The Daily Dose

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

Have compassion

“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;”  1 Peter 3:8

Here is the solution to every relational problem.  Every racial issue and every religious disagreement.  Have compassion for one another.  Be tenderhearted and courteous/kind.  Sounds pretty simple, right?  Unfortunately, so many people in today’s world are completely unaware of this answer.  Many people today have no idea that being kind and gracious to others will bring peace.  The people of our nation are so focused on the problems of disrespect and contempt for just about every race, class and tradition that they fail to realize there is a solution and it is within their power to execute it.  It is the law of compassion, courtesy, brotherly kindness and grace.

Here’s the thing, returning evil and reviling with a blessing, brings blessing back to you (vs. 9)  This is ground breaking.  There was a day when respect and refraining from evil speaking was the way of life.  A time when people turned away from evil and did good.  The end result of this attitude is God hearing prayers and healing the land.  However, the face of God is against the anger and pride that has come on the people of the world and the people of our nations. Think of it this way, you are either speaking for the enemy or your Deliverer.  I pray that we become a thankful people.  Yes, the previous generations may have come here through terrible circumstances.  Many were sent to this country for punishment of crimes, some were brought here by force and others choose to travel here with great consequences and no idea if they would actually make it, but thank God they came!  We have a great nation and great people in our nation.  No matter how our ancestors got here, lets be thankful that they made it.  We live in the greatest land on earth, and there is no other place I would rather be. . . How about you?

Today I want to encourage you to let it begin with you.  Let it begin with me and pray that it spreads throughout the entire nation, the kindness of God.  His compassion, respect for every individual person, kindness and grace extended beyond race.  As James 2:13 says “For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”  Let’s allow mercy to triumph in our land and drive the enemy of our soul out for good!

Today’s scripture reading:  1 Peter 3:8-12

Chaste conduct                        

Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 1 Peter 3:1

Likewise?  In the same way?  As what?  This verse is referring back to the last portion of chapter 2 that is talking about employees/servants being submissive to your employer/master.  Yikes!  Could be a bit insulting for a girl.  However, I assure you, insult in not what God has in mind.  God created women to be a compliment or completer for her husband.  She works with him in agreement.  This is not to say that she doesn’t have any ideas of her own.   The idea was that the two would work together as one to accomplish a common goal and plan.  That in working together, they could bring their two different ideas together and form a new and better one.  In this relationship of agreement, a couple could accomplish the plan that God gave the man for His family’s purpose in the world.  God intended that a family would be one unit and would accomplish many great things together.  If you look at families today, even if they are not working together on one project, you can see that each person has a specific gift or talent that if brought together could be a wonderful working unit and accomplish great things.

This portion of 1 Peter chapter 3 is focused on the husband and wife relationship. The idea is that a wife has been given the ability to empower her husband in life by submission and chaste/self-denying behavior, without even saying a word.  The common and popular believe of the world is that a wife needs to harass, belittle and goad her husband to have control of him, but this isn’t God’s plan.  He would have the wife be her husband’s helper and greatest encourager, even if he isn’t following the plan of God yet.  The passage goes on to say that it’s not the outside appearance that he is ultimately attracted to, but the hidden person of the heart with beauty that will never fade and a gentle and quiet spirit.  In this way the wife is a husbands greatest ally in that she is a partner with him to accomplish the plan of God. This is a great position of power and one of God’s secret weapons. Submission is the door through which God has the greatest access to your marriage.

Today I want to encourage you in your relationship with your spouse.  Whether you are a husband or a wife, get the plan and follow it.  Work together to come up with the best solutions to issues and treat one another with respect as if the other is the most important person in your life, because they are.  Guard and protect your marriage and recognize that there is a purpose God has for you to accomplish as a couple and family.  Don’t let outside forces such as friends, other family or work get between the two of you.  Seek out relationships that are there to support and encourage you in the plans God has for you.  You are heirs together of the grace of life and when you are in agreement, God will answer all your prayers!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Peter 3:1- 7

Your calling

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 1 Peter 2:21

So here it is . . . your calling.  What you are called to and why you are here in this world and on this planet. To follow the example of Jesus.  The example of submitting to God who judges righteously or makes everything we submit to Him right.  We, having died to sin, now we live for righteousness.  We were sheep going astray, but now we have been brought back to our Shepherd, Christ Jesus. 

