datethewordtest

Tag: 1 Peter

  • Verse to DATE the Word on May 10 (5/10) is 1 Peter 5:10

    Verse to DATE the Word on May 10 (5/10) is 1 Peter 5:10

    “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” – 1 Peter 5:10
    A central theme to the Apostle Peter’s letter is to address the SUFFERING believers are facing. BTW, CHRISTIANS DO SUFFER – we face trials and persecutions. In 1 Peter 5:10 Peter is essentially praying a prayer for God (the God of all GRACE) to do a mighty life-changing work through the suffering one faces.  Peter prays that God uses suffering to perfect us or to SHAPE us. The word we read is “perfect” but can also be translated complete, restore or mend.  I like the idea of God using our suffering to SHAPE US for SERVICE.  Recall how in 2 Corinthians He comforts us so that we might comfort others. He uses our suffering to shape us for services.  
    With this mindset about suffering, we will not be SHAKEN by SUFFERINGS but rather SHAPED by SUFFERING! 

    Think of it this way: As we face sufferings (trials) we should be SHAPED, not SHAKEN!

    Suffering also brings about a deeper level of SECURITY for us from Christ. With suffering we can become more like Christ as well as know more about Christ and as well as become CLOSER to Christ.  To be “established” has the idea of standing firm or steadfast.  What the believer knows is that through whatever suffering they are facing GOD is with them and has them.  

    Peter also prays for God to do a special work in us asking that He STRENGTHEN us (gives us courage) and that He SETTLE us (calm us down).  We need both as we face suffering and pain.

    It is highly likely that your spiritual journey has already brought painful moments in which you have found you would have never gotten through them without the LORD.  He gave you the STRENGTH to face the suffering and He gave you the PEACE to be SETTLED and walk confidently through the dark and difficult days.  While it might be hard to explain, you might say He SETTLED your unsettled and fearful soul during the storm.  

    What is your suffering testimony? Are you being shaped by suffering or shaken by suffering?  Have you already experienced His tight hold on you during a painful time?  Does your story have in it how God gave you the strength as well as the peace to face a painful moment?  

    Verse to DATE the Word on May 10 (5/10) is 1 Peter 5:10. It says, “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect (SHAPE), establish (give SECURITY), strengthen, and settle you.“

    One of the ways to look at suffering is that God uses our sufferings to shape our service and sharpen and soften our story to share our Savior’s story!  Our trials are turned into testimonies for us to tell of the grace of God.

    Continue Strong being SHAPED, not shaken by suffering,
    And remember to DATE the Word
  • Verse to DATE the Word on May 8 (5/8) is 1 Peter 5:8

    Verse to DATE the Word on May 8 (5/8) is 1 Peter 5:8

    Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around
    like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8
    CHRISTIAN SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: WARNING!!! A LION IS ON THE LOOSE

    The Apostle Peter knows a thing or two about having to deal with the wiles of the devil.  On the night Jesus was arrested Jesus told Peter that Satan has asked for him, desiring that he may sift you as wheat. (Luke 22:31)  “But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”  (Luke 22:32)

    Having been shifted by the Devil and having returned to Jesus Peter is now doing what Jesus told him to do and is strengthening the brethren.  1 Peter 5:8 is a warning revealing vital information about the enemy and it gives vital actions to take so that one is not blindsided or caught off guard.  Every believer must know that we have an adversary who IS actively prowling around just as a hungry lion carefully stalks their dinner.   Our adversary, the devil, has only bad intentions as he is seeking to devour you.  Jesus described him in the Book of John as a liar and a thief who has come to steal, kill, and destroy.  (John 10:10)  How foolish it is for us to deny that we have such an adversary and how careless it is to not be prepared for his coming attacks. 

    From our verse, we learn how to be prepared.   The first action is to be sober or sober-minded. It means our minds are always clear so that we can make the very best decision.  When we think about being sober, we usually connect that to alcohol.  When one is drinking various types of alcohol it IMPAIRS one’s judgment.  As a believer with such a vicious enemy, the believer must always be CLEAR-MINDED, and READY to respond as a fiery dart could be launched at them at any moment. There is never a time when the believer can lower their guard, lower their shield of faith!  To be sober or sober-minded is to always be SELF-CONTROLLED.   

