Text
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money but eager to serve” (1 Pt 5:2, NIV).
Insight
In the Gospel of John, three times Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?” Each time Peter responds, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” And Jesus replies, “Then take care of (feed) my sheep.” It is out of this conversation with Christ, that Peter now passes on this teaching saying, “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you” (1 Peter 5:2, NLT).
Whom has God entrusted to you? Perhaps it is your spouse, children, extended family, co-workers, employees, clients, neighbors or the stranger at the gas station. Each of us has a sphere of influence through which God desires us to extend care. We shepherd others as we “lead them by your own good example” (5:3) and do good to them. We are to watch over them as an act of service to God.
Speaking through the prophet Ezekiel, God helps us understand the proper role of the shepherd leader. This man is to “take are of the weak” (Ez 34:4). He is to “tend to the sick” and go “looking for those who have wandered away and are lost.” The shepherd feeds the flock and provides good pasture land where they can lie down (provides and environment of wholeness and peace). Likewise, the elder is to “rescue them form all the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day” (34:12). Shepherd leaders lead from a posture of humility and gentleness.
“And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor” (1 Peter 5:4, NLT).
Prayer
Father, I will care for those you have entrusted to me. I will take care of the weak, tend the sick and go looking for those who have wandered away. I will lead them by my good example and in gentleness and humility. Yes, Lord, I love you and will care for your sheep. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Stand Firm, 1 Peter 5:8 - 9
Text
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.” (1 Peter 5:8 – 9, NLT).
Insight
It is vital that men “Stay alert” and “Watch out” for the enemy. For the enemy is in search of prey, men off their post. He actively roams stealthily around our homes, in our private worlds and among our dreams. He has a predatory intent and is looking for something to steal. He is “looking for someone to devour” (3:8, NLT). Are you alert and watchful?
Aware of his tactics and goals, men are to “stand firm against him” and “be strong in your faith” (3:9). So posture yourself for battle, man! The fight is on. The battle is real. The stakes are high. Remain humble. Resist this enemy and his temptations. Die to self and the cravings of your sinful nature. Extinguish the passions that lure you into his trap. Do so by drawing near to God and allowing Him to draw near to you.
Purify your heart. Ask God… “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” Pray the prayer of the Psalmist: “Teach me your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart… Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word… Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good” (Psalm 119:33ff).
Prayer
Father, wake me up and stir me to be alert. Guard me from the deceptions of my enemy. Help me to posture myself by being strong in my faith. Search me, O God, and point out the areas where I am vulnerable. Turn my eyes from worthless things. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.” (1 Peter 5:8 – 9, NLT).
Insight
It is vital that men “Stay alert” and “Watch out” for the enemy. For the enemy is in search of prey, men off their post. He actively roams stealthily around our homes, in our private worlds and among our dreams. He has a predatory intent and is looking for something to steal. He is “looking for someone to devour” (3:8, NLT). Are you alert and watchful?
Aware of his tactics and goals, men are to “stand firm against him” and “be strong in your faith” (3:9). So posture yourself for battle, man! The fight is on. The battle is real. The stakes are high. Remain humble. Resist this enemy and his temptations. Die to self and the cravings of your sinful nature. Extinguish the passions that lure you into his trap. Do so by drawing near to God and allowing Him to draw near to you.
Purify your heart. Ask God… “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” Pray the prayer of the Psalmist: “Teach me your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart… Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word… Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good” (Psalm 119:33ff).
Prayer
Father, wake me up and stir me to be alert. Guard me from the deceptions of my enemy. Help me to posture myself by being strong in my faith. Search me, O God, and point out the areas where I am vulnerable. Turn my eyes from worthless things. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Humility, 1 Peter 5:6
Text
“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor” (1 Peter 5:6, NLT).
Insight
Best I figure… there are at least two ways to reach a posture of humility. First, is to be humbled by your circumstance or those around you. The second, is to humble yourself. I recommend the second.
