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.

Who is ready for the best summer EVER?!

Baptism is a sacrament that declares God’s grace to us, makes public our response that Jesus is Savior, and pledges to follow him as Lord. It symbolizes our connection with all other believers in the family of God.

We'll offer the sacrament of baptism by immersion on Sunday, April 26th for anyone who has professed faith in Christ as Savior and Lord. If you're interested in talking more about this, we'll have a baptismal meeting after the Ash Wednesday service on Wednesday, March 5th.

If you're unable to make that time, a time can be scheduled to meet with one of the pastors at a different time.

Please EMAIL Pastor Doug to indicate your interest in attending the the March 5th meeting or selecting a different time.

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.

I WONDER VBX REGISTRATION

I Wonder VBX (Vacation Bible Experience) is coming to Blue Grass! This event is for ages PreK (4 years old and potty trained) through 6th grade.

It's all happening on our campus June 1–4 from 9:00–11:30am!

We’re talking four super fun mornings packed with games, hands-on activities, and stories that come to life as kids discover what makes them unique, the gifts God has given them, how they can love others, and how to live their life for God. It’s going to be creative, high-energy, and full of moments they won’t forget!

Reserve your spot HERE by May 17 (or before we fill up!).

Our Mission Focus for April is CarePortal.

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. 

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.

Join other women under the facilitation of Patrice Schroeder for an 8-week study of Kristi McLelland's The Gospel on the Ground: The Grit and Glory of the Early Church in Acts starting Wednesday, April 8th at 10am at the Chandler Library!

Come along with biblical culturalist, Kristi McLelland, as she unpacks the life of the early church in the book of Acts and shows that the kingdom of God is always on the move, always looking outward to bring meaning and joy to a world searching for true fulfillment and hope.

Explore the call of Jesus to His disciples then and today. See how God's Word can sustain us even in the most difficult of times and embrace the transformative grace we experience as children of God in His kingdom of celebration.

Where: Chandler library
                402 S Jaycee Street
               Chandler, Indiana

When: Starts April 8 for 8 weeks.

Time: 10am-11:30am

Cost: $25 Bible study book with videos  

Please EMAIL PATRICE SCHROEDER if you are able to join, and would like her to order you a workbook by March 22nd.

I cannot wait to study, grow, and share together as the early Christians did.

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.  

March 9-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 2:11-12, Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Observe what it is saying.    
Peter returns to the image that believers are foreigners and exiles in this world. Heaven is our home. We are citizens of the kingdom of God. This is a temporary stop along the way until the new heaven and earth are married together forever. Because this is true, then we should not act upon the sinful desires that come from our old unredeemed nature. Redemption is a point and a process. We are declared righteous by Christ’s redeeming work and then we spend our earthly life increasingly becoming righteous in all of our thoughts, words, and actions by the power of the Holy Spirit. However, we must understand there is a war that has been declared against authentic Christians. As we live in this world, in which we do not belong, we can expect fierce opposition by the evil desires that linger within that are continually influenced by the ploys and pressures of the devil himself. This is why we should expect it to be difficult to live out our faith in this world, just as it was for them, who were facing slanderous charges of doing wrong by unbelieving pagans. The way to battle such lies is to live pure and holy lives that will put their false accusations to shame and cause them to bring praise to God when Christ returns.    

Relate it to your life.
Because I am a walking advertisement for Christ, I am either making others think less or more of Jesus.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, keep me safe from the warring sinful desires that well up within me. Make me a positive witness so others will have no grounds to accuse me of wrongdoing but instead give glory to You. Amen.

March 10-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 2:13, Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.

Observe what it is saying.
These are some challenging words for us in our highly divided political climate. What is even more amazing is that Peter wrote these words when Emperor Nero was known for his awful persecution of Christians. Needless to say, Peter did not have warm and cozy feelings for the leaders of his day, but understood that government, as much as we might not like the leaders or their policies, is a necessary structure within our broken world to provide law and order. Paul said this in Romans 13:1-2, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” We may like these words if our political preference is in power, but these words are also true when our political affiliation is not in power. These are some stinging words if we elevate politics above faith. We must remember that God is greater than any one leader. His kingdom that is coming into the world is supreme. History has shown that God’s purposes always prevail through the worst of rulers. No ruler can thwart God’s kingdom from fully reigning on earth! (Part 2 tomorrow)

Relate it to your life.
How I respond to this passage tells me a lot about my own priorities.

Do something.
Father, help me to know how to submit to human authority for Your sake. Amen.

March 11-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 2:15-17, For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

Observe what it is saying.
The larger conversation around submitting ourselves to governing authorities is to understand it is God’s will that we live such good lives that we cause those who talk evil against us to be quiet. If we live in right relationship with everyone then there is no room for them to talk evil against us. As the free people of God, freed from sin and condemnation, we cannot use that as an excuse to sin. Instead, we have become free to be slaves to Christ. Ironically, our ultimate freedom comes when we are fully surrendered to Christ. In that submission, we are to demonstrate respect to everyone. Those who we agree with and those we do not. Christians are to rise above the fray of this world and demonstrate the high road for all relationships. This includes loving one another in the family of God. Christians were known for how they demonstrated such sacrificial love to one another which made their faith attractive to outsiders. Of course, we are to have a healthy fear of God’s eternal authority for He is the ultimate judge over all. Again, Peter tells us to honor governmental leadership. This is included in our overall witness as Christians to be good citizens of God’s kingdom. Obviously, if we are ever forced to make a choice between fearing God and honoring the government, we should always obey God. Peter and Paul spoke of showing respect for governmental structure, even though its performance is often an imperfect expression of God’s law and order, so that we might have the most positive witness and peace possible.  

Relate it to your life.
If I am going to be a positive witness for Jesus, then I must live at a much higher level than the world.

Do something.
Lord God, give me Holy Spirit power in all situations to be a witness who is pleasing to You. Amen.

March 12-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 2:18-20, Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.

Observe what it is saying.    
Peter continues his theme of submission by stating believing slaves, out of holy reverence for the Lord, are to submit themselves to their masters, even if they are harsh. This may seem to be a bit outlandish for our counsel might be to rebel, run away, and gain your freedom. It was largely because of Christianity that slavery became abolished throughout the land. However, Peter speaks of a deep discipleship that few ever achieve. Slaves find themselves in a unique position to have a huge advantage when it comes to living at the highest level that places them below others. As Jesus Himself endured pain, suffering, and death for doing no wrong but, instead, saving mankind, so slaves identify most closely with Jesus when they are punished for doing good. This truth speaks to all who endure unjust and undeserved harsh treatment as you, too, are a positive witness who stands commendable before God.      

Relate it to your life.
When I endure harsh treatment for doing good, I join Jesus in the deepest levels of discipleship.  

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me strength to endure the pains of this world in a way that glorifies You. Amen.

March 13-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 2:21-23, To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

Observe what it is saying.
In speaking to slaves, and I might add to all who suffer injustice for no reason, Peter reminds us that Jesus experienced the same kind of unjust and painful treatment at the hands of those in authority. As was prophesied about Him in Isaiah 53, Jesus was totally innocent. He spoke no deception. As we find in the Gospel accounts of His death, when Jesus was under the most intense verbal and physical abuse, He did not speak or fight back. In His horrific suffering, He refused to make threats. Though He had all power at His disposal, He remained humble and quiet and endured His pain. He knew there was an eternal plan at work so He could trust His life and death into the hands of His Father who knows and doles out perfect justice. This is the example we are called to follow when we find ourselves in circumstances where we are innocent yet are treated unjustly. We must also put our trust in God that He is present and at work in ways that we may not understand to accomplish His greater purposes.  

Relate it to your life.
As difficult as it might be, I must follow Jesus’ example in all matters of life.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, You give me the perfect example of how to respond to unjust and unfair circumstances. I need supernatural strength to model Your pattern because it goes against my natural inclinations to respond humbly and quietly as You did. Help me to put my full trust in You. Amen.

March 14-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.  
1 Peter 2:24-25, “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Observe what it is saying.
Jesus’ suffering was prophesied by Isaiah to occur just as it did for a greater purpose to bring mankind to God. As He died for our sins, so we, too, are to die to our sins and live the righteous life that reveals our true redemption. His deadly wounds are the source of our healing today. In the context of slavery, it was a slave, not the Roman citizen, who only could be crucified. As Jesus identified with them, Peter urges slaves to identify with Jesus, who suffered an unjust judgment. By encouraging slaves to see their suffering in light of Christ’s crucifixion, Peter highly elevated their status and gave their suffering purpose.  For all who act like sheep by straying away and getting themselves into trouble, it is no surprise that shepherd is a favorite and fitting description of God A shepherd had to ceaselessly and sleeplessly be on guard for any harm that might come to the flock as they led them to new and fresh pasture. The name Overseer is the same word as bishop that includes the images of guardian, protector, guide, and director. This is what Jesus has become does for us as we return to Him from our spiritual waywardness. He is the caretaker of our souls watching over us, providing what we need, and protecting us from spiritual demise. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who freely gave up His life to save us from eternal peril.  

