Category: 1 Peter Devotionals

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1 Peter Devotionals

Living for God’s Will: Our New Paradigm

Joy before God

For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit…

Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same understanding—because the one who suffers in the flesh is finished with sin—in order to live the remaining time in the flesh no longer for human desires, but for God’s will. (1 Peter 3:18, 4:1-2)

Yesterday at church, my pastor was talking about changing our paradigms.

I suppose one of our greatest paradigms is who or what we’re living for. And Peter makes it clear. Our contract with sin is broken. Jesus died so that we might be freed from the power and penalty of sin.

Because of this, our paradigm is no longer to “follow your heart,” to simply follow our instincts, feelings, and desires which would lead us into sin.

Our paradigm is to live for the God who loved us enough to send his Son for us.

And so Peter tells us to be alert and sober-minded, seeking God’s will, wisdom, and strength, moment to moment, day to day.  (1 Peter 4:7)

But we aren’t to do this alone. We are to do it in community.

When we are alone, we sometimes let our guard down and end up falling into sin. But through the love of our brothers and sisters, we can find healing and restoration.

That’s why Peter tells us,

Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)

I can’t help but think Peter was thinking about his own experience.

When he fell because he had let down his guard (Mark 14:37, 66-72), it was the love of Jesus that restored him.

So let’s take on our Lord’s paradigm, not living for our own will, but for the will of our Father who loves us deeply. And let us do so…together.

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1 Peter Devotionals

Living stones, living sacrifices

Seeing the light

As you come to him, a living stone—rejected by people but chosen and honored by God—you yourselves, as living stones, a spiritual house, are being built to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:4-5)

As I was reading those words this morning, I was wondering if Peter had in mind Paul’s letter to the Romans. We do know that Peter read Paul’s letters (2 Peter 3:15-16)

And a lot of the things he says mirrors what Paul said in Romans 12:1.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.

Peter talks about us being living stones, a holy priesthood offering sacrifices acceptable to God.

Paul talks about us being living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

Paul says we offer ourselves to God in view of God’s mercies.

Peter talks in detail about those mercies. He tells us,

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises, of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 

Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (9-10)

And so my prayer this morning was this:

Father, I have tasted that you are good. You’ve shown such incredible mercy to me. You’ve called me out of darkness, made me your own, and brought me into your marvelous light.

Once I had not received mercy. Now I’m overflowing with your mercy. I was like a sheep going astray. But now by your grace I have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of my soul.

So I offer my life to you today. Help me declare your praises to those still trapped in darkness. And let my life, my every word, thought, and action be worship, holy and acceptable to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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1 Peter Devotionals

Remember who you are

On the mountain with God

Father, help me to always remember who I am.

You chose me to be your child according to your foreknowledge before time began.

By your Spirit, you are changing me day by day to be more like Jesus.

You sprinkle me daily with his blood, cleansing me from my sins.

And now you call me to submit to his good reign in my life.

Through Jesus, I have an inheritance, imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for me.

And though I sometimes go through trials, you guard me by your power for the salvation that will be revealed when Jesus returns.

You do this because the faith I have is more precious to you than gold refined by fire.

So Father, let me always have a right mindset as I face each day.

Let me be clothed with your armor, prepared for action.

Let me not just go with the flow of my flesh, my instincts, feelings, and desires, but as your beloved child, let me be holy as you are holy.

Help me remember this world is not my home.

And with that in mind, help me to live a life pleasing to you each day, loving you and those you have put in my life.

Thank you for making me your child.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

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1 Peter Devotionals

Staying alert

The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer. (4:7)

Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. (5:8)

I can’t help but wonder if Peter was thinking of his own failures when he wrote those words.

Jesus had warned him that Satan wanted to sift him like wheat (Luke 22:31).

Jesus had told him to watch and pray so that he would not fall into temptation (Matthew 26:41).

So what did Peter do? He fell asleep. And when the time of testing came, he failed the test. (Matthew 26:69-75)

So many of us say, “I want to be strong when I go through times of testing, but I don’t know if I can.”

But we cannot be strong if we’re not connected to the Father, if we are not receiving his strength, his leading, and his wisdom every day.

Jesus knew that and so he constantly took time to be with his Father every day.

That’s why when the time of testing came, unlike Peter, Jesus was able to pass the test.