    The next action is to be WATCHFUL or to be ALERT.  Peter is drawing here from the military.  The military has soldiers posted at the critical guard post and they guard by WATCHING, being on the highest of alert to the slightest movement.  With a clear-thinking mind, we have our eyes and ears on full alert for the slightest of temptation being thrown at us!

    Doing these things does not prevent the attack from coming.  We need to look to verse 9 for the next action in which Peter says, “RESIST him, standing firm in your FAITH! (1 Peter 5:9a) In the face of the enemy you cannot be a coward.  You must be courageous and hold up the shield of FAITH.  As you demonstrate your faith, believing that what God has said is right and what the devil is saying is wrong, you activate the word of words for resisting the devil as you SUBMIT TO GOD!  When you submit, OBEY God, the devil is defeated, and he will flee from you.   James 4:7 Submit therefore to God: resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.”

    Be fully aware that you have a vicious enemy who desires to destroy your testimony.  Know there are proper actions to take that prepare you for his attacks.  Never let your guard down and when the attack comes repel it with obedience.  If you will, obedience and submission to God is the kryptonite for the devil!

    Verse to DATE the Word on May 8 (5/8) is 1 Peter 5:8. It says, Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

    Continue Strong ALERT for the Adversaries’ Attacks,
    And remember to DATE the Word
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 18 (3/18) is 1 Peter 3:18

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 18 (3/18) is 1 Peter 3:18

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 18 (3/18) is 1 Peter 3:18
    1 Peter 3:18 says, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,
    He GAVE HIS LIFE TO SAVE YOUR LIFE

    As we move toward Easter one of the most enlightening and illuminating verses for the Easter season is 1 Peter 3:18.  I will seek to unpack this verse so that we might know what Christ did for each of us and for the entire world with the hope you will come away having read this crying WORTHY IS THE LAMB!

    Our attention should immediately be drawn to the word, the name Christ as Peter makes it abundantly clear WHO will be doing all that follows in the verse.  Christ is our Messiah.  Christ is our Savior.  Christ is our PASSOVER lamb.  

    The next word is SUFFERED.  The church I attended growing up would have us recite the Apostle’s Creed and in it were the words “He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.”  HE SUFFERED are painful words to read, are they not?  To think of Christ dying is difficult to comprehend but to wrap one’s thoughts around His suffering is so much more painful, especially in light of the next words in which He suffered for sins that He did not commit.  

    I would ask that you pause and consider just some of His sufferings (yes, plural).  He was alone and in agony in the garden. He was arrested after being betrayed. He beaten and bruised.  He was crucified. (Think excruciating pain).  He was despised.  He was embarrassed as He hung naked on the cross.  He was called an evildoer.  He was falsely accused. He was forsaken by His Father.   He watched as they gambled for His clothing.  They hung Him on a cross beam.  He was insulted as they jeered at Him.  His betrayer kissed Him. They laughed at Him.  Our sins were laid on Him.  They mocked Him.  They nailed Him to the cross.  He was oppressed.  They punched Him in His face and they pierced His side.  He was questioned relentlessly and taunted to prove He was the Son of God, to self-incriminate Himself.  He was ridiculed.  They spit on Him.  He was smitten. He was scourged. (as with the word crucified let this one grip your soul)  They placed a crown of thorns on His head. They tempted Him to come down from the cross.  He would speak of His agonizing pain with the words “I Thirst.”   Everything done was unjust, but nothing more so that the irreligious unjust trial by the ungodly religious leaders.  He was treated with such contempt, even being offered vinegar to His cry of “I thirst.”   They wagged their heads at Him in rejection of Him.  

    He SUFFERED.  He suffered the shame and indignancy and the pain of a cruel crucifixion.  

    Our verse tells us why He suffered as it was for sins, the just for the unjust.   In theology, we learn that His death was a vicarious substitutionary death.  He who had done no sin nor had done no wrong will take the place of all the UNJUST, wicked, sinful, ungodly, etc.  He will die in my place and He would die in your place.  He would die for everyone!  

    We again will ask why and the answer is so that He might BRING US TO GOD.  Because of His death on our behalf, we can be RECONCILED to God!  We can have access to God.  Our acceptance of His gift of salvation will cause us to be ADOPTED into the family of God.  Our status goes from a child of the devil to a child of God.  

    Peter concludes this verse with His death and then His resurrection.  He GAVE His life to SAVE our life.  He was RAISED AGAIN so we could be BORN AGAIN.

