where the true beauty lies, ladies. It is real, always present, never fades, grows.

    What is worth a great price and precious in the sight of God? A meek and quiet spirit (inside a lady).

    According to Thayer's Lexicon, meek means mild, humble; quiet means tranquil; (still and peaceable-Strong's Concordance)

    How's my attitude and graditude? Am I prideful or meek and gentle, loud or quiet?

    Scripture doesn't condemn physical beauty or suggest the outward appearance does not matter. What is condemned is taking pride in God-given beauty, giving excessive attention to physical beauty, or tending to physical matters while neglecting matters of the heart. (DeMoss)

    Am I cultivating my inner beauty, character, and radiance that are pleasing to God and last forever?

    Focus on those things that God says matter most-things like letting His Spirit cultivate in me a gracious, wise, kind, loving heart, with fruit of the Spirit.

    Keep studying His Word, friends. Keep praying sweet ones. God looks upon the heart, as He told Samuel when he was searching for a new king God wanted.

    Titus 2:3-4 directs the young woman. You may be one or you have a daughter who is one. Either way, it is directive.

    LET IT GO

    What do I need to change in my heart? Be submissive to God's ways, not my ways.

    What does my appearance say about my heart? Be conservative and feminine, not flashy.

    Wear truth, love, gentleness, joy.

    Let go of the worldly ways and let Jesus lead me.

    Evaluate my hair, jewelry, clothing, and character.

    Be beautiful inside and out.






















    When I think of  

    Monday, July 16, 2012

    Lives of Wives

    563.  " Lives of Wives"         July 16, 2012
    1 Peter 3-Part 1
    Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives. While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.  1 Peter 3:1-2

    LET IT GLOW

    I will admit that growing up the youngest child of three, being seven and ten years younger, resulted in my being extremely spoiled. I began the teenage years basically an only child. My sibblings were off to college/married by that time. I got to watch tv shows I liked, most of the time. I went on shopping sprees with Mom (got any 3 piece outfits and shoes I wanted ). I had the freedom to go almost anywhere I wanted. Money was available at my asking. Few chores were demanded of me. My goodness, was I a spoiled thing! At the time, I didn't realize it. Now that you know my background, you will understand why my marriage at age 18 was very rocky. My husband, on the other hand, was the oldest of seven children. He was very used to being in charge. Needless to say, I had some adjusting to do that first year. (Truthfully, a lot of adjusting.) We didn't live the same lifestyle to which I was accustomed. We made it, although some said it wouldn't last long. A rich girl married a poor boy in the world's eyes. We will celebrate our 40th anniversary in November.
    Thank the Lord for His help. I hope it lasts another 40. I love you dear! Thank you for putting up with me.
    You can see that I had a lot to learn about being married-loving, giving, serving, submitting. We were both Christians at the time, but Peter gives instructions to those wives whose husband is not a Christian.

    Here's how lost husbands may be converted:
    -without a word; her holy conduct, lifestyle of faith; no lectures, no nagging, no criticizing;
    - her being in subjection to him; subjection means to yield to one's advice, to submit to one's control,
      under; cheerfully and godly submitting to husband, if it doesn't violate God's laws (Acts 4:19) and
      causes us to sin;
    -chaste conversation; chaste means pure from every fault; conversation means manner of life,
      behavior, conduct; don't lead a sinful lifestyle;
    -fear of God (Eph. 5:33); reverence, respect, honor.

    Christian wives can win their husbands to the Lord just by applying humility and by being a good wife. (Falwell)

    An unbelieving husband sees the gospel which his wife believes must be true. (Grudem)

    Let God his way in your husband; demonstrate your trust in God; submit to God's way. (Guzik)

    LET IT GROW

    Being a servant means one who gives themself up wholly to another's will. How's my willingness?

