1 Peter 3

 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 

I really like this chapter, Gina probably not so much with all the work she needs to do around submission.  haha

But really the second half I really like and this verse really struck me.  Truly having deep respect and admiration in my heart for Jesus.  Living in a way, not with my words but my actions so much that it obvious to others that something different is going on with me and they ask why I have the hope that they can see. 

Then given the opportunity share what I believe, but not in your face or condemning.  Just simply honesty about the peace I get from knowing Jesus and having him in my heart.

Great chapter.

Knut

1 Peter 2

8 and,

“A stone that causes people to stumble
    and a rock that makes them fall.”[d]

They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.

 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

A couple quick thoughts.  Sometimes life is tough, but maybe sometimes I make it tougher.  Do I disobey God's direction--and if so do I stumble because of that--maybe I don't even recognize how a struggle I am going through is brought on by my own actions are contra to his word.

The second one would be such a great lesson for our society right now.  I like to go on Facebook to see what people are doing in life, but what I see is visceral reactions to nearly every statement people make.  Even the most benign statement gets attacked, which almost always results in a retaliation.  If enough people could take this lesson maybe the attacks would dry up because of no response.  I

knut

1 Peter 1

You made a call out to switch to the new testament and I didn't see it until after doing one more chapter in Jeremiah.  So I picked 1 Peter because I read how this chapter teaches us to make tough choices under pressure and to trust God even through suffering.  So here we go--

 17 You call out to God for help and he helps—he’s a good Father that way. But don’t forget, he’s also a responsible Father, and won’t let you get by with sloppy living.

Even though most of my parenting is done this one still struck me.  I still have some opportunities to help my kids avoid sloppy living.  If its good for God  to be a 'responsible' father it must be the model to follow.  I should not shirk away from coaching my kids, but I will say I find it difficult since they don't listen so much anymore....hmmm I wonder how God feels.

knut

Jeremiah 36

 24 The king and all his attendants who heard all these words showed no fear, nor did they tear their clothes.

What I got today was the danger of having too much power in my life risks me thinking I don't need God.  I'm guessing the king felt pretty self-reliant. He didn't need anything from anyone nor did he need to be directed by anyone on how to live his life--even God.

So given my own situation living in the USA, having a job that has created some independent wealth it does seem to create a possibility where I could and maybe do act like the king sometimes.  I don't want to ever want to lose my grounding in God and his word.  Being conscious of that fact hopefully snaps me back from those moments of acting like I'm the king of my domain.

knut

Jeremiah 35

OK, I really don't have a take.  I'm kind of lost.  It seems he's mad they listen to their ancestor to the letter but will not listen to him.  Yet the last paragraph I thought was a good statement for them....so I'm lost.

I also wonder again how are they supposed to know the difference from a false prophet and a real prophet.  How should they know that Jeremiah brings real messages of God?

Today especially a prayer for Scott--please heal him.  Give him and his family peace and the doctors the knowledge of next steps regardless of the output of the scan.

Philipians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

knut

Jeremiah 34

 11 But afterward they changed their minds and took back the slaves they had freed and enslaved them again.

They seem pretty ridiculous making a covenant then forgetting it and doing what they want--the results were pretty ominous they become like the calf haves and food for the birds.

But how many times have I prayed for something received a blessing from God then returned on my merry way becoming distant from God again until I have another need.  Maybe not quite as explicit as a covenant but a behavior no more noble.  I am thankful for the blessing I have and for the gift of grace Jesus provides.  amen.

knut