Verse of the week -- I Peter 5:8 (part 2)

Before posting my focus verse for the week, I usually read the context and cross reference texts to have a fuller view of God's commands, promises, and instructions. This week, I didn't do that initially due to a busy weekend, but yesterday I read through a good chunk of I Peter with my kids and was further encouraged and challenged.

Here is more from I Peter 5 -- (with my thoughts)

1The elders (I am not an elder, but some of my responsibilities as Mom are similar) which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

2Feed the flock of God which is among you (definitely a part of my role as Mom, providing spiritual nourishment for my kids), taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly (not doing things because I have to, but because I get to!); not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind (always looking for those teachable moments);

3Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples (to the best of my ability, they should be able to watch my life and know better how to walk in Christ's footsteps) to the flock.

4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away (such a great promise and reminder of where my treasures lie).

5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble (not necessarily the down-trodden or the self-defeating, rather the humble -- those that recognize their place in submission to God's vast holiness and perfection).

6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time (maybe not in this lifetime):

7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you (letting go of those anxieties, trusting in God's sovereignty, resting in his perfect peace).

8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world (I'm not the only one going through what this day may throw at me).

10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while (some days it may seem like a long while, but still just a drop in the bucket compared to eternity), make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle (I like that word -- peace, settled) you.

11To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

What great promises and assurances I always uncover when I look at the 'rest' of the message.