Hey Everyone! Great Job Yesterday! It was good to see a few new faces on yesterday that we havent seen on in a while! Alright! Are you guys ready for Valentines day? It is tomorrow!
I Peter 4:
10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
Those are some powerful verses at the end of this chapter! Think about that... is says: Judgement should start in the house of God... in other words... Judge yourself! Don't judge other people! Who are we to judge the lost?? We have no right!! We would be LOST if it were not for the grace of God!! Think about it!
Why is it that Christians have the label that they judge everyone! That is exactly what Christ says NOT TO DO!!!! Christ says, stop judging the little splinter in your own eye, while you have a tree trunk in your eye!!!
Christians are not to judge, we are to show the mercy and compassion that we have been shown. It helps nothing for us to judge, it only leads the lost to "their end"
This passage asks two or three times... what is the end of the unbeliever, we know that! The end of the unbeliever is Hell for eternity! We should not push them in that direction by being hypocritical and judgmental... Christ loved the sinner while he was here on earth, and so should we!
THURSDAY, February 12th, 2009
Well, today is Lincolns Birthday, and it is my Dad's Birthday! Happy Birthday!!!
Well, last night was lots of fun in youth group! I enjoyed having you guys there! We are going to have a fun month so make sure you are faithful!
I Peter 4
1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
It is so easy to hold a grudge... it is so natural to stay mad at someone whenever they have wronged you or someone you care about... am I right? Many times we even try to hold on to our grudge like it is some little pet... we try to justify it, let it simmer on our hearts and minds.
What does God think about all that? God says: More than anything else: LOVE EACH OTHER!! why? Because LOVE COVERS A MULTITUDE OF SINS!!! wow, that is powerful in many ways... do you know why? Think about it...
God is telling us to love people so that it will cover their sins, dont focus on the wrong instead forgive them and focus on how great things could be if you forgive and love like Christ says too... I dont know about you, but maybe you are tempted to think: God cannot possibly want me to LOVE AND FORGIVE THAT PERSON!!!! But He does... let me explain...
If anyone has ever been wronged, It was Christ. Christ was ultimately wronged and yet he chose to "COVER A MULTITUDE OF SINS" and LOVE US by dying on the cross for us!
That is amazing!
I want to end with verse 4... it is great. Peter wrote this... There are some people out there that think I am crazy because I do not live the way that they live, I do not party the way that they party, I do not follow sin, the way that they follow sin...
Do people think that your crazy because you WILL NOT LIVE THE WAY THEY DO? or do people think that you are just like them?
Well, last night was lots of fun in youth group! I enjoyed having you guys there! We are going to have a fun month so make sure you are faithful!
I Peter 4
1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
It is so easy to hold a grudge... it is so natural to stay mad at someone whenever they have wronged you or someone you care about... am I right? Many times we even try to hold on to our grudge like it is some little pet... we try to justify it, let it simmer on our hearts and minds.
What does God think about all that? God says: More than anything else: LOVE EACH OTHER!! why? Because LOVE COVERS A MULTITUDE OF SINS!!! wow, that is powerful in many ways... do you know why? Think about it...
God is telling us to love people so that it will cover their sins, dont focus on the wrong instead forgive them and focus on how great things could be if you forgive and love like Christ says too... I dont know about you, but maybe you are tempted to think: God cannot possibly want me to LOVE AND FORGIVE THAT PERSON!!!! But He does... let me explain...
If anyone has ever been wronged, It was Christ. Christ was ultimately wronged and yet he chose to "COVER A MULTITUDE OF SINS" and LOVE US by dying on the cross for us!
That is amazing!
I want to end with verse 4... it is great. Peter wrote this... There are some people out there that think I am crazy because I do not live the way that they live, I do not party the way that they party, I do not follow sin, the way that they follow sin...
Do people think that your crazy because you WILL NOT LIVE THE WAY THEY DO? or do people think that you are just like them?
WEDNESDAY, February 11th, 2009
Hey Everyone! It was good to see 5 of you doing your devotions yesterday! I am excited about our reward trip coming up in about 2 weeks! We will have a great time!
I Peter 3:12 - 22
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
There is alot of great stuff in this passage! Think about verse 12 where it says that Jesus is always watching the righteous and the unrighteous! He knows who is who, that should make us want to strive to be Godly!!
Nobody likes to suffer! I was working out last night and I WAS SUFFERING! IT WAS PAINFUL!!! But God tells us that if we suffer for Him then we will be happy!! That explains why Paul could sing in a prison cell, although he was suffering He was VERY HAPPY!!
Finally verse 15... I made part of it VERY BOLD!!! It says that we should all be ready to give an answer for the hope that lieth within us... in other words: We should be able to explain to someone about Jesus Christ and why we believe in Him!!! This is so important! Have you ever talked with someone who was like... I KNOW ALL ABOUT THIS... but as you talked to them you realized they actually knew nothing!! Well, I have met those people, and it is the worst thing ever when it is Christians, because then everyone realizes that the person is being fake! Dont be fake! Have an answer for the hope that is in your heart!
