What this blog is about and what I hope it does...

I hope this will be a simple fun tool for us to grow in our understanding and surrender to God through the Bible as we connect over the web. Reading the Bible is both simple and difficult. What could be easier than opening a book and reading? Yet we've all done that and wondered what sections of the Bible mean? What's with the book of Leviticus? What is Revelation really about? Is the Song of Songs about marital love or is it supposed to be more 'spiritual' than that?

So, my intent is for this blog to be a tool that helps us in our faith. A forum for better understanding. An honest place of sharing that nurtures us as we follow Jesus together.

(There are a few resources I have included under "PAGES" that may be a helpful start, especially to those newer to reading the Bible. It's located just below this and to the right. Also included is a READING OUTLINE. If you miss a day, go on to the next rather than trying to catch up.)

ONE LAST NOTE: you don't have to join or set up an account to share comments. Just click 'comment' at the bottom of a post, click the drop down and click 'anonymous.' Then write your post and if you want sign it with your first name and finish by clicking 'Post comment.' I would love to hear your thoughts.

11.19.2010

1 Peter 4:12-19

NIV Reading

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Peter continues to amp up the encouragement to Christians having a hard time for being faithful. Reminds us that there is a co-sharing in what Christ went through when we struggle precisely for doing what is right. And, when that happens, God's glorious Spirit 'rests' on us. So, be careful that any hardships we experience are not at all because of wrong, unchristian, innappropriate conduct, including a word Peter made up that the NIV translates as 'meddler.' He closes by giving some perspective - suffering for doing what is right is hard, but it is nothing compared to the hardship that will come by throwing our hands up and turning from God. So, commitment to God is a daily decision (with a subtle reminder that because God is 'Creator,' He's got some power to help us continue to do good).

Thoughts...
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3 comments:

  1. MattNovember 19, 2010 at 3:27 PM

    To quote my friend Andy about this section: "GOD has a way of waiting 'till the last possible second before saving us. And HIS last second is often way beyond what we would have thought was the last second. And, in doing so, HE strengthens our heart."

    ReplyDelete
  2. DocNovember 19, 2010 at 9:30 PM

    I've had my heart strengthened recently . I'm sure it was God . I'm sure it took longer than I wanted it to .

    ReplyDelete
  3. MattNovember 19, 2010 at 9:32 PM

    Good to hear, Doc! Ya'll needed it! Thank you, Lord.

    ReplyDelete

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