The Daily Dose

Multiplication

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 2 Peter 1:2

Multiplied?  I love this!  Peter starts his letter with a multiplication of grace and peace to the reader.  He says “grace and peace can be multiplied to you as you grow in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus.”  So it is possible to have a multiplied amount of grace and peace in life.  Sounds pretty good to me, but how?  The answer is in getting to know your Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus more each day. 

So how do I get to know Him better and does He want me to know more about Him? The answer is yes, He wants you to learn as much about Him as your possibly can. That is why He has made so many avenues available to you.  You can read books about God and creation.  You can go to church and hear sermons about God and learn so much about Him and His Son, but the best way to get to know the Father, Son and Spirit is to spend time talking to Him.  I’m not just talking about your request and concerns in life, I’m talking about every aspect of life.  Talk over every area of your life with God.  Have a running conversation with Him throughout every day.  Learn to listen and hear the direction that His Spirit is speaking on the inside of you and be quick to respond when you do hear.

Today I want to encourage you to set aside special time to talk and listen to God today.  Recognize that the time you spend totally dedicated to Him is the most precious time of the day.  Then go ahead and take Him with you all day long by talking to Him often.  Respond in a way that you know would bring honor and glory to Him and listen to all the things He wants to speak to your heart. Soon you will see grace and peace being multiplied in all areas of you life and it will be good!

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Peter 1-4

Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 Peter 1:1

I want to go verse by verse in this second chapter of Peter because there is so much packed into each verse.  Peter is writing again to the persecuted church that has gone into hiding to try to outlive the persecution.  It seems like there may have also be some disputing and disagreements in the group because he encourages them to consider their like precious faith.  He wants them to remember their purpose and mission for coming together.

So, he starts the letter reminding them that he is God’s servant and apostle.  That he walked with Jesus while he was on the earth and serve Him and learned from Him.  Then he says he is writing to those who have received the same faith that he has and that they have with each other.  He qualifies that this is precious and valuable.  It is the most valuable thing in the world and that any person can possess.  Lastly that they have obtained this faith through accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior and gaining a right relationship with God their Heavenly Father.

How does this apply to us today?  Let’s start by recognizing that we are in the same situation as these new testament believers and Peter’s letter is to us also.  Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we know that it was intended to build up the church throughout the entire church age.  Therefore, we can identify with the Christians of Peters time and turn our attention to our like precious faith.  Have any of us face persecution?  Sure!  Maybe not to the degree that these new testament saints faced, but it is always out there on some level.  Do we suffer from disagreements and disputing’s among each other within the church body?  Most definitely!  That is more evident and widely know through denominations and doctrinal arguments.  Peter gives us the solution to all of these.  It is to focus and keep our attention on our like precious faith.  The most important thing is our faith in Christ Jesus and our salvation through His blood.  If we as believers would come together in agreement on this one thing, we could change not only our own personal issues, we could change the world!  When you meet and talk with other believers, let the conversation be about what you agree on and not what you don’t.

Today I want to encourage you to take a few minutes to think about and focus on our like precious faith!  Consider the value and connection we have with each other through it.  No matter what differences we have whether cultural, social or racial, our faith crosses all boundaries and bridges every gap.  Then think about one person you can share this like precious faith with this week.  Someone far from God that doesn’t have the hope for their future in eternity.  Pray for them and plant the seed of salvation in their heart through sharing the love of God with them.  In doing this, we can change the world one life at a time!

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Peter 1:1-4

Let them know

I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace. 1 Peter 5:12

Peter is signing off in his letter by letting the readers know of his confidence in Silas.  He says I commend/compliment Silas for being a faithful/trustworthy brother.  He is letting the receivers of the letter know that he trusts Silas to deliver this important message to them.  He is also letting them know the purpose for sending the message.  To encourage them and build their confidence in God’s grace. 

