Podcasts about 1 Peter 4

Fr. Mike shares how verse 1 Peter 3:15 about being ready to give a reason for the faith that is within us has been one of the most influential Bible verses for him. As we start reading 1 Thessalonians today, Fr. Mike also highlights how Paul is encouraged by the faith of the Thessalonians and stresses the importance of not only sharing the gospel but also sharing our very selves. Today's readings are 1 Peter 3-5, 1 Thessalonians 1-3, and Proverbs 30:15-16. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Jesus left some pretty big footprints to follow, some of those steps are in areas of life many would not expect.

Paul Kanno & Tyler Cockrum // A study through Peter's letter from Rome (Babylon) to the exiled Christians scattered throughout the empire

https://api.fluro.io/get/61b6575d61680020fd4e7f8b Mon, 13 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT hello@villagechurch.sydn

Today we continue our series on Hope For Exiles, and Pastor Rob will preach from First Peter chapter 4. Last week, we started a list of Ten things that characterize a believing life that is looking towards seeing Jesus soon and glorifying Him now. So as we finish that list today, you can open your Bible to First Peter and your church app to the notes section!

Morning: Matthew 18:6; Matthew 25:40; Romans 14:16; 1 Corinthians 8:9; 2 Corinthians 8:21; Galatians 5:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Peter 2:15; 1 Peter 4:15–16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. Abstain from every form of evil.—We aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man.—For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 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 you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.—But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.—“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”—“As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Matthew 18:6 (Listen) 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin,1 it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Footnotes [1] 18:6 Greek causes . . . to stumble; also verses 8, 9 (ESV) Matthew 25:40 (Listen) 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,1 you did it to me.' Footnotes [1] 25:40 Or brothers and sisters (ESV) Romans 14:16 (Listen) 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. (ESV) 1 Corinthians 8:9 (Listen) 9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. (ESV) 2 Corinthians 8:21 (Listen) 21 for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man. (ESV) Galatians 5:13 (Listen) 13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (ESV) 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (Listen) 22 Abstain from every form of evil. (ESV) 1 Peter 2:15 (Listen) 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. (ESV) 1 Peter 4:15–16 (Listen) 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. (ESV) Evening: Isaiah 60:1–2; Luke 12:35–36; Romans 13:11; Ephesians 5:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:6–8; 1 Peter 1:13 “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” The hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.— So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.—“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master.” Isaiah 60:1–2 (Listen) The Future Glory of Israel 60   Arise, shine, for your light has come,    and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.2   For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,    and thick darkness the peoples;  but the LORD will arise upon you,    and his glory will be seen upon you. (ESV) Luke 12:35–36 (Listen) You Must Be Ready 35 “Stay dressed for action1 and keep your lamps burning, 36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Footnotes [1] 12:35 Greek Let your loins stay girded; compare Exodus 12:11 (ESV) Romans 13:11 (Listen) 11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. (ESV) Ephesians 5:14 (Listen) 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,   “Awake, O sleeper,    and arise from the dead,  and Christ will shine on you.” (ESV) 1 Thessalonians 5:6–8 (Listen) 6 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. (ESV) 1 Peter 1:13 (Listen) Called to Be Holy 13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action,1 and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Footnotes [1] 1:13 Greek girding up the loins of your mind (ESV)

1 Peter 4:12-19 by AllSaintsPetersham

A devotional on 1 Peter 4:12, 13 12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. Glory In The Cross - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40Ljyi7JRdY

Today we continue our series on First Peter by looking at chapter Four verses 7-11. In this passage, Peter encourages his readers to have hope as exiles. This world is not our home, and so we are to love, serve and glorify God like every day might be the day that Jesus comes again.

1 Peter 4:12-19

Today's sermonette based on 1 Peter 4:1-19 is given by Rev. Jonathan Schroeder. This is a rebroadcast from December 2, 2016.

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

David Veszpeller // A study through Peter's letter from Rome (Babylon) to the exiled Christians scattered throughout the empire

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Wisdom From Psalm 6-7 & 1 Peter 4: The Righteous Scarcely Be Saved by Shawn Ozbun

Monday, November 29, 2021

Today in our series on Hope for Exiles we start First Peter chapter Four, and Pastor Rob will help us think like Christ, which is a lot different than the way the world thinks.

