with devotion: WORDS

Showing posts with label WORDS. Show all posts

Grow

Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. Glory to the Master, now and forever! Yes! [2Peter 3:18 MSG]

Life is a continuum of growth. A baby is born with limited mental and physical capacity. Their growth in those early years is amazing. Their bodies double and triple in size. Their abilities seem to outperform their size. As these precious children head towards adulthood their growth seems to evolve.

Such is the life of one who is born from above. Like a natural child a baby believer is in need of growth. These often look like a baby who falls as they try walk. And like the child they are wired to emulate their parents. Such is the context of growing in the grace and understanding of Jesus.

We who have been born from above are wired to glorify our Heavenly Father in the same way that a child desires to please their parents. Growing in grace and understanding is all about emulating the One of whom the Father said: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

We desire to glorify you Lord. Please guide us as we grow in grace and understanding.

... this devotion is part of my series on the epistles of Peter and biblical words.

Interpretation

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

Hermeneutics is the theory or methodology of biblical interpretation taught at seminaries and bible colleges. Though the concept has much merit, such classes rarely examine the prime hermeneutic, the interpretation of God himself. In reality, all biblical interpretation is filtered through how one sees God. It is a difficult topic to be taught because it reveals how the most essential hermeneutic skews every other hermeneutic.

So when Peter tells us that the scriptures are not about human interpretation we understand that he is not saying that the prophets were not human. In contrast he tells us that these humans were carried along by God's Spirit as they spoke. God spoke through them in the context of their culture, language and their image of God. As we read their words in scripture we interpret their words in the light of the prime hermeneutic.

Help us Lord to fully embrace your divine image presented by Jesus in the gospel accounts.

... this devotion is part of my series on the epistles of Peter and biblical words.

Eyewitnesses

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. [2Peter 1:16 ESV]

Peter seems to understand how, even in his time, there is a tendency to relegate the gospel accounts of Christ's life and ministry to mythic status. It is understandable that some think that Jesus never existed. The things that we read about Jesus in the bible are somewhat unbelievable. How could they not be?

Yet the testimony of those who witnessed the majestic life, death and resurrection of Christ is very believable. These were not theologians or apologists. These were people like us who were there with Jesus. Yet, unlike you and me, these testified and remained faithful to Christ in the face of torture and death.

Thank you Lord for those who have stayed faithful to you in times of suffering, trial and persecution.

... this devotion is part of my series on the epistles of Peter and biblical words.

Authority

Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority. [1Peter 3:22 NLT]

I once heard someone teach on the issue of salvation and lordship. They said that one cannot accept Jesus as Savior and not as Lord. Such a good statement. Being a believer means that one accepts the authority of the risen Christ in our lives. Divine lordship is not optional for us or the angels.

I am intrigued by this verse though. Surely the angels accepted the authority of God the Son before the resurrection or ascension. In writing this, perhaps Peter is reminding us that the eternal authority of the Son is equal to that of the Father. After all, the Son is seated next to, not below, the Father.

With all the angels and authorities and powers, we acknowledge your authority Lord Jesus Christ.

... this devotion is part of my series on the epistles of Peter and biblical words.

Conscience

Keep a clear conscience so that those who speak evil of your good life in Christ will be made ashamed. [1Peter 3:16 NCV]

When I think about the word conscience I am reminded of how James told us that sinning is knowing the right thing to do and not doing it. Obeying our conscience is all about doing what we "know" we should do. And not doing things we "know" we should not do. It is that simple. Yet it is that hard.

In the seventh chapter of Romans, Paul puts it this way: "I do not understand what I do; for I don't do what I would like to do, but instead I do what I hate." There is a part of us that really wants to follow our conscience but we seem to lack the inner strength to make that happen. So simple yet so really hard.

In the end, I think that it is a process of painfully slow transformation. We so resonate with Paul's struggle with his conscience and his inability to change. Yet while we struggle, we embrace Paul's followup message when he says "there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus."

I am weak Lord. I struggle to obey my conscience. Help me to remember that you do not condemn me.

... this devotion is part of my series on the epistles of Peter and biblical words.