The focus in this passage is verse 24 that says we have died to sin.  What exactly does that mean, dying to sin?  The scripture says we are to die to self.  Romans 8:12 & 13 says, “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”  Dying to self means I give up all my rights and desires and surrender them to my Lord Christ Jesus.  So, to die to sin means sin no longer exist to me.  In a sense, I am turning away from and shunning it.  I close the door to sin and it no longer has any place in my life.  I treat it like the curse that it is and don’t let even the resemblance of sin come near me.  I do this by submitting every part of my life to my Lord Jesus.  This is not to say that I will never sin again.  There may be a day or even more than one day, that I am weak and allow myself to let sin in, but I do not stay there.  I quickly recognize that sin has come alive and I need to die to it/turn away from it and run to my Father in repentance.  1 John 1:9 tells us exactly what we need to do in our weak times, it is to run to God.  It says, “ if we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse/wash us from all unrighteousness/sin.  Glory to God, He makes us clean!!

Today I want to encourage you to be dead to sin.  Don’t let sin have control of your body.  Instead, submit your life to the LORD’s service.  The answer is found in Romans 6:12 & 13 – Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.  Daily present yourself to God as His instrument of righteousness.  The best time is first thing each day.  Before you do anything, go before you loving Heavenly Father with a presentation of your body for His service and His agenda.  Then watch how your life unfolds in a work of art that touches the lives of all those around you.

Today’s scripture reading:  1 Peter 2:21 – 25

Do good

For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.  1 Peter 2:20

This happens a lot.  Many times when doing something good, others will want to pull you back down.  It makes people uncomfortable when they see someone doing things to help others.  Most of the time it’s because it makes them recognize their own unwillingness to go that extra mile.  All through the scriptures we see examples of those who did good things, yet they suffered for doing them.  Joseph did good, but found himself in prison. Queen Jezebel put a bounty on Elijah’s head even though he did nothing wrong. Daniel ended up in a lion’s den.  Even Jesus, who was perfect, had to deal with the pharisee’s always accusing Him of doing something against the law.  The Apostle Paul was no different and spent many nights in the local dungeon.  Thankfully, we will never have to suffer to these extents, but we still live in a society where it is not popular to do good things.  Think about it.  At work, most people are happy to get by with doing as little as possible while getting paid as much as possible.  Our culture is one of “nobody is going to get the best of me”  If for some reason, we do begin to suffer because of something we did that was the right thing, we would defend our right to be right tooth and nail until the end.

Today’s passage starts by talking to servant/employees and it says to submit to their master/boss with fear/respect.  I don’t believe we need to be afraid of them, however we are to respect them to their face and behind their back.  The passage goes on to qualify that this is required whether it is earned or not.  It has nothing to do with them but everything to do with us.  We determine that we are going to respect them no matter what.  If actually says that it pleases God when we honor our employer, even to the point of taking their grief.  Yikes!  Nobody likes to do that, yet it always happens.  Inevitably there will be a difference of opinion and guess what, the boss is always right.  The passage ends by saying this is our calling to follow Jesus example and follow in His steps.  He willingly suffered and died even though He never sinned.