1 Peter 4:1-11

Curtis Cook / 1 Peter 4:7-11

Proper 29 First Psalm: Psalm 137; Psalm 144 Psalm 137 (Listen) How Shall We Sing the Lord's Song? 137   By the waters of Babylon,    there we sat down and wept,    when we remembered Zion.2   On the willows1 there    we hung up our lyres.3   For there our captors    required of us songs,  and our tormentors, mirth, saying,    “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” 4   How shall we sing the LORD's song    in a foreign land?5   If I forget you, O Jerusalem,    let my right hand forget its skill!6   Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth,    if I do not remember you,  if I do not set Jerusalem    above my highest joy! 7   Remember, O LORD, against the Edomites    the day of Jerusalem,  how they said, “Lay it bare, lay it bare,    down to its foundations!”8   O daughter of Babylon, doomed to be destroyed,    blessed shall he be who repays you    with what you have done to us!9   Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones    and dashes them against the rock! Footnotes [1] 137:2 Or poplars (ESV) Psalm 144 (Listen) My Rock and My Fortress Of David. 144   Blessed be the LORD, my rock,    who trains my hands for war,    and my fingers for battle;2   he is my steadfast love and my fortress,    my stronghold and my deliverer,  my shield and he in whom I take refuge,    who subdues peoples1 under me. 3   O LORD, what is man that you regard him,    or the son of man that you think of him?4   Man is like a breath;    his days are like a passing shadow. 5   Bow your heavens, O LORD, and come down!    Touch the mountains so that they smoke!6   Flash forth the lightning and scatter them;    send out your arrows and rout them!7   Stretch out your hand from on high;    rescue me and deliver me from the many waters,    from the hand of foreigners,8   whose mouths speak lies    and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood. 9   I will sing a new song to you, O God;    upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you,10   who gives victory to kings,    who rescues David his servant from the cruel sword.11   Rescue me and deliver me    from the hand of foreigners,  whose mouths speak lies    and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood. 12   May our sons in their youth    be like plants full grown,  our daughters like corner pillars    cut for the structure of a palace;13   may our granaries be full,    providing all kinds of produce;  may our sheep bring forth thousands    and ten thousands in our fields;14   may our cattle be heavy with young,    suffering no mishap or failure in bearing;2  may there be no cry of distress in our streets!15   Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall!    Blessed are the people whose God is the LORD! Footnotes [1] 144:2 Many Hebrew manuscripts, Dead Sea Scroll, Jerome, Syriac, Aquila; most Hebrew manuscripts subdues my people [2] 144:14 Hebrew with no breaking in or going out (ESV) Second Psalm: Psalm 104 Psalm 104 (Listen) O Lord My God, You Are Very Great 104   Bless the LORD, O my soul!    O LORD my God, you are very great!  You are clothed with splendor and majesty,2     covering yourself with light as with a garment,    stretching out the heavens like a tent.3   He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters;  he makes the clouds his chariot;    he rides on the wings of the wind;4   he makes his messengers winds,    his ministers a flaming fire. 5   He set the earth on its foundations,    so that it should never be moved.6   You covered it with the deep as with a garment;    the waters stood above the mountains.7   At your rebuke they fled;    at the sound of your thunder they took to flight.8   The mountains rose, the valleys sank down    to the place that you appointed for them.9   You set a boundary that they may not pass,    so that they might not again cover the earth. 10   You make springs gush forth in the valleys;    they flow between the hills;11   they give drink to every beast of the field;    the wild donkeys quench their thirst.12   Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell;    they sing among the branches.13   From your lofty abode you water the mountains;    the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work. 14   You cause the grass to grow for the livestock    and plants for man to cultivate,  that he may bring forth food from the earth15     and wine to gladden the heart of man,  oil to make his face shine    and bread to strengthen man's heart. 16   The trees of the LORD are watered abundantly,    the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.17   In them the birds build their nests;    the stork has her home in the fir trees.18   The high mountains are for the wild goats;    the rocks are a refuge for the rock badgers. 