1 Peter 2:19-20 (NKJV) 19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.
Many of us have lived our lives knowing what it feels like to try to please our earthly Father, so what is it in the passage above that is commendable before our Heavenly Father? Do you have a conscience toward God, a mind that turns immediately to Him, when enduring hardships? Everyone’s grief, wrongful suffering, beatings, etc., all look very different. What is it that you’re currently experiencing at work, home, church, in a relationship, school, etc.? I’m sure there’s been someone on your mind that you’d like to blow up at or get back at because of something they said to you or did to you, but how would God have you deal with the situation at hand? Practicing His Presence, Nate
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In Mark 1:40-41 below we have an awesome opportunity to witness Christ’s example of compassion right before our very eyes. In Bible times those with leprosy were outcasts…lived outside the community, far away from others because their disease was contagious and there wasn’t a cure for it at that time. They were viewed as unclean people and cursed by God. What I want us to consider from this passage is what Jesus’ compassion led Him to do. Just think about what His onlookers and skeptics must have been thinking. My questions for each of us individually are as follows, “Am I moved with that much compassion that I’d be willing to reach out and meet the need of someone around me today? Am I willing to get dirty for the sake of someone getting clean and right before the Lord? Am I willing to be Jesus with skin on to them? What would happen to them if they’d allowed Jesus into their lives?
Practicing His Presence, Nate Mark 1:40-41 40 A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said. 41 Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” College coaches seek out the 5-star recruits and ignore the athletes who may not have even lettered in High School.
Professional sports teams look for the most decorated athletes to add to their program. Owners don’t travel to watch city-league participants…they want the best of the best. Hollywood does everything it can to get some of the most attractive and or most talented actors/actresses into their movies. They know what makes for the perfect story and for the best seller. College and Universities don’t advertise for volunteers, they look for qualified individuals to be Professors within their institutions. God doesn’t operate like that. Oftentimes, He chose the most unexpected or unpopular characters to include on His team…in His story. What about you, do you believe that God is including you in His story? Or do you feel like God couldn’t possibly plug you in somewhere? Let’s take some time to reflect on some unexpected characters that He chose to include in His story throughout scripture:
Song: Make Room by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYHpJnfy2lQ
EVERYONE, A PART OF HIS STORY!!! That includes you, do you believe that? Resources Used and Included:
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AuthorNate Smith is a husband, a father of 6 girls, grandpa to 3 granddaughters and one grandson, a police and fire chaplain, a pastor, and has a passion to see men grow in Christ. #girldad including granddaughter
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