Relate it to your life.
Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have no reason to want for He provides all I need.

Do something.
Shepherd Jesus, lead me along the right paths for Your glory and purposes. Amen.  

March 2-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 2:1, Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.

Observe what it is saying.    
“Therefore” connects us back to chapter 1 where we were declared to be born again by the eternal word of God. Now that we are brand new people, we cannot stay the way we were. Peter urges us to be done with evil things. To “rid yourselves” literally means to strip off, like you would dirty clothing. He next gives examples of what we must take off as the redeemed people of God. Malice is a general word for evil and includes all the wicked ways of the Christless world. All of these sins speak of how we wrongly relate to one another. Deceit is trickery to dupe others in order to attain a person’s own ends. Hypocrites are those who act a part and conceal their real motives. They use their Christian profession for their own prestige and not for the glory of Christ. Envy is said to be the last sin to die. Even among the disciples at the Last Supper, they argued who should occupy the highest seats in the kingdom. Slander means evil-speaking. It is the fruit of envy and is spoken about others when they are not present. Everyone agrees it is wrong to offer such evil talk about others, but we often cannot help but enjoy participating in such unholy gossip. This does nothing less than create great destruction in relationships and should not be a part of any Christian fellowship. So, all of these things must be immediately removed from our character so that the unity of the Body of Christ will not be injured.      

Relate it to your life.
In Christ Jesus, I am a brand-new person with a new character that impacts all my relationships.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I cannot strip off these old behaviors by myself. I need the help of the Holy Spirit to make the transformation happen. Please do radical surgery and remove these cancerous sins from my life. Amen.

March 3-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 2:2-3, Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Observe what it is saying.
Since we have tasted the Lord is good, a reference to Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good…”, we are to crave more of the same. Just as a baby intensely craves to be fed, we are to have that same kind of hunger for the Lord. Every part of our being should cry out that we want to be fed by the word of life. This offers a picture of such intense desire that we must honestly ask ourselves if we possess this kind of passionate pursuit of the Lord. Where does this rank with other passions in our lives: including our work, sports, fitness, food, material pursuits, and advancing our careers? We can be passionate in all we do, but our pursuit of the Lord must rise above and beyond everything else. We are also given the reason: “so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” We cannot be content with where we are. There is always a greater spiritual depth to know and grow into. It is only through our salvation that we can begin this journey of deeply abiding in an abundant relationship with the Lord. May we love the Lord with all that we are and have so we can enjoy all the heavenly benefits now and forevermore.    

Relate it to your life.
In comparison to all my other pursuits, how high do I rank my craving for the Lord?

Do something.
Father, may my love for You grow more and more. Give me a passionate pursuit for everything that is of You. By Your Spirit, mature my faith so that I can be pleasing to You and a blessing to others. Amen.

March 4-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 2:4-5a, As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house…

Observe what it is saying.
Peter refers to Jesus as the living Stone. Later in this passage he gives us several Old Testament passages that speak of Israel being the stone that Jesus ultimately became, once and for all. However, as Jesus spoke during His ministry, He was largely rejected, especially by the religious elite. Even though mankind rejected Him, God considered Him precious and chose Him as the Messiah who would offer salvation to the world. If we have entered into that salvation by faith, then we, too, are described as living stones. We are to just like Jesus who is our cornerstone. God places each of us together to build His spiritual house, called the church. That means we are a community of believers. Solitary faith does not exist in the Christian faith. Those who think of themselves as free-lance Christians too superior to belong the Church in one of its many forms is a contradiction in terms. As long as a stone lies by itself, it becomes only of use when incorporated into a building. So, it is with us, we are not of any benefit when we remain alone but must be built into the very fabric of the Church for God’s glorious purposes.  

Relate it to your life.
Like Jesus, I am a living stone carefully placed with others in just the right place to build the spiritual house of God.

Do something.
Lord God, help me to capture the vision of how valuable I am as a member of Your holy church. Amen.  

March 5-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 2:5, you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Observe what it is saying.    
As a living stone being built into the spiritual house, we discover what would have been absolutely astounding to their ears. They are included in the holy priesthood. There was no distinction made between lay people and priests. Every believer who would ever read these words is now included. Every time you look in the mirror, you are looking at a priest set apart for the Lord’s purposes. Unlike the Old Testament priesthood, you do not need anyone else to go between you and God to have a close and personal relationship with Him. Through Jesus Christ, you have the wonderful privilege of enjoying direct access. However, like priests of old, we can help others find their way to Jesus. The Latin word for priest is pontifex which means bridge-builder. As priests who are witnesses for Christ, we are used by the Holy Spirit to build bridges for others to know Jesus. We also bring acceptable sacrifices to God as we offer ourselves, our whole self, as an offering pleasing to the Lord. This includes our worship, our giving, our serving, our work, our relationships, our leisure time, and all that we are and do. What God wants most is our loving adoration which extends itself into joyful service in His kingdom for His glory.

Relate it to your life.
By the blood of Christ, I have been given the privilege of entering into the holy presence of the Lord.

Do something.
Lord God, thank You for including me in Your priesthood. You have set me apart for Your holy purposes so that I can offer my whole life to You. Help me to grasp the glorious nature of this relationship into which You have welcomed me. Help me to build bridges so others will know this same joy that I have found in You. Amen.

March 6-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 2:6-8, For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” 7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” 8 and, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.

Observe what it is saying.
Peter uses three passages from the Old Testament to support his message that Jesus was the Living Stone that was rejected. The first Old Testament reference is from Isaiah 28:16 which speaks of God’s unfailing relationship with His people, a relationship that was culminated in the coming of the Messiah. Jesus is the cornerstone on which the whole spiritual house is built. Without Him, it all comes crumbling down. The second reference is found in Psalm 118:22. Jesus was rejected by the builders, the religious establishment of His day. Yet, God chose Him as the ultimate stone on which to build His kingdom. What mankind views as precious and what God treasures is not often the same. The final reference is from Isaiah 8:13-14 where the Lord Jesus is found to be a stumbling stone for those who reject Him. Their rejection becomes the source of their judgment and condemnation. This is the reality for all who refuse to believe and obey the gospel message found in Jesus alone.    

Relate it to your life.
Jesus is the only Stone by which my spiritual house can be securely built for all eternity.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, by your grace and Spirit, I put my full trust in You and choose to be totally obedient to Your life-giving message. Amen.

March 7-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.  
1 Peter 2:24-25, But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Observe what it is saying.
These are some of the richest words found in all of Scripture to describe us as followers of Jesus. We are a chosen people. We are not just any people but chosen by God himself. We are a royal priesthood. We are not run-of-the-mill priests, but we have a dignity about us that comes from King Jesus whom we serve. We are a holy nation. As followers of Jesus, we do not primarily hold allegiance to the country in which we live, but we have been set apart to dwell in God’s nation first and foremost. This is why we pray “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” This is the heavenly nation/kingdom that we belong to that has already come and is still on target to rule the earth one day. We are God’s special possession. We are his most-prized treasure. There is nothing more valuable to Him than those who have been called out of the darkness of sin and death and brought fully into the light of life. We must remember there was a day when we were not the people of God, but now because we have received the mercy extended by Jesus through His atoning grace, we are His most beloved people. Because this is who we are, we must clearly and loudly proclaim His praises into all the world.    

Relate it to your life.
There is no greater description of who I am than what is found in these rich and remarkable words!

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to believe this about myself so that I can loudly proclaim Your praise. Amen.  

February 23-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
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.

Observe what it is saying.    
The first 12 verses have revealed the beauty and majesty of God’s mercy that offers a new birth and ongoing salvation. Because of this amazing grace offered and accepted by the audience to which he writes, Peter instructs us that we are to have alert minds. The wording actually means that our minds must be prepared for action. The Christian faith is both heartfelt and mindful. Serious Christians must think things out and through. To be thoughtful is to own our faith so no one or nothing can steal it away. So, it makes sense we should, also, be fully sober, having a steady mind. We cannot allow intoxicating beverages or thoughts distract or detour us from the truth-telling of the gospel. Ultimately, this gospel proclaims a living hope which can cause us to endure each day’s trials. Just as the athlete engages in the pain of rigorous practice for the hope of winning so we can endure the strain of life if we know it is all headed to a glorious destination. Peter tells us there is more grace to experience. God has an unlimited supply that is generously doled out in this life and in the coming of our Lord Jesus. We can have hope today because the best is yet to come.    

Relate it to your life.
I have only tasted a sample of the grace that is yet to come when Christ appears.  

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me clear thinking to hold on to the hope that is for all who believe and trust in the life-saving message of the gospel. You have saved the best for last for all who persevere to the end. Amen.