Peter quotes Proverbs 3:34 when he writes, “God opposes the proud but favors the humble.” It is common sense, but no man wants to be opposed by God. On the contrary, we want and need His favor. Humility is the way.
Humility is that inner posture of lowliness. It is unassuming and has an unselfish concern for the welfare of others. Humble attitudes are devoid of arrogance, conceit or haughtiness. The humble man is Christ-like man “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6 – 8, NIV)!
In humility we have a proper estimation of ourselves. We realize our vulnerability to the devils schemes and our need to resist him. We stay close to God, our Life and Source. We keep our hearts pure and guard ourselves from divided loyalties. We recognize and trust “the mighty power of God.” We are patient knowing at the proper time He will “lift you up in honor.” “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God.”
Prayer
Father, I choose to humble myself today under your mighty power. I recognize my weaknesses and need for You. I trust You that at the proper time you will lift me up in honor. Help me to not take situations into my own hands but remember “you care for me.” In Jesus name, AMEN.
“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor” (1 Peter 5:6, NLT).
Insight
Best I figure… there are at least two ways to reach a posture of humility. First, is to be humbled by your circumstance or those around you. The second, is to humble yourself. I recommend the second.
Peter quotes Proverbs 3:34 when he writes, “God opposes the proud but favors the humble.” It is common sense, but no man wants to be opposed by God. On the contrary, we want and need His favor. Humility is the way.
Humility is that inner posture of lowliness. It is unassuming and has an unselfish concern for the welfare of others. Humble attitudes are devoid of arrogance, conceit or haughtiness. The humble man is Christ-like man “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6 – 8, NIV)!
In humility we have a proper estimation of ourselves. We realize our vulnerability to the devils schemes and our need to resist him. We stay close to God, our Life and Source. We keep our hearts pure and guard ourselves from divided loyalties. We recognize and trust “the mighty power of God.” We are patient knowing at the proper time He will “lift you up in honor.” “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God.”
Prayer
Father, I choose to humble myself today under your mighty power. I recognize my weaknesses and need for You. I trust You that at the proper time you will lift me up in honor. Help me to not take situations into my own hands but remember “you care for me.” In Jesus name, AMEN.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The End Is Near, 1 Pt 4:7-8
Text
“The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4: 7 – 8, NLT).
Insight
It sounds like the headline story on the evening news: "The end of the world is coming soon." Peter wrote these words some 2000 years ago. Was he confused or was he misled? What did he mean and how should we respond?
Nobody knows the exact time, date and detailed specifics of the end of the world…not even Peter. He's not suggesting he does know, but rather calling believers to live expectantly because the return of Jesus Christ is imminent. Do you live expectantly, earnestly and disciplined while looking for His return? Guard casual living, the type that will regrettably be surprised when the Master returns. What will He find you doing?
How should we live in the end-times? We should live focused! Peter writes that the expectant believer should "be earnest and disciplined in your prayer" (4:7). Secondly, he should be intentional about showing "deep love" for each other (4:8). He should focus on sharing what he has with those in need and serving others with the gifts and skills God has given him. Bottom Line: Be faithful to administer God's grace in its various forms. "Then everything you do will bring glory to God" (4:11) whether He returns today, next week or in the next millennium.
Are you living with the end in mind? Get disciplined in your prayer life. Go deeper in your love for God and others. Share, don't horde, what you have, and serve others, not just yourself. Living expectantly is bringing glory to God in everything you do.
Prayer
Father, whether Christ’s return is today, next week or next millennium, I choose to bring You glory every day. Help me to live expectantly and with discipline… loving others. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4: 7 – 8, NLT).
Insight
It sounds like the headline story on the evening news: "The end of the world is coming soon." Peter wrote these words some 2000 years ago. Was he confused or was he misled? What did he mean and how should we respond?
Nobody knows the exact time, date and detailed specifics of the end of the world…not even Peter. He's not suggesting he does know, but rather calling believers to live expectantly because the return of Jesus Christ is imminent. Do you live expectantly, earnestly and disciplined while looking for His return? Guard casual living, the type that will regrettably be surprised when the Master returns. What will He find you doing?
