from valuable to dusty...

February 19, 2013

1 Peter 1:23-25

V25 …but the word of the Lord remains forever

God’s word is as valuable to me as it was to a believer in 1792. It will be as valuable to a believer 50 years from now (if Jesus hasn’t returned) as it is to me today. There is peace in knowing that it never changes. That His Word is right for any season I’m in no matter the year or situation. God calls us to be a lover of the word; He tells us that those who keep it in their heart are wise and will add years to their life. It is important, and what a shame it is that many of us (myself, included) can go days without thinking about it or picking it up!  

making it possible...

February 15, 2013

1 Peter 1:17 -22

V22 Having purified your soul by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart

Love is hard. Loving someone hurts. Loving someone who has hurt you is difficult without God. Loving someone who hurts your repeatedly is impossible without God. As believers, we are called to love as God loved. Only one problem; we aren’t God. Not in any shape or form, but we have the Spirit of Him living in us that molds us and makes us into His image, right? Yes, that’s true, but “loving with an earnest and pure heart” is still hard; having the Spirit living in us doesn’t make it easier it just makes it possible.

what does it mean?

February 14, 2013

1 Peter 1:16 …”you shall be holy for I am holy”

To be holy…what does that mean exactly? Well for sure it means: we can’t lie just because it’s easier, we can’t avoid hard conversations with people because we don’t like confrontations, we can’t let go of our frustrations and anger because we want to, sometimes we have to make the hard choices because they are best. Mostly being holy is battling your flesh so that you don’t give in and do what “you” want; instead, you do what “God” wants. Being holy isn’t something that we can do on our own. We MUST have God’s help, strength, and His mercy. How thankful we should be that all of these are readily avalible.

in all things...

February 13, 2013

1 Peter 1:14-15 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy you also be holy in all your conduct

One might assume that this would be an easy commandment to follow, yet, it isn’t; instead, it’s one of the harder one’s to obey. Mainly because this verse deals with every part of our conduct and our character; every one of them comes under the control of this verse. Why? Because we constantly influence those around us; we are always a witness to the One who saved us. Our conduct and character must reflect that at all times. Will we fail; yes, absolutely, but we must at least have the goal of and the intention of following this verse. 

being prepared...

February 12, 2013

1 Peter 1:9-13

V13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action and being sober-minded, set you hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ

To prepare means “to put in proper condition or readiness…” it’s an action word. Meaning that we must do something. We must participate in getting our minds ready. We must actively pursue a relationship with God and His Word so that we are ready. So that our minds are looking toward the goal and not always focused on the problems at hand. Sometimes when we only focus on the hurt we can’t see what God might be trying to show us through it. Now I’m not saying that’s easy because sometimes our hurts are big and seemingly insurmountable, but Our God is there. He is in the midst of our pain. If we are “prepared” to find Him; He will be much easier to spot through our tears!  

I am His...

February 11, 2013

1 Peter 1:8 Though you have not seen him you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

I have never seen Jesus face to face but I have felt Him upon my soul. I have never touched His nail scared hands, but I know that He died for me. I have never bowed down to worship at His feet but I have felt the joy and peace of Him invade my life. I know that HE is mine and I am HIS. I may have never seen Him but I know that His words are true and that one day He will return to His own. For that I will praise His name forever.