Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 81-83; 1 Peter 1
Devotional Thought:
1 Peter is written to the Christians who were scattered abroad because of persecution. We are reminded that it was this persecution that caused the gospel to spread across the region and local churches were established. We are also reminded in verse one that we are strangers here on earth. As the songwriter wrote, “This world is not our home, we are just passing through.” I am bothered by the permanency too many Christians seem to show. Christians must remember that the Spirit of God produces our hope, joy, peace, and love as we look to our heavenly home. That heavenly home was made possible through the obedience of the Lord Jesus to the will of His Father as He shed His precious blood for the remission of our sins. Peter reminds the reader that there are trials here on earth, and those trials are meant to remind us to look toward heaven. What trials are you facing right now? What specific trials have you faced in the past? God reveals to us that He is faithful in the midst of those trials and He will help us to come forth as gold if we will look to Him for our help and hope. We put up with the temptations of this life and endure through the trials as they come, knowing that there is a day coming when we will see Jesus who was faithful with His trial so we could have everlasting life. Peter exhorts us to “gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lust in your ignorance: But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, be ye holy for I am holy.” (vs. 13-16) It is hard to live holy in a body that wants to be selfish and fit into a world in which we do not belong. It is hard to live holy in a world that promotes such spiritual filthiness. However, if we will obey this simple command and remember how temporary this life really is, it will be worth it all when we see Jesus. The indicator of our obedience to living holy is found in verses 22-23, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” How are you doing in loving your brothers and sisters in Christ? Do those around you know that you love or do they see you as a grumpy, moody, sad, angry, and bitter person? Your choice…God has done His part, are you doing yours?
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to live holy. I believe you are coming soon, but if you tarry your coming I want to be found faithful. I want to be found living holy, with unhypocitical love for other Christians.
• Lord please help me to keep my eyes on you and the home you are preparing for me. Please help me to be a genuine example of trusting you in every situation. Help me to never try to steal your glory, but enjoy the position I have in Christ.