How should we live in the end-times? We should live focused! Peter writes that the expectant believer should "be earnest and disciplined in your prayer" (4:7). Secondly, he should be intentional about showing "deep love" for each other (4:8). He should focus on sharing what he has with those in need and serving others with the gifts and skills God has given him. Bottom Line: Be faithful to administer God's grace in its various forms. "Then everything you do will bring glory to God" (4:11) whether He returns today, next week or in the next millennium.
Are you living with the end in mind? Get disciplined in your prayer life. Go deeper in your love for God and others. Share, don't horde, what you have, and serve others, not just yourself. Living expectantly is bringing glory to God in everything you do.
Prayer
Father, whether Christ’s return is today, next week or next millennium, I choose to bring You glory every day. Help me to live expectantly and with discipline… loving others. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Threatened, 1 Pt 3:13-14
Text
“Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats” (1 Peter 3:13 – 14, NLT).
Insight
Are you eager to do good yet feel threatened, worried and afraid about what will happen if you do? Are you fearful of a back-lash against you for doing what is right? Do good anyway!
Fear's goal is to immobilize believers. The enemy knows he can't outright stop you from serving God and doing what is right and good. So he uses fear, threats and stirs worry….all designed to get you to stop yourself. And so Peter asks a very practical question: "Who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good?" The answer is: Almost nobody. Think about it…chances are slim. It is likely just a threatening thought… implanted in your imagination by the enemy. Why… because he is threatened by your good deeds and righteousness. However, on the outside chance you do suffer…do good anyway.
"Even if" is the resolve we need. It is the same resolve our Master had as He faced his sufferings. He embraced the worst case scenario and responded "Yet, not my will but Thine be done." This resolve squelches the enemy's attack of fear. It frees us from the deception of: F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real). Don't allow yourself to be paralyzed by the "What if's". And "don't worry or be afraid of their threats" (3:14).
"God will reward you" for doing what is right. You can trust Him. If your heart is stirred with compassion and eager to do good…follow it. And then when others ask why…be ready, not for the likelihood of suffering, but to share about your love and adoration for Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Father, keep me from the fear of harm. I choose trust You in the face of that which worries me and makes me afraid. With Your strength, I will not be paralyzed by F.E.A.R. but will do good anyway. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats” (1 Peter 3:13 – 14, NLT).
Insight
Are you eager to do good yet feel threatened, worried and afraid about what will happen if you do? Are you fearful of a back-lash against you for doing what is right? Do good anyway!
Fear's goal is to immobilize believers. The enemy knows he can't outright stop you from serving God and doing what is right and good. So he uses fear, threats and stirs worry….all designed to get you to stop yourself. And so Peter asks a very practical question: "Who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good?" The answer is: Almost nobody. Think about it…chances are slim. It is likely just a threatening thought… implanted in your imagination by the enemy. Why… because he is threatened by your good deeds and righteousness. However, on the outside chance you do suffer…do good anyway.
"Even if" is the resolve we need. It is the same resolve our Master had as He faced his sufferings. He embraced the worst case scenario and responded "Yet, not my will but Thine be done." This resolve squelches the enemy's attack of fear. It frees us from the deception of: F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real). Don't allow yourself to be paralyzed by the "What if's". And "don't worry or be afraid of their threats" (3:14).
"God will reward you" for doing what is right. You can trust Him. If your heart is stirred with compassion and eager to do good…follow it. And then when others ask why…be ready, not for the likelihood of suffering, but to share about your love and adoration for Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Father, keep me from the fear of harm. I choose trust You in the face of that which worries me and makes me afraid. With Your strength, I will not be paralyzed by F.E.A.R. but will do good anyway. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Live Properly, 1 Pt 2:12
Text
“Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world” (1 Peter 2:12, NLT).