Understanding, Respect and Prayers

In the same way, you husbands should live with your wives in an understanding way, since they are weaker than you. But show them respect, because God gives them the same blessing he gives you—the grace that gives true life. Do this so that nothing will stop your prayers. [1Peter 3:7 NCV]

Sometimes we read verses like this with roles (i.e. husband and wives) in mind and miss the broader meaning. Are we not all called to be understanding with those who are weak? Should not respect be a hallmark in the way that we treat everyone? Do not these qualities help us to pray effectively?

In a very real sense living in a respectful and understanding way is all about trying to walk in another's shoes. History is rife with examples of how the strong have abused the weak. How minorities have been mistreated by those in the majority. How men have not tried to walk in another's shoes.

And in the end, our prayers should reflect an understanding and respect for those who we pray for. For one cannot pray with a prideful heart. A heart that is filled with disrespect. As we approach God we understand our need for humility. Towards God. Towards his creation. Towards our neighbors.

Help me Lord. Fill me with understanding towards, and respect for, those who are different than me.

... this devotion is part of my series on the epistles of Peter and biblical words.

Yield

In the same way, you wives should yield to your husbands. Then, if some husbands do not obey God’s teaching, they will be persuaded to believe without anyone’s saying a word to them. They will be persuaded by the way their wives live. Your husbands will see the pure lives you live with your respect for God. [1Peter 3:1-2 NCV]

I can relate to these words. In 1975 my wife Ellen embraced the gospel message and was born again. Her life was radically changed. She was blind in both eyes and got her sight back in one eye when she asked Jesus into her life. The internal transformation emanated from her heart and affected everything she did. Her transformation won me to Christ.

I think that this is the transformation that Peter speaks to when he advises wive to yield to their husbands. Not needing to win an argument is evidence of a changed life. Being able to yield and defer to another person can be so hard. Yet it is so necessary. Sometimes the strongest person is the one who yields to another because it takes humility to yield.

I am proud Lord. I want to have my way. Give me the power to yield. Amen.

... this devotion is part of my series on the epistles of Peter and biblical words.

Returned

For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned
to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. -1Peter 2:25 NASB

Peter was well acquainted with what he writes here. Hard to read this and not think about how Jesus once told him:

"I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you,
when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."

I think that the best image of returning to God is the found in the parable of the prodigal son. In that story we are taught that some stray openly, like the younger son, while others stray inwardly, like the older son. I love how the younger son remembers how much his father loves him and decides to return to him. The older seems to have forgotten that. Familiarity often keeps apart. Even so, with each son we find the father pursuing and challenging their self image.

Again we come Lord. Again we repent. Not our will but yours be done. Amen.

... this devotion is part of my series on the epistles of Peter and biblical words.

Wounds

He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. -1Peter 2:24

I have always loved the last word of this verse. Healed. In my Pentecostal years, I claimed this verse as I prayed for those who were sick. I still pray for people who are sick to be healed. Yet the healing I pray for often encompasses more than physical bodies. We are all broken in some way. The woundings of our past needs to be brought before God for healing.

The wounds of our hearts run deep. They surface in times of struggle and suffering. To be healed these wounds often need to be acknowledged. It is difficult for wounds kept in darkness to be healed. Like physical wounds these inner hurts can disable us if they are not brought to the light of the cross. On the cross Christ provided healing for our wounds.

I am in need of healing Lord. I offer myself to you. Please heal my wounds and make me whole.

... this devotion is part of my series on the epistles of Peter and biblical words.

Entrusting

He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. -1Peter 2:22-23 ESV

So interesting how Jesus did not try to control life through sinful actions like deceit, reviling or threatening. A few days ago I wrote this to a friend whose husband has been on a breathing machine for several months:

"I recently had the thought that I am only trusting God when I am not (trying to be) in control. It reminded me of a time in 2002 when my world was falling apart as Ann lay paralyzed from the waist down in a cruise ship on the Caribbean. I was totally stressed and in the middle of crisis when God began to quietly speak to me about flowing with Him in life and not trying to control my life. I pray that you will find a way to flow with the Spirit in this distressing time."

