The Living Stone

Read 1 Peter 2:4-8

Context: This is part of our reading assignment for the week. I decided to send it in 'The Message' version for a different perspective.

Text:

4-8Welcome to the living Stone, the source of life. The workmen took one look and threw it out; God set it in the place of honor. Present yourselves as building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in which you'll serve as holy priests offering Christ-approved lives up to God. The Scriptures provide precedent:

Look! I'm setting a stone in Zion,
a cornerstone in the place of honor.
Whoever trusts in this stone as a foundation
will never have cause to regret it.
To you who trust him, he's a Stone to be proud of, but to those who refuse to trust him,

The stone the workmen threw out
is now the chief foundation stone.
For the untrusting it's
.. . a stone to trip over,
a boulder blocking the way.
They trip and fall because they refuse to obey, just as predicted. (msg)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Is there anything on earth that seems less alive than a stone? Yet the stone is given great power throughout the Bible. Jacob set up several memorials to God using large stones. With God's help, Moses caused water to flow from one. They are used as pillows, chairs, building blocks, and foundations. Stones can become weapons, protection, barriers, tools, and altars. Jesus said he could raise up children for Abraham from the stones, and he knew that they would cry out in praise if the people were silenced. And even a very large one could not hold back the resurrected body of our Lord.

In our passage, Jesus is called 'the cornerstone'.The cornerstone is a key piece in the building process -- all other rocks or bricks are lined up with it. If the cornerstone is true and square, the building will be strong. But each rock has to be lined up directly with the cornerstone, not with the stone it is placed next to, or over time the walls will no longer be straight.

Jesus is our firm foundation, our true guide in living our lives. If we line up our lives with his, his church cannot be shaken. But if we look to man to be our guide, over time we will lose our direction. If we stay true to our cornerstone, we will all become living stones, creating a church that provides protection, direction, and a weapon by which Satan will fall.

Just think, you are part of a real, live rock group!

Maturing Gracefully

NOTE: This week we are studying 1 Peter 2:1-12. Remember the four steps of the Devotional Method for Bible Study? Read this passage every day (it can be found here,
then:
1. Pray for insight on how to apply the passage
2. Meditate on the verses or passage you have decided to study
3. Write out an application – personal, practical, measurable and achievable
4. Memorize a key verse from your passage

Each day the devotion will address a concept in Peter's text. Today

Read Philippians 3:10-15

Context: Paul has been talking about his ideal background as a Jew and how it has been worthless in his new life.

Text:

10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
15All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16Only let us live up to what we have already attained. (NIV)

Taken from www.biblegateway.com

Peter and Paul both talk about the need for us to become spiritually mature. What does that really mean? Doug and I have been Christians for about 13 years, but some days I don't feel any more mature than I did early in my Christian walk. I don't seem to know lots of scripture, it takes me a long time to find specific passages about a topic, I'm not satisfied with my prayer life, and I continue to find some way to sin on a daily basis. I've talked to people in their eighties who have been Christians all of their lives, and it's discouraging to find that they feel the same way.

Yet, if I compare myself today to who I was back then, I can see that I have made significant progress. My daily habits have changed, the questions I have are very different, and I find that I rely much more on God on a daily basis.

In another text, Paul says that maturity is attaining the full measure of Christ. I know that we are not able to do that on this side of heaven. Yet that is to be our goal, and we press forward daily, trying in our feeble ways to be more like Him. And if we apply those things we have already learned while continuing to seek the prize, we will someday cross the finish line directly into the waiting arms of Jesus!

Lost Amidst the Clutter

Read 1 Peter 2:1-12

Context: This follows Peter's advice to obey the Word and to love each other deeply, from the heart.

Text:

1Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

4As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— 5you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6For in Scripture it says:
"See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame."[a] 7Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,
"The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone,[b]"[c] 8and,
"A stone that causes men to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall."[d] They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.
9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

11Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. (NIV)

Footnotes:

1 Peter 2:6 Isaiah 28:16
1 Peter 2:7 Or cornerstone
1 Peter 2:7 Psalm 118:22
1 Peter 2:8 Isaiah 8:14
taken from www.biblegateway.com

Have you ever been to an estate sale? We went to one this summer that was just amazing. I would never have believed that all that stuff could have fit into a single house. There had to be seven or eight sets of dishes alone...and all the accompanying serving dishes, flatware, glasses, etc. to literally feed an army. There was hardly any room to walk. I can't imagine where the homeowners had kept everything (and I verified that it was just from one household). The relatives who were running the sale had priced every single piece. Some items were really great deals.

