Wives

582.  "Wives"            August 10, 2012
Summary of 1 Peter
Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, even if some disobey the Christian messaage, they  may be won over without a message by the way their wives live, when they observe your pure reverent lives.   1 Peter 3:1-2 Holman CSB

LET IT GLOW

Review:
Peter was as apostle of Jesus Christ. we can read about his Christian life in the book Acts. He wrote this first letter to Gentile Christians, or Pilgrims, who were possibly led to Christ by Paul and his associates. Peter dictated while Silas wrote it down as a secretary did in those days. Silas delivered the letter. Peter died as a martyr two years after he wrote this letter. Also, he had witnessed his wife's crucificion because of her faith, earlier. Peter's wife traveled with hilm in his ministries (1Cor. 9:5).

Nero was the emperor during this time. He set Rome on fire and blamed the Christians for it. Since the Romans lost everything, including their idols, temples, and shrines, pursecution of the Christians caused them to flee to other places.

Peter wrote this letter trying to encourage his fellow believers so they would not loose hope. It was a living hope in the Second Coming of Jesus, Who will make all things right. It was an encouragment to stand firm in their faith and the grace of God. Hang on through your trials.
Peter helps us see God's prescription for those who suffer. It calls for holiness, for submission, and for acceptance of the amazing truth that suffering can be a gift from God. (Illustrated Bible Handbook by Lawrence O. Richards)


LET IT GROW
Hopefully, we have answered some questions in this book. Questions, such as:

• What is the goal of my faith?
• What does holiness really mean?
• How can I be holy?
• When is submission compromised?
• When should I stand up for my rights? What happens when I do what I think is the right thing, and something terrible happens?
• Was I in the wrong?

What are some themes found in 1 Peter?

• God is no respector of persons. (1:17)
• Christ is identified as a stone rejected by the builders. (2:7-8)
• The name of Christ has a prominent place. (4:14,16)
• Jesus' conversation with Peter. (5:2-4)
• Jesus as the Chief Shepherd. (5:4)
• Being clothed with humility. (5:5)

Instead of picking out several scriptures of significance to me, I decided to only mention a few within each chapter and the main points in each.

Chapter 1
salvation, hope assurance, faith, joy in spite of trials, holiness, power of God, praise, honor, and glory to God, fulfillment in believers' lives

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.  (1:15-16)

Chapter 2
description of the people of God, submission to government, and masters

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. (2:9)

Chapter 3
appeals and promises to the persecuted, susbmission in the family, honorable living before believers,
suffering for righteousness

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. (3:3-4) NIV

Chapter 4
responsibilities of Christian living, rewards of sufferings

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
(4:12-13)

Chapter 5
requirements of Christian leadership, victory

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your borthers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (5:6-9 NIV)

LET IT GO

Willingly and cheerfully submit to God, my husband, and those in authority over me.

Lay down pride and tie on the apron of humility.

Cast my cares on Jesus.

Resist the devil.

Stand firm in the faith.

Wrapping it Up

581.  "Wrapping it Up"    August 9, 2012
1 Peter 5-Part 4
With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. 
1 Peter 5:12 NIV


LET IT GLOW

When our children were elementary age, it was a difficult task to wrap and hide their Christmas presents, so they would remain a secret. We had a snoopy children, so I had to become creative in the process. After they discovered the closets were a hiding place, I would move the presents under the bed, and even out to the storage building. Once I even hid presents in the trunk of the car.

Here we have Peter wrapping up his first letter. His letter of great encouragment was sent to suffering saints to bring them promises that God  will make them perfect, established, strengthened, and settled in the faith (verses 10-11).
He restates his purpose in verse 12, which is to exhort (encourage) and testify (solemnly affirm) that this is the true grace of God. Christianity involves God's grace, which is His gift to us.

LET IT GROW

Silvanus (a variation of the same Sila) was probably a secretary who wrote down Peter's letter. He was Paul's companion on his second missionary journey (Acts 15: 40). He delivered Peter's letter to its receipients.
Peter sends greetings from the chuch (implied by the feminine form of elected together) at Rome (symbolic of Babylon), which was famous for its wickedness and spiritual rebellion, just like ancient Babylon.
Mark, called John Mark, was the spiritual son of Peter. Tradition says that Peter helped Mark write the Gospel of Mark. (Acts 12:12)

Now, in the last verse of chapter 5, Peter sends peace to his readers. Paul always ended his letters with a benediction of grace (2 Thess. 3:17-18). Peter also opened his letter with a greeting of peace in verse 2 of chapter 1.So the entire epistle points to "God's peace" from the beginning to the end. Isn't it a wonderful way to end a letter that announced the coming of a fiery trial? God's grace-embrace it and profess it, then firmly stand by it.

