No Need To Panic
1 Peter 4:12-19
Suffering for Being a Christian
Reflection of Bee:
There are many reasons for our sufferings. We may suffer for doing the wrong things (punishment) or suffer for standing up for a truth (persecution). So if we suffer for doing what is right (according to God's will), then we should take heart to know that God is faithful to us and everything is under His control. We should continue to do what is good (v19).
Dear Lord,
I acknowledge that at times I feel very discouraged by how people, including Christians, treat me when I do the things that I believe is right in Your sight. Thank You for reminding and encouraging me to continue with my good works and commit everything to You. Give me strength daily to go on to do Your will. When I feel down,please lift me up again.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Suffering for Being a Christian
12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And,
"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"[a]
19So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Reflection of Bee:
There are many reasons for our sufferings. We may suffer for doing the wrong things (punishment) or suffer for standing up for a truth (persecution). So if we suffer for doing what is right (according to God's will), then we should take heart to know that God is faithful to us and everything is under His control. We should continue to do what is good (v19).
Dear Lord,
I acknowledge that at times I feel very discouraged by how people, including Christians, treat me when I do the things that I believe is right in Your sight. Thank You for reminding and encouraging me to continue with my good works and commit everything to You. Give me strength daily to go on to do Your will. When I feel down,please lift me up again.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Labels: christian living, perseverance, suffering, trials
posted by buzybee at
5/12/2007 10:54:00 PM
8 Comments:
ar...no so nice to say "please" to God lar
hmn.. why not nice to say "please" to God? We say "please" to our parents and friends too.
There are many eg of saying "please" to God in the bible:
Genesis 24:42:
42 "When I came to the spring today, I said, 'O LORD, God of my master Abraham, if you will, please grant success to the journey on which I have come.
Exodus 4:13:
13 But Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it."
Exodus 32:32:
32 But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written."
ya, those bible passages are people who have yet to receive or read the entire bible..i read it once somewhere that adding please sometimes carry the meaning of us no trusting God entirely, fear he will not answer us even before we ask..another thing is I never hear any prayer in church leader or corporate prayer use the word 'please'..if we really do pray in the spirit, we know God will answer us, so the word 'please' is unnecessary, unless the way you use it is in manner of 'respect' instead of 'begging'...i'm not sayin its wrong, jus feel weird to me when i hear it...ahh maybe its jus me...what do you think?
Definition of "pray"
verb
To offer a reverent petition to God or a god: supplicate.
To make an earnest or urgent request: appeal, beg, beseech, crave, entreat, implore, plead, sue, supplicate.
The word "please" and "pray" can be used interchangeably. However, we use "please" more in our modern days to show respect or courtesy, like the way we use with elders and friends, or even strangers.
"Please" can also be used as a form of pleading too ("beg"). We do plead with our parents so as to soften theirs hearts to grant us certain favour. It is nothing wrong in pleading with God. In fact, it shows a very close relationship with God when we dare to plead or 'bargain' with Him, like we do with our earthly parents.
To say "please" to God also shows humility.
so, i think as normal human being that are still be molded by God, we will continue to beg and bargain with Him...
Yes, even Jesus prayed or begged with God, that if it is possible, let the "cup" be passed.
We still pray (beg, beseech, plead, etc) these days, don't we?
thanks bee bcoz now i know its alrite to say please in prayer as long as our attitude is right and not like what Jesus said in James 1:6
found a good article on this at http://emergentno.blogspot.com/2005/04/response-to-scriptures-used-to-support.html
welcome. :)
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