To the woman who had owned all these things, each item was a treasure and she could have probably told you where it was purchased and how it had served her family. Many of her beautiful crystal serving pieces were being sold for a dollar or two. I'm sure some were worth well over $100 if you knew what you were looking for. When faced with all that stuff, the family had to guess at its worth and they priced it so little would be left at the end of the day.

Our faith is like those crystal dishes. To many who pass by it may be something to ignore, something unwanted or unneeded. But we know what Christ gave up so we could have this faith, and we understand its eternal value. Often, however, it gets lost among the daily trappings of our life. When your life is over, will others recognize the value of your faith, or will they see it as just another 'thing' that cluttered up your life?

Just Do It!

Read James 4:13-17

Context: James, the brother of Jesus (not the apostle), wrote this letter to Jewish Christians spread throughout the world. In this chapter he has been warning the readers against worldliness.

Text:
13Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." 16As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. 17Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.(NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Do you have plans for Thanksgiving dinner yet? How about the Christmas holiday -- are you going out of town, or maybe having visitors at your home? James isn't telling us not to plan for the future in this text, I think he's telling us not to wait for the future to live our lives. He goes on to say that if we know the good we should do and don't do it, we are sinning

In the 1 Peter1 passage we've been reading all week, Peter tells us that we are like grass that withers -- here today, perhaps gone tomorrow. If you look at both of these passages together, it gives us motivation to take action now on those good things that we know we should do, not wait until we feel the time is right.

So, what can you do today that will make a difference? Did you spend time reading your Bible and praying? Can you tell a co-worker who is stressed by life's difficulties where to turn for peace? How about forgiving someone for their failures? Or maybe asking for forgiveness yourself? In most cases we know what it is we should do...we just don't want do or don't think we can. Even a small step in the right direction gets us closer to our goal!

Like Mist in the Sun

Read Isaiah 44:22-44

Context: This chapter of Isaiah is a reminder to the Israelites that, no matter how they have sinned, they are God's elect and he will restore their nation.

Text:
22 I have swept away your offenses like a cloud,
your sins like the morning mist.
Return to me,
for I have redeemed you."
23 Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this;
shout aloud, O earth beneath.
Burst into song, you mountains,
you forests and all your trees,
for the LORD has redeemed Jacob,
he displays his glory in Israel.

24 "This is what the LORD says—
your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb:
I am the LORD,
who has made all things,
who alone stretched out the heavens,
who spread out the earth by myself, (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

I love to see the morning mist on a lake. I don't see it often in this part of town, but every once in a while I go on an early morning trip and I have to be careful not to drive off of the road as I 'rubberneck' every time I pass a pond or river! It's fascinating how quickly this mist will burn off when the sun hits it...it's almost magical.

In this passage, God tells us how he sweeps away or sins in the same way. If we look back at our reading in Peter, it tells us about how we are redeemed from our empty way of life not by gold, but by the blood of Jesus. The concept of a redeemer is pretty vague for us these days, but in Jesus' time it was a relatively common concept. If someone was in difficulty, danger, or bondage, they could be delivered from it by the payment of a ransom price. A redeemer could buy back property or enslaved people, he paid the Temple to receive back dedicated property and firstborn livestock, and he could even take the life of one who had murdered a relative as a 'blood price'.

Usually the redeemer was the family protector -- the father. One who was always there for you and to whom you could turn in times of trouble. God places himself in this position for the whole family of Israel -- and for the Gentiles. God is called "Our Redeemer" in the Bible 18 times. As Peter says, gold and silver will not redeem us from sin -- that required a blood sacrifice. Jesus has fulfilled that role.