Insight
A Kingdom-Minded man lives with purpose. He is intentional and embraces God’s heart to win and make disciples. He is “careful to live properly” and to exemplify a lifestyle that attracts others to God.
Peter addresses Kingdom-Minded believers about being intentional in every part of their life: In the Culture, Work-Place, Home and Church.
Culture – “Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens” (2:13, MSG). It is God’s will that we do good and live properly among our neighbors. We are to “exercise our freedom to serve God, not by breaking rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity… Revere God and Respect the government” (2:16 – 17, MSG).
Work-Place – The work-place is a believer’s ministry-place. Our work-ethic matters. Excellence is a witnessing tool. The hours we spend with co-workers, patients, clients and others provides multiple opportunities to honor God. Reflect your beliefs in your conversations, patience, compassion, productivity and preparedness. “God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right” even if you have to “patiently endure unfair treatment” (2; 19, NLT).
Home – Wives win over their husbands through their “godly lives.” Without words our spouses can be led to Christ through “observing your pure and reverent lives” (3:1, NLT). “What matters is not your outer appearance… but your inner disposition” (MSG). And husbands are to honor, delight in and treat their wives “as equals so your prayers don’t run aground” (3:7, MSG).
Church – “Be of one mind” (3:8, NLT)…Unity is key. This is easier to do as we humbly sympathize, love and have a tender heart for others. Refuse to “repay evil for evil… instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it” (3:9, NLT).
Be intentional and Kingdom-Minded. Win over others with your life.
Prayer
Father, I accept Your purpose for my life: To win over and make disciples of my neighbors. I understand the necessity of living out what I believe. Help me to live properly and attract others to You in my culture, work-place, home and church. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world” (1 Peter 2:12, NLT).
Insight
A Kingdom-Minded man lives with purpose. He is intentional and embraces God’s heart to win and make disciples. He is “careful to live properly” and to exemplify a lifestyle that attracts others to God.
Peter addresses Kingdom-Minded believers about being intentional in every part of their life: In the Culture, Work-Place, Home and Church.
Culture – “Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens” (2:13, MSG). It is God’s will that we do good and live properly among our neighbors. We are to “exercise our freedom to serve God, not by breaking rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity… Revere God and Respect the government” (2:16 – 17, MSG).
Work-Place – The work-place is a believer’s ministry-place. Our work-ethic matters. Excellence is a witnessing tool. The hours we spend with co-workers, patients, clients and others provides multiple opportunities to honor God. Reflect your beliefs in your conversations, patience, compassion, productivity and preparedness. “God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right” even if you have to “patiently endure unfair treatment” (2; 19, NLT).
Home – Wives win over their husbands through their “godly lives.” Without words our spouses can be led to Christ through “observing your pure and reverent lives” (3:1, NLT). “What matters is not your outer appearance… but your inner disposition” (MSG). And husbands are to honor, delight in and treat their wives “as equals so your prayers don’t run aground” (3:7, MSG).
Church – “Be of one mind” (3:8, NLT)…Unity is key. This is easier to do as we humbly sympathize, love and have a tender heart for others. Refuse to “repay evil for evil… instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it” (3:9, NLT).
Be intentional and Kingdom-Minded. Win over others with your life.
Prayer
Father, I accept Your purpose for my life: To win over and make disciples of my neighbors. I understand the necessity of living out what I believe. Help me to live properly and attract others to You in my culture, work-place, home and church. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
You Do Not See Him NOW, 1 Pt 1:8
Text
“You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy” (1 Peter 1:8, NLT).
Insight
Have you ever wondered, “Where is God?” Sometimes men walk through seasons struggling to see God at work. We ask questions like: Why am I here? Why isn’t God doing something? Where are you, God? How does a man of faith respond in times like these?
TRUST. God is bigger than our circumstances. Fear is extinguished by faith. You aren’t the first person to go through this. Remember, “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen, it gives us assurance about things we cannot see” (Hebrews 11:1).
