If you’re surprised by the reactions you are facing with these changes going on in the world, remember that Peter was too. We remember how Peter denied Jesus three times although he didn’t think he would. But Jesus knew (Matthew 26:30-35). Jesus called him by name through Mary when he told her to tell the disciples, AND PETER, to come and meet me in Galilee (Mark 16:7). He had a choice to go or not go and we know that he did. Jesus gave him an opportunity to make new choices to make it right. (Starting with John 21:15-19.) Peter chose to make better choices with the opportunities he was given. We can read his letter (1 Peter) that he wrote to encourage other believers as they faced their trials (they were facing persecution for following Christ; our trials may look different but we can still read this word and be encouraged to remain steadfast in the Lord). I am thankful for what the Lord is doing and has done in our lives. I am thankful for the opportunities he has given me to connect with him and to be reminded that he is always here and at work.
In the video there is also a bit of sharing of the specific things I am doing (or have done) to get to know God and to stay connected with God. All of what I do here with these videos is for the purpose of encouraging you wherever you are in your journey. Know that God loves you and gave His Son for you to be with him for eternity (John 3:16) if you accept His free gift of salvation, paid for by his blood on the cross (Romans 6:23). But what Jesus did isn’t just for our eternity with him but also for our day to day living too here on Earth. We can know that God cares about what we do with the life and the responsibilities that he has given us and the expectations he has for us as His people. We are representatives of God here on earth and I know I want to present my Lord and Savior well. I know I am not perfect, but I am forgiven and I can keep coming to the Lord for direction, for hope, for purpose, for focus on what is most important… and ultimately to uplift His holy name to the nations and to those within the 4 walls of our home through my actions of service, love and sometimes also, through my words. (1 Peter 3:1)
SONGS:
Bible Verses:
Romans 12:1-2 Be transformed by renewing your mind through the Word of God and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit
‘ I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. ‘ Romans 12:1-2 https://my.bible.com/bible/59/ROM.12.1-2
Matthew 10:26-28 Do not fear what people will say
‘ “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. ‘ Matthew 10:26-28 https://my.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.10.26-28
1 Peter 1:3-9 Peter encourages the believers to remain steadfast in the Lord, our LIVING HOPE, who saves our souls.
‘ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. ‘ 1 Peter 1:3-9 https://my.bible.com/bible/59/1PE.1.3-9
1 Peter 1:10-12 Thank you to those who labor(ed) to share the good news of Christ through the Holy Spirit to others
‘Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. ‘ 1 Peter 1:10-12 https://my.bible.com/bible/59/1PE.1.10-12
From the video:
In the video I briefly mentioned doing something different this morning. I listened to the Bible being read to me through the YouVersion Bible app starting with 1 Peter (instead of reading it myself). While I was listening, I painted the next lesson from my watercolor book. I talked about the lesson I learned from that on social media (IG & Facebook).
Thank you again for joining in and praying for us #togetherathome and others around the world. I pray this time encourages you to dig into your Bibles and to seek #truth and the understanding that comes from the Lord. My children are continuing to go to school online after spring break here in #Daegu, South Korea. I am in prayer as I see the news of the spread of this virus and many deaths around the world. God is able and #Godisbiggerthanxyz (any situation we may be facing) even if it is scary. It is in Jesus that I continue to place my hope and trust. I pray this videos/blogs have been helpful to point you back to Him too. Feel free to share your thoughts with me as well if you like.
Sincerely,
Sejana
#homeworship #thankful #familyBiblestudy #Killthevirus #Godisbiggerthanxyz #onlineministry #discipleship #faithoverfear #bestrongdaegu #parenting #togetherathome #prayer #worship #encouragement #coronavirus #covid19 #yourname
Looking for a Bible Study to watch and reflect on during this time? Try these: https://sejanashines.com/2020/03/07/bible-time-worship-every-episode-summary/
Sejana Shines 