Just like the mist on a pond, Christ swept open his arms and redeemed us from death. It's amazing how quickly our sins 'burned off' when the Son rose!

Hope

Read Psalm 33:16-22

Context: This is a psalm of praise.

Text:
16 No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.
17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.
18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

19 to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.

20 We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.

21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.

22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.(NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Do you remember and hoping for something special as a child ? That sense of excitement on Christmas Eve as you hoped you could stay awake to see Santa and you knew he would bring something special? I like the Disney commercial where the little boy is going to Disney World the next day and he's 'too excited to sleep' (as is his dad).

That is the kind of hope God wants us to have. He wants us to know without a doubt that Heaven is a fabulous place, to hope that all of our expectations will be fulfilled. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 1:13 that we should 'set our hope fully on the grace to be given us when Jesus Christ is revealed.' Can you imagine -- standing before God, knowing that you are a sinner, and knowing that Jesus will step between you and God so that you can enter those pearly gates? This isn't the 'I hope it won't rain' kind of hope...it is a hope worth betting your life on. Peter did!

Meditate?

Read Joshua 8:6-9

Context: Moses has just died and God is telling Joshua what he needs to do to bring the Israelites into the promised land. In this passage, God is speaking.

Text:

5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

After we pray for inspiration, the second step in the Devotional Method of Bible study is to read and meditate on the passage. I don't know about you, but the first picture I get in my mind when I think about meditation is someone sitting cross-legged on the floor, with their hands up by their shoulders making 'ok' signs. Their eyes are closed and they continually say some unintelligible word over and over. There is incense in the background.

I found it interesting that God actually commanded Joshua to meditate. Since incense was to be used only at the altar of God, I don't think this is the same type of meditation that I think of.

The Hebrew word that was originally used in the text is 'hagah', which means (among other things) "to utter, to mutter, to imagine, to speak". God has asked Joshua to continually speak the words written in the law, to think on it, and to follow it. He was to use the word of God as a standard by which to plan, to act, and to rule the Israelite nation.

How can we apply that today? I think that sometimes it is too easy to turn to God's word in print. Because I know that I always have a Bible nearby, I don't really hide the word in my heart or memorize any passages because I know I could always look it up if I needed it. I don't think that's what God had in mind. He wants us to know his word SO well that we can make our plans and act based on what we already know.

Today, find a short phrase or even a word in the passage we are reading daily (1 Peter 1:13-25 -- you can find it here) and use it as your guide. The first verse in our reading has several we could use:

- prepare your mind for action

- be self-controlled (hmmm...don't know that I want to pick THAT one!)

- set your hope fully on God's grace

Use it as a basis of your actions for the day. Let me know how it works!

Sprinkled by the Blood

As we continue our study of 1 Peter, let's look at some of the texts that may help explain what we read. Today, read Leviticus 5:1-10.

Context: This is a continuation of the rules for the Israelites about what to do if they sin (starts at the beginning of chapter 4)

Text:
1 " 'If a person sins because he does not speak up when he hears a public charge to testify regarding something he has seen or learned about, he will be held responsible.

2 " 'Or if a person touches anything ceremonially unclean—whether the carcasses of unclean wild animals or of unclean livestock or of unclean creatures that move along the ground—even though he is unaware of it, he has become unclean and is guilty.

3 " 'Or if he touches human uncleanness—anything that would make him unclean—even though he is unaware of it, when he learns of it he will be guilty.

4 " 'Or if a person thoughtlessly takes an oath to do anything, whether good or evil—in any matter one might carelessly swear about—even though he is unaware of it, in any case when he learns of it he will be guilty.

5 " 'When anyone is guilty in any of these ways, he must confess in what way he has sinned 6 and, as a penalty for the sin he has committed, he must bring to the LORD a female lamb or goat from the flock as a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for him for his sin.

