If we don’t keep at them, habits are easily lost. Such as writing on here.
Even though I haven’t written much this year, I realize it is something I don’t wish to lose. Sometimes writing looks huge – especially when I am in the middle of winter doldrums and feel tired from serving my family in my day-to-day life. But Christ never stopped giving . . . He never stopped loving . . . He never stopped serving, and this is sometimes where I see selfishness creeping into my heart.
These may not be long posts, but will hopefully be ones that share my struggles and my joys. And so that I don’t forget how to use my camera . . . I will aim to share one picture.
Over the last month, I was put in for women’s Sunday School teacher. So on Mondays I might simply share some truths that God brought through our Sunday School lesson the previous week. Simple truths. When my teaching term began, we were ready for the last two chapters of I Peter. Now we have moved into 2 Peter. Here are just a few things that blessed me during these chapters!
I Peter 4:1-2
These verses have to do with taking up our cross to follow Him – dying to the flesh. One commentary said this truth:
Many of us are defeated in our battle against sin because we refuse to sacrifice anything in the battle. We only want victory if it comes easily to us. Jesus called us to have the kind of attitude that would sacrifice in the battle against sin.
When I am being tempted to give in to my selfish desires and reactions, I must make an actual decision to choose a different reaction than what I previously had been doing. Changes in relationships don’t come without making a mental choice to choose the different, more holy, way.
I Peter 4:8
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
Recently, I have learned an incredibly valuable lesson that I hope I never, ever forget. It is simply this:
Every person you will meet has a heart – even if it is lashing out at you. Look for this heart . . . listen to it, cry with it, LOVE it.
I Peter 5:6a
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God . . .
In studying this, I came across how one person put it: “Humility is demonstrated by submission. It is the ability to cheerfully put away our own agenda for God’s – even if God’s agenda is expressed through another person.”
I Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.
I believe it was Spurgeon who said this about how to resist the devil:
“Be more prayerful every time he is more active. He will soon give it up, if he finds his attacks drive you to Christ.”
I know this to be true and I believe this is the way of escape!
2 Peter 1:8
For if these things (virtues listed previously) be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I had to wonder why the words “and abound” were put in there. Then I looked it up. To abound means “to exist in abundance”. These virtues are not to simply be seen in us sporadically – when everything is going well. They are to be in abundance and ever increasing more and more!
May you all have a blessed Monday!
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Karen Hendrick says
Oh Kendra, thank you for sharing your heart even when it is difficult. I appreciate every post and the wisdom you impart. I am sure there are many others that feel the same way I do. Sacrifice is not easy. We always want the easier, softer way but as Easter approaches I am reminded of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for each one of us (as undeserving as we are) and my load looks so light. Thank you posting just when I need that extra encouragement. May you be encouraged as well.
Kendra says
Thank you, Karen! I appreciate the reminder about Easter approaching and all Christ has done for me!