Tag: SOAP

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

Protective Measures

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w5d2

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 2 Peter 1: 5-11 and SOAP: verse 8

For if these things are really yours and are continually increasing, they will keep you from becoming ineffective and unproductive in your pursuit of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ more intimately.

2 Peter 1:8 NLT

This verse summarizes the result of the previous verses in this chapter. Remember, we have been given everything we need to live and love like Jesus. We have been called to follow after His own glory and goodness, through which we have received not only the gift of God’s great and precious promises but also of participating in His divine nature. In other words, we are able – this side of Heaven – to begin living out the moral excellence we see in Jesus. On top of this, according to Peter, we have been granted an escape from the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. It should be noted that this does not mean we will no longer be tempted to sin or even fall prey to sin but it means – when we are – we have been given what we need to overcome the sin. Because of this, Peter writes of six particular things we are to add to our faith to protect us from becoming ineffective and unproductive in our pursuit of knowing Jesus more intimately.

God equips us but it is up to us to make the effort to pursue a deeper, fuller, personal relationship with Jesus.

Me – from the inside out 🦋
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Peter presents a two-choice scenario for believers:

  1. Make every effort to grow in your faith (or)
  2. Waste the opportunity of being fully equipped for life and godliness and remain ineffective and unproductive.

If we choose to pursue Christ and grow in our faith and relationship with Him we must heed Peter’s counsel and make every effort to add to our faith these six traits or qualities – (descriptions for each were found in part or in whole at bibleref.com

  • First, since we have been equipped to live like Jesus, we must work to add goodness, or “moral excellence,” to our faith. This means that we will work to do good, by God’s power, in the world now, as Jesus would in our place. This goodness becomes the foundation for the rest of these qualities.
  • We are also to add knowledge. This is a deeper understanding of our God through His Word, prayer, and so forth, which informs our goodness. Merely wanting to do good is not enough; we must know what good is by knowing God.
  • To knowledge, we must add self–control. Without the ability to control ourselves, our knowledge of good and our desire to do it are both worthless. Self-control is the moment-by-moment restraint of our urges. It is the ability to make the right choice when temptation strikes.
  • Perseverance is our next additive, as it is the ability to practice self–control over time. Our sprints of doing good turn into marathons. Our moment-by-moment, hour-by-hour, day-by-day choices eventually turn into lifestyles. Perseverance is the ability to maintain self-control, even when the pressure of temptation continues to attack us.
  • Next is Godliness, which keeps our goodness from being merely human goodness. This is godly goodness. It is moral excellence that reflects the nature of God Himself instead of the temporary, earth-bound “goodness” of men.
  • Brotherly affection (or kindness) should come alongside godliness. The idea is that we become motivated to do good for each other. This is supposed to come from a sense of connectedness. This is the type of connection experienced in the closest of families. And, truly, our brothers and sisters in Christ are our family. Peter calls us to “make every effort” to develop a familial affection for each other. Hard as it may be at times, we should strive to really “like” each other, so that we want to do good for one another.
  • Finally, we are to add unselfish love, which is the pinnacle of all the other qualities: love. God is love, and the goodness of Jesus was motivated both by His love for the Father and His love for us. Peter’s term for “love” here comes from the Greek root word agape, which refers to a selfless, sacrificial concern for the good of others. It makes sense, then, that our ultimate reason to do good is the same self–sacrificing love that Christ showed for us.

To stop here is dangerous. It is important, even crucial, to understand that to lack these virtues is to be blind spiritually, which would be to waste our gift of life and godliness or the potential of moral excellence, i.e., Christlike living (9). So, again, Peter writes: “Make every effort” to demonstrate the reality of their calling (10).

Peter is speaking most clearly to those who seem to avoid commitment to Christlike living, while still claiming their place in God’s family. This is unproductive at best, and dangerous at worst. Instead, Peter tells the reader to be diligent to demonstrate spiritually mature qualities, as confidence-boosters and evidence of their security in Christ.