February 24-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 1:14-16, As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Observe what it is saying.
With sober minds set on the eternal hope we have in Jesus, we need to see ourselves as God’s obedient children. We refuse to adapt to the evil desires that were prominent within us before Christ redeemed and restored us into His image. Before, we could make the excuse we were ignorant, that we did not know any better. However, we can do so no longer. We have been saved by the mercy of God. We are being renewed and restored by that same grace that is on full display in the nature of God. So, it should be no surprise that we are called to holiness just as God is holy. Holiness means we have been set apart for the special purposes of God. We are like fine china or that prized article of clothing that is set apart to be used only on certain occasions. We have high value. We are no longer ordinary people. We have been redeemed by the shed blood of Jesus Christ. We have been bought at a high price. We are the sons and daughters of God. As His obedient children, we are to “live into” this new identity and image. We are to be holy in all we do. There is no such creature as a part-time Christian. We are never off duty from being God’s holy children. This is an all or nothing call that has been placed upon us.        

Relate it to your life.
Do I view myself as God’s obedient child who is called to be set apart for God’s holy purposes?

Do something.
Father, help me to grasp who I am in You. Help me to see myself as Your obedient child. Help me to desire holiness in the deepest part of my being so that I can reflect You at all times in every way. Amen.

February 25-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 1:17-19, Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

Observe what it is saying.
Peter returns to the theme from the first verse where he spoke of Christians as exiles. Here the word foreigners is used which comes from the same root word. Whatever word we use, we are to see ourselves as temporary residents of this world. This is not our home. We are only passing through. We need to hold on lightly to all that this world provides. Because the Father will judge all persons fairly, we should live with a holy and healthy fear of the Lord. He reminds us that we are not redeemed with material things from the futile life that leads us nowhere. There is something far more valuable and precious found in Christ’s shed blood. He was the perfect, once and for all, sacrifice given to take away the sin and death that innately includes every soul. We can be confident that we will all be judged fairly based on the Father’s nature and on whether we have put our absolute trust and life in the redemption that Christ alone can provide.  

Relate it to your life.
I have absolute confidence in the Father making a right judgment about me based upon my living faith in Jesus.

Do something.
Lord God, thank You for my salvation found in Jesus alone. Help me to hold on lightly to this world so that I can walk freely through it as a resident of heaven every step of the way.  Amen.

February 26-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 1:20-21, He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Observe what it is saying.    
Because of God’s omniscience, His all-knowing nature, God could see how life on earth would play out as He gave free will to mankind. So, even before He created the world, He had a plan in place. His own Son was chosen as God’s choice to provide salvation for the world. This, not only speaks of God’s infinite knowledge, but also of His infinite love towards His creation. He hatched a plan before He created us so that when we were created and became disobedient, we would have a way back to Him. He did that for you! It is through Jesus that we can have a confident faith in God. Because the Son of God, known as Jesus, would be born in human flesh, die, resurrect, and ascend into heaven, we believe in God’s redeeming power. As we put our full trust in this plan, in Christ Himself, we are declaring who our God is. The very God, who created life, sustains it, redeems it through Jesus, and promises it for all eternity.  This is our amazing God. The God who can accomplish all things according to His will is the same God who loves us so much that He had a plan in place when we would rebel and go our own way. When John says, “For God so loved the world,” we understand how eternal and how great that love really is.  

Relate it to your life.
To know that God planned my rescue before I ever needed it reveals His immense love for me.

Do something.
Lord God, You are absolutely amazing! Praise be to Your holy name for having this plan in place. Amen.

February 27-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 1:22-23, Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

Observe what it is saying.
The fruit of our redemption will show itself in our love for one another. If our love for one another does not grow, then we have to question the authenticity of our salvation. God has freely offered His saving grace through His Son, but we must wholeheartedly receive and appropriate this gift into our lives. It is more than declaring we are saved. It is a total surrender to the Lordship of Jesus over our lives that leads to our willingness to submit to His full authority. We know we are doing so when our heartfelt love for each other grows deeper and deeper. Again, as Peter said earlier, we have been born again, born anew of the living, never-ending word of God that will not perish. Its message is eternal. It is never out of date or out of touch even in our modern world. This word is more than knowledge to know. It is a word that transforms us giving us a tremendous passion to love and serve others as Jesus did for us. It beautifully marries John 3:16 with 1 John 3:16.  

Relate it to your life.
I can evaluate my relationship with Jesus based on how well I am loving others.  

Do something.
Oh Lord, by the power of Your Spirit, may my redemption show up in how I profoundly love others at all times. Amen.

February 28-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.  
1 Peter 1:24-25, 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.

Observe what it is saying.
Peter quotes from Isaiah 40 reminding us how perishable we all are. Just like grass and flowers, we have our season, and, then, we pass away. We need to understand the weight of our earthly mortality so that we will fully embrace the immortality of the word of the Lord. Because it was spoken by our eternal God, it lives on forever. Whatever God speaks is true and cannot be undone. God’s word spoke creation into existence. It calms storms. It still wars. It sustains life. It takes sinful people and gives them birth into a brand-new creation. When God speaks, things happen. This is the word that has been preached through the ages and is the word that has come to life in God’s glorious Son. This heavenly message redeems our souls and advances the kingdom of God throughout the earth. We can trust that every promise and prophecy uttered in Scripture will one day be fulfilled. Because this is true, we can hold on to the great hope that victory is assured for all true followers of Jesus.  

Relate it to your life.
I must treasure and hold tightly to the eternal truth of God’s word for none of it will ever pass away.

Do something.
Lord God, You have always been, always will be, and are today. There is no end or beginning with You. So, it is with every word You speak. Help me to believe and hold on to Your message of life and light so that I will enjoy Your eternal pleasures forever and ever. Amen.  

February 16-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 1:1, Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia,

Observe what it is saying.    
Today we begin a series on the Apostle Peter’s first letter in which he encourages believers to stand fast in their faith in the midst of persecution. It was written by him from Rome about 67 AD which would have been shortly after the first persecution of Christians by Emperor Nero. The recipients are Christians who are scattered throughout Asia Minor, which is present day Turkey. The names of these areas represent a large area and population giving further proof of the immense missionary work in a largely Gentile area that caused the early church to grow rapidly. The word scattered is the Greek word “diaspora” which was the technical name for the Jews who were scattered outside of Israel. This was often caused by their sin as they were sent into exile and, other times, it was by their own choice looking for work. But now, since the Messiah has come, the Church is the elect of God scattered around the Roman Empire. Once the Jews were chosen to be God’s representatives in the world, now it is the Christian church. This dispersion of believers is God’s plan to spread His message of grace and His kingdom throughout all creation to bring salvation, blessing, and peace to all who will receive this fantastic news.    

Relate it to your life.
I am included among the Christian elect to be a witness of the good news of Jesus Christ.

Do something.
Father, use us today as You used those early Christians to rapidly spread the gospel into all the world. Help us to own this calling as we go forth in the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

February 17-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 1:2, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

Observe what it is saying.
What an honor and privilege it is to be chosen to be a part of something significant. It should be all the more of an honor to be specially chosen by God to be among the exiles whose home is heaven. The church has been divinely elected by God’s omniscience. The church is not merely a human organization but is in existence because of the purpose and plan of the Father. The church is consecrated by the Holy Spirit which means the Holy Spirit awakens us spiritually, convicts us of sin and leads us to forgiveness at the cross, transforms our lives to be free from sin, and gives us the assurance of our salvation. This is for the ultimate purpose that we will be obedient to Jesus, to His way of life, and to His call upon our lives. We have been chosen and set apart to be in His service. The Israelites were set apart by God to be a blessing to the world. They largely failed their mission. Now, the church has been cleansed by the blood of Christ and elected to be obedient to His mission as a blessing to the world. I love Peter’s words of blessing that grace and peace would be with his readers in abundance. That includes us!  

Relate it to your life.
Belonging to Christ’s church, I have been given great privilege and responsibility as an exile for the Lord.

Do something.
Father, thank You for choosing me to be cleansed by Christ and to be set apart for Your special purposes by the Holy Spirit. Help me to understand with such great privilege comes greater responsibility to live out my faith in obedience to Your word, will, and call. Use me as a member of Your church to be a spiritual blessing to all I meet and encounter this and every day. Amen.

February 18-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 1:3-5, Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

Observe what it is saying.
After his introductory salutation, Peter offers praise to God, not a generic god, but to the Father of our Lord Jesus. The praise is offered for God’s great mercy that grants us redemption. This is no subtle salvation. It is so grand that the only way to describe it is like being born all over again, and it offers two remarkable gifts. First, a living hope. This hope is described as such because it is fixed upon the resurrected Jesus who overcame bodily death and is alive again. What Jesus first experienced is what all newly born believers will enjoy one day. The second gift our new birth is an inheritance, a secured possession. This inheritance is imperishable which means it lasts forever. It will not spoil which literally means it is undefilable. The inheritance cannot be tainted by sin or evil. It is holy and pure. It is unfading. This inheritance will not lose its luster but will remain unchanging so that our joy and peace will be untouched and remain constant and strong forever. This is our living hope!