19   He made the moon to mark the seasons;1    the sun knows its time for setting.20   You make darkness, and it is night,    when all the beasts of the forest creep about.21   The young lions roar for their prey,    seeking their food from God.22   When the sun rises, they steal away    and lie down in their dens.23   Man goes out to his work    and to his labor until the evening. 24   O LORD, how manifold are your works!    In wisdom have you made them all;    the earth is full of your creatures.25   Here is the sea, great and wide,    which teems with creatures innumerable,    living things both small and great.26   There go the ships,    and Leviathan, which you formed to play in it.2 27   These all look to you,    to give them their food in due season.28   When you give it to them, they gather it up;    when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.29   When you hide your face, they are dismayed;    when you take away their breath, they die    and return to their dust.30   When you send forth your Spirit,3 they are created,    and you renew the face of the ground. 31   May the glory of the LORD endure forever;    may the LORD rejoice in his works,32   who looks on the earth and it trembles,    who touches the mountains and they smoke!33   I will sing to the LORD as long as I live;    I will sing praise to my God while I have being.34   May my meditation be pleasing to him,    for I rejoice in the LORD.35   Let sinners be consumed from the earth,    and let the wicked be no more!  Bless the LORD, O my soul!  Praise the LORD! Footnotes [1] 104:19 Or the appointed times (compare Genesis 1:14) [2] 104:26 Or you formed to play with [3] 104:30 Or breath (ESV) Old Testament: Micah 7:11–20 Micah 7:11–20 (Listen) 11   A day for the building of your walls!    In that day the boundary shall be far extended.12   In that day they1 will come to you,    from Assyria and the cities of Egypt,  and from Egypt to the River,2    from sea to sea and from mountain to mountain.13   But the earth will be desolate    because of its inhabitants,    for the fruit of their deeds. 14   Shepherd your people with your staff,    the flock of your inheritance,  who dwell alone in a forest    in the midst of a garden land;3  let them graze in Bashan and Gilead    as in the days of old.15   As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt,    I will show them4 marvelous things.16   The nations shall see and be ashamed of all their might;  they shall lay their hands on their mouths;    their ears shall be deaf;17   they shall lick the dust like a serpent,    like the crawling things of the earth;  they shall come trembling out of their strongholds;    they shall turn in dread to the LORD our God,    and they shall be in fear of you. God's Steadfast Love and Compassion 18   Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity    and passing over transgression    for the remnant of his inheritance?  He does not retain his anger forever,    because he delights in steadfast love.19   He will again have compassion on us;    he will tread our iniquities underfoot.  You will cast all our5 sins    into the depths of the sea.20   You will show faithfulness to Jacob    and steadfast love to Abraham,  as you have sworn to our fathers    from the days of old. Footnotes [1] 7:12 Hebrew he [2] 7:12 That is, the Euphrates [3] 7:14 Hebrew of Carmel [4] 7:15 Hebrew him [5] 7:19 Hebrew their (ESV) New Testament: 1 Peter 4:7–19 1 Peter 4:7–19 (Listen) 7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Suffering as a Christian 12 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. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory1 and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 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? 18 And   “If the righteous is scarcely saved,    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”2 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. Footnotes [1] 4:14 Some manuscripts insert and of power [2] 4:18 Greek where will the ungodly and sinner appear? (ESV) Gospel: Matthew 20:29–34 Matthew 20:29–34 (Listen) Jesus Heals Two Blind Men 29 And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. 30 And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord,1 have mercy on us, Son of David!” 31 The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 32 And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33 They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” 34 And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him. Footnotes [1] 20:30 Some manuscripts omit Lord (ESV)

