The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 5 of 5

The First Letter of St. Peter

 Chapter  5

¹ Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you ² to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it-not for sordid gain but eagerly.


(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 5 verses 1 to 2)


As a sinner to sinners, I encourage you to place your trust in Jesus, who will never forsake or abandon you. Trust Him with all your heart and all your soul. Take care of the welfare of yourselves and of those under your care, but family, friends and even colleagues. As Christians we are responsible for the spiritual welfare of many souls, I pray that we never hold back a word of spiritual growth or insight to anybody. Amen.


³ Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock.


(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 5 verse 3)


Oh God, my Father, the wish for us to remain humble to You and to others is found in many verses of Your Word. This proves how important humility is. I pray that You bless me with this gift my God and Father Amen. I pray for protection against my human nature that in itself is very proud and touchy Amen.


⁴ And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away.


(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 5 verse 4)


Oh God, my Father even though You do not appear to me every day, I will still follow You, for it is only in You that I find my fulfilment Amen.


⁵ In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble,".


(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 5 verse 5)


Oh God, my Father bless us with humility so that we can be better tools in Your hands. I pray that we are always ready to accomplish what You ask of us with joy and humility and not let our sinful self take control Amen.


⁶ Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time.


(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 5 verse 6)


Oh, brothers and sisters, God raises the humble and humbles the proud. There is a time for everything. Maybe during the present time, we may feel as if we are the underdog, however, when the times comes according to the will of God He will exalt us. Amen.


⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.


(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 5 verse 7)


Oh brothers and sisters in the Lord God and Father Jesus Christ, if there is anybody who cares for us in this world, it is Jesus Christ. He is loving caring and understanding, therefore, feel free to kindle a relationship with Him. He is only a prayer away Amen.


⁸ Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary, the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.


(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 5 verses 8 to 9)


Oh, brothers and sisters let us remain firm and constant in our prayer life and on guard on ourselves so that we overcome the lures and desires of the flesh so that we can freely let the Holy Presence of Your Holy Spirit take control of us. Please protect us from the attacks of the evil one, for this negative spirit does not want us to grow in Your relationship with us Amen.


¹⁰ And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. ¹¹ To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.


(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 5 verses 10 to 11)


Oh God my Father in faith and by faith I truly believe that the period of trials that we endure is limited and under Your control, as is everything Amen.


¹² Through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, I have written this short letter to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God, Stand fast in it.


(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 5 verse 12)


With the support and encouragement that You have been giving me throughout the years even though I had to pay a cruel price for starting this blog. You have been always with me and stood up by my side even when I was forced to delete three chapters of the book of Genesis and change my style of presentation Amen. I considered all as having come from You my God and Father Amen.


¹³ Your sister church in Babylon, chosen together with you, send you greetings; and so does my son Mark. ¹⁴ Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.


(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 5 verse 12)


Oh God my Father I believe that the Roman Catholic Church and the other churches are still one big family with You as its Father, even if there are differences Amen


I would like to end this meditation on the fifth and final chapter of the First Letter of St. Peter with the following prayer:-


Oh God my Father I pray for unity among all Churches and faiths. Even though there are differences we all believe in a loving God and Father who paid the price for our redemption Amen. Let us be united as brothers and sisters Amen.

In order to continue meditating on the Bible I invite you to click on the following link which takes you the Second Letter of St. Peter:-

https://secondletterofpeter.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-second-letter-of-peter-chapter-1.html

The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 4 of 5

The First Letter of St. Peter

 Chapter  4

¹ Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same intention (for whoever has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin), ² so as to live for the rest of your earthly life no longer by human desires but by the will of God.

(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 4 verses 1 to 2)

 Oh God my beloved Father I pray that You make me God centred and not humanly centred in the sense that I love humans and show care and respect, however, help me to set my aims, goals and desires on a spiritual aim and desire and not on the material Amen.




³ You have already spent enough time in doing what the Gentiles like to do, living in licentiousness, passions, drunkenness, revels, carousing, and lawless idolatry.



(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 4 verse 3) 




Oh God my beloved Father, I thank Your for raising my awareness of the old times and my old life. Now is the time to live my life according to a new lifestyle based on Your will instead of mine Amen. May Your will always be done my God and Father Amen. 



⁴ They are surprised that you no longer join them in the same excesses of dissipation, and so they blaspheme.




(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 4 verse 4)



Oh God, many others with whom we used to fraternize will become aware of the change in our decision of people to be with. Some who may have been happy with having a large group of followers for the sake of popularity will be bitter towards those who leave, however those others who realize that we have chosen a reality which is more fulfilling than the one at hand will even seek to imitate us in joining a religious  group or fraternity Amen.


⁵ But they will have to give an accounting to him who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.


(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 4 verse 5)



Oh God my blessed Father, every day of my life I am aware of the fact, that for anything that I do I need to give an account of to You, regardless if it is good or evil. Amen.