Usually we read over the end of these new testament letter quickly without considering just how important the farewell was then and still is today.  These letters were secretly hand delivered and if the carrier was caught, at minimum, the letter would have been confiscated and probably destroyed.  You can see how important it was in that day to encourage the saints, but what about for us.  If these letters would not have gotten through, we wouldn’t have the new testament that we have now.  Wow, I can’t even imagine that. 

Peter’s expression of his confidence in Silas is a great tribute.  It not only let Silas know that Peter trusted him to get the message through, it also gave him the determination to deliver the letter safely.  The point is, we should do this as well.  Not only should we be encouraging other in the faith walk, we should let them know when they are doing things right.  Express to you brothers and sisters in Christ how much you appreciate them.  Tell them of your confidence in them to overcome and motivate them by thanking them for their faithfulness and consistency.  Nothing motivates a person quicker than letting them know they are appreciated.  Your expressions of kindness could be the words that pulled them from the edge of destruction or motivated them to more forward in their calling.

Today I want to encourage you to promote, build up and motivate other believers.  Whenever you have a thought of someone, send them a message or call them and tell them the good things you are thinking about them.  Send a card or letter to let them know you are praying for them. Don’t dismiss those ideas and thoughts you have for others, share them.  These thoughts are what makes a difference in their lives.  Become the person that others look to for inspiration that produces action!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Peter 5:12-13

Humility

Likewise, you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”              1 peter 5:5

Respect your elders?  It used to be the norm.  Now, not so much.  What about being submissive/respectful to one another?  What does it mean to be clothed with humility?  So, in combining these three ideas we clearly see that respect, submission and humility are a choice.  In fact, Peter says to “clothe” yourself with humility.  What’s up with that?  It sounds like we are to put it on like a jacket or a pair of shoes.  Yes!  In much the same way that we would go to the closet and choose a jacket to wear or the appropriate shoes for the circumstances, we are to choose submission and humility.  Because, let’s face it, these are not natural responses nor are they automatic.  However, if you plan ahead of time and choose that today, I am going to respect others and submit to others with humility.  I’m not going to insist on my own rights or being right, because in most cases, it just doesn’t matter.  The most important thing is that you are drawing others closer to the one who will save their soul.

So, let’s go through this in a practical sense for a minute.  What does submitting yourself to your elders, one another and putting on humility even look like?  First of all, your elders are people who are older than you or in authority over you.  People like your parents, other family members like grandparents or aunts and uncles.  Could be a teacher or just people you sit next to in church or at work.  Wherever you are, you will probably come into contact with your “elders”.  So how do you show respect and submit to them?   You can open a door, give them a chair you are setting in or go and get a chair to offer to them if that is the situation you are in.  You can smile when you speak to them and don’t sass or belittle.  Basically, you give them preference and do your best to honor them.  If they offer you wisdom, you listen and respectfully say “thank you”.  It’s not hard, but it does take effort.  As for one another, you can do the same things.  You prefer them above yourself.  This is not to let people walk over you, although it may happen, but mostly it is recognized as an admirable quality that people take note of.  It is giving honor to all whether it is due or not.  Humility is a quality that you choose to be not dependent on others, but simply because you chose to be that way.

Now we get to talk about how God fits into all this.  Humility is a quality that attracts God to you and that should be the greatest reason of all to put it on.  Humility draws God’s grace to you and it becomes evident in all you do.  In contrast, pride is in direct resister to God.  You cannot be close to God and be proud about it.  Pride is something that pushes God far from you.  It is not God’s desire.  He wants to be close to you, but pride is sin and cannot get anywhere near Him.

