My Online Faith Journal

"And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory" 1 Peter 5:4      Peter was writing to people in 1 Peter those who were suffering or that had suffering coming very soon upon them.  He wanted them to know that their suffering was not in vain.  We also need to remember that God sees the heartache and trials that we go through.  He sees when we don't return an insult, give generously, have compassion and pray for the hurting.  Peter also wanted them to be very aware that the attacks that they experienced had their origins not only in people, but in demonic and unseen forces at work.  Peter makes that very clear here in 1 Peter 5.  The chapter begins in the first three verses with a word to those who had oversight duties.      Peter tells those who were shepherds over God's flock to exercise oversight with eagerness and being a good example.  I tell parents all the time when talking about their children in counseling sessions that m

1 Peter 4:12-13 "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory; you may rejoice with exultation"     I was reading the other day about Christian who live in Iraq and how they have suffered at the hands of ISIS.  Many who lived in territories where ISIS was had their property taken away, churches were destroyed and people were tortured, raped and murdered.  Many believers were struggling after ISIS left to come to terms with this and why God did not protect them from this persecution and in many cases martyrdom.  Yet, suffering for the sake of Christ is not new.  It is rather the exception that the American churches have enjoyed for the most part freedom from persecution.  Persecution has actually been more the rule of thumb for believers than the exc