⁶, For this reason, the gospel was proclaimed even to the dead, so that though they had been judged in the flesh as everyone is judged, they might live in the spirit as God does.


(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 4 verse 6)




Oh God, my Father, you are so just and kind that you do not anybody the opportunity of being touched by the powerful and healing message of Your Good News. Amen, thank You, Jesus.



⁷ The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers.


(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 4 verse 7)



Oh God my Father, I wish to be that disciplined a person both in prayer and in self-control for at times I lack in both. I pray that You make of me a better person Amen.



⁸ Above all maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. ⁹ Be hospitable to one another without complaining.



(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 4 verses 8 to 9)



Oh God my Father, I need Your constant support for I am weak in this area, there are people with whom I am not on good terms such as my father and sister of which the reasons You know. I had to protect my mother against the situation she was going to end up in. On the other hand, my father is a naked gun who can easily get me into trouble with others, therefore, I had to protect myself for my own peace of mind. On the other hand, I could not remain in the marriage, for I would have ended up either in prison or mentally ill. I thank You for loving and accepting me as I am even though I am lacking as a human and as a Christian Amen.



¹⁰ Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.


(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 4 verse 10)



Oh God, my Father, I thank You for all the skills that You have given me and for all the positive people that You have allowed me to meet. I have learnt new skills and have even been using such skills in order to be of help and support to others. I pray that even though I still have my weaknesses You continue to use me as an instrument in Your hand Amen. Thank You, Jesus.



¹¹ Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever Amen.


(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 4 verse 11) 



Oh God, my Father, for the good of all I pray for the gift of wisdom. Please compel me to speak only when and when necessary in a good and responsible way, that is fit of a person who is Your friend to communicate in. I pray that You will be praised and glorified through what I do and say Amen. 


¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.


(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 4 verse 12) 


Oh, brothers and sisters, when the Holy Spirit of God starts changing us, we may appear strange and different in the eyes of others and this may cause clashes with others. It would appear as if we come from different worlds. Therefore this is normal. Do not be shocked if others look at you differently this is a positive sign amen. God is in control. 



¹³ But rejoice in so far as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed.


(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 4 verse 13) 



Oh God my sufferings are Your sufferings and Your sufferings are mine. When I am in the depths of my sufferings I am not alone but I am sharing my sufferings with You Amen.


¹⁴ If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God is resting on you.




(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 4 verse 14) 


Oh brothers and sisters if we are reviled and humiliated before the world, we will be revealed and exalted in the eyes of God Amen. Therefore let us pray for endurance in the Holy Spirit Amen.


¹⁵ But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief-maker. ¹⁶ Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear his name.



(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 4 verses 15 to 16)


Oh, brothers and sisters blessed are those who are persecuted for the Name of Jesus. Blessed are those who put their lives at risk in order to give testimony to God's love for us. I prefer to die as a convinced Christian than to die as a hypocrite Amen.



¹⁷ For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸ And "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinners?"


(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 4 verses 17 to 18)


Oh God my Father, the time of judgment has begun. Many priests who have been caught in cases of child abuse are abdicating from their positions, other persons in important positions are also resigning. The process of judgment is active, and we are the ones who are judging ourselves, although You stimulate us by our conscience Amen. Thank You, Jesus.




¹⁹ Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God's will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good.


(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 4 verse 19)



Oh God, my faithful Father, I pray that we all learn to place our trust in You, for You are our only saviour. Life has no meaning without You Amen.


Oh God, my Father, I would like to end the fourth chapter of the first letter of St. Peter with the following prayer:-


Oh God my blessed Father, brothers and sisters, I pray that we all learn to place our hope and trust in God our Father. May we be always aware that our life on earth is not forever and that all of what is of the world will one day come to an end. Therefore let us all turn to God and have fellowship with Him who loves us as we are without no condition or bias of race, religion or culture Amen. Thank You Jesus






 

 

The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 3

The First Letter of St. Peter

 Chapter   3

 ¹ Wives, in the same way, accept the authority of your husbands, so that, even if some of them do not obey the word they may be won over without a word by their wive's conduct, ² when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.

(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 3 verses 1 to 2)

Oh God my Father, the woman has a great influence over the man. The key of the relationship is in her hand. She can either be an instrument that keeps the marriage together but on the other hand if she uses harsh words of criticism she can be the one that may lead to the end of the marriage. I am not saying that husbands such as myself are pure and blameless, for we all have faults. However when I felt loved and accepted I overlooked many of my wive's faults, however when the relationship became unhealthy my attitude took on a negative slant. I pray oh God my Father that You take control of my marriage for my intent is to seek a legal separation, for I cannot keep on living the way I am for it has become unhealthy for me even on a spiritual level Amen.  




³ Do not adorn yourselves outwardly by braiding your hair, and by wearing gold ornaments or fine clothing; ⁴ rather, let your adornment be the inner self with the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God's sight.

