Start cleaning out those closets and attics!

We're having a Summer Rummage Sale in the Gym at our Chapel Campus on Friday, July 17th from 7am-2pm and Saturday, July 18th from 7am-Noon.

Funds raised from the sale this year will go to support Playground Updates for our Home for Your Heart School.

You may donate your items beginning July 12th. We don't have storage space prior to that time, so please hang onto your donations until July!  

Please note we are not accepting TV’s or PCs due to disposal fees.

If you have any questions, please EMAIL Nicki Blythe.

June 15-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
Romans 6:13, Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.

Observe what it is saying.    
Wesley’s Question: Am I defeated in any part of my life?
Defeat comes in many forms. We can experience it emotionally, mentally, physically, vocationally, financially, relationally, and spiritually. We might wonder, if Christ is living in me, why I am experiencing defeat in any part of my life? There are many reasons of which we do not have the space to delve into. However, our Scripture gives us a general answer that should be the starting point to experience overall victory in our lives. First, we are to offer ourselves to God. Through Jesus Christ, we are able to stand before God going from spiritual death to spiritual life. We are given Holy Spirit power making us into brand new people. Second, we are to offer every part of our being as instruments of righteousness. If we are defeated in any area of our lives, then it would seem to indicate that portion of our life is not under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Our thoughts, emotions, decisions, actions, relationships, work, hobbies, spare time, finances, and conversations are to be instruments for God’s glory. To experience victory in life requires the full surrender of our total selves, including every part, into the hands of our loving Lord.  

Relate it to your life.
I can expect spiritual victory when I surrender myself under Jesus’ full authority.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, today, I give myself and any area of my life where I feel defeated to You. Amen.  
June 16-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley    
Write out the Scripture.
1 Corinthians 3:1-3, Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy, or distrustful?
Wesley probes deep into our souls wanting to us to discern if we are living by Holy Spirit or by our own spirit. He is describing those thoughts and attitudes that reveal how much of the world is still in us. They are the result of being too earthly minded. If we are in a constant battle with one or several of these, then it reveals that not all is well with our soul. There is still work to be done. Even though we have been redeemed, we are still immature in our faith journey. This is true for all of us when we get started. As we grow chronologically from infants to childhood to adolescence to adulthood, we require different nutrition to match our maturity, so we need the same for our spiritual lives. These thoughts and attitudes will become less controlling as we make spiritual progress. As we consciously confess these areas needing special attention to Christ and submit ourselves to His Lordship, the Holy Spirit becomes more influential in our lives transforming us into the new creation we are promised to become.

Relate it to your life.
Whenever I notice any of these thoughts and attitudes begin to emerge, I know that something is going on deep in my spirit that needs special attention.  

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I surrender myself and all of my attitudes to Your cleansing grace. Amen.

June 17-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley    
Write out the Scripture.
Romans 13:11-12, And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: How do I spend my spare time?
Wesley addressed our use of money earlier, now, he addresses our use of time. As we are called to be good stewards of the wealth that God has entrusted to us, so are we to be good stewards of the time we have been given. When we comprehend just how brief life is, then we are awakened to the precious commodity of time. We cannot buy back lost time. We cannot go back and undo what we have or have not done with our spare time. We need to use our time as though the Day is almost here. The Day of the Lord’s return. The Day of our own death. The Day of the final reckoning. When we recognize the end is in sight, that helps clarify the vision of how we should live. We no longer want to waste time on trivial matters but spend all the more time on that which is of utmost importance. We want to be found faithfully enjoying and serving the Lord, spending quality time with our family and loved ones, and participating in activities that are healthy and helpful for our overall wellbeing. We become pickier in what we choose to do because we understand we have only such limited time to enjoy, so we want to use it wisely for the benefit of others all to the glory of God.    

Relate it to your life.
How I spend my disposable time reflects the quality of my spiritual life.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me wisdom in my time management so I steward it as a blessing to You. Amen.

June 18-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
Luke 18:10-12, “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

Observe what it is saying.    
Wesley’s Question: Am I proud? Do I thank God that I am not like other people?
Wesley understood that pride can easily enter into our spiritual life and practices. Instead, of humbly coming before the Lord in worship and prayer, the Pharisee looked around at everyone else and proudly proclaimed his superior position of piety. This is the seduction of self-righteousness to elevate ourselves based upon performance and comparison to others. This proud way was the message that the Pharisees lived and taught others. It was a heavy and burdensome life to try to outdo one another in climbing the self-righteous ladder of success. Jesus revealed that He came to set us free from such a performance trap. In this story, He went on to tell how we all should see ourselves in worshiping our holy God, “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’” Jesus then said this man went home justified before God because all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Relate it to your life.
To be found to be righteous before God in worship, I have nothing to offer but my sin and brokenness.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen.

June 19-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
Ephesians 4:32, Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. James 5:8-9, You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Is there anyone who I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment towards, or disregard? Do I grumble or complain constantly?
There’s a lot to consider in these two questions! They speak of the quality of our relationships with God and one another. They reflect how we are doing spiritually as we go about daily life, interacting with people and with the challenges that life itself brings. Wesley’s asking if “there is anyone who we…,” he indicates having one such person in our life is not healthy for our spiritual wellbeing. To feel any such ill towards anyone means we have not done the interior work that needs to be done to forgive them for any harm they have done to us. This comprehensive list causes us to pause to take careful inventory of all our relationships past and present to consider if this true for any of them. If so, why is it? What do we need to do to rectify it and have a positive attitude towards them? In the same way, we need to be honest and consider if we are grumbling and complaining often about someone or something in our lives. This also reveals an unhealthy spiritual interior of discontentment that needs to be investigated and corrected. The Lord is willing to help us if we will be honest, confess, and ask for His strength to do so.

Relate it to your life.
I need to take regular inventory to see where there is a broken relationship or growing discontentment.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to do the necessary work to bring healing to my soul. Amen.  

June 20-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.  
John 17:3, Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Is Christ real to me?
This is Wesley’s last and best question of all. Do not rush too quickly past this one. Let it sink in. if the answer is no, then confess Your sin, ask Him to enter into Your life, and fill you with His Spirit. If the answer is yes, in what ways is He real to you? Do you have the assurance that your sins are forgiven, that you have entered into eternal life, that you have a certain hope about your future? Is it your driving desire to please Jesus every moment of your life? Do you speak often with Him? Do you enjoy reflecting on what He has written? Do you desire more of Him? Do you desire all of Him? In Jesus’ prayer on the night before His crucifixion, He defined the quality of eternal life as knowing both Father and Son. This knowledge is more than an intellectual pursuit, but a pursuit of the heart. It is to be an all-in experience of participating in the dynamic relationship of the Father and Son’s love through the Holy Spirit.  

Relate it to your life.
Christ is as real to me as I learn to practice His presence in my life.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, by putting my trust in You as Lord and Savior, You have become real to me. However, I want more. I want all that I can have. I want to enter into the deepest knowledge possible. I want to experience all of You every day. I give myself fully to You. Here I am Lord, fill me with Your holy love. Amen.

June 8-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
Psalm 37:4, Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Observe what it is saying.    
Wesley’s Question: Am I enjoying prayer?
I think it is very telling that Wesley did not ask if we are praying or how much time we spend each day in prayer. Wesley understood the deeper connection that is available in prayer. It is not just a practice to use when we are in trouble or have a need that we cannot answer on our own. He is getting at the attitude behind the practice of prayer. Is it merely dutiful or joyful? Do we understand that prayer is our God-given way to enter into a conversation with the Lord who created all, is above all, and rules over all? To fully grasp the nature of this gift should motivate us to do as the psalm says, “take delight in the Lord.” The Lord is for us, not against us. He wants our best more than we want our best. He has powerfully demonstrated His extravagant love by sending His Son so that we might have the richest life possible. If it is not already true for us, what needs to happen for us to discover prayer as a joy-filled conversation with the Lord of lords and King of kings? Maybe, it comes down to the nature of our relationship with God. Because prayer is so intimately linked to a growing connection with Christ, to ask if we enjoy prayer is nothing less than asking if we are enjoying Jesus. If we know who He is, what He has done, and what He has promised us, then we cannot help but delight in the Lord and relish our time in prayer.  

Relate it to your life.
The attitude of my prayer life is a direct reflection of the quality of my relationship with Jesus.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, because of who You are, I want to enjoy every moment I am able with You. Amen.  

June 9-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley    
Write out the Scripture.
Acts 1:8, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: “When did I last speak to someone else about my faith?”
This question cuts to the chase. There is no dancing around this piercing request for a date and time! What is our answer? Are you happy because you have done so recently? Are you sad because it has been a while, or you cannot remember when the last time was that you did so? When we become Christ followers, we are given His Spirit who promises to empower us to be witnesses. The promise is that we will be a witness. Are we hindering the Holy Spirit from using us or does the Holy Spirit have full reign to use our mouths at any time He sees fit to share the good news we have encountered in Jesus? The truth is that our actions and our mouths are a witness for something. The question we must honestly answer is what we are being a witness about: our work, our activities, our kids, our grandkids, our hobbies, our gym time, or our Lord? How can we become more comfortable in speaking to others about Jesus? Peter gives us two preparations in 1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…” 1. Worship Christ as Lord in your heart.  2. Prepare an answer ahead of time so you will be ready to go when the opportunity affords itself. When we do this, we will find increasing opportunities to speak our faith.    

Relate it to your life.
If I take my faith seriously, I understand I have no excuse not to be a vocal witness for my Lord.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me overcome my fear and courageously offer a kind word about You to others. Amen.

June 10-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley    
Write out the Scripture.
1 Chronicles, 29:14, “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Do I pray about the money I spend?
This question conveys the idea that what we do with money is a spiritual issue. Like any other important decision we make, the choices we make in our expenditures have soul implications. Spending is a matter of stewardship. Are we careful to use what God has entrusted to us for the very best purposes? King David understood and clearly articulated this foundational principle of stewardship as he talked about the tremendous joy of giving to build the temple. As he did, we should recognize God as the owner of all things, and we are His workers. Just as financial advisors must be accountable to those whose wealth they invest, so we must see ourselves in the same light with the wealth God has entrusted to us. We desire to seek His counsel in how He wants His resources to be distributed because we know they are not ours. The intent is not to pray asking God to bless a decision already made, but to pray in order to seek His will in purchasing things beyond our ordinary needs. Are we proactive when we need to make a major purchase to ask God to lead and give us peace in making the best possible buy? Ultimately, we know God’s heart is for us to be generous with His funds in supporting the church and other worthy causes. Wesley famously said, “Earn all you can, save all you can, so that you can give all you can.”

Relate it to your life.
My spending habits reflect the quality of my spiritual life just as any other spiritual practice might do.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me wisdom in all my spending. I want my stewardship to be a blessing to You. Amen.

June 11-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
Psalm 3:5, I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.

Observe what it is saying.    
Wesley’s Question: Do I go to bed on time and get up on time?
Wesley challenges us to examine several areas of our lives, even our sleep patterns. He was known to practice disciplined sleep habits as his journals and letters confirm a consistent pattern. He typically rose at 4:00 a.m. and encouraged others to avoid late nights. He wrote, “Be sure to rise early… do not indulge yourself in sleeping too long.” He understood the spiritual value of orderly sleep was to provide the best spiritual and physical wellbeing to accomplish the work of the Lord. Too much or too little sleep was not healthy in accomplishing what God desired for His creation. We are to be good stewards of, not only, our money but our bodies so that we can make the most of the life that we have been given. Sleep is a gift that is to be cherished but not abused. God ordered our world for rest and renewal as well as work and productivity. Studies have shown that we can accomplish more when we have the appropriate rest. In fact, at times, taking a nap may be the most spiritual thing we can do to help our bodies recover. We sleep much better when we have confidence that the Lord is always at work sustaining our lives.  

Relate it to your life.
Since, rest was built into the order of creation, I need to make sure I follow God’s given pattern for my well-being.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for the promise of Your daily provisions so that I can sleep well each night. Amen.

June 12-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 28:19-20, Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Do I disobey God in anything?
This question speaks of the present. Is there anything in my life that is contrary to Jesus’ instruction for how a Christian is to live? It seems to speak of that where we have an ongoing sin that has not been confessed and repented of. Many are confused that the grace of God does not require obedience to the word of Christ. Yet, Jesus said there are two parts to making disciples. They are to be baptized into the faith as the profess their allegiance to Jesus. They are also to be taught to obey everything that Jesus commanded them. God’s grace sets us free from our sin and makes us accountable to be obedient to the teaching of Christ. True grace empowers and motivates us to be like Jesus in every possible way. So, if we find ourselves disobeying God anywhere in our lives, it is time to stop now and confess it, turn away from it, and surrender ourselves anew to the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ who freely forgives all sin. We are given this beautiful promise in John 14:23, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”  

Relate it to your life.
Obedience to the Lord’s teaching speaks to the heart of Jesus’ love language.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, may I demonstrate my love for You by living by each word You have spoken. Amen.  

June 13-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.  
1 Timothy 1:18-19, Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?
Our conscience is God’s warning system to help us stay on the right path. If we wander off that path, the conscience works in convincing and convicting us to bring us back, but if we reject it, the results can be catastrophic. If we want to have the best-working conscience then it needs to be informed by Scripture. My conscience will be less effective if I do not fill my life with the light and love of Christ. Paul told Timothy to fight the battle well by holding on to faith and a good conscience. Our Christian faith walks alongside our conscience to provide protection from error and sin. Paul told Timothy earlier in the chapter his instruction was to command certain people not to teach false doctrine any longer. Paul said, “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (v. 5) The goal of Timothy’s work was to be out love for the people and their spiritual wellbeing. The source of that love included a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith. The conscience works with our hearts and our faith to check and protect us when we are about to go astray. When we insist upon going against God’s built-in warning system, the results will be costly.  