Relate it to your life.
By God’s great mercy, I am made into a brand-new person and given a vibrant hope of a glorious future.

Do something.
Lord God, it is by your vast mercy that I am redeemed and made brand new. Thank you for this new life, abundant hope, and eternal inheritance that is offered to everyone who receives Your grace. Amen.

February 19-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 1:6-7, In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Observe what it is saying.    
“In all this” refers back to the new birth, the living hope, and inheritance that faithful followers of Jesus are promised to receive. It is easy to “greatly rejoice” when we hold to the promises of God’s beautiful blessings. Now, we discover the readers are experiencing persecution of various kinds for their faith. So, these promises become all the more important to keep before them as they endure the daily struggles of living out their faith. We endure our struggles today as we stay focused on the reality that the best is yet to come. Such trials are actually tests to prove we have a genuine faith. Before gold is pure it has to be tested in the fire. The disciplined workouts of athletes are not meant to weaken them but to develop greater endurance for victory. Trials are not meant to take away our strength, but to put strength into us. It is interesting that “all kinds” means “many colored.” Peter used this word only one other time to describe the grace of God. There is grace to match every trial! Finally, we must endure these troubles so that when Jesus comes again our faith is proven genuine as it generates praise, glory, and honor to Him and a “well done” to us.

Relate it to your life.
The glory to come far outweighs all temporary trials I may experience as a Christ-follower.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, keep me focused on what is to come so that I do not lose hope in my troubles today. Amen.

February 20-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 1:8-9, Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Observe what it is saying.
Peter was different from the audience to which he wrote. He had laid eyes on Jesus, but his readers had not. Even though they had not seen Him, when they heard the message about Him, they believed it. A week after Jesus’ resurrection, we read, “Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:27-29) These were the kind of believers that Peter was writing to. The gospel message captured their hearts so gloriously that it created a deep love for Jesus. Not only that, but their new birth filled their hearts with a joy that could not be logically understood. It is beyond words and description. You cannot fully enjoy this transforming power until you personally encounter the resurrected Lord in total belief and surrender. This joyous love for the Lord is the result of our faith and is a sign that we are receiving the salvation of our souls. Peter writes that salvation is a continuous event. We have received it but also are still receiving the full benefits of this amazing grace.

Relate it to your life.
Real belief results in real love and joy in the Lord Jesus.

Do something.
Oh Lord, I want to continue to receive all the wonderful benefits of the salvation of my soul. Keep my belief strong and my heart surrendered to You. I love You. Amen.

February 21-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.  
1 Peter 1:10-12, Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

Observe what it is saying.
We are told that the prophets searched and inquired about the salvation that was to come. We are also told that the Spirit of Christ was already at work in their lives telling them about Him. God used these careful, searching prophets by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to write down what the Messiah would experience in His suffering and His glorious resurrection. Psalm 22 and Isaiah 52 are two passages that describe the suffering. Psalm 2, 16, and 110 speak of the triumph of Christ. We find Scripture’s inspiration is the product of a careful search of the mind of mankind and the revelation of God’s Spirit. They knew they would not see the fulfillment of these prophecies but were serving later generations where the message would be preached again by the enlightening presence of the Holy Spirit. Here’s the astounding thing: angels were eager to catch a glimpse of this sacred message God gave to mankind. This should emphasize how incredibly valuable the gospel message is in which we have been entrusted.  

Relate it to your life.
God has had a plan in mind for a long time for me to receive this life-saving message.

Do something.
Lord, may I treasure and desire this rich message as much as the angels of heaven long to see it. Amen.  

February 9-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:16-17, A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth. 17 Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.

Observe what it is saying.
In a culture that elevated men and diminished women, this tells the remarkable truth that kindhearted women outshine unkind men all day long. Honor comes to those who are kind. The ruthless may gain wealth in their evil dealings but that is all they gain. As it is worded, wealth is not the highest virtue or reward that is given. They gain only wealth. Nothing more. Nothing better. But those who are kind gain what is most important. They receive honor from others. They are held in highest esteem. They are viewed as the most emotionally intelligent. That is why when kindness is extended to others, it always benefits the one who offers it. Blessings come to those who have the heart of God and do the acts of God. Have you ever said, “I was blessed more in the doing and giving of the gracious act than those who received my kindness?” This is the law of God’s kingdom. So is the fact, that those who are cruel to others will eventually find judgment coming down on them. Let’s choose the better way of kindness.

Relate it to your life.
When I choose kindness, the world will be better off and so will I.

Do something.
Father, by the presence and power of Your Holy Spirit within me, make Your kindness shine through me at all times and in all places to be a light of Your love to all I interact with today. Amen.

February 10-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:18-21, A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. 19 Truly the righteous attain life, but whoever pursues evil finds death. 20 The Lord detests those whose hearts are perverse, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless. 21 Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.

Observe what it is saying.
Solomon likes to compare and contrast the righteous and the wicked. The wicked are the unredeemed. They do not have an abiding relationship with Jesus. The righteous have been redeemed and are being transformed into a new creation by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit at work within them. The wicked may earn an illicit paycheck but the one who goes about life sowing what is right and good will receive the biggest payday of all. The fruit of our hearts reveal if we want the Lord to delight in us or to detest us. There will be a judgment day when the wicked will be punished but those who are righteous will be set free from all punishment. It is rather simple that the two choices of living ultimately end either in death or life. So it really does not make any sense that anyone would want to go the way of unrighteousness which leads to a death sentence both in this life and the life to come. Instead, if we really want to live abundantly, both now and for all eternity, why would we not choose to walk daily in God’s holy love and be a blessing to all we meet?

Relate it to your life.
There are only two options to choose to experience the quality of life I can live now and for all eternity.  

Do something.
Lord Jesus, You alone make me righteous by Your great gift on the cross. I choose You. I choose the way of life and blessing. I choose to pick up my cross and follow after You each and every day as the Lord of my life. May there be no doubt that I belong to You and fully engage in Your kingdom priorities. Amen.

February 11-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:22-23, Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. 23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.

Observe what it is saying.
Solomon had a creative imagination as he conveyed this instruction. Of course, pigs were considered unclean and off limits to Jews for meat so that made this animal all the more detestable to them. Therefore, to attach a gold ring to their snout would be ridiculous looking. In the same way is an attractive woman who does not demonstrate good judgment in her decision-making. The beauty of her appearance does not match the ugliness of her character. In fact, her lack of good character darkens her physical beauty. The most attractive people are those who exhibit Godliness by living His holy loving way. Such people desire the righteousness of God to be their righteousness. Their desires lead to good outcomes because they are fueled by God’s pure word. In contrast, those who choose to go against God, their hope can only end in judgment. Whether we choose the way that is right and good or evil and dark will determine the eternal outcomes of our lives.     
Relate it to your life.
By God’s grace in Jesus Christ, we have a tremendous future if we choose His way for our lives.

Do something.
Lord, I want the true beauty that comes from a well-lived life in You. I ask that You transform me into Your likeness so that I can be an attractive witness for You. Amen.

February 12-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:24-26, One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. 25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. 26 People curse the one who hoards grain, but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell.

Observe what it is saying.
These verses are called divine mathematics. Human math says 2 + 1 = 3. Divine math says 2 - 1 = 3. When we give generously, we receive more than we give. If we excessively hoard stuff for ourselves, then we end up losing more. This does not make logical sense, yet, it is the way God counts. Remember when the boy gave up his lunch to feed the crowd? Andrew said, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” Andrew was using human math. The boy gave all he had to Jesus, and Jesus took it, blessed it, and then the miracle of multiplication occurred so that 5,000 men plus women and children were fed with 12 baskets of leftovers. The most generous people recorded in the gospels are this boy and the widow who put in the two small coins, all she had, in the Temple offering plate. We are still talking about them today! They were willing to refresh others through their extravagant giving. We can only imagine how much God’s blessings came into their lives as a result of their willingness to do so. It is much safer to use human math, but it is more exciting and rewarding to use divine math. Which math are we using in our giving?  

Relate it to your life.
I will not experience the full blessings of God until I start applying divine mathematics into my living and giving.  

Do something.
Lord, give me such faith to live by heaven’s math so that I can refresh others and bring glory to You. Remind me often of Your generosity to me so that I will not be stingy or be a hoarder of all You have given to me. I choose to freely offer back an offering that pleases You and is a blessing to others. Amen.  

February 13-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:27-29, Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it. 28 Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. 29 Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.

Observe what it is saying.
Solomon says it over and over, there is tremendous benefit in doing what is right and good. From living this way, come favor and blessing. However, those who go after evil will find it, and it will destroy them. Even if we believe God’s blessings have come in the form of wealth, it is not an invitation for us to trust in such materialism. Such a decision leads to a false sense of security where we will find ourselves falling without a safety net. Paul wrote to Timothy to reveal what this fall entails, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:10) Instead, we are to focus on being the righteous people of the Lord who thrive in every possible way. Their faith is in the Lord’s salvation. They trust the Lord to sustain them day by day. They do not hold on to wealth as though it is theirs to keep. Once again Paul says it this way, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6) Such right living includes caring for our families. The righteous life must be first known and experienced in the family. If we do not do good to those closest to us, then we have revealed that we do not have an authentic righteousness.

