I really like Christmas time. In fact, it's my favorite season! At first I wanted to write about the birth of Jesus Christ as we celebrate that event, but today's passage helped me realize the miracle of His life after that event. I was impressed by Peter's comment, "Honor Christ and let Him be the Lord of your life. Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope." (1Peter 3:15) I need to work on that. I like how Peter says to do good and not worry about people grumbling. Christ was born and died to bring us to God. Peter explained that Jesus preached to the imprisoned spirits after he died - the ones back from Noah's time.
Everyone will answer to God. Sooner or later everybody's bill comes due. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you're good with God. Remember to pray and most importantly, love each other; love wipes away many sins. Everyone has been blessed with one of God's wonderful gifts. Use your gift for helping others. Don't be surprised when you are being tested. (I like to think of this as God smacks - God is smacking me on the back of my head and getting my attention! It gets worse if I don't listen.) Have faith and keep on doing right.
Peter addressed the church leaders. He mentioned thinking of it like tending sheep. Sheep are completely helpless! They don't know where they are going. They are defenseless. They can't make themselves clean. If they get hurt, the shepherd must heal them. I want to be insulted, except that I know this is true for me! Young people obey your elders, everyone should be humble to everyone else. God helps the humble. Stay alert because the devil is waiting for you like a hungry lion looking for a snack. God shows undeserved kindness to everyone (grace.)
2Peter
Peter addressed his letter to everyone who believes in God and Jesus Christ. We can improve our faith by adding goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love. (2Peter 1:5-7) Peter wanted to make sure to remind everyone how to live before he died. Peter was there when Jesus came back to life. He heard God's voice on the holy mountain when Jesus was transfigured. The Scriptures were guided by the Spirit of God.
God has shown that He doesn't pity the people who don't know Him. And why should He? God has given us poor sheep everything - even His own Son. In church on Sunday my Pastor asked us to imagine what this world would be like if Jesus Christ had never been born... (I really can't get my head around that!)
Merry Christmas and God bless us, every one.
Tomorrow read 2Peter 3; 1John 1-3:12
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