Desires: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: 1 Peter 4:1-3: "Since Christ, though innocent, suffered in His flesh for you, now you must also be a prepared soldier, having the same mind-set, for whoever has died in his body is done with sin. So live the rest of your earthly life no longer concerned with human desires but consumed with what brings pleasure to God. For you have already spent enough time doing what unbelievers love to do--living in debauchery, sensuality, partying, drunkenness, wild drinking parties, and the worship of demons."

Desires

Too often we are caught into worldly desires that seem to be interesting or exciting, but not recognizing the danger that "lies" in wait.

Often simple suggestions, or curiosity, or seemingly a kind offer that we feel would be rude to reject. Enticement hiding the truth.

Not only the earthly pleasures we do recognize and resist but also the subtle whispers to try something new. Suddenly we are caught into a spider's web--heart and soul and actions tangled into knots. Ashamed. Embarrassed.

Unless we first seek His words for clear direction.

Thank-you, Lord, for removing the lures from within us and forgiving us when we falter. Please keep removing the hidden pieces we still don't recognize. May Your truth as You lead be our guidance always.

Your thoughts,

Submit: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

                Submit 

                To yield

                to His grace

                Love over flowing

                leading into a fresh

                beginning moment

                by moment

                Spirit present

                submit brings healing

                truth by His words.

                To yield.

Psalm 89:21: "With whom My hand will be established; My arm also will strengthen him."

                

Reflection: Yield: 1 Peter: prayers and Poetry

 Reflection Questions

        1. Is it difficult to yield to the Lord's words sometimes? Why?

        2. What "flood waters" has He rescued you from?

        3. How did that change your perspective daily?

Share: How do you recognize a good conscience when before Him?

Yield: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: 1 Peter 3: 20-22: "For during the time of Noah God patiently waited while the ark was being prepared but only a few were brought safely through the flood waters: a total of eight souls. This was a prophetic picture of the immersion that now saves you--not a bathing of the physical body but rather the response of a good conscience before God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ who is now in heaven at the place of supreme authority next to God. The very powers of heaven, including every angel and authority, now yield in submission to Him?

Yield

Choices--From the inside out.

Not from or for our worldly focus of outward achievements and actions and power.

Instead to seek first from our hearts and to keep going no matter how long it takes. Especially since we know that His resurrection is ahead--His saving grace in all things. With our conscience bound to His promises. To act daily in His purpose.

In His timeline. Especially when we don't understand.

Lord, please keep guiding us to listen for Your words and submit with gratitude and trust. In full submission.

Your thoughts, 

Cleansed: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

                Cleansed 

                Disobedience--lies

                Slander--accusations

                One a reality

                within ourselves

                and attacks to others.

                Dissolved--now by

                Spirit's--forgiveness

                On going healing

                washing us clean

                a new soul given.

                Deceit--removed

                Souls--renewed.

Psalm 89:20: "I have found David My servant; With My holy oil I have anointed him,"

                

Reflection: Slander: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions:

        1. In what ways has slander if any kind affected your thoughts?

        2. How has it affected your heart?

        3. Especially when not true yet you have felt guilty because of other past actions of slander of your own towards others?

Share: How do you seek the Lord's guidance when lies try to attack you: personally or publicly?

Slander: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: 1 Peter 3: 16-19: "Maintain a clean conscience, so that those who slander you for living a pure life in Christ will have to lie about you and be ashamed of their slander. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if it is in God's plan, than for doing evil. Christ suffered and died for sin once and for all--the innocent for the guilty--to bring you near to God by His body being put to death and by being raised by the Spirit. He went into the spirited realm and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison because of their disobedience of long ago." 

Slander

How easily do our fears and lies cause us to blame or attack others or ourselves? We almost instinctively use slander to hide our actions--even when we did not mean to bring harm.

How often do we retaliate? Yet He will show us how to recognize His truth and His purpose no matter what the circumstances or the cost that will follow.

Only He can see and know the depth of darkness and lies that we each have, and only He can restore us under His care.

Only He can bring the healing and tenderness--His gift of life and mercy.

Please keep us on Your road, Lord, moment by moment. May we hear and follow with trust by Your Spirit's words.

Your thoughts,

Hope: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

                Hope

                Hope given

                ongoing grace 

                living within

                ongoing gentleness.

                His grace

                sharing as a gift

                living outward

                sharing gently.

                Holy

Psalm 89:19: "Once Thou didst speak in vision to Thy godly ones, And didst say, 'I have given help to one who is might; I have exalted one chosen from the people.'"

Reflection: Commitment: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

        1. When have you experienced verbal or physical condemnation for your faith? 

        2. Did it weaken or strengthen your commitment to Jesus? How?

        3. What has given you courage to trust His guidance?

Share: How has your daily commitment blessed you? Can you pass that on?

Commitment: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: 1 Peter 3: 13-15: "Why would anyone harm you if you're passionate and devoted to pleasing God? But even if you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you will have the joyful experience of the blessing of God. And Don't be intimidated or terrified by those who would terrify you. But give reverent honor in your hearts to the Anointed One and treat Him as the holy Master of your lives. And if anyone asks about the hope living within you, always be ready to explain your faith with gentleness and respect."

Commitment

He will give us His hope daily.

He will keep our hearts and thoughts in His words and purpose when we listen.

He will bring mercy and forgiveness and cleansing when we become terrified and intimidated. Whether from others, or too often still from within ourselves.

We do not doubt His grace and protection and yet too often we forget to live into His healing truth.

Please keep us focused on Your presence in our hearts, and guidance in our thoughts and actions in all circumstances daily. That we will stay committed to listening to Your words and live into them no matter what is happening.

Your thoughts,

Eagerly: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

                Eagerly 

                To receive prayers' grace

                need to remember compassion.

                To not come in anger

                need to pause.

                To pursue ongoing beauty

                never ending by His hand.

                To pursue truth

                no matter the cost.

                To follow His path

                nourish every moment of life.

Psalm 89:18: "For our shield belongs to the Lord, And our king to the Holy One of Israel."

                

Reflection: Pursue: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

        1. When do you recognize the triggers that draw you to hurtful thoughts and words? 

        2. What is your first reaction?

        3. How do you change it into the Lord's light?

        4. What would "eagerly pursue peace in relationships look like for you?

Share: What beauty did you discover from Him recently?

Pursue: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: 1 Peter 3:10-12: "For the Scriptures tell us: Whoever wants to embrace true life and find beauty in each day must stop speaking evil, hurtful words and never deceive in what they say. Always turn from what is wrong and cultivate what is good; eagerly pursue peace in every relationship, making it your prize. For the eyes of the Lord Yahweh rest upon the godly, and His heart responds to their prayers. But He turns His back on those who practice evil." 

Pursue

His heart responds to our prayers as soon as we seek His guidance, but too often the words that are shot against us from ourselves, or others, cause us to accept failure first.

Vulnerable--fearful--doubt--embarassment--worry.

We immediately become self-centered and accept the harsh words. Unless.

Pause--listen--seek--truth--pray--pursue peace first.

To recognize each other from heart to heart and take the time to become neutral when needed. To seek His light first. To understand we can choose His beauty through His presence.

Lord, please keep our eyes and thoughts and actions set in Your words and Your voice. To become better listeners. And trust wherever You lead us.

Your thoughts,