Peter seems to echo this sentiment in these verses. When we are confronted with the crisis of suffering we have the choice of trying to grasp what little control we have or entrust ourselves, and our situations, to God. In doing this, and I can attest it is not easy, we open a door of inner peace in the midst of chaotic storms and crisis.

Once again Dear Lord, I let go of the desire to control. I entrust myself to you.

... this devotion is part of my series on the epistles of Peter and biblical words.

Example

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example,
so that you might follow in his steps. -1Peter 2:21 ESV

Interesting how Peter writes that the voluntary suffering of Jesus is an example for us. To be truthful, I am not all that much in favor of entering in to the suffering of another. I want loving my neighbor to be devoid of sacrifice. I want to embrace stoically loving from a distance. Yet the example of Jesus challenges those views and leaves me without excuse.

Perhaps voluntary suffering is the heart of what it means to live like Jesus? Perhaps it is the essence of what it means to deny ourselves and take up our cross? And perhaps it is the only way to truly follow the example of Jesus? Yet when I think of following the example of Jesus I am not inclined to embrace opportunities to enter into another's suffering.

I am weak Lord. My will power is weak. Help me to follow your example in my life.

... this devotion is part of my series on the epistles of Peter and biblical words.

Unjustly

Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. -1Peter 2:18-19 NASB

Interesting how Peter speaks of suffering unjustly. He goes on to contrast this voluntary suffering with the kind that we sometimes suffer justly because of our sins. Here is what a pastor writes about this kind of suffering:

The willingness of God’s people to suffer out of love for others—including our enemies—rather than use coercive force against them must still be considered the ultimate expression of God’s love and the ultimate resistance against the patterns of this world.

I have found this principle of voluntary suffering to be very helpful when I am wronged. When I suffer I am reminded that the One who I follow suffered much injustice. With his dying breath he forgave injustices committed against him.

I offer my life to you Lord as a living sacrifice. Help me to be like you. Teach me to love.

... this devotion is part of my series on the epistles of Peter and biblical words.

Dignity

Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government. -1Peter 2:17

Love the way that The Message renders this verse. Other versions use honor or respect. These words describe the way that we should interact with others. In truth, we do not follow Jesus' command to love people if we do not treat them with dignity. With respect. With honor. The things that we ourselves want the most from other people.

The principle also applies to our attitudes toward institutions like churches and governments. I have been guilty of showing these disrespect instead of dignity. It is sometimes a hard thing to. We really do not want to give respect and dignity to anyone or any group unless they first earn it. This speaks more about us than about them.

Help us today Lord to show our reverence for you by the dignity that we show others.

... this devotion is part of my series on the epistles of Peter and biblical words.

Stones

You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. -1Peter 2:4-5a

Isn't it interesting how Peter refers to both Jesus and his followers as stones. Albeit not dead inanimate ones but rocks that have come alive and are vibrant with life. I wonder if Peter is making a not so subtle reference to when Jesus spoke of building his church on the rock? Perhaps he was helping us to see that Jesus (not Peter) is that spiritual cornerstone?

I love the imagery of God building a spiritual temple. It reminds me of how Paul speaks to us in his writings of being the body of Christ. We are needed members of the Kingdom of God. Each of us has a place in the living body and building of Christ. We are his hands and feet to the world. And a place where the Spirit of God is made manifest on earth.

Help us to stay connected to the Cornerstone Lord. Teach us to be living stones that bring honor to you.

... this devotion is part of my series on the epistles of Peter and biblical words.

Tasted

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. -1Peter 2:1-3 NIV

The word translated "tasted" here is the Greek word geuomai. There seems to be such an experiential sense in the word. Who among us have not experienced envy, hypocrisy or deceit. These leave a bad taste in us. Conversely, there are things that leave us with a sweet taste. Forgiveness, for example, is pure unadulterated sweetness for our soul.

This is why Peter instructs us to "crave pure spiritual milk". When we experience the Lord we grow. We become sweet with the love of God. We reject maliciousness, deceitfulness and all manner of hypocrisy. Paul seems echo this when he speaks us becoming "the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."