Today I want to encourage you to take your suffering patiently.  In doing so, you are opening the door for the LORD to work in the situation.  If you try to handle things yourself by arguing your case, you will not get the best results.  True success only comes from letting God handle it.  The way to do that is to put your hands up, take a step back and say “Here you go LORD,  I trust you to take care of this situation”  This is what it all comes down to:  We trust God to handle the difficulties in our lives, and we do it by giving Him control.  If you purpose in your heart to honor and respect others no matter what, then give God the entrance into the circumstances through your faith, He will always bring you through every trial in peace!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Peter 2: 18-20

Silence the ignorance

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—  1 Peter 2:15

This is one of the “God’s will” passages in His Word, so you absolutely know what God’s will is in this situation.  You don’t even have to ask Him or pray “if it is Your will”.  God’s will is for us to submit ourselves to every ordinance of man.  All of them, from kings (president) to governors to police officers.  One of the reasons is that in submitting yourself, you can make ignorance silent.  Wouldn’t that be nice?

You might be thinking “Sure, that was easy for Peter to say.  He didn’t have to deal with the leaders we have today.”  Yes, that is true, but it is also true that the leaders at that time were not only persecuting the Christians he was writing to, but it was also killing them.  It is unimaginable to think that Peter said to submit to these authorities.  Yet he says the rulers are sent to punish evil doers and to praise those who do good.  He goes on saying that if you continue to do good as you are already doing, that will shut up the ignorant attitudes they were up against.

Today I want to encourage you to submit yourself to the governmental authorities.  Consider that they are here for our protection.  Also take time to consider what our world world be like if we didn’t have the government that we do have.  There are no perfect governments or people, but if we all do our part instead of always criticizing and complaining, we will help them to do their part better and silence the ignorance!  Start today by praying for our governmental officials to have wisdom to lead, then submit yourself to them by putting away all wrong attitudes and complaints.  Be thankful that we have the checks and balances in place to keep things from getting out of control and ask God how we can do more to help rather than make things worse.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:13-17

Let God be Big

Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your good works, and they will give glory to God on the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:12

So, the LORD showed me something this week about how I was not letting Him be big in my life.  What He showed me was a picture of me carrying Him in my pocket.  He was like my little secret and when I needed help, I would quietly ask for direction to navigate through life’s obstacles.  Then He showed me  how He wants to be big in my life by surrounding me and not just me, but a large area around me so that wherever I go, He takes over the entire place.  His love for all people shows up and completely changes the entire atmosphere.  So, when I go into work each morning, I don’t just walk in with little personal God in my pocket, I walk in with big God that came to take over the place and change lives.  When I go to the store, the same thing and when I go anyplace, big God shows up with me and that’s what everyone around me sees.

I wasn’t sure how this would work and how to make God big when I go places, but today’s verse gives me a starting point.  It says to live my life properly or upright in my neighborhood and wherever I go for that matter.  It says that if it looks like I did something wrong, it won’t stick to me because I do things God’s way and actually have that reputation.  Then it says, God will get the glory.  So really, my part is to do what is right in God’s eyes.  Watch at work not to get caught up in the bad attitudes and complaining, don’t talk the fear and unbelief that the world talks and be kind and generous in all my words and actions. In today’s world kindness and generosity are clear evidence that God is present.  Kindness and generosity are not common in the world’s attitude of having a right to be angry.  Putting away all malice and evil speaking puts a clear separation between us as God’s children and the people far from God.

Today I want to encourage you to let God be big in all areas of your life.  In your neighborhood, work and recreation, let your conduct display the love and compassion of God.  Commit each day to letting Him be big and watch how He shows up wherever you go and completely changes the your surroundings.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:11-12

A Royal Family

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Peter 2:9

I am starting to pray this verse for my family and the church (body of believers) as the family of God.  If we ever get a revelation of who we really are in Christ Jesus, this country and world for that matter, would look a lot different.  A chosen generation?  A royal priesthood?  A holy nation and God’s own special people?  We are God’s people and we are special to Him!  He sent Jesus to buy us back from the clutches of the world so we can live life as overcoming children of God just as He originally made us in the beginning at creation.

