Thursday August 17, 2023

Today is Thursday, August 17 and we are studying what the Bible says about obedience.

I begin these first fifteen minutes of my day in silence. I seek quiet within and quiet without. I close my eyes, slow my breathing, and center my whole being on God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, thank you for loving me and calling me your child. Open my heart and mind to the presence of your Holy Spirit. Speak into my life, heal my soul and guide my steps on this pilgrim journey. Amen.

In the morning I praise God with the ancient words of Psalm 132, a Psalm of Ascent.

For the LORD has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling, saying, “This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it.” Psalm 132:13-14

Pause and Pray

Peter wrote his first letter to persecuted Christians living in the northern part of Asia Minor. He wrote to encourage them in the faith despite their sufferings. Peter reminds them of who they are in God. His words remind me who I am too. Like the early Christians, God chose me and adopted me as his beloved child. His only Son, Jesus suffered and died for me and I can trust God to care for me in every circumstance. I should live an obedient and holy life, seeking to reject the evils of the world and embrace holiness in all things.

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: Be holy, because I am holy. Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 1 Peter 1:14-19

Alongside the early Christians of Peter’s day, I am to live as God’s obedient child. I am not to return to the evil mindset I once had before I knew Jesus Christ, although there is constant temptation to do so while living in this world. I am to be holy in all I do, because God is a holy God and he invited me to be his child. The Bible says, “Be holy, because I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44-45). God is the one who will judge my life and work. I live my life as a foreigner in this temporary world that is not my true and eternal home. I am redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus which is a gift more valuable than all the gold and riches on earth.

Ask: What is the connection between holiness and obedience? Do I trust God’s love for me enough to live in obedience to his ways?

Pause and Pray

Holy and Loving God, thank you for the precious blood of Jesus shed for the redemption of my wayward soul. My salvation was bought at a price and it was costly. You are King of my life and Lord of my day. You are holy and call me to be holy in all I do and say. I can only accomplish this by the work of the Holy Spirit working in me and sanctifying my soul. I read the words from 1 Peter again and listen for the message you have for me.

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: Be holy, because I am holy. Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 1 Peter 1:14-19

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

As I ponder the words that strike me most today from this passage of scripture, I consider the emotions they evoke. Do I react positively or negatively? Is there a specific situation in my life with which I am struggling? Perhaps God wants to speak into that situation. Is there a decision that I need to make? Maybe God wants to guide my choices. Is there a relationship that is causing me concern? Perhaps God has advice on how to handle a particular person. Speak to me Lord, I am listening.

Pause and Pray

Lord God, come into my life and guide me into all holiness. Shine your light on the path I should take, prevent me from making a misstep. Bless my relationships and be present in the upcoming day’s encounters. Hold my hand and lead me on this pilgrim journey. Amen.

Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy. Leviticus 19:2b

I leave this time of prayer celebrating God’s great love. I go to share his love with everyone I meet.

Amen