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 18 (3/18) is 1 Peter 3:18. It says, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,

    No wonder heaven is filled with the singing, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

    Continue Strong in adoration of the Lamb of God that suffered for your sins!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 15 (3/15) is 1 Peter 3:15

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 15 (3/15) is 1 Peter 3:15

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 15 (3/15) is 1 Peter 3:15
    1 Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”  **The ESV reads, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,”

    Be READY TO TELL HIS STORY

    As believers, we will face trials and we will go through times described as suffering.  We will face persecution.  As trials, sufferings, and persecution come into our lives we respond differently.  In verse 14 of 1 Peter 3, Peter writes, “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled.”   This is a definite difference.  Burdens are blessings.  Instead of becoming more FEARFUL, we become more FAITHFUL!  The test does not trouble us as we see it developing our testimony.  

    YOUR TEST DEVELOPS YOUR TESTIMONY!

    Peter follows up his teaching on how our response is different by telling us to now be READY TO GIVE THE REASON FOR SUCH A RESPONSE.  As unbelievers see a response of hope in the midst of hopelessness they will WANT TO KNOW WHY AND HOW you could respond as you have responded.  Your response of trusting God in the trial and/or the suffering is OPENING a door to SHOW and SHARE your SAVIOR!  Your trust in God as you face the test creates an opportunity to tell your testimony!  Thus, you need to BE READY!!!

    It is worth noting that the Greek word for “a defense” gives us our English word apology.  While an apology is immediately thought of as an acknowledgment of having done something wrong it is also an explanation or a justification.  From this Greek word, we get what is called APOLOGETICS.  A person involved in APOLOGETICS explains Christian BELIEFS.  They help us to know WHAT we believe and WHY we believe it. 

    While it is worth knowing about apologetics and that its origin is here in 1 Peter 3:15 what we need to know is each of us should be ready to share with simplicity how God is impacting our lives.   

    How has He impacted your life in the past?  What is your story of being saved?  
    How is He impacting your life in the present?  What is your story of God’s present provisions?   
    How is He impacting your life for the future?   What is your story of trusting God with all your tomorrows?  

    My hope from looking at 1 Peter 3:15 is each of us will be looking for opportunities to share our story.  As I grew up one of my favorite hymns to sing was, I Love to Tell the Story. The third stanza says, “I love to tell the story; ’Tis pleasant to repeat What seems each time I tell it,  More wonderfully sweet. I love to tell the story; For some have never heard The message of salvation From God’s own holy Word.” 
    Then the chorus says, “I love to tell the story, ‘Twill be my theme in glory To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.” 
    I trust you love to tell the story of Jesus and are looking for opportunities to tell His story!

    Now here is a thought from DATE THE WORD.  Tomorrow is March 16 or 3/16 and when we think of 3/16 hopefully John 3:16 comes to mind.  Plan now to share John 3:16 through the variety of social media avenues you have.  Tell the story of Jesus to someone using March 16 (3/16) as an opening and share John 3:16.

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 15 (3/15) is 1 Peter 3:15. It says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”

    Continue Strong telling His Story
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 8 (3/8) is 1 Peter 3:8

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 8 (3/8) is 1 Peter 3:8

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 8 (3/8) is 1 Peter 3:8
    1 Peter 3:8 says, “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.”

    HOW TO GET ALONG WITH OTHERS 

    Teddy Roosevelt once said, “The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people.”  While I agree with Mr. Roosevelt, I also have this quote: To live above, with saints we love, that will be glory. To live below, with the saints we know, that’s quite a different story!

    Getting along with others is …….  How do you finish the sentence?   I doubt any of you are answering with the word EASY.  Getting along with others is….CHALLENGING.  Can be difficult.  Can be excruciating.  

    We know that getting along with others is challenging simply because of how many books have been written to help us.  For instance, Dale Carnegie wrote, “How to Win Friends and Influence People” in 1936 and it is still being sold.  (I would add that it is a must-read for every teenager.)  Dr. John Maxwell has sold millions of books to help leaders lead and some of the top sellers are on the subject of becoming a people person!  In Steven Covey’s book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, 3 of the habits focus on PEOPLE SKILLS.  There is no question that we all need help with getting along with others.  

    Do you want some help on getting along with others and not having to go buy a $20 book (and then read it) or go to an all-day seminar paying $225 to learn to play nice?   Well, we have the help we need in our verse for the date of March 8 (3/8). Let’s read it again (and maybe save you some money!)  Peter says in 1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.”

