Refreshing Our Spirits With Scripture

4.2- 1 Peter 4. 4  Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude , because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2  As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3  For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4  They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5  But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6  For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. 7  The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. ...

4.1- How are things going in your family life?  Do your family members close to you love your way of life? In the early days of Christianity it was made clear that suffering and betrayal would at times come from our family relationships.  Still, the way of life of Jesus is a way of love.  When we love Him we lay down our lives for our family.  As Jesus was dying He was thinking of His mother and her care as He died at the age of 33. 1 Peter 3. 3  Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2  when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3  Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4  Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God...

3.31- Sometimes we need to take the time to ask, "How is that working for you?" John 21. 21  Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. [ a ] It happened this way: 2  Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus [ b ] ), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3  “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4  Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5  He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. 6  He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

3.30- Sometimes I find myself falling into the temptation of judging people and speaking against others and being arrogant.  These are things I need to stay away from.  I am thankful for God's grace and mercy. Matthew 7. 7  “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3  “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4  How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5  You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. 6  “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. James 4. 7  Su...

3.29- Jesus uses flawed people to do His work.  His closest friends let Him down but He loved them through to a positive outcome. John 18. 15  Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, 16  but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in. 17  “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.” 18  It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.

3.28 Jesus desires to heal violence instead of win by violence.  He uses love and healing to make positive difference. John 18. 10  Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) 11  Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

3.27- Jesus is a great friend.  He protects us and covers us in times of danger. John 18. 18  When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. 2  Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3  So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. 4  Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” 5  “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6  When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7  Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. 8  Jesus answered, “I told you...

3.26- John 14. 14  “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God [ a ] ; believe also in me. 2  My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4  You know the way to the place where I am going.”