Welcome to our new project, the Daily Bible Devotional. The goal is to help you understand and apply

scripture as you go through a New Testament Bible read five days a week, Monday through Friday,

as we move from Matthew straight through to Revelation. In under four minutes each morning, we will recap the chapter,

make some application, present thought questions for the day, and offer a prayer together.

I'm excited about exploring God's Word with you, so let's get started.

Welcome back to our Bible study. Today we finish up 1 Peter. We're in chapter 5.

Paul encourages the elders among the believers to shepherd God's flock willingly, not for personal gain, but with eagerness and humility.

They are to lead by example, knowing that when the chief shepherd appears, they will receive a crown of glory that will never fade.

All believers are urged to clothe themselves with humility toward one another because God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

Peter calls them to cast all their anxieties on God because he cares for them.

He warns them to be alert and of sober mind as the devil prowls like a roaring lion seeking for someone to devour. They are to resist him,

firm in faith. God will restore, strengthen, and establish them after they have suffered for a little

while. That's kind of the theme of this letter, isn't it? This need for suffering

to be strengthened, to rely more heavily on God, and to make you stronger against the devil.

We are directed to live humbly, placing others above ourselves, and trusting that God will lift us up

in his perfect timing. As we serve in our roles, whether as church leaders or members,

we must feature willing and eager hearts, not for recognition, but to honor Christ. We cast our

worries on God because he genuinely cares for us. We remain alert and watchful, knowing that the enemy

seeks to discourage and destroy, yet we do not fear because our faith stands firm in the

Lord. Even in suffering, we hold on to his promise to restore or strengthen and establish us.

We find comfort in knowing that he is with us and will guide us safely to eternal glory.

Do you believe that? God allows us to go through some very difficult things, but we

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