God Cares for You

Meditations in the Season of Lent 

April 8, 2025

God Cares for You

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

1 Peter 5:4

Read: 1 Peter 5:1-7

Paul calls us to “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5) Peter takes that same insight in today’s reading as he lifts Jesus up as the Chief Shepherd and urges his followers to have the same qualities as Jesus. We are called to serve, with humility, and to submit to those with leadership responsibilities in the church.

When I read about submitting to authority, I recall a visit to the Museum of Westward Expansion, at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. The museum has a quote from the journal of Lansford W. Hastings, an Overlander, in the exhibit:

‘We had proceeded only a few days travel, when the American character was fully exhibited. All appeared to be determined to govern, but not to be governed.”

Such is human nature, and a part of our nature we must submit to God for redemption.

My Takeaway: As I seek the life in Christ as my way of life, I always strive to “worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28b-29) I believe this is an achievable goal when I keep in mind Peter’s assurance that I can cast all my anxiety on God because God cares for me. (v.7) And He cares for you too! 

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2025 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Suffering for Being a Christian

Meditations in the Season of Lent 

April 7, 2025

Suffering for Being a Christian

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

1 Peter 4:19

Read: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Three parts of today’s reading caught my attention. First, Peter is continuing to assert that the followers of Jesus understand their lives within the context of looking forward to Jesus coming again in final victory. It is this truth that enables us to understand and make a difference in the world today.

Secondly, Peter reaches back to Zachariah 13, to a passage that Jesus quoted in Mark 14:27, to affirm, “do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (v. 12) The reference Jesus quoted was “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.” (Zechariah 13:7) Even though Jesus has defeated the powers of sin and death, in our present time as we await Jesus’ return, we will experience persecution as we align ourselves with God’s Messiah, Christ Jesus.

The third point is that when we align ourselves with Christ and stand with him in our world, when we are insulted because of the name of Christ, we are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on us. (v.14) Those persecuting us think they are diminishing the name of Christ, when in fact they bring glory to God in Christ Jesus.

My Takeaway: Peter not only draws on the OT prophet Zachariah to make his point, but he also quotes Proverbs 11:31 in verse 18. Peter was a fisherman, but he was also very well-schooled in the scriptures. Peter inspires me to have a holy desire to feed on God’s word. 

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2025 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Living for God

Meditations in the Season of Lent 

April 4, 2025

Living for God

Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

1 Peter 4:11b

Read: 1 Peter 4:1-11

As I read today’s passage, I again thought of the first three of Covey’s Seven Habits: be proactive, with the end in sight, and don’t let the urgent trump the important. (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey)

First, because we are proactive, we won’t spend the rest of our lives chasing our own desires, but we will be anxious to do the will of God. God has given each of us a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. (v. 2,10)

Next, I jump to habit 3 and strive to put first things first as I remember that we will face God, who stands ready to judge everyone, both the living and the dead. (v.5)

Then, in verse 6 I remember to keep the end in sight. Peter affirms that our death is not the end. Through our death, we will live forever with God in the Spirit. This promise provides comfort during distress.

My Takeaway: I know it is a most ambitious goal to have as my epitaph, “Everything he did brought glory to God through Jesus Christ.” Nevertheless, I hear God in Christ Jesus calling me to make this my ambition in life. How about you?

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2025 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Christ is Supreme

Meditations in the Season of Lent 

April 3, 2025

Christ is Supreme

Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority.

1 Peter 3:22

Read:1 Peter 3:17-22

Peter begins this passage by writing again about the suffering the new community of believers was experiencing in the culture, especially from the civil authorities. He then connects that suffering to the suffering Jesus experienced.

Many churches use the Apostles’ Creed in one of two versions. In one, the Creed affirms Jesus

“. . . suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven.”

Another version of the Creed affirms Jesus

“. . .    suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven.”

