1 Peter 4:14-19

14 Be happy if you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God will come upon you. 15 If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people's affairs. 16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his wonderful name! 17 For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin first among God's own children. And if even we Christians must be judged, what terrible fate awaits those who have never believed God's Good News? 18 And

"If the righteous are barely saved,

what chance will the godless and sinners have?"  

19 So if you are suffering according to God's will, keep on doing what is right, and trust yourself to the God who made you, for he will never fail you. (NLT)

 

Be Happy. God never fails. God loves you. God has your best in mind. You are privileged to be called by His wonderful name. Trust yourself to the God who made you. Keep doing what is right. God smiles because of you. Be Happy.

 

Engage the Present – Create the Future – With Jesus Christ

1 Peter 4:12-13

12 Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad — because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world. (NLT)

 

When you suffer for Christ be glad that God counts you worthy to suffer with Christ. When you suffer you must be joyous and happy for Christ is with you in it and it draws attention to Jesus. The lost will ask you “how is it that you are so happy and joyous in this suffering? “ and you will be able to answer because of Jesus Christ. Remember you are partners with Christ in all things.

 

Engage the Present – Create the Future – With Jesus Christ

1 Peter 4:11

11 Are you called to be a speaker? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then God will be given glory in everything through Jesus Christ. All glory and power belong to him forever and ever. Amen. (NLT)

 

What are you called to do? Are you called to be a speaker, a teacher, a preacher, an evangelist or something else? Learn what God has called you to do and then do it with all your strength and energy to bring glory to God. God will supply you with everything you need to answer your calling. Then God will be given glory in everything through Jesus Christ. All glory and power belong to him forever and ever. Amen.

 

Engage the Present – Create the Future – With Jesus Christ

1 Peter 4:10

10 God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God's generosity can flow through you. (NLT)

 

God has given you a gift a spiritual gift and this gift is to be used to bring glory to God. He wants you to use it so that He can be seen working through you. Manage your gift well and use it to draw people to Christ. God has been very generous to you. Do not use it for yourself, but use it to demonstrate God’s love for everyone.

If you are unsure of what your gift may be spend time in prayer with God and in His word to discover what He wants you to do. He will reveal it to you. Use your gift and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you and to flow through you to the glory of God.

 

Engage the Present – Create the Future – With Jesus Christ

1 Peter 4:4-6

4 Of course, your former friends are very surprised when you no longer join them in the wicked things they do, and they say evil things about you. 5 But just remember that they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead. 6 That is why the Good News was preached even to those who have died — so that although their bodies were punished with death, they could still live in the spirit as God does. (NLT)

 

Read this verse several times and give glory to God for He is the God of the living. We will live forever with Him and the Lord Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

 

Engage the Present – Create the Future – With Jesus Christ

1 Peter 4:7-9

7 The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. 8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. (NLT)

 

Each day we come closer to when Christ will return, so we must be about the Fathers business. We must be earnest and disciplined in our prayers as well as the word. Love must be what drives us and flows from our lives. Sharing and caring for others must also be part of our characteristics as Christ followers. What Christ has done for the lost so we must do too.

 

Engage the Present – Create the Future – With Jesus Christ

1 Peter 4:1-3

So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you are willing to suffer for Christ, you have decided to stop sinning. 2 And you won't spend the rest of your life chasing after evil desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. 3 You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy — their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols. (NLT)

 

Because Christ has suffered in the flesh, so must we -- but we must have the proper attitude. It must be one of joy and not sadness. For if we show sadness, it profits nothing but when the world sees us suffer with joy and happiness it draws them to Jesus Christ. In so doing you will be anxious and excited to do the will of God and turn from all unrighteousness.

 

 

Engage the Present – Create the Future – With Jesus Christ