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19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps…When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 

1 Peter 2:19–21,23, ESV-CE)

REFLECTION

This is Grace-being mindful of God I endure suffering unjustly. There is no credit if you endure for doing wrong that is deserved. But if you are unjustly wronged and you endure the suffering it is good in God’s sight. You have been called to imitate Christ. He suffered unjustly for you! He did not revile or threaten but entrusted himself to the just judge. 

PRAY

I am to endure unjust suffering like Christ. I am called to conform to his image and also show him to the world. He did it for me and showed me how. I confess my God I get angry and want to fight. I do not like to endure it I want to make and force people to change their wrong. I do not understand why not making people repent of their way is wrong. I guess because making them does not work. Force is not your way. Live and kindness brings to repentance? Help me Savior endure!! Amen. 

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Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. (1 Peter 2:17, ESV-CE)

REFLECTION

I am to honor all men as a created being made in your image. I am to love the brotherhood. I am to fear losing God and be separated from Him who is my life. Honor those in authority. 

PRAY

Because men are plagued by evil does not mean they are evil. They are pawns of the devil who is afflicting them. I am to pray for them as men made in the image of God, they have honor from Him. I am to love God’s family (the brethren). Most of all I am to fear my heart being separated from God who is the life giver. My actions can be perfect even if my heart is separated. That is frightening. Help me give my heart to you my God and leave it there!!

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Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. (1 Peter 2:16, ESV-CE)

REFLECTION

Freedom is made for doing the right thing. Not a license to do the wrong thing. True freedom frees you to be healthy and life giving. Freedom to do wrong is actually slavery to evil and death. 

PRAY

Free me from my darkened mind that wants wrong things that look good. Only you my God know good and evil. You tell us we don’t decide. Help me Father know your way to life and health. Amen. 

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Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. (1 Peter 2:11, ESV-CE)

REFLECTION

The passions of the flesh are killing my heart and soul and separating me from my God. I am full of self will and all the sins listed in 1 Peter 2:1. This is a war. I must surrender to the Spirit. I must be willing to suffer! Suffer the people who do wrong! Suffer not having my plans. Suffer being wronged. Suffer others weakness that impede my “progress “. I am wanting my way all the time. 

PRAY

Father, you are sovereign. I am to accept all things as coming from you. I must see every single discomfort as a discipline of my soul so I can choose to unite my heart to you or self will. Any suffering from other’s behavior is a chance to come close to you and let the Spirit decide how to respond. If I respond out of my self will I am cutting my heart off from you. Even if I respond correctly my heart is separate. This will not do! HELP!

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and

“A stone of stumbling,

and a rock of offense.”

They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. (1 Peter 2:8, ESV-CE)

REFLECTION

Jesus is the rock of offense for those who will not accept him. If they do not accept Jesus, they will disobey. Those who do not accept Christ, cannot obey and be saved. 

PRAY

Father, I see my life is full of self will. I am not living by the Spirit and therefore not obeying. I may do the right things but my heart is far from you. Oh my God, please help me! Help me come back with all my heart soul mind and strength!! Amen. 

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you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5, ESV-CE)

REFLECTION

I am a spiritual house of God. I am a holy priest that offers sacrifice that God accepts if I come through Jesus (the perfect sacrifice). My sacrifice is my self in union with Jesus. 

PRAY

Father God, please forgive my brokenness. Help me surrender to grace and hide myself in Jesus. Help me let the Holy Spirit reign in me so I can be united to Jesus and offer my entire self to you through him. You will accept Him as an acceptable sacrifice. Thank you for letting me be united in him so I can be accepted by you, my only hope. I love you. 

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2 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation (1 Peter 2:1–2, ESV-CE)

REFLECTION

Stop being intent on ill will or spite towards anyone. Stop being deceitful. Stop pretending to be someone you are not. Stop wanting to destroy others. Stop damaging the reputation others. 

Grow up! Long for the milk of the Word that will help you grow into your salvation. 

PRAY

Oh my God I am full of sin! Help me let go of the world. Help me stop looking at others and their defects when I so blatantly ignore my own that are killing my soul and salvation. Help me look to you for the grace to combat this evil inside. Forgive and empower me, Come Holy Spirit! Amen. 

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