Do you want to be strong when times of testing come? Are you plugged into the Father daily? In prayer? In his Word?

Or are you asleep?

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1 Peter Devotionals

Never ignored

the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are open to their prayer. ” (1 Peter 3:12)

Recently, I gave a message at church, and one of the things I talked about was the times when God says no or seems slow in answering our prayers.

For me, it seems like God has been awful slow recently as I’ve been struggling with some health problems for the past month.

But Peter’s words, really David’s words (Psalm 34:15), really encouraged me today.

Whether God seems slow or says no, his ears are always open to our prayers. He’s not ignoring us.

And his eyes are always on us.

Not because we’re such good people or more righteous than others.

But because we are his beloved children, clothed with Christ’s righteousness.

That’s an awesome thought.

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1 Peter Devotionals

Because you are good

Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow up into your salvation, if you have tasted that the Lord is good. (1 Peter 2:2-3)

Lord, I have tasted your goodness in my life time and again.

You chose me. You made me your priest. You made me part of your kingdom. You have made me your prized possession. You called me out of the darkness I was in and brought me into your marvelous light.

I was once not part of your people. But now I am. I once had not received your mercy. But now I have.

I was like a sheep going astray. But you, Good Shepherd, brought me back.

You are good.

Now, increase my hunger for your word.

Christian books are great. I can even get good information from non-Christians at times.

But only in your Word, can I get pure, unadulterated truth from you.

Truth that gives me life.

Truth that reveals who you are.

So I dive into your Word, Lord.

Not because I have to.

Not because it’s the “Christian thing to do.”

But because I love you.

I have tasted your goodness.

And through your Word, I want to taste your goodness even more.

In Your precious name, I pray, amen.

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1 Peter Devotionals

Just passing through

From Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those temporarily residing abroad… (1 Peter 1:1, NET)

“To those temporarily residing abroad.”

Those words struck me this morning.

I’ve been living as a resident of Japan for 27 years now, and while it is home in a sense, there are always reminders to me that I don’t totally belong here: struggling with the language, dealing with food that I don’t particularly enjoy. (Can someone say “natto”）

As Christians, it’s the same with us. This world is our “home.” But we don’t truly belong here. We see this particularly in the broken world we live in. Wars. Disease. Sin. Pain. Death.

We are just passing through.

But in this world, we have a living hope. We have been chosen by God to be his children. We have an inheritance that is “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven” for us. (4)

We know it because Jesus rose from the dead after dying for our sins 2000 years ago. We know it because of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. We know it because we are guarded for salvation not by our own strength, but by God’s power. (1-2, 5)

And so despite the daily reminders that we don’t belong here, despite our trials that test us in which we suffer grief, we can rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy. Because we are receiving the goal of our faith: the salvation of our souls. (6-9)

I say again, “we can rejoice.”

I suppose the question is, “Do we rejoice?”

It’s hard to do, especially when we’re struggling, unless we remember this one truth:

“We are only passing through.”

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1 Peter Devotionals

Living as exiles in Babylon

1 Peter

She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings. (1 Peter 5:13)

During our summer series at my church, our pastor was going through the book of Daniel.

And as I have been reading through 1 Peter, I can’t help but wonder how much the book of Daniel was in Peter’s mind as he wrote this book.

He calls his readers exiles in this world (1:1, 2:11), just as Daniel and his friends were exiles in Babylon.

Peter himself considered himself to be in “Babylon.” (Babylon, by the way, was often used as a code name for Rome in Peter’s time.)

Daniel had a living hope, namely the hope of resurrection. (Daniel 12:2, 13; 1 Peter 1:3)

Daniel’s friends had their faith literally tested through fire. (Daniel 3, 1 Peter 1:7)

Daniel, in his test of faith, literally had to face roaring lions. (Daniel 6, 1 Peter 5:8)

You see the Lord hearing the prayers of Daniel and his friends while opposing their enemies. (Daniel 1-3, 6; 1 Peter 3:12)

You see the Lord exalting Daniel and his friends while humbling proud kings. (Daniel 1-5; 1 Peter 5:5-6)

When Daniel and his friends were suffering unfair treatment, you can see them doing a lot of the things Peter talks about (1 Peter 2:12-20, 3:13-17, 4:12-19, 5:6-10).