Relate it to your life.
A well-informed conscience is God’s way of speaking into and directing our lives for holy living.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, keep warning me through my conscience. Help me to listen and obey. Amen.

Calling all incoming 9th–12th graders! Get ready for an awesome summer of food, fellowship, and FUN at our BG STUDENTS Summer Hang Outs!

Join us on Tuesday evenings from 6:00–7:30 PM at the Chapel Campus (unless otherwise noted) for a chance to connect with friends, grow in your faith, and make some unforgettable summer memories. Each week will feature a different activity, so there's always something exciting to look forward to!

Summer Hang Out Schedule

• June 2 – Survivor Showdown

Put your skills to the test with team challenges and Survivor-style games!

• June 9 – Tie-Dye Tuesday

Create your own colorful masterpiece while hanging out with friends.

• June 16 – Game Night & Mic Drop (Blue Grass Main Campus)

Board games, karaoke, and plenty of laughs await!

• June 30 – Bonfire Bash (Pastor Ben & Liz Lovell's House)

Enjoy a summer evening with yard games, a bonfire, and great conversation.

• July 7 – Stars, Stripes & Sparks (LOCATION TBD)

Celebrate summer with a special fireworks night.

• July 14 – Summer Cinema Night

Grab some snacks and enjoy a movie with friends.

• July 21 - Soaked & Smiling

End the summer with water games and tons of fun!

• July 28 - Sweet Treat Adventure (LOCATION TBD)

Join us for an ice cream outing and a chance to cool off together.

Be sure to follow the BG STUDENTS Facebook Page and keep an eye on the newsletter for weekly details, location updates, and anything you'll need to bring. Invite a friend and join us for an incredible summer—we can't wait to see you there!

Get ready for a summer full of fun at BG KIDS & BG PRETEENS! Starting May 31 through August 9, we’ll be celebrating with exciting Theme Sundays all summer long.

Each week will bring a new opportunity for kids and preteens to have fun, connect with friends, and grow in their faith.

From crazy outfits and fun activities to special surprises and themed experiences, you won’t want to miss a single Sunday this summer!

 Mark your calendars and join us for these special Theme Sundays:

• May 31 – Summer Kickoff: Hawaiian Sunday
• June 7 – Crazy Clothes Sunday
• June 14 – Stuffie Sunday
• June 21 – Career Sunday
• June 28 – Silly Hat Sunday
• July 5 – Family Sunday
• July 12 – Christmas in July
• July 19 – Mustache Sunday
• July 26 – Pink Flamingo Sunday
• August 2 – PJ Sunday
• August 9 – Bring a Friend Sunday

Be sure to watch the BG KIDS & BG PRETEENS Facebook page and newsletter each week for more details about the upcoming themes and special surprises. We can’t wait to spend the summer with you at Blue Grass Church!

Last year, we sent a team of youth and adults to join in the work that Mission Guatemala is doing to live the Gospel in the world. It was a powerful experience as we got to see what God was doing there first-hand.

While we're not planning to return to Guatemala this year, we want to continue to support Mission Guatemala in their ministry

Donations collected this month will be sent to Mission Guatemala and put toward their general budget to, among other things, help fund their medical clinic, nutritional programs for chronically malnourished children, community development projects, and vocational training programs.

Please prayerfully consider how you can give above and beyond your regular offering to support the work of God through Mission Guatemala. Go HERE to give online today!

Help bless Harper with a “Life on Record”

Our Blue Grass Church family has a special opportunity to encourage Harper Newport, a 16 year old young woman in our congregation who is battling a cancerous brain tumor, through a meaningful project called Life On Record—a collection of recorded messages from people who care about her.

We invite everyone in our congregation, along with family and friends, to take a moment to share a message of love, encouragement, Scripture, or prayer.

How to Participate

Call 1-800-437-3009
Enter invitation number 103129
Record your message
You might share:

A favorite memory
Words of encouragement
A Scripture or prayer
A simple message of love and support
You can call as many times as you wish during this 2 week period. The Deadline to record your message is June 30th.

Once all the calls are submitted, they’ll be organized and compiled into one collection and loaded onto a keepsake speaker for the family to keep.

This simple act will create a lasting gift for Harper and her family. Thank you for helping us surround them with love.

You can find out more about Life on Record and get tips on recording your message HERE.

If you need additional info, email Melody Pfeffer.
 

June 1-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
Romans 12:3-5, For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Observe what it is saying.    
Wesley’s Question: “Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?”
The very moment we think of ourselves as better than others, we become proud, and thereby, a sinner and a hypocrite. Instead, Paul says we are to think rightly about ourselves with the faith we have been given. Individually, we are not the “all in all” answer to the world. God has placed us in His family with others to work well together. We do not have the same function but each of us have different gifts so that we can be a complete unit humbly serving together for the benefit of others and the glory of God. Paul goes one step further telling we will protect ourselves from becoming too self-absorbed when we acknowledge that we belong to each other and, in doing so, willingly hold ourselves accountable to the larger community.    

Relate it to your life.
When I make myself accountable to the community of faith, I will keep my pride in check.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to fully avail myself to the community You have given to keep me grounded. Amen.  

June 2-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley    
Write out the Scripture.
Acts 5:3-4, Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: “Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?”
When the church was blossoming in its early days, one of the marks of their dynamic spiritual health was generosity. Several believers were giving away their stuff in order to care for the many needs among them. Ananias and Sapphira joined in on the fun, but they, evidently, did so for more than the altruistic motives of selfless service. They sold land. They gave money, but they kept some of the proceeds for themselves. They lied about it. They said they gave all the proceeds. They rightly could have kept some of the proceeds for their own needs. They did not have to exaggerate their claims. God revealed how much he detests deceit by taking out both Ananias and Sapphira. He was sending a message to the early church that the Body of Christ was to be pure and holy. What they did not understand was that they were not only lying to the apostles but to God Himself. They allowed Satan to turn their good intentions into an act of deception that cost them their lives. This story reinforces how serious God is about truthfulness among His people.  

Relate it to your life.
As a follower of Jesus, I must choose honesty and refuse to lie or exaggerate.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me a pure heart that speaks and acts without deceit but with absolute truth. Amen.

June 3-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley    
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:13, A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
Proverbs 20:19, A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Do I confidentially pass on to another what was told to me in confidence? Can I be trusted?
Trustworthiness is foundational to strong relationships. If I cannot be trusted to hold confidential information, then what value do I hold as your confidant? Gossip is portrayed as sin throughout the Bible since it destroys people, reputations, and relationships. Look at the list of sins in which it is included: 2 Corinthians 12:20, “For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.” Instead of this, the hallmark of a true friend is one in whom you can share the secrets of your heart and have the absolute assurance it will not go any further. Obviously, if a person’s wellbeing or someone’s wellbeing is at stake, then there is legal obligation to tell others. The second proverb warns us not to associate with those who are always ready to talk. If they are willing to talk to you about others, they will be willing to talk to others about you so keep your distance!

Relate it to your life.
I can be trusted as far as I can keep confidence with others.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to keep a tight rein on my mouth so I speak only what is helpful and good. Amen.

June 4-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
Romans 6:16-17, Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.

Observe what it is saying.    
Wesley’s Question: Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, or habits?
In a time where slavery was prominent, Paul used such imagery to communicate what we were before Christ came and what we are when Christ has come into our lives. Christ set us free from slavery to sin and death so that we could become obedient to righteousness. The kinds of things in which Wesley lists that we can become enslaved to are not sinful in themselves. However, any time we allow anything to master us, we have become enslaved to it. Wesley was opposed to extravagant clothing. One of our church’s founding families wrote about an encounter with Wesley in England as a child when Wesley asked her on Easter Sunday if that was a bonnet she was wearing. He was not for such attire! We may not agree with such radical thoughts of dress, but the point is that we cannot allow our hearts to become captured by anything in this world except for Christ Himself. We cannot let the pursuit of clothes, people, work, or good or bad habits keep us from fully submitting ourselves to Christ. Jesus said we can only have one master at a time. Paul wrote in Romans 6:22, “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.”

Relate it to your life.
I need to take inventory of my life to discover if I have become enslaved to anything but Christ.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, please remove every earthly master in my life so that I am fully submitted to You. Amen.

June 5-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
1 John 3:17, If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
Each of these are defined by self. Wesley seems to be asking us to evaluate how self-absorbed we are. How much time do we spend thinking only of our own reputation, our own needs, or making ourselves look good before others. The focus of the Christian is to be on Christ who calls us to look to the needs of others. As John writes, if we have the means to help others but fail to do so, then how can we say God’s love, that Christ Himself is dwelling within us. The very focus of Christ was never upon Himself but upon how He might heal, help, and save others. He said He did not come to be served but to serve and give His life away as a ransom for others. True followers of Christ will be the most selfless persons on the planet. Our very purpose is to find all the ways we can be a blessing to others with words, actions, and gifts. The Apostle Paul said it this way in Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Relate it to your life.
Being self-absorbed is the greatest obstacle in following Jesus who asks us to lay down our lives for others.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me Your vision which takes my eyes off myself and places them on You and those You love. Amen.  

June 6-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.  
Psalm 1:1-3, Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Did the Bible live in me today? Do I give it time to speak to me every day?
For us to be able to answer the first question, we have to answer the second question honestly. If the message of Scripture is going to be infused into my daily life, then I will be spending time in the Scriptures knowing what they say, and, even, more importantly, getting to know the Holy Loving God they speak about. The question does not ask if we are merely reading Scripture, but if we are giving it time to speak to us. When we reflect on its message, it does its work to convict, correct, and train us in righteousness. This Scripture gives us a beautiful picture of those who take time to let God’s word speak into their lives. Such people will be fruitful and prosperous in all that they do. Because they are living by God’s holy standards, they will excel in life. They will produce the kind of character that stands out from the corrupted way and will be seen as those who can be trusted. They will be valued and sought out above others for in them will be found that which no one else has unless they have God within them.  

Relate it to your life.
When I take time to let Scripture speak into my life, it adds tremendous value to everything I do.  

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me not merely go through the motions but allow Your Word speak into my life. Amen.

May 25-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 3:11-12a, Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

Observe what it is saying.    
In regards to the knowledge of the final judgment that is coming to all people and creation, it should impact the way we choose to live today. Peter calls believers to be characterized by holiness and godliness. Holiness combines the ideas of moral purity and being set apart for God’s special purposes. Holiness is the primary attribute of God that describes His absolute purity and the fact that He is set apart as unique and sovereign over all other beings both on earth and in heaven. Godliness is a life that is totally-oriented toward God’s nature and purpose for mankind. Through the influence and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, it increasingly models the life of Jesus in all of our actions, reactions, and relationships. As we remain spiritually alert and wait for the day of the Lord to come, we are to actively pursue the holy presence of God. Biblical waiting does not mean we idly sit back but is an active participation in the kingdom mission to prepare the way for the Lord to come to the lives of others. For the believer, to “look forward” to this day means it is not a day to dread, but a day to eagerly anticipate that we will get to share in all things being made brand new and beautiful again.

Relate it to your life.
When heaven is on my mind, my daily life increasingly will reveal the attributes of the Lord Jesus.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, empower me by Your Spirit to live into the holiness and godliness to which I have been redeemed. Amen.  

May 26-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 3:12b-13, That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

Observe what it is saying.
Peter repeats what he said earlier about the destruction of the heavenly elements by fire on the day of the Lord Jesus’ return. However, as believers in Christ, we do not have to worry about this celestial catastrophe for it is a necessary step for the creation of a new heaven and a new earth where believers will live forever. This will be the place of perfect righteousness where nothing will be able to contaminate this beautiful and holy union of heaven and earth. This is what we long for. This is what we live for. This is what John saw in the Revelation he was given. “Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4)

Relate it to your life.
We have the most fantastic future ahead if we put our faith and trust in Christ and keep walking with Him.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, what a beautiful place the new heaven and earth will be! Thank You for the glorious promise that we will get to enjoy this eternal home forever and ever enjoying Your holy and loving presence.  Amen.

May 27-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:14, So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

Observe what it is saying.
“Looking forward to this” refers back to the new heaven and earth we saw in yesterday’s devotional. Christians should eagerly anticipate the day when all things will be made new and beautiful again. As we see this world falling apart around us, we should often think about and long for this day to come. Since this is our destination, we should live now as we are going to live forever. We will be spotless, blameless, and at peace with God. This should be our driving desire each and every day to be found holy and pure. When we do sin, we can be stand blameless before God because we have confessed and repented of our sin and enjoy the forgiveness of God. Our peace with God comes through the gift of Christ who interceded on our behalf by taking our sin upon Himself. Romans 5:1-2a, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” This peace will last for all eternity because of the grace of God we have accessed by faith in Jesus alone. There is no other way to enjoy this peace but through the great and glorious gift of salvation offered to us through Jesus’ loving and sacrificial gift to us.  

Relate it to your life.
To have the assurance that we have peace with God through Jesus gives us deep peace today about our future.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I give you praise for what You did so that I can stand before God in total peace forever. Amen.

May 28-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 3:15-16, Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.

