Living: 2 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

 2nd Peter 1:1-3: "This letter is from Simon Peter, a loving servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to those who have been given a faith as equally precious as ours through the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. May grace and perfect peace cascade over you as you live in the rich knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. Everything we could ever need for life and godliness has already been deposited in us by His divine power. For all this was lavished upon us through the rich experience of knowing Him who has called us by  name and invited us to come to Him through a glorious  manifestation of His goodness.

Living

We are reminded of His great gift of mercy that His righteousness will carry us from new beginnings and throughout long experiences.

When we choose to keep living into His knowledge and fill our hearts and souls and minds with the water of His will.

He continues to prepare His mercy for each of us to accept our lives with Him daily.

Yet still, how many times do we still often turn away or choose to refuse? And yet.

He still chooses to restore our hearts and minds and souls and decisions and actions whenever we ask, despite our self-centeredness. 

We ask for ongoing goodness and guidance, Lord, to grow to be Your servants wherever You call or send us. Please keep us listening for Your voice.

In silence--in trust--in prayer--in action.

Your thoughts, 

Peace: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

                Peace

                From His heart

                our Lord has wrapped

                each one into union

                of His grace and truth

                so we too can testify

                offer encouragement

                walk with Him daily

                on His road together

                Forever

Psalm 89: 32: "Then I will visit their transgression with the rod, And their iniquity with stripes."

                

Reflection: Grace: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

 Reflection Questions

        1. What gift of His grace enabled you to stand on solid ground?

        2. How does that affect your encouragement to others?

        3. What enables you to be faith-filled in all circumstances? How can you share with others?

Share: What peace has He gifted you with this week?

Grace: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: 1 Peter 5:12-14: "I, Peter, with the help of Silas, whom I consider a trustworthy, faith-filled brother, have written you this short letter so that I may encourage you and personally testify that this is the true, dependable grace of God. Stand fast in this grace. She who is in Babylon, who is co-elect with you, sends her greetings, along with Mark, my son. Greet one another with a kiss of peace. Peace to all who are in life union with Christ. Amen"

Grace

Thank-you, Lord, for Your ongoing grace to each one of us no matter how often we fail.

Thank-you, for Your gift of dependency and availability and welcome.

Please continue to show us how to live into Your grace as You lead--with courage and faithfulness; so that we may testify to others as You lead. And also to stand fast when we are confused or fearful.

Thank-you, for Your ongoing gift of peace and presence that never leaves us.

Please continue to teach us how to turn to You first in all circumstances and listen to pray as You lead us.

Please keep each of us walking on Your path only.

Your thoughts,

Strength: 1 Peter: prayers and Poetry

                Strength 

                His power an

                ongoing foundation

                to hold in faith

                when troubles attack

                knowing

                His presence is

                timeless

                never abands us

                will restore with

                mercy

                His protection

                often invisible

                need to trust

                eternal grace

                constant.

Psalm 89:31: "If they violate My statues, And do not keep My commandments,"

Reflection: Resist: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

        1. In what areas of your life and your faith do you feel the weakest? Why?

        2. What trouble did you face for a long time? How did the Lord protect you through it?

        3. How do you respond now when a new attack hits you?

Share: What word of hope can you pass on to someone in difficult circumstances?

Resist: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

 Reading: 1 Peter:5:9-11: "Take a decisive stand against him and resist his every attack with strong, vigorous faith. For you know that your believing brothers and sisters around the world are experiencing the same kinds of troubles you endure. And then, after your brief suffering, the God of all loving grace, who has called you to share in His eternal glory in Christ, will personally and powerfully restore you and make you stronger than ever. Yes, He will set you firmly in place and build you up. And He has all the power needed to do this--forever! Amen."

Resist

How often do we still so easily fall, even over minor difficulties when they come? Even knowing without any doubt that our Lord is present, and will bring peace, and give direction.

The worry and fear still come first into our thoughts too often again.

Our need of learning to pause and pray first in all circumstances is ongoing until it becomes permanent. How?

To receive His ongoing mercy and healing and protection. To be willing to let go resisting His restoration and ask for His sight to recognize the false attacks and refuse fear. To instead remember He gives us strength every moment if we will accept.

Lord, we ask to stand firmly in all of Your choices for us and not resist where and when You lead. To walk Your direction in trust.

Your thoughts,