    Proper submission in the home follows the same principles of subjection towards government or employers. It's a submisssion of not only of the actions, but of the heart-as demonstrated by surrendered heart of Jesus (2:21-25).
    So if you are a new believer, don't leave your husband who is not a believer in Jesus. Don't assume a superior position over him either. Show Jesus' love and humility.
    If both husband and wife are Christians, we can still apply these principles, too, ladies.
    Why submit? Warren Wiersbe, in his book, Be Hopeful, says:
    • Submission is an obligation. God has commanded it because, in His wisdom, He knows that this is the best arrangement for a happly, fulfilling marriage.
    • Submission is an opportunity. Wives minister, serve, and honor Jesus as they do also to the husband.
    • Submission is an ornament. She is clothed in humility, an inner beauty.
    Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. Ephesians 5:22
    Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Colossian 3:18
    Older women are to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.  Titus 2:5
    In the same way, you wives, must accept the authority of your husbands. (NIV)

    The Message says The same goes for you wives: Be good wives to your husbands responsive to their needs. There are husbands who, indifferent as they are to any words about God, will be captivated by your life of holy beauty. What matters is not your outer appearance-the styling of your heari, the jewelry you wear, the cut of your clothes-but your inner disposition.

    How's my disposition? How's the temperature of my submission?

    LET IT GO

    Let go of self and submit to my husband.

    Recognize my husband as the authority of our home.

    Serve him as " king of our castle" today.

    Honor Jesus in my submission.

    Friday, July 13, 2012

    A Cow is Out

    562.  " A Cow is Out"              July 13, 2012
    1 Peter 2-Part 10
    Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

    LET IT GLOW

    Cows go astray outside of fences. A cow got out of the fenced-in field somewhere this morning. She was eating grass in our yard. I knew something was wrong because the herd was mooing, which I call tattling on her. We got her back in, but she was hesitant. Aren't people like that? We go astray from God in prayer, stop reading His Word, skip church services, wonder around in the world. Then before we know it we have totally gone astray from God. Okay, I should have used I instead of we. Like sheep or cows, I go astray. I am so thankful that my Good Shepherd Jesus brings me back.


    Peter walked and talked with Jesus. He was one of the disciple. He conveys this about Christ, the Messiah:
    • He knew no sin. He patiently endured unjust suffering  because He was sinless. Jesus' innocence meant that His execution was undeserved. (Is. 53:9) though Jesus lived in the likeness of sinful flesh, though He looked like a sinful man, though He was born of a sinful woman, He committed no sin. (Gill)
    • He reviled not when He was reviled. Revile refers to abuse in speech or writing. (Webster's Dictionary) Jesus neither resented insults nor sufferings inflicted upon Him. (People's N.T.) Jesus didn't grumble under His breath, behind their back, but kept loving those mean people. There was no immorality in His conversation.
    • He threatened not when He suffered. Although Jesus could have called thousands of angels to rescue Him and kill His enemies, He did not do it. He carried out God's plan instead.
    • He committed Himself to God who judges righteously. Jesus gave our judgment between Him and His enemies to God to handle. He left it up to God.
    • He bore our sins in His own body on the cross. Christ died for our sins, not His own. He took our punishment meating the requirements of a holy God, which is a blood sacrifice.
    • He did it so we should live unto righteousness. As sinners, we are crucified with Christ, baptized into His death, then raised to walk in newness of life. Jesus trusted in God's sovereignty and in His working good in the suffering. If we suffer, God has allowed it, not caused it. It's due to sinful choices of people.
    • He heals us spiritually by His stripes. (Is. 53:5-6) Jesus was wounded, bruised, chastised, beaten in our place so we don't have to pay for our sins.
    • He is our Shepherd. Is. 53:6 calls us sheep who have gone astray. Our sins led us away from God.
    • He is our Bishop. Jesus watches over us and cares for us as a pastor of a church does.
    Do I really comprehend all that Jesus did for me? Do I fluff it off or do I daily thank Him?

    LET IT GROW

    Verse 24 says that as believers in Christ, we are dead to sins and should live unto righteousness.

    Being dead (apoginomai in Greek) means litterally to "move away from," and might be better translatted, "that we might die to sin and live to righteousness." The thought is that the life of Christian humility which is being exhorted here is a basic part of the reason for Christ's death on the cross.

