1 Peter 5 Resist the Devil

1 Peter 5

It is not easy being a Christian. The Way in which we are to follow is not the way of the world and the world will neither understand or appreciate you. You will be subjected to all sorts of attempts to humiliate you. But, you must be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Do not let him devour you. Resist him. Stand firm in the faith knowing that the family of believers throughout the whole world is undergoing similar sufferings.

 

Elders in the church are to support and be shepherds to the flock under their care. Those who are younger are to submit themselves to their elders. Everyone is to clothe themselves with humility for God opposes the proud and shows favor to the humble.

 

Therefore, put aside the pride of the world and in humility serve the Lord with gladness in all things. Resist the devil and follow in the Way of the Lord.

 

God's peace to all of you who are in Christ. - Pr. J

1 Peter 1:13-25 Set Your Hope In the One Who Is Hope

1 Peter 1:13-25

No matter how many times we are reminded not to worship the false gods of this world, there is a
multitude that set their hopes on things of this world; on silver and gold. They will turn away from God seeking an illusory happiness of this world. They will be happy when they have this or that thing; happy when they have power over this or that person; happy when they get to do whatever it is that they desire no matter whether it is right or wrong, no matter who it might hurt. But, true joy comes from knowing the Lord; walking with him. Real joy comes with living in a reverent relationship with the Lord and respecting our Father's will.

I pray that you will not conform to the evil desires of those who live in ignorance. Rather, "with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." (vs 13) If your heart is aching and your life feels like a total disaster; then turn your heart toward the Christ for you were redeemed by his precious blood. You were born again, not of perishable things of this world; but, of the imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

Pr. J

Esther 1 - Feasting - With Wine

Ok... I'm confused.  After about a half of a year of showing off his kingdom, King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) declares a seven day feast, during which there is much wine drunk.  Seven days of partying.  Then on the seventh day when King Xerxes is in high spirits from the wine (drunk), he sends for his beautify wife, Queen Vashti so that he can show her off to his company.  She refuses.  He is embarrassed and there are consequences for her. 

What is this? Would this king have commanded her to come so that everyone could ogle her, if he'd been sober.  Would she have said no, if he and his company had been sober?

The book of Esther; however, I think we will enjoy.  Scene 1:  Xerxes gets rid of his present wife, the queen.

(Edited title on 8/25/2011 due to typo - feasting not fasting.)