The word ‘hell’ is used by tradition, but the word should be translated, ‘Hades” which was a place where all the dead went as opposed to hell, which is a place of punishment. In verse 19, Peter refers to Jesus descending to hell, where Jesus preached to the “spirits in prison.” Peter’s point is that even though these spirits had been disobedient to God, Jesus reached out to them. It is God’s will that all humankind be saved, and He will never, ever, give up reaching out to his beloved creations.

My Takeaway: In verse 22, quoted above, Peter is affirming that Jesus has all authority and is supreme over all creation. This is my periodic reminder to read again of the supremacy of Christ in Colossians 1:15-20.

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2025 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

All Christians

Meditations in the Season of Lent 

April 2, 2025

All Christians

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.

1 Peter 3:15

Read: 1 Peter 3:8-16

I believe the context of this passage is seen perfectly in the quote I had in my meditation, both on March 12, 2025, and March 28, 2025:

“Beloved brethren…[we] are philosophers not in words, but in deeds;
we exhibit our wisdom not by our dress, but by truth;
we know virtues by their practice rather than through boasting of them;
we do not speak great things but we live them.”

Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, A.D. 256

Peter was urging his congregation to live out their faith. This reminds me of a series of sermons James Moore preached using the title: When You're a Christian...The Whole World Is From Missouri. (Dimensions for Living (October 1, 2010)) Missouri is the ‘show me’ state. When you live your life by faith in Christ, with Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection at the center of your life, people will notice. They will observe if your life aligns with the world’s culture or follows the ways of Christ.

In the last five years, there have been many challenges with the pandemic, shortage of commodities, war in Ukraine and Israel, and inflation. Much of the prevailing culture has responded with a spirit of fear, hoarding, and anger. Like we saw in the Epistle of James, Peter is beckoning the followers of Jesus to a patient lifestyle that participates in God’s mission. Remember, it is not about our control; rather, we seek a lifestyle trusting in God.

My Takeaway: As we live hopeful lives, entrusting the future confidently to God, our neighbors will notice. If they ask about our hope as a believer, let’s always be ready to offer them Christ.

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2025 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

 

Husbands and Wives

Meditations in the Season of Lent 

April 1, 2025

Husbands and Wives

In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

1 Peter 3:7

Read: 1 Peter 3:1-7

First, as we read today’s passage, we will want to hold tightly to what we saw in yesterday’s meditation. Jesus is the center of our life, and we are all, husbands, and wives, equal before him, and each other.

There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)

Secondly, stand back and look at the full context of Peter’s instruction. We are all creatures of habit; we typically sit in about the same place every week in church. We also tend to follow social norms for behavior and dress. Peter is cutting against the grain of the social customs and norms of his day. Peter is encouraging the wives in his church to know and hold tightly to the beauty of Christ Jesus within them. That beauty outshines anything the culture has to offer. For the husbands, Peter goes completely countercultural and calls the husbands to treat their wives with respect as they are an “equal partner in God’s gift of new life. (v.7)

My Takeaway: In today’s reading, some may latch on to words such as authority, obedience, and weaker and take these words literally. To do so is to miss Peter’s point. He was not making a case for complementarianism; he is making God’s case that we are one in Christ.

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2025 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

 

Jesus Always at the Center

Meditations in the Season of Lent 

March 31, 2025

Jesus Always at the Center

Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.

1 Peter 2:25

Read: 1 Peter 2:18-25

In quoting from Isaiah 53, Peter has firmly laid the foundation for his faith and for the faith of the followers of Jesus. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus is the center of our faith and of our life together. In this passage, and the next passage which deals with husbands and wives, Peter is affirming that those who may be slaves to earthly masters are free in Christ, and those who are slaves to God are free in Christ. Within the church, we are all equal before God, and so should we be with each other. This was a very timely message as many of the members of the new community of believers were slaves, and slave owners as well.

There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)

Peter is not endorsing the system of slavery which was a prominent part of his culture. Rather, he is insisting our priority in all things, is to see ourselves in Christ as we seek to make the life in Christ our way of life.

My Takeaway: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12: 17-18)

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2025 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.