Morning: Ezekiel 38–39 Ezekiel 38–39 (Listen) Prophecy Against Gog 38 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 “Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech1 and Tubal, and prophesy against him 3 and say, Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech2 and Tubal. 4 And I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed in full armor, a great host, all of them with buckler and shield, wielding swords. 5 Persia, Cush, and Put are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; 6 Gomer and all his hordes; Beth-togarmah from the uttermost parts of the north with all his hordes—many peoples are with you. 7 “Be ready and keep ready, you and all your hosts that are assembled about you, and be a guard for them. 8 After many days you will be mustered. In the latter years you will go against the land that is restored from war, the land whose people were gathered from many peoples upon the mountains of Israel, which had been a continual waste. Its people were brought out from the peoples and now dwell securely, all of them. 9 You will advance, coming on like a storm. You will be like a cloud covering the land, you and all your hordes, and many peoples with you. 10 “Thus says the Lord GOD: On that day, thoughts will come into your mind, and you will devise an evil scheme 11 and say, ‘I will go up against the land of unwalled villages. I will fall upon the quiet people who dwell securely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having no bars or gates,' 12 to seize spoil and carry off plunder, to turn your hand against the waste places that are now inhabited, and the people who were gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and goods, who dwell at the center of the earth. 13 Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all its leaders3 will say to you, ‘Have you come to seize spoil? Have you assembled your hosts to carry off plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to seize great spoil?' 14 “Therefore, son of man, prophesy, and say to Gog, Thus says the Lord GOD: On that day when my people Israel are dwelling securely, will you not know it? 15 You will come from your place out of the uttermost parts of the north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great host, a mighty army. 16 You will come up against my people Israel, like a cloud covering the land. In the latter days I will bring you against my land, that the nations may know me, when through you, O Gog, I vindicate my holiness before their eyes. 17 “Thus says the Lord GOD: Are you he of whom I spoke in former days by my servants the prophets of Israel, who in those days prophesied for years that I would bring you against them? 18 But on that day, the day that Gog shall come against the land of Israel, declares the Lord GOD, my wrath will be roused in my anger. 19 For in my jealousy and in my blazing wrath I declare, On that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. 20 The fish of the sea and the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the field and all creeping things that creep on the ground, and all the people who are on the face of the earth, shall quake at my presence. And the mountains shall be thrown down, and the cliffs shall fall, and every wall shall tumble to the ground. 21 I will summon a sword against Gog4 on all my mountains, declares the Lord GOD. Every man's sword will be against his brother. 22 With pestilence and bloodshed I will enter into judgment with him, and I will rain upon him and his hordes and the many peoples who are with him torrential rains and hailstones, fire and sulfur. 23 So I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD. 39 “And you, son of man, prophesy against Gog and say, Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech5 and Tubal. 2 And I will turn you about and drive you forward,6 and bring you up from the uttermost parts of the north, and lead you against the mountains of Israel. 3 Then I will strike your bow from your left hand, and will make your arrows drop out of your right hand. 4 You shall fall on the mountains of Israel, you and all your hordes and the peoples who are with you. I will give you to birds of prey of every sort and to the beasts of the field to be devoured. 5 You shall fall in the open field, for I have spoken, declares the Lord GOD. 6 I will send fire on Magog and on those who dwell securely in the coastlands, and they shall know that I am the LORD. 7 “And my holy name I will make known in the midst of my people Israel, and I will not let my holy name be profaned anymore. And the nations shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel. 8 Behold, it is coming and it will be brought about, declares the Lord GOD. That is the day of which I have spoken. 9 “Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out and make fires of the weapons and burn them, shields and bucklers, bow and arrows, clubs7 and spears; and they will make fires of them for seven years, 10 so that they will not need to take wood out of the field or cut down any out of the forests, for they will make their fires of the weapons. They will seize the spoil of those who despoiled them, and plunder those who plundered them, declares the Lord GOD. 11 “On that day I will give to Gog a place for burial in Israel, the Valley of the Travelers, east of the sea. It will block the travelers, for there Gog and all his multitude will be buried. It will be called the Valley of Hamon-gog.8 12 For seven months the house of Israel will be burying them, in order to cleanse the land. 13 All the people of the land will bury them, and it will bring them renown on the day that I show my glory, declares the Lord GOD. 14 They will set apart men to travel through the land regularly and bury those travelers remaining on the face of the land, so as to cleanse it. At9 the end of seven months they will make their search. 15 And when these travel through the land and anyone sees a human bone, then he shall set up a sign by it, till the buriers have buried it in the Valley of Hamon-gog. 16 (Hamonah10 is also the name of the city.) Thus shall they cleanse the land. 17 “As for you, son of man, thus says the Lord GOD: Speak to the birds of every sort and to all beasts of the field: ‘Assemble and come, gather from all around to the sacrificial feast that I am preparing for you, a great sacrificial feast on the mountains of Israel, and you shall eat flesh and drink blood. 18 You shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth—of rams, of lambs, and of he-goats, of bulls, all of them fat beasts of Bashan. 19 And you shall eat fat till you are filled, and drink blood till you are drunk, at the sacrificial feast that I am preparing for you. 20 And you shall be filled at my table with horses and charioteers, with mighty men and all kinds of warriors,' declares the Lord GOD. 21 “And I will set my glory among the nations, and all the nations shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid on them. 22 The house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God, from that day forward. 23 And the nations shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity, because they dealt so treacherously with me that I hid my face from them and gave them into the hand of their adversaries, and they all fell by the sword. 24 I dealt with them according to their uncleanness and their transgressions, and hid my face from them. The Lord Will Restore Israel 25 “Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: Now I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel, and I will be jealous for my holy name. 26 They shall forget their shame and all the treachery they have practiced against me, when they dwell securely in their land with none to make them afraid, 27 when I have brought them back from the peoples and gathered them from their enemies' lands, and through them have vindicated my holiness in the sight of many nations. 28 Then they shall know that I am the LORD their God, because I sent them into exile among the nations and then assembled them into their own land. I will leave none of them remaining among the nations anymore. 29 And I will not hide my face anymore from them, when I pour out my Spirit upon the house of Israel, declares the Lord GOD.” Footnotes [1] 38:2 Or Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech [2] 38:3 Or Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech [3] 38:13 Hebrew young lions [4] 38:21 Hebrew against him [5] 39:1 Or Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech [6] 39:2 Or and drag you along [7] 39:9 Or javelins [8] 39:11 Hamon-gog means the multitude of Gog [9] 39:14 Or Until [10] 39:16 Hamonah means multitude (ESV) Evening: 1 Peter 4 1 Peter 4 (Listen) Stewards of God's Grace 4 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh,1 arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. 7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Suffering as a Christian 12 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. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory2 and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 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? 18 And   “If the righteous is scarcely saved,    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”3 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. Footnotes [1] 4:1 Some manuscripts add for us; some for you [2] 4:14 Some manuscripts insert and of power [3] 4:18 Greek where will the ungodly and sinner appear? (ESV)