    How often do I die to sin and live to righteousness? Am I resisting temptations to sin or yielding? Do I have a right relationship with God throughout the day? Do I walk and talk with Him as I go?
    Do I trust Jesus to be my Good Shepherd and Bishop? Am I trusting His decisions?

    LET IT GO

    Watch my words.

    Resist temptations to sin.

    Trust Jesus as my Good Shepherd to not lead me astray as I follow Him.

    Trust Hinm for my provisions.

    Thank You Jesus, for all You did for me when dying on the cross in my place.







      Thursday, July 12, 2012

      Can You Take It?

      561.  "Can You Take It?"                       July 12, 2012
      1 Peter 2-Part 9
      Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
      1 Peter 2:18-21


      LET IT GLOW

      Can you take it? I have been an employee where I was yelled at while my boss was in my face, telling me what I was doing wrong. I didn't quit, though. I took the criticism and did what he wanted. They didn't think I could do it. They thought I would quit my job and they would be done with my Christian influence. Jesus gave me strength to sit quietly through it all. As a result, I later gave my testimony to coworkers and the plan of salvation to my class of first graders, of which some got saved. The rest of the story is, I worked at a Christian school at the time.
      So I can take it when I am unjustly wronged, but I haven't always done it. Can you? Only through Jesus' strength and grace can we keep our cool. (Let me tell you, I cried when I got out in the parking lot, on the drive home, and all week end.)

      What pleases God? That a person can endure pain while suffering unjustly for the sake of his godly conscience. (Falwell)

      God can give us the grace to submit and "take it" and in this way glorify God. (Wiersbe)

      Anyone can take it when he deserves it. It's when you don't deserve the chewing out that is hard.

      Matthew 5:10-12 talks about being persecuted for righteousness sake, when you are reviled(insulted),  persecuted, and falsely accused. Yours is the kingdom of heaven. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.

      LET IT GROW

      Peter talks about our relationship with worldly authorities in previous verses. Now he is talking about our relationship toward worldly masters. We don't have slaves now days, but we are employees.

      How are we to act?
      New International Version tells us:
      • Submit to your employers with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.
      • Suffer for doing good and endure it, this is commendable before God.
      • Bear up under the pain of unjust suffering because you are conscious of God.
      • You were called to this because Christ suffered for you.
      • Christ left you an example that you should follow in His steps.
      Am I following in His steps? Do I take revenge or leave it to God when wrongly treated? Is grumbling and criticism heard from me about the situation? Oh me. I haven't always reacted in the right way.

      LET IT GO

      Give the situation to Jesus for Him to handle.

      Love my enemies and those that despitefully use me.

      Follow in Jesus steps today.

      Suffer fro doing good, not bad or wrong.

      Wednesday, July 11, 2012

      Priorities

      560.  "Priorities"                  July 11, 2012
      1 Peter 2-Part 8
      Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.  1 Peter 2:17

      LET IT GLOW

      What are my prioritites? Do I stop typing a lesson when hubby has a newpaper article or a bit from a book to share with me? Do I try to get all my computer work done before my granddaughter enters the door of my house? Do I listen as a friend calls unexpectantly and needs to talk on the phone? Do I drop what I'm doing to speak with a neighbor on her walk?  Do I spend enough time with Jesus in praise and prayer daily? Am I hungry for the Word as I am for breakfast? Am I thirsty for His Spirit as a cold glass of iced tea?
      Sometimes one needs to back off and take a look at herself with Jesus' eyes. Am I pleasing my Savior? What are my priorities? Is showing love at the top? Peter pretty well sums up his priorities in one verse. since your're walking with me on this dusy country road, won't you take a few minutes and join me on my porch swing and we will discuss this verse? (I'll get us some iced tea. Sweet or unsweet?)