Today I want to encourage you to put on humility.  If you feel you are a humble person already, ask God if you have allowed pride to sneak into any area of your life and to reveal it to you.  Pride is sneaky and many times disguise itself as criticizing, condemning and complaining.  Those three actions are probably the easiest way to identify pride.  So, take inventory of your attitudes today and purge pride far from you because, it’s better to humble yourself, than be humiliated!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Peter 5:5-11

A godly leader

Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 1 Peter 5:2

This is for all you leaders out there!  Whether you lead a group in your church or at your job, whether its your family or with friends, we are all leaders somewhere.  What ever group you are leading, whether big or small, this passage says it is a service to God!  Wow!  What an honor!  The instruction given to leaders here is to care, pay attention to and provide for all those you are leading.  It says to look out for their well being willingly, and no matter how frustrating they can be at times, do not lead grudgingly.  People inevitably fall short of your expectations some time or another and the reason is because they are people.  You will fall short as a leader at times too.  The important thing is to be thankful that God has entrusted you with a group, and you lead with a willing and eager heart to serve God!

This passage not only tells us how to lead, it also tells us how not to lead.  It says in verse three not to lord it over those assigned to you.  It means don’t be dominating and oppressive.  Don’t lead arrogantly acting as if you are better because you are in charge.  Rather, appreciate your people because you are only as good as your team.  Treat them right and lead by being a good example.  Lastly, don’t seek to be a leader because you desire power or fame, a leader should be like Jesus and be the greatest servant of the entire group. In doing this, the passage says when Jesus comes, you will receive a crown of never ending glory and honor.  An eternal crown of glory and honor.  How about that?  Now there’s something to be  motivation by!

Today I want to encourage you to grow in your leadership positions by becoming a godly leader.  Our example is our heavenly Father.  He didn’t spare His own son for us, now we are to lead with that kind of love.  To lay down our life for the crew.  Jesus said in John 10:11 the good shepherd (leader) lays down His life for the sheep/team.  Be the kind of leader that loves and enjoys their people, and not be bothered and annoyed by them.  Recognize that God has given you this position because He wants to show His love to the entire group through your leadership!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Peter 5:1-4

It’s no strange thing

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 1 Peter 4:12

Trials!  It is what life is made of.  Everyone goes through them, some handle trials better than others.  A trial can be little, or it can be big, but no matter what the size, when you are in the middle of it, it looks impossible.  Trials can come in all forms, but mostly they are disappointments, setbacks and discouraging reports.  Simply put, trails are a test.  A test of your faith, endurance and your trust in God and His Word.

This scripture in 1 Peter is talking about fiery trial and in the case of who this message was sent to, they were being severely persecuted for the faith.  Many of them to the point of death.  Peter tells them not to think it is a strange thing to face trials as though something odd or unusual has happened.  He makes it sound like they should go ahead and plan on trials being a part of life.  Not only that, Peter tells them that they should rejoice because they are going through exactly what Jesus did.  He says that God’s glory is revealed in their ability to be glad and rejoice in that trial.

Now, we have never faced anything like they were facing back in Peter’s day and probably never will, but we can expect the trials, test and setbacks in life to come.  Don’t be surprised, be prepared.  The first thing to recognize is that we are in the world and Jesus said because of that, we are going to go through things, but he finished that statement by saying we are to be of good cheer or rejoice because he has overcome them all for us and made us more than conquerors (John 16:33, Romans 8:37).  He has already gotten the victory for us!  Glory to God!  Next, accept that live is never going to be perfect.  As much as we try to control our outward circumstances, things will never be perfect in this life.  We live in a fallen world and we cannot ever make it flawless, no matter what we do.  Lastly, when trials do come, press into your relationship with God.  Make it a priority to seek and pursue Him.  Then be willing to follow any direction He gives as He guides you through the test to the desired end.  Be thankful and rejoice that He is with you – comforting you, leading you and holding your hand all the way!