7 " 'If he cannot afford a lamb, he is to bring two doves or two young pigeons to the LORD as a penalty for his sin—one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering. 8 He is to bring them to the priest, who shall first offer the one for the sin offering. He is to wring its head from its neck, not severing it completely, 9 and is to sprinkle some of the blood of the sin offering against the side of the altar; the rest of the blood must be drained out at the base of the altar. It is a sin offering. 10 The priest shall then offer the other as a burnt offering in the prescribed way and make atonement for him for the sin he has committed, and he will be forgiven. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

In 1 Peter 1:2, Peter says that his readers have been "chosen according tot he foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood." If you read through Leviticus 4-16 (not highly recommended if you are tired!), you will find many references to the required offerings if one has sinned. In almost all cases (unless you are too poor to own an animal), you must sprinkle the blood of a bull, lamb, goat, dove, or pigeon on the altar in order to receive atonement.

At the time Peter wrote these words, most likely every one of his Jewish readers had taken an animal or bird to be slain for his or her sin. After all, the list of sins was long and complicated...and it included unintentional sin. Many times the sacrifice required that the sinner watch the priest dip his or her fingers in the blood, getting them wet enough to sprinkle the blood onto the altar. The animal was actually taking the place of the sinner, who deserved death for the sin. But once this was done, the sin was considered gone.

As we know, Jesus' death on the cross took the place of these sacrifices, but Peter wants to remind us that He has taken our place. Let's rejoice in this fact as much as all the lambs, bulls, goats, and birds!

Showing God's Love

Read 1 Peter 1:22-25

Context: continuation from yesterday, where Peter talked about us being strangers to this world and how Jesus was chosen to be a sacrifice for us before the creation of the world.

Text:
22Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.[a] 23For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24For,
"All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
25but the word of the Lord stands forever."[b] And this is the word that was preached to you. (NIV)
Footnotes:

1 Peter 1:22 Some early manuscripts from a pure heart
1 Peter 1:25 Isaiah 40:6-8
taken from www.biblegateway.com

Do you ever show your love for others by sharing God's word? Not in a way that shows you have great knowledge of the scriptures, but by helping them find a passage that might address their needs at the moment.

When we first became Christians, a loving friend gave us a book that divided some key scriptures into categories. If we were trying to understand God's perspective on money, for example, we went to that category to find passages about that topic. This was very helpful because we could get answers to questions that we might have been afraid to ask those who seemed to have it all together in Christ.

Very few of us will be remembered three generations from now, but if we point others to the word of God, it's power will be felt for many generations!

So, have you read 1 Peter 1 each day? A quick pop-quiz:

1. To whom did Peter write?

2. What was his key message?

3. Why do we suffer grief?

4. How are we to live?

5. Recite your memory verse...

Give yourself a big star -- red if you at least read all of the daily devotions for the week, blue if you read 1 Peter 1 more than three times, and gold if you got all the questions correct!

Study Tools

Read 1 Peter 1:17-21

Context: Continuation from yesterday. Today we'll read it in The Message version.

Text:
17You call out to God for help and he helps—he's a good Father that way. But don't forget, he's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living.
18-21Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ's sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It's because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God. (Msg)


taken from www.biblegateway.com

As you read 1 Peter 1 each day, are you finding it easy to skip over the text because it is becoming familiar? It helps if you can read in different versions of the Bible. Not only are the words fresh and new, sometimes a new perspective will make the message more clear.

What tools do you use for Bible study? I like www.biblegateway.com because it is simple to use and you can look up either a key word or a passage quickly. Once the text is visible, it is really easy to flip between versions of the Bible to see which makes the most sense to you.

Another tool I like is www.lifeway.com Yes, this is the official site for Lifeway Christian stores, but if you look at the far right hand column there is a link called 'Online Bible'. When you click that there are a few versions of the Bible to read, including one with 'Strongs', which gives you translations of the original words used. There are also commentaries, dictionaries, devotions, and other tools to help you better understand what you read.

Do you have any favorite Bible study sites? Send them to me and I'll send a list out to everyone. Please let me know what you like about the site.

Holiness

Read 1 Peter 1:13-16

Context: Continuation from yesterday

Text:
13Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."[a] (NIV)

Footnotes:

1 Peter 1:16 Lev. 11:44,45; 19:2; 20:7
taken from www.biblegateway.com

God is holy -- in fact he's the definition of holy. And he's told us four times that we, too, should be holy like he is (well, now it's five since Peter brought it up again). Isn't our lack of holiness and righteousness the very thing that makes it impossible for us to be close to God on our own?