With family: 1 Chronicles 23; 1 Peter 4 1 Chronicles 23 (Listen) David Organizes the Levites 23 When David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel. 2 David1 assembled all the leaders of Israel and the priests and the Levites. 3 The Levites, thirty years old and upward, were numbered, and the total was 38,000 men. 4 “Twenty-four thousand of these,” David said,2 “shall have charge of the work in the house of the LORD, 6,000 shall be officers and judges, 5 4,000 gatekeepers, and 4,000 shall offer praises to the LORD with the instruments that I have made for praise.” 6 And David organized them in divisions corresponding to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 7 The sons of Gershon3 were Ladan and Shimei. 8 The sons of Ladan: Jehiel the chief, and Zetham, and Joel, three. 9 The sons of Shimei: Shelomoth, Haziel, and Haran, three. These were the heads of the fathers' houses of Ladan. 10 And the sons of Shimei: Jahath, Zina, and Jeush and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei. 11 Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second; but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, therefore they became counted as a single father's house. 12 The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four. 13 The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron was set apart to dedicate the most holy things, that he and his sons forever should make offerings before the LORD and minister to him and pronounce blessings in his name forever. 14 But the sons of Moses the man of God were named among the tribe of Levi. 15 The sons of Moses: Gershom and Eliezer. 16 The sons of Gershom: Shebuel the chief. 17 The sons of Eliezer: Rehabiah the chief. Eliezer had no other sons, but the sons of Rehabiah were very many. 18 The sons of Izhar: Shelomith the chief. 19 The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the chief, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth. 20 The sons of Uzziel: Micah the chief and Isshiah the second. 21 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The sons of Mahli: Eleazar and Kish. 22 Eleazar died having no sons, but only daughters; their kinsmen, the sons of Kish, married them. 23 The sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jeremoth, three. 24 These were the sons of Levi by their fathers' houses, the heads of fathers' houses as they were listed according to the number of the names of the individuals from twenty years old and upward who were to do the work for the service of the house of the LORD. 25 For David said, “The LORD, the God of Israel, has given rest to his people, and he dwells in Jerusalem forever. 26 And so the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the things for its service.” 27 For by the last words of David the sons of Levi were numbered from twenty years old and upward. 28 For their duty was to assist the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD, having the care of the courts and the chambers, the cleansing of all that is holy, and any work for the service of the house of God. 29 Their duty was also to assist with the showbread, the flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baked offering, the offering mixed with oil, and all measures of quantity or size. 30 And they were to stand every morning, thanking and praising the LORD, and likewise at evening, 31 and whenever burnt offerings were offered to the LORD on Sabbaths, new moons, and feast days, according to the number required of them, regularly before the LORD. 32 Thus they were to keep charge of the tent of meeting and the sanctuary, and to attend the sons of Aaron, their brothers, for the service of the house of the LORD. Footnotes [1] 23:2 Hebrew He [2] 23:4 Hebrew lacks David said [3] 23:7 Vulgate (compare Septuagint, Syriac); Hebrew to the Gershonite (ESV) 1 Peter 4 (Listen) Stewards of God's Grace 4 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh,1 arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. 7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Suffering as a Christian 12 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. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory2 and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 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? 18 And   “If the righteous is scarcely saved,    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”3 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. Footnotes [1] 4:1 Some manuscripts add for us; some for you [2] 4:14 Some manuscripts insert and of power [3] 4:18 Greek where will the ungodly and sinner appear? (ESV) In private: Micah 2; Luke 11 Micah 2 (Listen) Woe to the Oppressors 2   Woe to those who devise wickedness    and work evil on their beds!  When the morning dawns, they perform it,    because it is in the power of their hand.2   They covet fields and seize them,    and houses, and take them away;  they oppress a man and his house,    a man and his inheritance.3   Therefore thus says the LORD:  behold, against this family I am devising disaster,1    from which you cannot remove your necks,  and you shall not walk haughtily,    for it will be a time of disaster.4   In that day they shall take up a taunt song against you    and moan bitterly,  and say, “We are utterly ruined;    he changes the portion of my people;  how he removes it from me!    To an apostate he allots our fields.”5   Therefore you will have none to cast the line by lot    in the assembly of the LORD. 6   “Do not preach”—thus they preach—    “one should not preach of such things;    disgrace will not overtake us.”7   Should this be said, O house of Jacob?    Has the LORD grown impatient?2    Are these his deeds?  Do not my words do good    to him who walks uprightly?8   But lately my people have risen up as an enemy;  you strip the rich robe from those who pass by trustingly    with no thought of war.39   The women of my people you drive out    from their delightful houses;  from their young children you take away    my splendor forever.10   Arise and go,    for this is no place to rest,  because of uncleanness that destroys    with a grievous destruction.11   If a man should go about and utter wind and lies,    saying, “I will preach to you of wine and strong drink,”    he would be the preacher for this people!12   I will surely assemble all of you, O Jacob;    I will gather the remnant of Israel;  I will set them together    like sheep in a fold,  like a flock in its pasture,    a noisy multitude of men.13   He who opens the breach goes up before them;    they break through and pass the gate,    going out by it.  Their king passes on before them,    the LORD at their head. Footnotes [1] 2:3 The same Hebrew word can mean evil or disaster, depending on the context [2] 2:7 Hebrew Has the spirit of the Lord grown short? [3] 2:8 Or returning from war (ESV) Luke 11 (Listen) The Lord's Prayer 11 Now Jesus1 was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say:   “Father, hallowed be your name.  Your kingdom come.3   Give us each day our daily bread,24   and forgive us our sins,    for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.  And lead us not into temptation.” 5 And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; 7 and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything'? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence3 he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for4 a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Jesus and Beelzebul 14 Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled. 15 But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,” 16 while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. 17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. 18 And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. 19 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 20 But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; 22 but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil. 23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Return of an Unclean Spirit 24 “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.' 25 And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. 26 Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first.” True Blessedness 27 As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” 28 But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” The Sign of Jonah 29 When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, “This generation is an evil generation. It seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. The Light in You 33 “No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. 35 Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. 36 If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.” Woes to the Pharisees and Lawyers 37 While Jesus5 was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him, so he went in and reclined at table. 38 The Pharisee was astonished to see that he did not first wash before dinner. 39 And the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40 You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also? 41 But give as alms those things that are within, and behold, everything is clean for you. 42 “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. 43 Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seat in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. 44 Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without knowing it.” 45 One of the lawyers answered him, “Teacher, in saying these things you insult us also.” 46 And he said, “Woe to you lawyers also! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers. 47 Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your fathers killed. 48 So you are witnesses and you consent to the deeds of your fathers, for they killed them, and you build their tombs. 49 Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute,' 50 so that the blood of all the prophets, shed from the foundation of the world, may be charged against this generation, 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation. 52 Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.” 53 As he went away from there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to press him hard and to provoke him to speak about many things, 54 lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say. Footnotes [1] 11:1 Greek he [2] 11:3 Or our bread for tomorrow [3] 11:8 Or persistence [4] 11:11 Some manuscripts insert bread, will give him a stone; or if he asks for [5] 11:37 Greek he (ESV)

