Showing posts with label 1 Peter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1 Peter. Show all posts

Monday, November 26, 2012

November 26

Today's Reading
Daniel. Isaiah 43:2 had prophesied, "When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and the flames will not harm you." The fires that you and I face may be of a different nature than those in today's reading, but God wants to be just as present with us as He was with them. Notice that the only thing burned were the ropes that bound them.
1 Peter"The end of the world is coming soon." From a Biblical viewpoint, we have been in the "last days" since the ascension of Christ. He spoke then about His "soon" return and two millennia is the blink of an eye in the context of eternity. Do you believe it could be in our lifetime? I see increasing signs that it might be very soon indeed.
Psalms. Contrary to what some may think, "89 Your eternal word, O Lord,
stands firm in heaven,"
 isn't talking about the King James Version of the Bible. Truth is what God says. He has given us enough of it in the Scriptures to seek Him, find Him and know Him. Our pages couldn't begin to contain all He has to say, though.
Proverbs. O God, please give us rulers with humble hearts and understanding.
What do you notice today?

Sunday, November 25, 2012

November 25

Today's Reading

Daniel. If your awareness of this prophet is limited to his night in the lion's den, you are in for a treasure of experiences. Daniel was used as God's prophet, primarily to the pagan people where he was held captive. He was the adviser to great kings. He saw great kingdoms rise and fall. And his understanding of the stars as well as God's stated plans traveled down hundreds of years to an order of astronomers -- called Magi -- who followed a star to Bethlehem.

Nebuchadnezzar was powerful, egotistical, maniacal and brilliant. He was one of the most powerful kings in all of history. A raise of the eyebrows or movement of a finger could order the slaughter or thousands with no repercussions to him. But remember this: God is in charge of kings! "The king's heart is like channels of water in the hands of God; he moves it whichever way He wishes." (Proverbs 21:1) Also, God always has His representatives near seats of power. I wonder who the Daniels are in this day.

1 Peter. "And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way." With the deepest respect for those who do it, I believe that the "in your face, turn or burn" style of evangelism isn't very effective today. At least not among the people where I minister.

Psalms"71 My suffering was good for me,
for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees."
 Once again, we are treated to an Old Testament confirmation of some we read in the New Testament today. Didn't notice? Take a quick look at 1 Peter again.

Proverbs. It is far better to be doubtful and careful than confident and sinful.

What are your thoughts?

Saturday, November 24, 2012

November 24

Today's Reading
Ezekiel. It would be hard to write about all the beauty and joy I see in these last two chapters of this prophecy. For one thing, notice that the river flows from the Throne of the Lord. It doesn't get shallower, but deeper as it works its way down the mountain. God's love and power are like that. He pours them out on us and they keep getting deeper. Jesus called it "rivers of living water." Notice, too, that the trees are bearing fruit all the time. No seasons of darkness when the leaves fall off and the fruit is but a memory. Then notice that the name of the city is Yahweh Shammah -- the Lord is there! Whoa!
1 Peter"16 For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil." It only our nation would do this. If only the Christians would do this. Our national freedoms have been earned by the blood of men and women who put their lives on the line. Our Christian freedom was earned by the blood of Jesus. In both cases, we are belittling the price that was paid when we live on with pride, greed, immorality, disrespect of authority, etc.
Psalms"59 I pondered the direction of my life,
and I turned to follow your laws."
 This is the Biblical definition of repentance.
Proverbs. "13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper,
but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy." this is the Biblical result of repentance or unrepentance.
What is touching your heart today?

Friday, November 23, 2012

November 23

Today's Reading

Ezekiel. When Christ returns, how will these Jewish traditions of worship fit into the overall plan for the Kingdom? I'm not sure, but I am sure that Jesus was a Jew and this all has significance. 

