The Everyday Prayer

Re:Verse passage – 1 Peter 5:7-14 (day seven)

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. vs 8

Most people hear the word “sober” and instantly think of intoxication. The Bible is clear that sobriety goes beyond substances; it is a way of life. Being of a sober mind and spirit is to allow every decision you make to be filtered through an eternal lens. With eternity in view, you see the world as it is supposed to be, as God intended.

Just like an intoxicating substance, the pleasures of this earth can impair our judgement, allowing for a foothold for Satan to grab onto. Losing sight of eternity leaves us vulnerable to more of his earthly attacks, so what must we do to remain sober in mind and spirit?

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8

Re:Verse passage – 1 Peter 5:7-14 (day six)

…and so does my son Mark. 1 Peter 5:13

Most scholars agree this verse refers to John Mark, the very same that abandoned Paul and Barnabas on one of their missionary journeys. Paul was so put out, he refused to travel with John Mark again. Yet, here you see him again as a protege to Peter. Paul would even later affirm John Mark (2 Timothy 4:11).

John Mark is the perfect case study for standing firm in God’s grace (1 Peter 5:9,12). At first it seems he doesn’t have what it takes when things get challenging, but the rest of the story paints a different picture. Through those challenges, along with other trials I’m sure, John Mark perseveres, grows, and bears lasting fruit, eventually writing the Gospel According to Mark.

Don’t count yourself out because you’ve stumbled here or there; get back up and stand firm in God’s grace! He has a purpose for you yet!

Re:Verse passage – 1 Peter 5:7-14 (day five) 

“casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

What’s the most comforting thing you’ve thought about God recently?  His Love? His Grace? His Strength? For me, this week, it was this phrase in verse 7, His Care- “He cares for you”.

Often times suffering and hardship makes us feel alone and isolated. Not just with friends, family, and other believers, but with the Lord too. The thought of the Lord’s care challenges me to think and feel differently. I could go on and on about the Lord’s care- what it looks like, what it means. Perhaps a good study and meditation for us all this Thanksgiving week.
My heart was encouraged by this simple thought: the Lord cares for me (even in the midst of suffering or hardship)- caused me to consider and cherish His attention, His affection, and His action.

Thank You, Lord, for you care!!

Re:Verse passage – 1 Peter 5:7-14 (day four)

Today is Thanksgiving Day…a time to reflect on the blessings God has bestowed upon us.  Peter tells us now that Satan is prowling around (which means secretive, sneaking up without warning, etc.) trying to steal our joy and gratitude to God.  He does not want us to thank God…he doesn’t even want us to acknowledge God.  Resist him…don’t allow him to distract you from giving glory to God.  Our world seems to be accelerating the evil that would cause despair and hopelessness more each day.

Circumstances in our lives will seek to focus our attention away from God.  God has called you and, in His time, will perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.  This is the true grace of God.  Trust Him!  Trust in the truth of His Word and the promises He has given.  He is faithful.  Let me close with this blessing:  “Peace be to you all who are in Christ.”

Re:Verse passage – 1 Peter 5:7-14 (day three)

“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

Do spiritual characteristics – those qualities the Bible often calls “gifts” – ever show up where no suffering has occurred? Possibly – probably, even – but the consistent witness of the New Testament is that spiritual gifts are the residue of suffering. When suffering passes, gentleness – or faithfulness or patience or joy or courage or kindness or generosity or leadership or love – remains. These things increase and suffering loses its power to terrorize you. In this way, you move toward perfection, confirmation, strength, and steadfast confidence. The actual experience of suffering catalyzes the formation of the Spirit’s attributes in you. This is grace – the very word translated as “gift.”

Re:Verse passage – 1 Peter 5:7-14 (day two) But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. vs. 9

Have you ever broken a bone? Had a knee replacement, or rotator cuff surgery? If you’ve ever had a traumatic experience and find someone else who has gone through something similar, you are automatically connected. You sway stories of scars and rehab. You talk about the process of healing. The same should be true for what you are experiencing in the faith. Mind you, this isn’t an opportunity to ‘one up’ each other in terms of suffering, but rather this is a chance to recognize that you are not alone. Peter has assured us that suffering is something that actually connects us. We can gain confidence as we endure trials, and perhaps, pray for others whose faces we may never see who are enduring in the same way.