Create in me a craving for your nourishment Lord. Help me to desire you that I might grow up in your salvation.

... this devotion is part of my series on the epistles of Peter and biblical words.

Manifested

He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was manifested in these last times for your sake. -1Peter 1:20

The Greek word phaneroó communicates the sense of something that was unknown that is now known. Something hidden that was revealed. In a very real sense this is what the life of Jesus Christ was all about. He manifested the very image and character of God. He told the disciples that they saw the Father when they saw the Son.

Yet many hang on to the imagery of the warrior God that is often embraced by people who lived before Jesus. It is why so many Jews had a hard time accepting Jesus as the Messiah. Their image of God was one who raised up warriors to defeat their enemies. How could they accept a Messiah who commanded them to love their enemies?

Help me Lord to rid my self of false images of you and to fully embrace the one manifested by Jesus in the gospels.

... this devotion is part of my series on the epistles of Peter and biblical words.

Ransomed

You know that from your empty way of life inherited from your ancestors you were ransomed —
not by perishable things like silver or gold, but by precious blood like that of an unblemished and
spotless lamb, namely Christ. -1 Peter 1:18-19 NET

The word ransom communicates a troubling picture of a child being kidnapped and held hostage as parents are forced to pay a ransom for their life. I think that the image works religiously if we see it as a metaphor in which we are held hostage by sin and ransomed by God himself on the cross. Jesus exchanged his earthly life for our freedom.

We who were once kidnapped and held hostage by sin are now free. Fleshly desires and empty living have lost their power over us. Like the kidnapped child we have been returned to the One who loves us and sacrifices greatly for us. It is an inspiring thought. Knowing what our spotless Lamb of God has done for us motivates me to sacrifice for others.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world. Have mercy on us. Teach us to live as ransomed children.

... this devotion is part of my series on the epistles of Peter and biblical words.

Impartially

Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners
here in reverent fear. -1Peter 1:17 NIV

Impartial. Not a word that any of us really understand. Our opinions, dare I say judgment, is tainted by our experiences and the experiences of others. Not one of us is impartial. So, in a very real sense, we do not understand anything about the word. Even so, we sometimes wax poetic about how God is impartial even though we think him partial to us.

Interesting how Peter uses the word in the context of living our lives out before God. The idea that God is impartial is an important one when I consider who God is and the example that he sets for us in Jesus Christ. I am inspired to live in obedience to God because I know him to be impartial. His love for the world encompasses a breathtaking impartiality.

I am opinionated Lord. I show partiality every day. Help me to be more like you. Teach me to be impartial.

... this devotion is part of my series on the epistles of Peter and biblical words.

Synergy

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God. -Romans 8:28a HCSB

I have never been a fan of the cliché: "All things happen for a reason". I have always found it to be a simplistic understanding of how God acts and intervenes in the world. That said, I do think that "some things" happen for a reason. It is a truth evidenced in many parts of the bible as God's children cooperate in faith with the Holy Spirit.

Synergei is the Greek word that is translated "work together". It communicates an idea of synergy. The word reminds us that God is not a sovereign micromanager manipulating our lives but One who calls us into a synergistic relationship where we rule with him at his side. And in the end, all things are synergized for the good of those who love God.

Help us Lord to resist all forms of religious fatalism. Help us to work together with you in doing good.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on words in the bible.

Plans

"A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps," (Proverbs 16:9, NKJV)

I love this verse. Long ago it freed me up to live from my heart instead of my head. It helped me to understand that God would direct my way if my steps were ordered from a motive to serve him and see his kingdom come. I feel such a peace when I live out of this verse. That said, it is obvious to me that this is not a valued practice among many.

It seems that the practice that is embraced the most is using our brains to plan our ways. In a very real sense, the ways that believers plan is often really not all that much different from nonbelievers. We scheme, manipulate and bargain our way thinking that we are doing God's will when we are just emulating worldly planning. Better to plan with our heart.

We surrender Lord. We relinquish control of our lives. Help us to plan with our hearts and trust you to lead us.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on words in the bible.

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