Begin at the Beginning

Scripture Read: 1 Peter [3:1] In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, [2] as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. [3] And let not your adornment be merely external-- braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; [4] but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. [5] For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands. [6] Thus Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.

Application: I see a clear principle here for myself. Not saying words are not important – but how much of my visible life – without any commentary – would cause someone to rethink their life. How much of that which is hidden is the most important to me, versus that which I show and know full well that even I myself am not always honest about why I did what I did. I know I love God, but I also love the approval and admiration of men. I think this bothers me the most Lord – I don’t trust my motives. I am afraid of what I am asking – but Lord I really want to do things to glorify you and not myself. Please help me Lord and teach me in a merciful way. I love you Dad!       

Tongue Control

Scripture Read: 1 Peter 3:7 You husbands likewise, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker vessel, since she is a woman; and grant her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.  8] To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; [9] not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. [10] For, "Let him who means to love life and see good days         Refrain his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile. [11] "And let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. [12] "For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer, But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

Application: Do you live this way Nate? I don’t think so. I really need to control my tongue – some things are better left unsaid. I do not to become a coward as many are in the body. So many refuse to say what needs to be said – the hard things. I thank you God that you have enabled me to do the hard things, but I need your help. I am a sinful human and I – like everyone else – seem to let the pendulum swing to far the other direction. I don’t want to go to far in that at times certain things should not be said or don’t need to be said. Help me get balance oh Lord. Help me control my tongue. If it will not benefit the body let me be quiet. I am sure you can teach me this, my Lord. Also I desire to pursue peace. My imagination many times takes the road of aggressiveness and confrontation. Even though I do not act on it and am very gentle when I finally deal with the issue – the time I wasted in fantasy is unhealthy. Help me to focus on the things that lead to peace. Help me be proactive and pursue peace. Thank you Lord. I know I can count on you. 

The Power of Submission

Scripture Read: 1 Peter [3:1] In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, [2] as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. [3] And let not your adornment be merely external-- braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; [4] but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. [5] For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands. [6] Thus Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.

Application: How does being submissive win anyone? Giving up your rights, giving into the desires of someone else must be such a strong witness that the heart is turned? I can see this but it does not always work. What if the man does not turn? Is this principle void? Or is this just a statement of the best chance these kind of men have? The one in submission wins no matter the outcome because scripture is clear God exalts the humble. So this person grows in Christ and excels whether the other turns or not. Lord help me to think this one through. There are times that I am under an authority and I need to know when to silently submit and wait on you. Give me wisdom Lord!

The Stewardship of Suffering

Scripture Read: 1 Peter 2 [19] For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a man bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly.  [20] For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.  [21] For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,  [22] WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH;  [23] and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;  [24] and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.  [25] For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls

Application: This is most likely my greatest failure of all. In this environment – where there are so many things that are done wrong – air pollution, ground pollution, traffic, ignoring of laws, etc. Instead of learning to suffer properly, I have complained through most of it. Lord I do not want to lose my touch with reality but I also do not want to continue to miss the opportunity for growth. Help me begin today to deal with these things in a way that would glorify Christ. Thanks for being such a longsuffering God.

Dependent Living

Scripture Read: 1 Peter 2:[18] 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. 

Application: God does not allow for circumstantial living. This is one of those verses that proves that. The servants here are to be the same no matter what their masters are like. I struggle with this truth – yet must embrace it. I cannot only be gracious to the good driver, but also to the bad driver. I cannot shepherd only those that appreciate me, but also those that do not. This really moves one’s life to the area of dependent living. My flesh finds no problem – even pleasure in being kind and loving to those that are the same. But it is contrary to my flesh to remain constant when the circumstance changes. When I am forced to deal with arrogance, selfishness, thoughtlessness, etc. I want to react in a negative way. Only by clinging to Christ will I overcome the flesh and remain constant in a Godly manner. Help me Lord to embrace this truth and reap the fruit of it!!