Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living from The Global Church of the Nazarene in Lenexa, Kansas, United States - Keep Doing Good" Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living from The Global Church of the Nazarene in Lenexa, Kansas, United States - Keep Doing Good" Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19RG AUDIO 080815

1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, don’t regard as strange the fiery ordeal occurring among you to test you, as if something extraordinary were happening to you. 13 Rather, to the extent that you share the fellowship of the Messiah’s sufferings, rejoice; so that you will rejoice even more when his Sh’khinah is revealed. 14 If you are being insulted because you bear the name of the Messiah, how blessed you are! For the Spirit of the Sh’khinah, that is, the Spirit of God, is resting on you! 15 Let none of you suffer for being a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or a meddler in other people’s affairs. 16 But if anyone suffers for being Messianic, let him not be ashamed; but let him bring glory to God by the way he bears this name. 17 For the time has come for the judgment to begin. It begins with the household of God; and if it starts with us, what will the outcome be for those who are disobeying God’s Good News? —

18 “If the righteous is barely delivered,

where will the ungodly and sinful end up?”[1 Peter 4:18 Proverbs 11:31]

19 So let those who are suffering according to God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator by continuing to do what is good.

"Keep Doing Good" by Author: Stephen Mayes

There aren’t many people who like to wait. Whether it is a package in the mail or their wedding day, waiting for things, big or small, isn’t something many of us enjoy. People want the good things that are coming to them now—without delay!
Followers of Jesus have been promised fullness of life (John 10:10), new bodies (2 Corinthians 5:1-10), and a heavenly dwelling place crafted for them by their Savior (John 14:3). While some of these promises will be tasted in this life, most will require a time of waiting. In this time of waiting followers of Jesus are called to “continue to do good” (1 Peter 4:19). This practical expression of love leads them to exhaust themselves in seeking the good of others, without regard to the personal cost. Peter urges the church to remain committed and never neglect the call to love.
Let’s not grow tired of fulfilling Christ’s command to love. We need to keep alert, looking for opportunities to do good for others. Our promise is coming! So, please, don’t give up!
Hymn for Today: "O Mater, Let Me Walk With Thee" by Washington Gladden

1. O Master, let me walk with Thee

  In lowly paths of service free;

Tell me Thy secret, help me bear

  The strain of toil, the fret of care.

2. Help me the slow of heart to move

  By some clear, winning word of love;

Teach me the wayward feet to stay,

  And guide them in the Godward way.

3. Teach me Thy patience; still with Thee

  In closer, dearer company,

In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,

  In trust that triumphs over wrong.

4. In hope that sends a shining ray

  Far down the future’s broad’ning way,

In peace that only Thou canst give,

  With Thee, O Master, let me live.

Thought for Today:

"Regardless of the pain and suffering we might face now, it will be worth it all when we participate in the everlasting glory and triumph of Christ's return"[Daniel Powers].
Please pray:

That people in South Africa will come to know Yeshua the Messiah and receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
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