Today I want to encourage you to make a plan to rejoice in your trials.  Don’t be surprised when they come, get excited!  There is great victory on the other side.   It’s like when you were in school and had a test day, if you studied and prepared ahead of time, you did well.  If you didn’t, not so well.  Why not study God’s Word and go ahead and plan on passing all the tests of life.  Then you can go on to tutor others that are going through the tests you have already passed!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Be serious       

But the end of all things is at hand(within reach); therefore, be serious and watchful in your prayers.         1 Peter 4:7

Be serious and watchful!  I’m not sure I can remember the last time I was really serious in prayer.  Sure, I pray daily for family and friends, for things that effect our day to day living, but to get serious with God on a level that I am ready to step up and do whatever He needs as I watch these last days unfold? That is an intense level of prayer. This scripture was written hundreds of years ago and yet Peter says the end of all things is at hand.  How much more is that statement true today?

So, here’s a starting point.  If you feel that you could get a little more serious and watchful in your prayers, start with love.  Start by praying that the love of God would fill your heart.  Love doesn’t come automatically, it is a choice.  This passage says to have fervent (passionate, intense) love for one another.  Not only that but to be hospitable (open up your home) without grumbling.  Then it says that the love of God (in the blood of Jesus) covers sin and not just any sin, great sin.  That’s good news.  After we got the love thing down, then we are to use our gifts and abilities to bless others by sharing God’s great grace!  This is what will bring glory to God in all things.

Today I want to encourage you to become serious and watchful in your prayer.  Pray that the love of God for the people of this world will fill your heart.  Then begin to share that love through your gifts and abilities and by being kind and loving to those around you.  Even those who are not so lovely.  You do your part and the love of God will change even the hardest heart.  The end of all things is near, lets be ready and watching when the LORD comes.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Peter 4:7-11

Arm yourself!

Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2

I know I have read this before.  Why didn’t I ever see these words “arm yourself?”  So what the Apostle Peter is telling me is that I am to prepare for battle (arm myself) by taking on the same thought process that Jesus had . . . no longer living in this body going after the things the world has to offer, but going after the plan of God!  Well, this makes sense, and certainly I agree with it, but I have never considered that to let this mind be in me that was also in Christ Jesus would be arming myself for battle.  I know I am in a spiritual battle, and it makes sense that I would prepare for it.  I had always prepared by putting on the armor of God and using the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. However, what if we actually had the mentality that Jesus had.  For sure the battle starts in our minds, so if we took on the thoughts that Jesus thought, surly we would be more successful at winning the battles of life.

Philippians 2:5-8 says, Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.  This passage lays out some of the thinking that Jesus has and clearly it starts with being determined to accomplish God’s plan for your life.

The passage in Philippians says, Number one, He didn’t try to make a name for Himself.  Two, He determined to live a life dedicated to serving others.  Three, He humbled Himself to be obedient to the plan of God for His life.  Imagine if Jesus had come into the world and said “I know God has a plan for my life, but I just want to do what I feel like doing and doing it my way.”  Yikes!  Yet how many of us live life that very way.  We know God has a plan, but somehow we think it will just happen and I only have to do the things that I feel like doing to accomplish all God has for my life.  I don’t think so.  To take on the thinking of Jesus is to recognize that our life is not our own.  If we approach every battle with that  mindset, we recognize that in following the plan of God for our lives, God will get us through every obstacle that the enemy tries to throw at us.  If we listen to all God has for us to do, we don’t have to worry about dying early or failing financially or any of life’s greatest concerns and fears.  We know that we are on the path God has called us to and He is going to accomplish all that we are called to because we have determined in our heart to fulfill that plan, no matter what. 