And finally, we see in Daniel the glorious truth that in this darkened world, our God still reigns. (Daniel 2:44, 4:34, 6:26, 7:13-14, 27; 1 Peter 4:11, 5:11)

We are exiles in this world. We don’t really belong here. And in this broken world, there may be times we go through suffering. But through our trials and struggles, let us learn from Daniel and Peter.

In short,

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.

Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.

Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.

The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while.

To him be dominion forever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:6-11)

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1 Peter Devotionals

Unfair

1 Peter

For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God. (1 Peter 3:18)

“It’s so unfair! I don’t deserve this!”

Have you ever felt that way? I have.

But as I read verse 18, it struck me that Jesus suffered the greatest injustice. He was righteous. He never sinned. Yet he suffered on a cross for us who are unrighteous. He suffered for our sins.

Why?

To bring us to God.

What if Jesus had only been concerned about what was “fair”?

Where would we be?

Thank God that he wasn’t only concerned about what was fair.

He was concerned about us.

He wanted our relationship with his Father to be restored.

And so he put aside the need for “fairness,”

Lord, let me have the attitude you had when others treat me unfairly. Give me the love and concern for them that you have.

You have given me an example. Now let me follow in your steps (1 Peter 2:21-23), not repaying evil for evil, or insult for insult, but seeking peace.

Peace between me and them. But more importantly, peace between them and you.

In your name I pray, amen.

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1 Peter Devotionals

Sprinkled by his blood

1 Peter

To those chosen…to be obedient and to be sprinkled with the blood of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:1-2)

Peter’s words seem to come from Exodus 24:7-8. At that time, the Israelites were agreeing to the covenant God had written out.

At that time, they said,

We will do and obey all that the Lord has commanded. (Exodus 24:7)

After they said that, Moses took the blood of the bulls, sprinkled it on the people, and said,

This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you concerning all these words. (Exodus 24:8)

Just like the Israelites, we have been chosen to be obedient to Jesus Christ.

Just like the Israelites, we often vow to God that we will be obedient.

And just like the Israelites, we often fail to keep that vow.

But while the Israelites were sprinkled with blood that could not truly cleanse them (Hebrews 10:4), we have been sprinkled with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect (19).

And by his blood we have been cleansed and forgiven (Matthew 10:28, 1 John 1:7).

Because of that, we have grace and peace with God. And not just grace and peace, but grace and peace in abundance. (2)

Are you always feeling guilty for failing to measure up as a Christian?

Set your hope not on your ability to be perfectly obedient to God.

Instead, set your hope on the grace that will be given you when Jesus Christ comes back. (13)

And until that day, keep on walking, following after our Lord.

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1 Peter Devotionals

Facing troubled times (2)

1 Peter

I wrote last week about facing troubled times. In this passage, Peter concludes his thoughts on facing such times. What do we do?

First, humble yourself before God.

In troubled times, what does that mean we should do? It means casting your anxieties on him (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Don’t in your pride attempt to handle your anxieties on your own. Cast your anxieties on him. Choose to believe even through these hard times that he cares for you.

Second, be alert to Satan’s attacks (8-9).

In these times, Satan will try to discourage you, making you question God and his goodness.

He’ll try to get you to indulge in sin as a relief from the stress you’re feeling.

He’ll try to turn your stress into fights with your husband, your wife, your children, or those around you.

Be alert to what Satan is doing. And resist him.

Third, stand firm in God’s grace.

By his grace, he will restore you, mending what’s broken in your life.

By his grace, he will give you the strength to stand.

By his grace, he will stabilize you when you’re about to fall.

And by his grace, will set you on a sure foundation (10).

We were saved by his grace. Now let us walk in that grace daily.

Finally, worship him, remembering who he is.

“To him be dominion forever!” Peter sings (11).

God is the king. Though we suffer, he has not lost control of this world. He reigns even now.

So after watching the news seeing all that’s going on in this world, turn off the TV, turn off social media, turn off the internet, and worship God.

In these troubled times, peace to all of you who are in Christ. (14)

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1 Peter Devotionals

Facing troubled times

1 Peter

We are facing troubled times in this world with the Corona virus and all it’s doing to people’s health and finances.

How do we face it?

The people Peter was writing to faced a different kind of problem: persecution. But his words to them are still quite applicable to us. What did he say?

Finally, all of you be like-minded and sympathetic, love one another, and be compassionate and humble, not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you may inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:8-9)

Again, Peter here is talking about persecution and our response to it.

