"But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." - 1 Peter 5:10-11 (NKJV)In Chase the Lion, Mark Batterson tells a story about a woman named Bonnie Martin who was very discouraged with family issues, feeling defeated and beat u...  Read More

"Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world." - 1 Peter 5:9 (NKJV)When Peter says "steadfast in the faith," he's talking about remaining true to your doctrinal convictions - the faith, the doctrines you know to be true. Satan is described over and over as the liar and the father of lies. He comes into our life with deceptio...  Read More

"Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world." - 1 Peter 5:9 (NKJV)There was a woman who struggled with materialism. She'd spend way more money than she had, and her husband was trying to help her with this. She came home with a very expensive dress, and he said, "Honey, I thought we talked about this. We don't have the mone...  Read More

"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 ...  Read More

"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...  Read More

"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...  Read More

"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...  Read More

"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...  Read More

"The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly." - 1 Peter 5:1-2 (NKJV)Peter uses three distinct terms to describe what is essentially the same offi...  Read More

"nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock" - 1 Peter 5:3 (NKJV)Even the business world has picked up on something that we should remember about leadership. Jim Collins, in his book "Good to Great", researched what made companies great for sustained periods. He discovered what he called "Level 5 leaders"—leaders that everyone trusts and rallies around. What su...  Read More

"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 this remarkable phrase—"Chief Shepherd"—to remind us of something powerful: any human pastor should be serving under the leadership and guidance of Jesus Himself. He recognizes all the flocks that He has all around the world, and you know what He's doing? He's appointi...  Read More

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." - John 16:33 (NKJV)There's a story in "The Insanity of God" about a man who was once a persecutor of Christians. His attacks and actions led to the persecution and deaths of dozens of believers. Eventually, he gave his life to Christ and becam...  Read More