      1. I think I would place fear God first in this group. How about you?
      Matthew Henry said, "Fear God with the highest reverence, duty, and submission; if this is wanting, none of the other three duties can be performed as they ought."
      Who is ultimately giving us these commands? God is through Peter.
      Fear is used of His devout worshipers, according to Thayer's Lexicon. to cause fear, terrify, is how Young's Concordance explains the Greek word phobeo.(Sounds like phobea.)
      Do I really fear Him Who holds my eternity in His hands? I tend to be more of a buddy with Jesus than fearing His position as All Mighty God, El Shaddiah.
      2. I would place second the phrase love the brotherhood.
      Love used in this verse is the Greek word agapao. It refers to a beloved, felt a love for. (Thayer's Lexicon)
      This love has other verses listed under it in Young's Concordance. It also includes love:
      • your neighbor (Matt. 5:43; 19:19; Rom. 13:9; Gal. 5:14;James 2:8)
      • your enemies (Matt. 5:44)
      • the Lord thy God (Matt. 22:37)
      • one another (John 13:34;1Peter 1:2;1John 3:11,4:7,12; 2John 2:5)
      • walking in love (Eph. 5:2)
      • your wives, you husbands (Eph. 5-6, Col.3:19)
      • righteousness (Heb. 1:9)
      • the brethren (1John 3:14, 4:21)
      NLT  says Respect everyone, and love your Christian bothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king.
      NIV says Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

      The Message says Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.

      If I love my brothers and sisters in Christ, then I won't criticize, judge, hurt them.

      LET IT GROW

      3. I would place thrid the phrase honor all men.

      Honor means to estimated, fix the value; for the value of something belonging to one's self; to revere. (Thayer's Lexicon)

      Respect every man as a fellow creature, as one who may be a fellow heir with you of eternal life. (Clarke)

      Highly esteemed is the idea of honor. It refers not just to obedient duty but inner respect. (MacArthur)

      Do I honor or respect all people? It should not matter about the place they hold, believer or unbeliever, rich or poor, Jew or Gentile, janitor or preacher. I should show grace to all.

      4. The last direction given is to honor the king.
      Should it matter what view he holds to or doesn't hold to? I am to respect the office which he holds, and recall that God allows him to be there.

      Caesar was the Roman emperor and Nero was the persecuting wicked ruler. Those Christians living at that time had it really bad, some killed for their belief in Christ. Yet they were told to honor the king. Shouldn't it be easier for me?

      LET IT GO

      Honor, love, and fear all people, brethren, God, and the king.

      Tuesday, July 10, 2012

      Slip of the Tongue

      559.  "Slip of the Tongue"          July 10, 2012
      1 Peter 2-Part 7
      Submit yourselves to every ordinace of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.  1 Peter 2:13-16

      LET IT GLOW

      For goodness sake, for heaven's sake-how many times have I heard those phrases? Mom used to say them. I never heard her say one cuss word in all my growing up years and adult years. I only heard Dad say one, when we were doctoring cows and a cow was kicking, which made it difficult to give her a shot. I think that's a good record, considering there were lots of frustrating times which could merit a slip of the tongue.
      How's my tongue doing? Do I let words slip out when little ears are around? Unfortunately, in my younger years, I was know as "Linda Darn It" because it was always coming out of my mouth when I was upset. Finally, I quite saying the expression. (A cousin with the same name was know as "Linda Dang It".) That's not a good identity, is it?
      What is Peter saying in our verses today?

      For the Lord's sake-so that God will be honored and glorified.

      It is God's will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God's slaves, so don't use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. (NLT)

      Am I aware that others around me may judge me as bad if I let words slip out that dishonor my Lord? I need to be sure that I watch it. Don't let a slip of my tongue cause me to loose respect in others eyes.

      LET IT GROW

      I am to:
      1. Submit to every ordinance of man. Submit means to obey, be subject (Thayer's Lexicon); to yield, according to Webster's Dictionary. Do I obey every human institution, laws of the land, so the Lord Jesus is honored? Better yet, do I submit to my own husband, and authorites in my church? Bring it on down-do I submit to God's Word? If I am not submitting, then am I rebelling? God's Word tells children to submit to parents, servants to masters, and wives to husbands. God allows people to be in office. Do I pray for them as they lead?

      "There are times when government is itself in violation of the power and authority given by God and contrary to Scripture, when the Christian must not submit (Acts 5:29)," states The MacArthur Bible Commentary.