Bibleref.com/in reference to verse 10
Question FOR THE JOURNEY

Are there specific virtues you feel led to cultivate in this season of your life? How can you faithfully nurture them in your everyday life?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, there is so much to learn from Your Word. Thank You for today’s reminder from Peter’s letter that while we are saved by grace alone through faith alone we are also charged with the pursuit of knowing Jesus more intimately if we want our faith to be effective and productive. Help us to not just claim faith in Jesus but to actively look to add to our faith moral excellence that mirrors Christ. Help us to pursue knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brother affection, and unselfish love. – for to lack these things is to be spiritually blind and wasteful of all You have given us for life and godliness. Father, help all who belong to You begin living out the moral excellence You have equipped us for – the glory and goodness we see in the divine nature of Jesus, remembering that through Him, we have escaped the corruption in this world caused by evil desires. When I read these words of Peter, I can’t help but think of Paul’s words to the church at Corinth – “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall – God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” We may not be sinless on this side of Heaven, but we would be wise to take advantage of the promises that You have given us, through our faith in Christ, and sin less. – In the glorious name and power of Jesus my Lord – Amen and Amen!

Music for the Journey

What a blessed assurance we have – even on this side of Heaven – when we know that Jesus is ours!

THE MORE WE KNOW

Explore verses 5-11 of 2 Peter chapter 1

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials
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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w4d5

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:12-14 and SOAP: verse 12

Through Silvanus, whom I know to be a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, in order to encourage you and testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

1 Peter 5:12 NET

It is obvious from much of this first letter that Peter’s “encouragement” is provoked by the suffering (persecution) he knew believers were facing. Peter understood how weary the struggles and suffering can make us, so he cheered them on so that they would not grow weary in doing good. This is a great example of encouragement or building others up in the faith.

According to Peter, the whole point of his letter was to encourage the people, especially knowing the persecution and suffering they had been facing, to stay committed to their profession of faith—faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ—which, as Peter reminds them, is the “true grace of God.”

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Stand firm in God’s grace, which is His undeserved favor, namely through Jesus Christ – God’s only begotten son.

Build each other up (1 Thes. 5:11). Encourage others whom you know are struggling so that they don’t grow weary and lose heart.

Side note: Don’t miss that Peter didn’t work alone. He partnered with Silvanus to do the work God had called him to do. Whether he wrote the words as Peter dictated or simply delivered them to the people – Silvanus is a picture of partnering with others in the work of the cross. Look for others to include in work God has called you to or simply to walk along side of and encourage.

Question FOR THE JOURNEY

Who in your life could be uplifted by hearing your testimony? How can you step out in boldness this week to share your story of God’s grace and encourage a sister in Christ?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, thank you for the Gospel of Jesus Christ—the message of salvation, the hope of eternity. Help us to be faithful stewards of it so that, like Silvanus, we might be known as faithful sisters or brothers. Help us to faithfully encourage others and testify to Your true and present grace, who is Jesus Christ. Then I pray You will help us to stand fast in it.

THE MORE WE KNOW

But encourage one another daily as long as it is called today, so that none of you may become hardened by sins deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13

For more insight be sure and visit lovegodgreatly.com for today’s blog post

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

One Day

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w4d4

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:10-11 and SOAP: 10-11

And, after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him belongs the power forever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:10-11 NET

One day our suffering will end! Peter’s words are full of life, hope, and peace as he points out what will happen “after we have suffered”. Peter tells us that God, who has saved us by grace through faith and promised us eternity with Him – “will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us!” To fully appreciate the life, hope, and peace this promise is meant to bring let’s look beyond the words on the page.

Restore: Gotquestions.org explains that, “The Greek word for “restore” conveys the idea of making something whole again. Sin and suffering have left us broken, and we will not be fully restored this side of eternity. However, at the right time, God will restore all things, including us.1 Revelation 21:4 holds a promise of restoration, where the current world will pass away and God will bring about a new reality. The verse states, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

“Additionally,” gotquestions.org goes on to say, “God promises to confirm, strengthen, and establish us. He fully acknowledges that we are His, that He gifts us with strength, and that He will establish us, that is, He will keep us rooted. Through it all, “our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

This isn’t a passage with instructions so much as hope and encouragement from a promise of God. So, how, then, do we apply this knowledge? I believe we take the knowledge to heart and rejoice in the hope that one day, our suffering will end, and God will wipe away our tears. Then, I believe we take hold of the promise and let it bring us hope and courage as we wait for our ‘suffering” to end. And – since Peter has told us that believers everywhere are suffering – I believe we are to share this promise with others so that they, too, can rejoice and look forward to this hope of eternity.

