NOVEMBER 6 READING…1 PETER 1
Persecution can cause either growth or bitterness in the Christian life. Response determines the result. We cannot always choose what happens in our lives, nor can we be guaranteed that there will not be those who will stand against us…some to the place of physical opposition. But, we can determine if we are going to respond in Christ, or respond in the flesh. Life is not fair, and it is guaranteed that things will happen that we don’t like, or are very hurtful to us…we are called to be so surrendered to Christ that our response reflect Him in us. This is not easy for us, and it is not a matter of determination to do the right thing…it is found in a decision to surrender to Him, so that He is seen in us as we walk in this life. Peter reminds us that our only hope is in Jesus. He is our hope because He is the One who not only died for our sin, but He rose from the dead, overcoming our ultimate enemy…death. As we suffer trials in this life we need to keep our eyes on Jesus, and remember that our suffering builds us up in the faith and always accomplishes God’s purpose in our lives. As we walk we are called to be a holy people. The word holy speaks of someone or something that is set aside for God’s purpose. We are vessel who have been sanctified (cleaned) by the Holy Spirit…and we are called to continue to walk as clean vessel that God can use for His eternal purposes. Peter tells us as we walk as holy people in this world filled with trials, we are to walk in love. We are to love God first…and then we are to love one another.
Please share your thoughts.
TOMORROW’S READING…1 PETER 2
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