But in these times, people can get easily get edgy towards each other.

Other people rail at the government for not doing enough, or ironically for going too far in their restrictions on our movements.

But we are not to be this way. Rather we are called to bless others. Even when we feel ill-treated, we are to be sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble.

And again, we are to bless others, keeping our tongues from evil (10), whether it’s cursing, complaining, or whatever else it may be.

Peter then says,

Do not fear what they fear or be intimidated, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. (14-15)

In encouraging those Christians facing persecution, Peter told them not to fear the things those around them feared, nor to fear the threats of others. Instead, they were to regard Christ as holy in their lives.

What does that mean?

Peter was quoting from Isaiah 8:12-14.

The Israelites of that time were terrified of being attacked by the Assyrian army. But God told Isaiah,

Do not fear what they fear;
do not be terrified.

You are to regard only the LORD of Armies as holy.
Only he should be feared;
only he should be held in awe.
He will be a sanctuary…(Isaiah 8:12-14)

What does it mean to honor God as holy? Fear him alone. Hold him in awe over anyone or anything else.

And if we do, he will be our sanctuary, whether we’re being attacked by people…or by the Corona virus.

We are not to fear what others fear. We are not to fear the virus. We are not to fear the financial difficulties that come from being unemployed.

Instead, we are to stand in awe of God and worship him. And he will be our sanctuary in the storm.

Does this mean that we won’t get sick? That we won’t struggle financially?

No. Some of us may go bankrupt. Some of us may even die because of the virus.

But maybe God is reminding us through all of this: “This world is not your home. You are only temporary residents here .(1 Peter 1:1)

You have a more permanent home, a more permanent inheritance awaiting you.”

That’s our hope.

And it’s the hope we are to pass on to others. If we refuse to give into anger or fear, if instead we are a blessing to those who are hurting now, people will ask why.

And should that time come, as Peter says, “be ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15).

And if you yourself are starting to lose hope, remember the basis for our hope.

For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit. (18)

Or as Bill Gaither once put it,

Because he lives I can face tomorrow.
Because he lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know he holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because he lives.

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1 Peter Devotionals

Proclaiming the praises of the one who called us

1 Peter

Yesterday, we talked about who we are in Christ. Peter expands on that even more in this chapter.

He says in verses 9-10,

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession…

Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:9-10)

As Christians, we are to reflect on these things. Reflect on the grace and mercy God has given you, but also on who has he called you to be: his people and his priests.

And as his people and priests, remember why God in his grace and mercy chose us:

…so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (9b)

We are not meant to keep our salvation to ourselves. We aren’t meant to simply say, “I’m so glad I’m a child of God.”

We live now in a world darkened by sin and all the pain that comes from it. The people around us need hope.

So as God’s people, as God’s priests, let us proclaim God’s praises to those around us that they too may come out of darkness into God’s marvelous light.

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1 Peter Devotionals

Remembering who we are

1 Peter

As we live in these troubled times, it’s important to remember who we are and what we have in Jesus Christ. That’s what Peter reminds us of in this letter.

Who are we?

1. We are “the chosen.”

Before he created this world, God already knew us with all our sins, faults, and weaknesses, and yet for reasons that are beyond our understanding, he chose us anyway.

Why in the world God would choose me to be his own? I don’t know. But by his grace, he did.

2. We are exiles.

We don’t belong to this world anymore. Our inheritance is not here.

Thank goodness for that. Think of the inheritance of this world: sin, and the pain and suffering that comes from it. Even the good that we inherit here does not last.

But now we have the hope of an eternal inheritance, an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us (4).

We have the hope of life! Because Jesus lives, we also shall live. (John 14:19)

3. We are people sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

By the blood of Jesus, the guilt of our sin has been washed away. And each day, we are being made more like Jesus (Romans 8:29).

4. We are people set apart for Jesus, and for his service. (2)

In the Old Testament, people and the objects in the tabernacle were sprinkled with blood to purify them and dedicate them to God.

In the same way, we were sprinkled with the blood of Jesus and are now dedicated to him. (Hebrews 9:19-22)

How then should we live each day?

1. Set our hope fully on the grace of God. (13)

By his grace he saves you and has given you an eternal inheritance. And by his grace he will see you through the hard times of this life.

