All Entries Tagged With: "grace"

1 Peter 3:18-22

We are continuing to look at 1 Peter here on God’s Daytimer. We have been looking at different verses in light of Peter’s challenge to us to live good lives. Lives that not only please God and satisfy us, but also lives that make a difference for the Kingdom of God. Today’s verse is very interesting:

1 Peter 3:18-22
18For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19through whom[d] also he went and preached to the spirits in prison 20who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge[e] of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

I believe this verse talks about Jesus (pre-incarnate), through the Holy Spirit, being with Noah before the flood. The message of how to be saved was being demonstrated all during the building of the ark and yet through all of that, ultimately only eight people were saved. I think we are to remember that Jesus, who is also with us through the Holy Spirit, wants us to continue to share with people the way of salvation, and just like in the days of Noah, the final results are on God. We are to live our lives in such a way that people can see and feel the love of God that they might also be saved. I would encourage you to keep thinking about different ways that you can “share your hope” in Jesus so that people will have an opportunity to get in the “ark” before the Lord returns.

Be blessed and kept!

1 Peter 2:16

We are looking at 1 Peter together on God’s Daytimer and reflecting on the challenges that Peter sets before us. He calls us to be holy, to walk with integrity, to use our mouths wisely, to show respect, etc. In today’s verse he ties all of these things in with freedom:

1 Peter 2:16
16Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.

Have you ever heard or asked a question like this, “Is it OK for a Christian to do (list whatever you favorite vice might be here)? I think what most people are looking for with that question is, “how much can I get away with and still be OK with God?” This verse would tell us that we are a free people that can choose to do what we want, but rather than use this freedom as a cover up for evil, we are to choose to live as servants for God. The question shouldn’t be “what can I get away with”, the question should always be, “how can I live my life to best serve God”?

That is a good question and one that we should all consider today. How can I live my life to best serve God?

Bl blessed and kept!

1 Peter 2:15

Here on God’s Daytimer we are continuing to look at 1 Peter and consider his challenge to us to live good lives. Lives that not only please God, but satisfy us and impact the world around us. Today, let’s look at 1 Peter 2:15:

1 Peter 2:15 (NIV)
15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.

People often wonder what God’s will for their life is. When I am asked that question, I generally reply that we find God’s will by “doing the next right thing”. I believe that this verse is saying the same thing. God’s will is that by doing good (living good lives, doing the next right thing) we can impact the world around us for Him. Take some time today to consider how your life is impacting the people around you.

As a follow up to yesterday’s post about integrity, I have had this thought. I want to live in such a way that I never have to worry about what might happen if somebody found out what I was doing. I think that will produce a life of integrity and freedom.

Be blessed and kept!