1 Peter 1:13 "Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
How do I prepare my mind for action? Simple. I spend time in God's word and also work on memorizing it. Sober-minded. This is no light task. We are in a war. A spiritual war. We need to be at the top of our game. Ready to act at any moment. Ready to take a stand for Him. To be a light shining in this dark world.
At the same time I need to keep my hope fully on the grace that comes through Jesus Christ. When our hope is in Him and the grace He gives us, nothing can prevail against us! They keep is to keep our minds focused on the promises we find in His word.
As my pastor said this past Sunday, "Our circumstances don't change the promises of God."-Scott Reavely.
Hold tight to that in which is true.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Saturday, November 17, 2012
1 Peter 1:10-12 "Concerning this salvation the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good new to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look."
The Gospel: it's all about grace and it is something glorious! As I sat through a planning meeting for our prison ministry today, I was reminded again that its not about me, but rather about serving others. That is exactly what the prophets learned here too. When we have the chance to minister to others we are to do so in service to them. And what is the best way to serve them? With the Gospel.
The Gospel is glorious and beautiful. Something that the angels long to see. We have such a gift of God's unfathomable grace in the Gospel. The question becomes: am I living out the Gospel every day in all that I do? That should be my goal- to love those around me everyday with the grace of the Gospel. Imagine how our world would change if we all did just that!
The Gospel: it's all about grace and it is something glorious! As I sat through a planning meeting for our prison ministry today, I was reminded again that its not about me, but rather about serving others. That is exactly what the prophets learned here too. When we have the chance to minister to others we are to do so in service to them. And what is the best way to serve them? With the Gospel.
The Gospel is glorious and beautiful. Something that the angels long to see. We have such a gift of God's unfathomable grace in the Gospel. The question becomes: am I living out the Gospel every day in all that I do? That should be my goal- to love those around me everyday with the grace of the Gospel. Imagine how our world would change if we all did just that!
Friday, November 16, 2012
1 Peter 1:8-9
1 Peter 1:8-9 "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, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
When we really think about it, our relationship with Christ is amazing. As these verses state our whole connection with Him is based on faith and not on sight. This is something the world truly struggles with- why so many find it hard to believe- because they don't physically see Him. It's amazing to me the connection we have with Christ. We do love Him. And we have a joy that the world misses out on- all because of Him. It is this child like faith that has not only saved us, but also provided everything we need for the day to day living.
Thank you Jesus for the true love connection with have with You. May we always rejoice in what we have with You for Your glory!
When we really think about it, our relationship with Christ is amazing. As these verses state our whole connection with Him is based on faith and not on sight. This is something the world truly struggles with- why so many find it hard to believe- because they don't physically see Him. It's amazing to me the connection we have with Christ. We do love Him. And we have a joy that the world misses out on- all because of Him. It is this child like faith that has not only saved us, but also provided everything we need for the day to day living.
Thank you Jesus for the true love connection with have with You. May we always rejoice in what we have with You for Your glory!
Thursday, November 15, 2012
1 Peter 1:6&7
1 Peter 1:6&7 " In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials so that the tested genuineness of your faith- more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Am I rejoicing in my trials? Trials only come when it is necessary for them to be present in my life. The purpose is so that the genuineness of my faith will shine for the glory, praise and honor of Jesus Christ. The beauty of that is that I am only put through this if necessary. On top of that there is the blessing of ever drawing closer to my Lord and Savior. Not only will my faith be a testament to those around me, but Jesus Christ will get the praise, glory and honor due His name. Honestly, what could be better than that? It's a win win situation.
These verses also draw me to 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 " But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." In my times of weakness I am found strong because of His work in me. I need to allow Him to shine through the trials so that others may see Him at work. One of the best times of testimony we can have for Him. I just need to keep my perspective on Him and not on the circumstances.
Am I rejoicing in my trials? Trials only come when it is necessary for them to be present in my life. The purpose is so that the genuineness of my faith will shine for the glory, praise and honor of Jesus Christ. The beauty of that is that I am only put through this if necessary. On top of that there is the blessing of ever drawing closer to my Lord and Savior. Not only will my faith be a testament to those around me, but Jesus Christ will get the praise, glory and honor due His name. Honestly, what could be better than that? It's a win win situation.
These verses also draw me to 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 " But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." In my times of weakness I am found strong because of His work in me. I need to allow Him to shine through the trials so that others may see Him at work. One of the best times of testimony we can have for Him. I just need to keep my perspective on Him and not on the circumstances.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
1 Peter 1:5
1 Peter 1:5 " who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. "
There is beauty to be found here. We are guarded by God's power. There is nothing greater to be guarded by. This alone should bring about all the peace we could ever need, to be surrounded by His power. something we experience as we place our faith in Him.
As Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Faith isn't always easy as we can't see Him (yet) but we have the assurance that comes along with it. Our faith will help us endure to the very end when all shall be revealed. Until that time, we can rest in our Living Hope: Jesus Christ.