Observe what it is saying.    
Peter returns to this thought of the Lord’s patience in waiting to return to make all things new. When that day happens, it will be too late for anyone else to turn to Him. However, because He waits to culminate all history, more people will be included in the eternal home of heaven and earth. It is interesting that Peter gives a shout out to the Apostle Paul. He indicates that Paul wrote the same kind of message that he is writing. Peter admits that Paul writes some challenging things to understand which less than wise persons alter just as they do other Scriptures which leads to their destruction. He acknowledges that the false teachers he has been warning about are found everywhere with every apostle’s work. Long before Paul’s writings would be included in what we call the New Testament, Peter mentions them in the same breath as the Old Testament Scriptures that have already been established. Peter seems to put them on the same level foretelling that Paul’s writings would one day become canonized as the Word of God. Peter, a prominent leader of the church, gave a strong witness that Paul’s writings were truly from God.

Relate it to your life.
I can be confident that Scripture contains all that is needed for salvation and eternal life.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us Your holy Word so that we can know the way, truth, and life. Amen.

May 29-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 3:17, Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.

Observe what it is saying.
Peter brings to a conclusion and offers a summary to what he has been calling his readers to pay attention. He offers two final commands. One of which we find in today’s reading and one tomorrow. Today, it is “be on your guard.” He reminds them that he has forewarned them of the danger that these false teachers and scoffers present to the spiritual health of the church. We have been told over and over that we cannot take false teaching lightly. It is destructive to individual souls and to the community of faith. Peter reminds us here what happens when we allow false teaching form our theology: we are carried away. We are carried away from the truth which leads to bad theology which leads to sinful and evil practices. There is no such animal as safe heresy. It always destroys that which is good and holy. In fact, Peter says it can cause those who are in the faith to fall from their security. Peter clearly indicates that once we are saved, it is possible to be led astray by false teaching and lose our salvation. Peter’s main purpose in writing this letter was to warn us to stay alert to avoid such a terrible eternal consequence.

Relate it to your life.
If I have not already gotten the point, I need to understand today how detrimental bad theology is to my salvation.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I plead for your church to be protected from the enemy who works relentlessly to cause us to fall out of faith one way or another. Amen.

May 30-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.  
2 Peter 3:18, But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Observe what it is saying.
Instead of “falling away from your secure position” as Peter said in verse 17, he says, “grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” This is the second command in his summary. The first was to “be on your guard” and now the second is “grow.” Grace is a gift from God, but it is also something we mature in as we receive it fully and give it away generously to others. Knowledge of the right gospel message is essential because Peter has laid out the case of what growing in the wrong knowledge will do. Peter gives us the order “Lord and Savior” not “Savior and Lord.” Jesus, as the Son of God, was Lord before He was Savior. He was present in creation. As one of three personalities of the Trinity, He has always existed and as an equal member of the Godhead, He is Lord over all. He was sent to earth to become our Savior. So, “Savior” is Jesus’ second title because His work as such came second to His eternal Lordship. Peter reminds us that in all things, Jesus is to be given glory today, tomorrow, and forevermore. We breathe, live, grow, serve, and love for the single purpose of bringing much praise and attention to Jesus.  

Relate it to your life.
When I am growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I will bring Him much glory and praise.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, keep me growing. Don’t let me become stagnant or comfortable in my walk with You. I desire to give you continual praise with all that I say and do. May you be glorified in my life today. Amen.

Step into the joy, beauty, and hope of Heaven at this unforgettable evening featuring Bible teachers Jennifer Rothschild and Ann Voskamp. Christian Fellowship Church will host this event at 7pm on Thursday, November 5th.

Together, we'll discover what the Bible says about heaven, laugh about life's messy moments, and release the burdens we were never meant to carry. From tender times of reflection, to deeply inspiring worship, to laughter-filled storytelling, you will experience the hope of heaven - and that will help make every moment here on earth better.

We have purchased a block of tickets for our Blue Grass women.  Purchase your ticket HERE from us, before it's too late! This event is expected to sell out. Seating is general admission.

For those who attended our 2024 Prepare Him Room event, Jennifer Rothschild was the speaker and was a true delight! Ann Voskamp is also a well-known speaker and is the author of the New York Times best-seller, One Thousand Gifts.

Don't miss out on this tremendous opportunity so close to home!

May 18-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 3:2, I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.

Observe what it is saying.    
We ended last week discover Peter’s stated purpose of both letters was to stimulate wholesome thinking. In contrast to the hidden motives of the false teachers, the letters give us two sources to use to helpful us to remember and think correctly. First, they remind readers what the prophets said long ago, recorded in the Old Testament. Peter used passages from all three major divisions of the Old Testament (Torah, Prophets, and the Writings). This suggests when he says the holy prophets, he has the entirety of the Old Testament in view, not just what we commonly refer to as the prophetic books. Peter was convinced that the Old Testament writers served believers in announcing the Good News. Second, the letters remind readers of the commands of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ which they received through the apostles. Instead of a specific commandment, Peter, likely, had in view the whole gospel message that commands people to repent and believe the good news. As our Lord, Jesus has full authority over us; as our Savior, he gave his life to make us his own people. Putting the testimony of the apostles and the Old Testament together is a strong indication that the apostles’ writing is equal in status to the inspired Scriptures they already had.

Relate it to your life.
If I am going to stimulate wholesome thinking, I need to engage in the whole witness of the Bible.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to stay true to Your holy word so that I do not fall prey to the many false messages being presented in our world today. Amen.  

May 19-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 3:3-4, Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”

Observe what it is saying.
Both the Old Testament and Jesus predicted that scoffers would come. “Scoffers” are those who in their arrogance mock or dismiss other people and their thoughts as being beneath them. Scoffing at God and His promises reveals the spiritual emptiness and brokenness that such a self-absorbed life produces.  The “last days” refers to the time period when God fulfills his promises of a new creation ruled by Christ Jesus, the Messiah. The last days have already begun with Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, however, they await their full consummation when Christ returns to establish a new heaven and earth.  The presence of such scoffers confirms the divine revelation they deny for it was prophesied they would do so. They scoff at the promise of Christ’s return, arguing that the world has continued on the same way from the beginning of creation. The term “ancestors” refers to the Old Testament patriarchs. In claiming nothing has changed from the beginning of creation, they deny all of God’s acts of judgment and salvation in the Old Testament and in the Incarnation of the Son to die on the cross for our sin, to rise victoriously from the dead, and to pour out His Holy Spirit. They arrogantly treat the holy acts of salvation as though they never happened, thereby, redemption has not come.

Relate it to your life.
The ultimate dishonor to God is to deny His love and work to save us and give us a beautiful future.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I honor and praise you for the great love You have demonstrated in saving me. Amen.

May 20-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:5-7, But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

Observe what it is saying.
The error of the scoffers was not based on ignorance. Peter says they deliberately chose not to remember two eternal truths of God’s word. It caused heaven and earth to come into existence. The earth was formed out of water by the word of God. Genesis 1 describes how God gathered the waters together to allow the dry ground to appear, and Psalm 24 agrees that God founded the earth upon the seas. The word of God was the instrument God used to bring the heavens and the earth into existence. Along with Genesis 1, Psalm 33:6-7 says, “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses.” According to the New Testament, the Word of God is the second person of the Trinity. John 1:1-3 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” Water and the word of God were also the means by which God brought judgment on the world through the flood. In 2 Peter 2:5 the flood is symbolized as the coming judgment on the false teachers. Here, it is evidence against their foolish claims that nothing has changed from the beginning of creation. The same word of God is now reserving the present heavens and earth for fire on the day of judgment, when God will bring final salvation to his people and destruction on the ungodly.

Relate it to your life.
God will not be mocked. His word is eternal and will produce exactly what He has spoken.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, every word You speak is truth. May I choose not to forget but attentively listen to it. Amen.

May 21-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 3:8, But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.

Observe what it is saying.    
God’s time and our time are vastly different. We experience this world in decades, while God has eternally existed where a thousand years to us is only like a day to God. This creates impatience within us where we want God to work His plan now. Because God’s timing is often different, Scripture calls us to wait on the Lord as an act of trust. After God delivered the Israelites out of Egypt, we discover how they failed. Psalm 106:13-14, “But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold. In the desert they gave in to their craving; in the wilderness they put God to the test.” Waiting on the Lord is faith in action that God is working to accomplish His plans just as He said He would. The psalmist lamented how difficult it is to wait in those moments where we want justice served. Psalm 119:84, “How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors?” In the same psalm, he writes in verse 166, “I wait for your salvation, Lord, and I follow your commands.” Waiting on the Lord’s timing requires trust and obedience in God’s providence that He is right on schedule.

Relate it to your life.
Waiting is an act of trust that is a difficult but much needed practice to deepen our faith.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me the grace and patience to wait upon You to answer my prayers. Amen.

May 22-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 3:9, The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Observe what it is saying.
This is one of the most encouraging Scriptures that we can find concerning God’s patient love. As the false teachers and scoffers continue to rail on that Christ is not coming back, Peter tells the congregation not to listen to their foolish message. Instead, he offers the reason that it appears there is delay in the Second Coming is actually for the world’s benefit. God really does “so love the world.” He gives as much time as possible for as many people as possible to repent and experience His saving grace. God’s love is so immense that He has no desire for anyone to be eternally condemned. Instead, His passionate love desires all persons to embrace the saving grace offered through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. God has the same concern we have for our loved ones who are outside the faith. God hears our prayers for them and is waiting, giving them ample opportunity to respond to His repeated attempts to capture their hearts and minds. With this knowledge of His love and desire for our loved ones to be saved, we should not ease up on our prayers but continue to pray with fervency for their souls.

Relate it to your life.
As much as I want Christ to return to clean up the mess of this world, I am glad He delays so my loved ones have ample opportunity to receive His gift of salvation.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I plead for my loved ones who are not in the faith. Please, keep working, keep speaking and  softening their hearts so they will receive the saving message of grace offered freely to all. Amen.

May 23-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.  
2 Peter 3:10, But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

Observe what it is saying.
Yesterday, Peter emphasized God’s patient grace as indicated by Christ waiting to return to give as many persons as possible the opportunity to repent and be saved. In today’s Scripture, he wants to make it absolutely clear that the day will come suddenly and unexpectedly. So, we cannot become lazy or lukewarm. We must stay vigilant and passionate in our faith as we wait for this final day of judgment. The “day of the Lord” refers to when God brings judgment on his enemies and salvation for his people. There have been remarkable “days of the Lord” already, such as, the crucifixion and Pentecost. Each of these “days of the Lord” anticipates the final day when the Lord Jesus Christ returns at the end of human history to make all things pure and holy. Three things will happen on this day: First, the heavens will disappear. Second, the elements (which in Peter’s day referred to the earth, air, wind, and fire) will burn and dissolve. This language envisions either the complete destruction of the world or, more likely, its purification. Third, the earth and the works done on it will be exposed for all to see. Peter makes it clear that this day will not be missed. It will impact all of creation and will forever change the character of the universe. This is why Peter has been so passionate about calling on his readers to refuse to listen to the false teachers and scoffers who say the Lord is not coming back. Their teaching is a lie straight from Satan to lull as many as possible into a spiritual sleep so that they will not be ready when it occurs.  

Relate it to your life.
I cannot be caught off guard but must remain spiritually vigilant at all times.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, keep me close, keep me on fire for You, and ready for the day that You return. Amen.

May 11-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:13, They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.

Observe what it is saying.    
Peter continues his long message against the false teachers who have infiltrated the church. After hearing about their judgment and destruction in last week’s reading, we begin this week with the news that they will receive what is coming to them. They caused tremendous harm in the church and, as a result, Peter wanted everyone to know that God has seen it and would address it. He goes on to give additional details that reveal that their false teaching also led to depraved living. The Greek word for “pleasure” is where we get the word “hedonist.” The Greeks numbered this kind of “pleasure” among the four “deadly sins.” Excessive drinking and eating in daylight hours were a standard indication of a degenerate lifestyle. These false teachers openly pursued their sinful and self-indulgent ways in full view of everyone in broad daylight. They even acted in their wicked ways while eating with fellow believers. In the early church believers gathered regularly to share a meal, and in that meal often celebrated the Lord’s Supper. Not even a meal intended to remember the death of the Lord Jesus and anticipate His return was safe from the immorality and deception practiced by these false teachers. The results of entertaining and believing false teaching always leads to broken morals and a corrupted lifestyle.

Relate it to your life.
I need to understand the dangerous downward spiral that false teaching can take a person on.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, keep me so close to You that I daily ingest Your true word and obey Your holy loving voice. Amen.  

May 12-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:14, With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood!

Observe what it is saying.
Peter reveals additional sins these false teachers have engaged in. They have adultery in their eyes, meaning they desire every woman they see. This implies they desired to turn church gatherings into times of debauchery. They never stop sinning. They never take a breath from evil. They are always thinking, plotting, and practicing that which is opposed to Jesus’ teaching. They lure the unstable, those who have no real foundation in their lives, into sin. On the other hand, in chapter 1 of this letter, Peter has spoken of his readers as being "firmly established in the truth," and in chapter 3, he will warn them of "unstable people" and of the danger of falling "from their secure position."  The word “experts” refers to athletic training. These false teachers have trained hard to become proficient in the greedy people they are. They teach their false brand of religion as a way to pad their pockets. Because there is nothing good or pure about them, they are under God’s curse and judgment. The danger of false teachers is not only the message they spew but the lifestyle they model.