The original Greek word Peter used here doesn't help us much -- it is 'hagios', and it means 'most holy thing, a saint.' When you look at the words that are synonyms, Strong's Greek reference has this to say:

"means sacred, implying some special relation to God, so
that it may not be violated. It refers, however, to formal relation
rather than to character. It designates an external relation, which
ordinarily is not an internal relation as well. It is used to describe
persons or things."

It goes on to say that the word didn't necessarily have moral implications, but that it isn't used often in the New Testament because it doesn't express the full intent of the concepts Jesus taught.

So, while God DOES want us to live holy lives (in today's definition), it seems to me that Peter is really telling us that we are to have a relationship with God that is so strong it cannot be broken. And, by being that close to God, we will be more able to focus on His desires and to be self-controlled, obedient.

What will you do today to improve your relationship with God?

Figuring It Out

This week, Steve has asked us to read ALL of 1 Peter 1 each day to see what we can learn. I'll continue with the short snippets, but you can go to www.biblegateway.com to read the whole text each day when you get a chance. Even better -- use your Bible and underline the key portions of the chapter! As you read, follow these four steps to get the most out of your time:

1. Pray for insight on how to apply the passage
2. Meditate on the verses or passage you have decided to study
3. Write out an application – personal, practical, measurable and achievable
4. Memorize a key verse from your passage

Today, we'll look at 1 Peter 1:10-12

Text:
10Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Yesterday was a long time ago...do you remember 'what' salvation Peter is talking about and when it will be revealed?

If Peter's writing style is confusing to you, think back to 9th grade English (I know, for some of us that is a LONG time ago!). Let's look at the first sentence. We know it refers to salvation. Answer these questions whenever you get confused. We'll do the first one together:

Who? The prophets (who spoke of grace)
Did what? searched (intently and with the greatest care)
Why? to find out the time and circumstances of Christ's sufferings and the glory to follow.

There are lots more words in the sentence that give additional details, but whenever I get lost, I go back to the 'who, what, why' questions, and it helps me understand it better. If you ask God to make the words clear and read over the entire chapter each day, you'll be amazed at what you find!

So, have you found a verse to memorize yet?

Praise Be To God!

We have started into our new study on the writings of Peter. This week we will work our way through 1 Peter 1. I missed class yesterday so I don't have the specific Bible study tools that you have been asked to use; Steve will send those to me today. While I may add some of my thoughts, the daily messages on Peter will include the questions and tools you need to investigate the passage yourself!

Read: 1 Peter 1:1-9

Context: There is little doubt that this letter is officially from Peter, however it is believed that someone else, maybe Silas, actually wrote the words. The experts believe that the text is more polished than a fisherman would be capable of writing.

Text:
1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood:
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Peter can write long, confusing sentences, so we have to pay close attention. I wonder if his writing style is the same as his speaking style? Just imagine -- at this point in his life he is probably close to 80 years old. He's lived a hard life as a fisherman and missionary, but I bet he's still full of fire and brimstone. As he gets older, he is probably more adamant that the people around him listen to and believe the message of Jesus.

So, look at the passage again and answer these questions:

1. To whom is the letter being written?

2. What has God given us in his great mercy?

3. Why do we suffer trials?

4. Why can we be filled with joy?

Surely Not I

Read John 13:18-25

Context: The disciples are gathered in the upper room for the Passover meal -- no one but Jesus realizes this will be the last one they will celebrate together. Jesus has just finished washing their feet and he's predicting his own death.

Text:
18"I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: 'He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.'[a]
19"I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He. 20I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me."

21After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, "I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me."

22His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. 23One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. 24Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, "Ask him which one he means."

25Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, "Lord, who is it?" (NIV)

Footnotes:

John 13:18 Psalm 41:9

taken from www.biblegateway.com

It looks like Peter is being a little shy again. Only this time he has a pretty good reason. He has just made a fool of himself by refusing to let Jesus wash his feet. Honestly, I think he's afraid of the answer that Jesus might give. He's said or done the wrong thing so many times that I think he might be fearful that HE would be the one to betray Jesus, even though he wouldn't plan such a thing. I can only imagine the huge sigh of relief he feels when Jesus reveals that Judas will be the betrayer.