Question FOR THE JOURNEY

In your current season of life, how can you intentionally shift your focus from your pain to God’s promises of restoration and the joy of eternity with Him?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, one day You will wipe away all our tears and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain; but for now we still know times, even days of ongoing troubles – so I echo the prayer of the LGG team today and pray that you will anchor our hearts to the promises that our suffering is only momentary compared to the eternal glory You have set before us. Form us more into Your image during this season of suffering. Restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us. In all things, may You be glorified. Amen

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

DON’T WORRY – TRUST GOD

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w4d2

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-7; SOAP: verses 6-7

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

1 Peter 5:6-7 NLT

Do you remember the phrase – “Don’t worry, be happy … put a smile on your face.”? The phrase is from a song that became popular in the late eighties. Admittedly, I didn’t know it as a song but a simple, catchy phrase that everyone was using – myself included. I haven’t thought of that phrase in more years than I can remember but it popped into my mind as I was SOAPing today’s passage – but with a bit of a tweak: “Don’t worry, trust God, He’ll put a smile on your face.”

If you have been journeying with me through the Word for very long, you might remember that verse seven of 1 Peter 5 is one of my favorites. I’ve shared many times that it was a life-altering verse for me – to know that He cares enough NOT only to save me from my sins but to also take my cares – ALL my cares – on Himself.

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”

C.S. Lewis

I confess it is really easy to make this a stand-alone verse, but studying it today with the whole passage—the Holy Spirit helped me see it with fresh eyes and an even deeper appreciation for the verse—as it is written in conjunction with Peter’s instructions to humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand. In other words, bringing God our cares is not only a privilege of getting rid of our anxieties but an act of humbling ourselves before Him – in a huge act of faith that says I can’t handle this but I know and trust that You can because You are in perfect control of all things. According to verse five, and my own experience through the years – this act of faith is met with God’s grace.

Humility doesn’t come naturally. So Peter tells us to put humility on, “covering our pride to promote each other above ourselves,” because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

adapted from bibleref.com/1 Peter 5:5
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)
  • Humility doesn’t come naturally, so put it on daily like a piece of clothing.1
    • As used in Scripture, “humility” does not mean weakness or self-hatred. It means a proper appreciation of how we are, in relationship to God. It means strength under control.2
  • Keep your pride in check, remembering that God opposes the proud.
    • don’t be too proud to tell Him about the things that concern you
  • Love others as yourself (Jn 13:34, Mark 12:29-31)
  • Don’t worry3 – trust God and let Him put a smile on your face by casting all your anxieties (cares) on Him, because you trust He cares for you and is in perfect control
Question FOR THE JOURNEY

In what areas of your life are you struggling to release control and trust God? How can you practice humility this week by casting your burdens on Him?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, when I was a teenager, You used an elderly couple to share Peter’s words about giving You all of my cares because You care for me. You have used this verse to literally save me from crippling anxiety and I am forever grateful. I pray that those who are reading this today will be convicted to take hold of this awesome privilege You have given to Your children, for when we give You our cares and concerns Your grace washes over us filling us with peace and strength and joy. May we encourage one another daily with this truth so that we do not become burdened down by our cares and anxieties. Guard us from pride for we know that You oppose the proud but give grace to the humble. Humility doesn’t come naturally to us, so may Your Holy Spirit remind us daily to put it on as a piece of clothing, loving others more than ourselves and trusting You with all our cares. Help us not to worry but to be happy and may the world see the reflection of Your grace on our face.

Music for the Journey
THE MORE WE KNOW

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

Perspective in Suffering

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w4d1

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19; SOAP: verses 12-13

12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

1 Peter 4:12-13 Nlt

Peter makes it clear that as believers, we should not be surprised or caught off guard by circumstances of suffering. Actually, when we live lives that are “set apart” for God and we have “set apart Christ as Lord,” we must not only expect suffering but be on alert and ready for it! Peter will make this clear in the next chapter of this letter.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8

We might wonder why God allows His children to suffer for following Jesus and doing good. This is a natural question, and Scripture repeatedly answers it – my favorite reference for this is found in James 1:2-4: Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. Suffering and times of testing stretch and strengthen our faith, and from my experience – each ‘episode’ prepares us for the next.

That being said, as I read and studied today’s passage, one question kept coming to mind: Do I really suffer because I follow Jesus? As I began praying and searching other passages, I found this helpful and encouraging commentary by gotquestions.org.1 I’ve only shared a snippet, but I implore you to take the time to read it in its entirety. I am confident that it will be a blessing in the days and years to come as we continue to live out our faith.

