Bible Study: December 19, 2007
Hello My Friend/Guest,
"Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare." (Psalm 75:1)
It is Wednesday December 19, 2007 and today we are completing our studies on the book of I Peter. Please read, I Peter 3 -- 5. In Today's Reading we will learn about the duties of husbands and wives; suffering and reward; and the duties of the elders and all Christians.
There is just One True and Complete Source of spiritual knowledge and strength. The Holy Spirit led the apostle to write: "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles (wisdom) of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."(I Peter 4:11). In contrast to the Word of God are the opinions and traditions of mere men. We must not modify or ignore the only Guide to Life that our Creator has given as the standard by which we must live.
The last recorded words that Jesus spoke personally to Peter were on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, when Jesus asked three times, if he loved Him more than these. "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep."(John 21:15-17).
Peter fulfilled that commission by passing the Word along to all of us. Caring for, defending, guiding, and numerous other duties are needed by and for believers; but feed My sheep means to teach them all of God's Word, from Genesis through Revelation. All of us can be involved. Some write, edit, and print, while others support the distribution of the teaching ministries for Jesus, who also commands us to Feed My sheep.
The underlying principle of most worldly endeavors is: "How much is in it for me?" This spirit of greed, pride, and power so permeated everything in our age that even some churches are not free from self-serving ambition. Because the Word of God is alive and never changes, and human nature also remains unchanged, the message the Holy Spirit led the Apostle Paul to write to Timothy is still applicable to us today: "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine." (II Timothy 4:1-2).
The Lord loves us and wants the best for all of us on earth, all he askes is that we stay away from the worldly things that cause us to do evil things."Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil." (I Peter 3:8-12).
Today's prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessing me with a new day and thank you for the many blessings you give me each day. Lord, walk with me, guide me, and be with me in all I do today. Enlighten the darkness of my heart and strengthen my faith, bless me with hope, perfect charity, wisdom and understanding. Lord, most of all give me the will that I may carry out your holy and true command. In Jesus name, I pray.....Amen.
Have a great and wonderful day/night.
God Bless,
Chrisitna
