Monday Meditations Archives

Don’t be surprised

So they are surprised that you don’t plunge with them into the same flood of wild living—and they slander you. 1 Peter 4:4

If we watch the same movies.
If we read the same books.

If we react the same way when things go wrong.
If we use the same words.

If we spend our time at the same activities.
If we spend our money on the same things.

How can anyone tell the difference?

But we’re called to make a stand.
To be different.
To be separate.
To be like Christ.

And by the way, He was slandered.

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15 NIV

What’s your Social Security number?
Your birthday?
Your middle name?

Your username?
Your password?
Your PIN?

What’s the quickest way downtown?
Who has the best prices?
Who has the best coffee?

How did you lose that weight?
How did you remodel your kitchen?
How did you get through that?

We answer hundreds of requests for information every single day.

Some are so ingrained they are automatic.
Some have been rehearsed so many times we know them backward and forward.
Some we could go on and on about.

But what about this question?
How do we answer this one?

Why do you have hope?

Be Holy

By Paula

But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct. 1 Peter 1:15

What comes to mind when you think holy?
Be honest.

Something like …
Sanctimonious cataloging of sins
Unrealistic rigidity
Impractical detachment from the world
Loneliness?

Actually, it’s more like…
Godliness
Untiring intervention in the world
Constant striving to be conformed to Christ
Humble dependence on the Holy Spirit.

It is our goal,
Our calling,
The consummation of our salvation.

Be holy.

Kept for us

By Paula

According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again … to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 1 Peter 1:3-4

I have a firebox for my important papers to keep them safe.
I have a hook for my keys so I don’t lose them (as often).
I have cedar blocks for the pockets of my wool coat to keep the moths away.

I have airtight containers to keep my leftovers edible for a few extra days.
I use bandages for scrapes to keep the germs out.
I change the oil in my car to protect the engine.

I take my vitamins and medicines to stay healthy.
I have a case for my phone in case I drop it.
And we put money in a fund for later.

We spend time and money and energy
Caring for and maintaining and protecting our bodies and our things.
And all this is going to pass away.

But I have an inheritance.
Imperishable. Undefiled. Unfading.
Kept in heaven for me.

Maintained, protected and cared for by Jesus Christ Himself.

In Spite of Us

By Paula

Know, therefore, that the LORD your God is not giving you this good land to possess because of your righteousness, for you are a stubborn people. Deuteronomy 9:6

We can learn a lot from Israel.
In fact, Paul said all those things about them are recorded to instruct us. (Romans 15:4)

Here’s today’s lesson.
God’s provision for us is not because we are good.
It’s because He is good.

The good land,
The inheritance,
His presence,
Victory over the enemies,
His Word.

All gifts of His grace.
Not because of them
In spite of them.

The gifts we have
Are gifts of His grace.
Not because of us,
In spite of us.

Don’t Forget

By Paula

[B]e careful that your heart doesn’t become proud and you forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery. Deuteronomy 8:14 CSB

When you eat out regularly. (Or if you don’t.)
When you have a nice home and plenty of stuff in it. (Or maybe just a little.)
When you have a nice car. (Or one that gets you where you need to go.)
When you have success. (Or even when you fail.)

When your bank account grows. (Or when it is starving.)
When your health is good. (Or when it isn’t.)
When you get new clothes. (Or the ones you have are still good.)

When you splurge on ice cream. (Or you stay disciplined and get vegetables.)
When your bed is soft and warm. (Or you catch a few winks when you can.)

When someone does something nice for you. (Or even if you get left out.)

Moses says, don’t let your heart become proud.
Don’t think you are entitled or you deserve any of this.
Don’t forget you were a slave, rescued by the love and grace of God.
Rescued by the God who loves you.
Remember that.

Don’t be surprised

Do you have an answer?

Be Holy

Kept for us

In Spite of Us

Don’t Forget

Encounters Series

Covenant of Trust Series

Foundations Series