Living for God’s Will
1 Peter 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
For those dealing with chronic illness and pain, we have been given a unique opportunity to imitate Christ in His suffering. Peter says such hardship affords us the chance to turn our backs on sin. While living in excessive indulgence is not something to which we can all relate, we might be tempted to participate in gossip, or allow extreme anger to define who we are. But Peter believed there was a better way.
May we start each day with joy and praise so that sin cannot take hold. And may we know, believe and understand that we have the unique ability to imitate Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Approaching God
Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Today I meditate on the verse, “Come boldly, without hesitation but with firm trust, into the throne of grace, Carol, that you may obtain mercy (compassion) and find grace (unmerited favor) to help you in time of need.”
As a preacher of the gospel, a certain boldness is required to stand before the church at a pulpit and deliver a sermon, particularly when addressing sin. Knowing that I was called by God to both exposit the Word and pastor the congregation, I never lack the courage to speak, whether before a group of 50 or 300. But today’s scripture addresses a personal need that can exclusively be met by approaching the mercy seat of God with the confidence that God’s children alone possess.
When I see my name on a card that says I, Carol, can ask God with confidence for His mercy and grace, just when I need it the most, then I am reminded that the God I worship and serve desires a personal relationship with each of His children. I know that He loves me and wants the best for me. And that is all I need to get me through the worst of my days.
May we never fail to seek God’s help because we think our problem is too large or too small or because we have convinced ourselves that God cannot possibly care about us. Every problem we have is God-sized, and if we are concerned, God is, too.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A new Song
Psalms 98:1-2 (NIV) Psalm 98
1 Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done marvelous things;
his right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
2 The LORD has made his salvation known
and revealed his righteousness to the nations.
My mother often used the word “incumbent” which means “mandatory “or “obligatory.” I believe it is incumbent upon us to praise the Lord in singing, in playing instruments, even in clapping our hands. Why? Because we are instructed in His Holy Word to praise Him, because He is worthy of our praise, and because it is one way to communicate with Him.
David praised God when he was a young boy tending his father’s sheep. He praised God when he was the king, and I like to think he praised God on his deathbed.
You see, praise is such an integral part of our worship that I’m not sure one is complete without the other. I read years ago that it would be easier to hold a tempest in a teapot than a heart full of silent praise.
So today I begin my day with praise and I intend to end it with praise. It may be as simple as “Jesus Loves Me” or as complex as “The Hallelujah Chorus,” but my praise will not be silent, and my worship will not be just a pretense. As Paul might say, God forbid!
May we recognize the value and the worth of beginning our day in relationship with the One, True and Living God, and may we grow in fellowship with God and other Disciples today and every day.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Blessed are they who praise
1 Peter 3:13-18 (NIV) 13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.
There is that word “suffer” again. I need to tell you I have never met anyone who wants to suffer. Yet, suffering is an inescapable part of life. In the scriptural context Peter cautions us to do what is right regardless of the cost and then the spiritual blessings will be greater than any physical threat.
Peter’s advice to be prepared to share with all who ask the reason for our hope is similar to what we refer to as an elevator testimony. You know, a statement of your faith that is so short it can delivered while on an elevator. And may I say that when we share our story of grace, then we are blessed with even more grace.
May we fix our eyes on Jesus and the blessed hope of eternal salvation whether in good times or bad. In everything give the King of Kings all of the praise.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
I
Called to Do Good
1 Peter 3:8-12 (NIV) 8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For,
“Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
and their lips from deceitful speech.
11 They must turn from evil and do good;
they must seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
As I was meditating on these words, I turned to Psalm 34, the source for these verses. David had foolishly turned to the Philistines for help as he was running from Saul. This action falls under the heading of “What was he thinking?” Had he forgotten his encounter with Goliath? Well, the Philistines had not forgotten. In order to escape, David feigned madness and took refuge in a cave.
Peter reminds his listeners of David’s words, and I love the way “The Message” says it: Run after peace for all you’re worth. Isn’t that a wonderful counsel? For those of us who feel we must have the last word, remember, when seeking peace, the last word should be a blessing.
May we today and every day be mindful that God wants the very best for us, and that includes forgoing pettiness and retaliation in exchange for love and kindness.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Seeking Holiness 