“The Bible talks a lot about suffering for the sake of Christ. In the era in which the New Testament was written, followers of Jesus were often ostracized by their own families and communities. …

Often those of us in free nations shudder at the thought, but we feel relatively safe. We understand that there are thousands who suffer daily for the sake of Christ and are thankful we don’t have to. But is there only one kind of persecution? …

Often our greatest suffering comes from within as we battle for control over a heart that must die to its own will and surrender to Christ’s lordship (Romans 7:15–25). In whatever form suffering comes, we should embrace it as a badge of honor and a privilege that we, like the apostles, have “been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.”

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Peter goes on to teach believers not only to expect suffering but to “rejoice” or “be very glad” in it. Now, you may be wondering, as do most, why on earth we should be glad about suffering.

It’s not about taking on a falsely spiritual attitude; it’s about correcting our perspective in the moment of suffering to fit our actual beliefs about who we are in Christ.2

bibleref.com/1 Peter 4:14

Peter’s explanation is that it is a badge of honor, so to speak, to suffer for the cause of Christ, saying: “If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.” It’s important to note that these words weren’t original to Peter – they were words Peter had heard Christ speak during the “Sermon on the Mount.” They were words he had undoubtedly learned represented a truth about the real and present suffering believers face when they are true and faithful followers of Jesus. -But, how and why can we rejoice? Both questions are answered beautifully in verse nineteen: “ So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.” – This isn’t to say that we won’t want the suffering to stop but that we must hold to the truth that it will be worth it all.

Peter is quick to say, though, that not all suffering is equally honorable. A Christian who experiences the natural consequence of sinful choices, including being punished by the state for criminal activity, should not make the mistake of thinking he or she is suffering for Christ.3 

bibleref.com/1Peter 4:15
Question FOR THE JOURNEY

How can you shift your perspective on the trials you are facing, viewing them not as burdens but as indicators that you are making an impact for God? How can this mindset prepare your heart for the joy that will come with Christ’s return?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, suffering or trials of any kind are not easy. The enemy is quick to use them to distract our attention from You and to prompt complaining or attitudes that do not reflect Your Spirit in us. Only by Your grace can we rejoice in the sufferings in this world, whether they are from the consequences of our sins or because we have chosen to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus, as true and faithful servants. I pray that You will help us bear every insult we receive for the name of Christ as a badge of honor. I pray that our responses to any suffering will always bring You glory. I ask that You will help us to encourage one another so that we can bear up under the pain of suffering and not grow weary in doing good and rejoicing in You – entrusting our souls to You, our faithful Creator God – who uses even our suffering for Your glory and our good. – In the name of Jesus I trust and pray! – Amen

Music for the Journey
THE MORE WE KNOW

For more insight please visit lovegodgreatly.com

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

Using our God-Given Gifts

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w1d5

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11 and SOAP: verses 10 and 11

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

1 Peter 4:10-11 NLT

Today’s post is borrowed and shared from the LGG, Triumph over Trials edition, p110

As believers, we are living in anticipation of Christ’s return — a reality that should profoundly shape our lives. In this waiting, we are not called to be idle but to be motivated to love and serve the body of Christ intentionally, especially during times of testing and persecution. A united, loving Christian community shines brightly in a dark world, like a city on a hill (Matthew 5:14-16).

A united, loving Christian community shines brightly in a dark world, like a city on a hill

The command is clear: we must work at loving each other well. Love is not passive; it’s active. It’s not a feeling, but a choice we make every day. It’s seen in the meals prepared for a new mom, the earnest prayers for a struggling friend, and the open doors of our homes.

God has not left us empty-handed in this high calling. He has generously given each of us unique gifts designed to serve and build up the church and others (Romans 12:4-8). These gifts are not for our own glory but given to us by God, fashioned to stitch His people closer together and reflect His love to the watching world (Ephesians 4:11-12).

When we see a need within the church, our hearts should be stirred to meet it. Whether it is encouragement, financial help, prayer, or a listening ear — let’s move towards those needs, not away from them. In doing so, we are faithful stewards of God’s grace, dispensing it generously just as it has been lavished upon us.