So why do we still look so much like the world?  We talk like the world, criticizing, and complaining.  We are entertained by the things the world is entertained by and we even eat and drink like the world.  In Exodus we can read about the Israelites being led out of captivity into the wilderness.  But when they got there, they were still practicing some of the wicked ways of the Egyptians (the world).  That’s when God began to teach them how to live above the world’s standard, but time and time again, the nation of Israel continued to fall into their worldly sinful ways and they were forced to pay the consequences as a result of their choices.

So, let’s take a minute to think about being royalty.  What does that even look like?  The only reference I have is from TV or even watching the “royal” family headlines.  However, imagine that you are royalty and how would your life be different and separated from the world?  First of all, royalty almost always has more than enough money.  As far as I can tell they never consider it and definitely are not preoccupied with it.  Money is a tool that gets them the things they need and want in life.  Secondly, they don’t interact a lot with the outside world because of security reasons, and mostly because they don’t do the things that common people do.  Lastly, they have a higher standard of modesty, manners, and education.  Royalty exists for the people, but they live above the public because of their political position.

This scripture says we are a royal priesthood.  What we know about the priesthood in the Old Testament is that they were set apart from the rest of the nation.  They did different things than everyone else, and they were held to a higher standard.  2 Corinthians 6:17 says, “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”  God calls us out to be different, not because He is trying to keep good things from us that the world has to offer.  On the contrary, His desire is to give us the very best of all He has.  That’s why He gave us Jesus so we could have things like divine protection, health, and direction.  He knows that we can live a better life by not being loaded down with the cares, weights, and distractions that the world has to offer.  In this way we are an example to the world of what being part of God’s family is really like and the joy and peace that is only available by living a separated, child of God life.

Today I want to encourage you to examine your own life.  Take a deep look into your heart to see if there is any part of the world that is holding you captive.  Set a higher standard for yourself to walk out the path of righteousness that God has planned for you and then ask Him for the grace to do it.  Even though God wants the best for us, He will not force it on us.  God gave us the choice.  We can choose the path of the world that is leading to destruction or the path of life leading to blessing.  So, choose God and His ways today. 

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:9-10

Your choice

You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5

Chosen by God and precious to God!  That’s what each one of God’s children are to Him.  We have been chosen.  Chosen to be His spiritual house, His dwelling place.  A body for Him to live in through His Holy Spirit.  To occupy and form a nation of God filled people.  God inhabited people.  This is hard to get my head around and definitely requires faith to grasp.  God wants His people to be full of Him so that He can have an entire group/nation/military of God filled people.  Right here and now in this life.  This is why the passage says being built up into a spiritual house.  It’s happening right now.

Now I’m not saying we are God possessed, we do have a choice.  We have a choice to work with Him and be a part of His miraculous plans for these last days here in this world.  However, it is a choice that must be made on purpose to be an active part of His plans.  It’s a partnership.  God being the senior partner, of course.  That makes us the junior partner.  We partner with God by making ourselves available to do His good works.  This is not to obtain salvation, for that is received by accepting Jesus sacrifice for our sin.  He became the first born of many brothers.  The choice is yours and the choice in mine.  Choosing to fill up with God is to choose to put God in.  Into our lives and into our hearts through our eyes, ears and mouth.  The choice is to look at, listen to and speak more of God thoughts, aka God’s Word.  Spend focused time with Him.  Decide to make His agenda the priority of your life.  Not just what you think it is or should be, get the plan directly from Him.  It’s not a guessing game or a puzzle.

Today I want to encourage you to choose to fill up your life with God!  Make the priority of your day to spend time with Him and ask Him to direct your day to fulfill the plan He has for it.  Each morning as you start your day, pray a prayer something like this:  “Heavenly Father, I come to you in Jesus name and I am making my body a living sacrifice to you today by offering it up to You for you plan and purpose.  Lead me in your path of righteousness and empower me to follow everywhere that you are leading.  Show me how to prioritize your work over any selfish desires and I will be watching for opportunities to share Your love with all those who come across my path.”  Let’s start today to become more aware of whose we are and why we live and breathe.  Don’t let your enemy steal all God has planned for you to accomplish in this life.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:4-8