Today I want to encourage you to “arm yourself” for battle by thinking like Jesus.  It is possible and if you are going to follow the plan of God for your life, it is required!  It starts with laying down your efforts to be somebody in the world’s eyes, serving others and submitting to the plan God has for your life each day.  I will repeat what I said before about looking back on this life from eternity, we will never regret the things we did to complete the plan of God, in fact we will probably wish we had followed more closely!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Peter 4:1-6

He brings us

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 1 Peter 3:18

This is it! The whole reason Jesus came, died, raised back up and ascended.  To bring us to God!  Jesus came to be born as a baby in this world.  So many wonderful things God did through His life here.  He not only had a miraculous birth, it was a miraculous conception.  The celebration of His life began with the angels and the shepherds and still goes on today.  Then He lived to be the greatest example of a man there ever was.  He showed us how to live and how to be a disciple.  The list is endless of His accomplishments and His sacrifices.  From leaving His home in heaven to become a man, not just for 33 years, but for all eternity. (He is still a man that sits next to His Father in heaven. Eph.1:20) To laying down His earthly life to be brutally put to death in shame and humiliation, to become the first born of many brethren (men) (Romans 8:29)  A new creation!

We know at one point Jesus struggled with this decision to lay down His life because in the garden before He was crucified, He prayed that this “cup” would pass.  Yet, He surrendered His will to His Father saying, “Not My will but Yours be done!” (Luke 22:42)  Why did He do all this?  To bring us to God, to bring me to God my Heavenly Father!  He brought us to His Father so that we could sit with Him in heavenly places!  Glory to God!  Ephesians 2:4-6 – But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,  

Today, Jesus looks back at that time as the greatest victory for all eternity.  I know He doesn’t regret for one minute that He went through with the plan of God.  As hard and as excruciating as it was at the time, the reality is that it was a very short span of time in light of eternity. Although His suffering was so great, His victory is even greater . . . for all of us! 

Today I want to encourage you to consider your suffering to have great benefit for eternity.  Think of how many lives you can bring to the Father with very little suffering.  Through Christ Jesus and His suffering, we can bring many to Him and fulfill the plan of God for our lives at very little cost to us.  I guarantee you in eternity, we will look back and wonder why we didn’t put it all out there no matter what the cost!  We only get a little time to bring others with us. That’s what we are here for and that’s what will last forever!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Peter 3:18-22

What’s your plan?

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 1 Peter 3:15

Do you have a plan?  A plan to share your testimony?  What about a plan to give a defense?  This verse in 1 Peter says to always be ready to give a defense for your hope in Christ Jesus.  Then it goes on to say that this defense is not an angry or defiant defense but one of meekness and respect. However, the verse starts out by saying the first thing you need to do is sanctify or set apart a special place in your heart for God . . . the first place!  This is always your starting point.  Giving God your first and best!

So what about a plan?  What if you had a plan in place to give an answer every time the subject of salvation or even God, for that matter, comes up.  Instead of avoiding or stuttering your way through the conversation, have a straight up, practiced plan of what to say.  Not a script, but something from your heart.  I have a couple I like to use.  One is a retirement plan idea.  The conversation of retirement comes up quite a bit.  Even young people consider their financial future to secure it.  This topic gives the opportunity to ask the question:  “That’s a good plan for your retirement for this life, but what is your plan after this life?”  Or what is your “expirement” plan?  You know the plan after you expire?  What about when someone ask you why you believe?  Or how can you live for God in such an ungodly world?  It’s not about being a religious person, it’s about being a disciple.  My real “go to” in such cases is the love of God!  He loved me, even before I knew about Him.  He loved me while I was still a sinner.  He is good and wants good for me and helps me get through everything life dishes out.  The real reason anyone would debate your loyalty to God is because they just don’t know who He is or even what He is . . . love!

Ultimately our desired result is what Jesus told us in the sermon on the mount: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matt. 5:16)  Our greatest defense and testimony is our doing good to and for others.  This passage in Peter starts out in verse 13 saying:  you are less likely to be harassed when you are doing good things and living a good life.  And when you do suffer, it is a blessing because you know you have done the right thing.

Today I want to encourage you to put together a plan.  A plan of action and words to display the love of God to those around you.  That anyone who comes into contact with you will see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.  Even if they don’t, you can expect the blessings of God to flow in your life because you have made the decision to do good no matter what the consequences are!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Peter 3:13-17