Relate it to your life.
Once again, I discover how believing the wrong message can lead to a very dark life.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, keep me focused on the truth of Your word so that I can live a life that is pleasing to You. Amen.

May 13-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:15-16, They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness.16 But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey—an animal without speech—who spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.

Observe what it is saying.
The “way” was a popular means of characterizing a particular religious teaching. The imagery is a path that a true devotee will follow to the end. The Old Testament pictures faithfulness to the Lord as a “straight path” to be followed, and the New Testament depicts Christianity as the “Way.” Sin is described as “wandering” from that path. For example, God’s warning to the people of Israel: “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse—the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the commands of the Lord your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known” (Deuteronomy 11:26-28.) Balaam is introduced in Numbers 22-24 as a prophet whom the pagan king Balak pays to prophesy against Israel. Despite Balaam’s own reluctance and corruption, God causes him to utter prophecies in favor of His people. The point of connection between Numbers and 2 Peter is the use of the word “way.” The “way of Balaam” was the reckless road that he traveled. Peter’s use of Balaam follows how Scripture uses him as a negative example. Balaam’s willingness to curse Israel for profit became a staple in Jewish stories about him who was rebuked by a talking donkey. If God can do that to Balaam, God can certainly judge the false teachers spewing evil leading the people of God astray.  

Relate it to your life.
God’s judgment will come to those who are unrepentant in their evil words and actions.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I give praise to you as the psalmists did for You judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity. (Psalm 98:9) Amen.

May 14-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:17-19, These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. 18 For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.”

Observe what it is saying.    
Peter is unrelentless in his description of these false teachers and what a great judgment they will face. He next uses nature imagery. Like waterless springs, these heretics are unable to give life. As storm-driven mists, they are blown about by every wind of false doctrine, and their ultimate fate is the judgment of utter darkness. These false practitioners of the faith entice new believers to return to their old sinful passions. Ironically, they promise a new freedom while they themselves are enslaved to the very corruption that will one day lead to their destruction. As a result, they are proof of the core spiritual principle that whatever they allow to dominate their life becomes their true master. Sin and corruption can be viewed as military powers that conquer a person if one does not actively fight them in the power of the Holy Spirit. Like a victorious army, sin not only defeats people but enslaves them as well.

Relate it to your life.
I choose whom I will become enslaved to.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to understand true freedom only comes by Your grace and forgiveness. Amen.

May 15-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:20-22, If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. 21 It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. 22 Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.”

Observe what it is saying.
Peter explains that these false teachers are those who once claimed to know Christ but have fallen away from Him and His teaching. He goes on to explain they have been overcome because they are entangled again in the sin of the world. They are ensnared in the same activities that characterized their lives before confessing Christ. As a result, the last condition of the false teachers is worse than the first, for in their apostasy, they have rejected the only remedy for their sin. Peter explains on judgment day it will be better for them if they had never known God’s righteousness in the gospel rather than know it and then turn away from it. Those who claim to believe in the gospel but then reject Jesus by returning to a long-standing pattern of unrepentant sin will suffer a greater condemnation. Peter sees in the false teachers living examples of a dog that returns to its own vomit, which Proverbs 26:11 compares to a fool who returns to his folly. The second is a pig who after washing itself returns to wallow in the mud. Peter takes the common practice of Jews referring to Gentiles as dogs and pigs and applies those metaphors to the false teachers, not based on their ethnicity but based on how they live.

Relate it to your life.
This does not speak of those who sin after salvation but those who deliberately turn away and refuse to return.  

Do something.
Lord Jesus, keep me close so that I never return to that from which I have been saved. Amen.

May 16-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.  
2 Peter 3:1, Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.

Observe what it is saying.
Peter says his purpose in writing both letters was a reminder of what they already knew. In the midst of false teachers who were leading so many astray, Peter tells them they need to remember well. We know how easy it is to forget where we have placed our keys, our glasses, or many other objects. We also forget weightier things like what we were taught. More than ever, with so many distractions and means of messaging, we experience information overload. So much of this information is less than healthy for us to consume. Because we must be so careful what we bring into our minds, Peter wrote to stimulate them to think about what is right, good, and beautiful. As Paul said, in Ephesians 4:17-18, “So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.” Since our hearts are the essence of our being, holy thinking is a mind and heart effort that keeps our whole being united together with one focus on Christ.  

Relate it to your life.
It matters for my spiritual health what I think and input into my mind and heart.  

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to stay focused on You so that I only think what is holy and good. Amen.

May 4-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:1-3, But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.2 Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

Observe what it is saying.    
False prophets and false teachers have been present throughout history, leading people astray with their own created visions, prophecies, and dreams. Jeremiah 14:14, “Then the Lord said to me, ‘The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds.’” Now that the Gospel message has come, Satan has intensified his efforts to mislead God’s people through false teachers. Peter described them in three ways. First, they secretly fabricate stories that contradict the Old Testament Scriptures and the apostle’s message. They lay their teaching alongside the gospel making it sound legitimate. Such false teaching must be spiritually discerned from Scripture. Second, they denied Jesus, the very One who saved them. Third, they bring swift destruction on themselves for denying and lying ways. As is always the case, false teachers lead immoral lives of depravity, greed, and deceit.

Relate it to your life.
I need to be aware of false teachers who spew their lies through social media, podcasts, and pulpits.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, by Your Spirit help me to recognize and refuse to entertain false teaching. Amen.  

May 5-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:4, For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment;

Observe what it is saying.
Peter continues the thought about the destruction of false teachers by giving three examples in verses 4-8 revealing how God will rescue the godly and judge the ungodly. In today’s verse, we discover, God judged sinful angels. The most likely biblical reference to this is found in Genesis 6:1-4 where Jewish tradition understands “the sons of God” as angels who had intercourse with women and whom God therefore judged. Jude 6 speaks a similar message, “And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.” The word for hell is Tartarus which is a term borrowed from Greek mythology that refers to a temporary holding place, not the place for final punishment. The “chains of darkness” is a common way the ancient world described the underworld as a place for punishment. The point is, God judges rebellion and will not spare those who reject His will. If God judged the angels, who are higher than human beings, then certainly He will judge rebellious humans, including false teachers.  

Relate it to your life.
As a righteous and holy God, He has no other choice but to judge that which is evil and opposed to Him.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, judgment is built into the worldly system. However, You intervened to take the punishment of the world upon Yourself so we do not have to endure it, but we must believe. To believe includes changing our minds, putting our full trust in You, picking up our cross, and following after You. Amen.

May 6-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:5, if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others;

Observe what it is saying.
This is the second example Peter gives of God’s judgment on sin and salvation of the righteous. This is by far the most sweeping judgment God has ever brought upon mankind. The original story is found in Genesis 6:9-12, “This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God. 10 Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth. 11 Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. 12 God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways.” God told Noah he was going to bring an end to them, but he was to build a boat to spare him and his family. Peter referred to the Flood in his first letter and will do so again in the next chapter. With Noah, seven others were saved (his wife, his three sons, and his three daughters-in-law). They were guarded or protected by God during the Flood that wiped out the ungodly civilization. The statement that Noah was a "preacher of righteousness" could refer to his preaching activity not recorded in the Old Testament or to the fact that his lifestyle condemned sin and proclaimed righteousness to the people of his day. The world was in terrible shape, in fact, it was “full of violence.” God knew there was no other way to redeem humanity but to reset the earth’s population through destruction and protect Noah’s family to become the new progenitors for mankind.

Relate it to your life.
This judgment illuminates the horrible wrath placed upon Jesus on the cross so that I could be spared.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, may I never forget or fail to give thanks for the great sacrifice You made for me. Amen.

May 7-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:6-7, if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless 8 (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)—

Observe what it is saying.    
This is the third example that Peter offers for God’s judgment on evil and God’s protection of the righteous. The book of Jude also has this to say about Sodom and Gomorrah, “In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.” (Jude 7) Sodom and Gomorrah were even spoken of by Jesus as an extreme example of how God’s judgment came upon sinners who totally undid God’s law concerning sexual purity. According to Genesis 19:24-28, "the LORD rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of heaven." This is given as a picture for the judgment that lies ahead for those who speak falsely about Christ. In contrast, was Lot, Abraham’s nephew, who lived in that ungodly mess. God sent Abraham to rescue him, as his righteous soul was tortured by what he saw living in the midst of such depravity, day in and day out. This should cause us to ask ourselves, “To what extent are we, who live in a godless society, "tormented" by what we see?”

Relate it to your life.
My level of inner torment at the evil and injustice in this world is an indicator of my spiritual depth.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, do not let me become comfortable with or accommodate to the sin that I see. Amen.

May 8-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:9-10, if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. 10 This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings;

Observe what it is saying.
After giving three examples of how God punished evil and rescued the righteous, Peter returns to the current issue of false teachers in the church and what they will experience in due time. Peter is confident in the Lord’s ability to bring the godly through their trials and to make sure the unrighteous will receive their just due on Judgment Day. Paul wrote to the Galatians a similar message, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8) Peter goes on to describe these false teachers even further by saying they follow fleshly desires which is a reference to sexual decadence. They also despise authority which ultimately refers to their rejection of the rule of the Lord Jesus Christ over them. In fact, in their own arrogance, they were so bold to heap abuse on angels. One of the examples of judgment that Peter used was of fallen angels who had come to earth to have sex with women. So, what may be indicated here is that these false teachers were saying if angels came from heaven and took women, why could not they do the same? They were using the conduct of the fallen angels an excuse for their own involvement in sexual sin.

Relate it to your life.
We need to be very careful in whom we choose to model our behavior.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, do not let me be foolish like these false teachers who held up bad examples to emulate. Amen.

May 9-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.  
2 Peter 2:11-12, yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgment on them from the Lord. 12 But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish.

Observe what it is saying.
 In contrast to these audacious false teachers, angels themselves, even though they are stronger and more powerful than any human being, do not judge celestial beings (presumably, fallen angels) in the presence of the Lord. This reveals how foolish they are, not only in creating false teaching, but thinking they are superior to even celestial beings. In this comparison, even holy angels refuse to judge fallen angels so how do fallen human beings do so? This reveals the magnitude of their pride in changing the message and believing they are greater than angels. In fact, these false teachers act like irrational animals without the restraint that angels and righteous people have. They may claim a special knowledge, but they blaspheme out of their ignorance and arrogance. Like wild beasts who are slaves to their instincts and are born to be slaughtered, these false teachers are also destined for total destruction.

Relate it to your life.
False teaching is not merely a small error in judgment but is a full-on assault of God’s holy kingdom.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to fully grasp how destructive heresy is in the church and to be discerning in what I speak and believe. Amen.

April 27-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:12, So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.

Observe what it is saying.    
Simon Peter had a passion to communicate the truth to Jesus’ followers so they would not forget the Jesus way. Peter understood that human beings have a tendency to forget what is most important. He knew they already knew much of what he was telling them. He knew they were firmly established in the faith. He also knew what he spoke in his first letter that the enemy is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. He knew the tactics of Satan include trying to deceive and confuse us of what is reality. This is why it was so important to remind them over and over again of what is true, good, and right. We can say that we know the truth. We can say we are firmly established in the truth. However, we cannot say we do not need to be reminded. We cannot say we will never fall into sin. We cannot say l know all I need to know. This is why we worship weekly. This is why we meet with our Bible studies and small groups on a regular basis. This is why we spend time praying and reflecting on Scripture each day. What Peter wrote to remind his audience is now included in the very Scriptures that we need to know so we can be reminded of God’s holy way.  

Relate it to your life.
Because I can forget the way of Jesus, I will remind myself often by spending time with Him in His word.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I do not want to forget what I already know. I, also, admit there is much more for me to learn. Give me discipline and perseverance to stick with you in daily devotion and weekly worship. Amen.

April 28-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:13-15, I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, 14 because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.

Observe what it is saying.
As the Apostle Paul did, Peter speaks of his body as a tent. The picture comes from those who journeyed in the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. In the same way, as Christians, we know that our lives are not a permanent home, but a journey where we keep traveling to our eternal destination. In fact, in verse 15, the word “departure” is literally the word exodus. Peter sees his death, not as the end, but as a going out of this world into the Promised Land of eternity. Peter says the Lord has made it clear that His time is coming. Jesus had told him in John 21:18-19 that there would be a day when Peter would be stretched out upon a cross. Evidently that time was about to come. So, Peter said that he will take steps to make sure what he has said will be kept before them, even, when he is gone. In saying this, he may be referring to the Gospel of Mark. The tradition is that this gospel is the preaching material of Peter, which Mark, who had been Peter’s disciple and interpreter, wrote down. So, Peter was passionate in life and death to keep God’s truth before God’s people. Such writings were not meant to preserve his own name, but the beautiful name and work of Jesus.

Relate it to your life.
I trust that God has superintended the work of Scripture though His apostles, so that I can confidently know the truth.

Do something.
Jesus, I will cherish Your word that has been preserved so that I will remember the way home. Amen.