      Peter said that we ought to obey God rather than men. When a law is condictory to God's Law, then we are to obey God. Daniel did by continuing to pray to God three times a day with his window open, even though the law said to only pray to the king as god. We know how that situation turned out. God shut the lions' mouths.
      Those four Hebrew boys served God by eating vegetables. Isn't that something? Am I willing to do the same?

      2. Respect human authority, the king or his officials.

      3. Use my freedom as a servant of God; love the brotherhood.

      4. Respect their position, though we may not agree with their
          politics or their practices. (Romans 13)

      5. Practice responsible citizenship, thus commending Jesus'
          lordship.

      God has established the home, human government, and the church, so He has the right to tell us how these institutions should be run. God wants each of us to exercise authority, but before we can exercise authority, we must be under authority. God has willed that we silence the critics by doing good, not by opposing the authority. (Wiersbe)

      LET IT GO

      No rebellion, just submission.

      Obey laws of the land when not contrary to God's laws.
      Drive the speed limit, stop at stop signs, and yield on yellow lights.

      Honor my Lord Jesus.
      Watch my words.

      Monday, July 9, 2012

      A Cozy Place

      558.  "A Cozy Place"
      July 9, 2012
      1 Peter 2-Part 6     
      Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.  1 Peter 2:11-12

      LET IT GLOW

      One summer, we took children with us to a camp in New Mexico. We had a family cabin rented where all four of us stayed. My husband and I attended training conferences while our two kids attended VBS type meetings. I tried to make it a cozy place for us to live for a week. I cooked the same meals we had back home. They slept with their comforting animals. Friends, Peter warns us not to make this world a cozy place because we are only traveling through this world, as believers in Jesus. Let's check out our key verses.

      Peter is writing to us as friends, dearly beloved of God, His dear children.
      He uses the word beseech, which denotes encouragement, and better translated as "My dear people, let me encourage you..." (Falwell)
      Peter calls us strangers and pilgrims in this world. We are "resident aliens" who haave our citizenship in another country-heaven. we are temporary in this life, traveling toward the heavenly city (Heb. 11:8-16). (Wiersbe)

      Life on earth, for a Christian, is like temporarily living in a foreign country. This is not our permanent home or final destination. You're just passing through, just visiting earth. Real believers understand that there is far more to life than just the few years we live on this planet. Your identity is in eternity, and your homeland is heaven. We are Christ's ambassadors (2Cor. 5:20).
      (Rick Warren)

      Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul.  (The Message)

      Life is a test, a trust, and a temporary assignment so the appeal of things better loose their grip on our lives. (Warren)

      LET IT GROW

      Peter exhorts me to:
      • abstain from fleshly lusts because I are in a constant battle against the soul (Gal. 5:24);
      • maintain good conduct among the Gentiles (conversation refers to conduct); honesty and good conduct are to by my whole life;
      • make sure my good works glorify God on the day of judgment.
      Fleshly lusts are personified as if they were an army of rebels or guerrillas who incessantly search out and try to destroy the Christian's joy, peace, and usefulness.  (MacArthur)

      Christians must outwardly live among non-Christians in a way which reflects that inward discipline.  (MacArthur)

      Your time on earth is not the complete story of your life. You must wait until heaven for the rest of the chapters. It takes faith to live on earth as a foreigner.  (Warren)

      LET IT GO

      Remember I am loved by God.

      Don't get too cozy in this world.

      Abstain from fleshly lusts.

      Speak honestly.

      Glorify God with my good works.

      Friday, July 6, 2012

      Legacy of Love

      557.  "Legacy of Love"                    July 6, 2012
      1 Peter 2-Part 5
      But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people: that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.   1 Peter 2:9-10

      LET IT GLOW

      For those who are new comers in reading my blog: I write these posts as a legacy to leave my children and grandchildren, showing how God has worked in my life, applying His Word to me. That is why I am writing in the first person, using "I" so much. It isn't that I am so self-centered, but perhaps as you read it, you can apply it to yourself also. I just wanted to explain. Thanks for your patiece.
      Comments are welcome, friends, so feel free to add anytime. We can have a different perspective.