There is beauty to be found here. We are guarded by God's power. There is nothing greater to be guarded by. This alone should bring about all the peace we could ever need, to be surrounded by His power. something we experience as we place our faith in Him.
As Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Faith isn't always easy as we can't see Him (yet) but we have the assurance that comes along with it. Our faith will help us endure to the very end when all shall be revealed. Until that time, we can rest in our Living Hope: Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
1 Peter 1:4
1 Peter 1:4 "to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,"
Living hope-that in and of itself would have been enough. Yet He gave us so much more! We have an inheritance that is imperishable (endures forever), undefiled (pure, having no faults, sinless), and unfading (not losing value or effectiveness).
Imagine that. Seriously. Take a moment and wrap your brain around the concept... In our world today we're surrounded by things that end, are full of faults/sin, and are constantly loosing value. When we get to heaven, we'll have exactly the opposite of all that!
Jesus gave us the living hope to make it through each day, but he also gave us the living hope for what is to come. We have so much to look forward to!
Living hope-that in and of itself would have been enough. Yet He gave us so much more! We have an inheritance that is imperishable (endures forever), undefiled (pure, having no faults, sinless), and unfading (not losing value or effectiveness).
Imagine that. Seriously. Take a moment and wrap your brain around the concept... In our world today we're surrounded by things that end, are full of faults/sin, and are constantly loosing value. When we get to heaven, we'll have exactly the opposite of all that!
Jesus gave us the living hope to make it through each day, but he also gave us the living hope for what is to come. We have so much to look forward to!
1 Peter 1:3
1 Peter 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,"
We have something the rest of the world doesn't have: a living hope. Hope for each and every day, no matter what we may be facing. And what is that hope? Jesus Christ Himself. He overcame death in order to give us life and a hope that cannot be taken away by anything, ever!
That is true hope! Something the lost are desperately seeking. Something I can share with those who are searching. What a gift we've been given!
We have something the rest of the world doesn't have: a living hope. Hope for each and every day, no matter what we may be facing. And what is that hope? Jesus Christ Himself. He overcame death in order to give us life and a hope that cannot be taken away by anything, ever!
That is true hope! Something the lost are desperately seeking. Something I can share with those who are searching. What a gift we've been given!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
1 Peter 1:1-2
I realized recently that it had been quite a while since I had written anything on here. So much has transpired in the time since I last wrote something, and at the same time, it feels as though nothing has changed! Interesting how life works out like that sometimes. While there are many aspects of my journey that are different, I to write about one of them.
I continue to volunteer in the local woman's prison out here. I love it. So much. One of my ladies was challenged by the Spirit to make sure that she was spending time in God's word every day. So each month we set up a different Bible reading plan. Starting today we're going to be going through the book of 1 Peter. The plan is to read each day until we are pricked by the Spirit with something from the word. I want to share the lessons that I'm learning as I go through the book. Today, I only made it through the first two verses. Here is what the Holy Spirit placed on my heart...
1 Peter 1:1-2 "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you." (ESV)
Sometimes we find ourselves at a point in life where we are exiled. It's not always by choice, but rather sometimes that is where God has placed us. He knew it would happen. Through it we will be sanctified, changed, drawn ever closer to our Lord and Savior. How? If we live our lives in obedience to him. That is where we'll find grace and peace- in Christ alone- no matter what our circumstances.
The question becomes, am I rebelling against where I am in life? Or am I embracing the journey and allowing God to freely work in my life? I have a choice to make. I'm choosing to embrace this point in my life as a gift from God, to allow Him to work in and through me in any way that He chooses. To fall more in love with Him and to hopefully point others to Him at the same time.
Grace and Peace to you my friends.
I continue to volunteer in the local woman's prison out here. I love it. So much. One of my ladies was challenged by the Spirit to make sure that she was spending time in God's word every day. So each month we set up a different Bible reading plan. Starting today we're going to be going through the book of 1 Peter. The plan is to read each day until we are pricked by the Spirit with something from the word. I want to share the lessons that I'm learning as I go through the book. Today, I only made it through the first two verses. Here is what the Holy Spirit placed on my heart...
1 Peter 1:1-2 "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you." (ESV)
Sometimes we find ourselves at a point in life where we are exiled. It's not always by choice, but rather sometimes that is where God has placed us. He knew it would happen. Through it we will be sanctified, changed, drawn ever closer to our Lord and Savior. How? If we live our lives in obedience to him. That is where we'll find grace and peace- in Christ alone- no matter what our circumstances.
The question becomes, am I rebelling against where I am in life? Or am I embracing the journey and allowing God to freely work in my life? I have a choice to make. I'm choosing to embrace this point in my life as a gift from God, to allow Him to work in and through me in any way that He chooses. To fall more in love with Him and to hopefully point others to Him at the same time.
Grace and Peace to you my friends.
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