Day Eleven

Scripture Read:
1 Peter 5
He'll Promote You at the Right Time
1I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it's like to be a leader, in on Christ's sufferings as well as the coming glory. 2Here's my concern: that you care for God's flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously.[ 3Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.
4When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he'll see that you've done it right and commend you lavishly. 5And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for--
God has had it with the proud,
But takes delight in just plain people.

6So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. 7Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.

He Gets the Last Word
8Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. 9Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. 10The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ--eternal and glorious plans they are!-will have you put together and on your feet for good. 11He gets the last word; yes, he does.
12I'm sending this brief letter to you by Silas, a most dependable brother. I have the highest regard for him.
I've written as urgently and accurately as I know how. This is God's generous truth; embrace it with both arms!
13The church in exile here with me--but not for a moment forgotten by God--wants to be remembered to you. Mark, who is like a son to me, says hello. 14Give holy embraces all around! Peace to you--to all who walk in Christ's ways.

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What it means to me:
To those who lead, lead not because of pride, but lead to bring God pleasure. To me leading involves not just leading others, but being able to be led by others. To be a strong leader you need both, not just one or the other. If you read the NIV translation of this passage, it talks about how the old are the leaders and the young are the followers, but I think the age is really applying to your growth in God. How wise you are. I mean some of the best leaders I know aren't even 20. Leaders don't lead because you have to ( you signed up to lead, and your just doing it every week due to routine) but do it for God. Also to those who are learning still, follow your leaders, it will prepare you for the future. Both thou, do not be proud, take delight in the ordinary people, for we are all sinners aren't we? Don't make your leaders idols, for then we are placing people above God. Nor should leaders boast in their skills, for without God, they would not have the wisdom they use in theire teaching. Be always on guard, remember to apply what your taught to your life, because the enemy attacks when we are most vulnerable. Don't be selfish when going through trials either, for you should know that your brothers and sisters are going through the same trials across the distant land.

Remember the suffering will end, so persevere through the trials and your reward in heaven will be great.

I noticed that through this book, perserverance comes up alot, b/c the trials we face shape us to become more like Christ, that is, if we perservere through them with a Christ like mind.

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Memory Verse:

"Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you."
1 Peter 5:7 (Msg)

Sorry I took so long to update, I'll try to stop procrastinating these things. Also I had to seperate this from the other days, b/c it finishes off 1 Peter, and the other two go into my next scripture. I was busy on Thursday and time got away from me. I'm sorry to all those who read these, if there are any who actually do.

-Brent