Don’t set your hope on the government. Don’t set it on money or anything else. Set it on God.

2. Live for Jesus.

As he is holy, so be holy in everything you do (15-16). Imitate him, especially in his love for others (22).

In these troubled times, may God’s grace and peace be multiplied to you. (2)

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1 Peter Devotionals

Humility

1 Peter

All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another. (1 Peter 5:5)

Here Peter addresses specifically the relationship between leaders in the church and their sheep.

Leaders are to clothe themselves with humility to the people they are shepherding.

Why? Because leaders stand accountable to the Chief Shepherd.

And unlike the Chief Shepherd, they do not know all things, nor are they all-wise. And so they need to be willing to learn, even from the sheep.

In the same way, the members are to clothe themselves with humility to their leaders.

Why? Because they also stand accountable to the Chief Shepherd.

And because their elders have been put in their position by the Chief Shepherd. God does not do things randomly.

I will be honest: I struggle with humility. Especially when I think I’m right and the other person is wrong.

But if I do not clothe myself with humility, two things will likely happen.

  1. If I am actually wrong, I won’t be able to see it. Or if I do, I will have a hard time swallowing it because of my pride.
  2. If the other person is wrong, they’ll have a hard time seeing it because of my attitude.

Either way, we will be acting in ways displeasing to our Chief Shepherd.

So when we disagree with each other, let us strive to maintain a humble attitude. Because ultimately, we all will have to answer to our Chief Shepherd.

God resists the proud
but gives grace to the humble.,

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God… (5-6)

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1 Peter Devotionals

Saved with difficulty

1 Peter

Peter’s words in verses 17 and 18 really struck me, but particularly verse 18, where he says,

And if the righteous person is saved with difficulty, what will become of the ungodly and sinner? (1 Peter 4:18)

The ESV puts it, “…the righteous is scarcely saved…”

Have you ever considered the fact that all people who are ultimately saved are saved by the skin of their teeth? That means Billy Graham. Your pastor. You. And me.

We are not saved because of any good work we have done.

It’s not like God says to some people, “Well, we’ll add to Jesus’ work on the cross to what you have done and see where we are. Hmm…He took care of  80 percent and what you did is worth…40%. Hey, no problem! come on in.”

And it’s not like God says to others, “Well, Jesus took care of 80 percent, and you took care of 20 percent. Wow! That was close! You almost didn’t make it into my kingdom. You should have done more.”

Rather, God looks at us and says, “Let’s see, Jesus contributed 100% to your salvation and you contributed…nothing. Wow! You barely made it! Good thing Jesus took care of it all, isn’t it? Come on in to the Kingdom! Welcome!”

Of course I’m being rather facetious, but you get the picture.

We were saved only with great difficulty. But none of that difficulty was overcome by our own efforts, but by Christ’s when he died on the cross.

And that’s what we need to remember when we go through trials and suffering.

Some Christians go through trials and suffering as Peter’s audience apparently was, and they cry out, “It’s not fair! I don’t deserve this. I’m a good Christian! Look at all I’ve done for you! Why are you letting this happen to me?”

But Peter says, “No. You’re thinking is all wrong. You are only saved by God’s grace. You were barely saved, and that only because Jesus did all the work for you. He didn’t have to save you. But he did. And in so doing, he showed his faithfulness and love to you.

“So in the midst of your struggles, hold on to that truth. He is faithful. He does love you. So keep putting your trust in him, no matter what happens to you.”

Judgment, Peter says, begins with God’s household.

But his judgment on us is not a matter of punishment, but of discipline.

And the suffering we go through on earth is meant to help us see that there is more to life than this world. That true life is found in following him. (1-2).

So when we do suffer, let us not complain. Let us not cry out, “It’s not fair! I deserve better.”

Rather, let us “entrust ourselves to our faithful Creator while doing what is good.”

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1 Peter Devotionals

Called to bless

1 Peter

There are many good things in this passage, but verse 9, struck me today.

Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9, ESV)

“Bless, for to this you were called.”

We were not called to curse others. We were not called to make lives miserable for others. Even when they make life miserable for us.

We are called to bless them. Why?

Because when we were enemies of God, he blessed us with his grace.

As Paul wrote in Romans 5:8,

“…God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (ESV)

And as we follow his example, blessing those around us though they don’t deserve it, we ourselves are blessed by God.