1 Peter. When God opened the door for us to buy the property where we are located, we sought out a suitable name that reflect our desire that all people feel welcome there. Our location on the edge of the mesa -- about the closest thing the city of Yuma has to a "ridge" -- we considered names that included the word. One day a church leader came in with these verses: "4 You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor.
5 And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple."
 She asked, "How about Stone Ridge Church?" Other factors played into the decision, but these verses are the foundation of our name, just as Christ Himself is the cornerstone of the church.

Psalms"45  I will walk in freedom,
for I have devoted myself to your commandments."
 The sinner desires the "freedom" of life outside of God's commands, which is truly a life of bondage. Only God's commands bring us to the place of true freedom and joy -- life with no regrets.

Proverbs. Discernment: it's one of God's greatest navigational gifts as we travel the journeys of this life.

What are your insights today?

Thursday, November 22, 2012

November 22

Today's Reading

Ezekiel continued to describe the Temple and the sacred land that would be part of the coming kingdom.

1 Peter was written, as it states, to a group of Jewish believers in what is now northern Turkey. They had been dispersed there because of persecution in their homeland. However, the persecution in this new region was similarly overwhelming. Peter wrote them a letter to encourage them during their trials and to remind them of the provision of God, as well as of the reward that awaited them.

Psalms"I lie in the dust;
revive me by your word."
 I find it tempting to try reviving myself with entertainment, work, friends, etc. This verse really speaks to me today.

Proverbs. God seems to delight in being generous to the generous.

What have you noticed today?

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

December 20, Day 354

Today's Reading



1 Peter is a letter of warning and encouragement. Peter understood that people would be tempted to walk away from the faith and back to their old lives. He also acknowledged the persecution that was happening to God's people everywhere and encouraged them to stay the course.

For instance, So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, "You must be holy because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:13-16 NLT) I have a friend who has gone back to the old way of living. My heart breaks as I read these verses.

Friday, November 26, 2010

November 26

Today's Reading

Daniel. Isaiah 43:2 had prophesied, "When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and the flames will not harm you." The fires that you and I face may be of a different nature than those in today's reading, but God wants to be just as present with us as He was with them. Notice that the only thing burned were the ropes that bound them.

1 Peter"The end of the world is coming soon." From a Biblical viewpoint, we have been in the "last days" since the ascension of Christ. He spoke then about His "soon" return and two millennia is the blink of an eye in the context of eternity. Do you believe it could be in our lifetime? I see increasing signs that it might be very soon indeed.

Psalms. Contrary to what some may think, "89 Your eternal word, O Lord,
stands firm in heaven,"
isn't talking about the King James Version of the Bible. Truth is what God says. He has given us enough of it in the Scriptures to seek Him, find Him and know Him. Our pages couldn't begin to contain all He has to say, though.

Proverbs. O God, please give us rulers with humble hearts and understanding.

What do you notice today?

Thursday, November 25, 2010

November 25

Today's Reading

Daniel. If your awareness of this prophet is limited to his night in the lion's den, you are in for a treasure of experiences. Daniel was used as God's prophet, primarily to the pagan people where he was held captive. He was the adviser to great kings. He saw great kingdoms rise and fall. And his understanding of the stars as well as God's stated plans traveled down hundreds of years to an order of astronomers -- called Magi -- who followed a star to Bethlehem.

Nebuchadnezzar was powerful, egotistical, maniacal and brilliant. He was one of the most powerful kings in all of history. A raise of the eyebrows or movement of a finger could order the slaughter or thousands with no repercussions to him. But remember this: God is in charge of kings! "The king's heart is like channels of water in the hands of God; he moves it whichever way He wishes." (Proverbs 21:1) Also, God always has His representatives near seats of power. I wonder who the Daniels are in this day.

1 Peter. "And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way." With the deepest respect for those who do it, I believe that the "in your face, turn or burn" style of evangelism isn't very effective today. At least not among the people where I minister.

Psalms"71 My suffering was good for me,
for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees."
Once again, we are treated to an Old Testament confirmation of some we read in the New Testament today. Didn't notice? Take a quick look at 1 Peter again.

Proverbs. It is far better to be doubtful and careful than confident and sinful. 

What are your thoughts?

