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12 Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. 13 Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. 14 If you're abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It's the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. 5 They're the ones who will be called on the carpet - and before God himself. 6 Listen to the Message. It was preached to those believers who are now dead, and yet even though they died (just as all people must), they will still get in on the life that God has given in Jesus. 7 Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. 8 Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. 9 Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless - cheerfully. 10 Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: 11 if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything - encores to the end of time. Oh, yes! (1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11 The Message Bible)
May this Tuesday find you blessed and ready to face the day and its challenges and opportunities, dear Friend! Please continue in prayer for many are the needs that people have and the challenges people face are great. Please pray for one another; pray for yourselves.
Some people came to faith in Jesus believing that once they were "saved," they were also "safe." Nowhere did Jesus promise that. What I can say is that once we surrendered ourselves into His arms we are eternally safe, but physically, we are still susceptible to everything that everyone else faces on this earth. And sometimes more so, because of the enemy we have. Friends, there is nowhere I'd rather be than in Jesus' arms, but still I know that all attacks that came at Paul has come on me, and perhaps on you as well. Yet, in spite of what we may suffer, Peter wrties, "God (is) on the job." And that should give us gladness, because like the Disciples said earlier, "we are found worthy to suffer for Christ." Peter says this is part of the "spiritual refining process," a sort of maturation with hope, that "glory is just around the corner." Some of us have even marked our lives with points where we've said, "Once I get this out of the way..." and then we add what it is that we long for before the "next thing." Peter's advice is to call ourselves fortunate; his "It's the Spirit of God and His glory in you that broght you to the notice of others." And it is those "others" that won't have the same experience for being those who have rejected God. Ours is to listen to The Message (Gospel), and to learn and blessed by it, for it is that Gospel that will get us into eternal life. And words from verse 7 that could have been written earlier this morning, "Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything." And as part of our "final exam" before God: "Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless - cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it." Others before self, for that is the Christian way. Thoughtfulness towards the plight of others; using our hands and arms to be the hands and arms of Jesus as we seek to bless the world. Peter then says, if nothing else, use words, especially the words of God to bless others. Be part of the people who shine brightly the light of God into the darkness of the world, and shine back that light on He who shines it on us, so that He get the honor and glory, for He is "mighty in everything -encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!"
Friend, if there is even a small spot of darkness in your life or home, know there is light available to us all, and it is the light of love from Jesus. And if we are truly wide-awake in prayer, that connects us to the light and we, in turn, can shine the light on others. Even when sleepy, we still need to pray.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help us during our dark times. We pray for vision and strength to seek Your light. We ask that we might be wide awake in prayer; may this prayer be a part of the connecting we need to do with You. Help us to listen to You, and be blessed by You. You know our needs and we lift those to You. We continue to pray for a cure or vaccine for this crisis to be lifted. We pray for wisdom and patience, especially for those who believe there is no longer any danger to them; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Be the light of Christ in the darkness of those who need it.
Receive my blessings of love and peace,
Pastor Eradio Valverde