Relate it to your life.
My kind of righteousness will be seen in how I view and handle money and my family.

Do something.
Oh Lord, may my faith in Jesus Christ lead to authentic transformation where Your righteousness is found throughout my life in all my relationships and in the handling of Your gifts to me. Amen.

February 14-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.  
Proverbs 11:30-31, The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives. 31 If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!

Observe what it is saying.
Life is what God is and does. God created it, sustains it, and one day will redeem and make it brand new. Jesus is life. He offers abundant life. Authentic believers have the hope and promise of eternal life. So, it is no surprise that the wise promote life and do not take it away. In our fallen world, we find the unredeemed often choose death through abortion, assisted suicide, and unjust war. We were never meant to play God. As Christ’s righteous followers, we work as life-savers. We are God’s first responders to a world who is hurting and dying. We have the cure that will bring healing and wholeness. We cannot keep it to ourselves. Imagine if first responders refused to go to the emergency to which they have been called, for that which they trained and were sworn to serve, they would be fired and charged with derelict of duty. We must see ourselves as God’s first responders, as disciple-makers of Jesus Christ who have been sworn-in to go to the alarm of those who are perishing and offer the life-saving message of the gospel. Every believer is called to save lives from death and danger. Putting our life on the line is the most loving thing we can do for one another. We cannot abdicate our responsibility for verse 31 makes it clear that the Day of just rewards is coming for the righteous and the unrighteous.

Relate it to your life.
I must view myself as serving on God’s first-responder department, ready to be used to save lives in a moment’s notice, through the witness of my life and lips.  

Do something.
Lord, help me to be prepared to courageously share the reason of the hope that I have in You. Amen.  

February 2-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:1-3, The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him. 2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

Observe what it is saying.
Today, we begin our look at chapter 11 as an example of the pithy statements of wisdom that fill the remainder of the book. These three statements center on integrity that is fueled by humility. When we choose the humble way, we choose the way of wisdom. Such a Godly approach will cause integrity to be formed deep within our character. It will show itself in trustworthy transactions with one another. We refuse to be deceitful but will insist that our personal and business dealings are marked with absolute scrupulousness. We need to understand how much the Lord detests dishonesty. Such a proud, unfaithful life leads to shame, and if it continues to go unchecked, will lead to the demise of those who participate in it. These verses reveal that authentic faith will make itself known in every aspect of our lives. As the people of God, we cannot be dishonest in our dealings with others for it will be found out in one way or another.      

Relate it to your life.
Authentic faith in Christ will lead to holy character that reveals itself in honest dealings with all people.

Do something.
Father, make me pure and holy in all of my ways. May Your word and Spirit form me into the person that honors and pleases You in all of my earthly transactions. May heaven be found on earth where I interact with others. Amen.

February 3-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:4, Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

Observe what it is saying.
Proverbs has much to say about money. In some places, wealth is associated with living wisely. Here we find wealth has its limits. It cannot save us. It is of no eternal value. Even if you believe the Lord has blessed you with abundant resources, please do not be confused that your riches are a sign of your salvation. They cannot spare you from eternal judgment. Wealth in the right hands can literally do a world of good. Businesses can be built offering gainful employment to many. Funds can be given to churches and worthy organizations that are meeting the many needs of our world. Scholarships can be established. The hungry can be fed. Shelters can be erected. Treatment can be offered to those who are addicted, disabled, and severely ill. Yet, even if we choose to use our wealth wisely, we cannot expect our generosity to save us. Hopefully, our generosity is a sign that we have encountered God’s loving riches in Jesus Christ, and we cannot help but share our resources with others. However, righteousness alone delivers us from eternal death and condemnation. Righteousness is not achieved by our efforts, but declared by God’s grace through faith. 1 Peter 3:18, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” Romans 5:19, “For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” Solomon understood far before Jesus ever came on the scene that righteousness alone saves us for all eternity. We now know that righteousness is the gift of Jesus!

Relate it to your life.
I can only claim to be righteous if I am dressed in the righteousness of Christ.

Do something.
Lord, I choose today to trust in Your righteousness alone to save me. Amen.

February 4-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:5-8, The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. 7 Hopes placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of their power comes to nothing. 8 The righteous person is rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead.

Observe what it is saying.
The righteousness of the blameless is a theme that is continued from yesterday’s devotional. To be blameless does not mean we have never sinned, rather it means we are no longer held responsible for our sin. How does this work? For the Jew in the time of Solomon, it came through the ritual of sacrifice. For us, it has come through the one sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus. He carried all of our sin, blame, and shame to the cross. Paul sums it up beautifully in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” This new found righteousness empowers us to walk the holy straight paths. We are no longer trapped by evil desires. We do not trust in mankind who has no ultimate power, but our trust is completely in the Lord Himself who rescues us from sin today and from judgment in the future. God’s righteousness is a heavenly gift that becomes who we are through and through.

Relate it to your life.
Because of my total trust in Jesus’ sacrifice, I stand blameless before God and become the righteousness of God.

Do something.
Lord, it is difficult to fathom that I have become the righteousness of God. I know this is not possible on my own. I give you praise that Jesus took all my darkness and gave me the heavenly light. Amen.

February 5-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:9-11, With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape. When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.

Observe what it is saying.
Here we find the tremendous power of speech. Godless words can destroy neighbors and cities! We can insistently complain, critically judge, and fallaciously slander those who are close to us and those who lead communities. We have incredible power with such a small device. James spoke about this, “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” (James 3:5-6) We discover the startling news that hell itself is the source of such destructive talk. Satan gains great ground in our world through the spreading of lies and false information that destroys lives and leaders. So, if we have such power with our lips, why not use it for good and speak blessing over our neighbors and communities. Imagine what beauty can be created in our neighborhoods and cities when we sincerely seek to elevate one another rather than destroy each other.  

Relate it to your life.
God has given me great power. I need to honestly assess if I am using it for good or evil.

Do something.
Lord, guard my mouth. Give me a heart that speaks words of healing, hope, and blessing. Amen.  

February 6-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:12-13, Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. 13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.

Observe what it is saying.
The theme of neighbor continues today. To deride is to scorn and ridicule. It is the attempt to make others feel as little as possible with the intention of making you feel as important as possible. Wise people show tremendous discretion in what they speak. They refuse to gossip. They will be loyal and refuse to fail the test of friendship by telling secrets that are not for them to tell. They honor others by what they say and do. They are unlike those described by James, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” (James 3:9-10) James then goes on to make the connection to wisdom a couple of verses later when he writes, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” (James 3:13) Wisdom is revealed in our actions, including how we speak about one another.

Relate it to your life.
I tell on myself when I open my mouth!

Do something.
Oh Lord, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in Your sight. Amen.

February 7-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.  
Proverbs 11:14-15, For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.
15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.

Observe what it is saying.
Here are two practical principles for leaders of nations and everyday people. First, Solomon wrote these words as king of Israel. He understood the weight of what such leadership entailed. He valued collective thought and input in decision-making for the nation. He understood that one person does not possess all the wisdom of God and that wise people understand their limitations and continually seek counsel from others. Obviously, this teaching applies to anyone who is in a leadership position for a corporation, an organization, or a church. Second, A frequent theme covered by Proverbs is advice pertaining to the giving of loans or the securing of debts. The teaching is consistent: Don’t give loans or secure debts. To better understand this teaching, we need to remember that interest-bearing loans to fellow Israelites were forbidden. It was legal to give such loans to foreigners, so if “stranger” implies a foreigner, then even these types of loans are strongly discouraged. The problem with such a loan is that they are often given when the lender could not afford to lose the money. It could end in poverty or even slavery if the loan was not repaid. For example, Judah volunteered to personally guarantee the safe return of his brother Benjamin back to their father, Jacob. When this seemed impossible, Judah had to offer himself to Joseph as a slave. Such an arrangement was sealed by a handshake. The general practice that this teaching advocates is for wise financial decision-making in all things.

Relate it to your life.
To live wisely, I will seek the counsel of those with strong Christian minds and will be cautious of overextending myself in extended financial arrangements.

Do something.
Lord, keep me humble to seek counsel as needed and to live within my means. Amen.  

January 26-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 3:13-15, Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, 14 for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.

Observe what it is saying.
The way of blessedness or happiness is found in attaining God’s wisdom. When we gain God’s eternal perspective then we have received heavenly insight into the ultimate value of life. This is the most valuable of all gifts. It is worth far more than silver, gold, rubies, or anything else we highly treasure on earth. Jesus told a similar parable. Matthew 13:44-46, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” Jesus said entering into His kingdom is far greater than all the treasures of this world. It would seem reasonable to think that the wisdom that Solomon speaks of and the kingdom of God are of the same essence. To have one is to have the other. The blessings of which Solomon are the same we find in Ephesians 1:3, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” God’s wisdom is the full revelation of Jesus Christ and His heavenly kingdom that He brought to earth. When we enter in, we delightfully find all the wealth of heaven available to us.  

