How you doin? Stacey's back. We missed a few days of doing our morning devotions together. It's very rare that we miss, but we missed for acceptable reasons. Audrey's birthday was AWESOME!!!!!!! She's such a good girl. Paul Boy did a good job handling her being showered with attention. 1 Peter 4 today.
Verses 1-2, "Therefore, since Christ has [a]suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has [b]suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God." Whenever I read Scripture about suffering in the flesh, I thought of other people making me suffer. I still think that is relevant, but know I see it as the internal battle between the sinful nature (flesh) and Spirit (Galatians 5:16-18).
Verses 12-16, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you,as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name." This is one of the three times the word "Christian" is written in the entire Bible. "Participating in the sufferings of Christ". Only Jesus' flesh was crucified. As my flesh is killed of, I receive more revelation of His glory. COME ON!!!!!!! I want to be "overjoyed when His glory is revealed".
Verses 10-11, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." I know this is out of order, but that's how I hear it this morning. As we as a couple, ministry team, and church head into a stage of building, God made it clear to me to practice or train in the gifts of the Spirit. I love the language used here, "as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms". WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!! I've been up since 2:30am. I'm not sure why the Holy Ghost got me up this early. I do know He's got something going on. We're going to the monthly Revival Alliance meeting today. Maybe that will be something. Plus are HUGE weekend of conference and ministry team training. SO EXCITING!!!!!!! Be good stewards of God's grace today.
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