      What am I? When my great-great-grandchildren look at my picture and writings, what will they know about my life, my faith? Will they find Jesus there? Oh, how I pray they will!
      My answers can be the generic-wife, mother, grandmother, friend, sister, aunt. But do people recognize me as a Christian? Does my face show it? Do they hear my faith in my words? Do they see the love of the Savior in my deeds? Not always, so I have work to do.  I want to leave a legacy of love.

      What does Peter say I am, we are as believers in Christ?
      • a chosen generation,
      • a royal priesthood,
      • a holy nation,
      • a peculiar people,
      • the people of God,
      • obtained mercy.
      Peter is using the words from Exodus 19:6 and Isaiah 43:2. He considers that the privileges and responsibilities of Israel in the Old Testament are now being transferred to the church as the people of God in his own day. (Falwell)

      As a church and as individuals, we are the "spiritual Israel" through the new birth. Because Christ is their King and Priest, believers are a royal priesthood. The "spiritual Israel" of believers are God's own possession. Peter used three images to describe the church: a living body, a building, and a nation. The church built on the Living Stone, Jesus Christ, produces spiritual sacrifices and reflects the glories of God. (Shepherd's Notes) 

      The MacArthur Bible Commentary says:
      Christians are chosen by God to salvation. A royal preisthood is not only a priesthood that belongs to and serves the king, but is also a priesthood which exercises rule. This will ultimately be fulfilled in Christ's future kingdom (1 Cor. 6:1-4). Until Israel's future aceptance of its Messiah, Jesus Christ, God has replaced the nation with the church. We are His special people. We proclaim His praises. Proclaim, found no other place in the NT, means to tell forth, to tell something not otherwise known. Praises are excellencies, virtues, eminent qualities. We, Jews and Gentiles, now have obtained mercy. God has eternal mercy on His elect church by forgiving their sins and eliminating their judgment. (Hosea 1:6-10) Believers have been brought under the mercy of God by faith in Christ, under the New Covenant. (Eph. 2:4-13)


      If there is a need in my life, I don't have to go through a priest in order to hear from King Jesus. I have direct access to Him as a royal priesthood. Am I interceeding for others, taking their needs to the King?

      LET IT GROW

      Am I showing forth the praises of Him who called me out of darkness into His marvellous light?

      Show forth (exangello in Greek), means to tellout, and refers to the preaching of the gospel, the good news, or praises of God. Christ is the "Light of the World," found in Isaiah 9:2. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

      Jesus sent Paul to the Gentiles as a witness to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.  (Acts 26:18)

      I am so grateful that His mercy is shown to me, a Gentile. How can we but praise God!

      LET IT GO

      Remember that I am a chosen, peculiar person, child of God,  priest, who has obtained God's mercy.
      Act like it!
      Thank You Jesus for Your love, salvation, and plans.

      Extend my prayer list.

      Thursday, July 5, 2012

      What is Precious to Me?

      556.  "What is Precious to Me?"             July 5, 2012
      1 Peter 2-Part 4
      Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 1 Peter 2:7-8

      LET IT GLOW

      What is precious to me? What is precious to you? What do I spend my time, money, efforts, energy on? Of course I would answer family, friends, God's Word, Jesus, in various order at different times of the day. Really, though, what is most precious to me? If the house caught on fire, what would I make sure was out of the house, safe? My family and Bible are my truthful answers. Then my purse, which I would have to look for because I don't put it in the same place any given day. Pictures of family gone on. The list could go on and on.

      What does Peter describe as precious? The NIV says, Now to you who believe, this stone is precious...

      Precious means of great value; held in great esteem, dear, according to Webster's Dictionary.
      Precious, in this verse, means praise of which one is judged worthy, according to Thayer's Lexicon.

      Is Jesus precious to me?
      Is He dear to me?
      Do I always esteem Him above all else?
      How much do I count Jesus worthy of my praise?
      How dear is Jesus to me?
      Is He so dear that I can't live without Him, without talking to Him throughout the day, without praising and thanking Him for His daily gifts, without loving Him and spending time with Him?
      Things to ponder. He deserves to be number 1 in my life.

