Tag: Triumph over Trials

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

Purpose, Purity, and Peace

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w6d5

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:11-18 and SOAP: verses 14-15

Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, 12 looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. 13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.

14 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. 15 And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him— 16 speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction.

Peter’s Final Words

17 You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. 18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.

2 Peter 3:11-18 NLT

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Be motivated by Peter’s words.

  • strive to be found at peace without spot or blemish
  • don’t just wait for Christ’s return, – actively wait
  • actively work to reflect His love and holiness while you wait – even through the trials of this life
  • don’t forget — Jesus is the key to living a life of godliness
  • Remember and TRUST God’s promise(s), specifically – that He has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4)
QUESTION FOR THE JOURNEY

How will you actively wait for Jesus, growing in grace and preparing your heart for His return?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, there are trials all around us, some in our own lives. We see evidence of them in those close to us, and in those we don’t even know within our communities. We see them affecting people around the world through the news or other media – and we call out to You to help Your people wait with hope, an active hope that is faithfully growing and a heart that diligently seeks after You daily. Guard us from forgetting the truths that we have learned through Peter’s letters and help us remember Your call upon our lives to pursue holiness and righteousness – being ready with an answer for the hope that is within us and daily claiming the promise that by Your divine power, You have given us everything we need for living a godly life – even in the midst of trials. Thank You for teaching us the way of TRIUMPH is through You – Father, Son, and Spirit! – Amen

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

Sidetracked from Righteousness

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w6d2

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:11-16 and SOAP: verse15

By forsaking the right path they have gone astray, because they followed the way of Balaam son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness,

2 Peter 2:15 NLT

INTO THE TEXT: My commentary today is borrowed from the LGG Journal, Trials over Triumph journal/p176 – It is a beautiful explanation of the text and helpful to our journey in triumphing over trials.


Have you ever heard the story of Balaam? Nestled in the pages of Numbers 22-24, we find a telling account of a Gentile prophet named Balaam. He stands as a vivid example of someone who knew the distinction between right and wrong but let temptation sidetrack him from righteousness. Despite understanding that it was wrong to curse the Jews, Balaam’s heart wavered when wealth and honor dangled before him. Just like that, the man who was once clear about the right path allowed himself to be led astray by worldly temptations.


Much like Balaam, many false teachers during Peter’s time, and our time, have allowed their souls to become ensnared by greed and self-centered desires. The allure of material gains and recognition has made them lose sight of the ultimate truth and divine purpose. They, who could have been bright beacons of God’s wisdom, instead chose a shadowy path, leading themselves and others into spiritual darkness.


Thankfully there are other, much more inspiring role models in Scripture for us! When we look at the model of a true servant of God, such as Moses, Daniel, or Esther, what do we see? A heart brimming with humility, eyes that look beyond personal gains, and hands that seek to serve others with love and obedience. Such a servant doesn’t chase after worldly praise or monetary rewards. Her joy and satisfaction come from the very act of serving God where radiating His love to others is enough.

In today’s world, where temptation often comes dressed in the most enticing of guises, may we be women who stand firm in our faith. May our hearts remain anchored in God’s truth, and our spirits be invigorated by a genuine love for Him. Let’s not be swayed by fleeting pleasures or the fickle applause of the world. Instead, let our hearts sing a song of undying devotion and steadfast obedience to our Heavenly Father.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Stand firm in our faith

Don’t be swayed by the pleasures or applause of the world

Cultivate good habits that lead to God and not away from Him

Choose righteousness over unrighteousness

Stay alert

QUESTION FOR THE JOURNEY

In what areas of your life do you feel most tempted to prioritize worldly gains over

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Dear Lord Jesus, please strengthen my heart against the enticement of worldly temptations. Help me serve You with unwavering love and obedience, placing Your will above all else. Amen –

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, 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, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

Just Say No

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w4d3

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8-9 and SOAP: vs 8-9

Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering.

1 Peter 5:8-9 NET

If you’ve ever been drunk or have watched someone who was, you understand that when we aren’t “sober,” we cannot and will not be alert. This, of course, is one of the reasons for the slogan: “Don’t drink and drive.” A slogan that became popular in the early eighties and still bears weight today because of the tragedies caused by drunk drivers. Do not be fooled; alcohol can and will impair your senses and, thereby, your judgment.

Peter’s words are an eye-opening reminder that physical suffering and/or persecution are not the only dangers we face as believers. “Our enemy, the devil” is the real and present threat to every believer.

The same can be said of life. We can become so caught up in the day-to-day cares and/or pleasures of life that our physical and spiritual senses are dulled. This makes us easy prey for the enemy, which is exactly what he’s counting on and persistently waiting for. Rest assured, just as he tried to distract Jesus in the wilderness – the devil will look for ways to distract us.

The only way to survive his attacks is to be not just clear-minded but alert, spiritually speaking – this means having our eyes on God and our minds armed with His Word, the Christian’s only sure weapon of defense.

The explanation of this verse (8), by Bibleref.com is quite sobering: “Our enemy, the devil, desires to devour us, to cause real and lasting harm. The Greek word here is Katapiein, literally meaning to “swallow,” or to “drown.” Peter has made it clear that our place in eternity with our Father is secure. The devil cannot take that from us, but he does seek to damage our faith. He wants fear to shake our submission to the Father, and lies to distort our understanding of God’s goodness. Since he cannot touch the believer’s soul, Satan seeks to leave us as weak and ineffective servants of our King.”

