Asides

December 7
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Uncategorized Aside

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” (1 Peter 3:8, NIV)

Whether in the natural human family into which we were born, or the spiritual family of God into which we both chose and were chosen; success (defined as peace and harmony within the family) depends on:

1. Having the same values and goals (like-minded)
2. Showing sympathy for each other
3. Displaying love for one another
4. Showing compassion
5. Displaying humility in all things

Beginning Monday, we will address each in turn. For today, please consider the whole of 1 Peter 3:8, which was written to disciples that were attempting to live holy lives under extremely challenging circumstances.

Peter’s letters remind us that we are never alone in our trials; and that God always provides us with the grace — and the tools — to stand with integrity and with courage.  – Luther

REMINDER: “Daily Encouragement” will be on break, as is customary, on Sunday. Lord willing, see you again on Monday.  Have a great Sunday in worship!

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December 6
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“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23, NIV)

To be Christian is to be like Christ.

Peter provides two clear, practical, snapshots of what it means to be like Christ: Ignoring insults from the “haters”; and making no threat against the agents of suffering and pain.

According to the scriptures, in his early years as a disciple of Jesus, Peter quickly responded to every insult and engaged every opponent. Through faithful discipleship, Peter became less of his impetuous, pugnacious, self; and more like his Master.

To grow in maturity as a Christian means to become more and more like Jesus. A measure of our maturity is the degree to which we are willing to entrust ourselves “to him who judges justly.”  – Luther

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December 5
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Uncategorized Aside

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9, NIV)

As a disciple of Jesus, do you think of yourself as chosen? Do you see yourself as a member of a royal priesthood; an intercessor between man and God? Do you consider yourself a citizen of a holy nation? To whom do you belong; are you God’s special possession?

When I was in university, it was not uncommon to encounter students who — outwardly, anyway — looked like the stereotypical poor college student but were, in fact, heirs of family fortunes. It didn’t seem to matter to them whether they dressed-up or dressed-down, because it didn’t change the fact of who they were, or their destiny.

Peter’s words remind us of how God sees everyone — repeat — everyone who bears His name. Don’t sell yourself short, and remain ever mindful of the great gift that God has given you today.  – Luther

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