Seeing sin for what it is

 Scripture Read: 1 Peter  [4:1] Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, [2] so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. [3] For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousals, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. [4] And in all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excess of dissipation, and they malign you; [5] but they shall give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. [6] For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.

Application:  I think I know what this means. If I am right I am finally starting to get it. Because of what sin does to us and the suffering it causes, there is a point where you see sin for what it is, you experience the suffering it brings and your taste for it leaves. I am really beginning to experience this now. Not that I have a life of sin, but with those sins that have followed me all through my life. I am really sick of them and find myself having less and less interested in feeding them. I am tired of the suffering my flesh feels as in my heart I know that I am not pleasing You, my Lord. I really – inside me – want to thrill You with my life. These sins bring failure and grief. I pray that You will keep this reality before me in a conscious thought so I don’t easily fall into sin. Lord I am really desiring to see some long victories in these areas of my life. More than ever I need to depend on You Lord!               

Wrong Will Power

Scripture Read:  1 Peter [3:16] and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. [17] For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. [18] For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; [19] in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, [20] who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. [21] And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you-- not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience-- through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, [22] who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.

Application: Is this my problem – am I trying to have a clean conscience on my own? I need to appeal for a good conscience based on who He is – my part is to apply that grace in my life. Jesus help me to really see that my way to what I so desperately desire will not be accomplished by shear will power. I must first access Your grace and power thru Your resurrection. Help me practice what I preach –this starts with me having a mindset of relying on Your grace. Thank you for raising from the dead and giving me the right to a clean conscience. I refuse to use this as a license to sin! Make it the drive toward perfection!  

That Which is Essential

Scripture Read: 1 Peter [3:16] and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. [17] For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. [18] For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; [19] in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, [20] who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. [21] And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you-- not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience-- through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, [22] who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.

Application: This is where my energy really needs to be focused. Instead of getting caught up in the things I do – mostly to do with appetites – I really need to set this before me and pursue it. I believe that my new man would get so excited and I believe I could see my energy really funneled into something that is really more important to me. Lord I ask that You will allow me to place this before You and empower me to accomplish this. I so desire to finish all of this doing the best that I can. Holy Spirit please keep me consciously focused on this. With Your leading I can see victory in this area. Thank You God for Your great leading. I love You and I believe I will see victory in the end. Lord Jesus cleanse me afresh and enable me to keep a clear conscience through this day and be able to report a victory tomorrow. Lord help me not be proud and just start over – take it one day at a time. Thank You Lord.                  

Staying Focused

Scripture Read: 1 Peter [3:13] And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? [14] But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, [15] but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 

Application:  Most of my suffering in my estimation has been self-inflicted, yet I do not see what my Lord sees. Lord this is beyond me and I do not need to waste my time trying to figure it out. Enable me to focus on the real issue – not why I am suffering  - but how I am handling it. If it is sin then as I handle it right I know I will repent, if not, then as I go thru it I will grow and testify of You. Either way I will glorify You. Lord please help me to not be intimidated by disease and other things like that that can cause me to suffer. Help me see you ever before me – knowing You will work for the glory of Your name. The pain I am in now is trying to take my focus away from what is important. You have used it to help me refocus on You. Strengthen me to remain on this course because it is here that real abundant life begins. Thank You God!

Refraining the Beast

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:  This is a constant for me. The funny thing is, it is deceptive. You refrain from profanity (overt), and you think you have made it, meanwhile you speak ill of people or pile on when bad news hits (covert) I have done great concerning my wife. I don’t trash her – however I do not believe I can say that about some others in my life. I do want to see good days, but more than that Lord I want to behave like Christ would. Help me Lord to be honest and even with the tough issues – if I must say something, may it be said in love and to the point. Help me not to have a tongue of guile. Thank you for being willing to help me Lord.

The Standard

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: This is a great guideline to the call You have given me as a husband. If I seek to accomplish these as a goal in my marriage – it will be pleasing to both You and us. I need to find ways to remind myself to seek harmony. Not debate. I need to be sympathetic to what makes my wife a woman and meet her there. Help me Lord to bless her when she insults me and keep me from doing evil back. I really desire to be this person without ceasing to be the man you made me to be. Help me to love her the way You would Oh Lord. Create in me a desire to be the example to my wife. Let me judge my success as a husband based on these qualifications!               

A Real Gift

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:  The moment I read this passage I knew I would need to spend several days right here! What kind of man am I and what kind am I becoming. I want to be understanding and a safe place for my wife. I feel I fail far to often. Do I see her as a precious vessel or a service vessel? God only you know – so all I can do is express my desire. I want to be the one she turns to after You when she needs an understanding ear. Please help me to listen, listen, listen. Remind me to thank You for her everyday and to be like You are with me – overlooking so many of my faults. Thanks Dad for this wonderful person you have placed in my life. I am committed to not making you hinder my prayers because I am mistreating the very gift you gave me!