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

November 24

Today's Reading

Ezekiel. It would be hard to write about all the beauty and joy I see in these last two chapters of this prophecy. For one thing, notice that the river flows from the Throne of the Lord. It doesn't get shallower, but deeper as it works its way down the mountain. God's love and power are like that. He pours them out on us and they keep getting deeper. Jesus called it "rivers of living water." Notice, too, that the trees are bearing fruit all the time. No seasons of darkness when the leaves fall off and the fruit is but a memory. Then notice that the name of the city is Yahweh Shammah -- the Lord is there! Whoa!

1 Peter"16 For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil." It only our nation would do this. If only the Christians would do this. Our national freedoms have been earned by the blood of men and women who put their lives on the line. Our Christian freedom was earned by the blood of Jesus. In both cases, we are belittling the price that was paid when we live on with pride, greed, immorality, disrespect of authority, etc.

Psalms"59 I pondered the direction of my life,
and I turned to follow your laws."
This is the Biblical definition of repentance. 

Proverbs. "13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper,
but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy." this is the Biblical result of repentance or unrepentance.

What is touching your heart today?

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

November 23

Today's Reading

Ezekiel. When Christ returns, how will these Jewish traditions of worship fit into the overall plan for the Kingdom? I'm not sure, but I am sure that Jesus was a Jew and this all has significance. 

1 Peter. When God opened the door for us to buy the property where we are located, we sought out a suitable name that reflect our desire that all people feel welcome there. Our location on the edge of the mesa -- about the closest thing the city of Yuma has to a "ridge" -- we considered names that included the word. One day a church leader came in with these verses: "4 You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor.
5 And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple."
She asked, "How about Stone Ridge Church?" Other factors played into the decision, but these verses are the foundation of our name, just as Christ Himself is the cornerstone of the church.

Psalms"45  I will walk in freedom,
for I have devoted myself to your commandments."
The sinner desires the "freedom" of life outside of God's commands, which is truly a life of bondage. Only God's commands bring us to the place of true freedom and joy -- life with no regrets.

Proverbs. Discernment: it's one of God's greatest navigational gifts as we travel the journeys of this life.

What are your insights today?

Monday, November 22, 2010

November 22

Today's Reading

Ezekiel continued to describe the Temple and the sacred land that would be part of the coming kingdom.

1 Peter was written, as it states, to a group of Jewish believers in what is now northern Turkey. They had been dispersed there because of persecution in their homeland. However, the persecution in this new region was similarly overwhelming. Peter wrote them a letter to encourage them during their trials and to remind them of the provision of God, as well as of the reward that awaited them.

Psalms"I lie in the dust;
revive me by your word."
I find it tempting to try reviving myself with entertainment, work, friends, etc. This verse really speaks to me today.

Proverbs. God seems to delight in being generous to the generous.

What have you noticed today?

Thursday, November 26, 2009

November 26

Today's Reading

Daniel. Isaiah 43:2 had prophesied, "When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and the flames will not harm you." The fires you you and I face may be of a different nature than those in today's reading, but God wants to be just as present with us as He was with them. Notice that the only thing burned were the ropes that bound them.

1 Peter. "The end of the world is coming soon." From a Biblical viewpoint, we have been in the "last days" since the ascension of Christ. He spoke then about His "soon" return and two millennia is the blink of an eye in the context of eternity. Do you believe it could be in our lifetime? I see increasing signs that it might be very soon indeed.

Psalms. Contrary to what some may think, "89 Your eternal word, O Lord,
stands firm in heaven,"
isn't talking about the King James Version of the Bible. Truth is what God says. He has given us enough of it in the Scriptures to seek Him, find Him and know Him. Our pages couldn't begin to contain all He has to say, though.

Proverbs. O God, please give us rulers with humble hearts and understanding.

What do you notice today?