April 29-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:16, For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Observe what it is saying.
Here Peter links himself with the other apostles in certifying that their message is based on their own eyewitness experience of Jesus. Peter denies that they have followed myths or fables about other gods. This word is always used in a negative sense in contrast to the truth of the Gospel. It is likely that the false teachers claimed that the Incarnation, Resurrection, and Second Coming, that the apostles spoke about, were only fabricated stories. These teachers may have been men like Hymenaeus and Philetus, who Paul wrote about saying the "the resurrection had already taken place" (2Ti 2:17-18). Peter's specific concern was the second coming of Jesus. He saw his preaching of the Second Coming based on his eyewitness observation of the transfiguration of Jesus. When Jesus returns, His kingdom will be inaugurated in overwhelming power. The dead will be raised, judgment will be pronounced, and the consummation of all things will occur. "Eyewitness" seems to be a technical term used by the false teachers to describe their own worshipers. Peter used their own vocabulary against them for his message was based on his eyewitness account of the supernatural events that marked the life of Jesus.  

Relate it to your life.
I should not be surprised when other religions imitate our Christian faith because the enemy loves to deceive people from the truth.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, do not let me fall prey to the false teachings and deceptions that abound in our world. Amen.

April 30-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:17-18, He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

Observe what it is saying.    
Yesterday, Peter said his right to speak what he does is that he was an eyewitness. In today’s verses, we discover specifically what Peter witnessed. He was with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration where he saw the glory of God and heard the voice of God. Peter used this, not the resurrection account, as the foretaste of what is to come in the triumphant glory of Christ’s Second Coming. To confirm the authenticity of his eyewitness account, Peter used the same language from the gospel accounts, “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’” (Matthew 17:5) We are then told when they came down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” (v. 9) There was something so special about this intimate heavenly reveal that Peter, James, and John could not say a word until after Jesus resurrected. So, it makes sense that Peter writes about it now in his second letter. As they were overwhelmed on the mountain with God’s glory that descended upon Jesus, so Peter wants to make it known what the world will see when Jesus descends from the heavenly glory in His Second Coming. As he will continue to do, Peter calls his readers into a living belief that Christ will return!

Relate it to your life.
As a Christian, I have the hope and firm conviction that Christ will return to make all things good again.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to live as though You are coming back today. Amen.

May 1-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:19, We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

Observe what it is saying.
Peter’s says his message rests on two solid foundations: (1) the voice from God at the Transfiguration (vv. 16–18) and (2) the enduring testimony of Scripture (vv. 19–21). Not only does the eyewitness testimony of the apostles support the truth of the gospel, so do the Old Testament Scriptures. What the apostles witnessed demonstrated the fulfillment of what the Old Testament promised. Therefore, believers should pay close attention to the Scriptures, which Peter describes with two metaphors. The first metaphor is a light shining in a dark place. This “dark place” means “murky.” Human history began in a lovely garden, but that garden has become a murky swamp. When we look at the dark world system, we find it is an indication of the spiritual condition of our own hearts. We are not left without hope but have God’s light, the Word of God, Jesus Himself, shining so that we can find our way and be redeemed. Living in a world of darkness requires fixing our gaze on the light of God’s truth. The second metaphor is the morning star in which the imagery originally comes from Numbers 24:14–17, where Balaam prophesied that in the latter days a star would come out of Jacob to defeat the enemies of God. It is clearly fulfilled in Revelation 22:16, “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” As a result, we should fix our hope on the return of Christ, who will exercise the full dominion that is rightfully His.

Relate it to your life.
My hope is sure because the light of God’s revelation has come by prophecy and eyewitness account.

Do something.
Lord, thank You for giving us Your light that brings to life my darkened heart. Amen.

May 2-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.  
2 Peter 1:20-21, Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Observe what it is saying.
After Peter told us that we have the Old Testament prophets’ prediction as evidence that Jesus will come again, he gives us the nature of that prophecy. For a prophecy to be included in the canon of Scripture, it cannot be of human origin. It is not possible for mankind to know and understand the plans of God with their own insight. Every true prophecy does not begin with the human will but spoke God’s truth through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit at work in their lives. God chose humans to communicate His eternal word to His world. The Apostle Paul says it this way, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) We can trust Scripture because it comes from the very breath of God. We also need to study Scripture so we understand its eternal message that still applies to our lives today. We must obey God’s holy word so that we can be found doing God’s holy will. It is through the Bible God equips us to know and do the good works He has called each of us to do.  

Relate it to your life.
I can trust Scripture because it was communicated directly by the Holy Spirit to human authors.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, change my life by the same word and Spirit who delivered God’s word to mankind. Amen.

April 20-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:1-2, Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: 2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

Observe what it is saying.    
Simon Peter writes a second letter where he identifies himself as a servant and apostle. He acknowledges whatever our title or position may be in the church, we are all servants of Jesus. In fact, there is no higher calling in the world than to serve our Lord Jesus. He writes to all who have received the precious faith found in the righteousness of Jesus. He clearly identifies Jesus as both God and Savior. There is no question in Peter’s theology that Jesus is fully divine. As one of three persons in the Godhead, He alone could save us. Only a perfect righteous Being could pay the cost for our sins. No sinner could atone for the guilt of another sinner. This is what makes our faith so precious. It was a sacrificial gift of love offered to us from God Himself, through His Son. This demonstrates how highly valued each of us are as His creation. God took the initiative to redeem us before we ever knew anything was wrong. The heavenly update was always available for download as soon as we realized our need for it. In his greeting, Peter prays that grace and peace would be theirs in abundance. However, it is not any grace or peace but only that which comes from a personal saving knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. What a beautiful prayer to offer others that they will overflow with God’s grace and peace!  

Relate it to your life.
Do I consider my faith as precious? Do I fully understand the depth of love that is behind such a gift?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of salvation that You alone provided for me. I pray for myself and others that we will fully embrace the grace and peace that come in knowing You. Amen.

April 21-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:3-4, His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

Observe what it is saying.
His divine power relates back to the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. We have one God who fully displays Himself in three persons. It is a remarkable statement that this eternal power gives us all we need to live a godly life. We do not have to manufacture godliness on our own. It comes through knowing the Lord in a close and personal way. He is the One who called us through His own glory and goodness. Imagine that the Lord of the universe, of all creation, as vast and grand as it is, knows us and calls us to know Him! If we ever think lowly of ourselves, we need to return to this passage and read it again to be reminded how valuable and loved we are by God. It is through this same glory and goodness He has given us the precious promises of Scripture which give us guidance and counsel to spiritually participate in God’s holy nature. We are welcomed into that Most Holy space to enjoy the deepest and richest fellowship we can ever imagine with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We realize how special this is as we leave the corrupting sin behind that was fueled from our old unredeemed desires.  

Relate it to your life.
Through Jesus, God has welcomed me into the rich fellowship of the Trinity.  

Do something.
Jesus, I want to leave this world behind so I can fully enter and enjoy Your Most Holy place. Amen.

April 22-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:5, For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness…

Observe what it is saying.
Because we participate in the rich fellowship of the divine nature as the redeemed people of God, then addition of Christlikeness is a vision of who we are to become. It makes sense if we have trusted in Christ for our salvation that we have been given the Holy Spirit to work deep within to transform us into the very likeness of Christ. Our faith is the beginning point of this whole transformation process. We must believe the precious promises of the gospel found in Scripture for the new life to come to us. So, Peter says, “make every effort” which literally means to do your best with hurry, haste, earnestness, diligence, and zeal to add these holy qualities to your life. This original wording reveals we must have an urgency in doing so. We cannot be casual about our relationship with the Lord. Our apprenticeship is not an elective course. Growth is a necessity. If we are not growing, we are losing ground. We must be intentional in participating with the Holy Spirit in our discipleship so that we can escape the corruption of this world and live into the hope and promise of new life.  

Relate it to your life.
In my Christian life, I should expect to be progressing by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I cannot make growth happen on my own. I need Your Spirit to empower and equip me with the new life into which I have been redeemed. Amen.

April 23-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:5-7, …add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

Observe what it is saying.    
If we are a growing follower of Christ, we will find ourselves increasing in these Christian virtues. It begins with faith. Faith is the absolute certainty that we can rely upon God’s gift of salvation found in Jesus Christ to give us eternal life. Goodness is the Greek word that can mean excellence or courageous. This multi-faceted word reveals the transformation that comes in our redemption. Knowledge is the practical application of wisdom which enables a person to make good decisions in the daily circumstances of life. Self-control keeps our passions and desires at bay so that we are in control of them, not they us. Perseverance refuses to give up, but trusts God is working good in the midst of all that happens to us. Godliness or piety recognizes our love for God leads to our love for one another. Mutual affection is the Greek word philadelphia. It literally means love of brothers and is a friendship kind of affection for those you know and care for. Lastly, Agape love is the self-surrendering love Christ perfectly displayed at the cross. It is this same kind of self-surrendering love we are to have for God, each other, and all people, including our enemies. Here's a mini self-examination to determine if we are growing based on this Scripture: Faith--Do I trust in Christ alone for my salvation? Goodness—How am I becoming more like Jesus? Knowledge—Am I making wiser decisions? Self-control—How often does my personal sin (like pride, lust or greed) rear its head? Perseverance—Do I trust the Lord in affliction? 5. Love (last 3 qualities together)—Would those closest to me describe me as becoming more loving?

Relate it to your life.
These qualities will be added as I surrender and fully open myself to the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Do something
Lord Jesus, help me to grow up and into all of these qualities that You perfectly exhibited. Amen.

April 24-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:8-9, For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

Observe what it is saying.
So far this week, we have been given the What- participating in the divine nature. As redeemed followers of Jesus, we are invited to enter directly into the rich beautiful fellowship that exists among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We were given the How- adding to our faith many Christlike qualities through the empowerment and equipping of the Holy Spirit. Today, we discover the Why- our growth keeps us from being unfruitful in knowing our Lord Jesus Christ. As we find these qualities becoming more prominent in our lives, then we know that our faith is real and we are making good progress. We will see results in our daily life, witness, and service as we faithfully follow Jesus. Such growth will encourage us along our journey. It will not be perfect. There will be difficult days and disappointments when we do not live up to the growth we have made, but we can still have the assurance of our salvation knowing that the Holy Spirit is still at work, and we are still progressing. However, if we do not find these qualities increasing in our lives over a period of time, then we have been blinded by darkness, and we will forget whose we are and that have been set free from our sin. We will not have the encouragement that the assurance of faith brings. Without exception, authentic faith leads to authentic growth and transformation over time.  

Relate it to your life.
I need to prayerfully consider how my life is progressing by the fruit it is producing within me.  

Do something.
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Amen.

April 25-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.  
2 Peter 1:10-11, Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Observe what it is saying.
Peter summarizes what he has taught us this week. The reason we add to our faith the many qualities of Christ is that we are making every effort in the power of the Holy Spirit to confirm what we have been given in our redemption. We have been called and elected to participate in the glorious kingdom of God. God has chosen us to be included in His family. God wants us to be confident that we belong to Him. So, if we are growing Christians then we will not stumble. That does not mean we will never sin, but we will not fall away from our faith if we are making daily progress in our journey with Jesus. Ultimately, and best of all, we will be warmly welcomed into the eternal kingdom that our Lord and Savior Jesus has brought to us. The entry begins now and lasts for all eternity. This speaks of the eternal values of heaven being increasingly produced in our lives, and, also, tells of the eternal span of time that will never end. We will enjoy being present with Jesus forever and ever. As someone said, “If we do not enjoy spending time with Jesus now, what makes us think we will want to spend all eternity with Him?”

Relate it to your life.
I acknowledge that I absolutely enjoy living in the eternal kingdom of Jesus today and look forward to dwelling in its beauty and power forever.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I want to spend my every moment with You. Prompt me to remember You are here. Amen.

April 13-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:1-4, To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Observe what it is saying.    
The early Christian church continued the structure from the Jewish synagogue with an “elder” being the most common title for church leadership. In the first century, elders were often older believers who were highly respected in the community. Peter refers to himself as a “fellow elder,” so even apostles were considered elders at large in whatever community they resided. Elders included those spiritually gifted as pastors, but were not exclusively pastors. However, every elder had a shepherding function. They were to care for the church as shepherds carefully look over their flocks for injury and sickness. To be called an elder is a privilege and a huge responsibility. It is not done out of obligation but with a humble willingness of the holy call God has placed on your life. Elders were eventually paid but were highly cautioned not to pursue dishonest gain or become greedy by fleecing the flock. Instead, just as Jesus did, elders lead by serving. Jesus told his disciples not to lord themselves over others but to serve as He did by giving His life away as a ransom for many. Elders are placed in the church for the very purpose of modeling His holy loving nature to the whole church. We must remember that when Jesus, our Chief Shepherd, comes back, we will all receive our reward. There is a sense in which all mature believers should see themselves in this role whether they have a title or not. All Christians are called to serve and be a model of the Christian faith to others and so should live up to the responsibility of an elder.  

Relate it to your life.
Whether a “titled” leader in the church or not, I am a leader as I provide an example of Jesus to others.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to lead well by serving others with a model of Your holy and loving nature. Amen.

April 14-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:5-6, In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Observe what it is saying.
Peter speaks to those younger in the congregation that they are to willingly come under the leadership of the God-appointed elders of the church. This is for the proper order and functioning of the church. Of course, the assumption is that the elders are acting in an appropriate manner of servant leadership as we found yesterday. Then Peter tells everyone that they need to dress themselves each day in humility toward each other. We must discard the wardrobe of pride. We need to envision ourselves being dressed in the humility of Christ who willingly went to the cross on the behalf of undeserving sinners. Throughout Scripture we find the truth mentioned often, as is quoted here, that God shows His most generous grace to the humble, not to the proud. When we humble ourselves before God, He will elevate us in His time.  

Relate it to your life.
When I choose the humble way, I open the door for the grace of the Lord to fully enter in.

