Today’s Reading: 1 Peter 4-5 & 2 Peter 1
What’s your plan for the day? Maybe you are lying down reflecting on this day? What’s on the agenda for tomorrow? Here are some powerful reminders and words of encouragement in these chapters.
During this season of Joy, what lens are you looking through for this Christmas Season? What lifestyle are you choosing to live as we interact with others?
As humans, we are susceptible to the Holiday pressures of the world and to friends and family that may not believe in the birth of Jesus and the eternal life we have through believing in Him. This can create moments where we forget about our shepherd, who is always present. Our daily lives present us with circumstances that can allow us to suffer. Perseverance through suffering is a common theme Paul has talked about, and we have heard through numerous testimonies from some of our Bible Journal writers. Paul reminds us that we should always live for Christ in these sufferings we face yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Jesus faced circumstances that caused suffering, and yet he stayed the course. I believe that we can, too, when we put all our Trust and Hope in Him. Paul encourages us to not fall to the pressure or desires our human body desires to ease the pain of suffering.
1 Peter 4:1-2Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires but rather for the will of God.
Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
1 Peter 2:21-23 21 To this, you were called because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps.22 “He did not sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”[e] 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him, who judges justly.
There is pure joy in the season and many moments of our lives. There is also the suffering. Whether it is to train us to be obedient, produce patience, prevent pride, teach His ways, prepare us, or prove He is Who we believe God has a purpose for each day we live. I know and believe God is doing these things in me every day. I’m grateful for the joys and sufferings that He brings and will show me in the weeks leading up to the celebration of His Son.
It’s not easy, I struggle, and I make mistakes. I pray for the Holy Spirit to have His way with my daily life and for myself to be humbly, joyfully, and grateful in these moments.
2 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
2 Peter 1:3 For this reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Merry Christmas – Have a great day! Be prepared for whatever comes trusting in His refining process for our lives.
