You can never over eat some things

Scripture Read: 1 Peter 1:22-25 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God.  [24] For, "ALL FLESH IS LIKE GRASS, AND ALL ITS GLORY LIKE THE FLOWER OF GRASS. THE GRASS WITHERS, AND THE FLOWER FALLS OFF,  [25] BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD ABIDES FOREVER." And this is the word which was preached to you. 

Application: When we think about the concept of being born, we must consider that there are certain things that must be for the birth to take place. We must be getting those things – food, water,  air – to be born, and even more importantly we must continue in those things if we are to live and grow. Now if I take that concept and apply it to this section of scripture it leads me to the conclusion that my birth took place from the Word. Which also points to the fact that for me to live I need to continue in the nourishment of the Word. How true this really is. I need the word to keep that which is from above to continue to grow. How much damage I do when I neglect this. Help me Lord to stay in the Word!

Just Passing Through

Scripture Read: 1 Peter 1:17-21 And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each man's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay upon earth;  [18] knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers,  [19] but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.  [20] For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you  [21] who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 

Application: I find it interesting how the scripture speaks about our life here on earth. Many different descriptions: Soldier, Ambassador, Not of this world, etc. But this one is really good. “your stay upon earth”. So temporal in it’s thought. We are not “living” here. This is not our “home”. Residency is not implied, in fact the opposite is here. “Your Stay”. Like a hotel. Just passing through. Unpack – yes, get familiar with your surroundings, but don’t think in terms of permanency. This is just a stop along the way. An important stop yes, but only a stop. Men who stayed on battlefields, men who stayed on the moon, men that stayed in a certain place for college – but none of them looked at that stay as something permanent. How do I live? Am I building a home here or just “staying” while learning and investments are made? Am I approaching this time here with more RR than battle in mind, or do I know that my stay here is primarily going to be battle time? Lord help me to not set roots in this world. Let me be real and helpful in this world, but let my roots be found heavenward. Thanks you Lord.

Out of sight – out of Mind?

Scripture Read: 1 Peter 1:6-9 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, [7] that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; [8] and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, [9] obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. 

Application: Sometimes I wonder if I really love Him the way I should. I wonder if I saw Him how different my expression of love would be? Is it out of sight - out of mind, or is it just plain old sin. Sometimes I sense Your presence so clearly it is like I can see you. Other times I doubt my own faith. I know other men of God that were far greater than I will ever be have had this struggle. Does this mean I really do not love Him like I should? I know I fail in my love for You Lord. The truth is I do not think any of us will ever understand fully the weakness of the flesh. I know how my inner man I delight in the Lord. I also know how often the outer man fails. For that I am very sorry. Please help me to continue to fight for disciplines that lead to a closer walk with you. Fill my heart with Your presence Lord and thank You for Your loving patience!