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,