      LET IT GROW

      Christianity is a matter of one's attitude toward Jesus Christ. This choice stone, Jesus Christ, is  valuable in that we honor, respect, and worship Him. He is the Chief Cornerstone and foundation of salvation for some. (Falwell)

      He is the foundation of salvation. I like that, Brother Falwell.

      To unbelievers, Jesus:
      • is the stone they reject,
      • has become a stone of stumbling,
      • is a rock of offense and are offended by Him,
      • causes them to stumble at the Word, and fall,
      • is the cause of destruction for those who refuse to believe in Him.
      Isaiah 8:14 is what Peter is quoting here. It continues to say, And for the people of Jerusalem He will be a atrap and a snare. (NIV)

      Their feet strike against it, the Rock Jesus, because they are disobedient to God's message.

      Christ is like a stone in the road that causes a traveler to fall. Unbelief is their disobedience, since the call of the gospel to repent and believe is a command from God. These were appointed to doom because of their disobedience and unbelief. Judgment on unbelief is as divinely appointed as salvation by faith. (MacArthur)

      Am I helping others stop stumbling around and come to Jesus in repentance?

      A I stumbling in my Christian walk because I am not obeying God's Word?

      Is His Word offensive to me, so I don't read it nor apply it?

      Do I pick and choose what part of the Christian path I want to walk on-promises, grace, mercy, yet don't give it to others?

      Yes, His Word is a two-edged sword, cutting my soul to the quick.

      LET IT GO

      Be sure Jesus is the most precious thing to me.
      Help others to not stumble over Jesus, but bring them to salvation in Him.

      Make sure my words and actions do not cause people to stumble and prevent them from coming to Jesus because of my life.

      Wednesday, July 4, 2012

      Freedom

      555.  "Freedom"                    July 4, 2012
      And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32

      Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.  John 14:6

      Independence Day
      LET IT GLOW

      I hope you are spending your day with family and friends, dear one. As women, we are so busy cooking or preparing for picnics. So I am posting ahead, since I, too will be with others today. Just a few thoughts on our special day.

      Thank God for our country where we are free to:
      *have self-rule, not dictatorship,
      *choose our way of worship,
      *be able to worship God as we see fit and not the government requiring a certain religion,
      *speak without inprisionment,
      *have men and women protect our rights,
      *help those in need,
      *choose our jobs.
      The list can continue. What do you have to be thankful for today?

      LET IT GROW

      I thank Christ for dying for me so I could be free from the penalty of my sins, for his forgiveness and mercy, for my friends who join my on my country road of faith, for my citizenship in heaven.  So much to be thankful for today.

      Romans 8:2 says, For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

      John 8:36 says, If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

      I want to live a life that is free from the ropes of sin which tie me down, defeated, worried. I want to soar like the eagle, above my problems, meeting them head on, not in a cage. Only through Jesus' cleansing blood can this be.
      Friend, have you asked the Son of God, Jesus Christ, to forgive you of your sins today? This is the only way you can be free from them.

      LET IT GO

      Let go of those sins that bind me and keep me from being free in Christ.

      Seek His forgivenss.

      Live in His freedom.

      Love in His freedom.

      Tuesday, July 3, 2012

      Mini Skirts

      554. "Mini Skirts"                                     July 3, 2012
      1 Peter 2-Part 3
      Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God, by Jesus Christ.   1 Peter 2:5

      LET IT GLOW

      "Isn't that dress too short?"Dad would ask me.
      I am sorry to say, but as a teenager growing up in the 70's, I wore mini skirts. Oh, they weren't as short as some girls wore them, but they were welllllll  above my knees. Dad put a limit on how high they could go up my leg, for which  I am grateful now. So I used my freckle in the middle of my right leg as a guage in placing the hems. (Actually, that was too short, too.) But I had to make the length of my skirts acceptable to my father. That  came to mind as I read what was acceptable to God, my Heavenly Father. I wanted to look a little closer at what pleases Him. Will you join me?

