"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." - 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)There was a real boxer fighting his opponent, and his trainer was in the corner trying to encourage him. Round after round, he's just getting pummeled. The trainer keeps saying, "Man, that guy hasn't laid a glove on you!" Finally, the boxer says, "Throw in the ...

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." - 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)Several years ago, when Lydia and I were celebrating our anniversary, we took a trip to Clearwater Beach in Florida. As we walked around, I noticed a Hulk Hogan store. I found out that Hulk Hogan lived there and came to his store frequently to talk with fans. I...

"Obey those who rule over you and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you." - Hebrews 13:17 (NKJV)This is another verse to keep in mind when we think about God's design for leadership in the church. The writer of Hebrews says there are people who are overseeing you—they're o...

"And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away." - 1 Peter 5:4 (NKJV)Peter uses a specific Greek word here for "crown"—"stefanos"—describing the victor's crown. If you could imagine the Olympic games and imagine that the reward is not a trophy, but a crown placed on the victor's head, this is the imagery Peter is painting. He's saying, "If you are...

"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly" - 1 Peter 5:2 (NKJV)One can't help but remember the scene after Jesus' resurrection when He was restoring Peter by a campfire. Three times Jesus asked, "Peter, do you love Me?" And three times He gave the same command: "Feed My lambs... Tend My sheep... Feed My sheep" (John 21:15-17). The same Gre...