Do something.
Jesus, dress me in Your wardrobe of humility which You have perfectly modeled for me. Amen.

April 15-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:7, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Observe what it is saying.
We cannot keep anxiety from coming knocking on our door. This world is filled with many events and experiences that create opportunity for fear and worry to enter in. Peter was writing to Christians who were facing opposition and persecution so you would expect they had every reason to be anxious. The Bible repeats itself often when it comes to this ominous feeling. Peter says cast your worries on the Lord. The image is throwing them off of yourself onto Him. He wants to receive them. We were not meant to carry them. God is concerned for us. He loves us. He cares about every anxiety-producing event. He does not want us to travel this path alone but wants us to actively give Him all that troubles us. David said something similar in Psalm 55:22, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” In a message about worry, Jesus said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) The Apostle Paul offers this familiar word, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) The Bible has one consistent message that our loving God wants us to thrust our anxiety upon Him through trusting prayer.

Relate it to your life.
I am relieved to know that God cares for me so much that He wants to bear the weight of my worry.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, through believing prayer, I am casting these worries upon You today: ____________. Amen.

April 16-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:8-9, Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Observe what it is saying.    
Even though we cast all our anxiety on God, that does not mean we can be careless about our spiritual development. The word “sober” is used 6 times in the New Testament, and Peter uses half of them in this letter. 1 Peter 1:13, “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” 1 Peter 4:7, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” Peter emphasizes a spiritual sobriety that demands we stay mentally sharp and spiritually alert at all times. The reason he gives is vitally important because he knows what is at stake and what is happening in the unseen spiritual realm. Peter was a victim of the prowling devil in the Garden where he fell asleep and in the high priest’s courtyard where he strongly denounced knowing Jesus. He was devoured by the temptation of the roaring lion. He knows how dark and painful the guilt is. We must know if we are pursuing a deeper walk with the Lord Jesus, the enemy is in attack mode. We must be vigilant in recognizing his attempts to take us down by standing strong in the faith. Like Jesus did in the wilderness temptation, he stood strong by quoting Scripture. The enemy went away after being defeated by God’s truth. Peter indicates the various kinds of opposition that believers face around the word is one of the ways Satan fiercely attacks God’s people.      

Relate it to your life.
I must understand I am under spiritual attack if I am passionate about my walk with Jesus.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, lead me not into temptation. Deliver me from evil. Amen.

April 17-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:10-11, And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Observe what it is saying.
In Peter’s final words, he speaks of the God of all grace. What a wonderful reminder that this is who God is as fully demonstrated in His Son Jesus. It is by God’s grace we are saved. It is by God’s grace we are restored into the family of God. It is by God’s grace that we are transformed into brand new people. As Peter goes on to say, it is by God’s grace we are called into eternal glory. God made the way to glory abundantly clear through Jesus. Jesus himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Peter encourages those who are suffering for their faith to hold on because this is only a temporary phase in the larger picture of eternal life. Even in this world, there may come relief at some point. However, if not, we have an eternity where we will be strong and steadfast, never to know another moment of suffering, pain, sorrow, or loss. This is what we are living for. This is what gives us hope to continue on in the midst of all of our struggles. We must keep the larger picture in view as we walk day by day through all the challenges of this world. Because of what God has done for us, He is to be recognized as the One to whom all praise and power goes forever.    

Relate it to your life.
God’s grace literally makes all the difference in this world of whether I can have real hope for the future.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the instrument of the Father’s grace so that I have hope in the midst of my daily troubles. Help me to keep my eye on the prize to which You have called me. Amen.

April 18-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.  
1 Peter 5:12-14, With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Observe what it is saying.
Just as the Apostle Paul often did, Peter writes by naming a colleague, Silas, who shares in ministry with him. We first meet Silas in Acts 15 where the Jerusalem Council of Christian leaders decided whether they would welcome Gentiles into the family without circumcision. After agreeing they would, they sent a message to the church at Antioch where this controversy began. Acts 15:22, “Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, men who were leaders among the believers.” Silas was an early leader in the Jerusalem church and accompanied the Apostle Paul on his missionary journeys. As Peter says here, he was a faithful brother in Christ. Peter says the purpose of his letter was to encourage them to stand strong in the true grace of God found in Jesus. Babylon is likely a reference to Rome. “She” is probably a congregation there. Mark is a spiritual son that Peter may have led to the Lord and would later write the gospel bearing his name. These two named leaders did not get as much press as the apostles, but they were an integral part of the rapid spread of the gospel.  

Relate it to your life.
My role in the gospel may not get much attention but is just as vital as those who do.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank you for everyone who faithfully serves You without getting much applause. Amen.

April 6-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:12, Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

Observe what it is saying.    
Peter continues to speak about suffering and reminds his audience that they should not be surprised when such tribulations occur. Jesus clearly told his disciples, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Peter was speaking to a largely Gentile audience who had little experience with suffering. However, Jews understood the nature of persecution because they have been oppressed throughout history. Most of us, reading this devotional, have not known persecution as the early church or as many Christians do today. Our Christian faith is unpopular in some circles and can cause us to feel left out and lonely. If we are authentic Christians, we speak and act differently than the majority of the world. However, that does not mean we have to go out of our way to be weird! Rather, being humble followers of Jesus will set us apart. Some may admire us. Others may torment us. It is human nature to regard with suspicion and dislike those who are different from us. Peter emphasizes it should not seem strange to us for non-Christians to oppose and oppress Jesus’ followers. In fact, how we handle such tribulations is a test of the authenticity of our faith. Do we hold to it regardless of any backlash that we receive? On the other hand, it is a test of faith that only true Christians will be persecuted. The substance of our faith is revealed either way. If we are not being persecuted, we can give thanks to God for the peace that we have, but we, also, may want to take serious inventory to ensure we are not compromising our faith.        

Relate it to your life.
Some form of occasional suffering is needed because it is an effective test to the quality of my faith.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, in the easy times, and in the difficult times, may I always be found to be faithful. Amen.

April 7-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:13, But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Observe what it is saying.
Peter expanded on his theology of suffering. Yesterday, he told us that tribulations are important for the testing of our faith. They inform us of what we are made of spiritually. Do we respond with fear and anger or faith and assurance that God is working through all things? Today, Peter tells us to rejoice in our suffering. From prison, Paul wrote to rejoice in the Lord always and to give thanks in all circumstances. James said to consider it all joy when you face trials of many kinds. When we are opposed and oppressed because of our faith, we have spiritually entered into Christ’s suffering. This is the deepest fellowship we will ever experience with Jesus on earth. Our suffering is an extension of his horrific pain. Ours does not add anything to what He did on our behalf, but it does connect us to His full ministry and experience on earth. We can say we have shared in the suffering of Jesus. Such a full participation in the His life and death only adds to the joy we will experience when He comes again in all of His glory. Paul said it this way, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:17)

Relate it to your life.
How deeply do I really want to share in the life of Jesus?

Do something.
Jesus, I must be honest, I do not want to suffer. But if I do, please give me a faith-filled attitude. Amen.

April 8-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:14-15, If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.

Observe what it is saying.
More than likely, we will not feel blessed when we suffer. However, Peter tells us to rise above our feelings. In fact, the whole discussion of suffering is not about what we feel, but what we believe to be true. So, Peter is giving us an in-depth theology lesson on the nature and purpose of opposition and oppression in the name of Jesus. So, if you are mocked, laughed at, or joked about because of your faith in Christ, remember that in the spiritual realm, you are blessed. You have the greatest gift ever given- the Spirit of God and His glory is upon you and within you. You have a special connection with the Spirit of Christ that only those who walk the path of suffering will know. This is too is a test of faith to believe this to be true. Such experiential knowledge goes far beyond our feelings, but is far deeper in the recesses of our soul, where the Holy Spirit witnesses to our spirit that we belong to Him, are loved by Him, and are being led by Him. Peter reminds us that the suffering he speaks about is not that which we have caused by our own sins or crimes. Such suffering is justified and to be expected. However, when we participate in the sufferings of the Lord, we share in His glory both now and forevermore.  

Relate it to your life.
There is always so much more to experience in my walk with the Lord.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I must admit, I still do not want suffering, but if and when it comes, give me such faith to believe that I am spiritually sharing with You in a way that I could not otherwise do. Amen.

April 9-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:16, However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

Observe what it is saying.    
Unlike the suffering that occurs from our own sin and crime, our suffering, as a Christian, causes us absolutely no shame. Let’s review where Peter has taken us this week with his theology of suffering. He told us that we should not be surprised when it occurs. Such opposition acts as a test to reveal the integrity of our faith. We need to experience such opposing forces to determine the strength of our faith in the day of storms. When we share intimately with Christ in his sufferings, we unite with Him in a way that we cannot otherwise do. We even have a sense of joy because in some real, yet mysterious way, we enter into Christ’s glory both now and later. This leads to a sense of blessing as the Spirit of God’s glory rests upon us in the midst of these great trials and tribulations. It may be difficult for us to understand how this is possible if we have never suffered as a Christian, but seasoned sufferers, like Peter and Paul, both give testimony to this amazing reality. Today, Peter takes it a step further and says we should praise God that we bear the name of Jesus in our suffering. When we take the name of Jesus as our identity, even when we are in the heat of the fiercest trials, is the highest honor we can ever claim. So, at all times and in all places, may we offer praise to God for the privilege of carrying His holy name.

Relate it to your life.
To bear the name of Jesus is the greatest gift I have been given.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, all praise be to Your holy and glorious name. Thank You for the honor and privilege of bearing the name above every other name. Amen.

April 10-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:17-18, For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

Observe what it is saying.
God’s household originally referred to the temple in the Old Testament, but now Christians, the Body of Christ, are this temple. We need to understand that this judgment refers to judgments being made in this life, not to the final judgment that is to come. In the larger context of suffering, Peter says the pain we endure as followers of Jesus performs a necessary work to purify us as God’s people. It makes sense that such judgment should begin with those who claim the name of Jesus. We must be tested. We must be judged to determine whether we are authentic or a fraud. The Old Testament prophets spoke of judgment coming first upon the people of God.  (Ezekiel 9:6; Zechariah 13:7-9; Malachi 3:1-5). Paul said, "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God" (Ac 14:22). If the preliminary judgment of Christian suffering is already taking place, the final judgment on the disobedient is certain to follow. To make his point, Peter quotes Proverbs 11:31, “If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!” If the righteous experience purifying judgment on earth, then those unwilling to stand with Christ when tested by suffering belong to “those who do not obey the gospel of God,” who will be both judged and condemned.

Relate it to your life.
I need the purifying judgment of suffering in this world so I can enjoy the bliss of a pain-free eternity.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I welcome Your judgments into my life to purify and make me totally Yours. Amen.

April 11-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.  
1 Peter 4:19, So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Observe what it is saying.
As a result of all that Peter has written about maintaining a wholesome attitude when others verbally or physically assault us because of Jesus, we are to do two things. First, we should renew our commitment to God. In His seventh word from the Cross, Jesus used the same verb in committing His Spirit to God (Luke 23:46). Peter also describes God as the "faithful Creator." The combination of these two words reminds us of God's love and power in the midst of trials so that we will trust His affection and His ability to act on our behalf. Second, we should continue to do all the good we can in spite of any opposition we face. Peter does not allow suffering to be an excuse to stop being helpful to others. The Apostle Paul said, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:9-10) Many of us may not experience Christian suffering because we live in a time and place where it does not often occur. So, we should give thanks to God for such a blessing and remember to pray for and financially support those who are being persecuted. However, we must, also, use the same attitudes and actions from this week’s study whenever we face various trials in life. Because we live in a broken world, everyone will face pain and suffering of one kind or another.

Relate it to your life.
I need to remember and review often from this week’s passage how to respond to all kinds of suffering.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for this Holy Scripture that gives me help and hope in all my suffering. Amen.

Calling all incoming 7th–12th graders!

Get ready for an unforgettable week at The S.A.L.T. Project, happening June 21–25!

Join us as we serve our community, grow deeper in our faith, and build meaningful friendships along the way.

This year’s theme, Fire and Clouds, will guide us as we explore God’s faithfulness in powerful and exciting ways.

The cost is $100 per student and includes meals, lodging, supplies, and a t-shirt.

Go HERE to get registered TODAY!

An informational meeting will be held on Sunday, April 26th following the 9:45am service in the Youth Room at our Chapel Campus for those who may have questions.

VOLUNTEER WITH SALT PROJECT
Be part of something incredible this summer! The S.A.L.T. Project (June 21–25) is an amazing week for our youth—and we need YOU to help make it happen! From serving behind the scenes to jumping right into the action, there are tons of ways to get involved and make a real impact. Come be part of the energy, the fun, and the life-changing moments. Go HERE and find out how you can make a difference!

Ryan Young is wanting to invite the men of our church to join him and others in the fun and fellowship of playing a round of golf!

This could become an ongoing fellowship for those who are interested in doing so.

If you're interested in learning more about this opportunity, please call/text Ryan at reach out via email.

Starting April 10th, men (ages 12 and up) are invited to join us on Friday nights in the Gym at our Chapel Campus from 6 to 8pm for pickleball!

We'll have two courts set up with each court hosting a maximum of four players per game. Participants will rotate in and out on a regular basis, ensuring that everyone gets a chance to play.

Whether you’re new to the game or already love playing, this is a great opportunity to get moving, meet new people, and enjoy some friendly competition in a welcoming environment.

Bring your friends or come solo. For more info, email Matt Mason.