If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange . To read the first three chapters of "Dwell on These Things" by John Stange, click here:  https://desirejesus.com/dwellonthesethings . To get a free copy of John Stange's book, "The Mind of Christ - How to make the most of the new perspective, new eyes, and new outlook you've been given through Jesus," please CLICK HERE. . To email John Stange directly, please send your message to john@desirejesus.com.

Friday, November 26, 2021

Thursday, November 25, 2021

Examples of saints who suffered. Principles for maintaining faith during pain. Corne Van Deventer

11/21/2021- "Choose Wisely" from 1 Peter 4, Rev. Dennis Louis, CVPC Sermons

November 21, 2021 - 1 Peter 4: 7-11 by Grace Church of Mentor

Pastor Bryan Laws Sermon Series: "Born Again - 1st Peter"

Recorded on Sunday, November 14, 2021. Other scripture cited: Psalm 112:1-9; Matthew 25:14-30.Support the show (https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/Vanco_ver3.vps?appver3=wWsk24ZWJSTZKsGd1RMKlg0BDvsSG3VIWQCPJNNxD8upkiY7JlDavDsozUE7KG0nFx2NSo8LdUKGuGuF396vbSw-R2mhrvfe_HJOXvFcrh-XHubq5Z7ap5JVmPErc4ZeYHCKCZhESjGNQmZ5B-6dx0MW8b85t8s_s5fNKictIkY=&ver=3)

Sermon audio from Sunday morning, November 7, 2021

Click For Today’s AudioOr Read the Passage Here CoffeeTime Video DevotionalCheck out the CoffeeTime Video Devo on YouTube with Pastor Miles, on YouTube.Helpful ResourcesEnduring Word Commentary with Pastor David GuzikRead the Scriptures at Blue Letter BibleDownload the Blue Letter Bible App For iOS or AndroidAdditional Daily DevotionalsMy Utmost for His Highest | Oswald ChambersMorning & […] The post 1 Peter 4 appeared first on The Listening Plan.

Week 46 Day 1

Suffering will be a reality if you are a follower of Jesus.

