God did not design us to be anxious or worried. In His Sermon on the Mount Jesus told the crowds, “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’….Do not worry about tomorrow.” (Matt. 6:31,34) …
Do Not Worry About Tomorrow – Matthew 6Read More »
Do Not Worry About Tomorrow – Matthew 6 Read More »
1 Peter 2:10
When describing Israel, Peter calls them a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for God’s own possession. And now, through the blood of Jesus Christ, we too are part of God’s people. And having been grafted into His family, makes us eligible for the same mercy, the same identity, and the same blessings. Once we wandered through life alone, belonging to no one, and serving our own desires. But now, like the Israelites, we belong to God. We are all one people, one nation, whose citizenship is in heaven. And as children of God, we are called by His name, and have the right to call Him, Abba, Father. (John 1:12-13) Like God did for Israel, He is doing for us, preparing a permanent home by His side. Where one day we will all, as one family, dwell with Him for eternity. We will forever be His people, and He will forever be our God.
October 17th – 1 Peter 2:10 Read More »
1 Peter 4:1
The days are growing shorter until the day of the Lord. And until that glorious day, troubles and adversities will increase not only for Christians, but the entire world. But while we wait for the return of our Savior, Peter gives us some encouragement. He urges us to share the same attitude as Jesus when it comes to suffering. The agony Christ endured to give us eternal life should bring each of us to our knees in thankfulness. And so for us to suffer in the flesh like our Lord is not just a privilege, but a testimony of our faith. Because suffering in the flesh means we have made a commitment to turn away from worldly living. To forsake the pleasures of sin and the path of self indulgence. And instead be willing to experience hardships, trials, and afflictions for the sake of Jesus. To follow the example of our Lord and suffer for the glory of God and His will to be done.
August 23rd – 1 Peter 4:1 Read More »
1 Peter 1:7
I’ve heard it said that joy and sorrow and are like day and night. Meaning we can’t appreciate the beauty of the sunrise, without ever having experienced the darkness of the sunset. And so it is with our relationship with God. As His children we love the favor and blessings He bestows on us. But the truth is, it’s usually our times of trouble that build a deeper relationship with the Lord. For if we never taste the bitterness of life, we can’t fully savor the sweetness of God’s amazing love and grace. That’s why He allows trials into our lives. Because it is the fires of life which refine our faith. God compares this process to refining gold. When first mined, gold is soft, weak, and filled with impurities. But when put in fire, all of the grime, pollution, and corruption is melted. And what is left is a beautifully precious, purified, metal, stronger than before, and shining like the sun for the world to see.
August 18th – 1 Peter 1:7 Read More »
The story of Joseph is a hard one to read. It seemed he couldn’t catch a break. Author A.W. Tozer once said, ‘It is doubtful that God ever used anybody greatly without first hurting him deeply”, and Joseph knew this firsthand. But even through his lowest of lows and highest of highs, Joseph recognized that it was the hand of God working in all things to bring about His will. …
Safe In His Hands – Genesis 50 Read More »
1 Peter 4:13
Jesus suffered greatly during His time on earth. He was ridiculed, scorned, beaten, tortured, and made to suffer a thief’s death. And as His followers, we too will face such suffering. For as Jesus tells us, “You will be hated by everyone because of My name…” (Matt. 10:28) And though no one likes hardship, Peter tells us not only to expect suffering, but to rejoice in it. For when we suffer because of our faith, we suffer for Christ as His body on earth. We rejoice knowing the privilege it is to share the suffering of our Savior who suffered so much for us. And as Paul reminds us, our momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. (2 Cor. 4:17) Jesus will soon be returning. And on that day, we can rejoice exceedingly when His glory is revealed to all!
June 15th – 1 Peter 4:13 Read More »
David’s reign over Israel was nearing its end. He was a shepherd, a warrior, a hero, a king, a psalmist, and a sinner. And through it all he never lost his faith or his desire to live for the Lord. Now in his final years, as he reflects on all that God has done for him, David writes a song of thankfulness and love for the Lord. “I call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised.” (v. 22:4) …
To Him Goes The Glory – 2 Samuel 22 Read More »
1 Peter 5:8
The more we strive to become like Jesus, the harder Satan works to hinder us. And although we know there’s nothing the Enemy can do to separate us from Jesus, we also know the havoc he wreaks if we aren’t always on guard. Like a devouring lion, Satan seeks out weaknesses, and uses them to destroy our peace, joy, and faith. That’s why we need to keep our hearts and minds guarded, and always focused on God. For there is no safer place to be than in His will and His arms. And when we place our trust in Jesus, the Enemy make bend us, but He will never break us!
March 31st – 1 Peter 5:8 Read More »