(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 3 verses 3 to 4)




Oh God my Father our inner spiritual beauty through Your having a strong relationship with us is to be far greater than our physical beauty which is subject to precious jewellery clothes make up among other accessories Amen.




⁵ It was in this way long ago that the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves by accepting the authority of their husbands.

(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 3 verse 5)




Oh God my Father obedience to You and to others such as our superiors is one of the humblest robes that I can ever wear and decorate and comfort my body with. Even though I do not have a good relationship with my wife, I still cherish the words of wisdom that she had previously shared with me Amen, however my beauty and value is found only in the obedience of Your will Amen.



⁶ Thus Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him lord. You have become her daughters as long as you do what is good and never let fear alarm you.



(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 3 verse 6)



Oh God my Father many times as humans we are conditioned by fear, which can be disabling and can also create a barrier between us. Right now I am facing the fear of trust, for many people in whom I trusted stabbed me in the back, therefore I have to start from scratch in my relationships with humanity. I pray oh God my Father, that You give me a spirit of obedience that is based on trust and not one based on fear or misconceptions Amen.



⁷ Husbands, in the same way, show consideration for your wives in your life together paying honor to the woman as the weaker sex, since they too are also heirs of the gracious gift of life-so that nothing may hinder your prayers.


(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 3 verse 7)



Oh God my Father as You know during the time of my marriage I tried to show love care and consideration, however this was not appreciated, to the point where I ended up being hurt. I believe that there is no weaker sex, because this is how You wanted us to be and You made all things perfect, therefore none is weaker than the other Amen. 
  


⁸ Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.


(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 3 verse 8)




Oh God I pray for such noble qualities that I may share these qualities with all those whom You send in my ways Amen.



⁹ Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called that you might inherit a blessing.


(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 3 verse 9)




I thank You for this gentle reminder oh God my blessed Father, even though I have experienced such moments of evil and abuse please help me to forgive and not behave likewise Amen.




¹⁰ For "Those who desire life and desire to see good days, let them keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit; ¹¹ let them turn away from evil and do good; let them seek peace and pursue it.



(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 3 verses 10 to 11)





Oh God my Father I pray that You help me in keeping a guard over my lips and mouth, so that what I think and what I say will come from You and not from me Amen. I pray for the strength to turn away from evil and negative ways Amen.




¹² For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."



(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 3 verse 12)



Oh God my beloved Father even though I do not consider myself as being a totally righteous person I pray that You always keep Your eyes on me, especially during this time of my life. Amen.



¹³ Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good?


(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 3 verse 13)



Amen my God and Father, may we all be more than eager to do good, the world would be a better place if we all shared this value Amen.



¹⁴ But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, ¹⁵ but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you;  ¹⁶ yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame.



(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 3 verses 14 to 16)



Oh God my Father, You give us perfect and clear instructions or guidelines of how our attitude should be as Your Sons and Daughters. We are to speak with an open heart even if we are intimidated, our testimony is to be clear and clean free from fear or personal biases. We are to be grounded in scriptures so much as to be able to be accountable to others. We are to live the bible and not just know it by heart like an academic student. When we are living the messages of the Good News as found in the Bible it is our spirit that takes control and not the rules and principles of logic or philosophical arguments. Our attitude is to be calm and gentle, our attitude is not that of forcing the Good News of the Kingdom of God down everybody's throats by threatening them that if they do not believe they will be condemned. We are to be empathetic sympathetic and warm and gentle towards others, so that others will experience the presence of God in us, and be willing and safe and comfortable, to share their thoughts traumas and feelings Amen.



¹⁷ For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God's will, than to suffer for doing evil.



(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 3 verses 17)



Oh God my beloved Father, I thank You for the good deeds and interventions that You perform by me Your humble instrument. I pray that You keep on using me, for it is better for me to be tired through being used in the work of the kingdom than from boredom or overuse in the World Amen.
 


¹⁸ For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, ¹⁹ in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, ²⁰ who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is eight persons were saved through water.




(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 3 verses 18 to 20) 




Oh God my Father, there was a time when I was led by an evil spirit under the disguise of holiness that gave me the wish and desire to suffer for the sins of others. However this led the way to having to more serious implications so much that I could not live and function without this compulsion. Today I thank You for making me aware especially by means of verse 18, that no human being can ever suffer enough for others than You did, and that You did it once and for all, for all our sins, and that there is no need for an 'action replay' Amen.




²¹  And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, ²² who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.



(The First Letter of St. Peter Chapter 3 verses 21 to 22)  




 Oh God my blessed Father, I pray that I have a better understanding of what my baptism means to me. I pray for the baptism in the Holy Spirit again and again, in order to continue empowering me during each day of my life on earth Amen.



Oh God my blessed Father I would like to end this meditation, prayer and reflection on the third chapter of the first letter of St. Peter with the following prayer.



Oh God I pray that we learn how to think, like You behave like You. I pray for a new baptism. May Your Spirit fall on us and revive our heart, souls mind and even body Amen so that we can be renewed in You Amen.