ADJUST. Adjust your focus. When you can’t see God IN your circumstances, look OUT. Never interpret God’s love, care or concern from your trials. Guard yourself from the faulty formula: My circumstances = God’s care / concern. Instead, look out of your circumstances and rejoice in who He is… despite what is going on around you. God is good… even when I’m going through something bad. God is love… even when I feel rejected by others. God provides… even when I have to downsize.
DO WHAT IS RIGHT… especially when you can’t see Him. Do what is right: “Respect everyone, love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God and respect the king” (2:17). Peter warns us to “keep away from worldly desires” and to “live properly among your unbelieving neighbors.”
As you endure by trusting, adjusting and doing what is right… Two things will happen. (1) Your faith will remain strong and “bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1:7). (2) Your unbelieving neighbors “will see your honorable behavior and they will give honor to God when he judges the world” (2:12). So, “love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious and inexpressible joy” (1:8).
Prayer
Father, sometimes trials cloud my ability to see You… I fear the worst and I feel alone. I choose to trust You. Help me adjust my focus off of my circumstances onto Your character. I will do what is right. May my faith honor You and witness to my neighbors. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy” (1 Peter 1:8, NLT).
Insight
Have you ever wondered, “Where is God?” Sometimes men walk through seasons struggling to see God at work. We ask questions like: Why am I here? Why isn’t God doing something? Where are you, God? How does a man of faith respond in times like these?
TRUST. God is bigger than our circumstances. Fear is extinguished by faith. You aren’t the first person to go through this. Remember, “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen, it gives us assurance about things we cannot see” (Hebrews 11:1).
ADJUST. Adjust your focus. When you can’t see God IN your circumstances, look OUT. Never interpret God’s love, care or concern from your trials. Guard yourself from the faulty formula: My circumstances = God’s care / concern. Instead, look out of your circumstances and rejoice in who He is… despite what is going on around you. God is good… even when I’m going through something bad. God is love… even when I feel rejected by others. God provides… even when I have to downsize.
DO WHAT IS RIGHT… especially when you can’t see Him. Do what is right: “Respect everyone, love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God and respect the king” (2:17). Peter warns us to “keep away from worldly desires” and to “live properly among your unbelieving neighbors.”
As you endure by trusting, adjusting and doing what is right… Two things will happen. (1) Your faith will remain strong and “bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1:7). (2) Your unbelieving neighbors “will see your honorable behavior and they will give honor to God when he judges the world” (2:12). So, “love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious and inexpressible joy” (1:8).
Prayer
Father, sometimes trials cloud my ability to see You… I fear the worst and I feel alone. I choose to trust You. Help me adjust my focus off of my circumstances onto Your character. I will do what is right. May my faith honor You and witness to my neighbors. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Endure Many Trials, 1 Pt 1:6
Text
“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while” (1 Peter 1:6, NLT).
Insight
“Trials Included” should be on the label when you buy into the Christian life. I don’t know why trials catch us by surprise… as though we have some right to live a “trial-free” lifestyle once we have believed in Jesus. He certainly went through many… and so might we.
Trials for the early church included the social, economic and political persecution they endured for choosing to follow Christ. Roman law under Emperor Nero required citizens to worship him as god. Believers were seen as traitors. Because Christians refused to worship at pagan temples, businesses at these moneymaking enterprises dropped when Christianity took hold in a town. And their lifestyles of holiness and self-sacrifice exposed the horrible immorality of the pagan culture.
Their choice to follow Christ separated them out of an evil culture. This separation brought accusations and persecution from the people, yet Peter writes, “God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right” (2:19). Peter reminds those who are being rejected: “You are a chosen people” (2:9). Contrary to how others may view them “You are a royal priest, a holy nation, God’s very own possession.” In fact, you are set aside, not for rejection, but so “you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1:9).
It must have been difficult to choose to follow Christ daily knowing the potential trials ahead. So, Peter encourages them saying, “The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls” (1:8 – 9).