Relate it to your life.
If I could fully fathom the beauty of spiritual wealth, then I would discover there is no comparison to what Christ offers and what this world offers as its reward.  

Do something.
Father, I choose your wisdom, wealth, and kingdom. I do not want to sell myself short of the eternal riches that are available to all who trust in and follow You. I refuse to settle for the temporary wealth of this world. Amen.

January 27-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 3:16-18, Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. 17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.

Observe what it is saying.
Solomon continues his description of the high value of wisdom. Yesterday, he described its worth as far greater than silver, gold, and rubies. Solomon taught that the Godly way of wisdom increases your life span and your ability to achieve honor and wealth. When we go this way, we discover it to be the most pleasant and peaceful way. It reduces opportunities for conflict and increases emotional intelligence to more effectively handle difficult relationships and interactions. Wisdom is the tree of abundant life for all who will enjoy and eat its fruit. When we take in this diet of Godly thinking and apply it throughout our lives each day, we can expect to live the happiest possible lives. This does not mean all troubles and trials will be removed, but it does give us the proper perspective to look at them from an eternal viewpoint and know what is most important.    

Relate it to your life.
When I choose the way of Godly living, it gives me the greatest opportunity to enjoy the blessed life.

Do something.
Lord, help me to cling to Your word and wisdom. Direct my steps in Your holy way today. Amen.

January 28-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 3:19-20, By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; 20 by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.

Observe what it is saying.
God’s very first act in depicting His wisdom is found in creation. As we read through Genesis 1, we are captivated by the order and majesty by which He went about His creative work. He spoke the universe into existence. He created time by dividing days with evening and morning. Since evening is mentioned first, our Jewish friends begin each new day at sunset. He numbered each day. He called each aspect of His creation good. When He created mankind, He said we were very good. There is so much we can learn about the nature of God from His fabulous design skills. Romans 1:20, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Because nature so easily and beautifully displays God’s wisdom and power, we have no excuse not to know Him. Creation shouts out loud God’s attributes of goodness, love, knowledge, power, order, creativity, beauty, sovereignty, majesty, holiness, and so much more. As we marvel at creation, may we, in awe, worship the Creator.

Relate it to your life.
I am in awe as I consider God’s voluminous glory in creation and cannot help but offer Him all my praise.

Do something.
Lord, as I carefully consider the vast universe, I am overwhelmed by its immensity and intricacy. I give You all my praise for how incomparably remarkable You are in all Your ways. Amen.

January 29-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 3:21-26, My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; 22 they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. 23 Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 25 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, 26 for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.

Observe what it is saying.
Do not let wisdom out of your sight! There is never an appropriate time to set aside our gaze upon the Lord, no matter how temporary it is, to chase some fleeting fantasy. It is in that moment of indiscretion, we can stumble or even tragically change the trajectory of our lives. Instead, we need to understand that God’s way is the only path of life. Just like the finest jewelry that we proudly wear, we want everyone to know that we have chosen the Lord’s way. We know His way illuminates our path to keep us safe from stumbling. With such a God-focused life, we can lie down to rest in complete peace. We have no reason to fear for God is there. We do not have to worry about our lifestyle destroying us like the ungodly should fret about. A sinful lifestyle will eventually bring disaster in one way or another. However, for those of us who are centered on walking in the wisdom of the Lord, we can count on the fact that the Lord is right there with us protecting us from the snares of Satan. The way of wisdom is truly the abundant life that Jesus Himself promised to give to all who follow and listen to His voice which safely leads His sheep.      

Relate it to your life.
It matters today and for all eternity what voice I choose to follow.

Do something.
Lord, give me an all-out laser focus on Your holy way. Do not let me look away for a brief moment. Do not let me get caught up in anything that is not related to Your life-giving word. Give me a single loving desire to listen to and follow You all the days of my life. Amen.

January 30-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 3:27-30, Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you. 29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. 30 Do not accuse anyone for no reason— when they have done you no harm.

Observe what it is saying.
The Godly life will reveal itself as one of generosity. It is willing to give what we have when we have it. We will not put others off when we have the resources to give today. As God is merciful with us each and every day so should we be willing to demonstrate such mercy to those who are seeking aid. James writes about this as well, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 2:14-17) Solomon adds to this discussion about being a good neighbor that we should not plot evil against nor should we speak ill of them when they have done no harm. In this passage, we find two core rules of building healthy relationships: “Do no harm” and “Do all the good you can.”

Relate it to your life.
Godly living will grow abundant fruit in the form of healthy and strong relationships.

Do something.
Father, help me to do no harm and do all the good I can in all of my relationships. May I be known as a giver not a taker. May I show Your generous nature to all who interact with me. Amen.

January 31-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.  
Proverbs 3:31-35, Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways. 32 For the Lord detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence. 33 The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. 34 He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed. 35 The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame.

Observe what it is saying.
Solomon gives us the vast contrast between how God views the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, the humble and mockers. The Lord detests those who are perverse, but those who follow His word are drawn into His confidence. He makes known even greater spiritual realities that we would not know otherwise. Jesus said it this way, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15) This is what God does for us who choose Jesus’ way of righteousness. The blessing of God is to be drawn into His presence so that we might know His heart and mind towards us. Such honor is reserved for the humble and righteous. On the other hand, those who maintain their evil ways will find themselves under God’s curse and in the end will inherit shame. Solomon makes a compelling case to go the Lord’s holy way, not the way of foolish evil.

Relate it to your life.
It makes total sense that God’s blessings come to those who choose to walk in His righteousness, and curses are reserved for those who fail to walk in that same path.  

Do something.
Lord, thank You for calling me a friend and bringing me into Your confidence. I don’t want to miss any blessing You have for me. Keep me on Your holy way, every day, all the days of my life. Amen. 

January 19-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 3:1-2, My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.

Observe what it is saying.
Solomon pleads with his son not to forget but to always remember his teaching. In fact, he tells him to locate these instructions in his heart. They are not to be merely a moral checklist, but they are to become who he is at the deepest level. The psalmist said it this way in Psalm 119:10-11, “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” This is Solomon’s desire for his son, and this is God’s desire of what His children are to do with God’s eternal word. Solomon says the benefit of taking his word to heart will prolong his life and bring him peace and prosperity. When we internalize and live by God’s eternal truth, we will find that it pays off in the best possible life here. There are always exceptions to this, but overall, clean, holy living improves the quality and quantity of life. Spiritually speaking, it is always true that when we take God’s word to heart and live His way, we will prolong our life for all eternity in the most abundant peace and prosperity that we can ever imagine.  

Relate it to your life.
To take God’s word to heart infuses me with a new quality of life that leads to tremendous peace and spiritual prosperity.

Do something.
Father, download your word into my heart as I read and reflect upon it. May it transform me at the deepest parts of my being so that every thought, word, and deed is influenced by You. Amen.

January 20-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 3:3-4, Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Observe what it is saying.
The Hebrew word for love is “hesed,” which is a rich, dynamic word that cannot be translated easily into one English word. It describes an unfailing, loyal, devoted love that is demonstrated in generous acts of mercy and kindness. It occurs especially in covenant relationships between Yahweh and His people, between husband and wife, and between believers in Christ in the Church. It is the kind of committed love that holds relationships and communities together regardless of trials and troubles. Faithfulness speaks of what is reliable and true. It demonstrates itself in absolute trustworthiness. These pair of attributes are highlighted throughout Scripture as belonging to the Lord. Psalm 89:1, “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.” The same qualities that describe God are to characterize who we are. They are the fuel that drives our heart’s desires and motives. The presence of the qualities reveal the Holy Spirit is forming the nature of Christ within us. Such qualities provide a positive witness and standing before God and mankind.    

Relate it to your life.
When I have been redeemed and filled with the Holy Spirit, I can expect that the loyal love and truth of Christ will be formed deep within me.

Do something.
Lord, I surrender myself to Your Spirit so that I can have Your special kind of love and absolute trustworthiness dwelling deep within my character. Shine Yourself through me for Your glory. Amen.

January 21-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Observe what it is saying.
These are the best known and memorized verses in the book of Proverbs. They offer the wisest decision that we can ever make in laying a solid foundation for our lives to be built upon. Trust is the key to any relationship. We put our confidence and count on others to be who they said they are and whom we deem them to be. When we put our wholehearted trust in the Lord instead of putting that trust in ourselves, we are declaring that we have absolute confidence that God is who He says He is. His word identifies Him as the true source of life, light, and love. When we are convinced that He alone is the one true God then we demonstrate that we value and love Him more than anything else, including ourselves. When we humbly surrender our desires and control and place them into His hands, we are making a declaration that we have overwhelming confidence that He will lead us along the right paths which lead to abundant life, purpose, and joy. With this remarkable promise, it is no surprise that these are some of the most memorized verses in all of Scripture!  

