If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
1 Peter 4:14-16

Praise God in Persecution

Daily Devotion – May 23, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Peter 4:14-16

See series: Devotions

Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, told his disciples to imitate him. To imitate his love. “Love one another just as I have loved you. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples.”

As we share and show the love of Jesus, people will take notice. But not everyone will appreciate it. Some will make you suffer violence for it. Others will attack you verbally. Your attackers want you to feel ashamed for being a Christian. But you are not doing something wrong or dishonorable.

There is no shame in bearing the name of Jesus. How can we be ashamed to carry the same banner we so proudly stand behind? Jesus said that when we suffer in his name, it is a sign that we belong to him.

That’s the good news. Christ has had compassion on us. He came from heaven to earth to suffer and die for us. He was misunderstood by his parents and mocked by his siblings. His body was mangled by his enemies and mounted to a cross. Our sin is paid for. And now he lives as proof that our guilt is pardoned.

Praise God when you are persecuted. Persecution is a badge of honor! Persecution is proof that you belong to God and are chosen and loved by him. You are set apart from the world. Now you suffer at the hands of the world, but you are set apart for glory.

First the cross. Then the crown.

Prayer:
Triune God, how great is your love that I should belong to you. Even in persecution, I will yet praise you. For in you, I put my hope. Amen.

In your hearts revere Christ as Lord.
1 Peter 3:15

The Nail

Daily Devotion – May 20, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Peter 3:15

See series: Devotions

Author Dale Hays tells of a Haitian pastor who once used an illustration that Hays will never forget. The pastor said that a man in Haiti wanted to sell his house for $2,000. A buyer stepped forward. He wanted to purchase the house but was unable to pay the full price. The seller came up with a curious arrangement. He would sell the house at half-price with one provision. The provision was that he, the seller, would retain ownership of one small nail protruding from the house’s doorway. The buyer agreed.

Time passed, and one day the former owner of the house showed up and announced that he would like to buy his house back. The new owner refused. With that, the former owner noted the one part of the house he still owned—the small nail sticking out of the doorway. He then dragged up to the house the carcass of a dog and hung it on his nail. Before long, the stench became so bad that the new owner and his family had to abandon the house and leave it to the former owner.

The story is a good illustration of what can happen when a person holds on to a particular sin—just a corner of their life where they don’t want God to interfere. But there is a danger to this idea. The devil sees an opportunity and will want to hang further temptations on this nail and ruin your entire spiritual life.

Think for a moment. Is there a nail in your life? If so, confess it to God. Turn to him for the forgiveness Jesus won on the cross. Then, commit your entire life to serving him. No more nails involved.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, forgive me the times I have withheld a part of my life from you. Wash me clean in your blood. I am yours. Amen.

In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 3:20,21

A Big Deal

Daily Devotion – May 18, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Peter 3:20,21

See series: Devotions

When was the last time you witnessed a baptism? Do you remember it? As you listened, a few words were said. As you watched, some water was sprinkled or poured on the individual’s head. Nothing flashy, just water and words. It probably took all of five minutes. What’s the big deal?

It has become easy for us to view baptism as nothing more than a nice church custom. To think of it as this thing we must do or a ritual we must participate in to check another box. A traditional rite of passage that we better get on the calendar so that Grandma will quit pestering us.

In these verses, the apostle Peter reminds us that baptism is, in fact, a big deal. Holy Baptism is a powerful act of God and not just a symbol. Baptism is not merely a task to be checked off or a ritual to complete. Nor is it something that I do for God. Rather, it is something wonderful that God does for me. Namely, “baptism saves you.” Baptism cleanses us from sin and creates faith in our hearts. Baptism is a wonderful means of grace where God saves us from sin, death, and hell.

But how can this seemingly small thing have such power? Baptism saves us because it connects us to the resurrection of Jesus. Through baptism, we die and rise with Christ. His victory over death becomes our victory. His salvation becomes our salvation. In baptism, Jesus washes all my sins away and makes me his child. The next time you see baptism, marvel at what happens there through water and God’s Word.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for the saving gift of baptism. Amen.

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.
1 Peter 3:18

Reconciled

Daily Devotion – May 17, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Peter 3:18

See series: Devotions

Have you ever experienced a broken or damaged relationship? Perhaps it was with a spouse or a significant other. Maybe it was with a sibling or a parent or a child. Whatever the case, it all started with some hurtful words or actions. As a result, things are now cold and distant. Feelings are hurt. Resentment is evident. Their guard is up. The distance between you feels like there might as well be a canyon separating one from the other.