As we help others and employ our God-given gifts in service, the world catches glimpses of Jesus in us. Our love becomes a radiant beacon, pointing to the One who first loved us (1 John 4:19). In our serving, God is glorified, and His kingdom is tangibly expressed through our hands and feet.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)
  • love and serve the body of Christ intentionally
    • watch for others who need help and seek to meet the need
  • work at loving each other well
  • know and use the gifts God has given you
    • use them for God’s glory and not your own
Question FOR THE JOURNEY

How can you use your God-given gifts to meet a need within your church community or Love God Greatly group this week? In what ways can you be more intentional about loving the body of Christ in anticipation of His return?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Dear Jesus, thank You for entrusting us with gifts to serve Your body. help us to love deeply and act decisively, especially when we see a need within our church family. May our lives, fueled by Your love, shine brightly and draw others to You. Amen.

THE MORE WE KNOW

Knowing that Christ could return at any time should affect our thinking.

Peter’s teaching on how Christians should love each other “strenuously”

For more insight on today’s passage visit lovegodgreatly.com/blog

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Gospel, Triumphs over Trials

A Heavenly Perspective

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w3d4

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-6; SOAP: 1 Peter 4:5-6

They will face a reckoning before Jesus Christ who stands ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 Now it was for this very purpose that the gospel was preached to those who are now dead, so that though they were judged in the flesh by human standards they may live spiritually by God’s standards.

1 Peter 4:5-6 NET

From the journal of Love God Greatly, Trials over Triumphs / p106

There is a profound reality that we, often conveniently, keep in the back of our minds: one day, we will all stand before the throne of God. That moment will be the most significant in our existence – a divine appointment where all people will be judged. For believers, this will be a time when we will be viewed, not by our sins, but through Christ’s atoning sacrifice and the faith and forgiveness we have found in Him (Romans 8:1). We will also receive the rewards for a life lived in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 22:12). For unbelievers, it is a sobering reality of facing punishment for rejecting the free gift of salvation in Jesus.

Imagine standing there, in the presence of God, giving an account for every word, every action, and every thought of our lives. Peter’s words are not meant to paralyze us with fear but to ignite a holy urgency within us. He urges us to live our lives with a heavenly perspective, knowing that our time here is but a breath in light of eternity. We are to steward this life – every second of it – as a precious gift, intentionally living in ways that are honoring to God.

So, how are we spending our days? Are we investing in what is eternal – loving others, deepening our relationship with Jesus, and sharing the Gospel – or are we getting sidetracked by this world’s fleeting comforts and pursuits?

Peter emphasizes why the Gospel is preached. It stands as a beacon of hope, offering the promise of eternal life – a life with God and untouched by sickness, pain, or sin (John 17:3; Revelation 21:4). This message is the treasure we hold in our hearts and the very message the world desperately needs to hear.

Sweet friends, Jesus is returning, but His second coming will be vastly different from His first. He will not return as a helpless infant; He will come as a righteous Judge. In light of this impending reality, now is the critical time for us to share the Gospel – far and wide – with the precious days we have been given.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Invest in what is eternal:

  • loving others
  • deepening our relationship with Jesus
  • sharing the Gospel
  • live by God’s standards
  • turn away from the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.

This is not simply a list of sins to avoid but a list of addictions that entangle those who live for comfort and pleasure. Those who live for the will of God (like Christ)—with a willingness to experience physical suffering to accomplish it—set the course of their lives in a different direction.

Bibleref.com / 1 Peter 4:3
Question FOR THE JOURNEY

How can we shift our daily perspective to be more in line with eternity? What steps can you take to live a life that faithfully stewards the time you’ve been given in light of the coming judgment?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the life You have given me. Help me to live it with a constant awareness of eternity. Give me the strength and grace to live a life that is pleasing to You. Prepare my heart for that day when I will stand before You and give an account for my life. Let my life be an offering of love and gratitude to You—Amen.

THE MORE WE KNOW

1And yet, God is paying attention. Pleasure-seekers will stand before God and “give account” of their lives at the final judgment. God—More insight on 1 Peter 4:5

2More insight on 1 Peter 4:6

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

Be Ready With an Answer

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w3d3

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15-22 and SOAP: verses 15-16

 But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess. 16 Yet do it with courtesy and respect, keeping a good conscience, so that those who slander your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame when they accuse you.