CarePortal is a ministry that brings together local churches and the Department of Child Services to help strengthen families in our community and build relationships between them and the Church.

In an effort to address the foster care crisis in our state, CarePortal seeks to keep kids with their biological families where such a situation is safe. They do this by working with DCS to learn of specific needs among families in Vanderburgh County, and making church partners aware of those needs. Whether it’s beds, clothes, food, or help with a utility bill or rent, churches then join together to respond to those needs that would otherwise have the potential to lead to the removal of children from their home; supporting the family and taking pressure off the foster care system.

Financial donations collected this month will help us respond to these needs right here in Vanderburgh County as we share our love for God by blessing these families.

You can give in person at the Main Campus, or ONLINE. However you give, thanks for being a congregation that cares about missions, and cares about families.

Blue Grass members Rachel Riggs and Amy Wilsbacher head up the Blue Grass CarePortal team, and they are currently looking for others who may be interested in serving with this ministry. They are looking for people who enjoy constructing furniture, delivering items, meeting and praying with families, being prayer warriors, purchasing needed items, or putting together care packets.  If interested in volunteering, email Rachel or Amy to get more information. 

An Update from the Pastoral Succession Committee
June 3, 2026
In January, Pastor Doug made a request of the Administrative (Ad) Council to enact the Pastoral Succession Plan to support his planned retirement within the next several years. The Ad Council then took the first step to form the Pastoral Succession Committee, which was announced in March. Both of those announcements you can read below. In addition to the Succession Committee, a Prayer Team was also formed to pray specifically for the process.

The committee has a large task in front of them. As a former member of the United Methodist Church, Blue Grass in its history has not had to hire a senior pastor, but instead received a series of appointed pastors by the Indiana Bishop. We have also been blessed to have Pastor Doug at Blue Grass for 30 years! However, as a result, the process and documentation to advertise the position, perform interviews, hire, and ordain a senior pastor need to be developed before the hiring process can begin. Thanks to Pastor Doug providing plenty of notice of his intentions, the committee has the time to thoroughly, thoughtfully and prayerfully perform the steps necessary to identify the best candidate.

Since the committee was formed in March they have begun the information gathering process, which has included the following steps so far:

• A congregational survey was sent to discern the will of the congregation regarding the attributes most important in a senior pastor at Blue Grass (teaching, counseling, administration, etc). We received 77 responses to the survey, and the information collected will be very helpful in forming interview questions for any senior pastor candidates.
• A youth listening session was held in May to make sure the unique needs of our youth are captured in this process.
• Pastor Doug and Pastor Ben have thoughtfully provided documentation detailing the work they perform on a day-to-day basis. This information is being used in combination with the congregational survey to help the committee understand all the responsibilities any pastor at Blue Grass may be required to perform.

The next steps for the committee are to take all the gathered information and to develop the documentation required to begin the interview process. The committee's work isn't just about this search — they're building a foundation that will serve Blue Grass in any future pastoral transition as well. As a result, the committee will be developing all the information required for someone who is not familiar with our history and theology to fully understand our church and what it will require of a senior pastor.

The committee has set a goal to be able to begin interviewing internal candidates this Fall. If there are any small groups or other groups that would like to have a member of the committee visit one of their meetings to answer questions, please reach out to one of the members listed below. The full succession plan is also available HERE.

Thank you for all of your prayers as the committee continues to work through the process.

Pastoral Succession Committee Members
From Ad. Council- Bob Humphrey (committee chair), Wayne Kinney
From Staff Parish- Phil Plisky, Mandy Scherer
From the Congregation- Cameron Halcomb, Ryan Moesner
Full-time Staff- Nicki Blythe

A Note from Pastor Doug
Originally posted in the 3/11/2026 Enews
As promised in my last update, I said we would continue to give the congregation
updates concerning the Pastoral Succession Plan. Our first order of business was to
create a Pastoral Succession Team. As of Monday, this team has been solidified by the
Administrative Council. The Succession Plan laid out that the team would include: 2
persons from Ad. Council, 2 persons from Staff Parish, 2 persons nominated by Lay
Leadership from the congregation, and one full-time ministry staff member.

Here are the names that have been prayed for and approved to serve on this team:

From Ad. Council- Bob Humphrey, Wayne Kinney
From Staff Parish- Phil Plisky, Mandy Scherer
From the Congregation- Cameron Halcomb, Ryan Moesner
Full-time Staff- Nicki Blythe

Within the next couple of years, this will be the first Senior Pastor succession in over 30
years. In addition, our congregation has never had to do a pastoral search because we,
previously, had a denomination who appointed the pastor to Blue Grass. So, this is a
new adventure that will require much prayer from each of us.

I wanted to share this acrostic to help us be specific in our prayers that the Holy Spirit
will lead this team, process, and outcome.

Prayer Points for Success
Spiritual growth for the congregation
Unity in the Body
Confidentiality in the process as needed
Cooperation among the Succession Team
Endurance for the journey
“Setup for takeoff” vision to become reality
Successful selection of the right candidate

The best is yet to come!
With all my love,
Pastor Doug

A Note from Pastor Doug
Originally posted in 1/28/2026 Enews
At the end of 2025, I sent out an annual report of Blue Grass’ remarkable
accomplishments concerning paying off the debt and doubling our efforts on our Feed
My Starving Children Packing Event. In that same article, I included another major
action the church leadership accomplished in producing Succession Plan outlines for
pastors and staff.

These are working guides that still need to be fleshed out in full as we go forward. If you
would like a copy of what we have produced so far, please email the church office at
office@bluegrass.church, and we will be glad to send you the documents. Please know
these plans will continue to be filled in and adjusted as needed.

At our Administrative Council meeting held last week, I asked that we would implement
the Pastoral Succession Plan so that we can be prepared for a pastoral transition due to
my retirement within the next couple of years. I wanted to give the leadership sufficient
time to be thoughtful and prayerful as we work our way through this new process.

We can rest assured that we have tremendous lay leadership, staff, and church family
who will be united together in the Holy Spirit to focus on our mission as disciple-makers
of Jesus Christ as we go forward in discernment in this new chapter God is writing for
our church family.

I would encourage us all to be prayerful for the process. Updates will be given along the
way as we gain new information and establish new milestones. If you have any
questions, please do not hesitate to contact John Czoer at john@czoerteam.com, or
Mandy Scherer at mandyscherer@gmail.com or myself
at doug.heiman@bluegrass.church.

In Christ’s love,
Pastor Doug

March 30-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:1-2, Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

Observe what it is saying.    
The theme of Christ’s suffering continues from chapter 3. Because Jesus did this for us so that we might be redeemed and given an eternal hope, then we are to be armed with the same mindset. The literal meaning to “arm yourself” is to do so with a weapon. The weapon is having the attitude of Christ. We are to think as Jesus thinks about the benefits that suffering brings into our lives. Look at this similar message in Hebrews 12:2-3, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Jesus’ suffering set before Him a joy of being able to see the redemption that would be brought for the whole world to experience. He knew that His suffering would result in great eternal gain as the kingdom of God came into this world. In the same way, we should view our suffering aiding in the destruction of our sin. As awful as it is, suffering for Christ purifies us and gives us a singular desire. We are done with subjecting ourselves to sinful thinking and activity. The refining fire of suffering elevates our desire to do only the will of God. Though we do not seek it, if and when it comes, suffering aids our spiritual development in being done with the far lesser things of this world.    

Relate it to your life.
Suffering for Jesus is not on my top 10 list of things I want, but it is on the top 10 list of things I need to be done with sin once and for all.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me Your holy mindset so whatever suffering I encounter in my body, I receive it as a way to destroy the power of sin within. Amen.

March 31-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:3-5, For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

Observe what it is saying.
As redeemed followers of Jesus, we are solely focused on living for the will of God. Even though we may have participated in a vast variety of sins that the unredeemed continue to do, this is no longer who we are and what we desire. However, we should not be surprised if we get pushback from those with whom we used to indulge such behavior. They wonder why we no longer want to join in on “the fun.” They may call us names. They may try to guilt us by saying that we think we are too good for them. They may reveal that they are not true friends by the way they diss or disown us as we embark on our new life. However, regardless of what they say or how they treat us, we must remember we will all stand before God and give an accounting for our lives. The redeemed have no need to fear because we have confidence and peace as we are covered by the blood of Christ.

Relate it to your life.
I should expect pushback when I refuse to join in on the evil that is so prevalent in our world.

Do something.
Jesus, give me a single eye and desire to live the holy life that matches Your sacrifice for me. Amen.

April 1-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:6, For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

Observe what it is saying.
Through church history, this has been a challenging verse to interpret. There are a variety of meanings put forth concerning the gospel being preached to the dead. Some say they are those who are dead in sin. Some say it refers to those who died before the second coming of Christ, but heard the gospel before they died. Third, it is taken to mean all the dead from ages past. This seems to be the most reliable interpretation since Peter just spoke about the descent of Christ to preach to the imprisoned spirits. One interpretation of this whole verse indicates that death is the penalty of sin for persons. If there had been no sin, there would have been no death. Since, death itself is a judgment, all persons are judged when they die. In spite of that, Christ descended to the dead and proclaimed the gospel giving them another chance to live in the Spirit of Christ. If this interpretation is accurate, this becomes a beautiful glimpse of the gospel of the second chance. God’s love for us goes to great lengths to give us every possible opportunity to respond to the wonderful grace offered through Jesus’ death and resurrection.  

Relate it to your life.
God’s love for me is beyond imagination, and His desire for me to be in His family is beyond comprehension.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, You give me every opportunity possible to join you in the eternal kingdom that will never end. Do not let me miss it! Amen.

April 2-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:7, The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.

Observe what it is saying.    
The Christian mindset is to believe and live as though the end is near. This end must be viewed in two ways. 1. The end as when the Lord returns and brings judgment upon the earth. 2. Our own end as when we die. Peter has already spoken about both of these, “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” (1 Peter 1:13) And then again, “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For, ‘All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.’ And this is the word that was preached to you.” (1 Peter 1:23-25) So, we must recognize the brevity of life and the swiftness that it can quickly come to an end. As a result of this, we must choose to be spiritually prepared at all times. Jesus said, “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Matthew 24:44) The purpose of such sober-mindedness is so that we can pray. Prayer is our direct portal to heaven. It is the source that gives us victory. It is the same message Jesus spoke to the disciples on this holy Thursday, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (Matthew 26:41) They did not pray and fell horribly. May it not be so with us.

Relate it to your life.
Life is short. Enjoy each moment. Love one another fiercely. Pray often. Always be spiritually prepared.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to have a healthy fear of my mortality and be spiritually ready at all times. Amen.

April 3-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 4:8-9, Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

Observe what it is saying.
In light of the coming of the end, we were told to be alert and sober-minded so that we can keep praying for spiritual success. In addition, we are to place the highest priority on loving each other as we wait for Christ’s second coming or our going to Christ. The word translated “deeply” has two meanings. It is an ongoing love that does not fail. It also means stretching out as one who runs. It is the strong muscle of an athlete gained from strenuous and sustained training. Our love must powerful. It is not an easy, sentimental kind of affection, but demands all of our mental and spiritual resources as we demonstrate it to the most challenging persons. In fact, this kind of love covers over many sins as Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross did for me that I so cherish on this Good Friday. In the same way, I choose to overlook others’ sins and offer Christ’s love just as they are. I choose patience, kindness, and forgiveness. I do not make excuses or explain away their sin, but acknowledge it and chooses to love them anyway. It is the same kind of love that opens up our homes and hearts to one another by warmly welcoming then in. Hospitality was necessary for the traveling missionaries which led to the rapid expansion of the church. Churches also met in homes which required extravagant generosity. Jesus spoke how we do this for Him, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” This love is positive in nature so that we do so without grumbling but with absolute joy. Such Holy Spirit energized love keeps going and growing in all our relationships.

Relate it to your life.
When I love like Jesus, it prepares me spiritually for His coming.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to love like You. It is not easy. It requires tremendous Holy Spirit energy. Amen.

April 4-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.  
1 Peter 4:10-11, Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Observe what it is saying.
As another expression of loving one another deeply, we are given these instructions on serving. We find that grace not only saves, but it empowers us with God’s gifts to effectively function in the Body of Christ. As the redeemed, we have been given a gift or gifts to be used for building up the church. If we want to be found faithful in our redemption, then we will generously employ our gifts. All gifting is a meant to be a means of serving for the sake of the kingdom. Peter offers two large categories of gifting. If we are gifted to speak, then we should understand how influential our words are and thoughtfully speak as though we are doing so on behalf of God for that is, in fact, what we are doing. Scripture speaks over and over of the value and weight that our words bear upon one another. When we serve by doing acts of goodness and kindness with each other, we do so with God’s strength so that He receives all the praise in Jesus. As faithful stewards of God’s gifts, we view ourselves as tools in His hands so He receives all the glory.

Relate it to your life.
My love for the church is expressed when I faithfully practice my particular spiritual gifting.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, may all glory and praise be given to You as I serve others in Holy Spirit power. Amen.

