The passage for this post is 1 Peter 4:15-16.
Once again, I used a Bible mapping method and the TEND (marieldavenport.com) method to look at these verses. I will begin with the Bible mapping method. I do leave out two parts of the Bible mapping method. One is the step where I compare different Bible versions. The other is where I look up the original words and their meanings. If I included all of that, I think my posts would be too long to read.
October 28, 2024
Prayer:
Psalm 116:1-2
1 I love the LORD, for He heard my voice;
He heard my cry for mercy.
2 Because He turned His ear to me,
I will call on Him as long as I live. (NIV '84)
Verse: 1 Peter 4:15-16
15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. (NIV '84)
Outcome (11/12/24)
To some, Christianity has a negative connotation. Unfortunately, people have done things in the name of Christianity that were not Christian. And there are people who think that our teachings aren't loving or are just plain stupid. So, there can be times when it is hard to admit to being a Christian, let alone to praise God.
Those are the times when it is even more important to acknowledge and defend our faith. That is why we are here - to share God's Word with those who need to hear it. We don't need to worry about what to say, God will provide that to us. The more time we spend in His word, the better prepared we are to defend our faith. Granted, there are times when it is painfully obvious that it is best to walk away. But, we should pray for that person(s) because they desperately need it.
Christians all over the world encounter some sort of attack on their faith. It can range from life-threatening danger to a joke made by a coworker. When we suffer because of our faith, it means that people see something different about us. We are not of this world. When we suffer as Christians, we can rejoice in knowing that Christ is alive in us and people see that. That is the goal - to shine the light of Jesus in a dark world, no matter the price we may pay.
November 16, 2024 (TEND)
1 Peter 4:15-16
Take Time to Pray:
Psalm 125: 1-2
1 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds His people
both now and forever more. (NIV '84)
Examine:
15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. (NIV '84)
Notice:
What do you notice about God's character?
God is worthy of praise.
What lessons are being taught? Is there a sin, promise, action, command or example being taught? Is there a warning being given?
We will suffer here on earth. When we do, though, we should be suffering because we are Christians and not because we did something wrong.
When we suffer we should praise God because we are showing His light to the world.
Do:
Consider how you need to respond to what God is teaching you.
Question (12/5/2024)
How have the difficulties of this year been impacted by my Christian faith and how have they impacted my faith?
Response
I cannot say that I have suffered because I am a Christian this year. Well, I suppose the devil is always there, trying to use things like troubles in our lives to split us from God. But, I haven't been persecuted or mistreated because of my faith.
How have the difficulties been impacted by my faith? I believe I have come through them with more peace than I would have in the past. I believe I have been calmer. I still have along way to go in terms of trust and accepting peace, but I believe this year has been an improvement. So, the difficulties have been impacted by my faith in that they haven't had the same negative power over me.
How have the difficulties impacted my faith? Like all difficulties, I believe my faith has been strengthened and has matured. My ability to trust has been tested and while it bent, it didn't break and with that it has improved. Step by step I am slowly improving in my ability to share my faith and give God credit when I am among strangers. I definitely need improvement on praising God out loud (and internally) when in times of trouble. So, the difficulties of this year have improved my faith, matured my faith, improved my ability to trust, and improved my ability to share my faith.
God's Blessings
In Jesus' name
Amen
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