The
Devotional
Comment:
Once again it is time for me to prayerfully consider
modifying the Devotional. I really enjoy the mornings searching out scripture
and allowing my thoughts in the Spirit to guide me. However, there are a couple
of handicaps; age being the main one. The other is exercise and this has stopped
and the toll on the body is evident. Not to the folks around me, but inwardly I
know it. I am reminded of Eccles1astes 12:1-8 – Remember now your Creator in
the days of your youth, before the difficult days come; NKJV. Solomon
identifies these old age days as evil, which is the word “difficult”, see the
KJV vice other versions. Just a reminder, if you view old age as evil you are
seeing this time of life as from “under the sun” or human viewpoint. God has
not designed any season of life as evil for His children and in Him we can and
should enjoy living. The modified Devotional will come as the days ahead role
on, hopefully becoming shorter. The good thing is that this will turn out
better for some who need to move on in a timely and godly way through the day.
Devotional:
The apostle Peter in First Peter 4:1 begins with “Therefore”
meaning that he has written something earlier that is now being applied to the saints’
daily walk in Christ. In chapter 3 beginning in verse 8 through 12 he begins
calling his readers to remember that we are to be a “blessing” to every one we
come in contact with. This is not say things like, “Bless you my brother” while
thinking; for I am holier than thou. Or even to say to your neighbor “I forgive
you neighbor” while in your mind you see him as a heathen.
Bless and curse not; we are to suffer for both the “right”
and “wrong” which continually goes on in our lives. Another of my favorite
passages of scripture here: 1 Peter 3:15 – “But sanctify the Christ as LORD in
your heart and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a
reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear”. Personally we
sometimes cringe at the words “meekness and fear” mainly because we, if we are
men we like boldness and power. Let me just say that boldness and power is the
message of the Living Word of God; not in the strength of men but in the power
of God, Ephesians 4:2-3.
In the flesh we will fail, but if we are to carry out God’s
Will on earth as He plans for us than we ought to understand that we as His
children are the kingdom of God on earth; notice Matthew 6:10 – Your kingdom
come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
So we can think, what does that mean? God has provided for all of His saints to
live in the Power of the Holy Spirit, who is meek and He has given us His Son’s
Righteousness. For the kingdom of God is not in “word” but in Power – 1 Corinthians
4:20 also note Matthew 6:13.
I find it so very encouraging that the kingdom of God is
His, the Power is His, the Righteousness is His and He shares it with His
children. So then; what shall we do with all of this wonderful gift of
blessing? Shall we keep it to ourselves and selfishly gloat over our position
in Him? Or shall we serve God and glorify Him as He intended – 1 Peter 4:7-11
and shall we not be willing to suffer for God’s glory as He reveals His will through
us on earth – 1 Peter 4:12-19?
No comments:
Post a Comment