November 14, 2021 - 1 Peter 4:10-11 by Grace Church of Mentor

If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange . To read the first three chapters of "Dwell on These Things" by John Stange, click here:  https://desirejesus.com/dwellonthesethings . Become a patron of this ministry and enjoy exclusive opportunities to connect with John Stange.  Please visit https://www.patreon.com/tentmaker to learn more. . To get a free copy of John Stange's book, "The Mind of Christ - How to make the most of the new perspective, new eyes, and new outlook you've been given through Jesus," please CLICK HERE. . To email John Stange directly, please send your message to john@desirejesus.com.

Hey, it's Mike Henry with Follower of One. And today I'm continuing what we've been talking about for the last two episodes. first Peter four today, I'd like to talk about verses three and four for the time already passed is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles. Having pursued a course of sensuality, Euless, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and abominable idolatry. In all this, they're surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you. I'm almost disappointed at the different ways, the different translations struggle with these two verses the new living translation says this. You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy their immorality and law. Their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties. And they're terrible worship of idols. Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So, they signed, or you, I liked that translational a little bit better, even though I'm not sure it's a direct translation, but I think it communicates the idea. We just decided if you remember, from the previous episode, we decided that we didn't want to pursue living for ourselves anymore. We wanted instead to pursue living for the will of God. And what will happen is that we will surprise our friends. We'll surprise our coworkers when we no longer plunge into whatever it was, we used to do, as we stopped doing the things we used to do, other people notice. The time of doing that is done. He's Peter saying, we've already spent enough time living the way we live living for ourselves now. And let's spend the rest of our lives living for God, but we will surprise our friends when we no longer plunge into what we used to do. And that way they will be surprised. Some may actually slander you or speak badly against you or malign you. These are not words that I commonly use anymore, but they will look down on us. They don't think that we are as smart as they are. They think that we're living by some other standard, but that's actually the twist that causes them to ask us. Why are you doing this? When we do something over and above what might be normally expected? They are curious. Others are curious, are former friends are surprised. It says in living translation, when we no longer do what they do, the time already passed is sufficient. And so, we can give this up and help them be surprised because we did not run with them into the same excess. Or the way that we used to live, we don't seem to live according to the same worldview, which is one of the common words we use or the same kind of mental model that other people live with. I want to challenge you today, look for ways to bend your life and follow Jesus instead of doing what you normally did. And others will be curious, they will be surprised, and they will ask, I think some will ask some will sign or. That's part of the price of being a Jesus follower. Some will look at you and go, well, that's silly, or that's stupid. They will think we're dumb. They will think we're dumb for living this way. And I feel sorry for them sometimes, because I believe we're right in the long-term, in the eternal long-term. And therefore, it could be a bad thing for them in the long-term. I experienced a lot of joy doing what Jesus has for me to do today. And I expect to experience joy throughout eternity as a result of following him as well. And I believe that some of our friends will ask, and some will speak badly of us today. I want to challenge you, bend your life to follow Jesus and watch what happens. I believe it's all part of his plan for our world. Thank you for being a marketplace minister and thank you for making a difference in your work. Follow him bend your life to follow the will of God instead of the loss of yourself and your flesh and watch what God does in the lives of the people around you. Also check out our website at https://followerofone.org, where you can meet with connect with other people who are on the process of trying to live their faith on a daily basis. Thanks very much.

Hey, it's Mike Henry with Follower of One. And this is the second of a multi-part discussion on first Peter four.  Today I'd like to read verses one and two, therefore, since Jesus Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin. So as to live the rest of the time in the flesh, no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.  Again, that's from the new American standard.  Yesterday, or in the previous episode, I spoke about how the first verse talks about we prepare ourselves by   arming ourselves with the purpose that Jesus had, which was coming to die. He came to die, and we are all destined to die.  That's our destiny. But when we are prepared to suffer in the flesh, we cease from sin. And he goes on to talk about this here. How do we stop sinning? We don't stop sinning in this life. It's when we enter the next life that we cease from sin, we live the rest of our time in this life, in the flesh, no longer for the lusts of men. My expectations were always wrong, and I would always get surprised by my circumstances. I always dreamed about the most positive outcomes to everything.  I expected everything to work well and to go well, to be easy, to be beneficial, I always had high positive expectations. I'm a good example of why people like to be pessimists because as an optimist, I feel like I'm regularly disappointed. And I joked last time about how the secret to happiness in golf is to maintain low expectations. Many people who are pessimistic will tell you that if they can maintain low expectations, they're always positively surprised. That's not what this verse is talking about though. It's not coaching us on being pessimistic as a lifestyle. This passage, I believe is challenging us to put aside the idea that our life works for us. We will not leave this life with anything. The treasure that we lay up in heaven, which is something that I love to think about. I believe that's in the form of the relationships that we have and the investment that we made in people and the investment that we made in helping others learn about Jesus. To me, that's laying up treasure in heaven is basically making a difference. Taking part in Jesus's work. Jesus came to restore man to a right relationship with God. The degree to which we participate in that action. I believe we're laying up treasure in heaven. In other words, we're being challenged in this passage to focus, not on ourselves, but on what Jesus would have us do no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God, Jesus said over and over again that he came to do the will of his father. He's showing us. That our job is to do the will of God the father. Our job is to make Jesus known and visible in the world.  And the way that we do that, isn't by just going to church all the time.  It's by living as a follower of Jesus Christ. That's why we talk about our five daily activities. Pray, appreciate others, know you believe, serve others, and speak for yourself.  I hope to challenge you today, as you prepare, remind yourself today, my life extends beyond my flesh. My life extends beyond that to the point where it's just me and God, there's no more sin and I'm there with him.  What do I need to do today to work towards that end to lay up treasure in heaven? Not to be focusing on my stuff and my comfort today, but rather to focus on where I will one day be in eternity.  I believe that's the great part about this challenge.  And my favorite part of this passage is coming up in the next episode, which we'll talk about tomorrow or whenever you hear this, it's the next episode verses three and four are exciting to me. Thank you for being a marketplace minister. Thank you for making a difference in your workplace. Today, ask God to show you how to look past your flesh and past your present circumstances to look 150 years into the future and the type of difference that you hope your life makes both in this world and in the next it all matters.  

