Today’s chapter is all about doing what’s right – no matter what happens as a result…
READ 1 PETER 3 Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
One of the things that stood out for me from today’s portion of this 1st Century letter, was the question that Peter asks: “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?” [v13] It makes a lot of sense. After all, the good child in the classroom is likely to be liked by the teacher. The good neighbour will be liked in the community. But Peter doesn’t stop there and that’s the bit that scares me…
“…But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats (or, do not fear what they fear), do not be frightened.” [v14]
It seems to me that there’s a difference between “doing good” and “doing what is right”, and it’s not always the case that you’re liked for doing what is right or standing up for what’s right. On the contrary, I can end up with enemies and can suffer for what’s right. This could mean losing friends or family relationships; my job; business; or what I’ve worked for, for years – a planned future. I could lose a profitable opportunity, for example, if the contract requires a bribe. I’ll then need verses such as v14 to comfort me in the hardship that’s caused from doing what’s right.
When I was young, I naively sang this song in the video below. But now I’m grown up, and it’s time for me to live out the words of the lyrics – no matter what the cost…
Read More? … CLICK to follow “08 December – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Wanting to connect with your Righteous Creator, who designed you to be like Him? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help.[a]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”
Lord, in Your own perfect time, You will come just as You said You would—blessed is the only Sovereign, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. [1 Timothy 6:15]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
The World: Government decisions of the USA[b]
Your Country: The Night Clubs in your city
Yourself: The needs of your personal friends
Your concerns for today
Hurry and answer me, O Eternal One, for my spirit is weak and my courage is gone. Do not turn away; let me see Your face; otherwise, I’ll die and be like all those who have gone to the grave. [Psalm 143:7]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”
Father God, help me to be like Job who was “blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil”. [Job 1:8]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but delivers us from evil.”
Lord thank-you that You protect the people who take their refuge in You just as Your promise says: Like birds hovering overhead, the Lord Almighty shields the place where His Name dwells. You’ll shield it and deliver it. You’ll ‘pass over’ it and will rescue it. [Isaiah 31:5]
“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”
When Jesus was questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, He always spoke things that were previously written in God’s Word.[c] Following these memory verses from ten topics, will help you learn 52 verses from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Topic = Spiritual Conflict
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” [James 4:7]
[a] Matthew 6:5-15
[b] http://www.operationworld.org/country/unsa/owtext.html
[c] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31