In fact, Peter's fears are justified. Just moments later, Jesus correctly predicts that Peter will deny him three times yet that night.

Despite the best of our intentions, we will let God down. Somehow he still loves us. Amazing, isn't it?

I'm Gonna Teeyeellllll

Read Matthew 18:21-35

Context: Jesus has just paid the temple tax with a drachma coin found in the mouth of a fish. His disciples then came to him and asked who was the greatest in heaven. He talked about how we must become like a little child and told the parable of the lost sheep.

Text:
21At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, "Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?"
22Jesus replied, "Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven.

23-25"The kingdom of God is like a king who decided to square accounts with his servants. As he got under way, one servant was brought before him who had run up a debt of a hundred thousand dollars. He couldn't pay up, so the king ordered the man, along with his wife, children, and goods, to be auctioned off at the slave market.

26-27"The poor wretch threw himself at the king's feet and begged, 'Give me a chance and I'll pay it all back.' Touched by his plea, the king let him off, erasing the debt.

28"The servant was no sooner out of the room when he came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him ten dollars. He seized him by the throat and demanded, 'Pay up. Now!'

29-31"The poor wretch threw himself down and begged, 'Give me a chance and I'll pay it all back.' But he wouldn't do it. He had him arrested and put in jail until the debt was paid. When the other servants saw this going on, they were outraged and brought a detailed report to the king.

32-35"The king summoned the man and said, 'You evil servant! I forgave your entire debt when you begged me for mercy. Shouldn't you be compelled to be merciful to your fellow servant who asked for mercy?' The king was furious and put the screws to the man until he paid back his entire debt. And that's exactly what my Father in heaven is going to do to each one of you who doesn't forgive unconditionally anyone who asks for mercy." (The Message)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

I took today's verses from The Message version because we are so familiar with it. The parable Jesus gives is memorable and important for us to know if we want to receive the forgiveness he has to offer. But the reason I like this passage isn't because of the parable, it's because of Peter's question that started the whole thing.

Did you catch the first few words? "Peter got up the nerve to ask"? Since when has he been shy? I can imagine all the disciples sitting in a clump at Jesus' feet. Andrew and Peter are on opposite sides, glaring at each other. Obviously Andrew did something to Peter the night before and Peter has had it. It was probably the eighth time Andrew has done this thing, and Peter is hoping he can get retribution this time. He hints at the wrong in an attempt to tattle publicly, hoping that Jesus will take the bait and ask what the offense was. What a classic example of acting like a little child -- it's obvious they are both destined to be great in heaven!

Of course, Jesus knows better and he changes the subject toward the forgiveness, not the dirty deed. I can just imagine Andrew sitting there with his arms crossed, a smug look on his face while Peter pouts at the answer, can't you?

What's In A Name?

Read John 1:35-42

Context: John the Baptist was in Bethany (2 miles east of Jerusalem) baptizing people in the Jordan River. Jesus has already been baptized, and John testified to his followers that he had seen the Spirit of God descend upon Jesus after he was baptized.

Text:
35The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"
37When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, "What do you want?"
They said, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?"

39"Come," he replied, "and you will see."
So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.

40Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). 42And he brought him to Jesus.
Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter). (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

This passage raises lots of questions for me. Andrew and Simon lived in Bethsaida at this point in their lives, 75 miles away from Bethany. Why were they there? Were they both followers of John the Baptist (this passage indicates Andrew probably was). Were they on their way to Jerusalem for a religious holiday, or were they getting supplies for their fishing business?

Simon was renamed the very first time Jesus laid eyes on him! We know that as we get to know Simon more, he was impulsive and unstable – not whom I would expect to become a leader of the early Church. Yet Jesus didn’t see Simon as the world saw him – he knew what Simon would become – a rock, a pillar of strength for all believers to follow. I wonder if Simon (and his brother) thought this new name was a joke – sort of like calling a man who is bald “Curly” or a huge line backer “Tiny”?