A kiss of love was a standard form of greeting or farewell in that part of the world at that time. How could slaves and masters greet each other in that manner? It was because they were in Jesus.

Peter gave us a letter that encourages us to hope in the Lord no matter how trying the times may be. The church has experienced various fiery trials, yet Satan hasn't been able to destroy it.  Are we prepared, church?

Peter emphasized here the sovereignty and power of God, and hesnce he used the term kratos (for glory). The God who permits suffering in the lives of his children, and even allows the devil to rage at them , is the sovereign God and the God who cares. The dominion belongs  to him-forever. He wields a "mighty hand" on behalf of his people. Hence, believers should be full of comfort, knowing that they are on the side of visctory and celebration. (Schreiner)

Whatever may come, let's be hopeful. Jesus will soon be coming in all of His glory!

[References: The MacArthur Bible Commentary, Be Hopeful by Warren Wiersbe, The Books of James and First and Second Peter by William Baker, John Gill, David Guzik]

LET IT GO

Be encouraged by God's Word every day.

Testify of the true grace of God.

Stand firm in my faith in Jesus.

Be His missionary wherever I am.

Washing Dishes Builds Character

580.  "Washing Dishes Builds Character"            August 8, 2012
1 Peter 5-Part 3
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfet, stablish, strengthen, settle you. to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.  1 Peter 5:10-11


LET IT GLOW

When our two children were teenagers, they had chores to do in the kitchen. I was teaching and needed help. They took turns washing dishes, even cooking a meal every so often. I kept telling my son that washing dishes built character. (I don't think I ever persuaded him.) Also, I told him that his future wife would appreciate that he could do those things. Sure enough, Mom was right. After 15 years of marriage, he still helps his wife in the kitchen-cooks on the grill, in the microwave, and rinses dishes and puts them in the dishwasher. I am quite proud of his character. He is a good guy, even if I am a little prejudice.
Sweet ones, are we letting our trials build our character or break us. Is our faith getting stronger or weaker?

I may help to know that we are not in this alone. We have brothers and sisters in Christ who are going through trials and temptations at the same time we are. Some may have completed it and are getting ready for the next time, while some are still there experiencing it. Be encouraged, suffering saints. Also, Jesus is walking right beside us on this journey of life. am I talking to Him as much as I should be? Here's what the Scripture has to say, not about dish washing, but about our character.

Our God of all grace, in His kindness, who has called us and chosen us to be His child, will:

• allow us to experience His eternity through Jesus Christ, His Son,
• make you perfect (to equip, to adjust, to fit together; mend nets) 
• make you stablish (to fix firmly, to set fast)
• strengthen you; God's strength gives us power to act.
• and settle you (to lay a foundation0 He. 1:10, Matt. 7:24-27

So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation. NLT, verse 10

Be hopeful, friends.
We have God's grace.
We know we are going to glory
Our present suffering is only for a while.
We know that our trials are building Christian character.
God builds character and brightens hope when a believer turst Him and depends on His grace. The result is that God receives the glory forever and ever. (Wiersbe)

LET IT GROW

In verses 8-9, Peter tells me to:

• be sober,
• be vigilant,
• be steadfast in faith.

Satan means adversary; devil means the accuser, the slanderer.

Although Peter's readers had already experienced some persecution, he gives them instructions to help them again victory over their adversary:

1. Respect him, for he is dangerous. Like a lion, Satan roars lies and accusations, walks about looking for weak prey, seeking believers in Jesus that he can devour in his den of sin.
2. Recognize him as the great pretender. (Only Jesus is Truth.)
3. Resist him. Use the Word of God, the way Jesus did (Matt. 4:1-11).

James 4:7 says: Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Am I clear-headed and watchful? Satan isn't bound and restrained yet for 1,000 years as Revelation 20:1-2 fortells. His time is coming. Remember, he has been de-fanged at the cross (Col. 2:15). Don't let his roar of deceptive lies rob you of your Christian effectiveness. Your secret weapon is resistance. Run if you have to, like Joseph. Pray for spiritual strength.