March 23-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 3:13-14, Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”

Observe what it is saying.    
In verse 12, Peter said, “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” With this in mind, Peter says who can harm you for doing good? The Lord is watching and listening so take comfort in His presence and protection. The word “eager” does not do justice to the original language. It is the word from which we get zealous or enthusiast. It is one who has the feelings or attitudes of deep commitment to a person or cause. In the New Testament this word technically referred to a person who belonged to the nationalist Jewish group that sought independence from Rome- the Zealots. One of the 12 disciples was named Simon the Zealot. This was not the Simon Peter who wrote this letter. Peter is saying that believers should love goodness with the same passionate intensity as the most fanatical patriot loves their country. It is only when we are zealous for what is Godly that evil loses its fascination and power. In a time when Emperor Nero was beginning to ramp up persecution against Christians, Peter said even if they should suffer for doing the right thing, they are still blessed with all the eternal benefits of God’s kingdom. So, there is no reason to fear because they are spiritually safe and secure in the arms of Jesus.  

Relate it to your life.
Regardless of any opposition that might come, I must be zealous to do the right and good thing.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, give me an undying passion to do all the good You do. Amen.

March 24-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 3:15, But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord…

Observe what it is saying.
In contrast to not fearing the threats and suffering others might inflict upon us as Christians, we are to revere Christ as Lord. We are to set Him on the throne of our lives, elevated far above anything else we are tempted to worship. As Christians, we are not called to seek comfort, pleasure, possessions, or advancement at the expense of the Lordship of Christ. The things of this world will pass away, so if we hold them most dear and elevate them ahead of Christ, we will be disappointed at best and destroyed at worst. But if Christ holds the most loved place in our hearts, then nothing can steal the blessing of peace and joy that He provides. Even when the enemy of pain, suffering, and death reveals itself, we will rest secure in the holy loving presence of Jesus. It is when such tests come that we discover if Christ is being lovingly revered as Lord in our lives. Even though we do not seek such trials, when we share in the things of Christ, even in His sufferings, we find the blessings of Christ remain. None of us will escape troubling times, but for those who have established Jesus as Lord, nothing can touch that which matters most of all.

Relate it to your life.
When Christ is revered as the Lord of my life, I can expect the spiritual blessings of Jesus to hold on even in the midst of pain and suffering.

Do something.
Jesus, help to me revere and love You as the Lord of my life. May I hold on to Your loving leadership in all things and at all times. Amen.  

March 25-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 3:15-16, Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Observe what it is saying.
In a world where Christians are often seen as suspect, we are called to defend our faith and offer reason for the hope that drives our passionate beliefs. Peter tells us what that we should always be ready to witness when called upon, either due to hostile circumstances or inquiring seekers. The word “reason” is literally the word “logos” which is the well-known description for “the spoken or written word.” Logos is “The Word” used as a title of Christ in John 1:1 that reveals Jesus’ deity and communicates who God is and what He is like. To be ready to share such a witness means we must know what we believe. We must go through the mental and spiritual work of thinking out our faith so that we can communicate what we believe and why we believe it. Our answer must be given with gentleness. In contrast to a climate of hot political rhetoric, the Christian is to be humble in all manner of speech, including communicating our faith. Having an arrogant belligerence is never a positive witness for the follower of Christ, regardless the topic, especially when sharing our love for Jesus! It is doubtful that anyone will ever be bullied into the faith through harsh language. In the same way, our witness must be with respect and reverence for the Lord. It should be lovingly communicated in the same way the Lord Jesus has given Himself to us. When we do this, it keeps our consciences clear as there will be no substance to anyone’s slander of our Christian behavior.

Relate it to your life.
Am I prepared right now to tell someone the reason for the hope I have in Jesus?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, make me aware of every opportunity to be courageous to tell others about the hope and joy I have in You. Amen.

March 26-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 3:17-18a, For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.

Observe what it is saying.    
If a Christian suffers unjustly for their faith, then they can take comfort that they are walking in the way the Lord Jesus has already walked. Peter then tells us that the suffering Savior died for our sins once. His sacrifice was unique and did not need to be repeated. It is often stated in the New Testament that Jesus died once and for all. At the cross, something happened that does not need to be repeated again, and that means sin is finally defeated. The cross deals with all sin for all persons for all time. Sin interrupts and destroys the relationship that God desires with mankind. Jesus’ sacrifice restored the possibility for that lost relationship to be restored. Let us not ever forget that this occurred by the one true righteous Man for all who are unrighteous. The great mystery is that God, through His Son who deserved no suffering, bore the suffering that we deserved. Only one priest could enter into the Holy of Holies once a year to come close to God. Now, because Jesus introduces us to the Father, we are all given full access into His most Holy presence. Nothing needs to separate us from God’s love any longer.

Relate it to your life.
I must remember what a great act and gift it was to bring me fully into the holy loving presence of God.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I give praise to You for what You suffered so that I can come near to the Father. Amen.

March 27-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 3:18b-20, He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 19 After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water,

Observe what it is saying.
Continuing with the thought of what Jesus’ suffering did for the benefit of mankind, we are reminded Jesus died a physical death on the cross. However, before He bodily resurrected, He descended to the dead, proclaiming the truth of the gospel to those imprisoned by death. In particular, to those living during Noah’s time whose disobedience was the cause of God flooding the earth. We remember that only Noah and his family escaped the deserved judgment that God cast upon the earth for its rebellion against Him. The Jewish concept of the world after death, called Hades, was a gray world of shadows and forgetfulness in which people were separated from life, light, and God. It became a prison-house in which these spirits were held until God’s final judgment would occur. Though interpreters have differing views on this passage, it appears we can take from it, at least, these three things: 1. Jesus’ identified completely with humanity all the way into the realm of the dead. 2. He descended before he ascended so that all the universe stands under His victorious reign. 3. Grace is proclaimed to all as theologian Justyn Martyr (90-165 AD) said, “The Lord, the Holy God of Israel, remembered his dead, those sleeping in the earth, and came down to tell them the good news of salvation.”

Relate it to your life.
All the universe is under the rule and reign of God’s grace found in Jesus Christ alone.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I surrender myself to Your reign and rule that stands far above and over all things. Amen.

March 28-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.  
1 Peter 3:21-22, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

Observe what it is saying.
After speaking of the eight who were saved through the floodwaters, Peter uses that imagery to speak of baptism which symbolizes our Christian salvation. This Old Testament event foreshadowed what was to come in Christ in rescuing mankind from condemnation. Peter gives three great truths for baptized believing Christians. 1. Baptism represents a spiritual cleansing of the whole heart, soul, and life of a person. We stand completely clean before the Lord. 2. The pledge of a clear conscience is like a contract where God asks, “Do you accept the terms of my service? Do you accept its privileges and promises, and do you undertake its responsibilities and demands?” Through the action of baptism, the pledge is signed that we do indeed accept the terms. This is no small decision. We are literally signing our lives away. 3. The effectiveness of baptism is totally dependent upon the doctrine that Jesus bodily resurrected and ascended to reign over all powers and authorities submitted to him. This being so, this is whom we lovingly make our pledge, follow, serve, and surrender our all.  

Relate it to your life.
My baptism reveals I have been totally cleansed, have pledged my allegiance, and submit to Jesus’ rule.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I daily declare my pledge of allegiance to You as first professed at my baptism. Amen.

March 16-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 3:1-2, Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.

Observe what it is saying.    
Peter continues the theme of submission as a way to be a witness to those outside the faith. Peter has three times as much to say to women than men because if they became a believer and their husbands did not, they had the most challenging way to go. If a man became a believer, he could just bring his wife along because of his position in the marriage. We must remember the historical context in which this was written. Women did not have any rights and were treated as objects. For a wife to change her religion while her husband did not was courageous and unthinkable. Peter did not tell the wife to leave or preach to her husband. By the silent preaching of her life, it is hoped that her loveliness will break down the barriers and win her husband to the Lord. So, in being submissive she continues to live in the order of society. As archaic as this may seem to us today, for her to go against the cultural norm would have made a negative witness that would have further distanced her husband from the Lord. Instead, Peter wanted wives to be pure. They were to exhibit a chastity where nothing evil could be said about them. They were to be reverent. They could live such a high quality of life in difficult circumstances because they first had a holy reverence for the Lord. They were surrendered to Christ in all things so they could be a witness for Him at all times. This is a model for all of us in all of our relationships to win the lost.  

Relate it to your life.
If my life does not beautifully show Christ, then my words will be of no value in doing so.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, make me a reverent witness of Your holiness. Amen.

March 17-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 3:3-6, Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

Observe what it is saying.
This continues the conversation of wives who converted to Christianity, but their husbands had not. They were to live such Godly lives that their husbands would, hopefully, be won over by their humble lifestyle. In all things, we must remember the ultimate goal of our Christian faith is to make disciples. So, in that excessive Greek and Roman culture where extravagant dress was common among pagan women, Peter gave a specific example of how simple adornment would be a significant way for wives to separate themselves from the ungodly. He even used Sarah, who was the first lady of the patriarch of their faith, as an example for Christian wives to follow in their humble lifestyle. Though this specific wording may be challenging for us to hear with modern ears, living with a gentle Christlike spirit is not only beneficial for women who put their hope in God, but also for men who want to separate themselves from the world.  

Relate it to your life.
However, I interpret this, I need to hear the clear call to live a humble life that models Jesus for others.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, make me gentle just like You in all my relationships and interactions with others. Amen.

March 18-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 3:7, Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

Observe what it is saying.
Peter turns to give instruction to husbands in living the Christlike life. Again, with our modern ears, we may think this advice sounds rather archaic. However, in the culture of that day, where women had no rights and men had all privilege, his words actually highly elevated the status of wives in the eyes of their husbands. So, Peter said, “in the same way” I spoke to your wives, that message applies to you as well. In general, he was saying, live as a Christlike witness to your wives. In particular, “be considerate.” Be understanding and sensitive to your wife’s feelings. Include their thoughts in all you do. “Treat them with respect.” The word also means value and honor. Treat your wives with the infinite value Christ has placed upon them. “Weaker partner” can also mean powerless which was the state of women in that male-dominated culture. Even though that was the societal reality, everything Peter said gave greater standing to women. “Heirs with you” is literally co-heirs making the wife equal in the gospel inheritance with the husband. This was unheard of language for that culture. “Gracious gift of life” is literally the grace life. Husbands and wives share equally in the grace that Jesus offers. Equal salvation. Equal inheritance. Then, he drops the bomb. Treat your wives as equally redeemed, grace-filled persons, or your prayers will be hindered. The way you treat your wives will determine whether God hears your prayers or not! In Christ Jesus, men and women have equal worth, redemption, and reward.    

Relate it to your life.
Marriage reaches its highest potential when husbands and wives represent Jesus well to each other.

Do something.
Lord God, give me grace and strength to love my spouse as wonderfully as You have loved me. Amen.

March 19-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 3:8, Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

Observe what it is saying.    
Peter transitions from addressing various groups of believers to all who follow Christ. He offers a vision of how rich in character our churches and communities will be when we sincerely practice the following qualities. Like-minded: To be a potent witness the church must be united together. This quality filled Jesus’ prayer for the church the night before He went to the cross. When the church abides in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, divisions diminish and unity increases. Sympathetic: We become less self-focused and identify with the pains and sorrows of others. Love one another: At the heart of Jesus’ message is the reality that we will love one another as He loved us. The love of Jesus in us will compel us to love others extravagantly. Compassionate: In a world where we are de-sensitized daily by news of war, mass shootings, sex scandals, embezzlement, and so much more, our hearts become a little harder and less concerned for others. Compassion occurs when we see a need and act upon it just as God saw our pitiful plight and acted to redeem us out of darkness and destruction. Humble: Because we are utterly dependent upon God for all things, we cannot assert ourselves as greater than others.

Relate it to your life.
I will not remain the same when Jesus takes over my fully-surrendered life.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, may every quality that You fully embodied become who I am and what I do each day. Amen.

March 20-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 3:9, Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Observe what it is saying.
Peter speaks to the heart of Jesus’ ministry and teaching that is foundational for our Christian faith. Though the word is not used here, he speaks of forgiveness. If we are able to do these extraordinary acts, then we have chosen to forgive the one who has hurt and harmed us in the first place. Jesus said it  this way, “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:27-31) Christ’s followers stand out as countercultural when we choose to demonstrate such radical love by doing good, blessing, praying, and showing generosity to those who do not deserve it. Loving in such a way reveals that we have been truly redeemed, filled with the Holy Spirit, and are authentically living out the faith.  

Relate it to your life.
I can gauge the maturity of my faith by how I respond to those who are ugly to me.  

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I need an abundance of Your grace and strength to live like You and show such love to those who are not loving to me. Amen.

March 21-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.  
1 Peter 3:10-12, For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil
 and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Observe what it is saying.
These verses provide Scriptural support from Psalm 34 in order to motivate Godly behavior. This psalm speaks of those who want to enjoy life and experience good days, referring to life in the land of Canaan. It speaks that if the Israelites want to experience God’s blessing in the promised land, they should pursue righteousness. They should honor God with their speech. Their tongues should not serve evil purposes through lies or treachery, but they should turn from doing wrong and do what is good. They should be peacemakers rather than instruments of strife and hostility. As they do this, they can be confident that God is watching over them and will hear their prayers. In the same way, those who do evil should be confident that God stands against them and their prayers. If ancient Israel had this hope, how much more should believers have hope of inheriting the eternal promised land found in the kingdom of God. We are welcomed into God’s family by our trust in Jesus’ redemption. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a God-pleasing life. God is doing everything from His side to include us in His family, but still gives us free-will to choose to enter into it.

Relate it to your life.
If my faith is located in Jesus, I have His righteousness empowered by His Spirit to experience the fullest blessings of God.  

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me a heart that seeks to fully live in Your holy loving way so that I do not miss anything that You have planned for me. Amen.