Jesus sees us as we will be, not as we are. If he met you today in the street, what do you think Jesus would name you?

Good Morning

Read Lamentations 3:17-26

Context: A lament is a demonstration of deep sorrow. This book was written after the Israelites were taken captive by the Babylonians and their cities were destroyed. It is believed that the prophet Jeremiah wrote this book. The laments in this book were read regularly at the wailing wall many centuries after it was written, and they are still used in Catholic services during the last three days of Holy Week. Despite the horrors they were going through, the Israelites knew that God is good.

Text:
17 I have been deprived of peace;
I have forgotten what prosperity is.
18 So I say, "My splendor is gone
and all that I had hoped from the LORD."
19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

I'm a morning person. While I really hate the initial act of getting out of bed, I love to sit and watch the morning arrive. No matter how bad yesterday might have been, I put a lot of hope in the fact that this is a fresh, new day. God has given me another chance to 'get it right.' Now I know that I won't, but the glory of the morning makes me want to try! I love the colors of the sunrise and the subtle ways the light changes second to second. I like to see the dew sparkle in the sun and to feel that coolness in the air. It seems like a good time to be still and know that He is God, before the craziness of the day takes away my focus.

I hope that you have a great day and that God showers you with blessings.

Work the Plan

We're going to do something a little different today. Here are three verses taken from the New Century Version for you to read:

Jeremiah 1:5a "Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you.
Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work.

Jeremiah 29:11-12 11 I say this because I know what I am planning for you," says the Lord. "I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

Luke 10:20b "rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

I am not a Bible scholar by any means, but the way these three verses flow together gives me great hope and comfort. God chose each of us for a special work long before we were born. Despite what hardships or problems we have, all of them fit into his plan for our lives...and he promises the plan is for good! And, he's already written our names in heaven...I like to imagine that the names are on the doors of the rooms he's prepared for us...just like movie stars. Not for our glory, but to show the wonders of his creation...us.

Do you know the job that God has asked you to do? The fact that you are here means that he has a special job that only you can do. You may not get a letter in the mail telling you what your earthly responsibilities are, but if you watch carefully you will see opportunities to serve him everywhere you turn. Only when we get to heaven will we understand the impact of all these little actions.

When you pray today, report for duty and ask God to reveal the job he has for you today. Then go out and act on whatever opportunities present themselves!

When God Makes Promises

Read Hebrews 6:13-20

Context: In this chapter Paul is taking the Hebrews beyond the basics to learn how to be spiritually mature.

Text:
13 God made a promise to Abraham. And as there is no one greater than God, he used himself when he swore to Abraham,14 saying, "I will surely bless you and give you many descendants."[a]15 Abraham waited patiently for this to happen, and he received what God promised.
16 People always use the name of someone greater than themselves when they swear. The oath proves that what they say is true, and this ends all arguing.17 God wanted to prove that his promise was true to those who would get what he promised. And he wanted them to understand clearly that his purposes never change, so he made an oath.18 These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when he makes a promise, and he cannot lie when he makes an oath. These things encourage us who came to God for safety. They give us strength to hold on to the hope we have been given.19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and strong. It enters behind the curtain in the Most Holy Place in heaven, 20 where Jesus has gone ahead of us and for us. He has become the high priest forever, a priest like Melchizedek.[b] (NCV)

Footnotes:

Hebrews 6:14 "I . . . descendants." Quotation from Genesis 22:17.
Hebrews 6:20 Melchizedek A priest and king who lived in the time of Abraham. (Read Genesis 14:17–24.)
taken from www.biblegateway.com

So what is the difference between a promise and an oath? According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, an oath is "a solemn usually formal calling upon God ...to witness to the truth of what one says or to witness that one sincerely intends to do what one says."

A promise, on the other hand, is "a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified." The definition goes on to state that many promises can be upheld by the law (wow...I'm glad my kids don't know that).

I try not to promise things that I won't do, but sometimes it happens. This summer I promised that I would take the boys to Six Flags at least once...after all they had worked hard for their free tickets. I'm not sure where the summer went, but August came around, school started, and their tickets expired. While I feel (yet again) like a scum mom, they are slowly forgetting about it as they focus on upcoming holidays.

