The passage from 1 Peter 4:14 highlights the blessing of being insulted for one's faith in Christ, indicating that God's Spirit rests upon those persecuted. The author encourages Christians facing attacks to reflect God's glory in their responses, offering prayers for strength and empowerment during such challenges.
His Glory
Passage - Rather, to the extent that you share the fellowship of the Messiah’s sufferings, rejoice; so that you will rejoice even more when his Sh’khinah is revealed. 1 Peter 4:13 Restated in Your own words - If you are suffering for Christ, rejoice because His glory is revealed in you. When it is finished, you will... Continue Reading →
Speak and Serve in Him
The passage emphasizes that our actions and words should glorify God through the strength He provides. It reflects on the difference between serving in one's own strength versus relying on the Holy Spirit, asserting that true fulfillment comes from intentional alignment with God's guidance in speech and service.
Gifts of Grace
The passage emphasizes the importance of using spiritual gifts, as outlined in 1 Peter 4:10, to serve others and share God's grace. The author reflects on their journey with these gifts, acknowledging the need for greater surrender and diligence in service. They seek forgiveness for past selfishness and commit to honoring their gifts for God's glory.
Give An Account
Passage - They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 1 Peter 4:5 Restated in your own words - Everyone will give account to God, the living and the dead. Application to your life - There are times I wonder if my behaviors stay in check not... Continue Reading →
I am
I am a native of my community. I was born and raised in the same local place. Then so moved away and spent a little more than a decade out of state before finding my way back home. That also describes my relationship with God and church. I grew up in church, from the time... Continue Reading →
Time to…
The hills of Santa Maria are teaming with rolling acres of farmland. Even in June, there were fields in different stages of harvest. It was far from what I expected, but as I listened to the stories from my aunt about the work that her family of origin did in the fields, it took on... Continue Reading →
Rearview beauty
Sometimes the most beautiful scenes are in the rearview mirror looking back on our lives. We have been driving most of the evening, leaving San Francisco and heading south towards Pismo Beach. We had hoped to reach the beach by sunset, but alas it was not meant to be today. Instead as we rounded the... Continue Reading →
Bold Requests
Passage - But you are a chosen people, the King’s cohanim, a holy nation, a people for God to possess! Why? In order for you to declare the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 Restated in my own words - I declare the praises of the Lord who took... Continue Reading →
Habits
I have a bad habit. I never thought of it as one until this week, but there it was staring me in the face, across multiple settings. I suppose I have always done it, as a child, I was the youngest of five siblings. I thought everyone knew everything, except me. I learned to be... Continue Reading →