      Hebrews 13:15-16 says, By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

      What sacrifices pleases God today? What is a sacrifice?
      Sacrifice, here, means a free gift; praise is a thank offering, a sacrifice of praise presented to God for some benefit received.(Thayer's Lexicon)

      What kind of free gift can I give the God who owns everything? Praise  and thanks is what He wants. His are innumerable-salvation, breath of life, unending love and forgiveness, mercy and grace, patience, and so much more. do good and share with others. Give to those in need and communicate with the poor. These acts are done in faith and spring from love.

      LET IT GROW

      Looking at our key verse, Wiersbe said, "Christians don't bring animal sacrifices as did the Old Testament worshippers, but we do have our own sacrifices to present to God."

      These spiritual sacrifices are:
      • my body as a living sacrifice (Rom. 12:1-2)
      • praise of my lips (Heb. 13:15)
      • good works done  for others (Heb. 13:16)
      • money and other material things (Phil 4:10-20)
      • people won to Christ for His glory (Rom. 15:16)
      • thanksgiving (Ps. 107:22, 116:17)
      Since believers can act as priests, we can come to our High Priest, Jesus, and bring Him our sacrifices. We don't go through a man on earth, but have direct access to the Father God through Jesus our sacrifice for our sins, my High Priest. He can go to God anytime, not just once a year, as Old Testament priests did. Such grace and mercy!

      How often do I bring my sacrifices of praise to God? Are they acceptable to Him?

      Having grown up, raised a daughter, and trying to please my Lord today, I don't wear mini skirts. (Just so you know.) My skirts are now well below the knees. (But I don't have a frickle to guage where to place the hem.) No only do I try to please Jesus with my appearance, but with my heart, also.


      LET IT GO

      Drop  the criticism and grumpiness.

       Praise and thank the Lord today with a grateful heart.

      Throughout the day, continue to thank God for the little things and big things.

      Sing His praises. Jesus is the Risen Savior that is alive!!!!!

      Monday, July 2, 2012

      Skipping Rocks

      553.  "Skipping Rocks"                           July 2, 2012
      1 Peter 2-Part 2
      To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.  1 Peter 2:4-5

      LET IT GLOW
      As a child, I would play with rocks at the creek on my grandfather's farm. It is called Flint Creek because there are so many flint rocks along the creek bed. Now these are not just your ordinary rocks. They are white and flat, usually larger than my fist. I remember when my cousins would come during the hot summer, we all went to the creek to swim and play. Some of us would use these rocks as chalk to draw pictures. But there would always be a time when we tried to show off our ability to skip those flint rocks upstream across the top of the water. Of course, I could make mine skip at least 4 times, an achievement of which I was proud. (The secret is the twist of the wrist.) I thought about these special, unique rocks as I read our verses. Jesus is referred to as my Rock in Psalm 18:2, 31:3, 62:2, and 71:3.
      Let's look into today's verses.

      There is only one Savior, Jesus Christ, and only one spiritual building, the church. Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone of the church (Eph. 2:20), binding the building togerther.

      Peter describes Jesus as:
      • the living stone because He was raised from the dead and is alive forevermore (verse 4);
      • a Chief Corner Stone (verses 6, Is. 28:16);
      • rejected by men (verses 4, Ps.118:22);
      • the chosen stone of the Father, held in honor and exalted by God (verse 4);
      • precious  to believers (verses 4, 7);
      Do I hiding in the cleft of the Rock, my Savior? Am I standing on the solid Rock, Jesus? Is my life built upon Him?

      LET IT GROW

      Peter, in verse 5, tells me to come to Jesus and:
      • be like a living stone, a lively stone, that is being built up into a spiritual house (the church);
      • become a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ;
      • rest my faith on Jesus, thus having no reason to feel ashamed;
      • have honor belonging to us as believers. 
      Just as a physical house is built upon a firm foundation (concrete) and the rocks or blocks are added together for the walls, so are believers added to the church, building a spiritual house for Jesus. He is the corner stone, which is the support of the walls. He is the builder of the church. It is His life and blood that is the foundation of our beliefs.


      LET IT GO

      Keep Jesus as my Chief Corner Stone in my life.

      Make sure He is my Rock when my life crumbles.

      Be a living and lively stone in the church.

      Bring spiritual sacrifices to Jesus.



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