1 Peter 3:15-16 NET

Just prior to this passage, Peter wrote these words:  “But in fact, if you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. But do not be terrified of them or be shaken.” – “But,” he goes on to say, “set Christ apart as Lord in your heart …” Peter understood the surprising ease of being terrified and/or shaken, he also knew the importance of being ready with an answer for the hope that believers possess through/in Christ. Peter had learned and was passing on to other believers the need to be intentional in their relationship with Christ and the role He played in their lives. Peter wanted them to understand the relationship is meant to be personal; it is multifaceted – for when we know Christ as our Savior – we also know Him as friend, brother, Redeemer, teacher, and as Peter suggests – “Lord”. On top of that, it is an ongoing, neverending, ever-evolving (deepening and root-growing) relationship in the good and in the difficult seasons of life – which, I imagine, is why Peter instructs us to “always be ready to give an answer for the hope we possess.”

Don’t miss the phrase at the end of verse fifteen, “the hope you possess.” What a hidden gem this is! A treasure that should stir hope in every believer, the reminder that Christ lives in us! Or, as the NET translation so beautifully puts it: “the hope you possess.” – We are assured of this throughout the Scriptures but one of my favorite references to this truth is found in 1 John 3:24, where we read:

Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us.

1 John 3:24 NET
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Set Christ apart (in your heart) as Lord—that is, intentionally make Him more important than anything or anyone else in your life. Be ready with an answer for the hope His Lordship brings to your life. Have a good attitude when presenting your answer, being careful that it doesn’t come across as smug or defensive but rather points others to Christ and quiets not only the accuser but also their accusations. – Suffering comes into everyone’s life, whether we are believers or not, however, when we have intentionally placed Christ on the throne of our heart when the crises come – be it a cancer diagnosis, marital problems, financial struggles, family feuds, aging parents, death, household disasters or other catastrophes – they may disrupt our lives and bring much sorrow but they will not – and cannot destroy us when we have set Christ apart as Lord of our life!

When we set apart Christ as Lord, it will change us. Peter says those who observe us will notice the difference. That difference is hope. Even in the midst of our suffering, our hopefulness should be apparent. So, Peter instructs us to be ready to answer the question our life should inspire: “How can you be so hopeful in such difficult circumstances?”

Bibleref.com1

Believe it or not – while setting apart Christ apart as Lord is important, being ready with an answer for the hope that is within us is also vital – since we have been called to not only know Christ but to make Him known. This is why Peter encourages us to be ready with an answer for the Hope that is within us. Hope that allows us to stand strong in the storms of life is meant to be shared- it is meant to change not just our lives but to impact the lives of those around us. Consider these words of encouragement from today’s LGG Journal entry:

When we walk through life with Christ enthroned in our hearts, our reactions to crises — like a destroyed home — become opportunities for testimonies. They make people stop and wonder, and that wonder cracks open the door for us to point them to Jesus our everlasting hope.”

Love God Greatly Journal Enthr / w3d3
Question FOR THE JOURNEY

How can you prepare your heart today so that your hope in Christ shines through in times of crisis?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father make us instruments of Your love and peace. Let us neither murmur nor complain when troubles are near but let us keep Jesus firmly established on the throne of our heart so that our struggles become opportunities for testimonies. May they be testimonies that make people stop and wonder, and may that wonder crack open the door for us to point others to Jesus, our everlasting hope. When the opportunity arises, let us speak of You with gentleness, love, and respect. Father, You are my true hope and comfort, and I want others to know this peace that You so freely give to all who trust in You – all who fix their eyes and thoughts on You. – Amen! (borrowed in part from the “Triumph and Trials, journal – p102

THE MORE WE KNOW

For more insight be sure to visit Lovegodgreatly.com for today’s blog post

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

Responsibilities of Faith

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w3d2

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-14 and SOAP: verses 10-12

For the one who wants to love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from uttering deceit.
11 And he must turn away from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his ears are open to their prayer. But the Lord’s face is against those who do evil.

1 Peter 3:10-12 NET

Friends, never forget – ours is an active faith – filled with responsibilities and expectations which are made clear to us by God in His Word. In part, this is where Peter’s focus is in this section of chapter three.

He points out that we are to be harmonious, sympathetic, affectionate, compassionate, and humble. That’s a pretty big list of challenges, and they are followed by what seems to be a very specific set of “instructions.” The instructions aren’t suggestions but “must-dos and don’ts.” He highlights the challenges and explains what he means by these five goals for believers so that we know exactly what God expects.

I love it when God is specific and leaves no room for speculation of how we are to live.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

If, as believers, we hope to enjoy the rich and satisfying life Christ came to bring then we MUST follow His ways and abide by His instructions.