Relate it to your life.
When I declare my trust in the Lord, I give up control and surrender myself to the Lord’s total leadership.

Do something.
Lord, I declare today that I trust You with all my heart. I am putting all my confidence in You. I believe You alone are the way, the truth, and the life. I surrender myself to You. Amen.

January 22-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 3:7-8, Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. 8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

Observe what it is saying.
In our human fallenness, filled with pride and arrogance, we often think we know better. We make decisions on our own without checking in with the Lord first. We create our own version of the Christian religion by pulling in pieces from culture, politics, and other philosophies. We pick and choose what we want to follow from Scripture. We might choose to go our own way without any consideration of what Scripture teaches. However, this is not the way of wisdom. As we have discovered already, the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. To truly fear the Lord will be to shun and run away from all manner of evil. We refuse to have a hint of any form of immorality attached to us. We understand that the Lord’s way is the only way to abundant life. In fact, it provides the best possible opportunity for us to live as healthy as possible now and throughout eternity. Solomon makes the point that what we believe and how we translate that belief into daily living really does make a difference in the quality of life we can expect to enjoy now and evermore.  

Relate it to your life.
If I truly have a healthy fear of the Lord, then I will run from every temptation and shun all sin as contrary to the holy and healthy life God desires for me.

Do something.
Lord, make me passionate to follow Your word, will, and way. May I shun and run from anything that is not from You. Make me healthy and holy in every possible way. Amen.

January 23-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 3:9-10, Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Observe what it is saying.
Solomon understood the principles of stewardship. The Lord owns all of the earth and everything in it. We are His wealth managers. God has entrusted each of us with a portion of His estate to watch over and care for. When we honor the Lord with what He has given to us, we demonstrate that reverence in a very practical way. We offer him the firstfruits. As it literally states, the first portion of the crop belonged to the Lord. Think how difficult it would be after a long winter with no fresh food to take the very first of the crop and give it back to the Lord. What they so wanted to enjoy for themselves belonged to God. It was a difficult act of faith that relied on God to provide the complete harvest to fill up their barns and vats. The first line item on their budget was: Giving to the Lord. We do not honor the Lord if we do not give. We do not honor the Lord if we only give what we have left over. We do not honor the Lord if we do not give Him the best of what He has already given to us. We give as an act of faith and trust that He will do what He promised and provide everything that we need, and even more.

Relate it to your life.
How I give or do not give reflects how much I trust the Lord and desire to honor Him with what He has first given to me.

Do something.
Father, You own it all. Everything I have is a gift from You. I have been given the incredible privilege of being Your wealth manager. Please give me wisdom to invest Your portfolio well. Give me such faith to trust and give back to You what is Yours before I go on a spending spree for myself. Amen.

January 24-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.  
Proverbs 3:11-12, My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke,12 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

Observe what it is saying.
Discipline is a sign of love. It is not a sign that we are no longer wanted or accepted but that there is work to be done in our lives for us to become spiritually pure. By His grace, God lets us reap what we have sown so that we will be awakened to our sin and folly and return home again. Parents do not discipline their children because they enjoy doing so but because they deeply love their kids, they give appropriate correction so they will live the best possible life. Our Heavenly Father does the same. He is not out to get us. He does not delight in our punishment. However, He is unwilling to shield us from discipline because He wants us to live according to His word and way so we can live the abundant, joy-filled life that only comes through obedience to Him. God’s love for us is so pervasive that it continues to bring comfort, conviction, and correction throughout our lives. We should be quick to tell God, “Bring it on” so that we will not be robbed of the joy of intimate friendship with our Lord today, tomorrow, and forevermore.  

Relate it to your life.
Even though I do not enjoy it, I welcome the discipline of the Lord signaling His love and desire for my spiritual maturity.

Do something.
Lord, bring me discipline when I need it. Keep Your continual correction plan in place so that I can grow up in the faith and be presented to You as spiritually mature. Please do not give up on me! Amen. 

January 12-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 2:1-5, My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, 2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—3 indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

Observe what it is saying.
Solomon asserts what the results are if we listen to the truth and are obedient to God’s word. When we pay attention to true wisdom and apply it to our hearts in a way that we understand it, if we go further and passionately ask for it or search for it as we would a hidden treasure, then we will find it. In discovering God’s truth, the wisdom of heaven, we can comprehend what a healthy fear of the Lord is and know the beautiful nature of God. The good news for us is that this truth has made itself known to us in the person of Jesus Christ as recorded in Scripture. The search is over. We have literally been handed the whole book of God’s eternal wisdom! So, we need to open it, read it, reflect on it, and apply it to our daily walk.  

Relate it to your life.
I have been given an immense treasure in God’s Word to live in reverent fear of the Lord who loves me.

Do something.
Father, may my search for the treasure of Your truth be found as I study Your Word to fully know and love You. Amen.

January 13-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 2:6-8, For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, 8 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Observe what it is saying.
Solomon makes it clear that the Lord is the giver of wisdom. Every word God speaks is filled with valuable knowledge and insight. In fact, His wisdom provides the way for those who take His teaching to heart and live according to His holy love. Those who choose to receive God’s grand wisdom will live successfully according to God’s eternal purposes and plans. We are also promised that God watches over and provides protection to those who take in His word. Those who abide by God’s way have an added layer of heavenly protection over those who refuse to live the godly life. We know we will not be kept from all harm, but we can be confident that God is with us, watching and shielding us more than we would otherwise enjoy if we simply go our own way and do our own thing.  

Relate it to your life.
I have all the resources of heaven with me when I choose to walk the wise road of God’s counsel.

Do something.
Lord, because You are the giver of wisdom, I am asking today that You would impart Your wise counsel into my life. May I humble myself and receive Your instruction even if it goes against what I believe or want. May I be a diligent student of Your word so that I will live the best possible life that will give me the best possible outcomes. Amen.

January 14-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 2:9-11, Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. 10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. 11 Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.

Observe what it is saying.
When the Lord gives His wise instruction, we will walk the good path which Solomon identifies as understanding what is right, just, and fair. This is a repeated theme from chapter one so it is important for us to pay attention to. Wisdom is inspired knowledge that is to be practiced in our daily life. It is more than a mental accumulation of interesting trivia. It enters into the deepest part of our being- our heart and soul. It is pleasant. It is welcomed. It becomes so infused in our being that it protects and guards us. It becomes our default setting for making decisions and choosing the direction we will go. This way of wisdom is the way God designed us to live our best possible lives. Sin interrupted that design. God has been working ever since to get us back on track with imparting His truth and love into our lives.    

Relate it to your life.
I am among the wisest in the world when I choose to take God’s word to heart and live it out daily.

Do something.
Lord, help me to get it. Your way is the best approach to life. Your way is the one planned from the beginning. Your way gives me everything I need to live in Your protection, power, and peace. Amen.

January 15-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 2:12-15, Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, 13 who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways, 14 who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, 15 whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.

Observe what it is saying.
Walking the wise way of God delivers us from the evil ways that many follow. This dark path is evidenced by those who have left the way of God’s pure knowledge and who speak evil. They not only do wrong, but they enjoy participating in the perversity of this dark world. These unwise persons have abandoned the measure of wisdom which includes what is right, just, and fair. Wisdom is the way of the Godly life. It marks the path of truth. It offers the motivation by which to live a pleasing life to the Lord. It is the way of life and hope. The way of wisdom is the way of Jesus. It is His redemption and restoration at work within us to make us brand new people through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.  

Relate it to your life.
There is only one way to experience true life, and it is found in the wise way of Jesus Christ.

Do something.
Lord, I need Your salvation found in Jesus Christ alone. I confess my sin. I turn away from it and turn totally to You. I welcome Your redeeming and restoring work into my life. Please cleanse me and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

January 16-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 1:16-19, Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words, 17 who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God. 18 Surely her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead. 19 None who go to her return or attain the paths of life.

Observe what it is saying.
Solomon gets very specific how wisdom guides us with the example of the adultery. He later spends three chapters teaching about the perils of adultery. We wonder how Solomon’s dad, King David’s adultery with his mother, Bathsheba and then the murder of her husband influenced his strong emphasis on this topic. Solomon was later the product of this adulterous relationship. These verses speak of the devastating impact adultery has on the individuals and families involved in this sin. Even though the sin reaps horrific results, it is not the unpardonable sin. Even David who committed such a devastating sin was forgiven, and his legacy as described in the New Testament was that he was a man after the heart of God. Even though Solomon was a gift from this relationship, we cannot forget the terrible consequences that it brought, including the death of the son who was originally conceived by the affair.    

Relate it to your life.
God’s prescription to faithfulness in marriage is for the spiritual and emotional health and benefit of individuals, families, and society as a whole.