Am I a blessing to others? To my wife? To my daughter? To my coworkers? To my pastor? To the people at church? I don’t know. I hope so. I can see many ways I still need to learn what that means.

May we all live up to that calling God has given us, and be a blessing to those around us.

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1 Peter Devotionals

What are we drinking?

1 Peter

“You are what you eat.”

Or so the saying goes.

In this case, Peter might change that to, “You are what you drink.”

I talked in my last blog about living by the gospel.

But what kind of things do we drink in every day?

Malice toward other people?

Deceit and hypocrisy, pretending to be something we’re not?

Envy of those around us?

Slander, trying to cut others down to size?

Or are we drinking in the gospel?

Peter writes,

Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that you may grow up into your salvation, if you have tasted that the Lord is good. (1 Peter 2:2-3)

You could of course interpret “word” broadly to refer to the whole Word of God.

But in 1:25, Peter specifically limits it to the gospel we have heard.

We never outgrow the gospel, no matter how “mature” a Christian we may be.

And if we aren’t drinking in the gospel daily, we eventually end up drinking in other filth.

That’s why we need to come to Jesus every day. Every day, we need to drink of his goodness, remembering all he has done for us.

What has he done for us?

He redeemed us from an empty way of life by his blood on the cross. (1:18)

He gave us new life. (1:23)

He made us his temple, his priests. (2:5)

He made us his own people. (2:9-10)

More, he has made us his own children. (1:14, 17)

When we were lost sheep, he sought after us and brought us back, dying for our sins, and healing us. (2:21-25)

Drink those things in. Meditate on them daily. Remember just how amazing all this really is.

And as these truths sink in, all the poison we have taken into until now will be cleansed out of our system.

Lord, let me never take these things for granted. I do so too often. As I daily take in the milk of the gospel, renew in me each day the joy of my salvation. Amen.

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1 Peter Devotionals

Regarding Christ as Holy

1 Peter

I was just meditating on these words today from Peter.

 …but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy. (1 Peter 3:15)

The context here is of not fearing persecution for following Christ. Peter says, “Don’t fear what other people fear or be intimated by the people around you. Rather, regard Christ as holy.”

What does that mean: to regard Christ as holy?

I think it is basically remembering who he is and to make sure he has his rightful place in your hearts.

I think about Moses and then later Joshua coming face to face with God, and both times they were told, “Take off your shoes. You are standing on holy ground.”

Why was the ground they were standing on holy? Not because it was intrinsically holy. But because of the One who occupied that ground.

The Eternal I AM. The one who always was and ever will be. The One who never changes.

The Commander of the Armies of Yahweh. The One to whom we answer to as his soldiers, as his people.

And because of who he is, we are to set him apart in hearts above all others.

Too often, I think we take him lightly.

As our “buddy upstairs,” for example.

Or as a genie who is supposed to answer our every beck and call.

But he is so much more. He is our Lord. He is our King. And the day will come when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that he is Lord to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11)

And that means us too. We too will bow before him and confess, “Jesus is Lord.”

That is something we cannot afford to forget as we live our daily lives.

He is Lord.

And he is to be honored as such in our hearts.

How about you? Do you set Jesus apart in your hearts above all others? Does he have your loyalty and allegiance?

Or do you set other things above him in your hearts?

Where is your heart today?

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1 Peter Devotionals

Resting in grace

1 Peter

Two blogs in one day. Pretty unusual, but I wrote something for my church, and I figured I might as well share it here as well.

You know it’s easy as we’re facing trials and struggles in our lives to think, “I have to get through this myself! I have to do all I can to make it through these problems.”

But it strikes me that that’s not how God wants us to live. Peter says,

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you. (I Peter 5:6-7)

Some English versions separate verses 6-7, but it’s really just one thought. In short, “Don’t think you have to solve all your problems on your own. Humble yourself. Admit that you can’t make it without God. Ask for his help. And he will lift you up because he cares for you.”

This doesn’t mean that we just “Let go and let God.” Peter calls us to resist Satan and stand firm in our faith. (8-9) But we are to do so in God’s strength, not ours.

And then Peter says,

Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little. (10)

God allows us to struggle sometimes, to suffer. But by the same grace that saves us and will bring us into his eternal kingdom, he will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support us.

So never think you have to fight through your struggles on your own. Humble yourself. Cast your cares on him. And rest in his grace.