Friday Morning
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)
Almighty God, whose beloved Son first suffered pain and crucifixion before entering into glory: Mercifully grant that we, walking in his footsteps, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – 1 Peter 5:1-14 (NLT)
Advice for Elders and Young Men
And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you:
Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.
In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen.
Peter’s Final Greetings
I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.
Your sister church here in Babylon sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet each other with a kiss of love.
Peace be with all of you who are in Christ.
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Morning Reflection:
Stand firm in God’s grace.
My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you
that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you.
Stand firm in this grace.
– Peter 5:12b –
How then should we live when faced with suffering for Christ?
Elders: In view of the inevitability of trials and God’s judgment, Peter addresses those who are entrusted with the responsibility of oversight (elders/pastors) of congregations of believers.
+ Serve God’s people willingly because of eagerness to serve God.
+ Lead God’s people with humility by setting a godly example.
All Believers: Peter reminds us that believers all around the world are facing the same trials and temptations that we face. Why is that? Because we all face the same great enemy – the devil, who prowls the world seeking to deceive and destroy God’s people. So what can we do in the face of this pervasive, destructive force?
+ Humble ourselves under the mighty power of God, trusting him to raise us up in honor.
+ Give all our worries and cares to God, believing in his steadfast love.
+ Watch out and stand firm against the schemes of the devil, and grow stronger in faith.
+ Remember God has called us to share in his eternal glory through faith in Jesus Christ.
+ Trust in God’s loving-kindness to restore, support, and strengthen us, by placing us on the firm foundation of his grace.
Questions for consideration:
- Are you connected with other believers in a church? Is there a person who is charged with the care of your soul – an elder (pastor)? What sort of relationship do you have with that person? Please explain?
- Peter urges us to humble ourselves under the mighty power of God. What does that mean for you? How does that work out in your life? Please explain.
- Can you think of ways that Satan has attempted to deceive you, or steal your joy, or even destroy your faith? How did you resist? Please explain.
- Where do you need to stand firm in God’s grace today? What part does God’s loving-kindness and your faith play in standing firm?
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Morning Prayer: For Standing Firm
Gracious God, you hold the victory over sin and death in this world.
Thank you for calling us into Your family through faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the freedom and hope he gives us.
Through the power of his Name, enable us to stand firm against the deceit and schemes of the evil one. Thank you for the power of your Word and Spirit at work within us shielding, protecting, strengthening, exposing deeds of darkness, bringing to light what needs to be known, covering us from the cruel attacks we face even when we’re unaware.
Give us wisdom and discernment to recognize the schemes of the enemy in our lives that we may stand strong against his work. And remind to pray earnestly and regularly for all believers who face the same trails and tribulations that we do, and even far worse.
Gracious God, we stand solidly on the firm foundation you have given us through faith in Jesus Christ, in him we live and move and have our being, and it’s in his Name we pray. Amen.
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“Stand In Your Love” – Josh Baldwin (Bethel Music)
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Closing:
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
The Peanut Gallery 
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
Thanks for the reblog.