Monday October 17, 2022

Monday – October 17th – 1 Peter 4:14-15     -----     
 
14) If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.
15) If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs.
 
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
     APPLY YOURSELF WHOLLY TO THE SCRIPTURES AND THE SCRIPTURES WHOLLY TO YOURSELF.*

     Happy Monday to you!  I let it slip by over the weekend and realized this morning that we have already passed the halfway mark of this month. Two weeks from today is Halloween and if you are like me that leaves 14 more days before you rush out to buy candy for the kids who will come knocking on your door. Our inspirational thought corresponds with the beginning chapters of the Gospel of Luke in the Daily Walk Bible reading plan. Luke will be giving us a third perspective on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. I have discovered that the more I lean into the scriptures and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to me, the clearer becomes my understanding of God’s call on my life. Even as a well-seasoned Christian I realize there is a lot more for me to learn, and even more to put into practice. I bet the same is true for you as well.
 
    In our pick verses today, Peter continues to address the reality of suffering by believers. In these two verses Peter divides suffering into two separate and distinct categories. In one column are those instances when we suffer because we hold fast to our faith in Jesus. In these times, God notices our faithfulness and we are both blessed and strengthen by God. The more we receive from God the greater perseverance and endurance we will discover. On the other hand, Peter reminds his readers that the items in the other column of suffering are very simply self-induced. Decisions that result in undesirable consequences because of our selfish and sinful actions are on us and are not in line for blessings or strength from God. Just like the prodigal son, until we come to our senses we will continue to dwell in the pit of our own suffering. And like the prodigal, when we do come to our senses God is ready to welcome us home with open arms.

Blessings
   Pastor Jim
Tuesday – October 18th – 1 Peter 4:16

*Tyndale. The Daily Walk Bible NLT (Kindle Location 54707). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

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