    When I was a Campus Pastor at Liberty University, I would have posters made with this verse to have put in every Residence Hall room.  At some point, every room had a conflict.  In seeking to HELP ROOMMATES get along we placed 1 Peter 3:8 before their eyes. We also used Ephesians 4:32 which said, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.”  

    What can we learn from 1 Peter 3:8?
    1.     Be of the same mind.  We must be unified.  There has to be UNITY in the UNIT.   As Christians, we are ALL on the same team.  Like a football team, we DIFFER in assignments and roles but we are ALL on the same team.  Like a great orchestra, we play different instruments but we play the same song.  
    2.    Be compassionate – caring for each other – lifting one another up
    3.    Be loving as bothers.  It has the idea of having the other person’s back.  And never forget that the time a person needs love the most is when they deserve it the least. 
    4.    Be tenderhearted.  This has the idea of seeking to understand.  
    5.    Be courteous to one another.  The idea is to always be RESPECTFUL.  Treat each person with dignity.  
    6.    Add Kindness from Ephesians 4:32.  Kindness is active goodwill.  
    7.    Add Forgiveness from Ephesians 4:32.  Forgiveness is the glue that holds all relationships together.  As Christ forgave you forgive.  

    While the books can be helpful, I can tell you that the best guidance for how to get along is found in 1 Peter 3:8.   With the addition of Ephesians 4:32 and Philippians 2:4 that tells us to esteem others better than ourselves and look out for the interest of others before looking out for ourselves we have the essential ingredients to GETTING ALONG WITH EACH OTHER.  

    The challenge is….no, it is not the other person.  The challenge is with us.  The challenge is PUTTING INTO ACTION 1 Peter 3:8. When we humble ourselves and start practicing these instructions we will start seeing better results in our relationships!  

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 8 (3/8) is 1 Peter 3:8. It says, “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.”

    Continue strong getting along with others,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on January 13 (1/13) is 1 Peter 1:13

    Verse to DATE the Word on January 13 (1/13) is 1 Peter 1:13

    Our verse to DATE the Word on January 13 (1/13) is 1 Peter 1:13
    1 Peter 1:13 says, “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 
    READY for Action!!

    Now that we have been blessed to have this new life in Christ provided by CHRIST (1 {Peter 1:2-12) Peter challenges the Christian to LIVE.  We are to GIRD UP THE LOINS like a runner getting ready to run a race. Think of Hebrews 12:2 which tells us, “to run the race that is set before us.” The ESV uses the word PREPARE instead of GRID.  We are to PREPARE our minds with the added idea of BEING READY TO BE INVOLVED.  Reading and studying God’s Word and praying and worshiping PREPARES our minds so that we can then LIVE OUT the wonderful Christian life we have received.  

    We are to be living like Christ and living for Christ! We live differently and we live to make a difference!! 

    To live our lives to the fullest we will need to make good decisions regarding what we personally do.  We will need to be sober-minded.  This speaks of being clear-minded as well as ALERT. Peter uses this word later in his letter as he reminds us about our adversary the Devil.  1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober-minded; (think clearly and be alert); be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.   As believers, we must be diligent to guard our hearts and minds.  We can never lower our defenses as our adversary is constantly looking for ways to sneak in false teaching and present very appealing dressed-up temptations to devour us.  Hear and heed the call to BE SOBER MINDED, TO BE ALERT!

    And then Peter says as we are LIVING an ACTION-oriented life serving the Lord with our ALERT system fully on we look AHEAD to our glorious future.  Dr. W. A. Criswell liked to say, “LOOK UP BROTHER – LOOK UP!”  Look AHEAD brother, look AHEAD.  When we consider what is to come – that glorious day when we shall see our Savior face to face – what a day that will be!!  The best is yet to come for the believer!  Oh, what hope we have!!  LOOK AHEAD!  The apostle Paul says in Colossians 3:2 ‘When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall we also appear with Him in glory.” The Apostle John says in I John 3:2 ‘We know that when He shall appear we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is.’  And Peter writes, “Set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”  LOOK AHEAD!
      
    Verse to DATE the Word on January 13 (1/13) is 1 Peter 1:13. 1 It says, “Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, (preparing your minds for action, ESV) and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

    Ready! Set! GO! AND KEEP GOING UNTIL YOU ARE GONE!

    Continue Strong running the race that is set before you!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD