“Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him.” ~Apostle Peter

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1 Peter, Apostle Peter Sayings, Jesus, Learn, Think

God’s new plan

Jesus was totally focused on the new plan and doing what God wanted all the time. Nothing we are going through is even close to what He went through.

Yet, I need to think like Him. I need to learn. God has me in the “right place”, no matter what I think.

And how did Jesus think? Jesus only did what he saw his father doing. Jesus focused on what God wanted. All the time.

May I learn to think like Jesus.

Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him.” ~~Apostle Peter (1 Peter 4:1-2 The Message)

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“Summing up: …be sympathetic …. bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.” ~Apostle Peter

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1 Peter 3, Apostle Peter Sayings, Bless, Jesus, Sympathy

My job is to be sympathetic. No doubt about it. That leads to me being a blessing. It is way to easy to judge. That doesn’t help people at all. That is the way of the world.

God’s new plan is different. Be a blessing to others. That is my job to reach God’s goal.

May I be sympathetic. May I bless others.

Summing up: …be sympathetic …. bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.

Source: Apostle Peter – 1 Peter 3:8-12

“There will be lying religious teachers among you.” ~Apostle Peter

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2 Peter 2, Apostle Peter Sayings, Lie, Prophets, Religious Leaders, Truth

No Lying Zone

Being a religious teacher doesn’t mean you are telling the truth about Jesus. This stuns me but I must learn to discern the truth from a lie. Some ministers lie. Peter promised this would be true.

I must be able to tell right from wrong. To not do so can lead me downhill and off the cliff. Destruction and death follow suit.

Is the message one of unity or division. Am I being pitted against others? Am I encourage to look down at others or even hate them?

I need to consider the message as a reflection on the messenger. God’s goal for me is to follow the truth. I need to find ministers who teach the truth about Jesus and don’t lie.

But there were also lying prophets among the people then, just as there will be lying religious teachers among you. They’ll smuggle in destructive divisions, pitting you against each other—biting the hand of the One who gave them a chance to have their lives back! They’ve put themselves on a fast downhill slide to destruction, but not before they recruit a crowd of mixed-up followers who can’t tell right from wrong.

~Apostle Peter – Source: 2 Peter 2:1-2 (The Message Bible)

“No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm.” ~Apostle Peter

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1 Peter 3, Apostle Peter Sayings, Bless, Jesus, Retaliation

Retaliation

There is something in my nature about wanting to get even. That is a part of our culture. We see it everywhere we turn.

It has no place in God’s new plan. Jesus isn’t seeking revenge. Jesus  is not calling down fire. God, our heavenly Father, is loving. He is sympathetic. He is in a good mood.

There is no exception to this. God wants me to reflect His love. God doesn’t retaliate. Neither should I.

I want to live in the new plan. It is a good news message. It is a message of being agreeable, sympathetic, loving, compassionate and humble. There are no exceptions. This is goal that Jesus has set out for me.

Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.

Source: 1 Peter 3:8-12

“So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk.” ~Apostle Peter

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1 Peter 2, Apostle Peter Sayings, Envy, Jesus, Kindness, Malice, Mature, Pretense, Whole

Mature

The culture of this world is full of malice, pretense, envy and hurting others. It can fill my life with dirt and filth. Jesus challenges me to see it and make a clean sweep.

I need to change my mind (repent) and think the way Jesus does. I have tasted the sweet milk of God’s kindness. God is in a good mood. Getting that goodness in my soul makes a huge difference.

God’s goal for me is to mature and not stay a child my whole life. I need to reflect who Jesus is. That is the main thing.

So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You’ve had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God’s pure kindness. Then you’ll grow up mature and whole in God.

~Apostle Peter – Source: 1 Peter 2:1-3 (The Message Bible)

“I don’t have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus the Messiah of Nazareth, walk!” ~Apostle Peter

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Apostle John, Apostle Peter Sayings, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Miracle, Power

Give me God’s power

I may not have a lot but I have the power of God. Jesus has given me the Holy Spirit. This is the power that raised Jesus from the dead. This is the real deal. God is in a good mood and nothing is impossible with him.

Others I may meet may be confused about what they need from God. This man thought he needed money. That is what he asked for. Jesus knew he needed to be healed. Peter, acting as an agent of God, tapped into the power of the Holy Spirit and met his real need.

The man was ecstatic. Even though he asked for money he got what he really needed and that is amazing. Our God wants to give me every good thing. I must be open to what I really need and not what I want.

One day at three o’clock in the afternoon, Peter and John were on their way into the Temple for prayer meeting. At the same time there was a man crippled from birth being carried up. Every day he was set down at the Temple gate, the one named Beautiful, to beg from those going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter the Temple, he asked for a handout. Peter, with John at his side, looked him straight in the eye and said, “Look here.” He looked up, expecting to get something from them.

Peter said, “I don’t have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus the Messiah of Nazareth, walk!” He grabbed him by the right hand and pulled him up. In an instant his feet and ankles became firm. He jumped to his feet and walked.

The man went into the Temple with them, walking back and forth, dancing and praising God. Everybody there saw him walking around and praising God. They recognized him as the one who sat begging at the Temple’s Gate Beautiful and rubbed their eyes, astonished, scarcely believing what they were seeing.

The man threw his arms around Peter and John, ecstatic. All the people ran up to where they were at Solomon’s Porch to see it for themselves.

~Luke – Source: Acts 3:1-11 (The Message Bible)

“Don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith .” ~Apostle Peter

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2 Peter 1, Apostle Peter Sayings, Character, Discipline, Faith, Friendliness, Jesus, Love, Patience, Understanding, Wonder

God has a goal for us. God, through his victorious son Jesus, wants us to build on the foundation of our faith. God wants a miraculous and beautiful house built. It is a house with an innovative architect. It is a house that is stunning beyond believe.

Everything starts with faith. I must believe that Jesus has put me in right standing with God, our heavenly Father.

What are the building blocks built on the foundation of faith?

• Faith – The foundation.
• Good character
• Spiritual understanding
• Alert discipline
• Passionate patience
• Reverent wonder
• Warm friendliness
• Generous love

Jesus wants me to become mature. When I change my mind about Jesus (repent) I am like children. God wants me to grow up and mature.

So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. Without these qualities you can’t see what’s right before you, oblivious that your old life of missing God’s goal (sinful life) has been wiped off the books.

Apostle Peter – Source: 2 Peter 1:5-9

Foundations of Faith

” God the Father has his eye on each of you.” ~Apostle Peter

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1 Peter 1, Apostle Peter Sayings, God's Goal, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Messiah, Obedience

Eye of God

God has given me an assignment. Jesus personally has a mission for me. I must focus on knowing what it is and doing it.

God never forgets about us. Never, ever. I am not off God’s radar screen. God is in a good mood and keeping up with me.

God has given me the Holy Spirit to help me be obedient. I can’t do it on my own. When I try, I fail to realize God’s goal for me. Jesus sacrificed his life to keep me obedient.

God has amazing things in store for me. Every good thing is intended to be mine. Rumors to the contrary are from my enemy. God is on my side. God has his eye on me. God is God and will make it happen.

I, Peter, am an apostle on assignment by Jesus, the Messiah, writing to exiles scattered to the four winds. Not one is missing, not one forgotten. God the Father has his eye on each of you, and has determined by the work of the Spirit to keep you obedient through the sacrifice of Jesus. May everything good from God be yours!

Source: 1 Peter 1:1-2

“There’s no longer room for doubt—God made him Master and Messiah.” ~Apostle Peter

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Apostle Peter Sayings, Baptize, Jesus, Master, Messiah, Repent

Jesus Messiah

It is clear. There is no room for doubt. We have to accept the facts.

Jesus is Master. Jesus died, was buried, was raised from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, completely in control. Jesus is in charge of God’s government.

Jesus is the Messiah, the one anointed from God to be in charge. Jesus is King and our high Priest.

There is no room for doubt. It is clear. The facts are in.

So what should we do?

• Change our mind and life
• Turn to God
• Be baptized
• Be forgiven
• Receive the Holy Spirit

“All Israel, then, know this: There’s no longer room for doubt—God made him Master and Messiah, this Jesus whom you killed on a cross.”

Cut to the quick, those who were there listening asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers! Brothers! So now what do we do?”

Peter said, “Change your mind and life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus the Messiah, so your missing God’s goal (sins) are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away—whomever, in fact, our Master God invites.” Acts 2:36-39

“We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Master Jesus the Messiah.” ~Apostle Peter

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2 Peter 1, Apostle Peter Sayings, Glory, Honor, Jesus, Majesty, Messiah, Son of God

They must have talked about it their whole lives long. Surely they did. How could they not?

It probably started out just like a normal day. They were probably doing normal things. But then Jesus interrupted and said “Come on with me.” So Peter, James and John followed the Messiah up the mountain.

And then out of the blue, His face suddenly shone like the sun! His clothes became dazzling white like a flash of lightening! Then Elijah and Moses! And just when they probably thought there was nothing more they could possibly see and believe– a cloud and the Voice of God Himself. “This is my Son, whom I love.” They were so frightened they threw themselves physically to the ground. They were awestruck with the supernatural Power of God.

Jesus knew all along it was going to happen. He took them with him on purpose to see it. And he wanted them to talk about it their whole life long.

He wants us to see it. He wants us to talk about it our whole life long.

We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Master Jesus the Messiah, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. 2 Peter 1:16-18

“Be alert and of sober mind.” ~Apostle Peter

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1 Peter 5, Alert, Apostle Peter Sayings, Devil, Enemy, Grace, Jesus, Lion, Messiah, Resist, Restore, Sober, Strong

I need to keep a cool head. I should be on the alert at all times. I must keep my guard up. No napping when it comes to my enemy, the devil. God has a great plan for me. My challenges won’t last forever. It is true with all my brothers and sisters in the Lord.

I must get a grip. A firm grip. Faith in Jesus, the Messiah and my Master, will see me through. Jesus has put me on my feet. Jesus gets the last word.

Yes, it is His goal and His plan.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your fellow believers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in the Messiah, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:8-10

“If you are mocked and insulted for the name of the Messiah, you are more than happy.” ~Apostle Peter

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1 Peter 4, Apostle Peter Sayings, Blame, Grief, Guilty, Insult, Jesus, Messiah, Punishment

Insulted

I am very fortunate when I take grief because I follow our Master Jesus. Those who insult me cast blame  – thinking that I am really guilty and therefore deserving punishment. Maybe I am guilty. Maybe I am not. It doesn’t really matter why they think that way.

Those who make fun of me don’t know it is the Spirit of God bringing notice to His work in me. I shouldn’t give it a second thought. I should be proud of His absolute perfection.

May derision bring me happiness. May I be more than happy.

If you are mocked and insulted for the name of the Messiah, you are more than happy, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 1 Peter 4:14

 

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Messiah.” ~Apostle Peter

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2 Peter 3, Apostle Peter Sayings, Gift, Glory, Grace, Jesus, Knowledge, Messiah

What a gift it is to know our Master Jesus. It isn’t anything I have earned. Our Father just loves me so much that He gives me this amazing opportunity. That is His grace (gift).

May I grow in knowing Jesus today.  To know Him is to love Him. And to be able, because of that love, to love others. I am not there yet. But I can grow in knowledge of Him. That is the focus.

Grow is the goal.  Grow. Grow in grace. Grow in knowledge. That is the glory I must focus on.

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Messiah. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.  2 Peter 3:18

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Master.” ~Apostle Peter

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2 Peter 1, Apostle Peter Sayings, Excellence, Glory, Godliness, Grace, Knowledge, Life, Power

It just keeps rolling on. Over and over again. God’s grace. God’s peace.

Multiplying infinitely and never stopping. This happens as I deepen my experience with God and Jesus. This is what I want to experience in a life of pleasing God. My relationship with Jesus should be personal and intimate. We should be friends. God is so very good to use a multiplier for knowing his son Jesus, the Messiah and for the peace that comes from that knowledge.

Jesus has given me a ticket to participate in the life of God. I have turned my back on a corrupt world. I share in the godliness of Jesus.

May I see His amazingly divine POWER!!!

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Master; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:2-4

“God cares for you” ~Apostle Peter

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1 Peter 5, Adversary, Alert, Anxiety, Apostle Peter Sayings, Devil, Humble, Jesus

I need to be content with who I am in God’s family. I should not put on any airs and think more highly of myself. God is in control and it is He who promotes me when I trust in Him and not trust in myself.

God does it at the right time. Our Father is so wonderful that way. I should live carefree. God loves me and will take care of me. I don’t have to worry at all. I should keep a cool head and not let the devil catch me napping.

Peter recognizes we will be anxious. He challenges us to give it all to our loving and caring heavenly Father. He is in a good mood. God is in control.

Here are the key ideas:

1. God cares for us.
2. God’s goal for us is that we be alert.
3. God is God and will protect us.
4. God is in a good mood all the time.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:6-8

“Bless—that’s your job, to bless.” ~Apostle Peter

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1 Peter, Agreeable, Apostle Peter Sayings, Blessing, Compassionate, Humility, Jesus, Job, Love, Sympothetic

God’s Blessings

Well, this is a pretty simple job description. What is my job? It is to bless. That is it!! When I do, I am a blessing to others and I also get my Heavenly Father’s blessing.

God’s goal is for us to bless others. That is the focus that the Messiah Jesus wants us to have. Here are some ways to bless. Focus on these 5 characteristics will be a blessing to others.

1. Be agreeable with others. Find ways to agree, not disagree and argue.
2. By sympathetic. Understand the plight and difficulties in life.
3. Be loving. This is our main goal given to us from God.
4. Be compassionate. Demonstrate our concern.
5. Be humble. Humility is a huge thing in relationships. It comes out an attitude of service.

May I bless others at every turn today.

 Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8

“Give your servants fearless confidence in preaching your Message.” ~Apostle Peter

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Acts 4, Apostle Peter Sayings, Boldness, Courage, Faith, Jesus, Peter

Bold Faith

The apostles had already received the power of the Holy Spirit after Jesus was raised from the dead and ascended to Heaven to rule with His Father. The were arrested when a crippled man was healed. They were released from jail and warned not to talk about Jesus. The were bold beyond believe already.

Yet, they prayed for more boldness and fearless courage. And God gave it to them.

God’s goal for us is to have fearless confidence. Jesus has given us the power of the Holy Spirit.

We may think we have enough. We don’t. May God give us more. May God give it to us now.

“And now they’re at it again! Take care of their threats and give your servants fearless confidence in preaching your Message, as you stretch out your hand to us in healings and miracles and wonders done in the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (Acts 4:29 MSG)

“Whoever would see good days must keep his lips from deceitful speech.” ~Apostle Peter

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1 Peter, Apostle Peter Sayings, Honest, Jesus, Speech

Honesty and Integrity

I must embrace life. I want to see my days fill up with good stuff.

God’s goal for me is to be honest. So, here is what I must do. I must say nothing evil or hurtful. Oh the times I have said something and immediately wished I could take it back. The better way is to not say evil and hurtful things.

I must cultivate discipline in my speech. I must be uplifting and encouraging. Then my days will fill with good.

For, whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. 1 Peter 3:10

“As for us, there’s no question—we can’t keep quiet about what we’ve seen and heard.” ~Apostle Peter

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Acts 4, Apostle Peter Sayings, Bold, Faith, John, Peter

Bold in God

God is speaking. He is moving. Will I keep quiet about what I have seen and heard?

God had used Peter and John to heal a lame man. The story is stunning. They were arrested for it. After spending the night in jail, they were bold beyond belief.  They drew the line in the sand with the religious leaders. Do we listen to you or to God?  They chose God.

God’s goal for me is to go BIG and be bold. Bold in God!

May I not keep quiet about what I see God doing.

They (the religious leaders) called them back and warned them that they (Peter and John) were on no account ever again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John spoke right back, “Whether it’s right in God’s eyes to listen to you rather than to God, you decide. As for us, there’s no question—we can’t keep quiet about what we’ve seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20

“Love each other as if your life depended on it.” ~Apostle Peter

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1 Peter 4, Apostle Peter Sayings, Cheerful, Generous, Love

Love One Another

Oh yes. There are times I felt my life depended on many things.

This good word sets a wonderful standard for me. All I need to do is love others as if my life depends on it. AND, it does. I can’t have the life God intends for me with love. Life in God = Love

God has a goal in mind for me. I should be cheerful. I should be generous. If I an, He will get all the credit.

May I love in such a way that it makes up for practically anything. Wouldn’t that be an amazing thing. That is the way

He does it. Here is the deal. Love more, worry less.

Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!” 1 Peter 4:8-11

“Be glad that you are in the very thick of what the Messiah experienced.” ~Apostle Peter

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1 Peter 4, Apostle Peter Sayings, Faith, Glory, Refining

Glory

I am being refined. No doubt about that. Life does present difficulties. Jesus said that in this world we would have trouble. I must be careful not to jump to conclusions that God doesn’t care.

There is glory around the corner. The fire, the difficulties are for a purpose. I am being refined. God is always on the job. He is always good.

God’s goal for us is that we trust Him and have faith. God wants us to know He is on the job. We must believe that glory is just right around the corner.

Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what the Messiah experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. 1 Peter 4