One more thing, dear ones. Let's recognize our pattern of temptation and be prepared for it.
When am I most tempted?
Where am I most tempted?
What tempts me most?
Who am I usually with?
(Rick Warren)

Plan carefully what you do...Avoid evil and walk straight ahead. Don't go one step off the right way. (Prov.4.:26-27TEV)

God's people avoid evil ways, and they protect themselves by watching where they go. ((Prov. 16:17 CEV)

LET IT GO

Stay focused on Jesus.

Learn from my previous temptations and avoid them.

Lean on Jesus when weakened and tempted.

Pray for help.

Resist the devil in Jesus' name. Tell that lie'n lion to flee.

Praise Jesus for the victory.

Tie on an Apron

579.  "Tie on an Apron"             August 7, 2012
1 Peter 5-Part 2
Likewise ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:5-7


LET IT GLOW

As you may have figured out from previous posts, my mother was a wonderful cook. Before she began the task, she would tie on an apron. Of course, an apron prevented any spills from soiling her clean clothes. When the meal was prepared, she would take it off and be ready for her guests. It seems that this tradition has gone by the wayside as the years have passed. Perhaps it's because an apron is a symbol of a servant and we have strayed away from serving. We would rather be served than serve. Ouch! My toes got stepped on. Shall we see what Peter has to say about it?

Looking at verse 5, to whom does Peter say God gives grace? He gives grace to the humble.
Who does God resist? He resists the proud.
Do I want God's grace or His resistance?
How do I get His grace?

The word be clothed in the Greek, engkomboomai, literally means to "tie on" an apron; here the thing to be tied on is humility, which is the same word used by Peter in 3:8 in the same close connection with the word "submit." Humility is simply assuming the proper role in relationship to others. Peter draws upon the Old Testament to prove his ploint by quoting Proverbs 3:34. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

To "be clothed" lliterally means to tie something on oneself with a knot or a  bow. This term was often used of a slave putting on an apron over his clothes in order to keep his clothes clean. Humility is literally "lowly mindedness," an attitude that one is not too good to serve. Humility was not considered a virtue in the ancient world, any more than it is today.  (The MacArthur Bible Commentary)

Keep in mind that God will exalt us in due time, according to verse 6b. Due time (kairos) sounds like "by and by" or "after sufficient time has passed." It refers to God's time, namely the second coming of Christ, and at the Revelation. (Falwell)

Remember, God cares for you and me. He loves us so much that He came and died for us sinners. It is astounding to me.

If I want God's grace upon me, which I do, then I am to tie humility around me like an apron. I am to stay low minded, not proud, and be a servant of Jesus'. Now where's my apron?

LET IT GROW

To whom is Peter writing this principle? First, it is written to the younger men. Also, it is written to Christians in general, the congregation of the church. What is Peter telling us to do?

1. Submit to the elders. Younger me and Christians, submit to your pastor/leaders in the church.
2. Be subject one to another.
3. Be clothed with humility
4. Humble yourselves under the might hand of God.
5. Caste all your care upon Him, for He careth for you. We don't have to bear our anxieties. We are told to "toss them over to Him." Care means anxieties. God has such a meticulous, personal concern about us. He is interested in us and willing to carry all our anxieties if we are willing to do what He wants us to do. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

Am I willing to do what God wants me to do?
How often do I tie on humility and submit to others in authority, leaders of the church?
Do I dress with humility all the time?
Am I humbled to God?
Self-evaluation time, friends.

LET IT GO

As I put on the whole armor of God each day, I am going to tie on my apron of humility, too.

Daily submit and humble myself on my knees before God.

Give Him my anxieties.

Flowers in a Dry Land

578.  "Flowers in a Dry Land"                  August 6, 2012
1 Peter 5-Part 1
And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
1 Peter 5:4

LET IT GLOW

Yesterday, when my granddaughter and I went into the backyard so she could dig in the dirt (it had been a month because of the drought), we saw two wild flowers. There they stood in a foot of dry dirt as pretty as you please, amidst the yellow wilted grass, weeds, and dirt. Actually, I think those flowers were really weeds themselves. One was yellow, which farmers call a Bitter Weed, and the other is a blue Buttercup, to which I am allergic.( I picked a pretty bouquet once and broke out with bumps.) How in the world did those two get there, much less grow in such dry land? God did it. That's all I could say.
Well friends, today when I went outside to pick them, the flowers were gone. Grasshoppers must have eatten them. Only stems remained. The crown of their glory had faded away, but I will receive one that won't fade away. Want to check it out?