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

November 25

Today's Reading

Daniel. If your awareness of this prophet is limited to his night in the lion's den, you are in for a treasure of experiences. Daniel was used as God's prophet, primarily to the pagan people where he was held captive. He was the adviser to great kings. He saw great kingdoms rise and fall. And his understanding of the stars as well as God's stated plans traveled down hundreds of years to an order of astronomers -- called Magi -- who followed a star to Bethlehem.

Nebuchadnezzar was powerful, egotistical, maniacal and brilliant. He was one of the most powerful kings in all of history. A raise of the eyebrows or movement of a finger could order the slaughter or thousands with no repercussions to him. But remember this: God is in charge of kings! "The king's heart is like channels of water in the hands of God; he moves it whichever way He wishes." (Proverbs 21:1) Also, God always has His representatives near seats of power. I wonder who the Daniels are in this day.

1 Peter. "And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way." With the deepest respect for those who do it, I believe that the "in your face, turn or burn" style of evangelism isn't very effective today. At least no in the place where I live.

Psalms. "71 My suffering was good for me,
for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees."
Once again, we are treated to an Old Testament confirmation of some we read in the New Testament today. Didn't notice? Take a quick look at 1 Peter again.

Proverbs. It is far better to be doubtful and careful than confident and sinful.

What are your thoughts?

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

November 24

Today's Reading

Ezekiel. It would be hard to write about all the beauty and joy I see in these last two chapters of this prophecy. For one thing, notice that the river flows from the Throne of the Lord. It doesn't get shallower, but deeper as it works its way down the mountain. God's love and power are like that. He pours them out on us and they keep getting deeper. Jesus called it "rivers of living water." Notice, too, that the trees are bearing fruit all the time. No seasons of darkness when the leaves fall off and the fruit is but a memory. Then notice that the name of the city is Yahwek Shammah -- the Lord is there! Whoa!

1 Peter. "16 For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil." It only our nation would do this. If only the Christians would do this. Our national freedoms have been earned by the blood of men and women who put their lives on the line. Our Christian freedom was earned by the blood of Jesus. In both cases, we are belittling the price that was paid when we live on with pride, greed, immorality, disrespect of authority, etc.

Psalms. "59 I pondered the direction of my life,
and I turned to follow your laws."
This is the Biblical definition of repentance.

Proverbs. "13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper,
but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy." this is the Biblical result of repentance or unrepentance.

What is touching your heart today?

Monday, November 23, 2009

November 23

Today's Reading

Ezekiel. When Christ returns, how will these Jewish traditions of worship fit into the overall plan for the Kingdom? I'm not sure, but I am sure that Jesus was a Jew and this all has significance.

1 Peter. When God opened the door for us to buy the property where we are located, we sought out a suitable name that reflect our desire that all people feel welcome there. Our location on the edge of the mesa -- about the closest thing the city of Yuma has to a "ridge" -- we considered names that included the word. One day a church leader came in with these verses: "4 You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor.
5 And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple."
She asked, "How about Stone Ridge Church?" Other factors played into the decision, but these verses are the foundation of our name, just as Christ Himself is the cornerstone of the church.

Psalms. "5 I will walk in freedom,
for I have devoted myself to your commandments."
The sinner desires the "freedom" of life outside of God's commands, which is truly a life of bondage. Only God's commands bring us to the place of true freedom and joy -- life with no regrets.

Proverbs. Discernment: it's one of God's greatest navigational gifts as we travel the journeys of this life.

What are your insights today?

Sunday, November 22, 2009

November 22

Today's Reading

Ezekiel continued to describe the Temple and the sacred land that would be part of the coming kingdom.

1 Peter was written, as it states, to a group of Jewish believers in what is now northern Turkey. They had been dispersed there because of persecution in their homeland. However, the persecution in this new region was similarly overwhelming. Peter wrote them a letter to encourage them during their trials and to remind them of the provision of God, as well as of the reward that awaited them.

Psalms. "I lie in the dust;
revive me by your word."
I find it tempting to try reviving myself with entertainment, work, friends, etc. This verse really speaks to me today.

Proverbs. God seems to delight in being generous to the generous.

What have you noticed today?