Keep on Smiling

 

1 Peter 5

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight,  not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;  not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 

By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. Greet one another with the kiss of love. 

Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Keep on Smilin’

Song by Wet Willie

Well you say you got the blues, 

Got holes in both of your shoes, 

Feelin' alone and confused, 

You got to keep on smilin', keep on smilin'

You got to keep on smilin', keep on smilin'

Keep on smilin' through the rain, laughin' at the pain 

Rollin with the changes til the sun comes out again 

Keep on smilin' through the rain, laughin' at the pain 

Rollin with the changes, singin' this refrain

Big Idea

Peter concludes his first letter with a summary for living while knowing it will be so much “better farther on.”  He reminds us to live lives caring for, serving and protecting others, to move forward ourselves and to lovingly guide those we love onward toward the unfading crown of eternal glory.  Peter reminds us to live humbly casting our anxieties on our mighty God because he cares for us. He reminds us to be cautious in this broken world, to know that there will be trials and tests, temptations and suffering, but to also know we are never alone.

Peter reminds us to keep the faith, to press on (thanks Paul) because the God of grace is with us always and will restore, confirm, establish and strengthen us no matter the circumstances of this world.

And with that: to him be the glory forever and ever!

Amen and Amen!

No Surprises - Happy

 

1 Peter 4:12-19 ESV

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Happy

Song by Pharrell Williams

Here come bad news talking this and that (yeah)

Well, give me all you got, and don't hold it back (yeah)

Well, I should probably warn you, you'll be just fine (yeah)

No offense to you, don't waste your time

(Here's why)...

Because I'm happy

Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth

Because I'm happy

Big Idea:

This week as I was reading, I came to Job 23:10-11  - But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.

- and I started to see how these verses could help me better understand 1 Peter 4:12-19.  

It occurred to me that in this broken world there will be times of tests, trials, and suffering and we should not be surprised by that - that’s life. But, the good news is we can know and trust that (Emmanuel) God is with us.  It means we can imperfectly follow in the steps of our Savior (sanctification) and we can “entrust our souls to a faithful Creator while doing good” (V19), while bringing joy and love and kindness to the world around us.  

We can rejoice knowing, being sure of the glory that was, the glory that is and the glory to come and whatever we encounter in this world, we can live in the now, with the certain hope of the not yet.  As believers, come what may, we can persevere because “God rests upon you” (V14)…All for the glory of God!

Grace and Peace!

We’re Gonna Make It

 

1 Peter 4:1-11

We're Gonna Make It

Song by Little Milton

We may not have a home to call our own

But were gonna make it, I know we will

We may have to fight hardships alone

But were gonna make it, I know we will

Cause togetherness brings peace of mind

We can't stay down all the time

I've got your love and you know you got mine

So were gonna make it, I know we will

Big Idea:

Because ‘Christ suffered in the flesh,’ because of the sacrifice Christ made for us, because sin no longer rules, we can live for the glory of God.  We can focus on the will of God, we can live for something greater than the passions of this world.  We will not be perfect on this journey, but because of the grace and mercy of God we can press on.  

And many times this will not be a stroll in the park, but a life of sacrifice, of struggle yet we are protected by the full armor of God.  And armed with that love and grace and mercy, armed with forgiveness, we can (again imperfectly) follow in the footsteps of Christ; always loving, being hospitable (generously welcoming),  and helping others.  

Loving others because he first loved us, being welcoming because of the warm embrace of God for all us prodigal sons and daughters, helping others because of the cost of our rescue, the helping hands of Christ. Doing these things in a world in dire need of love and hospitality and help…doing these things all to the glory of God.

Doing these things as Peter says; “in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

Grace and Peace!