As I am reading through 1 Peter again, the military language keeps grabbing my attention. Today, God’s Word exhorts us to arm ourselves with a mindset that is even willing to suffer in the fight against sin. I think about how much soldiers suffer in war; their fight is not easy. I must have the same wartime mindset toward sin. I have been trying to think about this over the last couple days as temptations arise. They are not just thoughts I need to avoid, they are thoughts I must wage war against!

These verses are a good encouragement to me. As I look towards the distinct possibility of getting an office job sometime in the near future, it occurs to me that much more of my time will be spent around unbelievers, and therefore there will be more opportunities to be exposed to the world’s way of living, much like many of you are exposed to the world’s way of living in your high schools. But I draw encouragement from the fact that when I am exposed to this sin and choose not to participate and “they are surprised because [I] do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign” me, I will be able to stand firm with confidence, knowing that I am forgiven by the Savior, and not subject to the judgment they are so eagerly heaping on themselves. This gospel is what motivates us to bear up under any persecution!

For the rest of my life here on earth, I should have one consuming passion: God’s will! This should motivate and drive my every action. The only way for this command to become a reality in my life is to saturate myself in his Word. Only then can I truly know God’s will and live fully for Him. May I never slack off in obedience to his will and may I never have use excuse of not knowing his will because I am not in the Word!

I also love verse 2. WE must live like Jesus did, he lived for the will of God. He did not live for himself or in the flesh. He lived for the will of God and that is so important to remember. I am on Gods team and if i am on His team, i will live for Him and strive to do his will!

As Christians we should never be surprised when trials come our way, rather we should be expecting them, I have sign hanging above my bedroom door to help me remember this truth. The sign says, God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, nor sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the way, comfort for the tears, and light for the way. Life will be full of troubles and it shouldn’t surprise or depress us as Christians when we find ourselves in trials and tribulations…… Sorry Joel Olsteen, but this verse has inspired me to write a book titled ” Why its impossible to live your best life now”.

Small group is the place to be!!!

This verse really makes me reconsider my actions as an ambassador for Christ. God has given me many things, and I should be using each one to glorify Him. I dont know if the NIV version doesnt translate it as well, however its a little more impacting to me when it says speak as if speaking the very words of God. This verse might refer specifically to people to whom God has given a gift of speaking; however it just makes me consider whether or not my actions in general are using my gifts to glorify God. Do I speak to others as if I were speaking the very words of God or do I say things that I would be ashamed for God to hear? LORD, please help me to use every word I speak, every ability you have granted, and every opportunity presented to bring you honor by obeying your commands and bringing you praises.