This is a good way to illustrate our relationship with God. Imagine, for a moment, what sin has done to your relationship with God. Imagine the impact on that relationship when we lie to others…when we fill our hearts with greed or lust…when we curse at the people God has placed in our lives…when we act in unloving ways with our coworkers. With each sin we commit, the divide between God and us gets wider and deeper. Because of our sin, the divide between God and us might as well be the Grand Canyon. It goes without saying, there is no way for us to bridge that gap. There is nothing we can do to eliminate that divide.

Thankfully God did it for us. God sent Jesus, who gave his life on the cross, in order to bring us back to God. Jesus saw how far our sins had driven us away from God and knew we did not have it in us to fix the situation. So he sacrificed himself to pay for sin. In Jesus, our sins are forgiven and removed; now, there is no divide! Jesus has brought us back to God, and we have a relationship with him. He calls us his own, watches over us, and blesses us each and every day. We are reconciled to God!

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for eliminating the divide between us and the Father. Thank you for giving yourself on the cross to bring us back to God. Help us live as your people today. Amen.

For Christ also suffered once for sins.
1 Peter 3:18

Jesus Solved Our Biggest Problem

Daily Devotion – May 15, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Peter 3:18

See series: Devotions

What is the biggest problem you have in your life right now? Maybe it is a health issue for you or a family member. Perhaps it is an issue related to finances at home or at work. It could be problems with employees, or a strained relationship with a spouse or sibling. Maybe it is a combination of all the above. Or maybe, it is none of the above but a whole list of other things. Life is full of problems.

No matter how many of these listed problems are plaguing you, none of them are actually your biggest problem. The Bible helps us to understand that we have a problem far greater than sickness, finances, and relationships. Our biggest problem is sin. Sin is so easy to notice when someone does it to us, but we somehow have difficulty recognizing it when we sin against God. And sins add up quickly. Our impure thoughts, unloving actions, and unkind words all are sins against God. Each sin might not seem like that big of a problem, but here’s the thing: each sin deserves to be punished with eternal separation from God and his goodness. We don’t like to hear that, but deep down, we know it to be true.

But the wonderful news of the Bible is that someone already suffered for us. Jesus came into this world as our substitute, and he suffered and died for each and every one of our sins. Our sinful thoughts, words, and actions are paid for. Jesus endured the punishment that should have been ours, and as a result, we are forgiven and saved. We will not be struck down by God for our sin. Rather, through faith in Jesus, we will be welcomed into the mansions of heaven. Jesus has solved our biggest problem, and now through faith in him, we can trust him to help us take care of the other problems we face in this world.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for suffering in my place so that I am forgiven and saved. Be with me and give me strength as I face the problems of this world, knowing that you have already won heaven for me. Amen.

“God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.”
Acts 17:27

Finding God

Daily Devotion – May 14, 2023

Devotion based on Acts 17:27

See series: Devotions

Greek mythology includes a man named Tantalus, who was uniquely favored because he was invited to share the food of the gods. However, he abused his relationship as a guest and was punished by hunger and thirst. He was immersed up to his neck in water, but when he bent to drink, it all drained away. Fruit hung on trees above him, but when he reached for it the winds blew the branches beyond his reach. From this myth, we get the word “tantalizing.” By it we mean we are almost there. It’s just out of reach.

That’s what the apostle Paul wrote about when it comes to finding God. We can look around us and see that there is a divine order to all of the creation in which we live. Look at the way our bodies function. Look at the order in the universe. We can tell great things about God from the world around us, but we can’t tell who he is. Isn’t that “tantalizing”?

God gave us the ability to recognize this order so that we would hopefully seek God and find him. But God doesn’t hand out clues like some celestial riddle maker. Nor do we need to be a spiritual Sherlock Holmes to find him. He gave us the Bible so we would have specific information and know who he is and where we can find him. God sent Jesus to make us absolutely certain that God is right here with us, loving us, directing us, and providing for us. You can find him too, in the Bible.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for revealing yourself to me in your Word. Direct my eyes to the wonderful mercies you have shown to me through Jesus. Lead me to your Word daily so that my soul may be refreshed by your grace. Amen.