But when God makes a promise, he is obligated to fulfill it. When he goes further and makes an oath, represented by something tangible, it's almost like a double dare promise. Either way, when God says he'll do it, we can be sure it will happen. And think of what he's promised us! That he is watching out for our best interests, that he has plans for our future, and that he is preparing a place for us in heaven. These are promises that we can trust.

Hey...God does all things in his own time, right? Maybe I can use that line with the boys and take them to Six Flags next year!

God's Perfection

Read Philippians 3:17-21

Context: Paul has been talking about how all his earthly accomplishments are rubbish compared to the greatness of following Christ. He mentioned how he is pressing forward toward the goal of Heaven.

Text:
17Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. 18For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Americans have serious problems with body image. Our society tells us that women should be tall and thin in most places, and men should be tall and broad-shouldered with 6-pack abs. Both must be wrinkle free, with no gray hair. Some people meet these standards for a year or two, but most never will. Billions of dollars are spent each year on diets, exercise clubs, makeup, plastic surgery, and haircolor so that we can pretend that we meet these unreal standards. Millions more are spent on camoflaging clothing so we can hide what we think isn't perfect.

God promises that one day we will all have perfect bodies -- bodies exactly like his! No more painful procedures, no more starvation diets, no more sweaty exercises. We don't have a clue what 'perfect' means to God, but I bet it doesn't involve size 6 clothing! In the blink of an eye our imperfect bodies will be transformed into all we were created to be.

I think I'll celebrate this truth with a donut :o)

Anticipation

Read Romans 8:19-21

Context: Paul has just finished talking about how we have an obligation to live by the Spirit. If we do, we are counted as sons of God "that we may share in his glory."

Text:
19 Everything God made is waiting with excitement for God to show his children's glory completely.20 Everything God made was changed to become useless, not by its own wish but because God wanted it and because all along there was this hope:21 that everything God made would be set free from ruin to have the freedom and glory that belong to God's children. (NCV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

What are the things that you have waited excitedly for? Christmas morning, the first lost tooth, a driver's license, high school graduation, the birth of a child, a dream vacation, retirement? We look forward, planning our activities, saving up our money, dreaming about what it will be like.

Do you ever dream of Christ's return? How one day, without any warning, we will look up from our desks, out the window of our car, or through the kitchen window as we do the dishes to see the sky split open as Christ returns? The Bible tells us that all will see his glorious return, and that at that time every knee will bow. We'll be taken to Heaven for an eternity of praise and celebration.

It could happen today...it could happen next year. At that time all the things we think are important today will fall away and become trivial. Are you excited? Are you ready?

My Own Room

Read John 14:1-3

Context: Jesus and his apostles are feasting at his final Passover supper. He has washed their feet, he's predicted his betrayal, and Judas just left to set an eternal plan into motion. Peter has agreed to follow Jesus anywhere, even to death, but Jesus just shook his head and sadly told Peter than even that night Peter would turn away. Yet he has words of hope...

Text:
1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[a]; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (NIV)

Footnotes:

John 14:1 Or You trust in God
taken from www.Biblegateway.com

Have you ever gone to visit someone and been treated like a king when you got there? Maybe you were coming home from college for the first time, or perhaps you were visiting a friend or relative that you haven't seen for a long time. Several years ago I visited a friend from college. She had just given birth to a baby girl, and I was pregnant...she was going to teach me how to take care of babies (ok, it was more than several years ago...my first child is now 21...).

When I arrived she showed me to the guest room. There were pretty towels available for me to use, she'd put out a plate of cookies and container of water on the bedside table, and there were even several new magazines for me to read. She'd filled her refrigerator with things that she knew I liked, and she pampered me all weekend. I obviously still remember how special she made me feel.

If a worldly friend can make us feel special, how much more will Jesus make our entrance to Heaven special? He's been preparing our rooms for 2000 years. The rooms in God's mansion will be filled with wonderful things that we can't even imagine...things we didn't even know about that are perfect for us. I bet there will even be amazing chocolates on the pillow!

I'm glad I've already made my reservation.