The MacArthur Bible Commentary has this to say about our key verse:

The Chief shepherd is our Lord Jesus Christ. When He appears at the Second coming, He will evaluate the ministry of pastors at the judgment seat of Christ.  (1 Cor. 3: 9-15; 4:5; 2 Cor. 5:9-10). The Greek word for "not fade away" is the name of a flower, the amaranth.
In the New Testament world, crowns were given as marks of victorious achievements. (as Olympians get medals) Believers are pormised crowns of glory, life (James 1:12), righteousness (2 Tim. 4:8), and rejoicing (1 Thess. 2:19), and all are imperishable (1 Cor. 9:25). All the crowns describe certain characteristics of eternal life.

God gives sherpherd leaders the responsibility to guard, protect, defend, and care for the spiritual welfare of His flock. A related benefit of a local church is that it also porvides the spiritual protection of godly leaders. We are told, Their work is to watch over your souls, and they know they are accountable to God. (Heb. 13:17 NLT) [Rick Warren]

Will my love for Jesus fade away? Will my faith in Jesus wilt?

LET IT GROW

Although Peter is writing to the elders of the church (pastors and deacons), couldn't these words apply to the rest of us, who hold postions of leadership, as director and teacher in the church? Peter includes himself as an elder of the church in verse 1; as an eyewittness of Christ's sufferings; as a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed (Transfiguration of Christ found in Matt. 17).
As a pastor/deacon/leader, he is to:

• feed the flock by teaching the Word of God; as green pastures are sought by the shepherd for his sheep to have nurishment to grow, so must there be in the Word for the Christian to grow spiritually and in faith;
• take the oversight, which means to look upon, inspect, look after, care for; as a shepherd tends his flock, so the effective pastor gets to know his people, their needs, and their problems so he can lead and help them.
•  do it willingly, not by constraint, which means by force; though he is called to this profession, he wants to do it and enjoys his work; it isn't by compulsion or with laziness that he serves;
• not do it for filthy lucre, (shameful gain)  but of a ready mind (eagerly); he must not be a lover of money nor devoted to pursuing money (Titus 1:7, 1 Tim. 3:3); he doesn't use his power and position to rob the people of their wealth; nor does he serve for what he can get out of it;
• be a good  example to the flock, not lord it over the people he serves; he is a submissive servant to the will of God.  (Wiersbe)

Is my serving pleasing Jesus or my flesh?
What a joy it will be when we place our crown at Jesus' feet (Rev. 4:10). We will acknowledge that all was done because of His grace and power (1 Cor. 15:10).

LET IT GO

Be a flower in a dry land-beauty that points others to Jesus.

Feed others the Word of God.

Care for those around me.

Show kindness because of love, not for money.

Happy with the Diagnosis

577.  "Happy with the Diagnosis"          August 3, 2012
1 Peter 4-Part 7
So be happy when you are insulted for being a Chjristian, for then the glorious spirit of God rests upon you. 1 Peter 4:14 NLT 

LET IT GLOW

You will always have to take this medicine. Your disease will never go away.
Those were real comments the doctor said to me. Inspite of all that, I was so happy whenever I was finally diagnosed with Crohn's disease. You see, I have had it for 40 years. Now I finally know what I am up against. Live with Crohns is definitely a challenge. There were other diagnoses through the years, but none that were correct. Now I can adjust my diet and take medicine so I can live comfortably. The thing is, I must do what I know is right and not stray off the trail of the limited diet. That is when I enjoy life to its fullest.

So my philosophy is: Life is a challenge. It's how you handle it that counts.

We all have our challenges, whether it's just the result of living in a body that's getting older or a drastic, painful disease. How are we going to meet that challenge? Will it knock us for a loop, defeat us, or make us stronger? Will it turn us to or away from God?

Rejoice!
Be glad with exceeding joy!
Happy are ye!

Why? How? Really? Does Peter know what he is talking about? When I go through painful, fiery trials, I am supposed to be very glad, have wonderful joy, be happy, overjoyed? (NIV and NLT)

Yes.

Peter also tells me to

• not be surprised when I am suffering, as thoughit is a strange happening (v. 12)
• rejoice that I am participating in the sufferings of Christ (v. 13)
• be overjoyed when His glory is revealed (v. 13)
• think of myself as blessed when I'm insulted because of Christ (v. 14)
• consider myself blessed because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on me (v. 14)
• not be ashamed, but praise God when I suffer as a Christian for doing good, not sin (v. 16)
• praise god that I bear His name of Christian (v. 16)
• suffer according to God's will and be committed to my faithful Creator (v.19)
• continue to do good (v. 19).

Am I listening? Rejoice and be happy. (Think I need to work on this.)


