L. Turner

In verses 5:10-11 It is really telling me about God's love for me. It is very meaningful to me because it lets me know that no matter what I maybe going through now, God will bring me through and make me strong. And it also gives me hope knowing that He has called me to eternal glory. This is just a small journey compared what awaits me.

In 1st Peter 5:8-9, Peter is telling us to be self-controlled and alert to the wiles of the devil and to stand in faith and resist him. The instructions give by the Apostle Paul is very similar to those of Peter's. They both are telling us to be stong and stand in faith and to resist the devil. But not in our own strength, but in the power of the Lord. They both are encouraging us to stand strong in FAITH.

1st Peter 5:8 says that we are to be self-controlled and alert; because the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. This verse tells us plainly that the devil wants to destroy us; therefore it is extreamly important that we be alert so that we can resist him.

According to 1st Peter 5:7 we are instructed to cast all are cares upon the Lord that includes our fears. The reason that we should do this is because He cares for us. And we are to do this by standing in faith and resisting the Devil. I will apply this verse in my life by doing what it says, not become anxious about anything, but stand in faith regarding any cares that may try to over take me.

We discern a person's humility through their actions when in position of small things. If they are proud when given a position of authority of any kind, then we know that they will be even more when put in a position of great authority. They should be acting more like Jesus, not power thirsty Hitler. They should demonstrate a true servant's attitude.

We should always seek God in whatever we do, but especially when we are chooing our leaders. Our leaders should be men and woman after God's own heart. Jesus should be the example that they are seeking after, not power. Jesus was the Son of God and He was humble even to the point of death. He did not see anything wrong with washing the disciples' feet. He should be the example that we look at when choosing our leaders, then we will have to be concerned with whether or not the man or woman of God will become a power-monger.

First of all, it is wrong to twist anyone's arm to make them do something. God, Himself does not force us to do anything. Whatever we do, should be done from a position of love for God and His people. As true servants of God, whatever we do for His people should be because we want to. Jesus did not come to save us because He was forced or convienced against His will, but because of His love for us, therefore, we should become like Him in whatever we do. We must always be willing and obedient.

I have learned that Eldership is no trieval title, but a position of responsibilty. You are responsibile for God's people, which is no small matter.

We must be willing to die, especially to ourselves, so that the enemy will find nothing in us. If we are more concerned with our lives and our comfort, we will be useless to God.

If we are never persecuted, it must mean that we are doing something wrong. The student is never greater than the teacher. Christ suffered and was persecuted and if we are indeed part of the body, then we too must face persecution. Being persecuted let us know and brings us joy and happiness; because than we know that we are joined with Christ.

When suffering for Christ, it brings Him glory and causes me to feel joy; knowing that whatever this present suffering, there is nothing to compare to the thought of living forever in the presence of God. In addition, when knowing that what I may suffer will bring a smile to His face, it is all worth it.

The danager of trying to avoid persecution and suffering for Christ, may cause you to quit what God has called you to do. And it will definitely cause you to fore-fit the glory and the joy that knowing you are suffering for Christ's sake. What greater joy than to be found among the worthy.

No one, especially non-christians wants to be judged. Judgment is not a very popular subject. They want to do whatever they feel like and expect God to slap them on the hand and say, "That's alright baby, I understand." But judgment is a reality for all people. We all will give an account for our lives spent in this earth, whether we like it or not. And if we know and uderstand this truth, it should inspire in us the fear of God and a desire to live a life that is well pleasing to Him.

Non-Christians attempt to get you to sin with them, so that they can see your "attitude" mind set toward sin. They also want to feel good about themselves. If you supposely are christian and do what they do, they can say, see you are no better than we are, you practice the samething. See, you are not holier than thou. Many times christians will go alone with them, just to feel lefted out. One way to resist this type of temptation is to limit your association with or exposure to non-christians. Non-Christians attempt to get you to sin with them, so that they can see your "attitude" mind set toward sin. They also want to feel good about themselves. If you supposely are christian and do what they do, they can say, see you are no better than we are, you practice the samething. See, you are not holier than thou. Many times christians will go alone with them, just to not feel lefted out. One way to resist this type of temptation is to limit your association with or exposure to non-christians.

When the scriptures say to arm yourselves with the same "attitude" as Christ had, I believe that it is saying to develop the same mind as Christ, which is the attitude that we are finished with sin, that we will no longer live our lives for the sinful and lustful things of this world.