Hey, it's Mike Henry with Follower of One. And today I want to talk a little bit about praying for one another. Daniel chapter two, verses 17 and 18. Then Daniel went to his house and informed his friends and Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah about the matter, so that they might request compassion from the God of heaven concerning this mystery so that Daniel and his friends would not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men in battle. Daniel and his friends are in trouble. The king has had this dream and the Wiseman and the conjurers of that time, couldn't tell the dream to the king and he was angry about it. And so, he was going to kill them all.  And Daniel and his three friends, the guys probably more well known as a Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Daniel and his three friends were among those who would be killed. And so, this is a tense work situation.   think you will agree. We face tense work situations every day, but we don't often face them where there's life and death involved. Some of us do, there are people who listen to this podcast who are first responders, and they face life and death on a regular basis. And I'm grateful for what they do. But today's point is about praying for one another. And about having friends who are praying for one another. Do you have people who pray for you?  Often? We tend to focus on what's not happening by someone else, not praying for us, but if we want more prayer in the world and I want to challenge us to pray for others, this story goes on because Damon. Does receive a response from God and gives that response to the king. And it makes a difference in the King's life makes a difference in the lives of all these wise men in these conjurers, this story ends up being one where Daniel and his three friends become more important in the kingdom. And it's because of their relationship with God. The way prayer works is interesting because we spend most of our time. If you're like me, I spend most of my time asking God for things. God uses prayer to communicate with me.  And God uses prayer to communicate with us. He's putting us to work. He's working his plan. What he wants to happen is what's going to happen in the world. Daniel and his three friends got in on it through prayer. We get to take part in the work of Jesus in the lives of every person that we know when we regularly pray. And I want to challenge each of us, our first daily activity as a follower of Jesus Christ is to pray. And we talk about three prayers on a regular basis. One of those is punching in. Here I am. The next one is praying for others. We want to pray for the people in our lives, and sometimes we need to pray and give thanks to God for the circumstances that we face. Even the ones that we don't like. And finally, there are the times like this, where there are situations going on in our life that are just so extreme that we need God to make a difference. In all of these situations, I want to encourage you find people that you can pray with and pray for about what God's doing in your workplace. Ask God to show him who else around you, who else in your workplace might be someone who can pray for you, or if you need to, you can actually connect with those people in our online community at https://www.Followerofone.org. open to believers who want to integrate their faith in the workplace. I want to challenge you find two or three or four friends who are praying with you and understand enough about each other's work situation, to where your prayers are   making a difference where your prayers will make a difference in the things that happen inside that business. Your prayers can make your employer more successful. You can make you be more successful in the workplace, those prayers can help you see God working and see the difference that he's making in the lives of every person there. Thank you for being a marketplace minister and thank you for being a part of what God's doing in the world. That's what we're doing. We're checking in. We're punching in when we pray. And say, God, I want to be part of what you're doing in the world today. Show me what to do. Thanks for being a part of that. And thank you for listening to this podcast. If you get a chance, share it with a friend. Thanks very much.

Join Pastor Sarah Burtt as she reflects on a portion of 1 Peter each day. Way before it was ever thought possible that Christianity would go mainstream, the early church found themselves the target of jokes, rumors, discrimination and even...

Join Pastor Sarah Burtt as she reflects on a portion of 1 Peter each day. Way before it was ever thought possible that Christianity would go mainstream, the early church found themselves the target of jokes, rumors, discrimination and even...