LET IT GROW

According to Thayer's Lexicon, fiery, in the Greek, means a burning; the burning by which metals are roasted or reduced; the refiner's fire, calamities or trials that test character.  Trial refers to the proving; that by which something is tried or proved, a test; of a crucible or furnace for smelting; your proved faith.

This fiery trial that Peter refers to is a special kind of persecution, not like what he previously described, but that which would overtake the entire church. It was not an occassional personal persecution, even though the early Christians were allowed to worship freely. These fires were ignited by Nero and then other emperors.

Peter writes these Christians so they could:
*expect suffering (verse 12),
*rejoice in suffering (verses 13-14),
*examine their life (verses 15-18),
*commit themselves to God (verse 19).

Whatever glorifies God will anger the enemy, and he will attack. Persecution is not a strang thing for believers. It's absence would be strange.

In the Old Testament, fire was a symbol of the holiness of God and the presence of God. The fire on the altar consumed the sacrifice (Heb. 12:28-29). but Peter saw in the image of fire a refining process rather than a devine judgment (1:7).

Not all difficulties of life are necessarily fiery trials. Some are a part of life; some are a result of disobedience and sin; some happen because we are faithful to God and stand up for what is right; some because we bear the name of Christ that the lost world attacks.

[Resource: Be Hopeful by Warren Wiersbe]

NLT says in verse 19: So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for He will never fail you.


LET IT GO

Work on rejoicing when trials come.

Glorify God when I am going through them.

Praise God for the privilege of being called by His name!

Remember, God will never fail me.

A Fork

576.  "A Fork"                 August 2, 2012
1 Peter -Part 6
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 
 1 Peter 4:11

LET IT GLOW

I have a picture taken of me on my sixth birthday. One of the gifts I received was a Hop Along Cassidy one serving silverware set. I wanted to eat with it at every meal. I don't recall why I was given it, other than it must have been on my want list. I wish I had it now, but something happened to it throughout the years. The handles had the character on a horse, that I recall. There was a fork in the set. I was reminded of this special gift when I read today's verse. We have been talking about all the ways we can bring glory to God in our living, ministering our gifts.

Jesus stood at a fork in the road. He had to decide if He would life for comfort a self-centered life or id He would fulfill His purpose and glorify God with it. I face the same fork every day.

Rick Warren, in his book, The Purpose Driven Life, said:
There are many ways to bring glory to God, but they can be summarized in God's five purposes for your life.

1. We bring God glory by worshiping Him. He wants our worship to be motivated by love, thanksgiving, and delight, not duty. See Rom. 6:13.
2. We bring God glory by loving other believers. We belong to the family of God when we become a believer, so we are to love others. See Rom. 15:7, 1 John 3:14, and John 13:34-35.
3. We bring God glory by becoming like Christ. Spiritual maturity is becoming like Jesus in the way we think, feel, and act. For the rest of our life, God wants to continue the process of changing your character. See 2 Cor. 3:18, Phil. 1:11.
4. We bring God glory by serving others with our gifts. Each of us was uniquely designed by God with talents, gifts, skills, and abilities. (Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit to use in the church to help others.) See 2 Cor. 8:19.
5. We bring God glory by telling others about Him. God doesn't want His love and purposes kept a secret. It is a great privilege to introduce others to Jesus and help them prepare for their eternal destiny. See 2 Cor. 4:15.

Living the rest of your life for the glory of God will require a change in your priorities, your schedule, your relationships, and everything else. It will sometimes mean choosing a difficult path instead of an easy one.

Which path did Jesus choose? He chose to follow the path God had planned for Him-the cross.

Am I living for my own goals, comfort, and pleasure, or for the glory of God?

LET IT GROW

Our key verse, found in New Living Translation says, Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

Some of the spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthianss 12 and Romans 12 include being used by way of speaking-prophecy, tongues, interpretation of tongues, words of wisdom, teaching, and exhortion.
Some of these gifts are no longer needed becuse we have the completed Word of God.

When I hit the half century mark, I began slowing down. (Probably it was the 40th.) I have limited my committments because my energy is limited. A nap is certainly scheduled into my day. Some days I get one and some days I don't. In all I do, I want to honor the Lord. I am realizing that He is walking beside me wherever this country road takes me. I am enjoying talking and listening to Him as we go along the way.

Above all else, my purpose in writing this blog is to bring glory to God. This is my prayer.

LET IT GO

Limit my services so I can do my best serving.

Pray for God's leading.

Above all, glorify God.

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