[Jesus said] “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
John 14:2,3

Hope

Daily Devotion – May 13, 2023

Devotion based on John 14:2,3

See series: Devotions

In Jesus’ day, it was the wedding custom that just after the Jewish couple was engaged, the groom would go to prepare a home or room for his bride. Then upon returning to the bride’s home, he would sweep his lady off her feet and take her to their wedding ceremony.

Part of this sounds very romantic—a bride waiting expectantly, not quite sure when her beau will come. Surely the young woman had great confidence that her fiancée would return to pick her up for the wedding. After which, they would have a glorious life together. But there must have been a little doubt as she waited so eagerly while hours, even days passed by.

Jesus understood that after he left the earth, the hope of his followers for his return could easily slip from sure faith to nagging doubt. So just before he died, Jesus explained that they could be confident in their hope in him. No matter how long the delay, Jesus would return and take them to heaven with him.

Jesus gives this sure promise to all who have hope in him: “I am going [to my Father’s house] to prepare a place for you. … I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

You might be hoping to get a raise or that your team wins the World Series, or even that you have found the right “someone.” Yet, with all our dreams and hopes, we can never be sure. Relationships can go sour, jobs can get cut, or teams can fizzle out during the stretch. What makes Jesus so amazing is that we can put our complete confidence in him and know that he will never fail us—not now, not forever. In Jesus, we have true hope.

Prayer:
Jesus, focus my faith on your promise that you will return to take me to the glorious heavenly home you are now preparing for me and all believers. Amen.

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:8-12

Witnesses of the Way

Daily Devotion – May 11, 2023

Devotion based on Acts 4:8-12

See series: Devotions

Some would say that what Peter did here was risky, unwise, or even foolish. He and the disciple John had been thrown into prison the previous evening by people who did not like the message of Jesus they were teaching. They ordered them not to tell people about Jesus anymore.

But the very next day, Peter boldly proclaimed the greatness of Jesus again by crediting Jesus’ power as the cause behind the miracle he and John had performed. Then, Peter went on to condemn his accusers for their sin of crucifying Jesus. Finally, Peter sharply told them they were all spiritually misguided for not believing in Jesus as the Savior.

Not exactly the best way to make new friends, some might say.

But Peter knew people needed to hear about Jesus. He knew there was no other life so perfect that it could fulfill God’s laws on our behalf. He knew there was no sacrifice as sufficient as the one Jesus offered on the cross to forgive our sins. He knew there is no better Savior than the One who is proven to be more powerful than death and has promised eternal life to all who believe in him.

That’s why Peter wasn’t afraid to share his faith. This is why we don’t need to be either. Nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus. No one can ever take us from his gracious and perfect care.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, there is no name that evokes such gratitude in my heart as yours. Keep me always close to you so that I will be a bold witnesses of my Savior. Amen.

[Jesus said] “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”
John 14:1,2

Jesus Is the Way for You

Daily Devotion – May 10, 2023

Devotion based on John 14:1,2

See series: Devotions

How comforting are these words of Jesus promising that our time standing by gravesides and crying at funerals, grieving over the sin in our own hearts, and groaning along with all creation over the universal brokenness caused by sin will one day entirely end. In his Father’s house are many rooms, and not one of them will have the scent of death. There will be no reasons for crying in any one of them, and all of them will be eternally far away from the feelings of pain that come from living on an earth that will never be heaven.

As Jesus reminds us of these wonderful truths; he tells us to do something very important. He tells us to trust him when he says that he has prepared it all especially for you. It was such an important truth for Jesus to share that he said it again later that night in a different way.

This is the same evening Jesus instituted Holy Communion; during which he said, “Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.” “Take and drink, this is my blood, shed for you.”

That night, he was reminding us that we get to come to Jesus just as we are. Not some version of who you want to be. Not some picture of who you think you used to be. Not you on your best day. Just you, exactly as you are today, with all of your sins—past sins, future sins, open sins, secret sins, accidental sins, willful sins, and awful sins; sins you saw coming and sins you didn’t realize you committed until you saw the damage they had done—entirely forgiven.

Jesus is our way to peace because his life has always been entirely focused on you.

Prayer:
Gracious Savior, you lived and died that each soul could find the peace of forgiveness. Thank you that this gift it mine to enjoy for eternity. Amen.