Do something.
Father, we pray for our marriages that they will be strong, faithful, and fulfilling. Keep the enemy of adultery out of each relationship. Protect the sanctity of marriage as You originally designed it to be a blessing for the preservation of mankind. Amen.

January 17-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.  
Proverbs 2:20-22, Thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. 21 For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; 22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.

Observe what it is saying.
The way of wisdom travels the path of the good and righteous. It takes in every instruction of every morsel of truth the Lord offers us. We refuse to pay attention to the many and varied salacious seductions of this world. Instead, we focus our hearts’ attention upon that which is holy, characterizing the very nature of God. The promise for those who choose the Godly life is that they will live in the land where they will continue to experience God’s presence and blessing. In contrast, those who choose to walk away from God’s path of holy love will find themselves exiled to a place outside of God’s presence and blessing. We choose what our future will be. Wisdom is the way that sticks with God and His perfect teaching which leads to life, abundant life, and eternal life. All other paths lead us away from God’s eternal blessings and take us into eternal judgment.  

Relate it to your life.
I reiterate what I said last week, “I determine my future by what I do with the wisdom God has revealed in Jesus Christ.”

Do something.
Lord, please keep me on the holy highway of Jesus Christ that brings life, abundant life, and eternal life. Give me such a tender, responsive heart so I will obey Your word and securely stay on the path of the righteous. Amen. 

January 5-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 1:1-6, The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: 2 for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; 3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; 4 for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young— 5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.

Observe what it is saying.
Solomon is the primary writer of the book called Proverbs. God endowed him with a special gift of supernatural knowledge after he humbly prayed for discernment in leading God’s people. Though Solomon did not fully live out his own message of wisdom in his later years, this book is divine Scripture. Solomon’s purpose in writing his instructional book is so we will add to our understanding of how to live wisely by doing what is right, just, and fair. So, the goal is not to make us book smart but to live smart. The target audience includes those who are not wise (the simple), the young who naturally need such instruction, and the mature (the wise and discerning) who can always add to their learning. In fact, one of the marks of a wise person is they are teachable and seek to apply more truth into their lives. Wise people have the ability to grow spiritually every day for the rest of their lives if they have the right attitude that seeks to receive holy instruction.

Relate it to your life.
I have the ability to keep growing each day in my walk with the Lord as I apply His teaching into my life.

Do something.
Father, thank You for not giving up on me but choosing to instruct me daily so that I can grow up in the faith and become a mature follower who pleases You in all things. Amen. 

January 6-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 1:7, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Observe what it is saying.
Solomon reveals that the most valuable source of wisdom and knowledge begins with our holy reverence of the Lord. This is the central theme for his book. It is the same kind of message in which Jesus began the Lord’s prayer, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.” When we understand the holy nature of God, we will have a healthy fear of Him. We will understand that He is our Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Judge. He holds our lives in His hands. He alone determines our eternal future so we should willingly humble and submit ourselves to His perfect nature, word, and will. When we elevate God in our hearts and minds to the place where He belongs, we have begun our journey into wisdom. However, if we fail to do so, we reveal how foolish we are in our lack of desire to be instructed in the holy way of God. The fear of the Lord leads us to wholeheartedly desire to worship, serve, and live according to the holy nature of God and to be done with lesser things.

Relate it to your life.
I know I have a healthy fear of the Lord when I love Him with all my heart, soul, and mind.

Do something.
Holy Lord, give me a fresh vision of who You are. Forgive me when I forget Your high and holy position ruling over all that has been created. You alone are to be worshiped. You alone are the One in whom I surrender myself in loving service. May You be highly honored and praised in my life today. Amen.

January 7-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 1:8-9, Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.

Observe what it is saying.
Solomon writes this collection of wisdom sayings for his son to know the way of true knowledge. As he said yesterday, the deeper reason is so that we will have a healthy fear of the Lord. This was Solomon’s heart for his children. As followers of Jesus, we deeply desire our children to know and follow the Lord for we understand the weight of the spiritual truth that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. There is no greater wisdom than the full revelation of God’s knowledge given in His Son. I love the fact that Solomon, in a male-dominated world, includes his wife as an equal source of teaching for their son. In homes of two parents, it is a powerful witness when both are united in their faith and model the truth of Jesus for their kids. A single parent home can provide tremendous influence as well. The high value of faith in the home is found in the garland and chain that are ornamental metaphors that reveal the eternal worth of parental instruction. Parents need to understand the tremendous importance of passing down the faith and children/youth must willingly receive it as the most precious gift that can ever be given.

Relate it to your life.
I may give many gifts as a parent to my kids but there is no greater gift than offering them Jesus.

Do something.
Lord, I ask for heaven’s help in teaching and showing my kids, grandkids, the way of Jesus. May I do so in a way that can be seen, heard, and received with joy. Amen.

January 8-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 1:10-19, My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them. 11 If they say, “Come along with us; let’s lie in wait for innocent blood, let’s ambush some harmless soul; 12 let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; 13 we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder; 14 cast lots with us; we will all share the loot”— 15 my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; 16 for their feet rush into evil, they are swift to shed blood. 17 How useless to spread a net where every bird can see it! 18 These men lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush only themselves! 19 Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it.

Observe what it is saying.
The first major teaching Solomon offers to his son is about ill-gotten gain. Evidently, there were idle people who sat around plotting how to take advantage of others. These lazy-minded individuals would set traps to imprison and even kill the innocent so they could plunder their homes and make themselves rich. This was a real threat or Solomon would not have included this instruction for his son. Solomon warned his son to stay away from people who tempted him to join in their evil plans. In his wisdom, Solomon revealed the secret that what they think they can do to others will actually turn around and destroy the perpetrators of evil. If anyone is set on ill-gotten gain or any evil for that matter, you can expect they will reap what they sow and will end up paying a costly price in one way or another. Being motivated by greed that leads to all manner of evil never turns out well for the aggressor.  

Relate it to your life.
I must guard my heart from anyone or anything that would entice me to cheat or gain by evil means.

Do something.
Lord, I may not be so foolish to join others who murder so that I can plunder them, but please keep my heart pure so that I have no desire to gain advantage in any way that dishonors You or others. Amen.

January 9-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 1:20-27, Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; 21 on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech: 22 “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? 23 Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings. 24 But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand, 25 since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke, 26 I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you— 27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you.

Observe what it is saying.
Wisdom speaks in a loud ringing voice that everybody can hear. Such wisdom is found in creation which speaks forth the beauty, majesty, order, power, and greatness of God. It is also found in our conscience as God reveals what can be known about Him through that inner voice. Today, the church joins in with theses voices to declare wisdom through the gospel message so that the world will know and be saved. As wisdom is personified to do, we, too, must proclaim the Word boldly, loudly, and in an uncompromising way so no one can have any excuse of not knowing the way to life. This message is offered to all so that the possibility of repentance can occur opening the way for God to infuse His eternal thoughts and teachings into those who will humbly respond. However, those who refuse to pay attention to Godly teaching will be found out to be the fool in the end.  

Relate it to your life.
Am I paying attention as I am taught God’s wisdom through creation, conscience, and God’s Word?

Do something.
Father, in a world that disregards Your wisdom, give me a humble heart and willing mind to receive every morsel of truth that You offer and apply it to my life.

January 10-Wisdom
Write out the Scripture.  
Proverbs 1:28-33, “Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me, 29 since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord. 30 Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, 31 they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. 32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; 33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

Observe what it is saying.
When judgment arrives upon those who failed to respond to wisdom’s call to pay attention and change their way, sinners will call out to the Lord, but it will be too late. We need to understand there is a day when judgment comes, and we cannot reverse the course that we put into motion. Isaiah 55:6 says, “Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.” We must not be mistaken. God cannot be mocked. Sinners will reap what they have sown. They turn away from hearing the truth and become complacent and comfortable with living the lie in which they found themselves. In contrast to the judgment promised to unbelievers, choosing the way of wisdom, the way of God, promises security and peace to those who will listen and believe. This way has now been fully revealed in Jesus Christ.

Relate it to your life.
I determine what my future by what I do with the wisdom God has revealed in Jesus Christ.

Do something.
Lord, give me a tender, responsive heart to respond quickly to Your word and Your way for eternal living.  Amen.

A couple of things I really enjoy are conversation and coffee. What's better is when I can combine the two! And that's where Meet-Up Mondays started.

Each Monday from 9am to Noon (unless otherwise noted) I'm going to be working out of the office at one of our local coffee shops, and I'd love for you to stop by if you're so inclined.

There's no agenda other than to get to spend time catching up, talking, and building relationships.

Whether you've got questions you'd like to ask, thoughts you'd like to share, you'd like to get to know one of your pastors a little better, or you just really like coffee and you need an excuse, I'd love to visit with you for a bit.

Below is a list of the locations where you'll be able to find me for the next couple of months, and I hope to see you there.

-Pastor Ben

March 2 - Penny Lane North

March 9 - Penny Lane North

March 16 - Penny Lane North

March 23 - NO MEET-UP MONDAY