Monthly ArchivesMay 2020

1 Pet 1:8–9   1:8 You have not seen him, but you love him. You do not see him now but you believe in him, and so you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9 because you are attaining the goal of your faith – the salvation of your souls. One thought: Heaven will be like a the soldier who after years of fighting is finally reuinted with the ones he loves, in a home safe from trouble. Three questions:   What does it mean to love God? Piper is helpful – https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/what-it-means-to-love-god   How do you feel towards God?   How could you grow in your love of God today? Prayer: Acknowledge that God is a God of ...

1 Pet 1:6–7   1:6 This brings you great joy, although you may have to suffer for a short time in various trials. 7 Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold – gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away – and will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. One thought:   A light at the end of a tunnel is a powerful thing. We can endure much, if we know there is something to look forward to. Three questions:   What pain have you endured for the sake of a good later outcome?   Are you willing to suffer if the ...

1 Pet 1:3–5   1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 that is, into an inheritance imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. It is reserved in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are protected through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. One thought:   We don’t deserve anything from God. There is no entitlement. Everything is grace, and grace beyond our imagining that we who were enemies might receive such an inheritance as heaven with God. Three questions:   What is Peter contrasting our inheritance with ...

1 Pet 1:3–12   1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 that is, into an inheritance imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. It is reserved in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are protected through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 This brings you great joy, although you may have to suffer for a short time in various trials. 7 Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold – gold that is tested by fire, even though ...

Psalm 3   3:1 A psalm of David, written when he fled from his son Absalom. Lord, how numerous are my enemies!Many attack me. 2 Many say about me,“God will not deliver him.” (Selah) 3 But you, Lord, are a shield that protects me; you are my glory and the one who restores me. 4 To the Lord I cried out, and he answered me from his holy hill. (Selah) 5 I rested and slept; I awoke, for the Lord protects me. 6 I am not afraid of the multitude of people who attack me from all directions. 7 Rise up, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Yes, you will strike all my enemies on the jaw; you will break the ...

Psalm 2 2:1 Why do the nations rebel? Why are the countries devising plots that will fail? 2 The kings of the earth form a united front; the rulers collaborate against the Lord and his anointed king. 3 They say, “Let’s tear off the shackles they’ve put on us! Let’s free ourselves from their ropes!” 4 The one enthroned in heaven laughs in disgust; the Lord taunts them. 5 Then he angrily speaks to themand terrifies them in his rage, saying, 6 “I myself have installed my kingon Zion, my holy hill.” 7 The king says, “I will announce the Lord’s decree. He said to me: ‘You are my son! This very day I have become your father! 8 Ask ...

1 Pet 1:1–2 1:1 From Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those temporarily residing abroad (in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, the province of Asia, and Bithynia) who are chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father by being set apart by the Spirit for obedience and for sprinkling with Jesus Christ’s blood. May grace and peace be yours in full measure! One thought: We are chosen because of who we are (good looking, intelligent, wise, hard-working), but because of Christ and for obedience – not so that we can continue to live our own ways. Three questions:   Where else in the Bible does it speak of us being chosen? *You could check out Ephesians 1:4-5, Romans 8:29, ...

1 Pet 5 5:1 So as your fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings and as one who shares in the glory that will be revealed, I urge the elders among you: 2 Give a shepherd’s care to God’s flock among you, exercising oversight not merely as a duty but willingly under God’s direction, not for shameful profit but eagerly. 3 And do not lord it over those entrusted to you, but be examples to the flock. 4 Then when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never fades away. 5 In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one ...