You're Special 12.17.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today wer are beginning our studies on the book of I Peter, please read Chapters 1-2 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Peter%201-2&version=9

Today we will read about Christian dedication; the proper use of Christian liberty; and being Christlike. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that You are specially chosen by God and no one can take that away from you.

The book of I Peter is the 21st book/16th epistle of the New Testament and contains 5 chapters. The author of the book is Peter and it was written to exiles being persecuted for their Christian faith. The purpose of the letter was to warn them of the danger of persecution from those outside of the Church. What we are to learn from the book is that response to persecution should be based on Scriptural principles not emotional.

Peter referred to Christian's as elect, a special group chosen and favored by God. "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (I Peter 1-5). What a wonderful feeling to know that you were personally chosen by God and that you have an inheritance waiting for you in heaven.

Peter points out that the nourishment of the Word is essential if we are to live as obedient children. "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." (2:2-3).

Our time here on earth is very brief and only temporary, but while we are here we are warned not to fall into corruption. "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." (2:9-12). Each of us is a sacred temple for the indwelling Holy Spirit. In addition, we have been chosen to be God's People.

Therefore we are to grow into the likeness of Christ, "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." (2:21-25).

Since we are chosen to be God's people we will face much persecution, we must be Christlike and not stoop to their level when confronted by those who want to see us fall. Nevertheless, we are still God's People and no one can take that away from us.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
As Your chosen people, we are mindful that we not only fall short of Your glory, but we also fall short of understanding. Understanding all that You want to teach us in this life and the life yet to come. But we draw near to You with a sincere heart as we study Your truths and seek to apply them with understanding to our minds and hearts. This comes about as we read the Scriptures, as we meditate in prayer, as we contemplate Your holy character, and even as we make wrong decisions that force us to reaccess our actions and go back to Your infinite wisdom and understanding. As we do so we hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for You are faithful in all You say and in all You do. In Jesus' name.........Amen.

Enjoy your day/night!
God bless and Merry Christmas,
Christina

Visit: A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net