Prayer
Father, I understand that in this life I will experience many trials. I will go through difficult times. I thank you that in the midst of these times, I am chosen by You. I will please You by doing what is right and reflecting Your goodness by my lifestyle. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while” (1 Peter 1:6, NLT).
Insight
“Trials Included” should be on the label when you buy into the Christian life. I don’t know why trials catch us by surprise… as though we have some right to live a “trial-free” lifestyle once we have believed in Jesus. He certainly went through many… and so might we.
Trials for the early church included the social, economic and political persecution they endured for choosing to follow Christ. Roman law under Emperor Nero required citizens to worship him as god. Believers were seen as traitors. Because Christians refused to worship at pagan temples, businesses at these moneymaking enterprises dropped when Christianity took hold in a town. And their lifestyles of holiness and self-sacrifice exposed the horrible immorality of the pagan culture.
Their choice to follow Christ separated them out of an evil culture. This separation brought accusations and persecution from the people, yet Peter writes, “God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right” (2:19). Peter reminds those who are being rejected: “You are a chosen people” (2:9). Contrary to how others may view them “You are a royal priest, a holy nation, God’s very own possession.” In fact, you are set aside, not for rejection, but so “you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1:9).
It must have been difficult to choose to follow Christ daily knowing the potential trials ahead. So, Peter encourages them saying, “The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls” (1:8 – 9).
Prayer
Father, I understand that in this life I will experience many trials. I will go through difficult times. I thank you that in the midst of these times, I am chosen by You. I will please You by doing what is right and reflecting Your goodness by my lifestyle. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Priceless Inheritance, 1 Pt 1:4
Text
“…and we have a priceless inheritance – an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay” (1 Peter 1:4, NLT).
Insight
We live in changing times. It is a day of much uncertainty. No person is beyond the reach of change and many are concerned asking: Where does our security lie? And wondering: What do I do now?
And Jesus says, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store up treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Matthew 6:19-21, NLT). Despite this teaching, many of us have stored up treasures here. And the reality we are facing is: The desires of our hearts are here also. It is painful and fearful to watch the inheritance decay, diminish and, in some cases, disappear.
There is an inheritance that does not decay. It is beyond the reach of change. It is kept and insured by God Himself. It is a priceless inheritance that brings true gladness and joy. It is the salvation of our souls.
Peter writes to those suffering loss, “So think clearly and exercise self control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come” (1:13). Perhaps it is time to focus more of our energies on investing in the “priceless inheritance” and place our faith and hope in God! So when our faith, which is more precious that mere gold, is tested… it will remain strong and “bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day Christ is revealed” (1:7).
Prayer
Father, forgive me for placing my trust in anything but You. I praise You for my salvation. My desire is for You. Help me to think clearly in these days and to focus my energies on the salvation which will come. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“…and we have a priceless inheritance – an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay” (1 Peter 1:4, NLT).
Insight
We live in changing times. It is a day of much uncertainty. No person is beyond the reach of change and many are concerned asking: Where does our security lie? And wondering: What do I do now?
And Jesus says, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store up treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Matthew 6:19-21, NLT). Despite this teaching, many of us have stored up treasures here. And the reality we are facing is: The desires of our hearts are here also. It is painful and fearful to watch the inheritance decay, diminish and, in some cases, disappear.
There is an inheritance that does not decay. It is beyond the reach of change. It is kept and insured by God Himself. It is a priceless inheritance that brings true gladness and joy. It is the salvation of our souls.
Peter writes to those suffering loss, “So think clearly and exercise self control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come” (1:13). Perhaps it is time to focus more of our energies on investing in the “priceless inheritance” and place our faith and hope in God! So when our faith, which is more precious that mere gold, is tested… it will remain strong and “bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day Christ is revealed” (1:7).
Prayer
Father, forgive me for placing my trust in anything but You. I praise You for my salvation. My desire is for You. Help me to think clearly in these days and to focus my energies on the salvation which will come. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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