I Peter 3:12 - 22
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
There is alot of great stuff in this passage! Think about verse 12 where it says that Jesus is always watching the righteous and the unrighteous! He knows who is who, that should make us want to strive to be Godly!!
Nobody likes to suffer! I was working out last night and I WAS SUFFERING! IT WAS PAINFUL!!! But God tells us that if we suffer for Him then we will be happy!! That explains why Paul could sing in a prison cell, although he was suffering He was VERY HAPPY!!
Finally verse 15... I made part of it VERY BOLD!!! It says that we should all be ready to give an answer for the hope that lieth within us... in other words: We should be able to explain to someone about Jesus Christ and why we believe in Him!!! This is so important! Have you ever talked with someone who was like... I KNOW ALL ABOUT THIS... but as you talked to them you realized they actually knew nothing!! Well, I have met those people, and it is the worst thing ever when it is Christians, because then everyone realizes that the person is being fake! Dont be fake! Have an answer for the hope that is in your heart!
TUESDAY, February 10th, 2009
Hey Guys! Great job on the devotions yesterday! Those were some great thoughts that you guys put down. Keep it up!
I Peter 3
1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
This is a pretty clear passage... Wives... submit to your husband, respect him and love Him... Why? Well first of all, because God says too... second, (I love this part) so that if He is not saved, the wife can be a testimony to her husband and lead Him to the Lord. That is what verse 1 says and that is some powerful stuff!
Verse 3 and 4 explain to girls, dont be absolutely consumed about what you put on the outside of your body, like makeup and jewelry, but instead BE CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT GOES INSIDE YOUR BODY, what is your heart like? That is the most important part!
Verse 7 is pretty clear about how the husband should treat his wife... He must show her Honor and respect!! The Bible explains that generally the wife is weaker so the husband must nurture, and take care of her, comfort her and guide her... This does not give the idea of a master guiding his animal!! It gives the idea of a friend comforting and leading another friend!! Many husbands treat their wife like garbage with both their words and their actions, but this passage makes it clear that both the Husband and the Wife are supposed to love, and RESPECT ONE ANOTHER!!
Well... you teenagers may be sitting there saying: I am not married yet?? What does this have to do with me?!?!?! Well, there are two things... FIRST! LEARN THIS NOW AND IT WILL HELP YOUR MARRIAGE SOMEDAY!!
SECOND: IF YOU TREAT THE GIRL OR GUY OF YOUR DREAMS WITH THIS KIND OF LOVE AND RESPECT... IT MIGHT JUST HELP YOU GET THEIR ATTENTION!!
I Peter 3
1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
This is a pretty clear passage... Wives... submit to your husband, respect him and love Him... Why? Well first of all, because God says too... second, (I love this part) so that if He is not saved, the wife can be a testimony to her husband and lead Him to the Lord. That is what verse 1 says and that is some powerful stuff!
Verse 3 and 4 explain to girls, dont be absolutely consumed about what you put on the outside of your body, like makeup and jewelry, but instead BE CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT GOES INSIDE YOUR BODY, what is your heart like? That is the most important part!
Verse 7 is pretty clear about how the husband should treat his wife... He must show her Honor and respect!! The Bible explains that generally the wife is weaker so the husband must nurture, and take care of her, comfort her and guide her... This does not give the idea of a master guiding his animal!! It gives the idea of a friend comforting and leading another friend!! Many husbands treat their wife like garbage with both their words and their actions, but this passage makes it clear that both the Husband and the Wife are supposed to love, and RESPECT ONE ANOTHER!!
Well... you teenagers may be sitting there saying: I am not married yet?? What does this have to do with me?!?!?! Well, there are two things... FIRST! LEARN THIS NOW AND IT WILL HELP YOUR MARRIAGE SOMEDAY!!
SECOND: IF YOU TREAT THE GIRL OR GUY OF YOUR DREAMS WITH THIS KIND OF LOVE AND RESPECT... IT MIGHT JUST HELP YOU GET THEIR ATTENTION!!
MONDAY, February 9th, 2009
I Peter 2:11-25
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
SUNDAY, February 8th, 2009
Hey everyone! If you were not is Sunday School this morning then we missed you. We looked at I Peter 2:2-9
I will post them here and you go ahead and share your thoughts... remember, this morning we spent a good amount of time talking about verse 9. WE ARE A CHOSEN GENERATION!! God Chose to save us and to use us... we need to choose to obey Him and Live for Him!
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
I will post them here and you go ahead and share your thoughts... remember, this morning we spent a good amount of time talking about verse 9. WE ARE A CHOSEN GENERATION!! God Chose to save us and to use us... we need to choose to obey Him and Live for Him!
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
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