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Life can offer us some wonderful pleasures – from family and friends and breathtaking experiences. It can also offer us responsibilities, challenges, and hardships that make us grow weak and weary. The question is, how do we avoid being intoxicated by the pleasures of this life or under the influence of fears and doubts when life overwhelms us? Whatever strategy Satan uses, Bibleref.com suggests that “the plan for standing strong in our faith is the same.” – Peter lays it out nicely: In addition to being sober and alert, we are to resist the devil and be strong in our faith. This means we will need to …

  • Trust God more …
    • more than Satan’s lies –
    • more than what you think looks best –
    • and more than you did ‘yesterday’.
  • Increase your reliance on God. Satan’s goal is to steal, kill, and destroy, and the only way he can do that is to weaken the believer’s confidence in God, just as he did with Eve in the garden, asking her: “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”. Our dependence on God grows deeper as we plant our roots in Him – the more time we spend with Him in prayer and in His Word – the deeper and stronger the roots grow.
    • True reliance on God involves your whole being and becomes not just a way of thinking but a way of life that stems from your faith and knowledge of God.
  • Resist the devil are the words used in Peter’s last step. However, we would be wise to understand that saying no to the devil, first requires a resounding, unwavering YES to God. Say YES to God’s authority over everyone elses’, YES to His will over yours, YES to His desire over yours, YES to His wisdom and purpose over yours. … an unequivocal YES to God will secure a sure and unwavering NO to the devil.
    • Knowing God’s Word is the best weapon of warfare to use on the enemy.
Question FOR THE JOURNEY

What specific Scripture can you memorize this week to arm yourself for the inevitable attacks of the enemy?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy Your children. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Help us to be self-controlled and alert so that we do not get caught up in his web of deceit and cunning ways. Help us to be like Jesus and use Your Word as a weapon when we are tempted. Help the roots of our faith grow deeper and deeper so that we are able to stand strong and resist the devil’s tactics. Remind us that satan has no authority over us and help us to boldly and faithfully ‘just say no! – In the name of Jesus – amen!

THE MORE WE KNOW

For more insight check out today’s blog post at lovegodgreatly.com

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, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

Raised for a Purpose

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w1d4

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:17-21 / SOAP: verses 20-21

He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was manifested in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you now trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

1 Peter 1:20-21 NET

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the lamb! Redeemed through His infinite mercy—His child—and forever—I am! These are the words that came to my mind as I was reading and studying this passage. I was hit with the stark reminder that our God, the Father of Jesus, set in motion a plan for Jesus to suffer and die for the sins of the world. Oh! What love that brought Jesus down to man – Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span – at Calvary!

We find Jesus throughout the Old Testament1, but as Peter points out – Jesus was not revealed or made visibly known, until “the last times.”1 According to Peter, God did this “for our sake.” It is because of Him that we can truly trust in God because Jesus’ death wasn’t the end – but God – just as He said He would – raised Jesus from the dead and made Him known so that our faith and hope would be – not just in Jesus – but in the ONE who raised Jesus from the dead. – Thus, it is written, “6 Jesus replied, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jn 14:6)

The Father paid the ultimate price to redeem us, giving limitless value to lives that would have otherwise been futile and empty.

bibleref.com / 1 Peter 1:19
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)2

For true application, we must look at the full passage.

  • (17) “Live out” our life here on earth in reverence to God
    • Reverence is defined as “deep respect.” To live in reverence to God is to have and show deep respect for God.
      • align our will with His
      • live obediently to His commands.
        • live and love like Jesus
  • (18) “Understand” that before putting our faith in Jesus, our life was empty – leading to death. We were held captive to sin.
  • (19) “Remember we have been ransomed (redeemed) by the blood of Jesus!
    • Truly understanding this is life-changing!
  • (20) Remember, God loves us and made Jesus known to us – when the time was right
    • He did this for us
  • (21) Place our hope and trust in Him!
    • God wants us to trust Him and to find hope in Him not just because He sent Jesus to earth and ultimately to the cross – but because we know that He also raised Jesus from the grave! Consider these words of Paul:

And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. 18 In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! 19 And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.
20 But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.

1 Corinthians 15:17-20
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, How great You are – that You sent Your Son to die that we might live and not die the death that was rightfully ours, the death our sins deserved. Mercifully, You revealed Jesus to us! Mercifully, You sent Him to the cross, and mercifully, You raised Him from the grave! How, oh how, can we not trust You? As we live out our lives on earth, let us live in reverence to You. Help us trust You in all things – and to remember Your truths and promises are Yes and amen in JESUS! – AMEN!

Music for the Journey
THE MORE WE KNOW

What does 1 Peter 1:20 mean?

The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross wasn’t improvised. God didn’t make it up in response to the unfolding events of history. Peter writes that Christ was known before the world was founded. As God, Jesus existed in eternity past as the one whose blood would cover the sins of all who receive salvation. Jesus’ birth, life, death, resurrection, and return to the Father were always God’s plan to save us. Always. Jesus was always the answer to the questions asked by the prophets and the angels investigating what the Holy Spirit’s Old Testament prophecies were pointing to (1 Peter 1:10–12).

Finally, in Peter’s lifetime and those of his readers—the beginning of what Peter calls the “last times”—God revealed the mystery. He showed Himself and His plan to the world by coming to earth as a baby, a man, God in flesh, the final sacrifice for sin. Why? For our sake. God’s great gift of mercy, and the timing of that gift in human history, demonstrates God’s great love for us (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).

Bibleref.com/1 Peter 1:20
Without Him –

Without him, I could do nothing
Without him, I’d surely fail
Without him, I would be drifting
Like a ship a sail [Chorus]


Without him, I would be dying
Without him, I’d be enslaved
Without him, life would be hopeless
But with Jesus, thank God I’m saved [Chorus]

[Chorus]
Jesus
Oh Jesus
Do you know him today?
Do not turn him away
Oh Jesus
Oh Jesus
Without him, how lost I would be

Without Him I could do Nothing