  • do not return evil for evil or insult for insult
    • instead, bless others 1
  • keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies2
  • turn away from evil and do good
  • seek peace and pursue it3
  • be a person of righteousness and prayer4
Question FOR THE JOURNEY

How can you intentionally use your words to speak life into someone’s situation this week? How can you pursue peace in a current relationship?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, our sinful earthly nature, which still lurks within us, is quick to return evil for evil and insult for insult. It bids us away from the good we want to do to do the evil we are meant to turn away from. It entices us to speak lies and hurts rather than blessings and truth, and to fight back rather than seek peace. Thank You for this reminder from Peter, that Your face is set against those who do evil but that Your favor is on those who live out Your righteous calling, and Your ears are open to our prayers – for this, we are grateful and seek to live accordingly. Help us to be devoted to what is good and right in Your sight, and if we suffer for doing what is right help us to remember You have promised blessing. In this, let us be confident so that we are neither terrified nor shaken. – In the name of Jesus I pray and trust – amen and amen!

THE MORE WE KNOW

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

Beauty of the Heart

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Trials and Triumphs / w3d1

The Journey(Scripture and Observation)

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:1-7 and SOAP: verses 3-4

Let your beauty not be external—the braiding of hair and wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes— 4 but the inner person of the heart, the lasting beauty of a gentle and tranquil spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.

1 Peter 3:3-4 NET

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water”? According to Wikipedia, it’s an old saying or “expression for an avoidable error in which something good or of value is eliminated when trying to get rid of something unwanted.” In full disclosure, this is what I found myself doing as I began reading today’s passage. Why? Because I’m no longer a wife, and because I’m not – I find myself mentally eliminating the portions of passages where husbands and wives are mentioned. The problem with doing this is that God’s Word is not meant to be diced up or thrown out according to what we deem necessary or unnecessary to/for our lives – for all Scripture has been breathed out by God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that we, as God’s servants, may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

So, while the photo we want to snap of this particular day’s journey is Peter’s emphasis on the comparison between external and internal beauty, we must be careful not to throw out the rest of the passage simply because it seems insignificant or makes us feel uncomfortable. Since the Love God Greatly journal entry1 today does such a wonderful job of explaining the entirety of the passage, I am sharing it with you (in its entirety, including the prayer) with the encouragement to take in the whole passage and allow God to use it to equip you for every good work.

In ancient Rome, societal norms dictated that husbands held absolute authority over their families. Imagine being a woman whose newfound faith in Christ wasn’t shared by her husband. While husbands who became Christians would bring their whole family to church, women did not have that authority. Wives who became Christians would likely have to walk a delicate path, navigating their way to church alone, possibly against the wishes of their spouse. For many women around the world, this is still a reality.

Peter emphasizes the fleeting nature of external beauty – a beauty that is meticulously crafted with the latest fashions and trends with the goal of impressing others. Instead, he encourages us to cultivate a beauty that radiates from within a beauty marked by the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). This beauty doesn’t fade; it matures and deepens with time.

Being “submissive” can be a touchy and misapplied topic. It’s often misunderstood and sometimes misused yet Jesus Himself exemplified it perfectly. He submitted to God’s plan, demonstrating immense strength and profound love. As Peter teaches, submission never compromises our obedience to God. It does not mean being a “doormat” or remaining in an unsafe or abusive situation or enduring harm or doing things that violate God’s Word or our conscience. But it does mean being meek enough to follow our husband’s leading (except into sin, of course). It is a resilient, godly posture motivated by love and done out of respect for God and others.

While there is not a specific list Peter gives of how a wife is to submit to her husband, he mentions Sarah, who submitted to Abraham, calling him “lord.” This showed an inner attitude of respect out of obedience to God’s commands. As Peter writes, women who did this well had their hopes resting in God, not on their own cleverness, charm, or beauty – not even in their own husbands. That’s why they could be fearless and strong, while at the same time having a quiet and tranquil spirit.

Living the Journey (Application)

Let’s ask God to help us have an inner beauty that points to Christ and leads others to know Him.

Prayer for the Journey

Dear Lord Jesus, teach us to prioritize the inner beauty that You cherish. Help us take care of the body You have entrusted to us, not out of vanity but as an act of worship to You. Amen.

The More We Know

For more insight check out today’s Love God Greatly Blog post

  1. Love God Greatly Digital Journal, Triumph Over Trials, p 94  ↩︎